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THE

GARDENERS' CHRONICLE

Jt SK^klir Illustrate Jnuntal

OF

Horticulture and Allied Subjects.

(ESTABLISHED IN 1841.)

VOL. XXXIV.-THIRD SERIES.

JULY TO DECEMBER, 1903.

LONDON :
41, WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C.

1903.

c

1<

■(VC

166

Tul^- Dec

l<?03

BEADBUKY, A.QNEW AND CO., LTD., PRINTEES,
LONDON AND TONBRIDOE.

The Gardenei-3'_ChronicIe,

[December 28, 1903.

INDEX OF CONTENTS.

JULY

TO DECEMBER, 1903.

(Foe Special Headings see under Books; Certificates; Law Notes; Nursery Notes; Obituary; Plant Portraits;
Plants New ; Scientific Committee ; Societies ; and Illustrations.)

Aberdeen, destruction of plants in,
60

Abington, 3S1

Acetylene light as a moth trap, 7

Aconitum Fischeri, 187

Addison's satire on the topiary art,
376

Adenophora polymorpha, 187

brides odoratum, 35

Agaricus elvensis from Tonbridge,
208 ; in North Wales, 236

Agave, a hardy, 349, 393 ; A. filifera
var. fllamentosa, 101 ; A. Eomanii
x,325

Agricultural returns, 389

Aiton, Mr. Hugh, presentation to,
241

Akebia lobata fruiting in Notting-
hamshire, 370

Allamanda violacea, 210

Allium albo-pilosum, 34

Aloes, South African, 99

Alyssum pyrenaicum with Valeriana
longiflora, 24 ; A. spinosum, 42,
62

Amanita strobiliformis, 276

Amaryllids, new hybrid, 345 •

Amelanchier botryapium (canaden-
sis) x and A. sangumea, 82

America, Carnation cultivation in,
51 ; irrigation in, 36 ; experiment
station, 79

Angrajcum falcatum, 205 ; A. Roth-
schildianum, 131

Anguloa uniflora var. eburnea. 170

Annesley, Earl (Beautiful and Rare
Trees and Plants), 3S9

Anomatheca cruenta, 177, 210

Anthogonium gracile, 252

Anthurium Scherzerianum Wardi,
425

Antirrhinum peloriate, 99

Ant-poison case, the, 23

Apiary, the, 26, 57, 117, 157, 191,
223, 271, 353

Apospory, a case of, 32

Apple crops and cider-making in
Devonshire, 173

Apple, James Grieve, 339

Apples, from Canada, 159, 373 ;
cider, in France, 159; late-
blooming, 163 ; late - flowering,
179, 194, 228 ; second flowering of,
228

Araucaria imbricata, coning of, 292

Arbutus TJnedo, 351

Archontophcenix Cunninghami in

Queensland scrub, 55
Aristolochia sipho, 159
Artichoke, a new long white Jeru-
salem, 250 ; Globe Perpetual, 258
Arum, the white, and its cultivation

in America, 284
Ashstead Park, Epsom, Chrysanthe-
mums at, 314
Ashton, Mr. Ben. (Supplement,

Vegetable Conference, Oct. 3)
Asparagus, cultivation of, 194
Asparagus drepanophyllus. 20!>
Asplenium ebenoides, 6
Aster Thomsoni, 275
Azolla filiculoides in fruit, 211

E

Bamboos, best time to move. 48 ;

flowering of, 96, 140, 102. '

228. 292
Bananas, harvesting, 139
Barr, V.M.H., Peter, ti;>,

Bastin, Mr. W. L. (Supp., Vegetable

Conference, Oct. 3)
Beach's, Prof., proposals for a scien-
tific horticultural society in
America, 58

Bean, dwarf, Favourite, 250 ; Pro-
gress, 250

Beans, Improved Windsor, 400

Begonia corallina, 62 ; B. Gloire de
Lorraine, 339 ; on balloon trellises,
376; B. (foliage) "His Majesty,"
372 ; B. Marie Bouchett, 71 ; B.
(foliage) Our Queen, 372; B.
semperflorens " Golden King,"
176

Begonias, the development of, 372

Belladonna, the Kew variety Of the,
210

Belvedere (Kochia scoparia), the,
177, 210

Benevolent Institution, Gardeners'
Royal, 427

Berger on Opuntias, 89

Bierbach, Herr Oscar, 305

Birmingham Botanic Gardens, 53, 439

Butter Bean, 269

Blackberries, 308

Black Currant Boskoop Giant, 162

Boiler, the vertical tubular, 276

Bonavia, Dr., and the fruit com-
mittee, 163

Bordeaux-mixture, the, used against
pond scum, 22

Botanic Gardens, Trinity College,
Dublin, 251

Botanical Laboratory at Jamaica,
287

Botanists, portraits of, 257

Botany of the Darling River, New
South Wales, 390

Bramble, life-history of the, 60

Brassicas, clubbing in, 357

Bridge House, Weybridge, 249

British Association^ 208, 226

Books, Notices of.— A Concise
Handbook 6f Garden Flowers
H. M. Batson), 154 ;' A Gloucester-
shire Wild Garden (Curator), 350 ;
A Guide to the Botanic Gardens,
Sydney (J. H. Maiden), 322; An
Introduction to Botany (W. C.
Stevens), 416 ; A Short Treatise on
Carnation Growing, &c. (if. F.
Felton), 290, 326 ; A Text-book of
Botany (Dr. W. H. Lang), 124;
Beautiful and Rare Trees and
Plants (Earl Annesley), 389; Beau-
tiful Flowering Trees and Shrubs
(J. Weathers), 321 ; Beautiful Kose3
(J. Weathers), 8; Boletim da Socie-
dade Broteriana, 423 ; Botanical
Magazine, 98, 193, 272, 337, 405,
423; Bulletin de la Soeirte
Francaise d'Horticulture de Lon-
dres, 38 ; Catalogue of Books on
the Useful Arts (Andcrton, New-
castle - on - Tyne Library), 225 ;
Chrysanthemum Guide (H. J.
Jones), 373 ; De la Conservation
des Fruits par les precedes liases
surl'Emploi du Froid (M. Loiseau),
99 ; Dendrologische Winterstudien
(Dendrological Winter - Studies)
(Camillo Carl Schneider), 417 ;
Dictionnaire Iconographique des
Orchidees, 16, 266 ; Edible Fungi
(Charles Manget), 100; Etudes
de Systcmatique et de Geo-
graphic Botanique sur la Flore
du Bas et du Moyen Congo (M. -■'
Wildeman), 42; Farming (IV. M.
Tod, M.A.), 884 ; Flora of Derby-
shire (Rev. W. R. Linton), 891 ;

Flora of Hampshire (Townsend),
99; Flora of the Upper Gangetic
Plain (Mr. Duthie), 423 ; Flore
Analytique de l'Europe (Dr.
Mouner) , 406 ; Garden Pests ( Phwbe
Allen), 327 ; Gardening for All (Jas.
Udale), 337; Gardening in India
(G. Marshall Woodrow), 272 ; Hand-
buch des Laubholz - Benennung
(Beissner, Schelle ft Zabel), 56;
Hand-List of Conifers grown at
Kew, 22 ; Hardy Perennials (D. S.
Fish), 257 ; Holidays in Eastern
Counties (Percy Lindley), 120 ;
Holidays in North Germany, 177 ;
Home Floriculture (Eben Rexford),
272; Icones Selectae Horti The-
nensis, 390, 436 ; Journal of the
Eoyal Horticultural Society, 4,
389 ; Kew Hand-Lists, the, 22, 288,
292; L'ArtdeConserver les Raisins
de Table (F. Charmeux), 416 ; Les
Begonia (Ad. va7i den Heede), 372 ;
Les Maladies Parasitaires de la
Vigne (M. Guegen), 423 ; Les
Plantes de Montagne dans les
Jardins (Georges Magne), 37;
Livre d'Or des Roses (Lucien
Laveur), 8 ; L'CEillet a la Grande
Fleur (M. Rudolph), 59; Maladies
et Parasites du Chrysantheme (J.
Chifflot), 313; Natal Plants (J.
Medley Wood), 350; National Chrys-
anthemum Society's Catalogue,
290; New Lessons in Elementary
Botany (Dr. T. Ito), 405; New-
quay, &c. (Fannie Goddard), 60 ;
Orchid Guide (Sander ft Sons),
35 ; Orchids, their Culture and
Management (JT^afson. ft Chap-
man), 154 ; Packing and Sell-
ing Fruit and Vegetables (Lewis
Castle), 78 ; Pictorial Practical
Bulb-growing (W. P. Wright ft
H. J. Wright), 391; Publications
received, 24, 121, 178, 226, 238, 290,
322, 337, 374, 406, 424 ; Proceedings
of the First Annual Meeting of the
Chrysanthemum Society of Ame-
rica, 225 ; Profitable Farm and
Garden Handbooks (4), (T. W.
Sanders), 289 ; Revue de l'Horti-
culture Beige, 209 ; Roses, and
How to Grow Them (Violet P.
Biddle), 8; Spraying Crops (Dr.
Clarence Weed), 40; Studies on the
Livid-rot of the Vine (Dr. Gy. de
Istvi'infi), 122 ; Systematic Pomo-
logy (Prof. Wauj/i), 438; The Ama-
teur Gardeners' Diary and Dic-
tionary, 416; The American Carna-
tion : How to Grow it ( C. W. Ward I,
16 ; The Book of Garden Fur-
niture (Chas. Thonger), 391; Tho
Book of Herbs (Lady Rosa-
lind Northcotc), 327 ; The Book of
Shrubs (Gc,^ Gordon), 172; The
Book of the Daffodil (Rev.
E. Bourne), 393 ; The Book of the
Honey Bee (Chas. Harrison), 24;
290 ; The Book of the Peach (H. W.
Ward), 270, 324, 338, 356; The
Cultivation of the Daffodil (Rer.
E. Bourne), 80; The Flora of
the Presidency of Bombay (Theo.
dore Cooke, C.I.E., LL.D.), 270;
The Flora of Jersey (Lester Gar-
land), 172 ; The Flora of Raro-
tonga,ic. ( T.F. Cheeseman.F.L.S.).
169 ; The Fore9t Flora of New-
South Wales (J. H. Maiden), 77 ;
The Fruit Garden, Ac. (Bun yard
and T/tnma.O, announced. 2">ii; The
Garden Decorative (F. M. Wells),

416; The Great Masters, 306, 405 ;
The Living Plant(A. G. Knight and
Ed. Step), 209 ; The Manuring of
Market Garden Crops (Dr. Dyer
and Mr. Shrivel), 158 ; The Official
Handbook to the Public Parks of
Leeds and Kirkstall Abbey (A. T.
Allsop), 177 ; The Rose Garden
(William Paul), 8 ; The Scale
Insects of the Lesser Antilles
(H. Maxwell- Lefroy, M.A.), 231 ;
The Spraying of Plants (M. Lode-
man), 40 ; The Tree Book (Mary
Rowles Jarvis), 171; The Wild
Garden (W. Robinson), 60; The
World's Work, 7 ; Transactions of
the Scottish Horticultural Associa-
tion, 42 ; Transplantation en
Motte (transplanting trees and
shrubs with a ball) (M. J. Luquet),
304 ; Transvaal Agricultural
Journal, 23 ; Trees and Shrubs
(Prof. Sargent), 38; Variations in
Animals and Plants (H. A. Ver-
non, M.A.), 18; The American
Carnation (Charles Willis Ward),
16 ; Woburn Experimental Fruit
Farm, third annual report (Spencer
Pickering), 272

Browne, Mr. W., presentation to, 30 ;

presented with Imperial Service

Order, 58
Bud variation in annuals, 82
Budding Roses, 14
Buddleia variabilis Veitchiana, 208
Burford Lodge, Dorking, 94
Bystock, the gardens at, 292

Cabbage Early Gem, 250; C. St.
Martin, 250

Cabbages and Celery, raising, 293 ;
flowering of, 140

Cacao or Cocoa (Theobroma cacao),
115

Cacti, 98

Callicarpa, purpurea, 402

Calochortus pulchellus, 133

Calodendron capense, 69

Camellia, the oldest, at Dresden, 159

Camoensia maxima, 316

Campanula calycanthema growing
on a wall, 351 ; C. Medium, 267 ;
C. persicifolia, indigenous, 289 ; C.
punctata, 392; C. Vidali, 394;
C. Vidali in the open, 161, 330;
C. Waldsteiniana, hybrid of, 82

Camptosema rubicunda, 178

Canada, progress in, 439

Cancer, and Fern development, 439

Candytufts, spring-flower'ng, 15

Canterbury Bell, the, 267

Carnation, bicolored, 161 ; C. Francis
Samuelson, 56-60 ; C. Herbert J.
Cutbush. 17 ; C. Madame Franco,
and others, 332 ; C. Mrs. Lora
Armstrong, 192 ; C. Souvenir de
la Malmaison in the market, 52

Carnations. 326 ; and the Rust. 894,
407 ; at Leighton House, West-
bury, 62 ; at Sandringham, 426 ;
at Wretham Hall Gardens,
168 ; cultivation of, in the United
States, 51 ; of two colours on one
stem, 120 ; special culture of Tree,
357, 107, 111 ; sporting of. 140

Castle Saunderson, bog or marsh
garden at. L">0

Catasetums from Moortebeeke, 858

Cattleya amethystoglossa, 266 ; C.

2S~6 tz

IV The Gardeners' Chronicle,]

INDEX.

[December 26, 1903.

Duchesnei x , 330 ; C. x Faerie
Queene, 35 ; C. Gaskelliana, 188 ;
C. x Iris, Tring Park var., 318;
C. labiata, 382 ; C. 1. autumna-
lis, 297, 325 ; C. 1. Holford's va-
riety, 420; C. Loddigesii, 382;
C. x Mrs. J. W. Whiteley, 281 ; C.
x Patrocinii.Westfield var., 188 ; C.
x Pittiana, J. Wilson Potter's
variety, 189 ; C. Trianse varieties,
266
Cattleyas at Somerghem, 283
Cauliflower Incomparable, 258
Ceanothus, the varieties of, 100
Cedars, historic, 265
Celery, slugs on, 392
Cereus candicans, and C. c. Dumes-
nilianus, 162 ; C. grandiflorus, 121

Certificated Fruits and Vege-
tables:— Apple Middle Green,
579; Carrot, Veiteh's Interme-
diate, 279 ; Cauliflower, Damman's
Eclipse, 211 ; Celery, Pink Plume,
279 ; Lettuce, Lord Kitchener,
279; L. Staghorn, 279; Melon,
Barnes' Fiscal Problem, 279 ; M.,
Marquis' Favourite, 279 ; M.,
President Loubet, 78 ; M., Weston-
birt Seedling, 340; Peach Pere-
grine, 143 ; Potato, Dalmeny
Beauty, 211 ; P., H. Fincham,
211 ; P., Maid of Coil, 211; P.,
Tim Gray, 211 ; Runner Bean,
Hackwood Success, 143 ; Straw-
berry, The Roydon, 279

Certificated Plants: — Angrse-
cum Rothschildianuui, 104 ; As-
paragus plumosus cristatus, 64 ;
Begonia x His Majesty, 309 ;

B. Marie Bouchett, 64 ; B. x Our
Queen, 309 ; Campanula peregrina,
27 ; Carnation Diadem, 27 ; C.
Merlin, 27 ; Carnations, F. A.
Wellesley, Ivo Sebright, Speranza,
and Richness, 66 ; Cattleya x
Atalanta superba, 104 ; C. x
Exquisite, 181 ; C. x Fabia
Mary de Wavrin, 310 ; C.

F. W. Wigan, Peeters' var., 310 ;

C. x Gautieriana, 310; C. x
Hardyana albens, Peeters' var.,
340; C. Pittiana, 181; C. x St.
Gilles, 340; C. x Tankerville,
181 ; C. Warscewiczii White
Queen, 104 ; Chrysanthemum All-
man's Yellow, 410, 428 ; Do-
rothy Pywell, 377, 379; C. F. S.
Vallis, 309; C. J. H. Silsbury,
341 ; C. Lady Cranston, 377, 379 ;
C. Maude du Cros, 309, 310; C.
maximum var. King Edward, 181 ;
C. Kitty Bourne, 340 ; C. Miss A.
Dighton, 341 ; C. Miss Jessie
Dean, 341 ; C. Mrs. Barnard Han-
key, 341; C. Miss E. Holding,
309, 310; C. Mrs. J. Dunn, 341,
377; C. Mrs. J. P. Bryce, 310; C.
Pink Beauty, 341 ; C. W. Pascoe,
341 ; C. Pink Pet, 379 ; C. Polly,
260 ; C. Souvenir de William Cli-
bran, 410 ; C. The Champion, 180 ;
C. W. A. Etherington, 340; Cir-
rhsea Warreana, 64 ; Codiseum
turnfordiense, 428 ; Cymbidium
x Wiganianum,340; Cypripedium
x Fulshawense, 340 ; C. insigne
Sandera; Oak wood Seedling, 429 ;
C. Lawrenceanum Gratrixianum,
214; C. x Leeanum, C. Clinka-
berryanum, 429 ; C. L. Staffordi-
anum, 377 ; C. x nitens
Wrigleyanum, 429; C. x Queen
of Italy, 377 ; C. x Rappart-
ianum, 214; C. x TJltor, 64;
C. x Ville de Paris, 340; Dahlia
Mr. Amos Perry, 260 ; D. Spitfire,
260; D. Spotless Queen, 260;
Dahlias, varieties of, 212 ; Erica
gracilis nivalis, 309 ; Gladi-
olus Ellington Belle, 104; G.
gandavensis Van Dael, 180;

G. Lady Muriel Digby, 142; G.

Nymph, 142 ; Hidalgoa Wercklei,
180 ; Laelia x Iona, Southgate
variety, 142 ; Lselio-Cattleya x
Bletchleyensis, 64 ; L.-C. x Bletch-
leyensis Ruby King, 340; L.-C. x
Cassiope, Westonbirt var., 377 ;
L.-C. x Gottoiana regalis, 310 ;
L.-C. x Haroldiana, John Brad-
shaw, 310 ; L.-C. x Norba superba,
279; L.-C. x Wrialeyi, 310;
Lathyrus latifolius albus grandi-
florus, 45 ; Lilium elegans, Peter
Barr, 64 ; L. speciosum mag-
nificutn, 260 ; Nephrolepis, Fos-
teri, 64; N. Mayii, 278; N.
Piersoni, 104; N. Westoni, 309;
Nerine, Miss Moore, 340 ; N., Miss
Wool ward, 340 ; Nymphaea gigan-
tea, var. Hudsoni, 64; Odontoglos-
snm crispum Marios, 429 ; O. X
Harryanocrispumvirens,429; O.x
Vuylstekei vivicans, 429 ; Phaio-
Cymbidium x chardwarense, 310 ;
PolystaehyaBuchanani.var.viridis,
214; Papaver(Poppy)Cardinal,45;
P. glaucum, 45 ; P. Mephisto, 45 ;
Poppies, White Colossal, Murselli
fl. pi., American Flag, Blush Car-
dinal Victoria, and arenarium, 45;
Pteris metallica, 64 ; Senecio tan-
guticus, 213; Sidalcea Candida,
Rosy Gem, 213 ; Smilax aspera
(sagittsefolia), 213 ; Sweet Peas,
Scarlet Gem, King Edward VII.,
Bolton's Pink, and Florence Moly-
neux, 45 ; (Cupids) Royalty, Her
Majesty, Lottie Eckford, Mrs. J.
Chamberlain, and Captain of the
Blues, 45 ; Tamarix hispida
aestivalis, 180 ; T. odessana, 112 ;
Vitis armata, 180 ; V. flexuosa
Wilsoni, 180 ; V. megaphylla.180;
V. sinensis, 180 ; V. Thomsoni,
180; Zygopetalum x Rceblingia-
num, 214

Chamaerops humilis, an aged, in
Berlin, 423

Cheal, Mr. Ernest, 274

Chelsea Physic Garden, lectures at,
274, 285 ; see also Hall, A. D.

Cherries, sweet, 325

Chesswood, Worthing, 236

Chicory, storing and forcing, 299

China, Mr. Wilson in, 49

Chinese plants, new, 123

Chiswick, Dahlias at, 110 ; fruit and
vegetable show and conference at.
240, 241 ; trials, the, 82, 103

Christmas market, the, 444

Chrysanthemum-growing in Ame-
rica, 253

Chrysanthemum Lady Selborne and
its sports, 396; C. Mrs. J. Dunn,
384, C. Miss Elsie Fulton, 424;
Chrysanthemums, 332, 336 ; and
charity, 373 ; advance in, 442 ; at
Ashstead Park. 314 ; at Dover
House, 352 ; border, 292 ; exhibition ,
condemnation of, 405 ; in France,
350; in Liverpool, 306; judging,
313 ; market, 399 ; sporting, 358

Cistus ladaniferus, 52, 392

Cladosporium scabies (Cucumber-
scab), 172

Claverton Manor, 34

Clerodendron fallax, 339 ; C. nu-
tans, 376

Clethra arborea, 351

Climbing plants for pillars, &c, 236

Clip tube-holders, 23

Cloves, a corner in, 421

Clubbing in Brassicas, 163, 293, 351

Cocoa-nut, Malay States an excel-
lent home for the, 115

Codlin-moth, the, 41

Colax jugosus, 35

Colombia, Customs tariff for, 439

Conifers, laticiferous tubes in, 59;
at Dropmore, the growth of,
during wet summer, 140 ; diseases
of, 347 ; at Linton, 400

Cooke, Theodore (The Flora of the
Presidency of Bombay), 289

Coppice and wood planting, 13
Corydalis tomentosa, 123
Cordyline australis, 399
Coriaria, 282 ; C. japonica, 101 ; C.

ruscifolia, 229
Cornus aurea Spiithi, 219
Cotoneaster frigida, 3 18
Cotton corners, 41, 410 ; C. in the

West Indies, 224
Covent Garden Market, 334; the

new foreign flower market at, 118
Crassula tomentosa, 152
Crinum Lugarda?, 49 ; C. natans, 210
Crocus Caspius, 443 ; C. Scharojani,

228 ; new species of, 358
Cromarty House, kitchen-garden at,

35
Cropping of land continuously with

same kind of plant, 50
Crossosoma californicum, 130
Cucumber, a new, 70 ; leaf - spot,

the, 121 ; monstrosities, 170 ;

scab (Cladosporium scabies), 100,

172
Cucumbers, a house of seedling,

283
Cumberland Lodge Vine, 322
Cyder-making in Devonshire, 173
Cydonias, the, 434
Cypripedium, a monstrous, 297; C.

glaucophyllum, 403 ; in glass pot,

283; flowers, abnormal, 252, 420;

potted in leaf-mould, 324
Cypripediums from Mr. Wrigley,

124

Daffodils, the classification of gar-
den, 427

Dahlia, Cheal's White, 178 ; Prin-
cess de Trabia, 423 ; the collarette,
304 ; D. imperials, 178

Dahlias, Cactus, judging, 181, 194;
exhibiting, 229 ; reflexed, 160

Daisies on lawns, 328

Dante quoted, 240

Daphne Blagayana, 236

Davidia, germination of, 25

Davis, Mr. Norman (Supp. for Vege-
table Conference, Oct. 3)

Dean, Mr. A., presentation to, 374

Degeneration in plants, 192

Dendrobium Crelogyne, 281 ; D.
Falconeri, 383

Devonshire gardens, 291

De Vries, Professor Hugo, 289

Dianthus Caryophyllus var. La Ra-
vine, 338

Dictamnus Fraxinella alba, 52, 356,
338. 409 ; seeds of, 259 ; D., vapor
inflammable, 289; D. F., deriva-
tion of name, 392

Dinner, the gardeners', 246

Dinwoodie, Mr. J., presentation to,
273

Dipodium pictum, 209

Disa grandiflora and other species
at The Grove, Stanmore, 170

Divers, Mr. W. H. (Supp. for Vege-
table Conference, Oct. 3)

Doe, Mr. J., presentation to, 209

Dover House, Chrysanthemums at,
352

Dublin Castle, floral decorations at,
during the King's visit, 127

Dublin, notes from, 251 ; the Kings-
town pavilion at, 80

Diisseldorf, coming International
exhibition at, 322

Duthie, Mr., retirement of, 7

Dyer & Shrivel, manuring of garden
crops, 158

Dyera costulata as a Rubber-tree,
99

Dyschoriste Hildebrandtii, 281

Eastnor Castle gardener and gar-
dens, 155
Echinocactus de Laeti, 325, 427

Edinburgh, proposed international
exhibition at, 209, 320, 439 ; seed
trade assistants, 403; Royal Bo-
tanic Gardens, 409

Elder, the Golden, 154

Elders and summer floods, 41

Electric light, use of, in transport of
plants, 100

Eremurus Warei, 25

Erica Burnetti, fine specimen of,
229 ; E. gracilis nivalis, 384

Eryngium amethystinum, 161

Etherisation of plants, 210

Eucalyptus, supposed hybrid, 99

Eucharis grandiflora, 18

Eulophia Peetersiana, 188

Eulophiella Peetersiana, 252

Eupatorium odoratum, 2

Euphorbia pulcherrima, 4, 407, 440

"Erelyn" Club, institution of an,
60

Exacum zeylanicum, 254

F£nn, Mr. Robt., Ill (Supp. for
Vegetable Conference, Oct. 3)

Ferns, British, and the R.H.S. Floral
Committee, 119 ; market, 383

Floods in the Lea Valley, 87

Floras of the past, geographical dis-
tribution of the, 226 ; Devonian,
and Lower Carboniferous, 226

Florists' Flowers, 56

Flower-pot, the English, 120

Flower-garden at Claverton Manor-
34

Flower garden, the, 4, 21, 39, 56, 84,
97, 137, 156, 174, 191, 207,223,239,
254, '270, 287, 303, 319, 335, 353,
371, 387, 402, 420, 437

Flowers at funerals, 190 ; autumnal,
209 ; untimely, 358

Foreign correspondence, 190, 253,
317, 338, 370; competition, 259 ■,
salesmen, tactics of, 276

Forestry, need of, in England, 23

Frogmore, alterations in the Royal
Gardens at, 177

Frost in Scotland, 225

Fruit and Cyder Institute, National,
307

Fruit, brown-rot of, 36 ; a German
culinary, 326 ; crops, remarks
upon the condition of the, 72, 78,
94, 112, 135, 155, 174, 188

Fruit culture in Ireland, 15S; in
Eastern Europe, 41

Fruit famine in Pershore and
Evesham, 193 ; farm at Woburn,
272 ; growers' deputation to the
Board of Agriculture, 23 ; im-
ported, 26 ; small, in Great
Britain, 193 ; tree girdles, 274 ;
pest, a new (Gelechia nanella).
185 ; wrapping machine, 289

Fruits and vegetables, packing and
selling, 102

Fruits, tropical, in England, 188 ;.
wild, scarcity of, 339, 421

Fruits under glass, 5, 20, 39, 56, 84,
96, 117, 137. 157,175,191,207,223,
239, 255, 271, 2S6, 302, 318, 335,
352,371,387,403,437

Fulham Park extension, 59

Funerals, flowers at, 190

Fungi, edible, lecture on, 214

Fungicides, standard, 40

Fungus, a grand edible, 276 ; show
at E.H.S., the, 208, 214

Garden, past and future in the,

149 ; at Harrow Gas-works, 332 z.

in winter, 397
Gardener, the " Eternal," 240
Gardeners' Association, proposed,

324, 390, 392, 407, 426, 428
Gardeners' dinner, the, 159, 224, 227,

276, 293, 305, 308, 324

The Gardeners' Chronicle,]

INDEX.

[December 23, 1963.

Gardeners, outlook for, 392

Gelechia nanella (a new fruit-tree
pest), 185

Gerardia hybrida, 187

Geum Heldreichi var. superba, 225

Gilman, Mr. E. T., 403

Ginger in Zomba, 423

Gingko, the, as a town tree, 374

Ginseng-culture, 23

Gladiolus from Kamsgate, 192; va-
rieties Nymph and Lady Muriel
Digby, 171

Glasgow, new park for, 306, 355

Gomeza planifolia, 170

Gourds at the Drill Hall. 357; at
The Grove, Stanmore, 259

Grafting modifies habits of plants,
290

Grapeclass, the champion, at Shrews-
bury, 194, 210, 228, 276

Grapes, Gros Colmar, 394, 418 ; Lady
Hastings, 4 ; Melton Constable,
358, 442 ; Grapes and blue-bottle
flies, 407 ; Muscat, at Longleat,
238 ; the Strawberry, 348, 407, 426;
the flavour of the Sultanieh, 110,
140, 229 ; the colouring of Black
Hamburgh, 71

Grass plots at Eothamsted, 391

Greenwich Park, flower-beds in, 228

Gunnersbury House Gardens, 149

H

Habenakia carnea, 323

Hall, Mr. A. D., lectures by, 257,
274, 285, 304, 321, 354, 372, 391

Hanbury, Sir V., 118

Harding, Mr. Charles, 406

Hardy fruit garden, 5, 21, 39, 57, 85,
97, 116, 137, 157, 174, 190, 207,
223, 239, 255, 270, 287, 303. 319,
335, 352, 371, 387, 403, 421, 437

Hasbury, county instruction gar-
dens at, 221

Hay crop of 1903, 93

Hearn, Mr. S., presentation to, 390

Heaths, market, 391

Helianthemum Algarvense, 236

Helianthus rigidus variegatus, 176

Helxine Soleirolii, 162

Hemerocallis, new hybrid, 122

Hemsley, Mr. W. B , and the Bo-
tanical Magazine, 176

Herbarium, the oldest, 6

Henry, Dr. Augustine, 176

Hippeastrum Hildenley, 298

Hippophae rhamnoides, 316

Hollyhock, meaning of the word,
160

Hollyhocks, 138

Home Place, Limpsfield, 206

Hor3pool, Mr. R. A. (Supp. for
Vegetable Conference, p. Hi.,
October 3)

Horticultural Hall, the new, 356 ;
Baron Schroder's appeal on behalf
of the, 405

Horticultural science in America, 58

Humeas and Peaches, 195, 210, 228,
236, 258, 275, 308

Humphreys, Mr. Thos., appointed
Curator of Birmingham Botanic
Gardens, 53 ; presentation to, 226,
245, 289

Hurricane in the West Indies, 201

Hybridisation of Orchids, recent ex-
periments in the, 226

Hydrocyanic • acid gas and mealy-
bug, 392

Hypocalymna robustum, 325

I

Iberis, spring- flowering, 15
Impatiens Oliveri, 178
India, life in Central, 433
Insecticides and fungicides, list of,

205
Insecticides, garden, 102

Ipomcei rubro-coerulea, 210
Iris lacustris, 410 j I. stylosa, in-
crease of, 392
Irises, lecture on hardy, 28
Ireland, 81

Irish Land Purchase Bill, 158
Irrigation in America, 36
Itea ilicifolia, 375, 405

Jamaica Botanic Gardens injured
by hurricane, 201 ; destruction of
fruit crops in, 139

Jardin des Plantes, Paris, 204

K

Kalmia, apetalous, 24
Killerton, Devonshire, 365, 386
Kew-bridge market extensions, 267
Kew Hand-lists, the, 288 ; price of,

3S0
Kew notes, 58, 178, 187, 209, 281, 316,

382, 402, 424 ; Orchids in flower at,

22
Kirengeshoma palmata, 187
Kitchen Garden, the, 5, 21, 39, 57,

84, 97, 117, 136, 156, 175, 191, 207,

222, 239, 254, 271, 287, 303, 318,

334, 352, 371, 386, 403, 421, 437
Kleinia Galpini, 178
Kniphofia erecta, 154, 237 ; K. x

Triumph, 237
Kochia Scoparia, see Belvedere

LABOUR-saving Implements, 241
Ladybirds, Sale of, 82
Laelia x Helen, 417
Loelio-Cattleya X Elegans var. pur-

purascens, 203 ; L.-C. x Lady

Miller, 17 ; L.-C. x Noel, 132
Latham, Mr. W. B., retirement of,

53,176,224; complimentary dinner

to, 307
Laird, Mr., presentation to, 256
Landowner, a generous, 60
Lapageria, Nash Court variety, 236
Laveur, Lucien (Livre d'Or des

Roses), 8

Law NOTES :— Monro r. Theobald
(Empties), 42 ; Neilson v. McNab
(Action to Restrain the Cutting
of Timber), 363; Silver, J. W. &
Co. (Bankruptcy case), 195 ; Smith
r. Registrar (Bankruptcy case),
395; Surrey Seed Company v. C.
G. Hart (Claim for Seeds Sup-
plied), 163 ; Tudgey v. L. & S.
W. Railway (Claim for Goods
removed), 126 ; Ware o. Assess-
ment Committee of the Bath
Union, 195.

Lawn-mower, a motor, 60

Lawn Sand, adverse experience with,
162 ; weedy, 88

Lawns, mowing by motor power, 440

Lawns with Daisies, 328

Leguminous plants as fertilisers of
the soil, 355

Lilies, 50

I, ilium auratum in Scotland, 876;
producing many flowers, 50 ; L. x
Chalcedo-Hansoni, 110 ; L. elegans
Peter Barr, 41

Lily season, beginning of the, 1 1

Linaria Cymbalaria alba, 336, 260,
293, 225, 358 ; in Switzerland, 370

Linton Park, Conifers at, 400

Linton, Rev. W. R. (Flora of Derby-
shire), 391

Liriodendron cbinense, 370

Locust in Natal, 241

Log-roller, the Peavy, 241

Lodeman, M. (Spraying of plants),

40
Loiseau, M. (Preservation of fruit

by cold), 99
Loincera etrusca superba, 281
Lomatia " pinnatifolia," 42 1
London parks and gardens, 225
Luisia teres, 17
Lupin Somerset, 229 ; the, 203
Luquet, M. J. (Transplanting

trees), 304
Lychnis Viscaria splendens fl. pi., 18
Lycoris squamigera, 210
Lysimachia Henryi, 187

M

Macfadtena dentata, 424
Mclndoe, Mr. J., retirement of, 257
Magne, Georges (Les Plantes de Mon-

tagne dans les Jardins), 37
Magnolia Campbelli, 356
Maidenhair, 121
Manchester, proposed international

exhibition in, 99
Manget, Charles (Edible Fungi), 100
Mangosteen, the, 188
Manures, and the rain, 375 ; for

grass-land, 140
Maple, a variegated variety of the

Norway, 24
Marigolds in pots, 277 ; persistence

of, 375
Market, Covent Garden, 443
Market, extension of, at Kew Bridge,

267, 383
Market gardening, 34, 52, 71, 170,
238, 267, 383 ; plants, 391, 398, 418
Marrow, a new Pear-shaped, 250
Masdevallia macrura maxima^ 48
Mealy-bug, how to eradicate, 366;

on Vines, 3S9, 393
Melampsora pinitorqua, 426
Melbourne Botanic Gardens, the, 161
Melocoton, a rare Mexican Melon, 119
Melon, a seedling, 195 ; and Cu-
cumber leaf -spot, 34, 61, 82
Melons at Longleat, 103 ; in Novem-
ber and December, 109, 436
Meryta Sinclairii, 422
Mesembryanthemum mirabile, 131
Mill Bank House, Warrington,

Orchids at, 347
Mitriostigma axillaris, 402
Mole, a plea for the, 61
MOlyneux, Mr. Ed., 219
Mongoose a pest in Barbados, 225
Morris, K.C.M.G., Sir Daniel, 6
Morter, Mr. Wm., 241, 390
Mortimer, Mr. S. (Supp., for Vege-
table Conference, p. iv., Oct. 3)
Moser, M., 23
Mosquito-bites prevented by use of

oil of citronella, 100
Mosquito-plant, the (Ocimum viride I ,

41, 79
Moth-trip, acetylene light as a, 7
Mount Usher, Co. Wicklow, 81, 186
Mo wing-machine, origin of steam, 207
Mushroom-culture, pure, 373
Mushrooms, scarcity of, 308

N

Names of plants, old-world, 69, 177,

194
Narcissus cyclamineus a distinct

species, 393, 427
Narcissus Mrs. George Barr, 79
Nectarine, a bi-color, 27
Neobenthamia gracilis, 382
Nepenthes Northiana pulchra, 272
Nerines, 292 ; the white, 408
Nertera depressa, 161, 325, 339
New South Wales, botany of the

Darling River, 390
Newspaper printing, extraordinary,

289
Nicholson, memorial to the late

Professor Alleyne, 80

Nicholson, Mr. George, dedication of

Botanical Magazine to, 423
Nicotiana, Sanderae x , 256
Nolina Beldingii, 43
Nursery land, worn out, 419

Nursery Notes. — Bull, W., &
Son, 346 ; Cannell & Sons, H., 333 ;
Charles worth & Co., Bradford, 330;
Clibran & Son, W., 315 ; Dickson
& Son, Alex., Newtownards, 129 ;
Duval, M., Versailles, 318; Lad-
hams', Ltd., Southampton, 284;
Moser, M., Versailles, 338; Sander
& Sons, 113 ; Service & Sons, J.,
382 ; Stanley. Ashton & Co., 442 ;
Truffauts', M., Versailles, 317;
Veitcb, James, & Sons, 331

Oak fungus, 121

Oaks at Waverley, Massachusetts,
51

Obituary.— Abel, Dr., 60 ; Adlam,
R. W., 159; Beale, W., 308;
Beswick, John, 231 ; Cannell,
Mrs. Harry, 147 ; Castle, Mrs.
Lewis, 159; Cooper, Dr. R. T.,
240 ; Cossar, William, 374 ; Crozy,
Pierre, 373; Falb, Rudolf, 290;
Godefroy, Lebeuf, 99 ; Hansen,
Prof. Karl, 289; Hausknecht. Prof.
Carl, 99 ; Hedderley, J. S., 122 ;
Housley, William, 180 ; Jackson,
Emily Reader, 308 ; Jarman,
AValter, 147; Jurgens, F. J. C,
327 ; Kennedy, Alexander, 85 ;
Keteleer, M., 389; Lyon, John,
295 ; Linden, Madame, 306 ; Marr,
Chas., 247 ; Newell, Abraham, 358 ;
Olmsted, Frederick Law, 262 ;
Osborne, William, 344; Shand,
W., 247; Smith, James, 231;
Spencer, Herbert, 406 ; Summers,
E., 34t; Thompson, William, 30,
44; Van Houtte, Mdlle. Leonie,
306; Ward, John, 374; Weber,
Dr. Albert, 139

Ojimum species used against mos-
quito3, 41

Odontoglossum crispum, 330 ; at
Twickenham, 132; O. c. var. Si-
byl, 37, 121 ; O. grande, 330

Odontoglossums, reversion in, 253,
392, 803, 856

Oldenbergia arbuscula, 178

Oncidium lamelligerum, 17

Onions, an extraordinary crop of,
276

Open spaces around Ilampstead, 162

Opuntias (Alwin Berger on), 89

Orange-trees, decorative uses of. 438

Orchards, worn-out, 33

Orchid-houses, the, 5, 21, 38, 56, 84,
97. 116, 136, 157, 175, 190, 206,
222, 238, 255, 271, 287, 302, 319,
334, 353, 370, 3H7. 402, 420

Orchid notes, 35, 94, 132, 170, 188,
205, 2.->2, 366, 281, 297, 330, 347,
367, 382

Orchid picture-sheet, an, 297

Orchid, the (theatrical play), 193,
306

Orchids at The Dell, Egham, 131 ;
at Kew, 179; at The Grange,
Southgate, 367 ; at Southgate
House, 367 ; the germination of,
390 ; recent experiments in the
hybridisation of, 326, 487

Orchis hircina, 308; the Lizard, in
Kent. II

Paint, horticultural, 80
Palm, an a*red, in Berlin. 423
Palms in Queensland. 55 ; in the
Riviera, 99 ; seedling, as turf, 2 V

VI TTie Gardeners' Chronicle,]

INDEX.

[December 26, 1903.

Pampas-grass, nomenclature of the,
S9!»

Papaver aculeatum, 154

Paris, allotment gardens in, 348;
notes from, 204, 254

Park, a new, for Glasgow, 306 ; at
Glasgow. 355

Passiflora edulis, 203

Paul. W. (The Rose Garden), 8

Pea, a three-podded, 258 : Autocrat,
25

Peach and Nectarine - trees at Or-
leans House, 349 ; culture of, 235

Peach-blister, 6

Peach-buds, dropping of, 307

Peaches at Chiswick show, judging,
256, 275, 276 ; late, 43, 170

Pear, a German culinary, 338 ;
P. Doyenne dn Cornice, 357

Pears, notes on some varieties of, 300,
426 ; secondary fruits of, gro wing
from the stalk of first formed, 324

Pelargonium tricolor Masterpiece, 17

Pelargoniums, show, fancy, and de-
corative, 116

Perfume in plants increased by use
of mineral manures, 99

Pergularia odoratissima, 30

Philadelphus raexicanus, 218

Phyllocactus strictus, 132

Pickering, Spencer (see Fruit-farm,
Woburn)

Pimelea, 106

Pinus eldarica, 251 ; P. pinea, over-
throw of a fine specimen of, 285 ;
P. sylvestris showing the tufts of
leaves in whorls, 298

Pitoairnia ferruginea, 316

Plant and soil, the relations be-
tween. 274, 285, 321

Plant-breeding, new, 256

Plantain in turf, 425

Planting and pricking-out, 30

Plant Portraits. — Acer platan-
oides Wittmackii, 100 ; Aerides
odoratnm, 266 ; A. suavissimum,
266; Agapetes Moorei, 405; Aloe
Cameroni, 193; Angrsecum Chaillu-
anum, 2G6 ; Apple Transparente de
Croncelles, 26 ; Arachnanthe Cath-
cartii, 16 ; Areca (?) Micholitzii,272;
Arisaenia japonicum, 98 ; Browallia
speciosa major, 110; Callistemon
lanceolatum, 307 ; Calothamnus
rupestris, 22; Cattleya Warneri,
var. alba, 266; C. Percivaliana
grandiflora. 16; C. Mossiaj vari-
abilis, 16 ; C. Whitei, 16; Cherry
"Bicentenary," 26 ; Chloraa longi-
bracteata, 98 ; Chrysanthemum
Charles Schwarz, 417; Cistanche
violacea, 98; Clematis, Madame
Ed. Andre, 110; Clerodendron
cephalanthum, 337 ; Codiamm Du-
vivieri, 335 ; C. M. Louis Fournier,
193 ; Coleus thyrsoideus, 324 ;
Cotyledon raacrantha, 307 j C pul-
vinata, 272; C. undulata, 405;
Cydonia Sargenti, 110 ; Cypri-
pedium > Chapmani, 17; C. x
Gaudianum, 17; C. superbiens,
266; Dendrobium x Ainsworthii
grandiflorum, 17 ; D. Farmeri,
266; D. sanguinolentum, 17- Dia-
lea Gilliesii, 193; Echidnopsis
somalensis, 405 ; Epidendrum
atropurpureum Lionetianum, 17-
E. pentotis, 266; Fendlera rupi-
cola, 337; Genetyllis tulipifera
and G. fuchsioides, KK); Gloriosa
Leopoldi, 417; Helleborus lividus,
22; Hippeastrum iguapense, 324;
Houlletia odoratissima, 17 ;
Huernia concinua, 22 ; Impatiens
f alcifer, 337 ; Ionopsis panicu-
lata, 266 ; Iris bucharica, 193 ■
1. gracilipes, 337 ; 1. lupina, 22 \
Isoloma erianthum, 98 ; Ljelia x'
cinnabrosa, 200 ; Lselio-Cattleya x
BletchleyensiF. 266; Lissochibus
purpuratus, 272 ; Lysimachia
crispidens, 272 ; Maxillaria tenui-
folia, 17; Meryta. Benhami 405-

Mesembryanthemums, 409 ; Mil-
tonia Phalaenopsis, 17 ; Nepenthes
Burkei and N. B. excellens, 110;
Odontoglossum crispum Madame
Valcke, 266 ; O. c. Stanley, 266 ;
Peach Rouge de Mai, 324; Pear
Bergamotte de Tirlemont, 409 ; P.
Le Bnin, 307 ; Plum des Burettes,
193; Psychotria capensis, 193;
Bestrepia antennifera, 405 ; Rose
Rosomanes Gravereaux, 100; Roses
Mdlle. Jean Philippe and Alister
Stella Gray, 26, 324 ; Saccolabium
bellinum, 17 ; Sedum Stahlii, 98 ;
Selenipedium :■: Sedeni candidu-
lum, 266 ; Senecio clivorum, 22 ;
S. tanguticus, 193 ; Solanum cili-
atum,335 ; Sophro-Cattleya Nydia,
26 ; Sphserocodon obtusifolium,
337; Strawberry Sensation, 324;
lacsonia manicata, 110 ; Tulipa
praestans, 272 ; Zygopetalum
brachypetalum pallidum, 17

Plants, cultivated, wearing out, 217,

327
Plants, method of scattering their

seeds, 54, 86, 101

Plants, New or Noteworthy.—
Allium albo3pinosum, 34 ; Angr*-
cum, Rothschildianum, 131 ; Calo-
dendron capense, 69 ; Caralluma
Marlothii, 414 ; Cereus Greggii,
93 ; Cheilanthes undulata, 397 ;
Corydalis tomentosa, 123; C.
Wilsoni, 123; Crassula tomen-
tosa, 152; Crinum Aman-
teum, 345; C. Lugardfe, 49; Cros-
sosoma californicum, 130; Euco-
mis Jacquinii, 1 ; Hymenocallis
Ernstii, 366 ; L. C. x elegans var.
purpurascens, 203; Liliuni x ehal-
cedo-Hansoni, 110; Mesembryan-
tbemum mirabile, 131 ; Pinus
eldarica, 251 ; Rubus lasiostylus,
170; Sauromatum brevipes, 93;
Schomburgkia Campecheana, 381

Plants, old age in, 192; old-world
names of, 69 ; sea-side, 109 ; trans-
ported by use of electric light, 100

Plants under glass, 4, 20, 38, 57, 83,
97, 116, 137, 157, 175,190,206,222,
238, 255, 270, 286, 303, 319, 334
353, 370, 386, 402, 420, 436

Plum, Rivers' Monarch against a
wall, 392, 407, 426

Plums, a disease of, 257 ; German , 193

Poa annua, 2, 26, 41, 43, 62, 82, 140

Poisonous flowers, 42 ; sprays, dan-
gerous to animals, 47

Poisons, 162

Polygala vulgaris, white variety,
179, 194

Pomological progress in America. 423

Pond scum, destroyed by Bordeaux-
mixture, 22

Pope, Mr. A., presentation to, 444

Pope, Mr. W. (Supp. for Vegetable
Conference, p. iv., October 3)

Poppies, Himalayan, at Kew, 41

Potash manuring, 416

Potato, bloom, the, 273 ; crop in the
Channel Isles, 159 ; disease, 418 ;
Evergood, 273; Biseovery, 293;
Northern Star, 260, 272, 275 ;
propagation of, 234, 293, 325 ; new
varieties of, 259, 408 ; Queen
Alexandra, 358; Society, a, 337,
384; trials, 394; exhibiting, 325

Potatos, a big price for, 180; in
Midlothian, 298 ; new at Christ-
mas, 355 ; newer varieties of, 357 ;
trial of, in West Lothian, 376

Potentilla nepalensis, 351

Pot-washing machine, a, 322

Poultry-keeping, suburban, 153

Powderham gardens, 291

Primula sikkimensis, 26

Propagation by cuttings, loss of
vigour through, 384 ; of wood and
forest plants, 414

Protea mellifera, 99

Protection in France, 337
Primus Maximowiczii, 101
Prussia, horticultural education in,

388
Pumpkin Nicaise, 269

Queensland Scrub, Palms growing
in the, 55

Quercus alba at Waverley, Massa-
chusetts, 51

Quirinal, the gardens of the, 373

Rail, garden and farm produce bv,

160
Rain as a cleansing agent, 41
Rainfall and the manure in the
".and, 345, 375, 397; heavy, at
Tortworth Court, 82 ; the, 306
Rainstorm in June, 24
Raspberry Condor, 82, 121, 194
Raspberries and Strawberries, au-
tumn fruiting, 279
Raspberries in November, 15, 376
Reading University College, 80, 424
Renanthera, the species of, 346
Research station at Wisley, 236;

work proposed in America, 290
Rhabdothamnus solandri, 292
Rhubarb, Daw's Champion, 160
Rhynchospermum, a dwarfed speci-
men of, 281
Ribes speciosum, 71, 121
Rings in timber, eccentric, 25
Robinson, W. (The Wild Garden), 60
Rosary, the, 14, 83, 134, 190, 268,

299, 365, 382
Rose blooms, monstrous, 210 ; R.
devoniensis, 103 ; Etoile de France,
299 ; R. Fortune's Yellow, 3 ; R.
Frau Karl Druschki, 134 ; garden
in October, 268 ; grafting notes on,
350; mildew and veltha, 26 ; season
of 1903, 83 ; the thornless, 229 ;
Zephyrine Drouhin, 56, 83, 102,
122, 134, 190, 211, 382
Rose-tree, an ancient, 82
Roses, and how to grow them, 8
and Rose-stocks for budding, 14;
at the Antipodes, 49 ; at the
Temple Show, 6; China. 134;
grafted, 392, 408, 427 ; in Bengal,
116 ; in Jamaica, 135 ; late, 134 ;
layering, 83 ; misnamed, 1 ; notes
on seasonable, 316 ; on light land,
liquid-manure for, 365
Rothamsted Experimental Station,

7, 99, 391 (see also Hall, A. D.)
Rotterdam Zoological Gardens, 220
Rubber-trees, 99
Rubus lasiostylus, 170; R. reflexus

v. Moluccanus, 4
Rudolph,M. (Malmaison Carnations),
159

St. Anne's, Clontarf, 269

St. Louis (U.S.A.), an old-fashioned

English garden at, 355; World's

Fair at, 439
Salter, John, some letters from, 332
Saltram, Bevonshire, 413
Salvia azurea grandiflora, 290
Sander & Sons' Orchid Guide, 35
Sanders, T. W. (Vegetables for Profit),

289
Sandringham, 406
Sargent, Prof. (Trees and Shrubs'), 3S
Saxifraga cochlearis, 15 ; S. " Guild-
ford Seedling," history of, 2; S.

oppositifolia eaten by birds, 62;

S. Rhei superba, 44
Saxifragas, some red or pink-

flowered, 15
Schedules, exhibition, 441
Schizocodon soldanelloides, 132
Schomburgkia Cattleya, 190; S.

Campecheana, 383
School of horticulture, Essex, 321

Science and education, Sir Norman
Lockyer upon, 208

Science and horticulture, 313

Science, American society for horti-
cultural, 373

Science, horticultural, 103

Scientific Committee. — Apple-
tree scorched, 164 ; Apple-trees
and insects, 45 ; Apple - trees,
.wound parasite on, 294; Asparagus
diseased, 229 ; Begonia, bi-sexual,
326 ; bud formation, 196 ; Cam-
panula lactiflora, linear leaved,
196; Canker in Apple-trees, 394;
Carnations failing, 85 ; Chimo-
nanthus, abnormal foliage of, 229 ;
Clematis parasite, 394 ; Crassula
Aitoni, 326 ; Croci, new to culti-
vation, 124, 358; Cucumber di-
seased, 124 ; Cucumber, proli-
ferous, 164; Cucumber scab, the,
104; Cryptococcus on Weymouth
Pine, 196 ; eelworms on Agrostis,
230 ; Figs, drying and falling
from tree, 230; Figs, male, 294 ;
Fraxinella capsules, 358 ; Goose-
berry disease, 85 ; Heuchera with
foliaceous buds on petioles, 230 ;
Hippeastrum blistered, 196; H.,
species from South Africa, 196;
Hymenocallis Harrisiana, bulbi-
form seeds of, 104 ; insects, in-
jurious, 326; Jasmine root hyper-
trophied, 326 ; Leguminous
plants, experiments with, 394 ;
Lilac injured by insects, 294;
Lilac-shoots and frost, 45 ; Mam-
milaria with Dodder, 85 ; Orites
excelsa, bark of, 164 ; Papaver
pavoninum, 124 ; Papaver dubium,
semi-double, 85 ; Parsley - leaf
miner, 326 ; Peas rotting near the
base, 164; Pear- shoots diseased,
394 ; Pears malformed, 358 ;
" Pine-branch twist," 347 ; Plums,
late-flowering, 124 ; pollination in
orchards, 85 ; potatos and milli-
pedes, 358 ; Potatos, warty disease
of, 294 ; Raspberry, Wineberry,
Blackberry hybrids, 196 ; Rose-
leaves, diseased, 196 ; Rubus
rossefolius, 164; scientific investi-
gations at Wisley, 326, 358, 394 ;
silver-leaf disease, 229 ; in Apples
and Plums, 196 ; Spinach failing,
326 ; Sweet Pea, floriferous, 196 ;
Verbascum leaves diseased, 85 ;
Vine leaves discoloured, 164, 196 ;
tomentum on, 294

Scientific knowledge, importance of,

60
Scientific side of horticulture, 176
Sclater, Mr., presentation to, 42
Sclerotinia fructigena, 36
Seaside gardening, 109, 135
Season, work at the end of the, 354
Sedum spectabile atropurpureum, 293
Seed crops, foreign grass and clover,

267
Seeds, how plants scatter their, 54,

86, 101
Shallots i: Egyptian Onions, 121
Shiplake Court, 274, 286
Shrewsbury, the show at, 151
Sidalcea hybrida Rosy Gem, 339
Siebert, M. A., 337
Simethis bicolor, 44
Sisyrinchium iridifolium, 254
Slugs on Celery, 392
Smith, Mr. J., retirement of, 383 ;
the late Jas., 229; Mr. W., pre-
sentation to, 120 ; Mr. Worthing-
ton G., 330, 405

SOCIETIES. — Aberdeen Chrysanthe-
mum, 395 ; Ancient Society of
York Florists, 215 ; Basingstoke
Horticultural, 125 ; Beckenham
Horticultural, 411; Binfield Hor-
ticultural Mutual Improvement,
359 ; Birmingham Midland Coun-
ties Chrysanthemum Fruit and

The Gardeners' Chronicle,]

INDEX.

[December 28, )903. Vll

Horticultural, 343 ; Bishop's Stort-
ford Horticultural, 146 ; Boston
Horticultural, 104; Bowhill Hor-
ticultural, 426; Brentwood Hor-
ticultural, 85 ; Bradford Chrys-
anthemum, 360 ; Brighton and
Susses Horticultural, 181 ; Bristol
Chrysanthemum, 37s ; British
Pteridological, 125 ; Bromley
Chrysanthemum, 361 ; Burton and
Shobnall Chrysanthemum, 362 ;
Canterbury Gardeners', 362 ; Car-
diff Chrysanthemum, 359 ; Chani-
bre Syndicale des Horticulteurs
Beiges, 209: Chelmsford Chrys-
anthemum, 394; Cheltenham Root,
Fruit and Chrysanthemum, 361 ;
Chester Paxton, 395, 430 ; Chester
Society of Natural Science, 326 ;
Co-operative Flower Show, 47 ;
Croydon and District Mutual Im-
provement, 197, 230, 395, 411 ;
Croydon Horticultural, 46, 359;
Derby Horticultural, 230 ; Devon
and Exeter Gardeners'. 47, 327, 444 ;
Devon and Exeter Horticultural,
360 ; Devizes Chrysanthemum,
359; Dublin Royal Horticul-
tural, 197; Dumfriesshire and
Galloway Chrysanthemum, 395 j
Dutch Horticultural and Bo-
tanical, 139, 240, 295, 358, 406;
Ealing Horticultural, 46 ; English
Arboricultural, 139, 166; Epping
Forest Fungus Foray, 310; Formby
Horticultural,65 ; French National
Chrysanthemum, 343 ; German
Dendrological, 119 ; Ghent
Chambre Syndicale, 45, 125, 359 ;
Gloucester and Cheltenham Horti-
cultural, 11 ; Gloucestershire Root,
Fruit and Chrysanthemum, 361 ;
Gloucestershire Rose, 29 ; Great
and Little Warley Cottage Garden,
197 ; Handsworth Horticultural,
104; Hanley Horticultural Fete,
29; Herefordshire Fruit and
Chrysanthemum, 360 ; Horticul-
tural Club, 59, 279, 293, 361, 444;
Huntingdon, Godmanchester, &c,
Horticultural, 85 ; Irish Gardeners
Association, ] 47 ; Kingston Chrys-
anthemum, 362 ; Leeds Paxton,
362 ; Leicester Abbey Park Show,
106; Leith Horticultural, 164;
Linneau, 12, 378, 429; Liverpool
Amateur National Gardeners',
262; Liverpool Grain, Root and
Fruit, 295; Liverpool Horticul-
tural, 377, 411; London Corn
Exchange Chrysanthemum, 377;
London Dahlia Union, 230;
Manchester and North of England
Orchid, 28, 65, 147, 230, 262, 326,
343,411; Manchester Botanical and
Horticultural, 46, 395; Midland
Carnation, 126; National Carna-
tion and Picotee, 65; National
Carnation and Picotee (Northern
Division), 165 ; National Chrysan-
themum, 216, 225, 230, 261, 310
341,410,430; (Annual Outine), 59;

(Annual Dinner), 379; National
Dahlia,182,215,430;andR.H.S.,388,
395 ; National Rose, 8, 196, 422 ; Na-
tionalSweet Pea, 44, 430 ; Newbury
Horticultural, 125 ; Newport Hor-
ticultural, 104 ; North London Dah-
lia, 230 ; Putney and Wandsworth
Chrysanthemum, 362, 411 ; Ply-
mouth Chrysanthemum, 359 ; Riy-
leigh Horticultural, 64; Reading
Chrysanthemum, 361 ; Reading
Gardeners', 230, 295, 326, 395 ; Red-
hill, 85; Richmond Horticultural,
1 1 ; Rock Ferry Horticultural, 164 ;
Royal, 389 ; Royal Botanic, 120 ;
Royal Caledonian Horticultural,
198, 215, 320; Royal Horticultu-
ral, 27, 44, 63, 103, 124, 140, 164,
180, 196, 211, 260, 278, 308, 326,
339, 376,428 ; Holland House Show,
11 ; Chiswick Fruit and Vegetable
Show, 24; Royal Horticultural of
Aberdeen, 165 ; Royal Scottish
Arboricultural, 124 ; Rugby Chrys-
anthemum, 362 ; Saltaire, Shipley,
and District Rose, 100 ; St. Ives
Horticultural, 105 : Scottish Hor-
ticultural, 379 ; Shropshire Horti-
cultural, 144, 158 ; Smithfield
Club, 410 ; Societe Franchise
d'Horticulture de Londres, 47 ;
Southampton Horticultural, 359 ;
Southern Counties Carnation, 86 ;
Stroud Horticultural, 197 ; Taun-
ton Deane Horticultural, 143 ;
Torquay Gardeners', 359 ; Trow-
bridge Horticultural, 165 ; Ulster
Horticultural, 378 ; Ulverston
Rose, 47 ; United Horticultural
Benefit and Provident (Annual
Dinner), 311; West Hartlepool
Chrysanthemum, 395 ; Weybridge
Chrysanthemum, 360 ; Wilts Hor-
ticultural, 164 ; Wimbledon Chry-
santhemum, 378 ; Winchester
Chrysanthemum, 361 ; Wolver-
hampton Floral Fete, 29; York
Chrysanthemum, 395 ; Yorkshire
Naturalists, 294

Soil, manure in, and the effect of
heavy rains, 345, 375, 397 ; steril-
isation, 410
Sparaxis tricolor in an Australian

garden, 15
Specific names in Botany, the ortho-
graphy of, 102, 121, 139, 163, 180,
211, 288 '
Spiraea, Anthony Waterer, 173
Sportivenes3 of Grape-vines, 325, 357
Squash Mirepoix Musk, 269
Sterculia diversifolia, 390
Stocks, M. Roemer's ten-week, 41
Stocktaking, 24, 120, 193, 273, 337, 406
Storm, great, in South Cork, 22n
Strawberry, crop of 1903, 110, 163 ;
Grape, the, 62 ; President Loubet,
70, 209; St. Joseph for pot-
culture, 356 ; The Laxton, 121
Strawberries, new, 102 ; autumn
fruiting varieties of, 270, 293, 407 ;
preparing for forcing, 121 ; late, 60

Sugar-cane experiments, 59

Sugar-canes, hybrid, 34

Sun spots, 211

Sunny Hill, Llandudno, 114

Sweet Pea crop in America, 6

Sweet Peas, 61 ; new varieties of,

160; pollination of, 392 ; variation

in, 3
Sydenham, Mr. R., presentation to,

405
Symplocos crata^goides, 420

Tabern^emontana coronaria, 173
Tea planting in Natal, 26
Thomson, Mr. David (Supp. for

Vegetable Conference, p. iv.,

Oct. 3)
Thonger, Charles (The Book of Gar-
den Furniture), 391
Thunbergias, the, 82
Timber, excentric rings in, 25
Tobacco, manufactured, 321
Tod, M.A., W. M. (Farming), 384
Tomatos, culture of, 298 ; market,

399 ; purple-leaved, 80
Topiary gardens, Addison's satire

on, 376
Torquay, a garden in, 329
Transplanting at night, 273
Transport of plants, the, 100
Tree-growth on chalk downs, 366
Tree-ties, Beckett's, 327
Trees and shrubs, 154, 219, 351, 420
Trianons, the (see Versailles), 254
Trinidad, Messrs. Cadbury'a cocoa

estate in, 116
Truffle-growing, 288 -

Tubular boilers, 324
Tuileries gardens, Paris, 204
Tulip-tree, the Chinese, 370
Turin horticultural exhibition, 423
Turnip-seed, the reproductive power

of, 259
Turnip, White Round Epernay, 269
Type-written labels, 256

U

Umlatjft, Herr, 439

Variations, in plants and animals,
IS ; wild and cultural, 418

Vatican, the gardens of the, 59

Vegetables, Algerian, 225

Vegetables all the year for private
family, 261

Vegetables, conference on, 260, 277.
293 ; exhibiting, 26, 220, 233, 266

Vegetables for exhibition, lecture
on, 277 ; from Georgia (U.S ), 272 ;
for market, lecture on, 293 ; im-
provement in, 221, 251 ; new
Parisian, 269; preserved for the
Navy, 240

Veitchian Jubilee Cup, 79

Vellosia equisetoides, 425

Vernon, H. A. (variations in
animals and plants), 18

Veronicas La Fieur de la Rose, ami
Coquette, 225

Versailles, 281 ; and the Trianons,
233; nurseries, some, 317; the
great terrace at, 336

Viburnum Opulus.partial death of a, 4

Victoria regia, 257

Vine, Cumberland Lodge, 322 ; re-
striction of foliage and shoots of
the, 114

Vines, sportiveness of, 305, 325, 338

Viola papilio, 290

Violet Marie Louise, 408

Violets in pits and frames, 352

Vogel, Herr, 439

Volvaria Loveana, 318

Vries, Prof. Hugo de, 355

W

Ward, Mr. W. H. (Supp. for Vege-
table Conference, p. iv., Oct. 3) ;
(Booh of the Peach), 289
Warrington, gift of a conservatory

to the town of, 119
Warwick, the Lady, College, 289
Watsonia iridifolia O'Brienii, 173
Waugh, Prof. (Systematic Pomology),

438
Wavrin, Marquis de (Orchids), 382
Weather, the, 25, 210
Weathers, J. (Beautiful Roses), 8
Weed, Dr. Clarence (Spraying Crops),

40
Weeds of Ontario, the, 374
Weigela rosea flowering twice, 162
Wellfield, near Preston, 297
West Indies. Cotton in the, 224;
hurricane in the, 201 , 389 ; vege-
table products of the. 225
Wheat-plants, development of, and

quality of the grain, 354
White, Gilbert, the home of, 433
Wildeman, M. de (Congo Flora), 42
Wilson, Mr. George, presentation

to, 304
Wisley, suggestions for a research
station at, 236, 404 ; garden pre-
sented to the Royal Horticultural
Society by Sir Tbos. Hanbury, 118,
138, 288
Wood, J. Medley, 350
Wood and coppice planting, 13
Wood and forest plants, propagation

of, 414
Woodrow, G. Marshall ( Gardening

in India), 289
Worcestershire County Instruction

Gardens, 221
Wythes, Mr. Geo., 219

Year, the, 1903, 442
Z
Zygopetalum . Roeblingianuin, 227

SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS.

Allium albopilosum (July 18).

Cereus, night-flowering, at Honolulu (August 8).

Cypripedium (Paphiopedilum) glaucophtllvm (December 12).

Dahlia, Cheal's White (September 5).

Gardeners' Dinner Committee, Members ok the (October 3).

Hollyhocks, Double-flowering (August 22).

Home Place, Limpsfield, Views in the Gardens at (September 19).

Iris var. Reinette raised by Mr. Caparne (July 11).

Killerton, Devonshire, View of (November 28).

Killerton, View of Rockery in course of Construction at (Dec. 5).

Melbourne Botanic Garden, the Rock Garden in the (August 29).

Meryta Sinclairii, in the Temperate House at Kkw (December 19).

Mount Usher, co. Wicklow, Views in the Gardens of (Sept. 12).

Nicotiana Sander* (October 10).

Narcissus Mhs. George Barr (August 1).

Portraits of Messrs. Ben Ashton, W. L. Bastin, N. Davis, W. H.

Divers, R. Fenn, R. A. Horspool, S. Mortimek, W. Pop«, D.

Thomson, and H. W. Ward (Vegetable Conference Supp., Oct. 3).
Rotterdam Zoological Gardens, View in the Conservatory at thi

(September 26).
Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, View in the Conservatory

at the (July 25).
Shiplake Court, Views in the Gardens at (Oct. 17 and Oct. 24).
Versailles, View in the Park of the Little Trianon (Nov. 21).
Versailles, View from the Terrace at (Nov. 14).
Versailles, View showing thk. " Orangerib " (December 26).
Vine, the Great, at Cumberland Lodge (November 7).
Views of Messrs. Cadbury's Estatk at Houkni:-. ii.lf. jmil-ad

(August 15).

(For General Illustrations see next page.)

Vlll Tlie Gardeners' Chronicle,)

INDEX.

Deeernber 2t>, 1903.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Abington, Athenian gate at, 381
Agave filifera, var. filamentosa, 101
Alyssum spinosum in Mr. Bulley's

garden, 42
Angra^cum Kothschildianum, 131
Anthracnose of the Vine, 1G8
Apple Middle Green, 291
Apple Cyder-tree in Devonshire, 173
Apricot attacked with Gelechia

nanellft, 185
Artichoke, a Jerusalem, 11, 235;

new Long White, 252
Artichoke Globe Perpetual, 258

B

Barr, V.M.H., portrait of Peter, 83
Bean, Runner, Butter, new, 269
Bean, The Progress, 253
Begonia His Majestv, 309 ; B. laci-

niata, 308 ; B. Marie Bouchett,

71; B. Our Queen, 369
Birch-leaves, orange rust on, 347
Browne, William, portrait of, 30

Cabbage St. Martin, 253 ; C.
Wythes' Early Gem, 251

Cacao fruit with portion removed to
show seeds, 115

Cacao, stem of, with fruits and
flowers, 115

Calochortus amabilis (pulchellus),
141 ; C. pulchellus (true), 133

Campanula calycanthema growing
on a wall, 351 ; C. Vidali, tine spe-
cimen of, 330, 331

Cant & Sons, B. R., hedge of Ayr-
shire Roses, 7 ; and view in gar-
den, 17

Canterbuiy Bell with a coloured
calyx, 267

Cantharellus cibarius, 213

Cattleya Pittiana, J. Wilson Potter's
variety, 189

Cauliflower, Incomparable, 258

Cedar, historic, in Jardin des Plantes,
Paris, 265

Cedrus Deodara at Linton Park,
Maidstone. 400

Celosias in W. Clibran & Son's Nur-
series, 315

Cereus Greggii, 93

Chiswick, view of fruit exhibition in
the great vinery at, 305

Chrysanthemum, Mrs. J. Dunn, 385 ;
C. Miss Elsie Fulton, 424

Clematis, fungus on, 299

Coprinus comatus, 212

Cordyline australis in the Delgany
. Nurseries, co. Wicklow, 399

Coriaria terminalis, 282

Covent Garden, view of the new
foreign flower market at. 111

Crocus Caspius, 443

Cromarty House, kitchen garden at,35

Crossosoma Californicum, 130

Cucumber, a new, 70; lateral pro-
liflcation of a, 170 ; scab (Clados-
porium scabies), 172

Cucumbers, crop of seeding, 283

Cycas revoluta out-of-doois at Salt-
ram, 415

Cyder Apple, an excellent, in Devon-
shire, 173

Cydonia japonica, 436; C. (Pyrus)
Maulei, 435, 436

Cypripedium glaucophyllum, show-
ing habit, 405

Cypripedinm roots in a glass pot,
383

Dahlia imperialisgrowing in Queens-
town, Cape Colony

Dictsmnus Fraxinella at Wisley,
409

FLOWER-garden at Claverton, 34

Gelechia nanella on Apricots and

Peach-trees, 185
Gladioli Nymph and Lady Muriel

Digby, 171
Gooseberry-mildew, American, 12

H

Habenaria carnea with eight flower-
spikes, 323

Hanbury, K.C.V.O., portrait of Sir
Thomas, 118

Harrow, a garden at Roxeth, near,
332

Heaths in a market nursery, 391

Helvella crispa, 2 12

Hippeastrums, group of, shown by
Captain Holford, at Shrewsbury,
179

Hollies in W. Clibran & Son's nur-
series, 314, 317, 322

Humphreys, Thomas, portrait of,
53

I

Irises, alpine, near the Simplon

Pass, 19
Itea ilicifolia, 375

Jardin des Plantes, historic Cedar
in the, 265

K

Kew, view in the temperate-house
at, 187

L.elia x Helen, 417
Latham, W. B., portrait oF, 53

Lawn-mower, a motort 61
Lupines, a group of, 201 ; a vase of,
203

M

Mallep. & Sons, Messrs , Heath

grounds, 391
Marasmius oreades, 213
Marrow, new Custard, 251
Melampsora laricis on Birch, 347
Molyneux, Mr. Ed., portrait of,

219
Mount Usher, co. Wicklow, riverside

view in the gardens at, 81
Mullins, portrait of Mr. George,

155

N

Nectarine, a bicolor, 27

Nolina Beldingii in S. California,

43
Nymphaea gigantea, 63

Oaks, aged, at Waverley, Massa-
chusetts, U.S.A., 51
Odontoglossum crispum var. Sybil,

37
Opuntia aoracantha, 92 ; O. arbores-

cens, 30 to 40 feet high, 90; O.

coccinellifera,92; O.diademata.91 ;

O. Ficus indica and O. microdasys,

92 ; O. Ficus indica, flower of, 89 ;

O. leptocaulis, var. longispina, 90 ;

O. monacantha, fruit of, 89; O.

stricta, 89 ; O. subulata, 89 ; O.

subulata at La Mortola, 91
Orleans House, Peach and Nectarine

house at, 349
Ovularia Clematidis on Clematis,

299

Palms in Queensland " scrub," 55

Passiflora edulis, 202

Pea Edward Beckett growing at
Framfield, 235

Pea, tall three-podded, 258

Peach - house at Orleans House,
349

Pear Beurre Alexander Lucas, 300 ;
P. Beurre Perren, 300 ; P. Charles
Ernest, 301 ; P. Doyenne du
Cornice, 333 ; P. Michaelmas Nelis,
307; The Conference, 306; mal-
formation in, 364

Philadelphus mexicanus, 218

Pinus Pinea, fine specimen of, over-
turned by gale, 285 ; P. sylvestris,
shoot of, showing the tufts of
leaves in whorls, 298

Plum, Rivers' Monarch, growing
against a wall at The Poles, Hert-
fordshire, 393

Potatos, showing the method of pro-
pagation of, by cuttings, &c, 234

Pumpkin Nicaise, 269

Queensland, Arcbontophcenix Cun-
ningbami and Calamus Muelleri
growing in the " scrub " in, 55

Raspberry, Condor, 194
Renanthera Storiei with 21U flowers

open in Singapore, 340
Ribes speciosum, 71
Rose arcade at Claverton Manor, 9
Rose arch of the variety Fejicite-

Perpetue at Milton Court, 3
Rose-covered arbour, a seat in a, 2
Rose Lamarck, 3 ; R. Mrs. John

Laing with its long, flexible shoots

tied out, 9
Roses, hedge of Ayrshire, in Messrs.

B. R. Cant & Sons' nursery, 7

S

Saltram, views in Lord Morley's
garden at, 414, 415

Selborne, Gilbert White's home at,
440, 441

Shallot, Russian, mistaken for an
Onion, 250

Shrewsbury Show, photographs of
the, 150, 151, 152, 153, 160, 101

Sirex gigas, 200

Smith, James, portrait of the late, 232

Sparaxis tricolor on Dr. Norton's
lawn, Sydney, Australia, 15

Squash, Mirepoix Musk, 269

Spruce-branch affected with Me-
lampsora pinitorqua, 347

Strawberry President Loubet, 70

Tree-tie, Beckett's, 327

Trianon, Versailles, view in the park

of the little, 259
Truffles, true and false, 205
Timber, excentric rings in, 25
Turnip White Round Epernay, 269

Vegetables, exhibited by Mr.
Gibson at Reading, 237 ; exhibited
by Mr. Beckett at Chiswick, 275

Vellozia equisetoides in flower at
Kew, 425

W

Ward, the late John, 374

White, Gilbert (house and sundial

at Selbourne), 440, 441
Wisley, views of the new Royal

Horticultural Society's garden at,

123, 409
Worcestershire County Instruction

garden at Hasbury, 221
Wythes, Mr. Geo., portrait of, 219

Ztgopetalum Roeblingianum, 227

July 4, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

THE

No. 862.— SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Acetylene light as a Roses, misnamed ... 1

moth-trap 7 Rothamsted Experi-

Asplenium ebenoides . 6 mental Station ... 7
Commissariat at Hoi- Rubus reflexus r. mo-
land House show ... 6 luccanus 4

Duthie, M 7 Saxifraga Guildford

Eupitorium odoratum 2 Seedling 2

Euphorbia pulcherrima 4
Fruit prospects in Corn-
wall 3

•Grape Lady Hastings . 4

Herbarium, the oldest t>
Journal of the Royal

Horticultural Society 4

Morris, Sir Daniel ... 6 Rnua.lRortipiiUnra.1fiH

Cloths, slaughter of ... 7 Koyai Horticultural b, 11

Peach blister 6 Sweet Peas 3

Plants, new or note- ] Sweet Peas in America . 6

worthy— Viburnum opulus, par-.

Eueomis Jacquinii ... 1 tialdeathofa 4

Poa annua a self-ferti- Week's work, the—

User 2 Flower garden, the... 4

Rose Fortune's Yellow 3 Fruits under glass... 5

Roses, and how to grow Hardy fruit garden... 5

them 8 Kitchen garden, the. 5

Roses at the Temple Orchid hou-es, the... 5

Show 6 Plants under glass ... 4

Societies —
Bristol Gardeners' ... 11
Gloucester and Chel-
tenham Hort. ... 11

Iiinnean 13

National Rose ... 8

Richmond Rort. ... 11

ILLUSTRATIONS.

12

American Gooseberry mildew

A seat in a Rose-covered arbour

Hedge of Ayrshire Roses in the garden of Messrs.

B. R. Cant&Sons 7

Rose arcade at Claveiton Manor 9

Kose arch of the variety " Felicite Perpetue" ... 3

Rose Lamarck arranged in a bowl 3

Rose Mrs. John Laiug with its shoots supported by

props 9

MISNAMED EOSES.

I WAS somewhat astonished, when looking over
some manuscript notes on Eoses, to discover
the exceeding number of plants having not the
■slightest relationship to the true Eose that are
or have been called by that name. A too cursory
■examination might lead to the supposition that
"these names had been bestowed without considera-
tion, so great is the discrepancy existing between
such plants as the Pea, the Hollyhock, the
■Cherry, the Willow, and many others, as well as
the Eose itself. As a fact, however, in very few
instances is there any difficulty in tracing the
connection. The great majority have flowers
like single Eoses ; and indubitably that is the
reason why they have been called Eoses. Others
are like double Eoses, while in the case of a
very few leguminous plants, it is not easy to
trace the connection. For the sake of distinction
these " Eose " plants may be divided into sec-
tions— those named after other plants ; those
Staving some distinctive appellation, such as
■water, sun, or wind; others named from a
season of the year, or after a country, or, in the
case of the smallest number, after a person. Of
the latter, the Mary Eose is Ledum palustre,
St. Mary's and Juno's Eose, Lilium candidum ;
the Gipsy Eose, from its dark colour, Scabiosa
■atro - purpurea ; the Woodman's Eose, Eubus
spectabilis; and Christ's Eose, the same as
Christmas, New Year's, and Winter, which is
rightly Helleborus niger. The oriental species
of Helleborus are well known as Lenten Eoses ;
und the double Daffodil, not the single, some-
times has the same designation. Cistus annutts
is the Eose of a Year, Kerria japonica the
Summer, and Viburnum Opulus plenus the May

Eose, though Eosa cinnamomea is more correctly
so called, as in Moore —

" Sooner shall the Eose of May
Mistake her own sweet Nightingale."
The Viburnum is noteworthy as still bearing
an old, but erroneous name, Gueldres Eose, an
eighteenth - century improvement on which is
Guelderland Eose ; but if we are to credit Par-
kinson, the correct form is Elder-Eose, or rather
Eose-Elder, the equivalent of Sambucus rosea,
its Latin name in bygone days. Spiroea opuli-
folia, it may be noted in this connection, was the
Virginian Elder - Kose. Most persons would,
without hesitation, declare for a species of the
true Eose as being the China, but Hibiscus
syriacus and Astragalus sinensis, both have a
prior claim. Then someone has tried to improve
on Gipsy for the Sweet Scabious, and denominated
it Egyptian ! One of the oldest designations be-
longing to the French Marigold is Indian Eose ;
while the Camellia at one time in current speech
was the Eose of Japan. Lupinus luteus flourished
under a variety of names, bestowed upon it,
according to Parkinson and Coles, in order to
cheat the buying public, one such being the
apparently meaningless Virginian Eose. It has
an interest of a kind, as indicating a custom long
established among nurserymen to offer the horti-
cultural world wares from a new country under
taking names. Turner described the curious
Anastatica hierochuntica as the Eose of Jericho,
which on the Continent is commonly associated
with the Virgin Mary, and described as her Eose ;
while Eose of Sharon, which has been a stumbling-
block irremovable by any commentator, is the
popular name among gardeners of Hypericum
calycinum, Eosin Eose being less commonly in
use. The South Sea Eose, Nerium odoruin
plenum, was at one time well known ; and about
200 years ago, in that age of artificialities, Eose
Tremier did duty for Hollyhock, which has also
been called Beyond - the - Sea Eose, Holly Eose,
and Eose Mallow. Eose of Heaven I have found
nowhere save in Mrs. Loudon's book on Annuals,
and that is perhaps her own rendering for Agro-
stemma Cceli-rosa. Then for the Buttercup, a not
common equivalent is Butter-Eose, which I note
also as being applied to the Primrose. Marsh Eose
is also uncommon, while Water Lilies.it may not be
generally known, had a narrow escape from being
Water Eoses — a designation pretty and appro-
priate, and having, moreover, first claim. The
Wind Eose is naturally the Anemone ; while the
Sun Eose is Helianthemum vulgare, sometimes
called the Holly Eose, but more commonly the
Eock Eose, from its delighting in a sunny posi-
tion on rocky banks. Convolvulus Cneorum, C.
Dorycnium, and Daphne Cneorum are also Eock
Eoses, as well as a number of species of Cistus
and Helianthemum. The common Sea Pink is
appropriately known also as the Cliff Eose, because
it avails itself of the most '.unexpected positions
on the faces of sea cliffs, existing, to all appear-
ance, without any soil to support it. In forgotten
books, Eose Pomey, an Eugenia, and Eose Mar-
tinico, a Hibiscus, occur. Then there is the
peculiar Eose Noble, for Wild Comfrey ; the
Elizabethan name Eose-a-Eubie for Adonis
autumnalis, and Eo3e-root or wort for the Eose-
scented Sedum rhodiola, by Lyte named Eose-
water.

It remains now to pass in rapid review the
many plants possessing Eose as a distinguishing
name, and of which it must be said nearly all
have dropped out of current use. Among these
are some we could ill afford to lose, as, for in-
stance, Eose Jessamy, which the notorious Dr.
Hill has rescued from oblivion. The plant is still
cultivated as Jasminum Sambac fl.-pl., and though
smelling as sweetly as it did in the days of
powdered wigs and monstrous head-dresses, no
one would imagine so from its present name.
Pieonies are hereabouts called " Peeny - Eoses,"

an interesting modern use of an ancient name,
for Gawain Douglas relates how a —

" Cure was done by Esculapius sle
Throw the myeht of the rois Pione."
In some pastoral districts it was known as Sheep-
shearing Eose, because the flowers were available
at the season sheep yielded their fleeces to the
shepherd's shears. The Poppy very naturally was
called Corn-Cup, and Copper Eose ; and it was
the unlucky means of causing poor Gerard to
perpetrate one of the most ridiculous of his
blunders— that where he testifies to red Eoses
growing among corn in Cheshire ! Agrostemma
Githago has also been noted as a corn Eose, but
possibly by mistake ; but there is none in the case
of A. coronaria being the Eose Campion. In
" Master Tuggie's Eose Gilliflower " we have the
earliest use of the word to indicate the form of a
petal, the so-called Eose-leaf . Parkinson, it may be
said, was fond of the name. With others already
mentioned, he is responsible for the Eose Cowslip,
a double green variety ; green Cowslips and Prim-
roses, being rather popular, and so common that
Spenser refers to them in the Shepheardes Calendar.
The double form of Prunus avium is described as
the Cherry Eose ; his Eose Cranesbill is decidedly
prettier than our Bloody Geranium ; and for
Tradescant's Eose Daffodil he could discover no
fitter name. Some are, however, much older
than John's day ; Eose Persely, for instance,
dating back to Turner, who apparently means
Anemone hortensis, but later writers mean un-
doubtedly Anemone coronaria. Eose Pea too is
of great age, and indicates a variety that pro-
duced its flowers in terminal clusters. Miller
calls it Eose of Crown ; and as the Crown, Scotch,
jit Mummy Pea, it would appear to have held its
position as a highly esteemed variety during a
very lengthened period. Other Legumes com-
prise Lupinus pilosus, the Eose Lupine ; Meli-
lotus officinalis, the Eose Lotus ; Eibinia hispida,
the Eose Acacia. Eose Columbine and Eose
Jonquils are old names of double forms of
these flowers ; Eose Mallow, a modern equiva-
lent of Malva rosea ; while Eose Laurel carries
us backwards again many centuries, this and Eose
Bay being applied to the Oleander, in each in-
stance the one name being descriptive of the
foliage, the other of the flower. Eose Bay applies
also to Epilobium hirsutum ; while E. angusti-
folium, one or two species of Ehododendron, and
Kalmia latifolia also have an interest in it. Cistus
salvifolius has been called the Sage Eose, Ver-
bena Aubletia, Eose Vervain ; and in the south of
Scotland, Juncus squarrosus is a Eose Bent. In
addition to these there are a few abnormal forms
of vegetable growth that could only be described
by old writers by the word " Eose." Such are the
curious forms of Plantago lanceolata, Eose Eib-
wort ; P. major and P. media, both of which Gerard
called Eose Plantain ; and to conclude the series
mention must be made of Salix Helix, L., the
young growths of which being malformed by a
Cynips intent on the duties of maternity, retain
the appearance of rosettes after the fall of the
leaf, and on that account we find such names as
Eose Willow and Eose of Cambridge applied to
it. R. P. Brotherston.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PUNTS.

ETJCOMIS JACQUINII, C. H. Wright.
Two plants have been confused under the name
of Eueomis nana. The original, described by
L'Heriti'»r, in his Sertum Amjlicum, p. 17. has
obovate leaves, long, and tapering to the base ; its
peduncle is spotted with purple, and the comal
bracts have a distinct purple border. This is
the plant figured in the Botanical Magatint,
t. 1 196, and for which tho name E. nana should
1m' retained. The other plant, figured under the
same name in Jacquin's Hort. Schanbrunn, i., t. 92,

2

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 4, 1903,

also has obovate leaves, but they taper less to
the base, and are comparatively broad ; the
inflorescence is destitute of purple. For this
latter plant, which has recently flowered at Kew,
I propose the name E. Jacquinii. C. H. Wright.

POA ANNUA A SELF-FERTILISER.

' In his interesting observation on this grass,
Mr. Lynch does not allude to the most important

within the anther-r ells. Nearly the whole of a
panicle may be still compacted and half hidden
within the leaf-sheath, while the anthers of the
uppermost spikelets have shed their pollen. The
topmost splkelet is often female, and, of course,
must receive a grain from some other floret. '

The entire spikelet does not stand more than
from a A in. to at most 1 \ in. above the soil among
the blades cut short by the mowing machine.
Every grain is set when there is to wind at all. y

FlG. 1. — A SEAT IN A EOSE-COVEKED ARBOUR.
(From a photograph by F. Mason Good.)

Mr. Lynch touches upon the wider question of
the supposed superior advantages of intercrossing.
From a florist's point of view, this is undoubted ,
but the " stimulus " is not permanent. This
question was settled a quarter of a century ago.
I would refer Mr. Lynch to my paper on " Self-
Fertilisation " (Trans. Linn. Soc., 1877), to
Mailer's •' Fertilisation of Plants " (1883), to my
"Origin of Floral Structures" (1888), and to
Kerner and Oliver's "Natural History of Plants,"
s. "Autogamy."

With regard to " Essex's " enquiry, I can only
speak from my own experience, as given. Let
" Essex " try it at once, in a small portion, ancji
let it seed freely. If he finds that it begins to
oust the others, let it seed itself freely,' and
perhaps next year it may be mown, as it will die-
its usual annual death. It has practically filled
my lawn in five years, and makes an .excellent
and soft "pile." George Hensloiv.

point, viz., the exact period when the anthers
first burst and shed their pollen. My own obser-
vations lead me to conclude that this" takes place
as soon as the florets open, when the stigmas
protrude and the anthers are just abpve them,
i.?., before the filaments are elongated. to their
full extent. Indeed, sometimes the pollen has
escaped before the florets open. So rapid is the
process, that the anthers of any floret may have
lost all their pollen before the one next below is
open at all. As far as I have observed, in no
caBe were the elongated filaments, when hanging
out to their fullest extent, with any pollen still

I still, therefore, adhere to my view of self-
fertilisation. If any pistil of one floret happen
to receive the grain of pollen required to fertilise
it from another. on the same plant, this is prac-
tically equivalent to self-fertilisation ; but the
latter is far the more probable. The well-exposed
stigmas and the anthers hanging, out of the
floret are no proofs of intercrossing. It depends
upon the time which elapses between the matura-
tion of stigmas and. anthers. If this : be zero,
and the two are made together, and that before
the filaments have elongated, then self-fertilisa-
tion is the result. . j ... l . . i.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

SAXIFRAGAGUILDFORD SEEDLING.— In writing-

of the coloured forms of the mossy Saxifraga "is
tae Gardeners' Chronicle recently. Mr. S. Arnott-
mentions the above. As there appears some
doubt as to its origin, and as the gentleman in
whose garden and collection it first appeared is-
no longer wjth us to speak for the plant he so-
much cherished, I will place on record that which
I know concerning it. I was spending the day
with the late Mr. Selfe Leonard at Guildford'
some three or more years ago, when in going into
the garden almost his first words were — " I have
got something I think you will like ; " and he
straightway took me to the plant now known as
Saxifraga "Guildford Seedling." After a good deal
of admiration, and asking many questions, Mr.
Leonard distinctly told me that " we know ■
nothing about it, more than the fact that it
occurred here as a spontaneous seedling ; in fact,
we have nothing like it." Then it was that I
pointed out the resemblance in growth and other
particulars, as, e.g., time of flowering, height, &c.,
tOj Saxifraga Ehei, with the result that a plant of
the latter was compared with the seedling, and.
upon closely examining each plant, Mr. Leonard
agreed with me that it must be a chance" seedling
from S. Ehei, and so far as I know of he„n,e.ver
wavered from that opinion. With his wonted
kindness, Mr. Leonard very early sent tae
a ' plant of the new kind. This then is; T
believe, all the history attaching to this
fine plant. I regret, however, to find that there-
is a spurious form in .circulation, not nearly so
good or rich in colour, and without one of the
most distinct characteristics of the true plant,
viz., its richly - coloured stems. Grown fully
exposed, that is without frame protection and the
like, the Guildford plant is of interest from the
very advent of the flower-stems, and their rich
colouring is maintained till the greater beauty of
the intense-coloured blossoms is revealed. I know
of.no other species that so strongly embodies this-
fine feature. It is, however, sufficient to give a
clue to the true plant at a glance, even before the
flowers expand. S. Fergusoni I have not grown,,
unless I have it under another name, for I have
an inferior plant to the above, which is distinct
also from S. Ehei. I agree with Mr. Arnott's.
remarks as to the distinctions between S. mus-
coides and S. Ehei. In its profuse flowering, its-
greater freedom also, and in the conical cha-
racter of the growth, i.e., rosette, S. muscoides
atro-purpurea differs widely from the greener,
more hairy, sparse-flowering, and flat, table-
shaped rosette of S. Rhei, for example. By the
way, there is yet a large flowering kind of S. Ehei
known as S. E. superba. It differs simply in being
of larger growth, greater stature, and in having
decidedly larger flowers. It is, in truth, an.
enlarged S. Ehei. E. Jenkins, Hampton Hill.

EUPATORIUM ODORATUM. — It is pleasing to
' notice that reference has been made to this odd
and somewhat neglected plant. When well
grown, few decorative subjects give such good
returns for the time and labour spent on them.
For some years I have grown a good batch for-

Jclt 4. 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

3 7

Fig. 2.— noisette rose lamarck : flower white, with centre

of DEEP straw COLOUR.
(From a photograph by F. Mason Good.)

conservatory decoration during the autumn and
winter months, and when the plant is placed
among zonal Pelargoniums, Chinese Primulas,
&0.3 the light fluffy flowers give lightness and
finish to the arrangement, and they last for a
considerable time in good condition. Another
small-growing Eupatorium, and equally useful as
the foregoing, is E. riparium. The habit of the
plant may be faulty, but this can be overcome
by timely staking and disbudding. Cuttings
rooted early form plants that will commence
to flower in January, and continue to produce
flowers for eightor nine weeks. Eupatoriums may
appear rather commonplace subjects, but where
a large number of decorative plants are required,
and the means of production limited, easily
grown and useful plants have to be considered.
H. S.

FORTUNE'S YELLOW ROSE.— Having a plant of
this favourite Eose under my charge, I have closely
followed the recent interesting correspondence,
boping that information would be forthcoming £ s
to the cause of and a suggestion of a remedy for
the shedding of the foliage. Judging from the
remarks of the several correspondents, it would
appear rather singular that the dropping of the
leaves should generally take place at the same
stage of growth, viz., just before the buds open.
The plant in my charge is growing in an inside
border, and is trained on the east side of a span-
roofed house, and as a rule we get a good quan-
tity of blooms ; but the leaves are more or less
liable to shed just as the flowers are about to
expand. As Mr. Fyfe points out, any Rose devoid
of foliage has lost half its charms ; which is espe-
cially true of Fortune's Yellow, the elegant foliage
forming a perfect setting for the flowers. My im-
pression is, that if the supply of moisture in the
atmosphere and at the roots is carefully regu-
lated, the evil may be greatly reduced. H. Slark.

8WEET PEA8.— The discoveries of Mendel
opened a wide field for experimental work. For
some years I have been specially interested in
the subject of seed sports and reversions amongst
florists' flowers. Everyone must have noticed
that the Sweet Pea seems to become more and
more inclined to sport. From experiment and
observation I have come to the conclusion that
those who take the trouble to closely observe the
sports, and compare them with sports occurring
in other parte of the country, will find very

clear evidence of the working out of some fixed
law. It is Mendel's. Last year there was a con-
troversy over the new white Sweet Pea Dorothy
Eckford. The decision of the National Sweet Pea
Committee was, that it was the result of the
accidental mixing of the seeds of a new white
variety with that of Miss Willmott. Has anyone
proved this decision to have been incorrect ? I
think I have.' The fact of several growers sending
up the same form as a sport from Miss Willmott
proves that it occurred simultaneously in several
paits of the country. If. the seed had been mixed

by a wholesale house, this would be easily ex
plained ; but if the same sport occurs in Miss
Willmott the next season and again in this, what
are we to think ? Again, if a number of Dorothy
Eckford show a marked tendency to revert to
Miss Willmott (which they do), why should they ?
Last season it was observed that some of the
seeds of Dorothy Eckford were black, the majority
being white. I have this season seen the result
of keeping the black seeds separate. The
white-seeded remain true, but the black-seeded
seem very undecided, and in a row of 12 feet
in length I have noted every transition from
pure white back to Miss Willmott. I enclose
blooms herewith, to show the intermediate
states. Carefully saved seeds of Miss Willmott
I have known sport to a pure white, iden-
tical with Dorothy Eckford. We will assume
that a cross has been made, and the progeny is
Miss Willmott ; we will, as in Mendel's experi-
ments, call it the dominant form. As all know,
natural cross-fertilisation in Sweet Peas is prac-
tically impossible, and therefore for a certain
number of seasons we have a true Willmott
progeny. During these seasons the recessive
form has been gaining power, and eventually
shows itself— as a sport. Is it not possible and
probable that Dorothy Eckford is the recessive
form of a cross made some years ago? This
season, I find Lidy O. Gore, a cream, sporting
freely to a form near to Othello; and Navy
Blue is sporting in the same manner to a
purple-maroon. Why should a large number
of seeds sport to a definite colour ?
J. J. Cole, 8, Arlington Terrace, Dereham. [The
flowers described as the produce of black seeds
of the variety Dorothy Eckford, are all more
• or less pink in colour, appearing like a badly
selected strain of Miss Willmott, but they do not
include such a white flower as Dorothy Eckford.
If Dorothy Eckford is a sport from Miss Willmott,
there is nothing unusual in the new variety re-
verting in instances to the type, particularly
before it has been more or less fixed by selection.
Ed.J

FRUIT PROSPECT8 IN CORNWALL. — We have
the worst fruit year we have ever had. The
sharp frosts and cold winds in April were disas-
trous, and the only good crops we have are White
Currants on a north wall ; Strawberries, and
three or four Apple-trees — Allen's Everlasting, a
seedling, Luscombe.and Apple Blanche, a variety

rax. - ***• ■;^&0Sffi«£ffi

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Fig. 3. — an arch of r >se felicitk -ps&P£Tuti ax MILTOK ooubt

(8eo Gardener, Chronicle, June 10, li"C3, p. 389.)

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 4, 1903.

of which there are a few trees in the neighbour-
hood of Plymouth, said to have been grown from
grafts brought from France after the occupation
of Paris in 1815. It bears very well every other
year, and is a fair Apple for dessert. Louise
Bonne of Jersey, Clapp's Favourite, and Croft
Castle, are the only Pears with any crop upon
them. No Plums, but Figs abundant. Henry
Rogers, Hartley, Plymouth.

THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICUL-
TURAL SOCIETY .— I quite agree with Dr. Bo-
navia, that this is attaining unwieldy dimensions,
and that the expense of printing a large quantity
of notes on subjects which interest only a very
small portion of the Fellows, is partly wasted.
It would be far better if the Proceedings were
separated from the Transactions, and the latter
were only sent to those Fellows who consider
them worth paying for, as is done in the case of
the Zoological Society. H. J. Elwcs, Colesborne.

GRAPE LADY HASTINGS.— This variety came
into commerce with strong encomiums from the
Gardening press, as having all the good qualities
that a good Grape should possess. I purchased a
plant of it soon after its appearance, and planted
it ; but by the autumn it was almost dead,
and in the following spring it failed to grow
again. The vendors generously replaced it by
another vine. I was therefore hoping that this
would quickly exhibit the strong growth this
variety was said to make, unless restricted at the
roots. In two years this vine has made about
18 inches of growth, of about the thickness of an
ordinary pipe-stem. That scarcely points to this
vine requiring a restricted root run ; or is this
luxuriant growth the same as the other good
points claimed for this variety ? A Grape that
will ripen with the earliest, and possesses a
Muscat flavour, and a berry as large as that of
Gros Colmar, which will hang well when ripe,
ought to be worth growing. I have never seen
fruits of the Lady Hastings Grape, and am giving
the vendor's description as far as my memory
serves me. Perhaps some reader of the Gar-
deners' Chronicle who has cultivated this variety
successfully will favour readers with the par-
ticulars of his treatment of the plant. Paul T.
More.

PARTIAL DEATH OF A VIBURNUM OPULUS.
— A remarkable instance of this appears in a
forecourt garden at Ealing. What was pro-
bably the sterile form (Gueldres Rose) was
originally planted ; in course of time, the stock
triumphed over the scion, and formed a good
head, which for a time bloomed freely and pro-
duced its bright red berries in the autumn. Then
a few years ago, hypertrophy began to put in its
appearance, so that gradually every twig on every
branch showed excrescences. The result is, that
all the branches springing from a main stem,
5 feet or so in height, and which formed a dense
head, are dead. But from the main stem, just
below the point where the branches radiated
from the trunk, strong and vigorous growths are
being put forth, as robust and healthy as one could
well desire. Excess of moisture is said to be a
cause of these excrescences, but as an asphalte
path divides it by a few feet only from a deep
drain which carries away the surface water, I
can scarcely imagine this to be a cause, especially
as on the other side, and not more than 8 feet
or so away, there is a rather deep basement to
the dwelling. If the death of the branches arose
from some disturbance at the roots, one would
scarcely imagine the youug growths would be so
vigorous. I should have thought the trunk would
have decayed in the same manner as the branches.
R. Dean, Ealing. [The cause of the production of
these hard excrescences is unknown. We have
known for many years a Thorn bush (Crataegus)
covered with them. They are so hard, that an
ordinary knife cannot cut them. Ed.]

RUBUS REFLEXUS B. MOLUCCANUS — At the
Ghent Quinquennial Exhibition, held this year,
plants of a distinct and attractive Eubus were
shown by M. Duval and others, under the name
of R. reflexus, said to have been of Yunnan
origin. I saw and purchased some of these
plants, and they now fill a bed on one of the
lawns at Kew, where they promise to be a success,
the growth being vigorous, and the leaves ele-

gantly lobed, velvety green with grey variegation
above, and covered with soft, pale cinnamon-
brown pubescence beneath. This plant differs
from R. reflexus as represented in Bot. Mag.,
t. 7716 (1900), mainly in the grey variegation of
the leaves ; in their form, pubescence, and spines
there is no difference. This figure was prepared
from a plant which for years has clothed a pillar
in the Temperate-house at Kew, where it blooms
freely in August, the flowers, like those of the
common Blackberry, white, J-inch across ; but it
does not ripen fruits. There is a marked differ-
ence between this and R. moluccanus as grown at
Kew for many years, both in the Palm-house and
Temperate-house, where it climbs to the top of a
jullar 20 feet high, and produces in autumn large
clusters of purple fruits, larger than the largest
of Blackberries, and as juicy and sweet. This
plant has orbicular, lobod, rugose leaves, with a
whitish pubescence on the under side ; it also
produces much stouter shoots than R. reflexus.
It will be seen from what is here stated, that the
plant shown at Ghent by M. Duval, and after-
wards at the Drill Hall by Mr. Lloyd, is R. re-
flexus, and not R. moluccanus, although it is
figured under the latter name in the last
volume of the Gardeners' Chronicle (see p. 309).
[K. reflexus is made synonymous with R. moluc-
canus in the Kew Index, and in the Keif Hand-
List of Tender Dicotyledons. Ed.] For garden
purposes we might adopt the name of R. reflexus
pictus for this plant, to distinguish it from the
green-leaved type. I send herewith leaves of the
former and of R. moluccanus for comparison.
W. Watson, Kew.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

EUPHORBIA (POINSETTIA) PTJLCHERRIMA.

The following method is a good one by which
to obtain fine plants. Some old plants should
now be planted in a cold pit, and the atmosphere
kept close until they are established, when the
lights may be removed. By September the
plants will have made several strong growths ;
and the tops of these, about 3 inches long, should
be taken off and inserted in 3-inch pots, in which
pots they will flower. Plunge them in a propa-
gating case having a brisk bottom heat as soon as
they have made roots ; remove the young plants
to a shelf in a temperature of 60°, and shade for
a few days from sun. When they are growing
freely, feed them occasionally.

To prevent Poinsettia cuttings from bleeding
to great extent, cut the stem halfway through ;
in a week's time the cut portion will have cal-
lused, when the other half can be severed.
Cuttings taken in this way will root much more
quickly than those taken at one cutting. J. Murray,
Sopley, Christchurch.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Maynk, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Gardenias. — Repot young plants before they
become pot-bound. The pots in which they will
flower need not exceed 6 inches in diameter, and
unless the available loam contains much fibre,
let peat form the major portion of the compost,
adding a good proportion of sand. Pot firmly, and
afford the plants a warm and moist atmosphere
until growth is finished.

Bouvardias. — In the warmer counties these
plants succeed out-of-doors during the summer
if placed in partial shade. Ours are stood under a
north wall at 2 feet from the base, where they get
sunshine in the mornings and evenings. Pinch
the shoots at the second joint during the next
four or five weeks. Examine the plants fre-
quently to ascertain if any need water at the
root, and syringe them overhead on fine evenings.
Any requiring more root space should be re-
potted, and a neat stake put to each plant, to
which the principal branches may be supported
with a band of raffia. Turn round the plants
each week to prevent them becoming one-sided.

Young plants that were rooted this spring should
be kept under glass for another month. ' •

Humea clegans needs to be afforded water with
very great care ; a little weak manure water may
be given them once a week. They show to the best
advantage if not tied up stiffly, and are suitable
for planting singly in vases. Seed may now be sown,
in shallow pans for next year's supply, the pans
being filled to within 1 inch of the rim with equal
parts of loam and leaf-soil, to which should be added
sand and a small quantity of powdered plaster or
lime-rubble. The drainage must be perfect. Water
the soil an hour or so previously to sowing the
seeds, and cover them very slightly. Put the
pans in a cold pit or frame, and shade from the-
sun until germination has taken place. "Prick,
out the seedlings into other pans as soon as they
become fit.

Hydrangeas. — Plants rooted in March or April
will need a shift into 4j-inch or 5J-inch "pots.
The first-named pot is quite large enough for the
weaker-growing variety, Thomas Hogg. Let
the compost consist principally of loam, with a
sprinkling of bone-meal. Pot firmly, and return,
the plants to a cold frame until re-established.
They may then be placed in a sunny position
out-of-doors, so that the growth may get tho-
roughly ripened. In respect to the white variety,
Thomas Hogg, I pinch out the point as soon as.
the cuttings are rooted. These plants, if i well
ripened, should carry from three to five heads of
bloom. Cuttings of half-ripened shoots may
still be inserted singly in small pots, which I
place under a hand-glass in a shady corner, and
keep moist and close until rooted. These late-
plants should not be pinched, and should be
potted finally early next year. Old plants, if
intended for another year's service, should be cut-
hard back after flowering, and afforded a little*
heat and moisture, until they have made growth.
2 inches in length, when they may be afforded
larger pots if it is considered to be necessary.,
and may then be placed out-of-doors. , H. pani-
culata grandiflora is useful for late flowering, and
should be fed twice weekly until the flowers
begin to expand.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tai.lack, Gardener to E. Mili.ee Mcndy, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Tulips.— It is a moot-point as to whether the
late flowering Tulips should or should not be
lifted annually. My experience is that in light,
sandy soils the bulbs may safely be left for two-
or three years at the least, but that on the whole-
it is best to lift them, and the present is am
excellent time for so doing. When the old
flower-stems can be twisted round the finger
without breaking, the bulbs are fully made up..
One reason for lifting, especially where the soib
is not of the best for Tulip culture, is that it
affords an opportunity for sorting the bulbs and
reserving the best for planting in the more-
important positions, thus eliminating the chance
of there being vacancies where these would be-
most undesirable. I do not advise the throwing
away of the small bulbs, as if these are planted
in the reserve garden they will probably make
excellent bulbs for planting the next year or later.
In most gardens Tulips are undersized this year
owing to hailstorms and cold having injured the
leaves, which did not allow of the bulbs finishing;
up satisfactorily.

Hesperis matronalis flore pleno. — The double
white Rocket, although a favourite plant in most-
gardens, is seldom met with in good condition, it-
not being a very easily grown plant. Better
results than are usually observed would follow
if the flower-stems were cut quite down to the
ground as soon as the flowering is over, and the
side shoots taken for making cuttings late in the
month of August. These shoots root quickly,
and make strong plants. Leaving the flower-spikes
on a plant prevents the growth of side-shoots, or
at any rate these growths do not become strong.

Bedding Plants. — Gaps in the flower-beds may
be filled up from the reserve of plants. At
Shipley, I am now planting out Cannas, as until
quite recently the weather has been too cold for
them ; but now, given warm weather and plenty
of manure in the soil, the plants will be in good
form by early autumn — a time when Cannas are

July 4, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

most appreciated. Fuchsias, if the flowers are
not yet wanted, will be much relieved by the
removal of the flower-buds, and to do so will tend
to keep the plants in flower till late in the year.

Bedding Plants in Baskets or Vases. — These must
receive close attention in the matter of affording
water, and some kind of mild liquid manure.

Gladiolus. — These are much benefited by a
■dressing of guano, followed by a copious applica-
tion of water. When well nourished in this
manner, the corms that appeared small when
planted will grow to large sizes, and often afford
finer spikes than those obtained from corms of a
larger size, which frequently have an unfortunate
habit of going off with the "yellows" just as
they should be throwing up good flower-spikes.

Dahlias should receive plenty of manure, and
have water copiously applied when the weather
as hot and dry. Few plants repay good cultiva-
tion better than Dahlias. Let the growths
be tied-in fairly closely, as if neglected in this
particular, high winds cause much harm.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

The Fig. — The sunless weather of the past few
weeks has been unfavourable to growth and to the
ripening of the fruits, and in order to make the
most of sunshine, remove every shoot that is not
required for extension or for fruiting next year.
The overcrowding of the shoots is a potent cause
of immaturity in the wood, and consequent shy-
ness to bear; moreover, such embryo fruits as
there are do not winter satisfactorily, and light
crops are the result. Secure the shoots to the
wall with ties of bast or with nails and shreds ;
train a young shoot over each main branch, as
sun scorching from full exposure will sometimes
cause a check, and result in the loss of many of
the fruits. See that the trees are well supplied
with water, especially on light soils, and apply a
mulch of farmyard manure over the roots. If
red-spider should appear on the leaves, forthwith
apply an insecticide, and heavily syringe the
foliage once a day.

Out-of-door Vines. — Let the young shoots be
fastened to the walls betimes, for being sappy
and brittle, the wind causes much havoc. A foot
space is not too much to leave between the shoots
in the case of Eoyal Muscadine, and 1\ ft. to
1J ft. between those of Sweetwater and Black
Prince varieties. Stop the shoots at the third or
fourth leaf beyond the bunch, and stop all lateral
shoots at the first leaf beyond the point of origin.
As soon as the fruit is set, begin to thin, and thin
freely. Very good Grapes can be and are grown
on south walls in the south and west of England
when proper attention is given the Vines. Cheap
foreign Grapes has put out-of-door Vine-culti-
vation in this country in the background. Still,
very nice bunches of Sweetwater, Black Prince,
and other varieties can be obtained in most
seasons from walls facing south.

Currants and other Small Fruits.— If the birds
are troublesome, all fruit having attractions for
them should be enclosed in nets attached to light
posts, planks being employed at the ground-level,
to which the edges of the nets may be attached ;
and if enclosures be erected 7 feet high, it is
preferable to laying the nets on the plants.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Piqott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Celery. — The earliest plants should now be
■examined, and all side growths and split leaves
■carefully removed ; and if the weather be dry,
water must be freely applied, as well as liquid-
manure occasionally. No earthing-up should be
done unless the plants are full-grown and heads
are requiredfor some special earlyoccasion. Celery
at this season requires from five to seven weeks
to blanch properly. Keep late crops well sup-
plied with moisture, both at the root and like-
wise overhead, in hot weather ; and let the soil in
the trenches be stirred with the hoe — a capital
aid to the quick growth of plants. Late sowings
should be planted-out, if this be not already done.

Coleworts should be planted-out as fast as the
summer crops are cleared away, choosing if
possible showery weather for carrying out the
work ; and if hot and dry, puddling the plants, and
affording a thorough application of water when the
planting is finished. Plant in drills drawn 15 ins.
apart, and allow a space of 12 ins. from plant to
plant. Make a sowing on a south border of the
Rosett; and Hardy Green Coleworts, to come into
use late in the year, and early in the spring ;
these withstand the rigours of winter much
better than those of the earlier sowings.

Endive. — Make sowings of the Batavian and
curled-leaved varieties; and thin the earlier
sowings as soon as these are ready, planting
some of the thinnings in a shady part of the
garden, affording the plants plenty of water at
the time, and as often afterwards as may be
necessary.

Lettuce. — Where salads are much liked, it is
advisable to make small sowings at intervals of
ten days, and thin out the plants as soon as they
are fit to be handled, planting some of the thin-
nings on a border facing north, and taking care
not to let the plants lack water.

Cauliflowers with heads turning in should have
the latter covered by breaking down a few of the
leaves over them, or by tying the leaves together.
If the heads are turning-in faster than they can be
consumed, pull up, bind the roots in damp moss,
and hang them head downwards in a cellar or
other cool place, syringing them lightly twice a
day. The Walcheren and Magnum Bonum
varieties, if planted on a south border on well-
manured and deeply-dug land, yield small white
heads that are much valued for the best table.

Tomatos. — The out-of-doors plants should have
their shoots thinned and trained. They are best
grown on the oblique cordon system, as by this
method the fruit is well exposed to sunshine.
The soil should be often stirred with the Dutch-
hoe, and when the fruits are in course of
development, liberal top - dressings of rotten
manure should be afforded.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexandeh, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holfoed, Westonblrt, Tetbury

Odontoglossums newly imported. — Many
thousands of newly imported plants have been
distributed during the last month, and a few
hints as to the proper treatment of such plants
may not be out of place. These plants are usually
in a greatly shrivelled condition, requiring careful
management. During the first week after arrival
at the purchaser's, the shading afforded should be
of a heavy description, but after that period the
ordinary shading of the Odontoglossum - house
will suffice. The plants should not be placed
directly on arrival in their pots, but stood upright
in shallow boxes on some moist sphagnum.
Before putting them in the boxes, let all decayed
and useless stuff be removed. No over -head
syringing is called for till a beginning of growth
is observable. When signs of growth have become
general, pot up he plants, and treat in the usual
manner.

Cochlioda noetzliana and C. vulcanica are pretty
Orchids, now in flower in the Odontoglossum-
house. The plants are of small growth, and
should properly be cultivated in pans, which
should be suspended from the roof, or afforded a
light position on the stage. The same sort of
compost as that which I recommended for Odon-
toglossums is suitable for Cochliodas, making it
moderately firm about the roots. The repotting
of any that require it may be carried out at this
part of the season, when the new growths have
reached a height of about an inch ; but on no
account should the plants be disturbed at the
roots if it be not really necessary. The plants
need a good supply of water when in full growth.

Caclogyne Dayana. — This beautiful species might
now be afforded a shift into a larger pan or
basket, if the materials need renewal. Large
specimens, the compost of which may be in a sour
condition, may be broken up and replanted in a
rough porous compost consisting of equal parts
of turfy peat and turfy loam and half-decayed
leaves, a small quantity of sphagnum chopped
up, and silver-sand. This plant is not a difficult
one if it be given a position in a warm house.

where it can be freely syringed, and is afforded
liberal supplies of water at the roots whilst
making its growth. It should be kept compara-
tively dry while resting.

L&lia, cinnabarina. — We have in this plant a
parent of several handsome crosses, such as L.
Latona, L. c. Highburyensis, L. c. G. S. Ball,
L. c. cinnabrosa, L. c. Hippolyta, and others.
These produce handsome spikes of flowers under
good cultivation. They, as well as the parent
plant, should be grown in the lightest part of
the Cattleya- house, and be afforded water in
abundance, and be syringed overhead when
making their growth. The present affords a
suitable time at which to repot or top-dress
them.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Do not neglect trees
from which the fruit is consumed, but syringe
them at least once daily so as to keep the foliage
free of insect pest3 ; and be as particular as
formerly in applying water to the borders when-
ever necessary, with or without manure, accord-
ing to the vigour and cropping capabilities of the
trees. Leave the ventilators open continually
to their widest extent, and shut off artificial
heat. Cut out all superflous shoots, so that those
left for next year's fruiting may have the full
benefit of sunshine and air.

Melons. — At this season newly planted-out
Melons make rapid growth, and in order that
this may not be of too soft and unfruitful a
nature, the soil should consist of a good, fairly
heavy loam, to which is added a small quantity
of mortar-rubble and charred garden refuse, but
no manure of any kind. In a soil of the above
kind the bine will grow of a moderate degree of
strength, and the flowers will set readily. When
tfee fruits are swelling, the subsequent treatment
will consist of rich top-dressings applied occa-
sionally, plenty of weak liquid-manure, and an
occasional sprinkling of an artificial fertiliser,
which should be immediately followed by an
application of water. Do not apply water quite
close up to the stems, especially if the soil be re-
tentive, as if this be coupled with imperfect
ventilation, damping-off just at the soil-level may
occur. Should decay set in, dust the affected
part with quicklime or charcoal powder, and re-
peat the application till the tissues have dried up.
Ventilate freely in fine weather, close early with
plenty of atmospheric humidity, and syringe the
plants thoroughly. The temperature may rise at
closing time to 90°. In order to prevent red-
spider from getting a footing on the plants,
syringe the foliage vigorously with tepid water ;
and if aphides appear on the plants, employ XL-All.
Let seeds be now sown for affording plants for
fruiting in the months of September and October.
Plants carrying fruit of full size should be
afforded water cautiously, or splitting may occur.
Make sure that the fruits are supported in
nets or on square pieces of wood. Do not be in
haste to dry off the borders which contain plants
having ripening fruit, but apply as much water
as will bring to maturity naturally the fruits
which are a few days behind the earliest in
point of ripeness. Kipe fruits may be kept in
good condition for a considerable length of time
by being placed in a dry, airy fruit -room,
choosing perfectly sound specimens.

Cucumbers. — Let all fruits be cut when of a
serviceable size, not keeping them on the plants
till full-grown. The variety Improved Telegraph
is an abundant cropper, so much so as to make it
necessary to thin the fruits in the early stages.
Apply rich top-dressings as soon as the roots
come to the surface, and, except in the case of
very young plants, apply water daily if necessary,
and occasionally afford liquid-manure. Kemove
some of the old bine and foliage without causing
a check ; that is, do this little and often, laying-
in young shoots to take the place of the old.
Afford air whenever the weather is favourable,
maintain a humid air in the house or pit at all
times, and syringe the foliage early in the morn-
ing and at closing time. Keep a temperature at
night of 70°, and by day 10° to 16° higher. Deal
with insect pests as advised for Melons.

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[July 4, 190a. ,

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, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be written on one bide only of
the papf.r, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dec. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement.

Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see,

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK.

SATURDAY, July

[SociStc Franchise d'Horticul-
| ture de Louures, meet.
4 - Rose and Horticultural Shows

»t Sutton and Waltonon-

Thames.

! Royal Horticultural Society's
Committees. Leclure on
" Hardy Irises."
Wolverhampton Floral Fete
(three davs).
Rose and Horticultural Shows
at Gloucester and Harrow.

/•Rose and Horticultural Shoes

WEDNESDAYS 8 ^o^^^^reVa^6™1^
(. Ealing.
, ) Rose Shows at Bath, Eltham,

THURSDAY, July 9

( and Woodbridge.

p-rttiav Tittv in I Royal Botanic Society: Lecture.

FRIDAY, Juli I0-) Rose ghow at ulverston

/"Royal Botanic Society Meet.
q»Tnnri4v iTTTvii'Rose an<i Horticultural So-
SATURDAY, July 11- ciety at Manchester Botanical

I Gardens.

SALES FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, JOLY 10—

Orchids in great variety, by order of Messrs. Sander
& Sons ; and private collection, at «7 it ex, Cheapside,
E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 30.

(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Tempebatuhe for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-632".
Actual Tempebatobes :—

UnrDOB.^July 1 (6 p.m.) : Max. 78": Min. 58'.

July 2 (Noon) : Fiae ; warm, 94°.
Pbovincms. — July 1 (6 P.M.) : Max. 73", Eastern
Counties ; Min. 55°, Shetland.

A week ago no one, in the
Roses. . Home Counties at any rate,
would have ventured to pre-
dict the occurrence of such a good show of
Boses as was to be seen in the Temple
Gardens on Wednesday last. True there
■were some blank places, true the quality
was not of surpassing excellence, but for
all that it was very good indeed. The
National Rose Society is so whole-hearted,
and its officers so energetic and so courteous,
that they deserve to succeed ; and they have
done so. The weather was all that could be
desired, though towards midday the " Prin-
cesses " and " Countesses," the " Souvenirs "
and the rest of them began to show
signs of distress, and made us wonder
what they would look like if a second
day's trials were superimposed on the
first. The details of the Show are
dulycVronicled in our report. We can only

notice here some special features of interest.
The first note is one of surprise at the excel-
lence of the exhibition as a whole, after such
a period of stress as we have gone through-
The next note is one of great satisfaction
that the reign of ugly boxes is doomed.
For specialists' purposes, or for the
adjudication of new Eoses, they may
last a little longer, but no one who
saw the beautiful effect produced by show-
ing Eoses with long stems in vases will
care to prolong the stereotyped mode of
exhibiting. The "new" Eoses had a tent
all to themselves, but we cannot say they
deserved such a distinction.

In the Champion class in the Nursery-
men's classes, Messrs. Harkness were
placed first, probably because on careful
scrutiny individual blooms may have
been found rather weaker in the prin-
cipal competing group of Messrs. B. Cast
& Sons. In the Amateurs' section Mr.
Lindsell took first honours, followed by
Mr. Orpen. The Challenge Cup for Teas
and Noisettes was won by Mr. A. Hill
Gray. The groups of garden Eoses were
mostly too heavy and dense to be quite
satisfactory.

The table decorations were very charming.
The first prize went to Mrs. Orpen, who
showed a very simple and refined group of
single Eoses, intermixed with Adiantum
and trails of Myrsiphyllum — not very ori-
ginal in conception, but delightfully carried
out. Mrs. Holland took the second prize
with vases of Mrs. Grant Eose, intermixed
with long trails of bronzy Selaginella. For
further details we must refer to our report;
but in the meantime we may offer our
congratulations to the Society, and our
thanks to its officers, who were assisted on
this occasion by the staff of the Eoyal
Horticultural Society.

Royal Horticultural Society. — The

next Fruit and Flower Show of the Eoyal Horti-
cultural Society will be held on Tuesday, July 7,
in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster,
1 to 5 p.m. Lectures on "Hardy Irises" will be
given by Miss Armitage and Mr. Caparne, at
3 o'clock.

At a General Meeting of the Society held

on Tuesday, June 9, 132 new Fellows were elected,
amongst them being the Earl of Munster, the
Countess of Lucan, Sir Algernon West, K.C.B.,
Sir William Eden, Bart., Lady Liddell, Lady
Meyrick, and Lady Young, making a total of
90(1 elected since the beginning of the present
year.

The Oldest Herbarium. — Prof. O. Penzig,
of Genoa, is now in Rome, studying the ancient
herbarium of Gherardo Cibo, made before 1540.
It is a very interesting and well-preserved collec-
tion, and has been found in the Biblioteca An-
gelica in Eome. If we except the mummy
wreaths of Egypt, this may be taken to be the
oldest herbarium in the world.

New Publications.— Handbuch der Laub-

holz-Benennung . . .bearbeitet von L. Beissner,
E. Schelle, and H. Zabel. Berlin: Paul Parey.
A valuable list of hardy shrubs and trees, to
which we must refer shortly. Orchids, their
Culture and Management. By W. Watson and
H. J. Chapman. L. Upcott Gill, Bazaar Office,
Drury Lane.

The Commissariat at the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's Meetings. — We have
received various communications on this subject,
but as they seemed rather to be matters of

domestic concern than of public .'interest, we
referred the writers to headquarters. The
Holland House show has brought us further
remonstrances, so that we feel constrained to
call the attention of the authorities thus publicly
to the matter. The complaint is that the charges-
are excessive and the quality not adequate.

Sir Daniel Morris, K.C.M.G.— Those who
remember Dr. Morris's strenuous work at Kew
and at the Eoyal Horticultural Society will be
gratified to learn of the honour that has been
conferred on him. Sir Daniel has shown such,
whole-hearted energy in the development of the
agricultural resources of British Honduras, and!
more recently of the West Indies, that it is satis-
factory to find the Government recognising in
this way the efficiency of their officer. Sir
Daniel's chief aim has been to enforce the lesson
that the agricultural welfare of the Colonies is to
be increased mainly by the application of the
resources of science. To that end he is leaving
no means untried to promote the diffusion of
knowledge, and to teach the cultivators the best
means of turning their resources to account.

The Windsor Rose and Horticultural
Show, we are informed by Mr. W. Titt, Honorary
Secretary, was postponed from last Saturday,
owing to lateness of season, and will be held
to-day, July 4.

Sweet Peas. — It is estimated by a corres-
pondent of the Florists' Exchange that the crop-
grown in America amounts to 500 tons annually.
One firm at Santa Clara, California, has abiufc
300 acres devoted to this purpose, and harvested
recently 100 tons of seed.

"Amateur Gardening." — We have pleasure
in welcoming the thousandth number of Amateur
Gardening, which is a little paper very useful to
those for whom it is intended, especially con-
sidering its low price. It celebrates ijts. thou-
sandth appearance by the publication of a-
coloured plate of hardy Gaillardias ; and there
are various other illustrations.

The Great Eastern Railway Company's-
Tourist Guide to the Continent. — This
well-known guide-book, illustrated by Percy"
Lindley, comes to us with new illustrations and
particulars of tours in North Germany and
Tyrol, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and other
holiday haunts, and is therefore as good as 01-
even better than usual. The pictures are charm-
ing, and the maps useful for the intending
tourist.

ASPLENIUM EBENOIDES. — An interesting
instance of a Fern hybrid's bearing upon bota-
nical science is found in the case of the rare.
Fern known as Asplenium ebenoides. In all
botanical manuals this is set down as a good
species, but there has always been a suspicion
that it is a natural hybrid — a theory which its-
extreme rarity and irregular occurrence seemed
to bear out. Its indicated parents were Asple-
nium ebeneum and the Walking Fern (Camp-
tosorus rhizophyllus), members of totally different
genera. Acting on this suggestion, Miss Mab-
gAKET Slosson recently planted sections of the
prothallia of these two Ferns together, and had
the satisfaction of raising, not Asplenium ebeneum
or the Walking Fern, but true Asplenium ebe-
noides. Thus, after nearly fifty years, this Fern-
has been proved to be really a hybrid. W. Jtf.
Clute, " Fern Bulletin."

PEACH BLISTER has, if we may judge from
the numerous specimens that have reached us,,
been unusually prevalent this year. It is the
work of a fungus, Exoascus deformans, which
causes swellings and deformity of the leaves.
Nothing can be done at the time. It is one of
those many cases where prevention is far better

July 4, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

called. Spraying with Bordeaux
spring, before the leaves expand,

than cure so

Mixture in

affords the best chance of success. It must be

remembered that the mixture is apt to burn the

young leaves, hence it should be used before they

expand.

"The WORLD'S WORK." — The summer number
of The World's Work contains an article on the
Day's Work in Kew Gardens, illustrated from
photographs. The account is popular rather than
technical, but aims at giving an idea of the work
done in the several departments. ' This will
perhaps surprise the casual visitor, who thinks of
the Gardens as merely an improved form of

glaucous leaves and racemes of white bell-shaped
flowers; Ozothamnus thyrsoideus, apparently
very near to Helichrysum rosmarinifolium, a
shrub with linear revolute leaves and numerous
cylindric white flower-heads, spreading at the
tops like little stars, and Deutzia candidissima.

Mr. DUTHIE. — We learn that this gentleman
has retired from the post of Director of the
Botanical Department of Northern India, and
Director of the Botanic Garden, Saharunpore.

Acetylene Light as a Moth-trap. — A

correspondent in France recently inquired for
particulars relating to the use of acetylene lamps

put in action at dusk, preferably on dark nights. On
the first night one lamp caught 4,6)0 pyralids and
218 moths of other kinds. Daring July the lamps
average 3, too insects a lamp a night. The expense of
the lamps is reported to have been2cents a night each,
or 2J centsanightan acre. It is said tbat this method
of catchiog noxious insects is more efficacious than
any method which has been tried before." Special
cases require special remedies, but that is no reason ,
why moths should be caught indiscriminately, many
friends as well as enemies being thus destroyed. It is
never safe to use moth-traps unless the "catch "is
examined by an entomologist to determine of what it
consists.

The Rothamsted Experimental Station.
— On June 18 a party of about eighty farmers
from Essex, conducted by Mr. T. S. Dtmond, of

Fig. 4.— hedge of Ayrshire roses in the garden attached to Messrs. b. r. cant and sons' nursery, colchester.

(Photographed by F. Mason Good.)

recreation ground, and the illustrations of the
Director's room and of the laboratory will give
him a glimpse into portions inaccessible to the
general public, who have no idea of the amount of
work done at Kew in developing the resources of
our colonies and in promoting the sciences on
which all successful cultivation depends. Other
articles in this July number deal with Fruit and
Flowers in Guernsey (illustrated), and with
Where Farming Pays in England, which is a
brief account of work in the Fen district.

More Cornish Plants.— Messrs. Gaunt-
lett, of Redruth, send us flowering specimens of
Olearia macrodonta, Escallonia Langleyensis,
mentioned in our last issue, also of Andromeda
cassinirii'lia, now called Zenobia speciosa, with

for the capture of cockchafers. The following
extract may be suggestive : —

Wholesale Slaughter of Moths.— The vineyards
in the winegrowing distriots of Beaujolais, France,
have suffered greatly from the depredations of night-
flying moths, among which the pyralid was the most
prominent. The following method of killing these
insects has been adopted, and The Electric Jieriew pro-
nounces it a success. "Calcium carbide and water
are combined for the generation of acetylene gas, and
burners giviog a light of ten-candle-power are mounted
above each generator. Six ounces of carbide is oaid to
be enough to keep the Same going for as many hours.
Eight Inches below the burner is adjusted a shallow
circular dish, 20 Inches in diameter. A little water is
poured into this, and a thick film of kerosene is de-
posited on the surface of the other fluid. Thus is com-
pleted a trap to which the moths are attracted by the
flame. According to the authority just quoted, these
generators are set up about 550 yards apart, and are

the Essex County Laboratories, visited the Roth-
amsted Experimental Station, and were taken'
round the plots by the Director and the staff.
Visits were also made on the 19th by a similar
party of about forty farmers from east Herts, and
on the 27th by a small party of the members of
the German Agricultural Society visiting England
for the Royal Agricultural Society's show. The
plots at the present time are particularly in-
teresting, especially the Broadbalk Field, which
is carrying its sixtieth successive Wheat crop, and
the permanent grass-land, which hits been under
the same treatment for the last forty-eight years.

The Canterbury Gardeners' Society
will hold a Chrysanthemum Show on November
11 and 12.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 4, 1903.

ROSES, AND HOW TO GROW
THEM.

If readers do not know how to grow Koses, the
inability does not arise from want of preceptors.
The actual number of Koses in general cultiva-
tion is not so very much greater than the number
of teachers. This being so, it follows that there
must be differences in quality of the would-be
instructors. Some are specially good; some are
the products of actual experience and judgment ;
others are mere compilations, in which the smell
of paste overlays the fragrance of the Kose.
Some excel in particular departments, some treat
the matter technically, and some lighten the
details with wit and humour, and some overload
their pages with trite banalities and worn-out
sentimentality.

There is a great deal of sound common sense in
Miss [?] Violet P. Biddle's little book,* and no
superfluous verbiage. The varieties selected for
comment are among the best of their kind, and
the reader is not bewildered by lengthy cata-
logues. The author has not studied her Chronicle
lately, or she would not mis-spell " Felicite-
Perpetue " ; and a fuller index is desirable. Mr.
Horace Wright contributes a chapter descriptive
of some of the best of the more recently introduced
Koses.

So many are the books about Koses that it is
difficult to find distinctive titles for them. Mr.
John Weathers has selected one to which no
objection can be taken, for we have yet to see a
Rose which is not beautiful.j Mr. Weathers
enumerates the leading varieties under the
headings to which they belong, such as Hybrid
Perpetuals, Teas, Hybrid Teas, and so forth, and
indicates the methods of cultivation and pruning.
Historical details, which are of little concern to
the ordinary Rose-grower, but which are so full
of interest to the intelligent student, are not
forgotten. To him also the details of the kow,
why, and because of pruning will be very service-
able. A general index, and a special index of the
Roses mentioned in the text, are given, and no
fewer than thirty-three coloured plates are pro-
vided, in which the colour of the flowers is more
correctly indicated than is often the case ; but
the rosarian will be reminded of the extreme
difficulty experienced in attempting to reproduce
the exquisite shades of colour and the texture of
a Kose.

The tenth part of the reissued Century Book of
Gardening (George Newnes) contains an article
on "Exhibition Koses " by Mr. Edward Mawley.
Nothing further need be said to commend it to
the reader.

The Rose Garden. By William Paul, P.L.S.
Tenth edition. (London : Simpkin, Marshall,
Hamilton, Kent & Co., 4, Stationers' Hall
Court.) We learn that it is fifty-five years
since this well-known book first appeared, and
now, with further revisions and additions, it is
brought forward for the tenth time. It is not
greatly altered in general scheme and scope, but
there are new articles, or rather re-written ones,
on the botany and entomology of the Rose ; new
varieties are described, and mention of certain
older ones is withdrawn. The illustrations have
increased in number, and the coloured plates
show us some of the newest sorts of Roses. The
book is such an old friend to all rosarians, that
to mention its reappearance is a sufficient recom-
mendation—to praise it would be an impertinence,
but we cannot help saying it is the best of its class.

Of the Livre d'Or des Roses (Paris: Lucien
Laveur) we propose to speak on another occasion ;
suffice it to say now that it consists of a series of
quarto coloured plates with illustrative text, in
course of publication at regular intervals.

* fioses, and How to Grow Than, by Violet P. Biddle
(C. Arthur Pearson )

t Beautiful Hoses. By John Weatters. (SimpkiD
Marshall & Co.)

SOCIETI ES.

THE NATIONAL ROSE.
(METROPOLITAN exhibition.)
July 1.— TheanDual exhibition of the National Rose
Society was held in the Inner Temple Gardens, Thames
Embankment, London, on Wednesday last, in glorious
weather. The tents employed were the same as those
of last year, and measured 460 feet in length and 40 feet
in width. The show was so much better than the most
sanguine could have anticipated a week ago, that few
were inclined to criticise the blooms adversely; but it is
doubtless true that although they were equal, or nearly
equal, to those exhibited a year ago, the general
standard was below that oi the National Rose Society
in a propitious season.

No Gold Medal was awarded to new varieties, but
four of those exhibited were commended. The
arrangements worked very smoothly in the hands of
the courteous honorary Secretary, Mr. Ed. Mawley1
assisted by Mr. S. T. Wright, Mr. Reader, and Mr.
Thos. Humphreys, officers of the Royal Horticultural
Society.

NURSERYMEN.
MIXED RUSES.
The Champion Trophy and Gold Medal of the Society
accompanied the 1st prize for—

Hei'enlytwo blooms distinct varieties. - There were five
exhibits in this large class, as against five last year.
The 1st prize was won by Messrs. Harkness & Co.,
Hitchin, Herts. The varieties were : Backrow, Caroline
Testout, very fine; Etienne Levet, White Lady, Helen
Keller, Bessie Brown, Dupuy Jamain, Cleopatra, Duke
of Teck, Mrs. R. Garrett, La France de '89. Maman
Cochet, Rev. A. Cheales. Boadicea, Dr. Sewell, Mons.
Noman, Gustave Piganneau, Duchesse de Vallambrosa,
A. K. Williams, Lady M. Fitzwilliam, Francois Miche-
lon, Frau KarlDruschki, Marquise Litta, Marchioness
of Downshire, and Ulrich Brunner. Centre row. Grand
Mogul, Souvenir de S. A. Prince, Prince Arthur,
Souvenir de President Carnot, Madame Delville, Mrs.
Ed. Mawley, Duke of Connaught, White Maman Cochet,
Mildred Grant, Mrs. John Laing. E.Y.Teas, J ean Ducher,
General Jacqueminot, Madame Gabriellc Luizet, Horace
Vernet, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Suzanne-Marie Rodocanachi,
Madame Jules Grolez. Duke of Edinburgh, Marchioness
of Londonderry, Comte de Raimbaud. Laurence Allen,
Souvenir de Pierre Notting, and Golden Gate. Front
raw : Souvenir dun Ami, Xavier Olibo, Souvenir
d'Elise Vardon, Duke of Wellington, La France. Queen
of Queens, Madame Hoste, Earl of Dufferin, Madame
deWillemoz, Viscountess Folkestone, Pride of Waltham,
Comtesse de Ludre. Madame Cusin, Kaiserin Augusta
Victoria, Hon. Edith Gifford, Countess of Rosebery,
Margaret Dickson, Marie Baumann, Luciole Clara Wat-
son, Exposition de Brie, Madame Hausman, exceedingly
bright, Countess of Caledon, and Ulster. The 2nd prize ex-
hibit, from Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons, The Old Rose
Gardens, Colchester, was not much inferior to the one
already described, but it was a little marred by several
weak specimens. The following varieties were amongst
those represented in best condition :— Le Havre, White
Lidy, Countess Oxford, Papa Lambert, Empress Alex-
andra, Mildred Grant, Bessie Brown, Mrs. Ed. Mawley,
Countess Caledon, Rubens, Mrs John Laing. The 3rd
prize was won by Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Braiswick
Rose Gardens, Colchester, who had an excellent bloom
of the new white Rose Frau KarlDruschki. The un-
- successful exhibitors were Messrs D. Prior & Son,
Colchester ; and Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons, New-
townards, Ireland.

Forty distinct varieties (trebles). — There were four
exhibits in this class, and the number last year was
three. This year therefore, the class pontained 48D
blooms. The 1st prize was won by Messrs. B. R. Cant
»fc Sons, and amongst the varieties shown, those follow-
ing appeared most effective :— A. K. Williams, Bessie
Brown, Helen Keller. Mrs. W. J. Grant, Mildred Urant,
Frau Karl Druschki, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Ulrich
Brunner, Medea, Mme. (iabrielle Luizet, Helena Guillot.
and Prince Arthur; 2nd. Messrs. Alex. Dickson &
Sons, Ltd ; and 3rd, Messrs. F. Cant <£ Co.

Forty eight Blooms, distinct varieties.— Four competitors
entered in this class, and generally the blooms were of
satisfactory quality. Messrs. G. & W. H. Bukch, Peter-
borough.won 1st place, shorciDg the following varie-
ties: Back Sow, Caroline Testout, Marquise Litta, Ln
France, Tom Hood, Vi' countess Folkestone, Mar-
chioness of Downshire. Margaret Dickson, Francois
Michelon, Mrs. John Laing, Countess of Oxford, Char
lotte Guillemot, Gustave Piganneau, Ciio, Mrs. W. J.

Grant, Denmark, and Her Majesty. Centre Row, TJlric h
Brunner, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Rev. Alan Cheales,
Bessie Brown, Horace Vernet, Mrs. Ed. Mawley,
Duke of Edinburgh, Luciole, Frau Karl Druschki,
Madame Cadeau Ramey, Ulster, White Lady, Duchess
of Bedford, Medea, Marie Baumann, and Bladud.
Front row, Antoine Rivoire, Augustine Guinosseau,
Xavier Olibo, Lady Clanmorris, Madame Hoste,
Countess of Caledon, Anne Olivicre, Comte Raimbaud,
Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Dr. Sewell, Rubens, Exposi-
tion de Brie, Souvenir de President Carnot, Gabriel
Luizet, Maman Cochet, and Madame Eugene Verdier.
Messrs. Hugh Dickson & Co., Royal Nurseries, Belfast,
had a pretty collection of blooms of moderate size
but good colour, and were awarded 2nd prize ; 3rd,
J. Burrell & Co., Cambridge.

Twenty Jour blooms, distinct varieties.— In this class, in
which the selection is much less wide, the blooms
shown are frequently amongst the best in the show.
On this occasion a very good collection was exhibited
by Mr. Geo. Mount, of Canterbury (1st), his selection of
varieties being as follows -.—Back row, Caroline Testout,
very large sized, good blooms ; Ulrich Brunner, Mildred
Grant, Xavier olibo, Frau Karl Druschki, Mrs. J. Laing,
Marquise Litta, and Bessie Brown -.—Centre row. Prince
Arthur, Killarney, General Jacqueminot, La France,
Lady M. Beauclerk, an exceedingly pretty pink-
coloured Rose with broad petals, having cr-imped
or frilled margins ; Madame C. Ramey, Duke of
Edinburgh, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam. Front row, Mrs.
W.J. Grant, Souvenir de President Carnot, Mrs. Shar-
man Crawford, Viscountess Folkestone, Margaret
Dickson, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, Madame Gabrielle
Luizet, Mrs. Ed. Mawley ; 2nd, Mr. Chas. Turner, Royal
Nurseries. Slough : and 3rd, Mr. Thos, Rigg, Rose-
grower, Caversham, Reading. There were six exhibitors.

Twenty-four distinct varieties, trebles.— The 1st prize in
this class went to Slough, Mr. Chas. Turner having
won with a very creditable collection ; 2nd, Mr. Geo.
Mount; and 3rd, Messrs. Hugh Dickson & Co., Ltd.
The exhibits in this class were of good quality
throughout.

TEAS AND NOISETTES.

The principal class for Teas and Noisettes called for
24 single trusses of distinct varieties, and the 1st prize
was won by that distinguished cultivator of Tea Roses,
Mr. Geo. Prince, of the Longworth Nurseries, Berk-
shire. His selection of varieties was as follows :
his back row commenced with a grand bloom of Mrs.
Ed. Mawley, of very large size and capital colour,
which obtained the Society's Silver Medal for the
best Tea or Noisette bloom in the show ; con-
tinuing, the varieties were White Maman Cochet.
Souvenir d'un Ami, Medea, Muriel Grahame, Cleo-
patra, La Boule d'Or, and Maman Cochet. Centre row :
Mine. Hoste, Souvenir de S. A. Prince, Lady Roberts,
Princess of Wales (very poor), Princess Beatrice, Mme.
de Watteville, Empress of Russia, and Devoniensis.
Front row : The Bride, Countess de Panisse, Golden
Gate, Cornelia Koch, a very pretty bloom of Comtesse
de Nadaillac, of moderate size, Alba rosea, Souvenir
de Pierre Notting, and Bridesmaid. Messrs. D. Prior &
Son, who were 2nd, had good blooms of Maman
Co:het, Cleopatra. Rubens, and Innocente Pirola.
3rd prize, Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. It is commend-
able to the variety that in each of these collections the
best bloom was one of the excellent Mrs. Mawley,
named in compliment to the wife of the respected
Honorary Secretary to the Society.

Twelve blooms, distinct varieties.— Messrs. J. Burrell
& Co., Howe House Nurseries, Cambridge, won 1st prize
in this class from Mr. Jno. Mattock, New Headington,
Oxford. Messrs. J. Burrell, who had much greater
variety in colour, showed Mrs. Ed. Mawley, Souvenir
d'Elise Vardon, Souvenir de Pierre Notting. Boadicea,
Muriel Grahame, Catherine Mermet, Souvenir deS.A.
Prince, Souvenir d'un Ami. Empress Alex, of Russia,
The Bride, Comtesse de Nadaillac, and Lady Roberts.
In the 2nd prize collection, Medea, Cornelia Kock,
Mme. Hoste, and other white and cream-coloured
varieties were very pretty and good.

ROSES IN VASES.

There were several classes for Roses cut with long
stems, and exhibited in vases, but not so many as we
think would be appreciated by visitors.

Fourteen distinct varieties, three Blooms of each.— There
were only two -exhibits in this class, and the 1st prize
wis won from Mr. Geo. Prince by Messrs. D. Prior &
Sons. The varieties that had the best eft'sct, staged in
this manner, in vases, were Maman Cochet, Mrs. Ed.
Mawley, Souvenir de S. A. Prince, Marie Van Houtte,
Caroline Kuster, Cleopatra, and The Bride. Mr.

Jci/?[H lf03.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

9

Fig. 5. — rose mes. john laing.

Showing the effect of tying out a variety that makes long flexible shoots. The plant, of which

only a portion is represented, carried fifty-nine r>uds and blooms.

(From a photograph by G. E. Low, Dublin.)

Prince's best treble consisted of Ihree uncommonly
fine blooms of the variety Mrs. Ed. Mawley; Medea
was very good in colour, as was Bridesmaid ; Madame
Hoste and Muriel Grahame also were of commendable
quality.

Twelve distinct varieties.— In the collections of twelve
blooms, ODly varieties mentioned in the National
Rose Society's Catalogue of Exhibition Roses were per-
mitted, and not more than six varieties of Teas or
Noisettes. Seven blooms were shown of each variety,
and they were arranged equally around the vases, so
that they faced each direction . There were four very
good exhibits, and the finest was one from Mr. George
Mount, who had good blooms upon thick stems, bear-
ing healthy well-developed foliage as well as flowers.
His varieties were Ulrich Brunner, Liberty, Mrs. W. J.
Grant, Mrs.Sharman Crawford, Clio, General Jacque-
minot, Mrs. Jno. Laing, Caroline Testout. Madame
Luizet, Margaret Dickson, Marquise Litla. and another.
The 2nd prize was won by Mr. George Prince, his
best blooms being Bessie Brown, Anna Olivier, Mar-
quise Litta, and Mrs. W. J. Grant; 3rd, Messrs. R.
HARKNESS& Co., Hitchin, Herts.

Nine distinct varieties of Teas and Xoitcttes, exhibition
varieties — Mr. Geo. Prince was unchallenged in this
class, and staged nine fine bouquets of seven blooms
each, in vases, upon a black velvet ground cover, that
usually accompanies the Longworth exhibits. His
centrepiece was a bouquet of Mrs. Ed. Mawley, and the
best remaining ones were Madame Hoste, Rubens,
Medea, and Hon. Edith Gifford.

GARDEN R03ES.

The glorious "garden'' Roses, as they are termed,
which include all those varieties that excel in free-
flowering qualities, and are therefore more decorative
in the gardens, though less perfect when cut as single
specimens, than the exhibition varieties, were shown
in capital condition. Several are figured in our illus-
trations this week.

Thirty six diilincl varieties, not fewer than three trusses of
each.— In this exacting class, Messrs. Paul & Sox,
the Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, Herts, won 1st prize
in this class, and exhibited a collection of excel-
lent quality, and gorgeous ell'ect. Wo can only
mention a fen of the most effective varieties, which
included Una, a beautiful single white hybrid Briar,
more than 3 inches across; Madame A. Chatenay,
Camoens, Madame Pernet Duchcr, Dawn (beautiful),
Marquiso de Salisbury, R. macrantha, W. Allen
Richardson, Prolific, a ; pink • coloured Moss Rose;
Boule de Neige, Purple East, rambler; Reine Olga do
Wurtemburg, one of the very best; Madame lues
Grolcz, and LibcrJy. The 2nd prize collection was ono
[rom Messrs. Frank Cant A Co. In this stand tho
semi-double crimson flowers of Fabier had an un-
common effect ; Liberty and Killarney, Lady Battersea
and Gustavo Regis, Irish Glory and Soubtette Messiny,

were all capital. Messrs. George Cooling .i Sons, of
Bath, were 3rd.

Eighteen distinct varieties.— Mr. Geo. Prince, of Lorg-
worth, won 1st prize for eighteen hunches, and had a
grand exhibit. His varieties included Madame E.
Resal, Madame A. Carnere, Eellefleur, a new H. P.
Rose, having nearly single flowers, of rich rosy re i
colour, 1 inches across; Tlnlia. Janet', Pride, a pink
hybrid Sweet lirisr : Madame Chedanne irellow). Pa-
pillon, Purity, Claire Jacquier the new Rambler Queen
Alexandra, Leuchstern, Hebe's Lip. W. A. Richardson.
Marquis of Salisbury, and R. Mosehata alba : *nd. Mr.
Chas. Tirseb; and 3rd, Messrs. G. Cooling A Sons.

Eighteen JUstinrt ]'arUties of Summer flowering Rotes
(H.P.'s, H.T.'s, T.'a, and Chinas not admissible) -These
Roses made a very pretty display iodced. Messrs. F.
Cant & Co. won 1st prizs with the following varieties
Maiden's Blush. Rubens. Mme. Plantier, Red Pro
vence, The Lion, Persian Yellov. Rosa Mundi. Loctda
■Plena, Myrianthes, Dundee Rambler, Ioermis, Wall-
flower (most showyi. Tuscany, Claire Jacquier, Hebe's

Lip, Leuchstern, The Garland, and Rod Damask. 2nd
Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt.

Each exhibit of garden Roses was arranged on a
separate table, so that the visitors could walk all round
each— a very appreciable improvement upon the con-
ditions on a former occasion.

ROSE3 IN* POTS.
There was a class for Roses in pots, but the result
was poor, there being but one exhibit. Mr. C Turner,
of Slough, however, staged a collection, and was
awarded 1st prize.

MEDAL ROSE3.

The Society's Gold Medals for premier blooni9 shown
by nurserymen were awarded as follows. For the best
H.T. Rose, Bessie Brown, shown by Messrs. D. Prior &
Son, in his exhibit of seventy-two Roses ; the best H.P.,
Mrs. John Laing, exhibited also by Messrs. D. Prior &
Son; and the best T., Mrs. Edward Mawley, exhibited
by Mr. Prince.

OPEN CLASSES.

Twelve Hybrid Teas, distinct— 1st, Messrs. D. Prior &
Son, Colchester, with Mildred Grant, Robert Scott,
Bessie Brown, good in general this year; Lady Mary
Fitzwilliam and Countess of Caledon were the best
developed flowers. 2Dd. A. Dickson Ji Sons, Ltd. The
flowers of Mildred Grant, Alice Liudsell, Lady Clan-
morris were very much finer than the rest of the box';
3rd, Messrs. Frank Cant, Braiswick, Colchester. The
oxamples of Caroline Testout and Mildied Grant were
good.

Twelve Blooms of any White or Yellow Rose.— 1st,
Messrs. Alexander Dickson &Sons, Ltd.. with Bessie
Brown, a lot of flowers in the greatest perfection; 2nd,
Mr. John Mattock, New Headington, Oxford, with
Medea, a variety seldom met with in other collections
this year. There were three competitors.

Twelve Blooms of any other Hose than white or yellow. —
1st. Ifessrs, Alex. Dickson, with blooms of Mrs. W. J.
Grant, very fresh and bright-looking, growth and
foliage vigorous; 2nd, Mr. Chas. Turner, Royal Nur-
series, Slough, with that fine variety Mrs. John Laing ;
Mr. Geo. Mount, Canterbury, and Messrs. D. Prior, it
Son, Colchester, were equal 3rds. There were ten
exhibits in this class.

Nine Bloom*, distinct - 1st, Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons,
Ld., wilh very flue blooms of MildredGrant, and there
was a remarkable ab-ence of weak blooms in the ex-
hibit; 2nd, Messrs. G. Bunyard A Co, Royal Nur-
series. Maidstone, with generally very tine blooms of
Frau Karl Druschki and Robert Scott, the latter a very
full light pink flower, outer petals of which reflex;
3rd, Messrs. P. R. Cam, with Frau Karl Druschki.
There were three competitors

NEW ROSES.
Twelve Bloom* of new Jioses.— 1st. Messrs. B. R. Cant Be
Sons, The Old Rose Gardens, Colcheiter. Nice flowers

Fig. f — Tin: uose'arcade at . i.wi i . \ majtob, NKAB BATH.

ao

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

[July 4, 1903.

of Alice Lindsell, of a blush tint and pretty form ;
Pe-le von Godesberg. creamy white, petals apparently
too few to make a fine flower; William Askew, bright
piDk, a globular bloom fairly full, with a shell petal;
Frau Peter Lambert, flower pink with a yellowish tint,
and outer petals which reflex; Mildred Grant, very
pale blush; Robert Scott, a shell-petalled, pale pink
blocm; other varieties were not at their best. 2nd,
Messrs. F. Cant & Co., Braiswick, Colchester, whose
best flowers were Alice Lindsell, Boadicea, Edith
D'O'mbrain, Mildred Grant, Souvenir de Jean Ketten.
Equal 3rds were granted to Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons,
Royal Irish Nurseries, Newtownards: and to Messrs.
Paul & Sons, Cheshunt. There were four competitors.
New Seedling Roses, or Diitinct Sport/.— Card of Com-
mendation was awarded to a seedling named Mrs.
Orpen.won by O. G. Obpsn, Esq., Colchester, a very
large single-flowered variety, with broad petals of a
light pink hue; to climbing Rose Maharajah, a deep
velvety crimson single-flowered variety, shown by
Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons; and to a climbing Polyantha
. Rose Blush Rambler, shown by the same exhibitors as
the last-named; it is a profuse bloomer, the flowers
eoming in termiual trusses; and to Rosa polyantha
Madame Lavavasseur, shown by Mr. W. J. Woods,
Bwatheling. Exhibits in this class were few.

DECORATIVE CLASSES.

Three Sprays of Roses.— No 1st prize was awarded, but
Mr. Geo. Mount, Canterbury, was placed 2nd, with
compactly formed sprays of white, crimson, and pink-
coloured varieties, rather stiff and inelegant; 3rd, Miss
Jessie P. Laughton, Raymead, Hendon, the sprays
consisting of Alice Brunner, Souvenir de Catherine
Guillot, to. Four persons competed.

Twelve varieties oj Single-flowered Roses.— 1st, Messrs.
S. Cooling & Sons, Bath, with large bunches, set up
with plenty of Rose foliage. We noted the yellow
Austrian Brier, The Lion, Leuchtstern, single white
rugdsa moschata alba, and Irish Glory, a flower of a
rosy-crimson hue, &c 2nd, Messrs. Paul & Son, Ches-
hunt, Herts; the display consisted of massive bunches
of leafy shoots and blossoms, including R. rugosa alba,
Brenda, a bright pink flower; The Lion, a purplish-
erimson ; R. rugosa, Paul's large flowered; Andersoni,
with crumpled petal, pink Carmine Pillar, &c.

Nine distinct varieties of Button hole Roses.— 1st, Mr. G.
Prince, Longworth, Berks, whose exhibit consisted of
bunches of about eight blooms in the bud state, of
the varieties Innocente Pirola, Marie Van Houtte,
Papillon (pink), Ma Capucine, Souvenir de S. A. Prince
(one of the choicest vars. for a button-hole), Souvenir
de J B. Guillot (crimsoD), very bright and nice;
Madame Perny, a pretty yellow filbert-shaped bud'.
Mr. John Mattock, was 2nd, and among his varieties
ware nice blooms of Jas. Watt, a blush-white; Souvenir
Catherine Guillot, Cecile Brunner, a small flower
more useful in the open state than as a bud; Papa
«ontier, a crimson filbert -shaped bud, and Mme.
Falcfrtr There were only two exhibits in this class.

An Archof Roses.— 1st, Messrs Paul & Son, Cheshunt,
one-half of the arch being covered with Tea Rambler]
semi-double pink-flowered variety, and H clone, similar
In form, but of a lighter shade of pink. The display
wasjformed of long shoots bearing flowers placed in
vessels of water; 2nd, Mr. G. Pbince, with climbing
white Pet and Queen Alexandra j 3rd, Mr. J. Mattock.

AMATEUR SECTION.

CHAMPION TROPHY CLASS.

Thirty six blooms, distinct varieties.— 1st prize, E. B.
Lindsell, Esq , Hitchin, Herts, whose best blooms
were Mrs. Grant, Muriel Grahame, splendid; Lady
M. Fitzwilliam, White Lady, a grand flower ; Marquise
Litta, A. K. Williams, Mildred Grant, Prince
Arthur, Alfred Colomb, Ulster, Horace Vernet,
Dr. Sewell, F. Michelon, Duchess of Portland, and
Madame Gabrielle Luizet, a really fine array
of good flowers. 2nd, O. G. Obpen, Esq, Col-
ehester, whose finest blooms were, Antoine Rivoire,
Mildred Grant, Souvenir de S. A. Prince, Maman
Coohet, Bessie Brown, Catherine Mermet, Cleopatra,
Ernest Metz, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, and Ulrich
Brunner. 3rd, Conway Jones, Esq.. Hucceleote, Glou-
eester. There were five entries in this important class,
and the standard of quality for the season was high.

For twenty-four varieties, 1st, Alfred Tate, Esq.,
Leatherhead, Surrey, who showed Comtesse de Na-
iaillac, Mrs. Grant, Horace Vernet, Marqui.e Litta,
and Mrs. Ed. Mawley, in very fine condition; 2nd,
Thos. B. Gabhiel, Esq., Woking, whose Souvenir
•VEllse Vardon, Mrs. Grant, Golden Gate, General
Jacqueminot, and Mrs. J. Laing, were the best ; 3rd,

equal prize for Alexander Hill Gray. Esq., and E. M.
Eversfield, Esq.

Twelve distinct varieties, three blooms of each — 1st,
E. B. Lindsell, Esq , Hitchin, who had Mrs. Grant in
superb form, and very fine Anna Olivier, Marquise
Litta, and Mrs. Sharman Crawford ; 2nd, C B. Hay-
wood, Esq , Reigate, whose Caroline Testout, Mar-
garet Dickson, Gustave Piganneau, and Madame G.
Luizet, were the best; 3rl, Conway Jones, Esq.,
Gloucester. There weie four entries.

Sine Blooms of any Rote txz'pting Tea or Noiiette.— 1st,
Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Hivering-atte-Bower, Essex,
with Caroline Testout, in fine form ; 2nd, C Ii. Hay-
wood, Esq., Reigate, with Mrs. J. Laing.

Twenty-four Blooms, distinct.— 1st, R. G. Wist. Esq.,
Reigate, with excellent Madame floste. La France,
Mrs. J. Laing; 2nd, W. C. Romaine, Esq ; 3rd, E. M.
Eversfield, Esq., Horsham, Sussex.

Eight diitinct varieties, three Blooms of each.—'E. M.
Eversfield, Esq , Horsham, was 1st, with finely
coloured Ulrich Brunner, Madame G. Luizet, Captain
Hayward, and Kaiserin Augus'a Victoria; 2nd, W. C.
Romaine, Esq., Old Windsor, with good specimens of
Madame Gabrielle Luizet and Medea ; 3rd, C. W. E.
Duncombe, Esq , Ware, Herts.

Seven Blooms of one variety.— W. C. Romaine, Esq ,
Old Windsor, was 1st, with Mrs. Grant; 2nd, E. M.
Eversfield, Esq. ; 3rd, Rev. H. A. Berners, Ipswich.

Twelve distinct varieties.— 1st, Thos. B. Gabriel, Esq ,
Woking, who had fine blooms of General Jacqueminot,
La France, Bessie Brown, very fine; Captain Hayward,
and La Harve ; 2nd, G. Moules, Esq., Hitchin, Herts,
with Frau Karl Druschki, Marchioness of Downshire,
and Marquise Litta; 3rd, Ernest Wilkins, Esq ,
Sidcup, whose La Fraicheur and La France were capital
blooms. There were nearly a dozen competitors.

Three Blooms of any variety, excluding Teas and Noisettes.
—1st, G. H. Baxter, Esq., Brentwood, with Marquise
Litta ; 2nd, J. R. Curtis, Esq., Colchester, with Mrs. J.
Laing ; and 3rd, E. Wilkins, Esq., Sidcup.

Nine Blooms, distinct. — 1st, Courtney Page, Esq ,
Enfield, whose Mrs. Grant, Caroline Testout, Frau
Karl Druschki, and Bessie Brown, were all good ; 2nd,
J. D. Thompson, Esq. ; and 3rd, Mrs. E. A. Mouldon,
Stevenage. There were ten competitors.

Six Blooms, diitinct.— 1st, Dr. J. E. Pallett, Earl's
Colne, Essex; his Madame lloste. Souvenir de S. A.
Prince, Mrs. Grant, and Bessie Brown were good. 2nd,
A. C. Turner, Esq , Edgware, with Bessie Brown in
perfection. There were eleven competitors.

Five Bloonu of any one variety excepting Teas or
Noisettes.- 1st, R. W. Bowyer, Esq., Hertford, with
Mrs. Grant ; 2nd, Rev. F. J. Fulford.

Six Blooms, distinct varieties.— 1st, Miss Alice A.
Lucas ; and 2nd, Dr. E. Maltby.

Twelve Blooms, distinct varieties. — 1st, Mrs. L. E. Innes,
Hitchin Herts, with Bessie Brown, Caroline Testout,
and Mrs. J. Laing as the best. 2nd, G. Moules, Esq ,
Hitchin, with Prince Arthur, Elise Vardon, and La
France among his leading flowers. A Challenge Cup
goes with the 1st prize in this class.

Four Distinct Varieties, Three Blooms of each. — 1st
W. Kingston, Esq., Bedford, with excellent Caroline
Testout, Medea, and Marquise Litta; 2nd, E. Wilkins,
Esq , Sidcup, with finely coloured Marquise Litta, and
good Mrs. Laing ; 3rd, G. H. Baxter, Esq.

Twelve dittinct varieties, the competition open to all
Amateurs who have not twice previously won the Ramsay
Cup.— 1st, A. Tate, Esq., Leatherhead, with fine blooms
of Bessie Brown, Souvenir de Mme. E. Verdier, very
fine; Mme. Cusin, Dr. Sewell, White Maman Cochet
and Mrs. Mawley, a very nice bloom. Muriel Grahame,
a grand flower, was awarded the Silver Medal ; Kaiserin
A. Victoria, Gustave Piganneau, and Ulrich Brunner,
this was a box of good blooms; 2nd, A. Hill Gray,
Esq., Bath ; and 3rd, Rev. J. H. Pemberton.

Six Blooms, open to thoie who have not won a prize
at any shwv of the National Rose Society.— 1st, Dr.
Pallet, with Souvenir de President Carnot and Ulster ;
2nd, E. Percy Sugden.

Six Blooms diitinct, open to Amateurs who have joined
the Society since the lost Metropolitan exhibition —1st,
H. J. Harton, Esq., Heytesbury, Wilts, with small
but nicely formed flowers of Mrs. Grant and President
Carnot; 2nd, Mr. E. M. Wightman.

Roses Grown within Eight Miles of Charing Cross.

First prize, J. H. Thompson, with a good Charles
Lefebvre ; 2nd, Mr. Adcock.

Six Blooms of New Roses distinct.— la this class no 1st
prize was awarded; 2nd, Rev. J. H. Pemberton, with
good blooms of Frau Karl Druschki and Mildred Grant.

TEA AND NOISETTE SECTION TROPHY CLASS.

Eighteen Blooms distinct.— 1st, Alexander Hill Gray,
Esq., Bath, with a box of good blooms, the best being
Mme Hoste, Mme. Cusin, Princess of Wales, Souvenir
de Elise Vardon, Bridesmaid [the Premier Tea, the
winner of the Silver Medal]; Maman Cochet, white
Maman Coohet, The Bride, and Mrs. Ed. Mawley, were
all good; 2nd, Rev. F. R. Burnside, Essex, whose
Cleopatra, Mrs. Ed. Mawley, Sylph, and Muriel Grahame,
were all in line form.

Eighteen Blooms distinct. — 1st, Rev. F. R. Burnside, a
pretty bloom of Cleopatra being in his lot.

Eight diitinct varieties, three Blooms of each.— 1st, A.
Hill Gray, Esq , Bath, his Madame Cusin, Catherine
Mermet, Mrs. Ed. Mawley, and The Bride, being all
good flowers; 2nd, Rev. F. R. Bubi>side, with good
Innocente Pirola, Maman Cochet, and Medea as amotg
his best.

Open to Growers of Fewer than £03 Plants.

Nine Blooms diitinct.— 1st, Q. H.Baxter, i'rentwood,
with Innocente Pirola and Cleopatra, as the best;
2nd, A. Munt, Esq , Slough.

► Six Blooms diitinct. — 1st, W. R. Hammond, Esq.,
Ilurgess Hill, his Ernest Metz and White Cochet being
fine blooms.

Five Blooms of any one variety to be shown in a Vale. —
1st, G. H. Baxter, Brentwood, with Medea in good
form ; 2nd, Rev. F. J. Fulford, with the same variety.

Four distinct varieties, three Blooms of each.— 1st, A.
Slaughter, Esq., Steyning, Muriel Grahame and
Maman Cochet being the best ; 2nd, Rev. F. J. Fulford,
Gloucester.

Open to Amateurs who have never won a Prize
at National Rose Society's Exhibitions.
Six Blooms.— 1st, H. Clinton Baker, Esq., Brayford-
bury, Hertford, Madame Hoste and Cleopatra being
his finest flowers.

EXHIBITION ROSES IN VASES.

Six varieties, seven Blooms of each.— A. Hill Gray, Esq.,
Bath, was the only exhibitor, his Anna Olivier being
very good ; Madame Hoste was also fine.

Five distinct varieties in vases.— 1st, Beatrice H. Lang-
don, Rubens being a good vase.

DECORATIVE SECTION— LADIES.

A Bowl of Roses.— 1st, Miss Jessie Langdon, Hendon,
with a fine arrangement of sing'e varieties set up most
artistically. There were nine exhibitors in this class.

Vase of Cut Roses.— 1st, E. MAWLEY, Esq., Berkham
sted, with a showy vase of Mrs. Grant, cut with ample
stems, and arranged with ample foliage.

GARDEN ROSE3.

Eighteen distinct varieties, three trusses of each. —1st
A.Tate, Esq., Leatherhead, with Irish Glory, reddish-
scarlet; Gustave Regis, Paul's Carmine Pillar, Ma-
crantha, Lady Battersea, Leonie LameFCh, Rosa
Mundi, &c. ; 2nd, Rev. J. H. Pemberton, with Gustave
Regis, Madame Alf. Carriere, blush-white ; grandiflora.
Lady Curzon, and alba rosa, very fine.

Twelve distinct varieties, in not less than three trusses of
each.— Mrs. F. Perkins, Holmwood, Surrey, was 1st
having Cooling's Yellow, Wr. A. Richardson, Purity,
Macrantha, and the; yellow Madame C. Guinosseau ;
2nd, Rev. F. J Fulford.

Six distinct varieties in not fewer than three trusies of each,
—1st, A. C. Turner, Esq , Edgware, Madame Pernet
Ducher and L'Innocente, being very fine vases; 2nd,
Mr. Ed. Mawley, whose macrantha was very fine.

Six Vases of Sweet Briar Rotes in six distinct varieties —
1st, Mrs. House, Reigate, Amy Robsart. Rose Brad-
wardine, and Anne of Gierstein,' with Brenda Pink,
being the best. 2nd, G. H. Baxter.

Six diitinct Button hole Roses.— 1st, O. G. Orpen, Esq ,
with Madame Ravary, Ma Capucine, Madame Hoste,
and Anna Olivier. 2nd, A. C. Turner, Edgware.

Five distinct varieties of Garden Roses.— 1st, O. G. Orpen,
Esq., Colchester, with Wichuriana, Gardenia, Lady
Curzon, Himalayan Briar, and Purity, which were very
beautiful. 2nd, Rev. J. H. Pemberton, whose multi-
flora simplex was very pretty.

MEDAL ROSES.

The Premier T., H.T., and H.P. blooms, for which
medals were awarded in the Amateurs' classes, were as
follows :— Bridesmaid, exhibited by Alexander Hill
Gray, Esq.; Muriel Grahame, exhibited by A. Tatf.
Esq. ; and Ulrich Brunner, exhibited by Mrs. L. E.
Innes, Hitchin, Herts.

In Class 61, for a dinner-table decoration, Mrs. O. G.
Orpen, Colchester, was awarded 1st prize for a table

July 4, 1903. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

11

beautifully adorned with single and semi -double
Roses. The sorts used were Jersey Beauty, Lady Sarah
Wilson, and another. These in a large central bowl
made a very effective arrangement. Buds and fully-
expanded blossoms were freely employed for the
centre, and but little foliage. Mrs. Holland, Grange
Road, Sutton, Surrey, was 2nd.

NONCOMPETITIVE EXHIBIT3.
Therewere several non competitive exhibits, amongst
which may be mentioned those following : -Messrs.
Geo. Bunjard & Co., Maidstone, Roses'; Mr. George
Mount, Roses ; Messrs. Dobbies, Ltd., Dereham, Roses;
Messrs. G. Jackman it Sons, Woking, Messrs. W. Cut-
bush & Sons, Bighgate, Carnations, Lantanas, Ac. ;
Messrs. H Cannell ASons.Swanley, 100 plants of Cannas,
ill pots ; Messrs.' W. Spooner & Sons, Hounslow, Roses ;
Messrs. Dobble&Co., Orpington and Rothesay, Pansies
and Violas ; Messrs. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens,
C61cbester, hardy flowers; Messrs. J. Green & Nephew,
107, Queen Victoria Street, Munstead flower glasses ;
Frank Richard' Curtis, Esq., Morden Grange, Wor-
mingford, Colchester, Hoses; and Mr. R. Pinches,
"Acme" labels and arches for Roses, Ac.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL:

EXHIBITION AT HOLLAND HOUSE.

(Concluded from p. 422.)

Awards Made by the Council.

Gold Medal.

Lord Aldenham (gr., Mr. Beckett), Elstree, for Crotons
and Cut Shrubs.

J as. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., for Choice Stove and Green-
house Plants. Conifers, Ac.

John Russell, Richmond, for Stove and ci.eenhouse
Plants, and Ivies.

F. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, Orchids, and New and
Rare Plants.

T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, for Fruit Trees
in Pots.

Win. Cutbush it Sons, for Carnations. Flowering
Plants, and Clipped Trees.

Wm. Bull & Sons, Chelsea, for Cut Flowers and
Foliage Plants.

Silver Cup.

J. Colman, Esq . Rcigate, for.Orchids.

Leopold do Rothschild, Esq , Gunnersbu y House,
Acton, for Fruit.

BlackmoreA Langdon, Tiverton Hill Nur:Cry, Bath,
for Begonias.

Wallace A Co., Colchester, for Hardy Herbaceous and
Bulbous Plants. - ■•

Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham, for Roses, Carnations, Violas,
and Sweet Peas. ,

H. B. May, Upper Edmonton, for Ferns and Foliage
Plants.

T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, for Herbaceous and Alpine
Plants,

J. Peed »t Son, West Norwood, for Sweet Teas, Glox-
inias, and Caladiums.

H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, for Cannas and Aqui-
legias.

J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, for Gloxinias, Pigmy
Trees, Ac.

A. Perry.Winchmore Hill, for- Hardy Cut Flowers and
Aquatics.

H. Low A Co , Enfield, for Orchids.

Dobbie A Co., Rothesay, for Violas, Pansies and Pelar-
goniums.

J. Hill & Son, Lower Edmonton, for Ferns.

Charlcsworth A Co., Heaton, Bradford, for Orchids.

T. Cripps A Son, Tunbridge Wells, for Hardy Trees
and Shrubs.

Silver Banksian Medal.

Mr. J. R. Jox, West Wickhani, for Alpine and Rock
Plants.

Mr. A. Dutton. Bexley Heath, for Carnations.

Mr. V. Slade, Taunton, for Cut Pelargoniums.

The Misses Hopkins, Mere, knutsford, for Hardy
Flowers.

Mr. R SyJenham, Birmingham, for Sweet Peas.

Messrs. B. S. Williams, Upper Holloway, for Orchds
and Hardy Cut Flowers.

Bsrpn Rotb.BOb.tld, Vienna for Pineapple.

Mr. Turner, Slough, for Pinks.

Sii.veii-Gilt Flora Medal.
Mr. Geo. Mount, for Boses.
Messrs. Barr A Sons, for Hardy Flowers, Ac. "
Messrs. Chcal & Sons, Crawley, for Hardy Shrubs and
Trees.
Messrs. P.. R. Davis A Sons, Yeovil, for Begonias.

Messrs. Jones & Sons, Shrewsbury, for Sweet Peas,
Irises, Ac.

Messrs. Paul A Son, Cheshunt, for Roses.

Messrs. J. Lalng A Sons, Forest Hill, for Eegonias,
Caladiums, and Streptocarpus.

Messrs. J. Waterer & Sons, Bagshot, for Kalmias and
Rhododendrons.

Mr. Forbes, Hawick, for Phloxes and Pentstemons.

Messrs. G. Jickman & Sons, Woking, for Haidy
F.owers.

Silver-Gilt Banksian Medal.

Messrs. Kelway A Son, for Delphiniums, Pieonies, Ac.

Mr. W. B. Child, Birmingham, for Hardy Flowers.

Mr. Prichard, Christchurch, for Hardy Flowers.

Messrs. Cuthbert it Sons, Southgate, for Flowering
Plants.

Mr. Anker, Kensington, for Cactaceous Plants.

Messrs. Fromow, Chisnick, for Japanese Maples anil
Shrubs.

Mr. Notcutt, Woodbridge, for Hardy Flowers.

Silver Flora Medal.

Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, for Hardy
Flowers.

Lord Ilehester, Kensington, for Succulents.

Mr. Iceton, Putney, for Lily of the Valley, Ac.

The Ranelagh Nursery Co., Leamington Spa, for
Foliage Plants.

Mr. Eeuthe, Keston, for Hardy Flowers.

Messrs. Storrie A Storrie, Dundee, for Iceland
Poppies.

Mr. G. Prince, Longworth, Berks, for Roses.

IMPLEMENTS.

Silver Flora Medal.
Messrs. Pulham for Stone Vases, Ac.
Messrs. Green for Glass Vases.
Messrs. Champion for Tubs and Trees, Ac.

Silver Knichtian Medal.
Messrs. Wood for Sundries.
Messrs. Osman for Sundries.

Silver Banksian Medal
Mr. Ripley for Summer Houses, Ac.
Mr. George, Putney, for Sundries.
Messrs. Dowell for Pottery, Ac.
Messrs. Herbert for Sundries.
Mr. Pinches for Labels.
The Standard Co. for Pruners, Ac.
Messrs. Ohlendorf for Manures.

GLOUCESTER AND CHELTENHAM
ROYAL HORTICOLTUBAL.

June 24.— This Society held a very successful show
on the above date in the Montpellier Gardens, Chelten-
ham, the chief features of which were the groups of
miscellaneous plants, the Orchids, and some other
special subjects ' for which the schedule provides
several classes. The table decorations and bouquets
were also of great merit, but fruit and vegetables were
sparsely shown, and the quality, as might be expected
this season, was not very good. The arrangements
were in every respect well carried out, and great credit
Is due to the joint hon. secretaries, Messrs. Sharp and
Shenton, and their committee.

Groups of Orchids in a fpace of 100 square feel— Of two
competitors in this class, Mr. Cypher, Exotic Nur-
series, Cheltenham, was deservedly placed 1st for a
splendid lot of well-grown plants of choice species and
varieties of Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, Masdevalllas,
Oucidiums, Epidendrums, Ac. The flowering plants
were Intermixed with Ferns. Mr. Vause, of Leamington,
was the other exhibitor.

MircUancous Plants in 150 square feet (open). — Here Mr.
Cypher was again 1st amonc four exhibitors, and
arranged a valuable collertion of plants, amongst which
Orchids In variety, Lilies, Heaths, and Verbena Miss
Wilmott took important places with Palms, Crotons,
Caladiums, Ferns, Ac, as ornamental foliage plants.
Mr. Vausk again followed with a good assortment of
plants; and Messrs. Pates A Sharp, The Nurseries.
Cheltenham, were a good 3rd.

A similar class, devoted to amateurs, brought Mr.
Mutlow, gr. to Major Percy Shewell, to the front « ith
a very creditable exhibit ; Mr. Maddock, gr. to J. Hor-
i Hi.. Esq . Cowley Manor, being placed 2nd; and Mr.
May, gr. to 11. O. Loud, Esq , 3rd.

Pelargoniums.— Classes were provided both for BOOW
and zonal varieties of these, and, arranged In groups,
they made brilliant displays. With show varieties
Mr May took the premier award, closely followed in
the order named b; Messrs. Pates A Siiaiip. aud Mr.
Mutlow, gr. to Major P. Shfwell; and with m :i I - .
Mr. Mutlow was placed 1st; Mr May and Mes;rs.
Pates & Sharp being respectively 2nd aud 3rd.

(Jlnxinias were splendidly shown in groups, Mr. May
being 1st with superior varieties, and Mr. Mutlow 2nd.
Carnations were also well staged, Messrs. Heath &
Son, The Nurseries, Cheltenham, who gained -1st
honours, having especially a fine group of the leading
varieties ; Mr. May was placed 2nd.

Messrs. Heath & Son were also 1st for a group of
tuberous-rooted Begonias, and stageda tit.e assortment
of double and single- flowered varieties ; Messrs. PaTes
A Sharp, who were 2nd, had also a splendid group,
comprising excellent varieties.

Plants.— Ten stove and greenhouse plants in flower
brought Mr. Cypher once more to the front with well-
grown and flowered large plants of Ixora salicifolia, I
Wiliiamsi, Allamanda nobilis, Rougainvillea Cypheri.
B. Sanderi, Statice profusa. a Stephanotis, and Azalea
llolfordi, in splendid condition. Mr. Vause was placed
2nd.

Table plants were well staged by Mr. Mutlow, Mr.
Maddock, and Messrs. Pates & Sharp, who took
honours in the order named.

Twelve flowering plants in 6-inch pots made an excel-
lent class, Mr. Mutlow being placed 1st, with well-
flowered small plants, including Ericas. Cattleyas,
Ac. ; Mr. Maddock was a cose 2nd, and Mr. May,
3rd.

Mr. May was a good 1st with six pots of Liliums,
followed by Messrs. Pates A Sharp.

Cut Flowers, Roses, with ihelr foliage, arranged in
a space of 6 ft. by 4 ft— Here Messrs. Townsend A Son-
Worcester, were 1st with a good display, consisting
of upwards of fifty varieties ; Messrs. Pates A Sharp
being 2nd with a fewer number of equally good kinds.

Twenty-four Bloonis, Rcses.-B.eie Messrs. Townsend A
Son were again 1st with a goDa box, containing Jeannie
Dickson, Margaret Dickson, The Bride, Grace Darling,
Abel Carrlere, Caroline Testout, aad Reine Marie
Henriette, Ac.

Herbactous and Perennial Cut Flowers, in a space B ft.
by 3 ft , brought two exuibuors, wno staged almost
equal productions; but Messrs Bates & Sharp, having
tie best arranged collection here, bent Mr. cypher,
who was placed 2nd.

Messrs. Pates & Sharp were again deservedly placed
1st with cut flowers and foliage, arranged iu a space of
0 it. by 4 ft., naviug such choice subjects as Hoses, Car-
nations, Sweet Peas, Ac, well arranged. Mr. Vause
was 2nd with a capital assortment of floners.

Tj,ble Decorations and Bouquets were prettily arranged
Miss Watson beiag 1st in the table decorations, and
Messrs. Pates A Sharp with a bouquet.

Mr. White, Worcester, staged a fine collection o
herbaceous and perennial flowers; and Mr. Cypher a
large group of Pelargoniums, not for competition.

BRISTOL & DISTRICT GARDENERS'
MUTUAL IMPB07EMENT ASSO-
CIATION.

June 2.">.— This Association held its usual meeting at
St. John's Rooms on the above date, Mr. E. Poole,
F.R.H.8., presiding. The evening was set apart for the
reading of "Horticultural Clippings,'' prizes being
offered for the most interesting. Twelve of the iiien-
berscompeted for the prizes, which were awarded to
Messrs. Curtis, Kltley, and Hancock.

BICHMOND HORTICULTURAL.

July 1.— The annual exhibition of this Society was
held In t lie Old Deer Park on Wednesday last. Amongst
the noncompetitive exhibits were the following. From
J. P. Morgan, Esq , Dover House, Roehampton (gr.,
Mr. J. F. McLeod), a collection of cut flowers of
Souvenir de la Malmaison and other varieties of
Carnations (Gold Medal). Sir Fred. Wiuan, Bart.,
Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr., Mr.W. H. Young), an ex
cellent group of Orchids. The exhibit included plant s
of Cyprlpedium callosum Sandenc, C. Veitchianura,
C. Rothschlldlanum, Odontoglossum crispum, and O.
hastllablumiwlth forty flowers); O. cordatnm, Cattlcy*
Mosaire"Our Queen, "C. M. gigantea. C. M.Tho Queen,
a beautiful variety; Lrelio Cattleya Canhamiana, L/C.
Lady Wigan, L.-C. Iogrami, Sobralia Wiganire, Thunia
Voitchiana, Sobralia Sander;c, and many other Hue '
varieties (Gold Medal).

Mr. J.' Russell, Richmond Nurseries, a group of
ornamental stove and greenhouse plants (Gold MedaJl.
and a sroup cf Tree Ivies (Gold Medal); Messrs. Ware,
Ltd, Feltham,. pot Roses and cut flowers (Silver
Medal); Mr. J. Britkhacs, Twickenham, group ol
Palms; Mr. W. Iceton. Putney, group of I'alms and
Lilies (Sliver Medal); Messrs. J. Peed A Sons, West .
Norwood, London, Carnations (Sliver Medal); Messrs
W. Fromow A Sons, Chiswick, .Japanese Maples i ilvcr
Medal).

The competitive classes were well tilled on thewho'e.
and the display was as good as any that have li.cn mad*
for several years past.

12

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 4, 1903.

LINNEAN".

GERMINATION OF DAVIDIA.
At a recent meeting of the Linnean Society, Mr. C. H.
Wright read a short paper by Mr. W. Botting Hems-
ley on the "Germination of the Seeds of Davidia
involucrata." The fruit has an exceedingly hard, bony
endocarp, or "stone. ".enclosing usually a number of
seeds, and one wonders at first how they will free
themselves for germination. A gardener obtaining the
fruit for the first time with a view to propagation,
would probably try to extract the seeds to accelerate
germination: but he would find this a diflicult task
On committing the fruits to the earth, however, he
would soon discover an admirable natural provision
for freeing the seeds so far that germination can pro-
ceed. Under the influence of moisture, a portion of
the back of each cell (carpel) separates and falls away
in the form of a valve or shutter, revealing a portion
of the seed. The radicle soon begins to grow, and in
due time reaches the ground, when Ihe upper part of
the plantlet frees'itself from the fruit, and commences
an independent existence.

Lonicera flexuosa variegata, Bignonia radicans,
Passi flora coerulea, Rubus coronarius, Jasniinuni
revolutum, Clematis calycina in variety, and
any of the hybrids.

Fly on Cucumber Plants : W. J. W. It is
probable that one or two vaporisations with
XL All would effect a cure, few insects being
proof against this insecticide. We know of no
species of " Cucumber fly " so called, and it
would have been advisable to have sent a few
specimens for our inspection.

Gooseberries Diseased : A. F. G. The fruits
are infested with the American mildew of the
Gooseberry, a fungus which was described and
figured in these pages, Aug. 25, 1900 (see also
fig. 7). The fungus can be kept in check by
a solution of liver-of-sulphur -J-oz., water 1 gall.
Spray at intervals of ten to fifteen days.
Diseased leaves and fruits should be collected
and burned.

FlG. 7.— AMERICAN GOOSEBERRY MILDEW (SPHEROTHECA MORS-UV.E).

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*#* Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
| notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
| literary department, and all plants to be named,
I should be directed to the Editor. The two
, departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

Aquatic Plant: J. H. B. The plant, Ranun-
culus aquatilis, is not readily got rid of, unless
you can run off the water for a month or two
during the warm weather, and keep the pond
dry. If swans be kept on the pond, they would
do much in keeping this and certain other
weeds in check.

Creepers in an Unueated Glasshouse in
North Lancashire : Glasheen. None of the
Creepers you name is sufficiently hardy to
stand in such a house. You had better try
Poses, Marcchal Niel, Catherine Mermet, W.
Allen Richardson, white or yellow Banksian,

Madresfield Court Grapes : C. H. The fruits
are attacked by the spot disease, Glasosporium
laeticolor. We know of no cure short of
removing every berry in the least degree affected,
burning it forthwith. The action of water
passing over the bunches and foliage, carries
the spores to all parts of a vine. Another year
dress the vines with a solution of sulphide of
potassium, \ oz. to 1 gallon of water.

Names op Insects : Tounq Gardener. 1, Larva?
of small Ermine-moth, Hyponomeuter padella ;
2, larvae of Winter-moth, Cheimatobia brumata,
and chrysalis of a species of Tortrix-moth ; 3,
younger stage of 1 ; 4, brown scale, Lecanium
capras, and Tortrix larva ; 5, insect gone,
probably the larva found with 4.

Names op Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
A. Nix, Truro. Zephyranthes rosea. — S. P.
Rhododendron ferrugineum. — Mrs. L. N. G.
Ophrys apifera, the Bee orchis. — Lady A. C.
1, Kalmia latifolia ; 2, Weigela rosea ; 3, Kalmia
angustif olia ; 4, Weigela species. Send better
specimen ; 5, Leucothoe axillaris. — W. W., N. B.
Arisaema Jacquemontii. — J. C. 1, Centranthus
ruber ; 2, Thalictrum aquilegifolium j 3, As-
trantia major ; 4, Polemonium coeruleum. —
A. D. B. Anthericum (Chrysobactron) Hookeri.
— B. B. Veronica Teucrium. — T. B. 1, not
found ; 2, Acer platanoides ; 3, Silene inflata ;

4, Helianthemum ; 5, Hesperis matronalis
0. Acer Negundo. The Potatos have th
disease. It is not too late to spray with t
Bordeaux Mixture, if you wish to save a larg
portion of the crop. — J. H. B. Ranunculu
aquatilis. — F. J. Barnet. 1, Cypripedium Vic-
toria Marias ; 2, Bryophyllum calycinum ; 3,
Cattleya Gaskelliana. — J. B. W„ Geneva. Gon-
gora quinquenervis. — E. W. D. Catasetum
viridi-flavum, and a form of Oncidium vari-
cosum, — F. J. T. 1, Codiaeum Evansianum ; 2,
C. trilobum; 3, C. maculatum ; 4, C. princeps ;

5, C. Johannis ; 6, C. chrysophyllum. — J. B. See
last week's issue ; 5, Galium purpureum ; 6,
Astragalus Sieversianus.

Peach-blister and Orange-Rust of Roses :
Glasheen. The Peach leaves and point of shoots
are infested by the fungus Exoascus deformans,
for a remedy for which see recent issues of the
Gardeners' Chronicle. The Orange-rust of Roses
was treated of in our issue for June 27 last.
We fear you read your Gardeners' Chronicle
inattentively. It will not spread to your Apple
trees. To the Peach borders apply potash,
finely-broken lime-rubble, and decayed stable-
dung, the last only if the trees lack vigour.
Caustic soda washes, and also petroleum washes,
a wine-glassful to 3 gallons of soapsuds, or two
dressings of Gishurst Compound Soap, at the
rate of 3 oz. to 1 gallon of water, will do good.
If there are many suckers, lay bare the upper
roots and cut away closely these troublesome
growths from the Plum stock. But should
the trees be aged or in a very bad condition, it
might be prudent to replant the south walls
with young trees. If the walls sre very exten-
sive, plant part with Pear trees of late-ripening
varieties. Most early varieties get soon mealy
on such walls. We cannot say how long it
might take to reclaim the trees, not having
seen them — probably two years.

Peaches Falling : C. W. H. The fruits are
attacked by mildew. Pull every affected fruit
and burn it, and syringe the tree several times
with a mixture of liver-of-sulphur, h oz., in
1 gallon of water.

Potato-haulm : A. L. S. Affected with the
Potato- disease. You may still do good by
spraying with Bordeaux Mixture.

Sweet Peas : H. W. The plants have been
growing very strongly and have received a
check from cold and rain. We find no fungus
or insect.

Tomato Diseased : W. B. R. We would refer
you to an answer under the initials "W. C." in
the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle for June 20,
1903, p. 404, for an answer.

Vines : F. J. R. The leaves are affected with
the Vine-mildew, and the berries are badly
shanked. The general appearance of the
berries and leaves is similar to that which
usually results from the roots getting into a
cold and damp sub-soil.

Communications Received — W. B. H.— W. G, S.—
Capt. Rogers.— D. R. W.— H. J. E — M. H. & Son.—
G. W. M.— H. H. Cromarty.— A. P.— Rotbamsted.—
A. W. G.— P. B. & Sons.— G. M— N. E. B — G M. W.—
J. R. J. -J. M.— E. J.— Sander & Son.— J. Prince.—
C. T. D— G. W.— W. F.— J. OB— D R. W.— S. C— E. S.
-W. C. L— W. Dyke.— M. G.-Dobbie & Co — S. A.—
H. T. B.— W. G— Ed. W.— H. R . Hartley— P. McB.—
W. B.— C. S. & Co.— T. M— S. F. M.-E. G.— A. H -
W. A. C— J. Kent, with thanks (too full this week). —
F. C. A.— T.H.— E. H. J.

TRADE NOTICE.

.

We understand that Mr. E. Scaplehorn, who
for the past nine years has been in charge of the
Alpine and Hardy Plant Department of Messrs.
Jackman & Son, Woking, will shortly take a
similar appointment with Messrs. Win. Cut-
bush & Son, Highgate, who intend making a
special feature of this department.

ENQUIRY

Cockchafers. — Can any reader give me par-
ticulars of an apparatus in which acetylene gas-
light, with large reflectors, is used for the capture
of these insects p Seine.

JOLY 11, 1903. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

13

THE

(Santmers' (prmtide

No. 863.— SATURDAY, JULY 11, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Alpine garden, the— Mottet. M.

Iberis 15 Nectarine, a bi-coloured

Saxifragas 15 Obituary—

Alyssum pyrenaicum Thompson, W.

with Valeriana longi- Orchid notes and glean-

fiora 24 ings—

Ant-poison case ... 23 Luisia teres

Apetalous Kalmia ... 24 Lfelio-CattleyaxLady

Apiary, the 26 Miller

Books, notices of— Oncidium lamellige-

Botanical Magazine . 22 rum

Dictionnaire Ieono- Palms, seedling, as turf

graphique des Or- Pea Autocrat

chide»s 16 Pelargonium tricolor

Kew Hand-list of Masterpiece

Conifers 22 Poa annua

The American Carna- Pond-scum

tion 16 Primula sikkimensis...

The Book of the Publications received .

Honey Bee 24 Rose mildew and" Vel-

Browne, Mr. W., re- tha"

tirement of 3) Roses and Rose-stocks

Caianthes with spotted forbudding

leaves 24 Rothamsted Experi-

Carnation Mrs. H. J. mental Station]

Cutbush 17 Societies-
Clip tube-holders ... 23 Gloucestershire Rose
Coppice and wood Hanley Hort.Fece .

planting 13 Manchester Orchid .

Davldia. germination of 25 Royal Horticultural .

Eremurus Warei ... 25 Wolverhampton

Eucharis grandiflora... 18 Floral Fete

Exhibition schedules . 22 Sparaxis tricolor in an
Forestry, the position Australian garden ...

of British 23 Stocktaking

Fruit-growers and the Tea planting in Natal .

Board of Agriculture 21 Timber, excentric rings

Fruit, imported ... 26 in

Ginseng culture ... 23 Variations in plants

Insect pests to farm and animals

crops 21 Vegetables, exhibition

Irises, hardy 28 Watercarnival at Ghent

Irises, Swiss 24 Weather in June

Kew, Orchids in flower Week's work, the—

at 23 Flower garden, the...

I,aw notes— Fruits under glass ...

Fruit exposure ... 2i Hardy fruit garden
ILilv season, the begin- Kitchen garden, the

ningofthe 14 Orchid-houses, the...

Maple variegated ... 24 Plants under glass ...

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Alpine Irises near the Simplon Pass 19

Excentric rings in timber 25

Hybrid Iris, var. Beinette, raised by Mr. Caparne
(Supplement)

Nectarine, a bi-coloured 27

Portrait of Mr W. Browne 30

Sparaxis tricolor, on Dr Norton's lawn at Eecles-

bourne, Sydney, Australia 15

View in Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons' garden at Col-
chester j 17

COPPICE AND WOOD PLANTING.

TRAVELLING through rural England,
one cannot but observe that there are
in most counties large tracts of land pro-
ducing next to nothing, yet which, from a
practical point of view, are fully adapted to
grow some kind of timber tree, or, at the
least, underwood.

Kent, chiefly on account of its Hop-
growing industry, takes the lead as regards
plantations of underwood. The chief sorts
used for this purpose are Ash, Chestnut, and
Birch, with Willow and Alder for marshy or
wet woods, and Hazel for those of a hilly
conformation, having a chalk or ragstone
(greensand) formation below the soil.

Larch and other Conifers are but rarely
used, as they do not grow aga,in after being
cut down, and so are useless for forming
stools, as the root-stocks throwing up many
branches (springs) are technically called.
The Ash is most generally planted, as it
is not particular as to soil or situation ;
but Hop-growers prefer Chestnut poles, as
they are more lasting and heavy. For this
reason a Chestnut plantation always realises
most at the periodical sales of underwood,
as much as "£20 an acre being reached in the
liest. districts for Chestnut ''cants" near a

hard road, about half that figure for Chest-
nut and Ash together, and less for falls of a
mixed character, where Hornbeam, Beech,
and Birch form the staple of the woods.

The application of creosote to the
sharpened base of the Hop-poles, techni-
cally called " tanking," prolongs the life of
the pole to such an extent, that many kinds
of wood that under the old system were dis-
carded because they so soon decayed, are now
used equally with Chestnut, Ash, Oak, and
other durable woods.

This process is generally done by standing
the poles, after sharpening the butt ends
upright in iron tanks, called dipping-tanks
These are provided with a furnace and flues
underneath, with an iron damper in the
smoke-shaft. By this means the creosote
in the tank is kept gently boiling, and
thus the sap is expelled from the cellular
tissue and vessels of the wood, and its place
occupied by creosote. This enables the Hop-
grower to avail himself of all kinds of wood,
and, coupled with the lucrative nature of Hop
farming, some twenty or more years ago,
induced large Hop-growers to buy imported
Larch poles. This soon reduced the value of
plantation and wood falls, and now these
can hardly be said to pay the owner of the
land, and certainly cannot return any profit
to the tenant-farmer.

These causes are no doubt at the root of
the almost universal neglect of woods and
coppices now prevailing. It is to be re-
gretted that many are so disregarded that
they are rapidly reverting to natural con-
ditions ; and were it not that the game-
preserving owner must have covert for his
pheasants and other game birds, the mischief
would be still greater.

In other than Hop -growing districts,
woods are merely maintained as covert for
game, or even foxes, the underwood being
cut every ten years, or more often, and the
poles used for fencing and hurdle-making,
the top-and-lop for faggots for household
use, and the rougher boughs to make bush-
harrows, or are used in kilns for burning
bricks, and where chalk and ragstone forma-
tions form the geological strata of the dis-
trict, to burn chalk into lime for the use of
the builder, or for agricultural uses.

In making a new plantation, the first
thing to consider is the choice of a suitable
plot of ground, and this is better if it have a
moderate slope, so that level fields that are
best for agricultural purposes need not be
taken. The nature of the soil should then
be ascertained, and if it be of a too wet and
retentive nature, a few open or pipe drains
must be made, the former by preference, as
drain-pipes so soon get choked by the roots
of growing trees. These must be sunk
about \}s ft. deep, and be few or many, but
enough to carry off the superfluous surface-
water. They may be dispensed with, how-
ever, if Willow, Alder, or even Poplar is
selected to form the wood, as these delight
in abundance of moisture at the roots, yet
neither likes stagnant water.

In making a fresh plantation, the young
trees, technically called '; plants," aro put in
on the average 5 to G feet apart, usually
in straight lines; but should the soil be
suitable for Larch, it is economical to
plant at least 10 feet apart, and to run
a line of this useful Conifer between, as
these may be cut down in from seven
to ten years after planting, and will

sell freely as poles. As before mentioned,
this tree does not grow again after felling,
and the roots soon decay, leaving the
Ash or Chestnut to grow and make stout
trees, which may be cut down as soon as
they have attained to one foot in circum-
ference at 3 feet from the base. The felling
should be done quite close to the crown,
when the resulting breaks from the stock
will be from three to five, and these will be
drawn up straight by the influence of the
surrounding trees, and form useful poles.

In districts near towns, it is always advis-
able to fence plantations carefully, as the
stout clean Ash saplings form a great temp-
tation to loafers and schoolboys. A fence
most in character is a live one, and this may
be formed of Black Thorn (Sloe), of Quick
(White Thorn), or a very good hedge may be
madeby using the HoneyLocust(Gleditschia),
as it bears long spines of a tough woody
nature, which are persistent, and often
2 inches long, with an opposite pair of thorns
at the base, like the hilt of a dagger. This
plant grows strongly and rapidly, especially
in deep rich soils. Another fact almost
unique is the singular habit this genus has
of protruding fresh thorns through the bark
of the branches, and even of the trunk,
when quite large, making it most formidable
as a protective fence, both against man and
small animals. This hedge will bear close
trimming with impunity, and ground game
seem to leave it untouched; while even that
snake among quadrupeds, the weasel, would
find it painfully difficult to make its way
through it.

In some counties, it is the custom for the
owner of the land to covenant that a certain
proportion of timber-trees shall be planted
in woods and plantations, the Beech, Elm,
and Oak being stipulated where they
severally flourish.

When the falls are measured out into
cants for sale, the woodreve, acting with
the steward, goes through the plantations
and marks with a dab of red-lead all that
are to remain, and these in time become
what is termed blackrinds; and after a still
further thinning become timber-trees, and
the property of the freeholder, unless there
is any clause in the lease providing for the
contrary.

It is not customary to till or even to keep
down weeds in new plantations, but this is
a mistake, as these not only rob the soil,
but have a tendency to cramp the free
development of the plants. The better
plan, therefore, is to dig the intervening
space one spit, and to bury all the weeds
removing all roots of perennial and biennial
weeds, especially those of a climbing habit,
as the Black Bryony (Tamus), the Bcarbinds,
as Calystegia sepium, and the Bind-weed
(Convolvulus minor), which not infrequently
choke the young sappy " springs " or growths ;
while such strong weeds as tho Thistles
Docks, and the many too vigorous umbel-
bearers, will so shade the plants as to draw
them up with a sappy and therefore tender
growth. This is fatal to the Chestnut, for
a severe frost will be certain to kill back the
growths to the stool, and so not only hinder
its development, but induce a lot of weakly
shoots to spring from the base, which will
bo practically valueless.

There was a time when still soils were
afforested with Birch and Oak exclusively
both being left to make stout trees and then

14

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July H, 1903.

felled. The bark was removed easily, as
the felling was done when the sap was
using, arranged in angular form to facili-
tate drying, and then sold to the tanner ; but
this is not done to any extent now, the
value of bark being so small that, except
in the Oak, it does not pay, indeed the value
has gone down quite half. The cause of
this is, that the tanner has so many substi-
tutes ready to his hand, as well as chemicals
and foreign barks. Among these are Valonia'
(Acorn - cups) of sorts, Myrobalans from
India, Cutch, and Terra japoniea, from
Singaporeand further India; while Australia
yields him Mimosa bark, a valuable styptic
and tanning material. These, as a rule, are
quicker in their action, but at the same time
speed is often secured at a sacrifice of dura-
bility, and the quality of modern leather is
often not so good as that made on the old
plan, nor is it so soft and ductile.

These substances are rarely used per se,
but are mixed in certain proportions with
Oak and other barks. In spite of this, the
value of bark has rapidly declined, so that
it now hardly forms an asset in the valua-
tion of woods and plantations compared
with other trees ; the Oak, especially
Quercus sessilifiora, is so slow in growth,
and so liable to the attacks of gall-flies of
many kinds, that unless in deep clayey and
cold soils its use is not recommended.

The employment of Ash and Chestnut
has been before cursorily mentioned, and
also Willow in variety, and Alder for wet
positions.' It now remain's to say that the
Norway Maple (Acer, platanoides), which I
had the' pleasure to introduce into Kent
as a wood-tree, has proved an' undoubted
success. Its advantages are that, ground
game do not cut it down with' their knife-
like, rodent teeth, as they too often do the
Ash and Chestnut. A wounded and lamed
hare will go along a whole line of Ash in the
plantation or nursery, and cut down; every
one a few inches from the ground-line,
especially in hard frosty weather, or when
snow covers the ground. This cannot be
caused by hunger, as the bark is seldom
eaten, and it thus appears to be sheer
wantonness on the part of puss. It may be,
however, simply to keep its teeth in good
working order, in the same way as cats claw
at the soft bark of certain trees, or a
favourite post in a wood fence.

Various means have been advised to pre-
vent this, but the usual practice is to smear
the young saplings with some evil-smelling
and sticky compound, one of the best and
simplest being a mixture of equal parts of
Stockholm tar and cart-grease, mixed warm,
and applied with a brush to at least 9 inches
of the plant from the ground-line. This
mixture does not dry, and remains sticky
and malodorous for a long time, and neither
the hare nor rabbit will venture too near, and
risk soiling their whiskers with the "tacky''
mixture. The use of gas-tar is dangerous
for the same purpose, as it dries quite
solid and hard, arresting all growth and
expansion of the stem of the plant. Some
have advised quassia extract to make the
bark bitter; but all such applications are
but of 'a very, temporary use, being washed
off byl tlie: first shower. If you can make
sure you have no enemy within your fence,
you may j.us'e 'wire-netting, but this should
be at least 30 inches high, or hares will
jump it.

In order of merit, therefore, I would put
the Norway Maple first, particularly in
rabbit - infested districts; next to this, the
Spanish Chestnut ; and thirdly, Ash. Then
we have Sycamore, Hornbeam (in the Weald
of Kent called Buck - Beech), Birch, and
Hazel, for upland coppices, in all cases first
associated with Larch. For wet woods,
Plum-leaved Willow and Alder; while the
Bitter Willow will be found useful in the
vicinity of warrens, or where hares abound.

More might be said, but the wish of the
writer is merely to call attention to the
possibility of utilising much waste land,
and this, apart from the idea of simply
beautifying estates and the country gene-
rally, must be my apology for occupying so
much valuable space. Experience. .

THE BEGINNING OP THE LILY
SEASON.

Nature has of late been very unreliable, so far
at least as regards her atmospheric conditions.
To-day, after the exercise of much patient
assiduity, we have our gardens in almost perfect
order, every flower a picture of beauty amid the
shadowy twilight created by the trees ; to-
morrow, to our consternation, it may be every-
where desolated by a fierce south - east wind,
accompanied by torrents of rain. Before the
untimely' presence of such a visitation as we
experienced on the confines of July, our fairest
flowers, deluged and driven earthwards by the
weight of wind and moisture, do not long retain
that loveliness of colour and perfection of form
which are the gardener's constant joy. But he has
this consolation, that the process of floral creation,
so mysterious to the profoundest scientific in-
tellect, is still going on ; and that the rains
which destroy our fully-opened; flowers are mean-
while hastening the development of others, which
ere long, in happier circumstances, will take their
place. ,

The growth of precious plants has also of late
been greatly stimulated by the superabundance of
thunder-showers. This has been specially observ-
able in the cases of the Oriental and American
Lilies, which seem to rejoice in a season of
veritable floods. Liliurn Henryi and LUium
monadelphum var. Szovitzianum, for example,
havej attained a height of not less than 8 feet ;
the former, which is one of the ' grandest of
Asiatic Lilies, and unquestionably the monarch
of the great Martagon family, already expanding
its exquisitely beautiful lemon-coloured flowers.

Equally forward in its floral evolution is that
loveliest of all Californian Lilies, whose aspect
and fragrance are the very essence of refinement,
Lilium Washingtonianum. It never reaches its
adequate stature in this country ; nevertheless it
generates a considerable number of extremely
attractive blooms, white, very delicately spotted
with faintest purple ; while in a few days it
assumes an almost roseate appearance. There is
a variety entitled Washingtonianum rubescens,
in which the tendency I have indicated is,
from its first appearance, more strongly marked ;
but the familiar form is, on the ground
of artistic effectiveness, infinitely to be pre-
ferred. Lilium Humboldti promises to be
finer than usual this season ; and Lilium parda-
linum, which for many years I could not induce
to grow and flower vigorously, is at last, trans-
planted manifestly to l more'' congenial soil, a
gratifying success. Equally successful, though
it has not attained to the same commanding
height, is the very ' similarly coloured .Lilium
Burbanki y. , described by its eminent raiser as a
hybrid between the Californian Panther Lily
and Lilium Washingtonianum. In my own

garden, however, it is almjst identical with
Lilium pardalinum ; though Mr. S. Arnott, of
Carsethorn, informs me that he has seen a variety
of the Burbank Lily with distinctive character-
istics. A much finer hybrid is Lilium' excelsum,
which has not proved so enduring or prolific as I.
could have desired. This Lily is supposed to
have been the result of what may be termed
natural (as distinguished from cultural or aiti- ■
fieial) cross - fertilisation between Lilium can-
didum and Lilium chalcedonicum — the luminous
scarlet Martagon, and, to a large extent, partakes
of the attributes of both — a fact which explains
its charming colour and decorative capabilities.

One of the finest specimens of Lilium auratum
— -assuredly the most imposing in dimensions I
have ever beheld — obtained last winter from
Messrs. Dobbie, of Rothesay, has generated three
strongly fasciated stems, undoubtedly the result
of hypertrophy. It will probably produce not
fewer than 200 miniature flowers, which, as I know
from former experience of a similar creation of
" high cultivation," will have to be reduced/ if
the blooms, whose name is legion, are to have
any chance of opening with normal facility.
Another of my L. auratums came with its head
bent so abortively earthwards, as if its neck was
hopelessly broken, that it had to be destroyed, as
nothing would induce it to grow, like its aspiring
Japanese contemporaries, upwards to the light.

Lilium Browni and Lilium Krameri have, in
my garden, entirely disappeared, leaving only
the memory of their beauty behind ; but Lilium
speciosum and Lilium chalcedonicum have grown
magnificently ; and few Lilies are more radiantly
beautiful than these. David R. Williamson, Wigtown-
shire.

THE ROSARY.

NOTES ON POSES AND ROSE-STOCKS FOR
. . BUDDING. i

Almost all classes of Rose-stocks, excepting
the Manetti, may how be budded ; and where
possible, unless there is a large number to be
done, the operation is best performed on a dull
day, or in early morning and late in the evening.
If the prevailing weather is very hot, the plants,'
should be afforded water at the root, after loosening
the soil, and also after budding.

The standard anddwarf Briars should now be in.
the best condition for working ; the Manetti stocks
are best left till August. The wholly longitudinal '
incision is better than the cross-cut for budding,
as the shoots are not so liable to break off frbm-
wind or other causes. The surplus shoots of the i
standard Briars should have been rubbed off last [
month, and two or three of the strongest left,
entire near the top. In budding, it is best to use ;
scions from flowering shoots, as they are so much
better ripened and take more successfully. In
the absence of rain, both stocks and Roses on
light, dry soils are the better for a mulch of
manure and abundance of water. The multiflora
stock is admirable for strong-growing climbers of
the Tea and Noisette family, such as M. Niel,
W. A. Richardson, Aimee Vibert, and others.

Tea and other Roses on their own roots that were
propagated early in the season may now have a
shift, if this has not already been done, into 5-inck
pots, and be plunged outside on a disused hotbed. '
but not under glass. They will soon make rapid
and abundant growth when assisted by the night
dews and the fertilising properties of the manure.
To induce a bushy habit, they should be stopped
twice during the growing smson; the last
stopping, if made in August, will afford the plant
the opportunity to ripen its wood. Afterwards
they can be passed into the cold frame for<the
winter, giving them all the air possible. J. "D. <
Godwin. ...it

Jdlt 11, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

15

ALPINE GARDEN.

IBERIS.

Spring-flowering kinds of Candytuft are now
excellent and various, and need no commenda-
tion; their names are somewhat confused and
confusing, as many of them are hybrids. Iberis
corifolia is often praised ; this should be spelt
correa;folia. It is recognised in the Kew Hand-list
as "of garden origin," and is probably a hybrid.
If frequently propagated by cuttings, to prevent
feggy plants, it is worthy of a place anywhere :
it is then dwarf, with large flower-heads of pure
white, lengthening out into long trusses with
wide hemispherical ends.

■ The Index Kewensis catalogues a name, I. cori-
folia (Sweet), which I cannot find described. It
perhaps took its origin from I. coridis folio
(Villars, Plants of Dauphiny, 1785), referred to in
Bot. Mag., tab. 1,785, to I. saxatilis. I. Garrexiana
makes a dwarf and close dark green surface all
winter, flourishing well in April and May ; it is
considered by botanists a variety of I. semper-
virens, but is widely distinct in many characters
from the type.

i I. sempervirens has many forms, and probably

many hybrids. The type is often more leafy than

flowery, and is too tall and spreading for a small

rockery. Such dwarf forms as one sold by the

name Little Gem are better, and are easily

' renewed by cuttings, but dwarfs of excellent

I ' habit, which cannot be referred with certainty to

any species, come spontaneously in girdens where

: they are encouraged.

• ■ The gems of the genus in the Edge garden are two
very dwarf forms, referred by botanists to I. saxa-
tilis. They are of very slow increase, and make
closely crowded, prostrate flower-tufts, each not
larger than a sixpence. One kind begins to flower
about Christmis, the other about six weeks later,
the flowers being uninjured by hard frosts. The
untidy and distorted growth in the portrait of
I. saxatilis (Bot. Mag., tab. 172), gives no idea of
the elegant neatness of these two varieties, which
I have had for nearly twenty years, but forget
their source.

I also recommend two closely allied dwarfs
from the south of Italy, I. Tenoreana and I. Pruiti
(De Candolle, Prodrom., vol. i., p. 179). They
generally flower only twice with me, flowering
themselves to death. The first-named has flowers
either white or suffused with rose, the second
always pure white. I. Tenoreana is figured in'
Loddig.es' Cabinet, tab. 1,721 ; Bot. Mag., tab.
2,783; and Sweet's Flower Garden, tab. 88. I do
not find any portrait of I. Pruiti. The two
annually produce a spontaneous crop of seedlings,
many of them apparently crossed. If the bushy
seedlings are selected, and transplanted to vacant
spots on a rockery in autumn, they prove worth
■ the trouble, by flowering in succession all spring
and summer.

The prettiest flower of Candytuft now out in
my garden bears a large head of clear bright rose
colour on a dwarf plant. I suppose it is a hybrid
of I. gibraltarica, but if it is, I am surprised that
it ~ passed unharmed through the destructive
frosts of April. C. Wolley Dod, Edge Hall, Malpas,
3fat/ 4. [Reference may be made to Mr. Baker's
monograph in the Gardeners' Chronicle for 1808,
p. 711. Ed.j

Some Red or Pink Flowered Saxifragas.

S. Kolenatiana and others. — A pink flowered
Saxifrage I once cultivated as Kolenatiana, now
referred by some to S. cartilaginea [as in Index
Kewensis], I have unfortunately lost, and I can
anly speak of it from recollection. It was of
the encrusted section, and had pleasing pink-
flowers. Apparently it must have been one of
the forms of the variable S. cartilaginea, which
has white, pink, or purple flowers. Of the true
£>. Frederici-Augnsti, which is said to have

purple flowers, I know nothing save that which
is to be found in works of reference dealing with
Saxifrages. [It is said, in Index Eeweisis, to be
synonymous with S. porophylla.] S. Arnolt, Carse-
thorn by Dumfries, N.B.

Saxifraga cochlearis.
This is one of the most elegant and beautiful
of all the June - flowering species, particularly
those of the encrusted section. From such spe-
cies as S. longifolia or S. cotyledon the cultivator

a rounded rosette more nearly approaching some
members of S. aizoon rather than those named
above. In a rather strong loam, with much grit
added, this species grows freely. E. Jenkins.

AN

SPARAXIS TRICOLOR IN
AUSTRALIAN GAEDEN.

Whilst in Europe last year I visited upwards
of one hundred public and private gardens, parks
and recreation grounds in Great Britain, Ireland,

Fig. 8. — sparajcis tricolor on dr. Norton's lawn at
ecclesbourne, sydney, australia.

obtains one very handsome inflorescence in
perhaps a 5-inch or (i-inch pot ; but it is possible
in the same size pot to secure a dozen, or even a
score, of spikes of blossom from S. cochlearis.
These are of snowy whiteness, save for the ex-
tremely faint dots of pink on the petals. The plant
is not always to be obtained true to name, a very
inferior variety between S. Hostii and S. lingulata
sometimes doing service for it. These latter
have more or less linear, oblong, or accuminate
leaves, while in the true species the much en-
crusted leaves are distinctly spatulate, forming

France, Germany, Belgium, and Holland, and
saw many beautiful examples of landscape gar-
dening and horticultural skill. I noted with
pleasure the great advances that had been made
in planting bulbs in grass since my previous
visit. I saw extensive displays of Snowdrops,
Crocuses, wild Hyacinths, various Na]
&.O., which I thought particularly charming ;
but for gorgeousness of display I saw
nothing to equal the numerous varieties o1
Sparaxis tricolor that the Hon. Dr. James
Norton, M.L.C., has growing on his lawn at

16

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 11, 1903.

Ecclesbourne, Sydney, Australia (see fig. 8,
p. 15, depicting a portion of the lawn covered
with Sparaxis). Whilst in Europe I was shown
several varieties of Sparaxis tricolor in pots
under glass, but when I explained how admir-
ably this bulbous plant grew in the open-air
in Australia, and how successfully Dr. Norton
had grown them in grass, my hearers thought
the effect of these plants when in bloom must
be surpassingly beautiful. There is a greater
number of varieties of Sparaxis tricolor grown at
Ecclesbourne than in any other public or private
garden in Australasia. This splendid collection
comprises some thousands of bulbs, including
hundreds of varieties having flowers of every
conceivable hue, and the colouring of the petals
is so rich and varied that many of them might
be described as fantastic. When in bloom, the
lawn rivals the richest mosaic work in colouring.
Every spring-time many plant-lovers visit Eccles-
bourne in order to see this beautiful sight. There
is a history attached to these plants. In the
early part of the last century Dr. Bowman,
of Sydney, imported the original bulbs from
South Africa, and gave some of them to the
late Hon. James Norton, M.L.C., of Elswick ;
and forty-five years ago his son, Dr. Norton,
made a selection from the descendants of these,
and planted them at Ecclesbourne. Ever since
then the process of careful selection of superior
varieties has gone on, with the result above
stated. It should be mentioned that during the
last few years Dr. Norton has succeeded in raising
a beautiful bright yellow variety which is looked
upon as quite a novelty. In Australia, most
varieties of Sparaxis tricolor produce seed in great
abundance, and the seeds germinate readily
under ordinary conditions. It might be added
that there are growing amongst these varieties
of Sparaxis a number of species of Babiana,
Freesia, Ixia, Tritonia, Triteleia, and other
choice bulbous plants which have a charming
effect when in bloom. Fred Turner, F.L.S., S(c.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

m — —

The American Carnation : How to Grow
IT. By Charles Willis Ward. (New York :
A. T. De La Mare, Printing & Publishing Co.)

This is a very nicely-got-up book, and places
before us the history of the Carnation and its
culture from an American point of view. As
there is some divergence of opinion on the relative
properties of the English and American types of
Carnation, it will be both interesting and in-
structive to consider the question on its merits.
Mr. Ward traces the history of the Carnation for
a period of 2,000 years ; but in those early years
America was " out of it." In later times, nearly
all the poets and authors of Herbals are quoted,
from Chaucer to John Gerarde. Old Parkinson
is not included ; Mr. Thomas Hogg, of Padding-
ton, is quoted as an authority on the properties
of a Carnation ; and Mr. Ward truly remarks
that in Hogg's time "only flakes, bizarres, and
Picotees were considered good Carnations." And
in reference to Hogg the author states " that
the English grower strictly barred all Carnations
with fringed petals." This is in direct contradic-
tion to the American idea of a fine Carnation,
for here the fringed petal is rather preferred.
My own experience with American-bred Carna-
tions is that those varieties with fringed petals
are more easily grswn under our conditions, and
the blooms are also better keepers than the shell-
petaled varieties.

The history of the Carnation in America began
in 1840. A gardener from Lyons, Prance, named
Dalmais, introduced the perpetual - blooming
variety, and cross-fertilised the French type with
a Flemish Carnation ; and our author traces the
history and development of the Carnation very

carefully until he commenced growing the Car-
nation on his own account in 1890. The later
varieties I have not grown, but many of the
varieties named were cultivated carefully under
glass ; but no one cared for them, and all were
discarded except Lizzie McGowan and C. A. Dana.
Since that, our collection contains Mrs. Thomas
Lawson, which, when well grown, is a very
beautiful and distinct variety.

Mr. Ward has much faith in the final triumph
of the American type of Carnation. In a recent
address, Mr. Carnegie stated that the time is
coming when Canada will be absorbed by the
United States of America ; so Mr. Ward believes
that " within the next generation we may expect
to see the American race of Carnations in general
cultivation throughout the horticultural world,
wherever climatic conditions permit." We are
informed that Belgian and German florists are
sending their sons to the United States to serve
apprenticeships in the Carnation establishments,
returning in a year or two to engage in the
culture of the American Carnation.

The development of Carnation culture in the
United States during the last decade is certainly
remarkable j and one cannot wonder at this,
because the greater the quantity of flowers grown
the higher are the prices. It is stated that there
are 2,000 establishments devoted principally
to Carnation culture ; 7,000,000 to 8,000,001) Car-
nation plants are grown, producing annually
100,000,000 Carnation blooms. In the year 1890,
the retail prices of Carnation blooms ranged from
25 to 50 cents, and at occasional times to 70 cents
per dozen ; whereas at the present time the
retail prices in the larger cities of the United
States are from 75 cents to 5 dollars per dozen ;
and in rare instances especially fine blooms are
sold as high as 8 to 12 dollars per dozen blooms.
Some of the less fortunate growers in this worn-
out old country may think I am not quoting
correctly, and that the author does not mean a
single dozen of blooms for 12 dollars, that some
large number or measure is intended. The state-
ment is made at p. 34 of the book. The remark-
able part of it is the fact that by increasing the
output the prices rise. No wonder millionaires
are as plentiful as Blackberries in America.

The culture of the plants must be inexpensive
as compared with the English method. The
propagation of the plants is the same in America
as in England. The author fancies that the Car-
nation for winter-blooming is propagated in
England by layering; at least he says it is
largely practised. There he is in error; the
plants are propagated by means of cuttings on
bottom-heat in England, as in America, during
the months of January, February, and March.
The young plants are potted off in both countries
into small flower-pots ; but the after-culture is
different, and must be all in favour of the
American method for cheapness and also for the
after-results.

Instead of repotting the plants several times,
and growing them to the flowering size in pots,
they are grown in fields, the ground being pre-
pared by ploughing. The plough is also called
into requisition in the preparation of the soil for
" benching." Laying up the turf soil in heaps is
found to be too expensive, it is therefore pre-
pared somewhat as follows : — The manure is
spread evenly on the " sod ground " early in
September, and ploughed-in to the depth of
5 inches ; this is harrowed over, another light
coat of manure is given in November " and
turned under, the ground being left in ridges, so
that it will get a thorough freezing." In spring
the ground is ploughed again two or three times,
and thrown into ridges. This soil, after being
worked as above, is taken into the houses, and
the benches are filled up with it for planting.

The time of plantiug, method of planting, and
all the minor details of the work are carefully

described. The soil on the benches is sterilised!
with steam-pipes. These pipes are carried through
the soil on the benches at a depth of 6 inches-
Holes are made in the pipes at intervals, and
steam is forced into them for twenty to thirty
minutes, until the soil is heated to 190° to 212°.
"This is sufficient to kill all the bugs, earth-
worms, wire-worms, and other insects which
infest the soil, and to destroy all weed-seeds and
spores of fungi." The surface of the soil is
covered with sheeting of some kind before the
steaming process is started. I had marked many
more passages which might be dealt with, for the
author is certainly an enthusiast and knows what
he is writing about. One passage must not
be passed over — what he calls the theory of luck.
He does not believe in luck, nor do I. When a
gardener tells me he has been unlucky with his
Carnations I am anxious to know where the>
luck comes in. A grower who understands the
requirements of his plants and' minds his own
business, instead of looking after other people's, is
never found growling about being unlucky. A
man may be unlucky with his Cabbages and
Pumpkins if he does not sow his seed at the
right time and see that it is well sown, that the
seedlings are pricked out when ready, the ground
prepared for them, &c. All garden work wants
doing at the right time, and the gardener who is
always telling us that there is no time to do this,
that, or the other part of his work, had better
give up gardening and enlist, or try some other
easier sort of work.

There is no reason why the bench culture of
Carnations should not be tried in England.
Gardeners who have quantities of cut Carnations
to supply in winter,- or who are growers for
market, might well pause and consider whether
the system is not well worth a trial. Mr. Ward's
book will give all the information required.
The amateur who does not know a ' Carnation-
plant from a Shirley Poppy will find full in-
structions from the seedling or the. cutting to the
full-grown plant; while the practical gardener
will be sure to find something new, something to-
please and to instruct him in the ways of the
American cultivator. Insect pests and diseases
are fully noticed, and instructions given for their
extermination.

I can recommend the book to amateurs,
gardeners, and market growers. It is well
printed on fine paper ; the illustrations of the
houses and photographs of the different varieties
of American Carnations are excellent illustra-
tions of the flowers desiderated by the American
people. At p. 2(3 is an illustration of Governor
Roosevelt, the outer petals irregularly and deeply
serrated, the central petals notched, and of the
worst possible form ; but the question of form in
Carnations must stand over, and also that of the
use of stimulants. J. Douglas.

dlctionnaire iconograph ique de8
Orchid£es.

The issue of M. Cogniaux's work for May just-
to hand contains fourteen subjects, mostly old
species, or slight variations of them : —

Arachnanthe Cathcartii. — Also known in gardens
as Vanda and Esmeralda. Discovered by Sir
J. D. Hooker in the moist valleys in the Eastern
Himalaya in 184S. Flowers large and of thick
substance, yellowish, heavily barred with red-
brown.

Cattleya Mossice variabilis. — A pale variety, with
lavender-tinted flowers.

Cattleya Percivaliana grandiflora. — Flowers
bright purplish-rose with maroon disc and yellow
marking in the tube of the labellum.

Cattleya x Whitei. — A natural hybrid between
Cattleya Schilleriana and C. labiata Warneri.
Flowers purplish-rose, darker on the labellum,
which has yellow markings at the base.

July 11, 1903. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

17

Cypripedium x Chapmanii (Curtisii x bella-
tulum). — Flowers finely tinged and spotted with
purple, the white ground showing on the outer
halves of the dorsal sepal and petals.

Cypripedium X Gaudianum (Curtisii X Har-
risianum superbum). Flowers tinged and veined
with dark rose, the petals and dorsal sepal having
some dark purple spots.

Dendrobium X Ainsworthii grandiflorum. —
Flowers white, tipped with dark rose. Disc of
lip purple with a yellow band. It is the plant
well known in gardens as D. x splendidissimum.

Dendrobium sanguiaolentum. — AMalayan species
introduced in 1842. Flowers in short racemes,
white, tipped with purple. Disc, yellow.

Epidendrum atropurpureum Lionetianum. — Se-
pals and petals greenish, stained with purple.
Lip pale rose striped with darker rose.

Houlletia odoratissima. — Sepal and petals orange
colour shaded with red. Column and lip whitish
with minute purple spots. Imported from New
Orenada in 1852, and recently by M. Fl. Claes, of
Etterbeck, Brussels. This figure commences the
genus Houlletia.

Maxillaria tenuifolia. — A Mexican species, in-
troduced in 1837, and flowered in the gardens of
the Eoyal Horticultural Society in 1839, and
Slow a very common plant in gardens. Flowers
yellowish, marked with red.

Miltonia Phalcenopsis. — Flowers white, with
yellow crest and purple markings on the lip.

Saccolabium bellinum. — The well-known species
discovered in Burma by Boxall in 1873. Sepals
and petals greenish-yellow, spotted with red-
brown. Lip white, with yellow disc and rose-
coloured markings.

Zygopetalum brachypetalum pallidum. — Flowers
resembling those of a small Z. Mackayi. Sepals
and petals greenish, blotched with purple. Lip
white, striped with rose-purple.

direction of L.-C. x Hippolyta, or other of the
C. labiata crosses with L. cinnabarina, its flowers
being equal to the best of them in size and showi-
ness. The flower is more than 5 inches across, of
a peculiar coppery-orange tint slightly tinged
with rose ; the petals and side lobes of the lip
also bearing a delicate veining of rose. The
front lobe of the lip is purplish-crimson, and its
surface is studded with minute papilla . These,
and the erected side lobes of the lip, are the best
traces of Cattleya granulosa, the thick substance
of which and other features do not appear. It
was first sent to us in 1901 by Mr. J. Hamilton,
gr. to Sir Jas. Miller, Bart., Manderston, Duns,
N.B., who was the first to flower it.

Oncidittm lamelligertjm.
This handsome species, originally described by
Reichenbaeh in the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1876,
p. 808, is still rarely seen in gardens, as it has

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

the same garden, and shows that notwith
standing the acres of Roses that almost
surround the residence, the private garden,
with its soft lawns and flower-beds and borders,
is not one whit the less appreciated. So many
Roses may be seen in the nursery, it is
not surprising that in the view given below the
flowers are of other species, and so afford a con-
trast, not to say relief, to the abundance of Roses.
It is interesting to recall the fact that this
nursery and garden is situated on one of the
highest points around Colchester, being on a level
with the steeple of the parish church. In spite
of its altitude there is such abundant water even
near to the surface that it is necessary to conduct
the surplus away by means of an efficient system
of drainage. The late Mr. Cant left two sons,
who are as enthusiastic as their father was, and
their success has been exemplified even in the
present season.

LUISIA TERES.

As a result of instructions given in Japan by
the Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, when on a voyage
round the world some time ago, a number of in-
teresting Orchids has been received by him, some
■of which are at his gardens at Ashton Wold,
Oundle, and part at Tring Park.

Luisia teres, one of the rare Japanese Orchids,
is now in flower at the latter place. In growth,
its slender stems and cylindrical leaves resemble
a small Vanda teres. The flowers are borne, to
the number of three or four, on a short, erect
spike, proceeding from the stems at the axils of
the leaves. The individual flowers are about
:£ inch in length, the sepals and petals in colour
greenish, with purplish lines along the keels at
the back. The labellum, which is distinctly bi-
lobed at the apex, is dark purple. When mature,
the sepals, petals, and front of the labellum close
over the column, leaving window-like openings at
the sides, as in the genus Cryptophoranthus. It
is probable that at certain hours of the day the
petals may expand, and again partially close, as
seen in the specimen sent, and which expanded
perfectly in water shortly before noon. It would
be well to observe the plant.

A curious little Japanese Bulbophyllum (?)
is about to bloom ; and of those which Mr. N. C.
Rothschild brought home, the pretty Aerides
japonicum and Angnecuin falcatum have both
flowered well.

Ljelio-Cattleya x Lady Miller.
A fine flower of this pretty hybrid between
Cattleya granulosa Sehofieldiana and Ltelia cin-
nabarina is sent by Eustace F. Clark, Esq.,
Chamonix, Teignmouth, who calls attention to the
featuros of the C. granulosa beingobscured in the
hybrid, and its unexpected development in the

Fig. 9.— Messrs. b. r. cant and sons' private garden, Colchester.

(Photograph by F. Masou Good.)

never been imported in quantity, as have its allies,
O. macranthum and O. serratum. A fine example
is sent by Mr. H. Arthur, Revidge, Blackburn,
the popular Honorary Secretary of the Blackburn
and District Horticultural Society, who states
that it was purchased as an imported plant for
O. macranthum. The very long flower-spikes
bear large handsome flowers about 3 inches in
diameter. The upper sepal is stalked and
nearly circular, brown margined with yellow ;
the narrower and longer lateral sepals also brown ;
and the broad, incurved, fringed petals light
yellow, spotted with purplish-brown on the inner
halves. The lip is purple on the narrow side
lobes, and lighter on the front lobe, and the
singular crest white and purple.

ARKET NOTES.

IN MESSRS. CANT'S GARDEN.

An illustration was given in last week's issue
of the famous hedge of Ayrshire Rosea growing
in the private garden attached to the residence
in the nursery of Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons.
Colchester. The house was inhabited for very
many years by the late Mr. Benjamin R. t'.uit,
who died there on July 17, 1900, in his seventy-
fourth year. In fig. 9 is given another view from

PELARGONIUM TRICOLOR MASTERPIECE.
This stands undoubtedly well to the front as a
bedder. It is in growth second to none, and the
markings of the foliage are extremely rich and
beautiful, and the zone is broad and black.
Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son have a good stock
of this at their Finchley nurseries in trial beds,
as likewise of Mrs. Pollock. As the beds are open
to the south, the display will be a fine one. The
last week in June, Covent Garden Market was
specially well supplied all round with tricolor
Pelargoniums, and I observed, besides Master-
piece, Mr. Henry Box, another excellent variety.

Border Carnation Mrs. Herbert J. Cutbcsh.
This is a very fine variety, and several houses
filled with the plants are coming into bloom at
the Finchley nursery of Messrs. Cutbush. The
colour is a deep rose ; the individual blooms are ol
a large size, and perfect as regards form, and
the petals of good substance. It i< B •. --flower-
ing variety, good for growing in pots. So Par
demand eiceeds production, and the taieer has
had no opportunity of testing its flowering

18

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July II, 1903.

capability as a two-year-old, but lie learns that it
does well when aged. This old-established firm
is about to erect another lot of glasshouses for
the cultivation of Souvenir de la Malmaison Car-
nation var. Nautilus. This, one of Mr. Martin R.
Smith's raising, is now met with on the exhibi-
tion table, either grown in pots or in the cut
state. As seen at Messrs. Cutbush's nursery in
quantity a better idea of its value can be formed
than when cut or when growing in small quanti-
ties. The blooms are of a pleasing, distinct, flesh
tint, and models of good form. It is a continuous
bloomer on two-year-old plants. The Malmai-
sons have a great fascination for the public, and
the present market prices for cut bloom reach
tempting figures.

Lychnis viscaria spi,endens, fl. pl.
-. This is a good wet-weatber plant, the flowers
enduring rain without disfigurement or decay.
Once established, the plants should not be dis-
turbed for years, and they will make a fine display.
The plant can be propagated readily from cut-
tings, which will flower the next season. A very
Bhowy, useful border or rock plant. Stephen Castle.

EUCHARIS GRANDIFLORA.

This charming free-flowering bulbous stove
plant is most accommodating in the way of
flowering, and the umbels of large pure white
fragrant flowers, borne on stout stems well above
the large, handsome green leaves, are very telling
in effect, either as vase or specimen plants, or
intermixed with other subjects in stove or warm
greenhouse. If given a compost consisting of
fibrous peat and loam in about equal parts, and
one part of pulverised cow-manure and small
charcoal, with a liberal dash of sharp sand added,
and a minimum temperature of 65°, with careful
application of water at the roots, the plants will
grow and flower freely. In potting, use clean
pots, and afford good drainage, putting a large
convex crock over the hole in the bottom.

In breaking up large plants, let the bulbs be
sorted into three or four different sizes. The size
of the bulbs should govern the number to be
placed in each 4^-inch, (i-inch, and 8-inch pot,
three average-sized bulbs being put into the first-
mentioned size, five in the second, and nine in the
third. Specimens may be made up by potting a
dozen or two large bulbs in large pots. In
potting, bury the bulbs a little below the apex,
and make the compost quite firm under and
around the same, and then afford water to settle
the soil.

The chief cultural points to be observed in the
cultivation of Eucharis are ample drainage,
water somewhat sparingly applied at the roots
until numerous roots have pushed into the soil,
and applications of mild liquid-manure in a tepid
state twice a week after the flower-spikes have
appeared, and the maintenance of an uniform
warmth, together with moist conditions, until
the flowers begin to open. At that stage, the
plants may be removed to a structure having a
cooler and drier atmosphere, in which case the
soil should be allowed to get fairly dry before
water is applied at the root.

I have found it a good plan to stand the pots
of freshly-potted, dormant bulbs on thin boards
resting on the hot-water pipes in forcing-houses,
where, if the soil be kept quite moist, rooting and
leafing soon take place. The plants may then be
transferred to the staging over the hot-water
pipes in a plant stove. Weak liquid-manure
should be afforded the plants for a few weeks
after they have gone out of flower, and afterwards
water should be gradually withheld previously to
discontinuing the supplies altogether a few weeks
later, so as to rest the plants ; the pots being
turned on their side the better to insure the
plants having this enforced rest, and be kept to

the stove while so resting. Plants thus treated
will send up a crop of flower-spikes twice or
thrice in the year within a month or six weeks
from the time water is withheld from the roots.
The pots should then be stood in their proper
position, the soil pricked over with a pointed
stick, top-dressed with a little of the mixture
indicated above, and well watered ; repeating the
operation each time the plants have gone out of
flower. Eucharis do not need disturbance at the
root for periods of two or three years ; indeed,
not before larger pots are absolutely necessary,
or the bulbs reduced in number. H. W. W.

VARIATIONS IN ANIMALS AND
PLANTS.*

(Concluded from p. 405.)

Me. Bateson divides variations into two
classes — substantive, i.e., in the substance
of the parts; and meristic, relating to the
number of parts. Both of these are common
enough in plants. Thus, maritime plants
are often fleshy in "substance," but the
cause has been shown to be due to salt.

Similarly, members of the order Cactacex
and S. African Euphorbias, &c., are fleshy-
stemmed plants. Such is, presumably, i.e.,
by inductive evidence, the result of response
to drought. These are now genuine and
constant varietal or specific characters ; but
meristic differences may or may not be
worthy of either term ; for ' fours,'' " fives,"
and " sixes " may be found in the whorls of
flowers on the same corymb of Elder, and
are merely due to relative degrees of nou-
rishment at the disposal of the flower-bud.
Such cannot be depended upon for constancy.
Similarly di- and tetramerous flowers are
not uncommon in Monocotyledons, but they
do not lead to varieties or species in Nature,
unless the conditions of life be constant, which
gave rise to them. Thus the relatively
barren soil of sandy heaths is correlated
with the permanently four-petalled flowers
of the Tormentil, and the species of Gentian
G. campestris) is regarded as specifically
different from another (G. amarella) by
having a 4-merous calyx instead of ao-merous
one, as in the latter species, solely because
the difference is constant.

Number, of course, plays an important
part in the classification of flowers, but its
value entirely depends upon its constancy.
In the author's quotations from Mr. Bateson,
this element of fundamental importance
does not seem to have been sufficiently
tested or insisted upon. Hence the value of
these statistics is greatly weakened so far as
they are presumed to point to true "varietal"
variations.

To give one more instance. Of the num-
bers of the leaflets of Clovers, bearing 3, 4,
5, 6, or 7, the maxima were 3, 5, and 7. Now
this is simply in accordance with the evolu-
tion of compound leaves from simple ones.
It is obtained by a " severance " of the first
pair from a simple blade, and then by
another pair being cut off from the latter
(speaking metaphorically, of course), so that
any large plant, say of Cinquefoil, will bear
leaves with 1, 3, 5, and 7 leaflets, and none
with 2, 4, or 6.

As with Phyllotaxis, the observations on
Clover lead to nothing of a truly varietal
nature. No botanist regards the common
'•4-leaved form" of the Clover, or the "even-

* By H. M. Vernon, M.A., M.D., Internat. Sot. Series,
vol. 88,1903. (Kegan, Paul, Trench, Triibner A Co ,1903.)

leaved" form of the Ash-leaf as varieties of
the Clover and Ash respectively.

Dr. Vernon quotes Darwin as saying : —
"The more diversified the descendants from
any one species become in structure, consti-
tution, and habits, by so much the more
will they bev better enabled to seize on many
and widely diversified places in the polity
of Nature, and so be enabled to increase in
numbers " (p. 66).

He does not see that Darwin is • here
" puttiDg the cart before the horse "—a
process which results from his theory of
selection from indefinite variations. The
fact is, as Dr. Vernon seems fully to admit
in his later chapters, that " the diversifica-
tion in structure, constitution, and habits,"
is brought about by the direct action of the
" widely diversified places " through the
responsive power of the plants themselves;
but the author cannot altogether free his
mind from the imaginary "agency." of
Natural Selection. , Dr. Vernon criticises
my statement, that the cumulative influence
of changed conditions of life are amply suf-
ficient, without the aid of Natural Selection
— in which I am only quoting Darwin,
though it is corroborated by my own expe-
rience— and says: "By no means" . . .
"probably in each case by far the larger
portion must be ascribed to the ever-present
and ever-acting agency of Natural Selec-
tion " (p. 391).

Dr. Vernon does not seem to realise Dar-
win's sharp distinction between " the Origin
of Species by means of Natural Selection "
(i.e., out of Indefinite Variations), and the
Origin of Species "without the aid of
Natural Selection " (out of Definite Varia-
tions), to use Darwin's own words. The
former was an imaginary process, the latter
is the "True Darwinism."

The third chapter deals with " Correlated
Variations," and the author gives an account
of Galton's methods of investigations and
mathematical methods of representations.
He proves that though all the organs of the
animal body may vary together, yet each is
a more or less independent variable. In
plants there seems to be much less depen-
dence than in animals, for if any one organ
be the object of artificial selection, as a
tuber, foliage, corolla or fruit, many racea
have been established of each, with but
little or no change in other parts of the
plant.

But all such fluctuating elements as have
been measured, as parts of shrimps, crabs,
earwigs, etc., do not lead one to detect any
evidence of truly varietal and constant char-
acters, upon which alone classification can
be based.

As soon, however, as some more pro-
nounced difference is observable, then a
difference of habit or something in the
surroundings is pretty sure to be suspected
or detected, as at least apparently indicating
a " direct action," to account for it, as Dr.
Vernon notices in the case of Mr. Warren's
observations on the crab, Portunus depurator
(p. 81).

Nevertheless, Dr. Vernon remarks: — "All
these results may be taken to show that
every part and organ of the body is corre-
lated with every other part in a greater or
less degree. . . . The immense importance
in evolutionary processes of such correlation,
whereby when one organ becomes modified
by the action of an agency such as Natural

July 11, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

19

Selection, others are modified also, is suf-
ficiently obvious to need no discussion"
(p. 84, my italics).

Dr. Vernon here falls into the only too
common mistake of attributing ': action "
and " agency " to Natural Selection. Darwin
insisted upon our remembering that it is
only a metaphor,* though he often wrote as
if he thought otherwise. Perhaps its true
meaning will be seen from an example : An
epidemic occurs. One individual in one
family, two in another, three in a third, are
attacked and die, the others may or may
not be attacked, but live. That is an
example of natural selection. It is only a
name for a special "natural law" or
" observed facts." The cause of the deaths
is known, viz., microbes ; and the cause of the
survival is known, viz., a strong constitution
capable of resisting the " action " of the
microbes. Natural selection is only Nature's
" Eegistrar of births, deaths, and survivals,"
and is neither an "agent" nor an "actor" in
the drama of life.

No one can possibly deny the universal
existence of natural selection as a natural
law among living beings ; but it was his
attempt to introduce it in his theory of the
Origin of Species on changes of structure,
which constituted Darwin's original mistake.
For in applying Malthus' theory to the
animal and vegetable kingdoms in their
entirety, he added "structure" as an
element of destruction or survival, with
which Malthus was not concerned at all.
MaDy are the causes of elimination of the
majority of any offspring, e.g., being de-
voured by enemies, being smothered by
stronger individuals among plants, ill-luck
as to where the seeds fall, starvation,
drowning, &c. But it is not due to any
slight changes of structure or form, as of
" individual differences." These are not
"matters of life or death," as Weismann
seems to think. Nature does not make
" injurious variations " as Darwin suggested,
but always evolves the variations in response
to the environment or in adaptation to the
conditions of life. "New sub-varieties are
thus formed without the aid of natural'
selection " as Darwin maintains.

Dr. Vernon of course, alludes to Weis-
mann's theory that the body or soma, if it
acquire any characters, such cannot lie
transmitted by heredity, i.e., in accordance
with his'own theory. 'Dr. Vernon, however,
who does me the honour of quoting'freely
from my books, arrives at the same con-
clusion as myself, that such acquired
characters can be, and most undoubtedly
are, transmitted ; but to meet the objection
that it is inconceivable how the " somatic"
effects can be transmitted to the "germ-
cells," Dr. Vernon proposes an additional
theory that it is done by internal chemical
secretions which " pass into the circulation
of the body, and there exert some important
but unexplained influence on the general
metabolism of the tissues" (p. 94).
. Not being a zoological biologist, I am not
competent to discuss the question from the point
of view of one, but in plants I know of no evidence
for it. Moreover, somatic characters, i.e., of the
"vegetative system "of roots, stems, and leaves
of many plants, aro acquired long before any

■ Origin «f Specter, &i: , isih Ed., p 68. ' It has been

said that I speak of Natural Selectton a« an active

power." . . . Natural Selection "only implies the

preservation of such variations as arise and arc bene-

cial to the being under its conditions of life."

reproductive organs exist, as the tubers of Potatos,
roots of Carrots, &c, foliage of Cabbages, &c.
Yet all these have become hereditary traits, and
" come true by seed." How the embryos have
been able to acquire potentially the capacity of
reproducing them is a mystery, but such is the
case.

Part II. deals with The Causes of Variation
under the two groups " Blastogenetic " and
" Somatic." The former kind of variations are,
according to AYeismann : (1) Inequalities of

It is perhaps more applicable to animals than,
plants, for the evidence of characteristics ac-
quired by the soma and inherited is simply
overwhelming in the case of plants.

The fifth chapter, in which blastogenic varia-
tions are continued, contains the mathematical
details worked out by Galton, Pearson, Mendel,,
&c. They are clearly stated, but if one looks-,
for some unexceptionable evidence bearing upon
the origin of new variations of structure, which
a systematist demands, there is little or nothing;

Fig. 10.— alpine irises near the simtlon pass (from me. cafarne).

(see r. 22.)

nutrition acting on the individual constituents
of the germ-plasm ; (2) Amphimixis or sexual
reproduction. Both of these sources would at
first appear to lie more favourable towards
supplying help in the investigations for true
varietal variations than , individual differences,
but they Beam to be very limited in their effect.
as causes. The reader is referred to the experi-
ments with rabbits, &c... tin- conclusion of bbe
author being, that :— " The evidence so far avail-
able seems to render it highly probable that the
major part of the variation exhibited by Organisms
is of blastogenic rathor than of somatic origin."

forthcoming. Hence, one is not surprised tc
heir that Prof. Pearson has arrived at the con-
clusion :— " Whatever be the function of sex iiu
evolution, it is not the production of' greater
variability " (p. 180).

If the question of hybridity were introduced,
theu the result of cross - fertilisation is well
known to introduce practically an almost un-
limited amount of variation. Hut this is, of
course, outside Evolution, properly so .ill! 1

Coming now to the true basis of the cause of
Evolution— the Responsive power of Protoplasn
to the direct action of changed conditions of lib-

20

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Jdly 11, 1903.

, — the author has deduced, independently of, but
contemporaneously with Prof. Pearson, the law
that : — "The permanent effect of* environment on
the growth of a developing organism diminishes
rapidly and regularly from the time of impregna-
tion onwards " (p. 199). And he draws another
conclusion which is not new : — " Increased varia-
bility of environment leads to increased varia-
bility of the organisms subjected to it." It has
long been observed that more pronounced varie-
ties are seen in a species as it spreads from the
•centre of its geographical area, simply because it
meets with greater variations in the environment.

I think the author is not quite right in his
(belief that " want of adaptation " is a real factor
in variation. Surely it is that until the or-
ganism is thoroughly adapted to new conditions
■of life, it will continue to respond to them, until
•equilibrium is established. This is apparently
the interpretation also of the above "law."
Horticulturists place this period as being from
five to six years, on the average, before a trust-
worthy fixity of permanent characters can be
secured by heredity.

In quoting several cases of the effect of en-
vironment, he alludes to aquatic plants. My
argument is that inductive evidence, derived
from a great number of dicotyledonous aquatic
plants having dissected leaves when they are sub-
merged, satisfies the requirements of " cumu-
lative coincidences," as establishing a natural
law, viz., that the water is the cause, and the
•dissected blade the effect. Dr. Vernon observes
that this is " tacitly assumed " to be true, and
adds : " It is of course possible that they are
partly or even largely indirect, and that the
change of habitat merely calls up latent cha-
racters long since possessed by the ancestral
plants which lived in similar circumstances."
This is true forj normally aquatic plants, which
fliave no stomata, and are raised on land by seed,
when an abundance of stomata are at once
formed, showing that such an aquatic plant as
Ranunculus aquatilis is descended from a ter-
restrial species; but the converse is not appli-
cable to account for the numerous degraded
characters observable through all the tissues of
aquatic plants. Experimental evidence, however,
here comes in to corroborate the above induction,
for Mr. McCallum grew the plant Proserpinaca
palustris of the U.S. (which is amphibious, and
.has dimorphic foliage) in water in which salts
were dissolved; these set up osmotic action,
which withdrew the superabundance of water
(from the protoplasm, when the normal aerial or
complete form of leaf was at once developed
under water.*

The effect of increase of food is discussed, and
it is shown that the number of petals of Butter-
cups increased as additional food was supplied
them ; in wild flowers, the maximum of the
number of petals was five, decreasing rapidly to
two ; when transferred to a garden the numbers
increased. Then the seed of the many-petalled
flowers was sown, with the following result in
•early-flowering plants, viz., nine petals gave the
.maximum, and in late plants ten. We thus see
that the normal pentamerous whorl was replaced
by two cycles instead of one. As similar differ-
ences can be paralleled in wild flowers, as a per-
manent diminution in half-starved plants of dry
•districts, such as the Tormentil, some grasses,
Ac. ; and while Geranium has ten stamens!
Erodium has only five, it seems pretty clear that
•excess and diminution of food, if permanently
maintained, may be real and efficient causes of
variations in " number." Still, such are all due
to the response of the plant to its environment,
and fall under the usual source of variations.

Alluding to the great effects of cultivation, Dr.
Vernon quotes Darwin, that "one cannot tell
how much ought to be attributed to the direct

action of the environment, and how much to
selection." This difficulty disappears if selection
as a cause of *' direct action " be left out of sight as
superfluous ; for selection does nothing. Because
the florist isolates an individual plant which he
wishes to preserve, by pulling up all the rest
which he does not want, such isolation has no
" direct action " whatever ; any effect is solely
produced by the environment. The gardener
might have chosen any other individual, and this
would have grown equally well, with or without
the former.

In the Third Part, on " Variation in its relation
to Evolution," the author restates Wallace's and
Darwin's position, viz., Facts granted: (1) geo-
metrical rate of increase ; (2) severe struggle for
life ; (3) individual variations ; (4) hereditary
transmission ; then (5) " it must follow that on
an average, more of the organisms possessing
favourable variations better adapted to their
environment will survive than of those possess-
ing less favourable ones. That is to say, the
species will become gradually modified by the
action of Natural Selection " (p. 336).

The fundamental error in this last assertion
is, that it demands " indefinite variations " for
Natural Selection to select from. They do not
exist in Nature. Darwin in 1876 confessed that
the " greatest mistake " which he made, was in
overlooking " definite variations." * These are now
seen to be universal, and, as Darwin said, " a new
sub-variety is formed without the aid of Natural
Selection." So Romanes also said, " If you prove
that ' indiscriminate ' variations do not exist, you
destroy Darwinism in toto."

The general impression left upon one's mind
after studying this book closely, is that the mathe-
matical analyses and resulting formulie, curious
and interesting though they may be, will not lead
us to the true source of the origin of species. The
observers, to begin with, are on the wrong tack
in basing them upon "individual differences."
Darwin is, of course, responsible for this mistake,
by inferring that a similar source of variations
would be found in the wild state, to the " ex-
aggerated" individual differences which occur
under cultivation. Wallace is quite right when
he says " they rarely come within the limits of a
species." All the laborious work in measuring
the carapaces of individuals of one and the same
species of crab, or of the length of sparrows, leads
to nothing of importance for classificatory pur-
poses, because not only are the differences too
slight, but there is no evidence of their having
any constancy, and changed conditions of life are
not insisted upon.

At present, the conclusion appears to be over-
whelming that all variations, upon which varie-
ties and species can be based, are the " definite
ones" which arise in all the offspring alike,
which are submitted to the same direct action of
a changed environment. Then, if they remain
for five or six generations under the same con-
ditions, the "acquired" characters become re-
tained and relatively fixed, whether they arose
blastogenetically or somatically. George Henslow.

* Botanical Qazttte, vol. xxxiv., August, 1902, p.

93.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Stocks. — These, when well grown and flowered,
are useful subjects during early spring, and in
order to get nice plants by that date seed should
now be sown in pans or 6-inch pots, carefully
drained, and filled with similar material as that
advised for Humeas in last week's Gardeners'
Chronicle. Having sown the seeds, place the pots,
&c, in a frame, which shade from the sun with a
mat till the seed germinates, after which in a few
days they may be stood outside. Apply water with

* In a letter to Prof. Wagner, of Munich, 1876.

care. Eventually prick the seedlings into boxes
3 inches apart, and before they crowd each other
plant them out at 9 inches asunder. When
grown in pots, lift the plants, each with good balls
of soil, in October, putting three plants in a 7-inch
pot. Mix a considerable quantity of lime-rubble
with the loam that is used, and plunge the pots
in coal-ashes in a cold frame. The East Lothian
and the Intermediate varieties are those to be
sown at this daf.e.

Salvias. — Cuttings rooted in April will be ready
for their final shift into 8 and 10-inch pots, the
variety Azurea grandiflora doing well in 8-inch,
and splendens, rutilans, Heeri, and gesnerseflora
in the larger size. Let the plants be liberally
treated as soon as the pots are filled with roots.
Syringe them about 3 p.m. in hot weather ; se-
cure the growths to a neat stake, as they easily
snap off with the wind, and stand the plants in a
sunny position out-of-doors, not allowing them to
suffer lack of water. The compost recommended
by me for potting Chrysanthemums a few weeks
ago is suitable for Salvias. After they make a
fresh start nip out the points of the shoots, doing
the same a few weeks later ; but do not pinch
S. azurea grandiflora too freely or the racemes
will be short. " .

Francoa ramosa. — This is a most useful . green-
house flowering plant during the next two
months, and requires liberal feeding now that
the flower-spikes are pushing up ; and by placing
part of the stock under a north wall, a lengthened
period of bloom may be had. Support the spikes
to a neat stake, but do not tie in too stiffly, as the
plants show to better advantage when allowed a
certain amount of freedom. F. appendiculata
and F. sonchifolia are also worth growing for
variety, being pale red or pink with a dark
blotch at the base. Young stock should be
placed in 4-inch pots and kept in a frame for a
week or two longer ; about equal parts loam and
leaf -soil with a little sand will suit them.

Cinerarias and Primulas. — Transfer to 3-inch or
4-inch pots the plants from the earliest sowings,
using similar soil to that just mentioned, keeping
close for a few days, and shade from the sun.
Cold pits or frames having a coal - ash bottom
afford the best position for these plants during
the summer. Dew the plants overhead mornings
and early in the evening ; and fumigate lightly
two successive evenings should green-fly appear.
Prick out into pans or boxes later sowings, and
treat as before mentioned.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Tomatos. — Plants in pots recently top-dressed
will require abundant supplies of liquid manure
and an occasional sprinkling of Thomson's Vine-
manure, followed by an application of water. Let
lateral shoots be pinched short back, and remove
that part of the foliage which deprives the fruit
of the benefits of direct sunlight. Do not afford
water in excess, but incline rather to the dry
side in affording water to plants growing in
borders, and maintain buoyant conditions in the
house. Ventilate freely at the top and bottom
in warm weather.

Pot Vines. — Afford good cultivation to Vines in
pots that will be forced next year, guarding,
however, against the production of soft, sappy
growth difficult to mature. Farmyard-manure-
water and Thomson's Vine - manure may be
afforded when the roots have permeated the soil
in all directions. Pinch off tendrils, and stop
lateral and sub-lateral shoots at the first leaf,
and syringe the foliage daily, and admit air
freely in fine weather, and in greater quantity
towards the end of the month, so as to mature
the Vines. Keep a night temperature of 70° and
80° to 85° by day, and damp down frequently on
days that are bright and warm.

Young Vines. — The lateral shoots on Vines
planted this year should not be shortened or root
action will not be vigorous ; at the same time,
do not allow them to become overcrowded, but
regulate them in such a manner that the chief
leaves may have space for development. Syringe
the Vines once daily, and maintain a moderately
moist atmosphere. Close the house about 3 p.m.,
allowing the warmth to rise to 80° or 90°; the
night temperature ranging from 05° to 70°.

July 11, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

21

Early Vineries. — Those vineries from which the
Grapes have been cut should have the woodwork
and the foliage of the Vines cleansed with the
garden -engine or water-hose, and all superfluous
growth removed from the Vines, being careful to
preserve the leaves at the base of the laterals, so
that the buds for producing next year's fruiting
laterals may be properly developed. If necessary,
apply a rich mulch of farmyard manure to the
borders, the manurial properties of which will be
carried down to the roots when water is applied.
"Where no mulch is necessary apply liquid-manure
or some artificial fertiliser. Open the venti-
lators widely night and day, and for the present
continue to damp down by day in bright weather.
Muscat of Alexandria and other Vines having
ripening crops of fruit should be afforded a dry
atmosphere and more or less constant ventila-
tion, according to the state of the weather. Let
the paths be damped down in dry weather, the
humidity arising therefrom refreshing the Vines
without it being harmful to the Grapes. Afford
Muscats a night warmth of 70°, and other Grapes
5° less. Lady Downes approaching the stoning
stage requires a constant circulation of air to pre-
vent the scalding of the berries, therefore afford
some amount of ventilation during the night by
the top and bottom ventilators, and increasing the
amount early in the morning and at intervals
during the forenoon, if it be called for.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Piqott, Bart..
Wexham Park, Slough.

Asparagus, if planted on raised beds, often
suffers in dry weather, and the system is only
suitable for a very early crop. If the land be
well drained and the soil sufficiently deep, the
flat system is undoubtedly preferable for the
general crop. Fish manure or Clay's fertiliser
make excellent manures for Asparagus, if plenty
of water be afforded the plants in dry weather ;
but failing these there is no better stimulant
than the drainings from the stables. Let the
beds be thoroughly soaked once a week during
dry weather until the plants have completed
their growth. Young beds should be mulched
with manure from a spent Mushroom-bed, or if
the soil is very light some well- rotted cow-manure
will be better. In order to prevent the growths
from being broken off by winds, insert some Pea-
sticks between the plants, or a few strings of tarred
twine drawn to stout stakes placed at suitable
intervals will answer equally well.

Winter Onions. — The white Tripoli sorts that
have finished their growth should be pulled up
and laid in the full sun to dry. Other autumn-
sown varieties, such as Giant Lemon Rocca and
Improved Reading, may still be afforded ample
supplies of manure-water.

Turnips. — A moderate sowing should be made
forthwith in a somewhat shady position. If the
weather be hot and dry, water the drills several
times over previous ty> sowing the seeds, and
where practicable cover the ground with garden-
mats or several thicknesses of fish-netting, until
the seeds have germinated. Sow the seeds on
land that has not been dug recently, or if this is
inconvenient make the soil very firm by treading.
Sow thinly. Turnips delight in cool nights ;
water should therefore be afforded late in the day.
The plants should be dusted over every four or
five days with soot and wood-ashes. Turnips
that have made medium-sized bulbs should not be
allowed to remain too long in the ground, or they
will become stringy and of little value, but be
lifted and stored in sand or ashes under a north
wall, where they will last in good condition for
some time. Later sowings should be thinned,
and the surface soil kept constantly stirred with
the Dutch-hoe. During showery weather apply
small dustings of artificial manure and soot in
equal proportions over the surface of the soil.

Winter Greens. — If the plantins-out of various
kinds of Broccoli, Savoy, and Kales has been
delayed from any reason, let the work be done at
once. Ground which has been occupied with
early Peas may be selected for this late planting,
as it is essential to plant on very firm ground.
Allow plenty of space between tho plants.
Plants put out thus late often suffer less in a
severe winter than those planted earlier.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C.Tallack, Gardener to E. Milleb Mundt, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Bedding Plants. — The difficulties which beset
the Calendar writer on outdoor subjects when he
tries to adapt his work to the country at large
have been well exemplified during the past few
weeks. In this district, with a rainfall of only
just over 1 inch since May 18, plants are suffering
greatly from drought, and the affording of water
is an important operation. In the southern parts
of the country there has been an over-abundance
of rain, with the result that with a return of sun-
shine the surface has become hard and impervious
to the air. All soils that have become thus com-
pacted should be well stirred and broken up with
the hand-fork or hoe ; and to some extent this
follows where water has been afforded artificially.
Beds of zonal Pelargoniums should have the
older flower - trusses, together with decaying
leaves, frequently removed, so as to relieve
the strain on the plants and induce good growth.
This sort of treatment should be applied, so far
as labour serves, to all kinds of flowering bedding
plants, especially to such as have a tendency to
produce seeds early. The pegging down of trail-
ing plants, the training of climbers, and the
staking and tieing of the taller bushy plants,
such as the early-flowering Chrysanthemums, are
operations that will now need constant attention.

Pinks. — Pipings, if struck in the manner
recommended some time ago, if now ready for
removal, may be set out singly at about 3 inches
apart in a nurse-bed for transplanting in the
early autumn, or they may go direct into the
places where they are intended to flower. The
former is perhaps the better method, as when
planted all together they are more readily looked
after. Should the weather be bright, afford the
plants a thin shade during the hottest hours.

Wallflowers. — Seedlings will now be of a
sufficient size for pricking off. When taking
them from the seed-boxes or bed, pinch off a
small portion of the tap-root, in order to induce
the formation of numerous lateral roots, and
plant in a rather poor soil and an open situation
so that the growth may be firm.

Hollyhocks. — Seedlings grow better if trans-
planted direct from the seed-bed to nurse-beds
when of small size, and again transplanted either
late in autumn or early in spring to positions
where they are to flower. Hollyhocks require an
open position and good rich soil.

Foxgloves sown early may be similarly treated,
but an open position is npt so necessary for these
plants ; the soil, however, should be rich and
well-drained. In the early autumn they may be
planted where they are to flower.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Layering Strawberries. — This work should be
taken in hand forthwith, so that strong plants
may be obtained for planting in August. The
soil on which Cucumbers have been grown forms
a good medium in which to layer the plants. If
pots be employed, let them be of 3 inches in
diameter — 60's. Care should be taken in select-
ing the runners, as it frequently happens that
many of them are injured whilst the fruit is
being gathered. Let each runner be fixed
firmly on the soil by means of a wooden or wire
peg, and stand the pots as close together as pos-
sible in alternate spaces between the rows, for
convenience in affording water. During dry
weather the layers will require water twice and
thrice a day. Good varieties on most soils are
James Veitch, The Laxton (a very strong grower
at Dropmore), Royal Sovereign, President, Sir J.
Paxton, Elton Pine, and Laxton's Latest-of-All.
On suitable soils, British Queen cannot be beaten
for flavour and size, and this variety should
always be grown in gardens of which the soil is
suitable.

Hitits on Work in General. — Raspberries are
commencing to F colour, and in gardens where
thrushes and blackbirds are numerous, nets must
be placed over the rows forthwith, making them
secure against these marauders. It is good
practice to make a final thinning of the canes
before this is done ; and where they are suffi-

ciently advanced in growth to be fastened loosely
to the stakes or wires with bast or soft string so>
that they do not get injured whilst the fruit is
being gathered. Autumn - fruiting varieties
should likewise receive attention in this matter;
but the canes should not be tied up closely ; on
the contrary, loosely, so that the sun and air may
mature them properly. The weather during the
past week having been dry and hot has afforded a.
good opportunity for destroying weeds; and this
useful work must be actively pushed on, so as to
get them cut down before seeding can take
place. Ply the garden engine on wall fruit-trees,
about 4 p.m. on bright days.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexandeb, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holfobd, Weatonbirt, Tetbury

Ventilation. — The early part of the present
season was very unfavourable to Orchids, espe-
cially to those of the warmer section that com-
mence to grow early in the spring. It was-
necessary to use much more fire-heat than is
usual at that period. Since the welcome change,
to summer weather, it has been possible to main-
tain a healthy atmosphere in the houses by
admitting plenty of fresh air at all times, and
using as little artificial heat as possible. The>
question of ventilation is one that the cultivator
should study carefully. Cold draughts blowing
directly upon the plants must always be avoided,
and this may be done if care be taken to-
ventilate on the leeward side of the house.
It is a mistake to close the houses early in the-
afternoon, and leave them closed until next
morning. At Westonbirt, bottom air is left on
the warmest houses during the night whenever
weather permits ; and in the intermediate and
cooler divisions a little top air is allowed when-
ever practicable. The ventilators are opened in.
the evening after the houses have been closed for
a few hours. I am satisfied that the plants make
harder and stronger growth than they would do if
they were shut up all night in a close and stuffy
atmosphere.

Shading. — Such plants as Cypripediums, Odon-
toglossums, and other shade-loving species will
require shading during the middle hours of
bright days, especially if the houses are in.
an exposed position. If a layer of thin tiffany b©
tacked over the roof, or a thin coat of whitewash
put on, it will answer the purpose well. The blinds
need not then be lowered so early in the morning,
and may be raised earlier in the evening. To such
houses as contain Cattleyas, Lffilias, Dendrobiums,
Calanthes, &c, that require plenty of sunlight,
the early morning and late afternoon sunshine-
may be admitted with advantage.

Damping the Houses. — Abundance of moisture-
is now needed in all departments, therefore the-
syringe or hose-pipe should be used freely for
damping the floors, walls, and stages, thoroughly
doing this twice or thrice daily. The Muratore
hand-sprayer should also be brought into use on>
bright days, for damping the plants overhead in.
the morning, and again at closing time in the
afternoon. Nearly all Orchids benefit by over-
head spraying on dry, hot days, and the ex-
tremely fine mist-like spray produced from this
instrument is beneficial to all plants that cannot
endure heavy syringing, there being no danger of
the growths becoming filled with water if due
care be taken in using the sprayer. For seedling;
Orchids the " Muratori " is invaluable.

Insect Pests to Farm Crops— With The
Profitable Farm and Garden. June 20, was pre-
sented a coloured plate of the chief farm crop-
pests. The plate shows such well-known pests as
the Turnip Sawfly and its larva, the Wireworm,
and its parent, the Leather-jacket Grub, Corn
Thrips, False Wireworms (Millepedes), and the-
Cockchafer grub. The pests having been por-
trayed clearly in their distinctive colours, tho
merest novice will have no difficulty in recog-
nising them. The plate will not only be of
special value to the agriculturist, but will be
welcomed by school teachers in rural iH.stri.ts, us
well as by agricultural instructors.

•9-0

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 11, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Letters for Publication, aa well as specimens and plants
for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be written on one bide only of
the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept an a guarantee of good faith.

illustrations. The Editor wilt thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of

i gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dec. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
■ special arrangement.

Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK.

TUESDAY. JuLYl4-(Cambr!d2? Horticultural So-
l ciety s Show.

, National Rose Society's North-
ern Show at Glasgow.
National Sweet Pea. Society's

Exhibition at Earl'* Court.
Rose Shows at Formby, and

Thornton Heath
Ipswich Horticultural Show.
NottinghamHorticultural Show
*- (two days).

THURSDAY, July 19-i Highgate Horticultural So-
} ciety s Show.

FRIDAY, July 17 -Royal Botanic Society : Lecture.

WEDNESDAY, July IF

SALES FOR THE WEEK.

FRIDAY, JOLY 17—

Imported and Established Orchids ; also 1000 Im-
ported Crispums, at Messrs. Protheroe & Morris'
Rooms, 67 it 88, Cheapside, E.C.

(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
- from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-63 3.
Actual Tempebatures :—

London.— July B (6 p.m.) : Max. 71°; Mill. 49'.

July V (Noon) : overcast ; warm, 76°.
Provinces.— July 8 (6 p.m.) : Max. 68°, South-eastern
Counties ; Min. 47°, Shetland.

The collection is carefully named, and
most of the trees are doing well. Some of
the Spruces and Silver Firs thrive less well
than the Pines and Larches, owing to un-
favourable climatal and atmospheric con-
ditions inseparable from Kew; but they are
replaced when necessary by younger and
healthier specimens, so that the Kew
Pinetum remains, what Sir Joseph Hooker
intended it to be, the finest and most
complete collection in the world. If the
managers of the Brentford factories can be
induced to abolish or even to diminish the
injury caused by smoke (and something in
this direction has, we believe, been accom-
plished), the Pinetum may long remain to
interest admirers and students of Conifers,
and to furnish practical hints to foresters
and others concerned with the economic
employment of the trees.

It may be well to remind those interested
that the collection of cones formerly placed
in the museum opposite the Palm-house,
is now preserved in an annexe at the rear
of the wood museum, an annexe which
occupies the site of a previous building (if it
be not the same modified). This building
has special interest to those who have long
memories or who are concerned in the
Indian flora, for it was there for a long time
that the collections brought home by Sir
Joseph (then Dr.) Hooker and Dr. Thomson
were stored. Here it was also that the
plants were examined, sorted, and collated
with the collections of Griffith and others.
Here also was laid the foundations of that
noble Flora Indica, of which unfortunately
only a fragment was completed, its place
being taken by the very useful, very exten-
sive, but less ambitious Flora of British
India, now completed.

We have only to add that the Hand List is
indispensable to lovers of and dealers in
Conifers, and that it may be obtained direct
from the gardens at the cost of a few
pence.

From the Koyal Botanic Gar-
Conifers, dens, Kew, has been issued a

second edition of the Hand List
of Conifers growing in that establishment.
The number of Coniferous plants now enu-
merated includes two hundred and forty-
six species, and four hundred and fifty-one
■varieties, named and arranged according to
the ' most recent information. Mr. Bean
contributes some interesting details relating
to the dimensions of some of the principal
species— for instance, the Japanese Abies
brachyphylla, one of the most desirable of
■comparatively recent introduction, measures
29 feet in height; Cedrus atlantica, 60 to 70
feet ; C. Libani, 69 feet ; Cupressus macro-
carpa, 49 feet; Gingko biloba, 61 feet; Picea
Omorica, the Servian Spruce, a recent intro-
duction, thrives well at Kew, where it has
attained a height of 17 feet and is a most
promising species ; Pinus Coulteri, 54 feet ; P.
•excelsa, 62 feet ; P. flexilis, 31 feet ; P. Lam-
bertiana, 63 feet ; P. Laricio, 86 feet; P. palus-
tris, 19 feet ; P. Strobus, 74 feet ; P. silvestris,
79 feet, &c. The Pinetum has been care-
fully developed on the lines laid down by
Sir Joseph Hooker, who made a special
study of these plants, and is specially in-
teresting from the juxtaposition of European
forms with corresponding species from
Japan and North America.

We are very often asked to
Pond-scum, recommend some means for
the removal of Confervoid and
other vegetation from the surface of Lily-
ponds and similar surfaces of water. Raking
off the growths, the services of ducks and
swans, running off the water for a time, and
other means all more or less futile and
unsatisfactory have been recommended, but
we confess we had never thought of em-
ploying the Bordeaux mixture for this
purpose. Mr. Hedrick, in Gardening, a
Chicago journal, now tells us that in twenty-
four hours after the surface of a pond in the
grounds of the Michigan Agricultural College
had been sprayed with Bordeaux mixture,
every vestige of the green scum had dis-
appeared, and at the end of another day it
had sunk to the bottom. The spraying
needs repeating after about a month. No
harm accrued to the fish and Irogs in the
pond, but the mosquitos were materially
checked. The Water-Lilies were unhurt,
except on one occasion, when the mixture
was used too strong. As circumstances,
such as temperature, depth of water, and
the like vary, it is recommended that the
application be used tentatively and on a
small scale in the first instance, so as to
ascertain by experience the proper strength
of the mixture.

Swiss IRISES (see Supplementary Illustra-
tion and fig. 10). — Comparatively few tourists
visit Switzerland in spring — more's the pity ! — the
consequence is that it comes almost as a surprise
to hear of Irises in Switzerland, so little are they
associated in our minds with the Alps and valleys
of that fascinating land. In few of the handbooks
for tourists are they even mentioned. Neverthe-
less there are some nine or ten species, which may
readily be grouped under the headings " bearded "
and "beardless" respectively, and then by the
number of the flowers and other characteristics.
I. virescens, which occurs in the Rhone Valley,
near Sion, has pale yellowish flowers, appearing
in early spring. I. pumila, also spring-flower-
ing, well known as an edging-plant, has flowers
varying in colour from blue, yellow, to white. I.
variegata, a summer- flowering plant, has yellow
flowers with purple veins. I. pallida, flowering
in May, has violet flowers. Iris germanica is too
well known to need description ; it grows under
the shadow of Mt. Blanc. Among the beardless
species are I. pseudacorus, our common Flag, with
yellow flowers ; I. sibirica and I. graminea, both
with violet-coloured flowers, flowering in early
summer. For our illustrations (fig. 10 and" Sup-
plement) we are indebted to Mr. Caparne, who
has known how to turn these beautiful flowers
to advantage, and has enriched our gardens
with a whole series of delightful novelties.

KEW. — Among the Orchids now in flower at
Kew the following are noteworthy : — Angrtecum
E ichlerianum, Bulbophyllum vitiense, B. barbi-
gerum, Cirrhaea viridi - purpurea, Cymbidium
rhodochilum, C. cyperifolium, Dendrobium tri-
nervum, D. Jerdonianum, Diploeentrum conges-
tum, Dipodium pictum, Eria late-bracteata, Eulo-
phiella Elizabethae, Geodorum candidum, Habe-
naria rhodocheila, Heemaria Dawsoniana, Listro-
stachys forcipata, Megaclinium angustum,
Masdevallia muscosa, Oberonia ensiformis, Or-
nithidium nanum, Pelexia maculata, Polystachya
rhodoptera, Renanthera Storeyi, Sarcochilus
Roxburghii, Spathoglottis kewensis, Zygopetalum
cochleare, and Z. stapelioides.

"The Botanical Magazine."— The plants
figured in the July number are —

Senecio clivorum, Maximowicz, tab. 7902. — See
Henry in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1902, ii., p. 217.
Hort. Veitch.

Helleborus lividus, Aiton, tab. 7903. — A
Majorcan species, previously not well defined,
with the lobes of the leaves nearly entire, and
with panicles of dull violet - coloured flowers
flushed with green. Trinity College Botanic
Garden, Dublin.

Iris lupina, Foster, tab. 7901. — See Foster in
Gardeners' Chronicle, 1887, p. 738. Hort. Kew.

Suernia concinna, N. E. Brown, tab. 7905. — A
Stapelia- like. plant with small yellowish spotted
flowers from Somaliland. Hort. Cambridge.

Calothamnus rupeitris, Schauer, tab. 7906. — A
West Australian shrub with linear leaves and
clusters of flowers, the most conspicuous part of
which are the five crimson stamens, each of
which is much branched, the branches bearing a
solitary yellow anther.

Exhibition Schedules. — The schedule of
prizes to be offered by the Scottish Horti-
cultural Association at the Chrysanthemum
and Fruit show, to be held on Nov. 19, 20,
and 21 next, is an unusually liberal one. The
first class is for twenty vases of Japanese Chrys-
anthemum blooms in twenty varieties, three
blooms of each ; and the 1st prize, presented by the
Lord Provost, Magistrates, and Town Council of
Edinburgh, is a piece of plate value .£20, and .£10
in money. The 2nd prize is .£20 ; 3rd, .£15 ; 4th,
.£10 ; and 5th, .£5. Another important class will
be that for twelve vases of Japanese blooms. It

July 11, 1903.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

23

is very gratifying to us, after our repeated
■criticisms of the method of exhibiting Chrys-
anthemum blooms on boards, to note that in
Edinburgh, where undoubtedly some of the finest
exhibitions in Britain are held, the boards have
been quite superseded by vases. The shows will
gain so much in interest and attractiveness by
the change, there need be no fear of a return to
the inartistic appliances happily discarded. In
addition to the classes for cut blooms, there is
ample provision for Chrysanthemum and other
■decorative plants in flower, and with ornamental
foliage. Grapes, Apples, and Pears will be shown
in fifteen classes, and there are twenty classes
or so for vegetables. The Secretary is Mr. Peter
.Loney, G, Carlton Street, Edinburgh.

The Nelson and District Horticultural
and Industrial Art Society will hold a show
of plants, flowers, fruit, and vegetables, and in-
dustrial handicrafts, on Saturday, August 22.
The Secretary is Mr. T. Stanley Stout, 78, Bruns-
wick Street, Nelson (Lancashire).

The Bedale Eose Society's Exhibition will
■be held on July 20. The Secretary is Mr. Thos.

XiINSCOTT.

M. MOTTET. — A prize of 250 francs has been
.awarded to M. Mottet by the National Society
of Horticulture of France in recognition of his
work on Conifers, lately mentioned in these
■columns.

M. MOSER, of Versailles, has been promoted
to the grade of .Officer of the Merite Agricole..

Water Carnival at Ghent.— A carnival
■of flowers, to be held on the water, is to take
place at Ghent on July 19, under the auspices of
I'Avenir Horticole. Much interest is felt in the
forthcoming fete, both by florists and. by the
.participants, to whom seven sections are open.
.Many entries have been made, and from town and
•country strange craft of various descriptions are
expected, notably some Zeeland " chaloupes,"
manned by natives in their picturesque costumes.
.Everything promises well for the success of the
procession of decorated boats, and we hope the
weather will be fine on the occasion. Appli-
cations for detailed particulars may be had from
Avenir Horticole, Place du Commerce, 13, Ghent.

The Position of British Forestry. —
The rapid progress of the arts of peace in South
Africa is marked by the appearance of the Trans-
vaal 'Agricultural Journal (issued by the Agri-
cultural Department), which, although only in
dts third number, shows great vitality in itself,
and as regards the subject to which it is devoted.
In a lecture on forestry printed in this publica-
tion, and contributed by D. E. Hutchins (Con-
servator of Forests, Cape Town), we find some
pregnant remarks on the present state of forestry
in Britain. The author says that " The position
in England to-day, extraordinary though it
appears to an outsider, is this : .£20,000,000 ster-
ling (or the total cost of the army before the
war) is paid yearly for imported timber, which
•could be grown two or three times over within
the British Isles if the forests had not been
destroyed, or if they were restored by replanting."
Mr. Hutchins has something to say about our
present involved system of arithmetical tables.
He remarks that: — "England is intensely con-
servative. ' We are the only civilised people who
use weights, measures, and coinage which are not
metrical ; and the funniest part about this is,
that while most other countries had to give up
•their money and adopt foreign money, we have a
decimal system which can be adopted without
changing our money ; all that is required is to
•keep accounts in pounds, florins, " tiokeys," and
farthings, instead of pounds, shillings, pence,,
and farthings. The small adjustments required
■in the present value of the " tickey " and farthing

would pass unnoticed. However, this is a di-
gression." Returning to his subject, the author
sums up thus what England has to gain by
forestry: — " 1. .£20,000,000 spent every year for
wood that could be equally well grown at home ;
2. Consols, at 2 per cent., national forests will
return 3 per cent, and upwards ; 3. Shrinkage
in foreign sources of timber supply ; 4. Fall in
the value of land in Britain ; 5. Livelihood for
the country population ; 6. Recreation ground for
the townsfolk ; 7. Aid in defending the country
against invasion ; 8. National insurance ; 9.
Abatement of smoke nuisance in towns. Ponder-
ing these things, the conclusion to a colonist and
a forester is irresistible. England's great want
at this time is national forestry ; and as one
reckons up the gains — ,£20,000,000 more produced
yearly in the country, 75,000 people kept on the
land; a forest playground for every man, woman,
and child, with a fostering of the love of Nature
and the beautiful ; less smoke — when one considers
that this can be produced at no final cost to the
public exchequer (probably a considerable gain),
and that for a moderate extra cost we obtain
strategic forests and a defensive forest militia —
pondering, I say, these things, the strange
puzzle of the present position becomes stranger
and stranger."

Clip Tube-holders. — There has been found
hitherto a difficulty to fix flowers (in vessels of
water) in awkward places, such as altar-screens,
pulpits, pillars, mirrors, curtains, &c. The
" Handy Clip," brought out by Mr. Godfrey, of
The Nurseries, Exmouth, supplies what has been
so long desired, and will prove a boon in deco-
rating churches, halls, and rooms in general. It
is a simple arrangement by which a metal funnel-
shaped tube to hold flowers can be affixed in
positions where it is not possible to drive a nail
or otherwise fasten a support for flowers in water.
Altar-screens, pulpits, pillars, mirrors, can easily
be decorated without the aid of nails. A piece
of string, cord, or small rope is tied around and
suspended from any projection on which the
"Handy Clips" can be fixed. By their aid,
curtains, draperies, &c.', may be quickly festooned
with flowers. A bamboo or any other stick or
rod may be stuck among the foliage or other
plants, .or in a flower-pot of soil, and can be
readily dressed with flowers.

DUSSELDORF. — It is proposed to hold an
International Art Exhibition in Dusseldorf from
May 1 to October 23, 190-1. Of this, the Horticul-
tural section comprises a series of monthly shows.
In May will be exhibited early-flowering plants and
vegetables ; in June, flowers in general, and Roses
in particular ; in July, summer fruits, flowers,
and shrubs.- Cut flowers and floral decorations
will be included in every monthly exhibition.
Besides these, exhibits are invited of all kinds of
horticultural tools and implements, propagating-
houses, greenhouses and conservatories, of irri-
gating machinery, mowing machines, of appa-
ratus for the transplanting of trees, of thermo-
meters, barometers, and microscopes, of rock
gardens and the necessary cements and stones for
their formation ; of wines, liqueurs, and perfumes ;
and in short, of everything that, even in a remote
degree, bears upon the subject of horticulture.

Fruit - growers' Deputation to the
Board of Agriculture. — A deputation from
the National Fruit-growers' Federation and the
Herefordshire Association waited on Lord Onslow
on Monday, June 29, for the purpose of calling
his lordship's attention to the very serious losses
sustained by the industry through the ravages of
blight and insect pests, and urging him to grant
a Government enquiry into the whole subject,
with a view to concerted action for their eradica-
tion. The deputation was introduced by Sir
James Rankin, Bart., M.P., and Colonel C. W.
Long, M.P. (President of the National Fruit-

growers' Federation). Messrs. Radclute Cooeb
C. D. Wise, W. Horne, A. Grant, H. F.
Getting, and J. Riley were all present, and
spoke on the subject. Sir James Rankin referred
to the Bill introduced by him in the present
session, which provided that all nurserymen's
stock should be inspected, and that compulsory
dressing should be resorted to in their case. This
Bill has been withdrawn, and there appears to be
a general feeling' among growers that any com-
pulsory measure, if adopted, should be extended
to orchards as well as nursery stock. The mem-
bers of the deputation were, however, agreed that
more information was required before legislation
is resorted to ; and they therefore pressed on the
President of the Board the necessity for an official
enquiry into the nature of the various orchard
pests, and the extent to which they would be
preventible, as well as to how compulsory dressing
would be regarded by growers. His lordship
said in reply that he quite recognised the im-
portance of the subject, and was very glad to have
heard the views of the deputation, with which he
was generally agreed, and promised that a
Departmental enquiry should be held, com-
mencing work after the coming recess.

The Rothamsted Experimental Station.

— The experimental plots have again been visited
by several parties, who were shown round by the
Director. On June 30 Prof. James Wilson and
nine students from the Irish Agricultural De-
partment, Dublin, came. On July 2 a party of
about twenty members of the Canterbury Far-
mers' Club, under the direction of Mr. W. W.
BbrRy ; and on July 4 a party of between forty
and fifty teachers connected with the Surrey
County Council were conducted lound the plots.

National Dahlia Society.— A meeting of
the committee of the above Society will be held
at the Horticultural Club, in the Club Room of
the Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, S.W., on
Tuesday, July 21, at 2 p.m.

The Midland Carnation and PiCOTEE
Society. — The forthcoming exhibition of the
Midland Carnation and Picotee Society, owing to
the lateness of the season, will be held, as usual,
at the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Birming-
ham, on Thursday and Friday, August 6 and 7.

Ginseng Culture.— We cite the following
extract in view of the great difficulty experienced
by expert cultivators m managing this plant : —
" Ginseng plants are most exacting in their
requirements. They must have just the right
climate, the right soil— and that is very hard
to find or make — and they must have the
very shadiest of shady locations. A cool, even
temperature, and deep, loose wood soil, are
essential. It is little evidence of future success
to know that Ginseng grows in the woods near
where it is proposed to plant a garden. Common
garden conditions will not do at all. Nor will a
shady place in the woods do very well. Growing
under sheds is the best way. The roots are
almost sure to be stolen, unless very closely
watched. Insecurity is one of the main obstacles
to final success. My advice is that nearly every
one let the Gingseng business alone, and only
plant after the closest study of the subject."
H. E. Fan Deman, in Rural New-Yorker.

The Ant-Poison Case. — Considerable in-
terest has been excited in a case where certain
manufacturers in Scotland were prosecuted by
the Pharmaceutical Society, whose prescribed
duty it is to undertake such duties, even at a loss
to the Society. The charge was that certain
manufacturers, without complying with the terms
of the Pharmacy Act, sold a mixture containing
a very large quantity of arsenic for the pur-
pose of destroying ants. The manufacturers
have now been convicted and fined the maximum
penalty ■, but they have appealed against Uu»

24

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

fJOLT 11. 1903.

decision, and hence comment on this particular
case would be improper. On the general question
of the protection of the public from the risk of
accidental or malicious poisoning there cannot
be two opinions.

Seedling Palms as Turf.— M. Andre tells
us that at Cannes and Nice and elsewhere along
the Riviera it is becoming the custom to sow
beneath the trees seeds of Phoenix canariensis.
The seeds are sown very thickly, so that the
seedlings form a sort of "grass plot" beneath
the trees. After a year or two the baby seed-
lings grow into juvenile Palms with a different
shape of leaf not so well adapted for the
purpose, and they are then removed, and fresh
seeds sown.

APETALOUS Kalmia. — To Mr. Anthony
Waterer we are indebted for flowers of Kalmia
latifolia, entirely devoid of petals, but otherwise
normal. The stamens are strongly recurved, but
there are of course no pockets in which to con-
tain the anthers and keep them out of the way of
the stigma. Whether the absence of the corolla
is a device to secure close fertilisation, as happens
in cleistogamous flowers, we cannot tell, as the
flowers were withered when we received them.

Stock-taking: June. — It is pleasant to
have the opportunity now and again to nudge the
prophets by recording a rise. This month the
Trade and Navigation Returns enable us to state
the fact that there is an increase in both imports
and exports, when compared with the month of
June last year. The value of last month's im-
ports was £41,295,550, against .£40,665,315 — a
gain of £630,235. The figures in the following
little table show the relations borne by food and
drink imports to all others, as also that between
duty free and dutiable items : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

£

£

£

Articles of food

and drink— duty

free

9,368,756

10,204,043

+ S35,i87

Articles of food

& drink— dutiable

8,287,970

7,845,909

—442.061

All other Imports...

23,008,689

23.245.S98

+237,0(9

There is a large falling off in grain and flour, in
part compensated by increases in other sections,
and the altogether favourable accounts from all
Over Canada, &c, with respect to the crops no
doubt much affecting speculation. Currants, we
note, gave way some £23,656, whilst raisins went
up £7,688. Having got to fruit, we now give
our usual table of fruit, root, and vegetable
imports : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference

fruits, raw-

Cwt.

Cwt.

Cwt.

Apples

35,749

41,125

45,376

Apricots and Peaches

2,546

1,471

—1,075

Cherries

59,501

51,790

—7,711

Currants

3,027

5,465

+2,4'8

Gooseberries

11,427

14,862

+3,4.-5

Grapes

1,136

1,406

+270

Pears

56

606

+550

Plums

998

519

—4 79

Strawberries

22,022

25,695

+ 3,673

Unenumerated

4,954

10,450

+ 6,496

Vegetables, raw-

Onions bush.

165,558

351,938

+186.380

Potatos cwt.

1,536,143

1,510,589

—25,554

Tomatos „

136,262

146, 895

+10,633

Vegetables, raw, un-

enumerated ...value

£47,874

£:9,6I5

—£8.229

Respecting the foreign Plum crop, we receive
information from the Bordeaux district that
there is every sign of failure, inaugurated by the
severe frost in April last ; the same influence has
beenatwork in Bosnia, where an average Plumcrop

was anticipated a few weeks since. It is satis-
factory to note that from most parts of Canada
the fruit prospects are excellent, both for Apples,
Pears, stone and small fruit of all kinds. The
reader will have learnt since our last report that
the little arrangement in Greek Currants has
been upset by the intervention of Great Britain
and other great Powers doing business in that
part of the globe and having commercial treaties
with the Greek Government. They objected
to the intervention of syndicates, and the
matter has been allowed to drop by Government
and syndicate. This is as it should be. Whilst
Oranges and Lemons are waxing unhealthy in
appearance, it may be interesting to take brief
stock of the last crops in Italy, furnished from a
reliable source. The number of fruits in the last
crop was 4,900,000,000 — an increase over the
previousyearof425,000,000,andof some 370,000,000
over the average crop. The value of the wood and
timber imported last month was some £2,738,302
against £2,537,708 for June in last year, an increase
of about £200,594. The value of the imports for
the past six months is placed at £260,529,889,
against £262,740,088 for the same period last
year — a decrease of £2,210,199. And now a few
words respecting the

Exports
for the month of June. The value is placed at
£22,271,960, compared with £21,252,383 for June,
1902 — an increase of £1,019,577. It is stated that
the purchasing capacity of a nation of workers is
the value of its exports ; the figures we are in
the habit of quoting here is proof for the value
of the statement, and that so far we are on the
right purchasing track is vouchsafed by the
record of the six months' value — namely,
£142,522,625, against £135,375,574 for June, 1902
— an increase of some £7,147,051.

Variegated Maple.— Mr. Reid, of Elgin,
sends us leaves of a beautiful form of the Norway
Maple. The long leaf-stalks are of reddish
colour ; the roundish leaves are cordate at the
base, palmately divided nearly midway down
into five broadly lanceolate entire or sometimes
slightly laciniate lobes. So far there is little or
nothing to separate this from the type ; but when
we come to the colour of the leaves it is a very
different matter, the whole of the disc of the leaf
being green, with a very deep edging of white.
The variegation is almost entirely marginal, and
varies in depth in different leaves. It reminds
us of the variegated Negundo ; but this has appa-
rently the advantage of greater robustness, and
does not appear likely to burn. The variety was
sent out a few years since by Messrs. Drummond,
of Stirling.

"The Book of the Honey Bee."— By

Charles Harrison. (John Lane : The Bodley
Head, London and New York.) If the modern
bee-keeper fails, it is not for want of good in-
struction. Much is being done nowadays to
encourage his old and useful industry j personal
teaching from experts is easily obtained, and
there are many books on the subject. Those
thinking of starting bee-keeping will do well to
have a few lessons from a professional, but will
still not be able to dispense with a reliable hand-
book. Frcm the Book of the Honey Bee they can
learn as much as is required of the general habits
and customs of bees, and will get some idea of
the care that they require. For reference, also,
the book should be useful to the experienced bee-
keepers. The chapter on the Sources of Honey
mentions the plants that yield most to the bees,
and this and many other pages are well illus-
trated. The pictures of bee life that are repro-
duced from photographs are especially interest-
ing. A bee-hive is a charming and often a
profitable addition to any garden wherein room
can be found for it and the comparatively small
amount of care can be spent upon it.

Publications Received.— ne century Book t&

Gardening, part x,, includes articles on Exhibition.
Roses, by Edward Mawley ; Flower Gardening in the-
Grass, and The Greenhouse and its Flowers.— T.V Wide
World Magazine, July. Full of wonderful tales of ad-
venture and of more ordinary travel, and including an
illustrated article on the Narcissus Festival at Mon-
treux. —Report of the Department of Agriculture and Immi-
gration (Manitoba) for year ending December 31s 1902.
'■This year will long be remembered as the most
prosperous year experienced in the history of the
province of Manitoba." A bountiful harvest was safely
garnered and sold at remunerative prices, and there is
increased activity in all business.— Notes on the Natural
History, &e., of Western Australia, being extracts from
the W. A, Year-book for 1900-01, by Malcolm A. Fraser.
A republication, in a separate volume, of interesting
scientific papers by specialists, dealing with such cha-
racteristics of the country as its geography, geology,
climate, flora, fauna. Ac. The paper on the Vegetation
of Western Australia is by the capable hand of Mr. A.
Morrison, Government Botanist; and there is also a list
of extra-tropic Western Australian plants by the late
Baron von Mueller, revised and augmented by Mr.
Morrison.— Annual Administration Report of the Forest'
Department of the Madras Presidency, for the twelve
months ending June 30, 1902. " The record of the year's
work is satisfactory and creditable to the Department.'"
—Bulletin de la SocUk' Franraile d' Horticulture de Londres,
1902. This has a frontispiece-portrait and appreciative,
notice of the late Mr. C.Maries; reports of the society's
meetings ; various papers dealing with horticultural
subjects, notablyone on Nepenthes, by Ulrica Guilloud,
that is accompanied by several illustrations.— Spraying
Crops, by C. M. Weed (New York Orange Judd Co.).— Dc
la conservation des Fruits, L. Loiseau (81, RuedeGrenelle,
Paris).— Les Plantes des Montagues (G. Mayne, sam&
address).

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

THE WEATHER FOR JUNE: A CONTRAST. —

The difference in the rainfall for June in the-
Thames Valley and other southern districts, and)
that of the northern portion of the county of
Staffordshire, is certainly very remarkable, for
whereas at Isleworth Ct inches of rain fell in>
a week, we here at Rolleston only registered
1-13 inch for the whole month. June was a
very trying month for vegetation in general, as-
for the first three weeks the weather was cold and
gloomy, and for fourteen consecutive days the»
winds blew from the east, changing to the west-
ward on the morning of the 21st, and bringing 7°
of frost, which caused havoc with Potatos and
Kidney Beans, cutting them down to the ground ;.
as usual, the warm and low-lying gardens suffer-
ing the most. Geo. Woodgate, Rolleston Hall-
Gardens, Burton-on-Trent.

THE UNPRECEDENTED RAIN-STORM OF JUNE.

— I now send you the full record of the rainfall)
for June, which I personally measured twice daily
in a standard 8-inch gauge in my garden : —

R

... 060

9

... 0 00

10

... 1-65

11

... 024

17

... O'OO

13

... T60

14

... 1'40

IS

... 0-86

1A

... 0 76

17

... 0 31

18

... o-oo

19

... 0'82

Total fall in 12 d

iys

... 8 24 ins

We had no rain whatever on the first seven days
of the month, or on the last eleven days, so that,
the entire fall of 824 inches took place in twelve
days. I have used the same rain-gauge and
measure for the past nine years, and am assured
of the accuracy of the record. The heavy fall on
June 10 was local in its incidence. A. Worsley^
Isleworth.

ALYSSUM PYRENAICUM WITH VALERIANA.
LONGIFLORA are weeds, on the wall looking due
north in the late M. Boissier's garden at-
Valleyres, Switzerland. Anyone wishing seeds o£
the Alyssum gratis may apply to the undersigned
— William Barbey Boissier, Valleyres, Yaud.
Switzerland.

THE SPOTTING OF THE LEAVES OF CA-
LANTHES. — Mr. Chapman's note on this subject
in a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, in
legard to the spotting of Calanthe-leaves, had

July 11, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

25

(great interest for me. I do not think this is to
he attributed to fungus or disease, but chiefly to
<the plants being placed beneath other plants
■•which come in for much syringing, the water
from which runs down the foliage to the pseudo-
bulbs, remaining there for a considerable length
■of time, penetrating the skin, but not the pseudo-
bulbs, causing them and the leaves to look un-
sightly. Calanthes here at the present time are
standing on a bench 3 feet high, covered with
fine coal. We never syringe the foliage, but
damp between the pots with chemical and farm-
yard manure- water, in order to check the increase
■of red-spider. The foliage at the present time
has not a spot upon it, and is in a healthy con-
dition. This spot can be caused in the earliest
stages of growth if water happens to get in, and
I am confident that the spotting of the foliage
.and of the pseudo-bulbs is sure to present itself
afterwards. Wm. Fulford, Castle Eden Gardens.

EXCENTRIC RINGS IN TIMBER.— The very vague
"" tension " hypothesis, last advanced to explain
■one of the plainest facts in tree-growth, is sadly
tspoiled by the fact, familiar to gardeners, that
trees fixed firmly to walls and trellises, where

only 1J in. from the side where the branches were
suppressed. You will see also by looking at the
innermost rings that when the limb was about as
thick as a walking-stick, the pith ring was near
the centre, but got left as the branches extended
on one side. The section was cut off close to the
soil, where there was no tension, the stump being
rigid. Unfortunately, also, for the latest and
much-elaborated "tension" theory, the broad rings
are on the wrong side, and on the opposite side
to those on "H. J. C.'s" example. No doubt the
Hazel limb pushed straight up from the stool at
first, as the Hazel almost invariably does, but
leant over to the right side as branches were pro-
duced. It grew, when cut, at about an angle of
45°, and the broader rings are on the under side.
J. Simpson.

The subject of the formation of ec-
centric rings, discussed by A. C. Forbes, has
attracted my attention since 1865, when I
spent some time on the site of a plantation that
had been cut down near Festiniog, in Wales.
Observing the rings, I thought the growth
would be greatest on the sunny side, but found it
depended much more on the nearness of other

hedge. The pith of the Oak is above and outside
the heart, showing that heart is formed with
reference to the outside of the tree. A Scotch
Pine branch had grown horizontally, and was cut
off out of the way of a telegraph wire on a friend's
estate. As it showed great excentricity, I got a
section of it. Perhaps Pinus radiata (insignis),
from its rapid growth, shows excentricity of
growth more than most trees. There the relation
of excentricity to position is constant in my tree.
Branches below the horizontal show the greatest ;
one at an angle of 45° did not show half the
excentricity of horizontal ones. I have an inte-
resting tracing of a large branch below the hori-
zontal, cut off on April 17, 1874. The turpentine
that exuded marked the paper. The same paper
was traced April 15, 1889, and I can make another
tracing now. Anyone looking up at P. insignis
branches will notice that the greater growth on
the lower side of the branches is clearly shown by
the bark opening and showing red in the cracks.
Henry Rogers. [The tracings show in succession
the irregularly concentric rings. Ed.]

GERMINATION OF DAVIOIA — I should like to
add to the note on this subject which appeared

FlG. 11.— EXCENTRIC RINGS IN TIMBER.

they are never moved by wind, weight, or any-
'thing else, behave just the same as the Oaks
before described by me. They push their
branches out to the light and lay on wood on the
■•same side, the descending sap-stream taking the
nearest road to the root, and leaving its mark
behind in the rings. If any of your readers
would like to apply the theory about the
" stretching and turning force on the cells of the
-dividing cambium layer," where all the hypo-
thetical conditions described are absent, and
adapt their " fancies " to facts, I can procure
them ample opportunities on a large scale.
Another difficulty in the " tension " theory is that
the " excentricity " does not always correspond
with the line of tension, and is not found only at
"the junction with the trunk, but extends along
the limb to the source of origin. Herewith I
send you a neat illustration of what I say, in the
shape of a 5-inch section of Hazel — an unusual
size. The bush grew at the margin of a wood,
where the branches were suppressed by the trees
on one sido, but grew freely out to the open
sunny side, which I have indicated by a mark
on the bark, and where you can both see and feel
the bulges caused by the broader rings. On this
.side the pith-ring is fully 3 ins. from the side, and

trees to the one observed. When two trees of
about equal size are near each other, there are no
large roots between them, consequently the rings
are small on the side towards another tree. I
sent specimens illustrating excentricity of growth
to the Edinburgh Forestry Exhibition in 18S7.
Two sections were shown of a Pinaster trunk
that had lain on the ground in the early years of
its growth, but in course of time grew upright,
and had most branches near thejtop on the oppo-
site side to its greatest excentricity of rings.
Of the two sections with the same orientation
one has the greatest thickness of rings on the one
side, the other on the opposite. A section of a
branch that had been cut off from a Turkey Oak-
tree puzzled me ; the inner rings were largest on
the lower side, the outer rings on the upper. On
searching we found a piece that had been cut off.
This showed that a branch had been cut off some
years before the tree was felled, outside the
" swell " where the branch joins the tree. The
wound had partly healed over, and the sap was in-
terrupted in its descent down the trunk of tin- tree,
causing a greater deposit of wood on the upper
side. I have sections of Ash and English Oak quite
as excentric as those of the Fir. I believe they
were fence trees, that grew out of the side of a

in the Garde ners' Chronicle for July 4, p. 12, that
the material examined was obligingly supplied
by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, and that it is
preserved at Kew. W. Bolting Hemsley.

PEA AUTOCRAT. — Having grown this variety
for some years past, I can fully endorse all that
Mr. Markham wrote on p. 399, vol. xxxiii. It is of
the type of the old Ne Plus Ultra, but has shorter
haulm. It is an excellent cropper, and of good
flavour when cooked. In this damp cold district,
we have to make our last sowing at the end of May.
With this sowing I also include Ne plus Ultra,
for should the autumn keep open and mild
longer than usual, we are enabled to gather from
this latter variety later than from Autocrat. I
have gathered Ne plus Ultra as late as Nov. 8,
when living in the Midlands. E. Ward, Longford
Hall, Mane/tester.

EREMURUS WAREl.— When I wrote on p. 381,
vol. xxxiii., of Gard. Chron., "it is doubtful if
the true plant is now in cultivation," I in-
tended the passage to read "in general
cultivation." 1 was quite awaro of the existence
of some lowering examples, also that quite a
number of plants of this species was originally

26

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[JU1Y H, 1908.

distributed. The Erenxuri as a race are very
tenacious of existence. E. Warei is one of the
hardiest of the whole race, and worth some care to
retain it as true as possible to the type. M. Max
Leichtlin is very fortunate in possessing specimens
of the true plant — i.e., the one with the bright
citron-yellow flowers. These, indeed, are worth
growing apart, as this species appears extremely
variable naturally, or readily cross - fertilised.
This is so much so that even to-day some of the
examples bearing the above name may be of one
of the shades referred to by Max Leichtlin,
instead of the fine yellow colour of the original.
E. Jenkins.

IMPORTED FRUIT. — A not very wise suggestion
hag been made by a correspondent of the Colonial
Secretary, that import duties should be levied on
American Apples, of which such large quantities
are usually imported into this country during
the winter months. We shall have to admit this
season a very poor crop indeed of these important
fruits ; and with the certainty of great scarcity
at home, quite enough of itself to prove to
myriads of fruit-growers, dealers, and consumers
a gTeat calamity, it is coolly proposed to make
that scarcity all the greater, and the cost of
Apples to consumers almost prohibitive, by taxing
the fruit the Americans so abundantly send us
when they have good crops. This correspondent
ignores the great additional value given to
American Apples by the exceeding care taken in
grading and packing the fruits, features we at
home still so commonly ignore, and on which
defects it is proposed to put a premium. Let us
hope that political wisdom will suffice to save us
from so great an act of folly. A.

POA ANNUA. — It has been stated several times
in your columns recently that this species of
grass is obtainable from seeds. As one who knows
something of the grasses of commerce, I say this
is incorrect. The plant is such a common one
that no one takes the trouble to save it, not even
the Germans. Some seed firms say they can offer
it, probably because they are told so by the
wholesale merchant from whom they obtain their
supplies ; but whe n one procures a sample it is
found on examination to be either Poa pratensis
(Kentucky Blue Grass), or Poa compressa
(Canada Blue Grafs). The latter perhaps comes
nearest to it, nevertheless it is not Poa annua.
It certainly looks Dice in the spring, when full of
young spears, but is one of the first soft-leaved
grasses to lose its colour on a thin soil during hot
dry weather, and under the influence of the
mower it often becomes tufty instead of turfy.
On a heavy unkind soil in a smoky neighbour-
hood there is no other grass that succeeds so
well, but it can never become popular for lawns
in the sweet country air. It seeds freely upon
light gravelly soil, and seed can be easily collected.
Sparrows are very fond of the seed, which is
dropped about in their excrement, and in this
manner the plant becomes a pest in gardens.
Donald McDonald

EXHIBITION VEGETABLES.— The comparative
lack of fruit and the entire absence of vegetables
at the recent Holland House show was productive
of much disappointment to many visitors who
naturally expected to see at a great metropolitan
show these most important of all garden products
well represented. It is interesting to read that at
York on the preceding day there was considerable
competition with both fruitand vegetables, leading
gardeners being specially named in connection
therewith. It does seem a pity that with so
big a show, visited by thousands of gardeners
and possessors of gaidens, they should find plants
and flowers everywhere and but little else.
Yet I must not forget there was one large tent
devoted specially to those wondrously varied
and marvellously capable things called horticul-
tural sundries, things in which some persons took
interest no doubt, but not many relatively, and
generally these sundries didnot fill the void left by
the absenceof fruitand vegetables. It is becauseof
this void and of the disappointment caused that I
venture to urge on gardeners and all others
interested in vegetable culture that a big effort
be made to produce a really great and attractive
display of these indispensable productions at
Chiswick on September 29 next. ' The three
requirements of a first-class vegetable exhibition

are — plenty of material, fine quality, and artistic
arrangement or setting up. Given these things,
exhibitors need not fear competition in the shape
of attraction with plants, flowers, or even fruit.
Excepting Roses, flowers which seemed to enjoy
the special favour of the visitors, nothing else
at Holland Park got special encouragement in
the shape of prizes. Could prizes another year be
given to vegetables, then the following jear to
fruit, and back again to flowers, very taking
features would result, and a London show might
then display what was comprehensive garden
produce. A. D.

PRIMULA SIKKIMENSIS — I can endorse all
that Mr. Elwes says about this Primrose being
impatient of sunshine. The soil of my garden is
not dry, but exposure to hot sun at flowering
time has often caused this plant to wither so as
entirely to spoil the flower, and even to kill the
plant. Planted in peat soil out of the sunshine, this
Primrose does extremely well here, and I grow it
from seed by the hundred ; but each plant seldom
lasts more than three or four years. I find many
Himalayan plants equally liable to be damaged
by sunshine ; I may mention Primula capitata,
Meconopsis Wallichi and nepalensis, Cyananthus
lobatus, and Geranium Wallichianum. The
reason is, no doubt, that, as Mr. Elwes says, they
live in their own home in an atmosphere nearly
always saturated, so that there is little or no
evaporation. My long experiences of trying to
grow mountain plants has convinced me that
this one factor, evaporation, causes more failures
with them in English gardens than any other ;
and the wetter the soil the more mischief it does
to the flowers and plants. C. Wolley Dod, Edge
Hall, Malpas.

The handsome Sikkim Cowslip has been

referred to by several correspondents ; but I
think no writer has given a hint of the
bast way to deal with the plant in British
gardens. The species is said in its native
Himalayan mountain home to inhabit wet and
boggy places at an altitude varying from 12,000
to 16,000 feet, covering vast areas with its droop-
ing yellow fragrant flowers. This moisture-
loving character is an item ever to be borne in
mind by those who cultivate it, and so far as my
experience goes the plant has a decided preference
for a spot that is moisture-laden, but needs liberal
drainage. The finest groups I have grown have
been so situated that the strong roots could reach
the water in the season of growth. The water
supply is best if under control. The best general
way of dealing with the plant whore bog beds or
large flowering groups are required is to treat it
as a biennial, raising seedlings each year, and
growing them quickly for a few weeks prior to
planting them out. The value of these seedlings
is in their greater vigour. Fresh seeds are
desirable. E. Jenkins.

ROSE mildew AND " VELTHA."— Having ex-
perienced during the past season a complete
immunity from mildew amongst pot and other
Roses under glass, which is such a fortunate
circumstance, especially as mildew and other
diseases were generally very prevalent in this
part, I am induced to inquire as to the cause of
their absence. I have taken no special measures
against the pest this year, but last year the
plants were treated with " Veltha," the results of
which, however, I am bound to confess did not
come up to my expectations at the time. May
the absence of mildew this year be ascribed to its
use last season f I am inclined to think such is
the case. That its effect on plants is of a lasting
nature I have had positive proof in the case of
some Hydrangeas which were potted in soil con-
taining " Yeltha " last year, the flowers of which
have a bluish tint this season. R. W. Dean, gr.,
Wainsford, Lymington, Hants.

LAW NOTES.

PLANT PORTRAITS.

Apple Thansparente de Croncelle, Bulletins d'Ar-
boricu tare. &c— A large fruit, pale yellow. The trtcs
are very hardy.

Cherry Bicentenary. Rente Horticole, June 16.—
A laie-fruitiDK sport irom " Koyale." .Distributed by
M. Duval, of Lieusaint.

Roses Mdlle Jeanne Philippe and Alister Stella
Gray, Rosen Zei'img, June. 1903.

Sopubo-Cattleya Nydia, Le Jardin, June 20.

IMPORTANT POINTS IN FRUIT EXPOSURE;
IN MARKETS.

At Brentford Police Court recently, Walter
Vaux, wholesale orange merchant, of Liverpool
and Kew Bridge Market, and elsewhere, was
summoned by the Brentford Urban District
Council for h'aving unlawfully exposed for sale>
in Kew Bridge Market Oranges which were unfit
for the food of man.

Mr. S. Woodbridge, clerk to the Brentford Dis-
trict Council, prosecuted ; and the Defendant
appeared by his local foreman.

Defendant's manager said the case was not
exposed for sale.

The Chairman said that there was a wider-
point, and one that he thought should be takem
as being of great importance to the whole-
sale fruit trade. The fruit was exposed ; bu t
was it for the food of man within the term3
of the statute ? The Defendant was a wholesale
seller, and as such he did not sell for the con-
sumption of man per se [directly. Ed.]..' He
sold to the retailer, who sold for consumption
by man. Moreover, the defendant did not know
of his own knowledge that the buyer would use-
the Oranges for the food of man.

Defendant's manager said that a rebate was-
always made for bad Oranges.

After hearing further arguments by Mr. Wood-
bridge, the Chairman said that as the defendant
had not taken the trouble to appear, or thought-
fit to avail himself by the opportunities open to-
him, it was not for the Bench to stand in his-
shoes. He has practically let judgment go-
against him by default, and he will ha-ve to pay
a fine of £\0 and costs.

THE APIARY.

The Week's Work. — Honey is now coming in\
very rapidly and of good colour, particularly in,
districts where Sainfoin is grown, and fresh sec-
tions should take the place of full ones that are<
removed. Some bee-keepers prefer taking out-
the sections singly, instead of using , the bee-
escape. When this is done an empty section should
be put back as soon as the full one is taken,
out, because they will be found to fit better, par-
ticularly where zinc dividers are used, as they
sometimes get bent in the operation ; another-
good reason is that the bees will be kept under
better control than if the sections are all taken,
out at one time. Young swarms have been doing
very well, and they should be supered, for even irt
one week they will be found to have filled up-
ten frames ; and they should be able to fill a
crate of twenty-one sections in a week if pro-
perly placed on and well wrapped up. Care-
should be taken that the crate is wrapped up
at the sides, front, and end to prevent the bees
from working out, as this not only annoys the
bees in being smoked back, but is a waste of
valuable time. Do not leave honey about the
apiary, but remove it as soon as the bees are
clear of it, otherwise they will mark it and render
it unfit for sale. In swarming, if the bees cannot
be kept under control, and a great number of
stocks are kept, put a little piece of queen ex-
cluder zinc over the entrance for a few days;
the bees will then settle down, and the zinc may
be removed. In taking off sections where no
queen excluder is used in the hive, a good look-
out should be kept that the queen is not taken,
out, or great loss will result. Expert.

Tea-planting in Natal. — It appears from.

reliable statistics recently to hand that there-
are now in Natal some 4,000 acres under Tea-
planting ; and from this, in the last season.,
some 1,000,000 lb. weight were gathered. The-
area planted three years ago will be picked this-
year, when it is estimated that the crop will-
yield 2,000,000 lb. The demand for Natal Tea.
is gradually increasing, and there is room for an
increased acreage provided the necessary labour-
is obtainable.

J0LT 11, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

27

BICOLOB NECTABINE.

To Mr. Bennett, of Ashford Gardens, Cobham,
we were indebted for the Nectarine represented
in fig. 12. It was an Early Rivers for about two-
thirds of its surface, the remaining portion being
of a totally different character, ivory-white with-
out any tinge of red in it. The appearance may
be due to the dissociation of hybrid characters,
or to a reversion by " atavism " to the original
character.

SOCIETIES.

EOYAL HORTICULTURAL.

July 7.— The usual fortnightly meeting of the Com-
mittees toot place on Tuesday at the Drill Hall, Buck-
ingham Gate, Westminster. In comparison with the
displays that have been made in the earlier part of the
year, the show was much less extensive, so that the
building was not more than half filled. It was obvious
that the influence of the holiday season is already felt,
and this was apparent also in the lessened number of
visitors. At no time during the day was there any
crush.

The Floral Committee recommended Awards of
Merit to Campanula peregrina, Nephrolepis cordi-
folia crispata cougesta, and two varieties of border
Carnations. The displays before this Committee in-
cluded grand groups and collections of Carnations,
Codiamms, and the usual groups of hardy flowers.

Orchids were mucli fewer than usual, and the Orchid
Committee made no award to a novelty, but only three
medals in respect of groups.

The principal exhibit before the Froit and Vege-
table Committee was a collection of Queen Pines from
Lord Llangattock. An Award of Merit was recom-
mended to a seedling Melon named after President
Loubet.

In the afternoon a large number of new Fellows was
elected; and Miss Armitage read a paper on Irises. A
further paper, contributed by Mr. Caparne, Guernsey,
upon some intermediate Irises he has raised, was not
read, but it will be published in the Society's Journal.

Floral Committee.

Present: H. B. May, Esq , in the Chair; and Messrs.
Chas. T. Druery, Geo. Nicholson, John Green, J. F.
McLeod, Jas. Hudson, Jno. Jennings, W. Howe, G.
Keuthe, Chas. Dixon, H. J. Cutbush, Geo. Gordon,
H. J. Jones, R. W. Wallace. C. E. Pearson, Chas. E.
Shea, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, and Amos Perry.

Mr. H.B.May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper Ed-
monton, London, showed a ground group of Codiieums.
(Crotons), in which some of the specimens were ele-
vated on stands over a groundwork of Ferns. The
collection was extremely representative, there being
120 varieties included. Some of the best of these were
Warrenii, Mortefontainensis, Comte de Germiny,
Elysian, superbus, Albert Truffaut, a broad-leaved
variety, colour green and pale yellow, the young leaves
being nearly all yellow ; Newmanni, Princess Waldeck,
exceedingly bright, many of the leaves being wholly
of gold colour; undulatus, niusaicus, &c. The speci-
mens varied in height from 1 foot to 4 feet (Silver -gilt
Flora Medal).

■ A very handsome group of Carnations and Cannas
was shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitcii & Sons, Royal
Exotic Nursery, Chelsea. The group covered about
fso square feet, and was composed of plants exhibiting
excellent cultivation. The Carnations, though they
bore grand blooms, were just as remarkable for their
healthy "grass." The varieties represented were those
of the Souvenir de la Malmaison type, of which there
are very few that were not included. In addition to
these there were two baskets of plants of the variety
William Robinson, a tree variety- of rosy-crimson
colour. A selection of the best Cannas, in bloom, was
also good (Silver-gilt Flora Medal). Messrs. Jas. Veitch
& Sons also showed Escallonia langleyensis (a hybrid
lrom E. Philippiana and E. macrantha). Cytisus schip-
teaensis, Stuartia pseudo-camellia, and Cytisus nigri-
cans. Messrs. Jas. Veitcii & Sons had a large numberof
Sweet Peas in pots, in fourteen varieties. The plants
were trained in globular fashion around two wire rings
15 inches across ; the centre was thus kept quite free.
The method is one that Is very suitable to the health
of the plants, and is neat in appearance. AI90 a group
of plants of Campanula peregrina in pots. This species
"ls'noticed elsewhere (Silver Flora Medal).

Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Higbgate Nurseries.
London, N., exhibited a 'fine lot of cut flowers of varie-
ties of border and Souvenir de la Malmaison Carna-
tions. The varieties of Souvenir de la Malmaison
included all the new choice varieties, and there were
extra good flowers of Monk, a bright- red late floweiing
variety; Cecilia was capital, and amongst a large
number of seedling border varieties were two named
Shiela and Lady Wolverton, that were given awards at
the Holland House show. Two others were given
awards on Tuesday.

Mr. Jas. Douglas, Edenside Nurseries, Great Book-
ham, exhibited cut flowers of new varieties of Carna-
tions. Thora is a nearly white, Souvenir de laMal-
maisoD, Albion, pink ; Mercia, deep reddish-pink ;
Lady Grimston, splashed pink and white; Calypso,
white or blush pink. Amongst border varieties, The
Dawn has bright red flowers, passing to rose colour;
Abbot is a yellow-ground edged with purple; and
Lord Napier a yellow ground very slightly edged with
rose; Horsahas a yellow-ground with unusually deep
crimson edging and markings, &3.

Messrs. Jno. Peed & Son, West Norwood, London,
S E., exhibited a group of Carnations in pots, the va-
rieties being chiefly of the Souvenir de la Malmaison
type (Silver Banksian Medal).

Fig 12.— a bhtji.or nectarine.

Messrs J. Cueal & Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Dear
Crawley, Sussex, exhibited about sixty bunches of
Sweet Peas, in which all the leading varieties could be
seen.

Notwithstanding the Rose shows that have been
held, Messrs. B. R. Cant & EONS, of The Old Nurseries,
Colchester, exhibited a number of new varieties of
Roses in bunches, including the popular Blush
Rambler.

Messrs. Thos. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middlesex,
exhibited a large collection of hardy flowers, including
apparently mostof the specter now in bloom. The same
Arm occupied an equal amount of space with a group of
Delphinium flowers of numerous varieties. Amongst
these were some excellent forms of rich purple and
blue-flowered varieties. Miss Gladys Batchelor is very
large and double, the outer segments being blue, and
the inner ones purple, with a'wliite or cream' coloured
centre; Elsie Reid is a very pale blu? variety; Nora
Hollis, cream- coloured, with a green spot on the end
of each segment; Lorna Doone is one In which mauve
colour predominates. Sarracenias llava and Druni-
mondi, several species of Lilies, and a tioe panful 01
the pretty little Crassuta Cooperi alba, were included
in the exhibit (Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. M. Puitcuaud, of Christchurrli Nurseries,
Hants, exhibited an excellent group of valuable and
choice hardy flowers, all of which were represented by
well-cultivated examples. Very showy were the large
bunches of Monarda didyma, A'strremeria aurantiaca,
&c. Mr. PR1TCHARD also showed flo.vers of vai icties of
Iris Kcempferi, and of a variety of Spinel aruueus
namod Knci Mi, having curiously laciniated foliage ; and
Cimicifuga amcricana in flower (Silver Banksian M edal I.

Inula glandulosa flmbriata, shown by Lord Alden-
ham, Aldenham House, Elstree (gr., Mr. E. Beckett),
had flowers in which the segments were forked, the
appearance being quite distinct from the ordinary
type.

Mr. E. Potten, Camden Nurseries, Cranbrook, Kent,
had a collection of hardy flowers ; also Rose Schnce-
wittchen, with an abundance of semi - double while
flowers upon plants less than 1 foot high.

Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Gardeq,
London, W.C., showed a quantity of biooms of Gladiolus
Colvillei varieties, also varieties of Iris Ktempferi, of
which Nitta and Her Majesty were very pretty. We
noticed Lilium Humboldti magnificum, the small but
striking L. Grayi, colour crimson with intense
spots, &c.

Mr. Amos Perry, the Hardy Plant Farm, Winchmore
Hill, had a bright exhibit, in which the rich golden
yellow coloured flowersof Iris juncea.and the reddish-
pink Phlox ovata caroliniana were conspicuously
showy. Oenothera fruticosa major, one of the best and
freest floweriog species; <K Voungi flora plena. Cam-
panula latifolia. Ostrowskia magnifica, and Corsair, a
very deep blue flowered Delphinium, were noticed.
Flowers of hardy Nymphses in Irays of water made an
attractive edging to this gay group (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Some very beautiful Shirley Poppies were shown by
the Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., Vicar of Shirley, to whose
care horticulturists are indebted for the charming
strain he first distributed and has subsequently im-
proved by continuous selection. The flowers were
intended to show the gradual increase of yellow, pink,
and other variations of colour and shade the strain has
acquired.

Messrs. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens. Col-
chester, exhibited an unusually large collection of
hardy flowers. There were many charming varieties of
the Japanese Iris (I. Ksempferi); (Enothera Fraserihad
abundant yellow flowers, and the same colour was
afforded by vigorous flowers of Iris Monnieri. Lilium
pardalinum ealifornicum, L. Henryi, Eremurus Bungei
(yellow), Eryngium alpinum, Calochortus, Thaliclrum
flavesccos glaucum (a very strong-growing species
with yellow flowers), Heuchera micrantlia rosea, &.},,
were all shown well (Silver-gilt Flora Medal). ,

Verbena hybrida " Miss Willmott " has become known
very commonly in a short space of time for its dis-
tinctive colour and good habit as a pot plant, as well
as for planting in beds. On Tuesday, Miss Willmott,
of Warley Place, Essex, exhibited another variety
named Warley, which is rich rosy red in colour, and
has apparently the same habit as the other variety
(Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. R. Anker, agent for Franz deLaet.Contich, again
exhibited a collection of small Cactuses.

Several specialities and implements for the garden
were shown, including tubs for Oranges, Camellias,
and similar plants, by Messrs. Champion. & Co:, City
Road, London, E.C. ; Pattison's lawn boot for Horses ;
a convenient wire-holder for labels, known as the
"Sanlac" holder; Beetlecute, a powder for destroying
cockroaches and other insect pests; and Junofloris, a
liquid for assisting the preservation of cut flowers in a
fresh condition.

Plumeria bicolor is a very old Apocynaceous plant
from tropical America. It is a stove shrub, with green
oblong lanceolate leaves, and has white flowers with a
yellow throat A plant about 2 feet high carrying
flowers was shown by Sir Weetuan Pearson, Paddock-
hurst (gr., Mr. A. B. Wadds).

Awards.
• Border Carnation, Merlin —A large, rich yellow ground
flower, with reddish-crimson edging. The flowers have
excellent petals, and a non-splitting calyx. Shown by
Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son (Award of Merit).

Border Carnation, Modem.— A yellow ground flower
having a rose edging pale in colour but extending deep
into the petals. The form Is very good, and the calyx
sulliciently large as to allow of the petals opeulng freely.
Shown by Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son (Award of
Merit).

Campanula peregrina. - This is an old species, having
been introduced from Mount Lebanon more than a
century ago. The flowers are sessile and in colour
violot or pale purple; they are 1) in. across, and
funnel shaped. The rough leaves ate ol ovate and
ovato, and about •'• Inches long. The habit Is good, »a
the plants produce branches from tho baso and fi rm
well-furnishod specimens. Shown by Messrs. .1 IS,
Veiti 11 & Sons, Ltd. (Award 01 Merit).

28

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[JULY 11, 1903.

XephrolepU cordifolia r.rispata congesta.— This is an
exceedingly dwarf and crispate form, not more than
6 inches high as shown. The fronds are densely con-
gested, and the variety is an interesting novelty, there
being so few dwarf forms in lliis genus. The variety
was first shown at the meeting on June 9. From Mr.
H. B. May, Edmonton (Award of Merit).

Orchid Committee.

Present : Henry Little, Esq., in the chair: and Messrs.
Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), De B. Crawshay, H. T Pitt,
W. Boxall, M. G:eeson, \V. H. Young, E. Hill, H. A.
Tracy, W. H. White, and W. A. Bilney.

Compared with the recent great events at the Temple
and Holland House, there was a great falling oil' in the
number of Orchids exhibited, and no award was made
by the Committee other than Medals for groups staged.
Sir Frederick Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr.,
Mr. W. H. Young), showed a fine collection of cut
flowers of Sobralias, and two forms of Cypripedium
Godefroyce leucocheilum, the one with a white, and the
other a pale yellow ground colour. The Sobralias
included S. WiganiEe, one of the largest and finest
flowered species, with white sepals and petals
shaded with yellow and lavender colour; and very
broad lip with chrome-yellow throat and light rose
front lobe, on which the white veining makes an attrac-
tive tracery; S. x Veitchii aurea, with bright yellow
flowers; S. xantholeuca, also yellow; and the rose-
purple S. macrantha (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, secured a Silver-
gilt Flora Medal for a very fine group, in which the
numerous beautiful forms of Lrelio-Cattleya x Marti-
neti, for some of which they secured awards at
Holland House, were the leading feature. Of the
many varieties shown, scarcely two were alike.
The finest were of the yellow and bronze -
petalled type, and the best of them L. - C. x
Martineti 6plendida, with rose-tinted, yellow sepals
and petals, and rich claret-purple lip, lighter towards
the margin, aud which was slightly better than the
one which secured a First-class Certificate at Holland
House. Two fine specimens of this hybrid had a dozen
flowers each. L.-C. x Gladiator (L. tenebrosa x C.
Meudeli), a pretty hybrid first shown by Messrs.
Charlesworth at York several years ago ; the sepals and
petals of which are cream-white beautifully marked
with rose on the outer halves: lip cream-white with
handsome ruby-purple front. Messrs. Sandee's group
also included the line Cattleya x preciosa inversa, C.
Mossioe Keineckiana, C. M. azurea, a white flower with
delicate lavender hue; Maxill'ariaSanderiana, Acropera
Loddigesii, Cymbidium tigrinum, Stanhopea oculata,
Oncidium macranthuin, the singular Angraecum per-
tusum, Miltonia vexillaria superba, with fine crimson
blotch on the labellum ; and a number of showy hybrid
Laelio Cattleyas, &e.

Reginald Young, Esq., FriDgilla, Linnet Lane,
Sefton Park, Liverpool (gr., Mr. Poyntz), showed a
flower of his new Cypripedium x Dltor (Liwrence-
anum 9 Sanderianum c5), and also a photograph of it ;
but the material was insufficient to meet the rules for
Awards. The photograph represented a three flowered
inflorescence, and the flower is a very disl inct and hand-
some hybrid of the C. x Massaianum class. The upper
sepal is ovate acuminate, pale whitish-green, with a
chocolate central band, and five dotted lines of choco-
late colour on each side. The arched drooping petals,
6 inches in length, show the undulated characters of
C. Sanderianum in the portion, which is white slightly
tinged with green, and bears dark purple warted
spotting, whichexpands into the rose-tinted acuminate
outer half, the apical third of which is unspotted. The
lower sepals resemble the upper, but are much nar-
rower, and the labellum and staminode are of a rose-
tinted mahogany colour.

The Hon. Walter Rothschild, Tring Park(gr.. Mr.
E. Hill), showed L:clio-Cattleya x Mauve Queen, Tring
Park variety (C. Warneri x L. crispa superba), the
handsome flower of which resembled some of the best
forms of L.-C. x callistoglossa ; but the parentage
rendersit summer flowering. Sepals and petals white
delicately tinted with rose ; throat of lip bright yellow,
front crimion-purple.

Messrs. William Bull & Sons, Chelsea, secured a
Silver Banksian .Medal for a neat collection of the rare,
handsome leaved terrestrial Orchids commonly known
as Aniectochili, and which included a fine specimen of
thevelveiy greeu and bronze-leaved Dossinia marmo-
rata; two of the emerald green, gold veined Macodes
petola; the yellow variegited Goodyera Rollissonii,
Anrectochilus intermedins, Heemaria discolor, and a
more acuminate leaved form of it named lanceolata.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present : Geo. BuDyard, Esq.. Chairman ; and Messrs.
Jos. Cheal, W Bates, S. Mortimer, A. Dean, T. Coomber,
C. G. A. Nix, Jas. Smith, F. Q. Lane, Geo. Wythes, Jas.
H. Veitch, A. H. Pearson, H. Balderson, and H.
Eslings.

A collection of eighteen fruits of the Queen Pine-
apple from Lord Llangattock's garden, The Hendre,
Monmouth (gr., Mr. T. Coomber), was awarded a Silver-
gilt Knightian Medal. The fruits were splendid speci-
mens of medium weight, and were a further testi-
monial to Mr. Cooniber*s skill in treating the Pine.
The Hendre is one of the very few establishments in
which the cultivation of Pineapples is still practised.
He also showed eix beautiful fruits of Raymacker
Peaches.

Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Ltd., Maidstone, exhi-
bited punnets of twelve varieties of Strawberries, in-
cluding the following : Dr. Hogg, Trafalgar. Goliath,
Leader, Monarch, Louis Gautier (white), Waterloo, Sir
Joseph Paxton, Trollope's Victoria, President, Royal
Sovereign, and Walluff. In these days, when Royal
Sovereign is cultivated in so many gardens to the
exclusion of most or all other varieties, it is gratifying
to see such a collection.

There were as many as five seedling Melons before
the Committee for Certificates, but one only was
successful in obtaining one. Three varieties were
shown by the authorities of the Horticultural College
at Swanley.

Messrs. Hugh Low it Co., Bush Hill Park Nurseries,
Enfield, exhibited a tree, in pot, of Fig White Mar-
seilles, carrying a heavy crop of ripe fruits ; also Vines
in pots of the varieties Syrian and Lady Hastings.

Some excellent specimens of Western Express Pea,
with ten and eleven Peas iu a pod, were shown by
Messrs. Veitch & SON, 54, High Street, Exeter.

A dish of fruits of the pretty Apple Lady Sudeley
were shown from the Horticultural College, Swanley,
and were culturally commended.

Mr. Geo. Fowler, 78, Bank Street, Maidstone, again
exhibited his fruit-bottling apparatus, and specimens.
Awards.

Seedling Melon President Loubet.—Thi* is a red-fleshed
variety, of moderate size, exceedingly juicy, and pos-
sessing rich flavour. The exterior is deep yellow
colour, with coarse netting. Shown by F. H. Fawkes
Esq., Farnley Hall, Otley, Yorkshire (gr., Mr. J. Snell)
(Award of Merit).

The Lecture.

HAKDY IRISES.
Miss Armitage, in the afternoon, prefaced a lecture
upon hardy Irises by an appreciation of the beautiful
forms, colours, and markings of the flowers in this
genus. Proceeding to describe their cultivation in
England from personal experience, she referred first
to the natural habitats of the plants, explaining the
local conditions. In respect to the bulbous Irises, it
was pointed out that they were subjected to severe
sun ripening at home, but frequently in England, as
last year, the conditions are wholly different. As a
consequence several of the bulbous species, including
I. Bakeriana and I. Danfordiae, have failed to reappear
this year in Miss Armitage's collection.

Bulbous Irises, said Miss Armitage, should be
planted on the south-eastern aspect of the rockery, on
the highest level, in full sunshine, a position where
heavy rains will not flood and snow will quickly melt
away. When the flowers have passed and the bulbs
are maturing their growth, let the leaves be tied
together to keep them from injuring other plants, but
do not cut them off' until they are quite yellow. The
soil they require is one of light sandy loam and leaf
mould, and the bulbs should be planted from 4 inches
to 6 inches deep. Miss Armitage described most of
the species in this group, including amongst others
I. Histrio, I. hlstrioides, I. Bakeriana, I. reticulata,
I. Danfordicc, &c.

The Juue Irises were next described, including such
species as I. caucasica, I. sindjarensis, I. persica and
its varieties, &c.

Water Irises, said Miss Armitage, do best by a pond
which has an overflow. The plants would not succeed
so well on the margins of water that is liable to rise and
flood the plants in winter and recedein summer, leaving
them standing high and dry in bright weather. If such
Irises like their feet iu water, said Miss Armitage, they
also like to have their heads in sunshine, and excessive
shade was therefore injurious. The "Water" Irises
include such species as I. sibirica and all its varie-
ties, I. virginica, I. longipetala, I. longipctala superba,
I. missouriensis, I. graminea, I. ochroleuca, and I.
hevigata (Koempferi).

Miss Armitage then proceeded to speak of certain
morphological characteristics she had noticed in the
pollen of Irises, and in the fragrance. Some had
white, others green or slaty-blue or yellow pollen.

The lecturer concluded with some phenological
details in regard to the dates when the species come
into flower; the principal point about which was the
fact that Irises may be had in bloom during eight
months of the year.

The lecture was superbly illustrated by a number of
coloured drawings of the various species made by
Miss Armitage's sister from plants growing in the
garden .

Mr. Caparne's lecture upon Irises, in which reference
was made to the intermediate Irises he has raised in
Guernsey, was not read, but will be published in the
Society's journal. One of these intermediate Irises
is illustrated in the Supplement to our present issue,
and a full description of the new race was published in
the Uardeners' Chronicle for November 30, 19 Jl, p. 397.

Chiswick, July 3.— A meeting of the Fruit and Vege-
table Committee was held here on the above date.
Present : Mr. H. Balderson in the chair ; Messrs
O. Thomas, J. Cheal, J. Jaques, G. Wythes, J. Smith,
H. J. Wright, H. Eslings, G. Keif, S. Mortimer, and
A. Dean. The meeting was called to inspect the Pea
trial, which is again this year a very extensive one, bu'
owing to the great cold with the excessive beating rains
in June, and the baking heat since, causing the ground
to become unduly hardened, the trial does not promise
to be so good as was that of last year. Only a few were
sufficiently forward for testing, and of these some
regarded as satisfactory croppers were cooked and
tasted in that condition, as also in a raw state.

The following obtained Awards : Ideal (Sutton &
Sons), 3 feet in height, capital crop, pods well filled,
and peas of great excellence, quite of the best cha
racter— First-class Certificate Little Marvel (Sutton
& Sons), 20 inches in height, pods small, well filled,
and produced in great abundance; The Pilot (Hurst
& Son), a ti-feet variety, heavy cropper, fine pods, and
very superior in quality; and Gleaner (Jas. Veitch &
Son), also a 6-feet Pea, very fine in pod and crop— these
obtained Awards of Merit. Pods of a Sugar Pea were
also cooked, but were not liked.

Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge, Farnham, presented a
Melon named Kegina, green flesh, and of the most
luscious and richly-flavoured character— Award of
Merit.

The Committee framed a resolution inviting the
Council to require from all persons sending in Peas
for trial henceforth to specify in each case the height
and season of maturity, that the varieties may be more
effectively grouped for purposes of staging and com-
parison. The Committee wished that more labour
could be furnished in the gardens, so that the hard
beaten ground between the Pea- rows could be loosened,
then well mulched with manure to help it to retain
moisture.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OP
ENGLAND ORCHID.

June 26.— Members of committee present :— Messrs.
Ashworth Duckworth, Cypher, Upjohn, Holmes,
Parker, Cowan, Rogers, Keeling, and Williamson.

There was only a small number of entries.

Award of Merit.
Laslio-Cattleya x Martineti var. flavescens, to Mr. J.
Cypher.
Cattleya Warneri var. gemma, to Mr. J. Cypher.
Cattleya Mendeli var. Mrs. H. Shaw, to H. Shaw, Esq.
Oncidium lamelligerum, to T. M. Eccles, Esq.

Medals.
For group of Orchids, Silver Medal to W. Duckworth,
Esq.
For group of Orchids, Bronze Medal to Mr. J. Cypher.
For group of Orchids, Bronze Medal to J. Leemann,
Esq.

Votes of Thanks.

For group, to Mr. A. J. Keeling.

For group, to Mr. D. McLeod. P. W.

DORCHESTER GARDENERS' AMA-
TEUR AND MUTUAL IMPROVE-
MENT.

On Thursday afternoon, June 25, this body of horti-
culturists substituted an excursion to Lord Ilchester's
gardens at Abbotsbury for their usual evening meeting.
Arriving at the gardens by road conveyance, the party
was met by Mr. Benbow, his lordship's head gardener,

July 11, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

29

and conducted by him through the pardess. Abbots-
bury is peculiarly rich in exotic floweriDg shrubs,
Bamboos, Eucalyptus, Himalayan and Sikkim Rhodo-
dendrons, in Azaleas, Japanese, Australian, and New
Zealand plants ; and the visitors were highly delighted
with all that they saw, and with the courteous manner
in which they had been received.

HANLEY HORTICULTURAL FETE.

July 1, 2.— The seventh annual summer fete was held
In the Park, Hanley, on the above dates, six large tents
being provided, and filled with some of the bestexhibits
ever seen at Hanley. The very good Rose show came as a
great surprise, as the incidence of the season had beea
against the production of good blooms, and there was
the exhibition of the National Rose Society in the
Temple Gardens on the same day. The opening cere-
monial was performed by the Countess Torby, who with
her husband, the Grand Duke Michael of Russia, are
living at Keele Hall. There was as usual a large
attendance.

Groups arranged for effect— The very liberal prizes
offered for these by the Executive brought seven groups,
all of the pattern with which Messrs. Cypher have
made us familiar; it was required that each should be
arranged on a space of 300 square feet. Each followed
the square shape. The group arranged by Messrs.
Cypher & Son, Queen's Nurseries, Cheltenham, seemed
to be perfect ; the artistic arrangement employed was
excellent ; rich in the extreme. The Exors. of the late
J. H. Turner, of Derby, were 2nd ; and Mr. J. Read,
gr., Bretby Park, 3rd.

Plants.— Groups of Orchids arranged for effect with
foliage plants, on a space of 100 feet, were a notable
feature. The 1st prize was taken by Mr. J. Robson",
nurseryman. Altrincham, who had Cattleyas, Cypri-
pediums, Odontoglossums, Dendrobium formosum
giganteum, Brassavola Digbyana, <&c, charmingly
arranged on a raised stage ; Messrs. Cypher & Son
were 2nd.

With eight Orchids the Cheltenham firm came in 1st ;
they had in very good character Cypripedium Curtisii,
Epidendrum vitellinum majus, L.-rlia tenebrosa, L.
furfuracea, Cattleya gigas, &o. ; Mr. J. Robson was 2nd.

The collection of twelve plants, six flowering and six
foliage, made a fine feature, Messrs. Cypher & Son
being 1st, and Mr. W. Vause 2nd. With six plants in
flower Messrs. Cypher & Son were again 1st.

A class for a group of Malmaison and other Carna-
tions brought an effective exhibit from Mr. J. Robson
mainly consisting of Princess of Wales, with a few of
maroon, yellow, and scarlet shades; Mr. P. Blair, The
Gardens, Trentham, was 2nd, showing large specimens.
Fine foliaged plants were shown by Messrs. Cypher &
Son, W. Vause, and T. Boulton. Caladiums were
shown in collections of twelve plants, and also table
plants.

Cut Flowers. — There were several collections of
seventy-two varieties of Roses. Messrs. Harkness &
Co., Hitchin, taking the 1st prize with fresh, bright
flowers; Mr. Geo. Mount, nurseryman, Canterbury
was 2nd; and Messrs. G. & W. Burcu, Peterborough,'
3rd. With forty-eight varieties, six collections being
staged, The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford, came
1st ; Messrs. G. & W. Birch were 2nd ; and Mr Geo
Mount, 3rd. With thirty-six varieties, three blooms'
of each, Messrs. Harkness & Co. were again 1st and
Messrs. G. & W. Burch were 2nd.

With twelve blooms, distinct, Messrs. Jarman & Co.,
Char<t, took the 1st prize with well-developed examples
of Bessie Brown, Mildred Grant, Frau Karl Drusctaki,
Marquise Litta, &c. Messrs. Townsend & Son, Wor-
cester, were 2nd.

The best twelve blooms of one variety, there being
eight competitors, were from the King's Acre Co., who
had Lady Mary Fitzwilliam in excellent character
Messrs. Townsend & Son were 2nd, with Bessie Brown.

Garden Roses were shown in bunches ; there was a
class for eighteen, and also for nine. Messrs. Town-
send were 1st in both classes; the King's Acre Co.
were 2nd with eighteen bunches, and Messrs. Hark-
ness & Co. with nine bunche9.

Other cut flowers included very fine Collections of
hardy perennials, Messrs. Harkness & Son, Bedale,
taking the 1st prize with superb bunches, including
some of the choicest subjects in bloom at the present
time. Lilies, Delphiniums, Hemerocallis, &c. Messrs
Gibson & Co., Bedale, were 2nd.

Floral Decorations made a very fine feature; the best
dinner-table arranged with flowers and foliage was set
up by Mr. W. Vause, pink Sweet Peas and Carnations-
simple but very pleasing. Mr. .'. C. Watehhouse
was 2nd.

The best stand of cut flowers came from Messrs. M.
Jenkinson & Sons, Newcastle. Staffs.

The best arranged basket of flowers was a superb one
from Messrs. Perkins & Son, of Coventry.

The best bouquet came from Messrs. Jenkinson &
Son.

There were three classes for Sweet Peas; in two of

them special prizes were offered for twelve bunches by
Messrs. H. Eckford and K. Sydenham. Mr. W. Shrop-
shire was the only exhibitor in each case.

Mr. W. Mauple, Penkridge, was the winner of the 1st
prize in the class for twelve bunches, provided by the
Executive, though the only exhibitor.

Fruit.

The best dessert-table, arranged with flowers and
foliage, and to include no fewer than fourteen dishes
of fruit, was most tastefully set up by Mr. Jordan, the
Gardens, Impney Hall, Droitwich ; he had white and
black Grapes of excellent quality, Peaches, Nectarines,
Figs, &?., tastefully arranged with vases of Ixias ana
charming foliage. Mr. J. H. Goodacre came in a close
2nd, following much the same arrangement ; and Mr.
J. Read, gr., Bretby, was 3rd.

Mr. Jordan also had the best twelve dishes of fruit,
decorated with flowers and foliage, staging Black
Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, a Queen
Pine apple, Royal George and Thomas Rivers Peaches,
Lord Napier and Pineapple Nectarines, two Melons,
Figs, Strawberries, Ac. ; plants of the pink-flowered
Chironia ixifera. Eulalia, Ao., were used with Orchids
and other cut flowers. Mr. Pherson, The Gardens,
Londesborough Park, was 2nd; Mr. J. H. Goodacre
was 3rd.

With six dishes of fruit, Mr. T. Bannerman, The
Gardens, Blethfield, Rugeley, was 1st; he had well-
finished Black Hamburgh Grapes, Royal George
Peaches, Early Rivers Nectarines, Brown Turkey Figs,
Melons, and Strawberries. Mr. J. Read, Bretby
Gardens, was 2nd.

The 1st prize for four bunches of Grapes, black and
white, was taken by Mr. Nicholls, The Gardens,
Carlton Towers, York ; and Mr. J. Read, 2nd.

With two bunches of Black Hamburgh, Mr. J. c.
Watehhouse was 1st ; and with two bunches of any
other black Mr. Bannerman came 1st with Madresfield
Court.

Mr. Bannerman also came 1st with two bunches of
White Muscats, and for any other while variety, having
Foster's Seedling. There were Peaches, Melons
Cherries, Strawberries, and Tomatos.

Vegetables were shown in several classes, and also in
those in which Messrs. Sutton .t Sons, Webb & Sons
and Hewitt & Co. offered special prizes.

Miscellaneous Exhibits
were numerous, and Gold Medals were awarded to
Messrs. Blackmore A Langdon, Twerton Nursery,
Bath, for double and single Begonias ; to Mr. W. k.
Child, Acocks Green, Birmingham ; and Messrs. Dick-
sons, Ltd., Chester, for collections of hardy flowers
&c. ; and to Mr. John Forbes for Phloxes and Pent-
stemons in pots.

Silver Medals to Messrs. Harrison & Son, Leicester ■
Hewitt & Co., Solihull ; and Jenkinson it Son, for col-
lections of hardy flowers; to Mr. H. Eckford, Wem, for
a collection of the newer forms of Sweet Peas; to
Messrs. Jarman <t Co., Chard, for plants; and to' the
Ranelagh Nursery Company, Leamington, for plants .
Several lesser awards were also made.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROSE.

July 7.— Favoured with real summer weather, the
Gloucestershire Rose Society held its fifteenth annual
exhibition, open to the United Kingdom, on the Spa
Cricket Field, Gloucester, on the above date. The
season has been a decidedly backward one for Roses
but the last eight or ten days of warm weather, pre-
ceded by heavy rains have had a wonderful effect in
developing the blooms. The collection of Roses dis-
played at the Gloucester meeting this year, both in
point of quality and in the number of exhibits, com-
pared very favourably with those shown at any
previous exhibition of the Society.

The Nurserymen's classes were particularly well
represented, and there were no less than four entries
for the class for seventy-two varieties : the 1st prize,
for which was awarded to Messrs. Dickson A Sons,
Newtownards, Co. Down; Messrs. Frank Cant & Co..'
Colchester, being a good 2nd ; and Messrs. D. Prior A
Son, Colchester, 3rd.

In the class for thirty-six varieties, Messrs. Jefferies
& Sons, Cirencester, took the premier prize ; Messrs.
Townshend it Son, Worcester, the 2nd ; and Mr.
Thomas Rigg, Caversham, Reading, 3rd.

Messrs. Dickson were again 1st for twenty - four
varieties; while in Teas or Noisettes, Mr. George
Prince, of Oxford, secured the two 1st prizes.

In the Amateur division, Mr. Conway Jones, the
veteran local Rose-grower, was 1st for twenty-four
varieties, twelve varieties, and six single trusses, and
for nine bunches of garden Roses; but had to take
2nd place to Mr. HEU. Gray, of Bath, in the two
classes for Teas. The Silver Medal awarded by the
Society for the best hjhrid perpetual or hybrid Tea
was also won by Mr. Conway Jones, with a magnificent
bloom of Alice Lindsell. The Silver Medal for the best
Tea was carried oil by Mr. Hill Gray, with a grand,
flower of Medea.

The classes for the county and city amateurs were
also well filled. The silver cup presented by the Mayor
and Corporation of Gloucester, fortwelve varieties, was
awarded to Mr. J. H. Croxford, of Tufiley; and the
Silver Rose Bowl offered by the City High Sheriff was
won by Mr. T. A. Washbourn, of Gloucester, late lion,
secretary of the Society.

The Cottagers classes attracted a capital lntof entries,
the Silver Medal being awarded to Mr. J. B Clarke, of
Newnham, for a fine exhibit of twelve varieties.

There were nine entries for table decorations, which
were most elegant. Two extra prizes were awarded,
and the judges were so satisfied with the whole class
that they gave each exhibitor a Certificate of Merit.

WOLVERHAMPTON ELORAL FETE.

TENTS BLOWN DOWN BY A HURRICANE.
July 7, 8, 9.— A most unfortunate disaster befell this
annual fixture, as the high wind which prevailed on
Monday, the 6th, levelled the whole of the lentstothe
ground, splintering the poles which formed the main
supports; but happily no exhibits had been placed in
them. The refreshment and other tents shared alike
fate. One or two of the exhibition tents were materi-
ally injured, but were repaired during the night. It
was not until Tuesday morning that attempts could be
made to rear the tents, consequently the judging of
the exhibits had to be postponed until quite late ;
indeed, some of the awards, and especially in the case
of the groups, could not be made until 6 p.m. Every-
thing which could be done by the committee to facili-
tate matters was entered upon with vigour. The com-
pany were admitted to the tents at the usual hour,
though the work of staging the exhibits was in pro-
gress. The weather was gloriously fine, and there
was as usual a large attendance.

Plants.

When our representative left the ground the group
had yet to be judged, and they were in progress of
completion, but it appeared that Messrs. Cypher &
SoS. Cheltenham, would be again 1st with one of their
elaborate arrangements. They were certainly 1st with
sixteen stove and greenhouse plants, flowering and
fine foliage, having superb Palms and Crotons, and the
usual specimen flowering plants. They were also 1st
with a collection of Orchids, having fine varieties
tastefully set up ; and Mr. J. Robson, Altrincham, was
2nd. Palms and Ferns were being staged in the form
of fine specimens. Collections of twenty plants in
pots, at least eight to be in tlDwer. made pleasing
groups. Messrs. Cy'pher & Son were 1st; Mr. W.
Finch, Coventry, was 2nd; and Mr. Blakeway, gr. to
Sir A. Muntz, Bt., M.P., 3rd. Collections of twelve
plants were also shown.

Collections of flowering plants, to consist of one
variety only, made an interesting feature. Mr. H.
Lovatt, Bushbury, was place! 1st, with a group of
dwarf grown but well-bloomed Cannas ; Mr. J. Robson
being 2nd.

Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon had the best group
of Begonias, staging siugle and double flowered varie-
t es of fine quality.

Roses.— There was an excellent display of Roses ; the
entries were unusually numerous, but the storms of
Monday prevented some from bringing their blooms.
There were four collections of seventy-two varieties,
Messrs. Hahkness A Co , Hitchin. takmir the 1st prize
with some very fine blooms ; Messrs. B. R. Cant &
Sons, Colchester, with nice, fresh, though a little
undersized blooms, 2nd; and Messrs. D. Prior & Son
Colchester, were 3rd.

With forty-eight varieties, Messrs. Harkness & Co.
were again 1st; Mr. Geo. Mount, Canterbury, was a
close 2nd ; and Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons, 3rd.

With eight varieties, three blooms of each, Mr. Geo.
Mount was placed 1st with some superb blooms, chief
among them Bessie Brown, Caroline Kuster, Mrs. J.
Laing, Mildred Grant, Mrs. W. J Srant, Ulrloh
lirunuer, and Frau Karl Druschki. The King's Acre
Nursery Co., Hereford, were 2nd ; and Messrs. Hark-
ness it Son, 3rd.

With twelve bunches of Roses, shown with foliage as
cut from the plauts, Mr. Geo. Mount was 1st, puttiDg
up beautiful blooms on long stems of Captain Hay ward,
BessieBrown, Mrs. J. Laing, Ulrich Brunner, Killarney,
Mrs. Sharman Crawford, A.'.-aa excellent innovation ;
but the blooms should be on strong stems In order to
maintain an erect position. Messrs. Geo. Prince A
Co , nurserymen, Oxford, were 2nd, setting up bold
bunches of garden Roses, such as Crimson Rambler,
<tc; and the King's Acre Co., was 3rd.

With twenty-four varieties, sioglo blooms, for ex-
hibitors not showing in the class for seventy-two
blooms, Mr. Geo. Mount was 1st ; Messrs. Townsend .t
Son, Worcesier, were 2nd ; and Messrs. Phior A
Son, 3rd.

Tho best twelve new Roses of the previous three
years were staged by Messrs. B. R. Can i .v SONS, who
had Lady M. Ueauclerk, Muriel Gniluuno, Apolhecary

30

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 11, 1903.

Hofer, Alice Lindsell. Gladys Harkness, Frau Peter
Lambert, Frau Karl Druscbki, Madame Jean Dupuy,
Edmond Deshay, Perle Van Godesberg. Prince o£
Bulgaria, &c. Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons, New-
townards, Belfast, was 2nd ; their leading blooms were
Muriel Grant, Robert Scott, Lady Battersea. Louise
Muller, Kdiih D'Ombrain, . Aimee Cochet, &c. 3rd,
Messrs. Harkness & Sons.

The best twelve blooms of one dark variety v as a
charming lot of Liberty from Mr. Geo Mount ; Messrs.
D. Pbior & Son were 2nd, and the Kino's Acre Co.
3rd, with A. K. Williams.

The best twelve blooms of a light variety were those
■ of Mildred Grant, from Messrs. Geo. Prince & Co.:
Messrs. Townsend & Son came 2nd with Bessie Brown,
and the King's Acre Co. 3rd with the same variety.

The best twelve Tea scented came from Messrs. Gfo.
PfiiN*CE <t Co.. who had some very fine ones in Mrs. K.
•Mawley, Marecbal Niel, White Maman Cachet, Mrs. B.
R. Cant, Innocenta Pirola, Francois Kruger, Muriel
Grahame, &c. The King's Acre Nursery Co. were 2nd,
and Messrs. J. Townsend & Son, 3rd.

A delightful class was that for six vases of Sweet
Briar Roses in six distinct varieties. The only ex-
hibitors were Messrs. Geo. Prince & Son, who had
charming bunches of Catherine Seyton, Green Mantle,
Flora Melvor, Julia Murray, Amy Robsart, and Lord
Penzance.

In the class for a bowl of Roses, arranged with Rose
foliage only, and containing not fewer than thirty-six
blooms, Messrs. J. Townsend & Sons were 1st, having
a tasteful arrangement of Teas, H.P.'s, and Crimson
Rambler. Messrs. Geo. Prince & Son were 2nd, and
Messrs. T. Domss it Co , 3rd.

A further pleasing class was for nine vases of Tea
Roses, seven blooms in each. Messrs. Geo. Prince &
Son were again 1st, chief among them being Edith
Gilford. Souvenir d'uu Ami, Medea, Maman Cochet,
.Souvenir de S. A. Prince, and Madame de Watteville ;
Messrs. D. Prior & Son were 2nd; and Mr. George
Mount, 3rd.

Floral Decorations

were represented by bouquets and va'ious arrange-
ments of a pleasing character; tables florally decorated
were numerous, and some arranged with much skill.
The arrangements in Sweet Peas were very good,
Messrs. Jones & Son, Shrewsbury, taking the 1st prize.
Good blooms were also shown in the classes in which
Messrs. Eckiord and Sydenham provided special
prizes.

In the large group of classes following (hose open to
all, many good exhibits of plants, floorers, &c, were
arranged. The children made a huge display of
arrangements in garden and wild flowers, but they had
to arrange them under conditions of great difficulty.

Fruit

was fairly well shown, the best four bunches of Grapes,
one of each variety, was staged by Mr. S. Barker, The
Gardens, Clumber, Worksop, who had Black Ham-
burgh, Foster's Seedling. Madresfleld Court, and Buck-
land Sweetwater. Mr. J. Bannerman, The Gardens,
Blithfleld, Rugeley, was 2nd ; he had Muscat of Alex-
andria in the place of Foster's ; Mr. J. Doe, The
Gardens, Ruflord Abbey, 3rd.

Mr. Barker had the best two bunches of White in
Buckland Sweetwater; Mr. B. Ashton whs SDd with
the same.' With two bunches of Black Mr. Barker
came 1st, with excellent Madresfield Court; Mr. Doe
was 2nd with the same. There were many Melons,
good Peaches, Nectarines, &z. ,

Mr. Doe was placed 1st with a collection of eight
dishe3 of fruit. He had white and black Muscat
Grapes, Dymond and Stirling Castle Peaches, Downton
Nectarines, Figs, &c; Mr. J. H. Goodacre, The Gar-
dens, Elvaston Castle, was 2nd. He had white Muscat
and Black Hamburgh Grapes. Royal George and Belle-
garde Peaches, Lord Napier Nectarines, Lady Sudeley
Apples, &?.

Some good vegetables were shown in the open, special
prizes being offered by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Webb &
Sons, Hewitt & Co., &c.

Miscellaneous Exhibits

were very numerous, hardy llowers in particular being
staged by Messrs. G. H. White, Worcester; Dicksons,
Ltd., Chester; Artindale & Son, Sheffield; Hewitt &
Co, Solihull; R. Smith & Co., Worcester, &e. Jones
& Son, Shrewsbury, had Sweet Peas : Messrs. Dobbie &
Co , Rothesay, had zonal Pelargoniums and Sweet Peas,
among the latter some new varieties, to one of which,
Florence Molyneux, a First class Certificate of Merit
was awarded ; E. Webb «fc Sons, Stourbridge, who had
Gloxinias, hardy llowers, Ac. (Large Gold Medal) ;
Jackman & Son, Woking, who had hardy plants ; Black-
more &Langdon, Bath, who had grand Begonias; W. L.
Pattison, who had Violas, etc.: The Ranelagh Nursery
Co., Leamington, who had their new Asparagus and
otherplants; W. Knight, Wolverhampton, plants, and
others, particulars of which could not be gathered up.
It was a day of great confusion, but the alacrity and
resource shown by the committee to make good their
disister deseive the warmest praise.

MR. W. BROWNE.

The retirement of Mr. Wm. Browne from the
office of Superintendent of Hyde and other Royal
Parks in London was made the occasion of pre-
senting hitn with a handsome silver fruit dish,
subscribed for by a number of foreign gardeners
who had been employed at various times in the
Royal Parks under his supervision. The pre-
sentation, at the residence of Mr. Browne in
Ramsgate, was made by Herren Gensel and
Pichelmayer on behalf of German and German-
speaking gardeners. The list of subscribers
contained the names of gardeners who are
now filling important appointments in Asia,
Africa, America, and in different countries of
Europe.

Mr. Browne expressed his hearty thanks to the
gentlemen above mentioned for the handsome
gift, and remarked in the course of conversation
that he had never been adverse to but rather in
favour of the temporary employment of foreign
gardeners in the parks under his superintendence,
as he had found them willing workers, and as to
skill and learning, quite equal if not superior to
the native element.

WILLIAM BROWNE,

FORMERLY SUPERINTENDENT OF HYDE PARK, ETC.

There is prevalent, however, especially among
German gardeners, a wish, which has been in their
opinion tx> seldom realised — viz., that their
young English colleagues might, for the sake of
professional improvement, extend their travels
to the Continent in general and to Germany in
particular. The benefit accruing from such
visits would exert a healthy influence upon the
professional character and political feeling of the
two countries.

It may not be generally known that Mr.
Browne hails from Nottinghamshire, and acquired
a general knowledge of the profession at home
under his father, who was a nurseryman and
seedsman. For further improvement he went to
the Royal Gardens, Kew. Being fond of land-
scape gardening, and naturally inclined to it by
his cleverness as a designer and draughtsman, he
devoted himself entirely to this most interesting
profession, and carried out extensive works under
the late Mr. Nesfield and the late Mr. E. Milner.
Though formerly employed in the Parks De-
partment of the cities of Liverpool and Man-
chester, his public career may be said to have
commenced when he entered the Government

Parks (so called Royal Paiks) of London seme
thirty years ago.

Mr. Browne terminated his official career as
head of the Royal Central Parks, consisting of
Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St. James's,
and Green Parks, and several minor places.

TRADE NOTICES.

New Invention : An Imperishable Horti-
cultural Paint. — Mr. Chas. T. Druery, as
manager of the Lubrose Paint Company, Moor-
gate Station Chambers, E.C., calls our attention
to a paint recently introduced into this country,
which is admirably adapted for the protection of
wood and iron-work in conservatories or green-
houses. It is entirely distinct from oil-paints,
having an imperishable rubber-like body as a
basis, so that the paints form an elastic and
strongly adherent skin, which cannot crack,
blister, or flake off, and which stands both heat and
damp indefinitely. As no priming is required,
and two coats equal in covering capacity four of
oil-paints, they are very economical in applica-
tion, apart from greater permanence, while their
appearance is equal to the best expensive enamel-
paints. An enormous Continental consumption
and an experience of five years demonstrate
their value beyond a doubt.

Messrs. Dobbie & Co., seed growers and florists,
of Rothesay, desire us to inform our readers that
they have just purchased sixty acres of fine free-
hold land in the Essex seed-growing district. It
lies alongside the main Great Eastern line, and is
close to Marks Tey Station. They intend remov-
ing their seed-growing operations frcm Orpington
to this new place next season.

©bituarp.

William Thompson. — We regret to hear of
the death of a very old correspondent of the
Gard. Chron., generally known as " Thompson of
Ipswich." According to a note in the East
Anglian Times, Mr. Thompson had been ailing
for some time, and died on July 3, in his
eighty - first year. Mr. Thompson was in
business for many years at Ipswich, but
did not confine his attention solely to com-
mercial affairs. He was one of the first to
practise the Daguerreotype system of photo-
graphy, now rendered obsolete by improved
methods. Afterwards he turned his attention to
gardening, collecting and distributing seeds of
interesting plants, principally hardy plants. His
first published catalogue dates from 1855. Rho-
danthe maculata, a Swan River species, now
largely used as a market plant, was introduced
by hitn, as were also Aquilegia chrysantha,
Godetia Whitneyi, Leptosiphon roseus, Phacelia
campanularia, Clematis coccinea, and a host of
other plants. A volume of the Botanical Magazine
was dedicated to him by Sir Joseph Hooker, in
recognition of Mr. Thompson's efforts in the
introduction of interesting plants. Mr. Thompson
was also one of the first recipients of the Victoria
Medal of Honor, awarded by the Royal Horti-
cultural Society to distinguished horticulturists.
Prom a small plot of ground cultivated as the
hobby of an amateur, Mr. Thompson's garden
developed into a commercial establishment on a
large scale, in the management of which Mr.
Thompson was associated with Mr. Morgan.

"A New German Gardening Journal." —
We have received various numbers of Der
Deutsche Gartenrath, a new weekly Journal pub-
lished in Berlin,1 under the Editorship of Here
Andreas Voss. One of the early numbers con-
tains a plea for the planting of the Walnut tree,
especially in parks and public gardens, where it
is now rarely seen ; notes on the Clematis disease,
and much information useful to amateur as well
as to professional gardeners.

July 11, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

31

THE WEATHER.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the
• "' Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick,

London, for the period June 28 to July 4, 1903.

Height above sea-level 24 feet.

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56-2 41-1

FBI. 3

W.S.W,

65-~4 oS^O^g-oM-S, ... 66'362-0

56-6,52-1

SAT. 4

w.

62-2

53'fi 70'5

49-5 ... 64-5

S2-058-S42-0

Tot

Means

...

67 -6j68-4 75-6 53-8' ... 65'6 61'3'5o-8'46-3

I 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Remarks.— & week of bright sunshine, with drying
winds.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

.The following Summary Record of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
July 4. is furnished from the Meteorological Office :—

;"The weather during this week was- fine and bright
over the country as a whole, but rain was of almost
daily occurrence in the extreme north and north-west.
Thunderstorms were experienced at many western and
northern stations on Thursday.

" The temperature was above the mean very generally,
the excess ranging from 1" to 2° in most localities, to 4"
in England,- .E... The highest of the maxima, which
were recorded on rather irregular dates, but in most
cases on Sunday or Thursday, were as. high as 86* in
England, E., 84; in England, S., and 80° or 81° in several •
other English localities. ' In Scotland, N., and
Ireiand,"N.,'the thermometer recorded no higher read-
ing tha,n 70°. The lowest of the minima occurred either'
about the middle or at the end of the week, and ranged
between 41° in Scotland, N.. and 42° in the Midland
Counties, England, N.W., and Ireland, 8., to 48" in the
Channel Islands and Scotland, E.,' and to" 49' in
Ireland, N. • •

"The rainfall was very heavy in Scotland, N. and W.
—more than three times as great in the former district
— and slightly exceeded the mean in Ireland, N. In all
other districts excepting Scotland, E. (where the mean
was just equalled) there was a deficit, and many
stations in the south and east of England were quite
rainless.

" The bright sunshine was much in excess of the mean
over England, but only slightly so in Ireland and in
Scotland, W. In Scotland. N., there was less than half
the average. The percentage of the possible duration
ranged from 73 in England. S., 70 in England, E , and
(8 in the Channel Islands, to 32 in Ireland, N., and to
no more than 12 in Scotland, N."

THE WEATHER IN WEST HERT3.
Very dry and sunny— The recent warm spell lasted
•ten days, but since the 4th the weather has been quite
cool, and on one night the exposed thermometer fell
to within 9° of the freezing-point. The ground is now
at about an average temperature at 2 feet deep, but
about V colder than is seasonable at 1 foot deep.
No rain has fallen for over a fortnight, and since the
27th ult. no measurable quantity of rain-water has
come through, the bare soil percolation gauge. The
sun shone on an average for eight hours a day during
the week, or lor about two hours a day longer than is
usual at this season. The winds continued light until
the 2nd, but since then they have been at times high ;
and on one day the mean velocity for one hour rose to
17 miles, direction west. The atmosphere has been on
the whole very dry.

■ A cold, sunless, and "dripping" June.— This was the
coldest June of which I have here any record, that is
to say for the last seventeen years. The coldest period
of Ihe month lasted a fortnight, during which1 the tem-
perature remained constantly below tin- average. Tie
night lemporaturcs, although continuously low during
that period, were never very exceptional, but the

highest readings on three days were lower than any
previously registered here in the same month, all being
below 51°. By way of contrast, it may be stated that on
one day at the beginning of the month, and on two
days towards its close, the highest temperature in the
thermometer-screen rose to or exceeded 80°. No rain
fell during the first week and last eleven days of the
month, but during the intervening twelve days 5^ ins.
were'deposited, which is nearly 3J ins. in excess of the
June average, and more than tin any June since 1SS0 —
or for forty-three years. Besides being very cold and
wet, this was a very gloomy June, the record of clear
sunshine falling short of the average by more than an
hour a day. The winds continued exceptionally light ;
in fact, at no time did the mean velocity for any hour
reach ten miles. There was a remarkable prevalence
of north-easterly winds for a summer month— the
direction for 436 hours, or eighteen days, being some
point between north and east. Only once before in the
last seventeen years lias the atmosphere in June been
as humid, and that was in 1894. E. M , Berkhamsted,
July 7, 19C3.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, July 9.

[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered that these quotations do not represent the
' prices on any particular day, but only the general
averages for the week preceding the date of our
report The prices depend upon the quality of
the samples, the supply in the market,, and the
demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day
to day, but often several times in one day. Ed. 1

Cut Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Prices.

s.d. s.d.

s.d, s.d.

Alstncmeria, doz.

Mignonette, doz.

2 0-30

bunches

4 0-60

Malmaisons, per

Azaleas, doz. bun.

.20-40

dozen

6 0-18 0

Callas, per dozen

'3 0-4 0

Orchids : Cattleya

Canterbury Bells

0 4-06

dozen blooms...

12 0-15 0

Carnations, 1 per

— Dendrobiums

bunch

0 6-16

per dozen . ...

2 0-30

Coreopsis, dozen

— Odontoglos-

bunches

10-20

sums, dozen

2 0-40

Cornflowers, doz.

Pelargoniums,

bunches.

10-20

zonal, dozen

Eucharis ... r ...

2 0-30

bunches

4 0-66

Ferns, Asparagus,

— White

3 0-60

per bunch '...
— French, per

10-26

— 'Pink, Ivy, per

doz. bunches

4 0-80

doz. bunches

0 4-06

Pinks, per dozen

— Maidenhair,

bunches

2 0-40

doz. bunches

4 0-60

Poppies, Iceland,

Gardenias, p. box

16-30

p. doz: bunches

0 6-10

Gladiolus, White,

Pyrethrums, doz.

per bunch

0 4-08

bunches

3 0-50

— Blushing

Roses, Merroet, do:

.16-20

Bride, bunch

3 0-60

— Moss, 12 bun.

2 0-30

— Brenchleyensis

— various, per

per bunch " ...

10-16

bunch * ...

10-40

— various, bnch

0 6-10

— red, 12 bnebs.

3 0-60

Gypsophila, bun.

0 3-04

— white, bunch

10-16

Iris, per bunch...

0 6-10

— pink, bunch
Smilax, doz. trails

0 4-16

Liliums, White ...

'3.0 —

16-26

— longiflorum.

Stenactis speciosa

per bunch ...

16-26

(pale mauve),

— la nci folium,

doz. bunches ...

2 0-30

per bunch ...

16-20

Stephanotis, doz.

16-20

— candidum, pei

Stocks, per dozen

bunch... ' . ...

10-20

bunches

2 0-40

Lily of the Valley,

Sweet Peas, per

p. doz. bunches

4 0-12 0

dozen bunches

10-30

Lupins, doz. bun.

3 0-40

Tuberoses, strong,

Marguerites, yel-

per bunch

0 9 10

low, doz. bunch.

16-20

Plants in Pots

Ac. — Avl

craoe Wholesale Prices.

s. d. s. d.

.,

s.d. s. d.

Acers, each

2 0-26

Li Hum longi-

Adlantums, doz.

4 0-80

florum, per doz.

8 0-12 0

Aralias, per doz.

4 0-80

— lancifolium.

Arbor Vitses, per

per dozen ...

18 0-24 0

dozen

9 0-18 0

Lycopodiums, p.

Aspidistras, per
dozen

dozen

3 0-40

18 0-36 0

Marguerites, doz.

3 0-12 0

Aucubas, per doz.

4 0-80

Mignonette, doz.

10-60

Calceolarias,' per

Musk, per dozen

2 0-40

'dozen ,

4 0-60

Orange-trees, each

3 O- 7 8

Coleuses. per doz

4 0-50

Palms, var., each

3 0-20 0

CrasBulas, dozen

8 0-12 0

Pelargoniums,

Crotpns, perdoz.

12 0-24 0

— Oak - leaved,

Draccenas, variety,

scented, doz.

3 0-40

dozen '

12 0-48 C

pink, per doz.

4 0- fi 0

Ericas, per dozen

8 0-18 0

— scarlet, dozen

3 0-60

Etoile d'Or, per

Petunias, p. doz.

4 0-60

dozen

12 0-18 0

— in boxes

10-16

Euonymus, vars..

Pteris tremula, dz.

4 0-80

per dozen

4 0-60

— Wimsetti.doz.

4 0-80

Ferns iu var.,per

Pyrethrum coro-

dozen" ...

4 0-30 0

narium (Double

— Japanese balls,

yellowMarguer-

- each

1 6 —

ites)

2 0-60

Flcuselastica.doz.

fl 0-24 0

— Single yellow

4 0- li 0

FuchMas, p. doz.

3 0-80

Rliodauihe, per

Heliotrope'

4 0- (1 0

' dozen ...

4 0-60

Hydrangeas, doz.

8 0-24 0

Rose Trees, per

ivy-leaved l'elar-

dozeu

(i 0-12 0

goniums, dozen

2 0-40

Verbenas, dozeu

8 0-10 0

Vegetables. — .

Artichokes, Globe,
per dozen ...

Asparagus, sprue, ,
per bundle ...

— English, per
bundle

Beans, dwarf, lb.

— broad, bush. .

— Channel Is-
lands, per lb.

Beetroots, per
"bushel M ...'

Cabbages, tally ...

Carrots, new, 'per
doz6n ... * ...-

Cauliflowers, per
dozen

Celery, per dozen
bundles ... 12

Cress, per dozen
punnets

Cucumbers, per
dozen

Endive, per doz.

Garlic, per lb. ...

Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch

Leeks, per dozen
bunches...

Lettuces, Cabbage,
per dozen ... 0

Lettuce, Cos, per -
score o

0 8-0 10

6- 3 0
6-, 4 0

10-16
16-30

13 —

2 6-30

3 0-36

2 0-40

16-20
2 6-40
19-30

Average Wholesale Prices.

d. s. d. s. d. s. d.

Mint, per dozen
0-3 0 bunches ... 2 0 —

Mushrooms, house,
4-06' per lb 10-13

Onions, per bag... 5 0-56
0-2 0 — green, per

8-0 10 r dozen

'2 0 — picklers, per
sieve ...- ...

Parsley, per doz.
bunches

: — sieve

Peas, per bag ...

— per bushel ...
Potatos, per ton 120 0-160 0

— Channel Isles,
perewt. ... 6 0-70

— Lincoln, &c. 70-80
0-15 0 Radishes, per

dozen bunches 0 6-10
Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz.... 13 —
16-30 Spinach, p. bush. 16-26
1 (»- 1 6 Tomatos, Channel
0 3— Islands, per lb. 0 3-0 3J

— English, new,
16-19 per 12 lb. ... 30-40

Turnips, new, per
16-20 dozen bunches 20-40

Vegetable - Mar-
6-0 9 rows, per dozen 4 0-80

Watercress, per
6-16 dozen bunches. 0 4-08

Fruit. — Average Wholesale Prices,
s.d. s.d.

Apples, Austra-
lian, including
Tasmanian.case 9 0-14 0
Apricots, p. sieve 14 0 —
Bananas, bunch.. 7 0-12 0

— loose, dozen . 10-16
Cherries, sieve ... 6 0-15 0
Currants, Red,

per basket ...3 0 —

— Black, sieve... 7 t(- 9 0
Figs, per dozen... .10-30
Grapes, Alicante,

per lb. ... 10-lfl

— GrosMaroc.lb. 10-16

— Hamburgh,

A., per lb. 2 0-30
B., per lb. 0 8-13

— Muscats', A.'.lb. 3 0-40

— — B., per lb. . 10-16

s.d. s.d.
Gooseberries, per

sieve 4 6-50

Lemons, per case 10 0-16 0
Lychees, packet .10 —
Melons, each ... 10-20
Nectarines, A., per '

dozen 12 0-18 0

— B., per doz. ... 20-60
Oranges, per case 10 0-18 0 '
Peaches, A., per

, dozen 15 0-21 0

— B., per dozen 20-80

Pines, each
Piumj, peck
Raspberries,
. gallon ...
— per cwt.
Strawberries.

2 0-40

3 0-50

2 0 —
30 0 —

per doz. lb. ... 3 0-10 0

Remarks.— Some Bombay Mangos are fetching 12s. to
188. per dozen ; Lisbon Apples sell at 1 is. per case, and
Italian Plums in baskets, 2s. to 2s. 6d. Only really good
Peas fetch 3s. per bushel ; a few out-doors Vegetable
Marrows are now arriving, and sell at 4s. per dozen.
New Zealand Spinach, sieve or half bushel, fetch 2s. 6d.
Strawberries British Queen sell at 12s. to 18s. per
dozen punnets.

Potatos.

Cherbourg, 6s. to 7s. per cwt. ; home-grown, 7s. to 9s.
per cwt. John Bath, 32 & 34, Wellington Street, Covent
Oarden.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

Glasgow, July s.— The following are the averages
of the prices during the past week :— Apples, Austra-
lian and Tasmanian, 12s. to 16s. per box ; Oranges,
Valencias, ordinary, 420's, 22s. to 24s; per box ; large
420's, 21s. to 27s. do.; extra large 420's, 25s. to 30s. do.;
714's, 27s. to 308. do. ; Lemons, 6s. to los. per box, and
78. to 14s.' per case; Giapes, English, is. to 2s. 6d.
per lb. ; Cherries, 6rf. to 8rf. per lb. ; Strawberries, 6<(,
to'.'-i. do. ; do., Cornish, 4s. to 8s. per dozen punnets;
Dutch fruit : Strawberries, Is. 7d. to Is. 9d. per basket
(about 2id. per lb.) ; Gooseberries, 2os. per cwt. ; Dutch
Turnips, 5s. per bag, and 4s. to it, fid. per small
hamper ; Carrots, 5s. to 7s. 6rf. do. ; Tomatos, id to is.
per lb. ; Onions, 6s. per bag and 6s. per case; Mush-
rooms, Is. to Is. 3d. per lb.

Liverpool, July 8. — Wholesale Vegetable Market. —
Potatos, perewt., kidneys, 10s. 6<(. to 12s. 6d. Jersey, 7».
to 8(. ; Early Regents, 6s. to 7s. 6d. ; St. Malo, 8s. 6d.
to 9s. ; New, 2s. 6d. to 2<. 9d. per 21 lb. ; Turnips, 6d.
to 8d. per 12 bunches; Carrots, "d. to lOd. do.; Onions,
foreign, 4s. 9d. to 5s. per cwt. ; Parsley, 4d. to 6<\
per twelve bunches ; Lettuces, 6d. to lOd. per
dozen ; Cucumbers, Is. 9<(. to 3s. do. ; Caulitloweri ,
2s. to 3s. do.; Cabbages, lOd. to is. 3d. do.; Peat,
is. 9d. to 78. per hamper. St. John's'. — Potatos,
new, 2d. per lb. ; Asparagus, 2s. to 48. per 100 ; Peas, Is.
to is. 6d. per peck ; Cucumbers, 3d. to fid each ; Apricots,
Is. to Is. (id. per dozen ; Gooseberries, 3d. per lb. ; Cur-
rants, Red, 6d. do. ; do., Black, Ml. do. ; Cherries', 8d. to ■
10d. do. ; Strawberries, fid. to8d. do. ; Grapes, English,
Is. 6d. to 3s. fid. do. : Pines, foreign, is. fid. to 6s. eaoh;
Mushrooms, is. per lb. Birkenhead .-—Potatos, Is. 4d. to
l«. cd. per peck ; do., new, 1 jd. to 3d. per lb. ; Peas,
Is. 2d. to Is. Id. per peck; Cuoumlers, 2d. to id. each ;
Strawberries, 4rf. to (id. per lb.; Currants, Kcd, Id. to
iid. do. ; do., Black, sd. do. ; Peaches, Id. to fid. each .
Cherries, l"d. to 3d. por lb.; Apricots, Is. to Is. 6d. per
dozon ; Gooseborries, 3d. to 4d. per lb; Grapes, English.
2s. to 3s. (id. do. ; Tomatos, English, fid. to lod do. ; do.,
foreign, 3d. to 3d, do.; Mushrooms, French, if. to
is. id do ; Filberts, »d. do.

32

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 11, 1903.

CORN.

Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.),
for the week ending July 4, 1903, and for the corre-
sponding period of 1902, together with the difference
in the quotations. These figures are based on the
Official Weekly Return :—

Description.

1903.

1903.

Difference.

Wheat

Barley

Oats

a. d.

30 8
25 5
22 5

a. d.

37 9
20 7
18 6

a. d.

— 2 11

— 4 10

— 3 11

Apple-twig : H. B. The injury has probably
been caused by cold winds.

Black Muscat Grapes : 67. H. The fruit is
affected with the " spot " disease. See answer
to " C. H." in our last issue.

Bordeaux Mixture : W. JT. A. The consti-
tuents of the Bordeaux Mixture should be —
water 25 gallons, copper sulphate 5 to 6 lb.,
unslaked lime 5 lb. or more. Dissolve the
copper sulphate and lime separately, then
thoroughly mix the two liquids together.

Correction. In my notes on Sweet Pea sports,
which you did me the honour to publish last
week, it reads, " It is Mendel's," when I meant
to say, "Is it Mendel's? " F. J. Coles.

Cucumber: W. J. W. The Cucumber-blotch,
due to a fungus (Cercospora), frequently
alluded to and figured in the Gardeners'
Chronicle. There is, so far as we are aware of,
no known remedy except complete destruction.
Melons and Cucumbers should not be grown
for some years in pits that have held diseased
plants, the disease being easily communicable. •

Chrysanthemums Dying : 8. F. M. (Journeyman}.
The plants are quite free from any injury
caused by fungi or insects. The roots are dead.
Can it be due to the use of some fertiliser used ?

Gardeners' Trips to London in order to In-
spect the Public Parks, Botanic Gardens,
and Gardens : D. T. The places most worthy
of a gardener's attention are the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew ; Royal Botanic Gardens, Re-
gent's Park ; and the neighbouring Zoological
Gardens, where bedding- out is well done; Royal
Horticultural Society's Garden, Chiswick ; the
Crystal Palace, Sydenham, ten miles out ; such
parks as Hyde, St. James's, Battersea, Victoria,
the Embankment Gardens, Charing Cross ;
Peckham and Greenwich Parks. Of nurseries
that would repay a visit mention may be
made of Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans ;
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea; Hugh
Low & Co., Enfield; W. Cutbush & Son and
H. Williams & Son, Fortis Green, Finchley ;
Fromow & Son, Chiswick ; B. & G. Cuthbert,
Southgate ; Messrs. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill,
S.E. ; W. Bull & Sons, Chelsea ; Messrs.
Rivers & Sons, Sawbridgeworth, for fruit cul-
ture ; Paul & Son, Cheshunt, for Roses and
fruit ; W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross ; H. Lane
& Son, Berkhamstead, for Roses, fruits, Coni-
fers, &c. The establishments of Jas. Rochford
and T. Rochford at Broxbourne should not be
forgotten, nor the gardens of Syon House,
Brentford. Including rail and hotel expenses
the outlay should not exceed £1 per day.

Melon Foliage and Fruit op Nectarine :
F. T. The leaves of the Melon are affected
with the Melon-blotch fungus, Cercospora, for
the treatment of which see recent issues of the
Gardeners' Chronicle ; and the fruit has been
affected with the Peach-mildew — for remedies
also scan recent issues of this journal.

Melons Dropping their Fruits : A. J. P. If
you have no bed of fermenting materials under
the bed. or if there is such bed, the warmth has
materially declined. Perhaps you could apply

linings of hot stable-manure and tree-leaves,
1£ ft. to 2 ft. thick, round the bed, first cutting
away the margin of the original bed close up to
the frames. If this be done, you must be
careful not to let the fumes of fermentation get
into the frames ; and to make sure that no harm
is done a small amount of air should be
afforded at night. The Melon will not succeed
in this country without bottom-heat of 80°.

Names op Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
J. S-, Sleoford. Trifolium maritimum. — T. M.
Coronilla varia. — E. A. T. Oncidium divari-
catum. — Harry Williams. Gaultheria shallon. —
W. Brown. Certainly not a Canna, probably an
Aroid. — A. H. 7, Indigofera species ; 8, Heme-
rocallis flava ; 9, Sida malvaeflora ; 10, Stenactis
speciosa; 11, Festuca glauca; 12, Inula glan-
dulosa. — E. G. Specimens partly withered.
1, Achillea species; 2, Campanula persicifolia ;
3, Baptisia species ; 4, Lupinus perennis alba ;
5, Spira:a arisfolia ; G. Eryngium alpinum ; 7,
Senecio doronicum ; 8, Potentilla, garden va-
riety; 9, Aconitum, probably japonicum, flowers
fallen; 10, Veronica teucrium ; 11, Anthericum
liliago; 12, Armeria cephalotes. — T. W. B. 1,
probably a form of P. contorta, but it is im-
possible to speak with certainty ; 2, Viburnum
opulus ; 3, Orchis maculata ; 4, Lychnis dioica.
— M. Buysman. Stachys recta.— T. C. K. 1, Clay-
tonia perfoliata ; 2, if a tree, Cercis siliquastrum ;
3, Ranunculus flammula ; 4, Spirsea filipendula.
— William. 1, Thalictrum flavum ; 2, Astrantia
major; 3, Oxalis rosea; 4, Helenium autum-
nale ; 5, Tropseolum polyphyllum ; 6, Digitalis
lutea ; 7, Epilobium angustifolium, white var. ;
8, Echium vulgare ; 9, Anthericum lineaie
variegatum. — Phyto. 1, JEgopodium Poda-
graria ; 2, a Geum probably ; 3, Veronica offi-
cinalis ; 4, cannot recognise ; 5, Gualtheria
Shallon. — G. B., Wrexham. 1, Clematis flam-
mula; 2, Astrantia major. — T.G.C. l.Photinia
serrulata ; 2, Perhaps Exochorda grandiflora ;
3, Rhus Cotinus ; 4, Perhaps Sophora japonica ;
we cannot tell from flowerless scraps, withered
when we received them. — G. H. S. Your speci-
mens will be named next week. We acknow-
ledge the receipt of 2s. for the Gardeners'
Orphan Fund, but we do not recollect to have
received any former sum from you, or speci-
mens.— Soeze. 1, Pteris cretica ; 2, P. cretica
albo-lineata ; 3, P. serrulata cristata ; 4, Ophio-
pogon Jaburan variegatum ; 5, Scolopendiium
vulgare var. ; 6, Pellaja falcata ; 7, Lygodium
scandens. — A. L. S. Dendrobium moschatum
and Lilium Martagon. — E. A. T. All varieties
of Oncidium praitextuin. — Subscriber. Stanhopea
oculata.

Peaches under Glass without Flavour : 67. V.
A lack of flavour and sweetness is found in
most kinds of early fruits this year, owing
doubtless to the remarkable absence of sun-
shine, the want of flavour, &c, varying in
degree with the amount of sunshine enjoyed.
In such years the gardener can do but little to
counteract the want of sunshine, and the conse-
quent small quantity of air admitted to the
forcing-houses, beyond exposing the fruit to
the light by pushing aside the leaves that
shade it, maintaining dryish conditions in the
air of the house, and employing fire-heat by
day so as to admit of a larger amount of venti-
lation than could otherwise be afforded. Top-
dressings of potash occasionally afforded, at the
the rate of 2 ozs. per square yard, favour tine
colouring in Peaches and Nectarines.

Poppy : F. C. A. A case of doubling, not of
hybridisation.

Rating of Market Gardens: F. P. At one
time, vide case of Purser v. Worthing Local
Government Board, reported in Gardeners'
Chronicle, March 26, 1887, buildings in a
market garden were rated, not as " buildings,"
but as " agricultural land." This view, how-
ever, was altered, vide Piper's case, see 67ar-
deners' Chronicle, March 19, 1898, where the
Master of the Rolls, Lord Justice Rigby agree-
ing with him, said, "The only conclusion at
which I can arrive is that buildings are not
to be treated as agricultural land for rating
purposes under this Act of Parliament."

Tomatos : S. D. § Son. On soaking the leaves
for a few hours in water, we found the purple
colour discharged.

Tomatos not Setting their Flowers : E. 67.
Given ample space the flowers that show low
down on the plant will set, but closely planted
the Tomato seldom fruits at a less distance
from the soil than 2J feet. Ten-feet-high
plants 'should fruit at a later date if not ex-
hausted greatly by the crop of fruit lower
down. Try artificial fertilisation of the blossoms.

Vines: B. F. The Grapes are affected with
the " spot " fungus (Glceosporium ampelo-
phagum). Mr. Massee recommends that the
shoots and leaves should be dredged with
flowers-of-sulphur, repeating at intervals of ten
days if the disease continues to spread. A
small quantity of quicklime should be mixed
with the sulphur on the second application, and
the quantity of lime increased on each suc-
cessive application until the proportions of
lime and sulphur are nearly equal, always
keeping just a little more sulphur than lime.
Diseased leaves and shoots should be collected
and burned, and diseased fruit shojild be re-
moved as speedily as possible. See fig. in
Gardeners' Chronicle, Dec. 6, 1890, p. 657, as
Gloeosporium lasticolor.

Communications Received.— H. H. Cromarty.— Prof.
Waugb. — F. J. C. (pnotos. with thanks),— F. Roemer,
Quedlinburg —Prof. Beach.— G. H , photograph, many
tnanks, the plant has been figured more than once in
the Gardeners' Chronicle.— P. J. R.— Ed. W— Corre-
spondent (red cardboard box without name).— R. M.
-W. H. A.— A. W.-F. W— F. W. n.-J. H.-E. P.—
A. C. D.— A. B. R.-J. T. S— C. J. W— E. Goddard—
W. A. C— J. J. W.— M. G.— S. H— M. Francis— N. E. B.

DIED. — After a brief illness, Mr. George
Buckland, who for a period of nearly forty
years was gardener to the late Henry Courage,
Esq., of Gravenhurst, Bolney, Sussex.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

GARDEN APPLIANCES.

The Priaulx Patent Though Co., Ltd., Guernsey-
Troughs for containing Cucumbers, Melons,
Tomatos, &c.

Ransosies, Sims, & Jefferies, Ltd., Orwell Works,
Ipswich— Motor Lawn-Mowers.

FRUITS.

Geo Bunyard & Co., Ltd., Maidstone— Strawberries,
Vines, Figs, &o., also Bulbs.

FOREIGN.

M. Godekroy-Lebeuf, 4, Impasse Girardon, Paris —

New Plants.
Rovelli frSres, Pallanza(Lago Maggiore), Italy— Seeds

of Conifers. Evergreen and Deciduous Trees and

Shrubs. Palms, and various Ornamental Plants,

Conifer Cones, <ic.
Otto Heyneck, Magdeburg— Chrysanthemums, <Stc.
G. J. Alhehts & Co., Boskoop, Holland— General

Nursery Stock.

GARDENING APPOINTMENTS.

Mr. F. W. Russell, until recently Gardener at Avon
Castle, Ringwood. as Gardener to Lady Esme
Gordon, Paxton Park, St. Neots, Hunts.

Mr. Wm. MacGillivbay, at present Foreman in the
gardens at Balcarres, as Head Gardener to Peter
Wordie, Esq., Millersneuk, Lenzie, N.B.

Mr. F. Jackson, previously Foreman in the gardens,
Willington Hall, Tarporley, has succeeded Mr.
Podmore as Head Gardener to J. Spencer Phillips,
Esq , of the Mount, Shrewsbury.

Mr. R. Smith, Foreman in the gardens at Gawthorpe
Hall, Burnley, as Gardener to Mrs. Birkbeck,
Auley Hail, Settle. [The money (is. 6d.) sent has
been placed in our collecting-box for the Royal
Gardeners' Orphan Fund.]

Mr. E. D. Menzies, as Head Gardener to J. W. Garton,
Esq., Clnrendon Park, Salisbury, in succession to
Chas. Warden.

Mr. J. Davis, for eight years Head Gardener at Brook-
lands, Bakewell, Derbyshire, as Steward and Head
Gardener to Colonel E. R. Stewart Richardson,
Ballathie, Stanley, Perthshire, N.B., and entered
on his duties June 1.

Mr. A. E. Bambridge, previously Foreman in the
Gardens at Gatton Park, Reigate. as Gardener to
Sir John Hollams. Bart., Dene Park, Tonbridge.
[No charge is made for these announcements. The
shilling sent has been put into the Gardeners'
Chronicle Box of the Royal Gardeners' Orphan
Fund ]

Mr. W. Chown, formerly Gardener for seven years at
Braxted Park, Es?ex, as Gardener and Steward to
Mrs. Eastwood, Kingswood, Englefield Green,
Egbam, Surrey.

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle.

Hybrid Ikis, var. Reixette. raised by Mr. Capakne: Colour, Pale Blue.

Bra iburv, AifHriv .''- < a . if., I ■ • •> »-< i r*«*rii<fh

July IS, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

33

THE

(Sartors' dprrmtkfe

No. 864.— SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1903.

52 per cent, of dry substance ; and the dry
substance when burnt gave 9k per cent, of
ashes. On analysis the leaves showed — of
nitrogen, 1-85 per cent.; phosphoric acid,
049 per cent. ; and of potash, 1-76 per cent.

The following table gives total weight and
chemical composition of the leaves of the
single " Wagner " Apple-tree, and also the
amount of plant-food contained in an acre
of like manner, assuming that the trees
were set 35 feet apart, which would give
thirty-five trees to the acre : —

CONTENTS.

Alyssum spinosum ... 42
Books, notices of—
Bulletin deia Socie'e
Francaise de Horti-
culture de Londres 38
Les Plantes de Mon-
tagDe dans les Jar-
dins 37

Trees and Shrubs ... 38
Codlin moth, the ... 41
Congo flora, the ... 42 j

Cotton corners 41

Flower garden at Cla-

verton Manor 34

Fruit, brown rot of ... 36
Fruit in Eastern Europe 41
Fungicides, standard 40
Irrigation in Western

America 36

Kew, Himalayan Pop-
pies at 41

Kitchen garden at Cro-
marty House, N.B. ... 35
Law notes-
Salesmen's empties... 42
Lily " Peter Barr " ... 41
Market gardening —
Market Grapes ... 34
Melon and Cucumber

leaf-spot 34

<l Mosquito plant " ... 41
Nolina Beldlngii ... 43
Orchards, worn-out ... 33
Orchid notes and
gleanings—
Aerides odoratum ... 35
Cattleya x Faerie

Queene 35

Colaxjugosus 35

Sander's "Orchid
Guide" 35

Peaches, late

Pergulariaodoratissima

Plau'iug and Pricking-
out

Plants, new or note-
worthy—
Allium albopilosum

Poa annua ... 41,

Poisoning flowers

Poisonous sprays, dan-
ger to animals from .

Presentation to Mr.
Sclater

Rain as a cleansing
agent

Societies—

Co-operative flower-
show

Croydon Hort.

Devon and Exeter
Gardeners'

Ealing Horticultural

Ghent Ohambre Syn-
dicale

Manchester Bot. and
Hort

National Sweet Pea...

Royal Horticultural.

Societd Nationale d'
Hort. de Londres...

Ulverstou Rose

Stocks, Ten-week
Sugar-canes, hybrid ...
Week's work, the—
Flower garden, the...
Fruits under glass ...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the...
Plants under glass ...

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Allium albopilosum (Supplement)

Alyssum spinosum

Flower garden at Claverton, Somersetshire
Kitchen garden at Cromarty House. N.B.
Nolina Beldingli in South California ...
Odontoglossum crispum var. Sibyl

42
34
35

V

Single

Amount

tree.

per acre.

lb.

lb.

Total weight of leaves

33 18

1,161

ii i»

,, water in leaves.

15 92

557

ii ii

,, dry substance .

1726

604

ii ii

,, nitrogen

0'29

10

ii ii

,, phosphoric acid

0 08

3

ii ii

„ potash

0 28

10

Nitrogen

Phosphoric acid
Potash

WOKN-OUT ORCHARDS.

THE question is sometimes asked why
nursery trees may not be successfully
raised continuously under good culture for
a considerable number .of years on the same
land. It has long been known that a crop
of nursery trees does not remove large
amounts of plant-food from the soil, and
investigations seem to prove that the roots
of nursery stock do not in any sense poison
or injure the land; so that some other ex-
planation than soil exhaustion must be
found to explain the reason for nursery
trees failing to give good results when pre-
ceded by trees of the same kind.

Professor J. P. Roberts, of the Cornell
University, N.Y., has for some years been
carrying on a series of investigations in the
hope that some light may be thrown upon
the question of the depletion of the soil by
fruit trees. The first thing done was to
determine as far as possible the amount of
plant-food which is taken from the land by
old and young fruit-trees and their fruit.
It was found that a healthy, normal-sized
"Wagner" Apple tree, thirteen years old
from planting, about 18 to 20 feet high,
having a trunk 7£ inches in diameter, pro-
duced a total growth of leaves which weighed
nearly 33 J lb. Those when fully dried yielded

Assuming that the thirty-five trees would
bear in five years from the time they were
thirteen years of age 25 bushels of Apples
per tree, or 5 bushels to the tree per year,
they would take from the soil the following
constituents by the growth of their leaves

and fruit : —

Apples. Leaves.

,. 55 lb 51 lb.

. 4 , 14 .,

. 81 „ 49 „

Assuming that in the next five years the
trees would bear 10 bushels per year, or
50 bushels per tree in all, and that the
leaves had increased in the same ratio as
the Apples, the following results are reached
for the second five years : —

Apples. Leaves.

Nitrogen 110 lb 102 1b.

Phosphoric acid ... 8 28 ,,

Potash 1S2 98 „

Further, assuming that the trees had
reached full maturity at twenty-three years
from setting, and that they produce on an
average 15 bushels of Apples per tree for the
next ten years, and that the leaves have
increased correspondingly, the following
results will be obtained for the third period
of ten years:—

of nitrogen, nearly 3 lb. of phosphoric acid,
and 10 lb. of potash ; or a total of leaves and
fruit together of 21 lb. of nitrogen, 4 lb. of
phosphoric acid, and 26 lb. of potash. It
will thus be seen how easily the figures can
be used to determine approximately the
amount and kind of plant-food used by
Apple-trees in any given case.

It is true that in a particular year a
mature tree might produce as many Apples
as the quantity assumed, and in another
year fail to produce any, yet a computation
could be made from the data given which
would throw much light on the vexed
question of orchard soil depletion.

The following investigations show the
amount of plant-food demanded or used by
old orchard trees. A tree nearly destitute
of Apples, in a fairly thrifty condition, but
below the normal size of trees of its age,
was selected for examination, and gave the
following results : —
Chemical Composition of Different Parts of an Apple-tree.

Apples.

Leaves.

332 lb.

... 304 lb.

25 „

81 ,,

486 ,,

... 294 „

Nitrogen
Phosphoric acid
Potash

Or taking the whole bearing period of

twenty years, from the time the tree was

thirteen years old from setting until it was

thirty-three years old, the following total

amount of plant-food constituents, in leaves

and in fruit, would be abstracted from the

soil :—

Apples. Leaves.

Nitrogen 497 1b 4671b.

Phosphoric acid ... 37 „ 126 „

Potash 729 „ 441 .,

While the above results are obtained by
assuming a given quantity of Apples and
leaves per year in a bearing orchard, and
while the facts in any given case at any
given time may vary widely, yet it is
believed that they are valuable as furnishing
a means of measuring in any given case,
with some degree of accuracy, the amount
of soil-exhaustion by Apple-growing.

It is seen from the data given that
5 bushels of Apples from each of thirty-live
trees, equal 175 bushels, remove in round
numbers 11 lb. of nitrogen, nearly 1 lb. of
phosphoric acid, and 1<> lb. of potash ; and
that the leaves from the trees large enough
to produce those Apples would contain 10 lb.

Total weight ...
Dry substance ...
Nitrogen
Phosphoric acid
Potash

Leaves. Twigs.

lb.
232

93

10

04

13

lb.
173

84

0'9

0-3

07

Limbs

and

Trunk.

Roots.

lb.
3,973

lb.

841

2,316

416

5

0 9

2

04

5

09

One large root was found to be entirely
decayed ; hence it is probable that the per
centage of roots as compared to trunk is less
than the average.

It is estimated that the total weight of
yearly wood (twigs) from an acre of Apple-
trees would be 5,251 lb., and that the leaves
from an acre of trees would weigh 8,121 lb.

The total amount of constituents, exclu-
sive of that stored up in the structure of an
acre of mature Apple-trees, would be— of
nitrogen, 1,337 1b.; phosphoric acid, 310 1b.;
and of potash, 1,895 lb. To restore the
potash alone, as indicated by these figures,
and that used by the growth of the trees,
would require about 7 tons of kainit salt,
containing 12 per cent, of potash ; and to
restore the nitrogen would require 12 tons
per acre of a fertiliser containing 5 per cent,
of nitrogen.

Very much of this plant-food could be
furnished to the orchard soil by the growth
of a leguminous crop (Clover, &c.) among
the trees, and by feeding supplementary
foods to farm animals which might be put
to graze it, and some of the plant-foot would
of course be returned to the soil by the
fallen leaves which are not carried off by
wind.

Professor Roberts says, "Many old or-
chards have not only been making these
large demands on the soil for the last twenty
years, but in many instances the land has
been used for the production of hay or grain
crops in addition, and frequently for the
grazing of animals, with little or no supple-
mentary food. The grazing of orchards,
especially with growing animals without
extra food, is as certain to deplete the land
as the raising of grain or other farm crops,
though the soil robbery is not so rapid.

These investigations, when considered in
all their bearings, lead one to wonder, not
why old orchards are failing, but why they
have not ceased to produce marketable fruit
long since.

34

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[JULt 18, 1903.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

MARKET GARDENING.

ALLIUM ALBOPILOSUM, C. S. Wright,
sp. nov.*
[See Supplementary Illustration.]
K This Allium was first received in flower at
Kew in June, 1902, from the Hon. Charles Ellis,
and is now flowering in the herbaceous ground.
Flowering specimens have just been received
from Van Tubergen, of Haarlem, for whom the
bulbs were collected in 1901 by Sintenis in " the
mountain range that divides Transcaspia from
Persia." The leaves are about IS inches long,
and vary from 1 inch to 2 inches in breadth ;
they are glabrous on the upper surface, but
furnished on the lower and margins with many
scattered white hairs, whence the specific name.
The scape is about a foot high, and bears about
eighty flowers in an umbel, 8 inches or more in

MELON AND CUCUMBER LEAF-SPOT.

This new plague of the gardener, for which
apparently no remedy can be found. The "spot"
starts usually in damp or dull weather, and at
the end of the house nearest to the door, and
with sunshine it spreads very rapidly. I know
of one experienced grower who is actively en-
gaged in taking off the infected leaves as they
appear, by so doing hoping to finish the present
crop of Cucumbers, even if such only make
" seconds " in the market. In this instance it is
particularly disappointing, as he has had no
Cucumbers on his place for some seven or eight
years. The disease is very prevalent in Middle-
sex, Herts, Surrey, Sussex, and Kent, the skill of
the growers availing nothing against it. In one
instance one grower having a good winter crop
without spot, repeated the planting; but these

If Cucumbers could be grown on the old lines,
we should hear nothing of the " spot " ; but the
grower must needs take two crops in a limited
period of time, and his methods account to my
thinking the why and wherefore of the prevalence
of the disease.

Market Grapes.

*' Raise the standard of quality, and prices will
be higher." Such is the opinion of Mr. A. Lodge,
Mill Hill, N.W., an excellent cultivator of the
Black Hamburgh ; and he is able to support this
statement by the fact of his obtaining 4s. per lb.
for most of those he sent to market in the third
week in June. The bunches are above medium,
size for market Grapes, four bunches just going
into a cross-handled basket weighing 7 lb., the
berries being of good size, and colour also good.
His Vines were uniformly cropped, and he grows
no other variety. Stephen Castle.

FlG. 14. — FLOWER GARDEN AT CLAVERTON, SOMERSETSHIRE.

diameter. The flowers (nearly 2 inches in dia-
meter) are about the largest in the genus, and
resemble a star with narrow rays ; their colour
is a deep lilac with a metallic sheen. A figure
of this plant has been prepared for the Botanical
Magazine.

[Our illustration (see Supplement) is taken
from a specimen forwarded to us more than a
year ago by Messrs. Van Tubergen, of Haarlem.
The species is the most imposing-looking member
of the genus. Ed.].

* Allium albopilosum, C. H. Wright.-A. jesdiano, Boiss.
et Buhse, proximum, foliis subtus pilosis, perianthii
segmentis quam pedicelli dimidio brevioribus differt.
Folia lanceolata, plus minusve acuminata, is poll,
longa, supra glabra, superficie inferioremarginibusque
pilis pluribus albis sparsis instructis. Scapus 1 ped.
altus, 5 lin. diam., glaber, teres, circa 80 floras. Spatha;
tres, lata, acuminata;, membranacea;. Pedicelli 2 poll,
longi, I lin. diam., tereti, glabri. Perianthii segmenta
linearia. acuminata, obscure lilacina, 10 lin. longa, 1 lin.
lata. Stamina 5 lin. longa; filamenta atro-purpurea,
subulata, basi dilatata ; antheras oblonga;, 1 lin. longa; ;
pollen ea;sio-viride. Ovarium minute verrucosum]
lobis 3globosis(ovario Euphorbia; simile) ; stylus subu-
latus, 3 lin. longus.

Hab., mountain range dividing Transcaspia from
Persia: Sintenis legit. >'o. 308.

plants are all so gone off with the spot, that they
are being cleared out and Tomatos planted.

I also now know of a very extensive firm of
growers who have given up entirely for this year
and are cultivating Tomatos instead, hoping
next year to succeed with the Cucumbers. The
effects of the disease are evident from the short
supply of Cucumbers of the best quality.

Whether rich feeding has anything to do with
the prevalence of the disease or not, one finds
growers who make use of far richer composts
than I ever touched; practically it is half-and-
half — one layer of loam, one of rich stable or
farmyard manure. This is put together some
time before using, the result being a very rich
mass of food given all at once to the roots, and
heavy crops are obtained if the disease does not
appear on the plants. Not content with an over-
rich soil, a heavy mulch of decayed manure
follows as the crop comes on, this again being
correct to a certain degree, if plants are healthy.
Lastly comes the question of how far the free use
of the hose is desirable [seeing that it may
scatter the spores broadcast]. Water in most
cases, if not actually cold, certainly colder than
water was used in my day, and the water afforded
the roots has not had the chill taken off it.

FLOWER-GARDEN AT CLAVERTON
MANOR.

This residence, until recently, we believe,
without a tenant for some time, possesses gardens
which contain several delightful features ; one of
them, a Rose arcade, formed the subject of an
illustration in the Gardeners' Chronicle for July 4.
The fig. 14 in the present issue depicts a flower-
garden having a terrace walk, and a turfed bank
at one side, and flower-beds that stretch away
from the foot of the bank on a level plateau. As
befits a terrace-garden there are numerous flower-
vases and a massive balustrade, and vegetation,
which, when not naturally formal in shape, is
made so by the gardener's art.

HYBRID SUGAR-CANES.

The idea of raising hybrid Sugar-canes is by
no means a new one in the West Indies ; it was
raised by Professor d' Albuquerque at the second
Agricultural Conference in 1900 ( West Indian Bul-
letin, vol. i, p. 182). Professor Harrison and Mr.
Hart have both mentioned the possibility that
some of the seedling canes which are being raised
throughout the West Indies are the result of the
accidental crossing of two varieties of Cane, and
in the Agricultural News (vol. i., p. 146) we drew
attention to some successful experiments that have
been made in Java, by Drs. Wakker and Kobus,
in hybridising various varieties of Cane, more
particularly the Cheribon and an imported Indiaa
Cane, the Chunnee.

The process adopted in Java was an extremely
simple one. Dr. Wakker discovered that the
pollen (the part of the flower containing the male
elements) of certain varieties of Cane, notably the
Cheribon, was infertile, while the ovary (the
female part of the flower) was normal. Other
varieties of Cane, including the Chunnee, were
shown to possess normal, fertile pollen. It was
only necessary, therefore, to plant canes of two
varieties, one with normal pollen and one with-
out, in alternate rows, the wind would then carry
the normal pollen of the one variety to the ovary
of the other, fertilisation would take place and
seeds would be produced. These seeds, borne on
the variety with infertile pollen, would neces-
sarily be the result of a cross, and the Canes
raised from them would be hybrids. In the case
of the Cheribon and Chunnee Canes the experi-
ment was a success : the Cheribon produced fer-
tile seeds ; and since then Dr. Kobus has succeeded
in raising many thousands of hybrid Canes.

The first question to arise in the mind of a
practical man would be : Is it worth while P Or,
in other words : What advantages does this new
method of obtaining fresh varieties possess over
the method of raising seedling Canes which has
been in operation for some years and which has

July 18, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

35

been very successful ? That the method of rais-
ing new varieties by hybridisation does possess
advantages over the simpler process of raising
them by selection is amply shown by the fact
that it is practised by plant breeders all over the
world. It must be remembered, too, that the
Sugar-cane is probably the only cultivated
plant with regard to which the raising of hybrids
is such an easy matter as described above. With
other plants, artificial crossing has to be re-
sorted to, and this is a very delicate operation
necessitating great care.

Mr. Lewton-Brain points out that crossing
offers two advantages. In the first place the
hybrid offspring of a cross is far more variable
than pure-bred plants, so that the chances of
obtaining a valuable seedling are proportionately
increased. Again, it has often been found possible
to combine in a hybrid the good qualities of both
parents, as for example a large yield with excellent
quality, or hardiness with good yield.

That this can be done is shown by the results
obtained by plant breeders in other parts of the
world. Messrs. Garton in England have obtained
numerous hybrid varieties of Wheat, Oats, and
other cereals which combine the good qualities of
both parents. Mr. Farrer in New South Wales,
again, has succeeded in raising hybrid varieties
of Wheat which combine resistance to disease
with high yield and other good characters.-
Hybrids between good wine-producing and dis-
ease-resisting varieties of the Grape-vine have
also been obtained combining these qualities of
the parents. It is, however, not necessary to go
further afield than the experiments of Drs. Kobus
and Wakker mentioned above. As a result of
crossing the Cheribon and Chunnee, " Canes com-
bining both high sugar content and disease-
resisting power have been obtained."

In Mr. Lewton-Brain's paper the results of his
observations on the pollen of West Indian varie-
ties of Sugar-cane are given. Of the Canes
•examined, sixteen varieties were found to possess
"a, very small proportion of normal pollen,"
while eighteen showed " a large proportion of
normal pollen." It is evident that hybrids might
easily be raised between two varieties, one from
each of these classes, on the lines followed by
Drs. Wakker and Kobus.

It must be remembered, however, that success
must not be looked for at the first trial ; hybrids
will probably be obtained, but most, if not all, of
them will prove inferior to the parents. If one or
two good hybrids are obtained after very numerous
trials, the experiments will be as successful as
could have been expected. The Agricultural News,
May 9, 1903.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

SANDERS' "ORCHID GUIDE."
Messrs. Sander & Sons have issued a Supple-
ment to their useful Orchid Guide. It consists of
a very full list of hybrids raised or recorded
since the publication of the parent work in 1901.
The tables give the names of the hybrids, and an
indication of their parentage in a series of tables
conveniently arranged for reference. We note
that Messrs. Sander on their title-page say, " All
rights reserved." In so saying they will not
question our right to thank them, on behalf of
Orchid-growers, for this very useful publication.

AiiRIDES ODORATUM.

Many years ago, grand specimens of this fine
Orchid, having numerous flower-spikes, formed
attractive objects at flower-shows and in Orchid-
houses, which were invariably kept at stove-house
temperature. It is a plant but seldom observed
at the present day, East Indian Orchids having
given place to the cool and intermediate house
species. There are, nevertheless, few more attrac-

tive or more fragrant Orchids than Aerides
odoratum, its white and rose-coloured wax-like
flowers being more beautiful and more lasting
than those of more recent introduction. An in-
' florescence from an imported plant is kindly sent
by D. Campbell Brown, Esq., Bank of Scotland
House, Oban, N.B., who states that it is growing
well in a pot in peat, sphagnum, and charcoal,
and suspended in a warm house.

COLAX JUGOSUS.

A very singular and handsome form of this
pretty cool-house Orchid is in flower at Mr. E.
Kromer's nursery, Bandon Hill, Croydon. The
flowers are of fine form, the sepals of the usual
whitish colour, with a green tint on the veining,
but differing from the ordinary form in having a

THE KITCHEN -GARDEN,
CKOMAKTY HOUSE.
Our illustration (fig. 15) exhibits a phase of
kitchen-garden arrangement much in vogue in
the North of England and in Scotland, which is a
combination of the aesthetic and the severely
useful, borders for flowers for cutting, hardy
herbaceous perennials, bulbs, and tender exotics
in variety, shutting out the view of beds of
Onions, Cabbages, &c. Once such borders dis-
played ribbons of colour, furnished by Verbenas,
Calceolarias, zonal Pelargoniums, Lobelia erinus,
Golden Feather, &c. Happily, these are no longer
the fashion, and the mixed border has taken
their place in most gardens in which flowers,
vegetables, and fruit are grown in juxtaposition.

Fig. 15.— kitchen-garden at cromarty house, n.b.

brown-purple spotting on the base of the upper
sepal and on the lower halves of the lateral
sepals. The petals have the usual purple spotting,
with the addition of a broad central band of
densely-spotted brown-purple. The labellum is
violet coloured, and the whole flower very attrac-
tive. Some good Cattleya Warneri and other
Orchids are also in bloom.

Cattleya x Faerie Queene (Rex x Mosslk).

This very pretty hybrid has flowered in the
collection of H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford
Hill (gr., Mr. Thurgood). The flowers are nearly
as large as those of Cattleya Mossia\ but the
colours are nearer to those of C. Rex. The
sepals and petals are of a clear light yellow, and
the labellum, which exhibits strong indications
of C. Rex in the tubular form of the lower part
of the lip and the prismatic arrangement of the
colours in the throat, is of a rich rosy-crimson
hue, with a lighter rose veining extending from
the disc of the lip to the margin, which is of a
lighter colour. The plant is of free growth, and
does not exhibit the stunted characters which
are often met with in C. Rex. J. O'B.

Mr. Henry Henderson, the head gardener to-
Col. Ross, C.B., Cromarty House, Ross-shire,
N.B., who kindly furnished the photograph from
which the illustration was prepared, supplied the
following particulars of his method of treating
the Narcissus : —

" The plants shown in the illustration in lines
on either hand consist of Narcissus poeticus,
which does exceedingly well in this garden, the
soil of which is of medium consistency, being
neither too light nor too heavy. When re-
planting becomes necessary, the bulbs are lifted
towards the end of the month of July, some-
times earlier and sometimes later, taking as
a guide the leaves when they begin to turn yellow.
Having given the ground a good digging, the
bulbs are planted in a trench 8 inches deep cut
out with a spade. The bulbs stand when planted
at 2 to 3 inches apart. This species of Narcissus
often comes " blind," that is, scapes only are
produced. It is my opinion that the cause of
this is shallow planting. Trumpet Daffodils, too,
do well here, including X. incomparabilis varie-
ties, of which we have a few. Sir Watkin is de-
servedly a special favourite here ; and Prince of

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 18, 1903.

Wales is another fine cupped Daffodil that suc-
ceeds ; also Cynosure and many others. The soil
is not afforded animal manure, nothing further
being applied than basic slag and superphosphate
of lime at the rate of 4 oz. per square yard.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

PERGULA.RIA ODORATISSIMA.

It seems somewhat strange that one very
seldom meets with this stove climber, or even
comes across its name in plant catalogues, seeing
that the plant is of easy culture, is a good
grower, and produces its clusters of dull yellow,
delightfully scented flowers freely under simple
conditions. Given good drainage and a sound
fibrous sandy loam in which to root, and the
shoots trained thinly not far from the roof of
a plant or Pine stove, the plant will make free
growth and flower in due time. The wood is
hairy, and somewhat long-jointed in growth, the
leaves being about 4 inches in length, acutely
ovate, and pale green in colour.

If cuttings of the young growths about 2 inches
in length are taken off with a heel of old wood
attached and inserted round the edge of 3-inch
pots filled with light mould, surfaced with
sand, and afforded water by means of a fine
rose can, and then placed under a bell-glass or a
small handlight, anywhere in heat, they will form
roots within three weeks from the time of putting
them in. They should then be potted singly into
small pots and returned to heat, water being
afforded to settle the soil about the roots.
Afterwards maintain the soil in a uniformly moist
condition, and shift into larger pots before the
roots become matted, until they are potted into
their flowering pots — pots from 8 to 10 inches in
diameter. The plants should be syringed over-
head morning and afternoon during the period
of active growth, in order to keep them free from
red-spider. H. W. Ward.

Planting and Pricking-out.

At this season, when so much is being done in
planting and pricking - out seedlings, much
patience is required and a deal of forethought,
else in one night the work of several months may
be rendered futile. Many plants would be all
the better for a few more days' hardening, and
plants of many kinds suffer from being put out
during sharp winds.

When pricking-out seedlings, take care that
the roots are as far as practicable taken up
intact, or the greater the loss of roots the more
difficult is it for the plants to make a start. Do
not take out too many seedlings at a time, to lie
about and get dry ; and if by any means
you are called away, place a little soil or damp
moss over them till your return. As the work of
pricking out proceeds, gently spray the plants,
and do not expose them to the wind, keeping
them close and shaded from sunshine till they
recover, after which air and less shade should be
gradually afforded.

In planting out, whether it be vegetables or
flowering-plants, this should be carefully carried
out. Transplanting should always be performed
with a trowel, and the hole made large enough to
easily accommodate the root mass and a little more.
Nothing is worse than to cram the ball into a
hole that is too small. When a plant is placed
in the hole, press the soil firmly round about it,
more or less according to the nature of the soil ;
and if the soil be dry water may be applied.
Protection is th<? next thing usually required.
If birds attack, I have found nothing better than
black cotton stretched across at a few inches
about the plants. If slugs and snails are trouble-
some, get some fine quicklime and soot, and
sprinkle thickly around ; lay about leaves of
Cabbage as traps, which should be inspected
twice daily ; or apply a good dusting of native
guano, which is a good preventative of loss by
slugs in many instances. W. A. Cook.

BROWN EOT OF FEUIT

(Sclerotinia FRUCTIGENA, Schruter).
This is undoubtedly one of the most general
and also the most destructive of diseases against
which the fruit - grower has to contend. It
attacks Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherries, Peaches,
and is also not uncommon on various wild fruits
belonging to the order Rosacea?, as Bullace,
Crab, &c.

To the ordinary observer this disease first
attracts attention when it appears on the fruit
under the form of brownish scattered patches on
the skin. This is followed by the growth of dull
grey tufts (the so-called Monilia fungus), which
are usually arranged in irregular concentric
rings. These grey tufts are composed of dense
masses of spores arranged in long branched
chains. The fairy - ring arrangement of the
fungus is most evident on Apples and Pears; on
Plums, Cherries, and stone fruit generally, the
grey tufts are irregularly scattered over the
surface.

Although most obvious on the fruit, the fungus
usually first attacks the leaves, where it forms
thin, velvety, olive-green patches. The spores
from diseased leaves are washed by rain or
carried by insects on to the surface of the young
fruit, or not infrequently the flowers are also
inoculatec1 from spores derived from young leaves ;
and in many instances where brown and shrivelled
blossoms are attributed to the action of a late
frost, the true cause is in reality due to the
Monilia fungus. In those instances where the
disease has been allowed to follow its course
undisturbed for some years, the young shoots
of the trees are also attacked and killed during
the first or second year. The fungus develops
rapidly on such dead twigs, and furnishes a
ready supply of spores, which are mature during
April and May, just when the young leaves and
blossom are most susceptible, and wholesale
infection results.

Fruit attacked by this disease does not rot and
decay, but becomes dry and mummified. Such
fruit often remains hanging on the tree until the
following season. Whether it does so or falls to
the ground, it is practically unchanged until the
following spring, when its entire surface becomes
covered with a copious crop of spores, which are
dispersed by various agencies, and the disease
repeats itself. It has long been suspected that
the Monilia represented but one stage in the
life-cycle of the fungus ; this supposition has
proved to be correct, the second or ascigerous
form of fruit having been found growing abund-
antly on old half-buried Peaches in several
orchards in different parts of the United States,
where the fungus proves quite as destructive as
with us.

Preventive Measures.

All dead twigs and shrivelled fruit, whether
hanging on the tree or lying on the ground,
should be collected and burned during the
winter. After the diseased fruit and dead
branches have been removed, the trees and also
the ground should be thoroughly drenched with
a solution of sulphate of iron, prepared as
follows : —

Sulphate of iron 25 pounds

Sulphuric acid 1 pint

Water 50 gallons

Pour the sulphuric acid upon the sulphate of
iron, then add the 50 gallons of water by de-
grees. A barrel is the best vessel to use ; a metal
vessel must not be used, as it would be acted upon
by the sulphuric acid. Spraying with the above
solution should be done in January or February,
before the leaf-buds begin to swell in the least,
otherwise the foliage and blossom will be de-
stroyed. When the leaf-buds are expanding,
and at intervals as required, the trees should be
sprayed with quite weak Bordeaux-mixture. The
above line of treatment must be followed for at
least two seasons. Board of Agriculture.

NOTES ON IRRIGATION IN THE
WESTERN STATES OF AMERICA.*

Nearly 6,000,000 square miles in the western
United States are irrigated, where the climate is
arid or sub-humid. In the first kind it is abso-
lutely necessary, in the second there is an in-
sufficient supply of rain to secure maximum
crops. This is in five of the States, while the
former covers eleven States and Territories. But
the farmers of the eastern or humid side, as, e.g.,
of Wisconsin, are finding out the profit from
artificial irrigation. " During the season of 4896,
in which the rainfall was normal in this State,
various crops were irrigated with profit." Thus
it was on corn (presumably Maize), $216 per
acre; Potatos, $1170; Cabbages, planted thin,
$243, and planted thick, $29, &c. The great
lesson to be learnt is that there must be an
abundance of water in order that the crops may
avail themselves of the plant -"food stored in the
soils ; not that water is everything, but the
fertility of the soil counts for naught without it.

The greatest profit is derived from irrigation
where intensive farming is practised, in which
the aim should be to economise all the elements
of fertility, water, labour, &c, to the best possible
advantage. Where fertilisers are used they
should be kept in the upper layers of the soil,
and if irrigation be practised also, it should be
in moderation, lest the fertilisers be washed into
the lower layers of the soil or be removed by
drainage.

M. Ed. Gain has found from experiments that
it would be very injurious to maintain a uniform
state of moisture in the soil. The optimum of
moisture in the soil at different stages of growth
were about as follows : — " At the time of plant-
ing the soil should have about 25 per cent, of
the total amount of water which it is capable of
holding; then it should fall to 15 per cent., and
remain at this point until the first leaves are
formed, when it should be raised quickly to
nearly 40 per cent. It should be allowed to fall
rapidly to about 25 per cent., and remain at this
point until shortly before flowering, when it may
be raised gradually to 40 per cent., and then
allowed to fall rapidly to 12 or 15 per cent.,
where it remains during fruiting and maturity."
These are, of course, ideal conditions, to be aimed
at as approximately as possible.

With regard to the methods of irrigation, sub-
irrigation by drain-pipes has not proved satisfac-
tory. It was found that a given amount of water
was much more effective in increasing the yield
of corn when applied by surface irrigation than
when applied by sub-irrigation.

The following method in the cultivation of
Celery, however, was found to be very effective : —
" Common porous 2|-inch drain pipes were placed
in a continuous row, end to end, on the surface
of the soil, the vegetables being planted on
either or both sides of the line. The pipes were
1 foot long, and by pouring in the water at one
end of the line, it was distributed at the joints
throughout the length desired, when the opposite
end was stopped up. The Celery was planted,
and while it was young, there is simple surface
irrigation ; but as the crop grows, it is banked up,
and the tiles are covered, and thus sub-irrigation
follows. When the Celery is harvested, the tiles
are dug out. Potatos and various other crops
can be grown in the same manner. One is able to
water twenty times as much space by pipes as by
the ordinary method with ditches.

Where irrigating is to be done on a large
scale, it seems to be the general opinion that
surface irrigation by means of furrows is
undoubtedly the most practical method.

With regard to the storage capacity of soils,
when they are thoroughly loosened up, the
amount of water which they will hold is greatly

* " Recent Progress in the Study of Irrigation," Bull, nf
the Bot. Dep , Jamaica, Jan., 1901, vol. viii., pt. i., p. 2.

Jttlt 18, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

37

increased, and the rise of water to the surface
and evaporation are checked. It is only neces-
sary to carry out subsoil ploughing when there is
a hard and dry subsoil.

It is probable that the increased yields on sub-
soiled lands are mainly, if not entirely, due to
the increased amount of water which such land is
able to store up for the use of the crop.

In the April number of the same Journal there
is a continuation of this subject under the head-
ing, "The Conservation of Soil Moisture and
Economy in the Use of Irrigation Water," by
Messrs. E. W. Hilyard and E. H. Loughridge.

The authors first refer to the fact that the
amount of water required by crops is from 300 to
over 500 tons on the average to produce one ton
of dry vegetable matter. The successful growth
and bearing, especially of deciduous trees, with-
out irrigation, despite a drought of five or six
months in Middle and South California, has led
to the impression that a smaller amount of water
may suffice under arid conditions ; for in the
Eastern States as many weeks of drought and
intense heat would frequently suffice to destroy
the crop.

The main cause, however, is the great depth to
which the roots go in arid climates. Not only
can they reach a permanent source of supply, but
the roots are withdrawn from the injurious effects
of the hot, dry surface and air. On the other
hand, a typical Eastern tree-root will stand in
absolute need of frequent rains or irrigation to
sustain its vitality.

The practical result is that it is to the farmer's
interest to favour to the utmost the deep pene-
tration of the roots, both in the preparation and
tillage of the ground and in the use of irrigation
water ; for if the latter be used too frequently or
too abundantly, the salutary habit of deep rooting
will be abandoned by the plant, and it will, as in
the East, be dependent upon frequent rain or
irrigation.

The evil results in California of practising what
is done in the Eastern States — viz., the shallow
ploughing — is the production of a " plough-sole,"
which prevents penetration, and limits the range
of roots for moisture and plant-food.

Grape-vines which bear some of the choicest
raisins of Malaga on the arid coastward slopes
are made to supply themselves with moisture
without irrigation, by opening around them
large funnel-shaped pits, which remain open in'
winter, so as to catch the rain, causing it to pene-
trate downwards along the tap-root of the Vine,
in clay shale quite similar to that of the Cali-
fornian coast ranges, and like this latter, almost
vertically on edge. Yet on these same slopes
scarcely any natural vegetation now finds a foot-
hold.

It is this deep penetration to the natural
moisture which enables the small quantities
supplied to produce marked effects.

This method of " basin " irrigation round the
trees has been sometimes injurious to fruit-trees,
in consequence of the chill to the earth round the
roots. The water should be then " reservoired,"
so as to allow it to warm before being applied, so
that furrow irrigation has been adopted in
orchards ; and it is for the fruit-grower to deter-
mine which consideration should prevail in a
given case. But if the water supply be scanty
and warm, the most effectual use that can be
made of it is to apply it immediately around the
trunk of the tree, in a circular trench dug for the
purpose.

The authors then consider the power at the
command of the farmer on an arid soil of utilis-
ing the subsoil as a storehouse of winter rains, as
the run-off from the surface is mostly a dead loss.
So that a thorough knowledge of the nature of
the subsoil to a depth of 4 to even 6 or 8 feet is
most desirable > and the time it takes to wet his
soil to a certain depth.

The next important point is, that, supposing
the moisture to have reached the depths of the
soil, the proper means must be employed for
retaining it in the land, and to avoid loss by
evaporation. This is best accomplished by
mulching, and the best mulch for the purpose,
which need not be hauled on or off, and is always
ready, is a surface layer of loose, well-tilled soil.
As the results on two soils adjacent to one
another, one cultivated and the other not, the
amount of moisture was as follows : — Average
for depth (1 to G ft.) in cultivated, 63 per cent. ;

0D0NT0GL0SSUM CRISPUM
var. SIBYL. -^^

Our illustration (fig. 16) represents one of Mr-
Norman Cookson's successes in the raising !of
Odontoglos^ums. A plant in flower was exhi-
bited by him at the Eoyal Horticultural Society's;
recent exhibition at Holland House, and the-
flowers as seen on that occasion showed a close
affinity with those of O. crispum, with indicatione-
of relationship with O. Wilckeanum albens. They
have a white ground heavily blotched ^with.
claret-purple.

Fig. 16.— odontoglossum ciusruM var. sibyl.

(Photograph by Mr. Chapman.)

in uncultivated, -t'2 per cent. The average in
tons per acre of water was, in the former, 750 ; in
the latter, 572.

The cause of this difference in the number of
tons was that in the uncultivated field there was
a compacted surface layer several inches thick,
which forcibly abstracted the moisture from the
substrata and evaporated it from its surface :
while the loose surface soil on the cultivated
ground was unable to take any moisture from
the denser subsoil. Besides, the tilled surface
soil forms a non-conducting layer protecting the
subsoil from the sun's heat and the dryness of
tho air. George Henslow.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

L.E8 PLANTES DE MONTAGNE DANS LE8-
JARDINS, par Georges Magne. (Paris: Ku«v
de Grenelle, B4 bis.)
On the outskirts of Paris the author has
constructed an alpine garden stocked with re-
presentatives of the Swiss and other mountain
floras. Year after year the author visits the
mountains to feast his eyes not only on the
sublimities of the Alps, but also on the brilliant
vegetation which clothes their base. He is not
content with feasting his eyes, but he brings his
intelligence to the aid of his observation, and by

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Jolt 18, 1903.

■careful study of the conditions under which the
.plants grow naturally is enabled to induce them
to flourish under the very different conditions of
the Bois de Boulogne.

In the little volume be"fore us he tells the
.reader the secret of his success. Beneath his
well-drained rock-work is a streamlet, which
burnishes the moisture and coolness which the
plants require, while the drainage prevents
■stagnation. He draws a distinction between
•" alpine " plants proper, which occur at the
higher elevations exclusively, and " alpestral "
plants, which occur on the low grounds and
ascends the slopes of the mountains to a height
■of 5,000 to 6,000 feet only. As to the construction
•■and management of the rock-garden, the atithor
follows the directions of Mr. .Robinson, M.
•Correvon, and others. His own experiments are
■worth recording, especially those in iwhich he tells
<us how he sowed seeds of alpine Primroses and
■other plants in the autumn on the surface of the
isoil, which at the beginning of winter was
■covered over with a coating of snow, the seeds
being in direct contact with the snow. In a
fortnight's time seedlings of various Primroses,
Gentias, Columbines, and others, made their
appearance. On the melting of the snow, a thin
"ayer of soil and chopped sphagnum is spread over
the seed-pans, which are then placed in a frame.
As a general result of his experiments, M. Magne
says that he has proved the snow to be " an incom-
parable factor " in the germination of alpine plants.

A method of growing alpine plants, which is
•very suitable for town gardens, balconies, and
•situations where space is valuable, is to procure a
wooden tub with a false bottom pierced with
holes, over which is placed the soil. The space
beneath the false bottom is filled with rain-water.
By means of a funnel or inverted bottle kept
filled with water, the level of the water remains
•constant, provision being made by an overflow
pipe against the accumulation of an undue quan-
tity of water. Each tub may be devoted to the
flora of a particular district or to illustration of
a particular genus, so that, for botanical pur-
poses, this method of cultivation is very suitable,
as the tubs can readily be carried from place to
place. It is needless to say that the unsightli-
ness of the tubs can be easily masked.

The latter part of M. Magne's little treatise is
•devoted to a descriptive list of the principal plants
which can be cultivated in the rock garden.

We have said enough to show that this little
•work may be read with much interest and profit
by those interested in "alpine " plants.

Bulletin de la Societe Francaise d'Horti-
culture de londres.

This annual publication of a prosperous and
useful society is once more before us, and indi-
cates in a striking manner what enthusiasm and
ability can do. The President, Mr. Geo. Schneider,
(may well feel proud of the interest he has taken
in those of his young fellow-countrymen who
have come over to this country to learn English
and perfect themselves in the profession they
have chosen.

In size and form the Bulletin for the past
year is the same as heretofore, and its contents
are equally interesting. Among the illustra-
tions there is an excellent frontispiece, a por-
trait of the late Charles Maries, accompanied
fcy a short biographical sketch. Lists of the
•various officials, both in London and Paris,
follow ; then lists of the various grades of mem-
bers composing the society, among whom we
notice many who are famous in the horticultural
world on both sides of the Channel. The names
of the corresponding societies are given, and also
•details of the monthly meetings, at which papers
are read by the members. Of these some are given
in extenso, showing that the youthful authors are
aspirin;* to still higher honours— a hope fully

justified when we look round and see the positions
that many of these young men have occupied in
the past, and will continue to do in the future.

The finances appear to be in a sound condition,
the Library is growing, and the Report of the
annual dinner proves that the Society's English
supporters are in strong sympathy with its aims
and aspirations. MM. Madelin and M. Scala-
randis discourse upon the Chrysanthemum; M.
Guillond upon Nepenthes; M. Henri Lemoine
writes about the Botanic Garden at Tours ; M.
Leon Thoury upon propagation and culture of
dwarf Roses at Orleans. Other authors include
MM. Schneider, Roth, Goddard, Charles, Aqua-
tias, E. Thoury, Recordon, Boytard, Daumain,
Nicolas, &c.

We notice a distinctly new departure in the
Societv's labours this vear, and that is a visit on
the lltn inst. to Mr. Peter Kay's establishment
at Finchley, remarked upon on p. 47. It is to be
hoped that such a visit is but the first of a series
that will be made in the future. Much good
feeling may thus be engendered between our
Continental friends and English gardeners by
acts of hospitality of this nature.

Trees and Shrubs.

The second part of Prof. Sargent's new work
devoted to the illustration and description of new
or little known ligneous plants has lately ap-
peared. It is, as we have previously stated, of
4to size, with lithographic illustrations prepared
mostly from material at the Arnold Arboretum,
Boston, U.S.A. As many of the species are
described from dried specimens, and some come
from Mexico, Guatemala, and other warm climates,
it must not be thought that they are in all eases
likely to be hardy, either in the Northern United
States or in Britain. Numerous new species of
Crataegus are figured, the illustrations being the
more valuable from the difficulty of otherwise
determining the species. Crataegus speciosa is a
handsome species which we may hope to see in
cultivation. Its large flowers, brilliant crimson
fruits, and shining ovate, oblong, serrulate
leaves are very attractive.

Malus Sargenti, a Japanese species introduced
to cultivation by Prof. Sargent, has proved quite
hardy, and bears each year a profusion of pure white
flowers.followedinautumnbyattractive bright red
fruits about 1 cent, across. Some of the leaves are
entire, others more or less pinnately lobed.

Eriolobus Tschonoskii of Rehder is said to
grow into a handsome tree of narrow pyramidal
habit, especially beautiful in autumn, when the
foliage assumes brilliant orange and scarlet tints.
It is a native of the mountains of Japan, and is
hardy at Boston. It was formerly known as
Pyrus Tschonoskii. Ribes fasciculatum of Siebold
and Zuccarini, comes also from the mountains of
Japan and northern China. " The bright scarlet
fruits, which remain on the branches for a long
time, and do not begin to shrivel until the middle
or end of November, make the shrub very attrac-
tive in autumn."

Various species of Cornus, Viburnum, and
Lonicera are mentioned, most of which will be
handsome additions to our shrubberies. Tecoma
hybrida is stated to be a hybrid between T.
radicans and T. chinensis. As a garden plant, T.
hybrida is valuable, for its flowers are almost as
large and showy as those of T. chinensis, and it
is hardier than that species. It was described in
the Jardin for 1899, and the description was
quoted in the Garden of the same year. Its
intermediate character is well shown in the
illustration on plate 47 between flowers of its
parents. Picea morindoides of Rehder, tab. 48,
seems to be very close to P. Alcockiana, but is said
to differ in its more elongated cone-scales, in its
more slender and longer leaves with stomata only
on one side, in the absence of pubescence on the
leading shoots, and in the pendulous branchlets.

Our limitations as to space do not permit us to
extend our remarks on a publication of very high
value to all interested in trees and shrubs.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mars Rollk,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Cyclamens. — Plants of a year old which the
gardener intends to flower again should have
most of the soil shaken from the roots and be re-
potted into similar-sized or larger pots. After-
wards place them in a cold frame or pit, and in
close proximity to the glass, and afford but little
water until the beginnings of growth are visible.
Syringe the pots morning and evening, which
will almost suffice for the present. Keep -the
frame, &c, close and shaded from bright sun-
shine for a few weeks, and, when growth has
started, afford air, increasing the amount gradu-
ally. The after-treatment is the same as that
afforded seedlings raised in the autumn. These
last will now be growing freely in frames, and they
should be afforded water with much care, and a
light sprinkling several times daily in bright
weather. Should thrips or green-fly appear on
the plants, apply XL-All immediately. If larger
plants than ordinary are desired, let the more
robust seedlings be selected, which shift into
6-inch pots, using the kind of compost given in
my Calendar for April 25.

Euphorbia pulchemma (Poinsettia). — Let the
young plants as they become fit be transferred
into 5-inch pots, and after one week passed in
gentle warmth, place them together with the cut-
back plants in cold frames, and afford full venti-
lation on bright days, closing the lights about
4 p.m., after giving the plants a light syringing.
As regards shade, the less the better, as the
growth should be firm, short-jointed, and well-
ripened. The plants which have been cut back
may be afforded pots 2 inches larger than those
they are standing in, if they are pot-bound at
this early date, using a soil similar to that em-
ployed for Cyclamen, except that it should contain
a small quantity of peat. The manure of deer,
sheep, or fowls, if decayed, should be much di-
luted with clear water, and afforded ' the plants
when the pots have become filled with roots. A
like treatment is applicable to Euphorbia jac-
quiniaiflora. Cuttings of the tops of aged plants
of the latter are by some gardeners struck during
the next few weeks ; for details of the same see
p. 4 of the present volume.

The Plant Stove. — The outer temperature
being high during the day, and that of the night
not falling below 50°, many of the occupants of
this house may be transferred to the conservatory
or greenhouse, where they may remain for two
months, especially such plants as Codiasums,
Dracaenas, Acalyphas, &c, which will be thrown
away to make space for young plants. Such
plants may be made presentable for some weeks
longer by keeping them away from direct
draughts and not very wet at the root. Many
gardeners apply no fire-heat to the plant-stove
for a month or two from this date, but I like to
have the pipes slightly warmed during the night,
banking down the fire the first thing in the
morning, unless the weather should be overcast
or rainy. Keep the air moist in bright weather.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. (J. L.
Holfobd, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Cattleyas. — In the Cattleya-house proper plants
will be found in all stages of growth, and where
there is only one house it is not an easy matter
to apply the required treatment to all the plants
in it. If the house is of some considerable length,
and there are several divisions, the gardener has
better means of treating the plants in the
manner they require at the various stages of
their growth. Then he can set apart one division
for plants newly potted, closer and more heavily
shaded, while those that are established and
growing freely can be afforded full light and
much ventilation ; as for example, plants of
Cattleya labiata, C. Trianasi, C. Harrisons, C.
Bowringiana, and other species, also hybrids
which were repotted some time a;^o, which are
now well established and growing freely, should
be afforded such position as that I have indi-
cated, and be afforded plenty of water at the root
until growth is finished for the year. C. War-

July 18, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

39

neri, C. Gaskelliana, and C. gigas will have
finished flowering generally, and should occupy a
position similar to the foregoing, but water must
still be afforded, as growth at the root is still
going on. When the growths are matured
much less moisture will be needed. Plants
of the last-named species have not flowered
freely this year at Westonbirt, owing, doubt-
less, to the lack of bright sunshine last
summer, and as 'a consequence the pseudo-bulbs
were less well matured than in previous years.
If bright weather continues this summer the
plants will pass through the winter safely, and
afford strong flowering growths in the spring.
C. Dowiana, and its variety C. D. aurea, require a
kind of treatment similar to that which is found
to suit C. gigas. These plants so far have a more
promising look, most of the growths now de-
veloping having visible flower-sheaths ; and a
close inspection must now be made for signs of
" rot" at the base of the pseudo-bulbs. It some-
times happens that the outer sheath of the new
pseudo-bulbs, more especially near its base,
clings so firmly to it as to prevent the air entering,
and as a consequence moisture lodges between
the sheath and the pseudo-bulb. The only
remedy for this is to split the sheath from the
top to the bottom, in order to evaporate the
moisture. If this operation be delayed, there is
a risk of the pseudo-bulb decaying. When this
mishap occurs let the pseudo-bulbs be removed
forthwith, and some charcoal-powder be rubbed
over the wound. The same trouble is sometimes
encountered with C. gigas and the beautiful
hybrid C. Hardyana, when in the same stage of
growth .

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pioorr, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Cabbages. — It is good practice to make several
sowings of Cabbage-seed for furnishing heads in
the spring of next year; one sowing being made
on or about July 24, again about August 15, and
the last a fortnight later. The plants from the
last sowing may be left in the seed-bed, and
planted out in the spring. The seeds may be
sown thinly in drills drawn at 1 foot apart, and
should the soil be dry the drills should receive
water several times before the seeds are sown.
JSefore filling in the drills scatter finely-sifted
wood-ashes over the seed-beds, and cover them
with fish-netting as a protection against loss of
seeds by birds. Ellam's Early, Wheeler's Im-
perial, Enfield Market, and Sutton's April, are
valuable varieties of Cabbages to come in early.

Early Potatos. — The tubers, being nearly,
matured may be lifted, sorted into those for
consumption, which may be put into a cool dark
cellar ; and into sets for planting, which may be
left on the ground for a short time to become
green, and then stored thinly in a cool place,
airy loft, &c. The ground occupied by these
crops should be cleared of all rubbish, which,
together with the tops, should be burnt, and
preparation made for other crops.

Vegetable Marrows. — Cut the fruits when of
small size for the table, as when allowed to
produce seeds and develop to a large size the
bearing capability of the plants is soon exhausted.
Afford water abundantly at the root and over-
head, and frequently apply liquid-manure. If
black aphis infest the plants, syringe with soft-
soap 3 oz., and water 1 gallon ; and against mildew
apply flowers-of- sulphur.

Parsley.- — Make a liberal sowing of Parsley
seed in a south border, and if the weather and
soil be dry, apply water to the drills before sowing
the seeds. Draw the drills at 1 foot apart. Thin
the earlier sowings to 8 to 10 inches apart, and
ply the Dutch hoe between the rows. Afford
soot-water frequently in dry weather to plants in
active growth, and to Parsley just coming through
the soil apply finely-sifted wood-ashes and soot
late in the evening or early in the morning.
. General Remarks. — The various crops that have
been mulched as advised will have benefited
greatly during the recent hot weather, and the
gardener will have been saved much labour by
not having to afford so much water to tho plants.
In the absence of abundant rain, clean water and
manure-water should be copiously afforded to
Peas and French and Broad Beans in bearing, to

young growing Cauliflowers not as yet forming
heads, Onions, and the like ; and keep the surface-
soil in a crumbly state by the use of the hoe, this
being as good as a mulch for conserving moisture
in the land. Water should if possible be applied
late in the day. If the gardener can find the
time and labour required to syringe or hose his
vegetable crops at the end of hot, sunny days,
these will be much benefited thereby. Let all
spent crops be cleared off the land without loss
of time, and all kinds of refuse likely to afford
breeding material for insects, or to propagate
fungus injurious to plants, be burnt forthwith.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore. Maidenhead.

Pruning. — Pear and Plum trees growing in
whatever position should now have all side-
shoots removed from the main branches, the
leading shoots being allowed to grow on un-
touched till the end of next month. The side-
shoots should be broken off by pressing them
against the knife blade with the thumb of the
hand grasping the knife, the snags being left at
about 5 inches in length. These long snags
should be shortened in the winter. Remove all
useless spray so as to let the sunshine reach the
main shoots. The pruning being finished, cleanse
the trees of aphis, &c, with the garden engine.
Apply water copiously to young trees planted in
the autumn of last year should the rain prove
scanty, and afford a mulch of stable litter. Where
such early Plums as Victoria or Early Rivers are
carrying heavy crops of fruit, thinning should
now be commenced, and the fruits used in the
kitchen. To such well-fruited trees water, and
occasionally manure-water well diluted, may be
applied at the root.

The Apricot. — In these gardens the trees have
cast many of their fruits during stoning, and the
crop is a poor one. Like all other stone fruits,
the trees are making very vigorous growth.
Remove all foreright shoots and laterals, the
former being cut back to about 6 inches in length,
and the latter pinched to the first or second leaf
from the base. When laying-in the leading
shoots the operator should proceed carefully, the
wood being very brittle ; and a nail driven into
the brickwork and some soft Russian bast are the
better for the securing of these shoots than cast
wall-nails and shreds.

The Morello Cherry. — The black-aphis is again
infesting the shoots of the Morello Cherry, to
destroy which the points of the shoots should be
dipped into a vessel holding a mixture of Quassia
extract and water. Many of the fruits are
dropping off, and I fear the crop will be a poor
one.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Late Vineries. — Thin bunches which appear
likely to become overcrowded with berries, and
as a consequence will not keep in good condition
for any length of time, more especially called for
if the Grapes are to be cut and placed in bottles
of water. As only perfect bunches are suitable for
this purpose, the Vines should be rather under-
cropped than otherwise, so that the crop may
finish properly. Make allowance for varieties
having large berries, removing berries that
might crowd the bunches unduly. Let lateral
growths be pinched weekly, and afford to Vines
bearing full crops liquid manure or special
manure at such times as moisture at the root is
required. Afford humid conditions in the vinery,
and air as advised in previous Calendars.

Shading. — During bursts of strong sunshine
Vines which are carrying fruit at various stages
of development, especially ripe black Grapes,
will lie benefited by being shaded by a thin coat
of whiting - and - water applied to the roof by
means of a syringe ; or instead, a double thick-
ness of herring-net stretched across the roof will
answer the purpose.

Tomatos. — The present is a suitable time for
sowing seeds and raising plants for fruiting in
pots during the winter. A good winter fruiting
variety is Ham ( ireen Favourite. Place the seed-
pots in a cold pit or frame, afterwards potting
them on, and growing them in an unheated pit,
standing the plants close up to the glass.

Pot Strawberries. — The earlier layered runners
being well rooted may be detached from the
plants, and the pots stood close together in a cool
shaded spot until they have recovered from the
check of removal. These layers may then soon
be potted for early forcing in 5-inch pots, and
for later work GJ-inch pots. The pots should be
new or well cleansed, and must be well crocked.
The best kind of compost consists of turfy-loam
one year in stack, roughly chopped, to every
barrow-load of which a 6-inch potful of bone-
meal may be added, together with a small
quantity of fresh soot, charred garden refuse,
and finely broken mortar-rubble, more or less of
the last two according as the loam is heavy or
light. Pot firmly, using a rammer, allowing;
ample space for the reception of water, and
taking care to keep the crown of the plant
slightly above the soil. Let the pots stand in
coal- ashes in an open spot, and allow plenty of
room. Apply water carefully, and sprinkle the-
foliage with water morning and afternoon-
Continue to layer runners. Vicomtesse Hericart
du Thwry, Royal Sovereign, and Scarlet Queen,
are excellent for forcing purposes ; and for a late-
variety of most excellent flavour, though deficient,
in colour, British Queen is one of the best.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Iallack, Gardener to E. Milleb Mundy, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

The Budding of Rose Stocks. — The maintenance-
of a good stock of young and vigorous plants is-
an important point in the cultivation of Roses,
as then the gardener is enabled to discard annu-
ally numbers of old worn-out plants. One often,
observes in gardens standard Roses which ought
to have been thrown to the rubbish-heap years-
ago, growth being weak and flowers compara-
tively few and of poor quality. By planting a
sufficient number of Briers to meet the demand,,
and budding these annually, the expense of keep-
ing the stock of Roses in vigorous health is small -
I alluded a week or two ago to the necessity for
disbudding the Brier stocks, and retaining a suffi-
cient number of well-placed shoots, which should
now be budded. The art of budding is pretty well
known, but some gardeners do not carry out the-
operation in the best manner, a common fault
being to insert the buds at too great a dis-
tance from the Brier stem, instead of close to it -T
and while firm binding is very essential, the
pressure should be regular throughout the length
of the bud, and not so great as to force the liga-
ture into the bark whilst that is taking place.
The bud and shield should be fastened to the-
shoot in such a manner that the binding mate-
rial will not slip down and cover the bud itself-
In preparing stocks for the reception of buds-
be careful not to injure the wood, an important
point when making the cross-cut at the top
of the slit. If the bark of Rose or Brier
does not " run," it is imperative that operations
be deferred till such time as the sap flows more-
abundantly, a state of things hastened by afford-
ing water copiously to both Roses and stocks.
The best buds are usually formed on shoots that
have borne flowers the current year. Dwarfing^
stocks should be budded below the surface level,
so that the point of union will be beneath the-
surface of the soil when replanted. Remove but
few shoots having buds at one time, and cover the-
shoots with wet moss while carrying them ; or
place them in a watering-pot having water in it,
or their freshness will soon be lost.

Carnations. — Seedling border Carnations, if the-
fertilisation has been carefully performed, afford
splendid returns ; and the plants are proof against-
the various diseases to which Carnations raised
from layers are liable. There is still time to-
raise plants this year, provided the seeds be sown
forthwith in well-prepared boxes of soil, and
these are placed in cold frames.

llulhs in Grass. — I recommended some weeks a:,-.;
the planting of Daffodils and Narcissi in grass-
generally, but in some gardens planting has to lie
deferred till the hay crop has beon mowed. It ia
not too late, if planting be done forthwith.

Laivns. — Coarse Grasses or bents are untouched
by tin' mowing machine, and tho scythe must be*
employed now and then, bents giving the law n
an untidy appearance if left uncut. As autumn
approaches these grasses give less trouble.

40

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July'18, 1903.

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, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be wbitten on one side only of
the paper, sent as early in the we^k as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee 0/ good faith.

Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

Newspapers. — Correspondent1; sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

MONDAY,

TUESDAY,

jdly ai

tttt ,7 on I Bedale Rose Society's Exhibi

JULYJO-j Uon

Royal Horticultural Society's
Committees meet. Lecture on
" New Zealand Horticulture ;"
National Carnation & Picotee
Society's Show at the Drill
Hall, Buckingham Gate, West-
minster ; Tibshelf Rose Show.

Northumberland, Durham, and
Newcastle Botanical and Hor-
ticultural Society's Exhibi-
tion at Newcastle (three days);
Cardiff and County Horticul-
tural Society's Show (two
days) ; Horticultural Show at
Feltham (Middlesex).

i Royal Botanic Society's Lec-
ture. Rose and Horticultural
Show at Halifax. Southern
Counties Carnation Society's
Exhibition at Southampton.

SATURDAY, July 25 { ^gj" Ro9e and Horticultural

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

SALES FOR THE WEEK.

TUESDAY July 21

The Freehold Property known as "The Gardens,"
Beyton, near Bury St. Edmunds, with two Dwelling
Houses, Greenhouses. ic„ at The Mart, E.C , by
Protheroe & Morris, at 2.

FRIDAY, July 24—

Imported Orchids, by order of Messrs. Sander &
Son : also private collection and consignment of
Phalsenopsis amabilis Rimestadiana, at Messrs.
Protheroe & Morris' Central Sale Rooms, 67 & 68,
Cheapside, E.C.

TENDER.

For Bulbs for Parks and Gardens, for the London
County Council.

(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Avkeaoe Tempeeatuee for the ensuing week, deduced
frcm observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-63 4'.
Actual Tempebatuees :—

London.— July 15 (6 p.m.) : Max. 76°; Min. 55°.

July 16 (Noon) : Rain ; 67°.
Pbovinces.— July 15 (6 p.m.): Max. 72°, Southern
Counties ; Min. 54°, N.E. Scotland.

When first the practice of
fun^cidei using fungicides and insecti-
cides was introduced from
France and America, we did our best to
make "spraying'' and its results known to
our readers, and to urge them to make a
trial of the remedies which had been found
bo efficacious as a preventative or as a cure
elsewhere. For a long time we seemed to
be preaching to deaf ears. One great diffi-
culty we experienced was owing to the
inertness of our manufacturers, whether of
spray-pumps or of substances wherewith to
spray. We could get little or no information
from them on these points, and had even to
send out to Canada to get particulars as to
" London-purple " and " Paris-green." It is
somewhat strange that our services were
recognised in America, the very country
from which we derived a large portion of our
information. Spraying should be regarded
as an insurance, but it requires to be done
with intelligence and judgment, and at cer-
tain definite times, else it may do more
harm than good ; and the operator must

always remember that he is dealing with
deadly poisons, and should exercise due cau-
tion accordingly. Spray pumps and other
needful apparatus, at one time difficult to
procure in this country, may now be got here
as well as in France and the United States.
The necessary materials may also be had
here, but there is a want of a definite
standard of strength, and generally of
precision as to the details which Mr. Straw-
son, in a little book before us, has endea-
voured to supply. He sets his face against
popular names as misleading and vague,
and is equally emphatic about our stupid
weights and measures. Having made his
meaning clear he passes on to the descrip-
tion of several of the most commonly used
fungicides and insecticides, indicates their
percentage, composition, and the best
methods of employing them. To those who
are unable to procure the late Mr. Lode-
man's exhaustive work, The Spraying of
Plants (Macmillan & Co.), we commend the
smaller publication of Mr. Strawson, which
contains many serviceable formulas for the
manufacture and use of these substances.

Here also we must mention the issue by
the Orange Judd Company, of New York, of
the fourth edition of Dr. Clarence Weed's
Spraying Crops : Why, When, and How, a
little manual prepared for the purpose of
aiding owners of spraying-machines to use
them to the best advantage. We are still
so often asked to describe the composition
and method of manufacture of Bordeaux
Mixture that we deem it advisable to extract
the full directions given by Dr. Weed.

" Where the mixture has been properly made,
there is scarcely any settling after an hour,
while the improperly-made mixture has settled
more than half.

" Briefly, the best results have been obtained
from the use of the Bordeaux Mixture made in
accordance with the following directions : — In a
barrel or other suitable vessel place 25 gallons of
water. Weigh out 6 lb. of copper sulphate, then
tie the same in a piece of coarse gunny-sacking,
suspend it just beneath the surface of the water.
By tying the bag to a stick laid across the top of
the barrel, no further attention will be required.
In another vessel slake 4 lb. of lime, using care
in order to obtain a smooth paste, free from grit
and small lumps. To accomplish this it is best
to place the lime in an ordinary water-pail, and
add only a small quantity of water at first — say a
quart or a quart and a half. When the lime
begins to crack and crumble and the water to
disappear, add another quart or more, exer-
cising care that the lime at no time gets
too dry. Towards the last considerable water
will be required, but if added carefully and
slowly, a perfectly smooth paste will be obtained,
provided, of course, the lime is of good quality.
When the lime is slaked, add sufficient water to the
paste to bring the whole up to twenty-five gallons.
When the copper sulphate is entirely dissolved
and the lime is cool, pour the lime milk and
copper sulphate solution slowly together into a
barrel holding fifty gallons. The milk of lime
should be thoroughly stirred before pouring.
The method described insures good mixing, but
to complete this work the barrel of liquid should
receive a final stirring for at least three minutes
with a broad wooden paddle. The copper
sulphate solution should be poured into the lime,
rather than the lime into the copper sulphate
solution. It is now necessary to determine
whether the mixture is perfect — that is, if it will
be safe to apply it to tender foliage. To ac-
complish this, two simple tests may be used.
First, insert the blade of a penknife in the

mixture, allowing it to remain there for at
least one minute. If metallic copper forms
on the blade, or, in other words, if the
polished surface of the ^teel assumes the
colour of copper plate, the mixture is unsafe
and more lime must be added. If, on the other
hand, the blad§ of the knife remains unchanged,
it is safe to conclude that the mixture is as
perfect as it can be made. As an additional test,
however, some of the mixture may be poured into
an old plate or saucer, and while held between
the eyes and the light, the breath should be
gently blown upon the liquid for at least half a
minute. If the mixture is properly made, a thin
pellicle, looking like oil on water, will begin to
form on the surface of the liquid. If no pellicle
forms, more milk of lime should be added.

" The foregoing directions apply to cases where
small quantities of the mixture are needed for
more or less immediate use. If spraying is to be
done upon a large scale, it will be found much
more convenient and economical in every way to
prepare what are known as stock solutions of
both the copper and lime. To prepare .a stock
solution of copper sulphate, procure a barrel
holding 50 gallons. Weigh out 100 lb. of copper
sulphate, and after tying it in a sack, suspend it
so that it will hang as near the top of the barrel
as possible ; fill the barrel with water, and in two
or three days the copper will be dissolved. Now
remove the sack, and add enough water to bring
the solution again up to the 50-gallon mark pre-
viously made on the barrel. It will be under-
stood, of course, that this second adding of water
is merely to replace the space previously occupied
by the sack and the crystals of copper sulphate.
Each gallon of the solution thus made will con-
tain 2 lb. of copper sulphate, and under all ordi-
nary conditions of temperature there will be no
material recrystallisation, so that the stock
preparation may be kept indefinitely.

" Stock lime may be prepared in much the same
way as the copper sulphate solution. Procure a
barrel holding 50 gallons, making a mark to
indicate the 50-gallon point. Weigh out 100 lb.
of fresh lime, place it in the barrel, and slake it.
When slaked, add sufficient water to bring the
whole mass up to 50 gallons. Each gallon of
this preparation contains, after thorough stirring,
2 lb. of lime. When it is desired to make Bor-
deaux Mixture of the 50-gallon formula, it is
only necessary to measure out 3 gallons of the
stock copper solution, and after thorough stirring,
2 gallons of the stock lime ; dilute each to
25 gallons, mix, stir, and test as already de-
scribed. One test will be sufficient in this case.
In other words, it will not be necessary to test
each lot of Bordeaux Mixture made from the
stock preparations, provided the first lot is
perfect, and no change is made in the quantities
of the materials used. Special care should be
taken to see that the lime-milk is stirred
thoroughly each time before applying. As a final
precaution it will be well to keep both the stock
copper sulphate and the stock lime tightly
covered. Care should be taken that there is
always some excess of lime.

"Cautions. — Most of the copper compounds cor-
rode tin and iron. Consequently, in preparing them
for use, earthen, wooden, or brass vessels should
be employed, and in applying them the parts of
the pump which come in contact with the liquid
should be made of brass.

"Always label all poisonous preparations in
plain large letters, Poison. Never leave poison-
ous compounds within the reach of children,
ignorant persons, or domestic animals. Never
spray trees in blossom. In using a compound
with which you have had no experience, and
which is reported as at all liable to injure foliage,
use only weak mixtures, and, if possible, try its
effects first on a small scale. Own a spraying-
pump yourself. If you have to wait to borrow

July 18, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

41

your neighbour's, the chances are that you will
begin too late.

" Spray in time ; begin early ; do not wait until
the horse is stolen, and then try to lock the door
by spraying. Do not spray indiscriminately
anything and everything. Adapt your means to
your ends. Study the enemies of your crops, and
then fight them intelligently.

" Of two mixtures equally effective, choose the
one least liable to injure foliage. Take the
trouble to add a little lime to Paris-green or
London-purple mixtures.

"Never spray ripening fruit. Always remember
that spraying requires the exercise of skill, judg-
ment, and knowledge, to get the best results."

The Royal Horticultural Society.—

The next meeting of the Royal Horticultural So-
ciety will be held at the Drill Hall, Buckingham
Gate, Westminster, on Tuesday, July 21, from
1 to 6 p.m. In connection with this meeting, the
National Carnation and Picotee Society will hold
its Annual Show. Instead of the subject pre-
viously announced, the lecture will be on " Horti-
culture in, and the Flora of New Zealand," by
G. Hunt, Esq.

Lily " Peter Barr."— Messrs. Baee & Sons
send us a large flower of a variety of L. elegans,
some 7 inches across with recurved oblong seg-
ments, the inner narrowed at the base into a
short stalk, all deeply furrowed on the upper
surface, and with a few purplish spots. In colour
the flower is distinct from any form that we
remember, being of a peculiar shade of yellow-
orange, and very bright.

Fruit in Eastern Europe.— Intelligence
has been forwarded from Serajevo (Bosnia Serai)
that the Plum trees in Bosnia escaped the frosts
in early April, and promised a short time since
to give a good average crop. From Herzegovina
we learn that the Walnut, Vine, and Fig suffered
severely.

Ten-week Stocks.— We have received a
collection of varieties of the Ten-week stock from
Mr. Frederick Roemer, Quedlinburg, Ger-
many. The plants are very strong specimens,
and the flowers generally large and bold. This
is remarkable, because Mr. Roemer informs us
that the plants have been grown in the open
ground, and the season has been much drier than
usual. Although rain has been needed greatly,
it was impossible to water the plants, their
number being very great. All the varieties have
pure white double flowers.

Dwarf German is described as the oldest strain
of Ten-week Stock in existence. It is very free-
flowering, and is said to produce a good percentage
of double blooms.

Of the Large-flowering type there are several
varieties. The type, and one called Dwarf White,
are floriferous strains having a free branching
habit and large flower-spikes. The Wallflower-
leaved variety of this section failed to succeed
well this season, but it is an attractive variety
by reason of its bright green foliage.

Victoria Bouquet branches out very freely, and
forms neat, almost perfect specimens. It is re-
•commended for planting in beds, and particularly
for cultivation in pots.

Giant Perfection is one of the best summer
Stocks. The plant is uncommonly fine, and the
flower-spikes and blooms of extra size and good
form. It branches freely.

Large Flowering Globe Pyramidal. — A very
strong-growing variety, producing large flower-
spikes and blooms. Pyramidal in shape, but the
plant branches from the base in less degree than
others.

Perpetual Perfection. — A strong-growing variety
of free-branching habit, about 1J ft. high. It ia

said to bloom uninterruptedly from June until
November.

Mammoth White Column, or Excelsior. — A variety
that grows 3 feet high, and produces only a
single flower-spike. This is studded closely with
large flowers of excellent form. The variety, and
another known as Giant Perfection, are amongst
the earliest to flower.

The " Mosquito Plant." — Sir George
Birdwood lately wrote to the Times on this
plant. There are known commonly in India
several species of "Tulsi" (Ocimum), but the
best known are "Ram Tulsi" (O. gratissimum) ,
"Babui Tulsi" (0. pilosum), "Krishna Tulsi"
(0. sanctum), and the common wild "Tulsi" (O.
villosum). The two latter are held sacred to
Vishnu, and are used in his worship. It is
recorded in the sacred books of the Hindus that
Krishna assumed the form of Sankasura, and so
seduced his wife, Brinda. When discovered, he
manifested his extreme regard for her by turning
her into the Tulsi plant, and put the leaves upon
his head. This is the version given by Mr. D. L.
Richardson, Principal of the Hindu Metro-
politan College, 1854, in his very interesting
work, Flowers and Flower Gardens. He was
indebted for his information regarding flowers
commonly used in the religious ceremonies of
the Hindus to Babu Kasiprasad Ghosh, " the
first Hindu gentleman who ever published a
volume of poems in the English language." That
the leaves of the Tulsi are used by the natives of
India as a febrifuge has been known for ages,
but its use as a " Mosquito Plant " has not been
so generally known. It is well worth experi-
menting with. In connection with this subject
we may mention that Messrs. Cannell & Sons,
up to date as usual, are offering seeds and plants
in pots of the " Mosquito expeller."

The Rain as a Cleansing Agent.— Some
interesting facts regarding the purifying effect on
the air of heavy rain are given in the Lancet.
The writer says : — We have often pointed out
that the passage of raindrops through the air not
only purifies the air, but imparts a freshening
effect to it, due possibly to an oxidising action,
and perhaps to the formation of peroxide of
hydrogen.' Everyone is familiar with the " clean "
smell of the air after a rainstorm. According to
this view, the air of the county of London must
have sustained a very thorough scouring during
the remarkably continuous rainfall which began
on Saturday, June 13. There was very little
movement in the air, and an opportunity was
thus afforded of collecting the water for analysis,
the results of which would represent some at any
rate of the impurities washed out of the air im-
mediately over this area. The following were the
results obtained with raindrops caught in the
neighbourhood of the Strand on Monday,

June 15 : —

Grains per gallon.

Total solid matters 9 10*

Common salt 0 800

Ammonium sulphate 0652

Organic ammonia 0011

Soot and suspended matters ... 6 000

Nitrates None

Nitrites Very distinct

The amount of ammonia in the form of sulphate

is remarkable, and of course its chief origin is the

combustion of coal. The nitrites with traces of

ammonia are due to electrical discharge in the

atmosphere. These results, when worked out

with the total rainfall, give some remarkable

figures. Taking the rainfall as 38 inches in five

days (though a higher figure than that has been

returned by some observers), we arrive at the

calculation, based on each inch representing

22,022 gallons of water falling upon one acre, and

the London county acreage as 74,839, that no less

than G,437,229,80O gallons of water were poured

over this area. And according to the above

results of the analysis of the rain-water, this

enormous volume represents the washing out of

no less than 3,738 tons of solid impurities, of
which 330 tons consisted of common salt, 267 tons
of sulphate of ammonia, and 2,000 tons of soot
and suspended matters. Regarding the com-
bustion of 1 ton of coal to produce 20 lb. of am-
monium sulphate (a very fair average), the
quantity of coal represented by the ammonium
sulphate washed out by the storm would be
29,904 tons. It need hardly be added that the
purification is not only, as is here shown,
mechanical, physical, and chemical, but bacterio-
logical also.

Book on American Carnations.— Messrs.
J. R. Pearson & Sons, Lowdham Nurseries,
Notts, notify us that they have been appointed
European agents for the American Carnation, and
How to Grow It, recently reviewed in our columns.

United Horticultural Benefit and
Provident Society. — The usual monthly com-
mittee meeting of this Society was held at
the Caledonian Hotel, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, on
Monday evening, 13th inst., Mr. Thomas Winter
in the chair. Four new members were elected,
making sixty-one this year, the total membership
now being 1026. Five members were reported
on the Sick Fund. The Sick List has been unusually
heavy during the last half-year.

The Codlin Moth. — It ispitiable to observe
how great is the peril of the small crop of Apples
left on the trees in orchards and gardens, falling
later on from the attack of that dire pest, the
Codlin-moth, whose eggs were deposited on the
fruits last month. The larva? at the present time
is making their way to the centre of the fruits,
causing the latter to fall ; and no amount of skill
or management will prevent it occurring. We
are pleased to learn that Mr. W. Horne, of the
firm of Horne & Sons, Cliffe, who has been
studying the life-history of this moth for several
years, has, within the last few months, found a
remedy. This he intends making known by
reading a paper on the Codlin-moth at the Sep-
tember meeting of the National Fruit Growers'
Federation.

Cotton Corners. — One of the means used
by speculators in their operations is that well
known as the " Cotton corner," the latest of
which has just collapsed. Extending the area of
culture would doubtless be a check on the
practice, and in his last report on the condition
of Cyprus the Governor suggests to Lancashire
mill-owners the advisability of taking up land in
the island, where the crop has already done well,
and where the inhabitants are acquainted with
the manipulation of plant and crop. The idea is
well worth consideration.

Gardener at The Grove, Watford.—

We leam that the post of head gardener to the
Earl of Clarendon, The Grove, Watford, has
been taken by Mr. C'bas. Harris, who has been
the foreman in charge for the past two years.
Mr. Myers, who has occupied the post for over
forty years, is retiring on a pension.

The Himalayan Poppies (Meconopsis)
are exceptionally good in the rock - garden at
Kew, where they are grown in a partially-shaded
recess, with hardy Ferns and Cypripediums for
their companions. Some of the stems are 5 feet
high. The cool wet weather of the spring and
the first half of June has evidently been to their
liking.

POA ANNUA. — Some doubts have been ex-
pressed as to the possibility of obtaining seeds of
this grass in quantities. Wo have before ua a
contract from a well-known firm undertaking to
supply seeds of this grass at 6<Z. per lb. More-
over, we have the assurance that the seed was
true to name. It is used in association with
Festuca duriuscula, Poa pratensis, and Cynosurua
cristatus on light, dry soils.

42

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 18, 1903.

National Federation of Fruit and
Potato Trades Association.— If the services
rendered to the traders be in proportion to the
length of the title of the " Federation " or of the
"Association" (which is it?) the advantages
ought to be great. Mr. Henry Emeby has been
appointed Secretary, and offices have been secured
at the Tavistock Hotel. The Federation is estab-
lished to serve the interests of the members of
the trade in the provinces and in the metropolis.

Scottish Horticultural Association. —
A copy of the Transactions of this Association is
before us, containing, in addition to the bye-laws,
the list of members, and other business details.
These are, of course, quite necessary, but for the
gardening public the reports of the papers read
at the several meetings are of greater interest.
"We are not going to specify any one in particular,
for they all appear to us to be of interest and
value. In these days there is a positive plethora
of Garden literature. Much of it is necessarily of
ephemeral or of merely local interest; but the
papers in this modest pamphlet may be read at
any time, in any locality, with profit. We are
glad to find that the members number more than
1,100.

Poisoning Flowers.— It is reported, says
the Pharmaceutical Journal, that considerable in-
dignation has been caused in the district of
Worsley, near Manchester, by the action of some
person or persons in poisoning certain flowers in
local gardens belonging to cottagers who take
a great interest in horticulture and compete for
prizes offered by the Worsley Agricultural
Society. It is stated that last summer similar
outrages were perpetrated in the same neigh-
bourhood.

The Congo Flora.— Our Belgian colleagues
continue their active researches into the natural
history of the Congo Basin. We have before us
the first part of M. de Wildeman's Etudes de
Systematique et de Geographie Botanique sur
la Flore du Bas et du Moyen Congo, containing
descriptions and lithographic illustrations, some
coloured, of various plants collected on the Congo.
Among them we find an account, with coloured
plates, of two new Cycads, Encephalartos Lenia-
rinelianus (De Wildeman & Durand), and E.
Laurentianus, living plants of both of which have
been introduced into Belgium by M. L. Gentil,
so that we may hope shortly to see them also in
this country.

Presentation. —Mr. Sclatek, of Messrs.
Thomas Methven & Sons, Princes Street, on the
occasion of his silver wedding, was the recipient
of a solid silver tea service, with suitable inscrip-
tion, from a large circle of friends in the local
trade, and others. The presentation took place
on Wednesday, 8th inst., in the Eoyal British
Hotel, under the genial presidency of Haert
Eeskine. Mr. William Newton, wholesale fruit
commission agent, made the presentation, and
Mr. Sclater in replying referred to the many
changes that had transpired in the Edinburgh
trade since he served his apprenticeship.

A Show in British East Africa.— The

last show of the Nacrobai Agricultural and
Horticultural Society was a great success. Vege-
tables of every class, from a Cabbage to a Tomato,
Potatos, Wheat, Barley, Oats, Buckwheat, Maize,
Millet, Sim-sim Beans, Ground Nuts, Copra]
Grapes, Pineapples, Oranges, Pomegranates,
Mangos, Strawberries, Figs, Bananas, and many
garden flowers, showing what can be got together
by a spirited company. It would appear that
much of the soil is of volcanic origin, and that
the land has only to be tickled to be made to
smile.

ALYSSUM SPINOSUM.

Under the heading of " Alyssums " there is an
article in the Gardeners' Chronicle for June 20,
1903, p. 386, by Mr. Arnott, in which I was much
interested, because of the description he gives of
the habit and history of Alyssum spinosum,
which is so strangely at variance with its be-
haviour with me. I send you with this a photo-
graph of a plant now growing in my rock-garden
(see fig. 17), which has been there for about nine
years, and shows no sign of failing yet. Every
year it is smothered in white blossom, almost
entirely concealing the foliage, and though at
the time this photograph was taken a good deal
of the bloom had fallen, and it hardly shows its full
glory, enough is left to prove its value on account
of its bloom, as well asits charming foliage. All my
plants of A. spinosum act in this manner, and they
seem able to survive and take care of themselves
perfectly, and I should certainly class them as
among the very hardiest and most satisfactory of
plants that I know for rock-work. I fancy there
is a great difference between its behaviour here
and in the North of England, as when I lived in

FlG. 17.— ALYSSUM SPINOSUM. FROM THE GARDEN,'
OF S. MARSHALL BL'LLEY, ESQ., HASLEMERE.

Cheshire I never got much bloom from the
plant, whereas here it never fails to bloom.

I have just measured this plant, and find it is
0 feet by 5 feet in width, and about 15 inches
above the soil in which it is planted. S. Marshall
Bulley, West Down, Hindhead, Haslemere.

LAW NOTES.

" EMPTIES."

Sitting in the Westminster County Court, his
Honour, Judge Woodfall, tried the case of Monro
v. Theobald, in which plaintiff, Mr. Geo. Monro, a
fruit salesman, of Covent Garden Market, sued
defendant, a produce grower of Durrington,
Worthing, Sussex, to recover the sum of ,£14 5s.
in respect of empties supplied and not rttarned.
Mr. Lever, instructed by Messrs. J. C. Button &
Co., solicitors to the London Fruit, Flower, and
Vegetable Markets Association, Ltd., was caunsel
for plaintiff, and said the question at if sue was
one of the greatest importance to salesmen in
Covent Garden Market, involving, as it did, the
return of empties supplied to growers for the
purpose of sending their goods to Covent Garden.
The empties in question comprised what were
known as " flats," which were charged at 2s. each ;
"baskets "at Is. each, arid "boxes "at Is. each,
the claim in the present case being in respect of
empties which had been sent to defendant and
never returned.

The defence raised by the defendant was that
he objected to the claim on two grounds. In the

first place he considered plaintiff's claim was-
excessive, and in the second he contended that
empties for which he was being charged were
either in a damaged condition when they left
plaintiff's premises, or were broken up in the
course of transit on the railway.

Mr. Henry Gentry was called, and said he was-
forwarding clerk in the plaintiff's employ, and
his books showed that the empties in question,
were forwarded to the defendant, and had never
yet been returned.

Mr. Sams, a grower, was called, and- said he-
had occasion to go to the defendant's place on-
business, and although he was quite disinterested
in this action, he did not fail to notice that a-
number of plaintiff's empties were lying rotting:
outside greenhouses, and were not in any way
protected from the weather.

In cross-examination by the defendant, the
witness said he was extremely particular as to-
the return of empties,^ and always advised other
growers to adopt the same course. He absolutely
denied, however, that he ever made any sugges-
tion to his fellow - growers to the. effect that
they would have to look after " Monro " on the-
question of empties.

The defendant said that^ since} he had done
business with the plaintiff's firm, he had had
thousands and thousands of empties supplied to
liim, and even if the plaintiff's claim was a good
one, the amount which he now sought to recover
would only represent a loss;. of about three per-
cent, on the bulk of goods supplied to him. He-
contended, moreover, that in many cases empties-
were in a damaged state when they left the-
plaintiff's place, and that a large number of them
were broken up in the course of transit on the
railway.

In giving judgment, his Honour said that inas-
much as the defendant was not legally represented.,
he had allowed him to say a good deal more than,
he would have done had he had the assistance of
a lawyer. The burden of proof in this cas6 was-
.upon the defendant, but he had absolutely failed,
jto prove any defence whatever to the action.
The facts of the case were simple enough*
although the question was undoubtedly one of
the very greatest importance to Covent Garden,
salesmen. It was not denied that certain empties
were supplied to defendant, and that they had
never been returned to the plaintiff's firm. The
question as to what became of them ultimately
did not arise in this action, and therefore judg-
ment must be given plaintiff for the amount
claimed, with costs.

Mr. Lever applied on behalf of the plaintiff for
costs on the higher scale in view of the very
great impoitance of the case, and the character-
of defence which had been set up. His Honour-
said he had been considering as to whether he
should give costs on the higher scale, more
especially in view of the very unwarrantable
suggestions which the defendant had put forward-
against the plaintiff's firm, but he was afraid he
had no power to do so under the Act. Plaintiff's-
Counsel said his client would be perfectly satis-
fied with the observations which had fallen from,
his Honour.

TRADE NOTICES.

Mr. D. S. Golding, for the last eighteen yearst
with Messrs. Saltmarsh & Son, Chelmsford, has-
taken the Seed, Florist, and Bulb Business until
recently carried on by Mr. W. H. Hudson,
199, High Koad, Kilburn, London, N.W.

Mr. T. G. Flanders, for the past ten years
gardener to Andrew Motion, Esq., Upton House,
Banbury, and Faulkbourne Hall, Witham, Essex,
has taken over the Casterton Koad Nurseries,
Stamford, Lincolnshire.

July IS, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

43

NOLINA BELDINGII.

Unber this name we have received a photo-
graph of aYucea-like plant from Lower California
(fig. 18). The genus, closely allied to Dasylirion,
•consists of perennials with a thick woody trunk
-often dilated at the base, and bearing above
numerous linear, rigid, toothed leaves, surrounding
a naked flower - stalk terminated by a many-
iflowered panicle intermixed with bracts. The peri-
anth consists of six narrow, whitish segments. The
plants are adapted to live in hot dry localities, as
in the deserts of Mexico and Lower California, and
are hence included under the heading " Xero-
philes." Mr. Baker includes the genus under
Beaucarnea. B. longifolia, B. recurvata, and B.
Oeorgiana are recorded as being in cultivation,
and have been figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
1870, 1445 (B. recurvata), and 1877, vii., 493
>(B. longifolia).

N. Beldingii is described by Dr. Brandegee in
Bailey's Cyclopaedia of American Horticulture,
vol. iii. (1901), p. 1092. As this book may not be
accessible to all cultivators, we append Dr.
Brandegee's description : —

"N. Beldingii, Brandegee. — Arborescent, branch-
ing freely; trunk columnar, 1 — li ft. in diam., 8 —
15 ft. high; branches short, bearing numerous old
a,nd new leaves towards the end ; leaves glaucous, a
yard or more long, J in. wide, flat, thin, tapering to
-the point, serrulate on margins, about fifty-nerved,
weak and recurved ; panicle compound, 6 ft. long
■or more ; fruit emarginate ; seeds round-ovate,
not bursting the cells. Mountains of the cape
region of Lower California. Apparently nearest
N. Bigelovii, from which it differs in the thinner,
snore flaccid leaves, and the very much greater
.size. T. £>. Brandegee."

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

LATE PEACHES. — The systematic cultivation
of the Peach late in the autumn does not receive
the attention that it deserves. Peaches are un-
doubtedly favourite fruits at any season, but
towards the end of the month of September or
the half of October, and in fine seasons till early
in November, when stone fruits generally have
•vanished, the importance of abundant and choice
dessert fruit is highly appreciated. With regard
ito the commercial value of late Peaches, most
.gardeners agree that, taking the cost of produc-
tion into consideration, the returns from a late
•crop is often more remunerative than any other.
•Some time ago, a gardener gave me an instance
which illustrated this point — viz., that of an old
■widow residing in a southern county, against whose
•cottage a large Salway Peach-tree is planted, and
who was in the habit of disposing of the fruits in
■the local market at a trifling price. My friend
advised her to let him send the fruit to Covent
Garden Market, with the result that a handsome
•sum was realised, considerably more than paid
the old woman's rent for the year. It may be
■contended that late Peaches are lacking in fine
flavour, and that this is further deteriorated
by the absence of warmth and bright sunshine.
This, of course, must be admitted ; but the same
•argument holds good with other fruits that
mature at a late part of the autumn. For
•example, who would think of growing Gros
■Colmar or any of the other coarse large Grapes
ior flavour alone, if higher-quality Grapes could
be obtained at the same time ? They are grown
because showy Grapes must be forthcoming at
that season. The same reasoning holds good
with Peaches, and their scarcity in the autumn
.gives them an added zest. Late Peaches, when
.not eaten, can be employed as a compote. The
■earlier of the late varieties, if I may so use the
term, viz , Bellegarde, Barrington, Prince of
Wales, and Late Devonian, succeed on west walls ;
• and this aspect enables the cultivator to secure a
useful succession of fruits. The later varieties —
Princess of Wales, Gladstone, Lady I'almerston,
Golden Eagle, Walburton Admirable, and Sal-
way — should be planted against a south wall, or
there will be a difficulty in ripening and colour-

ing the fruits in ordinary years, especially so in
the case of the Salway. In very late seasons,
such as the present, it may be necessary to assist
ripening by covering the trees betimes with some
frame-lights, which at this season of the year are
usually available in gardens. Tho best of the
varieties before-mentioned, in the order of ripen-
ing, are the following : — Bellegarde, Barrington,
Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales, Gladstone,
Osprey, Golden Eagle, and Salway. 0. Thomas.

POA ANNUA NOT A SELF-FERTILI8ER. —The
Eev. Prof. Henslow having been so kind as to
reply to my letter under the above heading in
issue of June 13, it is now my duty to make
rejoinder. He remarks that I did not allude to
the exact period when the anthers first burst and
shed their pollen. I have now carefully exam-
ined a number of open and opening florets, and
find that the anthers dehisce very soon after the
florets open, while the filaments are still erect.
The anthers are as high as the tip of the lower
pale, or higher, and are fully exposed to wind and
breeze before they dehisce, in all the cases I have
observed, so that pollen must be carried from
them about as freely, I think, as in the case of
other Grasses. Pollen, of course, may fall on the
stigmas below, especially when the air is still ;

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FlS 18. NOLIvA BELTUNcill. s. CALIFORNIA,
FROM DA. HBAXLEGEE.

and it has not been my intention to say that
self - fertilisation never takes place, because
we commonly understand that cross - ferti-
lisers frequently have that provision, and we
know indeed that many cross-fertilisers have
special flowers for the express purpose of securing
self -fertilisation. I did not propose to show that
Poa annua does more than most other grasses in
securing cross-fertilisation, but the Professor
himself provides me with the means of pointing
out that whatever the case may be with other
grasses, Poa annua mu3t be a cross-fertiliser.
He says, " The topmost spikelet is often female,
and of course must receive a grain from some
other floret." That the top floret and the second
and third below in other cases may be female I
may safely assert. I found a young inflores-
cence with five top female florets open, on as many
spikelets, without a single male flower open, or an-
thernear. It wasin a feinalestageorcondition, and
the ten stigmas would be as likely to receive pollen
from another plant as from their own. Supposing
this infloresence to have been the only one so far
advanced on a young plant, it follows that pollen
must come from another individual, if the florets
are to be fertilised. We might assume that the
stigmas could wait, but I think we are justified
in assuming that female florets are open in
advance by themselves for a purpose— that pur-
pose being cross-fertilisation. The Professor
refers to my touching the wider question of tho
"supposed" superior advantages of inter-cross-

ing. He says, " Prom a florist's point of
view this is undoubted, but the stimulus is
not permanent. I do not feel sure of the
intended scope of this remark, but I cannot
believe that plants are under one law when
wild, and under another in the hands of the florist.
I believe that the florist works in accordance
with natural law, and no other. It is impossible
to endow any plant with a responsiveness
it does not naturally possess. The "stimu-
lus "of cross-fertilisation, the Professor says, is
not permanent ; but there is no reason, I believe,
why it should be, for the "stimulus" in feral
nature is reapplied from time to time in all cases
where it obtains at all. The Professor says that
this question was settled a quarter of a century
ago — i.e., that habitual self-fertilisers have the
advantage over those that are cross-fertilised.
That certainly, in my opinion from what I
believe to be the usual point of view, is not
the case, for there never was a time when
cro3s-fertilising was looked upon more seriously
as the great principle of plant-life. The key to
the Professor's position is shown, I believe, in
the Transactions of the Linnean Society, where he
writes, "Now, as Mr. Darwin observes, self-
fertilisation secures this end, that of producing
seed, with incomparably greater certainty than
by any other means." This, of course, is
true, and it is not open to dispute ; we re-
member this, whatever may be the argument
in favour of cross-fertilisation. As it is true,
there must be some supreme advantage in cross-
fertilisation which stands on different ground.
We observe that practically all the higher
plants, and practically all animals without ex-
ception, are cross-fertilisers. All nature, there-
fore, may be said to adopt cross -fertilisation.
I think we may assume that nature found,
first of all, a stupendous advantage in a means of
increase which necessitated the fusion or inter-
action of distinct cells (sexual increase), and has
subsequently found, for the same reasons, still
greater advantage in proportion to the dissocia-
tion of these distinct cells. I am well aware
that there is nothing I can point out that the
Professor does not know ; but I differ from him
in the line of my argument, and Muller's Ferti-
lisation of Plants, and Kerner and Oliver's Natural
History of Plants, "Autogamy," kindly pointed
out to me, and which I know well, seem only to con-
firm me in it. Kerner says it must not be inferred
that the only method of reproduction in herma-
phrodite flowers is by autogamy. " It is true that
cross-pollination appears to be the primary object
aimed at, but it is not true that autogamy is
avoided. If cross-pollination takes place, there is
naturally no necessity for subsequent autogamy ;
but if cross-pollination fails, autogamy assumes
an importance of its own, and the contrivances
which have been observed to bring about auto-
gamy are no less numerous than tho«e which
favour cross-pollination." If cross-pollination is
the primary object aimed at, autogamy is but a
substitute and a provision in the event of the
failure of the more desirable method. R. Irwin
Lynch.

POA ANNUA. — In the Gardeners' Chronicle for
July 11. 1903, p. 26, Mr. D. McDonald remarks,
" It has been stated several times recently that
this species of grass is obtainable from seeds.
As one who knows something of the grasses of
commerce, I say this is incorrect." Your
correspondent is usually so accurate, and is
always such a pleasant writer, that I regret
having to point out that his statement does not
agree with my experience. I have repeatedly
obtained seeds of Poa annua, quite true to
name, and free even from an admixture of
Poa compressa and P. pratensis, which Mr.
McDonald mentions as the common substitutes.
In some parts of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire
Poa annua is the most troublesome woed in fruit
plantations where the ground is cultivated.
Seeds are produced so continuously and abun-
dantly that it is only by repeatod hoeing the
land can be kept even moderately clean. In
London and other large towns, 1 know many
lawns that are formed almost entirely of this
grass, and whero it can be kept well watered in
hot weather and is not subjected to much bard
wear.it has a bright appearance. But it cannot
be recommonded for general use, as it dies off

44

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 18, 1903.

quickly in hot dry weather, and does not form a
dense permanent turf that will endure much
traffic. Poa pratensis is an abundant con-
stituent of the pastures in this country ; but
why does Mr. Donald speak of it as the Kentucky
Blue-grass, when it is" so much more generally
known as the Smooth-stalked Meadow-grass ?
Poa compressa is also well known in many parts
of Great Britain, but I have not observed it as
frequent in this county ; it is easily distinguished
from Poa annua. As I have been studying and
growing the principal useful and ornamental
grasses during the past twenty years, your corre-
spondent will understand that I am interested in
the subject. R. Lewis Castle, Ridgmont, Bedford-
shire.

SUMMER FLOODS.— I had often wondered at
the sudden appearance in my Thames land, sub-
ject to flood, of the Elders, because if they were
to cover the former Osier-beds, why had they not
done so sooner ? The mystery is now explained.
There had been no summer flood since 1870. The
recent summer flood has killed at once every Elder
except some two or three out of several hundred,
and possibly all. It has also killed almost every
Lilac, and nothing else, unless it is one of the
wild Brionies, as we call the less common of the
wild creepers, which, with a large leaf, creeps from
branch to branch among the Poplars on the river-
side. Where I had Lilacs, Persian, red, and giant
white, among the different kinds of Philadelphus,
the Lilacs are killed out and the Philadelphus
left unharmed. The Virginian Creepers seem to
have suffered, but to have survived. The Austrian
Briars have also suffered. Of course every
annual is destroyed, but that is by mere move-
ment of the roots and deposit of mud. I need
hardly add that these Lilacs and Elders thus
killed by summer flood had passed through
winter floods year after year without harm.
C. W. D.

THE LATE W. THOMPSON OF IPSWICH.— In
your Obituary of " Thompson of Ipswich " you
make no mention of him as an author. His
Catalogues were always excellent reading ; but
besides these he published in 1851-2 the English
Flower Garden, a monthly magazine of hardy
and half-hardy plants, in quarto, illustrated.
Two volumes only were published, but they were
excellent ; I have often found them very useful,
and prize them highly. The descriptions are
excellent, and the plates, though small, are very
good. Henry N. Ellacombe, Bitton Vicarage, Bristol.

THE LIZARD ORCHIS.— It may interest your
readers to know that the Lizard Orchis, which
has so often been reported as extinct, still exists
in Kent. I had the pleasure of seeing it in
magnificent flower on July 10. The following
day, in company with Mr. Davy, I had the good
fortune to find a wild bush of Rosa pomifera, on
the cliffs of the foreshore between Walmer and
St. Margarets, far from houses. George Druce.

8IMETHIS BICOLOR.— One of the rarest wild
plants in England, soon I fear to be extinct, has
come to me this week from Bournemouth. It was
discovered in 18-17 by a Miss Wilkins growing
profusely in a plantation on the Poole Road.
She sent specimens to Dr. Lindley, to Charles
Babington, and to Mr. Dennes, Secretary to the
Botanical Society; and I possess the letters
which they wrote in answer. It was pronounced
to be the Simethis bicolor of Kunth ; not native,
introduced possibly with seeds of Pinaster from
Western France. The Bournemouth of that
date has been wiped out by the speculative
builder. The spot in Branscombe where it still
grows, not now profusely, is marked for the erec-
tion of houses during next year, and it can hardly
escape destruction. Two plants have been sent
to me, which I hope to rear and present to the
Oxford Garden. Meanwhile it seems right to
chronicle in your columns what is probably its
last wild appearance on English soil. Corycius
senex.

SAXIFRAGA RHEl SUPERBA. — I am indebted to
Mr. Jenkins for giving his opinion of S. Rhei
superba, which I had purposely omitted from my
notes of the pink Saxifrages until I had flowered
it in good condition. It reached me from the
Continent in bloom, but the flowers were almost
white, and I was afraid that it might be a dis-

appointment. Since then, however, it has pro-
duced fresh blooms, and these are exactly as Mr.
Jenkins speaks of them, being the same colour as
those of the typical S. Rhei, but larger, and pro-
duced on longer stems. As Mr. Jenkins remarks,
the foliage of S. Rhei superba is larger than that
of the type. S. Arnott.

SOCIETI ES.

NATIONAL SWEET PEA.

July 15, 16.— The closing of the Royal Aquarium.
Westminster, forced this Society to seek a new place
for its exhibitions, and in consequence of this the third
annual show, held on Wednesday and Thursday last,
took place in the Prince's Hall, within the precincts of
the Earl's Court Exhibition grounds. The Prince's
Hall is very close to the entrance in Warwick Road,
Kensington, and it proved to be much more agreeable
than the Aquarium, there being no distracting noise or
incongruous scenes. The building itself is b ire of any
adornment, however, and during the afternoon the
atmosphere became exceedingly hot. Thanks to the
Committee having forbidden the use of wire, the flowers
that were in water lasted well, but the wreaths and
crosses looked dreary objects in the course of a few
hours. The exhibition was a very full one, and the
quality of the flowers excellent. Many of the classes
contained quite a surprising number of collections.

and there were sufficient to occupy the space that
had been provided.

It was remarked by those responsible for the show, as
by ot hers, thai a n improved effect might be obtained on a
future occasion by disposing a few Palms or other fine
foliage plants along the centre of the tables. From the
same point of view we would recommend that the vases
in the back rows be raised a little, in order that they
may be seen to better advantage. An increased height
of three-quarters of a foot even would effect this.

There were many new varieties shown for Certificate,
and several of these are certainly desirable acqui-
sitions. Mr. Horace J. Wright, the hon. sec, had
charge of the arrangements ; and although these were
somewhat unusual, as the place was a new one, there
was excellent order, and general satisfaction.

Open Classes.

Special Classification Class.— The Classification Com-
mittee recognises nineteen variations in colour in
Sweet Peas, and this class was intended to bring
together the best variety of each type. The exhibits
consisted of nineteen bunches of flowers, one bunch
only of each recognised colour.

The 1st prize collection was from Mr. C. W. Bread-
more, 120, High Street, Winchester, and his selection
of varieties was as follows : -Lady Grisel Hamilton,
Duke of Westminster, Salopian, Jeannie Gordon,
Duchess of Sutherland, Princess of Wales, Lord Rose-
beiy, Dorothy Tennant, Prima Donna, America, Miss
Willmott, George Gordon, Lottie Eckford, Dorothy
Eckford, Gracie Greenwood, Navy Blue, Coccinea, Hon.
Mrs. Kenyon, and Black Knight. 2nd, Mr. Mark
Firth, Wistow Hall, Leicester (gr., Mr. F. J. Clark),
who was very close ; 3rd, Mr. A. G. Havman, Hapswood
House, Frome (gr., Mr. Ackland).

Thirty-six bunches, distinct.— The 1st prize in this class
was won by Mr. Mark Fibth, Wistow, Leicester (gr.
Mr. Clark), and as a representation of a good collection
of 36 varieties an enumeration of them may have into
rest, especially as the exhibit contained the choice new
ones, as King Edward VII , Ac. They were Lord Rose-
bery, Agnes Johnson, America, Blanche Burpee, Emily
Eckford, Lady Mary Currie, Navy Blue, Glorious.
Countess of Radnor, Mrs. Eckford, Lottie Hutching,
Her Majesty, Jeannie Gordon, Shazada. Gracie Green-
wood, Monarchy, Prince Edward of York, Salopian,
Captain of the Blues, Hon. Mrs. Kenyon, Lottie Eck-
ford, Colonist, Triumph, Lady Grisel Hamilton*
Duchess of Sutherland, Miss Willmott, Prince of
Wales, Black Knight, Duke of Westminster, Coccinea,
Dorothy Eckford, Prince of Wales, Countess of Lathom,
Countess Cadogan, and Lovely. 2nd, Mr. Leonard-
Brown ; and 3rd, Mr. C. W. Breadmore. The compe-
tilion was very close.

Twenty-jour Bunches, distinct.— There were four ex-
hibits in this class, and Messrs. Jones & SON, Shrews-
bury, won 1st prize. Their varieties were Dorothy Eck-
ford, Pink Friar, George Gordon, Salopian, Captain of
the Blues, Apple Blossom, Coccinea, Lady Mary Currie,
Queen Victoria, Countess of Lathom, Navyl Blue, Lord
Kenyon, Duchess of Westminster, Lovely, Jeannie
Gordon, Countess of Powis, Triumph, Duke of West-
minster, King Edward VII., Mrs. Eckford, Maid of
Honour, Prince of Wales, Othello, and Prince Edward,
of York. Mr. C. W. Breadmore, 120, High Street,
Winchester, was 2nd; and Mr. Leonard Brown,
Daffodil Nursery, Brentwood, 3rd.

Twelve bunches, distinct.— There were four collections
in this class, and the exhibits gaining 1st and 2nd;
prizes were pretty nearly equal in quality. The dozen
bunches of flowers from Mr. C. W. Breadmore were
composed of large, strongly-grown flowers, well set up,
and relieved with foliage, that showed how vigorous
were the plants that afforded the blooms. Another
collection, from Messrs Jones & Son, Shrewsbury, was
composed of very fine flowers, of which the size and'
colour were splendid, and they mere fre9her than in
the group already alluded to. Messrs. Jones & Son
were awarded 1st prize. Their varieties were Triumph,
Maid of Honour, Lovely, Hon. Mrs. Kenyon, Othello,
Lady Grisel Hamilton, Miss Willmott, Dorothy Eck-
ford, Salopian, Jeannie Gordon, Prince of Wales, and.
Captain of the Blues ; Mr. C. W. Breadmore, was 2nd;
and Messrs. E. W. King & Co., Coggeshall, 3rd.

Amateurs' Classes. .

Thirty-six bunches. — This very large class in the
Amateur section was won by Mr. A. G. Hatman, who
showed a very commendable collection ; he was
followed by L. H. Baxter, Esq., Brentwood (gr., Mr. H.
Holloway); 3rd, Mr. H. J. Michels, Kingston.

Twenty four bunches, distinct. — Mr. A. F. Wootten,
College Road, Epsom, won the 1st prize from four other
competitors in this class. He staged the following
varieties. Miss Willmott, Emily Eckford, Mrs. J.
Chamberlain, Jeannie Gordon, Dainty, Lady Grisel
Hamilton, Navy Blue, Lord Rosebery, Hon. Mrs.
Kenyon, Triumph, Lovely, Dorothy Tennant, Dorothy
Eckford, Gaiety, Salopian, Prince of Wales, Black
Knight, and Eliza Eckford; 2nd, Mr. H. Michels,
Farleigh House, Kingston (gr., Mr. Hughes); 3rd,
Mr. R. Bathdrst, Dean Lodge, Iron Acton, Glos.

Twelve bunches, distinct. — The competition in this,
class was very remarkable, there being fifteen or six-
teen collections. After considerable difficulty in
determining the points, the 1st prize was awarded to
Mr. Hugh Aldersey, Aldersey Hall, Chester, who
showed the varieties following : Royal Rose, Dainty,
Duke of Westminster, Agnes Johnson, Triumph,
Dorothy Eckford, Miss Willmott, Mrs. Walter Wright,
King Edward VII. (new). Lady Grisel Hamilton, Lady
M. Ormesby-Gore, and Jeannie Gordon : 2nd, Mr. T.
Lloyd Davies, Park House, Addlestone (gr., Mr. Geo.
Crabbe) ; 3rd, Mr. H. J. Meyer, The Grange, Harlow ;
and 4th, Mr. Mark Firth, Wistow Hall, Leicester
(gr., Mr. F. J. Clark). All the flowers in this class were
very meritorious.

Xine bunches, distinct.— Seven exhibitors had collec-
tions of nine bunches, and Mr. Hugh Aldersey,
Aldersey Hall, Chester, won the 1st prize with excellent
flowers in size and colour. His varieties were Lady
Mary Currie, Countess of Radnor, George Gordon,
Lovely, Hon. Mrs. Kenyon, Lady Grisel Hamilton,
Othello, Mrs. FitzGerald, and Agnes Johnson ; 2nd,
Mr. A. Steer, Royston Park, Pinner ; and 3rd, Miss
Beckford, Oxford House, Ham Common.

Six Bunches.— -Mrs. F. Brewer, 3u meld House, Rich-
mond, had six very pretty bunches, showing the varie-
ties Admiration, Gorgeous (fine colour), Black Knight,
Lord Rosebery, Lottie Hutchins, and Hon. F. Bou-
verie; 2nd, Mr. S. J. Jackson, Danehurst, Epsom (gr.,
Mr. G. Boyd); and 3rd, Miss Beckford, Oxford House,
Ham Common. There were eight exhibits.

Bunches of Sweet Peas to Colour (Open).
The following classes were intended to illustrate the
best varieties in the nineteen colour sections recognised
by the Classification Committee. The best in any colour
could be thus easily determined, and it was noticeable
that generally there was greater agreement amongst
cultivators than might have been expected.

July 18, 1903.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

45

Two Bunches of White.— In the three exhibits out of
seven that gained prizes in thi9 class the varieties
shown were Sadie Burpee and the new Dorothy Eckford,
the latter generally having the better appearance.

Crimson —Again all the three prizewinners were
unanimous in selecting the same varieties for exhibi-
tion, these were Salopian and Mars, and of the two the
former showed to the better advantage.

Yel'ow and Buff shades.— The lstandand prize-winners
chose the varieties Hon. Mrs. E. Kenyon and Lady M.
Ormesby-Gore, varieties very similar to each other. In
the 3rd prize exhibit, Mrs. Eckford and Queen Victoria
were shown. There were four exhibits.

Pink— The varieties shown in this colour included
Lovely, Prima Donna, Countess of Lathom, and Hon.
F. Bouverie. In the exhibit awarded 1st prize Lovely
and Prima Donna were shown. In the 2nd prize ex-
hibit they were Countess of Lathom and Lovely ; and
in the 3rd prize Prima Donna and Lovely. There were
seven exhibits.

Rose and Carmine.— The varieties known as Lord Rose-
bery and Prince of Wales won honours in this class.
The flowers of each are very fine, but there is a differ-
ence in the shade of colour, Lord Rosebery being the
brighter, and freer from purple tint. In the 2nd prize
exhibit the varieties were Prince of Wales and Her
Majesty ; and for 3rd, Royal Rose and Lord Rosebery.

Mauve.— The 1st prize varieties were Admiration and
Dorothy Tennant, whilst Fascination and Dorothy
Tennant were shown in the only exhibit remaining.

Blue.— The two best Blues were Countess Cadogan
and Navy Blue, the former being of the lighter-coloured
section, and the latter very deep. In the 2nd prize lot
Navy Blue was accompanied by Emily Eckford, which,
as shown, is somewhat variable, certain flowers
showing greater degrees of reddish tint. These
varieties were repeated in the 3rd prize exhibit.

Orange —There is not much difference between the
varieties Miss Willmott and Lady Mary Currie, but the
latter had four flowers upon a stem more frequently
than the other. These varieties were shown in the
1st and 2nd prize collections, and of the two Miss
Willmott was the more attractive In the 3rd prize
exhibit, the varieties were Miss Willmott and Gorgeous.
There were six exhibits.

Blush. — Duchess ot Sutherland and Modesty were
shown by the winner of the 1st prize, and Duchess of
Sutherland and Countess of Aberdeen by the winner
of the 2nd prize,

Picolee edged.— The winner of the 1st prize showed
Maid of Honour, one of the most characteristic of this
type, and Golden Gate. In the 2nd prize, the exhibits
were Lottie Eckford and Golden Gate.

Striped and flaked, red and rose.— There were four
varieties shown of this type, and the winner of the
1st prize had Gaiety, white marked with purple, and
America, white marked with deep red. In the 2nd
prize exhibit, there were Aurora and Mrs. Joseph
Chamberlain, whilst America, and Pink Friar, won
3rd prize.

Striped and Flaked Purple and Blue— There were only
two exhibits in this class. The varieties winning 1st
prize were Grey Friar and Prince of Wales, and 2nd
prize, Senator and Prince of Wales.

Bi-eoloured. — The best varieties in the class for
flowers exhibiting two colours and two onlv were
Triumph and Prince Edward of York, and both were
shown well. In the 2nd prize lot were Jeannie Gordon
and Prince Edward of York.

Violet and Purple— Duke of "Westminster and Duke
of Clarence were shown by the winner of the 1st prize,
and in the 2nd prize lot Duke of Sutherland dis-
placed Duke of Clarence. Judging from the flowers
staged the two sorts in the 1st prize lot are the best in
the section.

. Maroon and Bron:e, distinct.— There were six exhibitors
in this class, and the varieties Black Knight and Bore-
atton were the best varieties shown. Othello and
Stanley were the only other sorts exhibited.

Lavender.— The only varieties shown in this section,
which includes some of the most delicately coloured of
Sweet Peas, were Lady Grisel Hamilton, Lady Nina
Balfour, and Countess of Radnor or New Countess,
which are regarded as synonymous. The winner of the
1st prize had Lady Grisel Hamilton and Lady Nina
Balfour.

Fancies.— In this group arc included any varieties
that are considered to possess more than two colours.
The winner of the 1st prize showed Lottie llutchins
and Gracie Greenwood. In the i»nd prize lot, Gracie
Greenwood gave place to Dolly Varden. There were
four exhibitors.

Magenta.— Only one exhibitor put in an appearance
here, and he showed Captivation and George Gordon.

Ceritc — The two bunches might be similar in this
class, consequently every exhibitor had Coccinea in
duplicate, showing that the variety ha9 no rival.

The principal prizewinners in these classes were Mr.
C. W. Breadmore, Mr. Hugh Aldersey, Aldersoy Hall,
Chester; Mr. R. Bathurst, Dean Lodge, Iron Acton;

Miss Beckford. Oxford House, Ham Common ; Mrs. F.
Brewer, Suffield House, Richmond ; Mr. M. Y. Green,
The Lodge, Eynsford ; Mrs. A. Tigswell, Harrow View,
Southall ; T. Lloyd Davies, Park House, Addlestone ;
and Mr. H. J. Michels.

Decorative Classes.

There were several classes for flowers arranged for
decoration. In the principal class for a decoration for
the dinner- table, Mi9s C. J. Cole, The Vineyard,
Feltham, was 1st, and Messrs. Jones & Son, Shoplatch,
Shrewsbury, 2nd. There were six exhibits in a similar
class confinedito amateurs. Mrs. Raplet, ft. John's,
Withdean, near Brighton, was 1st, and The Rt. Hon.
Earl Spencer, K.G , Althorp Park, Northampton
(gr., Mr. Silas Cole), was 2nd.

The nicest epergne of Sweet Peas was arranged by
Miss C. J. Cole, The Vineyard. Feltham ; Miss Dorothy
M. Oliver. 97, Tollington Park, N., was 2nd.

Messrs. Jones & Son had the best bouquet of flowers,
and Miss C J. Cole the best basket.

New Vabieties.

Awards were made to the following varieties :—

Scarlet Gem, exhibited by Mr. H. Eckford, Wem,
Salop, of very bright red colour, may be described
as "Sweet Pea scarlet"; excellent size and form.
Awarded a First-ilass Certificate and also a Silver
Medal offered for the best novelty of the year.

King Edward VII., of deeper red colour than the
foregoing variety ; very fine, of large size, and excellent
standard. Shown by Mr. Eckford (First-class Cer-
tificate).

Bolton's Pink.— A very rich, pink-coloured variety, of
good size, shown by Mr. Rout. Bolton, Carnforth
(Highly Commended).

Florence Molynetur —A very charming striped variety,
shown by Mr. Ed. Molvneux and Messrs. Dobbie & Co.
(First-class Certificate).

Cupids.— The folio King varieties of the dwarf Cupid
were shown : Royalty, rosy-pink (Highly Commended) :
Her Majesty, of very deep rose colour (First-class Cer-
tificate) ; Lottie Eckford, mauve colour (First-class
Certificate); Mrs. J. Chamberlain, striped rose and
white (Highly Commended); and Captain of the Blues
(Highly Commended) These were shown by Messrs.
H. Cannell i Sons, Swanley.

Lathyrus lati/olins albus grandiflorus. — This extra-
ordinary white variety of the perennial Pea has been
described many times in these pages. Shown by
Hobbies, Ltd. (First-class Certificate).

Non-Competitive Exhibits.

Messrs Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham, Norfolk, exhibited
Roses, Carnations, and Sweet Peas (Gold Medal) ;
Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Sweet Peas (Silver-gilt Medal i;
Mr. C. W. Breadmore, Sweet Peas (Gold Medal); Mr.
Eckford, Sweet Peas (Silver-gilt Medal); Messrs. H. Cax-
nell & Sons, Sweet Peas, including an excellent lot of
Cupids in variety in pots 'Gold Medal); Messrs. Jones
<Si Son, Shrewsbury, Sweet Peas (Large Silver Medal) ;
and Messrs. E. W. King & Co., Coggleshall, Sweet Peas
(Silver Medal).

EOYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.

July 7.— Present : Dr. M. C. Cooke, V.M.H. (in the
chair) ; Messrs. Holmes, Gordon, Massee, and Saunders,
Prof Boulger, Revs . W. Wilks and G. Henslow (hon. sec).

Apple trees and Insects.— Mr. Saunders reports as
follows upon specimens received from Mr. Campbell,
of Ardross, Leeds :-"The Apple-trees are attacked by
the caterpillars of two different moths, but the habits
of both kinds are very similar. The green caterpillars
are those of the winter moth (Cheimatobia brumata),
the brown and yellow ones of the great winter moth
(Hybernia defoliaria); both belong to the family Geo-
metridic, and are two of the most destructive pests to
Apple trees. The females of both kinds are either
wingless or have only the rudiments of wings, so that
they are incapable of flight. The chrysalides are
formed in the ground, so that when the moths emerge,
it is evident that they must climb up the trees if they
wish to lay their eggs, as is their custom, near the
buds. To prevent this ascent is one of the most
important things to be done, if it is desired to
protect the trees from attacks by the caterpillars.
The simplest way of effecting this is to fasten
grease bands round the stems, which the caterpillars
are unable to cross. As this might Injure the tree if
the grease came in contact with it, a strip of grease-
proof paper, 7 or S inches wide, and long enough to
overlap an inch or more, should be tied round the
trees, say 3 feet from the ground, and fastened top and
bottom with best matting or soft string that will not
cut the paper, over this should bo tied a strip of
calico about the same width, also tied top and bottom ;
this must be well 9mcared with cart grease, softsoap,

and train-oil mixed, so that a soft, sticky compound is
formed in which the moths will be caught. These
bands should be put into position as early as the
middle of October, and kept in working order until
well after Christmas. To do this the bands should be
re-greased every now and then, or whenever it is found
that the grease is losing its stickiness, or, as is some-
times the case, that it is clogged up with the number
of moths caught in it. Notwithstanding these pre-
cautions, some of the females may find their way into
the young shoots. Some are no doubt carried by the
males (who liy well) when coupled, so that it is useful,
when it can be carried out, to spray the trees before
the buds show any signs of opening with a caustic alkali
wash, made by dissolving 1 lb of caustic soda in half a
bucket of water, add j lb. of pearlash, and stir until all
is dissolved, then add enough soft water to make
lo gallons, and finally stir in 10 oz. of soft soap which
has been melted in a little hot water. This mixture is
very caustic, and must not be allowed to touch the
skin or clothes, or if it does it should be wiped off as
soon as possible. A still day should be chosen, so that
the wind will not blow it on to the operators; this
spraying should kill the eggs if any are laid on the
tree. To destroy the caterpillars the trees should be
sprayed as soon as the fruit has set with paraffin
emulsion, or } lb. of Paris-green and J lb. of lime
mixed in 50 gallons of water. This mixture must be
kept well stirred, as the Paris-green is very heavy and
soon sinks to the bottom, and in this case some of the
mixture will be too weak to kill the caterpillars, and
the rest so strong that the foliage will be injured."

Lilac (hoots and Frott —Mr. Massee showed a curious
and important effect of frost on the leaves of the Lilac.
The apex was frost bitten, then, after a thaw, the leaf
became attacked by Botrytis cinerea, which travelled
down the region of the midrib and petiole, till it
attacked the terminal bud between the leaves. As
thousands of flower buds were thus destroyed in con-
sequence of the late frost, great pecuniary loss accrued
to the growers for the flower markets.

FLORAL COMMITTEE AT CHI3WICK.
July 15.— Present : H. B. May, Esq. (in the chair); and
Messrs. W. J. James, A. Perry, C. Jeffries, R. Dean,
W. Cuthbertson, W. P.Thomson. H. J. Jones, J. W. Barr,
C. R. Fielder, J. F. McLeod, and C. Dixon.
Awards of Merit.
Poppy Mephitto.— Plant of upright, vigorous habit,
and very free-flowering. Flowers single, 4 or 5 inches
across, with deeply-cut petals ; colour crimson, heavily
blotched with black. From Messrs. Bark & Sons, 12,
King Street, Covent Garden.

Poppy Cardinal, white.— A sturdy- growing variety,
18 inches or so high, with lovely Hollyhock-shaped,
snow-white flowers 3,' inches across. From Messra.
Dobbie & Co., Rothesay.

Poppy "glaueum "— The Tulip Poppy is well adapted
for edgings, as it is neat in growth, rarely exceeding
IS inches in height. It is of branching habit, and
displays beautifully shaped crimson flowers, blotched
with black at the base of each petal. From Messrs.
Dobbie «t Co , Messrs. Babu A Sons, and Messrs. Jas.
Vei ich & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea.
Highly Commended.
Poppy White Colossal.— Height, 2 feet 6 inches; up-
right habit. Flowers double, 5 inches across, white,
like a narrow petalled Begonia. From Messrs. Bark &
Sons.

Fippij MurseHi fl -pi., American Flag. — A strong-
growing variety, about 9 feet high, with double Carna-
tion-like flowers, white ground streaked and edged
with purple. From Messrs. Dobbie & Co.

Poppy Blush Cardinal Victoria (syc New Double Vic-
toria).—Height in inches. Plant of upright, sturdy
habit ; flowers double, pale pink. From Messrs.
DoniuE & Co.

Poppy " arenarimn." — Height IS inches. Plant of
slender habit, with scarlet flowers blotched with black
at the base of each petal. A contiuuou9 bloomer. From
Messrs. Doiiihe A Co.

MEETING OP THE CHAMBRE
SYNDICALE AT GHENT.

July 6.— At the meeting on the foregoing date of the
Chambre Syndicate des Hortlculteurs Bolgc9, the
following awards were made :— Certificates of Merit for
CattleyaGoossenslana var. magniilca (par acc(OmaKoii)i
C. Mossi;'- alba var. auperbiaainia (pm- acrtnmnlion), and
for C. Pnrthcnla var. uobillasima (C. flmbrlata x C

46

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 18, 1903.

Mossi;e), all from M. A. Peeters. of Brussels ; for C.
Mdssia>, from Mine. L. DE Hemptinne; C. Moasiie
Reineckiana, from the Marquia de Wavein (par accla-
mation) ; and for C. Mossiie Wagneri citrina (a Vunani-
mitt), and for C. Mendeli delicata— theae two plants
also from the Marquis de.Wayrin. Certificates were
alao allotted for Lielio-Cattleya (C. gigas x L. elegans
Turneri), from M. T. de Bievke, head gardener at
Laeken (a VunanimiK) ; for a group of C. Mendeli, from
M. M. Verdoncle (par acclamation el avec felicitations du
Jury); and for C. Mendeli, from the same exhibitor.

Floral Certificates were won by Oncidium pulvinatum,
from Mme. L. de Hemptinne ; and for Odontoglossum
Schlieperlanum, from MM. J. Vandeputte et Cie.

Honourable Mention was awarded for Trichopilia
coocinea, from MM. Pourbaix FeSres. of Mons ; and
for Aerides Wagneri, from the Marquia de Wavrin.

Certificates of Merit were awarded to Anthurium
Pourbaixi, from MM. Poubbaix Freres; double
Begonia Souvenir de Louia de Sniet, from M. P. Parre ;
for cut flowers of Dianthus barbatus, sent by M. F. Van
Deibssche (a VunanimiK) j and a similar award (par
acclamation) was awarded for cut flo wers of Dianthus
barbatus, with double llowers, sent by the same
exhibitor.

EALING HORTICULTURAL.

Jolt 8.— The thirty-ninth exhibition was held in the
Walpole Park on the above date, and, for the district,
there was a good display of plants, flowers, and fruits.
The weather was fine, in marked contrast to that of
last year, when the show was held at Gunnersbury
Park amid drenching rain.

Prizes open to all comers were for Rosea only, and
two trade competitors entered in both clasaes. Messrs.
G. & W. Burch, nurserymen, Peterborough, came
South with some very fine blooms indeed, and took the
1st prizes both for forty-eight and twenty- four blooms ;
Mr. 0. Turner, Royal Nursery, Slough, coming 2nd
in both classes. Such varieties aa Her Majesty,
Souvenir de President Carnot, Ulster, Antoine Ri-
voire, Marchioness of Londonderry, Gladys Harkness,
Bessie Brown, Frau Karl Druschki, Mildred Grant,
Muriel Grahame, White Lady, Medea, Madame J.
Ramey, and White Maman Cochet, were in flue char-
acter, and greatly pleased the local rosarians. Roses
shown by local growers were very good for the season.
The Society's Silver Cup for twenty- four blooms was
won by Mr. W. Owen (gr , Mr. R. Green).

Specimen plants were fair. Some good Fuchsias
were staged, both as bushes and standards. The best
specimen flowering plant was a fine Begonia corallina,
and the best foliage plant a good bush of Asparagus
plumosus. There were also some excellent table plants
from Mr. F. G. Gledstane's, Old Manor House, Gunners-
bury (Mr. F. Milsom, gr ), among them Leea amabilis, a
charming table plant, the leaves veined with silver on
a dark olive-green ground-a plant that appears to be
only imperfectly known ; it is a stove subject.

Some good black and white Grapes were shown by
Mr. MiLSOM.Jotherwiae the Fruit classes were weak -
while the vegetables grown by gardeners were dis-
tanced in quality by those produced by working-men
on the allotment gardens.

Mr. J. Hudson, gr., Gunnersbury House, sent blooms
of Nymphaja stellata, alao a deeper coloured Berlin
variety named W. Stone, and a large seedling from N
gigantea, with a number of very fine blooms of the
hardy varieties. Mr. Geo. Reynolds sent from
Gunnersbury Park a line group of flowering plants in
which Carnations and the blue - flowered Exac'uin
macranthum were delightful features.

Messrs. Feomow & Sons, nurserymen, Turnham
Green, had a large group of Japanese Acers, mingled
with white Lilies; and Mrs. H. B. Smith, Court florist
Ealing, had a collection of moat delightful designs in
flowers, which formed excellent object-lessons to the
ladies who exhibited in the foregoing classes.

Nymphaeia— Laydekeri, rosea, L. lilacea, L. purata.
Marliacea carnea, M. chromatella, Robinsoniana,
aurora, Andreana, &c. These are growing at the foot
of what is being converted into a wild or alpine garden.
The mansion contains many art treasures and trophies
of the chase. Under the quadrangle in front are many
tunnelled subways formerly used by smugglers, and
communicating with a series of caves adjoining, which
were explored by the party.

Combe Martin, an ancient market town, once the
headquarters of the local silver-mines, and now a
straggling fishing village, consisting of a single street
about two miles in length, was visited.

DEVON" & EXETER GARDENERS'.

July 8. -The annual summer outing of the Associa-
tion took place on the above date, about ninety
members, honorary members, and friends joining in a
journey to Watermouth Castle, the seat of Mr. C. H
Basset, formerly M.P. for Barnstaple, and Master of
the Devon and Somerset staghounds.

The castle, situated about five miles from Ilfracombe,
stands on an eminence overlooking the Bristol
Channel, with the Welsh coast and Lundy Island in
the distance. Mrs. Basset and her daughter (Mrs
Curzon) welcomed the party, and the latter, wiih Mr
Jamea Turner, the head gardener, accompanied the
viaitors on their walk through the gardens and grounds
Growing against a wall, in the open, a Citrua was
noted, with many large ripe fruits on it. Hard by were
two grand specimens of Acer polymorphuin atro-pur-
pureum, with Bambusa nobilia 20 ft. high near to them
Good examples of Chamwrops excelsa were noticed'
and of Halesia tetraptera. Bananas are well grown in
the houses; and in a pool were noted some good

CROYDON HORTICULTURAL.

July 8.— Held on the above date in the grounds of
Addiscombe Court, the residence of the Mayor. Un-
doubtedly the great feature of the show was the Roses,
as these nearly filled a big tent, and were in unusual
force.

Tfle most interesting competition was in the Amateur
class, for the new Challenge Vase, thirty six flowers
being staged This was won by A. Tate, Esq , Down-
side, Leatherhead (gr., W. Mease), with really very fine
blooms, one of which, Mrs. J. Laing, was awarded a
Silver Medal, as being the best in the exhibition. A
few other fine flowers were Francois Michelon, La
France, Her Majesty, Mildred Grant, Marie Baumann,
White Maman Cochet, and Dr. Andry. Mrs. T. B.
Haywood, Woodhatch, Reigate, was a good 2nd, her
gardener. Mr. C. J. Salter, having taken the Cup
wholly last year. But this lady had good ists in the
classes for twenty - four Rosea, fifteen Teas, six
trebles, and twelve of one variety, beautiful blooms
of Mrs. J. Laing. Mr. E. Mawley, of the National
Rose Society, was awarded a 1st in one class. Local
amateurs exhibited very largely. The trade figured
strongly alao ; Measrs. B. Cant & Sons, Colchester,
coming 1st with, forty - eight singles, having with
others Marie Verdier, Ulrich Brunner, Dupuy Jamain,
Mrs. J. Laing, La Havre, and Karl Druachki ; Messrs.
D. Peioe & Sons, Colchester, were 2nd ; Mesars. F.
Cant, Colcheater, 3rd. Messrs. B. Cant & Co. were
again 1st with twenty-four blooms.

Messra. D. Prioe & Sons were 1st with twelve of one
variety in fine blooms of Bessie Brown; Messrs. F.
Cant & Co. coming 2nd with very fine flowers of Karl
Druschki. In another class Messrs. F. Cant & Co.
were 1st with beautiful flowers of Mrs. E. Mawley.
Mr. Salter had the only lot of twenty-four bunches of
stove and greenhouae flowers ; a fine collection
of Orchids, Allamandas, Gloxinias, Pelargoniums,
Cannas, &c.

Sweet Peas were shown in remarkable abundance, as
also were hardy flowers in the numerous competitive
classes ; indeed, cut flowers were in unusual force.

Miscellaneous.

The horticultural trade, as is usual at shows, figured
largely, doing so very much to make another huge tent
most attractive. Messra. J. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill,
had a fine group of Palma and other foliage plants, set
on a base of brilliant Begonias ; and agalnat a back-
ground of hardy cut flowera. Mr. T. Butcher, Croydon,
had a somewhat similar plant group, which included
many fine Kalosanthes, Hydrangeas, Pelargoniums, etc.,
and also a table of floral decorative material. Mr. J. b!
Box, Croydon, put up a very effective bit of rockwork
and a superb lot of Besonias. Messrs. J. Jackmann &
Sons, Woking, and Messrs. Paul & Sons, Cheshunt, had
fine banks of cut Roses.

Messrs. T. Ware & Sons, Feltham, had quite a big
collection of hardy cut flowers. Mr. Amos Perry
Winchmore Hill, also had these, also a fine collection
of Nymphajas in water; and Messrs. H. Cannell &
Sons. Swanley, put up one of their unrivalled collec-
tions of Cannas, in a group and in small pots— all held
to be so easy to grow, yet singularly enough no one
attempts to r.val this firm in producing them.

Feuit
was moderately shown, the only collection of six
dishes coming from Col. Inglis, Reigate (gr., Mr.
Phillips), which comprised Black Grapes, Melona, Pine-
apples. Nectarinea, Figa, Peara, and Royal Sovereign
Strawberries.

The best White Grapes, very fine berried BucklaDd
Sweetwater, came from H. Pabteidge, Esq , Castle
Hill, Bletchingley (gr., Mr. Barber); Foster's Seedling
coming 2nd and 3rd.

With Black, Mr. Lintott, gr., Marden Park, was 1st
with well - finished Hamburgh ; Mr. Blueton, gr.,
Kingswood Warren, Banstead, was 2nd.

Mr. Lintott had a fine dish of Royal Sovereign
Strawberries; Mr. Barber coming 2nd with the same
variety.

Mr. Phillips had the finest dish of Tomatos, and
Mr. Barber, was 2nd.

Visitors crowded the tents and grounds during
the afternoon and evening.

Mr. ERoffey continues to be the affable and
courteous secretary.

ULVERSTON.

July 10.— A good show of Roses and the best of
music are attractions which have made this celebrated
Northern show a success every year. Throughout the
day the trains brought in crowds of visitors, and again
the " gate " was early assured. The exhibition was held
in Todbusk Park, the marquee erected covering a space
of 210 feet by 30 feet. Had the weather proved pro-
pitious on tlys previous week, the entries would have
exceeded those of any previous show at Ulverston, but
the gale was of so furious a kind as to render many
rosarians unable to compete.

In the Nurserymen'a 8ection, a very fine exhibit came
from Measrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, Newtownarda,
co. Down, who had truly marvelloua blooma in the
claaa for seventy-two distinct varieties. The best
blooms were those of Bessie Brown, Alice Lindsell, Dr.
Andry, Ulster, Frau Karl Druschki. Mrs. Conway Jones
(a fine novelty), Mildred Grant, Robert Scott (extra
fine), Mrs. D. McKee (a new yellow H.-T.), and A. K.
WilliamB.

For sixteen trebles and for thirty-six distinct va-
rieties they led the way with superb flowers of Lady
Ashdown (new), Gladys Harkness, Mildred Grant, Alice
Grahame, Alice Lindsell, Louis Van Houtte, Duchess
of Westminater, Horace Vernet, Guatave Piganneau,
Marchioness of Dufferin, and Besaie Brown. In the
latter class, Mr. H. V. Machin, Worksop, was 2nd
with flowers of much smaller size. - .

In the claas for eighteen distinct varieties, six dark,
six light, and six Teas, Messrs. Dickson" were 1st,
staging Lady Derby (new), Frau Karl Druschki,
Bessie Brown, Luciole, and Gladys Harkness ; Mr.
H. V. Machin was 2nd. Messrs. Dickson's Teas were
handsome. They had also the best twelve dark-
coloured Roses in Tom Wood, and the twelve light in
Mildred Grant, the best seedling in Lady Ashtown, a
beautiful variety.

The same firm of nurserymen won the Bronze Medal
for the best Rose in the show with Mildred Grant ;
Mrs. E. Mawley was their best Tea.

New Roses.

The New Rose class consisted of Alice Grahame,
Gladys Harkness, Duchess of Westminater, Lady Derby,
Robert Scott, Countess of Annesley, Mildred Grant,
Frau Karl Druschki, Duchess of Portland, and a seed-
ling. The Gold Medal was awarded them for points.
In almost every class Mr. Machin was very creditably
represented.

Amateurs made an imposing addition, the Gold Chal-
lenge Cup and National Rose Society's Medal going for
the second year in succession to F. W. Tattersall,
Morecambe, with blooms of fine quality, and in variety
similar to those previously mentioned. The Rev. R. T.
Langtree had an unusually even lot of eighteen dis-
tinct varieties ; and with Mr. Midley and Mr. Machin
honours were very evenly divided in the amaller
clasaea. Mr. Machin scored with six trusses of Gustave
Piganneau, the same variety winning for him the
Bronze Medal. Mrs. W. J. Grant was the best H. T.,
shown by Mr. Garnett.

The Ulverston District Challenge Cup was taken by
Mr. T. J. Harrison, Ulverston, and the Myles Wood-
burne Challenge Trophy by Mr. H. E. Johnson, for
Innocente Pirola.

Miscellaneous.

The J. Towers Challenge Trophy, value 20gs., for
Sweet Peas, brought out a splendid array, and Mr. Mark
Firth, .Leicester, won ; as he also did for twelve bunches.

For one of ten guineas Dr. Jackson proved victori-
ous. Hardy cut flowera from Meaara. A. Dickson &
Sons were excellent, as were the Sweet Peas from
Messrs. Bolton & 'ones ; and a group of Souvenir de
la Malmaison Carnations from Mr. Fenner, gr. to
Victor C. W. Cavendish, Esq., M.P., formed a striking
exhibit.

The onerous duties of arranging the ahow were abljr
carried out by the joint honorary secretaries, Messrs,
Mackereth and W. Poole. Orchid.

MANCHESTER HORTICULTURAL.

July 11.— Manchester is a noted horticultural centre,
holding some seven shows annually, and on the
llth inst. a very fine exhibition took place in the
Royal Botanical Gardens in that city. The creepers on
the roof of the spacious annexe scarcely afforded the
amount of shade required, and long stretches of
tiffany were put up, and aa the day was somewhat
overcast visitors were enabled to inspect the exhibits
in comfort.

Before proceeding to mention the exhibita, there is
an interesting tact to be recorded aa to the future of
the Manchester Botanic Gardens, and one that should
gladden the hearts of all who know the good work that
haa been carried on in them, and who have of late
years Been their future hanging in the balance. The
Stretford Council, in whose district they are situated
have been for some time in negotiation with the
Botanical Council, and at the luncheon over which Mr.
Alderman Gibson presided, Mr. F. Robinson, Chairman
of the District Council, said that there were two things

July 18, 1903. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

47

on which both parties were agreed, viz., that since 1829
the Society had done a grand work in forwarding the
study and spread of horticulture, and must continue to
do so, and also that the gardens must remain for ever
for the public benefit; and on these grounds the
Stretford Council were unanimous in promoting both
these ends.

Of the exhibition itself, we are able to speak in the
highest terms. The Roses this year have suffered in
Lancashire more from the weather than perhaps any
other outdoor flowers, and great was the surprise
afforded by the exhibits from Essex, Gloucestershire,
Herefordshire, Worcester, Berks, and the North of
Ireland, which entered the competition. Nor were the
Lancashire Roses greatly below the usual standard of
excellence, except that in several stands the blooms
were deficient in size and not of good form. In every
class competition was keen.

The class of sixty distinct varieties brought six com-
petitors, and the highest award fell to Messrs. Hahk-
ness & Co ., Hitchin, with a bright, varied stand of bold
blooms, the following being among the more promi-
nent varieties :— White Maman Cochet, Ulster, Mildred
Grant, Mine. Hoste, La France de '89, Mrs. E. Mawley,
Papa Lambert, Gustave Piganneau, Mrs. W. J. Grant,
Her Majesty, Medea, Marchioness o£ Londonderry,
Mrs. J. Laing, Duchess of Portland, and Frau Karl
Druschki. Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, New-
townards, co. Down, and Ledbury, were 2nd. Perhaps
the flowers from the Irish firm were not so heavy
as those from other sources ; the collection was
notable for containing the splendid new Rose Dean
Hole, a flower of a deep flesh-colour; Dr. Davison,
dazzling scarlet, shaded intense violet-crimson, and a
great acquisition ; and Mrs. D. McKee, a rich yellow
H.T. The blooms of Mildred Grant, Louis Van Houtte.
Lady Mary Filzwilliam, and Alphonse Soupert were
distinctly good. Messrs. F. Cant & Co., Colchester,
were 3rd.

Eight competitors showed in the class for thirty-six,
distinct; and here again Messrs. Hakkness led with
very superior flowers, those of Bessie Brown, Killarney,
Ulster, Ulrich Brunner, Gladys Harkness, Papa Lam-
bert, Gustave Piganneau, Her Majesty, and Frau Karl
Druschki being very conspicuous. Messrs. D. Prior &
Sons, Colchester, were 2nd, showing capitally.

The most brilliant class in the show was that for
twenty -four Teas or Noisettes, in which Messrs. F. Cant
& Co. were placed 1st by very few points. Exquisite
were the blooms of Etoile de Lyon, Francisca Kriiger,
Madame Hoste, Jean Ducher, White Maman Cochet,
Mrs. E. Mawley, Cleopatra, Comtesse de Nadaillac, and
Emilie Gonin. Mr. G. Prince, Farringdon. was 2nd.

There were nine competitors in the class for twelve
varieties of Tea Roses, the contest being this time in
favour of Mr. G. Prince for a very beautiful lot of
blooms.

There was in the classes for twelve single trusses the
same keen competition, and the quality, substance,
and colour of the blooms caused much admiration,
the award for twelve of any white or yellow falling to
Messrs. R. Harkness & Co., with White Maman Cochet;
for twelve crimson variety, to thelKiNG's Acre Nur-
sery Co., for A. K. Williams; and twelve any light
coloured to Messrs. Alex. Dickson &Sons, with superb
Mildred Grant. In this section Messrs. Alex. Dickson
& 8ons had the best H.P. or H.T. in Mildred Grant;
and Mr. Geoeue Prince had the best Tea in white
Maman Cochet.

Amateues.

Not less exciting was the contest waged in these
classes, the six boxes of twenty- four distinct varieties
being the equals of any in the exhibition. Mr. E.B.
Lindsell, Brearton, Hitchin, was 1st with blooms
which could scarcely be surpassed, and we especially
name Frau Karl Druschki, Horace Vernet, Dr. Andry,
Alice Lindsell, Gustave Piganneau, Muriel Grahame,
and Marchioness of Londonderry; Rev. J. H. Pem-
beeton, 2nd, had smaller high-coloured blooms.

Mr. Line-sell's flowers were of great merit in his 1st
prize stand of twelve blooms distinct ; Mr. R. Foley
Hours being 2nd.

For the best eighteen Teas or Noisettes Mr. Conway
Jones, Gloucester, carried off the honours in fine style
with scarcely a faulty bloom, Comtesse de Nadaillac,
Medea, Innocente Pirola, Elise Fugier, and souvenir
de S. A. Prince, being his finest; Mr. R. Foley Hobbs
was 2nd.

Mr. R. Pabk, Bedale, had a capital dozen of Teas or
Noisettes ; and for twelve blooms of any light-coloured
Rose Mr. R. Park was 1st with Bessie Brown; Rev.
J. H. Pemberton, for twelve white or yellow, was 1st
with Bessie Brown ; and twelve any crimson he was 1st
with Gustave Piganneau.

The display of garden Roses was not so good as usual,
and the 1st prize went to Mr. Jno. Mattock, Oxford!
Messrs. J. Townshend .t Sons had a canopy of well-
flowered Crimson Rambler and other interesting va-
rieties. By far the best lot of Mowers were shown by
Mr. Prince, who was 3rd.

Mr. Mattock had the best twelve bunches of button-
bole Koses.

-Messrs. Perkins, of Coventry, were 1st for three
bouquots with Niphetos, Sunrise, and Catherine Mer-

met. The basket from the same exhibitors was light
and graceful to a degree, the ilowers and foliage of
Sunrise harmonising perfectly.

Sweet Peas.

Manchester has long been in the front in Sweet Pea
culture, and improvements in the flower were noted in
all directions, Mr. J. Derbyshire, of Hale, gaining the
Silver Medal for the best collection of these flowers ;
and Dorothy Eckford, Hon. Mrs. Kenyon, Lord Rose-
bery, Coccinea, Gracie Greenwood, and several new
seedlings of great merit were observed. He was also
1st for twelve distinct varieties ; whilst for twenty-five
varieties Mr. F. Smith staged many admirable vases.

A grand feature of the show was 100 vases of Sweet
Peas from Messrs. Jones & Sons, Shrewsbury, the
Silver-gilt Medal being a somewhat inadequate reward.

Messrs. Caldwell & Sons, Knutsford, had a
charming collection of hardy herbaceous perennials,
alpine, and bulbous plants; and Messrs. Pilling, of
Hyde, and Pattison, of Shrewsbury, a large display of
Violas.

There was also a magnificent Lilium auratum from
Mr. J. W. Williamson, of Stretford, a model of good
cultivation.

There was a fashionable attendance throughout the
day, and an admirable military band provided the
outdoor attraction. Orchid,

SOCIETE FRANCAISE D'HORTI-
CULTUBE DE LONDRES.

July 11.— On Saturday afternoon last the members of
this Society richlyenjoyedavisittothefamous vineries
of Mr. Peter Kay, of Finchley. Led by their President
and founder, Mr. George Schneider, and Mr. W. O.
Hiehle, they journeyed from Broad Street to Church
End Railway Station, where they were met by Mr. Thos.
Bevan, and piloted to and through the vineries.

Many of our readers know something of the Grapes
grown at Finchley, but it is interesting to record the
fact that Mr. Kay has more than 20 aores of glass, and
nearly all of this is devoted to the culture of the Vine.
The only other crops are Tomatos and Cucumbers, and
these in comparison with the Grapes are small. Not
only are Grapes the principal crop in this great area
of glass, but even of Grapes, only three varieties are
cultivated. These are Canon Hall Muscat (a Grape that is
never seen better than at Finchley), Black Alicante,
and Gros Colmar. The young Frenchmen, also others
of several nationalities (including a son of the head
gardener of the King of Italy), and a few English
friends, inspected most of the houses, and noted the
excellent appearance of the Vines, from the Muscats
already ripe to the latest batch of Gros Colmar for sale
next winter.

Another very interesting feature at Finchley is the
system adopted for preserving the water supply. Some
years ago, Mr. Kay informed the party, the water
question was a very serious one. He found that it was
necessary to pay the water companies from £700 to £800
a year, albeit there was an average rainfall of 29 inches.
■He set to work and dug out a pit, pud lied the bottom
of It, and converted it into a lake to contain the water
which fell upon the 20 acres of glass. From the lake a
supply is allowed to run into a smaller reservoir, and
it is then pumped up into a water-tower, from which it
has a fall over the entire nursery, there being an
excellent suppy in every house, and pipes and hose
wherewith to apply it. The water thus saved has
proved sufficient for the needs of the place, and there
is the additional advantage to that of economy, in that
the plants are a Horded nothing but rain-water.

After attention had been given to these and other
object - lessons, Mr. and Mrs. Kay entertained the
company of about fifty persons upon the lawn adjoining
the residence, and a very pleasant time indeed was
spent. President Loubet's visit to London having just
terminated, this cordial hospitality to a Society of
Frenchmen in London seemed doubly appropriate.
Mrs. Kay, in French, proposed the health of the
President; and Mr. Schneider, in English, that of
the King; then were sung the National Anthems
of both countries. Mr. Kay toasted the Society,
and Mr. Schneider gave some particulars of the
useful work the Society is doing in bringing to-
gether in social intercourse young Frenchmen who
come to this country and remain for a year, or perhaps
two years. There were many other speeches made, in-
cluding one of much interest by Mr. Hunt, formerly
Secretary of the Wellington Horticultural Society In
New Zealand, who described the conditions under
which land may be obtained in that colony.

It may be hoped that other proprietors of such
establishments may invite the Society to spend a
Saturday afternoon with them ; the privilege will be
greatly appreciated. The company dispersed with
feelings of gratitude to Mr. Kay for his kindness,
and many will remember for some time to come
the home-made Grape-wine he offered them. English
Grape wine evidently is made at Finchley as well as at
Cardiff, but in the former ease the Grapes used are
produced in glasshouses, whilst those at Cardiff are
from out-of-door vineyards.

THE REVIVAL OP THE CO-OPERA-
TIVE FLOWER SHOW.

It will be in the remembrance of many that a series
of extensive flower shows was organised and carried
out for a number of years at the Crystal Palace by the
Agricultural and Horticultural Association. The series
came to an end in 1901, owing to the discontinuance by
the railway companies of the cheap travelling facilities
offered to those attending the Festival, which also
operated materially to diminish the number of entries
from members of provincial co-operative societies. Pro-
bably there were very few exhibitions held about the
country on which so much human interest centred
as in the case of this particular one. Last year the
Executive of the Festival organised a small flower-show;
this year operations in this direction were considerably
extended, with the result that a schedule of prizes of
some eighty-two classes was issued, and they were
divided into three sections of about an equal number
of classes.

The classes were, on the whole, easy, and of plants,
zonal Pelargoniums, Ferns, Coleus, Fuchsias, and
Petunias some very fine specimens were staged, Musks,
Harrison's in particular, being finely developed. Of
annuals in pots, the most effective were Lavateras,
Convolvulus minor, Schizanthus, Mignonette, Calliop-
sis coronata, and Phlox Drummondi. Cut flowers
were represented by some of the best things in bloom
in the open ground just now; there were very good
Sweet Peas, and, considering the season, very good
Roses in a few cases, the common fault evidently being
to cut them too old. Fruit was fairly well shown, and
there were some very good vegetables ; but in every
section the average was satisfactory.

A large collection of cut flowers in great variety was
sent as a miscellaneous exhibit by Messrs. J. Cheal &
Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley, to which a Cer-
tificate of Merit was awarded ; and the same award
fell to Smith's Nursery, Crown Hill, Upper Norwood,
who bad a similar exhibition; and also to a collection
of interesting Cacti, from some person whose name
did not transpire.

A new Sweet Pea, of pale flesh-colour, bearing four
flowers on a stem in seventy-five cases out of a
hundred, and named Gladys Unwin, was shown by
Mr. J. Unwin, Histon, Cambridgeshire.

It is intended to materially increase the schedule of
prizes for next year.

Danger to Animals from Poisonous

SPRAYS.— In the Pharmaceutical Journal for
April 11 last, Mr. Henry Joh nson directed atten-
tion to the danger to animal life arising from
the use of arsenical weed-killers and similar
prepaiations. Subsequently the Morning Post
expressed the hope that the question might soon
be definitely settled whether wild animals would
eat foliage after it had been sprayed with
poisons, and whether the fact of their doing so
would be injurious. In an editorial note which
appeared in the Journal for April 25, at p. GOO,
it was stated that the answer was self-evident,
but it was suggested that chemists and druggists
residing in the country should collect evidence in
support of the contention that the use of poison-
ous sprays does constitute a danger to animal
life. So far, the chemists and druggists of the
country have not forwarded any information to
" headquarters " on the point, but conclusive
evidence has been supplied by Vice-Consul A.
W. W. Woodhouse (Nicolaieff), who, in a report
dealing chiefly with agriculture in South Russia,
writes as follows :—" Locusts are again appearing
in large numbers. Successful attempts were
made by an entomologist last June to poison
some fields by sprinkling them with a solution of
1 lb. of Paris-green to 15 gallons of water. The
larvie, which were in the second and third stages
at the time, were nearly all found dead by the
evening of the third day. Care must bo taken to
keep sheep and cattle from such poisoned fields,
as on the occasion in question some stray animals
were poisoned a week after the experiment. . . .
The Siberian marmot still requires attention, as
although its numbers have been sensibly reduced
by poisons and traps, it continues to occupy a
prominent position among the farmers' enemies.
The poison used is arsenic, with which grain is
treated and dropped into the marmot holes. The
trapping process is the better one, as useful
birds are not endangered thereby j itisenforoed
by the rural administration." The Pharmaceutical
Journal, July 11, 1908.

48

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

iJoLY 18, 1903.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

■ —

Acer Variegated : W. L. There are two
reasons for the production of green leaves — 1,
the green leaves may come from the stock on
which the variegated form has been budded ;
2, the variegated leaves frequently revert to
the normal green condition.

Apple : Mr. Henderson. The variety is Sturmer
Pippin, well grown and finished, which in a
great measure accounts for the good condition
in which it has kept till this date. It would
be interesting to know the conditions under
which the fruit has been kept. We cannot
say much for the flavour. If there were no
good foreign Apples in the market perhaps
these would be acceptable. The fruit sent
might do for culinary purposes.

Arbre d'Amour : What tree is meant by this
name ? C [The Judas tree, Cercis siliquas-
trum, is sometimes called the " Love Tree " in
England. Ed.].

A Weedy Lawn : F. B. D. G. — Not much may
be done at this season, but you might spud
out, that is, lift with a clawed spud all the
Thistles, Ranunculus (Buttercups), Dandelions,
Plantains, and deep-rooted plants generally,
filling in the holes left by the withdrawals with
heavy loam, putting a pinch of grass seed of
good quality on each, and beating it into the
surface with the back of a spade. If there are
many Daisies, these ought to be drawn out
where most numerous sprinkling loam over the
patches. Encourage the growth of the grasses by
occasionally applying " Watson's Lawn Sand."
If there is not much improvement noticed by
the autumn, it will be advisable to manure
and dig the soil one spit deep, and sow the
best lawn grasses then or in early spring.

Bamboos, best Time for Shifting : M. We
have found early May the best time to shift
Bamboos (Metake included). The point is to
do it just when there are indications of new
growth, not before. They very often shrivel
and look badly afterwards, especially if a dry
spell sets in ; but we have never found that
the underground part of the plant suffers, and
towards the end of the summer the upper part
gets furnished. If you take off side-pieces with
very little root the business is more risky, and
in that case it is best to pot ,up the rhizomes
and establish in heat. After transplanting
they should be kept watered, and if possible
syringed in dry weather. W. J. B.

Campanulate Foxgloves : P. J. R. A very fre-
quent occurrence, and referred to in this
column as recently as last week.

Cherries Dropping : X. T. Z. The flowers were
not properly set owing to cold and ungenial
weather — only too common this year. It is not
a disease.

Chrysanthemum Leaves : P. J. P. The cater-
pillars had escaped; syringe the plants with
Quassia- water.

Cucumber Going Off : Pasque. Material sent
quite insufficient.

Cucumber Plants going off: C. J. D. The
material sent is insufficient, and you should
send large pieces of the bine, full-grown leaves,
and a few main roots, and sample of the soil the
plants are growing in.

Cyphomandra betacea : Damman 8c Co. A

bunch of the fruits was figured in the Gar-
deners' Chronicle for March 10, 1887, p. 383,
and a tree growing in the Temperate house,'
Royal Gardens, Kew, in the issue for Feb 18
1899, p. 105.

Gloxinia : /. W. F. The variety of which you
send a specimen was formerly common. It is
due to an outgrowth from the normal corolla.

Grapes: Lady E. The spot disease all too
common. It is due to a fungus called Glaeos-
porium. Burn all the affected berries so far as
possible. Try spraying with a 10 to 15 per
cent, solution of sulphate of iron in the winter,
before the leaves expand. Bordeaux Mixture
might be used as a preventative in the same
way. Take care not to use it when the leaves
begin to expand, unless very weak.

Latin Motto : W. H. A. The words Prosunt
gentibus artes may be translated " The arts are
beneficial to the nations."

Melon : P. B. You have not read your Gardeners'
Chronicle attentively, or you would know how
terribly prevalent this disease is. You can do
nothing in the way of cure now, but you may
prevent it by turning out the soil and burning
the diseased plants. Do not plant again in the
same pit. The Grapes have probably split
from excess of water and lack of ventilation,
perhaps from the excessive rainfall lately.

Mice and Voles : J. W. K. Do not use poison
against the creatures, or dogs, cats, poultry,
pheasants, &c, may be killed by it j but keep a
cat or two, and make use of traps constantly.
If you are living in the country do not kill
owls, hawks, and carrion crows, and only
destroy stoats and weasels if you keep fowls.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
H. J. Tuppen. Eucalyptus globulus. — F. W.
We cannot name varieties of Roses ; your
specimen had fallen to pieces. — A. B. R. 1,
Thalictrum minus; 2, Calycanthus occidentalis ;

3, Saponaria vaccaria ; 4, Sedum Ewersii ; 5, S.
spurium ; 6, Lamium purpureum ; 7, Lychnis
sps. — A. W. 1, Erigeron philadelphicum ; 2,
Hieraciumaurantiacum ; 3, Chenopodium bonus
Henricus. The Currants and Cherry specimens
shall be examined. — R. M. The Begonia leaves
are disfigured by mites (Tarsonymus) ; dip
them into tobacco-water. — Correspondent {red
card-board box without name). Bignonia spe-
ciosa and seed-vessel ; Habenaria bifolia ; Per-
nettya mucronata. — W. S. 1, Gingko biloba
(Maidenhair tree) ; 2, Fraxinus excelsior,
golden - leaved variety ; 3, Hieracium auran-
tiacum ; 4, Stenactis speciosa ; 5, Pyrethrum
parthenium, double white; 6, Tradescantia
virginica. — C. P. Polygonum convolvulus, a
troublesome weed. — E. M. B. 1, Phoenix dacty-
lifera ; 2, Adiantum cuneatum ; 3, Adiantum
hispidulum ; 4, Gymnogramma ochracea ; 5,
Pteris tremula ; 6, Dracaena intermedia. — F. H.
1, Rosa Blairii, n. 2; 2, Cupressus funebris
in juvenile stage ; 3, Trachelium coeruleum ;

4, Statice Armeria ; 5, Anthericum lineare varie-
gatum ; C, The yellow flower, Celsia cretica. —
No name. Stanhopea Devoniensis ; two garden
varieties of Begonia sub-peltata ; Saxifraga
umbrosa serratifolia, and Lilium Thunbergia-
num elegans. Why not number the specimens ?
— H. 8. Yes, your Clerodendron has a fungus
on it. You must please remember that it is
no part of our duty to name plants for you,
though we are desirous to oblige so far as we
can consistently with our proper work. Con-
sidering that you send no fewer than eighteen
specimens, instead of six only, we think you
should send us a small contribution for the
Gardeners' Orphan Fund. 1, Centaurea mon-
tana ; 2, Alstroemeria aurea ; 3, Deutzia crenata,
double ; 4, Pseudotsuga Douglasi, the Douglas
Fir ; 5, Hedera Rcegneriana ; 6, Hedera helix
digitata ; 7, Colutea arborescens ; 8, Spiraea
Douglasi ; 9, not recognised ; 10, Lychnis chale-
donica, double flowers ; 11, Aubrietia deltoidea ;
12. Phlox frondosa ; 13, Phlox divaricata ;
14, Linaria reticulata ; 15, Thalictrum flavum ;
16, Stenactis speciosa; 17, Helenium autum-
nale ; 18, Rudbeckia sp. — Oliver. Buddleia va-
riabilis ; Veronica Traversii. — N. F. P. Spiraea
trilobata ; Saxifraga geum, so far as we can
tell without flowers. — G. H. S. 1, Sonchus sp.
probably — no flower left ; 2, Senecio Hodgsoni ;
3, Galega orientalis ; 4, Lathyrus sylvestris ;

5, Senecio sibirica ; 0, Centaurea macrocephala ;
7, Stachys (Betonica) grandiflora ; 8, Silene
Armeria ; 9, Sanguisorba sp. — R. S. Q. 1, Genista
alata ; 2, Acaena novae zelandias ; 3, Viola
cornuta ; 4, Silene, withered ; 5, Dianthus
caesius ; 6, Sanguisorba ; 7, Acaena ; 8, Arabis
lucida variegata. — A. F. Pyrethrum parthe-
nium, double-flowered variety. — /. M. Trache-
lium coeruleum. — MissC. Allium moly. — W. B.
sends 3s. for Gardeners' Orphan Fund, which
we acknowledge with thanks. 1, Anacyclus
radiatus ; 2, Pelargonium quercifolium ; 3, a
Linaria ; 4, Leptospermum laevigatum ; 5, Eri-
geron philadelphicus ; 0, Aster alpinus, white

variety. The specimens were much withered
when received. If you will send better speci-
mens, we will try to make better guesses. —
C. G. Gladiolus communis. — R. B. G. Lathyrus
magellanicus.

Nurserymen at Cape Town : Constant Reader.
Chas. Ayres, R. Johnson, Rondebosch, and
R. Templeman.

Onions Diseased : Anxious, Boston. Onion mil-
dew. Destroy all affected plants, and do not
sow on land once affected.

Peaches Dropping : A. C. D. The fruits sent
for inspection have the stone split, allowing
moisture to enter and set up decay in the
kernel. This splitting may have been caused
by some check, such as abundance of water
afforded the border after a long period of
drought will cause. It often happens that
the gardener allows the soil to get unduly dry
during the winter and early spring, and then
affords a deluge. The soil should be kept
moderately moist at those seasons.

Plants of Pteris, Calanthe, Catt.leya, As-
paragus, doing Badly : E. P. C, Chester.
The various plants are suffering from being
grown under unsuitable conditions. The
Orchid pseudo-bulb and leaf is Maxillaria
rufescens.

Portable Central Staging for a Glass-
house : Reader. The sort of staging most
convenient for removal should be made in
sections 10 feet long and 3 feet broad, and
as supports to have trestles made with four
legs each, and of the required height. The
sections of the staging may readily be kept in
position by having cross-pieces 2 inches deep
nailed on to them about 2 inches from the ends,
and the top of each trestle made 4 inches in
width to serve as bearings. Dowls may be let
into the latter, and holes to correspond cut out
with the centre-bit on the under side of the
staging. Let the staging be made of red deal,
primed with red-lead paint, and painted twice
with white lead. The trestles may be made of
the same kind of wood, or any hard wood, and
should be painted of some neutral tint, so as
to be as little conspicuous as possible. Any
country carpenter would furnish an estimate.

Potato : Ed. W. We are unable to name the
tuber.

Potatos : J. T. S. We can see nothing to account
for the buds remaining dormant. It is due to
some " idiosyncrasy " in the particular tuber
which we cannot account for.

Red Currant Leaves and Morello Cherries
Falling : A. W. Septoria ribis is injuring the
Red Currant - leaves, and Gnomonia erythro-
stoma has killed the Cherry-leaves. The surest
remedy is to remove all dead and injured leaves
in both cases, and burn them. Thoroughly
drench the trees during the early spring,
before the buds begin to swell, with a solution
containing 1 lb. of sulphate of iron in 5 gallons
of water. G. M.

Refrigerating Establishment : M. F. We
suppose you refer to a description of the cold
room at Messrs. Thomas Rochford & Sons' nur-
series, which was published in the Gardeners'
Chronicle for Nov. 3, 1900.

Supposed Mealy-bug on Ivy : F. W. Church.
The insect is Lichtensia viburni, a species of
Coccid allied to the brown scales of the genus
Lecanium. It is an extremely local insect in
this country, feeding exclusively on Ivy and
Laurustinus, but it does not cause any appre-
ciable harm to its food-plants. The female is
naked up to the time of egg-laying, when she
covers her body with a thick sac of white wax,
in which she lays her eggs, and dies.

Communications Received.— J. D. C— H. Bo3hier—
W. H -F. W. B.— W. E. G.— W. W.-J. K. J— Koyal
Gardens, Kew.— J. K.— A. J. Cook.— J. Snell.-J. T. 8.
-A. B.-S. C.-R. J. L.-W. E M.-E. C. Uoyd.-J. B.
— C. Jones.— L. W. C. — London County Council.—
A. D.-E. K.-H. H. D'Ombrain.— G. O.— E. J.— Ed. M.
— W. A. C— Maurice & Co. -S. D. & Co.— Dicksons —
M. Krcemar.

(For Markets and Weather, see p. x.)

Supplement to the " Gardeners' Chronicle."

AUUUM ALBOP1LOSU.M (C. If. Wright): FLOWERS DEEP LlLAC, FROM MESSRS. VAN TUBERGEN.

Bra.ibitr*, Agnem <■> Co . lot.. PrtHttr*. London and Tonbrttpr.

July 25, 1903.

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

49

THE

(Sanktttrs' djtottkk

No. 865.— SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Abel, Dr., death of ...

Alyssum spinosum ...

Begonia corallina

Birmingham Botanic
Garden

Books, notices of—
Handbuch des Laub-
holz-Benennung ...
Le Livre d'Or dea

Roses

X/QSlllet a, la Grande

Fieur

Newquay : the Vale
of Lanherne and
Perranzabuloe
The Wild Garden ...

Bramble, life-history
of the

Cambridge Botanic
Garden

Carnation Francis
Samuelson ... 53,

Carnation Souvenir de
la Malmaison in the
Market

Carnations at Leighton
House, Westbury ...

Carnations, cultivation
of, in the u. States ...

China, Mr. Wilson's
arrival in

Cistus ladaniferus

Conifers, laticiferous
tubes in

Conservatory in the
Royal Botanic So-
ciety's garden

Cricket match, coming

Cropping of land con-
tinuously with one
kiud of plant

Evelyn Club

Farmer, the, and scien-
tific knowledge

Fulham Parkextension

•Gardens of the Val ican,
the

Gardeners' dinner, the

Horticultural Science
Kew, notes from
Landowner, a generous

Lilies

Market gardening
Melon and Cucumber

leaf-spot

Mole, a plea for the ...
Motor lawn-mower, a ..
Oaks at Waverley,

US.A. ...

Palms in Queensland...
Plants, destruction of,

in Aberdeen

Plants, new or note-
worthy—

Crinum Lugardse ...
Plants scatter their

seeds, how

Poa annua

Roses at the Antipodes
Rubus, the species of...
Saxifraga oppositifolia

eaten by birds
Societies —

Formby Hort.

Horticultural Club
(annual outing) ...

Manchester Orcnid .

National Carnation
and Picotee

NationalChrysanthe-
mum (annual out-
ing)

Royal Horticultural.
Strawberry-Grape, the
Strawberries, late
Sugar-Cane experi-
ments

Sweet Peas

Week's work, the—

Aciary, the

Flower garden, the...

Fruits under glass ...

Hardy fruit garden

Kitchen garden, t lie

Orchid-houses, the,..

Plants under glass...

ILLUSTRATIONS.

-Arehontopfccenix Cunningham! in Brisbane Botanic
Gardens

Humphreys, Thomas, portrait of

Latham, William Bradbury, portrait of

Motor Lawn-Mower, a

Nympha»agigantea

Oaks at Waverley, U S.A

View in the conservatory in the Royal Botanic
Society's Garden (Supplement).

ROSES AT THE ANTIPODES.

IT has been sometimes said as a matter
of reproach that we are very insular,
and carry our customs and ideas and habits
of thought with us wherever we go ; but the
world is much smaller than it used to be,
and sons and daughters of the Old Country
are now to be found in large numbers in
Australia and New Zealand, and it is no
uncommon thing to hear of them taking a
trip home without much thought of its diffi-
culties and dangers, where formerly it was
'•a question of a six months' voyage, which
was never contemplated without a shudder.
Amongst those things which we have
■carried with us to the Colonies has been
-our love of flowers — a love which has greatly
increased within the last few decades ; and
surely it is a very happy thing that we can
point to this as a very strong proof of the
unity of the Empire ! I myself have many
relations in the Antipodes— my only sur-
viving brother lives in Australia. He is a
devoted student of Nature, and in his home
at Melbourne he has a small zoological
garden ; and some of his children have in
■them that love of flowers which has been so
great a pleasure and comfort to those of
their relations who have stayed in the Old

Country. One of my nieces from time to
time sends me a paper showing what they
are doing with regard to the culture of the
Rose, and has lately forwarded me one
containing an account of a plebiscite which
has been held at Melbourne, in which it has
endeavoured to inform lovers of the Kose in
the colony, and who have been engaged in
its culture, what they consider the best
Roses to grow ; and it is interesting to
notice the agreements and disagreements
between such a list and that which the
National Kose Society has given as the best
Roses to grow in our own country.

Climate has, of course, a great deal to
do with this, and we see some Roses
assuming a topmost rank which we should
not assign to them here at home ; not that we
differ from them as to the value of the
Roses, but simply because in our climate
we cannot manage them. Take one notable
example. In their selection of the best
twelve, Cloth of Gold takes its place. Now I
suppose that there is not a grower in this
country who would not like to include this
in his list, but that he knows that his doing
so would be but a fraud on his fellow-
rosarians. There are only a few places
where it can be grown successfully; but in
the bright climate of Australia, where it
has not to encounter such enemies as frost
and snow, I can well understand that this,
the finest of all yellow Roses, occupies a pro-
minent place. Yet perhaps there are some
places where it might be tried even here,
only that people are afraid of its uncertainty.

The National Rose Society has been the
means of forging a link between the Mother
Country and her daughters. Affiliated
societies have been formed both in Aus-
tralia and New Zealand, and both the Gold
and Silver Medals have been competed for
and awarded in those colonies.

In dealing with the list furnished by the
Melbourne Society it is well to bear in mind
that it does not confine itself to exhibition
flowers. We are told that the correspondents
were asked to consider the' Roses asked for
as those which could be recommended for
their all-round gardening qualities of hardi-
ness, freedom of blooming, variety of shape
and colour, and habit of growth, and hence
the list which has been selected by the
very numerous growers must not be taken
up as a guide to us here at home, and which
will be seen at once when I give the names
of those selected. Besides Cloth of Gold
already mentioned, there are La France,
Maman Cocaet, White Maman Cochet,Marc-
chal Niel, Devoniensis, Bouton d'Or, Wil-
liam Allen Richardson, Reine Marie Hen-
riette, Prince Camille de Rohan, Safrano,
and Bridesmaid. Bouton d'Or, a Rose of
which we know little in this country, seems
to find favour there: with us it is too full,
so that it is very difficult to get it to open,
although in the hotter climate of Lyons,
where it was raised by J. B. Guillot in 1867,
it is a very charming Rose ; and so in the
warmer climate of Australia it is'no wonder
it is found as a favourite. Again, that
grand Rose, Man'ohal Niel, is hardly suit-
able for out-of-door cultivation at home,
except in the warmer parts of our isle, and
therefore we do not wonder at the high
place it takes among Australian cultivators;
again, it is interesting to find that some of
our best exhibition Roses are contained in
the list of twelve furnished by the Society

of Melbourne, where we find Mrs. John
Laing, Maman Cochet, White Maman Co-
chet, Prince Camille de Rohan, and Brides-
maid, one of the numerous sports from
Catherine Mermet. Again, William Allen
Richardson, that universal favourite, is put
down among the twelve best Roses, not, be
it remembered, as exhibition, but as best
all-round Roses. I should almost expect to
find Crimson Rambler contained in the list,
but it is not included.

Accompanying this list there are some
very sound and practical observations on
culture, and it is evident that the multi-
plication of Roses by cuttings, which has
never taken a very deep hold of our
home Rose growers, is followed in Aus-
tralia with a good deal of keenness; and of
course the climate, without the rigours of
our winters, is favourable for this method of
culture. And I think we may bid all our
fellow - rosarians in Australia to go on
earnestly in the culture of our favourite, and
hope that they may furnish us from time
to time with some account of their progress.
Wild Hose.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CRINUM LUGARD.E, N. E. Brown («. sp.).

This new Crinum is a very distinct one, cha-
racterised by its comparatively small bulb and
long, narrow, deeply channelled green (not glau-
cous), leaves, rough along the margins. It was
discovered on the Kwebe Hills, near Lake Ngami,
in the dry interior of Southern Africa, by Mis.
E. J. Lugard, who presented a bulb to the Royal
Gardens, Kew, where it has recently flowered.
A coloured drawing of it, however, has long been
in the Kew collection, made by Mr. T. Baines at
Koobies ( Kobis) , which is also in the region of
Lake Ngami. Its nearest ally appears to be C.
Rautenenianum, Schinz, but it differs in having
smaller flowers and a smaller bulb, which latter,
according to a note on Mrs. Lugard's label accom-
panying a dried specimen, only attains to about
" 6 inches in circumference."

The following are its specific characteristics : —
Bulb small, If to 2 inches in diameter, ovoid, with
a neck 2 to 3 inches long. Leaves 1J to 2 J feet
long, i to | inch broad, linear, acute, deeply con-
cave, channelled down the face, minutely scabrous
along the margins, otherwise glabrous, deep green,
not at all glaucous. Scape 4 to 12 inches long,
erect, slightly compressed, two to six-flowered.
Bracts If to 3 inches long, the outer .f to j inch
broad, oblong-lanceolate, acute, with inrolled mar-
gins, the inner linear or linear-filiform. Pedicels
almost none or up to \ inch long. Ovary ellip-
soid, J to J inch long. Perianth-tube 3J to
4- inches long, slender, cylindric, curved, gradu-
ally (or according to a drawing, abruptly) passing
into the funnel-shaped limb, green ; segments
3 to 3 J inches long, 6 to 10 lines broad, lanceo-
late, revolute at the tips, white, with a rather
light pink median stripe, and a thickened green
apical point. Ar. E. Brown.

CHINA.

The rich collection of specimens acquired in
China by Mr. E. H. Wilson, on behalf of Messrs.
James Veitch & Son, will be remembered with
great interest by all those who had the oppor-
tunity of seeing them in the spring of the present
year at the Royal Horticultural Society. The
publication of new species in the Botanical
Magazine and in our own colums will have also
attracted the attention of plant - lovers. So
successful was Mr. Wilson in his collection and
transmission of valuable and interesting plants

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 25, 1903.

that he was again despatched to Central China
and it is confidently to be expected that the
diligence and skill of the collector, no less than
the intelligence and enterprise of his employers,
will be rewarded by the introduction of yet more
wonders and novelties. What collectors have to
go through may be illustrated by the following
extract from a letter of Mr. E. H. Wilson just
received, for which we are indebted to the
courtesy of Messrs. Veitch.

" Chungking.

" I have much pleasure in reporting my safe
arrival at the above city. I left Ichang on the
evening of April 24, and arrived here on the
afternoon of the 21st inst. The voyage, though
long and tedious, was free from any serious
accident to ourselves or boat. We had one man
drowned and several injured from falls, but this
is only the usual thing. No part of the river
above Ichang is free from danger, and some of
the rapids are frightful. My boat's crew con-
sisted of twenty-four men — seven on the boat,
and seventeen ashore to pull her along. At all
the rapids extra men are engaged; at the worst
rapid, the Yeh Tan, it took nearly a hundred
men to haul my boat over (large cargo boats
employ 200 and upwards). At this rapid, where
we lay for the best part of a day, I watched ten
boats hauled over ; of these ten, three were
wrecked. The first was a total wreck, and sank
almost immediately ; I could not see how many
men went down in her. The second had a hole
knocked in her bottom, and was with difficulty
beached. The third lost her rudder. We had
eleventh turn, and got over safely.

" Immediately we were over, a small boat with
five men in attempted to cross, capsized, and two
of the five were drowned. Boats are wrecked and
life lost every day at this river, and the people
maintain a calm indifference. Life is cheap in
this part of the world ! Small red boats are
stationed at the foot of all the bad rapids. The
duty of these boats is to save all life they can,
pick up all bodies, encoffin and bury them. It is
a splendid service — the best philanthropic in-
stitution I know of in China. I botanised when-
ever I could get ashore en route, but saw nothing
fresh of horticultural value, and very little new
to me botanically."

BULB GARDEN.

LILIES.

Mr. Williamson, on p. 14 of the Gardeners'
Chronicle for July 11, speaks of a finely-developed
Lilium auratum that is giving three stems and a
large array of buds. Your correspondent obviously
would prefer a smaller number possessed of
normal quality, as the hint of a reduced number
distinctly implies. Indeed, these fasciated forms
are not usually beautiful, rather do they but
minimise the greater beauty of that grand hill
Lily of Japan to which Mr. Williamson refers.
Writing of this species in particular, one's
thoughts revert to the superb central group of
Liliuui auratum platyphyllum (Shirley variety)
included in the Messrs. Wallace's hardy plant
group at the recent Holland House Show. Pass-
ing notice was made of this finely-developed form
in the report of the meeting in question (see
Gardeners' Chronicle, June 27, p. 421). In all its
forms L. a. platyphyllum is really a superb Lily,
and the one in question a veritable prince even
among them. To give a better general idea of
the plant in question, we may say the flower is
virtually that of L. a. virginale, though more
widely spread perhaps, and more massive and
imposing generally. If we touch on the stature
of the variety, we have none save the variety
platyphyllum with which to compare it, and
indeed it is just a fine form of this with a flower
of great purity. Happily in the platyphyllums,

as a rule, we have vigour greatly superior to the
typical auratums, and markedly so when we come
to compare the permanent characteristics of the
two. And it is just this desirable point that
distinguishes the Shirley variety. Not only was
there exhibited a plant 0 feet or more in height,
but there was good leafage nearly to the rim of
the pot. Good roots at the base of the stem
account for the extra vigour of these plants, and
that is the key to the whole matter. Perhaps
the most important information imparted at
Holland House Show was that the entire stock of
bulbs have been raised from a single bulb
purchased a dozen years ago.

Speaking of Lilies in general, it is worthy of
mention that many fine groups may now be seen
at Kew in the border, sandwiched between the
rock garden and the herb ground. Indeed one or
two species, L. candidum and L. testaceum, are
very good. Of each many groups may be found
in the border, and in one or two of L. testaceum
I counted the other day from a dozen to fifteen
stems of about 6 feet in height, and bearing eight
or nine flowers each. L. candidum, too, was very
fine.

L. testaceum is extremely strong and vigorous,
the rather dark-coloured stems well furnished
with foliage, and the plants comparatively free
from disease. The plant will usually succeed in
rather heavy loam, and this, if of good quality, is
preferable to soils that require constant additions
of manure. E. H. Jenkins.

CONTINUOUS CROPPING OF LAND
WITH ONE KIND OF PLANT.

I was asked the other day if it was credible
that Strawberries could be cultivated continu-
ously with the same plants on the same ground
during a period of sixty years and still yield
profitable crops. I have no doubt it is credible,
though the oldest quarters of Strawberries I have
known extended not greatly beyond forty years,
one instance being in a market and another in a
private garden.

The above question suggested if it is in every
case wise to act too indiscriminately on the
modern principle of changing crops from one part
of the garden to another at intervals of short
duration. Much must, of course, depend on the
nature of the soil. In the instances just
referred to, the soil in both cases was
a strong loam ; and though the practice
of digging between rows of Strawberries has been
repeatedly condemned as barbarous and in-
effective, it did not prove so in these cases. On
the contrary, I have no doubt it was distinctly
beneficial, the process of digging being equivalent
to a rough-and-ready annual pruning of the roots,
and also acting on the soil mechanically and
perhaps manuiially.

Another curious instance of successful one-
vegetable cropping within my own knowledge
was the annual production of prize Onions on
the same plot of ground.

Less striking is another case of which I am
cognisant, in which Celery has occupied the
same ground, the same trenches indeed, for the
last thirty years, but extending beyond that time
perhaps indefinitely. Celery-trenches are so heavy
that the conditions are more favourable than in
the case of either the Onion or the Strawberry,
but not so much so as to detract from its being
somewhat remarkable.

In another garden I can trace back during
quite forty years a custom of producing Sweet
Peas annually on exactly the same lines or rows ;
how much longer than that time it would be
hard to guess, but at least twenty years. In the
same garden, early Peas were always grown on
the same bit of border, and always successfully.

In my own experience, the most striking ex-
ample of continuous cropping I am able to cite is

in connection with the Brussels Sprout. On the
light, heavily-manured soil here. Sprouts always
proved unsatisfactory, producing " bulbs " large
enough to satisfy the most exacting lover of mere
size, but, alas, so little compact that they were
not appreciated in the dining-room. Finding
that one particular spot yielded firmer and less
bulky sprouts, the crop was grown annually there-
on during a space of fifteen years, no change
whatever being affected in the way of cultivation,
the plants of one year being set in the furrows
made in earthing those of the year previous,
not infrequently the aid of a crowbar being
required to make holes for the roots, as has
occurred the present season. Alterations necessi-
tated the shifting of the crop about eight or nine
years ago, since when it has been produced on
another piece of ground under like conditions,
the soil meanwhile having been undug and
unmanured.

During many years Tomatos, too, have been
cultivated successfully in the same material.
Indubitably larger fruits would result if the old.
material were replaced by new ; but as the fruit
invariably comes the right size for use, exchange
would, on the whole, be of little or no benefit.

In the case of flowers, it may be interesting to
remark that Narcissus have been cultivated suc-
cessfully on the same ground from ten to twenty
years, a portion being lifted annually for forcing-
and for pot-culture, and at intervals the whole of
the bulbs are lifted, sorted, and replanted, the
only manure employed on these occasions when
the ground is re-dug being an application of
superphosphate of lime. It is only right to add,
however, that annual surface-dressings are applied
with no niggardly hand.

It would be rash to say that all or any oir
the instances mentioned could be successfully
adopted in other gardens. For example, I cannot
depend on Sweet Peas succeeding two years in
succession on the same ground. It was very
earnestly desired to have a long row annually of
one particular variety of these in the flower-
garden ; the second year there was a very per-
ceptible decline in vigour and quality ; and in the
third, notwithstanding some extra trouble as to-
removal of soil, they were so disappointing that
it was necessary to remove them and replace them
with other plants. Moreover, it is true that a
garden can be managed with the expenditure of
less labour, and in other respects more cheaply
when rotation of crops is the general rule.

My old friend of the unchanging Onion-bed
was forced to undertake annually a preparatory
course requiring no slight amount of labour.
Kotation thoughtfully pursued saves much of
that. Following Celery, for example, the trenches
being levelled as the crop is lifted, ground re-
quires merely "pointing " to fit it for the reception
of Onions. If extra-sized bulbs are desiderated,
an addition of manure causes a little more labour.
To follow the Onion crop, Cabbages succeed well
if the ground is stirred in the lines to be occupied
by these plants, thorough cultivation being needed
thereafter.

In connection with these remarks, it may be
noted that quantities of used soil, generally
fertile loam or turf in which short-lived plants
have been cultivated, is sometimes equal in value
with fresh soil for other plants. Soil rendered
quite fibrous by the roots of Tomatos or of Cucum-
bers has often been employed instead of new soil
with perfectly good results. Again, if the balls
of used-up Chrysanthemums or of Cinerarias,
both soil-absorbing subjects, are laid up for
several months, the material will be found of
much utility for growing a varitty of common
plants. Where there is an unlimitel supply of
turf, it is, perhaps, unnecessary to be careful of
that once used; but it is worth while knowing
that such material is not without value. It,
indeed, does not seem unreasonable to suppose

July 25, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

51

that the roots of other plants besides Grasses
are capable of affording food to other plants ; and
under the conditions of supplying large quanti-
ties of artificial and other manures that exist at
present, it is not wonderful that used soil is so
fertile as undoubtedly it is. B.

CULTIVATION OF CAENATIONS
IN THE UNITED STATES.

The first operation in the cultivation of these
plants is propagation. Healthy plants are
selected for furnishing cuttings, which should
not have been forced, undue warmth under glass
tending to weaken the plants. The best cuttings
are obtained from plants which have ceased to
flower, and the most suitable season is from the
beginning of November to April. Having been
head propagator in a large nursery in New Jersey,
I am competent to advise the following methods
to be followed. Set aside a bench of about
4 feet in width, over which place bricks evenly
over the crocks on the bench to prevent the soil
washing out ; then apply water copiously to the
bricks, for if this be not done the bricks will
absorb much moisture from the sand, and the
cuttings will dry up. Over the bricks place a
layer of clean, not very coarse sand, 3 to 3| inches
thick over the bricks, and make it level and
smooth with a stick ; again apply water in
abivndance, and beat the sand bed very hard.
The bed is now ready for the cuttings, which
should be of firm texture, not too large or fleshy,
or too small and weak. The bench having a
width of 4 feet, place thirty-five to forty cuttings
in a row across it, and afford water carefully to
each row. The air of the house should be kept
moist at all times. I cannot give any rule for
applying water, but I have kept a houseful of
cuttings of late varieties for a week without
water ; its application is a matter of judgment.

The most suitable temperature for a cutting-
house is from 56° to GO" Fahr., and if it should
become warmer afford air, but not too much, for
if the cold air comes in contact with the cuttings
very much, they will get wilted. When the
cuttings are callused, apply water copiously,
affording no more till they are rooted. When
rooted do not allow them to get too dry, or red
spider will attack them. When well rooted, pot
them up, affording shade till the roots have taken
hold of the soil.

Field Culture of Carnations.

The Carnation is by no means a tender plant,
and in our latitude we plant about the middle of
May. When the plants are put out in the field,
a small trench is made along the rows so as to
take the water afforded the plants after planting.

The pinching of the leading shoots is one of
the most important details in the culture of
Carnations. When the plants show any long
flowering shoots, they should be pinched off, but
not too low down. In the first week of
September, when the plants are ready to be
planted in the house, they should not show a
6ign of a flower-bud. Before lifting the plants
a good over-night watering is afforded them, and
care is taken when digging them up to preserve
the roots from injury, and to keep as much soil
around them as possible. They are planted at
distances of about 10 inches in the rows, and a
space of 12 inches is left between. Care is taken
to prevent planting them too deeply or stem rot
may set in. The plants should be cleaned before
planting, and for a time afterwards the atmo-
sphere of the house is kept close until the roots
become again active.

By taking a little clay and mixing it in water
a solution is obtained to smear the glass, which
helps to keep the house a little cooler than it
would be otherwise. The plants are syringed
occasionally, and when the roots begin to spread
a little more air is afforded, which is afterwards

Fig. 19. — waverley oaks.

increased. The soil should be renewed annually,
and it should not be too rich, but it may contain
about one-sixth part of good fresh cow-manure
and a little bone meal.

The temperature of the Carnation - house
should be 50° at night and 65° to 70° during the
day. Disbudding is done about once a week, the
object being to concentrate the strength of the
plant into the main flower-bud. David A. Dean,
Waverley, Mass., U.S.A.

WAVERLEY OAKS.

I enclose you herewith six photographs show-
ing some of the White Oaks (Quercus alba), as
they appear in the State reservation at Waverley
(Belmont), Massachusetts. For the greater part
of the following information regarding them, I
am indebted to several persons who sent replies
to my inquiries through the Boston Transcript.

Six or seven miles from Boston, in the town of
Belmont, near the Waverley Station, is one of the

Fig. 20. — waverley oaks.
Height 80 feat ; circumference at 6 feet from the ground 25 feet ; age 800 years.

52

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 25, 1903.

most remarkable groups of White Oaks in New
England, and perhaps in the United States.
Some of the largest grow on gravel ridges, which
Professor Agassiz reported as probably the
terminal moraine of a local glacier. Their roots,
however, feed from the rich alluvial deposits near
the ridges, and some of them drink from the
waters of the Beaver Brook near by.

Professor Agassiz was interested in these trees,
and I am told that he estimated the age of the
largest, then lying partly decayed upon the
ground, to be about one thousand years. There
are in all in the reservation twenty-six of these
aged Oaks, the most notable, perhaps, being eight
which grow along the Kame.

Figure No. 19 represents a tree which stands
on the lower end of the "Kame," and which
is thought to be from five to six hundred years
old. Since the State has taken an interest in
these trees they have all been subjected to
careful and skilful treatment, with satisfactory
results. The dead branches were cut off close to
the trunks in such a way that the healing opera-
tion would go on with the least interruption ;
the wood thus exposed was covered with tar, as
it also was elsewhere when not protected with
healthy bark, and the cavities and cracks were
all filled in with cement.

The figure marked No. 20 grows, with
another, on the highest part of this ridge. The
one in front is supposed to be the oldest tree re-
maining. It measures 25 feet in circumference at
5 feet from the ground, and 28 feet over the swell
of the roots, and the height is 80 feet. The
longest branch is about 70 feet long. Its
estimated age is eight hundred years.

By the lowest reasonable estimate all the trees
figured and those adjacent must have been grow-
ing when Columbus crossed the Atlantic, and
quite well grown when the Pilgrims landed.

A gentleman now nearly eighty years old, who
takes a special pride in these trees, and who was
born and has lived in Belmont or its neighbour-
hood all his life, says that neither he nor his
father, whose memory carries the record back
over one hundred years, ever saw a seedling
White Oak start growth in the reservation.
Archibald Smith, Boston, Mass., December 18, 1902.

MARKET GARDENING.

SOUVENIR DE LA MALMAISON
CARNATIONS.

Recently I observed on Messrs. Hugh Low &
Co.'s stand in the flower-market, Covent Garden,
a batch of the variety Churchwarden selling at
24s. per dozen, the plants being now two years
old. The plants, growing in 32's, possessed three
to four blooms each, besides unopened buds.

It may be of interest to Mr. Briggs to know
that I have watched very closely all that per-
tains to the cultivation of these plants as market
subjects, and also the profit side of the matter,
with advantage to myself. The number of those
engaged in this branch is increasing. As cut
blooms I saw them sold for as much as 12s.
per dozen on July 13, and even admitting
that 6s. is a fair price, it is profitable busi-
ness. I believe that there is more profit ob-
tained from the older plant than from the
young, although the latter produce the bigger
blooms. The Guernsey growers, who send a
regular supply, have done very well, obtaining
as much as 10s. per dozen blooms. It is a moot-
question with the smaller grower how to grow
these plants at a profit, which can only be done
when a specialty is made of the plants, and glass-
houses built specially for them. Then, given a
suitable locality, with suitable soil and good
cultivation, Malmaisons are a success.

DlCTAMNUS FRAXINELLA ALBA.

This is an excellent wet-weather plant. The
Ash-like foliage and the erect spike of white

blooms, which are strongly scented, make Dic-
tamnus Fraxinella a striking plant. The rose-
coloured variety is rather difficult to propagate,
except from seed, and D. F. alba is readily
increased by division. Wet weather has no inju-
rious effects on these plants, and I have a spike
of flowers before me as I write which was cut
to-day (July 19) in a heavy shower at Messrs.
Wm. Cutbush & Son's Nursery at Finchley.

ClSTUS LADANIFERUS.

Long introduced into this country, and a most
deserving plant for pot-culture or planting in a
border: The individual blooms last for only one
day in hot weather, but a profusion of flower-buds
is always coming on. All the Rock-roses have
each their individual beauty, and in the case of
this one the flowers are white with spots inside at
the base of the petals. This plant is successfully
grown at the Finchley Nurseries of Messrs. B. S.
Williams & Son. It may be interesting to those
who like the Cistuses to know that they may be
raised from seeds sown in March or April. So-
called hardy varieties (Helianthemums) do well
in certain localities as rock plants, &c, and in
sunny borders ; C. ladaniferus is safe under glass.

Campanula isophylla and C. i. alba.
The former are much less common in market
establishments than C. i. alba. Some growers
afford small doses of Clay's fertiliser and Davis'
manure, and they turn each plant round every
few days so as to make them shapely all round.
Stephen Castle.

CAMBRIDGE.

The Botanic Garden. — It is a great pleasure
to visit a garden which affords evidence of
vitality apart from mere routine ; and it is highly
satisfactory to be able to see that things are done
with a purpose and not in a haphazard fashion.
Such are the general impressions derived from a
hasty visit to the Cambridge Botanic Garden in
mid- July. The surface is flat, and the general ar-
rangement not remarkable ; but when one comes
to look into details and to consider what are the
objects of the garden and how those objects are
carried out, one can but congratulate the Univer-
sity on the possession of such a garden, and on
their good fortune in having the services of so
efficient a curator as Mr. Lynch.

The garden has on various occasions been
described in our columns (see Gardeners' Chronicle,
May 27, 1899, p. 329), so that it is not necessary
to describe the comparatively new range of houses
that has been erected ; nor can we on this occa-
sion specify their contents, as the time at our
disposal only sufficed to gain an idea of the out-
door arrangements. It is enough to say that the
range consists of a long corridor, from which
project at right angles various separate span-
roofed houses (the central one the larger) devoted
severally to Succulents, to Ferns, Orchids, and
to other plants.

In front of one of these houses the eye is at
once attracted by a group of hardy Opuntias, of
which a mass of O. glauca is very striking, with its
huge, flat, plate-like joints now in full growth,
producing numerous yellow flowers and young
shoots. O. cantabridgiensis is almost equally
fine. Other species are O. missouriensis in bloom,
O. arborescens, O. monacantha, O. bicolor, &c,
intermixed with such plants as Agave utahensis,
Cotyledon Purpusii, Echinocereus phoeniceus, in
flower. These hardy " xerophytes " are evidently
quite at home ; the soil is dry and calcareous, the
exposure sunny, and the warmth and shelter
afforded by the adjacent building very much to
their taste. The bays between the projecting
glasshouses afford warmth and. shelter to a host
of interesting plants which do not do so well, if at
all, in the open garden. Echeveria glauca lives
here all the winter, so do Caelsalpinia japonica,

Cestrum fasciculatum, Dasylirion Hookeri, Bes-
chorneria yuccoides, &c. Kniphofias like caules-
cens and Northise, the yellow-flowered Eremurus
Bungei appreciate the protection, and Hymeno-
callis Harrisiana and Ismene calanthina, now in.
full bloom, could hardly do without it. Crinum
Powelli and the white variety are in full bloom,
and near them, affording a great contrast, the
singular Polygonum equisetifolium, and the
equally curious Clematis aphylla. Sauromatum,
guttatum, which one expects to see in a stove, is
quite happy in the open air, and so is the Puya,
a plant of which from the Scilly Isles at-
tracted so much attention at the Temple Show.
But as we have no desire to write a catalogue,
we must cease to enumerate the treasures that
are to be found in those sheltered bays.

Close by is the rockery, and the list of interest-
ing plants observed on it occupies several pages
of our note-book. But as it is impossible to go
into detail, and a mere enumeration of names,
would be tiresome, we forbear to transcribe them.
We must be equally reticent with the contents-
of the herbaceous borders. Passing along, we
note beds devoted to the illustration of " xero-
phytes," " halophytes," " hydrophytes " — that is,
of plants peculiar to or preferring to grow in
dry, saline, or wet soil respectively, so that the
student may have the means at hand of studying
the adaptations of structure and conformation to
circumstance.

Hard by is the bog-garden, where the same-
principle is carried out on a larger scale.
Bamboos encircle this morass, which is filled
with an assortment of interesting plants, among
them huge masses of Saxifraga peltata and
Onoclea sensibilis, Primula rosea and Mimulus
luteus (thriving exceedingly), Juncus spiralis,
which last, we were informed, reproduces its
contorted form in the seedlings, and many more.

The Natural Orders are represented in irre-
gular beds of varying size according to the*
number and importance of the members. This
method of disposition is preferable on all accounts)
to the gridiron arrangement, as it allows a better
idea to be formed of the importance and variety
of the Order and of its affinities to neighbouring'
groups, while it is far more pictural, and allows the
" habit " of each plant to be more fully developed.

Here may be mentioned a curious fact that the
hybrid between Senecio squalidus and S. vulgaris,
seeds itself, and those seeds reproduce the
parental features. Who shall say then that
hybrids may not be the progeuitors of "new
species " ?

Speaking of hybrids, we are reminded of a
series of hybrid Gerberas raised by Mr. Lynch,
and from which much may be expected. In
many a corner, indeed, we come across hybrids,
or plants grown for experimental purposes,
grasses which have furnished Professor Marshall
Ward with the material for his remarkable paper
on the parasites of Bromus, or pans filled
with rare Hepatics, grown to satisfy the
curiosity of students and to furnish the informa-
tion they are seeking. Everywhere evidences of
the garden being put to uses such as befit a.
botanic garden, at the same time there is ample
to interest and please the ordinary lover of
plants and flowers, whose requirements are not so
exacting as those of the research-student.

We append a few notes from the lately
issued Annual Report of the garden, from,
which it will be seen that our hasty notes
might have been largely extended : — Among the
more interesting plants that have been received
are Lachnanthes tinctoria, specially obtained
through the New York Botanic Garden, a species
yielding a drug supposed to be efficacious in .
bronchitis and tuberculosis, recently investigated
by Dr. P. W. Latham (see Chemist and Druggist,
July 12, 19U2) ; Mystacidium sp. nov., contributed
by Mr. Cyril Crossland, of Clare College, and

July 25, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

collected by him in British East Africa ; Coriaria
japonica (Bot. Mag., tab. 7,509), remarkable on
account of the brilliant red colour of the fruiting
sepals, which give the effect of red berries;
Spiraea millefolium (Bot. Mag., tab. 7,810), a
species with finely-divided foliage ; Scolopendrium
vulgare x Asplenium ceterach, a supposed bi-
generic hybrid ; Corydalis thalictrifolia, one of
the new introductions from China; Iris graci-
lipes, a pretty species, and the only Iris of the
section Evansia that, until recently, had not
been introduced ; Ceropegia debilis, a curious
new species ; the Wild Fig, or Caprificus,
specially inquired for and introduced for the
first time into this country (see Kerner & Oliver,
Natural History of Plants, vol. ii., p. 1G0, fig. 240,
p. 157) ; Eodgersia pinnata (Bot. Mag., tab. 7,892) ;
Acanthus arboreus, one of the finest plants of
Arabia Petraea, whence it was sent by Professor
Schweinfurth (Gardeners' Chronicle, April 5,
1902, fig. 70) ; Primula megaseaefolia, an inter-
esting addition to the genus, from Pontus, in
Asia Minor ; several new Chinese trees, including
Liriodendron chinense, Magnolia Delavayi, Gle-
ditschia Delavayi, and one or two probably new
Pines, the interesting Chinese herb Podophyllum
versipelle ; Rehmannia glutinosa, and Rhus ver-
nicifera, the latter a small Japanese tree which
yields the famous lacquer used for articles of
furniture and small ware.

Among new plants that have flowered, and
have been or will be published from Cam-
bridge material are Mystacidium sp. nov.,
received from Mr. Cyril Crossland, of Clare
College, and collected by him in British East
Africa ; Sauromatum sp. nov. ; Streptocarpus
Armitagei; Colchicum sp. aff. montanum (to
be figured in the Botanical Magazine) ; and Ger-
bera " Brilliant," a cross between G. Jamesoni
and G. Sir Michael, raised by the Curator, and
finer than either parent in size and colour. Other
new plants that have flowered are Pittosporum
Fairchildi, an ally of P. crassifolium ; Campanula
sulphurea, exceptional in the genus in the colour
of the flowers ; Arisaema mirabile, probably a
variety of A. speciosum ; Stapelia luxurians, an
interesting example of carrion flowers; and
various hybrid Gerberas raised by the Curator.

The Botanic Garden has assisted, by the supply
of material, in an investigation by Mr. H. A. D.
Jowett, D.Sc, and Mr. G. E. Potter, D.Sc, of the
Wellcome Research Laboratories, Snow Hill,
London, on the " Variations in the Occurrence of
Salicin and Salinigrin in Different Willows and
Poplar Barks." The results of the investigation
have been published in the Journal of the Phar-
maceutical Society, August 10, 1902. As the
Cambridge Botanic Garden possesses a well-
authenticated collection of Willows, assistance
has been given also to a gentleman desirous of
determining the kinds of Willow required by
bat-makers, for planting on his estate.

• THE BIRMINGHAM BOTANIC
GARDENS.

After serving faithfully and well for thirty-
six years as Curator of the Birmingham Botanic
Gardens, Mr. William Bradbury Latham is about
to retire ; and we hope that he may live for many
years to enjoy the rest he has so well earned.

Mr. Latham was born at Bicknacre, near
Maldon, Essex, in 1835. At the age of thirteen
he commenced work in the garden of W. McNeil,
Esq., Wandsworth Common, and subsequently
became apprenticed for three years to the late
Eobert Neal, of the old Wandsworth Common
Nurseries, part of which exist still.

He next entered upon employment at the
Royal Gardens, Kew, where he spent a period
of two years and several months. The next move
was to Chatsworth, Mr. Latham being desirous
of studying for a time under the late Sir Joseph

Paxton, who subsequently interested himself to
get Mr. Latham into the Jardin des Plantes,
Paris, where M. Neumann was then the curator.
Returning from Paris, Mr. Latham spent six
months in the Holloway nurseries of Messrs.
Parker & Williams, and left this establishment

Mr. WILLIAM BRADBURY LATHAM,
Retiring Curator of the Birmingham Botanic Gardens.

to become head gardener to Lieut.-Col. Perkins,
Birtley Hall, Chester-le-Street, Durham. At this
place Mr. Latham had charge for eight years of
one of the finest collections of Orchids and stove
and greenhouse plants in the North of England.

In December, 1867, Mr. Catlin, Curator of the
Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural So-
ciety's garden, retired after twenty-one years'
service, and Mr. Latham was selected to succeed
him.

MB. THOMAS HUMPHREYS,

Newly-appointed Curator of the Birmingham
Uotanic Gardens.

One of the first things the new Curator had to
do under instructions from the Committee of the
garden was to destroy one of the best collections
of Crata»gus and other Rosaceous trees and shrubs
in the United Kingdom, for the purposo of making
an archery ground, Mr. Latham deeply re-
gretted tins; but in other directions he quickly
increased the collection of plants, two new glass-
houses were built, and later the large and hand-

some conservatory was erected. Other improve-
ments being needed, an appeal was raised for
funds (£4,000 was obtained), and in 1885 a large
portion of the old structure was pulled down and
an extensive block of new glasshouses built.

Mr. Latham, in 1862, raised a hybrid Dicksonia
from D. arborescens (St. Helena) and D. antarctica
(Australia). D. Lathami is now a splendid
plant, as is also a hybrid Fern raised by Mr.
Latham from Cyathea insignis and Alsophila ex-
celsa. Mr. Latham was presented with a Veitch
Memorial Medal by the trustees of the Veitch
Memorial Fund, at a meeting of the Royal
Horticultural Society on May 7, 1901 .

An account of the history of the garden and a
description of its contents in 1893, by Mr. F. W.
Burbidge, was published in the Gardeners' Chronicle
for December 9, 1893,and a supplementary illustra-
tion to the same issue afforded a view of the Tree
Ferns growing in the new conservatory. Soon
after the establishment of the garden Messrs.
Knowles & Westcott published The Birmingham
Botanic Garden, or Midland Floral Magazine ; and
this was succeeded by The Floral Cabinet and
Magazine of Exotic Botany, of which three volumes
■were published, illustrated with nearly 200
coloured plates and some wood engravings.

The New Curator.

We have great pleasure in publishing a por-
trait of the newly-appointed Curator, Mr. Thomas
Humphreys, the well - known and universally
esteemed Assistant- Superintendent of the Royal
Horticultural Society's gardens at Chiswick. Mr.
Humphreys commenced his gardening career
at Chester, in his native county, and served
for fife years in the nurseries of Messrs. Jas.
Dickson & Sons, Newton Nurseries. Owing to
the knowledge of hardy trees and shrubs obtained
in these celebrated tree nurseries, Mr. Humphreys
was recommended to the Royal Gardens, Kew,
in 1887, to take charge of the propagating de-
partment of the arboretum. Those best acquainted
with the magnificent collection existing at Kew
may imagine the opportunities that presented
themselves in the propagating department of the
arboretum for acquiring a perfect knowledge of
this interesting section of plants, the use or
misuse of which affects almost permanently our
gardens and landscapes.

Mr. Humphreys left Kew in 1892, and became
Assistant-Superintendent in the Chiswick Gardens.
This was three years before the retirement of
Mr. A. F. Barron, for whom Mr. Humphreys
entertained great respect. He has since co-
operated loyally with the present superintendent,
Mr. S. T. Wright, in carrying out the work of the
gardens, and of the meetings and shows at the
Drill Hall, Temple Gardens, Crystal Palace, and
Holland House. Mr. Humphreys has also acted
in the capacity of secretary to the Floral Com-
mittee for the past nine years.

The experience gained at Chester, at Kew,
and at Chiswick in working up stock of different
species of indoor and outdoor plants will greatly
help Mr. Humphreys in his new position, whilst
his intimate experience in the promotion and
management of the Royal Horticultural Society's
shows will be scarcely less valuable.

Mr. Humphrey's task will not be a light one.
There exists in Birmingham an amount of in-
difference that is most prejudicial to the interests
of the Botanic Garden and of Birmingham horti-
culture generally. The Society's finances are
not altogether satisfactory, and the immediate
policy should be one that will reawaken an
enthusiasm in the city for the future of the
garden; and by making the garden as attractive
as possible to tlio members of the Society, shall
succeed in permanently increasing the number
of its supporters. The Curator should not be
hampered by lack of funds.

Professor llillhouso, who has been secretary to
the Society for many years ; Mr. Neville Cham-

54

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 25, 1903.

berlain, treasurer ; and the Committee, of which
Professor Poynton is chairman, are determined
to do their best to place the gardens that John
Claudius Loudon made in 1831, upon a basis that
will do credit to its traditions ; and it is earnestly
hoped their efforts will meet with success.

Mr. Humphrey's removal from London will be
much regretted by those who attend the meetings
of the Royal Horticultural Society, and have
experienced his invariable courtesy and kindness ;
but they will wish him a most successful and
happy career in his new sphere of work. Like
Mr. Latham, the retiring Curator, Mr. Humphreys
is a member of the Kew Guild.

HOW PLANTS SCATTER THEIR
SEEDS.

The pageant of flowers, with all their varied,
almost infinite tints and scents, forms and sizes,
which we witness with unbounded interest and
joy from the earliest spring to the latest summer
months, will not be long before it draws to a close.
From the Snowdrops and Daffodils amongst the
leaders of the procession, to the Scabiouses,
Hawkweeds, and Thistles amongst those which
bring up the rear, there has been a constant suc-
cession of forms. The flowers had their brief
reign, and died, were replaced by others not less
beautiful and attractive than they ; and these
again by yet other dynasties of floral kings and
queens — not a break in the whole long line of
beings, until the summer sun shall fail of warmth
and light, and autumn's more sombre season
usher in less genial days.

What is the meaning of this cycle in the neces-
sities of plant-life, this fixed period for the
flourishing of each species in the vegetable
world ? The study of the mysteries of the phe-
nomena of plant-life teaches us that a flower, as
regards all its qualities of colour, scent, form, and
size is a special adaptation of certain parts or
organs of a plant for the attainment of the whole
ideal of its life — viz., the production of progeny,
the perpetuation of its species. The " flower " is
the instrument whereby the opposite sexual
elements are brought together and blend to build
up the new individual. External agents in the
form of insects are the most usual means to this
end, and these winged messengers are busied in
carrying the male element, contained in the
pollen, of one flower to the female element, con-
tained in the ovule of the other flower. That this
work may be accomplished, these insectagents
must be first attracted to the plant, then encour-
aged by something which will induce repeated
visits. The first of these requisites is afforded by
the form, colour, and scent of the modified organs
of the plant, and thus the " flower " comes into
existence, pleasing to our human as well as to the
insect senses. The second requisite is supplied
by the honey and pollen, both serving as valuable
aud attractive food for the winged visitants. But
besides these wonderful agents of fertilisation in
the form of organised creatures, there is another,
the wind, which plays the same though a more
uncertain rde in accomplishing the same end.
_ Now, that great agent of the hidden life-prin-
ciple of the world, natural selection, has so dis-
tributed the periods of the flowering of the
various forms of plant-life, and also of the
activity of the various types of insect organisa-
tion, that there shall be a minimum of compe-
titive struggle, and hence of the number of
species of plant or insect flourishing at the same
time of year. So that the great struggle for
existence has caused many a flower and insect
(for both these lines of organised life are inter-
dependent the one upon the other) to reach their
maturity in the earliest spring mouths, when the
frosts of winter have barely relinquished their
deadening grasp ; others in the height of summer ;

while yet others are forced to develop to their
fullest in autumn's latest, darkening days. This
distribution of the flowers through the varying
seasons is thus the inevitable outcome and ex-
pression of the mighty struggle of each species
of plant for the most adequate and surest means
of fertilisation, and therefore of the perpetuation
of its kind.

This act of fertilisation having resulted in the
formation of seed, the next question which the
plant has to solve is this : How to distribute that
seed, each grain of which contains within itself
the potentiality of a new individual plant.

Now, the first great condition on which the
proper distribution of the seed depends is this—
its dispersal over as wide an area and one as dis-
tant from the parent-plant as possible, so that the
seedling plants shall have new soil and varied
environment in which to start their life, for the
greater the variation in the environment the
greater the likelihood of fresh variation in the
species, and of the eventual formation of a new
species to people the earth. For if the seeds
were merely to drop close round the parent plant,
baneful results would follow, from two causes :
the soil would probably be soon exhausted by the
numerous thick-sown progeny springing up all
round, and the overcrowding of the seedlings
would cause many a one to go to the wall and
perish by the fierce battle for existence which
would ensue ; whereas the wide scattering of the
seeds would enable very many more to survive.
Hence the phenomenon, which in the autumn or
late summer comes especially before our eyes, of
the preoccupation of all trees and herbs in the
business (very vital to them) of dispersing their
seeds in the way most advantageous to them.

It is of some of these methods of seed-distribu-
tion, as found amongst our native flora, that I
propose now to treat ; and it is extremely inte-
resting to the lover of Nature to note the varied
and ingenious means which plants have adopted
to further their desired ends.

There are a large number of plants which rely
entirely upon the smallness and lightness of their
seeds or fruits for their adequate distribution,
the wind being the agent employed for this
object. In some, as in the Foxglove, the dry
capsule simply splits open by its valves from top
to bottom, thus liberating the seeds, some of
which will doubtless be blown by the wind to
some considerable distance from the parent plant.
In others, as in the Stitchworts and Chickweeds,
the capsule opens at the top only, by numerous
small teeth, the seeds being shaken out between
these latter. The Poppy forms square apertures
all round the large swollen seed-vessel, just
beneath its hard, flattened dome, and throuo-h
these the very numerous small seeds are shaken
out and scattered to some considerable distance
as the wind sways the tall stalks of the capsules
backwards and forwards. In the Harebell and
other bell - flowers, or Campanulas, curious
" windows " are constructed, either in the upper
or lower part of the seed-vessel, by the oblitera-
tion of a small area of the tissue of the wall, and
through these, as in the Poppy, the tiny seeds
are shaken rudely out by the wind. Amon<»
other plants producing these small, light seeds
are the Orchids, whose seeds are like dust in
fineness, a single grain of the rare Scotch Orchid
Goodyera repens having been found to weigh
only 0000002 gramme ; also the Pyrola, Grass of
Parnassus, Sundew, Sedums, Saxifrages,RockEose,
Gentians, Purple Loosestrife. The common garden
Scarlet Pimpernel has a globose capsule, opening,
when ripe, transversely by a lid, thus liberating
the light seeds. The lower orders of the vegetable
kingdom, the Ferns, Mosses, Fungi, 4c, produce
seeds or spores far smaller and lighter than the
seeds of any flowering plant, and which can thus
travel immense distances on the wings of the
wind. The obvious advantage of the produc-

tion of seeds of this class lies in the fact that
great numbers can be produced by a single
capsule.

Other plants, relying upon the same method of
distribution, never set free their seeds, but each
grain remains enclosed in a very small and
lightly-constructed seed-vessel, easily detached
from the stem, and transported by the wind, just
as are the small seeds. Those which have adopted
this course are the Nettle, the Mallow, the
Labiate tribe, including the Sage, Mint, Thyme,
Balm, Wood Germander, Bugle, Horehound,
Dead Nettle, Betony, Ground Ivy, Self-heal;
several of the Umbelliferous family, as the Celery,
Hare's-ear, and Burnet Saxifrage ; some Com-
posites, as the Wormwood, Daisy, and Feverfew.
In the plants so far considered, the fruits and)
seeds have no specially obvious adaptation in the
shape of any modified or added structure to
ensure their transportation by the wind ; a simple
diminution in size is what has chiefly taken
place.

Very different, however, is the case of the next
category to be described, in which special
structures are found on the fruits or seeds which
facilitate their dispersal by the wind. The first
of these structures are the "wings." In seeds,
the " wing " is usually the attenuated, enlarged
margin of the flattened body, whose area is
greater than that of the essential part of the
seed, and the centre of gravity is so placed that
the broad side of the seed is presented to the-
direction of its descent, thus enabling it to be the
better buoyed up by the wind. Such a flattened
seed with its broad membranous wing is clearly
well fitted for carriage by the breeze. Examples-
of winged seeds are afforded by the Cow-wheat,
Iris, Wallflower, Tulip ; likewise by the Pine,
Spruce, and Larch, &c, where the winged seeds are
tightly enclosed in the compact woody cone, only
to be liberated on the breeze when in the dry
autumn or late summer days the scales of the
cone part asunder and the seeds fall out.

Far more common, however, are winged fruits.
How familiar on autumn days are the gyrating-
winged capsules of the Sycamore floating through
the air ; and no one can doubt that the large,
veined, membranous " wing," a special outgrowth
of the upper part of the seed-vessel, is eminently
serviceable in scattering the fruits of the Syca-
more and Maple far and wide. Scarcely less
useful for this purpose must be the "wings"
exhibited by the numerous fruits composing the
" keys " of the Ash, although here the individual
fruits and ''wings" are smaller, but constructed
on the same plan. Well known are the light
green winged fruitlets of the Elm, as they fall
from the trees in the early summer months.
Here the broad, membranous " wing " surrounds
the entire fruit, and is prettily veined. In the
Umbelliferous family, the Wild Angelica and Cow
Parsnip afford instances of flattened capsules
with either a single or several longitudinal mem- I
branous wings, the general plan of structure I
being exactly that of the winged seeds. Similar I
instances are afforded by the Shepherd's Purse,
Penny Cress, and Mountain Sorrel.

The necessary wings are often provided by the
bracts or floral envelopes immediately surround-
ing the fruit. On any windy day in Epping
Forest it may be seen how the large three-lobed j
bract, bearing the fruit in its hollow base, has
successfully usurped the function of a wing in
the transportation of its precious freight. The I
Meadow Grass, Canary Grass, and Soft Grass I
distribute their fruits by the wings on the palea? i
or inner glumes. In several plants the corolla, I
calyx, or the green perianth constitute the wings, j
as in the Saltwort and Orache of our shores, the I
common Dock, the Milkwort, with its two large, I
persistent purple sepals, and some species of I
Clover. W. C. Worsdell, F.L.S.

(To be continued.)

July 25, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

55

QUEENSLAND PALMS.

Our illustration (fig. 23), for which we are
indebted to Mr. Bailey, the Colonial Botanist of
Queensland, shows what he calls a "Scrub View,"
which might create envy in the minds of those
who have to arrange a tropical-house in this
country. The tall Palms to the left are Archonto-
phoenix Cunninghami, with Calamus Muelleri in
the foreground. The taller Palm has been
figured as Seaforthia elegans, Botanical Magazine,
4,961, but differs in various particulars. The
stems attain a height of 60 to 70 feet j the pinnate
leaves measure 6 to 8 feet in length, each pinna
linear, about 18 inches long. The Palm is fully
described in Bailey's Queensland Flora, Part 5
(1902), p. 1,675.

damp soil, but is easily accommodated in the rock
or bog- garden.

Rubus saxatilis. — This is one of the least desir-
able of the dwarf members of the genus, though
it is not a tall grower, its general height being
from 8 to 10 inches. The small-petalled flowers
are a greenish-white or yellow, and the fruits are
composed of a few large red clustered drupes.
The habit is erect, and the plant is more suitable
for stony ground than the two already named.

ALPINE GARDEN.

THE SPECIES OF RUBUS.
The genus Rubus is one which affords the
gardener much valuable material, though it is
not to be wondered at that the plants it yields
have been more appreciated for their fruit than
for their decorative value. Yet this has not gone
unobserved, and many gardens are now enriched
by these fine Brambles and allied plants, whose
flowers and effective habit give attractions ■
wherever they are grown. Of all the plants of
the genus, hardly any receive so little notice from
the cultivator of hardy flowers as the few dwarf
Brambles and Raspberries, of stature sufficiently
diminutive for the rock-garden. Generally of
simple cultivation, they are usually pleasing in
their foliage and pretty in bloom, the flowers
being sometimes followed by attractive little
"berries," grateful to the eye and often pleasing
to the taste. Of two or three of these I desire to
speak.

Rubus arcticus. — One of the most delightful of
these is the Arctic Raspberry, or Bramble, as
Rubus arcticus is colloquially termed, a widely
distributed plant in Northern Europe, Asia, and
America, extending far into the Arctic regions,
and standing unharmed the rigors of such a clime
as these northern lands afford. It delights in
peat bogs and damp woods, but it adapts itself
well to other conditions, and will thrive and
flower quite happily in drier positions, such as
those afforded by the base of the rockeries,
where the moisture from above can reach its
roots. It is a delightful little plant, often
'dioecious, with pretty little pink flowers, the
berry-bearing plants producing delightful little
light -red edible fruits, exquisitely fragrant.
They are pleasant to the taste, being prized by
Swedish epicures, and a few placed in a saucer
are quite sufficient to scent a whole room. It
may be observed for the sake of those who wish
the fruiting plant that it is generally known in
nurseries as R. articus fcecundus. The leaves
are usually trifoliate, though sometimes five-
foliate. The whole plant is only a few inches
high, its height varying from 3 to 8 or 9 inches.
It is increased by division or seeds.

Rubus chamcemorus. — Another beautiful little
Bramble for the rock-garden is R. chamtemorus,
the Cloudberry, which is also sometimes called
the Mountain Bramble, Mountain Raspberry, or
Knotberry. It also is widely distributed over
Northern Europe, Asia, and America, and it
is well known to climbers of our own mountains,
where it flowers in July. The flowers of this
pretty native plant are of a comparatively large
size, and are succeeded by its pretty edible red
fruits, which are greatly appreciated by many,
and form a valuable food for the Laplanders and
Norwegians, who sometimes preserve them by a
kind of "cold storage" by burying them in the
Bnow. The leaves are five to nine-lobed, while
the flowers are dioecious. This species prefers a

and we are referred to " Sm. PI. Ic. Ined., t. 63."'
I have not access to that work, so that I cannot
compare my specimen, procured from Mr. Smith
of Newry, with it. I have no reason, however, to-
doubt its correctness, and I have seen the plant
flower for the first time this year with great
pleasure. It is a low creeping Rubus with five
foliate leaves and attractive little white flowers
about an inch across, which at first sight resemble
those of a small wood Anemone. I look upon it

FlG. t>3.— ARCHOXTOrHCENIX CUNNINGHAMI, with calamus muelleri
IN FOREGROUND, IN BRISBANE BOTANIC GARDENS.

The leaflets are ovate. R. amoricanus of Britton
is considered by some a variety of R. saxatilis,
and is R. s. var. canadensis, Michx., and R. s. var.
amoricanus, Pers. One cannot consider this spe-
cies worthy of being included in a select collection
of such plants.

Rubus pedatus. — Unlike R. saxatilis, R. pedatus
is one of the most desirable of the dwarf
Brambles. It does not appear to be well known,
and I cannot find any allusion to it in current
works of reference, except that it is named in the
Index Kewensis as a native of North-wost America,

as the prettiest of these low-growing Rubi for the
rock-garden. The weather this season was un-
favourable for its fruiting, but from each flower
there are a few small drupes of a dull red. I am
cultivating it at the base of a rockery in much
the same position as R. arcticus, and it is slightly
dwarfer than that species.

Rubus xanthocarpui. — By way of Italy I received
about a couple of years ago the Chinese R.
xanthocarpus, which is of creeping habit and
grows from 8 to 10 inches high. It is rather a
pretty Bramble with long, light-green leaflets in

56

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 25, 1903.

threes, and large white flowers followed by yellow
fruit. Even did it never flower this would be a
pleasing plant for the rock-garden, although it
■is exceedingly prickly and [not at all agreeable to
handle, so penetrating are the hook-like prickles.
It seems hardy enough. It is said to have been
introduced in 1892, but it does not appear well
iknown to the few growers of the dwarfer Bubi in
this country. 8. Arnott, Bosedene, Carsethom by
Dumfries, N.B.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

L.E LlVRE D'OR DE8 ROSES.

The second part of this new Eose-book has
recently appeared. As in the previous part the
letter-press is interesting, the type excellent, and
the small woodcuts here and there introduced are
■daintily executed, but the leading feature of the
work, the gallery of portraits of the various types
•of Eoses, is disappointing. In the first place
most of the varieties depicted are now, at all
■events in England, seldom if ever grown. Out
•of the fifteen coloured illustrations of Eoses in
the present part only seven varieties are to be
found in the latest edition of the National Eose
Society's official Catalogue of Exhibition and
■Garden Roses — viz., Prince Camille de Eohan,
•Cristata, Madame Gabriel Luizet, La France,
Marie Baumann, Eugenie Verdier, and A. K.
Williams. But even of these, the more modern
"varieties, the latest was sent out as far back as
1877. This would not be so much a matter for
regret if the portraits themselves could be regarded
as faithful representations of the Eoses selected,
as then they would serve to illustrate to some
•extent the advances made in the Eose-world
•during the last thirty years. Unfortunately, the
flowers are not drawn to the same scale, so that a
fine exhibition variety like A. K. Williams is
inade to appear quite a small Eose when placed
'beside the portrait of Marie Baumann, while its
perfectly imbricated form has almost entirely
■disappeared. Then, again, the stem of Madame
Gabriel Luizet is represented as perfectly smooth,
whereas in reality it is thickly covered with sharp
spines, while the thorns on Marie Baumann
appear to be all of the same size, instead of a
mixture of small and moderately large thorns.
Coloured illustrations of the Queen of Flowers
are seldom satisfactory, but one might have hoped
to see in a gallery of Kose portraits of the extent
attempted in this rather ambitious work truer
and more uniform representations of the varieties
■depicted, even if the colouring, as usual, fell
short of what could be desired. Edvi. Mawley.

Handbuch des Laubholz-Benennung
(Berlin : Paul Parey).

This work, compiled by Messrs. Beissner,
Schelle, and Zabel, includes a systematic as well
as an alphabetical list of trees and shrubs other
than Conifers which will endure the winters of
Germany with little or no protection. The plants
are arranged according to the system of Engler
and Prautt. To each the adopted name and the
principal synonyms are appended, with the name
of the author, but no indication of the book in
which published, and no reference to figures.
With a view to show the thoroughness with which
the work has been compiled, we note that the
•common Berberis has some thirty synonyms
referred to it, besides some eighteen or twenty
" formen " and " unterformen," and nine hybrids.

The value of a book of this kind can only be
fairly estimated after frequent use, and it is
probable that the views of the authors as to the
identity and synonymy of the species might not
always be shared by others. But this, of course,
is quite inevitable. AVhat is quite certain is that
the book will be found indispensable to those
whose business it is to study trees and shrubs.

CAENATION FEANCIS SAMTJELSON.

(SEE ALSO P. 60.)

This fine seedling Carnation, which was
awarded a First-class Certificate at the recent
York Show, is undoubtedly the best of the
apricot-coloured section of border Carnations yet
raised. The colour is a particularly rich shade
of apricot, deepening towards the centre of the
flower, which is of large size, with smooth even
petals regularly arranged.

Having seen this Carnation growing last
summer along with several other choice seed-
lings, I can congratulate the raiser (Mr. George
Brotherston) on securing such a desirable va-
riety. Breckenborough Hall, where it origi-
nated, is the Yorkshire residence of Francis
Samuelson, Esq., a popular squire in the North
Eiding of the broad county, and one who takes a
keen and lively interest in his gardens and
estate. The gardens in particular, at the time of
my visit, were specially interesting, the Carna-
tions and Sweet Peas being very fine. T. H.
Bolton, gr., Baron Hill, Beaumaris.

THE ROSARY.

THOENLESS EOSE ZEPHYEIN DEONAN [?].
I send flowers of this, to my mind, lovely Eose,
very seldom seen, much less grown or known. It
forms a suitable variety for covering a low wall,
and is, in wet and cheerless weather, in flower
before all others. W. C. Leach, Albury Park
Gardens, Guildford. [We are unable to find the
name of this Eose in any official list. Ed.].

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. Q. L.
Holfohd. Westonbirt. Tetbury.

Lcelia anceps. — This plant being now in active
growth, it should be afforded water at the root
freely, also syringings morning and afternoon;
and if possible shading should be removed early in
the afternoon, sunheat by day and conditions com-
paratively cool and moist by night suiting it best.

The Odontoglossum House. — During very hot
weather everything possible should be done to
keep the air of this house a few degrees lower
than that of the external air ; and but little
difficulty is experienced in so doing when the
house is a lean-to facing north or north-east.
When, however, a house is span-roofed and runs
north and south, fully exposed to the sun all day
long, coolness is attained with difficulty in the
daytime. At Westonbirt we have such a house,
and double blinds have to be employed during
the warmer hours, and the floor, paths, &c, kept
wet by distributing water twice daily.

Lcelia Digbyana. — The requirements of this
species has been much better understood of late
years than formerly, and it has been proved
that more satisfactory results follow when
it is cultivated in a leaf-soil compost similar
to that used for Cattleyas than when the usual
thin layer of peat sphagnum and crocks is
used ; and the leaf-soil compost will build up
strong flowering growths if due care and atten-
tion be afforded. When our plant starts into
growth early in the year, it is removed from its
resting quarters to a house where a genial grow-
ing temperature is maintained, and as growth
advances the quantity of moisture afforded the
plant is increased, moisture being much needed
when growth is taking place, especially at the
time when the pseudo-bulbs are forming. As
soon as the flower-spikes become visible, the
plant is placed in the Cattleya-house, in which
house it remains till the flowers expand. When
the flowers are removed, it is pvit into a very light
position, and a long rest afforded.

Potting. — La?lia Digbyana may be repotted at
this season, or when starting into growth next

year, the former being preferable, new roots now
being emitted by the pseudo-bulb last formed.
A compost identical with that recommended for
Cattleyas in an earlier Calendar may be made
use of, the usual surfacing of clean • sphagnum
being given. Either a pan for suspending from
the roof or a pot for standing on the stage may be
employed, but these must not be any larger than
is absolutely necessary ; the drainage must be
very good, and the potting materials moderate in
quantity. A repotted plant requires great
caution on the part of the gardener in affording
water, the potting materials being just maintained
in slightly moist state. When re-established
treat it in the same manner as a plant which has
not been disturbed at the root, affording no more
water whilst it is resting than will keep the roots
healthy and pseudobulbs plump.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

The Pine Stov-e. — The recent warm weather has
favoured the growth in the plants, it having been
possible to afford full ventilation, and to husband
the sun-heat at closing time, and thus reduce
expenditure on fuel. At closing time syringe the
plants lightly, and allow the temperature' to rise
with solar heat to 90°. The warmth .at night
should not exceed 70°. Damp down more or less
as may be required. Young plants in a growing
condition should not lack water at the roots, or
growth will be stunted ; on the other hand, a
very wet state of the soil should be avoided.
Plants intended for fruiting in the winter, which
have been rested during the past month, should
now be afforded tepid water copiously, and a
higher top and bottom heat, in order to induce a
start. If the bed is cooling unduly, let the
materials be renewed in part, so as to carry the
plants through the fruiting period without further
disturbing them. The bottom-heat may rangefrom
85° to 90°. Plants now in flower should be afforded
a dry atmosphere, and not be wetted till flowering
is past. When the flowers are set, apply manure-
water when moisture at the root becomes neces-
sary. Eipening fruits require a considerable
amount of air, a high temperature, a dryness in
the surroundings, and only clear water at the
root, the quantity of which must be reduced as
the fruits approach perfect ripeness.

Figs. — Trees with fruit ripening should be
afforded air freely so as to ensure good flavour,
making sure that the soil is not dry. Such of the
trees as are carrying a heavy second crop of fruit
will require to have the fruits thinned, and if
large fruit be desired leave only two or three of
varying sizes on a shoot. Eegulate the shoots so
that there is no overcrowding ; cut away all
unnecessary growths or those that shade the prin-
cipal bearing shoots The above remarks apply to
Figs in pots now carrying a second crop of fruit.
Much vigilance is needed in applying water
betimes, so that no risk is run from dryness of
the soil ; and at this season water may be needed
twice daily. An occasional dressing of sulphate
of potash well watered in, and daily applications
of weak farmyard liquid-manure are very bene-
ficial. Syringe the plants vigorously morning
and afternoon or red-spider will increase. Ven-
tilate freely when the weather is favourable ; close
early, and with sunheat let the temperature rise
to 85° or 90° ; the night warmth may range
between 05° and 70°. Trees in pots intended
for forcing early next year should receive similar
treatment at the roots so as to enable them to
make strong shoots. It is important that the
shoots be thoroughly matured by the end of the
month of September.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallace, Gardener to E. Milleb Mundy, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Layering Carnations. — Early layering is an im-
portant point, more especially if the rooted layers
are to be planted direct to the beds or groups where
they are to flower. If transplantation be done in
October, and the layers are well rooted, they
become established before the winter sets in. Late
layeringand coddling the plants through the winter
in pots under glass are things to be deprecated, it
being a cause of failure with border Carnations.
In all the earlier parts of the country the layer-
ing of Carnations may now be undertaken. Let

JOLY 25, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

57

a mixture of turfy loam, a year or longer time in
stack, a small quantity of leaf-mould, and suffi-
cient road-grit as will render the whole gritty to
the touch, be got in readiness for the work, and
after scooping out some of the soil, place round
the plants to the depth of about 2 inches some of
this mixture, and make the surface flat. Having
done this, select three or four layers from each
plant (never all the shoots), buc leave some to
keep the roots at work. In pegging down the
layers see that the tongue of the layer is kept
well open [old growers put a grain of wheat
under it. Ed.], and make the soil firm round each
layer, finishing off level ; and if the weather be
dry syringe them in the afternoon. Apply water
to settle the soil, and generally keep the layers
moist. By attention to these details roots will
quickly form. I may add one word of caution.
In dealing with new varieties of promise never
discard an old favourite variety till it has been
proved that the novelty of the same colour is a
better flower, and the equal of the old variety in
regard to constitution.

Iris. — Most of the winter or very early-flowering
Irises, as 1. reticulata, I. alata, I. stylosa = un-
guicularis, I. persica, including the new Hel-
dreichi, should be planted as soon as possible;
and flowering as they do when the weather is
usually ungenial, sheltered positions should be
chosen for them. If they can be covered with
glass in some way, these Irises usually succeed,
and the blossoms last in good condition for a
considerable length of time.

Dahlias. — The shoots of the Dahlia being easily
damaged by the wind, the plants should be gone
over at short intervals of time, and fastened to
the stake or stakes. Varieties of Cactus Dahlias
which have a tendency to hide their flowers under
the leaves when allowed to grow naturally, should
have the upper shoots removed from around the
flower-buds, and be disbudded as well if blooms
are required for exhibition. Earwigs will now
infest the plants, and they should be trapped in
short lengths of Bamboo or Broad Bean-stalks
placed among the branches, these being less
unsightly than the usual flower-pots stuffed with
moss or hay.

Violets. — Thoroughly syringe these plants
daily, and afford them water abundantly when
the soil has got dryish, doing this, and applying
a mulch of leaf-mould or decayed stable-dung, so
as to keep red-spider in check. In syringing, use
an elbowed nozzle on the syringe, so as to get the
water on to the lower sides of the leaves.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Matne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bictou. Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Chrysanthemums. — The plants require much
attention in regard to the state of the soil in the
pots, three times a day being not too often to
examine them. Whether water is or is not
required may be ascertained by rapping the pots
with the knuckles. As soon as the roots are
seen to be working round the side of the pot,
drainings frorn the cowyard. one of the best
manures, or deer's or sheep's dung in the form of
diluted mixtures with water, together with soot,
may be applied once a week. With the exception
of the early-flowering varieties the flower-buds
should be removed from them until about the
middle of next month, one or more growths
being allowed to extend. Secure the best shoots
so that wind or rain will not break them off ;
remove superfluous growths as fast as they
appear, and syringe the plants after hot days,
plying the water on the undersides of the leaves,
adding some quassia extract if aphides appear.
The plants are looking well and free from the
Rust. Should the latter appear on any of the
plants let them be isolated, and syringe or sponge
the leaves with warm water to which a wine-
glassful of petroleum in 1 gallons of the former
. has been added.

Carnations.— The Tree varieties now standing
in the open air on a bed of coal-ashes should
have the point of all shoots showing flower
nipped out, and . the growth secured to neat
stakes ; and as the pots fill with roots apply
weUk manure-water or soot-water once a week,
soot being a capital manure for Carnations.

Souvenir de la Malmaison varieties of the Carna-
tions, as the plants pass out of flower, may be
layered forthwith, selecting the oldest or most
leggy for the purpose. Knock them out of their
pots and plant them in a cold frame or pit in a bed
made up of good loam, leaf-soil, road-grit, or
coarse sand. The plants should be laid on their
sides, and the soil made firm about them. Then
having selected the shoots to be layered trim off
the bottom leaves, and with a sharp knife make a
slanting cut upward through a joint on the under
side of the shoot, and with a hooked peg, and the
top of the shoot slightly raised, make it secure in
the soil, placing a layer of soil about 1 inch thick
over each one. Keep the lights fairly close, and
afford shade for a few days if the weather is very
bright, but do not apply water for twenty-four
hours, which will give the surface of the wounds
time to dry, afterwards the soil should be kept
fairly moist. Plants intended to be grown on should
be given a pot 2 inches greater diameter, and a
compost consisting of good turfy-loam two parts,
flaky leaf-soil one part, and thoroughly rotten
manure (cow-dung if possible) one part, with the
usual amount of coarse silver-sand. Pot fairly
firmly.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Endive. — The plants of the earlier sowings
should be blanched when about half grown by
tying them up in the same manner as Cos Lettuce,
or by covering them with flower-pots, which
should be placed firmly on the ground and the holes
covered with a piece of slate so that the light
cannot enter. The plants should be quite dry
when covered. Later sowings should be well
supplied with water at the roots. Make a sowing
on a south or west border, and if the weather be
dry thoroughly apply water to the seed-drills
before sowing the seeds.

Lettuce, Sfc. — Make sowings every ten days or
thereabouts of Cos and Cabbage varieties. Bath
Cos, Hicks' Hardy White, All-the-Year-Eound,
and Brown Dutch, are excellent Lettuces for
present sowing. Sow on a south or west border,
and protect the beds with fish-netting. Afford
the earlier sowings water in dry weather, and
manure-water between the rows by means of a
long-spouted watering-pot if growth is slow.
Radish-seed in small quantities should be sown
fortnightly, and the beds kept moist.

Dwarf anil Runner Beans. — Make a large sowing
of French Beans on a south border or other warm
spot, applying water to the seed-drills before
sowing if the land be dry. Runner Beans should
be afforded water copiously, and liquid-manure
occasionally. In hot dry soils apply a mulch of
rotten manure to the rows, and during hot
weather syringe the plants, and thus prevent the
casting of the blossoms.

Beetroot. — The early - sown Egyptian Beet
should be lifted when of middle size, as if left
longer in the ground the flesh becomes
stringy. Cut off the leaves all but about an
inch, and store the bulbs in sifted coal-ashes on
the north side of a wall. Stir the soil among
later crops, and in showery weather apply slight
top-dressings of artificial manure, in the propor-
tion of nitrate of soda 400 lb., superphosphate
400 lb., and muriate of potash 100 lb. per acre.

Globe Artichoke. — Remove the heads when
sufficiently largo for use and before the stalk
gets stringy, and store in a cellar with the butt
ends of the stalks in a vessel of water. Afford
manure-water to the plants, so that growth may
be maintained for as long a time as possible.

Pot Herbs. — Cut these as the plants come into
flower, and thoroughly dry in an open shed ;
afterwards wrapping each separately in small
bundles in sheetsof thin brown-paper, and hanging
them in a dry place.

Celery. — Break up the soil finely and earth-up
loosely, taking care not to bury the heart-leaves
of the plants. Do not carry out the work in wet
weather. Encourage late Celery by affording
water copiously at the root and overhead in dry
weather. If the Celery-miner is troublesome,
hard picking must be resorted to, and the infested

leaves burned. Frequent dustings of soot applied!
in the early morning are beneficial to the plant,
and act also as a deterrent to the fly. Beds of
Celeriac should be kept clean ; suckers should be-
torn off, and the plants kept well supplied with
water.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

The Peach. — The fruits of Alexander, Waterloo,,
and Early York being now approaching ripeness
on trees growing against south walls, the leaves
that shade the fruits should be pushed aside for
the purpose of heightening the colour and
improving the flavour. In districts in which,
there are many blackbirds and thrushes, the-
fruits must be protected with fish-netting. If
when gathering the fruits a piece of wadding is
held at the back of the fruit, the bruising of the
latter will be prevented. Peaches will keep for
two or three days in a cool room if placed on
sheets of wadding. Most early Peaches are lack-
ing in flavour, but in a season like the present-
one, when dessert fruit is scarce, the fruits are
not to be despised.

Apricots are ripening fast, and the gardener
should examine his trees almost daily, gathering
such as are ripe. Apricots keep much longer
than Peaches after being plucked if carefully
handled and kept in a cool room. The nests of
the common wasp are not numerous this season,
still, if any queen wasps are found they should be-
destroyed. Gas-tar may be employed in destroy-
ing nests, and where the use of this is im-
practicable Davis's Wasp Destroyer may be used
instead;

Gooseberries. — Nets should now be placed over
the bushes, for the early varieties are ripening
fast. At Dropmore the crop is a heavy one, and of
fine quality. When Gooseberries are grown as
cordons on north or east walls (an excellent
method of prolonging the season), the fore-right
shoots should be cut back to 6 inches in length,
and the leading shoots secured to the wall before
the nets are fixed up. These remarks apply also-
to Red and White Currants grown on walls.

THE APIARY.

By Expert.

The Week's Work.— Swarms should be superedi
or shallow frames placed on the hives where
necessary. Good strong swarms or two lots which,
have united will be found to have filled up ten
frames, and to be quite ready for further work.
In districts where food is scarce it will be as well
to place the partly-filled sections at the front,
and not give them too many sections; but in,
many places the full number of sections should
be given. Straw skeps should have a hole cut in
the top, and another skep or super placed over it ;
before doing which, place a piece of queen ex-
cluder, cut a little larger than the hole in the
skep, and place it over it, keeping it in place with,
a few wire-nails pushed through and into the skep
below ; this will save time and trouble when the
honey is ready to come off. In raising the upper
skep or super, place under it the bee-escape, which,
will be found to be very valuable, as the bees
escape down it into the parent stock below
without any danger of the queen or drones
blocking the escape. In all operations have the-
smoker going and a carbolic cloth in readiness.
In an Apiary say of twenty or more hives two-
smokers should be in use.

Taking-off Sections.— Where these are taken
away singly a little patience is necessary, and a.
good smoker is of the utmost importance in keop-
ino- the bees down, to enable you to get a good
hold of the sections, which, as a rule, are firmly
fastened down. Take hold of the section as far
below the top as is possible, and gently pull it
towards you, taking care at the same time not to-
pull off the top of the section, or any part of it.
And one often marks the section with the lingers ;
this should bo guarded against, as such Beotiona
are spoilt for sale purposes. Keep wax-mot b
down as much as possible, and continue to keep
the Apiary supplied with clean water.

58

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 25, 1903.

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, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be written on one side only of
the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept an a guarantee of good faith.
Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dec. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

TUESDAY. July 28 { ™™«

North Kildare Horticultural

THURSDAY, JDLV30

C Midland Carnation and Picotee
1 1 Society's Show at Birming-
| ham ; Chesterfield Floral and
I Horticultural Show.

( Irish Gardeners' Association

FRIDAY.

'( meet.
July 31— Royal Botanic Society Lecture.

SALES FOR THE WEEK.

FRIDAY, July 31—

Established Orchids and Japanese Trees, at Messrs.
Protheroe & Morris' Central Sale Rooms, 67 & 68,
Cheapside. E.C.

(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-63 4.
Actual Tempebatubes :—

London.— July 22 (6 p.m.) : Max. W: Min. 61°.

July 23 (Noon) : Overcast, warm ; 70°.
Pbovinces.— July 22 (6 p.m.): Max. 69°, Eastern
Counties; Min. .•>.'*, Shetlands.

We are so entirely in sym-
HOscienceral pathy with Professor Beach's

proposals that we hasten to
submit them to our readers. America is
taking the lead in the development of
scientific horticulture, if not of decorative
gardening ; but thanks to the identity of
language, and owing to the closeness of our
kinship, we can co-operate with her in the
promotion of horticulture more fully than
we can with Germany, a country which we
have also allowed to take precedence of
•ourselves in this matter.

We must not delude ourselves into the
idea that practical gardening and garden-
ing amenities are everything, and that we
continue to stand very high, and to take the
first place in them. It may be so ; but we
shall assuredly lose that pride of place
unless we are prepared to do as others do,
and avail ourselves far more fully than we
have done of the resources of science. We
are happy in being able to derive from
foreign countries that which we cannot pro-
•duce for ourselves, but there is no reason
whatever, apart from our sluggish indiffer-
ence, why we should not very largely render
ourselves independent of foreign aid. The
Koyal Horticultural Society, to which we
look to take the lead and set the example in
such matters, devotes itself too exclusively to
exhibitions and to the commercial interests
of the exhibitors. Its experimental garden
is too much given up to trials at which the
great commercial houses laugh, and to the
culture for distribution among the Fellows
of plants which could be bought for a mini-
mum sum from the nearest nurseryman.
Research and experiments, on the results of
which the future of practical horticulture
depends, and the welfare of its devotees,
are neglected and ignored, in spite of the
recommendations of its own Committees.

When the new Hall is completed we trust
that, without any interference with the
practical work of the gardens, which is in
excellent hands, the establishment of a
scientific department under a scientific
director, and the reorganisation of Chiswick,
will be the next matters taken in hand.
The kind of work we have in view can for
the most part be done just as well in the
suburbs of London as elsewhere, and does
not necessitate the formation of a new
garden in the country. However desirable
that may be— and we should be among the
first to admit the desirability — it is not a
matter of urgency, seeing that the lease at
Chiswick has still many years to run.

So much by way of preface to Professor
Beach's proposal, which we now append : —

" It is proposed that there be organised a
society for horticultural science, the object of
which should be more fully to establish horti-
culture on a scientific basis. The membership
would naturally be made up of the horticulturists
of the experiment stations an,d of the United
States Department of Agriculture, together with
other scientists whose work has a horticultural
bearing. The meetings would be held in con-
nection with those of some kindred society, as the
American Pomological Society, or the American
Association for the Advancement of Science.

" The amount of scientific work being done in
this country along horticultural lines is not fully
appreciated in the scientific world, because in
many cases it is obscured in presentation by a
large admixture of popular features. In order to
put this scientific work in the right light before
the world, it must be freed from all distracting
elements. Scientific features should be brought
prominently into the foreground, and attention
focused upon them. The scrutiny to which they
would be subjected in this event would doubtless
lead to a more complete investigation of some
scientific points now imperfectly developed. In
bringing about these results, a society for horti-
cultural science would be a potent factor.

" Further, there is a large amount of general
scientific work, especially in plant-physiology and
physiological chemistry, which has a direct and
important horticultural bearing, but which is not
making the impress on horticultural investigation
that it should do. This work should be reviewed
from the standpoint of the horticulturist, and its
horticultural applications should be clearly
pointed out. This service also the Society for Horti-
cultural Science could perform. Such a society
could be made a rallying-point for horticultural
investigators, crystallising about itself the
scientific horticultural thought of the country.

" One large result of the organisation of this
society would be the opportunity that it would
afford for the differentiation of scientific and
technical from popular features in the presenta-
tion of results. The scientific and technical
framework of investigation could be presented
before the society in the form of memoirs and be
discussed in the technical language of the
laboratory. At the same time the popular
presentation could be rid of all those undesirable
technical features, which under the present
system are sometimes included, not for the
benefit of the practical man, but simply for
other investigators. This separate presentation
of scientific features would emphasise their
importance and tend to stimulate activity in
further scientific investigation. That such
stimulation is needed our station horticulturists
are unanimously agreed. The creation of a
society for horticultural science would be a
logical and concrete expression of this need.

" This society would not supplant any existing
horticultural activities, but would supplement
all of them. It would aim to do for horticulture

in general what the Plant Breeding Conference
did for one special branch — it would call forth
and centralise the most advanced horticultural
thought of the day.

"If a sufficient number of favourable replies are
received, it is proposed to hold the first meeting
in connection with the meeting of the American
Pomological Society in Boston, September 10 to 12.
If it is decided to organise, all who shall have
signified their favourable attitude toward the
project will be notified at once, and every effort
will be put forth to have a worthy programme
prepared for the occasion. The expense con-
nected with the society will be only nominal."

Our Supplementary Illustration to the
present issue has been prepared from a photo-
graph kindly submitted tp us by .the Royal
Botanic Society. The view is one in the large
conservatory in the Society's gardens at Regent's
Park, and will serve as a reminiscence .to many
of our older readers who may have visited and
exhibited at the famous show3 of fruit and
plants that took place at Regent's Park more
than a quarter of a century ago. It is approached
from the park by means of a long corridor, in
which it has been the custom to hold the spring
shows ; and when the exhibits could not be con-
tained in this structure the overflow was disposed
in various portions of the conservatory. The
conservatory was built in 1845 by Turner, of
Dublin, who afterwards built the Palm-house at
Kew. Both buildings consist of iron and glass,
and therefore admit the maximum amount of
sunlight possible ; but the Kew Palm-house is
much the larger building. At the time the
Regent's Park conservatory was built, the gardens
were under the care of Robert Maknock, for-
merly Curator of the Botanical garden at Sheffield,
the site of nearly 20 acres having been converted
from a nursery into a botanic garden about five
years previously. The conservatory is not a hot-
house, and the species of plants it contains belong
to those that require a cool, or at most an inter-
mediate temperature. Like most other botanical
gardens that are not supported by the Govern-
ment, that at Regent's Park has suffered badly
for years past owing to lack of sufficient pecuniary
means.

Imperial Service Order. — Gardeners will
be pleased to learn that Mr. William Browne,
late Superintendent Royal Parks, whose por-
trait we gave on p. 30, has been invested by
His Majesty with the Imperial Service Order.
This is the first instance of the kind known
to us.

KEW. — In the large herbaceous borders the
yellow autumn composites and Dahlias have not
as yet put in an appearance ; but the old Lychnis
chalcedonica, with its brilliant scarlet flowers,
and Salvia virgata, with spikes of lilac-purple
flower, are most effective. The white flowers of
Sidalcea Candida and Chrysanthemum maximum
serve to tone down the brilliancy of the colour.
A bed of Begonia Count Zepphirin [?], with very
deep scarlet semi-double flowers, is noteworthy.
Kniphofia Northire, with fine glaucous leaves like
those of an Agave, but without spines at the
margins, and with dense spikes of flowers,
greenish-white below, reddish above, is just going
out of bloom. The rockwork is so overflowing
with interest and beauty that an attempt to note
its contents would be futile. A few plants only
can be noticed, among them Dianthus viscidus,
with brilliant rosy - crimson flowers ; Cam-
panula Tommasiniana is remarkable for its
long, tubular or cylindrical corollas, so dif-
ferent in shape from those of most of
its allies ; Sidalcea Listeri is remarkable for
its pink flowers with deeply fringed petals ;
Meconopsis Wallichii is a stately plant, whose
tawny, hairy surface forms a singular contrast to

SvL-i 25, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

59

the pale blue of the petals ; Potentilla nitida,
with its neat silvery foliage and small white
flowers with pink stamens, is charming for cover-
ing the surface of rocks ; Halenia elliptica, a
(blue-flowered gentian-wort, is a plant for the
botanist by reason of its spurred flowers, like
those of a Linaria, but otherwise so different.
Among the Lilies, L. croceum, testaceum, and
■candidum are the most striking. In the Water-
Lily tank near the laboratory are various speci-
mens of Marliac's hybrids, among them ignea,
albida, Laydekeri, lilacea, Falconeri, flammea,
and others. Solanum Wendlandi, at one end of
-the Succulent-house, is so strikingly beautiful that
the wonder is it is not universally grown where
•conditions are favourable, but as yet it seems
'little known. It was figured in our columns in
1899. At this time of year we felt inclined to pass
No. 4, as there is so much to be seen outside ; but
Jet no one make that mistake, as that house is just
charming. The contents are far too numerous to
be detailed. We can only mention the brilliant
Hidalgoa Wercklei, sometimes called a climbing
Dahlia ; but that would be no compliment to the
graceful Hidalgoa unless a single Dahlia be
intended. The finely-cut foliage and scarlet
flower-heads are very beautiful. Abutilon Golden
Fleece is full of bloom, and its pale yellow
flowers drooping from the roof like so many bells
are novel and effective. And here we must stop.
Kew is much too rich and too varied in its con-
tents to be dealt with in a paragraph. We allude
to it with a view of inducing gardeners of all
degrees to pay the gardens a visit, and to do so
not only at this season, but at any time, for its
interest is inexhaustible and independent of
season.

Not the least useful of the publications

that emanate from this establishment are the
lists of new garden plants published annually,
and containing the names of the newly-intro-
duced plants of the year, together with those of
others which, having been lost sight of, have lately
been re-introduced. The names are arranged
alphabetically, with indications of the sources
•whence they are taken (European horticultural
periodicals in general). Short descriptions are
given, but generally speaking the names are taken
as they are found. It would obviously be lmpos-
cible to verify any but a very small proportion of
them. Garden varieties are not included.

Horticultural Club.— The annual excur-
sion of the members of this Club and their
friends took place on Thursday the 10th inst.,
and despite the somewhat unfavourable state of
the weather, was greatly -enjoyed. The party,
about eighty in number, met at Paddington ter-
minus at 10 a.m., and proceeded in two saloon
carriages to Windsor, where, thanks to the
management of Mr. Harry Veitch, who under-
took the arrangements, the courtesy of Mr. Nutt,
the architect, Mr. Mackellar, the gardener,

■ and Mr. Tait, the farm steward, the Castle, the
grounds, and the collection of cattle were all
inspected in turn under the best of auspices.
The Club, thanks to special permission accorded
fcy the King, enjoyed the unusual privilege of
visiting the private gardens as well as those
more generally open to inspection; and it need
hardly be said the members were delighted, not
•only by the beautiful design of the gardens, butalso
'by the order in which they are kept. On arriving
at Windsor some of the party decided to drive
through and around the splendid park; the major
number, however, deterred by the threatened

. downpour, elected to visit the interior of the
Castle, and although the State Apartments were
not available for inspection, a tour through St.
George's Chapel, the Memorial Chapel, and other
adjuncts of the Castle itself was greatly enhanced
by the presence of Mr. Nutt, who very kindly
acted as cicerone to the party, pointing out the
special points of architectural and historical

interest. To those who drove round the park
the beauty of the scene was heightened rather
than otherwise by the freshness imparted by the
showers, the atmospheric effects on the long
vistas of the avenues being charming. At 1 o'clock
the party lunched at Messrs. Layton's, and sub-
sequently were conducted over the gardens by
Mr. Mackellar, passing through the private
gardens aforesaid and thence to the dairy, and
finally reaching Frogmore. A capital tea had
been arranged in one of the Royal conservatories,
after which a couple of hours were spent in visit-
ing the kitchen and other gardens, and eventu-
ally, under Mr. Tait's supervision, the prize
cattle were paraded for the visitors' benefit, the
party then being driven back to Windsor to
dinner at Messrs. Layton's. Mr. Harry Veitch
presided, and after the toast of " The King " had
been gratefully honoured, the healths of Messrs.
Nutt, Mackellar, and Tait (the two latter
gentlemen being present) were proposed and
drunk with grateful recognition of their kind
contributions to the enjoyment of the day, the
function closing after a few words from Mr.
Hunt, a visitor from New Zealand, with a
similarly well-deserved recognition of Mr. Harry
Ve itch's successful efforts to make it a red-letter
day in the annals of the Club.

National Chrysanthemum Society.— On

Monday the 13th, the annual outing of this
Society took place, a party of about 190 persons
journeying by Great Western Railway to Reading,
thence by water to the private landing-stage at
Park Place, Henley-on-Thames, Mrs. Noble
having kindly given permission that a visit
might be made to the gardens and grounds.
Dinner was served in a shady walk, over which
the branches of trees formed an archway ; then
followed a perambulation of the grounds, after
which tea was served, the party making the
return by water to Reading, thence to London by
train. It was an ideal day for such a visit, and
it was greatly enjoyed by all ; and Mr. Geo.
Stanton, the steward, with Mr. W. T. Powell,
the gardener at Park Place, did all in their
power to make the outing pleasant. Previous to
embarking, photographs were taken of the group,
the result being highly successful.

Sugar-cane Experiments. — Reviewing the
results obtained in Antigua and St. Kitts by Mr.
Watts, Sir Daniel Morris says : — "The objects
of the experiments are (1) to find disease-resistent
varieties ; (2) to discover a cane the equal or
perhaps superior of the Bourbon, the cultivation
of which has had to be abandoned owing to its
susceptibility to fungoid attack. On the results
of this year's experiments in Antigua, the Bar-
bados seedling B. 208 heads the list. In St.
Kitts the same variety also occupies the first
place. In 1900-1, B. 208 was second and first
in position in Antigua and St. Kitts respectively.
Moreover, it occupied the first position in the
Barbados experiments in 1900-01, and again this
season. Mr. Watts is therefore justified in re-
commending ' this cane with some degree of con-
fidence for cultivation, always remembering that
caution is necessary in the introduction of a new
variety of cane.' Another variety of cane which
stands out prominently is the Demerara seedling
D. 95. During the last three years it has occu-
pied a uniformly high position, and is worthy of
careful attention at the hands of the Sugar-
planters of the Leeward Islands. The caution of
Mr. Watts concerning the possible disappoint-
ment which may accrue to planters through their
purchasing from distant places canes of the same
name as those found to do well in their own
locality, is worthy of notice. Planters would do
well to exercise care in obtaining their supplies
from a stock which has been proved to do well in
or near thoir own districts. The chemical selec-
tion experiments are of great interest as indi-

cating a possible method of improving the Sugar
contents of certain varieties by selecting only the
richest cane3 for plants. These experiments are,
however, not sufficiently advanced to warrant any
generalisation being drawn from them."

Malmaison Carnations. — Each flower
nowadays, or each category of flowers, is made
the subject of a special literature. The Mal-
maison Carnation forms no exception to this
rule. Under the title L'CEillet a la Grande Fleur
(Paris, Octave Doin), M. Rudolph discusses the
history and cultivation of these large-flowered
varieties, and gives a list of those most frequently
cultivated in France. The original Souvenir de
la Malmaison was, it appears, raised in France in
1857 by M. Laine, but a great step forward was
made in 1895, when M. Perrin, a nurseryman
near Nice, exhibited a series of varieties at
Cannes. In 1899 a number of new varieties were
introduced from Bohemia. It is stated that a
Bohemian military doctor was taken prisoner at
Austerlitz and detained at Lyons ; there he was
attracted by the beauty of the Carnations he
witnessed, and on returning to his native
country he took seeds with him, raised new
varieties, and by continued selection obtained a
very fine race. M. Rudolph enumerates at some
length the races produced, and the varieties
exhibited by various raisers, but he is almost
entirely silent as to what has been done on this
side of the Channel. To him the Carnation
Society is apparently unknown, and the names
of Martin Smith and Douglas do not appear in
his pages, though a few lines are devoted to the
cultivators in the United States.

Laticiferous Tubes in Conifers. — M.

Chauveaud, a pupil of M. van Tieghem, calls
attention, in the Comptes Bendus for May 4 of the
present year, to the presence of laticiferous tubes,
some simple, others branched, in the liber of
Conifers, whilst the resinous fluids are poured out
of the cells in which they are formed, with inter-
cellular resin-canals ; the latex remains within the
cells. The laticiferous tubes are specially seen in
the young seedling plants.

The Gardens of the Vatican. — In the
last issue of his weekly journal, Mr. T. P.
O'Connor has gathered together many interesting
details concerning that remarkable man the late
Pope Leo XIII. For us, here, the particulars
respecting the Pope as a gardener, and the setting
forth of the gardens, possess interest. " T. P."
says the late Pontiff took a great interest in the
Vatican gardens — would watch the growth of
flower and fruit and tree with daily solicitude.
He was very proud of the fact that the gardens
produced 10,000 fine Oranges yearly ; and one
day he found that the gardener had allowed some
of the Ivy to languish. The gardener excused
himself on the ground that the soil was bad.
The Pope replied, " You don't know what you
are talking about, or else you think we believe
everything you are pleased to tell us." After
which admonition the Pope gave the gardener a
regular lecture, which made him exclaim, as soon
as the Pontiff's back was turned, " He can teach
anyone, from the cardinals to the gardeners.
They can't get over him ! "

Fulham Park Extension.— There was a
double commotion at Fulham on Saturday last, a
severe thunder-storm — thunder, lightning, and a
deluge or two of rain — and the ceremony of
opening the fine addition to Fulham Park. The
former event brought consternation to the dis-
trict ; the latter brought Lord Monkswell and
sundry members of the London County Council
to the resort of the inhabitants of Fulham, and
with all due ceremony and some expedition the
ribbon 1 iounding the older portion of the grounds
from the new was severed, and the whole declared
free for ever to the inhabitants of this one-time

60

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[iwt 25, 1903.

distant suburb. The new portion (some (Sj acres)
consists among other things of a fine sheet of
water, with two King's swans floating on its sur-
face ; a fine sand-beach for the small boys of
Fulham, whereon, with a little imagination, they
can fancy themselves at Southend or Margate ; a
terraced promenade, a grotto of wildings, &c.
When the season has really settled down to its
work, the park, flower-beds, and shrubs, &c, will
be duly appreciated by those for whom they have
been provided.

Importance of Scientific Knowledge. —

The following remarks apply to the gardener as well
as to the farmer: — "Better knowledge of animal
husbandry, of the physiology of plants, and the
chemistry of soils, is most needed by the farmers
of the United States as a gift of the year 1903.
. . . The farmer who thinks is the farmer that is
making the money by his crops to-day. We buy
too much in the way of agricultural products
from abroad — too much that might just as well
be raised by ourselves within the limits of our
own territory. This year we shall have purchased
$200,000,000 worth of plant products which we
could have grown in the United States, and, in
addition, another $200,000,0(10 worth that might
have been produced in our new tropical pos-
sessions. The more our farmers know, the more
things they will be able to grow, and the richer
we shall be. Half the people of this country live
by the soil directly, and 65 per cent, of our
exports go from the farmers. If the foregoing
be true of the United States farmer, it is even
more so of the West Indian planter. We have
in previous issues of this journal pointed out the
great importance and need of educating the
young generation of farmers and planters in the
scientific principles underlying agriculture, if we
would obtain the best possible results from tillage
of the soil. The raising at home of products
which are at present imported from abroad in
large quantities, is another point the importance
of which has often been emphasised in this
journal." The Agricultural News.

Experiments affecting the Life-History
OF THE Bramble. — M. Gaston Bonnier has
contributed to a recent volume of the Bulletin de
la Socitte Botanique de France, the results of
some experiments made by him with Brambles.
The usual life-history of these plants is as
follows, so far as their arching branches are
concerned. In the first year such stems produce
leaves from the axils, of which come shoots,
which arch over and become rooted at the tip,
which forces itself into the ground. In the
second year the shoots develop, and put forth
rather short branches curved to about 45° from
the horizontal plane, bearing a few leaves and
terminating in an inflorescence. In the third
year the whole arch dies, and consequently, buds
formed on the second year's branches never
develop. By fixing these arching stems in an up-
right position and maintaining them in that posi-
tion for several years, M. Gaston Bonnier has
induced decided modifications in the biology of
the Bramble. The nutrition of the stems is
influenced by their vertical position, since they
can produce roots at one extremity only. Instead
of the branches forming roots during the first
and dying at the end of the second season, the
life of these stems was prolonged for three or four
years, while they put forth successively flowering
branches the second season, and further, new
shoots in the third season, a phenomenon never
observed under natural conditions.

"Newquay: the Vale of Lanherne and
PERRANZABULOE." By Fannie Goddard. (Pub-
lished by the Homeland Association for the
Encouragement of Touring in Great Britain,
St. Bride's Lane, Fleet Street, E.C.) This is
No. 27 of the Homeland Handbooks, and is well up
to their usual level of excellence. It is meant to

serve as a " sympathetic companion to the cliffs
and headlands around Newquay," and should
serve this purpose well, as it treats pleasantly of
an interesting corner of Cornwall. The natural
features and natural history of the place are
dealt with, and the various interests that await
the intelligent visitor. We are glad to be
referred to local directories for information con-
cerning church services and public institutions,
and so to have a smaller handbook, more con-
venient and portable. There are a few blank
pages for notes, and a map reduced from the
Ordnance Survey map of the neighbourhood, that
add value to the publication.

Deputation to Cardiff. — The Cardiff and
County Horticultural Society's Show took place
on Wednesday and Thursday last in the Sophia
Gardens, Cardiff. On Wednesday there was a
deputation from the Royal Horticultural Society,
including Mr. F. G. Lloyd, Rev. W. Wilks,
M.A., and Mr. S. T. Wright. We hope to
give some details of the exhibition in our next
issue.

Destruction of Plants in Gardens in
Aberdeen. — Much indignation is being felt in
west-end circles in Aberdeen, writes an Aberdeen
correspondent, at the destruction caused in gar-
dens by midnight prowlers. These persons have
torn up and scattered about almost everything
they could lay their hands upon. Their object has
not been theft, as the more valuable plants and
flowers have been left strewn all over the
grounds. The absolute ruin for this season of
some of these pretty gardens seems to be entirely
malicious. One night recently, in the suburb of
Queen's Cross, at least ten different gardens were
visited by the scoundrels, and the whole of the
beautiful and expensive plants which these
gardens contained were torn up, tossed about, and
trampled upon. Some idea of the destruction
committed may be gained, says our correspon-
dent, when it is stated that at one house at which
I called, and which has a very small garden, the
owner estimated the damage done at over .£5,
without taking into consideration the loss of the
pleasure he derived from his garden. The loss
entailed upon those with large gardens must be
exceedingly great. In one case a long length of
garden hose was destroyed, and after dragging it
all over the ground as an implement of destruc-
tion, they left it lying in a side street. As may
be supposed, elaborate precautions have been
taken by the police authorities — precautions, it
is sincerely to be hoped, that will lead to the
capture of the delinquents.

Kitchen-Garden Pests.— The number of

the Profitable Farm and Garden for July 11 con-
tains a coloured plate representing the As-
paragus-beetle, the Carrot-fly, the Celery-fly, and
the Onion-fly.

New Border Carnation. — Mr. G. F.
Brotherston, of Breckenborough Hall Gardens,
Thirsk, sends for our inspection blooms of a
seedling Carnation of a somewhat unusual shade
of colour. The flower is of good form and sub-
stance, and of a rich orange-salmon colour. The
calyx does not split. Altogether we think highly
of this Carnation, to which, under the name
" Francis Samuelson," a First-class Certificate
was awarded at the York Gala on June 24. (See
also p. 56.)

President Roosevelt at Home.— The

Pacific Florist for July has a portrait of the
President of the United States, with axe on
shoulder, on his way to fell a tree, Gladstone-
wise, at his summer residence, Oyster Bay, New
York.

"The Wild Garden."— The thing is so full
of interest and beauty that we are not disposed to
cavil at the name, in spite of its inappropriateness.
To many, indeed, if not always to the professional

gardener, it has charms which no garden in the
proper acceptation of the term could rival. It is-
the place for the plant-lover and the botanist to-
revel in. For these reasons we welcome the pub-
lication of the fifth edition of Mr. Robinson's-
book under the above title, published by John.
Murray. It contains abundance of useful hints,
for the utilisation of hardy plants, native as well
as exotic, numerous pretty wood-cuts, and a.
copious index.

JOHN EVELYN CLUB.— With this very appro-
priate title for a Surrey society, and under the
presidency of Mr. T. G. Jackson, E.A., with.
Messrs. Clarence Moran and Richardson Evans-
as honorary secretaries, a club has been estab-
lished at Wimbledon to unite all residents whc-
value grace, dignity, and interest in the aspect
of their surroundings (1) in protecting from
unnecessary impairment the -picturesque ameni-
ties of the neighbourhood ; (2) in promoting the
study of its historical associations, zoology, and
botany; (3) in preserving the fauna and flora,
as well as objects of historical and archaeological
interest. The club will act locally so -as to ad-
vance the objects of such societies as the Com-
mons and Footpaths Preservation Society, the
Kyrle Society, the Selborne Society, the Birds"
Protection Society, the National Trust, &c. We
wish it every success. Nature Notes, July.

Late Strawberries. — Prolongation of the
season, flavour, free cropping, hardihood, freedom,
from disease, and substance, so as to endure trans-
port, these are among the requirements which the
raiser of new Strawberries pays heed to. Some
of these points are of special consequence to the-
grower for market, but none of them is a matter
of indifference to the grower of Strawberries for-
whatever purpose. We were reminded of these
matters by the receipt from Messrs. Bunyard &
Co. of a collection of late fruits grown in the
open field. Strawberries are not particularly
well adapted for railway transit, and these parti-
cular samples did not reach us in first-class con-
dition, but we were enabled nevertheless to form
some opinion of their merits. Among them were : —
Givons Late Prolific, a new kind, of great value
as being late, of good size and flavour. It is a
handsome, wedge-shaped or sometimes cock's-
comb- shaped fruit, often lobed, of a rich colour.,
juicy, and of good flavour. As the plants are
still bearing flower, its merits as a late variety
are incontestable.

Louis Gautier is a very prolific variety, with,
large, wedge-shaped fruit, whitish, very juicy,
and of good flavour.

Queen of Denmark is a late variety, with fruits
of moderate size, and flavour of the Alpine section..

Frogmore Late Pine, a deliriously - flavoured,
variety, of large size and a very dark colour.

Filbert Pine, a prolific variety, late, and ot>
medium-size and flavour, conical in shape.

Dr. Abel, Director of the Imperial and Royal:
Horticultural Society in Vienna, died at Monnich-
kirchen on June 28.

A Generous Landowner.— We are glad tc-
hear that Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., of Gun-
nersbury House, Acton, has just remitted fifteen,
per cent, of the half-year's rent to the market
gardeners upon his Gunnersbury estate, on ac-
count of the extraordinary loss they sustained,
by the destruction of the fruit crops by late-
frosts. It is a happy instance of a landlord
voluntarily sharing the misfortunes of his.
tenants.

Croydon and District Horticultural
Mutual Improvement Society.— "Tomatos"
was the subject of a paper given before the
members of this Society, at their rooms, Sun-
flower Temperance Hotel, George Street, re-
cently ; and the mode of culture recommended by

July 23, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

Gl

Mr. F. Oxtoby, Coonibe Lodge Gardens, found
hearty appreciation from all present. Mr. A.
Maslen will give the next paper, " Summer
Pruning," on August 18.

Royal Appointment. — Messrs. Thomas
Methven & Sons, of 15, Princes Street and
Warriston Nurseries, Edinburgh, have been ap-
pointed nursery and seedsmen to His Majesty
the King. The firm formerly held a Warrant
'from her late Majesty Queen Victoria.

The Gardeners' Dinner.— All those gar-
deners and others who purpose attending the
Gardeners' Dinner at the Holborn Restaurant
•on September 29 will be interested to learn that
the famous rosarian and amateur gai'dener, Dean
-Reynolds Hole, of Rochester, has not only se-
cured a ticket, but trusts that a>l being well he
will be present. The Dean is a devoted lover of
•a garden, and he has only warm feeling for those
who make and tend them. Many a gardener
•isolated from society in some remote spot has
heard and read of the Dean, but may have never
•-.seen him. It is sincerely to be hoped that not
only will he be present to support Mr. Leopold
;de Rothschild, but that hundreds of gardeners
will be there to give both a hearty welcome.
The chance to attend such a function offers only
once perhaps in a lifetime. Already some 200
•tickets have been sent out.

A MOTOR LAWN-MOWER.

So far as can be seen at present the motor
'is destined to become as common in our roadways
-as horse-drawn vehicles have been, and there
■appears no reason why it should not be employed
also for cutting grass in gardens where there are
■extensive lawns. We have previously illustrated
-a lawn-mower provided with an electric battery
for propelling purposes, also a lawn-mower driven
by steam (see Gardeners' Chronicle, March 28, 1896,
<V- 401), and in fig. 24 is shown a petrol-driven
machine manufactured by Messrs. Ransomes, Sims
& JefFeries, Ltd., Orwell Work, Ipswich, who are
amongst the first to anticipate a demand for an
improved type of machine.

Amongst the advantages possessed by this
machine are the following. There is no delay in
■starting, as in the case of a steam-motor, but it
•can commence work in five minutes. There are
mo coils or electric batteries employed for
ignition, and no hoof-marks are left on the turf.
One man can managethe motor lawn-mower with
«ase ; and, riding on the motor, he can get over
much more work during the day than when
-using a horse-power machine and walking behind
'it; and there is no need for the boy usually
•employed to lead the horse. The machine can
<be stopped or its direction turned without diffi-
culty. There are smaller motor machines which
are not provided with a seat for the driver.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

A PLEA FOR THE MOLE.— A writer in a recent
issue of the Daily News says that " farmers owning
much pasture land do not speak highly of the
•mole." That is quite true ; there is a venerable and
obstinate prejudice toovercome ; butfacts are facts,
■and text-books and works of reference clearly
prove that the mole is not a destructive animal.
M. Flourens states that the mole, if not exclu-
sively, is essentially carnivorous, and probably
the most voracious eater in the animal kingdom.
He feeds on worms, snails, slugs, caterpillars,
•cockchafer grubs, and many other subterranean
and surface creatures. Mr. R. A. Sterndale,
F.Z.S., in his work on the Mammalia of India,
says that moles are not trapped in India, and that
their destruction in this country is carried on in a
spirit of ignorance. Macgillivray, an observant
naturalist, regarded the mole as a useful animal.
I think it was Frank Buckland who called

attention to the fact that wherever moles have
been the grass grows afterwards very luxuriantly.
Miss Ormerod and Sir Herbert Maxwell have also
written to the same effect. The Board of
Agriculture publishes a leaflet on the habits and
life - history of the cockchafer, in which it is
stated : " Moles and shrew-mice feed upon cock-
chafers, and both of these animals should be
protected." Moles, instead of being the farmer's
foes, are really his friends ; and we may yet see
laws passed to save him from extermination at
the hands of his senseless persecutors. " Certain
it is that in the present depressed condition of
agriculture " (to quote from an article in the
Nineteenth Century by the Rev. Augustus Jessop),
" it is difficult to estimate how much serious
mischief is being done by the extermination of
one of the farmer's best and most influential
friends, the mole." Joseph Collinson, 53, Chancery
Lane, W.C.

SWEET PEAS. — I was interested to find that
the experience of J. J. Cole (p. 3) with Sweet
Peas was similar to my own. 'I was one of the
fortunates who last year obtained a white Pea
from a packet of " Miss Willmott," bought from
the firm of Eckf ord, and I cannot believe it was
the result of accidental mixing of two varieties,
but was a sport or reversion from " Miss Will-
mott." I saved seeds from this, but did not
notice whether the seeds were of different colours.
All the seeds were sown and carefully cultivated,
and all have now without exception pure white
flowers — in size, shape, and habit of growth the
■ counterpart of " Miss Willmott." However, all

Fig. 24.— a motor lawn-mower.

these points are not proof of its relationship.
That proof is to be found in the fact that in a
clump of " Miss Willmott" I have again a white
flower identical with last year's novelty. In
saving seeds I avoided all chance of mixing
varieties, so I am persuaded that reversion to an
earlier parent is the explanation of its appear-
ance. In spite of careful selection "rogues " are
always to be found, and I notice that these
" rogues " are generally of a purple-maroon
colour, or shades between that and the blue of
" Captain of the Blues." This year the variety
" Emily Henderson " has amongst it about
20 per cent, of the old " Apple Blossom," a variety
I have not grown for five years. This seems to
me to be proof that the two varieties have a
common ancestry. The cross-fertilising of " Emily
Henderson " would not account for '* Apple
Blossom," for I believe the latter is a much older
variety than the white. If the "rogues" were
the result of cross-fertilisation one would expect
that the colours would be progressive, but I have
not met with a " rogue " of a new shade, they are
always similar to very old varieties. Many
writers say that natural cross-fertilisation is
impossible, because insects are unable to force
their way to the stigma. This is an error. When
a bee alights on a flower its hind-legs work up
and down until the keel of the flower is pressed
down from the stigma, and the bee collects pollen
from the exposed stamens. That the flower is
not cross-fertilised is certainly not the fault of
the bee. The reason is without doubt the
greater potency of its own pollen to effect
fertilisation, compared with that from a foreign
flower. In fact it is a case where the law of <r. iss-
fertilisation does not always hold. It follows then
that for a flower to become cross- fertilised it

must first be deprived of its stamens before
foreign pollen can have a chance to operate, but
this being done cross-fertilisation is possible,
though perhaps not easy. John T. Blencowe,
" Eastcott " Gardens, Kinqston Hill.

— The communication from Mr. J. J. Cole
re Sweet Peas in your issue of July 4, is a most
interesting one. He has now arrived at the
opinion that Mr. John Green and I once held
regarding the origin of " Dorothy Eckford." The
following statement may be interesting to those
interested in Sweet Peas :— The first year ".Miss
Willmott " was sent out, Mr. Robert Sydenham
told me to be on the look-out, as there was eitner
a pure white mixture or a sport in that variety.
My firm grew a number of plants at Rothesay,
and among them one carried white flowers ; but
it was not possible to save seed on account of the
wet summer. At Orpington an equal number
was grown, but no trace of white flowers appeared
there. The following season my firm had at
Orpington a number of white-flowered forms in a
long line of " Miss Willmott " (grown from seed
saved by themselves), and was able to exhibit it at
Wolverhampton under thename of " White Queen,"
where it obtained a certificate. Mr. Green also
exhibited the same form under the name of
"White Wings" in the Eastern Counties, and
also obtained a certificate for it. When the
matter came before the National Sweet Pea
Committee at the time referred to by Mr.
Cole, these facts were in the minds of the
members. I made a statement at that meet-
ing that in my opinion the variety was a
sport, and Mr. Green confirmed this view. It
was represented by a member (Mr. Simpson, I
think) that it had been raised or selected a year
or two previously by Mr. Eckford, and the seed
of it and " Miss Willmott " had got inadvertently
mixed. Ultimately, after a lengthened dis-
cussion, it was agreed to refer the matter
to Mr. Eckford, and the Secretary was instructed
to ask him for a declaration on the subject ; and
the decision of the committee was that if Mr.
Eckford declared that he had had a stock of the
two varieties, and that they had been accidentally
mixed, he should have the credit of the variety,
and it should officially bear the name of " Dorothy
Eckford." None of us desired to rob Mr. Eck-
ford either of the profit or of the credit of the
transaction. Mr. Eckford made the declaration,
and the matter was settled. Mr. Cole is there-
fore not quite correct in saying that " the decision
of the National Sweet Pea committee was that it
was the result of an accidental mixing of the
seeds of a new white variety with that of ' Miss
Willmott.' " It was not the decision of the
National Sweet Pea committee dc facto ,- it was
the decision of Mr. Eckford. The scientific
interest of Mr. Cole's coriimunication is very great
indeed, and I hope to have something to say on
the question of [seed] sports later in the season.
William Cuthhertson, of Messrs. Dobbie # Co.,
Rothesay. [Has any one seen a true sport
or bud variation in the Sweet Pea or any other
annual? Ed.]

MELON AND CUCUMBER LEAF-SPOT. — Mr.

Stephen' Castle, writing iu last week's issue of the
Gardeners' Chronicle (p. 31), says, "This new
plague of the gardener, for which apparently no
remedy can be found, starts usually in damp
or dull weather, and at the end of the house
nearest to the door," adding, "that with sun-
shine it spreads very rapidly." As the state-
ment appears to be somewhat inconsistent with
the apparent cause and effect, I am sure that
many growers, including myself, would be glad
to learn from Mr. Castle how it is that the
" spot," if caused through the implied influence
of damp or dull weather, comes to spread
" very rapidly " under the beneficial influence of
sunshine. Mr. Castle also asserts in the last
paragraph of his interesting note that " if Cu-
cumbers could be grown on the old lines we should
hear nothing of the 'spot.'" adding that "the
grower must needs take two crops in a limited
period of time, and that his (the grower's) me-
thods account to his thinking the why and
wherefore of the prevalence of the disease." Will
Mr. Castle kindly explain for the benefit of
growers of Cucumbers for market the manner in
which Cucumbers were grown on the "old lines."
also the method of procedure followed by the

62

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 25, 1903.

growers of to-day, and at the same time give his
reason for saying that the modus operandi pur-
sued "accounts to his thinking the why and
wherefore of the prevalence of the disease," as
the bare assertion of facts or of assumed facts is
of no practical use to readers unless reasons are
adduced showing cause and effect, and suggesting
a remedy ? Bare assertions are insufficient to
convey information to those desirous to learn the
why and wherefore of any undesirable symptoms
on their plants, &c. R. W. W.

OUT-OF-DOORS PLANTS INJURED VARIOUSLY.

— The specimens we are enclosing herewith we
have had forwarded to us from a correspondent
resident in Herts. He has sent them for opinion
and determination of the causes from which they
appear to be suffering, principally a wrinkling
and browning of the foliage. He informs us that
the gardeners in his locality teim itthecrimping-
and-browning disease. It first made its appear-
ance in 1899, and was then confined to a few
things ; but now it has spread to almost every
plant inside and out, making it, we understand,
an impossibility to grow any plants. Even the
weeds suffer from the same cause. It appears to
U8 to be a somewhat singular case, seeing that
the damage is spread over trees, shrubs, and
indoor plants alike, and we should be happy if
you could give us your opinion upon the
matter as to what is the cause or causes of
this so-called disease. Also if you can determine
its nature. Are there any remedial measures
that could be applied to prevent its further
spread ? If you would kindly oblige us through
your correspondence columns we should esteem
it a favour. We have kept a duplicate of each
number. C. S. [We append a reply from our
authority on plant diseases to the various ques-
tions asked in the above communication. Ed.] : —
" It is not one particular disease affecting all the
plants sent, but several, quite distinct in their
nature and origin. 1. Plane-leaf scorch, caused
by Gloeosporium nervisequum ; collect and burn
•the leaves as they fall, and next spring spray
with dilute Bordeaux-mixture when the leaves
are expanding. 3. Caused by an aphis or " green-
fly"; spray with an insecticide. 6. Foliage
injured by late frosts. 7. Injured by " green-
fly " ; spray with insecticide. 8. Attacked by
the fungus called Botrytis vulgaris ; spray with
potassium sulphide solution — 1 oz. in 2 gallons of
water. 9. Foliage injured by frost. The re-
mainder are undeterminable from the material
sent. G. M."

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S COM-
MITTEES' CRICKET-MATCH. — This event, in which
members of the Floral and of the Fruit Com-
mittees contended with each other for fun and
fame on the bloodless cricket-ground at Gunners-
bury Park last summer, the Fruit men proving
the winners, is this year to have its replica on
Saturday, August 8 next, the place of the contest
being the ground at Holland House, Kensington,
with the Earl of Ilchester's kind sanction.
Messrs. W. Howe for the Floral team and the
challengers, and that fine fruit-grower, Mr. G.
Woodward, for the other team, will be the valiant
and respective captains. The wickets are to be
pitched at 11 a.m., luncheon at 1 p.m. Every
member of either Committee is invited to play, and
should do so. Members of all the Committees are
invited to come with friends and see fair-play, as
well as enjoy it. All communications should be
addressed to Mr. T. Humphreys, Boyal Horticul-
tural Gardens, Chiswick. W.

SAXIFRAGA OPPOSITIFOLIA EATEN BY BIRDS.
— It is said that a favourite food of some of the
sandpipers and suchlike birds which breed in the
Arctic regions is the leaf-buds of Saxifraga oppo-
sitifolia. This evening I found what was appa-
rently a homing pigeon, very tame, and seeming
to be tired, in one of my Alpine frames, feeding
upon the leaves of that plant, and apparently so
well satisfied with his fare as to refuse coarse
oatmeal which I offered, but continuing to pick
the Saxifrage. Has any reader of the Gardeners'
Chronicle observed that any birds are partial to
this green food ? If the wood-pigeons and stock-
doves which abound round my garden find out
that it is good, I am afraid there will not be much
of it left by the end of winter. C. W. Dod, Edge
Hall, Malpas.

BEGONIA CORALLINA.— This species of Begonia
is not nsarly so well known as it deserves to be
on account of its free - flowering property. At
Eoundhay Park, Leeds, it has formed the chief
centre of attraction during the past few weeks.
The plant is trained on either side of the roof
of a span-roof plant stove, a position which shows
off its blossoms admirably. On the occasion of
the visit I paid to the park on the 19th inst. this
plant was in full bloom. The plants are planted
in boxes filled with turfy loam, peat, leaf-soil, and
a small quantity of decayed manure, and a sprink-
ling of rough sandstone. Many of the present
season's shoots measure 3 feet in length. J. F.
Donoqhue.

POA ANNUA. — Fair comment on one's sayings
is a point I admire, but is it honest criticism to
take a few words from a paragraph and play upon
them as representing the full context of another's
arguments? Mr. Castle handles me very un-
charitably on p. 43, yet, notwithstanding his
desire to act as a tutor, I prefer to stand by the
statements on p. 26, save the word " from," which
the printer changed from "in." When referring
to the seeds of Poa annua I wrote as a com-
mercial man, and intended to convey that this
grass was not obtainable as a seedman's com-
modity ; and this I still adhere to in face of the
paragraph appearing on p. 41. I also feel that
I have as much right to call Poa pratensis,
Kentucky Blue Grass, as Mr. Castle would have in
describing Wellington Apple as Dumelow's Seed-
ling. But all this is beside the question that grass
seeds are being sold as Poa annua which are not
true to name or description. Donald McDonald.

THE STRAWBERRY-GRAPE.— At the Drill Hall
on Tuesday last I exhibited six fine bunches of
Strawberry-Grapes. They had not been at all
thinned, and in spite of that the berries were
of a respectable size. Had they been thinned by
an expert the berries would have been much
larger, and probably comparable with those of
Black Hamburgh. It seems a pity that this
richly - flavoured Grape should not be more
grown by amateurs, if not for market. In the
autumn I shall be able to supply cuttings
of this choice Grape, and perhaps some rooted
plants also. Should anyone care to try it, I shall
be glad to send some to him or her. It is pro-
lific, and sets extremely well. At all events, for
home consumption, it would be an acquisition.
There is an extraordinary Grape with berries
upwards of H inch long. It is called " Cornichon,"
of two varieties, white and purple, of which a picture
appeared in the Bulletins d' Arboriculture, &c, pub-
lished in Ghent. If experiments were made to
cross this with the Strawberry Grape something
still more extraordinary and choice varieties
might be the result. It is almost hopeless to
expect professional horticulturists to undertake
such experiments. They grow things for profit,
and therefore cannot afford the time and glass-
room for experiments that may or may not suc-
ceed. This brancn of scientific horticulture is
essentially the function of [Chiswick and of]
wealthy amateurs who have extensive grounds
and houses and an expert establishment. The
seedlings, after all, would not require very much
space to test their values, for grown on the single
cane system, a large number could be accommo-
dated in one long house. Then there would be
the additional satisfaction of giving to the world
a new and valuable Grape, should any of the
crossed seedlings turn out an acquisition. Do
wealthy amateurs do as much as they could do for
the progress of Horticulture ? They have wealth
and accommodation, and probably ignore their
function in the higher branches of horticulture —
that is, the creation of new fruits and other
things. E. Bonavia, M.D., July 22, 1903.

CARNATIONS AT LEIGHTON HOUSE, WEST-
BURY. — A successful cultivator of the Carnation
in this neighbourhood is Mr. Geo. Bound, head
gardener at Leighton, whose display for several
years past of Tree, Souvenir de la Malmaison,
and border varieties in their respective seasons
has been unusually good. One division in a
range of glass is devoted almost exclusively to
Carnations in pots, the health of which and the
vigorous spikes and large, deeply-coloured blooms
betoken careful cultivation. Fungous diseases,
which cause so much havoc among Malmaisons

in many gardens, is scarcely remarked here-,
a weekly spraying of Condy's fluid in a diluted
state keeping down this pest so successfully that
but little injury is done. The robust health of
the plants also tends to ward off attacks, and if
a case should occur the plant receives immediate
attention. The house, a three-quarter-span, i3
well ventilated, and is fitted with roller-blinds,
which are employed in sunny weather. Though
some of the newer introductions are included
in the collection, the old Blush still remains
the favourite variety. The deeper - coloured
Eose Malmaison is also a conspicuous variety
in its season of blossom. Iolanthe, Lady Ulrica,
Lord Welby, Mrs. Torrens, Princess May, Church-
warden, Sir Evelyn Wood, and Lady Grimston
are a few I noted as giving bold and bright
blooms. Tree varieties, viz., Uriah Pike and
Bendigo, are much grown for cutting and as
pot plants for conservatory decoration. Many
named border varieties, like the potted stock of
Carnations, are successfully treated. Here, as in
many other places, complaint is rife about the
injury due to the inclement weather, the exces-
sive rain and cold winds being more destructive
than actual frost. W. 8.

ALYSSUM spinosum.— Those who .have not
been so successful as Mr. S. Marshall Bulley in
cultivating Alyssum spinosum would be pleased
to read his note on the plant in the Gardeners'
Chronicle of July 18, and to see the photograph
reproduced on p. 42, which shows such a fine plant.
It is pleasant to see that a plant with which a good
many of us have not been so successful as we
would desire is doing so well at Haslemere. One
can only speak of plants as one has found them
and as others have recorded, so that such notes
as those of Mr. Bulley are exceedingly valuable.
S. Arnott.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

July 21.— The usual fortnightly meeting of the Com-
mittees on Tuesday last was not the only attraction at
the Drill Hall on that day. There was an unusually
fine exhibition of Carnations, under the auspices of
the National Carnation and Picotee Society. The date
happened to be a suitable one to catch the flowers in
fine condition, and they appeared at their best. A
detailed report i9 given on p. 65.

The Royal Horticultural Society's Show was neces-
sarily smaller than usual, there being less space
available.

The Orchid Committee recommended a First-class
Certificate, a Botanical Certificate, and an Award of
Merit to novelties, and only one Medal for a group of
plants.

The Floral Committee reco mmended one First-class
Certificate and five Awards of Merit to novelties, and
nearly a dozen Medals for groups of plants, including
Carnations.

The Fruit and Vegetable Committee recommended
a First-class Certificate to the Loganberry.

In the afternoon a considerable number of new
Fellows was elected ; and a Lecture was given by
Mr. Hunt upon "Horticulture in New Zealand."

Floral Committee.

Present: H. B. May, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs.
C. T. Druery, John Green, J. F. McLeod, W. Howe,
C. R. Fielder, Chas. Dixon, W. Bain, C. J. Salter, H. J.
Cutbush, R. W. Wallace, Chas. E. Pearson, H.J. Jones,
Charles E. Shea, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, Geo.
Paul, W. J. James, A. Perry, Chas. Jeffries, E. T. Cook,
J. Fraser, Jno. Jennings, R. Dean, James Hudson, and
H. Turner.

The Chairman, speaking on behalf of the members cf
the Committee, expressed regret that the Committee
will shortly lose the services of the Secretary, Mr.
Thomas Humphreys, who has acted as such for the
past eight years, .mil wished him every success in his
future sphere of work as Curator of the Birmingham
Botanic Gardens.

Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, N.,
exhibited a collection of cut Roses, in about forty
varieties, large bunches of each being arranged in
vases. Some of the most attractive were Mrs. W. J.
Grant, shown as Belle Siebrecht ; Madame Ravary, a
salmon-coloured H.T. : Louis van Houtte, the Intense
crimson-coloured H.P. ; Gruss an Teplilz, rich velvety

July 25, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

63

crimson H.T. ; Frau Karl Druschki, the Dew white
H.P. ; Duke of Edinburgh, Royal Scarlet, Horace
Vernet, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross Nurseries,
Herts, exhibited a large collection of decorative Roses.
Excellent growths and flowers of the new H.P. Frau
Karl Druschki were conspicuous among the many
varieties shown, and a new Tea Rose named Earl of
Warwick was shown, the flowers being of large size and
a salmon shade of pink in colour. One of the brightest
coloured bunches was one of the Tea Rose Souvenir de
J. B. Guillot, rosy-scarlet (Silver Banksian Medal).

An excellent exhibit of Water-Lily flowers was made
by Lawbence Cubbie, Esq, Minley Manor, Farn-
borough, Hants. They were all varieties of Nymohsea,
and were arranged in large earthenware pans of

Chester, had an exhibit remarkable for its splendid
seedling varieties of Iris Krenipferi, which varied in
colour from pure white to intensely deep purple.
These were only distinguished by numbers at present.
Lilies included L. longiflorum giganteum, the yellow
L. Szwovitzianum, L. elegans, the elegant and pretty
L. Krameri (of palest pink colour), L. excelsum, L.
Martagon dalmaticum (intense purple colour), L. au-
ratum, &c. Calochortua clavatus is a very large fine
yellow species. Gladiolus Colvillei varieties, Pentste-
mon "Newbury Gem," perennial Phlox "Fiancee"
(white), it,, were also noticed in this exhibit (Silver
Banksian Medal).

A collection of upwards of thirty varieties of Sweet
Peas was shown Lady Plowden, Aston Rowant House,
Wallingford (gr,, Mr. Black),

yet seen of the new Passiflora maculifolia, which was
figured in a Supplement to the Gardeners' Chronicle,
November 8, 19(2. The three-Iobed, truncate leaves
were larger, and the yellow and purple variegation
more highly developed. It is remarkable that the
Floral Committee should have passed such a decorative
new species.

An excellent strain of Sweet Williams was shown by
Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, as their " Auricula-
eyed" strain. The flowers were good, and the colour
pure and brilliant. The Committee awarded a Cultural
Commendation.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, S.W.,
showed a floor group of warm-house Rhododendrons
( Javanicum and Jasminiflorum) in variety, the plants
having a height of 2 to 4 feet, and being generally

Fig. 25. — xymph.ea gigaxtea : colour pale blue ; half natural size.

water, containing Nymphjea foliage in a similar
manner to that Mr. Hudson has adopted for some
years past. There were twenty-four pans, and in some
of these as many as ten open (lowers were shown. The
most showy of those shown were Nymphici Marliacea
albida, N. m. carnea, N. m. rosea, N. albacandidissima,
N. Laydekeri rosea, N. Ellisiana (rich red colour), N.
odorata sulphurea, and N. Marliacea chromatella,
both pale yellow-coloured flowers, i&c. The flowers
were unually large and strong (Silver Flora Medal and
Cultural Commendation).

Messrs. Wm. Bull & Son, 536, Kings Road, Chelsea,
exhibited a number of varieties of Fuchsia, the plants
being in 6-inch and 6 inch pots. Some of the most
attractive were Prince of Orange, Nautilus, Burel,
Lena, Muriel, and Valiant.
• MeBsre. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnflcld Gardens, Col-

Mr. H. B. May's exhibit of Ferns from the Upper
Edmonton Nurseries on this occasion was a collection
of species and varieties of Gymnogrammas, thirty-six
distinct forms being included. Prominence was given
to beautiful specimens of G. schizophylla gloriosa and
G. s. g. superba. The much crested, heavily-powdered
forms included G. chrysophylla ramosa and G. grandi-
ceps superba, both gold coloured ; G. peruviana cris-
tata and G. p. argyrophylla are equally powdered witli
silver colour. A striking difference from these types
was shown in G. japonica variegata, this species having
a superficial appearance akin to that of a Pterls.
Altogether, the exhibit was full of interest to those
who admire Ferns, and it included the rare G. Mueller!
(Silver Banksian Medal).

SirTREVOB Lawhenie, Bart., lluilord, Dorking (gr.,
Mr. Bain), exhibited the best cultivated plant we have

well furnished with flower trusses. Wo noted Princess
Beatrice, pinkish fawn, a fine large truss; K. multi-
color Latona, flowers canary-yellow, a neat truss ; Lord
Wolseley, possessing a telling truss, well furnished
with orange red coloured blooms ; Ophelia, of light
rose, with a yellowish shade ; Indian Chief, an orange-
coloured flower; Ne Plus Ultn, flowers of brilliant
scarlet, one of the most vivid coloured varieties ; Prin-
cess Alexandra, still one of the most beautiful, white
with a pink tint; AmabUe, flowers light pick and o!
large size; Javanicum, one of the paronts of this
breed; Imogene, flowers of a pale primrose tint , luteo
roseum, soft rose; and Monarch, of a deep orange
tint. The Arm likewise arranged a floor group
of hardy herbaceous perennials as cut flowers, sot up
In big bunches In vessels of water. There woro the
b-lght yollow Hemerocallls Thunbergl, Ccntaurea

04

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[July 25, 1903.

ruthenica, Achillea eupatoria, having massive flat
corymbs of yellow flowers ; Galega officinalis albiflora,
Chrysanthemum maximum var. Triumph, showing
some doubling of the florets ; Achillea Millefolium
rubrum, Dracocephalum virginicum album, Centaurea
glastifolia, having yellow flower-heads; Campanula
alliarifolia, a species with long spikes of white flowers ;
the double-flowered var. of Hemerocallis disticha,
Rudbeckia californica, Cimicifuga racemosa, some very
fine strong specimens of Lychnis chalcedonica, Pent-
stemons, Everlasting Peas, (Enotheras, Phloxes,
Geraniums, Veronicas, &E. ; also a collection of Sweet
Peas (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, showed
a quantity of tuberous-rooted f'.egonia in double forms
of flower, and single flowered beddiug varieties of
varied shades of crimson, pink, and blush, the latter
grouped under the name Eurtka. Amongst the first
naoed we remarked Gen. Baden-Powell, deep crimson,
of a beautiful form, double; Lord Milner. also double-
flowered, of a rich magenta; King Humbert, a scarlet
flower that often comes with several centres: Lord
Stradbroke, similar in form of flower and colour to
Gen. Baden -Powell; Lady Mary Leyland, a fringed
flower, nicely double, and of a cherry red colour ; Mrs.
Thompson, pale yellow, very distinct.

Messrs. Barb it Sons, King Street, Covent Garden,
set up a stand that included among its attractions a
piece of Japanese rockwork consisting of cement, and
furnished with pigmy trees and Azaleas in flower.
The other exhibits consisted of hardy herbaceous
perennials, such as Liliums, <Eaotheras, Achilleas,
Iris K;empferi in variety, Dianthus Napoleon III ,
having bright-crimson flowers ; a good many varieties
of Phlox, Helianthus, Lychnis chalcedonica, Campa-
nulas, Shirley Poppies, a few Water-Lilies in pans of
water, Androsace coronopifolia Brodiaeas, &c.

Mr. Amos Perry, Hardy Plant Farm, Winchmore
Hill, showed Water-Lilies Laydekeri, Marliacea varie-
ties, the fine richcolourel Nymphoea Ellisiana, N.
Seignoureti, rich pink; N. chromatella, Robinsoni,
Gladstoniana, white, with vivid yellow central petals ;
N. gloriosa, deep crimson ; N. Brakleyi, and
several others. Other subjects shown consisted of
Geum Heldreichi, Lilies of species, Campanulas, va-
rieties of C. lactiflora and the type species (Silver
Banksian Medal).

Awards.

Atparagus plumosus cristaius.— This is acrested variety
of the bestknown decorative Asparagus. The growths
terminate before they are much more than 12 inches
high in a great crest like that possessed by varieties of
Pteris Fern. It is not likely to be so attractive or
useful as the type. Shown by Sir Tbevoe Lawrence
(Award of Merit).

Begonia Marie Bouchett is a variety of Begonia with
bright-red double flowers. It partakes of the B. bolivi-
ensis type in regard to the arrangement of the stamens,
and in this case all the stamens having become petals
the flower appears like a bright rosette over two large
ordinary petals. Amongst r.egonias it may take a
place as a decorative flower similar to that of the
Japanese flowers in the Chrysanthemum. A large
plant covered with blossoms was shown in a basket, for
which form of cultivation it is specially suitable, the
growths being of a straggling character 3 to 4 feet long.
Shown by W. Gheenwell, Esq., Marden Park,
Woldingham (gr., Mr. W. Lintott), (Award of Merit).

Lilium elegans, Peter Ban:— An excellent variety of
this popular Lily, colour orange yellow with very few
spots, as described on p. 41 of our last issue. The
flowers are very large, and the petals broad, recurving
a little at the tips. Shown by Messrs. Babr & Sons
(Award of Merit).

Nephrolepis Fosteri.— An American variety of N. ex-
altata, producing fronds 3 feet long and nearly 8 inches
across. After making the ordinary piuu.-e, there occurs
proliferation, each of the pinnae producing small
fronds, again bearing normal pinme. The variety is
said to reproduce itself truly from spores. Shown by
Messrs. 7. Hill & Son, Lower Edmonton (Award of
Merit).

Nymphxa gigantea var. Hudsoni — This is a seedling
variety of the handsome blue Nymphjea illustrated
on p. 63, fig. 25. It was raised by Mr. J. Hudson in the
garden of Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury
House, Acton, W., and has larger flowers than those
of the type and deeper in colour. The petals are of
greater breadth and are more reflexed. Whilst the
flowers of the type are described as lying upon the
surface of the water, those of this variety, being borne
upon stouter stems, stand erect above the water.

Shown by Leopold de Rothschild, Esq. (gr., Mr.
Hudson), (First-class Certificate).

Pteris metallica. — This is a strong-growing Pteris
with thick, metallic looking fronds about 14 inches
high, the pinnae being 3 to 4 inches long and an inch
across, similar in habit to P. cretica major. Shown by
Mr. II. B. May (Award of Merit).

Orchid Committee.

Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Chair) ; and
Messrs. Jas O'Brien (Hon. Sec), De B. Crawshay,
W. Cobb, J. Douglas, H. T. Pitt, T. W. Bond, W. H.
Young, W. Boxall, J. W. Potter, II. Little, H. Ballan-
tine, W. H. Pollett, and M. Gleeson.

There was a small but select show of Orchids.

The only group was a very showy one staged by
Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, and for which a
Silver Flora Medal was awarded. The chief feature in
the collection was a fine series of varieties of Laelio-
Cattleya x Bletchleyensis (L. tenebrosa x C. Warsce-
wiczii), and which ranged from the light rose-purple
petalled typical form through various shades of
bronzy-rose with purple lip, and culminating in the
gorgeous L.-C. x bletchleyensis "Illuminator," which
is one of the finest and most richly coloured of the
hybrid Lielio-Cattleyas (see Awards). There were also
shown varieties of Laelio Cattleya x Martinetii, all
beautiful, but showing great variation in colour. Two
plants of the white and rose-coloured Pachystoma
Thompsoni, Cattleya Mossi.'e ccclestis, like C. M. Rei-
neckiana, but with bluish markings on the lip ; the
new Laelia x crispa-brosa (crispa x tenebrosa), with
light lilac tinted flowers veined with claret tint on the
lip; Cyprlpedium x barbato-Rothschildianum ; the
curious and elegant iEranthes grandiflorus, and other
species.

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, showed a
good Cattleya Mossite Wageneri, a pretty blush-white
form of C. Mendelii, C. Harrisoniana alba, and Laelia
majalis.

Messrs. T. Rochfobd & Co. showed CattleyaMendelii
King Edward VII., a white variety with chrome-yellow
disc to the lip; and a white form of C. labiata Gas-
kelliana, with a small rose blotch on the labellum.

J. Gubney Fowler, Esq., Glebe-lands, South Wood-
ford (gr., Mr. J. Davis), sent a fine cut inflorescence of
Eulophiella Peetersiana which had borne twenty
flowers, and now had thirteen. Also a beautiful
branched spike of Renanthera Storiei with rich red
flowers, the large lateral sepals of whicli were blotched
with crimson.

Malcolm S. Cooke, Esq., Tankerville, Kingston Hill
(gr., Mr. Buckell), showed a form of Odontoglossum
crispum with lilac-tinted flowers bearing a few brown
spots.

Awards.
Fibst-class Certificate.

UMo-Cattleyax Bletchleyensis, Illuminator (L. tenebrosa
x C. Warscewiczii), from Messrs. Sandeb & Sons.—
Perhaps the finest in colour of any of its section.
Sepals and petals orange-salmon with a purple glow
extending from the small whitish base of each seg-
ment. Lip entirely of a dark velvety-purple colour,
with a maroon veining from the base.

Awaed of Merit.
Cypripedium x I'ltor (Lawrenceanum 9 Sanderi-
anum <S), from Reginald Young, Esq., Fringilla,
Linnet Lane, Sefton Park, Liverpool (gr., Mr. T. J.
Poyntz).— The plant from which the flower was taken
was shown at the last meeting and described in the
Oardeiiers' Chronicle report July 11, 1903, p. 28. The
plant, which is a very free grower, has beautiful light-
green foliage reticulated with dark-green, and hand-
some flowers with an Indian-yellow ground colour, the
upper sepal having a chocolate-purple central band
with five or six dotted dark purple lines on each side.
The petals, 6 inches in length, were arched as in C.
Sanderianum, and bore on the lower halves the inverted
purple markings as in that species, the outer portions
being rose colour. Lip large and of a rosy-mahogany
colour. The long ovaries derived from C. Sanderianum
display the flowers better than in others of the class.

Botanical Certificate.
Oirrhxa Urarrrana, from Messrs. Sander & Sons. —
A singular species, with short, dense, pendulous
racemes of insect-like flowers of a yellowish-green tint
marked with purple. The singularly formed labellum
is white, blotched with purple, the apex being emerald-
green with daik markings.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Geo. Bunyard, Esq., in the Chair; and
Messrs. Jos. Cheal, Henry Eslings, Geo Woodward,
S. Mortimer, A. Dean, W. Bates, Geo. Keif, R. Lewis
Cas tie, J. Jaques, C. G. A. Nix, J. Willard, A. H. Pearson,
H. Balderson, and Owen Thomas.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, S.W.,
exhibited fiuits of a new Strawberry raised from a
cross between Waterloo and Lord Napier. The fruit is
very dark in colour, and similar in appearance to
Waterloo. The variety is to be tried at Chiswick.

Mr. Will Tayler, Osborn Nursery, Hampton,
Middlesex, exhibited six fruits of a Peach named
" Libra," a seedling from Early Alexander.

Mr. H. Becker, Imperial and Caesarian Nurseries,
Jersey, exhibited some large fruits of a yellow Goose-
berry named Grouville Giant; also some Perfection
type Tomatos named Becker's Excel-All, of remarkably
good appearance.

Hobbies, Limited, Norfolk Nurseries, Dereham,
exhibited some fruits of a Cucuinis under the name of
Lemon Cucumber. The fruits were about the size of
small Lemons, with irregular furrowed exterior, and
the flesh and flavour almost identical with those of
the Cucumber.

Messrs. Jno. K. King it Sons, Coggeshall, Essex,
exhibited a collection of garden Peas, including as
many as sixty-four varieties, all in good condition
(Silver Banksian Medal).

Awards.

FIBST-CLASS CEBTIFICATE.

The Loganberry, which has been described and exhi-
bited so many times, was shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch
& Sons, who had excellent fruits and plants of same.
It is supposed to be a hybrid between the Raspberry
and an American variety of Blackberry, and produces
fruits an inch long, purplish-black, with a greyish
shade over. The fruits are luscious, with a pleasant
acidity, and the plants crop very freely.

Chiswick, July 14.— A second meeting of the Fruit
and Vegetable Committee was held here on the above
date. Present: Mr. Bunyard, in the chair; and
Messrs. O. Thomas, W. Bates, H. Eslings, J. Jaques
H. Markham, S. Mortimer, G. Wythes, G. Keif, and
A. Dean.

Prior to the usual business, Mr. Bunyard feelingly
referred to the severe illness from which his esteemed
colleague Mr. William Marshall is suffering, and sug-
gested that Mr. Wright send him from that Committee
a cordial expression of sympathy.

Mr. Bunyard handed round a boxful of fine rich-
coloured and capital flavoured fruits of Mr. Peters'
new Strawberry, Givon's Late, which has had a First-
class Certificate awarded to it. The sample evoked the
warmest commendation. It seems to do remarkably
well at Maidstone.

The large collection of mid-season and late Peas was
then inspected, and First - class Certificates were
awarded to Peerless (Sutton & Sons), a very fine
cropping 3-feet marrow of high quality; and to Im-
proved Monarch (C. Sharpe it Co), a tall, robust
variety and a heavy cropper. Awards of Merit were
given to Coleman's Favourite, 3 feet high, a very abun-
dant cropper ; Webb's Kaiser, 3 feet, pods long, green,
and of high quality; Rivenhall Wonder (Cooper,
Taber & Co.), only 20 inches in height, a remarkable
cropper ; Aristocrat (Sharpe <St Co.), 4 feet high, of great
excellence ; Sherwood Forest (Hurst & Son), a line tall
Pea, carrying a great crop of pods ; Progression (Jas.
Veitch & Sons), tall, and a heavy cropper ; and Feltham
Gem (Veitch & Sons), 2 feet in height, carrying an
abundant crop.

Two breadths of spring-sown Cabbages were seen,
but both were irregular stocks, and tending to coarse-
ness. There is a big collection of Potatos to be seen
later, the majority showing robust growth. The trial
of Vegetable Marrow plants now looks more promising,
the plants, mulched with manure, having made a good
start. Kidney Beans also will soon be ready for
examination.

RAYLEIGH AND DISTRICT
HORTICULTURAL.

July 15.— The third annual exhibition of plants,
flowers, fruits, and vegetables was held on the above
date in a meadow adjoining Rayleigh town, the
weather and attendance of visitors being everything
that could be desired by the most anxious committee
aud treasurer.

The exhibits, staged in three marquees, showed in
number and quality a great improvement upon pre-

July 25, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

65

vious years, especially in the Cottagers' classes, which
generally were well contested, thereby showing that
the efforts of the Society to promote a better know-
ledge of the cultivation of plants, flowers, fruits, and
vegetables, among those residing in this part of the
county, are meeting with deserved success.

Mr. A. Mathews, gr. to A. C. Cork, Esq., Barringtons,
Rayleigh, was the mo3t successful exhibitor among
gentlemen's gardeners. He took nine 1st and four
2nd prizes in the principal classes for collections and
specimens of stove and greenhouse plants, exotic
Ferns, group of miscellaneous plants arranged for
effect. Fuchsias, fruit, &o. Tne several exhibits staged
by Mr. Mathews bore evidence of cultural skill, and
were clean, healthy, and fresh looking. His half dozen
exotic Ferns included excellent plants of Adiantum
cuneatum and Nephrolepis exaltata.

Other successful exhibitors in this class were Mr. W.
Denyer. gr. to George Vernell, Esq., The Elms, Ray-
leigh ; Mr. Francis, gr. to W. H. Clarke, Esq., White
House, Rayleigh, who took 1st for twenty-four Roses,
and 1st for a collection of Sweet Peas, which included
good blooms of Lady Grisel Hamilton, Gor.eous, and
Salopian ; and Mr. Sears, gr. to W. Fox. Esq , Hockley.

In the Ladies' classes for table decorations and
bouquets, Miss Mabel Taylor took two lsts and one
2nd for bouquets, consisting of choice flowers arranged
to the best advantage. Mrs. and Miss Cork (Barring-
tons); Miss Lonsdale, Rayleigh House, Rayleigh: Mrs.
Grayson, The Poplars, Rayleigh (whose elegant
arrangement of suitable flowers for dinner - table
deserved a higher avrard) : and Mrs. Ardley, were also
successful exhibitors in these classes, which were well
contested, and attrasted a good deal of attention from
visitors.

POBMBY HORTICULTURAL.

July 15— The Liverpool Horticultural Association
has not for several years held its summer show,
consequently exhibitors have drifted to other centres.
Formby, sheltered a9 it is behind a huge stretch of
sand-hills, may now lay claim to be one of the leading
shows. In no other part of Lancashire are Roses so
finely grown, and the texture and colour of the blooms
are excellent. The inhabitants of Formby are very en-
thusiastic horticulturists, and the Committee, con-
sisting entirely of gentleman amateurs who work
together amicably, are able to acquire fine prizes,
the Rose section alone having for its share eleven
Silver Cups.

For tweve varieties distinct, Mr. B. Kennedy', a noted
grower whose garden is one of the sights in the
district, staged a grand box, the best of which were
Medea, La France, Killarney, A. K. Williams. Captain
Hayward. and Due de Rohan ; Mr. F. A Rockliff, 2nd.
Mr. Kennedy also won with twelve Teas or Noisettes
with charming bloons of Maman Cochet, Cleopatra,
Kaiserin Auguste Victoria, and Madame Cusin : Mr.
F. A. Rockliff was again 2nd.

For a stand of twelve in not less than six varieties,
Mr. Kennedy was 1st with handsome flowers of
Empress Alexandra of Russia. Mrs. E. Mawley, and
Innocente Pirola. He was also 1st with a splendid
vase of La France.

The competition was keen in the other classes, the
winners of the higher prizes being Messrs. Luther
Watts, T. Cablyle, T. Pitcih. G Lunt, and G. H. Page.

National Rose Society's Silver Medals were awarded
for the best blooms to Mr. W. Dodd for Caroline
Testout; and to T. Carlyle for blooms of Maman
Cochet.

The Sweet Pea class for twelve distinct varieties, not
more than twenty spikes of each, brought out six com-
petitors, Mr. W. Dodd for the third year in succession
securing the valuable Five-guinea Silver Cup presented
by Mr. H. Middlehurst, with fine flowers of the fol-
lowing:-Black Knight, Countess of Lathom, Lady
Grisel Hamilton, Dorothy Eckford. Salopian, Prima
Donna, Gorgeous, Emily Eckford, Miss Willmott,
Jeannie Gordon, Hon. Mrs. Kenyon. and Blanche
Burpee ; Mrs. Ldthee Watts, 2nd ; Mr. E. E.Allen, 3rd.

Stove and greenhouse plants were not of large size,
but of fine quality; the tuberous -rooted Begonias from
Mr. L. Watts, the Pelargoniums from Mr. J. Formby,
and Gloxinias from Mr. E. Storey, and Ferns from
Mr. Rocklii ■'!■' made attractive features.

Hardy fruits and vegetables were admirably shown.
Orchid.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF
ENGLAND ORCHID.

July 17.— The members of the Committee present on
this date wete Messrs. Cypher, Duckworth, holmes,
Uyijohn, Parker, Rogers, MacNab, Cowan, and Weathers
(lion. sec).

Exhibits at this season are always scarce.

Messrs. J. Cypher & sons, Cheltenham, exhibited two
good hybrid Cypripediums— viz., C. x Transvaal and
C. x Phii'be, Cypher's var., both of which received an
Award ot Merit. The former is a good cross between
C. x Rothscliildianum x C. Chamberlainiauum, and
M a lino telling Mower, intermediate In character. The
second cross is between C. bellatulum x C. lrevlgatum,
and somewhat resembles C. x Vipanl.

S.Gbatrix, Esq , Whalley Range (gr., Mr. Cypher), re-
ceived First class Certificates for Lrelio-Cattleya Marti-
neti, West Point var., and Lfelio-Cattleya x Ingrami,
Gratrix's var., both being excellent forms and worthy
of distinct varietal names.

W. Duckworth, Esq., Flixton (gr., Mr. Tindall),
exhibited the beautiful Miltonia vexillaria var. Queen
Alexandra, a chaste form, which was awarded a First-
class Certificate. A Bronze Medal was awarded to the
group shown by this amateur.

Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, received a Bronze
Medal for a nice group, which contained several hybrid
Lselio-Cattleyas, and a few good forms of Miltonia
vexillaria.

Chas. Parker, Esq., Ashton-on-Ribble, exhibited a
good Cypripedium hybrid, C. x Cassandra, the parents
being C. x Goweri x C. Sanderianum. The flowers
were rather young, but gave promise of beit.g a valu-
able addition to the already large stock of hybrids
(Award of Merit).

Mr. A. J Keeling staged a small group of plants, to
which a Vote of Thanks was awarded. P. W.

NATIONAL CARNATION & PICOTEE.

July 21.— Probably never before was a finer display
of Carnations and Picotees made by the above Society
than that brought together in the Drill Hall, Westmin-
ster, on this occasion. There had been times when
growers had experienced some anxiety as to the form
their flowers would take in July, but the conditions of
weather seemed to have united to produce heads of
bloom of a highly satisfactory character. The refined
bizarres and flaked varieties were not so numerously
produced as in previous years, still there were very
fine blooms in some of the stands, and there was a
purity and refinement about the white-ground Picotees
that could not fail to fascinate. The ciiief attractions
lay in the direction of the glorious selfs, yellow
grounds, and fancies, which were displayed to the best
advantage ; they have come to rival the Malmaisons in
their size and fulness of petals. The skill of the
d resser may, and indeed does, something in the way of
re arrangement of the petals, but it is the grower which
provides size, rotundity of petal, and brilliant mark-
ings. One could see by the spots at which visitors
congregated where the chief attractions of the show
lay.

Mr. F. A. Wellesley's marked success in Division I.,
in which he was also the recipient of the Cup awarded
to the exhibitor who gained the highest number of
points was well deserved, and no one withheld congra
tulations from him The entries in the smaller classes
were unusually numerous, testifying to the number of
devotees that are being attracted to the charmed circle
of Carnation culture.

Improvements in staging are necessary; too little
room was reserved for some of the classes— a defect
which can be readily remedied by a little simple calcu-
lation. It is a pity judging does not commence at the
time specified, and not three quarters of an hour
afterwards. It is unfair to those exhibitors who stage
their flowers in good time that they should have to
stand exposed to heat anddustso long after the proper
time named for an inspection by the judges. Necessary
reforms find their way slowly into the practice of
special floricultural societies.

Division I.

This comprehended the leading classes, and was open
to growers of large collections. It may be stated that
in the following five classes for twenty-four blooms
there were required no fewer than twelve varieties.

Carnation Blooms, Bizarres and Flakes, white grounds.—
With twenty-four blooms, there were three entries, Mr.
Thomas Loud, florist, Hole Bottom, Todmorden, taking
the 1st prize with a stand containing some refined,
pure, brilliantly marked flowers, chief among them
P.F. Gordon Lewis, C.B. J. S. Hedderly. SB. Robert
Houlgrave, R F. Merton (a beautiful variety), C.B.
George, C.B. Master Fred, SB. Robert Lord. P.P.b!
William Skirling, S.F. Sportsman. P.F. Geo. Melville!
C.B. Guardsman, C.B. J. D. Hextall, SB. Admiral
Curzon, R.F. Mrs. T. Lord, and R.F. H. Shoc-mith.
Mr. Martin H. Smith, Hayes Common, Kent(C. Bliek!
gr.), came 2nd, also with some good flowers, the prin-
cipal of which were new varieties of his own raising,
such as S.B. Dorothy and Halin, C.B. Nesior and
Adonis, P.P B. Elphinstone and J. S. Hedderly, P.F.
Genevia and Flava, S F. Gladiator, R F. Sweet Nell
Markham and Dalby; 3rd, Mr. C. Turner, Royal
Nursery, Slough.

Selfs.— With twenty four blooms Mr. Smith took the
I9t prize with a brilliant set, large, full, and ot high
quality. He had of maroon anddeep crimson shades—
bir Bevys, GulnareKara, Agnes Sorel, and Don John;
crimson— Roderick and Duke of Norfolk ; scarlet and
rose— Barra Ilomba ami Waldemar: rose — Anna Boles n,
Helen and Floradura; apricot— 9washbuckler: yellow
—Cecilia, The Naiad aDd Daffodil ; wbite-Hlldegarde,
Blanche and Mrs. Eric Hambro'. Mr. F. A. Wei i.km.ky,
Westfleld, Wokiug, came 2nd, also with finely finished
blooms. Ho had Agnes Sore), maroon; Almones,
Falcon and Cecilia, jellow; Mrs. W. Mostyn, purple;

Benbow, buff; Mr J. Douglas, rose; &c. 3rd, Messrs

W. Artindale & Son, florists, Sheffield.

Fancies.— Mr. F. A. Wellesley came conspicuously
to the fore in this class with large, even, and superbly-
finished blooms of Hidalgo. Charles Martel, Monarch,
Argosy. Perseus, Amphion, Voltaire, Primrose League,
Guinevere, Queen Bess, Paladin, Ormonde, Gipsy
Queen, Ossian. Mrs. F. A. Wellesley (a beautiful new
variety, for a description of which see seedlings), and
Charles Martel. Mr. M. H. Smith was a very good 2nd
indeed. His chief flowers wereLily Duchess, Bedemer.
Hesperus, Bellicent, Athelstane, A. W Jones, Queen of
the Isles, Cavalier, Corporal Trim, The Seer, Thos.
Hidalgo, and Rameses; Messrs. Blackmore & Lang-
don, Twerton Nursery, Bath, were a good 3rd.

Picotees, White GroimJs.-Here Mr. F. A. Wellesley
was again 1st, having good-sized, pure, well-marked
flowers of high quality. Of heavy red edges he had
Brunette. W. E. Dickson, Ganymede, and John Smith •
light red, E. Thomas William ; heavy purple edges!
Amy Robsart, Muriel, Miriam, and Fanny Tett ; light
purple edges, Somerhill ; heavy rose edges, W. H.
Johnson, Clio, and Mrs. Payne ; light rose edge?!
Fortrose, Nellie, and Favourite. Mr. M. R. Smith
was 2nd also with highly creditable blooms for the
season. He had of light red edges, Grace Darling :
heavy red edges. Manners, Brownie, and Ganymede;
H.P.E. Amy Robsart, Beau Nash, and Miriam L P E
Duchess of York; H. R. E. Tiptop, Mrs. Beswick,
Acushla, Little Phil, Miss Sophv Grahame, Duchess of
York, and Lady Louisa; L.R.E. Fortrose and Favourite
Mr. C. Turner was 3rd.

Picotees, Yellow Grounds.— bir. M. R. Smith came 1st
in this clas9 with some beautiful blooms, chief among
them Gronow, Badoura, Pcre, Lucy Glitters, Espoir!
J. Seult, Schiller. Chryseis, Verena, Laura, Leonora!
Koh-i-noor, Speranza, (a fine new variety), Dalkeith!
Lord Napier, and Mrs. Walter Heriot. Mr. F. a!
Wellesley came a close 2nd ; 3rd, Messrs. Artindale
&Son.

Single Blooms.— With six blooms of any one variety of
salt Carnation, Mr. Smith was 1st with Daffodil, a fine
pure yellow flower; Mr. F. A. Wellesley came 2nd
with Germania, still very good ; and Mr. C. Turner
with Sir Bevys.

With six blooms of any yellow or buff fancy, Mr. F. A.
Wellesley came 1st with Mrs. F. A. Wellesley; Mr!
Mr. R. Smith 2nd with King Solomon, heavily marked
with vivid red on a light ground; 3rd, Messrs. Black-
more & Langdon, with Richness, a fine new variety.

With six blooms of one variety of fancy Carnation
Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon were placed 1st with
perfect blooms of Millie (pure white with some slight
rose pencillings at the point of each petal, one of the
most distinct varieties in cultivation); Mr. F. A.
Wellesley was 2nd with the same variety; and Mr.
M. R. Smith was 3rd with Jno. Sebright, a beautiful
flower, brigtit pinkish-rose, handsomely marked (for
description see seedlings).

The best six blooms of a yellow ground Picotee were
those of Mrs. Walter Heriot, a variety of good quality
with a mere edge of rose ; Mr. Wellesley came 2nd
with Lady St. Oswald; and Messrs. Artindale & Son
3rd with Childe Harold.

Flowers in small Vases.— With twelve varieties of selfs,
fancies, or yellow grounds, three blooms of each,
without dressing, Mr. M. R. Smith was 1st with fine
blooms admirably staged, but unnamed, in defiance of
the regulations; Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon were
a good 2nd.

Single Blooms.
Scarlet bizarres.— 1st, Messrs. Thomson & Co.. II jrisls,
Birmingham, with Robert Houlgrave; Mr. F. Burr was
2nd with the same ; and Mr. B. Pash 3rd with Admiral
Curzon.

Crimson Bizarres.— 1st, Mr. Wellesley; 2nd and 3rd,
Mr. F. Butt, in each case with J. S. Hedderly.

Pink and Purple Bizarres.— 1st, Mr. D. Walker, Kil-
marnook, with William Skirving; and Mr. Wellesley
3rd with the same; Mr. E. J. Wootten was 2nd with
Sarah Payne, probably the oldest named Carnation in
cultivation.

Purple Fiakes. — 1st, Mr. W. Spencer, Windsor; aDd
2nd, Mr. Wootten, with Geo. Melville; Mr. J. Faiklie
coming 3rd with Gordon Lewis.

Scarlet Flakes.— 1st, Mr. Wootten with Sportsman ;
2nd, Messrs. Thomson & Co., with J. J. Keen, a vividly-
marked new variety of decided promise; Mr. B. Pash
coming 3rd with Sportsman.

Purp'r Flakfs.— lat and 2nd, Messrs. W. Pemherton A
Son, Walsall, with Merton ; and it was 3rd also, beiog
shown by Mr. Wootien. Indeed, it gained all the live
prizes awarded in this class.

Selfs, Bliuhor While— 1st, Mr. K C. Cartwhigiit, and
2nd, Mr. A. J. Cook, with Ensign, one of Mr. Smith's
white selfs; and the former was also 3rd Willi Much-
the Miller.

Rose or Pink —1st, Mr. W. II. Partor, Birmingham,
with Lady Herniiono; Mr. WOOTTBN coming 2nd with
a seedling, and Mr. Cook 3rd with 1'omlm.

Scarlet, Red ■ ' ■ I —1st, Mr. BPINCRB with a
scarlet self sport from S.F.John Wonuald ; llr.Qi,

66

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 25, 1903.

WBiiiHT being 2nd with a seedling; and Mr. Walker
3rd with Siraar, brilliant in colour.

Maroon or Purple.— 1st. Mr. E. Chahrington with
Helen, crimson-purple shaded with mauve; and 2nd
with the same. Mr9. W. Mostyn, a purple self, was 3rd,
the name of the exhibitor not stated.

Yellow.— 1st, Mr. Wootten with Almoner; Mr. E.
Chabrington being 2nd and Mr. Spenceb 3rd, bo'.h
with Germanic.

Buff.— Mr. Smith's Henbow won all the prizes. Mr.
Wellesley was 1st, and Mr. R. C. Cartwbight 2nd
and 3rd.

Fancy Yellow Ground.— Mr. Nash came 1st with
Monarch, Mr. Wellesley 2nd with Mrs. F. A. Wel-
lesley, and Mr. Cabtwbight 3rd with Argosy.

Other Fancy than Yellow Ground.— 1st. Mr. Smith with
Nestor, white ground pencilled with crimson ; Mr.
Cabtwbight was 2nd, and Mr. Wootten 3rd with
Artemus, with scarlet flakes on a lavender ground.

Picotees — H. Bed Edging : 1st, Mr. Pash, with Thomas
Anstiss ; 2nd, Mr. J. J Keen; and 3rd, Messrs. Pem-
hebton & Son with John Smith. L. Red E. ; 1st, Mr.
Keen, and 2nd, Mr. Spencer with Thomas Witham;
Mr. Bcrr coming 3rd with Grace Darling. H. Pink E. :
1st, Messrs. Thomson A Co. with Fanny Tett, a fine
variety of the late Mr. Dodwell's raising; Messrs. Pem-
hebton & Son were 2nd with Amy Robsart ; Mr. Butt
coming 3rd also with Fanny Tett. L. Pink E. : 1st, Mr.
Wellesley with Somerhlll ; 2nd, Mr. Wootten with
Pride of Leyton ; 3rd. Mr. BoTTwithLavinia H.E.Rose
or Scarlet : 1st, Mr. Wootten. with Fortrose, having a
heavy edge; Messrs. Pemberton & Son came 2nd with
Lady Louisa: and Mr. Spencer 3rd with Mrs. Payne.
L.E.Rose or Scarlet: 1st, Mr. Woottfn, and 2nd, Mr.
Spenceb with Favourite; 3rd, Mr. Wellesley with
Fortro?e. H E. Yellow Ground: 1st, Mr. Keen with
Gronow; 2nd, Mr. Smith with Dalkeith; this variety
was also 3rd, but no exhibitor's name was attached.
L.E. Yellow Ground; 1st, Mr. Smith with Mrs. W.
Heriot; 2nd. a flower without name ci variety or exhi-
bitor ; Mr. Nash coming 3rd with Heliodorus.

Premier Blooms— Bizirre, C.B. J. S. Hedderley, shown
by Mr. Wellesley ; and he also had the premier flake
in P.F. Gordon Lewis, finely coloured. Self, Ensign,
white, from Mr. Cartwright. FaDcy, Mrs. F. A.
Wellesley, shown by Mr. Wellesley. H.E. white-
ground Picotee, H.E. John Smith, H. Red E., shown by
Mr. J. J. Keen. L.E., L.PE. Lavinia (Douglas), from
Mr. A. J. Rowberry. H.E. yellow ground, Dalkeith,
from Mr. M. R. Smith. L E.Y.G.. Childe Harold, a
beautiful bloom, from Mr H. E. Buckland.

A valuable Cup offered by the President, Mr. M. R
Smith, for the winner of the greatest aggregate number
of points in Division I., was taken by Mr. F. A.
Wellesley.

Division II.
The exhibitors in this division were generally
growers of smaller collections, and here Mr. W.
Spenceb, of Windsor, came to the fore, showing
splendid blooms in some classes, and gaining the
greatest number of points. He became the winner of
the Silver Cup offered by the President in this
division.

Carnations, Bixarres, and Flakes With twelve blooms
distinct, Messrs. Pemberton & Son, Walsall, were
placed 1st, chief among their flowers were— R. F.
Merton, S. F. Flamingo; P.P.B ., J. D. Hextall; P.T.
Geo. Melville; R.F. Mrs. Rowan; P.F. Charles Hen-
wood ; 8. B. Robert Houldgrave. and S.F. Sportsman ;
Mr. W. Spencer came a good 2nd, and Messrs. Thom-
son & Co. were 3rd.

With twelve Selfs, Mr. Spenceb came 1st with very
fine blooms of Almoner, Barras, Hildegarde, Jocelyn
(a heliotrope self), Sultan, Much-the-Mitler, Orpheus,
Orion (a fine blush self), Benbow, Germania, Helen,
and Britannia; Messrs. Thomson & Co. were 2nd,
with excellent blooms oi Enchantress, Mrs. F. Sims]
The Sirdar, Vivian, &c.

With twelve f incles. Mr. Spencer again won the 1st
prize with superb blooms of Paladin, Voltaire, Galileo,
Argosy, Artemus, Queen Hess, Monarch, Ormonde,
Mrs. Tremayne, Oberon, and Amphion, a valuable
selection ; Messrs. Thomson &Co. were 2nd.

With twelve white-ground Picotees, Mr. u Nash,
Woking, came 1st with nice neat pure flowers ; Messrs'.
Pemberton & Son were 2nd; and Mr. Nash was also
1st with twelve Y.G. Picotees, staging excellent blooms
of Heather Bell, Lady St. Oswald, Lady Bristol, Hei-
peria, Evelyn, Mohican, Mrs. Douglas, <Sic. ; Messr9.
Thomson & Co. were 2nd.

The best a'x blooms of a self Carnation, one variety,
were Mrs. Eric Hambro', white, from Mr. Spencer;
Mr. Nash coming 2nd with the same. With six blooms'
of a yellow or bull fancy, Mr. Spencer came 1st with a
grand Voltaire; Mr. B. Nash was 2nd with Mrs.
Tremayne.

With six blooms of one variety of fancy Carnation
other than yellow or buff, Mr. E. Charrington came
1st with Ivo Sebright (see seedlings) : and Mr. Brookes
Smith was 2nd with a variety bearing her name, white
flaked with rosy crimson. With six blooms of any
yellow ground Picotee, Mr. H. W. Mathias came ltt
with the Pilgrim ; Mr. Nash 2nd with Heliodorus.

With six varieties of selfs, fancies, and yellow
grounds, Mr. S. Mohbis, Wrexham Hall.Thetford, with
very fine blooms; Mr. W. Spenceb, being 2nd.

Division III.
contained smaller clas es, some ten in number for
those growing a limited number of plants. The blooms
were shown both on boards and in bottles. Mr. Jas.
Faiblie took the 1st prize for six bizarre and flake
Carnations; Mr. Cartwright for the best six selfs, and
also for the best six fancies : Mr. W. E. Wilson coming
1st with six Picotees ; and Mr. E. H. Bdckland for six
yellow-ground Picotees (in this stand was the very fine
bloom of Childe Harold, selected as the Premier Y.-G.
Picotee in the show).

In the class for three blooms, Mr. E. Chabrington
was a successful exhibitor. A Cup was also offered in
this division, and it was awarded to Mr. R. C. Cast-
weight. The entries were very numerous in this
division.

Undressed Flowers (without Cards).— Seven classes were
set apart for these, and the schedule of prizes set forth
that " there must be no manipulation of the calyx, and
a split pod is a disqualification." Some of the blooms
were on stands and some in bottles. The entries were
fairly good in each, and some excellent flowers were
staged. Mr. E. J. Wootten was a successful exhibitor
in these classes, and he was awarded a Silver Cup,
having gained the highest number of points. A class
for six blooms of any type was also set apart for those
who have never won a prize at any exhibition of the
Society, and it is therefore a kind of recruiting ground
for it.

Carnations in Pots.— This appears to be a declining
feature, as although four classes were provided, there
was but one entry, that in the class for a group to
cover 50 square feet. This was from Mr. C. Tctbneb,
and was awarded the 1st prize.

Floral Decorations.— Mr. C. Blick was 1st for two bou-
quets of Carnations, one was of white, the other of
mixed colours, and they were nicely arranged with
elegant foliage ; Mr. D. Oliveb was 2nd. having one of
white, the other of pink Carnations. Mr. Blick was
1st for a vase of Carnations, having a bold arrange-
ment of good blooms and foliage; Mr. Healing, Rei-
gate. was 2nd. Mr. Spenceb had the best three sprays,
and Mr. Blick the best three button-holes.

Seedling Carnations and Picotees.
Certificates of Merit were awarded to the following :-
Fancy Carnation Mr,. F. A. U'tUesley — Pale sulphur
ground, with markings of rose, scarlet, and maroon on
the petal edges: a highly refined variety with stout
shell petals and full substance. From Mr. F. A. Wel-
lesley, Woking.

Fancy Carnation Iro Sebright.— A novel and beautiful
variety; the ground rosy-pink with flakes of pale
heliotrope towards the edges. From Mr. M. V. Chae
bington, Edenbridge.

Yellow Picotee Speran:a —Pale yellow ground, heavily
edged with deep rose, fine and distinct. From Mr.
Maetin R. Smith, Hayes.

Fancy Carnation Richness — A rich and striking
variety, yellow ground, heavily edged with bright red ;
extra fine quality. From Messrs. Blackmoee & Lano-
don, Twertou Nursery, Bath.

Miscellaneous Collections of Cabnations.

Messrs. Cutbush & Son, Highgate Nurseries, N.,
staged a bold and striking ground group of Carnations',
including Malmaisoos, and interspersed with foliaged
plants. Merlin, Sabrina, and Brigadier were very good
yellow-grounds; and among the Malmaisons was one
having a large flower of a crimson colour. The Royal
Horticultural Society awarded a Silver-gilt Banksian
Medal.

Messrs. Veitch & Sons, King's Road. Chelsea, had a
tible-group of Carnations in pots, which included
Trojan, white self ; Galatea, yellow ground; Mrs. C.
Baring, fancy: Lord Robert", yellow self; Queen of
Scots, salmon ; Bendigo, purple ; Mrs. Nicholson, deep
pink, &c.

Messrs. J. Peed A Sons, nurserymen, West Norwood,
had Malmaison and other Carnations in pots nicely
displayed with Palms, Ferns, &c.

Messrs. Phillips £ Tayloh, Carnation Specialists,
Bracknell, had vases of various Carnations; and also
Bamboo stands of the same with Water - Lilies in
front.

Mr. R H Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, bad a large collection
of Carnations in pots, bearing blooms of good quality,
and also small vases of blooms.

A notable exhibit was the noble vases of Carnations
set up by Mr. A. T. Dutton, The Nurseries. Bexley
Heath, Kent, and which suggested a future feature for
the National Carnation Show. A table of such vases
would be indeed an alluring feature. The varieties
were Royalty, soft, pleasing pink; G. H.Craae, brilliant
scarlet ; Mr. Thos. W. Lawson, a very fragrant pink ;
and Madame Melba, delicate pink, a lovely variety.
The blooms were all on long stems, and arranged with
great taste, fit for the table at any royal function. The
Carnation Society could make no further award than a

Certificate of Merit (the Roval Horticultural Society
awarded a Silver Flora Medal i.

Mr. James Douglas, Edenside Nurseries, Great
Bookham, exhibited a number of fine flowers of new
and choice varieties, and was awardeda Silver Banksian
Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick.
London, for the period July 12 to July 18, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet.

t"Ox

ri s >->

5 o

Temfebatubb

OF THE AlB.

At9A.M.

t"'

<

a

J3

a

a

a

n

«

n

A

ft

9

bo

n

fcs

s

Tempera-
ture ofthe
SoiLat9A.M.

P. A

o <o

o . o

o ©

o o

S 3

v CO

il

H

■o | •a

M
o

•a

a

IN |p 1 M

o o o

"3 "Tj T3

M
O
■O

SUN 13

N.W.

62-7 61-0

67-260-0 ...

66-9 63-6 57-9

56-7

If ON. 13

N.W.

oS-u'ftf-O

64-9J463 ...

64-762-458 0

35-0

TUE8.11

N.W.

6i'0 55'2

69-2 45-3' ...

62-0 61-8 58-1

34-5

Wed. 15

W.N.W.

64 '7,68 -3

75-7 81-0 ...

62-8 61-358-1

47-6

Thu. 16

S.W.

64-4 60-0

66-651-60'OB63-7|61-5l58-l

46 3

FBI. 17

S.W.

65-5 60-4 71 -a

56-20-75 63-161-358-1 45-8

SAT. IS

N.E.

61-6 60'O'71'0

57-50 1563'561 •5[58-2|50-9

Means

...

62 8 58'3 69'4
1 1

iTot1
53-4 0' 99 63 -8 61-8 58 -l'45 -3

, i i 1 1

Remarks.— Rati
showers towards

er dull weather, with some thunder-
the end of the week.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The following Summaby Recobd of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
July is is furnished from the Meteorological Office :—

"The weather wa9 fine at the opening of the period,
but gradually became very unsettled over the whole
kingdom. Very heavy rains were experienced at several
western and northern stations between the 14th and
16th, and in London and at Shoeburyness on the 17th.
Thunder-storms were rather general over the central
and southern parts of England towards the end of the
week.

"The temperature was below the mean in most dis-
tricts, the deficit in Scotland. N. and E. being 4" and 6'
respectively. In England, S , Ireland, S., and the
Channel Islands, however, the mean was just equalled.
Tne highest of the maxima were recorded on somewhat
irregular dates as a whole, but on Wednesday over the
more southern parts of England. They ranged from
77' in England, S. and Ireland, S., to below 70° in
England, N.W. and over Scotland, and to 64 in Scot-
land, N. The maxima on the north and north-east
coasts of Great Britain were frequently very low—
65" or even less. The lowest of the minima— registered,
as a rule, either on the 13th or 14th— varied from 35' in
Scotland, E., and 37' in Scotland, N., to 40° or a little
higher in most other districts, and to i9' in the Channel
Islands. Thermometers exposed on the grass during
the night of 13th-14th recorded 311 at Fort William,
and 'ill' at Hillington.

" Tne rainfall exceeded the mean generally, but only
just equalled it in the Midland Counties, England, S.W.,
and the Channel Islands, and was less in Scotland, N.
and England. S. The heaviest aggregate fall for the
week was 2.72 ins. at. Aspatria. but the heaviest amount
for any one day was at Douglas on Tuesday, when
161 ins. was collected. This was closely followed by
1 50 ins .which fell within five hours in London during
the early hours of Saturday.

"The bright sunshine was deficient excepting in Scot-
land, N., and the Channel Islands The percentage of
the possible amount of duration ranged from 52 in the
latter district, and 38 in England, S., to less than 20 in
Scotland, E . and England, N.E., and to only 10 in
Ireland, N."

THE WEATHER IS WEST HERTS.
Cool and Showery Weather.— On one day the tempera-
ture in the thermometer screen never ro9e above 58°,
which is about 12° colder than is seasonable, and on

July 25, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

67

the coldest night the exposed thermometer fell to
within 3° of the freezing-point. As a rule, however,
the nights were fairly warm. The soil is now at about
an average temperature at 2 feet deep, but 2° colder
than is seasonable at 1 foot deep. Rain fell on four
consecutive days to the total depth of rather more
than j of an inch. Previous to this there had been no
rain worth mentioning since June 19, or for very
nearly a month. Of the rainfall above mentioned
about a tenth of an inch has come through the bare-
soil percolation gauge. For three weeks previously
there had been no measurable percolation through
that gauge. On two days during the week no sunshine
at all was recorded, and on two others the sun shone
for less than a quarter of an hour. Throughout the
week the atmosphere has been very calm, and on one
day the total record for the twenty-four hours was
only Bj miles— making this the calmest day I have yet
recorded here in July. The amount of moisture in the
air was on most days exceptionally large for the time
of year. E. it., Berkhamsted, July 21, 1903.

MARKETS.

C07ENT GARDEN, July 23.

[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered 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.]

Cut Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Prices.

Alstrcemeria, doz.

bunches
Asters, bunches...
Azaleas, doz. bun.
Canterbury Bells
Carnations, bunch

— Malmaisons,
doz

Coreopsis, dozen

bunches
Cornflowers, doz.

bunches

Eucharis

Ferns, Asparagus,
per bunch ...

— French, per
doz. bunches

— Maidenhair,
doz. bunches

Gardenias, p. box
Gladiolus, White,
per bunch

— Blushing
Bride, bunch

— Brenchleyensis
per bunch ...

— various, bnch
Gypsophila, bun.
Iris, per bunch...
Liliums, White ...

— longiflorum,
per bunch ...

— lancifolium,
per bunch ...

— candidum,per

bunch

rubrum.bnch.

— auratum,bnch.
Lily of the Valley,

p. doz. bunches

a.d. a.d.

4 0-60
0 4-16
2 0-40
0 4-06
0 6-16

6 0-12 0

10-20

10-20
2 0-30

10-26

4 0-60
16-30

3 0-60

16-30
0 6-10
0 3-04
0 6-10

3 0 —

16-26

16-20

10-20
10-20
10-20

4 0-12 0

a.d. a.d.

3 0-40

4 0-60

Lupins, doz. bun.

Malva, doz. bun.

Marguerites, yel-
low, doz.bunch.

Mignonette, doz.

Orchids : Cattleya,
dozen blooms... 12 0-15 0

— Dendrobiums,

per dozen ... 2 0-30

— Odontoglos-

sums, dozen 2 0-40
Pelargoniums,
zonal, dozen
bunches

— White

Pinks, per dozen

bunches

Poppies, Iceland,

p. doz. bunches 0 6-10
Pyrethrums, doz.

bunches 3 0-50

Roses, Mermet, doz. 16-20

— Moss, 12 bun. 2 0-30

— various, per
bunch

— red, la bncbs.

— white, bunch

— pink, bunch
Smilax, doz. trails
Stenactis speciosa

{pale mauve),

doz. bunches ...
Stephanotis, doz.
Stocks, per dozen

bunches

Sweet Peas, per

dozen bunches
Tuberoses, strong,

per bunch ... 0 9-10

— per dozen ... 0 2-0 3

16-20
2 0-30

4 0- 6 0
3 0-60

2 0-40

0 4-16
3 0-60
10-26
0 4-16
16-26

2 0-30
16-20

2 0- 4 0
10-3 0

Plamts in Pots, &c— Average Wholesale Prices.

Acers, each

Adiantums, doz.

Aralias, per doz.

Arbor Vitaes, per
dozen

Aspidistras, doz.

Aucubas, per doz.

Calceolarias, per
dozen

Campanulas, doz.

Chrysanthemum
coronarium
(Double yellow
Marguerites) ...
Etoile d'Or, doz.

— Single yellow
Coleuses, per doz
Coreopsis, dozen
Crassulas, dozen
Crotons, per doz.
Dracaenas, variety,

dozen

Ericas, per dozen
Euonymu9, vars.,

per dozen
Ferns in var.,per

dozen

— Japanese balls,
each

ricusekstica.dor.

a. d. a. d.
2 0-26
4 0-80
4 0-80

9 0-18 0
18 0-36 0
4 0-80

4 0-60
4 0-60

2 0-60
12 0-18 0
4 0-60
4 0-50
4 0-60
8 0-12 0
12 0-24 0

12 0-48 C
8 0-18 0

4 0-30 0

1 6 —

$ 0-21 0

a.d. a.d.

3 0-60

4 0-60
8 0-24 0

Fuchsias, p. doz.

Heliotrope

Hydrangeas, doz.

Ivy-leaved Pelar-
goniums, dozen 2 0-40

L i 1 i u m longi-
florum,per doz. 8 0-12 0

— lancifolium,
per dozen

Lycopodiums, p.

dozen

Marguerites, doz.
Mignonette, doz.
Musk, per dozen
Orange-trees.each 3 o- J «
Palms, var., each 3 0-20 0
Pelargoniums,

— Oak - leaved,
scented, doz.
pink, per doz.

— scarlet, dozen
Petunias, p. doz.

— in boxes
Pteris tremula, dz. 4 0- 8 0

— Wimsetti.doz. 4 0-80
Khodanthes, per

dozen

Rose Trees, per

dozen 6 0-12 0

Verbenas, dozen 6 0-10 u

10 0-12 0

3 0-40

3 0-12 0

4 0-60
2 0-40

3 0-40

4 0-60

3 0-60

4 0-60
10-16

4 0-50

Apples, Austra-
lian, Including
Tasmanian, per
case

Bananas, bunch..

— loose, dozen .
Cherries, sieve ...
Currants, Red,

per sieve

— Black, sieve...
Figs, per dozen...
Grapes, Alicante,

per lb.

— GrosMaroc, lb,

— Hamburgh,

A., per lb.
B., per lb.

— Muscats, A. .lb.
B., per lb. .

Fruit. — Average Wholesale Prices.
a.d. a.d.

8 0-14 0

9 0-14 0
10-16

4 0-10 0

5 0-70
10 0-11 0

2 0-40

0 10-1 6
10-16

2 0-26
0 6-10

3 0-40
13-18

Gooseberries, per
sieve

Lemons, per case

Melons, each ...

Nectarines, A,, per
dozen

— B., per doz. ...
Oranges, per case
Peaches, A., per

dozen

— B., per dozen
Pines, each
Plums, per sieve
Raspberries, per

dozen punnets

— per cwt.
Strawberries, A.,

per peck

— doz. punnets

a.d. a.d.

4 0-50
8 0-15 0
0 6-20

8 0-12 0
3 0-60
7 6-14 0

10 0-15 0

3 0-60

2 6-50

9 0-12 0

4 0 —
36 0 —

16 —

3 0-18 0

Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices.

a.d. a.d.

2 0

Artichokes, Globe,
per dozen ...
Beans, dwarf, lb.

— broad, bush. .

— Channel Is-
lands, per lb.

Beetroots, per

doz. bunches

Cabbages, tally ...

Carrots, new, per

dozen

Cauliflowers, per

dozen

Celery, per dozen

bundles ... 12 0-15 0

Cress, per dozen

punnets

Cucumbers, per

dozen

Endive, per doz.
. Garlic, per lb. ...
Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch 16-19
Leeks, per dozen

bunches

Lettuces, Cabbage,

per dozen
Lettuce, Cos, per

score

Mint, per dozen

bunches

1 6-
0 9

2 0-26

0 8-09

2 0-30

3 6-50

10-13
16-30

13 —

16-36
2 0-26
02 —

16-20
0 9-10

0 6- 1

a. d. a. d.
Mushrooms, house,

per lb 0 9 10

Onions, per bag... 5 0-56

— green, per

dozen 16-26

Parsley, per doz.

bunches ... 2 0-30

— sieve 10-16

Peas, per bag ... 3 6-60

— per bushel ... 2 6-36
Potatos, per ton 90 0-130 0

— St. Malo, per

cwt 5 0 —

— Lincoln, lie. 4 6-60
Radishes, per

dozen bunches 0 9-10

Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz.... 13 —

Spinach, per
strike 2 6-30

Tomatos, Channel
Islands, per lb. 0 4-05

— English, per
121b 4 6-

Turnips.new, per
dozen bunches 2 0-40

Vegetable - Mar-
rows, per dozen 2 0-26

Watercress, per
dozen bunches. 0 4-06

2 0-30

Remarks.— A few home-grown Apples are coming in,
realising 4s. to 4s. 6(2. half-bushel. The Cherries are
very much cracked, owing to the recent rains. Some
really good Strawberries only are in request, and they
are worth as much as 18s. dozen punnets. Some Italian
Pears in baskets, 4s. Lisbon Apples in large cases
fetch 12s. to 13s. Cape Oranges, box or tray, is. 6<(. to
2.i. Some good French Tomatos in pecks are selling
for 28. ed., and in crates at 4s. Foreign Green Gages in
boxes fetch Is. to 2s. 3d., according to size ; in pecks
and half-bushels, 4s. to 12s. tid. respectively.

POTATOS.

French, 49. to 5s. per cwt. ; home-grown, 5s. to 6s. 6d.
per cwt. John Bath, 32 & 34, Wellington Street, Covent
Garden.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

. Glasgow, July 22.— The following are the averages
of the prices during the past week :— Apples, Austra-
lian and Tasmanian, 12s. to 16s. per box ; Tomatos,
6(2. to is. per lb. ; Oranges, Valencias, ordinary, 420's,
22s. to 23s. per box ; large 420's, 21s. to 27s. do. ; extra
large 420's, 25s. to 30s. do. ; 714's,27s. to 30s. do. ; Lemons,
68. to 10s. per box, and 7s. to 14s. per case; Grapes,
English, is. to 2s. 6(2. per lb. ; Onions, ed. per bag
and case; Cherries, ed. to 8(2. per lb. ;T Strawberries,
4ri. to 9(2. do. ; Dublin Gooseberries made from 21s. to
24s. per cwt. ; Scotch do., 21s.; and Dutch 19s.; Dutch
Carrots, 4s. to 7s. 6d. per hamper.

Liverpool, July 22. — Wholesale Vegetable Market. —
Potatos, per cwt., Kidneys, 6s. 9d. to as. ; Early Regents,
4s. 9d. to 5s. Ud. ; New, is. 6d. per 21 lb.; Turnips, 6d.
to 8(2. per 12 bunches ; Carrots, 8d. to 10(2. do. ; Onions,
foreign, 4s 9(2. to 5s. per cwt. ; Parsley, 4(2. to 6(2.
per dozen bunches ; Lettuces, 6d. to 10(2. per dozen ;
Cucumbers, Is. 6(2. to 3s. do. ; Cauliflowers, Is. to 2s. 6(2.
do. ; Cabbages, 6(2. to is. 2(2. do. ; Peas, 7s. to as. per
hamper ; Beans 2s. 9(2. to 3s. 6(2. do. St. John's— Potatos,
new, 1(2. to lj(2. per lb.; Asparagus, 2s. to 48. per 100;
Peas, Is. to Is. 6d. per peck ; Cucumbers, 3(2. to 6d. each ,
Apricots, 18. to is. 6d. per dozen ; Gooseberries, 3d.
per lb.; Currants, white, 4(2. do.; do., Red, id. do.;
do., Black, id. do.; Cherries, 6(2. to 8(2. do.: Straw-
berries, 6(2. to 8d. do. ; Grapes, is. 6d. to 3s. tut. do. ;
Pines, foreign, 4s. id. to 6s. each ; Mushrooms, Is. per lb.
Birkenhead .-—Potatos, Is. 6(2. per peck; do., new, Id.
per lb. ; Peas, lOd. to Is. 6(2. per peck ; Cucumbers, 2d. to
4(2. each ; Strawberries, 4(2. to $d. per lb. ; Currants,
Red, 8d. to 8(2. do.; do., Black, ad. to n>(2. do.; do.,
White, 6(2. to ad. do. ; Peache9, id. to 6d. each ; Cherries,
6d. to lOd. per lb. ; Apricots, Is. to Is. 6d. per dozen ;
Gooseberries. 3d. to 4d. per lb. ; Grapes, English, 2s. to
4s. ti(i. do. ; Tomatos, English, 6(2. to 8d. do. ; Mush-
rooms, French, \\s. to is. id. do. ; Filberts, ad. do.

CORN.

Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.),
for the week ending July 18, 1903, and for the corre-
sponding period of 1902, together with the difference
in the quotations. These figures are based on the
Official Weekly Return :—

Description.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Wheat

Barley

Oats

«. d.

30 11

23 8
22 10

*. d.

28 3

20 5
18 7

8. d.

— 2 a

— 3 3

— 4 3

ENQUIRY

— ♦ —

Cattle Poisoning by Butterwort. — Mr.
F. W. Moore, of the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin,
would be glad if any ofour readers could inform
him if they know of an authentic case of cattle
being poisoned by eating the Butterwort, Pin-
guicula vulgaris. Personally he is inclined to
believe that this plant is harmless, and that it is
not eaten by cattle ; but there is such a wide-
spread belief in Ireland to the contrary, and he
is so often asked for information as to how Pin-
guicula can be eradicated, and its baneful
influence on cattle counteracted, that he is
induced to seek information concerning the
plant, and its effects, if any, upon cattle.

TRADE NOTICES,

The writer of the note in our last issue, p. 42,
omitted to state that he (Mr. Golding) had only
purchased the local retail business carried on at
No. 199, High Road, Kilburn, until recently as a
branch by Mr. W. H. Hudson, of 34, High Road,
Chiswick.

The business of nurseryman, market-gardener,
and fruit-grower, hitherto carried on at Olaydon
Gardens, Claydon, Bucks, has been taken over by
the Claydon Nursery Co., who have appointed
Mr. J. Milsom as their general manager, to
whom all business communications should be
addressed.

Bell & Bieberstedt. — Mr. Alexander Cross,
formerly of Cross & Donaldson, desires us to
inform our readers that he has joined the staff of
Messrs. Bell & Bieberstedt, wholesale seed-
merchants and growers, Leith.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

%* The reports which our Correspondents hurt-
kindly sent US upon the condition of the
FRUIT CROPS will be published in our

next issue.

%* Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
. and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
literary department, and all plants to be named,
should be directed to the Editor. The two
departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

Black Grapes : 8. T. The fruit sent shows
no trace of mealy-bug or of stickiness. It
is unlikely that the exudation of sap, as
the gardener suggests, would occur to
this, unless aphides had perforated the leaves
and green shoots. The excrements of these
insects when abundant cause Stickiness, as
witness the honey-dew of Lime-trees when in-
fested with aphides. The Grapes were of fine
size and colour. Mealy -bug is dilli.'ult to

68

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[July 25, 1903.

eradicate. The usual dressing the Vines
receive should be supplemented by lime-wash-
ing the walls, cleansing the hot water-pipes
and the woodwork and glass, and the removal
of the surface-soil to a depth of 3 inches, re-
placing it with fresh loam. During spring and
summer a sharp look out must be kept for iso-
lated specimens, touching these with a camel-
hair pencil dipped in methylated spirits. The
sum of 2s. 6d. kindly sent for the Royal Gar-
deners' Orphan Fund will be sent to the
Treasurer of the Fund.

Correction. — Vide report of Croydon show, Fruit
, classes, p. 46, in Gardeners' Chronicle, July 18,

for " Barber," Castle Hill Gardens, read

"Barks."

Cucumber Plants Failing : J. J. P., Stroud.
The plants are suffering from the Spot-fungus
(Cercospora) ; but that is not the whole cause.
We suspect something wrong at the root.
Please send roots, &o.

Cut Flowers for Marketing : J. D. Just
what you please. Study our market reports,
cultivating any plants there named that you
like and will best suit your purpose. If you
do not know anything about their cultivation,
go into a market establishment for a year or
two and acquire the necessary knowledge,
otherwise it is probable that you will lose your
money. Gardening, like everything else, has
to be learned by experience, and even flowering
plants in pots will not give satisfaction unless
intelligently handled

Eably High - coloured Ehubarb : Enquirer.
The earliest, Daw's Champion, Myatt's Vic-
toria, Linnaeus, and Kershaw's Paragon.

Employment at Kew : H. D. P. Yes; but you
may have to wait some time before a vacancy
occurs. Apply to the Curator, furnishing copies
of testimonials, when, if these be found satis-
factory, you will be furnished with a form to
be filled up.

Gooseberries : W. T. We are unable to name
the fruit

Grape : M. S[ Co. We are unable to name the
variety with certainty from such scraps ;
perhaps White Tokay.

Grapes : C. B. Grape spot. Burn the affected
berries. You can do nothing till the leaves
are off, then spray the rods very carefully with
the Bordeaux-mixture, and again in spring
before the leaves are out. — B. Jir W. Specimen
rotten when received.

Melon Going Off : Alva. Material sent quite
insufficient. Please send roots, leaves, shoots,
and soil.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good os to consult the following number. —
S. B. 1, Dendrobium Dalhousieanum of gar-
dens ; 2 is not an Orchid, but a Gingerwort,
probably Zingiber officinale (Ginger-plant), or
a close ally of it. — E. K. Cirrbaea viridipur-
purea. — F. C. L. A Moss, a species of Polytri-
chia not in fruit. — A. W. S. Trachelium cueru-
leum. — J. R. A form of the Norway Maple, Acer
platanoides. — P. P. Adlumia cirrhosa. — Sodbury.
The petals had all fallen. It seems very like
one we see in the markets. — Bob. 1, Malva
moschata ; 2, Centaurea macrocephala ; 3, Lyei-
machia clethroides ; 4, Lychnis chalcedonica,
double ; 5, Liliurn Martagon ; 6, Euellia Devo-
siana. — B. F. S. Chenopodiuni olidum. — Phyto.

1, Circaea lutetiana ; 2 and 3, Willows, quite in-
determinable from leaves only; 4, Ehodiola
rosea. — J. J. M. 1, Codiaeum Queen Victoria ;

2. C. trilobum ; 3, 0. Evansianum ; 4, C. van
(Erstedi ; 5, C. angustifolium ; 0, C. Johannis. —
J. T., Paisley. Miltonia Eoezlii. — E.K. Galega
officinalis. — W. R. Spiraea filipendula, double fl.
— R. D. R. 1, Oncidium incurvum ; 2, Epiden-
drum oncidioides; 3, Ccelogyne speciosa. —
M. K., Potsdam. Good varieties of Cattleya
Leopoldi. — R. G. 1, Spiraea Lindleyana ; 2,
Spiraea sps. ; 3, S. Douglasi ; 4, Agrostemma
coronaria, richly coloured.— No Name. 1, Agro-
stemma coronaria ; 2, Alchemilla alpina ; 3,
Lamium purpureum var. aureum. — Constant

Reader. 1, Linaria purpurea, white var.; 2,
Sedum album ; 3, Erigeron mucronatum ; 4,
Euphorbia eyparissias ; 5, Lathyrus magel-
lanicus. — D. W. Y., Chesterfield. 1, Lamium
purpureum var. aureum ; 2, Adiantum con-
cinnum ; 3, Adiantum trapeziforme ; 4, Adi-
antum hispidulum ; 5, Adiantum tenerum.—
C. V. A. 1, Juniperus japonica variegata ; 2,
Cupressus pisifera var. plumosa (Eetinospora) ;
3, Cupressus pisifera, squarrose form (Eeti-
nospora) ; 4, Cupressus pisifera aurea (Eeti-
nospora) ; 5, Cupressus Lawsoniana aurea; 6,
Juniperus excelsa. — F. D. Magnolia cordata. —
W. C. B. Ehus Toxicodendron ; Lychnis Cor-
sica.— G. E. R. 1, light, Spiraea callosa; 2,
Spiraea Bumalda var. ; 3, Eubus nutkanus ; 4,
Punica granatum ; 5, Forsythia viridissima ;
G, Gleditschia ; 7, Symphoricarpus racemosus
varieties. — S. H. Valeriana officinalis var. —
W. C, Shrewsbury. Sisyrhynchium bermudi-
anum. — E. G. H. Chironia linoides.

Notice to Quit Service : G. You are entitled
to one month's notice, or money in lieu thereof,
if there be no written agreement otherwise
dealing with the matter.

Parasite on Pelargoniums ; S. C. The parasite
is Cuscula epithymum, Lesser Dodder, more fre-
quent in England than C. europaea, common on
Heaths, Thymes,and other small shrubbyplants.
Probably imported in peat or loam employed in
the nursery. The plant and the host should be
burned as soon as noted.

Palm Leaf : R J. L. The leaf is infested with
a scale-insect peculiar to Palms, which may be
killed with water at 150° F., or petroleum emul-
sion used in the proportion as follows : \ pint
petroleum, \ lb. soft soap, 3 gallons of rain or
soft water. Put the soap and petroleum
together in a vessel, and with a stick mix them
together until there is no liquid left, then add
warm water and stir thoroughly. This may be
used with a syringe or piece of sponge. The
plants should be laid on their sides to drain.

Peach and Nectarine Fruits Infected ay a
Fungus : C. Best. The greenish-black spots
are caused by a fungus, Cladosporium carpo-
philum. The sunken spots on the Nectarine
by Glueosporiuni laeticolor. Nothing can now
be done but to gather affected fruits and bui n
them. Another year apply the Bordeaux-
mixture several times after the fruits set.

Peach Stones Splitting and Fruit Falling
from Tree : A Constant Reader. See reply to
a question asked by A. C. D., p. 48, in the
Gardeners' Chronicle for last Saturday.

Potato - sets Not Growing : J. T. S. The
Potatos sent afford no evidence as to why they
did not grow, and it is hopeless to speculate on
the subject. [One of the sets, after remaining
in our office for a week, has sprouted strongly.]

Eose : E. Kromer. Some old-forgotten variety of
no merit whatever, which we are unable to
name. Some of the larger Eose nurserymen
might recognise it.

Eanunculus : A. B. As much perennials as
Begonia tuberosa, Dahlias, Marvel of Peru,
Gloriosas, and the like ; and certainly not to be
classed as annuals, which have to be raised
from seeds, and live for a year only.

Eefrigerator: M. F. We cannot trace the
article you require.

Eose Leaves Spotted : W. E. M. There is no
fungus present on the leaves. We suggest
that the injury has been caused by some
caustic wash or insecticide ; or that a powerful
sun acting through tiny globules of water (as
through a lens) has caused the injury.

Shower Bouquet : G. R. The more suitable
kinds of flowers are those having a drooping
habit, or which can be made to droop without
imparting unnaturalness to the arrangement.
Flowers of a stiff, formal style of growth are
suited only for the upper part of the bouquet,
and there only in small numbers. Some varie-
ties of the Eose, such as Niphetos, Marechal
Niel, W. Allan Eichardson, and a few other
T.'s and H. T.'s are admissible. We need not

further specify suitable flowers, as with these
few hints you ought, with the aid of Fern-
fronds and Myrsiphyllums, to be enabled to
make pleasing bouquets of the kind desired.
These may measure 2, 3, or more feet in length,
and are usually fitted into a wire cornucopia
covered with a paper or satin holder.

Tennis Court : Tweedside. Asphalt or York
paving-stone is as good as anything you can
employ. The court should have a kerb of
thick granite at the front, and the floor should
be carefully laid or made.

Tomatos : H. L., Ree. The too-well-known
Tomato-spot. Burn the plants, and spray the
foliage of the healthy plants with weak Bor-
deaux-mixture. Not a week passes but we have
to give this information, and the disease has
been frequently figured.

Turning a Semi-double Begonia Flower into
a perfectly double one : r. j. l. you
might increase the size of the flower by rich
feeding, but not necessarily add to the number
of its petals.

Vine Border : J. D. Dig out the staple if un-
suitable for Vines 2| feet deep, and to begin
with make a 5-feet-wide border ; lay in drains of
broken stone in V-shaped cuttings 12" feet apart
and 4 feet deep, also an outfall drain at the
furthest limit of the border when fully made
up, giving this drain a fall of 1 in 12. Cover
the rubble drains with sods, then fill-in the
5-feet space with good pasture loam, roughly
chopped, crushed bones about one-sixteenth of
the whole, charcoal about the same, lime- rubble
one-eighth, but no manure. When settled,
plant the Vines in the dormant state, or when
growing in April or May.

Communications Received.— St. V. D., Singapore— D.
— C. T. D.— Dr. .Charlton Baitian-E. Sandford—
W. D. EL. (next week ; no charge is made for such
advice)— Grange— M. Buysman — A. J. B. — J. B.—
F. Mason Good-R. W. C. (photograplis)-T. B. M.,
Ashville, N. Carolina— Prof. Tschirch, Berne— W. S.,
Lancaster— W. B , Ramsgate — C. E. B. W.— G. B.—
J. J. W— N. E. B.-W. R. R.— O. T.— W. S.— W. C. &
Sons— F J.C.— C. S.— J. O'B.— G.Massee— E. S.— S. A.
-J. B , Wilts.

DIED.— Mr. G. C. Binnie, suddenly of heart-
disease, at the age of thirty-eight years, at Langley
House, Aberdeen, at which place he was head
gardener.

QARDENINQ APPOINTMENTS,

Me. Charles Foster. Gardener at Henham Hail,
WaDgford, Suffolk, has been appointed Instructor
in Horticulture at University College, Reading.
His new duties will commence on September 1.

Mr. H. J. Gillard, formerly second Gardener at The
Grange, Sutton, as Head Gardener at the Royal
Naval College, Osborne. Isle of Wight. He com-
nienced his duties on June 22.

Mr. James Grant, for the past two years Gardener at
Linwood Hall, Leven, Fifeshlre. as Head Gardener
to C. Nicholson, Esq , Sawley Hall, Ripon, York-
shire. He enters upun his duties on August 1.

Mr. Mark Huntley, for the past four and a half years
General Foreman in the gardens at Normanswood.
Farnham. Surrey, as Head Gardener to Lady
Muriel Paget, Dower House, North Crays, Kent,
and commences his duties on September 28.

Mr. Wn. Jas. Penton, for six years Head Gardener and
Orchid Grower at Bowden Hill, Chippenham, as
Head Gardener and Instructor at Studley Castle, in
connection with Lady Warwick's Hostel, now re-
moving from Reading, and commences his duties
on August I.

Continued Increase in the Circulation of the

"GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

IMPORTANT TO ADVERTI8ER8. — The Publisher has
the satisfaction of announcing that the circulation of the
" Gardeners' Chronicle " has, since the reduction in tin
price of the paper, more than

»■ TREBLED. -W

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 Circula-
tion, and that it is preserved for reference in all the
principal Libraries.

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THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

69

THE

No. 860.— SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Begonia Marie Bou-

cliett

Books, notices of—

Beautiful and Rare
Trees and Shrubs...

Packing and Selling
Fruit and Vege-
tables

The Cultivation of the
Daffodil

The Forest Flora of

New South Wales...

CampanulaWaldsteini-

ana, hybrid of

Cbiswick trials

Cucumber, a new kind

of

Fruit crops, report on

the condition of the
72-
Fungi, exhibition of

edible

Ghent

Grapes, the colouring

of Black Hamburgh
Ladybirds, sale of
Melon and Cucumber

leaf-spot

Mount Usher. Wicklow
Narcissus Mrs. Geo.

Barr

Nicholson,

to the

Alleyne

Oates, Mr. Walter

memorial
late Prof.

Obituary—
71 Kennedy, Alexander 85
Plants, new or note-
worthy—

79 Calodendroncapense 69
Plants, ol d-w o r 1 d

names of

78 ' Poa annua

Raspberry Condor

80 Ribes speciosum
Rosary, the

77 Rose season of 19P.3 ...
Rose Zepherine Drou-

82 hin

8a Rose show, the Na-
tional

70 Seeds, how plants

scatter their

Societies—
•78 Brentwood Hort. ...
Huntingdon, God-

79 manchester, Hart-

78 ford.andBrampton
Hort

71 Royal Horticultural 79, 85

83 ■ Southern Counties

Carnation 86

S2 Strawbenry President

SI Loubet .' ... 70

Strawberries in 1903 ... 70

79 University College,

Reading ,

Veitch & Sons', Messrs.

80 i Jas., Jubilee 79

79 Week's wbrk, the, S3, 84, 85

35

85

80

ILLU8TRATION8.

Begonia Marie Bouchett 71

Cucumber, a new 70

Narcissus Mrs. George Barr (Supplement).

Portrait of Mr. Peter Barr 83

Ribes speciosum 71

Strawberry President Loubet 70

View in the gardens at Mount Usher, co. Wicklow... 81

OLD-WOBLD NAMES OF PLANTS.

A LATE number contains an article on
the British names of Ferns so interest-
ing that one feels diffident about hinting at
mistakes, as some at least of these are not
due to the writer, but are common to all
who have lately written on the subject. All
the same, it is a pity they should continue
to be perpetrated, however unwittingly.
One common mistake is that which assigns
its distinctive appellation to the female or
Lady Fern because its fronds are not so
coarse as those of Lastrasa filix-mas, the
common Male Fern, the female Fern in this
instance being Athyrium filix-foemina. The
name as applied to this species is compara-
tively of modern date, and is one of those
unhappy transferences of the botanist that
inevitably lead to confusion. The true female
Fern of all the old authorities was the
common Bracken, Pteris aquilina. While
the latter still retained its proper and
ancient English name, we find Lastrasa filix-
mas reduced to the position of a Polypode—
Polypodium filix-mas ; the Athyrium at the
same time being P. filix-fa'mina, or the
"female Polypody," this, not improbably,
the thin edge of the wedge that rent the
name from its rightful owner. Of course, it
is not a very important matter, but the
fact remains that only two plants were
recognised as (what shall I say ?) true Ferns,
or, as an Elizabethan writer puts it, " This
taerlie is of two sorts, male and female."
There is a vast accumulation of interesting
lore connected with both, their" virtues" being
somewhat similar, and even their names
being interchangeable, the wounded Scottish
hero of Otterbourne, according to the Scots
version of the ballad, being laid under the
shelter of a "bracken bush," which was

clearly the Male Fern. The Gaelic for both
Ferns is also the same word. And not im-
probably Athyrium filix - feemina and
Lastrea dilatata would be confounded with
L. filix-mas. Both species conferred invisi-
bility on that individual who was fortunate
enough to catch the seed during the one
moment it was in existence on St. John's
Eve ; but the female was generally the one
that enabled people who "had the receipt
of Fern-seed to walk invisible." The unfold-
ing young fronds of the male were known as
St. John's, and also Lucky Hands.

The other mistake is that in connection
with " Maidenhair." Turner rightly calls
"Adiantum" Venus-hair, but it was not
known in England till found in the
eighteenth century in Glamorganshire. The
correct meaning of both names can be
traced to the peculiar quality possessed by
the hair of the Goddess of Love, being
unsusceptible to wet ; and to the foli-
age of Adiantum capillus Veneris having
a like property. The comparison of the
stalks to the hair of a woman is quite
modern, as in no instance do we find an
old writer ever refer to the stalks, but
invariably to the hair - like roots. As
happens, however, in the case of so
many old names, it is impossible to discuss
here or to further allude to the sense
in which they used the expression " maiden-
hair." Culpeper discovered the origin of the
name from the fact that a hair-wash was
produced from the plant that was at once
effectual in " staying hair from falling out,"
and also as a stimulant to growth ! The
chief use of the plant, however, was derived
from its supposed efficacy"as*a pectoral. On
account of its curative properties, the
doctors and herborists were obliged to look
about for a substitute, and discovered one
in Asplenium Trichomanes, the common
Maidenhair ; but the following species were
also employed : A. adiantum] nigrum, which
is the Oak-fern, though the common Poly-
pody, and Polypodium Phegopteris, and P.
Dryopteris have also carried that name.
Asplenium Ruta - muraria, the Adiantum
allium, or White Maidenhair,^: also Sage of
Life, and Tent-wort, from its "employment
in wounds, was equally valuable. A. Tricho-
manes, it ought to be said, was the red
Maidenhair, to distinguish it from the black
and from the white.

According to Turner, Galium was called
in the North, Maidenhair. This Britten
identifies with Galium Aparine; but as
" petie Muguet " is given as an equivalent,
it is plain that is a mistake. The old
Muguet—" Mugwet " Gerard calls it — was the
common Woodruff, and ^Petti-mugget as an
English name was bestowed, and no doubt
rightly, on Galium verum. The name Maiden-
hair was also applied to a moss,'Polytriehum
commune, " Polytrichum," as well as "Tricho-
manes." at one period being'the officinal name
of the common Maidenhair, and hence doubt-
less the reason this plant bears it. Ground
Ivy and Clematis vitalba also possess a right
to the name, while Briza media is the Ferne-
grass, or Maidenhair Grass.

These do not exhaust the list, as As-
plenium marinum, A. septentrionale, and A.
viride, which is the "green," Maidenhair,
are other Ferns associated with the name.
It is rather disappointing that no reference
is made to Ceterach officinarum in the
article already referred to. the more so as

Spleenworts are discussed, and the above is
the true Spleenwort or Milt-waste, pro-
nounced in the North "Melt," spleen and
milt being synonymous. Turner and Gerard
knew it as Asplenium, the former giving as
its English equivalent " Citterach, or Scale -
fern, or Finger-ferne." As everybody knows, it
is a plant one cannot pick up every day,
therefore other Ferns, including the male and
female, A. Lonchitis, Blechnum spicant, and
others were used as substitutes. "Scale,''
as applied to the plant, will be obvious to
anyone examining the underside of the
fronds ; and if we are to credit Lightf oot, it
was called Finger-fern on account of the
fronds being equal in length to a finger.

Ophioglossum vulgatum and Botrychium
Lunaria are so interesting that a few lines
may be spared to discuss their popular
names and properties. The former was
known in Scotland as Ane-blade, and we
also find it called Serpent's-tongue, Adder's-
grass, Adder's-spear, and Christ's-spear. A
vulnerary ointment called " Green Oil of
Charity," described by Gerard, was still in
use a hundred years ago, and like the Moon-
wort, it was a plant of great repute among
witches. The Moonwort, according to
Bacon, was used by these misguided fe-
males in the composition of an ointment
with which they anointed their bodies.
Bacon calls it Moonshade. It was also
employed as a vulnerary. Culpeper and
other writers ascribed a curious pro-
perty to this Fern, that of loosening
the shoes off any horse that happened to
tread on it with its feet ; on that account,
he says, country people called it Unshoe-
the - Horse. It was also invaluable on
occasions when it was desired to enter
lock-fast places without a key, the herb
having also the property of unlocking doors.
If it had removed the locks altogether, as it
extracted nails from a horse's foot, that
would have been sufficiently wonderful, but
the faculty of shooting back a bolt is very
wonderful indeed. A modern writer con-
tends that this is the "Martagon," but
Turner plainly declares that plant to be
Listera ovata.

The above is merely a selection of names
and properties applicable to Ferns, and I
shall conclude by noting that two common
plants, Myrrhisodorata and common Chervil,
were often called Sweet Ferns. J?. P.
Brotherston.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CALODENDKON CAPENSE, Thubo.

This tree has been cultivated at La Mortola
without a name, as it had never flowered and
nobody was able to recognise it. Perhaps in con-
sequence of the very abundant rainfall during
last June, or perhaps owing to the fact that the
plant does not flower before reaching a certain
age, its flowers have not previously been seen
here. At present the tree is bearing its extremely
pretty flowers on the ends of its branches. From
these it was easily recognised as Calodendron
capense, Thubg., the " Wilde Castanie," or wild
Horse-Chestnut of the colonist at the Cape.

There is no figure of it in the Botanical Jfojo-
zine, and that in Nicholson's excellent Die*
does not do justice to the graceful flowers. The
structure of these flowers is very curious. The
petals are white and reflexed, the outer wall of
the stamens is petaloid. They arc white or palo
rose coloured, with many carmine tuberolee,

70

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Arousr 1, 1903.

The flowers are very delicate and do not last
long when cut.

I believe there is no other tree of this species
of the same size in the whole Riviera. Alwin
Berger, La Mortola.

[A fine illustration of this tree was given in
the Gardeners' Chronicle, vol. xix., N.S., 1883,
p. 217. Ed.]

A NEW KIND OF CUCUMBEE.

At the meeting of the Royal Horticultural
Society on July 21 last, a Cucumber was shown
by Hobbies, Ltd., nurserymen, Dereham, under
the name of Lemon-Cucumber (fig. 20). The fruits
were between 3 and 4 ins. in length, and 2 ins.
in the lesser diameter ; of a pale yellow colour,
although immature, and having a texture of
flesh and a flavour identical with the ordinary
Cucumber. There are numerous small, creamy-
white, very early out-of-doors Cucumbers culti-
vated in Russia, Khiva, and Poland which in
some particulars resemble the variety figured;
and the French and Dutch gardeners cultivate
several of the white-skinned Cucumbers in the
open ground, including the one used largely by
perfumers, Bonneuil Large White.

STKAWBEEEIES IN 1903.

The stools did not pass through the winter as
well as usual. The foliage suffered from the
sharp November frost and the cold, cutting winds,
and probably also from being rather too moist at
the root. However, the new foliage came along
strongly, and the rains of April and early May
gave hope of a fine crop ; but the frosts of May
retarded the growth at the end of the month, and
even in June they made but little headway.

As is well known, in many districts the partly-
developed trusses of blossom were greatly injured
by the unusually severe spring frosts ; but though
our Strawberry fields lay high and fully exposed,
the damage was not perceptible.

By June 2, some of the king flowers had set ;
but so cold and unkindly was the rest of the
month that they only became fit to pick by
June 26. A fine dry and warm time then set in,
and the crop, after all its vicissitudes, has been
both larger and finer than usual.

Royal Sovereign was quite the first to ripen, and
the quality was as good as we ever had of this
very useful all-round variety, which, as the Gar-
deners' Chronicle says truly, has so completely
become indispensable as to cause some of the
older kinds to be neglected.

Probably from the causes named a few sterling
sorts were not up to their usual standard.

Vicomtesse de Thury was later, and the fruits
very small, but still possessing that rich and
distinct flavour which is its characteristic.

President — the gardener's favourite for mid-
season supply — was deficient in crop, but good in
quality; and its "relative," Kitley's Goliath, did
not crop over its usual long season. And an old
variety— a favourite in this district — Trollope's
Victoria, was wanting in quantity.

The way in which Strawberries vary in different
localities makes it impossible to prophesy whe-
ther they will succeed in any particular place ;
and one constantly hears the praises of varieties
which have, years back, been discarded in these
nurseries, where 200 kinds have been tested.
For these reasons one does not like to condemn
any new varieties on a first year's trial. But your
readers will doubtless look for some remarks on
the recent novelties.

The Laxton, planted from pots, 1902, grew
strongly, and came ripe three to four days after
Royal Sovereign, in beds but 8 feet distant.
The Laxton berries were large and of a fine deep
colour ; but neither in flavour, texture, nor crop
did they reach our expectations. The Laxton
must have a further trial before we can speak

Fig. 26.— new cucumber.

decidedly of its value. It, however, appears to
us to have qualities that may command attention
as a market berry ; and it would be interesting
to hear of other growers' experience.

Climax produced very large woolly berries, too
soft to travel, and the flavour is here not good ;
it may improve.

Fillbasket produces a great quantity of smallish
berries, but is not equal to older kinds. I, how-
ever, hear of large late crops in market culture.

The Khedivc&id not take'kindly to^our'soil, and1
the fruit was small ; it may, however, be, like
others, better on a two years' stool. So far, it
does not come near Queen of Denmark as a pro-
lific bearer of the same mulberry colour. This
latter variety is one of our standard late kinds.

Givon's Late Prolific, on the other hand, has
proved its,elf worthy of the First-class Certificate
awarded. The stools are hardy, with bold
foliage, which shelters the very large and hand-
some cockscombed or three-sided berries, which
are of first-class flavour and have very small
seeds. It is the finest of the late kinds, and
produces a good succession of fruits.

Trafalgar has given some very handsome bright
scarlet fruits ; but the crop is a light one, and it
is not in point of flavour equal to President.

The finest berries and the heaviest crop of
any variety has been Louts Gauthier ; and we are
yet gathering good berries. This is a berry all
should grow for home use. Its flavour is good,
and may be best described as refreshing rather
than rich ; but as a contrast alone it. is worth a
place. The gatherings from Gauthier have been
double that of any other kind.

Filbert Pine has been most excellent, and its
flavour grand. As a late ^mid-season kind it has
no equal.

The dwarf-growing Frogmore Prolific has been
very fine in berry, and the crop has been respect-
able. It never bears heavily, but its superior
flavour makes it indispensable.

The Countess has again been the third best for
quality.

Doctor Hogg is still the best and sweetest, and
British Queen is No. 2. When we can get this
latter race with the crop of .Royal Sovereign, we
shall have no more to wish for.

That bright and free-bearing sort, Sir Charles,
Napier, has done better than usual, but it is a-
preserving kind and not up to dessert quality.

Other little known but fine berries are Walluff
and Dumbarton Castle. These produce a heavy
crop of very large berries, which ripen and finish
v ithin fourteen days.

Latest-of-All has given us fine berries, but the
flavour varies greatly ; one day it is first-class,
and another I only second-rate. It evidently
requires veryjhigh culture, which it does not get
in our field-growth.

Waterloo, Elton Pine, and Eleanor are still
three good useful late kinds.

Grosse Sucree, Auguste Nicaise, and Edouard
Lefort are only Strawberries for forcing ; but
Royal Sovereign is so fine that they are going out
of use.

We should say, however, that the white (or
pink) Louis Gauthier is very fine for forcing, and
has rich sweet flavour.

Mentmore with us is no advance on Noble.

Sir Joseph Paxton has been remarkable this
year for crop and continuance in bearing, and
yet remains the market berry for profit.

The rains of June 17 and 19 have been grand) ,
for the young runners. George Bunyard, Royal-
Nurseries, Maidstone.

FlU. 27 —STRAWBERRY PRESIDENT LOUBET.

STEAWBEBBY PBESIDENT
LOUBET.

The above - named new variety has as its-
parents Waterloo and Sir Charles Napier, wrongly
given as Lord Napier in our report of the meeting
of the Royal Horticultural Society. The fruit
(fig. 27) is showy, dark-coloured like Waterloo
from which in that respect it scarcely differ-, and
of more than average size. It was exhibited by
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Rojal Exotic
Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea. He variety is
to be tried at the Rjyal Horticultural Society's-
gardens, Chiswick.

August 1, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS- CHRONICLE,

71

. \^E&MK&JtotL ■

\ / \ V

^AR^C*«««

* 1 '

1 j/T 1

'i I J7

1 > |V

1 ' -'

Fig. 28.— ribes speciosum : flowers deep crimson.

EIBES SPECIOSUM.

This., perhaps the finest of the species belong-
ing to the Gooseberry section of the genus Ribes,
is frequently looked upon as a plant which, if not
actually demanding wall-protection, requires at
all events a very sheltered position. Such con-
ditions are not always necessary for it, however,
in proof of which I may say that in the end of
last month I found two healthy plants growing in
an exposed position in an open border in Messrs.
Dicksons & Co.'s nurseries at Craigmillar, Edin-
burgh, which were literally covered with flowers,
as the accompanying photograph of a branch
taken from one of them shows (fig. 28). The
plants, which have occupied the same position for
■several years, are exposed to practically all the
points of the compass, but notwithstanding this
they are growing vigorously, and are at present
sending up strong shoots from the base.

The species, which is a native of California, is
a very striking one. The flowers, which are of a
deep-crimson colour, and similar in form to those
of a small-flowered Fuchsia, are produced all
along the branches of the previous year, from
which they depend singly or in twos or threes ;
and the foliage, which is of a deep-green colour,
is similar to that of the common Gooseberry. The
plant deserves more attention than is generally
bestowed upon it ; and if it were tried on high,
dry situations would probably give good results,
even although the exposure might be somewhat
severe. A. D. Richardson, Edinburgh,

MARKET GARDENING.

THE COLOURING OF BLACK HAMBURGH
GRAPES.

Calling on the gardener at Manresa House
lately, to see the large Vine there, I was delighted
to find such fine bunches, well coloured, and in
-every way so creditable to the son of the late
Mr. M. Davis. In order to obtain such alluring
colour and density of bloom on the berries, the
special requirements of the variety must receive
flue attention, and a vinery must be devoted to
■the Vine.

I am led to make this statement on seeing large
■consignments of Black Hamburgh of the worst
possible colour now being sent to Covent Garden
Market. The sender and grower is successful
with the varieties Black Alicante and Gros Col-
mar under apparently similar conditions to the
Black Hamburgh Grapes, with the exception that
the first two have a longer rest, the vinery being
•empty of pot-plants for a much longer period of
tune. The Black Hamburgh Vines, on the con-
trary, do not get the necessary attention, the

result being lack of colour. Market cultivators'
finding that one crop taken from a glasshouse
is not sufficiently remunerative unless it is of
first-rate quality and weight, make use of vineries
for other things in pots.

At present prices Grapes of inferior quality
sell at Gd. per lb., whilst better produce sells
at Is. 6(J. to 2s. per lb. It should, however,
be remembered that the cultivator of the
cheaper Black Hamburgh Grapes must have
space in which to grow his plants, especially as
he has to grow twice as many of the latter as
was the case ten years ago to get the same
returns. The fruit of the Black Hamburgh will
not put on the best colour unless the Vine be
treated according to its needs, whereas the
Black Alicante colours more readily.

Anent this matter I may mention that I called
recently on Mr. F. E. Sparkes, West Court
Nurseries, Worthing, and noticed the lack of
gnish and colour in the fag-end of a crop of

Grapes ; he was very emphatic as to the cause
namely, that a number of Richardias had been
kept in the vineries for too long a period of time.
Not only do these plants require much water at
the roots as to make them unsuitable for placing in
vineries of Black Hamburgh whilst the fruit is
colouring, but ventilation has to be curtailed, and
the exhalations and dampness arising from the
Richardias during the night are inimical to good
colouring. Nor are the borders so sweet as they
should be, or the Vine-roots so free and healthy
near the surface as would have been the case had
Richardias not been kept in the vineries. Mr.
Sparkes will not follow this practice in the future.
Stephen Castle.

[The evil effects' on Grapes of growing other
kinds of plants in vineries after the fruit has
begun to colour have been known for many years
to professional gardeners, who generally abstain
from the practice if the glasshouse accommoda-
tion provided admits of it being done ; but
market cultivators are often lamentably ignorant
of special knowledge of the business in which
they embark, hence the appropriateness and value
of our correspondent's remarks. Ed.]

BEGONIA MARIE BOUCHETT.

Among the plants that received an Award of
Merit at the Royal Horticultural Society's
meeting on July 21 last was a variety of fibrous-
rooted Begonia. It is reminiscent of B. bolivi-
ensis in the arrangement of the stamens, which
are disposed in long spikes and not in tufts,
aiul which have become petals, giving the flower
the appearance of a bright-coloured rosette. It
is a suitable plant for placing in a basket or
covering a wall space in a warm-house, having
strong growths of 4 feet in length.

The plant was from the gardens of W. Green-
well, Esq., Marden Park, Woldingham (gr., Mr.
Lintott).

Fig. 29.— begonia marie bouchett: flowers red.

72

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AUGUST 1, 1903.

REPORT ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.]

The words "Average," "Over," or "Under," as the case may be, indicate the amount of the crop;

and " Good," " Very Good," or " Bad," denote the quality.

*»* Fuller comments will be given in the following numbers. See also Leading Article on page 78.

COUNTY.

APPLES.

PEARS.

PLUMS.

CHERRIES.

PEACHES
AND NEC-
TARINES.

APRICOTS.

SMALL
FRUITS.

STRAW-
BERRIES.

NUTS.

NAME and ADDRESS.

SCOTLAND-

0, Scotland, N.

CAITHNESS

Over ; good

Average ;
good

Average ;
good

Average ;
good

Over; very
good

W. F. Mackenzie, The Gar-
dens.Thurso Castle, Thurso

MORAYSHIRE

Average
U nder ; bad

Average

Under

Under ; very

good
Under; good

Average

Average
Under; good

Average
Under ; good

D. Cunningham, Darnaway-
Castle Gardens, Forres

Thos. Macdonald, Balfour
Castle Gardens, Kirkwall

Henry Henderson, Cromarty

ORKNEYS

Under ; good

Under ; good

ROSS-SHIRE

Over; good

Average ;
good

Over ; good

Under

Average

Over : very

Average ;

SUTHERLAND

good
Under

very good
Average

House Gardens, Cromarty
D. Melville, Duhrobin Castle
Gardens, Golspie

1, Scotland, E.

ABERDEENSHIRE ...

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Average ;
good

Average ;
good

Under;

Average ;

James Grant, RothieNormarj

good

good

Gardens, Rothie

Under

Under

Average

Average

John Brown, Delgaty Castle
Gardens, Turriff

Under

Under

Average

Average

Under

Under

Average

Simon Campbell, Fyvie

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under

Average

Under

John M. Troup, The Gar-
dens, Balmoral
J. Fraser Smith, The Gar-

BANFFSHIRE

Under

Under

Average ;

gCMid

Under ; bad

Under

Under; bad

Under

Average

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

BERWICKSHIRE

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Average ;
good

Average ;

Under

dens, Cullen House
Jas. Gemmell, Ladykirk Gar-

good

dens, Norham-on-Tweed

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average ;

Over

John Cairns, The Hirsel Gar-

CLACKMANNAN-
SHIRE

Average

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

good
Average

Under

dens. Coldstream
A. Kirk. Norwood Gardens,
Alloa, N.B.

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Average ;
good

Under

Under

Average

Average

A. Blackwood, Academy Gar-

FIFESHIRE

Under

Over

Over; good

Wm. Henderson, Balbirnie
Gardens, Markinch

Average

Under

Average

Average

Under

Under

Average

Average

Peter McRobbie, Tarvit Gar-

FORFARSHIRE

Average

Average

Under

Average

dens. Cupar
W. McDowall, Brechin Castle
Gardens, Brechin

Under

Under

Under

Average

Under

Under

Average ;
good

Average ;
good

Thos. Wilson, Glamis Castle

Gardens, Glamis

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average ;

Average ;

William Alison, Seaview Gar-

HADDINGTONSHIRE

Under

Under ; good

Under ; good

Under

Under

Under ; good

good

Average ;

good

very good

Average ;

good

dens, Monifleth
R. P. Brotherston, Tyning-

hame Gardens, Preston-
kirk
William Galloway, Gosford

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Under ; good

Under

Average

Under ; bad

Average ;

Average :

Average ;

good

Over; good

KINCARDINESHIRE..

Under; bad

Under ; good

Average ;
good

Under ; good

very good

very good
Over ; good

Gardens, Longniddry
John M. Brown, The Gar-

dens, Blackball Castle,

Under

Average

Average

Average

Average

Average

W. Knight, Fasque Gardens,

MIDLOTHIAN

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Average ;

Under; good

Average ;

Under

James Whytock, Dalkeith '

good

good

Gardens, Dalkeith

Under ; good

Under ; bad

Under ; good

Average ;

good

Over ; good

Under

Under; very

Average ;
good
Under

D. Kidd, Carbery Tower ,

PEEBLESSHIRE

Under

Under

good
Average

Gardens. Musselburgh
Malcolm Mclntyre, The Glen i

Gardens, Innerleithen

Under ; bad

Under ; good

Average ;

Under; good

Average ;
good

Average ;

William Young, Stobo Oastle 1

very good

good

Gardens \

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under ;
Raspberries

Over; good

Wm. McDonald, Cardrona,
Traquair, Innerleithen

PERTHSHIRE

Under; good

Under

Under

Average ;
good

Under

Under

Average ;
good

Over;

J. Farquharson, Kinfauns '

very good

Castle Gardens, Perth

Average on

Under

Under

Average ;
good

Average ;
good

Average;
good

John Robb, Drummoncl i

walls; stan-

Castle Gardens, Crieff

Under; bad

Under; bad

Average ;
good

Average ;
good

Under ; bad

Under

Average ;
good

Over; very

James Ewing, Castle Men-

good

zies Gardens, Aberfeldy.

Under

Average

Average

Under

Average

Average ;

George Croucher, Ochtei>

ROXBURGHSHIRE ...

Under

Under

Average

Average

Under

Under

Average

fruit small

Average ;
good

Under

tyre, Gardens, Crieff
William Gordon, Wolfelee
Grdns.,Bonchester,Hawicb

6, Scotland, W.

ARGYLLSHIRE

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under; good

Under; good

Under ; bad

Under ; good

Average ;
good

Under ; bad

D. S. Melville, Poltalloch

Gardens. Lochgilphead

Under

Average ;

Under

Average ;
good

Over ; good

Average ;

Henry Scott, Torloisk A>ros,

good

good

good

Isle of Mull

Under

Under

Under

Average

Under ; good

Under

G. Taylor, Castle Gardens,

AYRSHIRE

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average ;

good
Over: very

Inveraray
William Priest, Eglintoa

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under

Under ; good

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Gardens, Kilwinning
D. Buchanan, Bargany

good

Gardens, Dailly

Under

Under

Under

Average ;

good
Very good

Under

Under

Under

Average ;

good
Average

Thomas Gordon, Ewanfield

BUTESHIRE

Under

Under

Under

Bad

Under

Gardens, Ayr
M. Heron, Mount Stuart

DUMBARTONSHIRE...

Under

Under

Under

Average

Under

Average ;

Average ;
good

Under

House Gardens, Rothesay.
George McKay, Balloch Cas-

tle Gardens, Balloch

Average

Average

Average

Average

Average ;

Raspberries

excellent

Average

D. Stewart, Knockderry Cas-
tle, Cove

August 1, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

73

CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS— («w««Mcrf).

COUNTY.

6, Scotland, W.
DUMFRIESSHIRE .

KIRKCUDBRIGHT-
SHIRE

LANARKSHIRE

NAIRNSHIRE

RENFREWSHIRE

STIRLINGSHIRE

WIGTONSHIRE

ENGLAND-

2, England, N.E.
DURHAM

NORTHUMBERLAND
YORKSHIRE

APPLES.

Under
Under ; bad

Under
Under; bad

PEARS.

Under
Under; bad

Under ; bad
Under ; bad

Under; bad Under ; bad
Under Under ; good
Under ; good
Under; bad
Under

Under; poor
Under : bad

Under

Under

Under

Under
Under; bad

Under

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under

Under
Under ; bad
Under; bad

Under

Under
Under; bad

Under
Under ; good
Under; bad

Under
Under
Under
Under ; bad
Under

Under ; bad
Under ; bad
Under ; good

PLUMS.

Average ;

good

Under ; bad

Average

CHERRIES

Average
Under ; bad

Average ;
good
Under ; good Under ; good

Under; bad Under; good
Under ; good Average

Average ; ; Under ; very
good good

Average ; i Average ;

good good

Under; good Under; bad

Under
Under
Under

Under

Under

Average

Under ; bad Under ; bad
Under Under; bad

Under: bad Under
Under ; bad Under ; bad

3, England, E.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE .

Under; bad
Under

HUNTINGDONSHIRE Under; good

ESSEX

LINCOLNSHIRE..

NORFOLK

SUFFOLK .

4, Midland Counties.
BEDFORDSHIRE

Under

Under

Under
Under; bad

Under '
Under ; good
Under ; bad

Under

Under ; good

Under

Under
Under
Under

Under ; bad

Under

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under

Under

Under ; bad

Under
Under; bad
Under; bad

Under ; bad
Under

Under
Under

Under: bad

Under ; bad

Under

Under

Under; bad

Under
Under; bad
Under ; bad

Under; bad
Under

Under; bad Under ; good

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under ; bad

Under : bad

Under

Under

Under ; bad

Under

Average

Under

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ;

bad
Under

Under
Under; bad

Under
Under : bad

Under

Under; bad
Under

Under
Under
Under

Under
Under ; bad
Under ; bad

Under

Average ;
good

Under ; bad ' Under ; bad

:Much under

Under Under

Under; goodi

Under; bad Under; good Average

gOO(

Under; good
Under
Under

PEACHES
and NEC-
TARINES.

Under; bad

Under
Under ; good

Under
Under

Under; bad
Under

Under

Average
Under

Under ; bad

Under ;

bad
Under

Under

Under

Under; bad

Under; good
Under

Average
Average

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under
Under

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE Under; bad Under; bad
Under; good Under; good
Under: good Under; bad
Under Under

Under Under

Under Under

Under Under

Under; bad Under

Under; bad

Under

Average

Under

Average ;
good

Under

Average
Under

Under; good Under; bad Under; good

Under ; bad
Under

Under

Under

Average
Under

APRICOTS.

Under; good

Under; bad

Under
Under

Under

Under

Under
Under

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Nice crop in

open shed

Under ; bad

Under ;

bad
Under

Under

Average

Under

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under ; bad
Under

Average ;

good
Average

Under

SMALL
FRUITS.

Under ; bad
Under
Under

Under ; bad
Average ;

L'ooil

Under

Under

Under; bad

Under
Under
Under

Under ; bad

Average

good

Under ; good

Average ;

good

Under: good

Raspberries

Average ;

good

Under ; good

Average ;

very good

Average ;

good

Under; good

Average

Average

Under

Average

Under ; good

Average

Under

Under

Under; good

Average ;
good
Under

Average

Under ; good

Under ; good

Under

Average ;

good

Under ; bad

Average

Average ;

bad

Average :

good

Under; good
Average

Average ;
good
Under

Average

Average

Average ;
good
Under

Under

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Under

Under

Under ; good

Under

Under
Average

Under
Average

Under

STRAW-
BERRIES.

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Under ; good

Average :
very good
Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Average;

good
Under ; good

Under ; good

Average ;

good
Average

Under
Over

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Over

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Average

Over; good

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Over : very

good

Over ; very

good

Average ;

good
Average

Average :

very good

Average

Average

Over

Average ;

- I

Average:
very good
Average ;

good
Average

Average ;

bad

Over; good

Over: very

good
Over; very

good

NUTS.

Under

Under

Under

NAME and ADDRESS.

D. Inglis, Drumlanrig Gar-
dens, Tnornhill

John Urquhart, Hoddom
Castle Gardens, Eccle-
fechan

R. Wishart, Burnfoot Gar-
dens, Langholm

John Mackinnon, Terregles
Gardens, Dumfries, N.B.

James McDonald, Dryfeholm
Gardens, Lockerbie

F. McFadyen, Glenlie Park
Gardens, New Galloway

William Thomson, Cally Gar-
dens, Gatehouse

James Miller, Castlemilk
Gardens, Rutherglen

John Anderson, Holme Rose
Gardens, Croy, Gollan field

John Methven, Blythswood
Gardens, Renfrew

Thomas Lunt.Ardgowan Gar-
dens, Inverkip

Alex. Crosbie, Buchanan
Gardens, Dryrnen

John Bryden, Dunragit Gar-
dens, Dunragit

James Day, Galloway House
Gardens, Garliestown

Under

Average ;
good

Average

Under

Average

Under; good

Robert Draper, Seaham Hall
Gardens, Seaham Harbour
James Noble, Woodburn Gar-
dens, Darlington
George fl. Ackroyd. Howick

Hall Gardens, Lesbury
John McClelland, Ribston

Hall Gardens, Wetherby
Bailey Wadds, Birdsall Gar-
dens, York
J. Simpson, Studfield House,
Wadsley, Sheffield
Under Jno. Snell, Farnley Hall
Gardens, Otley
Under; bad J. S. Upex, Wigganthorpe,
I York
Under John Allsop, Dalton Holme

Gardens, Beverley
Under Chas. Simpson, Newby Hall
Gardens, Ripon

tHenry J. Clayton, Grimston

■ Gardens, Tadcaster

G. Batley, Wenlworth Castle

Gardens, Barnsley

S. Keepence. Thirkleby Park

Gardens, Thirsk
Average A. E. Sutton. Castle Howard
Gardens, Welburn, York

Average ; R. Alderman, Babraham Hall
good Gardens, Cambridge

James Machar, Hatley Park
Gardens, Sandy, Bedford-
shire.
F. W. Seabrook, Ramsey

Abbey Gardens.
H. Lister, Easton Lodge

Gardens, Dunmow
H. W. Ward, Lime House,

Rayleigh
VV. R. Johnson, Stanway

Hall Gardens. Colchester
Charles W. Hodges, Havering

Park Gardens, Romford
H.Vinden.HarlaxtonManor,

Grantham
John Rowlands, Manor Gar-
dens, Bardney
James D. Coward, Haver-
holme Priory. Sleaford
E. C.Paralow, Shadwell Court

Gardens, Tlictford
J. Wallia, Orwell Park Gar-
dens, near Ipswich

II. Fisher, Flixton Road,

I Bungay
Under C. Foster, Henham Hall
' Gardens, Wangford

Under
Average

Under

Under
Under
Under
Under

Under; good Under; good Average;

good

Under Average Ave!

Under

Over

R. Lewis Castle, Ridgmont,

Aspley Guise

,11. Nimmo. Cranfleld Court

i hardens, Woburn sands
Average II. W. Nutt, East End, Flit-
wick. Ainpthil]
Under Richard Calvert, Woburn
abbe; Gardens; Beds
Average George Mackinlay, The Gar-
dens, w rest Park.Ampthill
Average James Wood, lledsor Park,
Bourne End
Under; good John Fleming, Wexham Park
Gardens, Slougb
Under Chas. Page, Dropmorc Gar-
dens, Maidenhead
Under Geo. Thos. Miles, E.-tato
Office, High Wycombe

74

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 1, 1903.

CONDITION OF

THE FRUIT CROPS— {continued).

•'

COUNTY.

APPLES.

PEARS.

PLUMS.

CHERRIES.

PEACHES
and NEC-
TARINES.

APRICOTS.

SMALL
FRUITS.

STRAW-
BERRIES.

NUTS.

NAME AND ADDRESS.

4, Midland Counties.

BUCKINGHAM SHIRK

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

W. Hedley Warren, Aston

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under

Average ;
good
Good ,

Under

Clinton Gardens, Tring
H. Walters, Waddesdon Gar-

None

None

None

None

None

None

Under

Under

dens, Aylesbury
J . Smith, Mentmore Gardens*

C HESHIRE

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under

Under

Under

Average

Average ;
good

Leighton Buzzard

W. C. Breese, Moreton Halt

Gardens, Congleton

Over; good

Under

C. Wolley Dod (Rev.), Edge

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average

Hall, Malpas
Charles Flack.Cholmondeley

DERBYSHIRE

Under
Under

Under

Under

Under ; good

Under; good
Under; Dad

Under ; good

Castle Gardens, Malpas

W.Chester, Chatsworth Gdns.

Under ; bad

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Over ; good

J. C. Tallack, Shipley Hall

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Gardens, Derby
T. Keetley, Darley Abbey,

HERTFORDSHIRE ...

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under ; bad

Under

Derby
Thomas Hedley, Lane House

Gardens, King's Walden,

Hitchin

Under

Under

Average

Under

W. B. Morle, Frithsden
Floral Gardens, Berkham-
sted.

C. E. Martin, The Hoo Gar-

Under; bad

Under ;

Under

Under

Under

Under

Over ; good

Over; very

Average

Under

bad

Under

Average
Much under

good
Over ; good

Average ;

Average

dens, Wehvyh
Thos. Rivers & Son, Saw-

bridgeworth
E Hill, Tring Park Gardens,

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Average

Average ;
good
Under

Under

small
Over

Under ; bad

Tring
Edwin Beckett, Aldenham

House Gardens, Elstree

Under;
bad

Under

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Average

Under

Average

Under

Chas. Deane, Cassiobury Gar-

Under

Under ; bad

Under

Under ; good

Under

Under

Average ;

good
Very good

Under

G. Norman, Hatfield House

LEICESTERSHIRE.

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Gardens, Hatfield
George Milford, Egerton

Lodge, Melton Mowbray
Daniel Roberts, Prestwold

Under; bad

Under;

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Average ;
good

good

Hall Gardens, nr. Lough-

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average ;
good

Over ; good

Over ; good

borough
W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle
Gardens, Grantham

Under ; good

Over; good

Wm. Duncan, Bosworth Hall

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average :
very good

Under

Gardens, Rugby
W. Wadsworth, The Nur-

series, Barkley Lane,

NORTHAMPTON-
SHIRE

Under ; good

Under

Under ; good

Average ;
pun!
Under

Under

Under

Average ;

good

Under ; good

Over; very

Average

Queensborough
Robert Johnston, Wakefield

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

good
Over ; good

Average ;

Lodge. Stony Stratford
H.Turner, Fineshade Abbey-

Gardens, Stamford

Under ; good

Under; good

Under; good

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under; good

Average ;

good

Under ; good

Over; good

Under ; bad

James Shennan, Holdenby

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under; good

House Gardens
Amos Parr, H olme Pierrepont

Hall Gardens, Nottingham

Under

Under

Average

Average

Over

Average

Under

Under

J. Lyon, Home Farm, Ossing-

Under

Under

Under ; bad

Under

Under; bad

Under

Under ; bad

Good

Under ; bad

J. Roberts, Welbeek Abbey
Gardens, Worksop

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average

Under

J. R. Pearson & Sons, Lowd-

OXFORDSHIRE

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under

Under ; good

Average :

Under ; good

Average ;

Average ;
good

Average ;
good

ham, Notts

P. 0. Knowles, Friar Park

Under

very good

very good

Grdns. Henley-on-Thames

•

Under

Under

Under ; good

Over ; very

John A. Hall, Shiplake Court

Gdns., Henley-on-Thames

Much under

Scarcely any

Under

Under

Gooseberries

Average

Under

A. J. Long, Wyfold Court

SHROPSHIRE

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under

Under

Under ; bad

very good
Under

Average ;
good

Average

Gardens, Reading

A. S. Kemp, Broadway

Gardens, Shifnal

Under

Under

Average

Under

James Louden, The Quintal

STAFFORDSHIRE

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Average ;

good
Average

Average :

Under; bad

Gardens, Chirk, Ruabon
T. Bannerman, BlithfielcS

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under; bad

Average

Under; bad

Under

very good
Average ;

Under ; bad

Gardens, Rugeley
G. H. Green, Enville Hall

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; good

Under ; bad

Under ; good

Under ;
good

good
Under ; good

Under;
bad

Gardens, Stourbridge
G. Woodgate, Rolleston Hall
Gardens, Burton-ou-Trent

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average

Good

Under

Edwin Gilman, Alton Towers
Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent

Under

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Average

Under

Average

Over ; good

Under

W. Bennett, Rangemore
Gardens, Burton-on-Trent

Under

Under

Under

Average

Under

Under

Average

J. Wallis, Woore Gardens,

WARWICKSHIRE

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Over

Under

Newcastle-under-Lyme
J. Rodger, Charleeote Park,
Gardens, near Warwick

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; good

Average ;
good

Under ; good

Under; good

Over; very

Under ; bad

H. T. Martin, Stoneleigh

good

Abbey Gdns., Kenilworth

Under ; bad

Under

Under ; bad

Under; good

Average ;
good

Under ; bad

A. D. Christie, Ragley Hall

Gardens, Alcester

Under

Under

Over; good

Under

W. Miller, Berkswell

Average

Average

Thomas Masters, Estate
Office, Lower Shuckburgh,
Da vent ry

Under; Under; Under;

Average

Average

Under

Average

Average

Jno. Masterson, Weston

very few ( very few 1 very few

House, Shipston-on-Stour

5, Southern Counties.
BERKSHIRE

Under ; bad Under Under

Under

Under

Under

Average

Average

Under

J . Howard, Benhani Park

Gardens, Newbury »■»«

Under Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

William Fyte, Lockinge Gar-

Under; bad Under; bad | Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under

Under

Under

dens, Wantage
Thos. Plumb, Holme Park
Gardens, Sonning

Under

Under

Under

Average

Over

James Coombes, Englefield
Gardens, Reading

Under

Under Under

Under

Under

Average ;
good

Average ;

Average

James Straehan, Rosehill

very good

House Gardens, Henley-

on-Thames

Bad Bad Bad

Under

Under

Under

Under

Good

Average

Robt. Fenn, Sulhamstead,

DORSETSHIRE

Under ; bad Under ; bad Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under ; good

Over ; very

Under

near Reading

Thos. Denny, Down House

1

good

Gardens, Blandford.

August 1, 1903.]

THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CLE.

75

CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS-(continued).

COUNTY.

5, Southern Counties
DORSETSHIRE

HAMPSHIRE..

KENT

MIDDLESEX .

SURREY

8USSEX

WILTSHIRE

APPLES.

Under ; bad

Under

Under; good

Under

Under; bad

Under

Bad

Under ;

very bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under

Under
Under ; bad

Under

Average ;
good
Under

Very bad

Under ; good

Under; bad

Average ;
very good
Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under ; good

PEARS.

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under ; good

Under

Under ; bad
Under
Bad
Under; bad
Under; bad
Under; bad
Under ; bad

Under

Under

Under

Under

Bad

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under

Under; bad
Under; bad

PLUMS.

Under ; bad
Under

Under; bad
Under

Under

Under

Under
Under; good
Under ; bad
Under ; bad

Under

Under; bad

Under; bad

Average ;

good

Average :

very good

Average

Under ; good

Under ;

small

Under; bad

Under; good

Under

Under; bad

Practically

Done

Under
Under ; bad

Under

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under; good

None
Under; bad

Under;
failure
Under

Under

Under

Bad

Under
Under

CHERRIES.

Under
Under

Under

Under

Under

Average

Under ; bad

PEACHES
AND NEC-
TARINES.

Under ; bad
Under ; bad

Under; good
Under ; bad
Under; bad
Under; bad

Under; bad

Under
Under ; bad

Under

Under; bad
Under; bad

Under ; good
Under; bad

Under

Under

Under

Under
Under; bad

Under

Under
Under ; bad

Average

Average

Average

Under ;
failure
Under

Under

Under

Bad

Under; good

Under

Morello
under; bad
Under; good

Under; some

good
Under ; bad

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Under

Under
Very bad

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under; bad

Under ; bad

Under

Average

Under ; bad

Under

Under

Average

APRICOTS.

Under ; good
Under

Under

Under ; good

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Under

Average

under; bad

Average ;

good

Unoer; a few

good
Under; bad

Under; bad

Under; good

Under
Bad
Under
Under ; bad
Under
Under
Under
Under

SMALL

FRUITS.

STRAW-
BERRIES.

NUTS.

Under

Average

Under

Under;

bad
Under;
good
Under; bad Under; bad

Under; bad Average;

batf
Under; bad Under; bad

Under Under

Under; bad Under; bad

Under; bad Under; bad

7, England, N.W.

CUMBERLAND Under; bad Under; bad

iI^NCASHIRE Under Under

Under Under

Under
Under ; bad

Under

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under

Under

Under

Under; bad
Under
Under

Under

Under

Under

Average ;

m nul

Under

Under; bad

Average

Under

Under ; good

Under

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Under; bad

Average ;

good

Average;

good

Under

Under

Morellos

average ;

good

Under

Very bad

Average

Average ;

good

Unaer ; bad

Average ;

goo

■age
>od

Under

Under

Average ;
good
None

Under

Under

Average
Under ; good

Average ;
good
Under

Under ; bad

Under; bad

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Under

Under

Average

Under
Under; bad
Under; bad

Under ; good
Under ; good
Under

Under

Average ;
good
Under

Over ; very

good

Average ;

good

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Under

Over; good

Average

Average ;

good
Average

Average

Over; good

Under

Under

Average

Under

Average ;
good
Under

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Unaer; bad

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Average

Under

Under

Under

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Over ; very

good
Average

Average ;

Under ; bad
Under
Under

Under
Average

age
good
Under

Average ;

good
Average ;

guild
Average

Average ;
gimd
Under

Average
Under ; good

Average:
very good
Average ;

good
Average ;

g I

Under ; bad Under ; good

Average ;

I

Average

Over; very
good

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Average ;
good

Over; very

good

Average ;

very good

Average ;

good

Over; good

Average ;

good
Average :
very good
Average ;

good
Over ; good

Much over;
good

Over; good

Average
Good

Under
Over; good

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Average ;
"good
Under; bad

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Average

Under

Very good

Over; good

Over : very

good
Average ;

good
Over; good

Under

Average ;

good
Average

Over; very
good

NAME AND ADDRESS.

Average

Average

Under

Under ;
partial
Under

Under

Under

Bad

Under
Average

Average ;
good
Under

Under Ben Campbell, Kingston

House Gdns., Dorchester.

Under T. Turton, Castle Gardens,

Sherborne

Joseph Benbow, Abbotsbury

Castle Gardens, Dorchester

Under Arthur Lee, Palace House

Gardens, Beaulieu, Broc-

kenhurst

Average Edwin Molyneux. Swanmore

Park, Bishop's Waltham

Under A. G. Nichols, Strathfieldsaye

Gardens, Mortimer, R.S.C".

J. Wasley, Sherfleld Manor

Gardens, Basingstoke

Average John Bowerman, Hackwood

Park Gardens, Basingstoke:

Noah Kneller, Malshanger

Park Gardens, Basingstoke

Thos. Leith, Beaurepaire

Park Gdns., Basingstoke
W. Jarman, Preston Hall

Gardens, Aylesford
Henry Elliott, Wilderness

Gardens, Sevenoaks
Geo. Bunyard, Royal Nur-
series, Maidstone
William Lewis, East Sutton

Park Gardens, Maidstone
iGeo. Fennell, Bowden, Gar-
dens, Tonbridge
B. Champion, Mereworth

Gardens, Maidstone
George Lockyer, Market Gar-
dener, Mereworth, Maid-
stone
Geo. Hutt, Lullingstone Cas-
tle Gardens, Eynsford
A. Wilson.EridgeCastle Gar-
dens, Tunbridge Wells
W. E. Humphreys, Blendon

Hall, Bexley
G. Woodward, Barham Court

Gardens, Maidstone
George Wythes, Syon House
I Gardens, Brentford, W.
Under; bad S.T. Wright, R.H.S. Gardens,

Chiswick, W.
Under; bad H. Markham, Wrotham Park
Gardens, Middlesex

Jas. Hudson, Gunnersbury

House Gardens, Acton, W.
Over ; good W. Watson. Harefleld Place
Gardens. Uxbridge
IW. Bates, Cross Deep Gar-
dens, Twickenham

R.H. Cronk. Cranford House

Gardens Hounslow
Under William Bain, Burford Gar-
dens. Dorking
age; jW. P. Bound, Gatton Park
od Gardens, Reigate

J. F. MeLeod, Dover House

Gardens, Roehampton
JG. J. Hunt, Ashtead Park

Gardens, Epsom
IW. Wilks (Rev), Shirley,

Croydon
C. J. Salter, Woodhatch

Lodge Gardens, Reigate
Alex. Dean, Kingston-on-
Thames
3eo. Halsey, Riddings Court

Gardens, Caterham
W. Honess. Cobham Park
Gardens. Cobham
Under Average Geo. Kent, Norbury Park

Gardens, Dorking
Average ; Average W. C. Leach, Albury Park

good i Gardens, Guildford

Average ; Under Alex. Reid, Possingworth

good Gardens, Cross-in-Hand

iver Under E. Bunbury, Arundel Castle

Over; good Under WW Smith. West Dean Park
i lardens, Chichester
Average: Average W, Brunsden, Brambletye
vi tv gimd Gardens, East Grinstead

Over; very Under; bad G. Grigg, Asbburnham Place-
good " Gardens, Battle
Average: Under; good Charles Jones, Ote Hall Gar-

Average ;
good

Under

Under

Under

Average ;
good

Over; good Under; good

Under ; good

Under

Under

s I

Average;

good

Under; good

Average

very good

Average;

good

Over ; good

Average ;
good

tee
>d
A\ erase ;

good

Average ;

good

Under
Bad

Under

Under; bad Under; bad
Under Under
Under

Under; good Over; good Over : very

gi...ll

Under; bad Under; good Over; very

B I

Under Average

Under
Average

Under

Under

dens. Burgess Hill

H. C. Prinsep. Buxted Park.
Gardens, Uckfleld

C. Allen, Worth Park Gar-
dens, Crawley

T. Challis, Wilton House Gar-
dens, near Salisbury

George Brown, Bowood Gar-
dens, Calne

A. Ruslient. Tottenham Gar-
dens, Savcrnake, nean
Marlborough

S. w. Tucker, Longford
Castle Gardens, Salisbury

A. L. St.itliam, Eden Hall
(lardens, Langwathby

W Asliton, Wrighlington
Hall Gardens, Wigan

E. F. Hazolton. Kuowsley
Gardens, Fresco!

76

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[August l, 1903.

CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS— {continued).

COUNTY.

7, England, N.W.
LANCASHIRE

WESTMORELAND

S, England, S.W.
CORNWALL

APPLES.

DEVONSHIRE ,

GLOUCESTERSHIRE..

HEREFORDSHIRE

MONMOUTHSHIRE .

SOMERSETSHIRE

WORCESTERSHIRE .

Under
Under ; bad
Under; bad

Under
Under ; bad

Under

Under

Under ; good

Under; bad

PEARS.

Under
Under; bad
Under ; bad

Under
Under ; bad

Under

Under

Under; good

Under ; bad

PLUMS.

Under
Under; bad

CHERRIES.

Under
Under ; good

Under; good Under; good

Under ; bad I Under ; bad

Under

WALES-
ANGLESEA..

BRECONSHIRE

CARDIGANSHIRE .

Under; good
Under

Under ; bad
Under

Under ; good
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under

Under; bad

Under ;
good
Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under; bad

Under ; good

Under ; good

Under; bad

Under

Under; bad

Under; bad
Under; bad

CARMARTHENSHIRE;Under; bad
CARNARVONSHIRE...! Under
Under
Under
DENBIGHSHIRE Under; bad

Under ; good
Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under ; good

Under ; good

Under

Under;

very bad

Under

FLINTSHIRE

GLAMORGANSHIRE .
MERIONETHSHIRE..
PEMBROKESHIRE ..

IRELAND-

9, Ireland, N.

ARMAGH

Under
Under
Under
Under

Under
Under: bad
Under; good

Under

Under; bad

Under
Under ; bad

Under; bad
Under ; bad

Under ; good

Under

Under

Under

Under; bad

Bad

Under

Under

Under

Under ; bad Under : good
Under

Under; bad

Under

Under

Under; good

Under bad ;

Under
Under; bad

Under ; good
Under

Under ; poor

Under

Under

Under
Under : good

Under

Under

Under
Dnder; bad

Under

Under

Average ;

good
Under ; bad

PEACHES
AND NEC-
TARINES.

APRICOTS.

Under; good'

Under ; good Under

Under; bad

Under; bad

Under

Under

Under ; good

Under

Under

Under ;

very bad

Under

Average :

very good

Under

Over; good

Under

Under ;

bad
Under

Under
Under : bad
Under; bad

Bad

Under ; bad

Under
Under; bad

Under ; bad
Urider; bad

Under ; good

U nder

Under

Under

Under; bad

Bad

Under

Under

Under

Average ;
good
Under

Under ; good

Average :

very good

Average

Under ; bad

Under
Under; bad

Under
Under ; bad
Under; bad
Under ; bad

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Under

Average

Average ;

good
Under Under

Under ; bad Under ; bad

Under

Under

Under

Average :

very good

Under

Under

Under ;

very bad

Under

Under
Under

Under; bad

Under ; good
Under

SMALL
FRUITS.

STRAW-
BERRIES.

NUTS.

Under

Under ;

bad
Under

Under; good

Under

Under

Under ; good

Under
Under
Under
Under
Under
Under ; good

Under: bad Under; good Under; bad

Bad

Bad

Under ; bad Under ; bad

Average
Under ; bad

Under; bad
Under ; good

Average ;

good

Under

Under

Under

Under; bad

Bad

Average

Under

Under

Under

Average ;

good

Under ; very
good

Under ; bad
Under

Under

Under

Average

Under

Under ; good

Under ; good

Under
Under; bad

Under
Under

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Over: very

good
Average ;

good
■ Average

Average ;

good
Average

Average ;

very good

Under

Under; good

Under

Average ;

good
Average ;

good
Over; good

Average

Under

Average

Average ;

good
Average ;

good

Under

Under

Average

Under ; good

Average ;

good

Under ; good

Under; good

NAME AND ADDRESS.

Under

Average :

very good

Under ; go6d

Average ; j
good
Under ; bad

Under: good ■Under; good

Under

Under : very
good

Under; good

Average
Under ; bad

Under;
bad

Average

Under
Average
Dnder
Under
Under

Under; bad , Under; bad Under; bad Under; bad Under; bad

Under: good

LONDONDERRY ' Average

GALWAY Under; bad

Under; bad Under; very Average;
good good

Under Under Under

Under; bad Under; goodj Over; good

Under ;
very good
Average ;

good

Average ;

good
Average

Average ;

good

Over ; very

good

Average

Under ; bad

Over

Under; good

Average

Under

Average ;

good
Average

Average ;

good
Average ;

bad
Average ;

good
Over; very

good
Over; very

good
Average ;

good
Very good

Average :
very good
Average

Over; very

good

Average

Average ;

good
Average

Average ;

good

Average ;

good

Over ; good

Average

Over

Average

Average ;
good

Average ;
good
Under

Average

Average ;

good
Over; very

good
Average ;

good
Average ;

bad
Average :
very good

Under ; good

Under; bad

Over

Average ;
bad

Average ;

good

Over: very

good

Average ;

good
Average

Over; very
good
Under

Average

Average

Over

Under;

small

Under; very

good

Average

S. McMaster, Gawthorpe

Hall Gardens, Burnley
Wm. P. Roberts, Cuerden

Hall Gardens, Preston
William Gibson, Levens Hall

Gardens, Milnthorpe
F. Clarke, Lowther Castle

Gardens
Under ; bad W. A. Miller, Underlev Hall

Gardens, Kirkby Lonsdale

Over; very
good
Over

Over ; good Over : very
good

Under; good
Average
Average

Under ; good

Under

Average ;
good

Under
Average

Under
Average

Average ;

good
Under

Average
Under

Average
Under

Average
Under
Under
Under
Under

Under

Average ;

guild

Unaer ; bad

Under

Under

Under; bad
Under

Average

Under; bad
Under
Under

Average
Under

Under

W. H. Bennett, Menabilly
Gardens. Par 9tation

A. Mitcliell. Tehidy Park
Gardens, Camborne

Alfred Read, Port Eliot Gar-
dens, St. Germans

A. C. Bartlett, Penearrow
Gardens, Washaway,R.S.O.

J. C. Bennett, Boconnoc Gar-
dens, Lostwjthiel

Andrew Hope, 38, Prospect
Park, Exeter

Geo. Baker, Membland Gar-
dens, Newton Ferrers.

James Mayne, Bicton Gar-
dens, Budlei^li, Sallerton

G. Foster, Glendaragh Gar-
dens, Teigivmouth

C. W. Bloye, Piuhay Gardens,
Lyme Regis

T. H. Slade, Poltimore Gar-
dens. Exeter

Geo. W. Marsh, St. George's
Nursery, Cheltenham

W. Keen, Bowden Hall Gar-
dens

John BaDting, Tortworth
Gardens, Falfield

H. Berry, Highnam Court
Gardens, Gloucester

Geo. Milne. Titley Court
Gardens, Titley, R.S.O.

John Watkins, Pomona
Farm, Withington

Thomas Spencer, Goodrich
Court Gardens, Ross

John Lockyer, Pontypool
Park Gardens, Pontypool

W. F. Woods, Llanfrechfa
Grange Gardens, Caerleon

T. Coomber, The Hendre
Gardens, Monmouth

Henry Townsend, Mamdiff
Court Gdns., Abergavenny

Samuel Kidley, Nynehead
Court Gardens, Wellington

W. Hallett, Cossington Gar-
dens, Bridgwater

John Crook, Forde Abbey
Gardens, Chard

A. Young, Witley Court Gar-
dens, Stourport

William Crump, Madresfield
Court Gardens, Malvern

Walter Harvey, Overbury
Court Gardens, near
Tewkesbury

F. Jordan, Impney Gardens,
Droitwich

Robert Parry, Llysdulas Gar-
dens, Amlwch

Penrhos Gardens, Holyhead

C. Hibbert, Craig - y - nos
Castle Gardens, Swansea >
Valley

Albert Ballard, Glanusk
Park Gardens, Crickhowell

George Wright, Bronwydd
Gardens, Maesllyn, Llan-
dvssil

William Parker, Neuaddfawr
Gardens, Llandovery

H. Weaver, Vaynol Park Gar-
dens, Bangor

T. Evans, Gwydyr Castle
Gardens, Llanrwst

W. Speed, Penrhyn Castle
Gardens, Bangor

Walter Weir, Rhosnessney
Gardens, Wrexham

John Forsyth, Hawarden
Custlc Gardens, Chester

R. Mllner, Margam Park Gar-
dens, Port Talbot

John S. Higgins, Rhug Gar-
dens, Corwen

W. B. Fisher. Stackpole Court
Gardens, Pembroke

George Griffin, Slebeck Park
Gardens, Haverfordwest

W. R. Spencer, Manor Gar-.

dens, Loughgall
James Lindsay, Ballykelly

Gardens
Thomas Dunne. Lough Cutra

Castle Gardens, Gort

August 1, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

77

CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CB.OVS-(continucd).

COUNTY.

APPLES.

PEARS.

9, Ireland, N.
GALWAY Under; good Under; good

LONGFORD i Very bad

MAYO i Average

MEATH

TYRONE

10, Ireland, S.
CLARE

cork:

KILKENNY ..
LIMERICK ..
ROSCOMMON

WATERFORD

CHANNEL

ISLANDS-
GUERNSEY

JERSEY

ISLE OF MAN .

Bad
Under
Under Under

Under ; good Under; bad

Bad

Bad

Under ; good Under ; good
Under; bad

Average ;
good
Under

Average

Under; bad

Under
Under

Under; bad

Under; good' Under; good

Average ;
good

Under; good

Under

Under

Under; good

Under ; good

Under; bad

Under

PLUMS.

Under; bad

Bad

Under

Under

Under

Bad

Under ;

good

Under; bad

Under

Under

PEACHES
CHERRIES. AND NEC-
TARINES.

Average ;

good
Average

Under

Under

Under

Bad

Under ;

good
Average ;

good
Average

Average ;
good

Average ;
good
Under

APRICOTS.

Under; bad Under; good

Under; bad

Under Under

Average

Average ; I Over ; good Over ; very
good good

Under Average;

good

Under ; good I Average ;
good

Under

Average ;
good

SMALL
FRUITS.

Very good

Very good

Over : very

good

Average

Average

Very good

Over; very

good
Average ;

good
Average

Average ;
good

Over; very
good

Under ; good Under ; good Under ; good Under ; good

Under

Under

Under
Average

Under

Average ; ;

good

Average ;

good

Under; bad

STRAW-
BERRIES.

Under Average ;

good
Average ; lUnder ; good
good

Very good

Very good

Over; very
good
Under

Over; very
good

Average

Over ; very

good

Average ;

very good

Under

Average ;
good

Over ; very
good

Average ;

good

Over ; very

good

Average ;
good

Average ;
good
Under

NUTS.

Average

Average

Under

Under

Under ; bad

NAME AND ADDRESS.

And. Porter, Woodlawn

Gardens,
John Rafferty, Castle Forbes

Gardens, Newtown Forbes
Patrick Connolly, Cranmore

House Gardens. Ballinrobe
James Moore, Summerhill

House Gardens, Enfield
Fred. W. Walker, Sion House

Gardens, Sion Mills

Wm. Clarke, Castle Crine

Gardens, Six-Mile Bridge
C. Price, Mitchelstown Castle

Gardens, Mitchelstown
Henry Carlton, Kilkenny

Castle Gardens
W. Bowles, Adare Manor

Gardens, Adare
Terence Rogers, Frenchpar k

House Gardens, French -

park
T. Dunn, Strancally Castle

Gardens, Tallow

C. Smith <fc Son, Caledonia
Nursery, Guernsey

Edwin John Ashelford, 16,
Dorset Street, St. Helier,
Jersey

H. Becker, Cesarean Nur-
series, St. Saviours

James Murphy, Cronkbourne
Gardens, Douglas

James Inglis, The Nunnery
Gardens, Douglas

SUMMARY.

Records.

Apples.

Pears.

Plums.

Cherries.

Peaches.

Apricots.

Small
Fruits.

Straw-
berries.

Nuts.

SCOTLAND.

Number of Records

Average

Over

Under

Number of Records

Average

Over

Under |

Number of Records

Average

Over

Under

Number of Records

Average

Over

Under

(55)

(54)

(51)

(56)

(28)

(25)

7

6

16

28

0

4

2

0

1

3

0

0

46

48

34

27

28

21

ENGLAND.

(178)

(178)

(177)

(159)

5

1

1

30

u

0

0

0

1 173

177

176

129

(15) 1

(15)

(15)

0

0

0

0

0

0

15 |

15

15

1 (")

(1«

4

0

0

0

10

14

(14)

1

0
13

WALES.

(14)

2

0

12

IRELAND

(14)

K

2

6

(131)
26
0
105

(ID
3
0

8

(U6)

in

2

104

(8)
1
0

7

(56)

33

3

20

(173)

61

5

107

(14)
7
2

(56)
39

(172)
98
51
23

(15)
7
4
4

(9)
1
0
8

(126)

37

1

88

(6)

(3)

(14)

(14)

2

0

7

3

1

0

7

9

3

3

0

2

(9)

(6)
2
0
4

CHANNEL ISLANDS.

Number of Records

(5)

(5)

(5)

(5)

(4)

(3)

(5)

(5)

0

Average

1

. 0

0

3

1

1

3

3

0

Over

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

Under

4

5

5

2

3

2

2

1

0

The Largest Map. — Growing on six acres of
a gentle southern slope of Tesson HOI, at the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, is to
be the largest geographically correct map ever
construjted. The map is 480 feet long from east
to west, and extends from north to south 240 feet.
The map is to be the main feature of the large
open-air exhibit by the Bureau of Plant Industry
of the Department of Agriculture, and is per-
sonally superintended by D. A. Brodie. The
idea is to show the United States with growing
crops planted as per the natural distribution.
The several acres were fenced off early in April,
and the entire tract was richly fertilised. The
ground was ploughed and harrowed, the soil pul-
verised, and the entire tract sowed with Cow
, Peas. This crop not only enriches the soil but
. prevents the growth of weeds. When an exhibit
| is ready to be installed the gardeners simply pull
up the Cow Peas covering the space required, for
• the ground then requires but little work. A belt

of blue grass lawn 20 feet wide establishes the
boundary and coast lines of this gigantic map.
The boundary lines between the States are
marked by cinder paths 3 feet wide. That part
comprising the fourteen States and territories of
the Louisiana Purchase is marked by a white
gravel walk. Not only will the products of each
State be shown on this map by growing crops,
but the section of the State on which each
commodity is most grown will be shown. The
Weekly Florists' Review.

" The Forest Flora of New South
WALES." — The second and third parts of this im-
portant publication are before us. The trees figured
are Eucalyptus longifolia of Link, t. 5. " Botanical
names should," says Mr. Maiden, "be used for
timber trees (and all other plants) whorever pos-
sible. Confusion in names of timbers leads to
trade disputes and uncertainties, and accusations
of bad faith in many ways." If it be alleged,

as it may be with truth, that botanical names
are often so little fixed in their application
that confusion may and does arise from
the application of many different names
to the same plant, it may be replied that,
to a botanist with records and herbaria at his
command, these diversities can be adjusted at the
expense of comparison and research, whilst in the
case of popular names there is no authoritative
standard whatever. Alphitonia excelsa, t. 6,
affords a good illustration of what we have just
written. The Latin name is duly recorded, and
the book in which it was described indicated so
that there is no difficulty in finding it ; but when
we turn to the vernacular names, we find such
names as " Red Ash " (of course it is not an Ash,
and botanically quite unlike one) ; " Leather
Jacket," "Cooper's Wood," and " Humbug," the
last a not inappropriate epithet for a vernacular
name. If these vernacular names are not approved
of, we may, if we like, fall back on the native names,
and make our choice between " Murrung," " Nono
Gwyinandie," " Culgera-Culgera," " Mee-a-Mee,"
and " Co raminga." For our own part we do
not see that either the popular or the aboriginal
names, which cannot be verified, are any better
than the much -abused botanical name, for which
chapter and verse can be cited, whilst the plant
itself may be found duly labelled in the herbarium
all ready for comparative study. The other
plates are devoted to Doryphora Sassafras and
Alstonia constricta, which has valuable medicinal
qualities, possessing the properties of both
quinine and strychnine. The third part of this
publication contains illustrations and descriptions
of Cedrela australis, Eucalyptus resinifera, and
Cryptocarya obovata. Full details are given of
the uses of these trees for economic purposes. The
vernacular names are again singularly unfortu-
nate, for the Cedrela is no Cedar, nor anything like
one j the Eucalyptus is no Mahogany, and the
Cryptocarya is totally different from a Beech.
The Cedrela furnishes the most valuable timber
in the colony, being used for the same purposes
us Mahogany; Eucalyptus resinifera is also one
of the most valuable hard woods of the colony.
The Cryptocarya, though called the Beech, is
really a Laurel in its affinities.

78

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 1, 1903.

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, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be wbitten on one bide only op
the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dec. ; 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.

■Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement.

Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

APPOINTMENTS for AUGUST.

SATURDAY, Aug

•MONDAY, AUG. 3

TUESDAY, Aug

•WEDNESDAY, Aug
SATURDAY, Aug.
MONDAY, Aug.

, I Society Francaise d'Horticul-
7 ture de Londres Meeting.

Bank Holiday.

Sheffield Floral and Horticul-
tural Society's Show.

Headiogton Horticultural So-
ciety's Show.

( Royal Horticultural Society's
iJ Committee Meetings. Lec-

" Landscape Gar-

J ture on
I deniug."

- ( Mortimer Horticultural So-
} ciety's Show.

a ( Royal Botanical Society's
1 Meeting.

.„ ( Royal Botanical Society's
I Annual Meeting.

TUESDAY, AUG. 11— Half-Quarter Day.
WEDNESDAY, Aug

,, j Bishop's Stortlord Horticul-
( tural Society's Show.

THURSDAY, Aug.
TUESDAY, AUG.

WEDNESDAY, Auo

THURSDAY, AUG.

( Taunton Dean Horticultural
13-J and Floral Society's Exhi-
/ bition.

1 Royal Horticultural Society's
18-j Committee Meetings. Lec-
( ture on " Hollyhocks."

(■Shropshire Horticultural So-
.„; ciety's Exhibition at Shrews-
lv) bury (2 days).

(.Eastbourne Summer Show.

(Royal Agricultural and Horti-
cultural Society of Jersey,
Exhibition (2 days).

/"Devon and Exeter Horticul-

FR1DAY, Aug. 21

TUESDAY, Aug

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 26-

THURSDAY, AUG

J tural Society's Show.

| Strathearn Horticultural Show

I (2 days).

("Royal Oxfordshire Horticul-
„53 tural Society's Show.
) Brighton and Sussex Horticul-
L tural Society's Show (2 days).

Royal Botanical Society's
Meeting.

Harpenden Horticultural So-
ciety's Show.

Bath Horticultural Society's
Show (2 days).

Reading Horticultural Society's

. Show.

("Sandy and District Floral and
,-J Horticultural Society's Show.
j Irish Gardeners' Association's
I Meeting.

SALES FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, August 7—

Orchids in Flower and Bud, Lilium Harrisii, and
Kentia Belmoreana Seeds, at Messrs. Frotheroe &
Morris' Central Sale Rooms, 67 & 68, CUeapside, EC.
(For further particulars *ee our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-63'2°.
Actual Temperatures :—

London.— July 29 (6 p.m.) : Max. 67°; Min. 85°.
July 30 (Noon) : Showery, thundery ; 66°.
Pbotincbs.— July 29 (6 p.m.): Max. 59°, Eastern
Counties; Min. 52°, Shetland.

Never since we have made a

Tcrop9llt practice of recording the con-
dition of the fruit crops, a
period of nearly forty years, have we had
occasion to present so disastrous a record.
From John o' Groats to the Land's End,
from Galway to East Anglia, the tale is the
same. With the exception of Strawberries
and small fruit, the words "total failure"
best express the condition of affairs. Our
correspondents from all the counties of the
British Isles are mostly old friends who
have rendered us the same service year
after year, know our requirements, and are
to be thoroughly depended upon from old
experience to give as accurate comparative
details as circumstances permit. We refer
our readers to the Summary on p. 77, which
we have appended to the tables, which gives
in a concise form the main results.

Taking Apples as the most important
crop, and the one most generally grown, we
find out of a total of 267 records for the
whole of the British Isles, only two make
mention of a crop above average, against
248 reported to be under average.

In Scotland there are 7 places which have
furnished an average crop as against 5 in
England (3 in Surrey and 2 in Kent) ; so
that Scotland has a little, a very little, the
best of it.

As to Pears, one average crop only is re-
corded from the English counties — viz., from
Crawley, in Sussex.

A solitary average crop of Plums is noted,
and that from Newark, in Nottinghamshire,
as against 176 under average.

But it is useless to prolong the agony.
Our Summary tells its own tale.

Nor, if we seek the causes of this whole-
sale deficiency, are the facts any more con-
solatory. From April 8 to 25 there were
from 12° to 17° of frost in various places ;
and this long-continued frost was all but
universal throughout the country, though,
of course, not of equal severity in all places.

The effects of these April frosts were
accentuated in many places by subsequent
visitations in May and June. But whilst
there is no doubt as to the main causes of
the disaster, it is pointed out by some of our
correspondents, notably by Mr. Bunyard,
that the sharp frosts which occurred in the
previous November had their effect upon
the wood of the trees imperfectly ripened
by reason of the sunless autumn. Mr. Bun-
yard has most fruit upon trees moved in
1901 and 1902, which consequently made but
little growth, and that very " hard."

The word " under " occurred so often in
our tables that we began to fear that the
resources of the printing-office might be
strained to produce a supply of the requisite
letters, but happily that contingency did not
arise. It must be remembered too that the
word "under" does not fully represent the
state of affairs, for in many cases entered as
" under average," there was no crop at all !

Now what are we to do P Can we, in fact,
do anything to obviate the effects of such a
visitation ? The planting of late-flowering
varieties would obviously only meet the
case very imperfectly, neither is shelter
always obtainable. We have heard it sug-
gested that we should put an import duty
on Apples from America and Strawberries
from France, but that seems to be an Hiber-
nian method of increasing our supplies of
fruit. It would deprive the public of their

fruit, and would not assist the home grower
who has none to sell. All we can do is to
recommend the fruit-grower not to put all
his eggs into one basket, but to multiply his
resources, increase his efforts,' improve his
system of cultivation wherever possible, and
hope for the best.

» We fear that it may seem
The Fruit something of a mockery to
Industry for , , ,f_ , . , 0 ,,• „

Cottagers, etc. speak of " Packing and Selling
Fruit and Vegetables" in a
season like this, where over large areas of
this island there is no fruit to pack. Still,
the deficiency is not quite universal, and
we can bear personal testimony to the fact
that Strawberries, at any rate, have yielded
an abundant crop, even though the earlier
blooms were injured. Moreover, such seasons
as the present are happily exceptional, and
the lessons inculcated by Mr. Lewis Castle
in the little book whose title is above
quoted are, perhaps, of even greater import-
ance when supplies are scanty than they
are when they are abundant, on the prin-
ciple that it is wise to make the best of
what we have got and make up in enhanced
prices for deficiencies in quantity.

Early in the year 1902 the Worshipful
Company of Fruiterers, desiring to assist
small cultivators in improving their methods
of dealing with garden-produce, offered a
gold medal and twenty-five guineas for the
best essay on "Gathering, Packing, and
Profitably Disposing of Home-grown Fruit
and Vegetable's." The prize was gained by
Mr. Lewis Castle, the Superintendent of the
Duke of Bedford's Experimental Fruit Farm
at Eidgmont, and the essay, itself is now
published at a low price by Messrs. W. H.
and L. Collingridge, of Aldersgate Street.

The book opens with an account of the
allotment system as carried out by the wise
liberality of many landlords. The holders
of these allotments are conveniently classified
by the author as first cottage gardeners, men
in regular work, who should not attempt to
cultivate more land than they can do thor-
oughly and creditably without over-burden-
ing themselves ; second, allotment gardeners,
comprising men not in regular employ
elsewhere, who can therefore devote more
time to their gardens, and can manage,
say, an acre of good land with advantage ;
third, small market gardeners, a compre-
hensive term intended to comprise occupiers ,
of small holdings of from 5 to 20 acres in
extent. To these also the advice is given
not to take more land at starting than can
be well managed by the holder and his
family, without any extra labour.

Cultural details are only incidentally
treated in this essay, but the excellent
advice is given to cultivate the crops, what-
ever they may be, as perfectly as possible,
for while superior samples can always find
a market, indifferent or low-class produce
is very often either quite unsaleable or is
only disposed of at a price which yields no i
return for the labour expended. These
practical details, though only touched on
incidentally, are excellent, the author con-
stantly dealing with the requirements of
the markets rather than with absolute
excellence.

The question of packages for fruit and vege-
tables, especially those of whatever material
which can be constructed by the cottager
himself, is one of great importance. Among

August 1, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

79

these, special mention is made of wicker-
baskets, and of the desirability of growing
Osiers for their construction. The golden
and the cane Osier, both varieties of Salix
viminalis, are recommended, as well as the
" Old black," a form of S. triandra, and a
number of other kinds which we have not
space to mention. Of packing material
Mr. Castle speaks, among others, of cotton-
wool; but that we consider is a substance
not to be recommended for the purpose,
at least, it should not be allowed to come
into contact with the fruit. Good white
wood-wool of Willow or Poplar is much
better.

Very useful hints are given as to gathering
fruits. As ordinarily practised by the
■cottager, this is simply fruit slaughter.
Bruising not only disfigures the fruit and
spoils its value for market, but it favours
the growth of moulds and ensures the
speedy decay of the fruit.

The selection and grading of fruits are
matters about which our average home
growers are still wofully behind their con-
tinental and American competitors, as we
have ample opportunities of seeing. "There
are many obstacles,'' writes Mr. Castle, " in
the road to business success in fruit and
vegetable growing, that cannot readily be .
removed, but here is one absolutely in the
power of the producer to deal with, indeed,
dt is chiefly of his own production." Genius
is sometimes defined as the capacity for
taking pains. It that be so, it is only a
small proportion of those who send to
market who can claim to be geniuses. Many
of the complaints that reach us as to the
alleged iniquities of middlemen, when
examined into, resolve themselves, in the
first instance, to a want of attention to
•details and a happy-go-lucky instead of
systematic methods of procedure. The
■various methods of selling the produce are
treated in a separate chapter, and the grower
would do well not only to study that, but to
make himself acquainted with the Dutch
•co-operative system, as described in our
•columns, December 13, 1902, p. 438, and in a
■"leaflet " issued by the Board of Agriculture.

We cannot devote more space to Mr.
•Castle's essay, but it is so full of useful
dnformation and common sense, the outcome
of experience and observation, that we are
•not surprised that it secured the approba-
tion of the judges. It has a good index and
numerous illustrations; but unfortunately
mo scale of magnitude is given, so that some
of the cuts may prove misleading. We trust
it may have a wide circulation [among the
classes for whom it was written.

Narcissus Mrs. Geo. Barr (Supplementary
Olustration). — The new variety figured in our
supplement this week was shown by Messrs.
Bare & Sons at the Drill Hall on Tuesday,
April 21 of the present year, receiving an Award
of Merit. It is of the Ajax section, flowers pure
white, of fine form and substance, and slightly
■drooping. This fine flower is not quite so large
as the grand Peter Barr. The plant was shown
also at the Midland Daffodil Society's show,
April 16, 1903. Our figure was prepared from a
photograph taken by Mr. A. R. Goodwin, " The
Elms," Kidderminster, and may be of interest
now that the planting season is near at hand.

Royal Horticultural Society.— In order
to celebrate the jubilee of the establishment of a
business in London (Mr. James Veitch, junior,

having come to Chelsea in 1853), Messrs. James
Veitch & Sons, Ltd., have presented to the
Royal Horticultural Society five Silver-gilt Cups
of the value of 50 guineas each. This liberal
offer has been accepted by the Council, and the
following conditions drawn up : — The Cup will be
known as "the Veitchian Cup," and one will be
awarded once a year to the best individual exhibit,
in the opinion of special judges, at the Temple
Shows of 1904, 1905, 1900, 1907, and 1908, or at any
other leading show held under the direction of the
Society that the Council may determine. The suc-
cessful exhibit may be either a single plant or a
group, a novelty or an example of culture. The
Cup will become the property of the winner each
year, but he will be required to make a declaration
that the exhibit is his own property, and has been
cultivated by him for fourteen days previous to
the show. The judges are to be seven — three
amateurs, two gardeners, and two nurserymen or
seedsmen — to be selected by the Council. No
exhibitor can win more than one Cup.

■ Exhibition of Edible Fungi. — On Tues-
day, September 15, the Royal Horticultural So-
ciety will hold an Educational Exhibition of
Edible Fungi in the Drill Hall of the London
Scottish Volunteers, Buckingham Gate, Victoria
Street, Westminster ; and a lecture upon them
will be given by Dr. M. C. Cooke, M.A., V.M.H.,
&c, at 3 p.m. All interested in extending or
acquiring the knowledge of the edible species are
invited to send collections. Collections should
(if sent) be delivered at the Drill Hall on Mon-
day afternoon, September 14; or if brought,
should arrive at or before 9 a.m. on the Tuesday,
so that they may be properly grouped and
arranged by the Fungus specialists. Collections
should consist of any Fungi supposed to be edible.
Each specimen should be wrapped separately in
thin or tissue-paper, and packed so as not to get
loose or shaken in transit. When the names are
known by the senders they should be neatly
written on card and enclosed, but if not known
they will be named by the experts. The Society
will pay the carriage of all collections, and will
award medals according to merit. The best col-
lection will be considered to be that which includes
the largest number of edible species shown in the
best condition. When the senders are doubtful
as to whether any of the specimens are edible or
not, the matter will be determined by the experts.
Unnamed collections will also be examined,
named, and sorted into edible and poisonous by
the experts as far as their time will permit. All
specimens will be destroyed at the close of the
meeting unless removed by the senders. Inti-
mation of an intention to exhibit should, if
possible, be sent a few days before to the Secre-
tary, Royal Horticultural Society's office, 117,
Victoria Street, London, S.W.

The next meeting of the Fruit and

Vegetable and Floral Committees of the Royal
Horticultural Society will be held on Tuesday,
August 4, in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate,
Westminster, 1 to 5 p.m. Special prizes will be
civen for Cactaceous plants. A lecture on
"Landscape Gardening" will be given by Mr.
H. E. Milner, V.M.H., at 3 o'clock.

At a General Meeting of the Society held

on Tuesday, July 21, thirty-six new Fellows were
elected, among them being Lady Arthur Hill,
Lady Margaret Cecil, Sir Philip Magnus, and
the Hon. Gerald Ponsonbt, making a total of
1,045 elected since January 1 last.

ABBOTSBURY. — We learn that Mr. Benbow,
of Abbotsbury Castle Gardens, has been ap-
pointed gardener to Sir Thomas Hanburt, at
La Mortola, Ventimiglia. The gardens at Abbots-
bury are noted for their collections of rare and
interesting plants. Eucalyptus coccifera and E.
globulus have been raised from home-grown seed,
the seedUngs being now 10 feet high. The Olive,

Olea europ:ea, is established, O. excelsa also
raised from seed. Seedling Bamboos are 2 feet
in height. Acacia dealbata, raised eight years
ago, are now trees flowering every year ; the
flowering branches are cut for decorative purposes
as early as February. Arundinaria Simoni, as at
many places in the country, is flowering. Mr.
Benbow has experience of the Riviera climate, as
he was gardener for a time at Cannes, and also at
the Chateau de Barla, Nice. Mr. Benbow was
also formerly at Victoria Park, London ; East-
well Park, Kent ; the Royal Gardens, Kew ; and
Firle Park, Sussex ; so that his knowledge of
gardening matters is extensive and varied. We
wish him every success in his new undertaking.

The German Tariff. — It is stated that the
importation of Apples into Germany in barrels or
other packages is henceforth to be forbidden. I_n
this way Canadian, American, and Tasmanian
Apples would be shut out.

Ghent. — The final act of the great Quin-
quennial was carried out on June 29. On that
day the zealous and genial President was the
recipient of an address from his colleagues, in
which they testified to the warm feelings they
entertained for him, and gave a tangible illus-
tration of their regard for him by presenting him
with a superb vase and a photograph showing
the members of the Society assembled on the
steps of the Casino. Those of our countrymen
who were present at the Quinquennial will feel
how thoroughly well earned was this mark of
respect and affection.

An American Experiment Station.— The

work done at the scores of experiment stations
in the United States is illustrated by what is
done at Amherst, Massachusetts, under the
direction of our correspondent, Prof. Waugh.
There are trained professors whose daily business
is special investigation in the various depart-
ments of agriculture and horticulture. The
work is done on a scale of sufficient magnitude to
present the subject in all practical ways, and the
products are large enough to ensure of keeping
in prompt touch with the market quotations.
There the cultivator finds the meat of the nut
cracked for him ; there he can find the best
Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, and small fruits
of all kinds. The directing professor can give
lists of the most profitable varieties for the
market or for family use. Is there not here a
hint as to what should be done at Chiswick ?

MR. WALTER OATES is leaving the service of
Sir Thomas Hanburt, at Ventimiglia, where he
has been head gardener for the past four years.
Mr. Oates was trained in good English and
Continental gardens, and speaks German, French,
and Italian. He is desirous of obtaining a
situation in some English Colony, and from his
a^e, character, and attainments, should have
little difficulty in securing what he is in search of.

" Beautiful and Rare Trees and Plants."

Messrs. George Newnes, Ltd., announce that

they have in preparation for publication a work
under the above title by the Earl Anneslet
which will commend itself to every owner of a
park and to every lover of a garden. There will
be about seventy plates, reproductions of original
photographs. We have on many occasions been-
privileged to lay before our readers illustrations
of rare trees and shrubs from his lordship's
wardens at Castlewellan, so that we can readily
imagine the beauty and interest of the proposed
work. The edition will be limited to 300 copies,
and subscribers will be supplied in the order of
application.

The Mosquito Plant. — Sir William
Thiselton-Dyer sends to the Times a long letter
from Dr. Prout, the Principal Medical Offioer,
Sierra Leone, detailing the numerous experiments

80

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 1, 1903.

made by him and Dr. Hood to put to the tes
the alleged powers of the mosquito plant, Oeimum
viride.

The conclusions may be briefly summarised as
follows : —

"1. Growing plants have little or no effect in
driving away inosquitos, and are not to be relied
on as a substitute for the mosquito net.

2. Fresh basil leaves have no prejudicial effect
on mosquitos when placed in close contact with
them.

3. The fumes of burnt basil leaves have a
stupefying and eventually a destructive effect on
mosquitos ; but to obtain this action a degree of
saturation of the air is necessary, which renders
it impossible for the individual to remain in the
room. It is probable, however, that cones made
of powdered basil would, when burnt, have the
effect of driving mosquitos away, and to this
extent might be found useful."

The fumes of insect powder (Pyrethrum), and
of nicotin " XL-All," are efficacious in making
the rooms in which they are burnt too uncom-
fortable for gnats and flies ; but the discomfort is
equally great to human beings, and by the time
the rooms were habitable the insects or their
relatives might return, unless mosquito-nets were
used over the verandahs, &c.

PURPLE - LEAVED TOMATOS. — Some time
since we received leaves of Tomatos in which
the substance of the leaf was coloured a rich
bluish-purple. The colour was confined to the
cellular tissue, leaving the veins greenish-
yellow. The leaf-stalks were also devoid of
colour. It was clear, then, that the colour was
not due to absorption of an aniline dye. Micro-
scopic examination showed that the coloration
was not due to the action of iodine on starch.
Mr. L. A. Boodle has now kindly examined the
leaves for us, and finds that the blue colour
becomes reddish-purple when soaked in dilute
acetic acid, but the original colour is restored on
the addition of ammonia. It is probable, there-
fore, that the coloration is due to the formation
of anthocyanin, which occurs so frequently in
variegated leaves. Be this as it may, the diffi-
culty remains of accounting for the fact that only
one or two plants out of a houseful grown under
the same conditions have put on this coloration.

DAFFODILS.— The Rev. J. E. Bourne has
contributed to the series of Band-books of Prac-
tical Gardening published by Mr. John Lane and
edited by Mr. Harry Roberts, a little treatise on
" The Cultivation of the Daffodil." Mr. Bourne
adopts Mr. Baker's classification, which was very
practical and easily grasped by the novice, but
which suc;es=sive hybridisers have done what they
could to invalidate. A new classification, then,
will soon be needed, and one founded on the rela-
tive size and form of the perianth-tube will
probably be found more " natural " and scarcely
less convenient than the existing one. Mr.
Bourne gives us descriptive lists and
much information not before available in
so convenient a form. His illustratious are de-
fective as conveying no idea of proportionate
size. The history of the Daffodil " cult " affords
an excellent illustration of the way in which the
increase and the diffusion of knowledge tend to
the benefit of plant-lovers, of botanists, and of
0 "inmercial men. What do we not owe in these
particulars to Peter Barr? Largely to his
energy and zeal, which have become infec-
tious, our gardens have been enriched with un-
thought-of beauties— beauties within the reach
of those of scanty or moderate means ; botanical
knowledge has been largely added to, both
from a classificatory and from a physiological
point of view, whilst the florists' shops
and the catalogues which reach us are suffi-
cient to show how great has been the develop-
ment of trade industry connected with the
Daffodil. But it is to the cultural details that

the readers of this little volume will naturally
turn with eagerness. They will not be disap-
pointed. Mr. Bourne lays down some excellent
principles, which will apply also to most other
plants. Everything, he says, should be done
thoroughly, at the right time. The plant should
be put into suitable surroundings. Forethought
and preparation in advance are requisite, and a
careful system of labelling adopted. These are
excellent rules, and the author follows them up
with equally sensible directions as to soil and
other factors in the " environment." Early plant-
ing is insisted on if the best results are to be
secured, and a change of soil is considered highly
beneficial, though the plants do not get that under
natural circumstances, a fact that shows that it
does not do to copy Nature too slavishly, but to
adapt our procedures to differences of conditions.
The gardener wants a good display every year,
but the botanist knows that the Daffodils are
much finer and more abundant in some years
than in others, and he knows the reason why. A
list of certificated varieties and a good index
complete a book which in its thoughtful execu-
tion must earn for itself a high place in garden
literature.

University College, Reading. — New
buildings will shortly be erected, for which the
sum of .£80,000 is required. Of this amount
.£30,000 has already been contributed by five
donors, including .£10,000 given by Mr. G. W.
Palmer, M.P., and ,£10,000 by Lady Wantage
The late Lord Wantage was President of the
College from 1890 to 1901.

Sweet Chestnut Wood for Tannin.—
It may be news to some to learn that in Basta,
Corsica, there are already three factories for the
manufacture of tannin from the bark of the
Sweet Chestnut — a fourth being now in process
of building. It appears that the article made
usually in France is much less valuable than the
Corsican, which is stated to be of a better colour,
and better adapted for sole leather.

Memorial to the Late Professor
Alleyne NICHOLSON. — An interesting meeting
was held in the Natural History Class-room,
Aberdeen University, on Friday, 21-th inst., for
the purpose of handing over to the University
authorities a beautiful bronze tablet, spontane-
ously subscribed for by friends, colleagues, and
students of the late Dr. Alleyne Nicholson,
Professor of Natural History in Aberdeen Uni-
versity. It is a fine work of art, and in design
and execution neat and appropriate. The design
was furnished by Miss Woodward, daughter of
Dr. Henry Woodward, London (late of the
British Museum), and has been made with the
view of emphasising, in strikingly appropriate
and artistic form, the special features in which
the late Dr. Nicholson excelled, and in which
he acquired considerable fame. Thus, for in-
stance, down the sides of the panel are seen
entwined, in acanthus style, a group of grapho-
lites, in the study of which the late professor did
valuable work ; and at the foot ancient fossil
corals form, by repetition, a very effective orna-
ment; while trilobites as effectively enter into
the design, together with clam shells. At the
top there is a topographical representation of
the Crossfield Hills, in the north of England, a
district Dr. Nicholson knew well, having been
born at Penrith. A representation of the setting
sun shedding its rays over the scene is suggestive
of the peaceful close of the Professor's life, with
•' twilight and evening star, and after that the
dark." Over this representation of the Crossfield
Hills there is the appropriate motto—" Levavi
oculos meos in montes," of which the most
familiar interpretation is, " I to the hills have lifted
mine eyes." A representation of the Professor's
head and shoulders, in profile, occupies a pro-
minent position on the tablet. The strong

features are well delineated, and the high fore-
head and bushy beard give to the head a striking
appearance. At the side spaces are the name and
degrees : — • .

" Henry AlleyneNicholson,M.D.,D.Sc,F.R.S./'~
and an inscription below as follows : —

Born at Penrith, September, 1844.

Died at Aberdeen, January, 1899.

Professor op Natural History —

Toronto, 1871; Durham, 1874;

St. Andrews, 1875; Aberdeen, 1882 — 99.

Swiney Lecturer, 1877 — 1896.

A Skilled Geologist, an Untiring

Investigator,

Eminent as a Teacher, Beloved as a Friend-.

The tablet, though somewhat larger, will form a
companion bronze to the one erected in 1900 to
the memory of the late Professor Macgillivray,
whose work is also fittingly commemorated in the
design. Principal Marshall Lang presided at
the ceremony, which was largely attended.'

Kingstown Pavilion, Dublin. — In con-
nection with a new Winter Garden and Concert
Hall lately opened, Messrs. Sheppard, of Rathgar,
have laid out a terrace-garden, which forms a
most attractive feature. The entrance to the
gardens is at the corner opposite the railway
station, and from this a broad drive 30 feet wide
has been made to the Pavilion, and immediately
around the Pavilion, a promenade over 20 feet-
wide has been constructed. From this promenade
two flights of brickwork steps have been made, one-
flight with a very easy incline, the other rather
steeper. These steps lead to another broad
promenade, 4 feet higher than the Pavilion. In.
the terrace slope, between these spaces, a portion
is planted with creeping plants. From this
promenade broad walks lead to the different-
portions of the grounds. A dripping pool has
been formed by using stones from Rathgar
Quarries, built in strata, so as to imitate the
natural rock, and over a portion of these water
falls into a pool beneath. The whole has at
very natural appearance. In and around the
rocks of the pool, large pockets and borders ,
have been made and appropriately planted.
All the walks and paths are made with easy
gradients, and are well drained. Borders have
been formed all round the boundaries, and planted
with trees and shrubs on the massing system.
All the ground between the walks and paths have
been laid out in an undulating manner, and clumps-
of trees formed, so that in the course of two or
three years they will give complete seclusion and
privacy. All the works on Victoria Beach were
designed and laid-out by the Messrs. Sheppard,
and also the borders adjacent to and the trees on
the Queen's Road were all completed under their
supervision. Mr. Sheppard, senior, has devoted
the greater part of his life to landscape garden-
ing, and there is hardly a county in Ireland in.
which he has not carried out works. In the
present work he has been ably assisted by his
son. The Pavilion was opened by the Countess
of Longford, who planted a Holly as a memorials
of the occasion.

The National Rose Show.— There is a.
strong feeling in some quarters that the Metro-
politan Show, is, on the average, fixed too early in
the year. The consequence of this is that the-
Northern and Midland growers have not a fair
chance. At the Metropolitan exhibition is held
the friendly contest for the championship of the
year. When this is held, Roses should be at
their best. Can it be maintained that Roses are
at the best between July 1 and 4 ? Yet it is on>
these dates that the Metropolitan show has beea
held six times during the last seven years, and*

August 1, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

81

only twice, it is asserted, has the show been a good
one, whilst the Northern show, which is generally
held about July 15 — 19, has been invariably good.
There is a good deal to be said on both sides, and
we trust our rosarian friends will favour their
colleages with their opinions on the subject in
order that the members may have an opportunity
of discussing it prior to the annual meeting.

IRELAND.

A GAEDEN IN WICKLOW, MOUNT USHEE.

The county of Wicklow is so far like the
county of Kent in England as to be popularly
known as the " Garden of Ireland." There are
drew, if any, Hops grown there except for ornament,
but of " Cherries and fair women " there is no
Jack, as the quaint old-world chroniclers used to
■say. It is a genial land of dell and glade, of rich
pastures and fertile arable, of forest, bog, and
woodlands. It contains beautiful glens and
mountains, such as Djo\xce, the loftiest (2,384 ft.),
and the great Sugar-Loaf (1,651 ft.), which latter
is by far the most picturesque and popular
of all the peaks of Wicklow. This mountain
is well wooded at its base, clothed with
two species of Gorse and Furze, and three
species of Heather, beloved of the bees ; and
so is very lovely as seen in either the spring
or in the autumn months of the year. The upper
portion has been denuded, and its top is com-
posed of loose debris, which, lying at about the
angle of repose, gives to it at times, when cloud-
capped, a remarkable likeness to the slopes of
the great sacred mountain, Fusi-yan, of Japan, a
similarity that is also intensified when its summit
is snow-capped in the winter season. Wicklow
is remarkable for its luxuriant wild Gean or
Cherry-trees, snow-white in spring, and crimson
and gold in autumn, as the leaves change colour
before their fall. At Killinearrig, near Grey-
stones, just across the golf-ground, is one of the
finest orchards of cultivated Cherries in Ireland,
and to walk under its flowery branches in spring,
just as the tender green tassels are on the
Larch, and to get glimpses here and there of the
great blue cone against scurrying white clouds,
is a delightful sensation, not alone to author,
poet, and painter, but to " the man in the street "
as well. Probably, however, the latter may
appreciate the orchard at Killinearrig when
Strawberries ripen, or when the Cherries are ripe
later on in the garden year.

Mount Usher is situated in the happy valley of the
Vartry river, which supplies the city of Dublin
with water, and enlivens and beautifies every inch
of the country it passes through. It is two miles
ifrom the village of Ashfjord (another reminder of
sfair Kent), and is reached by rail from Harcourt
■Street station, passing through Bray, and near to
Wicklow, before one alights at the nearest
station, which is Eathnew. The whole journey
is a glorious panorama of exquisite scenery, the
sea on one hand, and the rich alluvial plains and
marshy land on the other, backed by rising
woodlands and blue-topped mountains and hills.
Some miles past Greystones and Kilcool stretch
the shingly sand and reedy lagoons, on what is
•called the "murrough " of Wicklow, rich in winter
•with sea-birds and other wild fowl, and in summer
■rich in wild flowers and grassy herbage. It is a
beautiful route to a garden that has become a
promised land, an Eden of the West, or say a
Mecca to which flock garden-loving pilgrims of
(high and low degree. It is not a public or show
garden, and should not be entered in an uncere-
monious way or manner. It is really and truly
sacred ground, rich in memories of many .and
diverse kinds. Old people have lived there, and
died there also. Young folk have played on or
beside the sparkling river as it dances or tumbles
from rock to rock, or falls over the little weirs —
— fair children, now happy mothers, or lying at

rest beneath the flowery sod of other lands.
Originally there was a stately old house called
Mount Usher, in what is now the Eossannagh
demesne ; the old site of the garden is discernible,
and on the grassy plat beside the river below a
fine avenue of standard or clear-trunked Yew-
trees still remain. Eossannagh House itself, the
Wicklow seat of the Tighe family, is close
by, and it was here that Mrs. Mary Tighe
(born, 1773 — died, 1810) wrote the once popular
poem called " Psyche," the subject of which was

The garden at Mount Usher has been pictured
and described many times, and still the most
expert of horticulturists who are privileged to go
there leave it with regret and with sensations
resembling those of the rustic fiddler who by
chance heard the playing of Paganini ; or those
of the Queen of Sheba when she said farewell to
Solomon in all his glory.

Originally the cottage (some portions of which
still remain) was a mill and kiln, and less than
twenty years ago I saw the ruined old mill-wheel

Fig. 30.— riverside path in the gardens at mount usher, vo. wicklow.

taken from the well-known story of Apuleius.
Near the brick mansion is a fine old Yew-tree
with inarched or anastomosing branches, and in
the adjacent grass field are fine Scots Firs and a
Sweet or Spanish Chestnut, having an enormous
trunk, which is said to be the largest specimen in
Ireland. On a steop slope, quite close to the
entrance gate to the Mount Usher of to-day,
stands a noble-trunked Scots Fir, that would be
difficult to match elsewhere — though Wicklow
generally has long been celebrated for its fine
trees.

in position, and its axle and mill-stones are
probably there still under the refectories or
guest-chamber overhead. This accounts for the
little mill-pool near tho door, and for the little
streams or races that rush and sparkle and
tumble through the rooky banks, the hardy Fern-
glade, or that flow beneath the grey and
mossy stones of the flower-laden boundary walls.
As we have before indicated, the Vartry river
itself (fig. 30), as of .'1.1. Hows through the mi. It of
i.len. It is nextto impossible to Analyse and
describe the peace and quiet and the manifold

82

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August I, 1903.

variety and luxuriance of the place, and there
are but few other places in Ireland where so great
a variety of vegetation as is grown here reaches to
such a high and healthy standard of perfection.
The place is the reverse of pretentious, it is not very
large in area, and it has for the past thirty years
r so grown rather than "laid out" or made.
Perhaps this is one of its greatest charms. Thou-
sands of plants have been experimented upon
and lovingly watched and admired, or studied,
moved, and nourished until the right soils, places,
and conditions of aspect, light, shade, and mois-
ture have eventually been found. When we
speak of " the garden at Mount Usher," some quali-
fication is necessary, for it rather consists of
several gardens, made and furnished or arranged
at different times. There is the garden and
the pretty cottage on what is almost an island,
bounded by races to which the river-side walk
here illustrated forms a striking and ever- varying
base. F. W. Burbidge.

(To be continued.)

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

AN ANCIENT ROSE-TREE. — In a forecourt
garden of a small villa residence at Ealing there
can be seen a tree of Tea-rose Devoniensis on its
own roots, which to the knowledge of the resi-
dent is over sixty years old, and which early in
July in this year was laden with blossoms, and
some of them of excellent quality. Devoniensis
is, with the exception of Adam, which preceded
it by five years, the oldest of the Tea-scented
Eoses, having been sent out in 1838 ; so this
particular tree at Ealing must have been among
the earliest planted. Devoniensis was discovered
growing in a garden in Devonshire, and may
therefore have been a self-sown seedling. It was
distributed by Messrs. Lucombe, Pince & Co., of
Exeter, in 1838. R. D.

POA ANNUA. — I am surprised that Mr.
McDonald should have replied to my innocent
and complimentary note on p. 43 in such a spirit.
To put the matter clearly, his first letter (p. 26) was
misleading, and a reflection upon those seedsmen
who do supply this grass true to name. Perhaps
he wrote hurriedly ; in any case there is no doubt
both results were unintentional. The editorial
paragraph on p. 41 has apparently also been over-
looked. The right to use what name he chooses
for Poa pratensis was not questioned, but I asked
why " Kentucky Blue-grass " was selected in
preference to the usual English name for a
common grass. This has not been answered ;
and the reference to Wellington and Dumelow's
Seedling Apple is not a case in point, as both
names have originated in this country and are in
frequent use. Your correspondent is mistaken
in supposing I wish to act as his tutor — nothing
is further from my thoughts ; and I had no
interests to serve except to assure those who
might be concerned that Poa annua can be
obtained true from some sources if desired.
Had he confined himself to his concluding
remark on p. 42, to the effect that " grass seeds
are being sold as Poa annua which are not true
to name or description," I should not have
written my offending paragraph, for there he is
undoubtedly correct ; but that does not go nearly
so far as his first statement. Should Mr. McDonald
be in my district at any time and will favour me
with a visit, I will submit to him the evidence
upon which my correction was founded. R. L.
Castle.

For public parks, I consider this one of

the most useful of our native grasses ; and Mr.
McDonald is quite right in saying that it is
difficult to procure, and hardly obtainable as a
eedsman's commodity — a fact which for years I
have been well aware of. Probably no other
grass can reassert itself so quickly and satisfac-
torily after being subjected to the tramping inci-
dental to a flower-show, a public fete, or the
prancing of cavalry. 0. D. Webster, Regent's
Park, July 28, 1903.

HYBRID OF CAMPANULA WALDSTEINIANA.—
Amongst many hybrid Campanulas, large and
small, which are in my garden, none is more
noteworthy than one which I call Stansfield,
because it was sent to me three years ago from
Mr. Stansfield's nursery at Southport, where it
came spontaneously. One of its parents is
certainly C. Waldsteiniana, the other I conjecture
to be C. carpatica. It is not more than 3 inches
in the length of the flower-stalk, and flowers so
freely as almost to hide the leaves. Three plants
which were dots when sent to me have increased
to breadths a foot in diameter. The leaf and
form of bell resemble those of C. Waldsteiniana,
but are far larger and more vigorous. C. Wolley
Dod, Edge Hall, Malpas, Cheshire.

HEAVY RAINFALL AT TORTWORTH COURT. —
On the morning of July 22, 2-61 inches of rain was
measured at this place ; and at two places within
a few hundred yards distance there were 2-52 and
2-93 inches measured. John Banting.

THE TH UN BERG l A8.— These attractive annuals
are in danger of becoming lost to gardens. It was
with a feeling of delight I came across some plants
in pots, suspended in the garden of a country inn ;
and very pretty they were, healthy and blooming
freely. At present, Thunbergias are under a cloud
of neglect, from which they will emerge some
day. R. D.

AMELANCHIER BOTRYAPIUM (CANADENSIS) X
AND A. SANGUINEA.— These beautiful flowering
shrubs have been in great perfection in Lord
Aldenham's garden at Elstree, and these trees
were the more acceptable seeing that there was
little else of the kind in flower at the time. Mr.
Beckett told me that he had all the known species
of Amelanchier. There are great numbers of good
things at Aldenham Park, and a little later the
gardens will be very charming with multitudes of
flowering shrubs, aquatics, and some aquatics of
which there are all the best and most distinct
species and varieties to be found in the orna-
mental waters. W. A. Cook.

BUD VARIATION IN annuals.— I am a con-
stant reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle, and I
was interested last week in reading the account
of Sweet Peas (p. 61), viz., White Sweet Pea
flowering along with plants of the variety Miss
Willmott. I wish to say that I cultivate Schizan-
thus in variety for conservatory decoration, and
I succeed in obtaining fine plants from seed sown
in the autumn, and flowered them in 10-inch pots.
About one month ago, when taking the plants out
of the conservatory, the flowering period being
nearly over, I noticed one spray of bloom 2 feet
in height, the top half of a rosy-purple colour
and the lower half of the spray of the same
colour, with a small spray of white flowers in the
centre of the main spray. I am unable to send
the spray, the flowers having fallen. I have seen
nothing like it in any other flower. Ernest Baguley,
Cam-yr-Allyn Gardens, Rossett, Wrexham.

CONDOR RASPBERRY.— The fruitiag trusses
of the Raspberry Condor, a cross between Super-
lative and Red Antwerp, will, I hope, come to hand
in good condition. The fruit ripens later than
that of Superlative, the growth of the plant is
robust, and it is a very heavy bearer. The recent
heavy showers have spoilt some of the best
trusses, and you will note that the frosts in April
slightly injured the fruits at the tip of some of the
trusses, as was the case with those of most of the
varieties grown here. This variety continues to
fruit till the middle of August. Geo. Pyne. [The
fruit has a great resemblance to Red Antwerp in
form and colour, and it has a greater degree
of acidity, unless the unfavourable weather has
hindered the development of sweetness. In our
opinion it will make a good culinary or preserving
Raspberry, and being a late and continuous
bearer, it will fill up the gap now existing
between the summer and the autumn-bearing
varieties. Ed.]

SALE OF LADYBIRDS.— Some little time ago it
was stated — in The Globe, I think — that a large
number of ladybirds had been sent from England
[Australia ?] to the United States, for placing in

gardens there, in order to deal with insect pests'.
Now would it not be profitable for cottagers and
others in suitable localities to make a trade of
rearing ladybirds for sale to English gardeners,
and growers ? I venture to submit that such a
trade would be good for all things great andt
small, save only for the Aphides. C. B. L. S.

MELON AND CUCUMBER LEAF-SPOT.— I shall
be glad if your correspondent, Mr. S. Castle,
will favour the readers of the Gardeners'
Chronicle by describing methods of cultivation
of Cucumbers referred to in " Melon and Cu-
cumber leaf-spot," July 18. I fail to see why
second cropping is detrimental to the health-of the
plants by creating disease, when every precaution,
is taken with regard to cleanliness, fresh soiling,
and rigid adherence to obtaining seed from non-
diseased plants, and from firms where disease
has no footing. It is noteworthy that many of
the successful growers in Kent, whose Cucumber
and Melon plants are free from disease, strictly
avoid ventilation by affording a thick shading of
lime and chalk-wash, and by maintaining a high
temperature and genial humid conditions. During
the brightest hours of the day the plants are
syringed. Under these conditions the plants
grow fast, the foliage is of a pleasing . dark-
green colour, the fruits grow long and straight,
and the crops are heavy. Applications of soot-
water and blood-manure twice or thrice a week
bring fruits of a dark-green colour, and the plants
are the picture of health. Many growers have
two and even three crops in a season. Water is
afforded with a hose during the warmer months,
which is a great saving of labour. C. E. B. W.

THE CHISWICK TRIAL8.— I trust you will
permit me to contest the judgment you pass on
the trials of vegetables, flowers, &c, at Chiswick,
when you say that " commercial houses laugh at
them." If that be so, how is it that high-class
firms constantly send to Chiswick various pro-
ducts for trial, such as Peas, Potatos, Beans,
Lettuces, Cabbages, or diverse flowers, things
which from year to year comprise the trials con-
ducted at Chiswick? Not only do these firms
continue to send samples of their best novelties
for trial, but they all are most anxious to secure
awards at the hands of the respective Committees
who have to examine those trials. I can say for
the Fruit and Vegetable Committee, which meets
at Chiswick several times in the course of the
season, that no body of men, all practical and
full of the knowledge which gardeners of long
experience have as to the garden-requirements
of products, could give closer attention to
these trials, and deal with them absolutely
and solely on their merits. We hear a good deal
from time to time as to the excellences of trade
trials, all of which are well done, but these are
conducted generally in the interests of each firm's
own products. At Chiswick no such partiality is
evidenced, and it is because the firms who send
products there realise that any awards made are
made absolutely on any product's merits only, that
thetradeis so anxious to secure for them the
stamp of merit from the Royal Horticultural
Society. It may be that although the trials,
so far as they well can be, are conducted at
Chiswick with all possible skill and ability,
and are often regarded by the Committee as
very satisfactory, are yet not all that can be
desired, for the obvious reason that real trials
need to be conducted in an open country,
where the air is pure and where the soil is not
drained of all its natural moisture, as artificial
operations have drained that at Chiswick. For
my part I do not care how soon Chiswick is
abandoned, and I am sure that is the feeling
of all those members of the Fruit Committee
who go there. It is evident that no description
of work which the Society may wish to embark
in of a [practical kind, including those scientific
and experimental tests you seek for, can ever
be satisfactorily conducted there. The sooner
Chiswick and its wretched student system of
labour is abandoned, the better, the moment
an area of land, adequate in dimensions, of
good quality, and well placed, is provided in
the open country. We shall never again have
such a chance to found one of the grandest expe-
rimental and testing gardens in the world as the
now lost Limpsfield site offered. It is in vain to

August 1, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

S3

sigh oyer a sadly lost opportunity. The mis-
guided Fellows, however, would sink ,£t0,000 in
bricks and mortar, and when they have the new
Hall they will still be dissatisfied. For £15,000
they might have had a grand garden that would
have been a permanent joy. A. D.

THE ROSARY.

LAYERING ROSES.

In addition to the budding of briars, Manetti,
and other Hose-stocks now in full swing, the
present affords a good time for layering shoots of
Hoses, a simple and certain method of securing
strong plants. Only dwarf plants can be made to
serve this purpose, and if well-matured shoots are
bent carefully down into a shallow hole made in
the soil, a slit an inch long being made on the
under side, the shoots secured with hooked pegs,
and the soil returned to the hole and made firm,
the layers will root during the autumn and spring.
J, D. Godwin.

Rose "Zepheeine Drouhin."

A Dutch correspondent kindly informs us that
the Hose mentioned by Mr. Leach is spelt as
above, and that it is a Bourbon Rose much used
in Holland as a climber, where its beautiful
colour is much admired.

In case no one else sends the information, may
I say that the Rose your correspondent W. C. .
Leach describes is probably Zephirin Drouot,
synonym Mme. Gustave Bonnet. It is a hybrid
perpetual, and is catalogued by M. Robichon, of
Olivet, Orleans, France, as a climbing variety,
bright crimson-red. M. L. Williams.

In your last issue, p. 56, Mr. W. C. Leach
speaks of the thornless Rose Zephirin Dronan.
This name is not correct ; that is the reason, I
think, that you could not find it in any trade list
of Roses. I know the Rose well, having culti-
vated it myself, and it is, indeed, a very suitable
one for a wall or pillar. The name is differently
spelt — some spelling it Zepherine Drouhin, others
Z. Doingt or Z. Drouot. If you look in the
Catalogue of MM. Ketten Freres, of Luxembourg,
you will find it in the Bourbon section under the
former name, and that it was sent out by Bizot
in 1868. This Rose is cultivated in great quan-
tities in Orleans, France, and sells very well.
E. B. [We shall be glad to know what is the
correct way of spelling the name. Ed.]

The Rose Season of 1903.
The venerable Dean of Rochester has expressed
the opinion that this has been the most unfavour-
able season for Roses that has been experienced
during the last sixty years. In any case they
have had difficulties to contend with which have
been heroically withstood and even conquered
in the case of some varieties ; while others of a
more delicate and susceptible nature have
yielded, through adversity and lack of vitality,
to premature decay. This, no doubt, was pri-
marily owing to the lamentable sunlessness of
the previous summer, and its consequent im-
potence to create new, vigorous shoots, or ade-
quately to ripen the flowering wood. It is thus
very much with Roses as it is with human
beings ; their present is moulded by the influence
of their past. There must be adequate pre-
paration for the work of the future, in Nature as
in life. Like the beneficent plants that grow
and blossom around us, ministering uncon-
sciously to our instinct for beauty, we are very
largely influenced by our natural environment ;
the health and inward happiness by which our
spirits live are greatly determined by what is
generally termed atmospheric conditions. Like
them, we must be in perfect correspondence with
our environment, or we cease to exist. Can we
marvel therefore that an almost human interest
is felt by the reverential lover of Nature, by the

botanist and the horticulturist, in the lives and
heroic struggles with sternest difficulty of tender
plants and flowers ? No other art or science with
which I am conversant is so creative of sympathy
and gentlest patience in the heart and life of
man.

During last winter Roses — in Scotland at least
— were subject to a fortnight's frost of the most
stern and exacting description, greatly intensified
in its influence upon vegetation in every form
by a desolating east wind. Tea Roses and Noi-
settes suffered terribly from this most unpro-
pitious atmospheric visitation, and the spirits of
ardent rosarians were suddenly reduced to zero
for the time. " O what a fall was there, my coun-
trymen ! " as Mark Antony (inspired by Shake-
speare) says over the dead body of Julius Caesar.
I might have said as much with expressiveness
at that period when I witnessed the death of my
grandest Gloire. But even then I had an
enduring consolation in the form of a magnificent
Margaret Dickson (which has proved my finest
floral possession this summer) 8 feet high, with

PETER BARR, V.M.H.

the capability of larger growth and luxuriance,
since amply realised, to plant in its place.

Chiefly owing to the causes which I have
already indicated, such Noisettes and Climbing
Teas as William Allen Richardson, L'ldeal,
Bouquet d'Or, Madame Pierre Cochet, Lamarque,
Marechal Niel, and Reve d'Or have hardly yet
recovered their normal strength, and in many
instances their greatly cherished flowers have not
yet appeared.

Up to the present period the finest effects
created in my garden have been made by the
Hybrid Perpetuals and Hybrid Teas. Clara
Watson (the incomparable), Clio, Margaret Dick-
son (one of the finest garden Roses in existence,
and in my opinion the most precious creation of
the famous Newtownards rosarians) , Papa Gontier
(which flowers continuously and most profusely
during the summer and autumn), Viscountess
Folkestone, La France, Caroline Testout, Mrs.
John ^Laing, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Duke of
Edinburgh, Enchantress, Crown Prince, and the
lustrous A. K. Williams, have during this season
produced the most memorable artistic effects. I
am not greatly enamoured of Bessie Brown,
which has been, I fear, vastly over-estimated ;
it has not the boauty nor does it open with the
facility of Margaret Dickson. In this matter, of
course, the experionce of other cultivators with a
more inspiring climate may be different from my

own; but I cannot say that I greatly admire the
formation or arrangement of its central petals,
which render it obdurate in the essential direction
of floral expansion.

Of new Roses by far the loveliest and largest is
Frau Karl Druschki, which I have previously
characterised as a German Rose of French ex-
traction with a Russian name. It may possess
some of the attributes of its parents, Caroline
Testout and Merveille de Lyon ; but it most
assuredly, alike in exquisite form and in texture
(which resembles white satin), surpasses them
both. The only varieties that approach it in
beauty are Margaret Dickson and Gloire
Lyonaisse. But it is a much purer white
" Hybrid Perpetual " than either of these, and
therefore a supremely precious acquisition. David
R. Williamson, Manse of Kirkmaiden, Wigtonshire
Scotland.

PETEE BARR, V.M.H.

The Daffodil King by his energy and perse-
verance succeeded in building up the great
nursery and seed business known by his name,
whilst his untiring efforts in seeking out and
developing the Daffodil formed really only an
incident in his career — one that can be paralleled
in the case of Lilies, Hellebores, and many other
plants. It must not be thought that Mr. Barr's
success has been commercial only ; he has largely
contributed to the scientific knowledge and deve-
lopment of the plants he has cultivated. And
then, after a laborious life and at an age when
most men seek repose, we find our hero showing
himself a " globe-trotter " of the first water. The
United States, Canada, Japan, Australia, South
» Africa — all these countries have been visited in
turn and their features observed with keen
interest, as is evidenced by the extracts from
his correspondence that we have been privi-
leged to publish. Nor has he been content
to play the part of tourist, but almost everywhere
he has put his great knowledge and experience at
the disposal of his colonial friends, and by
lectures and shrewd advice he has conferred
great benefits on the horticulturists of the
countries he has visited. It is Evident that such
a man cannot rest, and if we hear from him
shortly from the cataracts of the Nile we shall
not be astonished. So great a benefactor of his
fellows will carry with him wherever he goes the
warmest good wishes for his health and well-
being.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UMDEB GLASS.

By J Matne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rollf,
Bicton, Budleigb Salterton, Devonshire.

Epiphyllums make a bright display in an inter-
mediate house in October and November, if the
plants are well flowered. For this purpose the
growths made in early summer must be well
ripened by placing the plants in a cool and airy
structure, with but little shade during the next
two months. Epiphyllums are readily injured if
too much water be afforded at the root, especially
in the autumn and winter. Good plants can be
flowered in 6-inch pots, and they show to better
advantage when they have a clear stem of 8 or 9
inches, being grafted on the Pereskia stock,
which may be done in early spring. Cuttings
also readily root if inserted in sandy soil con-
taining mortar rubblo or broken bricks, loam,
and leaf -soil.

Hippcastrums (Amaryllis). — Seedlings raised
this year should be kept growing gently ; repot
them if necessary, and hou6e them in a warm
pit, placing them near to the glass. If allowed
to go to rest in the first year the small tmlblete
deteriorate very quickly. The general stool o\
older bulbs will need less water at the root,
until it is withheld altogether. Afford them all
the ventilation and sunlight possible. We
part of our stock out-of-doors in the third week

84

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 1. 1903.

of J August last year for six weeks, laying them
on their sides during heavy rains. This ripened
the bulbs, and the majority flowered well in the
spring.

Kalosanthes, now classed as Rocheas, are showy
subjects, especially the . species coccinea, with its
bright scarlet heads of bloom appearing in July
and early August. This plant requires cool treat-
ment throughout the year. Water should be
afforded sparingly during the winter months.
As the plants pass out of flower, any that are
worth growing on for another year may be cut
back fairly hard and kept rather dry at the root
until growth has commenced, when the ball of
roots should 1m reduced and the plants placed in
similar sized pots, or those a trifle larger, placing
them in a frame for a month to encourage growth.
Cultivate three or four shoots to each plant, in
preference to double that number. Cuttings
may be inserted now, putting several into a
3 or a 4-inch pot, and transferring them to G-inch
pots when fit, without dividing them. They will
make roots readily under a hand-light at the
foot of a north wall in soil similar to that recom-
mended for Epiphyllums.

Mignonette, for flowering towards Christmas
and the New Year, should be sown within the
coming week, using 3-inch pots for the purpose.
Let the compost be loam, leaf-soil, and a little
well-decayed manure, with powdered lime rubble
and a sprinkle of sand. Sow the seeds thinly, even-
tually reserving three to five plants in each pot.
Cultivate the plants near to the glass in a cool
house or pit. Machet, Bismarck, and Miles's
Spiral are suitable varieties for pot culture.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park. Slough.

Coleworts. — These Cabbages being much liked
during the autumn and winter, every available
piece of ground should be planted with them.
Before planting the plots let drills be drawn at
1 foot apart and 2 inches deep. Plant at the
same distance apart in the raws, and if the wea-
ther be dry apply water copiously. Coleworts
flourish in a rich yet firm soil.

Leeks. — Continue to blanch the stems by placing
longer collars of brown-paper round them, as
advised in a previous calendar. Earlier plantings
which are blanched to the desired height may
now be earthed-up. Successional crops should be
kept well supplied with water at the root and
overhead.

Mushrooms. — The litter from out-of-doors beds
should be removed at three-weekly intervals, and
some fresh litter added. If the beds are dry
afford tepid rain-water through a fine rose-can
copiously, occasionally affording farmyard liquid-
manure. The Mushroom-house should now be
thoroughly cleansed and the walls lime-washed.
It woodlice are troublesome pour boiling water
into all crevices, and then stop up with cement,
&c. Stable-dung and litter may now be prepared
for the making of beds, the work being carried
on under cover, a shed open at the sides being a
suitable place. Let the longest straw be shaken
from the litter and the latter laid about 9 inches
thick on the floor, and be turned every third day
until the rank fumes have passed off and sufficient
material is got together for constructing a bed.

Spinach. — Sow a good breadth forthwith, and
again a fortnight later, and at the end of the
month. Out of , these several sowings some
are sure to succeed. The well-being of this
plant depends so greatly upon the weather that it
is never safe to trust to one or even two sowings
if a constant winter supply is required. The land
should be warmly situated, well manured, and
deeply dug, soot and wood-ashes being broad-
casted over it. Make the ground moderately firm
by trampling and raking it before the drills are
drawn. Let earlier sowings be thinned to a
distance of t inches apart, and strew fresh soot
along the spaces between the plants in the early
morning, and frequently stir the surface with a
Dutch hoe.

Turnips— Frequent sowings should be made up
to the end of the month of September, remem-
bering that the later and smaller roots will with-
stand cold better than the earlier and larger

ones. The recent rains have favoured the growth
of the July sowings. Thin young plants as soon
as large enough, dress with fresh soot, and
keep the hoe constantly among the plants.

Tomatos. — Plants out-of-doors, now growing
freely, should be denuded of useless lateral
shoots as fast as these appear, and when a
sufficient number of fruits is assured on a
plant, pinch out the leading shoot. Applications
of manure-water and Clay's Fertiliser should be
afforded alternately with clear water. If there
is any appearance of the fruit splitting, remove
them when about half-coloured, and ripen them
in a warm and dry place.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. Q. L.
Holfoed, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Cypripediums. — The plants of C. insigne, C.
Spicerianum, C. Leeanum, and C. Arthurianum,
late autumn and winter flowerers, are growing
freely, and they stand in need of abundance of
moisture at the root, and humidity in the air of
the house in which they are growing. Overhead
syringing is especially helpful in keeping thrips
in check. If a plant is pot-bound, weak liquid-
manure from the cow-stalls may be applied alter-
nately with clear water, taking care that it stands
till it is clear and free from sediment, otherwise
let it be strained through a piece of fine muslin
before making use of it. Weak soot-water may
be mixed with the liquid-manure.

Calanthes are growing freely, and should be
afforded water copiously at the roots, but with
discretion, or " spot " may be set up. Apply
weak liquid cow-manure when the pots have
become filled with roots, alternating this with
plain water. It does good to sprinkle weak
liquid-manure on the paths and stages of the
house at closing time. When the roots of the
plants show at the surface, a thin layer of small
lumps of turfy loam or of fresh sphagnum may
be laid over them.

Vandas and Aerides. — Most of these plants are
making roots, and they may, if potted in porous
materials, be afforded water abundantly. Avoid
a hot, close state of the air in the house at all
times, as being conducive to weak and flimsy
growth ; but let the object be the building-up of
strong, leathery leaves, which should be so
matured that the plants will safely withstand the
inimical influences of our winters. Therefore
admit air in reasonable amount at all times of
the day, and afford moisture abundantly in the
air, together with overhead syringing of the
leaves whenever the weather permits.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller Mundy, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Seeds that may be sown. — The seeds of Anemone
coronaria and allied species should now be
sown ; and if the seeds have been saved at
home, as was advised in a Calendar some weeks
ago, they should be mixec1, and well rubbed up
in sand before being sown, or the plants will
germinate in bunches. The sowing is best made
in shallow drills in a cool spot. Pansies raised
from seeds sown at about this date make strong
plants for flowering next year ; and these, too,
should be sown on a cool soil. Where spring
bedding is carried out Silene pendula will prove
a useful plant for forming beds and edgings.
Seeds sown forthwith, and the seedlings trans-
planted at a few inches apart when ready, the
plants grow stocky and strong. Saponaria
calabrica is scarcely so certain as the foregoing
to come through the winter in good condition,
but the plant usually succeeds if raised on rather
poor soil.

Primroses. — Bunch and other Primroses sown in
spring may be transplanted when large enough to
a north border. I like to let them first get fairly
big in the seed boxes, as then if removed with
plenty of roots, they do not receive a check upon
being transplanted. A small quantity of leaf -soil
and road-grit pointed into the surface is helpful.

Bulbs and Tubers. — A grave mistake made very
often by gardeners is to purchase at the same
season as the bulk of the Tulips, Hyacinths, &c,

bulbs of such species as Chionodoxas, Scillas,
Crown Imperials, Fritillarias generally, winter-
flowering Crocuses, Colchicums, Snow-flakes,
Erythroniums, Cyclamen, and Anemones, which
should be planted much earlier. . This prac-
tice makes the first year's growth weak, with
the result that the bulbs or tubers for the
ensuing year are small, causing the gardener to
imagine that the soil or the surroundings are not
such as suit the plants. Nurserymen are difficult
to move in the matter of what is to them out of
season delivery, consequently the cultivation of
such bulbs as are not grown in bulk starts faultily.
I have, I think, alluded to this subject before, but
it is such an important one that it wijl bear
repetition.

Hellebores. — These plants, as is generally known
to gardeners, are impatient of root disturbance,
the result of which is almost certain to be the
non-production of flowers the following year.
Still it is necessary sometimes to lift and divide
the plants ; and the present affords the most suit-
able season for. carrying out the operation. Great
care should be taken to extract the roots intact,
for my experience has taught me that a broken
Hellebore root never heals or breaks again into
growth. In dividing a plant, let the rhizome be
cut through with a sharp knife, then with
two hand-forks pull the plant apart, contriving
to keep with each portion some of the" strongest
of the outside crowns. In replanting do not
put manure near the roots, but a little decayed
leaf -soil and grit will be helpful in encouraging
the formation of roots.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. h. c.

Peach and Nectarine trees. — In order that the
buds on the early forced Peaches and Nectarines
may develop fully, it is of importance that the
foliage be kept in a clean, healthy condition
until it falls naturally in the autumn. At no
period should the soil become dry, and if upon
examination it is found to be approaching this
state a sufficient quantity of water should be
applied to moisten the border to the bottom,
with or without liquid-manure as the condition
of the trees may indicate. Afford the trees all
the air possible, and syringe them daily in fine
weather. Trees from which the fruit has just
been gathered should have this year's fruiting
shoots, as well as all superfluous growths, re-
moved. The trees should be afforded a thorough
cleansing with water, and be afterwards treated
in the manner advised for the earliest forced trees.
Look over the trees bearing ripening fruits,
gathering those which are ripe. When the
fruits begin to ripen keep the air of the
house dry and constantly in movement. Trees
of late varieties, if bearing heavily, may need
assistance from liquid - manure and copious
supplies of water applied at the root. Trees
with fruits not coloured may be freely syringed
at closing time, and if fireheat be necessary the
temperature of the house, together with sunheat,
may touch 90°, a warmth of 65° at night being
adhered to.

The Orchard-house.— Trees of the Peach, Necta-
rine, or Cherry, when thefruits have been gathered,
may be plunged to the rims in coal-ashes in a
sunny position out-of-doors, having previously been
cleansed with the garden-engine. Apple, Pear,
and Plum-trees grown in pots or planted out as
cordons, produce fruit of fine size and quality
when properly cultivated and the fruit is thinned.
The trees, excepting such as are carrying ripe
fruit, may be syringed daily, and afforded water
and weak liquid-manure as may be required, in
addition to a top dressing of turfy-loam, stable
manure, and bone-meal. These top-dressings
may be raised above the rims of the pots an inch
or two, a cavity being formed round about the
stem for holding water; or what is better, put a
broad zinc band round the pot just inside the rim.
Pinch the lateral shoots, and thus induce the forma-
tion of fruit buds and direct the sap to the fruits.
If insects appear on the shoots or leaves, use
XL-All for green or black -fly, and forcible
syringings to keep red-spider in check. Afford air
freely always, and in bright weather moisten the
paths by day.

AUGUST 1, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

85

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Strawberry Plantations — The fruits being
finished on early and mid-season varieties, clear
away all runners not needed, and weeds,
straw, and rubbish generally. Runners which
may still be required to be layered should be
selected as the work proceeds, and placed
temporarily on the cleared spaces between the
rows of plants. The plants on stiff soils will be
benefited by breaking up the crust of battened
soil 2 or 3 inches deep with a fork ; but on light
soils the Dutch-hoe is the better implement, and
in this case a mulch of half-decayed manure
should be afforded.

Autumn - fruiting Strawberries. — The flower-
trusses now appearing may be allowed to remain
on the plants if fruits are looked for during the
present and the next month, and a mulch of
litter placed in the spaces between the rows and
close up to the crowns, as protection to the fruits.
Afford water in dry weather, and if specially fine
fruits be desired, let the berries be freely thinned.

Raspberries. — Remove the fish-netting from
plantations now out of bearing, and the canes that
have borne fruit, as well as all weak canes of this
season's growth not needed for increase, &c.
Doing this will admit more light and air than if
all were left to grow together. On light soils,
•water and manure-water applied at this season
will benefit the stools, care being taken, of course,
not to apply the latter of too great a strength.
The canes of summer-fruiting varieties should be
loosely secured to the stakes or wires.

Apples. — Many of the fruits are falling from the
trees owing to the presence of the codlin-moth
larvse ; these fruits should be collected and
burnt forthwith.

©Dftuarp.

Alexander Kennedy. — In Mr. Alexander
Kennedy, who recently died at Pilmuir, Forres,
N.B., there has passed away one who was widely
known throughout the north of Scotland as an
able and successful horticulturist. Born near
Inverness seventy-seven years ago, Mr. Kennedy
chose as his profession that of gardening.
Having served his apprenticeship at Cullen House,
' Mr. Kennedy spent several years at " show "
places in the South, and then returned as Head
Gardener to Sir James Grant, Monymusk House,
Aberdeenshire. He served in a similar capacity
at Strichen House, Durris House (then held by
Mr. McTier, a well-known arboriculturist), and
afterwards at Brucklay Castle, where he remained
for thirty years in charge of both woods and
gardens. During the latter period he identified
himself closely with the horticultural societies in
East Aberdeenshire, where he frequently gave
his services as judge. When he retired, some
four years ago, to live at Forres, he was made the
recipient of a handsome testimonial in recognition
of his services to horticvdture. At the great
shows of the Royal Horticultural Society of
Aberdeen, he was a regular attender, and on
many occasions acted as judge. Mr. Kennedy was
an intense admirer of gardens, woods, and land-
scapes, and, it should be noted, of the Highlands
and Highlanders. Up to the last he was tending
the garden he loved so well. Heart failure
' brought an end as sudden as it was painless.

TRADE NOTICE

Mr. J. Hughes, seedsman and florist, 140,
High Street, Harborne, Birmingham, for a period
of twenty-one years head gardener to tho late
A. F. Osier, Edgbaston ; twenty-nine years secre-
tary to the Birmingham Chrysanthemum exhi-
bitions ; founder and for twelve years honorary
secretary of the Birmingham Uardoners' Mutual

. Improvement Association, intends in future to
devote special attention to landscape gardening

-in all its branches.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

July 21.— Present: Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S., in the
chair; Messrs. Odell, Hudson, Massce, Saunders, Dr.
M. C. Cooke, Prof. Boulger, Rev. G. Henslow, Hon-
See. ; Canon Ellaeombe ; and Mr. Hunt, visitor from
New Zealand.

Verbascum Leaees, diseased.— Dr. Cooke pronounced
the fungus to be Oidiura Balsami. It also attacks
Turnips and Strawberries. Powdered sulphur is the
only remedy.

Gooseberry Disease.— Dr. Cooke reported on samples
sent from Cornwall as being Microsphsera Grossulariae.
The application of powdered sulphur is recommended.

Mammilaria with Dodder.— Prof. Boulgeb reported
that the specimen was attacked by some species of
Cuscuta. It might have been imported, as hedgerow
Cacti about Monte Video are commonly covered with
Dodder.

Pollination in Orchards. — Mr. Chittenden, o£ the
County Laboratories, Chelmsford, sent the results of
experiments in pollinating Pears and Apples. Of
eleven varieties of Pears artificially pollinated (March 3),
the flowers being protected by Manilla paper bags,
Conference and DuroDdcau set fruit abundantly ;
Bellissime d'Hiver and Pitmaston set one out of
eighteen and twelve flowers respectively, neither
haviDg set fruit last year. Of twenty-three varieties of
Apples Gladstone and Stirling Castle were self-fertile,
as they also were in 1903; Lord Derby and School-
master, which did not set fruit last year, gave positive
results. Of the eleven tried for the first time this
year, only King of the Pippins set fruit.

Carnations failing.— Mr. Douclas reported on plants
sent from Wetherby by Mrs. Duncome " growing in a
dry soil." " There was no disease, but the same result
ensues either from too much or from too little water.
It occurs when the pot-plants have been neglected, and
mucli rain will then kill the roots. Degenerated plants
may be too weak to produoe flowers, and they
may get into a state similar to those sent. Mortar-
rubble, bone-dust, powdered oyster-shells will supply
vigour to Carnations."

Papaver dubium, semi-double.— Mr. Wilks showed a
small plant, about 5 feet in height, with petaloid
stamens. The "doubling" was thus probably due to
starvation, a not infrequent cause.

Conference in New Zealand.— -Mr. Hunt gave some
account of the Conference in New Zealand upon fruit-
growing and horticulture ; and a discussion followed
upon planta of New Zealand desirable for culture in
England, in which Canon Ellaeombe, Dr. Masters, and
others joined.

HUNTINGDON, GODMANCHESTER.
HARTFORD, AND BRAMPTON
HORTICULTURAL.

July 2a.— The first show of the above was held at
Hinchingbrooke Park on the above date, and was a
great success. Lord Sandwich, who was in large
measure the promoter of the new Society, placed his
charming grounds at the disposal of the Committee.

The Quality.

With regard to the show itself there were three
divisions :— Cottagers' classes, confined to residents of
Huntingdon, Godmanchester, Brampton and Hartford ;
Amateurs' classes, open to the county; and Open
classes ; and the splendid number of 761 entries
were made by seventy- fix exhibitors, 29ft Cot-
tagers, 580 Amateurs, and 186 open classes. Most of
the classes received a fair number of entries, but in
each division Peas attracted tho largest number, being
twenty-one, twenty four, and eight respectively in the
three divisions. The quality of the exhibits altogether
was very good. The groups were particularly good,
and Lord Sandwich took 1st and Sir Arthur Marshall
2nd, with two extras in a really fine class. Vegetables
were of extraordinary quality, and fruit also was
excellent ; and Mr. Nutting, one of the judges, said he
could not help remarking on the absence of inferior
exhibits. The cottagers' exhibits were proportionately
in no less degree good.

The successes of Mr. Barson, gr. at Hinchinglirooke
Park, in the Open classes were phenomenal. Entries
were made in twenty-nine classes, and he secured no
fewer than twenty-five lsts,two2nds,andouc3rd, losing
in tho Sweet Pea class. The Silver Cup given by Miss
Willmott, (of Warloy Place, Woodford, Essex, for the
exhibitor taking the most 1st prizes therefore wont to
Him.

The complimentary exhibits were also much admired.
Mr. J. Sewoll, gr. to Archdeacon Vesey, showed a

specimen grown from a cutting of the Myrtle used in the
wedding bouquet of Her Majesty the Queen, which
excited great interest. Messrs. Wood & Ingram (Mr.
J. E. Perkins) had a fine display, as had also Messrs.
J. Wood Ingram & Son, Messrs. F. ;m. Bradley, Peter-
borough ; Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Peterborough ; and
Mr. A. Gifford, Huntingdon.
Open.

Six stove or greenhouse plants : 1st, Lord Sandwich ;
2nd, Sir A. W. Marshall.

Collection of fruit: 1st, Lord Sandwich; 2nd H.
Gilliat. Grapes : 1st, Lord Sandwich; 2nd, H.C.Jones.
Peaches : 1st, Lord Sandwich , 2nd, Sir. A. W. Mar-
shall. Nectarines; 1st, Lord De Ramsey; 2nd, Sir A. W.
Marshall.

REDHILL, REIGATE, AND DISTRICT
GARDENERS'.

July 22.— On the above date, sixty members of this
Society visited the gardens of Gunnersbury Park and
Gunnersbury House. The party was met at the station,
and conducted round Gunnersbury Park, and then
partook of refreshment, considerately prepared for
them by Leopold de Rothschild, Esq. Gunnersbury
House was then visited.

The party then proceeded to the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew, where the remainder of the day was
spent.

BRENTWOOD HORTICULTURAL.

An exhibition of plants and flowers has been held at
Brentwood for many years, and it may be regarded as
an active horticultural centre. Several tents were
filled with produce, and there were several features of
more than ordinary interest. One was a pretty exhi-
bition of Roses, some really very good flowers being
staged, and the competition took place under the rules
of the National Rose Society. The work of judging
was somewhat delayed by a storm, which broke over
the grounds of Middleton Hall in which the show was
.held.

The Brentwood and District Silver Challenge Cup,
offered for thirty-six distinct varieties of Roses, was
won by Messrs. Harkness & Co., Hitchin, who had in
good form, Alfred Colomb, Charles Lefebvre, Earl oi
Dufl'erin, MarCchal Niel, Marie Verdier, Mildred Grant,
Marie Baumann, Her Majesty, Dupuy Jamain, Jean
Soupert, Bessie Brown, Mrs. J. Laing, &c. Messrs. D.
Prior & Son, Nurserymen, ColcheBter, the winners of
the Cup last year, were 2nd, they having very good
bloomsof Ptince Arthur, Fisher Holmes, Mrs. J. Laing,
Thomas Mills, Helen Keller, Charles Darwin, Mrs.
W. J. Grant, &e. ; 3rd, Messrs. F. Cant & Co.

With twelve varieties, three blooms of each. Messrs.
D. Prior & Son took the 1st prize, having in fine cha-
racter Maman Cochet and its white variety, Duke of
Wellington, Fisher Holmes, Mrs. E. Mawley, Tom
Wood, Mrs. J. Laing, A. K. Williams, and Alfred
Colomb. Messrs. F. Cant & Co. were a good 2nd ; they
had in excellent character White Maman Cochet,
Horace Vernet, Mrs E. Mawiey, Marie Baumann, Bessie
Brown, Her Majesty, and Muriel Grahame.

Tea and Noisette Roses were shown in fine character.
Messrs. F. Cant & Co. were placed 1st with highly
developed blooms of Maman Cochet and its white va-
riety, Muriel Grahame. Mrs. E. Mawley, Comtesse de
Nadaillac, Souvenir d'Elise, The Bride, Bridesmaid,
&o. Messrs. D. Prior & Son were 2nd, they havinjr In
excellent character Mrs. E. Mawley, The Brido, Ethel
Brownlow, Princess of Wales, Ernest Metz, &c.

AMATSUBS.

In the Amateurs' division, the Rev. J. H. Pember-
ton. Havering, was 1st with twenty-four varieties; and
Mr. O. G. Orpen, Colchester, 2nd. Mr. Pemuerton
had iu very good form Mrs. J. Laing. Marchioness of
Duflerin, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Frau Karl Druschki, Mme.
Victor Verdier, Comte Raiubaud, Maman Cochet, Helen
Keller, Victor Hugo, &c.

Iu the class for twelve blooms Mr. Obpen came 1st,
and the Rev. J. H. Pemuebton 2nd; but Mr. Pkhbkr-
ton led again with twelve good blooms of Teas. With
four distinct varieties, three bloomsof each, tho Rev.
J H Pemuerton came 1st with Her Majesty, A. K.
Williams, white Maman Cochet, and Caroliuo Testout
in line character; Mr. O. G. Orpen came 2nd.

With six blooms of one variety, Mr. Pkmiiekton came
1st with white Maman Cochet, Mr. Orpen coming 2nd
with the same variety.

In the class for twelve varieties of Roses, in which
the Brentford and District Challenge Cup f or amateurs
was oilered in addition to the 1st prize, tho Rev.
J. 11. Pemuerton wrested the Cup from the previous
holder, Mr. Oupkn. having fine examples of Gustavo
Piganneau, Frau Karl Druschki, Mario Baumann,
Maman Cochet, white do.; Bessie Brown, Madame
Hausman, &0, ; Mr. Orpen came 2nd wltk good blooms
of much the same varieties.

A vory lino feature was furnished by tho two classes
for garden Roses, in one of whloh tho trado oxhlbitad

80

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE,

[August 1, 1903.

twelve bunches, the 1st prize falling to the lot of
Messrs. F. Cant it Co., who had excellent flowers.

In the way of plants there were ornamental groups,
the 1st prize in the class for a large one falling to the
lot of Mr. Preece, gr. to Miss Willmott, Warley Place ;
and Mr. Holloway was 2nd, The smaller groups had
many creditable points. The finest feature in the show
consisted in the six very fine exotic Ferns shown by
Mr. Preece ; they comprised a gold and also a silver
Gymnogramma, Marattia elegans, Davallia fijiensif,
and Adiantum fragrantissinium. Mr. H. Holloway
was 2nd ; he had a splendid plant of Davallia
fijiensis fully 6 feet through — a superb specimen.
Gloxinias, Fuchsias, Begonias, Coleus, Streptocarpus,
&c, were also shown in good character. Plant culture
in the form of well- developed specimens appears
to be an art which is in danger of dying out, and the
gardener appears to think that what he grows for
ordinary house decoration is good enough for a flower
show. The cure for this seeming neglect will come
when the judges have the courage to withhold prizes
from such exhibits on the ground that they show no
special excellence of culture.

Fbuit
was somewhat sparingly produced. Mr. Pkeece ob-
tained the 1st prize for six dishes having Black Ham-
. burgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Barrington
Peaches, River's Orarge Nectarine, a Melon, and dish
of Figs, a good collection ; Mr. W. Green, Harold
Wood, was Snd.

Mr. Preece was 1st with three bunches of White
Grapes, having Foster's Seedling. With the same
number of bunches of black Grapes, Mr. W. Greek
took the 1st prize with Black Hamburgh.

Mr. Preece was placed 1st with a good dish of
Barrington Peaches in the class for six fruits ; and in
that for a dish of Nectarines, having River's Orange.
Strawberries. Cherries, and Gooseberries were also
shown, and by amateurs and cottagers as well.

Vegetables.

These productions were numerous, and the cottagers
made a brave display. The prizes offered by Messrs.
Sutton & Sons, Reading, for six dishes of vegetables
brought some good collections.

Among miscellaneous exhibits was a large outdoor
group of hardy variegated shrubs &c, of excellent
character, from Mr. John Russell, Nurseryman
Brentwood and Hampstead ; Mr. Leonard Brown'
Seven Arches, Brentwood, had fine Sweet Peas and
hardy flowers ; Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries
Cheshunt, had bunches of hardy flowers, and Mr o'
Chitty, Market Place, Romford, Sweet Peas.

Some plants of Warley Scarlet Verbena, an excellent
companion to Miss Willmott, was staged by some
exhibitor.

SOUTHERN COUNTIES CARNATION.

With regard to this important Society, we take the
following extracts from the Hampshire Advertiser and
County flews :

Exhibitors were attracted from far and near, one
from as far north as Kilmarnock, in Scotland, to the
sixth annual show of the Southern Counties Carnation
Society, which was held on Friday, July 24, iu the
Pavilion of the Royal Pier, Southampton. Happily the
weather was fine, and the magnificent floral exhibition
was inspected with much gratification and delight by
a large number of visitors, the display being one of
which any Society might well be proud. Undoubtedly
the show was the best ever held under the auspices of
the Society, and it had considerably more than 350
entries. In addition to the competitive classes, there
was a large number of extra exhibits not for competi-
tion. The largest in that way was Mr. W. Garton, of
Roselands, Woolston, who not only sent a number of
very fine Palms, but other plants, which were set out
in an attractive manner on the ceDtral table

On entering the pavilion the first object' to attract
attention was a group of plants very tastefully ar-
ranged in the entrance lobby, sent by Messrs W H
Rogers & Son, Ltd. Inside the pavilion we noticed a
very effective little group, in which Carnations pre-
dominated, sent by the courteous honorary secretary
Mr. v. . Garton, jun. Alongside was a very fine collec-
tion of Sweet Peas, sent by Mr. W. c. Breadmore of
Winchester. Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon of Bath
had a very excellent display of Begonias ; whiieMessrs'
Phillips & Taylor, of Bracknell, Berks, had a very
pretty stand, on which; the principal attraction con-
sisted of trays of various coloured Water-Lilies As
usual, Messrs. Cutbush & Sons, of Highgate, had a
stand of Carnation blooms, not for competition, which
were very fine, as were also those shown by Mr
Douglas. Messrs. B. Ladhams, Ltd , Shirley, showed
a splendid lot of cut blooms of herbaceous perennials
and Mr. E. Wills, Shirley, had an extensive collection
of nursery stock not for competition. Dealing with
the competitive classes, not only was the show larger
than in past years, but the quality was exceedingly
good.

In the smaller classes the exhibits were meritorious
perhaps the best exhibits being in the fancy and

the yellow-grounds. It was a source of satisfaction to
notice In such brilliant company that a Southampton
amateur, Mr. J. J. Keen, of Avenue Road, wasiable to
figure conspicuously. A very attractive feature in the
show was undoubtedly the table decorations with
Sweet Peas, there being no fewer than nine tables
arranged for the prizes offered by Messrs. B. Ladhams,
Ltd. Miss Minnie Snelgrove gained the 1st prize with
an admirable arrangement, and also took the premier
award for table decoration, having Carnations as the
leading feature, which was also a very good exhibit.
The Sweet Pea classes were very well filled, and greatly
added to the interest of the show.
Appended is the list of awards :—

Carnations — Flakes and Bharres. twelve blooms, dis-
similar —1st, Mr. F. A. Wellesley, Woking ; 2nd, Messr?.
Thomson & Co., Birmingham; 3rd, Messrs. Pember-
ton & Son, Walsall. Six blooms, dissimilar.— 1st, Mr.
J. Fairlie, Acton ; 2nd, Mr. J. J. Keen, Avenue Road,
Southampton ; 3rd, Mr. D. Walker, Kilmarnock.

White Ground Picotees, twelve blooms.— 1st, Messrs.
Pemberton & Son ; 2nd, Messrs. Thomson & Co. ; 3rd,
Mr. F. A. Wellesley. Six Picotee Blooms, dissimilar.—
1st, Mr. J. Fairlie; 2nd, Mr. J. J. Keen; 3rd, Mr. W.
Spencer, jun , Windsor.

Yellow ground Picotees, twelve blooms, dissimilar.— 1st,
Mr. Martin R. Smith; 2nd, Mr. F. A. Wellesley; 3rd,
Messrs. Thomson & Co. Six Blooms, dissimilar.— 1st,
Mr. J. J. Keen ; 2nd, Mr. W. SpeDcer, jun. ; 3rd, Mr.

E. H. Buckland, Southgate House, Winchester.
Yellow Grounds and Fancy Carnations (white grounds,

self flowers, and yellow-ground Picotees excluded),
twelveCarnation Blooms, dissimilar .— 1st, Mr. F. Wellesley;
2nd, Mr. Martin R. Smith ; 3rd, Mr. E. J. Wootten. Six
Carnation Blooms, dissimilar.— 1st, Mr. W. H. Parton,
jun., King's Heath, Birmingham ; 2nd, Mr. W. Spencer,
jun. ; 3rd, Mr. J. Fairlie.

Selfs, twelve Carnation blooms, dissimilar.— 1st, Messrs.
Thomson & Co. ; 2nd, Mr. Martin R. Smith ; 3rd, Mr. f!
Wellesley. Six Carnation blooms, dissimilar.— 1st, Mr.

F. W. Flight; 2nd, Mr. W. H. Parton, junr. ; 3rd, Mr.
David Walker.

Single Blooms.

Carnaf iims.-Bizarres and flakes, scarlet: 1st, and 2nd,
Messrs. A. Pemberton & Son. Crimson.— 1st, Mr. F.
Wellesley ; 2nd, Mr. R. Sydenham. Pink.— 1st, Messrs]
Pemberton &. Son ; 2nd, Messrs. Thomson & Co. Purple
flakes— 1st and 2nd, Mr. F. Wellesley. Scarlet flakes —
1st, Messrs. Pemberton & Son; 2nd, Mr. F. W. Flight.
Rose flakes.— 1st and 2nd, Messrs. Thomson & Co.

Picotees, red heavy edged— 1st, Mr. J. J. Keen ; 2nd,
Mr. W. Spencer j 3rd, Mr. F. Wellesley. Purple heavy
edged.— 1st, and 2nd, Messrs. Pemberton & Son : 3rd,
Mr. D. Walker. Rose heavy edged.— 1st, Mr. W. Spen-
cer ; 2nd, Mr. R. Sydenham ; 3rd, Messrs. Thomson &
Co. Scarlet heavy edged.— 1st and 2nd, Messrs. Thom-
son & Co; 3rd, Messrs. Pemberton &Son. Red light
edged.— 1st, Mr. J. J. Keen; Snd, Mr. S. Hayter; 3rd,
Mr. R. Sydenham. Purple light edged.— 1st, Mr. W.
Spencer; 2nd and 3rd, Mr. F. Wellesley. Rose or
Scarlet light edged.— 1st, Mr. F. Wellesley ; 2nd and
3rd, Mr. J. J. Keen. Yellow ground heavy edged.— 1st,
Mr. J. J. Keen ; 2nd and 3rd, Mr. F. Wellesley Yellow
light edged.— 1st, Mr. H. W. Matthias; 2nd, Mr. E. H.
Buckland; 3rd and 4th, Mr. R. Smith.

Selfs, any colour.— 1st, Mr. E. J. Wootten ; 2nd, Mr
F. Wellesley; 3rd, Mr. M. R. Smith.

Fancies (single bloom).— 1st, Mr. F. Wellesley; 2nd,
Mr. M. R. Smith ; 3rd, Mr. W. Spencer.

Premier Carnations.— Bizarre.— Mr. F. Wellesley, with
S. Hedderley. Flake.— Messrs. Pemberton and Son
with Flamingo. Self.— Mr. W. Spencer, junr., with Sir
Boys. Fancy .-Mr. F. A. Wellesley with Charles Martel.

Premier Picotees.— White ground.— Mr. F. A. Wellesley
with Fortrose. Yellow ground.— Mr. H. W. Matthias,
Thames Ditton, with Pilgrim.

Table Decoration.
Dinner table arrangement of Carnation or Picotee
blooms, or both.— 1st, Miss N. Snelgrove. 10, Oxford Road,
Southampton ; 2nd, Mr. R. H. Jeffery, Nursling.

Sweet Peas.

Nine distinct varieties in bunches of thirty, open (prizes
presented by Mr. R. Sydenham, Birmingham). — 1st,
large Silver Medal, Mr. A. Maple, Aldermore ; 2nd,
Silver Medal, Mr. R. H Jeffery; 3rd, Mr. C. A. Linzee.

Decorated tab'e centre (prizes offered by Messrs. B.
Ladhams, Ltd., Shirley).— 1st, Miss M Snellgrove ; 2nd]
Miss S. E. Burtt; 3rd, Mrs. Misselbrook, Atherley
Road, North, Southampton.

Mne varieties Sweet Peas in bunches of thirty (prizes
presented by Messrs. Toogood and Sons, Southampton).
—1st, Toogood Championship Challenge Shield, Mr.
H. H. Lees, Grosvenor Road, Portswood; 2nd, Mr. A.
Maple ; 3rd, Sir Samuel Montagu, Bart., South Stone-
ham House (gr., T. Hall).

Nine bunches Sweet Peas, dittinct (prizes offered by Mr.
C. W. Breadmore, Winchester).— 1st, Mr. F. M. Middle-
ton, Old Alresford ; 2nd, Mr. A. Maple j 3rd, Mr. R. H.
Jeffery.

HOW PLANTS SCATTER THEIR
SEEDS.

(Continued from p. 54.)-
In the Fool's Parsley a layer of the fruit
becomes spongy, in the Corn Salad two loculi of
the fruit become bladders, in the Strawberry
Trefoil and Lady's-Fingers the calyx becomes
bladdery in character ; these structures thus, in
such cases, replacing the " wings."

Another kind of structural contrivance adapted
to the wind's agency is that of hairs of various
kinds ; and these play a wide and useful: role in
effecting the distribution of seeds. They are
among the most wonderful and beautiful of the
devices which have been sought for by plants to
attain the all-important end of seed-distribution.
First and foremost in this category stands the
great family of Composites, the largest, richest,
and most widely-extended order of plants on the
earth, comprising 10,000 species ; and doubtless one
of the chief factors which have contributed to give
the order its great wealth of species is its happy
method of seed-distribution. In these plants the
seeds are not shed separately, but each is' tightly
enclosed in a tiny fruit or achene, great numbers
of these fruits being produced on the single head,
which is commonly styled the "flower," but
which in reality consists of very many flowers.
The calyx, which is here inserted on the top of
the little fruit or achene, is strangely modified
into widely radiating, long hairs, toothed,
feathery, or silky, as the case may be. The
faintest breath of air, when once the tiny fruits
are ripe and detached from the flower-head, is
enough to waft them upwards and far away
through the air, when each looks like a miniature
parachute, the small, dark seed-vessel hanging
from the widely expanded white pappus of hairs,
which may carry it many miles from the parent-
plant before it finds lodgment on the ground in a
suitable place for the germination of the enclosed
seed.

Such structures cross our path on every autumn
ramble, blown from the Hawk-weeds, Hawk-bits,
Cat's-ears, Sow Thistles, Spear and Corn Thistles,
and Dandelions : in the latter plants and in the
Goat's-beard they are sometimes united into downy
globes. In the beautiful blue Pasque-flower (Ane-
mone Pulsatilla), the Traveller's Joy, or Clematis,
covering our hedges in some parts of the country
during the late summer, and the Mountain Avens,
the style or stigma of the fruit develops into a
long feathery appendage, greatly adding to the
decorative aspect of the plant, and contributing,
doubtless, admirably towards scattering wide the
small fruits or achenes.

Coming to the Willow herbs, those ornaments
of our ditches and river-sides, we observe that
their linear capsules, on splitting, liberate great
numbers of minute seeds, each provided with a
tuft of long, extremely delicate hairs at one end,
which serve, as in the case of the fruits of the
Composites, to carry it, parachute-like, a great dis-
tance through the air. Similar hairs are attached
to the seeds of the Willows, but in this case at the
base, instead of at the top, their brilliantly- white,
woolly seeds, escaping from the two- valved capsule,
are well known in the spring. In some common
grasses, as the Downy Oat-grass, and the common
Eeed, as also in the conspicuous and peculiar Cotton-
grass of our moors, the long hairs are the agents
in the dispersal of their seeds or fruits.

Many plants depend upon a marvellous me-
chanical contrivance for the wide sowing of their
seeds. The seed vessels, at first, in their unripe
state, green and sappy, as they gradually dry and
ripen, become dark-coloured and hard, losing all
their sap, this latter naturally causing them to
contract, so that an ever-increasing tension is set
up, until finally, on some dry, warm day, the
valves of the capsule fly asunder with an elastic
spring, often accompanied by a loud report,
ejecting the seeds with lightning-like rapidity

August 1, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

v

87

sufficient to sting the flesh of anyone standing
near. Such phenomena are afforded by the
common Yellow Broom, the Bitter Vetch, the
Meadow Vetchling, Spurge, &c. In the Bird's-
foot Trefoil and one or two others, this burst-
ing apart of the valves is accompanied by a
sudden spiral twisting of the latter, which greatly
aids to send the seeds flying off. Specially inte-
resting is the Geranium family in this respect ;
the long beak of the fruit, like the Crane's-bill,
from which the plant derives its generic name, is
not merely peculiar in appearance, but has its
stereotyped use. It consists of five narrow,
elongated valves or carpels, each terminating
below in a capsule or achene enclosing a seed.
As the valves dry more rapidly than the tissue
beneath them, they become at length submitted
to great tension, so that each becomes finally
suddenly detached at the base, the point of least
resistance, and the valves remaining still united
at the tip of the long beak, each curls suddenly
up and outwards like a watch-spring, and the
lower swollen part or capsule, which has never
been wholly closed along its ventral face, hurls
the seed away to a great distance by this beau-
tiful contrivance, the valves eventually assuming
the position shown. In some species the lower
swollen part of each carpel itself gets hurled
away with its enclosed seed.

The splitting open of the valves of the Violet
capsule does not liberate the seeds ; here the two
sides of each hollow carpel gradually approach
each other, squeezing the smooth seeds, and by
this curious method eventually flicking them all
away to a considerable distance.

In one of our rarer wild plants, the Balsam or
Touch-Me-Not, an inner layer of the elongated
pod becomes turgid and swollen with sap, and
thereby submitted to great tension. A slight
touch, as from an animal brushing against it, is
enough to release this tension, and cause the
valves of the fruit suddenly to curl up inwards
with lightning-like rapidity, and with such force
as to send them, along with the seeds, flying far
away.

Some members of the Labiate family, which
has been mentioned earlier, have resilient
peduncles which, on being pressed downwards by
the wind or by any object touching them, say, a
passing animal, spring elastically back into their
original position. The small fruits lie loosely at
the base of the calyx tube, and by this resilient
motion of the stalk are ejected from their recess
and sent flying through the air, a definite direc-
tion to their flight being given either by the
calyx teeth at the orifice of the tube, or by a ring
of outwardly - directed, convergent stiff hairs
between which the seeds are obliged to pass
W. C. Worsdell, F.L.S.

{To be continued.)

FLOODS IN THE LEA VALLEY.— Amongst the
many sufferers from the recent floods, probably to
none has the result been more disastrous than to
Mr. F. Scholes and his brother, who occupy some
4 J acres of land near Lea Bridge Station. Owing
to the proximity of the local gas-works, the flood-
water was charged with amtnoniacal liquor and
other deleterious refuse, and the destruction of
their growing stock, consisting of hardy perennials,
&c, is most deplorable, the loss being accentuated
by the fact that the seed-beds, from which the land
would be planted , have suffered greatly. Dismayed
by the trouble by which they have been overtaken,
Messrs. Scholes have appealed to me to know if
anything can be done to assist them, and, having
seen how great is the destruction, I am sending
this statement, and would deem it a favour
if you would insert it in your journal. I
Shall be pleased to acknowledge any sums your
generous readers may send to me, and will ask a
lew prominent growers to associate themselves
with me in the disposition of the fund. H. B.
^?!/> Uyson't Lane Nursery, Upper Edmonton, N.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken In the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswlck.
London, for the period July 19 to July 25, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet.

IP*

s

Temperature
of the Aih.

AtSi.M

Tempera-
ture of the

SOILat9A.M.

CL

d

O

■o

■o

o

o

9

A

n

<

■<

go

H

CD

I
3

SUN. 19
MON.20
TUES.21
Wed. 22
Thu. 23
FBI. 24
SAT. 25

Means

S.W.
N.E.
S.E.
S.W.
S.W.
S.W.
S.W.

62-9 59'4 67'6 55'5 0"02 63'4
55'364'455-9

M

•O

57'2
59-6
645
(54-6
561
66'2

56-8,70-5
61-273-2
59-7i66-9
54-4 70-2
57-870-4

63-0
47-5 0-02,61 -3
49-5001 63-2
54-0^-20 63-5
54-00-0162-2
45-5 072 61-8

61-5 58-2
61-3 58-2
61-0 58-4
61-2 58-4
61-2 58-4
61-258-4
61-058-4

D
■O

501

53-9

39-5

40-9

461

53-4

I Tot1
61-6 57-8 69-051-7 198 62 -6 61-258 346-l

I I I I I I I I

Remarks.— A week of dull weather, with rain on six
days.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The following Sdmmary Record of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
July 25, Is furnished from the Meteorological Office :—

"The weather was at first fair and dry in most dis-
tricts, but afterwards became wet and unsettled, with
thunder-storms or thunder only in several isolated
parts of the United Kingdom. Very heavy rain fell in
the east and south-east of England on Thursday night,
and considerable quantities in some parts of our
southern counties on Saturday.

" The temperature was slightly below the mean in all
districts excepting Ireland, 3., and the Channel Island?.
The highest readings which occurred at times varying
greatly in different places ranged from 75* in several
parts of the Wheat producing districts to 69° in Ire-
land, N., and the Channel Islands. The lowest readings
also varied not only as regards the time of their occur-
rence, but also with respect to the readings actually
recorded, the absolute minima at some stations being
as many as 10° or 12° lower than at other stations in the
same district. The readings shown in the table, which
were nearly all recorded at isolated places ranged
from 35° in Scotland, E., and 37° in England, N.E., to 45°
in England, S.W., and 52° in the Channel Islands.

" The rainfal was less than the mean in Scotland, but
generally in excess of the normal over England and
Ireland. In England, S.W , and the Channel Islands,
the fall wag more than twice, while in England E. and
S. it was more than three times the average. The
amount collected on Friday morning was as much as
8'8 inches at Cambridge, 2 inches at Shoeburyness, and
1-9 inches at Hastings. At the Royal Observatory
Greenwich, 32 inches were measured on the same day ;
while at stations in and around West Ham, the amount
varied between 8*9 inches and 4 Inches (the records
from these places were not used in the preparation of
the above summary).

" Tne bright sunshine was in excess of the mean over
Ireland, Scotland, and the north-west of Englaud, bat
showed a considerable deficiency over the Eastern.
Midland, and Southern counties. The percentage of
the possible duration ranged from 42 in Scotland, N.,
and the Channel Islands, and 41 in Scotland, \V , to
only 96 in England, and the Midland counties."

THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS.
The present cold and wet period has now lasted over
a fortnight, during which there has been only one
seasonably warm day, and on four nights readings
below 10° wore registered by the exposed thermome'er.
The ground is now at about an average temperatui o ai

2 feet deep, but 2° colder than is seasonable at 1 foot
deep. Rain has fallen on all but two of the last twelve
days, and to the aggregate depth of 3 inches, which is
equivalent to a fall of fourteen gallons on each square
yard of surface in my garden. Of that amount eight
gallons have already come through the 2% feet of
soil in the bare soil percolation gauge, but less
than half -a- gallon through the gauge on which
short grass is growing. The latter quantity is,
however, the more exceptional of the two, as it
is very seldom that any rainwater at all finds its way
through that gauge after about the middle of May. On
the 23rd rain began falling at 5.30 p.m., and continued
without intermission until 7 o'clock on the following
morning. For the above 13§ hours the total measure-
ment amounted to nearly an inch. This is a heavy fall
for a single day— in fact, a larger quantity for 24 hours
has only been recorded here in five of the last eighteen
July's. During the past week the sun shone on an aver-
age for less than 4 hours a day, or for a shorter period
by about 2 hours a day than usual. The winds, although
as a rule of only average strength, were higher than
in the previous fortnight. The amount of moisture in
the air in the middle of the day was about twelve per
cent, in excess of the July mean. E. M , Berkhamsted,
July 28, 1903.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, July 30.

[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered 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
f demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day
- " to day, but often several times in one day. Ed.]

Cut Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Prices.

Alstrcemeria, doz

bunches

Asters, bunches...

Azaleas, doz. bun.

Carnations, per

doz. bunches

— Malmaisons,
doz

Coreopsis, dozen
bunches

Eucharis

Ferns, Asparagus,
per bunch ...

— French, per
doz. bunches

— Maidenhair,
doz. bunches

Gardenias, p. box

Gladiolus, White,

doz. bunches ...

— Blushing
Bride, dozen
bunches

— Brenchleyensis
per bunch ...

— various, bnch
Gypsophila, bun.
Ltllums, longi-

florum, per
buncb

— lanci folium,
per bunch ...

— candidum.per

bunch

rubrum.bnch.

— auratum.bnch.

s.d. s.d.

4 0-60
0 4-16
2 0-40

2 0-12 0

6 0-12 0

10-20
2 0-30

10-26

0 1-06

4 o- a o

16-30
2 0-60

4 0-60

10-20
0 6-10
0 3- u 4

10-20
10-20
10-20

Lily of the Valley,
p. doz. bunches

Lupins, doz. bun.

Malva, doz. bun.

Marguerites, yel-
low, doz. bunch.

Mignonette, dqz.

Orchids : Cattleya,
dozen blooms...

Pelargoninms,
zonal, dozen
bunches

Phlox, per dozen
bundles

Poppies, Iceland,
p. doz. bunches

Roses, Merinet, doz.

— various, per
bunch

— red, 12 bnch s.

— white, bunch

— pink, bunch
Smilax, doz. trails
Stenactis speciosa

(pale mauve),

doz. bunches ...
Stephanotis, per

dozen

Stocks, per dozen

buncbes

Sweet Peas, per

dozen bunches
Tuberoses, strong,
per bunch ...

— per dozen ...

s.d. s.d.

6 0-12 0

3 0-40

4 0-60

16-20
2 0-30

6 0-12 0

0 6-10

16-20

0 2-16
2 0-60
10-26
0 4-16
16-26

2 0-30

16-20

2 0-40

10-30

0 9-10
0 2-03

Plants in Pots, Ac— Average Wholesale Prices.

Acers, each

Adl.ullUMIS. dOZ.

Aralias, per doz.
Arbor Vitffl, per

dozen

Aspidistras, doz.
Aucubas, per doz.
Campanulas, doz.
Chrysanthemum

coronarin m

(Douole yellow

Marguerites) ...
'— Etoile d'Or,

dozeu

Coleuses. per doz
Coreopsis dozeu
Crassulaj. dozeu
Crotons, per doz.
Dracienas, variety,

dozen

Euonymus, vars.,

per dozen
Ferns in var.per

dozeu

— Japanese balls,

.V- ■ e.o-h

Flcuselastlca.djz.

«. d. s. d.
2 0-26
4 0-80
4 0-80

9 0-18 0
18 0-36 0
4 0-80
4 0-60

2 0-60

6 0-12 0
4 0-50
4 0-60

8 0-12 0
12 0-24 0

12 0-48 C

4 0-60

4 0-30 0

1(1-11

9 0-J4 0

Fuchsias, p. doz.
Heliotrope
Hydrangeas, doz.
L 1 1 i u m longi-
florum.perdoz.

— la in- itoiiiiin,
per dozen ...

Lycopodiums, p.

dozen

Marguerites, doz.
Mtgnonotte. doz.
Orange- trees, each
Palms, var., each
Pelargoniums,

— Oak - leaved,
scented, doz.
pink, per doz.

— scarlet, dozen
Petunias, p. doz.

— in boxes
Pteris tremula, dz.

— Wimsctti.doz.
Khodauthes, per

dozen

Kose Trees, per

dozeu

Verbenas, dozeu

s.d. s.d.

3 0-60

4 n- 6 0
8 0-24 0

6 0-12 0

6 0-12 0

3 0-40

3 0-12 0

4 0-60
3 0-71
3 0-20 0

3 0-40

4 II- li 0
.1 0-6 0

4 0 ''■ 0

1 o- 1 6
4 0-80
4 0-80

2 0-40

8 0-1 J 0

I 0-10 u

c
88

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 1, 1903.

Fbcit.— .

Apples, borne-
grown, per half
bushel

Bananas, bunch..

— loose, dozen .
Cherries, sieve ...
Currants, Red,

per sieve

— Black, sieve...
Figs, per dozen...
Grapes, Alicante,

per lb.

— GrosMaroo.lb

— Hamburgh,

A., per lb.
B., per lb.

— Muscats, A.,
per lb.

Average Wholesale Prices.
s.d. l.d.

Grapes, Muscats,
B., per lb.
6-46' Gooseberries, per

9 0-12 0 | sieve

10-16 Lemons, per case

4 0-10 0 ! Melons, each ...

Nectarines, A.,per

6 0-66 dozen

12 0 — — B., per doz. ...

2 0-40 Oranges, per case

Peaches, A., per

0 10-1 6 , dozen

16-20 — B., per dozen
Pines, each

2 6- 3 0 \ Plums, per sieve
0 8- 1 0 i Raspberries, per

, dozen punnets

3 0-401 — per cwt.

s.d. $.d.

4 0-46
8 0-12 0

2 0 —

8 0-12 0

3 0-60
13 0 —

9 0-15 0

2 0-60

3 0-60
9 0-12 0

6 0 —
40 0-42 0

do. ; do., Black, 6d. do. ; Peaches, 4d. to 6d. each ;
Cherries, 60". to 8rf. per lb. ; Strawberries, 6d. do. ;
Grapes, English, is. 6<J. to 3s. 6d. do. ; Pines, foreign,
48. 6d. to 6s. each ; Mushrooms, Is. per lb. Birkenhead :—
Potatos, is. 6d. per peck; do., new, Id. per lb. ; Peas,
lOd. to is. 6d. per peck; Cucumbers, 2d. to 6d. each;
Strawberries, 4d. to 8d. per lb. ; Currants. Red, 6d. to
8d. do. ; do., Black, lOd. to Is. do.; do., White, 6d. to
8d. do. ; Peaches, 4d. to 6d. each ; Cherries, 6d. to 8d,
per lb.; Apricots, Is. to Is. 6d. per dozen; Goose-
berries, 3d. to 4d. per quart ; Grapes, English, 2s. to
4s (per lb.; Tomatos, EDglish, 6d. to 8d. do.; Mush-
rooms, French, n. to Is. 4d. do. ; Filberts, 8d. do.

Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices.

Artichokes, Globe,

per dozen ...

Beans, dwarf, lb.

— broad, bush. .

— Scarlet Run-
ners, p. sieve

Beetroots, per

doz bunches

Cabbages, tally ...

Carrots, new, per

dozen

Cauliflowers, per

dozen

Celery, per dozen

bundles
Cress, per dozen

punnets

Cucumbers, per

dozen

Endive, per doz.
Garlic, per lb. ...
Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch
Leeks, per dozen

bunches

Lettuces, Cabbage,

per dozen
Lettuce, Cos, per

score

Mint, per dozen

bunches

s. d. s. d.

s.d. 8. d.

Mushrooms, house,

1 6 - per lb 0 9 10

0 3 — j Onions, per case .50 —
16-20 — green, per

dozen 16-26

4 0- .i 0 Parsley, per doz.

bunches ... 2 0-30

2 0-30 — sieve 1 C- 1 6

3 0- 5 0 I Peas, per bag ... 4 0-70

— per bushel ... 2 6-38
10-13 Potatos, per ton 900-1300

— St. Malo, per

2 6-30 cwt. 5 0 —

i — Lincoln, <ic. 4 6-60
10 0-12 0 , Radishes, per

dozen bunches 0 9-10
13 — Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz.... 13 —
lft-3 6 Spinach, per

2 0-261 strike 20 —

0 2 — Tomatos, Channel

Islands, per lb. 0 4-0 4*
16-19 — English, per

12 lb 4 0-50

16-20 Turnips, new, per

doz. bunches 2 o- 4 0
0 9-10' — per bag ... 50 -

Vegetable - Mar-
0 6-16 rows, per dozen 1 20

Watercress, per
2 0-26 dozen bunches. i- 0 6

Remakes.— Strawberries are practically over >r the
season, and Cherries will soon follow suit. A few
Napoleons, Flemish, and Morellas of fair qua.ityare
still coming in. Some Turnips in bags and bushels
are now arriving. Valencia Melons in cases of 24 or 36,
fetch 12s. ; Broad Windsor Beans in bags, at 3s. ; Eng-
lish Apples are Early Juliens, Juneating, Keswick
Codlin, Ac. ; Green Walnuts fetch 4s. to 4s. id. per sieve.
The Oranges quoted are Murcia, 203 in a box ; some
Cape Tangierines in trays, Is. 6d. to 2s. per tray ; home-
grown Dwarf and Runner Beans are now coming in.

Potato?.
Home-grown, 5s. to 6s. per cwt. John Bath, 32 & 34,
Wellington Street, Covent garden.

COEN.

Average Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.),
for the week ending July 25, 1903, and for the corre-
sponding period of 1902, together with the difference
in the quotations. These figures are based on the
Official Weekly Return :—

Description.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Wheat _ ™

Barley

Oats

«. d.
31 5

25 0

22 a

«. rf.

28 7

20 10
18 5

i. d.

— 2 10

— 4 2

— 4 3

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

Glasgow, July 29.— The following are the averages
of the prices during the past week :— Apples, Lisbon,
1.8. to 12s. per case; Oranges, Naples, sj. to lCs. per
box ; Melons, 7s. to 9s. per case ; Lemons, 68. to 10s. per
box, and 7s. to 14s. per case ; Grapes, English, Is. 3d.
to 28. 9d. per lb. ; do., Scotch, 28s. to 30s. per cwt. ;
Strawberries, 4rf. to Id. per lb. ; Tomatos, 5d. to Srf. do. ;
Mushrooms. 18. to Is. 6d. do. ; Onions, 3s. 6d. to 5s. per
case ; Dutch Barrington Gooseberries, 20s. to i2s. per
cwt.

Liverpool, July 29. — Wholesale Vegetable Market. —
Potatos, per cwt.. Early Regents, 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d. ;
Kidneys, 4s. 6d. to 6s. 6d. ; British Queen, 3s. yd. to 5s. ;
Turnips, sd. to lOd. per 12 bunches; Swedes, 3s. to 3s. 6d.
per cwt. : Carrots, 8d. to lOd. per 12 buDChes ; Onions,
foreign, r.s. to 6s. per cwt. ; Parsley, 4d. to 6d. per
dozen bunches ; Lettuces, 6d. to lOd. per dozen ; Cu-
cumbers, Is. ed. to 38. do. ; Cauliflowers, Is. to 2s 3d.
do. ; Cabbages, Sd. to 18. do. ; Peas, 3s. 9d. to 6s. per
hamper: Beans 2& vd. to 3s. 9d. do. St. John's— Potatos,
new, irf. per lb.; Asparagus, 2s. to 4s. per 100;
Peas. is. 6d. per peek; Cucumbers, 3d. to 6d. each;
Apricots, 18. to Is. 6d. per dozen ; Gooseberries, 3d.
10 4d. per lb.; Currants, white, 4d. do.; do., Red, 6d.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Books : Buds. The best work we know of is
The Art of Grafting and Budding, by Chas.
Baltet. It was published by W. Robinson,
The Garden Office, and doubtless is now out of
print, and obtainable only at the old bookstalls.

Carnation Diseased : E. Semper. Uredo
Dianthi, Carnation spot. Burn the affected
leaves and spray the plants with liver of
sulphur, i oz. to 1 gallon of water.

Correction : Mr. Francis Wellesley desires us
to correct an error that has crept into our
report of last Tuesday's Carnation Show. The
1st prize for twenty-four flakes and bizarres was
awarded to him, and not to Mr. Thos. Lord, as
stated by our reporter.

Cucumber Plant Diseased : J. J. P., Stroud.
The soil sent is healthy and sweet, but we
should be chary about using the manure mixed
with it. The roots, stem, and most of the
foliage were in an apparently healthy condi-
tion. Some of the leaves showed traces of
Cercospora, a fungus which is spreading fast in
this country, and about the life-history of
which little is known. Up to the present, fun-
gologists can only advise the destruction of the
plants attacked.

Grapes : W. S. The " spot " disease, often men-
tioned in "Answers to Correspondents." Consult
recent issues of the Gardeners' Chronicle.

Grubs in Rose-shoots : W. H. D. The larva; of
a rather uncommon Sawfly, which when full fed
are said to change to the chrysalis stage, in the
cut ends of the old shoots. Your best course is
to cut off all the infested shoots and burn
them ; the old shoots should also be carefully
examined in the late autumn or winter, and the
chrysalids destroyed.

History of the Chrysanthemum : F. L. The
history of this plant was given in these pages
by Mr. W. B. Hemsley, on p. 521, Nov. 9;
p. 555, Nov. 16 ; p. 585, Nov. 23, and p. C52,
December 7, all in 1889 ; also more recently by
Dr. Henry. We are not acquainted with any
book giving similar information to that given
in these papers.

Madresfield Court Grape Cracking : H. D.
About the time of the final swelling the
humidity of the air of the vinery should be
lessened by affording a considerable amount of
ventilation and a little fire-heat, avoiding at
that time the application of water to the border,
doing this at an earlier date, and affording
sufficient to last for a month or two. The
variety is not the best for late keeping, owing
to its liability to the cracking of the berries.

Melon Injured : H. J. K. The fungus present
in the diseased portion of the Melon is not the
cause of the decay. An entrance has been
gained through a puncture or bruise of the
rind caused by some other agent.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
T. W., Hexthorpe. The Bee Orchis (Ophrys
apifera). — Grange. 1, Poa maritima ; 2, Arrhe-
natherum avenaceum (starved specimen). — M.
Buysmann's. The Potentilla is probably some
form of P. recta, but the Potentillas of this
section are most critical, and we should like to
know exactly the home of the plant before ex-
pressing an opinion. Unfortunately there is
no recent monograph of the genus. — J. R.
Spiraea Douglasi. — W. B. 1, Lilium croceum
var. ; 2, Geranium pratense; 3, Lilium croceum;
4, Lilium Henryi ; 5, Lychnis dioica, double

flowered. — C. V. A. 1, Abies Clanbrassiliana ; 2,
2, Cephalotaxus pedunculata fastigiata ; 3,
variegated large-leaved Box ; 4, variegated
Minorca Box, Buxus balearica ; 5, Berberis
Bealei ; 6, Escallonia rubra. — H. W. A re-
markably fine variety of Cattleya Mendelii
and Dendrobium moschatum. — W. W. G. 1,
Santolina incana ; 2, Lysimachia verticillata. —
A. C. Both Dendrobium formosum, the differ-
ence in' the colour of the lip is no botanical
distinction. — Claremont. Mormodes pardinum
unicolor, called also Mormodes pardinum luteum.
— Z. Q. A form of Dendrobium x Ainsworthii
(aureum x nobile). — P. B., Kent. 1, Begonia
semperflorens : 2, B. subpeltata var. ; 3, B.
incarnata ; 4, B. nitida alba ; 5, B. fuchsioides ;
ti, B. argyrostigma ; 7, Gesnera elongata of
gardens. Several of the Begonias have been
attacked by insects, and that may have caused
the injury complained of. — L. A. The numbers
were written on thin paper, in pencil, tied
tightly, with damp moss all round. Please
think of our time. The Gloxinias have the
mite ; spray them with tobacco - water. To-
mato-spot ; see back numbers of the Gardeners'
Chronicle almost every week ; burn the plants.
1, Sempervivum tortuosum variegatum — the
green form is illustrated in the Botanical
Magazine, t. 2'jG ; 2, Primula floribunda. —
T. D. B. Holcus mollis.

Peach Decaying : B. G. The stone had split,
and as a consequence the fruit had also opened,
admitting spores of fungi and setting up decay.
See reply to a similar question in a recent
issue.
Plantain and Daisy-covered Lawn : Subscriber.

See reply to " Constant Reader," below.
Kose-leaf Perforated : Constant Header. The
work of the Leaf-cutter Bee, who uses the
deleted portion of the leaves to form a lining
to its tube-like nests.
Royal Horticultural Society — How to be-
come a Fellow : T. Blackman and A Constant
Reader. If vou will apply to the Secretary,
Rev. W. Wilks, 117, Victoria Street, West-
minster, he will be happy to show you the way.
To Kill Scale on Adiantums and other
Ferns : Constant Reader. Try a weak solution
of soft-soap at the rate of 2 oz. to a gallon of
water, in which i pint of tobacco-water is put.
Nothing very strong or irritant may be
employed.
Wasp Nest : E. S. Not uncommon.
Weedy Lawn : Constant Reader. Spud up
forthwith the roots of Plantains, Dandelions,
Thistles, and apply loam and pure lawn-grass
seeds in bare spaces, rolling and beating the
lawn firm. Apply Watson's lawn sand, or fish
manure, or nitrate of soda and super-phosphate
of lime. These manures will make the grass
grow, and smother the weeds in time ; but if
the lawn is in a very bad state, it will be better
and cheaper to dig it up early in September,
after dressing the lawn with rotten stable dung
and woodashes, and sow it forthwith with
grass seeds and small white Clover. When
digging, throw out all deep-rooting weeds.
The following mixtureof grasses and quantities
per acre will be found suitable : — Cynosurus
cristatus (crested Dog's Tail), 50 lbs. ; Festuca
ovina (Sheep's Fescue), 25 lbs.; Poa nemoralis
(Wood Meadow Grass), 2 lbs. A small quantity
of Trifolium minus may be added, say at the
rate of 0 lbs. per acre. Clover is of use in
protecting the roots of the young grasses, and
it dies out in three or four years.
Wild Flowers : Young Gardener. Do you think
it honourable to get us to name the plants
which you are going to exhibit at a competitive
show, when we cannot do so for the other com-
petitors ? We will name them after the show ;
but you should not send more than six.

COMMUNICATION'S RECEIVED.— I. K. B., TJU'CCht— A. B.,

LaMortola — H. M , Tonsberg, Norway— A. H., Nancy
—Max L. Baden-Baden— W. S., Dublin— D. R. W.—
Dobbie & Co.-G. M — L. B.— J. H. P.— J. B.-R. I. L —
A. Mcm. and C. W. K. (Fruit ReturDS received too late
tor inclusion in Tables).— J. Y.— W. H.— W. H. S.—
W. H. Aggett— H. J. C— R. N.— H. D.-J. Y.-A.
Butcher— K. N.— O. G.— Nurseryman— W. C. & Son—
H. D.— C. S. Vomero— W. Priest— H. E. F.— R. D —
J. OB— Stephen Castle— S. A— G. M.— N. E. B.— S. A.
— E. I'.— C. Escreet— H. H.— J. Bradbury— J. Allsop—
W. L -W. H. D.-W. J. G.

Q
O

o

o
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in

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fi

AUGUST 8, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

89

culents, much confusion exists as regards
the original types. Very often these have
been lost from gardens, and unfortunately

THE

(Sartors' tyhmitk

No. 867.— SATURDAY, AUGUST 8, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Agave fllifera var. fila-

mentosa 101

Bamboos, flowering of

hardy ... 96

Burford Lodge ..." 94

Botanical Magazine ... 98
Cacti, &c, Supplemen-
tary Illustration ... 98
Ceanothus.varietiesof 100

Coria japonica 101

Cotton-wool and wood-
wool as packing

materials 102

Cucumber disease,

new 100

Fruit crops, remarks

on tbe condition of 91
Fungi, edible ... ... 100

Garden insecticides... 102
Hay crop of 1903 ... 93
How plants scatter

their seeds 1)1

International exhibi-
tion in Manchester 99
Irish Gardeners' Asso-
ciation and Benevo-
lent Society, Dublin 98
Medicinal plants ... 99
Melons at Longleat ... 103
Mosquito bites, re-
medy for 1)0

Opuntias 89

Palms in the Riviera 99
Plants, new or note-
worthy—
Cereus Greggii ... 93
Sauromatum brevi-
pes 93

Pimelia, cultivation of
Plants, transport of...
Prunus Maximowiczii
Rose Devoniensis
Rose Zepherin Drou-

hin

Rothamsted experi-
mental station
Rubber trees

Societies —

Boston Horticul-
tural

Bristol and District
Mutual Improve-
ment

Handsworth and
District

Leicester Flower
Show

Royal Horticultural
do. (British grown
fruit)

Newport & County
Horticultural

Saltaireand District
Rose

St. Ives Horticul-
tural

South African Aloes...
Trials at Chiswick ...
Week's work, the —

Flower garden, the.

Fruits under glass .

Hardy fruit garden .

Kitchen garden, the

Orchid-houses, the .

Plants under glass .

106
loo
101
103

99
99

104

106

104

106
10M

99
103

97
96
97
97
9/
97

101
93

92
90
92
91
92
89
90
89
89
91

ILLUSTRATIONS,

Agave fllifera var. filamentosa

Cereus Greggii

Opuniia aoracantha growing at Holly Point,
Heaton Mersey

,, arborescens

,, cocelnellifene, flower of

„ diademata

„ Ficus japonica and O. microdasys

,, Ficus indlca, seen in section

,, leptocaulis var. longispina

,, monacantha, fruit of

,, btricta, an areole

„ subulata at La Mortola

,, subulata, secondary flowers

Night-flowering Cereus at Honolulu (Supplement).

0 P U N T I A S.
fTUTE Opuntias form a -well-defined genus
-*- of the Cactus family. They show a
near relationship to the Pereskias, to which
indeed a certain number of Opuntias has for
a long time been referred.

Linne, who possessed a very imperfect
knowledge of these plants, considered them
varieties of one species, which he called
Cactus Opuntia. DeCandolle, in his Flam.Ua
Uras8e8, was of the same opinion. Miller
was the first to establish the genus, using
Linne's specific name. Haworth, in his
wynopsis Plantarum Sucrulentarum, describes
fourteen species. De Candolle, in his Pro-
dromws, treats of thirty-three.

In the first half of the last century, when
the cultivation of Cacti and other succu-
lents was at its zenith, by far the greatest
number of species were described by Prince
•Kalm-Dyck, Lcmaire, Pfciffer, Link Otto.
•A'c. ; and later by the famous American, Dr.
. Engelmann. In our days many new species
have been noted, chiefly by Dr. Weber,
Paris, and by Prof. Schumann, of Berlin.
At present the genus numbers from 140 to
ItO species, which, however, are not all
*uJTieiently known. As with all other sue-

FlG. 32.— OPUNTIA STEICTA.

I. an areole.

II, Section of an areole. showing the grow-
ing point ;i t .i ; h, base of fallen leaf :
c, glochids ; d, woolly hairs. (All real
size.)

no specimens were kept in the herbaria.
Without sufficient data and with often
only very poor descriptions it is an impossi-
bility to say whether a certain plant now in

Fin. :i3.— orrsTiA sciil'LATA.

Secondary flowers preceding from the top of
the old flower. (Half size.)

our gardens is really the same as that
described by the authorities already men-
tioned. Many of these species have been
desciibed from small plants grown under
glass and in rather abnormal conditions,

without flowers or fruits. These plants
from sunny and dry countries can only show
their real nature where the conditions of
life do not differ too greatly from those of
their native country ; for instance, in the
Mediterranean region. Here indeed they
are to be found half wild, and sometimes
covering extensive tracts of rocky ground.
The species generally met with are Opuntia
Ficus indica, O. monacantha, and O. vulgaris.
The latter now grows abundantly among the
southern Tyrolese Alps, and by the Italian
lakes.

Botanical Conformation.
Opuntias are Cacti with more or less elongated
and jointed steins. The joints are flat or cylin-
drical, ellipsoid or globular. The young shoots
bear distinct although mostly small leaflets,
which soon fall off. Others have larger and
more permanent leaves. The leaves are spirally
distributed all over the joints, in the flattened
as well as in the cylindrical ones. In their axils
is situated the areola, and frequently the axis is
more or less elevated on this place. The areola?
(fig. 32) are generally rounded and very small ;
they are covered with whitish or yellowish down.

©

!'•■

\ s

V:

\ • ?

; \^~-S

Fl(i. 34.— FLOWER OI
OI'UNTIA FICUS IN-
DICA, SEEN IN SEC-
TION. (Reduced )

Fig. 3n.— fruit of

OPUNTIA MONACASIHA.

(Half size.)

In the lower part of the areola spines are deve-
loped, -while the upper part is (often in the form
of a little brush) closely filled with "glochids."
These glochids are a kind of prickle, which only
occurs in the genus Opuntia. They are small
and loosely attached, and are furnished with
a barbed point, which makes them terrible
weapons, as at the slightest touch they penetrate
the skin, and can only be removed with difficulty.
Some Opuntias — for instance, O. microdasys —
only possess glochids, and although they look
very inoffensive, they are of the most dangerous
character.

The larger spines of Opuntias have also barbed
and extremely acute points, which renders their
sting very disagreeable ; those of O. tunicata are
especially painful. It is easier to tear away the
whole branch than to get these spines out of your
finger.

The areola?, or woolly points in the axils of
the leaves, correspond to the buds on a branch of
a tree. They are the points from which vegeta-
tion starts, either into growth or flowers. They
remain a long time active, and even in very old
plants they annually send out spines which are
often more formidable than those of younger
areola.

Although joints and flowers are occasionally
produced from any of the areolae, they generally
grow from the uppermost, or from those on the
margin. The flowers are sessile, with a thick and
short ovary, which has leaves, areoliE, and srines.

90

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Ajpgust 8, 1903.

exactly like an axis. That it really partakes
partly of the nature of an axis can easily be seen
on those which produce no seed, but remain green
and fresh like a branch. In the second year they
often send out a new flower from one of the
areolae on the top. In this way quite a chain or
succession of growth is maintained (see fig. 33).

The corolla is rotate, which means there is no
deep funnel-shaped tube, as in most other Cacti,
but the sepals and petals are spreading (see
fig. 34). The bottom of the flower— or the top

impossible, because the style is always longer
than the anthers. The style is generally thick-
ened below, and tubiform above. The stigmata
vary from four to thirteen ; they unite in a head,
or are spreading.

The fruits (see fig. 35) of the Opuntias are
berries. Their shape, colour, juice, &c., vary
according to the species. In many cases they
offer the best guide to the recognition of the dif-
ferent kinds. Some are much appreciated as an
article of diet — for instance, the Prickly Pear.

Fig. 36.— opuntia akborescens, 30—40 feet high.

of the ovary, is generally a little concave. It is
not exactly right to speak in Cacti of sepals and
petals, as there exists no clear distinction between I
the two, but for convenience' sake we may as well
call them so here. The outermost segments are
short and fleshy ; the inner are membranous,
larger, and often of a brilliant red or yellow
colour. They only open in full sunshine, and
last from one to three days.

The stamens are very numerous, and spirally
inserted. In nearly all the species they are
shorter than the petals, and spreading ; they are
so sensitive that if the bottom of the filaments be
touched, these will soon move towards the centre
of the flower. Thus, the insects visiting the
flowers are well pollinated. Self-fertilisation is

In some species the fruit gets hard and dry, as
in Opuntia cylindrica.

The seeds of Opuntias differ from those of all
other Cacti ; they are roundish and flattened,
with a hard testa ; on the margin they are gene-
rally marked with a line. They are of a whitish
colour, mostly glabrous, but sometimes villous.
The embryo is annular, curved, with two, rarely
three, large cotyledons.

The seedlings of all species make first a cylin-
drical, little differentiated stem, which soon
begins to show its specific peculiarities.

Opuntias occur throughout America between
56° N. and 52a S., that is, from S. Canada to S.
Patagonia. The West Indies and the Galapagos
also possess a number of indigenous species.

Classification of the Species.

Engelmann was the first to make a clear dis-
tinction between 1he genera Opuntia and Pe-
reskia. Weber further pointed out the differences
in the seeds, and Schumann those in the ovules.

Weber was the first to give us a good natural
subdivision of the genus by retaining and defin-
ing more clearly those of Engelmann and Lemaire.
Schumann added another section, and made the
following subdivisions: — I. Pereskopuntia ; II.
Btasiliopuntia ; III. Cylindropuntia; IV. Te-
phrocaetus ; V. 1'latyopuntia. Schumann should
also have added to his series " Cruciformes."

Salm-Dyck included those Opuntias with ex-
serted stamina in a separate genus, Nopalea.
Although this is a very distinct characteristic,
yet the plants agree so much with the common
Platyopuntia that I prefer to re-unite them with
the genus Opuntia.

FIG' 37. OPUNTIA LEPTOCAULIS VAR.

longispina. (Reduced one-half.)

Adopting this view, the^Opuntias are naturally
classified in the following manner : —

Opuntia, Miller.
with well-formed, large and

flat

A.

I.

I. Plants
joints : —

i. Pereskopuntia, Weber.

II. Plants with small cylindrical leaflets, soon
falling off : —

1. Joints cylindrical or clavate : —

ii. Cylindropuntia, Engelmann.

2. Joints ellipsoid or globular : —

iii. Tephrocactus,]Weber.

3. Joints flat : —

iv. Platyopuntia, Engelmann.
Joints differentiated in stem and
branches, the stem with continual growth
at the top : —

a. Stem round, cylindrical : —
Brasiliopuntia, K. Schumann.

b. Stem flat:—

2. Consolea, Lemaire.
(Cruciformes, Schumann.)

Joints all alike : —

a. Stamens exsertedi. longer than the,

petals : —

3. Nopalea, Salm.

b. Stamens included, shorter than the

petals : —

4. Tuna, A. B.

The first section, Pereskopuntia, forms a con-
necting-link to the genus Pereskia, as is indicated
by the name. In habit the plant i resemble this
genus so much that they have been refeired to-
it. Six species are known, but they are seldom
seen in gardens. They are all natives of tropical
Mexico, one only is Calif ornian. They have very
long cylindrical branches, and flat, roundish, or

B.

August 8, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

91

oblong leaves. The flowers are mostly yellowish,
but those of O. spatulata, Weber, are said to be
red. One species, 0. Pititache, Web., is a very
spiny tree, with horizontal branches. The
Mexicans call it " La Cruz del Matrimonio."

The second section comprises all the species
with elongated cylindrical stems ; they occur
from North to South America. Many of them
are trees (see fig. 36), sometimes 30 to 40 feet
high ; others are shrubby or very low plants,

stems about the thickness of a pencil, and long
spines (see fig. 37). Those of Opuntia leptocaulis,
D.C., var. vaginata, Web., are enclosed in fine
yellow sheaths ; their flowers are very small and
yellow. These plants very seldom flower, and pro-
duce scarcely any seeds. The ovaries remain sterile,
and turn red like berries, but continue to send
out little shoots. These easily break off, and
thus the plants are generally propagated. These
Opuntiae Monacanthae are North American.

Fig. 38.— opuntia subulata at la mortola.

which hardly deserve the names of shrubs.
Some of the North American species bear their
spines enclosed in sheaths. In La Mortola we
have one very formidable species, the already-
mentioned Opuntia tunicata from Mexico. It
forms brilliant white masses 1 to 2 feet high,
which are a great attraction to the numerous
visitors, who cannot resist the temptation to
touch it and make the acquaintance of its
terrible spines.

Other curious-looking Opuntias are those which
Schumann calls Monacanthic. They have slender

In South America occur plants of the same
habits and appearance ; but their spines are
simple — viz., without sheaths. To these belongs
Opuntia Salmiana. Parm., an old well-known
garden plant.

Opuntia subulata, Engelmann, is the most stately
Cylindropuntia from South America ; it is wild
in Chili. In La Mortola it grows to a height of
nearly 3 m. (9 feet), as is shown by the accom-
panying photograph (see fig. 38). Its branches
are 2 to 3 inches thick, and bear long subterete
leaves. The areola- are filled with white down

which remains on the long spines when they are
removed by force. These spines form natural
pins. This Opuntia was for a long time con-
sidered to be a Pereskia, on account of its leaves,
but the flowers and seeds are those of a true
Opuntia. The seeds exceed in size those of any
other Opuntia known.

Opuntia cylindrica, De Candolle, from Chili,
belongs to the same group ; it looks somewhat
like a Cereus.

Opuntia floccosa, Salm., and O. vestita, Salm.,
from Peru and Bolivia, have long hairs in their
areola. The former reminds us of the well-known
Cephalocereus senilis, but it is much smaller.

The third section, Tephrocactus, comprises
about fourteen species of very curious aspect. As
stated above, they form little roundish or
ellipsoid masses of a greyish-green colour. They
can easily be divided into two groups — those
with large, flat, papery spines, and those with
common cylindrical spines. To the former
belongs O. diademata, Lem., often found in
gardens (see fig. 39) ; to the second group belong

FlO.ijft — OP0NTIA DIADEMATA.
(WHOLE PLANT.)

O. aoracantha, Lem. (see fig. 40), and O. ovata,
Pfeiff.

Some Opuntias have been referred to this
section which would better have been placed
amongst the Platyopuntias, as when old they
form flat blades.

We have only a limited knowledge of the
species of Tephrocactus. We know next to
nothing about their flowers and fruits. They
are all natives of South America, the distribution
of the genus reaching there to its most southerly
point.

The fourth section, Platyopuntia, comprises
those with flat joints, known to everyone as
" Prickly Pears." They are natives of the whole
American continent, but are more common in
North America, where some exist at the most
northern point where the genus is found.

The first sub-section is formed by Opuntia
brasiliensis, Haworth, a native of Brazil and
Argentina. It differs in growth from the rest.
It forms a main stem, which continues growing
at the top, being terete, while the branches are
flat. The flowers are yellow, and do not differ in
any essential way. There is a good figure in
the Botanical Magazine, 3,293. Though it is a
tropical plant, it does well in La Mortola, and
flowers annually. When old, the plant forms a
tree ; the lower branches fall off, just as do those
of some Euphorbias — for instance, E. grandidens.
The second sub-section is of similar habit, only
the main stem is flat, and the brunches are
directed distichously ; the plants thus assume the
aspect of a cross. They are formidably armed with
numerous spil^b, which often exceed 2 inches
in length"? The flowers are also very curious.

92

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 8, 1903.

flowers and fruits of O. Amyclsea and 0. Ficus
indica agree in every respect.

Opuntia robusta, Wendland, may als® be men-
tioned here. Its large and thick limbs are
sometimes more than 12 inches in diameter, and
are extremely glaucous ; its flowers are yellow,
and its fruit resembles a small Apple. It is
often cultivated in gardens, mostly under the
name of O. grandis or maxima. Further, a
certain number of Opuntias are distinguished by
green joints, yellow spines, and Pear-like, clavate,
red fruits with purple juice. Of these, Opuntia
Tuna, Miller, may be considered the type.

Fig. 40.— opuntia aoracantha (Argentina), from the gardens,
holly point, heaton mersey.

The ovary is[flat, like a small joint ; at the base
the style is' surrounded by a cup-shaped disc.
On account of this, Lemaire founded the genus
Consolea, named after Angelo Console, head gar-
dener at the Botanic Garden, Palermo. Opuntia
spinosissima, [Miller, is the best-known plant of
this group'; it comes from the West Indies.
Probably two ||or three other species not yet
sufficiently known may also belong to Consolea.

The third sub-section contains those Platy-
opuntise with stamens and style longer than the
petals — the Nopalea, Salm. Opuntia coccinelli-
fera, Mill., of which the drawing (see fig. 41)
shows the flower, is the best known of this group.
It is the plant[famous for the cultivation of the
cochineal insects,.on account of its being nearly
spineless. It is said to be a native of South
Mexico.

Opuntia dejecta, Salm., and 0. Auberi, Pfeiffer,
are two other species belonging to this group.
They are natives of Cuba. Opuntia moniliformis,
Steudel, from San Domingo, is said to be also a
Nopalea. Opuntia Karwinskiana, Salm., has not
been introduced into Europe alive.

Sub-section 4, for which I propose the name
" Tuna," comprises the bulk of the species of the
whole genus. Although very similar in general
aspect, they greatly differ in detail. Dr. Weber
was the first to point out the importance of the
fruits in this group.

A certain number of these Tunse have the
blades set with velvety, short hairs. 0. tomen-
tosa, Salm., for instance, is a tall, arborescent,
much-branching species. Its limbs being un-
armed by spines, it has been used for cochineal
cultivation. Its flowers are deep red. Opuntia
hyptiacantha, Weber, O. crinifera, Pfeiffer, O.
Scheerii, Weber, have radiating spines and beau-
tiful yellow flowers. Opuntia leucotricha, De Can-
dolle, and O. ursina, Weber, have the older limbs
completely covered with long, inoffensive spines.
The fruit of the former is a yellowish-white
berry, and it has a delicate flavour. It is sold in
Mexico under the name of " Duraznillo" (Little
Peach).

The rest of the Tunae are all glabrous. It is
difficult to define their relations to each other.

Species which are easily classed with Opuntia
Ficus indica, L. (see fig. 42), are O. Amyclsea,
Tenore, O. decumana, Haw., and O. elongata,
Haworth. Opuntia Amyclsea, Tenore, is certainly
nothing else than a spiny form of O. Ficus indica
in its wild state, whilst those commonly known
under this name are forms derived by cultivation
with better fruits and fewer spines. In fact, the

Fig. 41 —opuntia

COl'CINELLIKERA.

(Flower, half size.)

Opuntia Eafinesquei, E. and B., and O. vul-
garis, Miller, form another group. They are
dwarf plants with small roundish joints. They
are the hardiest of all the genus. 0-
Rafinesquei even reaches Cape ^Pelee on Lake
Erie, Canada. Closely related to this group are
O. missouriensis, rhodantha, xanthostemma, &c.
These are largely cultivated in the open air in
Northern Europe.

Although the above is only a very short account
of the genus Opuntia, I hope to have shown that
it contains many points of great interest, and
that much may still be done to complete our
knowledge of these plants.

In gardens they are generally disliked, cer-
tainly not without good reason ; but here, in the

Fig. 42.— opuntia1 ficus indica and o. microdasys: an aloe in the foreground.

August 8, 1903.]

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

93

South, they play a conspicuous part in the land-
scape. Their flowers are of the most brilliant
and finest tints, and during our hot summer
months they form the chief ornament of our
gardens. Alwin Berger, La Mortola, Italy.

[The Kew Index adopts Miller's spelling of
* Pereskia " instead of the more recent and per-
haps more correct " Peireskia." For the sake of
uniformity we follow the Index Kewensis. Ed.].

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CEREUS GREGGII.

A cactus with a large tuberous root is an

anomaly, reserve food - material being almost

invariably, in the plants of this order, stored in

the succulent stems, the root system being com-

THE HAY CROP OF 1903.

The Kothamsted experiments on the mixed
herbage of permanent grass land, which have
now been continued over a period of forty-eight
years (from 1856 to 1903), both without manure
and with different descriptions of artificial ma-
nures, each manure being applied year after year
to the same portion of land, show very variable
results as to the amount of Hay obtained in the
present season.

The plot which has received no manure what-
ever for the whole period of forty-eight years has
given a little over half a ton of hay per aare,
which is only about one-half the average produce
for this plot of land.

Superphosphate of lime, used alone, yielded
nearly 23 cwt. of hay per acre, which is slightly
over the average for this plot.

The plot receiving each year sulphates of
potash, soda and magnesia with superphosphate,
.gave 49i cwt. of hay per acre. This is 141 cwt.
per acre in excess of the average of the forty-
eight years for this plot, which is due to the
■extensive growth of the Clover plants in the
herbage encouraged by the application of potash
in the manure. Not an ounce of nitrogen has
been applied to this particular plot during the
whole of this long period, but the Clovers
favoured by the potash have been the collectors
of the necessary nitrogenous food from the stores
in the atmosphere.

. An adjoining plot, which receives the same
descriptions of manure each year, except that
potash is omitted, has yielded only 23^ cwt. of
hay per acre, and is 4j cwt. less than the average
produce. Thus, without potash, although all the
other minerals, including phosphates, were used,
the Clovers and Vetchlings could make no pro-
gress, and the nitrogen was not collected. Con-
sequently even the grasses made very meagre
growth. The omission of potash made a differ-
ence of 26^ cwt. of hay per acre, and the yield
was of an inferior quality.

Sulphates of potash, soda, magnesia, and super-
phosphate, with the combination of 400 lb.
ammonia salts per acre, yielded 50 cwt. of hay.
The same mineral manures, in combination with
550 lb. nitrate of soda per acre, produced 53J cwt.
of hay ; both these plots are slightly under
average; while the p'ot which received the highest
manure dressing yielded 791 cwt. of hay. On
this plot the produce was nearly 4 tons of coarse,
strong-growing grasses, to the absolute exclusion
of any Clovers. This heavily-manured plot pro-
duced more than half a ton of hay per acre in
excess of the average quantity, but of a very
inferior quality.

The area of several of the plots has this year
boen divided, and upon one half, in addition to
the usual manures, has been applied a dressing of
1,000 lb. of ground quicklime per acre. The dry-
ness of the season up to the beginning of June
prevented the lime from producing its full
benefits, but a gain in produce has in most cases
been obtained, sometimes to the extent of half a
ton of hay. The best effect is shown where there
was an available supply of potash in the soil.

Splendid weather, with bright sun at the time
of hay-harvest, high temperature, and strong
winds, has contributed very largely to the suc-
cessful in-gatlioring. There was this year little
difficulty in obeying the old adage to " make hay
while the sun shines.".. J. J. Willi*, llarp-ndn.

Fid. 43— CERECS (IRElUill, BOYAI. HARDENS, KEW.

paratively small. In C. Greggii. however, the
root appears to be the reservoir, whilst the stem
is rather thin and woody. The example repre-
sented in the accompanying photograph (fig. 1 3)
i mil' of two exceptionally large ones lately
imported with Other huge Cacti from Arizona,
where this species is said to grow in gravelly or

hard clayey soil. The [root ^is 18 inches long,
8 inches in diameter, and it weighs 12j lbs.
" This characteristic species seems to be scattered
and rare throughout its range (Texas, New Mexico,
and Arizona). A single stem usually arises from
the enormous root, but sometimes there may be
many stems " (Coulter). The plant here shown
has a forked stem, but in the other plant at Kew
the stem is uubranched. The flowers are
described as whitish or oehroleucous, 6 to 8 inches
long, and about 2 inches across. W. W. ;

Sauromatum brevipes, N.E. Br. (n. sp.).

This is one of the most distinct and at the
same time one of the prettiest Aroids I have seen.
Except in its pedate leaves it bears very little
resemblance to the well-known S. guttatum, than
which it is much smaller, for the pale purplish-
tinted spathes, instead of being solitary as in
that species, are numerous and crowded together
in a mass, producing a rather pleasing effect.
Although new to cultivation it is not new to
science, but has been misunderstood botanically.
It is a native of the Sikkim Himalayas, where it
was long ago discovered by Sir Joseph Hooker,
whose specimens (in fruit only) were thought by
Schott to belong to Typhonium pedatum ; this,
however, I have shown to be incorrect at the
place quoted below. Subsequently it was de-
scribed by Sir Joseph Hooker as Typhonium bre-
vipes, but only one perfect inflorescence was then
available, and, on account of its flattened condi-
tion, the fact that the basal part of the spathe
was connate into a tube (the distinctive character
of Sauromatum), and not simply convolute (as it
should be in Typhonium), was overlooked. In
the living plant this character is very evident,
and although unlike other species of Sauro-
matum, it is clear that this plant must now be
transferred to that genus. As no complete de-
scription of it in a flowering state has yet been
published, I subjoin the following, made from a
living plant which flowered in the Botanic Gar-
dens, Cambridge, in June, 1902. A drawing of it
has been prepared for the Botanical Magazine.

Rootstock a tuber, in young leaf and flower at
the same time. Leaves 1 — 3 from a growth,
pedate, glabrous ; petiole 4J — 15 inches long,
smooth, of a dull purplish-red tint, without
markings ; segments 5 — 9, linear-lanceolate or
lanceolate, tapering to a very fine point, the
middle one 3 — 10 inches long, 5 — 10 lines broad,
sessile or united with the decurrent bases of the
lateral segments, which are gradually smaller, all
dark satiny green, with the midrib and edges
dull purple beneath. Spathes lateral or sur-
rounding the leaves, crowded. Peduncle 4 —
J inch long, scarcely rising above the surface of
the ground, smooth, glabrous. Spathe - tube
1,1 inch long, f— $ inch in diameter, glabrous,
inflated-ellipsoid for about 1 inch of its length,
angular from mutual pressure, constricted and
dorsally compressed above, very pale green,
with pale dull purplish spots ; limb 4J — 5+
inches long, 1 inch broad at the oblique base, where
it is arched forward, with wavy margins, thence
gradually tapering the very acute apex, and more
or less twisted in the upper part, outside of a
pale dull purplish tint, darker purple inside at
the base and in the throat of the tube. Spadix
as long as the spathe, sessile ; female part about
; inch long, broadly ovoid ; the part between the
ovaries and anthers ti — 7 lino3 long, white, and
bearing two whorls of stout, spreading, clavate,
white neuter organs in the lower half, dark-
purple, and very rough or shaggy with minute
processes in the upper halt ; male part J inch
long, I inch thick: appendix 5 — 5J inches long.
1 ', line thick at the base, terete, tapering, more
or less curved forwards, usually somewhat
flexuoso, olive-green or dull ochreous. more or
less tintod with purplish on the lower part.
Ovaries very numerous, densely crowded, minute.

94

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AUGUST 8, 1903.

I line long, compressed - obovoid, very pale yel-
lowish-green as seen in the mass, one-celled ; stigma
Bessile, minute. Ovules two, erect, basal, ortho-
tropous. Anthers numerous, crowded, yellow.
Typhoninm pedatum, Schott, in Oesterr. Bot.
Wochenbl., 1857, p. 262 partly ; see N. E. Brown,
in Journ. Linn. Soc. Bot., v. 18, p. 260 ; T. brevipes,
Hook., fil., Fl. Brit. India, v. 6, p. 511.

The following specimens of this species are in
the Kew Herbarium : — Sikkim, 7,000 feet, Hooker;
Darjeeling, 7,500 feet, Clarke 26708 ; Sonada,
7,000 feet, Clarke 28091 j Jore Pokri, 7,600 feet,
Gammie. N. E. Brown.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

BURFORD LODGE, DORKING.

Sik Trevor Lawrence's collection of Orchids,
the oldest in Europe, has never looked in such
fine condition throughout as at the present time,
although it has always been among the best, and its
excellence is all the more praiseworthy when it is
considered that it includes a very large number
of rare species from little-known countries, and
with many of which other orchidists have had
sad experience. But even at Burford the " ups
and downs " of Orchid-culture has been expe-
rienced. Some of the species which now thrive
there to perfection gave trouble in the beginning,
and others of which only one or two specimens
were ever obtained, departed. Even failures
brought experience, and the collection to-day is
the better for them.

Orchidists are " taking sides " on the question
of culture in leaf-soil, or some preparation in
which partly-decayed leaves form the greater
proportion. Sir Trevor Lawrence sides with the
advocates for the use of leaves, and, like all the
others who are successful with it, has his own
formula. No stronger proof of the benefit to be
derived by those who know how to use leaves in
part as a compost in which to grow Orchids could
be found than the marvellously vigorous condi-
tion of all the Orchids in the Burford collection.
Mr. W. H. White, the Orchid-grower at Burford,
is very enthusiastic in its praise, and showed
plants which were in a critical condition — as, for
example, some of the rare Brazilian cool-house
Oncidiums, O. Larkinianum, 0. Mantinii, &c. —
which were fast declining before being placed in
the leaf preparation, but which are now in
splendid condition. The several houses of Odonto-
glosstuns, which contain so many valuable
varieties of O. crispum, &c, also by their vigorous
growth and supeib flowering proclaim the ad-
vantages of the new method of culture.

Among the Cypripediums it is pleasant to note
the increasing size and strength of the fine speci-
men of C. Stonei platytsenium, and that a plant
of C. Fairieanum is in splendid health. If the
few known plants of it continue to decline as
they have been steadily doing.Fand this one to
improve as it has done lately, it will be the sole
survivor. Moist intermediate temperature, shade,
and a much more liberal supply of water than
was formerly given it has saved it. Other
Cypripediums finely in bloom were several C. x
tonso-Rothschildianum (with very large dis-
tinctly-formed flowers), C. x Harrisianum super-
bum (still the finest of its section), C. x Clinka-
berryanum, a very beautiful form of C. Chamber-
lainianum, and an effective cross between C.
Rothschildianum and C. superbiens. The foliage
of the large specimens renders the plants beautiful
even when not in flower, and the number of new
seedlings yet to flower promise well.

In the same large span-roofed house in which
the specimen Cypripediums are grown, the large
plants of the different species of Phalsnopsis
were observed in the best possible health. P.
violacea is in flower. Suspended from the roof
are a very remarkable collection of Bulbo-

phyllums and Cirropetalums, B. patens (with
purple stellata flowers), B. longisepalum (with
long, beaked, purple blooms), B. barbigerum (the
motile, feather-lipped), B. elegans (with singular
inflated-looking white and purple flowers), and
some others being in bloom.

Eucharis grandiflora grows and flowers well
planted beside the walk in front of the hot-water
pipes ; and at one end is a number of specimens of
Anaectochilus, Macodes, Hsmaria, &c, with
beautifully coloured foliage. Most of the speci-
mens are grown under bell-glasses, but Goodyera
Rollissonii, Hsmaria discolor, and some others
are thriving so much better planted in the moss
of the other Orchids and without bell-glass
protection, that that plan will be extended.

The large span - roofed house in which the
Sobralias occupy the central stage has still some
of those plants in bloom, and the collection of
Epidendrums grown in the same house has the
scarlet E. cinnabarinum, E. Schomburgkianum ,
E. fulgens, E. Linkianum, E. pteroearpum,
E. x radico-vitellinium, &c.

The Cattleya and Laelia houses have a number
of C. Warscewiczii in flower, among them being
the rare C. W. saturata (in which the eye-like
whitish patches on each side of the labellum of
the ordinary form are obliterated), C. Rex, C. x
Adolphus (with rich orange flowers spotted with
purple), C. x Miss Harris, C. x H. S. Self ridge,
and some others, the best of which is a hybrid
Lslio-Cattleya between L.-C. Schilleriana and L.
purpurata, raised at Burford, the excellence of
which may be attributed to the fine varieties used
in its production.

The cool Masdevallia-house, with its shelf of
rare Pleurothallis, Octomerias, Stelis, &c, always
has a good show of flowers. AmoDg the Masde-
vallias in flower, M. x coriacea x Veitchiana has
distinct orange-tinted flowers ; a large form of
M. maculata has flowers of a purple colour ; and
M. trichaete, M. muscosa, M. calura, and others
are in bloom. In this cool-house Stenoglottis
longifolia thrives well ; and in an adjoining small
house the Disas, which have formerly given
trouble, have a number of D. grandiflora givinc
their showy scarlet blooms.

The Aerides and Vandas are in excellent con-
dition. These plants are of late years considered
the most difficult to grow successfully, yet at
Burford they are among the best subjects in the
collection, some of the plants (such as the two
fine specimens of Aerides Schroderi, the original
Aerides Lawrences) having been there many
years.

Other interesting things in bloom in the
Orchid-houses were Grobya galeata, Gomesa laxi-
flora, Polystachya villosa, Odontoglossum bicton-
ense album, O. aspidorhinum, with many spikes ;
Dendrobium cumulatum, D. sulcatum, Cirrhaa
viridipurpurea, Zygopetalum velatum, a remark-
ably fine Oncidium pulvinatum, O. phymato-
chilum with a thirteen-branched spike, and other
Oncidiums ; the singular Sarcochilus hainan-
ensis with many spikes forming, Angra»cum fili-
cornu, A. Eichlerianum, A.carpophorum,Eulophia
guineenensis, and Sophro-Cattleya x Chamber-
lainiana.

In the greenhouses the pretty Lobelia tennior
is a mass of dark-blue colour, the hybrid Strepto-
carpus very showy, the Anthuriums good, and
the new Passiflora maeulifolia a handsome-leafed
climbing plant.

The Flower Garden
at Burford always presents many rare and pretty
flowers, as well as most of the standard favourites
at their best. The coloured Water-Lilies, both in
the basin on the lawn and in the sunk tubs in
which the duplicate plants are kept, have pro-
duced a fine show of flowers. On the walls
Solanum Wendlandi has flowered this year as
well as formerly ; Hidalgoa Wercklii has a num-
ber of pretty scarlet flowers; Lathy rus pubescens

has many trusses of pale-blue, and Gerbera
Jamesoni some orange - scarlet blooms. In the
beds and borders the Violas are very fine this
year ; so also the Roses and Carnations ; the
hardy Crinums have in bloom a large number of
the pure wbite C. x Powelli album, many of the
original pink form, and a quantity of C. Moorei,
which is later to bloom, just sending up spikes.
Convolvulus althaioides is a charming and un-
common plant. It has formed a large patch of
silver-grey leaves and pink flowers in the border,
and is running up the fence at the back. Rom-
neya Coulteri is a mass of satiny-white flowers
Campanula macrostyla has large salver-shaped
blooms, and a bed of Tulbaghia violacea is very
showy.

REMARKS ON THE CONDITIONS
OF THE FKU1T CROPS.

(See Tables, ante, pp. 72 — 77^)
0. SCOTLAND, N.
Orkney. — The cold weather generally and
sharp frosts in the spring destroyed the fruit
while it was yet in the bud, and what little
formed soon dropped off. Thos. MacDonald, Balfour
Castle Gardens.

Ross-shire. — The fruit crops are on the whole-
very satisfactory, for we were fortunate in not
having the frost which did so much damage about
June 20. Apples are a fine crop; some young
trees which I planted two years last season have
very good crops. Pears are also a very good crop,,
and Plums are plentiful. Gooseberries are the
finest crop I have seen for years. Strawberries
have been good and finely flavoured, we still have
a good supply (July 24). Peaches are nothing,
like what we are used to. Raspberries and all
small fruits generally have grand crop3. Henry
Henderson, Cromarty House Gardens.

Sutherlandshire. — Apples are a very poor
crop, the worst for a number of years. There
was little or no bloom on many of the older trees,
probably owing to the wood being badly ripened
last season. Strawberries are good ; Raspberries
good but late. Other small fruits have average
crops, excepting Gooseberries, which are much
under the average. S. Melville, Bunrobin Castle
Gardens, Golspie.

1, SCOTLAND, E.
Aberdeenshire. — Apples are a general failure,
as also Gooseberries ; Strawberries an average-
crop, but some of the late varieties suffered from
a frost on June 19. Most of the small fruits
are about ten days later than usual. James Granty
Rothie Norman Gardens.

The fruit crops in this part are very

partial, taking them all over, owing to the last
season being so wet and so little sunshine to ripen
the wood ; also the cold frosty nights of May and
early in June did a good deal of damage. A few
varieties of Apples, such as Lord Suffield, Stirling
Castle, Keswick Codling, are cropping fairly well.
Pears are scanty and very poor. Plums on walls
are an average, particularly the Victorias. Bush
fruits of all sorts are much under the average of
former seasons, and are late. John Brown, Delgaly
Castle Gardens.

The fruit crops are the worst we have had

for years, especially Apples and Pears, which
showed an abundance of blossom, which set well ;
but the continuance of cold at night, together
with the lack of rain, ruined the crop ; and not
only have the fruits dropped, but on most of the
trees the leaves around the buds have all decayed
J. Fraztr Smith, Cullen House Gardens.

Berwickshire. — The Apple crop is the worst
we have had here for many years. There was a
fair amount of bloom, but during the setting
period a spell of cold, sunless weather set in, and

August 8, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

%

the fruit did not set. What fruit we have is
mainly on Codlin varieties. The trees had a
second show of blossom, which is very exceptional.
As to amount, Pears are a better crop than
Apples, but still below the average. Doyenne
Boussouch Pear never fails to crop here. Straw-
berries are an extra large crop, and of good
quality. Small fruits fair. John Cairns, The
Hirsel Gardens, Coldstream.

Forfarshire. — The fruit crops in the gardens
here, taken altogether, are rather below the
average. Apples are not nearly so regular a crop
as usual, some trees carrying good crops, while
others are very thin or are bare of fruits. The
Plum crop is a good one, and the trees are making
healthy growth. Strawberries are turning out
better than I anticipated, and since the rains
came the later varieties improved much. Black
and red Currants and Gooseberries are below the
average. Raspberries are a fair crop. W.
McDowall, Brechin Castle Gardens.

Owing to the sunless season of 1902 the

wood of the fruit-trees was in an ill-ripened
condition, consequently there is a very thin crop
of all large fruits. Small fruits, with the excep-
tion of Black Currants, are a fair crop. Straw-
berries, having now got sufficient moisure at the
root, only want sunshine to ensure a heavy crop.
Raspberries are looking well. Late Peaches'
under glass retained their leaves in a green state
for a long time in the autumn of 1902 ; and
although a good set of fruit was secured, only a
very thin crop is now swelling. Thos. Wilson,
Qlamis Castle Gardens.

Haddingtonshire. — The worst we have ex-
perienced since 1880. Fortunately, Currants,
Gooseberries, Strawberries, &c, are a crop ; but,
as a whole, these too are below average, and
only to-day I hear from a salesman that Black
Currants are selling at "ransom prices." R. P.
Srotherston, Tyninghame Castle Gardens.

The fruit crops in this locality are very

irregular, owing chiefly to the lack of rain after
the fruit was set, and also to the cold east winds
experienced during the flowering period. Apples
are an average crop, but Plums and Pears are
very light; of the first, Keswick Codlin, Lord
Suffield, East Lothian Seedling, and Warner's
King are the best ; while of the last, trees of
Souvenir du Congres, Durondeau, Easter Beurre,
and Madame Treyre, are carrying the heaviest
crops. Apricots did not suffer so much as Peaches
and Nectarines, consequently some varieties are
heavily laden, especially Moorpark and Large
Early. Strawberries, Raspberries, and Black
Currants are very fine. Wm. Galloway, Gosford
Gardens, Longniddry.

Kincardineshire. — The early part of the
season was very unfavourable for the success of
the fruit crop, being wet and cold with nasty
harsh frosty winds, and the Apples, being latest
in flower, have had the best chance. Everything
remained stationary during June owing to the
dry weather prevailing, since which we have had
rain and heat, and all fruits are swelling rapidly.
J. if. Brown, Blackball Castle Gardens.

Midlothian.— A fall of snow in April, followed
by successive nights with 8° to 10° of frost,
destroyed the opened flowers on fruit bushes.
Black Currants are a failure, the exception being
in late districts and with late varieties. From
the same reasons Gooseberries are a partial
failure ; Red Currants are a heavy crop ; Straw-
berries are of good size, and the crops above the
average. Apricot and Peach-trees showed but
few flowers, the result of the heavy crops of last
year and the lack of sunshine to ripen the fruit
and wood. Plum-trees flowered heavily, but a
continuance of cold north-east wind made even
the hardiest drop all their fruit. Pears are a
very thin crop. Apple-trees flowered and set

well, but a large proportion of the fruit when of
the size of marbles fell off — a common sequel to
bad ripened wood. The good exceptions are few,
the best being Golden Spire and Worcester Pear-
main. James Whytock, Dalkeith Gardens.

The prospect of an all-round good year of

hardy fruit in this district was very promising in
early spring, the fruit - trees being generally
masses of bloom ; but owing to the cold, wet,
sunless autumn of 1902 the wood did not ripen,
and the blossoms, especially those of Apricots and
Pears, failed to set. There are a fair crop of
Apples on trees of Ecklinville and Lord Suffield ;
Plums and Cherries are below the average ; Risp-
berries are a large crop and good ; Black and Red
Currants are under the average ; Strawberries are
good. D. Kidd, Carberry Tower Gardens, Mussel-
burgh.

Peeblesshire. — Apples are nearly a complete
failure ; Plums, with the exception of Denyer's
Victoria, are a very thin crop. Cherries are
abundant and of good quality. Strawberry-
plants suffered a good deal from spring frosts.
Gooseberries on high land are an average crop,
whilst those that were earlier in flower on lower
land got destroyed by frost. M. Mclntyre, The
Glen Gardens, Peebles- shire.

6, SCOTLAND, W.
Atrshire. — Fruit crops hereabouts of all
kinds are much below the average. Apples are
almost a failure. Small fruits have very thin
crops, which is not to be wondered at after ex-
periencing 16°, 11°, 9°, 7° of frost on successive
nights in the middle of the month of April.
W. Priest, Eglinton Gardens.

Dumfriesshire. — The weather conditions for
the past twelve months have been in this district
most unfavourable for successful fruit-growing
out-of-doors. All over the south-west of Scotland
Apples and Pears are, even in favoured spots,
very much under the average, and stone fruits,
such as Apricots, Peaches, Plums, Cherries, &c,
are comparatively speaking a failure. Amongst
small fruits Raspberries and Strawberries are the
only kinds that are giving anything like a remu-
nerative crop. In most cases Gooseberries and
Currants are a complete blank. I am afraid 1903
will stand clearly out as one of the worst fruit
years on record. At least, in this district it will
be remembered and written down as such. John
Mackinnon, Terregles.

Apples, Pears, and Plums are almost a

total failure, although the trees flowered exceed-
ingly well. Black Currants are fairly good in
quality, but the crop is under the average ; and
the same remarks apply to red and white Currants
and Gooseberries. Raspberries are the best of
the small fruits, having escaped the late spring
frosts. La Grosse Sucree Strawberry is the best
with me this year ; others have very poor crops,
for although the plants flowered fairly well, the
fruits did not set, forming small hard knots
instead of fruit. J. McDonald, Dryfeholm Gardens.

Stirlingshire. — The blossoms of Apples,
Pears, and Plums were destroyed by the frosts in
May— 17° on one occasion — and the crop of these
fruits is the worst known in this locality for the
last thirty years. Raspberries are a full crop.
The mite is very prevalent on Black Currant
bushes. Alex. Croslic, Buchanan Gardens, Stir-
lingshire.

Wigtonshire. — Not for many years have the
fruit-crops been so light as this season. Apples,
Pears, Plums, and Cherries are, throughout this
district, the worst on record, very many of the
trees being fruitless. Fig-trees on walls have a
fair crop of fruits. Gooseberries are slightly
below the average ; while Currants and Straw-
berries are satisfactory both in quantity and
quality. James Day, Galloway House Gardens.

2, ENGLAND, N.E.
Durham. — The blossom of all kinds of fruit
crops were very promising, but owing to the late
frost the fruits on Apple and Pear-trees dropped.
Black Currants, although not in flower at the-
time of the worst frosts, suffered the most. Red-
Currants are satisfactory, and Raspberries now
in flower are full of promise. There are very few
Apples and Pears, we having suffered greatly
from east winds, which also has damaged their
foliage. B. Draper, Seaham Hall Gardens.

The fruit crops in the North are the

poorest that I have known during an experience
of more than forty years. The severe frosts in
April and May destroyed the blossom on Apples,..
Pears, Plums, and Currants. The Strawberries
escaped, and the crop is a very abundant and fine
one. James Noble, Woodburn Gardens.

Northumberland. — Taken on the whole, this
is one of the poorest fruit seasons for some years
in this district, the cold, ungenial spring weather
so long continued being deadly in its effects on
Apples and bush fruits. Strawberries are a fairly
good crop, the district being a somewhat late one
for this fruit. A large acreage of Strawberries is
grown for market. George H. Ackroyd, Howick.
Hall Gardens.

Yorkshire. — The present season will long be
remembered in this district for the scarcity of
fruit, as, with the exception of Strawberries,
Gooseberries, and Raspberries, there is nothing.
Apples and Plums are quite a failure ; a few
Pears ; a few Cherries ; Black and Red Currants
"a poor crop, and in many gardens none. At
Birdsall, Strawberries have been good but much
damaged by rain ; the small preserving varieties,
Grovend Scarlet and Black Prince, had heavy
crops, which were gathered in good condition.
Royal Sovereign stands rain badly ; President
and Gunton Park are very good, the latter being
one of the best varieties. A redeeming feature
in this bad season is the beautiful appearance of
the Loganberry, the plants of which are rich in
fruit. The trees are suffering more from the
effects of last summer's cold and unseasonable
weather than from late spring frosts. Apples,
Plums, Cherries, and Pears did not mature the
wood. Bailey Wadds, Birdsall Gardens.

The fruit crops in this portion of Wharfe-

dale are most disappointing. Apples, Pears,
Plums, and all other stone-fruit are very scarce,
much blossom being damaged by the late spring
frosts. Amongst small fruits, Black Currants are-
very poor indeed ; Gooseberries are in some in-
stances very good ; in some cases the Strawberry
crop is very heavy, as in this garden. Amongst
the varieties which do well here I may mention
Royal Sovereign, King of the Earlies, President,
Leader, Vicomtesse H. du Thury, Latest-of-All„
and La Grosse Sucree. Blossom on fruit-trees
was very scarce indeed ; many old Apple-trees
which usually carry heavy crops had not a blossom,
doubtless owing to unripened wood, the result of
the sunless autumn of 1902. Fruit suffered very
greatly through the great gale which occurred in
the early part of July. John Snell, Farnley Hall
Gardens.

The fruit crop here is a complete failure,

with the exception of small fruits, which were an
average crop. Nothing could have withstood the-
severe weather we had in this locality in the
spring, even with more than ordinary protection
afforded. Our Peaches under glass protector and
four folds of herring-net wore stripped clean after
the flowers were well set. We had twelve suc-
cessive nights of frost in April, culminating on
the 26th with 17° of frost. We have no Pears,
Peaches, Apricots, or Plums. Apple - blossom,
although not open, was out off at the stalk, and
very few were left unhurt. The standard trees
in the orchard have none on ; the crop of Quinces-

$6

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 8, 19Q3.

•was destroyed and the trees very much crippled.
The following are a few Apples with a few on
•(they are bush and espalier) :— Grenadier, King
■of the Pippins, Beauty -of Kent, Domino, Cox's
Pomona, Suffield, Jas. Grieve (full crop), Peas-
,good's Nonsuch, Potts' Seedling, Lord Grosvenor,
Lady Elizabeth de Paby, and Cellini (full crop).
■Charles Simpson, Newby Hall Gardens.

The fruit crops are very unsatisfactory,

anueh worse than last year j indeed, there are
•scarcely any Apples, Pears, or Plums. The
"trees bloomed very irregularly, the frosts and
biting winds destroying what bloom there was.
Plums appeared to set well on the walls, but
most of them dropped off when about of the
•size of large Peas. Morello Cherries, generally
■a good crop hereabouts, have failed. Straw-
berries, Gooseberries, and Kaspberries are our
best crops this year. Fruit-trees generally were
■very late in starting into growth, and many
•varieties have made but little wood. Stone fruits
•are much infested with aphides. J. S. Upex,
,Wigganthorpe.

With the exception of Strawberries,

•Gooseberries, and Apricots, there is, practically
speaking, no fruit in this district. It is without
•doubt the leanest year since 1879. I do not
'think that the whole cause of this scarcity is
attributable to the very ungenial weather during
the blossoming period. The previous summer
.and autumn were very dull and sunless, hence
the fruit-buds were imperfectly formed. Speaking
.generally, Apple, Pear, and Plum-trees have made
.healthy growths. We have had ample rains to
reach the deeper roots. If we can but have a
fair amount of sunshine now onwards until
•autumn there will be good hopes of fine crops
■next year. Henry J. Clayton, Grimston Gardens.

3, ENGLAND, E.
Essex. — The very unpropitious weather which
(prevailed during the whole time that Pears,
Plums, and Apples were in flower is responsible
for the crops of those fruits— if crops they can be
•called— for the year 1903 being the very worst
•experienced in this county for many years past.
In fact, as regards trees growing in the open, the
•crops are a complete failure. Bushes of Black
•Currants and Gooseberries, as well as Raspberries
and Strawberries, bore excellent crops of fine
fruit. H. W. Ward, Lime House, Rayleigh.

Lincolnshire. — I do not remember such a
>poor fruit crop. Sharp frosts and cold biting
-north and north-east winds in April destroyed
nearly all the blossom of the Peach, Nectarine,
Pear, Plum, and all the early flowers of the
•Cherry-trees ; and as if this was not bad enough
birds, bullfinches, sparrows, &c, made sad havoc
•with the Apple-blossom, a later frost completing
'the destruction. I do not think there will be
half a stone of Apples in the gardens here.
Strawberries have been a good average crop, and
with nice weather at ripening time have been
•very good. Gooseberries furnish the only other
satisfactory crop. H. Vinden, Harlaxton Manor.

The fruit crop on the whole is, in this

■district, a complete failure. The trees at first
promised well, but owing to the late spring frosts,
■especially those occurring between April 12 and
18, when from 3° to 10° were registered daily,
■accompanied by N.E. winds and snowstorms, all
blossom was destroyed. The Plum-trees are
making poor growth, and they are much overrun
with insect-pests. Pear and Apple trees are
■cleaner, but they are almost devoid of fruit.
Small fruits are also disappointing, with the
•exception of Strawberries ; the latter show
average crops of superior quality. During the
twenty-four years I have been in these gardens I
have never had such a scarcity of outdoor fruits.
John Rowlands, Manor Gardens, Bardney.

Norfolk. — The great scarcity in most frui*
crops this year is due to the disastrous frosts of
mid-April. Peach and Nectarine trees suffered
very much, being in some places completely
crippled. In some gardens there are good crops
of fine quality. The same remarks apply to
Cherries. Black Currants are very scarce. Red
Currants and Gooseberries have in some gardens
good crops of fruits, and of Raspberries the jrops
are heavier than usual. Strawberries are a good
crop, but deficient in flavour, and the fruits have
rotted in large numbers. On the whole, the
season is the worst we have had hereabouts for
very many years. E. C. Parslow, Shadwell Court
Gardens, Thetford.

Suffolk. — Taken as a whole, the fruit crop in
this district is one of the worst that I can re-
member. Of Pears and Plums there are scarcely
any. Cherries, a very partial crop and much
under the average in quantity. Great numbers
of Apple-trees round about are quite destitute of
fruits, and this without regard to variety. The
Gooseberry and Currant crops are an extremely
poor crop ; Strawberries and Raspberries are the
only good fruit crops we have. All this scarcity
results from the ten frosty nights which occurred
between the 8th and 25th of April. J. Wallis,
Orwell Park Gardens.

Suffolk. — The fruit crops in this district are
very disappointing. There was an abundant
blossom on all kinds of fruit-trees in the spring,
but the continual frosts from the first week in
April till nearly the end of the month destroyed
the blossom and young fruit, and all hopes of a
fruitful year. The crops of Peaches and Necta-
rines are variable; in some places the young
growth was injured by frost, so much so that the
trees are crippled and apparently quite beyond
recovery. In other places around the. trees are in
good condition, carrying a fair quantity of fruit.
The fruits on Pear, Apricot, and Cherry trees are
few. Strawberries are plentiful and very good,
but small fruits generally are a partial crop.
H. Fisher, Bungay.

{To be continued.)

THE FLOWEEING OF HARDY
BAMBOOS.

Nearly all over Great Britain and Ireland
some or other of the hardy Bamboos are flowering
this year. So far the only two species I have
noticed are Arundinaria Simoni and Phyllo-
stachys nigra, which have also flowered during
recent years at Kew and Batsford Park, whence
we have a seedling of both species reared
from home-grown seeds. The profusion with
which A. Simoni is now not only flowering, but
fruiting, in the Trinity College Gardens at
Dublin is well shown by the fertile culms I send
herewith. The seeds or fruits are nearly naked,
and resemble very fat and heavy Oacs, but are
larger and more glossy. When the fruit ap-
proaches maturity the fruiting branches easily
disarticulate themselves just below the fruit,
which falls to the ground if wind or other natural
agencies should disturb the culms.

It was formerly believed that when Bamboos
flowered they invariably died after ripening the
seed. In some cases this is probably true, as
observed in India and elsewhere ; but Lord
Redesdale informed me some time ago that in the
case of A. Simoni this does not usually take place,
and that, although the clumps look very brown
and miserable for a time, young leafy shoots again
appear from the stout, Couch-grass-like stems
that run about underground.

I hope that growers of these woody or shrubly
grasses will look at their plants carefully, and
especially note any other species that may now
be showing flowers in British gardens. Their
dry-looking or shabby appearance is usually an

indication of this taking place in the case of large
and long-established clumps, but, of course, not
with small and newly-planted specimens. This
wave of flower and fruit-production seems likely
to lead to A. Simoni and P. nigra being reared
by the thousand from home-saved seed, and if so,
the result may be that these two robust kinds will
find their way into our woods and game-covers,
and that they will naturalise themselves in warm
localities and climates. Another result, if the
various kinds flower and fruit in close proximity,
may be that hybrids may be produced in our
Bamboo-gardens, as is supposed to have been the
case in Japan, China, and elsewhere in the past.

The whole subject is a very interesting one,
and the views of others who are fond of these
fresh and graceful evergreen grass-shrubs is
much to be desired. The " dehiscence " of the
fruiting branches, so as to allow the mature
fruits to fall or sow themselves, should be noticed.
The light crest of male or abortive flowers remains
attached, and Would be blown some distance
during rough winds or gales. F. W. Burbidge,
Dublin.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDEB GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Melon-house. — Where late Melons are appreci-
ated, plants should now be planted to ensure ripe
fruit during October. Provide a bottoni-heat of 80"
to 85°, a night temperature of 70°, and by day 10°
to 15° more. If large pots are preferred to beds of
soil, fill them firmly with a compost chiefly con-
sisting of loam, and plunge in a hotbed of stable-
manure and tree-leaves, and set the pots on
pedestals of bricks. Let the Melon-house be
thoroughly cleansed before putting fresh Melon-
plants into it. The compost of a Melon-bed may
consist of good loam, a small quantity of charred
garden refuse, and mortar rubble, which form
into hillocks 3 feet apart, on which put out the
young plants when ready, making the soil firm
round about them. A loose soil tends to make
soft, long-jointed growths, susceptible to disease
and to insect-pests. Apply water sparingly till
the roots are running freely in the soil, and apply
no manure before an even set of three fruits to a
plant has been secured. Maintain moist con-
ditions in the house, being guided in this matter
by the weather, shorter days, and the smaller
amount of sun - heat, remembering that much
humidity does not tend to fruitfulness. Afford
air in favourable weather, and close early with
sun-heat whenever it can be done. Plants raised
early in last month, which have been recently
planted, should have the points of the main shoots
pinched out when these have grown to within
eighteen inches of the top of the trellis, and train
the side growths thinly, stopping them at one
joint beyond a fruit. While the fertilisation of
the blooms is proceeding, afford a dry condition
of the air with much ventilation. The degree of
warmth at night may reach 70°, and by day 80° to
85°, with ventilation when the weather is favour-
able, reducing it as the sun declines, and closing
with the thermometer at 90°. Syringe the plants
once or twice a day, and maintain a moist condi-
tion of the air in the house.

The Cucumber. — Seeds may be sown about the
middle of the month for raising plants for fruiting
in the winter. In doing this place one sound
seed | inch deep in the centre of a 3-inch pot, in
a mixture of loam and l>-af-mould. Plunge the
seed pots in a propagating pit in brisk bottom
heat, and when the seedlings are got above the
soil place the pots on a shelf close to the glass,
and keep the temperature at 70°. Telegraph and
Cardiff Castle are two capital varieties to sow
now. Plants recently plauted out should have
the points of the bine pinched off when halfway
up the trellis. Take measures against red -
spider. In order to prolong the fruitfulnsss
of plants, apply a top dressing, and repeat this
when the roots appear again at the surface.
Remove the old bine and such leaves as are not
in a sound state or that may cause crowding, and

August 8, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

97

lay-in young shoots. Generally carry out the
course that has been given with regard to Cu-
cumber culture from time to time.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fohtescue, Esq.
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Peach and Nectarine trees. — Growth being very
vigorous at {about this date, the training of the
leading shoots and the removal of all lateral
shoots not needed must receive constant and
regular attention. Any leading shoots taking
the lead to the detriment of others should
have the points pinched out, and in the case of
very strong shoots, cut them back to the lowest
sub-lateral shoot, and train-in that one as the
leader. Only by adopting such means can a well-
balanced tree be formed. The mid-season Peaches
and Nectarines are now ripening, and the leaves
which may be shading the fruits should be
pushed on one side. Keep a sharp outlook for
black aphis, dipping the points of the shoots
where these pests most do congregate into a weak
mixture of quassia extract and soapy water.

Strawberry - beds. — Plants layered early in
July are now ready for being taken up and
planted. The recent rains have made the ground
in good condition for planting, and if the same
has been prepared for them, the work may pro-
ceed apace. Royal Sovereign, The Laxton, and
James Veitch are varieties of strong growth,
and the rooted runners should be planted 2| feet
apart each way, and for less robust growers 2 feet
will afford sufficient space. Layering runners
should terminate forthwith.

Hints on, Work in General. — At the present
time take note of trees which require to be root-
pruned later on. With the light crops of fruit
now very general in gardens and orchards, most
trees are growing with extra vigour, but if root-
pruning is generally practised no large number
of fruit-trees will require this sort of attention,
excepting such as have been newly planted and
have not borne a crop. Apples on the Paradise
and Doucin, and Pears on the Quince stocks may
need root- pruning, as well as standard Apple-trees
on the Crab, if not very aged. The early Apples,
Irish Peach, Mr. Gladstone, and the red-and-white
Juneating, should be protected from blackbirds
and thrushes |this season, and if the number of
fruits is few they may be put into muslin or
scrim canvas bags, or a net can be put over the
trees. These early varieties of Apples are better
gathered straight from the trees as required for
dessert, as the fruits lose flavour if stored.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mabk Rolle
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Freesias. — No greenhouse should be without
these lovely Cape bulbs. Those having a stock
should shake them out of their pots, if this
be not already done, sorting out the finest
bulbs, and placing six or eight in a 5-inch pot,
covering them with an inch of soil, consisting
of loam, leaf-soil, a small quantity of decayed
manure, and enough sand to give porosity. Stand
in a cold pit or frame facing north, and unless
the soil is very dry, afford no water for a week or
ten days, but cover the lights entirely with mats
in preference to cocoa-nut fibre or leaf-soil, which,
if not carefully watched, is liable to cripple the
grass-like shoots as they push up. Apply very
little water until actively growing. Ixias and
Sparaxis require similar treatment as regards
potting, which, however, need not be carried
out till the middle of September. The smaller
bulbs grow to flowering size if grown for one
year with the remainder.

Lachenalias. — To many persons these plants
appear a little bit formal, but they are neverthe-
less a useful class for blooming during the month
of April or early in May. They respond to the
same kind of treatment as that described above ; or
■ if it be intended to make up baskets for hanging,
place them in pans or small boxes until growth
is an inch long, then transfer them to the baskets,
dibbling them fairly thick all round the sides,
which should bo first lined with moss to prevent
the soil being waslied out. The varieties Nelsoni,
pendula, and tricolor are the best to gti nv,

Hyacinths, Sec. — The early white Roman
Hyacinths for flowering early in December re-
quire to be well rooted before they are introduced
to the forcing-house, and should be potted up
early in the present month, placing three or four
bulbs in a 5-inch;pot, or, if for cut flowers, plant
in cutting boxes, transferring them to pots just
as the flowers begin to expand, if that be thought
necessary. In potting do not press the soil under
the bulbs too firmly, or they will push them-
selves out. The White Italian forms a good
succession and has a much finer spike, it is also
very fragrant. The named varieties carry on the
flowering well into the month of April if the
bulbs are potted during the next two months.
Among Tulips the earliest are the Due van Thol
varieties, and the following are much finer and
force well — Pottebakker (white), Belle Alliance,
L'Immaculee, Cottage Maid, Goldfinch, and Mon-
tresor.

The Polyanthus Narcissus (Paper-white) should
also receive early attention, while several of the
Daffodils come early into flower with very little
forcing, viz,, Princeps, Ard Righ, Horsfieldi,
Cynosure, Countess of Annesley, and Golden
Spur. Place the pots of bulbs behind a north
wall or in a cold frame, and cover with fine coal-
ashes or sifted leaf-soil.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexandeb, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. Q. L.
Holfobd, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Mexican Lwlias. — L. autumnalis, L. albida, and
L. Gouldiana, being sun-loving subjects, are the
better for being grown in baskets, and hung up
close to the roof of the house. These Laelias are
injured by disturbance at the roots, and should
not be turned out unless they have become over-
grown. The old materials should then be re-
placed with new, if this be found necessary, when
action at the root has commenced. Abundance
of water at the root is necessary when the plants
are in active growth, and syringing on the after-
noons of bright days. Let the shading be
removed early, and allow the temperature to rise
considerably by sun-heat. The ventilators may
be opened during the night, if the weather be
warm and fine. If the Lailia-house is light and
airy, these plants will form good, hard pseudo-
bulbs and strong flower-spikes.

Lcelia majalis is a beautiful species, but is diffi-
cult to grow and flower satisfactorily in gardens,
owing to its natural habitat being at a great
elevation above sea-level, and it requiring much
cooler conditions than the foregoing plants ;
moreover, the plant should have the maximum of
sunlight.

L&lia crispa is a pretty species now flowering
in the Cattleya-house at Westonbirt. The plant
is a rather shy flowerer in some gardens, which I
attribute to affording it too much heat and an
excess of water at the root, with the result that
the plant is always growing, and never sufficiently
matures its pseudo-bulbs. The plant requires
but a small quantity of water at any season ; and a
light position in the warmest part of the Cattleya-
house should be chosen for it. The most suitable
season . for repotting is early spring, and over-
potting should be guarded against, pot-bound
plants always affording the most flowers.

Cattlcya El-dorado and C. E. alba are making a
show at this season, this flower coming before the
growths are fully developed, and new roots are
often emitted before the latter stage is reached.
Repotting and top-dressing when needed should
then have attention, making use of well-drained
pots or pans and the usual Cattleya compost.
Keep the plants moist at the roots till the pseudo-
bulbs are fully developed ; then place the plant
at the coolest part of the Cattleya-house for
resting, and afford much less water.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Piqott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Winter Onions. — A .sowing should be made
about August 11, and again a fortnight later, on
a south border. A piece of ground should be
selected for the first sowing which has been
deeply dug and well dressed with soot and wood-

ashes ; and if the land be heavy apply a he avy
dressing of road-grit. Make the ground firm by
trampling it evenly, then draw shallow seed-
drills 10 or 12 inches apart, and sow evenly and-
thinly, covering the seeds with soil with the^
fork, finishing neatly with a rake. Red Rocca,
White Emperor, and White Leviathan are good
varieties for present sowing. The last-named-
is a splendid Onion for pulling early, and the-
bulbs, if left in the ground, will grow to a very
large size. It is a bad keeper.

Carrots. — A. sowing may be made in a frame
or on a south border, sowing the seeds thinly in
drills drawn at 10 inches apart. As soon as the
seedlings are large enough to handle, they should,
be thinned at a little distance apart. Veitch's-
Model, Sutton's Scarlet Intermediate, and the-
Scarlet Horn, are suitable varieties for present
sowing.

Potatos. — Those that are ripe should be dug up-
without waiting for the haulm to die down.
The continued wet weather has been most
injurious to tubers fully grown, and it is better to»
lift them too early than to leave them any longer
in the ground to be attacked by disease. Choose-
if possible a dry day for lifting.

Cauliflowers. — Heads are turning-in for use in.
abundance, and the heads should be covered by
by breaking the inner leaves over them. Keep a
sharp look-out for caterpillars, and collect them.
by hand. Stir the ground well between succession!
plants, destroying weed and promoting growth.

Cardoons. — The stems take about ten weeks to
blanch properly, and a commencement may now
be made, tying up the leaf-stalks together tem-
porarily, and wrapping and enclosing them in
stiff brown-paper and hay-bands, finally banking-
up the soil about the plants.
"General Hints. — Ply the hoe carefully amongst
all growing crops of all sorts. The recent rains,
have been a hindrance to the destruction of
weeds, and when the hoe cannot be used, hand-
weeding of the larger weeds must be adopted, or-
the growing crop of weeds will choke the crope-
and render much labour necessary later in the-
season.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Iaixack, Gardener to E. Milleb Musty, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Propagation of Bedding Plants. — These opera-
tions will now demand attention ; first of all,
zonal Pelargoniums, the stock of which should be-
thoroughly established in pots or boxes before-
winter sets in. Growth has been slow and
uneven this summer owing to the unfavourable
weather, but most of the plants will afford a-
cutting or two without injury to the beds, if care-
be taken in the operation. Let the cuttings be-
made from short-jointed, firm wood, and having
trimmed them, insert them 3 inches apart ancL
1 inch deep in a well-drained, sandy mixture of
the accumulations from the potting-bench, &<;•>
to which some leaf-mould is added. Afford the
cuttings water copiously, and put the boxes, &c,
in a sunny position on a bottom impervious to-
worms. If they can be so placed that heavy
rains may be warded off with spare lights, the»
result will be good ; but until the cuttings have
made roots but little water should be applied. In,
fine weather expose the cuttings to the air and to-
night dews. Other plants of which it will be
advisable to take cuttings now, either to grow on,
or to use as stock plants for spring propagation,
are Petunias, Fuchsias, Tropaolums, Heliotropes,
Gazanias, and Verbenas. All of these may be
very readily struck in frames placed on nearly
spent hotbeds, the cutting - pots being half
plunged in coal-ashes and keep close and shaded
for a few days, syringing the cuttings once or-
twice a day.

Lilium candidum. — This, the old favourite
"Madonna" Lily, will now be in the best con-
dition for transplanting or, at least, for lifting
In the few cases whore the plants have hitherto-
been disease-proof they may be transplanted at
once, but where the disease has been prevalent
let the bulbs be dried in the sun under glass-
tor a tow works; and as a further precaution,
dress the bulbs before planting with Bowers-of-
sulpbur. Bulbs that aro already well placed ami
growing satisfactorily should,be left undisturbed.

98

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[August 8, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
41, Wellington .Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be wbitten on one bide only of
thk papeb, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not b«
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dec. ; 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.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement.

Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
the Editor early intellige?ice of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

SATURDAY, Ana. 8

MONDAY, Aug
TUESDAY, Aug
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 12

( Royal Botanical
'( Meeting.

]n t Royal Botanical
) Annual Meeting.

11— Half-Quarter Day.

( Bishop's Stortford

Society's
Society's

Horticul-

1 tural Society's Show.

( Taunton Dean Horticultural
THURSDAY, Aug. 13-J and Floral Society's Exhi-

( bin. in

SALES FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY NEXT—

Great Sale of 18 010 Imported Odontoglossum
crispum, at U7 and 68. Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe
& Morris, at 12.30 o'clock.
(For further particulars «ee our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
—63 2".
Actual Temperatures :—

London.— ^l?t<7i«( 5 (6 p.m.) : Max. 88° ; Min. 53°.

August 6 (Noon) : Slightly overcast at times; 58\
Pbovinces.— August 5 (6 P.M.): Max. 65', East
Coast; Min. 53°, N.E. Scotland.

The meeting of the Royal

.Cacti (fcc

(See ' Horticultural Society in the

8iaZltrduon).V DriU Hal1' Buckingham Gate,
Westminster, on Tuesday last,
was the thinnest and most meagre of the
season. Notwithstanding, it contained many
features of interest, notably in the collections
•of Cacti which were specially invited. There
were two collections in particular that
attracted attention, viz., that of Messrs.
Cannell, of Swanley. and of Mr. Anker,
the agent for M. de Laet, of Contich, whose
nursery was lately noticed in our columns.
Messrs. Cannell showed large well -grown
specimens, among which Echinocactus
■Grussoni was specially noticeable.

Two remarkable Mesembryanthemums,
each with a pair of succulent green leaves
{M. Bolusii, M. truncatellum), were remark-
able from the close resemblance they would
have in their native wilds to the rocks and
stones among which they grow — a resem-
blance which would ensure them a certain
measure of protection from browsing
animals.

The densely-set spines of various Cacti
and Euphorbias serve a similar purpose.
The provision against drought in a dry and
thirsty land is effected by the tough rind,
which checks undue evaporation, and by
(the storage of water in the bloated stems.
It is the recognition of these wonderful
adaptations, no less than their variety and
grotesque appearance, which give these

plants a special charm to some people.
The ordinary observer is apt to say he does
not like them because they do not grow,
and change their aspect from day to day or
month to month. Cactus lovers will, of
course, not admit that, but it is only a matter
of the seeing eye. When they are in flower,
however, it will be universally admitted
that not a single group of plants can pro-
duce a more gorgeous effect. "Gorgeous" is
the only adjective that can adequately
describe the crimson glories of many flowers
of the genus Cereus, while among the
Echinocacti and the delicately tinted Phyllo-
cactus, there are many almost equally
beautiful; many of the tiny Mamillarias also
produce a striking effect by the brilliancy
of their crimson berries, as was shown in
some of the specimens on Tuesday last.

Among the whole group there is none
more wonderful or more beautiful than the
night-blooming Cereus, of which we give an
illustration in our supplementary plate,
taken, as we suppose, by the aid of the mag-
nesium light. The snake - like stems are
somewhat uncanny, but words are not ade-
quate to describe the glories of the expanded
flowers, with their outer segments of cinna-
mon-brown passing gradually through cream-
colour to snow-white, and with crowds of
delicate white, thread-like stamens moving
gradually around the projecting style. And
then the perfume ! It is like the most
fragrant of incense. If one saw but one
flower in the year, and that flower were one
of the night - bloomiDg Cereus, it would
remain as a vision of beauty and a wonder
of wonders for many a long day. Of course,
such a flower cannot be exhibited in the
Drill Hall, and it is not of any use as a cut-
flower for decorative purposes, and so we
suppose many would pass it by ; and we
should not be very much surprised, judging
from past experience in similar cases, if the
Floral Committee ignored its title to a
First-class Certificate, if it could be brought
before them.

The Cacti by no means formed the only
things worth seeing ; there were Koses and
Lilies, and Orchids and Poppies— a delightful
exhibit ; and there was a fine display of the
magnificent Senecio clivorum, illustrated in
our columns September 20, 1902; so that
although the display was much smaller than
we are accustomed to see, it was by no
means deficient in interest.

Among the distinguished visitors were
Sir Thomas Hanbury, the owner of the
noble garden at La Mortola, and Mr. J. H.
Hart, the well-known colonial botanist from
Trinidad.

Mr. Milner, who had been advertised to
lecture on Landscape Gardening, was un-
fortunately unable to be present, to the
great disappointment of many anxious to
hear him.

The Irish Gardeners' Association and
Benevolent Society, Dublin. — The following
is a copy of an address presented to H.M. the
King at Dublin Castle on July 22, 1903 :—

To His Majesty Edward VII., King
of Great Britain and Ireland,
Emperor of India, &c.
May it please Your Majesty, —

We, on behalf of the Irish Gardeners'
Association and Benevolent Society, beg to
tender to Your Most Gracious Majesty, and
to your illustrious Consort the Queen, our

most loyal and hearty welcome on this your
first visit to Ireland since your Majesties'
accession to the Throne.

Representing as we do a large body of
your loyal subjects, who appreciate the great
interest your Majesty takes in the welfare of
those.engaged in Horticultural pursuits, and
in honouring with your Royal patronage the
Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution and
the Gardeners' Royal Orphan Fund of
England, whose objects are of a similar
character to our own, we feel that the present
is a fitting opportunity to express our sincere
gratitude and profound respect on this
occasion of your visit to Dublin ; and we
humbly hope and pray that it may be your
Majesty's gracious pleasure at some future
date to honour with your illustrious patronage
the Irish Gardeners' Association and Bene-
volent Society. Signed on behalf of the
Society : —

President, F. W. Burbidge, M.A.,
M.R.I.A., V.M.H.

Vice-Presidents, John J. Egan, J. P.,
James Cavanagh, F. W. Moore,
A.L.S., M.R.I.A., V.M.H.

Hon. Secretary, Wu, S. Hall.

Royal Horticultural Society: Exhibi-
tion of British - grown Fruits and Vege-
tables, September 29, 30, and October 1. —
The Royal Horticultural Society will hold an
exhibition of British-grown fruits and vegetables
at Chiswick on September 29, 30, and October 1.
The Prize Schedule is now ready, and contains in
addition to the list of prizes an authoritative list
of dessert and culinary Apples, Pears, and Plums.
Special prizes are offered for preserved and
bottled fruits. A conference on Vegetables will
be held on Tuesday, September 29, at 2.30 p.m.,
Mr. G. Buntard, V.M.H., in the chair. The
following gentlemen have been asked to read
papers: — 1. "On Cooking Vegetables," Dr.
Bonavia and Mr. James Hudson, V.M.H. ; 2.
" On Vegetables All the Year Round for a Private
Family," Mr. W. H. Divers ; 3. "On Vegetables
for Exhibition," Mr. Edwin Beckett ; 4. " On
Vegetables for Market," Mr. W. Poupart. Any
contributions to the conference will be welcomed.
Donations towards the Prize Fund will be grate-
fully received by the Secretary, Royal Horti-
cultural Society, 117, Victoria Street, London,
S.W., of whom copies of the Schedule can be
obtained. Applicants should enclose a stamped
envelope ready addressed to themselves.

"Botanical Magazine." — The August
number contains coloured figures and descriptions
of the following plants : —

Isoloma erianthum, Decaisne, t. 7,907- — A Ges-
neriaceous plant, native of Columbia, with shaggy
hairs, lanceolate leaves, and loose clusters of
irregularly-tubular flowers, yellow flushed with
red, and each about 1£ inch long. The rhizome
is covered with thick, fleshy, pinkish scales. It is
a handsome stove plant. Cambridge Botanic
Garden and Kew.

Sedum Stahlii, Solms, t. 7,908. — A Mexican
species, with thick, oblong leaves and a spreading
cyme of yellow flowers.

Chlor&a longibracteata, Lindley, t. 7,909. — A
Chilian terrestrial Orchid, lately mentioned in
our columns when speaking of Orchids at Kew.

Arismma japonicum, Blume, t. 7,910. — A species
with pedately divided leaves and green spathes
striped with white. It flowered in the Alpine-
house at Kew.

Cistanche violacea, Desfontaines, t. 7,911. — A
plant allied to our Orobanches, and parasitic on
various plants. It has a thick, fleshy stalk

August 8, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

99

covered with dense, overlapping, fleshy scales,
•and a terminal inflorescence of numerous violet-
coloured flowers, like those of an Orobanche.

"Flora of Hampshire."— Mr. Townsend is
about to publish a second edition of his valuable
Flora of Hampshire. No fewer than fifty additional
cpecies will be included, exclusive of Eubi.

Mr. GODEFROY LEBEUF, of Paris, importer
and grower of Orchids and of colonial and eco-
nomical plants, and author of the OrchidopMle,
died on Sunday last, aged 51 years.

Hofrath Professor Carl Hausknecht.

— This well-known botanist, founder and president
of the Botanical Society of Thuringia, died at
"Weimar, July 7, in the sixty-third year of his
age.

School of Gardening.— At the Gardens,
Regent's Park, Mr. C. Brinsley Moelet, Vice-
President, one afternoon of last week presented
certificates to those students of the Eoyal Botanic
Society's School of Practical Gardening who had
successfully passed the Technical Education
Board's examination in botany for intermediate
scholarships. He congratulated Miss Verrall
on having obtained 276 marks out of a possible
300. Miss Sadler also had passed very credit-
ably. In all thirteen certificates were awarded,
of which six were taken by ladies.

The Rothamsted Experimental Station.
— The Station was visited, on July 31, by the
Et. Hon. The Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G., Presi-
dent of the Board of Agriculture, who was
accompanied by Sir T. H. Elliott, K.C.B., Secre-
tary to the Board of Agriculture, and by Mr.
Pakenham, his private secretary. Other gentle-
men present included G. Lambert, Esq., M.P.,

A. H. Smith, Esq., M.P., G. B. Hudson, Esq., M.P.,
Martin J. Sutton, Esq., H. Hodge, Esq., Professor
W. A. Tilden (President of the Chemical Society),
and H. T. Hodgson, Esq. They were met by
Sir Charles Lawes-Wittewronge, Bart., and by
Sir John Evans, K.C.B., F.E.S., Sir Michael
Foster, K.C.B., M.P., and Dr. Armstrong, LL.D.,
F.E.S., Members of the Lawes Trust Committeee.
Mr. A. D. Hall, M.A., the Director, conducted
the visitors through the Laboratories and over the
Experimental Plots. Other recent visitors to the
Station have included a party of about twenty-
five teachers from the Eoyal College of Science,
South Kensington, accompanied by Professor J.

B. Farmer, on July 17, and a small party, on
-July 21, from the Horticultural College, Swanlev,
Kent.

Perfume in Plants.— Messrs. Charabot &
Herbert show that the proportion of perfume-
giving elements in a plant may be increased by
the use of mineral manures, which at the same
time facilitate transpiration, and thus diminish
the amount of water in the plant. The con-
clusions are given in the Comptes Rendus for
June 29.

Peloriate Antirrhinum. — Mr. Lindsay
| «ends us from Edinburgh specimens of regular
1 ipeloria in the common Antirrhinum. The flower-
i| tube is straight, cylindrical, uniformly dilated at
| the base, but with no trace of spur; the limb
s'hortly 5-lobed, regular, not in the least two-
lipped, with a ring of white hairs in the throat,
in which the pollen grains are entangled, so that
•an insect visiting the flower must needs brush
some of them off and carry them away with it.
The five stamens are of equal length. If any
I unfortunate student described this as a Solana-
; oeous plant, and not one of the Scrophulariaceie,
he might, in the absence of ripe seeds, be
acquitted. The abnormality, or rather the rever-
sion to primitive normality, is so far fixed that
. seeds sent by Mr. Loebn/., of Erfurt, reproduce

this form of flowers without fail. This is a
greater change than those relied on by Prof. De
Vries in his mutation theory to substantiate the
formation of new species in (Enothera, for here
we have not merely different specific but ordinal
characters developed. In any case, this peloric
Antirrhinum may be invoked as evidence tending
to prove that the irregular Scrophulariacese are
the modified descendants of the regular Solanaceae,
just as Lobelias are irregular forms of Cam-
panulas, Orchids of Apostasias, and so forth.

Eucalyptus. — As if the species were not
difficult enough to determine, Dr. Trabut de-
scribes and figures, in the Revue Horticole for
July 1G, various plants, supposed with more or less
reason to be of hybrid origin, viz., E. Eameliana x ,
a cross between E. botryoides and E. rostra ta,
E. gompho-cornuta x between E. gomphocephala
and E. cornuta; E. Bourlieri x , a hybrid between
E. globulus and an undetermined species. It is
surmised that some of these hybrid forms may
prove better adapted to the conditions of the
Mediterranean climate under which they origi-
nated than the introduced species.

South African Aloes, etc. — We have
received a copy of Dr. Schonland's paper on the
species of Aloe native to South Africa. Hitherto,
our knowledge of these plants has been princi-
pally obtained from cultivated specimens, which
differ in character from the wild forms. More-
over, the specimens being troublesome to preserve,
the species are not so well represented in herbaria
as they ought to be, and in many cases the exact
locality where particular specimens have been ob-
tained is not indicated. Some of the characteristics
vanish or are much modified in the drying pro-
cess, so that the careful study of living plants in
their natural habitats or under natural condi-
tions is greatly to be desired. We may here
note that the specimens prepared for the Kew
herbarium by Mr. N. E. Brown, from garden
plants, are of great excellence. Dr. Schonland
has undertaken the task of examining the wild
species, and the first-fruits of his researches are
published in the Records of the Albany Museum,
vol. i., No. 1 (April, 1903). Botanists and culti-
vators alike will be under obligations to Dr.
Schonland, whose papers will, we hope, be widely
circulated. Incidentally we may mention that the
author has succeeded in procuring good herbarium
specimens by soaking the plants for a few days in
a strong solution of Cooper's Sheep-dip, and then
pressing the specimens in the ordinary way, with
frequent changes of paper.

Palms in the Riviera.— M. Eobertson-
Proschowsky, whose communications to our
columns have been so much appreciated, has
contributed to the Bulletin of the Societe Nationale
d' Acclimatation de France a paper on certain
Palms adapted for cultivation in the open air in
the climate of Nice. Among them he enumerates
species of Chamaedorea, which require partial
shade. One species, C. geonomiformis, has pro-
duced fertile seeds. Glaziova insignis and G.
Martiana (Cocos Weddelliana) are both hardy.
Various species of Howea or Kentia, of Kentiopsis,
also sustain the climate of Nice, as does Livi-
stona chinensis (Latania borbonica), but must
not be exposed to the full sun, as under those
circumstances it is liable to be injured by frost.
For an enumeration of the other species mentioned
by M. Proschowsky we must refer to the original
paper.

Medicinal Plants. — The following report
on medicinal plants for 1903 has been received
from Messrs. Eansom &, Son, Hitchin : — Bella-
donna.— The early plant was injured by the late
frosts, and although it has now mostly recovered
it is shorter than usual, and the quantity will be
less than last year. Henbane. — The crops are
very irregular this season. In places it is almost

a failure, while in other situations it is abundant.
Altogether it appears to be more plentiful than last
year. Lavender. — The plants are looking healthy,
but the flowers are very irregular. With favourable
weather for harvest the prospects should be fairly
good. Peppermint. — This is not likely to be abun-
dant, the plants being thin. Rosemary. — The
plants are in fairly good condition, and the crop
will probably be about up to the average.
Elaterium. — The prospect is not so good as usual.
The heavy rains, followed by the hot weather,
have not been favourable for healthy growth.
Aconite. — The plants are in good condition, and
an average crop may be anticipated. The Pharma-
ceutical Journal.

International Exhibition in Man-
CHESTER. — It has been determined to hold an
international exhibition in Manchester in 1905.
Land for the purpose is found available, and
funds can be raised. The scope of the under-
taking " will comprise all that is best in indus-
tries, arts and sciences, home, colonial and
foreign," so that our friends are at least aiming
high. At present the programme is, of course,
general rather than detailed, and there seems
good reason (and the Committee have no doubt)
that it should be an unqualified success.

The Preservation of Fruit by Cold;
" De la Conservation des Fruits par les
Procedes Bases sur l'Emploi du Froid." —
This is a little pamphlet written by M. Loiseau,
and published at 81 bis, Eue de Grenelle, Paris.
It deals with the preservation of fruit in re
frigerating chambers, a process now familiar to
those concerned on this side of the Channel. M.
Loiseau asks : " Will the fruit so heated keep, and
will the necessary expenditure be compensated
for by the prices obtained in the market ? " To
both of these questions M. Loiseau says, " Yes."

PrOTEA mellifera. — In the current number
of the Revue Horticole is a coloured plate of this
noble plant, known in this country, if at all, only
under glass. The plant figured is growing in
the open air in the nurseries of MM. Nabonnand,
between Cannes and Antibes. We are not aware
whether any of the Proteas have been tried in
the open in the Scilly Islands or other favoured
corners of this country, but the inflorescence is
so imposing that it would be worth making the
trial. Under glass they have gone completely
out of fashion, perhaps because they take up too
much room, and are not of much use as "cut
flowers."

Chrysanthemums :—
Antwerp. — The Eoyal Society of Horticulture
and Agriculture of Antwerp will hold a great
exhibition of Chrysanthemums in that city from
the 14th to the loth of November. The address
of the Secretary is 9 Longue rue de l'hopital.

Lille. — A great Chrysanthemum Congress will
be held at Lille from the 6th to Sth November
next. Foreign exhibitors will be allowed to
participate.

Plagiarism. — An Italian writer on the Chrys-
anthemum is alleged to have translated the
work of M. Lochon, the gardener to the Prince of
Bulgaria, and to have affixed his own name to
the translation, without mentioning that of the
original author !

RUBBER TREES. — "The Jelutong tree (Dyera
Costulata)," says Mr. Eidley in the Agric. Bull.
of the Straits and Federated Malay States, March,
"is one of the biggest trees of the Malay Penin-
sula, attaining a height of over 200 feet. It
belongs to the order Apocynacoi, and is allied to
Alstonia. Its chief use appears to be for making
a water-proofing mixture used in the walls, floors,
and roofs of houses; and this use, which is of
comparatively recent date, appears to be the
cause of the very large demand for it of recent

100

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AUGUST 8, 1903.

years. It is used also in making all sorts of
cheap rubber goods, especially rubber shoes,
when mixed with other materials." A figure of
the tree with botanical details is given in the
publication above mentioned.

The Transport of Plants.— There are a
few still left among us who can remember the
introduction of the Wardian case, and its applica-
tion to the transport of living plants from
country to country as now so largely practised.
Now comes the use of the electric light, concerning
which the following extract from an article by
Sir Daniel Morris in the Kew Bulletin, 1891,
will be read with interest : —

" OwiDg to the cold weather, the cases on board the
Atrato were placed below in the main saloon. There
was very little direct light in the day-time, but the
question of warmth was, for the moment, of more
importance than that of light. The weather during the
whole of the first week continued very cold, and it was
impossible to expose the plants on deck. Under these
circumstances it was fortunate that the electric light,
with which every part of the ship was supplied, was
available to try an experiment of some interest.
Although the plants received very little light during
the day, they had a good supply of electric light during
the night, and the particular plants that were more
fully exposed to the electric light were afterwards
found to be in a much better condition than the others.
It is well known that plants will thrive under the
influence of artificial light, but in this instance there
was so little direct light available during the day that
the plants had to depend almost entirely on the light
they received at night. The Gambier plants are
particularly sensitive as regards a diminution of light.
In the present instance the plants were placed below
on November 12, and were removed on deck on
November 19. Here they were placed on a hatchway on
the starboard side, and shaded from the direct rays of
the sun by an awning. In order to make myself
acquainted with the exact condition of the plants
before they left my charge, the cases were opened on
November 23, about thirty-six hours before arriving at
Barbados. All the plants were in good order ; a few, it
is true, had lost their leaves, but the greater number
were in excellent condition. The case in which the
plants had suffered most was one of the two intended
for the Jamaica gardens. This had been placed with
its end towards the electric light, and, in consequence,
had received less direct light than the others. The
reports received respecting the Gambier plants on
arriving at their destination were as follows :— Jamaica,
December 1 : ' Thirty-four plants in good order, eight
in fair order, thirty-eight somewhat weak;' British
Guiana, December 3 : " The plants arrived safely, all
living; ' Trinidad, December 17 : 'All the plants arrived
safely, the lower portion growing freely ; ' St. Vincent,
December 19: 'Fifteen plants in good order, seven
leafless ten dead '—these plants were over-carried by
the Esk to Trinidad and La Guayra, and returned to
St. Vincent ten days late ; Dominica. November 28 :
' The plants arrived in good condition.'"

Remedy for Mosquito-bites. —Year by

year we learn more of the appearance of that vile
insect the mosquito in our country lanes and by
river-banks, at one time the undisputed domain
of the midge ; and nostrums without end are
advised for mitigating the discomfort of the sting.
But why not checkmate the owner of the boring
proboscis? The Entomologist for the State of
New Jersey has placed on record the how to do it.
The oil of citronella, distilled from Andropogon
nardus, is the thing; the odour is not un-
pleasant, and the oil may be lightly applied to
the skin of those parts of the body exposed to the
conscienceless marauder, keeping it away from
the eyes. The reporting entomologist has slept
peacefully on an exposed verandah when all
others were driven indoors to mosquito-curtain?,
&c. It has never failed during his collecting
rambles — the enemy flies before it !

Edible Fungi.— With a wet autumn in
prospect we may confidently expect a plentiful
crop of fungi. Some of these we know to be
" good-eating," whilst, as to others, the less we
know of them in this particular aspect the better.
Nevertheless it is all the more essential to be
able to recognise them by sight. We have
various works in this country, but none very re-
cent,although the excellent figures by Mr. Worth-
ington Smith, in the Natural History Museum,

are invaluable to the student who is fortunate
enough to be able to pay a visit to Cromwell Road.
Those who have not that privilege, and especially
those to whom the French language offers no
bar, may like to hear of a small book, in which
edible and poisonous fungi are arranged in a
series of tables, so that they may easily be
determined with a little care — the more so as
numerous illustrations both plain and coloured
are given. The book is compiled by M. Charles
Manget, and is published by J. B. Bailliere et
Fils, of Paris. It may be obtained at a reasonable
price from Messrs. Williams & Norgate, or
other foreign booksellers.

The CRICKET MATCH.— The Royal Horticul-
tural Society's Fruit v. Floral Committees'
cricket match, arranged to take place at Holland
Park, Kensington, on the 8th inst, has, we learn,
been postponed.

Saltaire, Shipley, and District Rose
SOCIETY. — A society under the above designation
has been formed, with head-quarters at the
Institute, Saltaire, for the encouragement of
Rose-culture in Saltaire and neighbourhood. J.
Roberts, J.P., is President ; T. C. Bridges, Hon.
Treasurer ; and Mr. E. Wright, Hon. Secretary.
The first show was held in Saltaire Park on
July 21 last, which, judging from the report that
has reached us, was of a considerable degree of
excellence, and well supported by some of the
principal rosarians of the country. Doubtless as
time goes on and local talent develops, the pick
of the prizes for Roses will remain to a greater
extent in and about Saltaire, instead of following
the strong battalions, as on this occasion.

New Cucumber Disease. — During the
past week we have been consulted by an exten-
sive cultivator of Cucumbers relative to a disease
which has made its appearance upon mature
fruits, and threatens to occasion great loss, as it
is not confined to a specimen or two here and
there, but appears to be spreading over his crop.
This disease forms dark depressed spots on the
surface of the fruits in the first instance, which
gradually enlarge and expand until they become
quite black and convex like nodules, and crack
either around or across, exposing the pale under-
stratum. At first they are about a quarter or
half an inch across, and finally extend to an inch
or 2 inches, or become confluent. The surface is
from the first mealy with the conidia, which are
afterwards profuse, mixed with slender hyphae,
so as to impart a grey velvety appearance. The
earliest conidia are more nearly globose than
afterwards, from 10 x 8/u to 12 x 8/x ; becoming
at length as much as 25 x 8,u, and then
usually uniseptate, but with scarcely any
colour ; occasionally two or three conidia
are concatenate. The hyphae are long and
slender, half or two - thirds the diameter
of the conidia, septate, simple, not constricted or
nodulose, of a pale smoky colour, and very sparse
in comparison to the conidia. The flesh of the
fruit beneath the spots turns of a golden or tawny
brown. The black elevated spots resemble large
scabs, and the parasite which apparently causes
the mischief has been called provisionally Clado-
sporium scabies (Cooke). But it is still under
cultivation and observation in order to investi-
gate its life-history. The mould is closely allied
to the Cladosporium which attacks the leaves of
the Tomato, but the black blotches resemble
those of the Macrosporium on the Tomato fruits,
except that they are not shining. It is strongly
recommended that all diseased fruits be removed
and destroyed at once, and those remaining should
be sprayed to preserve them from attack. Condy's
fluid (dilute) should be tried, as less likely to
injure the fruits than copper solutions. Anyway,
no effort should be spared at once to stamp out
the pest. M. C. C.

THE VARIETIES OF CEANOTHUS.

Among the numerous varieties of Ceanothus
obtained by crossing C. amerieanus and C. azureus
there are several that resemble the former of
these two species in foliage, in their young
glabrous shoots, the shortness of their inflores-
cence, and the white and rosy rather than dis-
tinctly blue colour of their flowers. The influence
of the second species is sometimes seen in the
pubescence, which the former lacks, and in the
two very prominent lateral veins running almost
parallel with the outline of the leaf-blade. But
this last characteristic is not constant, and in
the several species, hybrids, and varieties of the
genus Ceanothus, all forms may be seen inter-
mediate between those with branching veins and
others with pseudo-parallel veins.

An easy means of distinguishing between varie-
ties that are allied to one or other of these two-
types is desirable when making a selection for
outdoor planting of those that are more or less
hardy. It may be said that the forms fall into
three distinct categories : —

1. The North American species, which are very
hardy, even north of the United States (example,
C. amerieanus).

2. Mexican species, which are half - hardy,
generally bearing Parisian winters well and not
suffering in severely cold weather, (C. azureus).

3. Californian species, which are not hardy
near Paris, although they are so in Brittany, the
adjacent Normandy and the South (C. divaricatus,.
C. papillosus, C. rigidus).

It is useless to plant in gardens in central
France species belonging to the third group. This-
is unfortunate, as the vegetation of C. divaricatus
(to mention but one) is very rapid and fine ; it is-
almost a tree, covered with blue flowers and
charming tender green foliage, and is often seen
thriving at Angers, where it only suffers in the-
most severe winters. The blue of the other
Californian species (C. rigidus, C. papillosus. C-
cuneatus, &c.) is still more intense and beautiful..
All are tender.

But this is not so with hybrids of the first and.
second groups, which have provided splendi
shrubs for our gardens, that in summer and.
autumn constantly re-bloom by means of axillary
inflorescences that follow the terminal panicle...
These charming thyrsoid racemes grow among,
pretty foliage, and show blue, violet, mauve, pink,,
and white shades in great variety. Here are the-
names of some of the best varieties : —

Blue. — Gloire de Versailles, Leon Simon, Bijou,:
Gloire de Plantieres, Esther, Triomphe d' Angers,
Sceptre d'Azur.

Pink, Lilac, or Violet. — President Reveil, Gla-
diateur, Theodore Froebel, Marie Simon, Le Geant
(rose carmine).

White or Whitish.— Fendleri (a thorny species),
albidus, corymbosus, amerieanus pleniis.

The novelty, C. Ciel de Provence (figured in.
the Revue Horticole) at present belongs to the
second group. It is derived from C. americanus-
and C. azureus.but resembles the latter more than,
the former. It is a splendid hybrid obtained by
MM. Fabre, pere et fils, nurserymen, of Bagnols-
sur-Ceze (Gard). In their nurseries this plant
surpasses all the other varieties in a large collec-
tion with which comparison is easy. For two
years I have also grown it at Lacroix, and it has
shown first-rate qualities, and has not ceased to-
flower all through the fine weather. Ed. Andre, in
Bcvuc Horticole, July 16, 1903, p. 332.

PLANT PORTRAITS.

Genetyllis (Darwinia) tulipifera and G. rucn-
sioides. Revue de I'Horticulture Beige, July.

Rose Rosomanes Gravereaux. Journal des Roses,.
May. H.T., white flushed with pink (Soupert x
Notting).

Acer platanoides Wittmackii. Garten Flora, July.
A form with three to five lobed leaves ; lobes lanceo-
late, central one much the largest; all greeD, with a.
golden-yellow margin.

August 8, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

101

TREES AND SHRUBS.

PRUNUS MAXIMOWICZII.

From Mr. Smith, of the Daisy Hill Nursery,
"Newry, the source whence so many rare and
interesting plants have been distributed, we have
received specimens in fruit of Prunus Maxi-
mowiczii. The tree is 25 feet in height, with
•branches in horizontal tiers, beset in spring with
white flowers on the upper surface.

The leaves are about 1J inch long, on slender
.petioles not half the length of the blade. In
shape the blades are obovate, tapering to the
wedge-shaped base, somewhat coarsely toothed
or crenate, dark-green above, paler beneath, with
iprominent pinnate venation, glabrous, except
along the nerves on the under surface. The
flowering shoots are short, with smaller leaves,
and bear near the apex one or two slender, hairy
peduncles. Sepals and petals deciduous. Drupes
the size of small Peas, crimson. Stone with a
prominent ridged suture.

We do not find the tree mentioned in the Kew
Hand-List, nor in Kcehne's Deutsche Dendrologie,
from which we infer that the tree is not in
general cultivation. It is mentioned as a native
of Teso (Japan) in Franchet & Savatier's Enu-
.meratio Plantarum . . . ire Japonia, $(c, i. (1875),

.p. J.17.

CORIARIA JAPONTCA.

From the Royal Gardens, Kew, we have
received specimens of this shrub, which with its
profuse scarlet berries is now very attractive.
The berries are borne on slender stalks raceme-
"fashion, the racemes clustered along the sides of
the four-sided branches in erect or ascending
'whorls. The leaves are nearly sessile, ovate,
-•acute, three-nerved. The plant is figured in the
Jiotanical Magazine, t. 7509.

Plantain, the Arrow-head, and in that pretty
aquatic, so like a miniature Water-Lily both in
leaf and flower, the Villarsia, all great ornaments
of our ponds and streams, the fruits or seeds also
contain aerated tissue, and some are, moreover,
shining and oily, and] thus, by the aid of one or
other of these two means, are capable of floating,
although otherwise heavy enough to sink.

AGAVE FILIFERA var. FILA-
MENTOSA.

Mr. Shand, of the Greaves Nurseries, Lan-
caster, sends us a photograph (see fig. 44) of this
interesting species, which after a long delay has
lately flowered in his nurseries. Mr. Shand's
specimen has suffered some check to growth, by
a-eason of which the spike is not quite so sym-
metrical as the one represented in our figure
published on January 1, 1870. Ordinary green-
house treatment is all that is required for this
plant, but when it shows signs of blooming it
•must be removed to the open air, or the lights
must be removed to give it space wherein to
•develop.

■

HOW PLANTS SCATTER THEIR
SEEDS.

(Continued froin p. 87.)
■ How do aquatic plants distribute their seeds ?
In the seed of the white Water Lily, that glorious
Nymph of our ponds and rivers, a large bladder
is formed between the two outermost coats of the
'■seed, and this bladder enables the otherwise
heavy seed to float on the water, and thus be
•carried away by wind or current from the parent
plant. Eventually the coatings of the seed
<leeay and it sinks into the mud at the bottom,
where germination can take place. But they
may l>e distributed in another way. Birds which
peck open the fruits for the seeds, carry away
some of the latter, which are viscid, on the
feathers surrounding their bills. In the yellow
Water Lily, the application of the bladder
device is somewhat different, as in this plant the
fruit splits into several sacs containing the seeds,
•which sacs then become in part filled with air,
•enabling them to float away : on their decay the
•heavy seeds sink to the bottom. In the Bog-
»\>ean, the Flowering Rush, the great Water

Fir;, u.— agave filifeba vab. filamentosa.

The seeds of the bright little Frog-bit (Hydro-
charis), with its small white flowers and orbi-
cular leaves, has mucilaginous cells in its outer
coat, which, when the seeds come into contact
with water, swell up greatly, and emit spiral
threads which may possibly be the agents which
prevent the seed's sinking immediately to the
bottom. The seeds of our common Pond-weed

(Potamogeton), which so often form a carpet
over the surface of lakes and ponds, are en-
closed in tiny swollen drupelets which float easily
on the water by means of the aerated tissue
they contain. Our large Bladder-Sedges have
swollen utricles enclosing their fruits, which,
when these drop off into the water, cause them to
float.

We have so far studied three interesting
methods by which plants distribute their seeds,
viz., through the agency of wind, of water, and
by various automatic mechanisms.

Agency of Animals.

One other means remains to be noticed, and
that not the least wonderful and interesting of
all, viz., the agency of animals. Strange as it
may seem to the uninitiated, many of our plants
common in hedgerow, wood, and field rely
entirely upon beasts and birds for the sowing of
their seeds. We have seen the ingenious adap-
tations plants possess for utilising the visits of
another class of animals, the insects, in the
process of fertilisation of their flowers.

How do plants avail themselves of the higher
animals in the task of distributing and sowing
their seeds ? In very different ways. In some
of our common woodland and hedge plants the
fruits, or parts immediately surrounding them
are furnished with thick-set, stiff, hooked hairs.
Any animal, as we may all observe, on brushing
against them, without fail carries away on its
fur, wool, or hair, numbers of these seed-vessels,
which cling very tenaciously by means of their
innumerable hooks. Some of the well-known
plants possessing these structures are the En-
chanter's Nightshade (Circeia) and Wood Sanicle
( Sanicula) of our shady woods ; the common
Burdock of our road-sides, whose great fast-
clinging burrs are too familiar ; the Goose-grass
or Cleavers (Galium), climbing by aid of the
hooked hairs on its stems and leaves over every
hedge ; the Bur-Marigold (Bidens) of manure-
heaps and ponds, the Hound's - Tongue (Cyno-
glossum), the wild Carrot (Daucus), the Bur-
Parsley, the Hedge-Parsley, the common yellow
Avens (Geum), and the yellow Agrimony (Agri-
monia) of our hedge-sides. This method of seed-
distribution appears to be one of the most efficient
of all ; for consider the long distances the fruits
may thus be carried and distributed, and into
what a variety of localities, before they are finally
scratched, pulled, or washed off the animal's
hide ; and there is, moreover, no uncertainty in
their being carried away when once an animal
brushes up against the plant, for the fruits are
bound to be detached and to cleave to the
creature. This contrivance of hooked hairs will
account for the great abundance of most of the
plants possessing them; and, indeed, 10 per cent,
of all flowering plants in the world are dispersed
by this means.

Seeds of bog or water-plants lying in the mud
at or near the water's edge are carried and dis-
persed in great numbers by birds either wading
in the water or standing at the edge to drink, the
seed-containing mud at such times clinging to
their feet. Birds may by such means transport
the seeds to great distances. The seeds of many
common road-side or field weeds depend also
largely upon this method for their distribution.

The Meadow Saffron (Colchicum), which beauti-
fies the pastures of some of our counties in the
autumn with its pink, Crocus-like flowers, has
viscid seeds, which stick to the feet of the cows
grazing amongst them, and thus get carried from
pasture to pasture very efficiently.

The awns and bristles, also, of many of our
common meadow Grasses are instrumental in
attaching the grains to the hides of the animals
which feed where they grow.

There is another method by which animals are
enrolled in the service of seed-dispersal ; and this

102

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August §,,1,903.

is, perhaps/ the most interesting of all, not only
on account of the way in which it is carried out,
but because the plants adopting it add greatly to
the autumnal beauty of every lane and wood and
garden. I refer to the production of berries,
sweet-tasting and exquisitely coloured. , How
many people really know the meaning and use of
the wild berries they see in every hedge-side ? I
believe the majority imagine that they are there
simply to make a pretty picture for our eyes, or
to afford us food. But the book of the economy
of Nature may be read otherwise. The brightly-
coloured berries, whether red or black, or blue or
yellow, or white, with their juicy palatable tissues,
are formed in the autumn by the plants in order
to attract animals of some kind, usually birds,
which, by devouring them, carry off the seeds
they deftly enclose, and eventually void the
latter in some spot far from the parent plant.
How wonderful is this co-operation between bird
and plant, and the mutual benefit accruing there-
from to each being, so widely separated in the
scale of life — as wonderful and interesting,
indeed, as that existing between plant and insect
for the work of fertilisation !

But how does the plant form its berries ? There
are many different kinds. The simplest is that
such as we see produced by the Holly and the
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa), for instance, where
the ovary or incipient seed-vessel simply becomes
fleshy in texture and sweet in taste, owing to the
accumulation of a great quantity of sap in its
cells containing a large amount of sugar and
colouring matter in solution. Other instances
of this type are afforded by the Gooseberry, the
Currant, the Gueldres Rose (Viburnum), the
Spindle (Euonymus), the Privet (Ligustrum).
The fruit of the Blackberry and the Raspberry
consists of great numbers of miniature drupes
or stone-fruits united into a single whole, each
one enclosing within its inner woody portion a
single seed. The Cherry and Plum constitute a
single such drupe on a large scale. In the Straw-
berry it is the upper swollen portion of the fruit-
stalk, prolonged above the insertion of the petals
and stamens, which assumes the fleshy, juicy
character, embedded in which, all over its sur-
face, are the tiny yeUow seed-vessels or achenes,
each enclosing a single seed. In the Hose, the
Apple, the Pear, &c, it is the swollen portion of
the fruit-stalk immediately below the calyx which
constitutes the edible fruit, as hip or pome, and
carries within its hollow receptacle the very
numerous small seed-vessels or achenes, in the
case of the Rose, and, in the case of the Apple
tribe, the "core " or cartilaginous tissue of the
Ovary containing its numerous " pips " or seeds.

The dark Yew-tree furnishes for the birds very
beautifully coloured red berries, contrasting well
with its foliage. In this case, however, they are
of quite a distinct type, for the seed is not
enclosed in any seed-vessel or capsule, but is
merely partially covered by an extra outer seed-
coat, which develops only as the seed ripens, and
at that period becomes soft and fleshy, and is known
as the " aril." The uncovered seed is perceived
inside. Where Yew-trees abound the seeds dis-
gorged by the birds are very commonly met with
on the rocks or walls around.

Such are the various types of " berry," which
familiar and striking organ is simply the expres-
sion of the plant's successful efforts to perpetuate
and distribute its species by means of the seeds
which that " berry " contains ; and these seeds, it
may be noted, are adequately protected from the
digestive juices of the bird's body by their tough
outer coat, their germinating power being thus
unaffected.

Among foreign plants there are often still more
wonderful contrivances for the effectual dispersal
of seeds ; but in our own native flora we have
seen that there is a sufficiently wide field of study
for those who are interested in this, for the

organisms concerned, very important and far-
reaching phenomenon.

The whole vegetable kingdom, in fact, is
engaged in one vast competitive struggle, as if
to determine what group, or genus, or species of
plant shall most adequately fulfil that ancient
command once given to man — " Be fruitful and
multiply, and replenish the earth."

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

GARDEN INSECTICIDES.— Please permit me to
ask a question of the more observant of your
fruit-growing readers. Have any of them noticed
any injury to the crops of small fruits after using
some of the newer insecticides the previous
season ? I mean in cases where no apparent
injury to the foliage was seen at the time of
using. I ask this in true faith, and in no sense
with a view to injure the sale and use of what I
still believe to be a very useful adjunct to any
garden. In the early part of June, 1902, our
Currant-trees (both black and red) were infested
with green-fly. We decided to give them a
dressing of quassia-mixture, according to instruc-
tions printed on kegs as sold. This had the effect
of checking the fly, and beyond the fact that the
fruit had a bitter taste when ripe, there was
no injury seen to the trees at the time.
This year, for the first time for thirty years, we
have an almost entire failure of Currants, red and
white ones in particular. I do not think the un-
genial season is the entire cause, as there was
very little show of blossom from the first. To-
night I was once again discussing this failure
with our kitchen-garden man, who is an excellent
workman, and has been here twenty- five years. He
said it had come into his head that using that
" stuff " last year might have had something to do
with it. Hence this note. Enquirer, July 25. [We
do not think quassia decoction would have any
such effect, though it is conceivable some of the
mineral poisons might check growth. Ed.]

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETIES.— How is

it we hear so little of the doings of the Royal
Botanic Society, Regent's Park, whilst sundry
correspondents are constantly singing the praises
of the doings of the Royal Horticultural Society,
and just as often denouncing the Society's sins
of omission and of commission ? Whatever the
Royal Botanic Society are doing, they seem to
be doing in a quiet, philosophical sort of way,
reminding one, if you will allow the comparison,
of half -a-dozen bullocks grazing in a meadow ; after
having fed, they lie down, rest, and quietly chew
their cud until this natural act is completed, then
they get up and feed as industriously as before.
The Royal Horticultural Society reminds one of a
noisy field of grasshoppers, which would fain make
believe by their din that theirs is the machinery
or motive power by which the whole horticultural
business of the world is driven. I am quite in
sympathy with all this, but I want to know how
it is we hear so little of the doings of the Royal
Botanic Society. Might it not be also to their
advantage to make a little more noise ? Were I
living in London I dare say I should, like most
other horticulturists living there, feel interested
as to whether the long-wished-for site of the new
gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society
should be placed north or south of the Thames ;
but surely we in the Midlands, and also those
even more northerly situated, need not be
knocked down with a brick if we express a desire
to have a site for the new gardens found in some
convenient place north of the Thames. The
Royal Agricultural Society have wisely placed
their permanent showyard north of the Thames.
Might there not be some wisdom in the Royal
Horticultural Society acting in a similar manner ?
As regards the new Hall, someone a little while
ago took pains to calculate the superficial area, and, I
believe, also pronounced it adequate for all pur-
poses, and now we have it echoed that, after sinking
.£40,000 in bricks and mortar, the place will still
be inadequate for the certainty of the Society's
progressive development. This seems a pity,
because at the time of its inception and exhibi-
tion of its plans there were enough voices of
caution raised. When the fiat was sent out to
proceed with the building, my own opinion was, and

I dare say it was that of a good many more, that
there were one or two at the back of it with the-
secret all their own, who could see their way to-
the successful completion of the new Hall. If
this was not the case, then I conclude there were
some persons in the Council over-precipitate in
coming to their conclusions, involving the Society
in enormous cost in building a place of question-
able utility to the Society after all. True, if it;
does not suit, the place may be sold, but then
comes in the, trite old saying, namely, that fools-
build and wise men occupy ! W. Miller, Berksivell.

PACKING AND SELLING FRUITS AND VEGE-
TABLES : COTTON-WOOL AND WOOD-WOOL. —

Permit me to thank you most heartily fox the
appreciative reference to the above little work in
last week's Gardeners' Chronicle. With what you
say respecting cotton-wool I entirely agree, and
on p. 53 this remark occurs : — " There are objec-
tions, however, to both moss and cotton-wool
when soft ripe fruits are being packed, as the-
materials named are not sufficiently elastic."
Further on it is said : — " A substance that has
come into use in recent years, and which has
been greatly improved, namely, wood-wool, is.
free from most of the defects characterising ordi-
nary packing, and is superseding all other mate-
rials wherever it can be employed." Pardon my
calling attention to this, but the value of wood-
wool has been amply proved for many purposes. -
R. Lewis Castle.

Strawberries. — My experience of the Laxtort
Strawberry, is like that of Mr. Bunyard, that it is-
not up to expectations ; however it may do better
another season on two-year-old plants. Royal.
Sovereign, President, and Vicomtesse H. du
Thury had unusually heavy crops ; British Queen^
a fair crop of good flavour ; Countess, a heavy
crop of good flavour ; Trafalgar, a good crop, but
the fruits rather deficient in flavour ; Dr. Hogg
never does well here, and was a poor crop.
J. Barclay, Epsom.

ROSE ZEPHERIN DROUHIN.— I am very pleased
to hear that the above lovely Rose is much better
known than I thought it to be ; but I fear some
of the writers have not got the true thornless
Rose, as, for instance, your correspondent M. L.
Williams says its colour is bright crimson-red.
This is not correct ; the flowers are a beautiful
soft rose-pink, quite distinct from any other Rose
I know of ; and I may state that this Rose is a
very old one, and was well known by the monks
of Italy and elsewhere nearly a century ago, and
not, as "E. B." states, in 1868. I got my plants
from Mr. Anthony Waterer, of the Knap Hill
Nurseries ; also I had a kind letter from Mr„
Peter Veitch, who says he noticed this Rose in
flower in Prance last year. The only Rose cata-
logue that mentions this plant is G. Bunyard &
Co.'s, Maidstone ; it is there spelt " Zephorin
Droua," " colour beautiful clear cherry-rose " -r
but it is not there called the " thornless Rose."
I would also write that Messrs. Turner, of Slough,
mentioned this Rose to me last year when I paid
them a visit. I am quite sure any real lovers o?
interesting old-fashioned Roses will not regret
this thornless Rose being brought to their notice,
and, as our Editor says, we shall be glad to
know the correct way of spelling the name.
W. C. Leach.

THE ORTHOGRAPHY OF SPECIFIC NAMES IN
BOTANY. — It ought not to be a matter of indiffer-
ence how the specific names of plants are written
but most amateurs seem to think it is so. I refer
especially to the use of initial capitals. The
general rule that initial capitals ought to be
used with specific names when they are neuns
substantive, or when they are obsolete generic
names, is not always easy to apply without
referring to some good botanical catalogue. But
there is one detail about which botanists are not
agreed amongst themselves. It has reference to
proper names, and to adjectives derived from
proper names. Index Kewensis and earlier
authorities do not use an initial capital when the
specific name is a geographical adjective, but use
it when it is a personal adjective. The Kew
Hand-Lists, published under the authority of the
Director of Kew, treat both classes of adjectives
alike, not using capitals in either case. This is
certainly more logical and consistent, and as it is

August 8, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

103

approved at the national headquarters of botanical
science, we may assume it to be correct. Here
are examples : — We always wrote " Crocus Tauri "
and " Onosnia taurieum," &c. ; but the old usage
was "Erigeron Roylei," "Inula Koyleana," &e. ;
new Kew usage, " royleana," &c. I ask, " Quid
sequar, aut quern?" Will any objector to the
change tell us why Kew is wrong ? C. Wolley
Dod, Edge Hall, Malpas.

MELONS AT LONGLEAT, WILTS. — For many years
Longleat Gardens have been famous for Melons,
which by successive gardeners have been grown
on what is known as " the extension principle."
The soil of Longleat seems to suit Melons in an
extraordinary degree, for the highest state of per-
fection can be obtained with it alone. Fruits
may be seen in almost every stage of growth, and
this with no more effort than the usual
fructification of the blossoms. Mr. Gandy
confines himself to a very small selection of
varieties. The one ripening at the time of a
recent visit was Gunton Scarlet, a fruit of a
useful size, well netted, and its flavour really ex-
cellent. The fact of the plants having made
constant healthy growth would in a large measure
account for the high quality in the fruit. An
unrestricted root-run is afforded by enclosing the
bed with a wall of loose brick, which, when
necessary, may be taken down and the bed
extended outward, the extra space being filled
with fresh soil. This naturally induces new
growth, assists the swelling fruits, and maintains
the successive fruiting already referred to. It
is no unusual thing to find plants with num-
bers of fruits varying from a dozen downward,
and I have counted as many as eighteen fruits
on a single plant in every stage of development.
This is a feat by no means usual ; indeed, it is
beyond the capacity of the average gardener to
adopt this desirable phase of Melon culture. The
Longleat Melon-pits and houses are roomy and
well heated, and in every way suited to the
cultivation of Melons. But while this may
be true, the slightest laxity of attention
would reduce this ideal state to one strictly
commonplace. In their growth and training the
leader is taken up the roof unstopped until it
reaches the limit allowed ; lateral growths are
taken along the wires horizontally until the roof-
space is filled. Few plants are required — indeed,
one plant may be made to fill the compartment in
which it is planted. W. 8.

HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE. — Some twenty
or twenty-five years ago the late Mr. E. S. Dod-
well, of Oxford, said to me, talking of horticul-
tural journalism, "You may take as many or as
few horticultural papers as you like, but the
Gardeners' Chronicle must be one of them, as it
stands pre-eminent in the attention it gives to
horticultural science." I am glad to see from
the leading article on July 25 that you have
taken such a strong line on this matter, thus
worthily keeping up the traditions of the Gar-
deners' Chronicle. I firmly believe that this
question of horticultural science is vital to the
future success of our craft, and I hope some
movement on the lines you advocate will soon be
made. Florist.

TRIALS OF VEGETABLES AND FLOWERS AT
CHI8WICK GARDENS— The garden of the Koyal
Horticultural Society may not be a paragon of
perfection, as regards soil, climatic, and atmo-
spheric conditions, for the trial of the numerous
samples of new varieties of vegetables and flowers
sent there for trial. Of one thing, however, the
senders may be perfectly certain, and that is that
in planting and in the growth of the plants, each
subject has a fair field and no favour. The lots
on trial are planted on a piece of land that has
been cultivated all over alike, and the after-
cultivation in the case of each subject is exactly
the same up to the time the crops are reported on
by the Committee. Exceptions are sometimes
taken to the awards given, and the decisions of
the various Committees are occasionally adversely
criticised. This is only natural, and quite right ;
and no one can find fault with fair and legitimate
Criticism, although I sometimes think that if the
senders of samples for trial, and those who some-
times grumble at the decisions of the Committees,
could see those bodies at work in the garden,
adjudicating on the merits of the subjects that
come under their notice, their opinion of the

value of the work done would be much enhanced.
The Committees are large (I am speaking more
particularly of the Fruit Committee), often con-
sisting of from twelve to fifteen experts, brought
together from many parts, some of them long
distances, in order to place their services at the
disposal of the Society and the gardening public.
To show how their awards are safeguarded as
regards their value, no awards can be granted
unless there is a quorum of nine members
present. It is difficult to conceive how any body
of men can enter more fully or more minutely
into the work to be done, or take more pains in
coming to a just decision. Every point for and
against every sample is thoroughly discussed,
and an award is never given without having in
its favour a substantial majority. Whether,
however, the classification in planting might
not be improved upon is an open ques-
tion. For instance, in the case of Peas, early,
mid - season, and late varieties are planted
on the same date (about the middle of March),
the rows mixed up in the quarters without dis-
crimination as to the height of the haulm, earli-
ness of podding, &c, some measuring not many
inches, as others several feet ; and all varieties
are staked with sticks of the same height, and
sown the same distance apart. A better way
would surely be to plant the dwarf varieties,
those of medium height, and the tall, each section
apart. The varieties being new ones, some diffi-
culty might be experienced in finding out their
average heights ; but this could be ascertained
from those persons who send the seeds, who should
be requested to furnish particulars as to height
of haulm and earliness. Were this done in the
future, comparisons would be easier, and judging
generally facilitated. The value of a Pea does
not centre wholly in its productiveness, quality,
or earliness, but in its power of resisting drought,
continuity of cropping, freedom from mildew, and
its late-cropping qualities, which, are likewise
important factors. Sown all together at the same
time, as is now the case, it is difficult to assess
their proper value for use at various seasons.
Classified as I have suggested, each in its section,
whether early, mid-season, or late, a more correct
judgment could be arrived at than by sowing all
at the same time. Thus the early section could
be sown in the month of February, the mid-
season in March, and the late ones in May or
June. 0. Thomas, Waldeck Road, Ealing.

ROSA DEVONIENSIS.— More than fifty years
have passed since first I saw ,-thy face, and then,
aftera lengthened journey by stage- waggon of some
hundreds of miles from Exeter to Leeming Lane,
yet thy flowers and lovely buds are still fresh in
my memory ! And to this day, after all the fine
introductions, I know of no Tea Rose that can
compare with Devoniensis when well done and in
vigorous health. Your correspondent "E. D.,"
I assume rightly or wrongly, is our old friend
Mr. Richard Dean ; and his opinion of this Rose
as a plant of long life I can fully bear out. Some
five years since I saw a plant at Holly Hale
growing in a Vine-border which had been planted
when the house was built, I should say about the
time this Rose was brought out ; the flowers were
so large I did not at first recognise it. I have at
present in one of my cool-houses a plant on its own
roots, struck from a single eye or bud (Teas were, in
my early years, mostly done in this way from half-
ripe wood), planted thirty years ago. The plants
in the early part of the year throw up strong
shoots clustered with flowers, erect, and of the
finest quality, substance and shape. They set me
thinking that when old varieties of Roses are
shown once again with good taste, with their own
buds attached, which I hope to live to see, this
Rose will again come to the front, instead of
those too formal lines of huge Cabbage-shaped
flowers, which have been disbudded so that
one Rose to the stem remains, and the bloom
is afterwards " tweezered " and the outer petals
turned back over, showing the flower, giving
it an unnatural character, and often prizes are
awarded to such monstrosities. With still the
same love for the Rose as when I visited the first
National Rose Society's show held in the St.
James' Hall, I have come to the conclusion that
North and South could not meet on equal terms,
because of the difference in time of the principal
blooming. William Boston.

SOCIETIES.

BOYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Auoust 4.— The meeting held on Tuesday last was
one ot the least interesting, and one at which the
attendance of visitors was the lowest Of the year so far.
The entire exhibit was contained easily on three long
tables.

Floral Committee.

Present : H. B. May, Esq. (in the Chair), C. T. Diuery,
J. Jennings, C. J. Salter, G. Reuthe, C. Dixon, J. A.
Nix, C. E. Pearson, C. E. Shea, E. H. Jenkins, W. J.
James, G. Nicholson, W. Howe, R. C. Notcutt, and
G. Gordon.

Messrs. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nur;eries, Upper
Edmonton, showed Ferns chiefly consisting of thirly-
six species and varieties of Nephrolepis in large and
small examples. Of the better known species we may-
name Barteri, acuta, phillipensis, elegans, recuivata,
ensifolia, exaltata furcans, edmontoniensis, and Duffl.
Others comprised N. cordifolia, alata, neglecta, Bansei,
rufescens acuminata, r. fimbriata attinis, pluma, exal-
tata multicep, e. plumosa, Mayi, Lenziana, &c. The
firm showed besides these Ferns a group of Campa-
nulas, inclusive of C. Barrellieri (of pendent habit), C.
gloriosa (of erect growth), C. isophylla May i (trained in
an erect form, as likewise drooping in its natural
manner), C. 1. alba and the blue-flowered type. Plants
of Ncrium Oleander, rosea splendens, having semi-
double, bright rose-coloured flowers. Apparently the
plants were but two years old from cuttings. For the
entire exhibit a Silver-gilt Flora Medal was awarded.

Messrs. K. & G. Ctjthbeet, Southgate, Middlesex, had
arranged a floor-group consisting entirely of white-
flowered plants and cut bloom, the latter consisting of
Phlox Fiancee, and the former of Hydrangea paniculata
grandiflora of various heights up to 6 feet, and
growing in pots ; Lilium lancifolium album, and
Crinum Moorei, each of which carried from two to four
open blooms, all of which plants were in pots (Silver-
gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Nurserymen, Rothesay, N.B.,
had a beautiful exhibit of well-grown Pentstemons as
cut bloom, and of which we may mention the follow-
ing :-Mis9 Willmott, crimson ; Wm. Cuthbertson, deep
crimson, and throat of white— a finely-expanded flower ;
A. Rose Thomson, rosy-red; Auguste Cain, a crimson
self; Talma, white and pink ; Mary Lindley, rosj-
purple with white throat; and Le Proptete, pink with
white throat. The rest of the exhibit consisted of
Shirley Poppies, Poppies white-feathered, Kanunculut-
flowered, of several forms, sizes, and tints, Carnation-
flowered, Pteony-flowered, <&c. (Silver Banksian Medal).
Messrs. W. Bull & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, 3.W.,
showed a group of Dracama Victoria, leaf green with
broad bands of creamy-white at the margin ; likewise
some small plants of Licuala Muelleri (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt,
exhibited cut Koses in bunches, consisting of many
varieties culled from various sections. We remarked
blooms of Mrs. J. Laing, still in good condition ; R.
serratifolia (China), Gruss an Teplitz (HP.) Royal
Scarlet, a single-flowered variety of a crimson colour;
Duke of Edinburgh, Lady Iiattersea (H T.), Billiard et
Banc (H.T.), Cheshunt Scarlet (HP ), very fair blooms
of Frau Karl Druschki (H.P.), Sir Kowland Hill, one of
the darkest-coloured Roses (HP); Roger Lambert
(II. P.), crimson, the petals edged with white towards the
tips; White Lady (H.T.i, Dorothy Perkins (N .), Kosa
anemoneflora, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfleld Nurseries,
Crawley, showed cut shoots flowering, and otherwise
of hardy shrubs and trees, of which mention may be
made of Spirrea Fortune! alba, with flat corymbs cf
white Mowers, S. Bum;. Ida, S. B. superba, S. Nobleaoo,
9. Anthony Waterer, corymbs of a deep crimsou
coloured flower; S. semperflorens, S. Blllardleri. &c, ;
various Hypericums, Berberis, Ulmus Dampieri aurea,
Quercus pedunculata nigra, dark purple leaf; Primus
Pissardi, and several more. The firm likewise showed
Cactus, l'ompon and single flowered Dahlias in some
variety. (Silver Flora Medal).

Messrs. H. Cannell A Sons, Swauley, Kent, exhi-
bited largely Mammlllaria. Fohinocacli, Opuntias,
Cereus, Echinocerens, Euphorbias, Ecbeverlas, and
other succulents in large and small examples (Silver -
gilt Banksian Medal). Mr. Ankkh showed a similar
but smaller collection.

Messrs. J. Veitch <i Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nur-
sery, Chelsea, S.W., showed a number of Lam ana
salvirefolia, a plant previously shown. The flowers are

104

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AuiVusT 8, 1903.

of a lilac colour arranged in corymbs U inch in
diameter, the habit of growth is more decidedly erect
and slenderer than that, of ordinary Lantanas, and
are abundantly floriferous ; it is said to be a good
bedder. The firm showed a showy Fuchsia with an
unusually big white corolla striped with crimson.
Senecio clivorum, with big corymbs of orange-coloured
flowers 3 inches in diameter, a coarse showy plant for
a moist place in the wild garden.

Messrs. Thos. Cripps & Son, Nurseries, Tunbridge
Wells, showed a number of plants in ts's of Disa
grandiflora, with one flower-stalk bearing from two to
three blooms each (Silver Banksian Medal).

W. C. Bull, Esq., Rathlin. Ellington Road, Rams-
gate, showed Gladiolus in six varieties possessing fine
long spikes and unusually large flowers.

Awards.

First-class Certificate.

Nephrolepis Piersoni.—A species having stiff, almost
erect, growing fronds of a light-green tint, and pinnse
turned on their axes to the horizontal position, and
thus giving rise to an appearance of great density.
Shown by Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nursery, Lower
Edmonton.

Gladiolus EllingUm Belle.— A creamy-white flower, the
tint most pronounced in the interior of the throat.
W. C. Bull, Esq.. Rathlin, Ellington Road, Ramsgate.

Orchid Committee.

Present : Harry J. Veitch. Esq., in the chair ; and
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), De B. Crawshay, H. M.
Pollett, N. C. Cookson, F. Wellesley, H. T. Pitt, E. Hill,
G. F. Moore, J. W. Odell, W. Boxall, W. H. Young,
J. Colman, H. Iiallantine, and J. W. Potter.

There were four small groups staged, and various
exhibits entered to go before the Committee.

J.Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Wood-
ford (gr., Mr. J. Havis), staged a group in which were
good Cypripedium ;■: Wiertzianum, C. x W.R.Lee, and
other C. Rothschildianum crosses; also the famous
Ltelio-Cattleya x Digbyano - purpurata Edward VII.,
but scarcely so fine as when originally shown ; a fine
mass of Cattleya superba with two spikes ; a good
Cypripedium callosum Sander. e, Cattleya x Elvina
(Trianiei x Schilleriana), and two unnamed hybrid
Cypripediums.

Messrs. Sander it Sons, St. Albans, secured a Silver
Banksian Medal for a group consisting principally of
hybrids, and including nine varieties of Ltelio-Cattleya
x Martinet i, the best of them being an improvement
on the large rose-purple original form ; also L.-C. x
Bletchleyensis, the one having lilac and the other
copper tinted flowers with claret-coloured lip ; a fine
L.-C. x Henry Greenwood, L -C. x Berthe Fournier,
Cattleya x Shakespeare (Rex x granulosa), and some
hybrid Cypripediums.

Messrs. T. Cripps & Son, Tunbridge Wells, showed a
group of about thirty finely-bloomed plants of Disa
grandiflora in comparatively small pots, but the flowers
of very fine colour and size, to the number of three to
four on a spike (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Busli Hill Park, showed a
small group, in which were noticed a good Cattleya
El-dorado Wallisii. Cypripedium x Rothschildosuper-
Mens, C.XKimballianum, C. Rothschildianum, Cattleya
Gaskelliana, C. x Mary Gratrix (Harrisouiana x
granulosa), Cypripedium niveum, &a.

Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd , Chelsea, showed
the very handsome Cattleya x Atalanta superba (see
Awards), two plants of the pretty Laelio-Cattleya x Issy
(L. tenebrosa x C. Leopoldii), with brownish-red sepals
and petals and fine purple lip ; and Sophro-Cattleya x
Saxa (3ophronitis grandiflora x C. Triantei), a nicely-
shaped, rose-tinted flower witli a crimson blotch on
the lip.

H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr.
Thurgood), sent Ltelio-Cattleya x Kathleen, a large
flower with uniformly coloured dark-rose flowers
having claret coloured veining on the lip ; L.-C. x Wm.
Pitt (L. pumila x C. Aelandi:e), a purplish flower with
darker markings on the labellum ; Cattleya iotricata
Rosslyn variety, Masdevallia x Gairiana, and Sophro-
Cattleya x Chamberlainiana.

Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East
Sheen (gr.,Mr. W. H. Young), showed Cattleya x Mrs.
Pitt (Harrisoniana x aurea), with sepals and petals
rosy-lilac, lip showing more of C. Harrisoniana and
less of C. aurea than Mr. Pitt's original specimen,
white tinged with rose and with a yellow disc.

W. P. Burkinshaw, Esq.. Hessle, Hull (gr., Mr.
Barker), sent Lselio-Cattleya x Ivernia (L. tenebrosa x

L.-C. callistoglossa), a noble form with sepals and
petals purplish-rose, and intense purplish-crimson
labellum; and Cattleya Warscewiczii "White Queen,"
which secured an Award.

Awards.

Award op Merit.

Catlleya Warsceit'ic:ii " White Queen," from W. P. Bur-
kinshaw, Esq , Hessle, Hull. Flowers large, sepals
and petals white, lip as in a typical light form and
with the usual large whitish-yellow blotches on each
side of the disc, the front being mauve purple margined
with lilac.

Cattteya x Atalanta superba (Leopoldii X Warscewiczii).
—A very fine improvement on the original form, for
which Messrs. Veitch received a First-class Certificate
in 189J. The large flowers were of light purplish-rose,
with a veining of purple. Front of lip crimson-purple.
The best of its class.

Botanical Certificate.
Angrxcum Rothschildianum.— F rom the Hon. Walter
Rothschild, M.P. A new species of a section entirely
new to gardens, its section known only by dried speci-
mens of A. Galeandrte. Rchb. f., the only species with
which it is comparable. Leaves broadly ovate, one half
extended beyond the other, but rarely divided at the
tip, about 6 inches long, 3 inches wide. Scape pen-
dulous. Flowers white with a light - green band
running down the middle of the sepals and petals, a
rich emerald-green disc, and blackish-purple interior
base to the lip, the final third of an inch of the spur of
which is inflated, laterally compressed and recurved at
right angles. The showy white-margined labellum is
nearly an inch across, and the whole flower attractive.
It is also delicately fragrant.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present : G. Bunyard, Esq, (in the chair) ; and Messrs.
H. Balderson, J. Cbeal, H. Esling, S. Mortimer, H. J.
Wright, J. Jacques, G. Norman, J. Smith, and G.
Wythes.

Mr. W. Taylor, Market Grower, Hampton, Middlesex,
showed Peach Libra, raised from a fruit of Alexander,
the male parent not known. The fruits are smaller
than those of last year from the same tree (second year
of fruiting). In good season the flavour is good. The
fruit resembles Noblesse, except that it has a little
more colour on the sunny side. (Award of Merit).

Dr. Bonavia, Worthing, showed the Sultanieh Grape,
a "small-berried rose coloured, transparent Grape, the
Sultana of the shops, with delicate bloom but not
much flavour (Vote of Thanks).

HANDSWORTH AND DISTRICT
HORTICULTURAL.

July 24, 25.— This was the nineteenth annual exhibi-
tion of a Society which continues the work of the
Handsworth and Lozells Horticultural Society. When
John Wilmore, Henry Pope, Samuel Brown, and Chas.
Jas. Perry were leading exhibitors, Handsworth
was a large village with many florists residing in
it, but has since grown to be a municipal borough,
and has in the most open position in the town a
public park; wherein by the permission of the
Borough Council, the show was held, six large tents
being required to contain the exhibits. It is an exhibi-
tion which grows in importance every year, and bids
fair to rival Wolverhampton. The entries were much
more numerous than usual. The schedule of prizes
included 151 classes, and they were grouped under
several divisions.

Plants.

The first twenty-five classes of the schedule were
"open," and in these were to be found the leading
features of the exhibition. Groups arranged for effect
and filling a space of 300 square feet, were very fine, and
all followed the pattern now so generally observed of
arranging the plants in a square, with a large central
cone surmounted by an elegant Palm, with a smaller
one at each corner. On this occasion, Mr. J. Mac-
donald.gr. to G. H. Kendrick, Esq., was placed 1st,
with a rich and well-arranged lot of plants, defeating
Mr. J Cypher, of Cheltenham, who was 2nd.

With twelve stove and greenhouse plants Mr. Cypher
was 1st, with some of the large specimen Palms and
Coditeums he is in the habit of exhibiting. He had of
flowering plants a niagoifieent Stephanotls lloribunda,
a Bougainvillea Cypheri, Ixora salicifolia, I. coccinea,
&B.; Mr. W. Vicuise, Leamington, was a good 2nd
Some good bush-grown Fuchsias were staged; there
were good specimen Z^nal Pelargoniums, Coleus, Cala-
diums, &c, all generally well grown, bloomed and
coloured, good prizes beiog offered in each case.

In the Gentlemen's Gardeners' and Amateurs' division
there were classes for groups : and some very tasteful
arrangements were set up. There were also classes

for stove and greenhouse plants. Ferns, Fuchsias, &c. ;
but the short time at our disposal, owing to the late hour
at which judging commenced and tbeonerous duty of
making the awards, prevented full details being
gathered. Evidently there is a great deal of enthusiasm
over plant-growing in the district.

Fruit.

This was»made a leading feature, and there was a
valuable money prize, in addition to a Silver Challenge
Cup, offered for a collection of not fewer than ten kinds,
Pineapples excluded. Here Mr. Goodacre, gr. to the
Earl of Harrington, Elvaston, came to the fore in
strong force, staging a representative collection of
forty two dishes, all very good, which included Black
Hamburgh, Canon Hall Muscat, and Madresfield Court
Grapes, three varieties of Peaches, two of Nectarines,
Beauty of Bath, Worcester Pearmain, Lady Sudeley, and
one other Apple. Jules Guyot, and Clapp's Favourite
Pears, Washington, Jefferson's, Kirk's, and Czar Plums,
&ts. ; Mr. J. Jones, gr. to J. Ness, Esq., was 2nd with
twelve dishes of good fruit.

With six bunches of Grapes, three black and three
white, Mr. Goodacre was again 1st ; he had two of
Muscat Hamburgh (finely finished), two of Canon
Hall Muscat, and two of Black Hamburgh. Mr. W. A.
Coates, gr. to Col. Platt, was 2nd ; he had three of
Black Hamburgh, two of Foster's Seedling, and one of
White Muscat.

Fruit was also shown by gardeners in Division III.,
and hardy fruits by cottagers.

Floral Decorations.

Chief among these was a table of 8 feet by 4 feet, and
there was a large number of entries. The 1st prize was
taken by the Ranelagh Nursery Co., Leamington,
who had a handsome arrangement with Orchids,
Francoa, and elegant foliage. Mr. C. Thomas, gr. to
C. A. Palmer, Esq., was 2nd ; this was very prettily
arranged with pink Sweet Peas in combination with
russety Selaginella, &c.

Cut Roses were a leading feature, handsome money
prizes being offered. With twenty - four varieties
Messrs. Townsend & Sons, Worcester, were 1st ; and
the King's Acre-Nursery Co , Hereford, 2nd, good
blooms being staged. The class for twelve bunches
of garden Roses was a fine feature. Mr. Geo. Prince,
nurseryman, Oxford, came in 1st with fine bunches of
Griiss an Teplitz, Laurette Messimy, Bardon Job,
Crimson Rambler, Souvenir d'un Ami, Mrs. E. Mawley.
&2. ; Messrs. Townsend & Co., were 2nd. Stands of
twelve Teis were very finely shown by Mr. Geo.
Prince and Messrs. Townsend & Son, the prizes '
going in the order of their names.

Carnations
were also shown. The best twelve yellow ground or
self came from Mr. R C. Cartwright, King's Norton,
who had some very fine flowers; Mr. A. R. Brown,
Handsworth, was 2nd ; and these two exhibitors
occupied the same positions with twelve white ground
or self Carnations. In the Gardeners' and Amateursj
classes good blooms were shown by Messrs. J. Mit-
chell and C. J. White.

Sweet Peas
were a great feature, and they were numerously shown.
The special prizes offered by Mr. R. Sydenham brought
some very fine blooms from several sources.

Vegetables.
These productions were shown in good form in com-
petition for special prizes offered by Messrs. Sutton &
Sons, E. Webb it Sons, H. Simpson & Sons, Yates &
Sons, and others. They were also largely shown by
cottagers.

Miscellaneous Exhibits

were somewhat numerous, and they introduced very
interesting features. Messrs. Hewitt & Co., Solihull,
had a very imposing bank of cut flowers; Mr. W. B.
Child, Acocks Green, had the same; and Messrs.
DiCKSONs.Ltd.,of Chester. The King's Acre Nursery
Co. had Roses ; Mr. F. G Thompson, a collection of
Cacti; Messrs. Yates & Co , hardy flowers; Messrs.
Simpson & Son. cut flowers ; Mr. W. Waters, a collec-
tion of Violas; Messrs. Austin & Co. had cut flowers ;
Mr. T. B. Groves the same ; Messrs. Webb & Sons had
Sweet Peas and other flowers ; Mr. J. Boston, J. P..
Begonias; the Ranelagh Nursery Co., a large group
of their handsome new Asparagus myriocladus ; Mr.
W. Wasteli., soft-wooded plants, <&c.

•

BOSTON HORTICULTURAL.

July 29, 30.— This old-established flower-show took
place on the above date in the People's Park, South I
End, Boston, and with it was associated a horse-show
and other accessories. It is a very popular county
gathering, and being held on the market-day the agri-
cultural fraternity is attracted to it in large numbers.-'
Unfortunately the weather was very stormy early in '
the day. As a display of horticultural produce it was.
one of the best ever seen in Boston. One large tent was
tilled to overflowing ; the neighbouring nurserymen and
seedsmen also furnished miscellaneous exhibits.

August 8, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

105

Cut Roses occupied the first place in the schedule of
prizes, and as the classes were open to all. Messrs. G.
& W. Bubch, of Peterborough, were enabled to exhibit,
and were awarded the 1st prize for twenty-four cut
blooms, having a number of brilliant hybrid perpctuals
among them ; Mr. F. M. Beadlet, Peterborough, was
2nd. With twelve varieties of Tea and Noisettes, three
blooms of each, and also with twelve cut Roses,
Messrs. Buhch were 1st.

Herbaceous and Bulbous Subjects are finely cultivated
about Boston, and these were shown in imposing-
looking bunches. In the Open class Messrs Artindale
& Son, Nurserymen, Sheffield, came in 1st with a very
good assortment from their nurseries a few miles out
of Sheflield ; Messrs. W. & J. Bhown, Nurserymen,
Stamford, were 2nd ; and the same exhibitors were 1st
and 2nd with twelve bunches.

Messrs. Artindale A Son were also 1st with twelve
buDches of cut, stove, and greenhouse subjects, staging
Ixora, Lapageria, Anthurium, Tuberose, and suchlike
in good form. Messrs. W! & J. Brown were again 2nd.

Zonal Pelargoniums in bunches were a good feature ;
and there was but one collection of Sweet Peas in the
class for twenty-four bunches

A class for twelve varieties of Carnations and
Picotees brought some fine fancies and yellow-grounds
from Messrs. Artindale & Son, which were valuable
object-lessons; they had particularly good Charles
Martel, Alcinous, Mrs. E. Hambro', Pandelli Ealli
Stanley Wrightson, Perseus, Alberta (a charming
yellow-ground Picotee), and Euryalus. Mr. F. M.
Bradley came in a good 2nd.

Herbaceous Phloxes (some of the varieties very good)
Pentstemons, and Lilies were excellent features.

There were classes for Dahlias ; some fair blooms of
the Cactus type were staged.

Floral decorations formed an attractive feature
There were two classes for tables S feet by 4 feet-one
for married ladies only as competitors, the other for
spmsters-and in both cases very pretty arrangements
were staged. A valuable Silver Cup was offered for a
Championship Bridal Bouquet, and it was won by
Messrs. Perkins <fc Son, of Coventry, who had a very
handsome arrangement of white Orchids and Roses,
Pancratium, &e. The Coventry firm were also 1st with
an elaborate hand-bouquet in another class ; Messrs
Artindale & Son being 2nd. The best ladies' sprays
in threes and the same number of button-holes came
from Messrs. W. & J. Brown.

A special Silver Medal, offered for the best and most
attractive exhibit by the trade, was won by Messrs
Artindale & Son. They had a background of bright
foiiaged plants, wreaths, crosses, and other floral deco-
rations, cut flowers, and about 150 blooms of Carna-
tions, chiefly yellow-grounds, in excellent character.
In this class Messrs. W. & J. Brown and F. M. Bbadley
had very good collections also.

Plants were represented by groups arranged for
eflect, Messrs. Artindale & Son taking the 1st prize
' ^ a„bri?^t arraDBement; Mr. W. A. Hebvev was
2nd. Mr. W. A. Hervey had the best six stove and
greenhouse plants, and also the best six Ferns • good
specimen stove and greenhouse subjects were staged.
Coleus Fuchsias, Begonias, Gloxinias, and table plants
I were also shown.

The leading class for fruit was for six dishes. Here
Mr. Barson, gr. to Earl Sandwich. Hinchingbrooke,
. was 1st, with Black Hamburgh andGros Maroc Grapes
Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, and Melon ; Mr J. Drakes
was and with very good fruit. Mr. Babson had the best
' ™ ,Toncbe9 o£ Black Hamburgh Grapes. There were
good Peaches and Nectarines.

In the Amateur division excellent produce was
staged Tropfeolum speciosum was finely shown in a
collection of hardy flowers; Roses, Sweet Peas &c
were also well represented. The vegetables shown by
amateurs and cottagers were numerous and very good ■
the special prizes offered by Messrs. W. W. Johnson &
™; ^ taQd Mr. Geo. Wood Ingram, were keenly
contended for.

In addition to the trade collections mentioned
Messrs. Dolby Bros., Hope Nurseries, Boston, had
Plants, flowers, and fruit; Mr. A. W. Edwards, florist
opaiding, had floral decorations ; Messrs. W H Kil-
"Nl'w0oHTH & SO". West End, had plants; Messrs
n. H. Small & Co., Skirbeck, Boston, plants, Carna,
tions ; and Messrs. W. W. Johnson & Sons, Ltd.. made
a nuge display with many bunches of fine Sweet Peas
naiay flowers, among which were many popular ar.-
nuais and choice pedigree vegetables ; also sumo new

,| owtet Peas, to three of which, viz., Eastern Queen (den-
ude primrose wings) and Standard, the latter penciled
with rosy-purple, and Elfrida, a charming striped

j variety, creamy-white, heavily pencilled with pale rose

J and rosy purple awards were made.

' NEWPORT AND COUNTY HORTI-
CULTURAL.

j J<"Y S9. 30.— A good show was held. by this Society in
King's High Fields, Newport, Monmouthshire, on the
• above dates, and although the season, in some respects
! has been unfavourable, the exhibits were generally
' <0,cePt that Mr. O 1-heVs group's and specjn.cn plants"
were-missedjequal to those of any preceding year.

Vegetables were excellent, and those staged by cot-
tagers rivalled in quality those found in the other
classes. Cut flowers were shown in considerable quan-
tity, and of good quality; the table decorations were
executed with much good taste ; and fruit was up to the
average. A tent was set apart for honey, and the
classes were well filled. The show was opened on the
first day by the President, the Right Hon. Lord
Tredegak.

Groups of Plants.

Collectively these consisted of well-grown plants,
but those in the leading class were not the equals to
what is usually observed at Newport. The smaller
groups made up for this defect, and especially was
this noticeable in the Begonia classes, which were
excellent.

Group of Miscellaneous Plants, 121 square feet.— 1st, Mr.
Carpenter, gr. to W. J. Buckley, Esq., Llanelly. This
group consisted of Cattleyas, Cannas, Campanulas,
Celosias, Begonias, <£c, set off by Palms, Codireums,
Aralias, Ferns, &c, edged with Maidenhair Fern.
There were two such groups shown.

Group of Miscellaneous Plants, 50 square feet.— Three
exhibitors arranged groups with much good taste, the
leading one being particularly good in this respect ;
this came from Mr. Lewis, gr. to Dr. Garrod Thomas,
of Newport. Col. Wallace (gr.. Mr. Powell) was a good
2nd. For a group of 25 square feet, Mr. Wiggins, gr. to
Mrs. Wallace, Newport, was placed 1st amongst six
exhibitors, all showing well.

Begonias arranged in 25 square feet.— There were three
entries in this class that made a pretty feature, the
plants being models of good culture, and finely
flowered, and the varieties in the leading exhibit,
which came from Messrs. Heath & Son, of Chelten-
ham, were especially fine. The 2nd place was well won
by Mr. Mitchell, gr. to W. J. Obdees, Esq. ; 3rd, Mr.
Jones, gr. to R. Williams, Esq.

Six Ornamental Foliage Plants — These werewell shown,
though the Codiseums were lacking in colour. 1st, Mr.
Duff, gr. to Mrs. Williams, Brynglas, Newport, who
staged Latania borbonica, Phoenix rupicola, Kentia
Forsteriana, Cycas revoluta, and Codifeum Williamsii ;
Mr. Caepenter was a good 2nd.

Six Stove and Greenhouse Plants.— Mr. Carpenter had
no opposition in this class and staged fairly good
subjects, of which Bougainvillea glabra, Stephanotis
floribunda, Allamanda grandiflora, and Clerodendron
Balfourianum were conspicuous.

Six Exotic Ferns.— Here Mr. Duff was again the
leading exhibitor, and staged large clean plants of old
varieties, including a grand plant of Davallia Mooreana,
and good specimens of Woodwardia radicans and
Adiantum cuneatum. Mr. Powell was a good 2nd,
with similar well-known species.

Six Achimenes in distinct varieties brought six good lots,
which, being arranged in a row as a margin to larger
plants, made a showy display. Mr. Powell, gr. to Col.
Wallace, Newport, was a good 1st with very large
panfuls, including the varieties grandiflora, Rose
Queen, Scarlet Perfection, and Admiration. Mr. Wiggans,
gr. to Mrs. Wallace, was placed 2nd, with equally good
but smaller panfuls.

Four Caladiums.— With these, which brought four
good sets, Mr. Powell was again placed 1st with well-
grown, large, bright plants. Mr. Wood, gr. to H.
Oakley, Esq., Newport; and Mr. Watt, gr. to E.
Phillips, Esq., following in the order named.

Zonal Pelargoniums.— Mr. Giddens, gr. to S. Dean, Esq.,
Newport, was a good 1st for four zonal Pelargoniums,
showing large beautifully-flowered specimens. Mr.
Watt took the 2nd position amongst four exhibitors.

Six Dinner-table Plants.— These made a pretty feature,
though many of the plants were lacking in colour.'
Mr. Powell here was again 1st, and was closely
followed by Mr. Dawson and Mr. Giddexs.

Miscellaneous.— Coleus, Gloxinias, and Petunias, six
varieties in each class, were well shown.

Cut Flowers.
Twenty four Hybrid Perpetual Roses. -There were two
good stands of these staged, the 1st prize falling to
Messrs. Townsend & Son, of Worcester; Mr. Stephen
Treseder. Cardiff, was a very close 2nd.

Teas, Twelve Blooms.— The above exhibitors were again
placed 1st and 2nd respectively in the same order.

Herbaceous llowers were beautifully represented in a
space 12 feet by 8 feet. The well-known exhibitors of
these subjects, Messrs. Stokes & con, of Trowbridge,
who were 1st, had a beautiful assortment of choice
things, and amongst them was observed a very fine
variety of Chrysanthemum, named Grandee; it is per-
fectly white, and has broad, slightly reflexed pe'als.
These exhibitors also had their new Campanula, Hill-
side Blue, which attracted much notice at Cardiff last
week. Messrs. Heath & Son also staged an effective
choice collection, and were awarded 2nd prize.

Twelve Vases of Sweet Pea', Ac.— Mr. Uasham, Fairoak
Nursery, Bassaleg, was the only exhibitor in this class,
and staged a line assortment of leading varieties,,
arranged with their; own foliage. He was deservedly

awarded the I st prize. Messrs. Tuplin & Sons, Newton
Abbott, was 1st for twelve Carnations in the Open class,
and as usual staged a beautiful set of large blooms.

Fruit.

Collections of Six Dishes, opera.— There were only two
collections in this class, the best coming from Bryn-
glass (Mr. Duff), who staged good dishes of Muscat of
Alexandria and Black Hamburgh Grapes, Early York
Peaches, Governor Wood Cherries, Sutton's Scarlet
Melon, &c. ; Mr. Watts, gr. to C. D. Phillips, Esq , was
a close 2nd. Mr. Curtis, gr. to F. S. Cabtwbight, Esq.,
was 1st for Black Grapes, staging Madresfield Court.
Mr. Higgins 1st for white varieties, with perfectly
coloured Buckland Sweetwater. Mr. Watts and Mr.
Long, gr. to n. Dawson, Esq , were respectively 1st and
2nd for Peaches, each staging Royal George. Mr Long
came to the front for Nectarines, and staged a fine dish
of Pitmaston Orange. Mr. Watts was 1st for Goose-
berries, with a fine dish of Whinhams Industry, and
1st for Cherries, with a good dish of Governor Wood.
Mr. Mitchell was 1st for two Melons, with nice fruits
of Hero of Lockinge and The Countess.

Vegetables.— Messrs. Duff, Richards, and Giddens,
were the leading exhibitors of collections of vegetables,
for which Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Messrs. Garaway &
Co., and Messrs. Wheeler & Son, offered money prizes.

Noncompetitive Exhibits -were largely and well shown.
Mr. Basham, Fairoak Nursery, staged about fifty dishes
of hardy fruits, and fruit-trees of Peaches, Apples, and
Gooseberries in pots, which carried good crops of
fruit.

Messrs. Garaway & Co., Bristol, had a large group
of stove and greenhouse plants in pots, consisting of
many choice subjects. Messrs. Tuplin & Sons, Newton
Abbott, arranged a select collection of Dahlias (Cactus),
Carnations, and Gladioli; Messrs. Wheeler & Son,
Gloucester, a representative group of hardy herbaceous
perennial flowers ; Mr. E. Jones, Newport, Begonias
and Ferns ; Mr. G. H. Thomas, Newport, floral crosses,
wreaths, &c. ; and Messrs. Dennis, floral wreaths and
hardy fruits.

"ST. IVES HORTICULTURAL.

July 30. -This was the twenty-eighth exhibition of
this Society, which is an extremely popular one in the
district, though on this occasion the weather proved
very stormy, to the great disappointment of many from
eountry districts. The show was held in some private
grounds near the main street of the town.

In the Open division the best group of plants came
from Mr. Babson, The Gardens, Hinchingbrook; Mr.
E. A. Ebswoeth was 2nd, and Mr. Johnson, 3rd. The
space allotted for each was too small to permit of much
effeot. Mr. Ebsworth came 1st with six stove and
greenhouse (a nice specimen of Bougainvillea Sander-
tana was in his half-dozen), Mr. Babson taking the 2nd
prize. Some fairly good plants of Coleus were staged,
the best six from Mr. W. Waener. Tuberous-rooted
Begonias were a very good feature indeed, Mr. G. D.
Day taking the 1st prize with well-grown plants of
excellent quality; Mr. Wauneb was a very good 2nd.
Mr. Warneb had the best foiiaged plant, and Mr.
Babson the best plant in bloom The latter was 1st
with six very pretty table plants ; Mr. T. Lockie, The
Gardens, Diddtngton Hall, St. Neots, was a close 2nd.
Very good Gloxinias were shown by Mr. Lockie and by
Mr. fl. Goodman, the prizes being awarded in the order
of their names. Balsams and Streptocarpus were also
shown.

Cut flowers included Roses. The best twelve came
from Mr. O, Lamplough, Mr. R. M. Copley, 2nd, both
showing good blooms for the season. Tea Roses were
of poorer quality. Gladioli were shown in spikes of
six. Mr. Lockie had the best six bunches of stove and
greenhouse cut flowers; and Mr. H.Oilliat was 2nd.
Mr. G. D. Dav was 1st with twelve bunches of hardy
flowers, and Mr. H. Goodman 2nd, both showing in
good form.

Sweet Peas made a pretty feature. Mr. C.Lamplough
Mad the best twelve bunches, and Mr. Ebsworth the
best six bunches. Zonal Pelargoniums, both double
and single, in trusses, were good ; and somo pretty
varieties of the Ivy leaf type were staged. Carnations
were also shown in bunches.

Some eighty-one classes, including a few for wild
llowers shown by children, also for home-made bread
and honey, composed the Cottagers' division. There
were plants for windows (the best hanging basket con-
tained a well-grown example of Asparagus Sprongeri ;
Campanula isophylla alba, well grown and bloomed,
was much in evidence); also for cut llowers and vege-
tables, the lattor very good indeed; while 102 Classes
wore set apart lor amateurs, who showed in good
form throughout, and especially in the caso of their
vegetables.

Special prizes were offered for six dishes of vege-
tables by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Mr. Lockik taking
the 1st prize with a well-balanced collection; Mr.
Barson taking the 2nd prize with a collection only
just inferior. Mr. Bauson took the first 01 the speoial
prizes offered by Messrs. Webb & Sous for a collection
oi six dishes; Mr C. H. Coote boing 2nd. .Mrs. JOHN
son was the only exhibitor for Messrs. Daniols Bros.'

106

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AUGUST 8, -1903.

special prizes. In the case of those offered by Messrs.
Wood & Ingram (J. E. Perkins), Huntingdon, for a
collection of eight varieties, Mr. Lockie was 1st with
good produce: and Mr. G. D Day, 2nd.

Miscellaneous collections of plants, cut flowers, &c,
were shown by Messrs. Wood & Ingram ; Roses, Carna-
tions, &c, Messrs. G. & W. Burch, Peterborough ;
Koses, Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Stamford, and Messrs.
Wood & Ingham, Huntingdon.

BRISTOL & DISTRICT GARDENERS
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.

July 30— Byb; invitation of the Rev. U F. Wind
borne, this Society held its monthly meeting at the
Priory, Westbury on Tryni, on the above date. About
sixty members were entertained at tea by Mr. Whid-
borne, after which the company was afforded the
opportunity of viewing the picturesque grounds and
greenhouses. The greenhouses were much admired,
especially a corridor wall ICO feet long and 30 feet
high, covered with Zonal Pelargoniums, which is
certainly a sight not seen every day. These were
planted thirty years ago. and have thriven wonderfully,
and at the present date they form a mass of flowers.

The visitors having gazed on the chief features of the
garden, adjourned to a room in the garden, and pro-
ceeded with their meeting, when Mr. J. T. Curtis (gr.,
to Mr. W. Howell Davis) read an excellent paper on
Eueharis grandiflora, he being the successful competi-
tor for a prize offered by Messrs. Parker & Sons for
the best essay on the subject. Mr. Whidborne then
presented five Royal Horticultural Society Medals for
five members for regular attendance.

ABBEY PARK FLOWER SHOW,
LEICESTER.

August 4, 6 —This is one of the few purely municipal
flower-shows held in the kingdom, as it was founded
and supported by the Corporation of Leicester for the
benefit of the townspeople ; and any balance remain-
ing over after all expense! are paid is devoted to pro-
viding music in the public parks. A very fine exhibi-
tion indeed was provided on this occasion ; it was said
to be the best held since the present series was estab-
lished eighteen years ago. The weather on the
opening day which had a rainy appearance in the morn-
ing, became brilliantly fine, and there was an enormous
attendance. The Abbey Park was seen at its best, the
bedding-out arrangements were excellent, the orna-
mental and subtropical portion very Sne, doing great
credit to Mr. John Burn, the superintendent.

Plants
may be said to play a minor part at the Abbey
Park shows. There was a class for a group of 180 feet,
for which Mr. James Cypher. Cheltenham, took the 1st
prize with one of those elaborate arrangements he is
in the habit of setting up, rich in flowering and foliaee
plants alike. Mr. Thompson, Littleover, Derby, came
and with a charming group; and Mr. W. Finch, Coven-
try, was 3rd. With six stove and greenhouse plants
Mr. Finch came 1st, having three in flower and three
foliage ; Mr. H. Blakeway, gr. to Sir A. Muntz, Bt„
Rugby, was 2nd. Mr. Blakeway had the best six
Ferns, staging well-grown specimens in excellent
character; and Mr. H Rogers was 2nd. The best
specimen plant in bloom was BougainvilleaSanderiana
from Mr. Finch.

Cut Flowers.

Roses are always a leading feature at Leicester, and
they were pre-eminently so on this occasion. It was
quite a field day for Messrs. A. Dickson tt Son,
Newtownards, Belfast, for they won all the leading
prizes. With thirty-six distinct varieties the New-
townards firm were an easy 1st. This stand contained
a large, full, fine - petalled and brilliant H. Tea
named George Dickson, a superb back -row flower
with something of the bright hue of Liberly. This was
selected as the best Rose in the show, and it created
quite a sensation among the rosarians present. Messrs.
D. & W. Choll, nurserymen, Dundee, came 2nd with
some very good blooms ; and Messrs. Harkness & Co.,
Hitchin, were 3rd. Messrs. Dickson & Son were 1st
with remarkably good twenty-four blooms; 2nd, Mr. J.
Barrow, florist, Leice iter ; and 3rd, Messrs. Harkness
& Co. With twelve Teas, Messrs. Dickson & Son
carried off another 1st prize ; Messrs. D. & W. Croll
were 2nd; and Messrs. Harkness & Co , 3rd.

The best twelve blooms of one variety were from
Messrs. Dickson & Sons, and Messrs. Jarman & Co.,
Nurserymen, Chard.

The best twelve Teas of one variety were Mrs. E.
Mawley, from Me sis. Dickson & Sons; Messrs'. Croll
were 2nd with the same variety, and Messrs. Harkness
& Co. 3rd with White Mamau Cochet.

Roses were also shown by gardeners and amateurs,
and in several classes very good blooms for the season
were staged.

Begonia blooms in the class for twenty-four doubles,
as well as for that number of singles, were finely shown
by Messrs. Blackmore & Law; don, Twerton Nursery,

Bath ; Messrs. Jauman & Co. were 2nd with doubles;
and Mr. C. Burdett, Great Bowdon, with singles.

There was an excellent display of Carnations of all
types, and some very good blooms were shown by
amateurs also. The best twelve white ground Carna-
tions came from Messrs. Thomson & Co.. Nurserymen,
Birmingham ; they were also 1st with twelve blooms of
white-ground Picotees.

Mr. G. Rudd, Cotteridge, was 1st with twelve excel-
lent blooms of yellow-grounds, and also with twelve
blooms of selfs ; Messrs. Thomson & Co. being 2nd in
both classes. Single blooms were also shown in three
classes.

Hardy Annuals in collections of twelve bunches
made an interesting feature. Mr. M. Firth had the
best.

Mr. Blakeway came in 1st with twelve bunches of
stove and greenhouse cut-flowers, showing in excellent
form. Single Zonal Pelargoniums, Fancy Pansies,
Violas, Show and Cactus Dahlias were in good form.

The collection of twelve bunches of hardy herbaceous
and bulbous flowers from Mr. W. B. Child. Acock's
Green, which gained the 1st prize, was very fine indeed.

Fruit.
was so good that Mr. Owen Thomas, who was one of
the judges, spoke of it in the highest praise.

With eight dishes, in which three varieties of 'trapes
were permitted, Mr. J. H. Goodacre, The Gardens,
Elvaston Castle, Derby, was 1st, having very fine Black
Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, and Madresfield
Court Grapes; Barrington Peaches, Elruge Nectarines,
Figs, Melon, and Queen Pine. 2nd Mr. J. Read, The
Gardens, Bretby Park, Chesterfield, with Buckland
Sweetwater and Black Hamburgh Grapes, Peaches,
Nectarines, Plums, &c.

In another class for eight dishes, limited to two
varieties oi Grapes, Mr. Goodacre again came in an
excellent 1st with Black Hamburgh and Muscat of
Alexandria Grapes, Kaymacker Peaches, Elruge Nec-
tarines, Dr. Jules Guyot Pears, Lady Siideley Apples
(both very fine), splendid Negro Largo Figs, &2. 2nd
Mr. J. Read ; and in this, as in the former class, none
of his fruit was named, despite the requirement of the
schedule to that effect.

The best collection of four varieties of Grapes, two
bunches of each, Mr. Goodacre came in 1st with very
fine examples ; he had Madresfield Court, Muscat of
Alexandria, and Muscat Hamburgh, the latter finely
finished; Mr. J. Read came 2nd. his best bunches
were Muscat of Alexandria and Madresfield Court.

Witli two superb bunches of Black;Ham urgh Grapes,
Mr. Goodacre again came 1st; Mr. J. Swanwick,
Nottingham, was 2nd. Mr. Goodacre was also 1st
with two very fine bunches of Muscat of Alexandria ;
Mr. W. Duncan, Bosworth Hall Gardens, Rugby,
coming 2nd.

With two finely finished bunches of Muscat Hambro'
in the class for any other black, Mr. Goodacre was 1st,
Mr. Duncan coming 2nd with Madresfield Court.

Mr. H. Blakeway came in 1st with a dish of Peaches,
and he was also 1st with Nectarines ; Mr. Goodacre
taking the 2nd prizes in both classes.

Melons were shown iu two classes, and also Cherries,
Mr. Goodacre taking the 1st prizes in both. Goose-
berries were numerous and fine. There were excellent
Apples and Plums from Elvaston.

Currants were very good, white, red, and black.
Mr. J. Hudson had the best twelve Tomatos ; and
Mr. Goodacre was 2nd, both very fine.

Vegetables
were in fine character, and numerously shown by all
classes of exhibitors. In the Open class for twelve
dishes, Mr. J. Hudson exhibited finely; Mr. J. Read
was a good 2nd. Potatos shown in pairs of dishes.
Cucumbers, Vegetable-Marrows, Peas, Broad lteans
(both Windsors and Longpods), Onions (spring-sown
and autumn-sown), short and long Carrots, Turnips,
and Cauliflowers, were all good.

The Cottagers had a very fine display in the large
tent, the task of judging was a very onerous one. In
addition, special prizes were offered by Messrs. Sutton
& Sons, Reading, for six kinds of vegetables ; Messrs.
Harrison & Sons, seed merchants, for ten dishes, and
also for Sweet Peas ; Mr. Robert Sydenham, Birmingham,
for Sweet Peas ; Mr. R. Pringle, seedsman, Leicester,
also for ten varieties of vegetables; Messrs. Yarde &
Co., seedsmen, Northampton, for Sweet Peas and
Antirrhinums, &c. All these afforded interesting
features.

Miscellaneous Exhibits.

Miscellaneous exhibits introduced many features of
popular interest, and could they have been gathered
together would have formed an exhibition of them-
selves. Gold Medals were awarded to Mr. W. Bentley,
florist, Leicester, for an extensive collection of very
fUe bunches of Roses staged with great taste; to
Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Twerton Nursery,
Bath, for one of those superb collections of cut single
and double Begonias they are in the habit of staging ;
to Mr. W. B. Child, Acocks Green, Birmingham, for a
grand bank of hardy flowers ; to Messrs. W. & J.
Brown, nurserymen, Stamford, for a collection of
plants which included Verbena Miss Willmott in
excellent character ; and to Mr. F. M. Bradley, nur-
seryman, Peterborough, for Sweet Peas, Carnations,

&c, including some charming floraldecorations. Silver
Medals were awarded to Mr. Carnall, Lower Road,
Leicester, for decorations, various plants, cut flowers,
&c. ; Mr. C. Holden, florist, Hinckley, for Sweet Peas
in excellentcharacter ; to Mr.CHAS.WARNER.The Abbey,
Leicester, for Roses; to Mr. H. Deverill, Banbury,
for Zsnal Pelargoniums and hardy flowers ; to Messrs.
Jarman & Co., nurserymen, Chard, for Roses, Sweet
Peas, &c. ; to Mr. W. L. Pattison, Shrewsbury, for
Violas; to Messrs. Harrison & Son, seed merchants,
Leicester, for p'ants, hardy flowers, including Sweet
Peas, &c ; to Mr J. Barrow, Leicester, for bunches of
charming Roses, <tc. ; to The Ranelagh Nursery
Company, Leamington, for a group of Asparagus
myriocladus, to which a Certificate of Merit was also
awarded; and to Mrs. Hodgkins, Didsbury, Man-
chester, for illustrations of vegetable anatomy.

A Silver Medal was awarded to Mr. W. Finch,
Coventry, for a very fine specimen of Ixora WiUlamsil ;
and Certificates of Merit to Messrs. W. W. Johnson &
Son, seed merchants, Boston, for Sweet Peas— Gladys
Deal (delicate lavender-blue, of excellent form) and
Elfrida (cream-ground striped with rosy-crimson).

TRADE NOTICE,

A pupil of the School of Horticulture at Ghent
is anxious to work for two months (August and
September) in some nursery near London. He
would require board and lodging, but no salary.
The Director gives him a high character for
industry and competence. Address to the
Director of the School of Horticulture, Ghent.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

THE PIMELEA.

The Pimelea is a hard-wooded, greenhouse
plant, free-growing and compact habited, and
produces nice flower-heads from the points of the
shoots. There are about half-a-dozen varieties of
the Pimelea in cultivation, the most meritorious
of these being P. spectabilis rosea, which is a
robust grower, yielding in May and June heads
of flowers, white and flushed with purple-rose,
nearly as large as those of the Gueldres Rose. P.
Hendersoni is more erect in growth than the pre-
ceding variety, the individual shoots being
crowned with smaller but very beautiful pink
flowers in May and June ; but the date of flower-
ing may and is frequently retarded until August
for exhibition purposes.

Cuttings taken off after the plants have gone
out of flower, and inserted round the edge of
efficiently crocked 3-inch pots filled to the rim
with fine peat, this being pressed quite firm and
surfaced with silver-sand, watered through a fine
rose, and then placed under a hand-light or bell-
glass in the greenhouse, will form roots in due
time. The soil should be kept uniformly moist.
Pot singly into small pots (72's), using fine peat
as before, with a little silver-sand incorporated
therewith as a rooting medium, making this
moderately firm in potting. Return the plants
to the hand-light, water, and shade from sun-
shine for a few days until the roots have taken
to the soil, when it should be dispensed with
altogether, and the plants afforded a position
near the glass. As the pots become fairly filled
with roots, shift into larger ones — say, 3 inches,
4i inches, and 6 inches in diameter, these being
the most useful sizes for decorative purposes.
Pots from 10 to 12 inches in diameter will be
large enough for specimen plants. Coarser, that
is more lumpy, peat should be employed in each
additional shift of the plants into larger pots,
this being rammed quite firm between the balls
and side of the pots, as well as on top, with flat
and round blunt-ended rammers in potting, as all
hard-wooded plants do better in firm soil. The
young plants should be pinched to induce them
to branch, and with the same object in view they
should be cut back after they have gone out of
flower. H. W. W.

August 8, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

107

THE WEATHER.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick.
London, for the period July 26 to August 1, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet.

Tempera-

91

Tempera-tube

ture of the

O

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OF THE AlB.

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3

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Sun. 26

s.w.

61-2

60-4

70-2

57-8 0-15 63-0 61-0

68-4

56-9

HON. 2 7

s.w.

62-3

57'0

63-5

46-2 0- 15 62-1 61 '0 58-4J39-2

TUES.28

s.w.

61-2

57'2

64-8

55-2 0'27 61-9l60-8 58-4 47-7

Wed. 29

s.w.

58-2

56-066-4

55-30-39 61 -2J60-8 58-4 49-5

THU. 30

s.w.

60-7 55-9|66'7

51'9'o-02'61-5 60-8 58-4 44-6

FBI. 31

W.N.W.

56 '7

52-5 62-4

53-9 ... 61-260-658-447-0

SAT. 1

S.W.

61-6

58-270-2

53-3 01 02 60-5 60-2 58-4 43'8

Tot

Means

...

60 -3 56-7,66-3 53-4 1-00 61 -6 60-7.58-4J47 -0

Remarks.— The weather has been dull and cool, with
rain on six days. Total rainfall for July, 3 95 inches.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The following Summary Recobd of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
Aug. 1, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :—

" The weather was again in a very unsettled condition,

ith frequent and, in many cases, heavy falls of rain.
Thunderstorms occurred in several parts of Ireland on
Sunday, and in the north of Ireland only on Monday,
and over a considerable portion of England on Wednes-
day.

"The temperature was below the mean, the deficit
being slight (only 1°) in Scotland, England. N.E., and
the Channel Islands, but rather large (3°) in Eng-
land, N.E. The highest readings which occurred at vari-
ous times in the different districts, ranged from 74° in
the Midland Counties, and 733 in Scotland, N. and Eng-
land, N.E., to 68" in Ireland and Scotland. N., and to
H7° in the Channel Islands. In the middle part of the
week the daily maxima on our north-east coasts were
often below 60°, and in some places below 55°. The
lowest readings also occurred on varying dates, and
ranged from 40° in England, N.W., and 41° in Scot
land, N. and E., to 47° in England, N.E. and S.W., and
to 53° in the Channel Islands.

"The rainfall was considerably in excess of the
average over the United Kingdom generally, but was
about equal to | the normal in England, N.W., and
Ireland, N., and slightly in defect in Scotland, N. In
Scotland, E., and England, NEE., and S., the total
amount was more than three times the weekly average,
the largest aggregates reported at individual stations
being 3 5 inches at Marchmont, 28 inches at Shields,
and 2 2 inches at Hastings (St. Leonards).

" The bright sunshine was less than the normal, the
deficiency being slight in most of the grazing districts,
but large in the wheat-producing districts. The per-
centage of the possible duration ranged from 42 in the
Channel Islands, and 35 in England, S.W., to 17 in
Scotland, E., and 15 in Scotland, N."

THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS.
. Cold, Wet and Sunless.— The present cold, wet and
cloudy period has now lasted over three weeks. During
that time there has been only one seasonably warm
day; most of the nights, on the other hand, were
rather warm than, otherwise. The ground is now at
about an average temperature at 2 feet deep, but about
1° colder than is seasonable at 1 foot deep. Rain has
fallen on all but four of the last nineteen days, and to
the total depth of 3j inches— which is equivalent to a
watering on each square yard in my garden of 16J
gallons. In order to show how saturated the ground
has become, I may state that in the last eight
days nearly a gallon of rain-water has come through
the percolation-gauge on which short grass is growing
—a very unusual circumstance at this time of year.
The sun has shone on an average during the week for
', about four hours a day, or for about two hours a day
' less than usual. The August Bank Holiday was the
' only bright day of the week. The nind9 have been, as
; a rule, rather high, and have come mostly from some

westerly point of the compass. The mean amount of
moisture in the air in the middle of the day was about
8 per cent, in excess of the average for the season.
Jolt.
This was a cold, wet, sunless month. With the ex-
ception of the same month last year this was the
coldest July for twelve years. The days were, as a
rule, more exceptionally cold than the nights. There
occurred only five really warm days, and on three of
these the temperature in the thermometer-screen rose
to or above 80°. On the coldest night the exposed
thermometer fell to within 3° of the freezing-point. It
was the wettest July for eight years. Rain fell on
sixteen days to the aggregate depth of 3j inches,
or about three-quarters of an inch in excess of the
July average. The whole of the rainfall, except a few
insignificant showers, was deposited during the latter
half of the month. Of the total amount (equivalent to
a watering of 15 gallons on each square yard), 9 gallons
came through the bare soil percolation gauge, and half
a gallon through that covered with short grass. In
only two other Julys during the last eighteen years has
there been as little sunshine ; in fact, the record fell
short of the average by more than an hour a day. The
winds were as a rule light, and for 455 hours, or nine-
teen days, came from some point between south and
west. The atmosphere was more humid than in any
July for nine years.

IARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, August 6.
[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered 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 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. Eel

Cut Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Prices.

Alst n i".neria, doz.

bunches

Asters, bunches...

Azaleas, doz. bun.

Carnations, per

doz. bunches

— Malmaisons,
doz

Coreopsis, dozen

bunches
Dahlias, per doz.

bunches

Eucharis

Ferns, Asparagus,
per bunch ...

— French, per
doz. bunches

— Maidenhair,
doz. bunches

Gardenias, p. box

Gladiolus, White,

doz. bunches ...

— Blushing
Bride, dozen
hunches

— Brenchleyensis
per bunch ...

— various, bnch
Gyp so phi la, bun.
Liliums, longi-

florum, per
bunch

— lancifolium,
per bunch ...

— candidum, per

bunch

rubrum.bnch.

— auratum.bnch.

s.d. s.d.

4 0-60
0 4-16
2 0-40

2 0-12 0
6 0-12 0
10-20

4 0-60

3 0- 3 0

10-26
0 4-06

4 0-60
16-30

10-20
0 6-10
0 3-04

16-20
16-20

10-20

10-20
10-20

Lily of the Valley,
p. doz. bunohes

Lupins, doz. bun.

Malva, doz. bun.

Marguerites, yel-
low, doz.bunch.

Mignonette, doz.

Montbretia3. per
dozen bunches.

Orchids : Cattleya,
dozen blooms...

Pelargoniums,
zonal, dozen
bunches

Phlox, per dozen
bunches

Poppied, Iceland,
p. doz. bunches

Roses, Mermet, doz.

— various, per
bunch

— red, 12 bnch s.

— white, bunch

— pink, bunch
Smilax, doz. trails
Stenactis speciosa

(pale mauve),

doz. bunches ...
Stephanotis, per

dozen

Stocks, per dozen

bunches

Sweet Peas, per

dozen bunches
Tuberoses, strong,
per bunch ...

— per dozen ...

s.d. s.d.

6 0-18 0

3 0-40

4 0-60

16-20
2 0-30

4 0-80

6 0-12 0

4 0-60

0 6-10
10-20

0 2-16
2 0-60
10-26
0 4-16
16-28

2 0-30

16-20

2 0-40

10-30

0 9-10
0 2-03

Plants in Pots, &o.— Average Wholesale Prices.

Acers, each
Adiantums, doz.
Aralias. per doz.
Arbor Vitse, per

dozen

Aspidistras, doz.
Aucubas, per doz.
Campanulas, doz.
Coleuses, per doz
Coreopsis, dozen
Crassulas, dozen
Crotons, per doz.
Dracii-uas. variety,

dozen

Euonymus, vars.,

per dozen
Ferns in var.,per

dozen

— Japanese balls,
&0., each *...
Ficuselastica.doz.
Fuchsias, p. doz.
Heliotrope
Hydrangeas, doz.

$. d. 8. d. 8. d. 8. d
20- 26 Lillum longt-

4 0-80 florum.perdoz. 6 0-12 0
4 0-80 — lancifolium,

per dozen ... 6 0-12 0
9 0-18 0 Lyoopodiums, p.

18 0-36 0 dozen 3 0-40

4 0-80 Marguerites, doz. 3 0-12 0

4 0-60 Mignonette, doz. 40-60

4 0-50 Orange-trees.each 3 0-76

4 0-60 Palms, var., each 3 0-20 0

8 0-12 0 Pelargoniums,
12 0-24 0 —Oak- leaved,

scented, doz. 3 0-40

12 0-48 C pink, per doz. 4 0-60

— scarlet, dozen 3 0-80
4 0-60 Petunias, p. doz. 40-60

— in boxes ... 10-16
4 0-30 0 Pteris tremula, dz. 4 0- 8 0

— Wimsetti.doz. 4 0-80
10-16 Khodanthes, per

9 0-24 o , dozen 2 0-40

3 0-60 Rose Trees, per

4 0-60 dozen 6 0-12 0

8 0-24 o Verbenas, dozen 4 o-io o

Fruit. — Average Wholesale Prices.
t.d. s.d.

3 6-76
16-20
7 0-14 0
10-16
6 0-10 0

5 0-56
12 0 —
10-30

0 10-1 6
10-16

16-20
0 8-10
3 0-40

Grapes, Muscats,

B., per lb.
Gooseberries, per

sieve

Lemons, per case
Melons, each
Nectarines, A.,per

dozen

— B., per doz. ...
Oranges, per case
Peaches, A., per

dozen

— B., per dozen
Pines, each
Plums, per sieve
Raspberries, per

dozen punnets

— per cwt.

s.d. s.d.

10-20

4 0 —
7 0-12 0
0 8-20

12 0-18 0
3 0- « 0

13 0 —

7 0-12 0
10-40
2 6-40
7 0-11 0

6 0 —
42 0 —

Apples, home-
grown, per half
bushel

Apricots, per doz.

Bananas, Dunch..

— loose, dozen .
Cherries, sieve ...
Currants, Red,

per sieve

— Black, sieve...
Figs, per dozen...
Grapes, Alicante,

per lb.

— GrosMaroc.lb,

— Hamburgh,
A, per lb.

B., per lb.

— Muscats, A., lb.

Vegetables.

Artichokes, Globe,

per dozen ...
Beans, dwarf, per

sieve

— broad, bush. .

— Scarlet Run-
ners, p. sieve

Beetroots, per

doz. bunches

Cabbages, tally ...

Carrots, new, per

dozen

Cauliflowers, per

dozen

Celery, per dozen

bundles
Cress, per dozen

punnets

Cucumbers, per

dozen

Endive, per doz.
Garlic, per lb. ...
Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch
Leeks, per dozen

bunches

Lettuces, Cabbage,

per dozen
Lettuce, Cos, per

score

Mint, per dozen

bunches

Remarks.— Vegetable-Marrows are now coming fast,
in bushel flats, at 2s. to 2s. 6d. ; in pads, 4s., prices have
a downward tendency. Tomatos are also coming in, and
they are of leas value. English Apples, viz., Ecklin-
ville, Keswick, and Julien, per sieve or half bushel.
3s. 6<Z. ; Devonshire Quarrenden, 6s. to 7s. ; Pear
" Chalks." sieve, 3s 6d. to 4s. ; Californian, in cases, 12s.
to 148. Naples Melons, in cases, los. ; Morello Cherries
from 6<i. to Is. per lb. for good samples.

Potatos.
Home-grown, 4s. to 58. id. per cwt. John Bath, 32 £ 34,
Wellington Street, Covent Garden.

— Average Wholesale Prices.
s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d.

Mushrooms, house,
10-16 per lb 08 10

Onions, per case .50 —

0 5 — — per bag ... 5 0 —
16-20 — green, per

dozen 16-26

4 0- 5 0 I Parsley, per doz.

bunches ... 2 0-30

2 o- 3 0 i — sieve 10 —

3 0-50 Peas, per bag ... 4 o- 7 0

— per bushel ... 2 6- 3 «
10-13, Potatos, per ton 60 0-120 0

— St. Malo, per

2 6-30 cwt 50 —

— Lincoln, &c. 4 0-60
9 0-10 0 Radishes, per

dozen bunches 0 9-10

13 — Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz.... 13 —

16-3 0 Spinach, per

1 6 — sieve 2 0- 2 «

0 2 — Tomatos, Channel

Islands, per lb. 0 3-04
16-19 — English, per

121b 3 6-48

16-20 Turnips, new, per

doz. bunches *«-°°
0 9-10 — per bag ... 30-40

Vegetable - Mar-

0 6-16 rows, per dozen 10-16

Watercress, per

2 0-26 dozen bunches. 04-06

CORN.

Avebaoe Pbices of British Corn (per imperial qr.),
for the week ending August 1, 1903, and for the corre-
sponding period of 1902, together with the difference
in the quotations. These figures are based on the
Official Weekly Return :—

Description.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Wheat

Barley

Oats

«. A.
31 8

25 0

22 10

I. d.

28 11

21 0
18 6

». K.

— 2 9

— 4 0

— 4 4

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

Glasgow, August 5.— The following are the averages
of the prices during the pa9t week :— Apples, Lisbon.
1 s. to 128. per case; Tomatos, td. to 8d. per lb.;
Oranges, Naples, 9s. to 12s. per box ; Melons, 6». td. to
9s. per box ; Lemons, 68. 6d. to 10s. per box, and 10s. to
148. per case; Grapes, English, Is. 3d. to 2s. \>d. per
lb. ; do., Denia, green, 6s. to 7«. do. ; do., black, 118. to
13s. per barrel ; Onions, 3s. 6d. to 5s. per case ; Straw-
berries, 4<J. to 10(1. per lb. ; Dutch Currants, red, in
tubs for preserving, were 18s. per owt. ; red Goose-
berries, 208. do. ; Scotch and Irish Barringtons, 2is. to
25s. per cwt. ; Irish greeo Gooseberries, 18s. to .0s. per
owt.; Dutch Carrots, 6). to 78. per hamper; Cauli-
flowers, 2s. per hamper.

Liverpool, August b. -Wholesale Vegetable Market. —
Potatos, per cwt.. Early Regents, 3s. 6d. to 4s. ;
Kidneys, 5s. to 5s. 6d. ; British Queen, 4s. to 4s id ;
Turnips, sd. to Is. per 12 bunches; Swedes, 38. to 3s. Hd.
per cwt.; Carrots, sd. to 18. per 12 bunches; Onions,
foreign, 48. Hd. to 4s. 9d. per cwt. ; Parsley, 4d. to 6<( per
dozen bunches ; Lettuces, 6d. to lod. per dozen ; Cu-
cumbers. Is. 6((. to 38. do.; Cauliflowers, Is. to
do.: Cabbages, 6d. to lOd. do.; ICelery, Sn. to
do.; Peas, 3s. 6d. to .">?. per hamper; Beans -
to 28. 6d. do. SI. /oAn's-Potatos, is. M. per

108

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 8, 1903.

Peas, is. to Is. id. do ; Cucumbers, 3d. to id. each;
Gooseberries, 3d. to id. per lb. ; Currants, Ked. id. do. ;
Peaches, id. to Hd. each; Grapes, English, is. 6d. to
3s. 6d. per lb ; do. foreign, id to 8d. do. ; Pines,
foreign, 4s. id. to 6s. each; Mushrooms, llci per lb.
Birkenhead :— Potatos, is. to Is. id. per peck ; Peas>
lOd. to Is. id. per peck ; Cucumbers, 2d. to id. each ;
Currants, Eed, id. to id. per lb. ; Peaches id. to 6<J.
do. ; Cherries, id. to id. do. ; Gooseberries, 3d. to id.
do. ; Grapes, English, Is. id. to 4s. do. ; do. foreign,
id. to id. do. ; Tomatos, EDglish, id. to 8d. do. ; Mush-
rooms, French, lOd. to is. do. ; Filberts, 8d. do.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

%* Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
, dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
' literary department, and all plants to be named,
should he directed to the Editor. The two
departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

Apples : G. N. L. S. The flowering of Apples on
terminal shoots is very common this year, in
consequence of the peculiar season.

Cortdalis Semenovi : A. R. G. Why not
advertise your wants in this journal ?

Fern Frond Withered: Constant Reader. If
this is the only damaged frond on the plants
an injury to the stalk may have caused it to
wither. If the injury is general throughout
the house we should suspect foul air from a
drain or other source. Sometimes such injury
will arise in a freshly-painted house which has
been kept close. If chemical manure has been
used that might cause the mischief. Fumiga-
tion or the injudicious use of insecticides is
another source of danger.

Fruit-tree Espalier Fence : J. B. Make this
of iron wire, not twisted but solid, j% inch in
diameter, fixed in long lengths to malleable
iron standards let into blocks of stone sunk
2 J — 3 feet into the ground, and furnished with
one strut each to counteract the strain. If the
wires be secured each to a swivel and screw-
hook at one end and the other direct to the
post, the wires can be readily tightened should
they get slack in the course of time. The fence
will last for half a century without repairs,
whereas wooden fences are a constant source of
expense in painting and repairs, whether with
or without iron wires to which to train the
branches. The wire and standards before rusting
sets in should be primed with red-lead paint,
and finished off with two coats of slate-coloured
paint.

Grapes : T. L. and E. P. D. The berries are
affected with the too common "spot fungus"
(Gkeosporium). Try spraying with weak Bor-
deaux-mixture. Sulphate of potash would be
of no use, but sulphide of potassium might
be ; the litter is generally known as liver-of-
sulphur ; use | oz. to 1 gallon of water.

Grubs wrapped in Leaves : J. Allsop. Tou
have sent us a nest of one of the leaf-cutter
bees. Megachile centuncularis. Each grub is
enclosed in a single cell, formed usually of
Rose - leaves. These bees often disfigure the
R)se-leaves by removing circular and ovate
pieces for the formation of their cells, but
they do not seriously injure the plants.

Laurel Leaves : J. Allsop. We are unable to
indicate the cause of the injury. It [is not
caused by instcts.

Lawn : J. B. M. Prunella vulgaris. Spud it up,
and apply some rich manure, which will favour
the growth of the finer grasses.

LlLIUM LONGIFLORUM HaRRISII (sTN. L. L. EXI-

mium) starting to Grow a Second Time in
One Year : W. T., Addlestone. The bulb
having flowered two months ago the first stem
has decayed, and its place has been taken by a
fresh one. The bulb may have been a retarded
one, and forced into bloom by having heat
applied in the spring. You must repot the
bulb or surface the soil with fresh compost,
and grow-on out-of-doors till cold weather
arrives, then remove to a greenhouse or pit,
and keep moist till the bulb flowers and the
stem decays. When that occurs turn the pot
on its side on the moist floor of the greenhouse
till the spring.

Lord Carington's Small Holdings Act :
Jnquher. You would do well to obtain a copy
of the Act from Eyre & Spottiswood, the King's
Printers. It would cost but a few pence.
Doubtless you would find it of use in dealing
with tenants.

Melon Diseased : H. K. T. Stem canker at the
collar. Too much moisture.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue ore requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
F.O. Catasetum fimbriatum. — A.B. Artemisia
vulgaris (Wormwood). — J. K.R. 1, Rondeletia
speciosa ; 2, Plumbago rosea ; 3, Centranthus
ruber ; 4, Lychnis chalcedonica ; 5, Crypto-
meria japonica ; 6, Leycesteria formosa ; 7,
Achillea Millefolium roseum ; 8, Sequoia sem-
pervirens ; 9, send in flower ; 10, Cistus ladani-
ferus. — H. P. P. 1, Prunus Pissardi ; 2, Thuya
gigantea ; 3, Cupressus Lawsoniana aurea; 4,
Abies Clanbrassiliana ; 5, A. Pinsapo ; 6, Rosa
rugosa; 7, Abies — perhaps Nordmanniana ; 8,
Pinns Larico. The peculiar season we are
having, and the situation they are growing in,
probably cause the damage to your Sweet Peas. —
J. T. R. Dendrobium Dalhousieanum. — TV. T.,
Addlestone. Dactylis glomerata variegata, use-
ful for edgings to flower-bed3, <tc. — TV. H. D.
Alyssum saxatile. — W. J. G. Asparagus myrio-
cladus. — Max L. The Statice is probably S.
Gmelini. The two Codonopsis cannot be specifi-
cally distinguished, for the large one see the
figure, Botanical Register, vol. xxviii.t. 3; one
sees in the herbarium flowers of intermediate
size, but most of the material is like the larger
flower. The smaller flower is like that of
Royle's Illust. A.B.R.— P. IT. C. Nepeta vio-
lacea. — C. J. P. 1, Ulmus campestris variegata ;

2, Retinosporaericoidesof gardens ; 3, R. dubia ;

4, Juniperus virginiana var. Sshottii ; 5, Thuja
orientalis j 6, Flowering state of Ivy Hedera
helix. — Miss Kaye. Trachelium cceruleum. —
G. C. 1 , Thalictrum majus j 2, Ononis arvensis ;

3, Lolium italicum ; 4, Hypericum perforatum ;

5, Lupinus polyphyllus ; 6, Spergula arvensis ;
by no means characteristic Perthshire plants. —
W. H. D. Alyssum saxatile.

Nodules on Root of Culinary Peas : J. F. C.
These are common to all Leguminous plants ;
they are due to the irritation set up by bac-
teria, which do good by rendering available
the nitrogen of the air.

Peach Decated : H. D. The fruit sent is affected
with ordinary rot common on stone fruits,
Apples, Pears, Strawberries, &c, Monilia fruc-
tigena It is met with on half-ripe, over-ripe,
and fallen fruits, and in the case of Apples and
Pears, the fruits sometimes dry up and hang
on the trees till late in the year. The conidia
overspreads the skin, causing cracks, through
which the spores enter. The poor flavour com-
plained of in your Peaches may be due to excess
of water at the root, lack of air and sunshine,
or to the varieties not being good ones. All
decaying fruits should be collected and burnt.

Peaches Diseased ; T. 0. A. Mildew ■ apply
flowers-of-sulphur and burn all affected fruits.

Pear Leaves : Mill Hill. The slug-worm, a grub
of a saw-fly. Burn the fallen leaves as far as
you can. Spraying with infusion of quassia, if
practicable, might be serviceable.

Potato Foliage: W. H. Divers. This is the
Potato 'disease, Phytopthora infestans. Spray-
ing with Bordeaux-mixture is the only means
of checking the spread. G. M.

Pteris Fronds Discoloured : Nurseryman. The
injury is caused by mites, so small that they
have escaped your notice. Try vapourising
with XL-All, or a weak mixture of tobacco-
water and plain water.

Shrubs : J. C. M. P. You may safely remove
the evergreen shrubs in August and early the
following month if you take good. masses of
earth with the roots. Keep the bushes syringed
for a month afterwards.

Thorn-leaves : G. V. Mildew. Pear-branches
appear to have been scorched when wet.

Tomatos : S. D. cf Son and F. S. The plants
in both houses are suffering from the same
disease, caused by a well-known fungus pest
called Cladosporium fulvum. Pick off and
burn badly infected leaves, and spray all the
plants thoroughly with potassium perman-
ganate every other day, 1 Ounce of the crystals
to 10 gallons of water.

Violet : H. C. The yellow colour, is due to the
imperfect formation of chlorophyll from the
cold, wet, sunless season acting on weak
individuals.

Zephire or Zephtre : I. The word is spelt in
both ways. It has been said that a difference
in meaning attaches to the two words — that
" Zephire " is the west wind, and " Zephyre "
any mild wind. But Littre recognises no such
difference.

Communications Received. — G. M. W. — R. L. C—
W. J. G— Dr. M., Dusseldorf-J. T. H— W. H. S —
J. B.— W. E. G., with thanks— G. G., Paris— Hans
Schinz, Zurich — W. B. — Florence, next week —
H. E. M., next week— M. C. C— M. B. Middelburgh—
T. H. H.— S. A.— P. H.— J. H.— R. N.— W. P. -T B.-
W. F. C. San Francisco— J. H. G— J. P. B — E. M.—
W. H.— The Orchard Co., Ltd —Dr. Bonavia.— S. C—
A. C. F.— E. C— W. H. D.—J. O'B.

GARDENING APPOINTMENTS

Mr. F. R. Brown, formerly General Foreman in the
Gardens, Glenart Castle. Co Wicklow, as Steward
and Gardener to the Right Hon . the Vice-Chancellor
of Ireland, New Park, Blaikrock, Co. Dublin. He
entered upon his duties on July 24.

Mr. William Cook, for five and a half years Foreman
at Horstead Hall Gardens. Norwich, as Head har-
dener to H. Compton, Esq., Minstead Manor House,
Lyndhurst. Hampshire.

Mr. H. E. Forster, until lately Foreman in Coworth
Park Gardens, Sunningdale, Berks, as Head Gar-
dener to Mrs. Barber, Park House, EngleSeld
Green, Surrey.

Mr. F. W. Parkes, for the past few months employed
inthegardeDs at Wykeham Abbey and previously
Head Gardener at Boyston Manor. Retford, as
Head Gardener to LordMiDDLETON, Wollaton Hall,
Nottingham.

Mr. William Mabbott, until lately Head GardcDer at
Doddiogtoo Hall, Lincoln, as Head Gardener to the
Lady Maud Rolleston, Watnall Hall, Nottingham,
- and entered upon his duties on August 4.

Mr. A. Barnes, late Gardener at Denne Hill, Canter-
bury, as Gardener to 8. Cresswell, J. P., Hole
Park, Rolvenden, Kent. He entered upon his
duties June 15.

Mr. James T. Fletchfr, lately .of The Gardens. River-
side. H*rrowby, Grantham, as Head Gardener to
Lady Puleston, Emral Park, Wrexham.

CATALOGUES RECEIVED.

BULBS.
W. B. Hahtland & Sons, Patrick Street, Cork— Tulips

and Daffodils
B. S. Williams & Sons, Victoria and Paradise Nur-'

series. Upper Holloway, London, N.— Bulbs. Roots,

and Forcing Plants.
John Peed & Son. West Norwood, London, S.E.-

Bulbs. Roots, and Forcing Plants.
David Thomson— Bulbs, Roots, and Forcing Plants
Barr& Sons, 11,13. and 13, King Street, Coveut Garden*

London— Daffodils.

Continued Increase In the Circulation of the

"GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

IMPORTANT TO ADVERTI8ER8. — The Publisher has
the satisfaction of announcing that the circulation oj iht
"Gardeners' Chronicle" has, since the reduction in (U
price of the paper, more than

JW TREBLED. "W

Supplement to the "Gardeners Chronicle."

Night-flowering Cereus at Honolulu: from a photograph bv the davev photographii co.

August IB, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

109

THE

No. 868 — SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 1903.

CONTENTS,

Books-
Botany, a text-book
Studies on the livid
rot of the Vine ...

Cacao

Carnations, colour
sport .:

Cereus

Cucumber-spot

Dahlias at Chiswick...

Flower-pots

Foreign flower market

Fruit crops, remarks
on the condition of

Hemerocallis, new ...

Law notes—
Tudgey v. L.S.W.R.

Lilies, hybrid

Maidenhair

New Chinese plants—
Corydalis tomentosa
Corydalis Wilsoni...

Nomenclature

Nursery notes-
Sander & Sons

Oaks, fall of branchlets

Obituary—
J. S. Hedderley

Pelargonium culture

Plant portraits

Plant protect] on

Raspberry Condor ...

Kibes speciosum

Rose, Zephyrine
Druot

Royal Horticultural
Society—
A new garden
Arrangements ...
Cricket-match ...

Seaside gardening ...

Seed crops

Shallots

Stock-taking

122
115

120
121
121
110
120
118

112
121

126
110
121 '

121
123
121

113
121

122
11«
110
119
121
121

US
119
121
1C9
112
121
130

, presen-

ile

125

Smith, Mr. W
tation to

Societies—

Basingstoke Horti-
cultural

Dusseldorf

German Dcmlrolo
gical

Ghent

Kingston Front Gar-
den competition...

Midland Carnation

Newbury Horticul-
tural

Pteridological (Bri-
tish) 125

Royal Botania ... 120

Royal Horticultural

Society 118,119

Ditto Scientific
Committee 124

Royal Scottish Ar-
boricultural ... 124

United Horticul-
tural Benefit and
Provident 120

Strawberries for

forcing 121

Strawberry crop ... 110
Sultanieh Grape ... 110
Sunny Hill.Llandudno 114
Trinidad, Cacao in ... 115

Vine pruning 114

Warrington, Conserva-
tory ac

Week's work, the—

Apiary, the

Flower garden, the.
Fruits under glass .
Hardy fruit garden .
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

119

117
117
117
116
117
116
116

ILLU8TRATION8.

Cacao branch and pod 115

New foreign flower market Ill

Sir Thomas H anbury. K.C.V.0 118

The new garden of the Royal Horticultural So-
ciety at Wisley, a view in 123

View in the grounds of Messrs. Cadbury & Co. at
Bourneville, aud view in Trinidad near Messrs.
Cadbury's plantation (Supplementary Illustration).

SEASIDE GARDENING.
rpHE aim of this article is to indicate
J- the means of making the shores of our
marine resorts gay with flowers or attractive
■by well-arranged and contrasted foliage dur-
ing the summer or early autumn, according
to the period which is the " season " at any
given resort.

Already in these columns, articles relating
to seaside planting of trees and shrubs of a
permanent character have appeared ; but
when this work is done there should always
be room for additional plants of perennials,
bedding plants, or annuals. The judicious
choice of these will determine whether the
work be done satisfactorily, or simply for
immediate effect, without thought for the
future or the fitness of the subjects used
for the work.

It is needless to say that to succeed, plants used
on the breezy shore must be dwarf, and to a
certain extent rigid in character, or the first gale
will ruin them ; but if care has been exercised in
arranging permanent low hedges of Tamarix,
Lycium, or Euonymus japonica, or any well-tried
marine shrub, many other things may be success-
fully used, though the p?anter must always be
prepared for accidents and sudden storms, which
now and again will wreck his work.

Artificial shelter is sometimes very needful
especially immediately after planting. The
plants should in all cases have been well hardened
oil before being put in their places, or disappoint

ment will be sure to follow. Appropriate shelter
is provided by low woven hurdles and coarse Jute
netting or scrim canvas, all of which are easily
fixed and serve the purpose admirably.

Pelargoniums should be selected from the
zonal section, characterised by small foliage,
close compact habit, and from those bearing small
trusses on rigid, stout foot-stalks. The plants
should, if possible, be old and woody, or, at least,
from cuttings struck early in the autumn of the'
previous year, as these are not likely to run to
coarse and sappy growth, and as a consequence
will flower more freely. If the soil is strong, let
the plants be frequently pinched back.

Varieties are numerous and nearly every gar-
dener has his favourite sorts, but the following
will be found a good selection : Crimsons — Dr.
Rawson and Edward III ; Scarlet— West Brighton
Gem and Vesuvius ; Pink— Mrs. E. T. Crocker
and Master Christine ; White— Queen of Whites
and Salmon Surprise. Pelargonium beds may be
edged with any of the close compact Ivy-leaved
kinds, as Galilee or Madame Crousse, and a good
golden edging is furnished by Golden Harry
Hieover, and of silver - foliaged kinds, Silver
Crown and the old Bijou and Flower of Spring,
The bicolor or bronze section furnishes us with
two very fine kinds, Black Douglas and MacMahon,
while in tricolors there is none better either for
habit or colour than Henry Cox, as it grows well,
is stiff in habit, and the foliage is brilliantly
tinted. If foliage is desired, keep the bloom
trusses constantly removed. The Ivy -leaved
class will repay for frequent pegging-down, and
all kinds will greatly benefit by the frequent
removal of spent trusses of flower. The colours in
the foliage of both the bicolor and tricolor-leaved
Pelargoniums are much more vivid by the sea, and
I have noticed too that the Cape everlastings,
Aphelexis and Phcenocoina, are much brighter in
hue, and the bracts of Bougainvillea glabra are
quite a shade darker when grown under the
influence of the sea breeze.

The late Miss Anne Pratt states in her Plants
of the Seashore that an almost universal charac-
teristic of such littoral plants is the grey-blue
or glaucous colour of their foliage and stems, so
marked in the wild Cabbage, Seakale, Horn
P°PPy. and very noticeable atso in the sea Hollies
(Eryngium). We may safely take this as a guide
. in a selection of fit subjects for our present
purpose. One of the most effective and handsome
beds is made by planting Eryngium giganteum in
the centre, and E. amethystimuni (Oliverianum)
round it ; or a variation of this is a single plant
of Scolymus hispanicus, either surrounded by
Alyssum montanum or Santolina incana, and for
a bit of colour use Alternanthera or one of the
larger Amaranths, as A. melancholicus ruber.
The free-flowering Sea-Lavender (Statice profusa)
also makes an excellent summer bed, but is not
hardy like S. latifolia. A good finishing plant for
such beds is furnished by Thalictrum adianti-
folium, of which the flowers should be removed.
Almost all the Pink and Carnation-tribe thrive
by the sea, but choice should rest with the small
tufty-growing kinds known popularly as Pinks.
These are all furnished with fragrant flowers,
and when past flowering are neat and effectual,
while in colour of flower they offer us almost
unlimited choice.

Mixed beds of these are, however, preferable ;
and plants of the new Margaret section, which
may be grown as annuals if sown early in gentle
heat, are especially adapted, giving as they do
endless variety of colour and neat grass-like leaves,
while they are free and continuous bloomers.

Stocks of all kinds being mostly of marine
origin thrive at the sea-coast, but it is safer to
plant out from nursery-beds in the spring such
kinds as East Lothian, intermediate and the
Brompton sections. The dwarf kinds should be
used, as the upright-growing or giant kinds are

too tall, and so will be broken by the wind. The
annual (Ten-weeks) Stocks are admirable for the
purpose, and give us quite a kaleidoscopic range
of colour, while they are also sweet-scented.
Continuous flowering is secured by not allowing-
any seed-pods to form.

Of the many so-called bedding- plants, the
dwarf-growing Lobelias (Erinus varieties) are all
suitable and useful, as also are the dwarf, com-
pact-growing Heliotropes, and the brilliant though
malodorous Lantanas. A mixed bed of the
purple foliaged cardinal Lobelia, called Victoria,
dotted with tufts of silver grass (Poa trivialis
variety), forms a cool rest for the eyes after
the glare of a cloudless summer day; and even,
more so is an arrangement of the Cape Lead-
wort, Plumbago capensis, pegged down, and
associated with a soft pink or purple Verbena.
Of Verbenas, the kinds most desirable are the
compact-growing sort known to florists as Impera-
trice Elizabeth, with trusses of small striped
flowers (its growth is close to the soil) ; and the
truly perennial V. venosa also does well in the
sea air. The last may be treated as an annual.
Other Verbenas are the scarlet " Defiance " and
Snowflake, which are very fragrant, and both come
true from seed ; and for a blue take aurieulajflora
or Purple King, which may be trusted also to-
come correct to colour from seed, though they
may vary a little in habit of growth and height.

All the Marguerites do well at the seaside, but
the old Chrysanthemum frutescens, with its neat,
deeply-cut, glaucous foliage and abundance of
starry, pure-white flowers, is the best ; and pre-
ference should be given to the yellow form called
Feu d'Or, as it does not grow so rankly as the
older yellows, and blooms more freely, while it is.
not so apt to be disfigured by the leaf-mining
maggot. The Agatha>a ccelestis, or Blue Daisy,
may be planted round beds of Marguerites, as its
half-shrubby character serves to keep it in bounds.
Where the beds are sheltered from winds, the
fine kind known as Halleri maxima will serve
admirably, but it is not so free-flowering as-
frutescens.

In like positions, some of the large-flowered
dwarf Italian Canuas may be used. Of the scar-
lets, one called Queen Charlotte is one of the
best ; and good yellows are Admiral Courbet and
Sicilia. Beds of these are conveniently bordered
with such dwarf kinds as Auguste Chantin, or the
distinct Ehemanni, the broad, Musa-like foliage
of the latter being very effective.

Among handsome-leaved plants, we have in the
Cape Honey-flower (Melianthus) a most useful
and very handsome plant, with large, deeply-cut
foliage of a silvery sheen. M. major is the one
usually found in gardens, associated with sub-
tropical plants.

The New Zealand Flaxes (Phormium) are
among the most wind-resisting of foliage plants,
and are of great service planted round the out-
side of beds of softer-leaved plants, as Cannas or
Begonias. The green-leaved type is good, but
there are some very fine variegated sorts — tenax
variegata and Colensoni variegata, the last giving
varied shades of yellow and green in its tough,
leathery foliage. The Phormiums are easily
raised from root-cuttings, or the typical kind
from seed ; but the seed takes a long time to ger-
minate, and the young plants are very slow in
coming to useful pieces for either garden or
conservatory decoration.

The dwarf, small - flowered early Chrysanthe-
mums make also a neat and pretty bed, and their
habit being stiff and erect, and their flowers
generally small, they resist stormy winds well.
The highly-coloured crimson Marie Masse and
crimson Source d'Or, with Grace Ottick and
White Quintus as puro whites, Flora and Lizzie
Adcoek for yellows, Kose Wells and Sam Barlow
for pink, will furnish all one needs in varied
cole ur.

(To 6- 'o-i'inved.)

110

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 15, 1903.

MILIUM x CHALCEDO-HANSONI (CHALCE-
DONICUM? x HANSONI g ).

From C. B. Powell, Esq., The Old Hall, South-
borough, Tunbridge Wells, comes an example of
a good hybrid between Lilium chalcedonicum
and L. Hansoni, the growth of the plant with its
ascending leaves partaking much of the seed-
hearer, but the flower deriving its chief charac-
teristics from L. Hansoni. Perianth-segments
2J inches long and more than 1 inch in width,
xeflexed ; bright orange, tinged with Indian-red,
lighter in tint towards the tips, and bearing
minute warted chocolate spots and reddish
papillae at the base and lower half. Style and
anther filaments an inch in length ; anthers of an
orange-scarlet colour.

About raising Liliums from seeds, Mr. Powell
gives the following information : — " We sowed in
1899 in a frame various Lily seeds, all supposed
te be hybridised ; but most of them have come
true to the seed-bearing species, so far as we have
proved them. It proved, however, how much
faster some kinds mature than others, for L.
Henryi bloomed in 1901, and one of its bulbs has
borne four flowers this year. Over a dozen of
the L. martagon album from the same batch are
just gone over, some having had nine or ten
blooms. We carefully crossed L. Henryi with L.
Wallichianum in 1901, and these are only in the
first-leaf stage after two years' growth." J. O'B.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS, the strawberry crop of 1908.

■ This has been one of the best years for Straw-
berries at Bel voir Castle Gardens, only very few
of the flowers having been injured by the frosts
that occurred in the month of April, the plants
making good progress until the dry period,
May 17 to June 13, during which time only
015 inch of rain fell. As this dry period con-
tinued for so long, the beds were afforded a
copious application of manure-water before they
were mulched with litter. Immediately after
this an abundant rain came, which did the plants
much good.

Burghley President was the first variety to ripen
its fruits, a good dish being gathered on June 30.
This variety has a cockscomb-shaped fruit of very
high colour and rich flavour ; the plant has an
excellent constitution.

Royal Sovereign was ready a few days later, and
afforded an excellent crop, as it usually does.

La Grosse Sucre" e bears well here in the open
border, and is valued for home use because of its
mild flavour ; it has no trace of the acidity which
Royal Sovereign and Sir C. Napier have ; but it
is too soft for travelling satisfactorily.

Vicomtesse Hericart du Thury gave a heavy
crop, as usual ; it is our favourite for preserving,
as it keeps whole, and is of excellent flavour.

President grows well here, and gives a good
crop of firm fruit and of good flavour.

Gunton Parle is not a heavy cropper, but it has
very large, showy fruits, which are somewhat soft
inside.

Britannia (Carmichael) has done well ; it is
similar in appearance to Queen of Denmark, but
larger than that variety ; both have a very rich
flavour, similar to that of Frogmore Late Pine,
which I imagine was one of the parents of these
varieties.

British Queen gives a moderate crop, and is the
best flavoured of all Strawberries.

Dr. Hogg grows here on a north border, where
it gives a middling crop of fine, highly-flavoured
fruits.

Laxton's Latest-of-All is a good cropper, and is
very useful in fine weather. We gathered the
last from a north border on July 31.

Frogmore Late Pine is one of the best for
flavour, but does not ripen well on the under
side.

Waterloo is the favourite here for late crops.
We have to-day (August 1) gathered the last
dish. We find this variety takes longer than
others before it bears a good crop, and can be left
a year longer than others with advantage.

Calling on Messrs. Laxton on July 24, 1 was too
late to see their large and interesting collection
in fruit, but noted a few nice fruits of " The
Laxton " of rich colour and excellent flavour
under ordinary field cultivation ; these were only
just the finish of the crop : the plants were grow-
ing healthily and looked well. A new variety,
not yet named, similar in colour to Waterloo and
of enormous size, was just ripening. This, when
sent out, will probably prove a standard variety,
as it combines good flavour with solidity, good
eolour right through, and is of extra-large size,
late in its season, and of a good constitution ; and
what more should a Strawberry-grower want ? A
very interesting lot of autumn-fruiting seedlings
had just commenced to ripen, and contained
many very promising varieties, in which the
colour and size of the summer varieties have been
combined with the perpetual character of St.
Joseph. Some of these will prove invaluable when
they are distributed. W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle
Gardens, Grantham.

DAHLIAS AT CHISWICK.

Amongst the trials of flowering plants con-
ducted at Chiswick from year to year, none have
created more interest than have those relating to
Cactus Dahlias. But the plants have largely been
allowed to grow naturally, thus showing merits
or demerits as garden decorative objects just as
nature has made them. That form of culture, how-
ever, has given offence to the Dahlia fanciers who
form the National Dahlia Society, and who have
complained that the Chiswick " go-as-you-please "
culture was not that of Dahlia experts, however
much it may be that of the general public. This
year the trial of Cactus Dahlias is limited to
varieties that have been put into commerce during
the past five years. That fact gives to the
trial additional interest in the eyes of Dahlia
lovers, and one result should be the pro-
duction of some that, whatever may be their
merits for flower exhibition, have at least
good merits as garden flowers. Too much of
the energy of raisers has been devoted to mere
exhibition effect, which is far from being the
highest floral aim for any flower, and too little to
garden decoration. That this use should be best
found in plants that grow naturally, only needing
support as do all Dahlias, seems to be that which
ordinary cultivators of the Dahlia desire. How-
ever, a good deal of deference has been shown to
the requirements of Dahlia-experts in connection
with the trial this year. Each plant we observed
recently has had its leader taken out, and three
side shoots only retained. Each of these is
fastened to a tall Bamboo-stake, and on the whole
of the plants, of which there are very many, the
shoots will be kept thinned, as growers treat
their plants. It is to be hoped, however, that there
will be very little disbudding practised. It is
■essential that Fellows, or all others interested in
Dahlias, should be enabled to note weak as well
as strong points in all the varieties. In garden
floriferousness, raisers may well seek to produce a
Cactus race that are as free bloomers as are the
Pompons. A. D.

THE SULTAN1EH GRAPE.

On August 4, at the Drill Hall, I exhibited a
basket of a very interesting Grape, Sultanieh
Grape, that which, in its own country, produces
our old friends the Sultana raisins.

It is a delicious Grape, of a lovely reddish-
amber colour, with a fine bloom ; crisp (cro-
quant), with a flavour that combines a trace of sub-
acidity with sweetness ; and best of all, it is quite
seedless, a quality of no small value in a Grape.

I know of only two varieties of Grapes which
are seedless — the Sultanieh and the black Mo-
naqqa. I think that both these have a future.

We have recently heard a great deal about that
pathological nuisance called " appendicitis."
Well, these two varieties of Grapes may be styled
" anti-appendicitis " fruit. The seed of the Grape
is peculiar ; it is pear-shaped and has a sort of
beak, and is perhaps more likely to stick in the
vermiform appendix of the large intestine, if
swallowed ; and it is not easy to avoid swallowing
a seed or two sometimes. The Strawberry-seed
is too small to stick ; the Plum-seed too large ;
but the Grape-seed appears to be of the right size
to do mischief.

Apart from all this, everybody will tell you
that the seed of the Grape is one of its draw
backs ; yet, strange to say, nobody appears to have
taken up the cultivation of these t wo fineseedless
Grapes, either for private consumption or for market
purposes. The delicious Sultanieh Grape raises
an interesting question in one's mind, which is
this : — Would it be possible with the pollen of
the Sultanieh to pollinate some of the Grape-
flowers of the varieties under cultivation, such as
the Muscats and others, and thereby evolve
seedless varieties of these fine Grapes ? This is
a question that can be answered only by experi-
ment. Here is then an opening for some wealthy
amateur to make a name for himself by such
an achievement, and at the same time benefit
mankind.

The Sultanieh produces fine large bunches,
every flower of which sets. In its own country
the Sultanieh produces much smaller berries than
those shown in my exhibits, judging from the
size of the Sultana raisins. Those shown were
never thinned at all ; by proper thinning and
cultivation by experts, the size might be con-
siderably increased, and the bunch made a very
respectable and beautiful thing.

Those shown were grown under glass, with
heat in winter and only sunheat in summer.
This year, however, there has been little sun.
E. Bonavia, M.D.

[To Dr. Bonavia we are indebted for a small
bunch of this Grape. The bunch was oblong
compact, the individual berries oblong conic,
rather less than 1 inch long (23 mill.) and less
than f inch in width (16 mill.), pale greenish-
yellow or amber-coloured, flushed and speckled
with pale purple. The flavour is pleasant, slightly
sugary, like a Sweet- Water, and would be specially
grateful to those to whom the more highly-
flavoured Grapes would be distasteful. If some-
one would invent a Red Currant or a Raspberry
in a similar seedless condition, he would be ren-
dering a service. We spell the name as Dr.
Bonavia did. In Hogg's Fruit Manual, and
generally, it is called " Sultomah." Ed.]

PLANT PORTRAITS.

Cydonia Sahgenti.— H'ien«r lUiutrierte Garten Zeituvg,
April, 1903. Allied to Pyrus Maulei.

NEPENTHPS BUBKEl, AND N. BUBKEI EXCELLENS.—

Revue Horticole, June 1.

Tacsonia manicata.— Revue Horticole, August 1.

Browallia speciosa major. — Flora and Sylva,
August.

Clematis Madame Ed. Andbe —flora and Sylva,
August.

August 15, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRGNICLJa.

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112

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 15, 1903.

SEED TRADE.

A FORECAST OP THE SEED CROPS.
A forecast of the ' present condition and
•probable yield of the seed crops can now be^made,
and on the whole it is satisfactory to know there
is a better prospect generally than was evident
at this time last year, though the frequent heavy
storms about the country are not without serious
•danger to some subjects. The seed-grower may
be said to live in a state of constant hopefulness,
mingled with some amount of anxiety.

Peas. — Early dwarf wrinkled Peas promise
to be very scarce and high in price ; there was a
much reduced quantity of stock seed to sow in
the spring, owing to the heavy drain upon the
stocks of dealers through the scarcity which pre-
vailed last year ; and, further, owing to the high
prices which ruled during the winter, there was
■every inducement to sell. Then, on account of
the imperfect condition in which the crops were
harvested last season, germination proved in-
different, as could be seen in the case of many of
the breadths sown for seed. Gradus, a Pea
always in large demand, is more plentiful than
last year. No wrinkled Pea is expected to yield
more than an average crop, even in cases where
■there was a good plant. Slugs thinned the plants
in all districts on account of the wet weather
which prevailed just as they were through the
soil. In New Zealand, where Peas are largely
grown for seed purposes, there is also a shortage
■of crops, and in no case a full one. Germany
suffered much from destructive storms at the end
■of April. Reports from Canada state that the
Pea-weevil is at work among the Pea crops more
assiduously than ever, and there is reason to
think that from this cause the time is approaching
"when Canadian-grown Peas will cease to be
imported on account of the deterioration of the
Peas from this cause. The Pea crops in the
United States will not be sufficient, it is said, for
home requirements j indeed, large orders have
already been placed in this country. The early
round varieties are most largely grown in the
States, being the leading sorts, and they suffered
severely from keen frosts, which happened at the
time when the plants were in bloom.

Broad Beans promise to be a fair crop, and the
iplants in Lincolnshire and other Bean-growing
■counties appear to have suffered less from the
smother- fly than in some of the more southerly
•districts.

French Beans.— Both Dwarf and Runner Beans
suffered on account of the heavy and continuous
.rains which followed sowings, germination being
weak ; this fact is especially noticeable in the
breadths of Dwarf Beans sown for seed purposes.
The plants which survived have set pretty well,
•despite the sunless weather, but warm sunshine
and drying weather are much needed.

Brassicas = Cabbage. — Not for many years past
have the Cabbages planted-out for seed bolted
into flower in spring so numerously as this
season, and this is traceable in a large measure
to circumstances having made the planting-out
later than is usual. Breadths are therefore short
of seed-bearing plants, and Cabbage-seeds pro-
mise to be dearer in price than they have been
for some years past. The crops of early Broccolis
are by no means plentiful, the frosts having
•destroyed many of the plants. Savoy Cabbages,
Brussels Sprouts, and Borecoles are an average
•crop. Cauliflowers grown for seeds in Italy are
being harvested in good condition and promise
an average crop, as also do the Dutch-grown
varieties.

Lettuce is a good crop; so also is Parsnip and
Onion. The crops of Radish-seed in Prance and
Germany and also at home promise well. The
seed harvest in California is at present somewhat

uncertain ; and if the growers in that state
succeed in harvesting good crops, it is doubtful
if the results from such seeds will be equal in
quality to what is grown in this country. It
appears to be the opinion among experts that
root-crops grown in California, such as Radish,
Carrot, Turnip, &c, may not show such good
results as English seed ; the reason for the
harbouring any impression of this kind being
that the incidence of the season will probably
develop a tendency to leafage rather than to
root development.

Turnips. — Early varieties, such as the Milan
and the American strap-leaved types, promised a
scarce crop both at home and abroad ; and prices
are expected to rule higher than usual.

Field Turnips and Swedes are fairly abundant ;
and as there are fair stocks of seeds on hand,
prices will not be high. Mangel Wurzel seeds
promise to be plentiful and cheap.

Rape. — There is a very short crop in Holland,
but much greater breadths were sown in this
country than is usual for seed purposes. Some of
the English samples are poor in comparison with
that which is Dutch-grown, owing to a great
extent to the impatience of tho farmers to harvest,
thresh out, and market their seed crops as
quickly as possible. There will be, on the whole,
enough seed to meet demands.

Carrot. — The latest advices from the seed-
growing districts in Prance are to the effect that
the maggot is prevalent in the flower-heads ; it
has worked great havoc among the seed crops of
late years. This visitation is reducing the ave-
rage yield; and it is a fact that shorter breadths
than usual were put out for seed-production.

The Potato crop promises well generally. The
early crops, which it is usual to dig while the
haulm is green, did not yield plentifully. In the
Potato-growing districts of the Midlands, very
little signs of disease have put in appearance so
far. Pisum.

EEMARKS ON THE CONDITIONS
OF THE FRUIT CROPS.

(See Tables, ante, pp. 72 — 77.)

(Continued from p. 96.)

4, ENGLAND, MIDLAND COUNTIES.

Bedfordshire. — The season of 1903 will be
remembered by many fruit-growers as one of the
most disastrous on record. In the Plum and
Prune districts of this county, about Eaton Bray
and Stanbridgeford to Cheddington in Bucks, the
growers have suffered severe losses ; some
individuals estimate their personal losses at from
.£500 to .£800, while the total amount must run
into some thousands of pounds. The frosts of
April and again in May did much damage to
most fruit crops, except in a few favoured
districts, the heavy rains subsequently, with
extreme heat and a long dry period following,
completed the mischief. A. Lewis Castle, Ridgmont.

What looked likely to be in the early spring

a most promising season, has turned out a com-
plete failure here and in this district, for there
is nothing, with the exception of a few Straw-
berries and Gooseberries. Richard Calvert, The
Woburn Abbey Gardens.

■ With the exception of Strawberries, and

less than a third of a crop of small fruits, the
fruit crop here is a failure. The spring being a
very early one, fruit prospects were promising up
to April 10. Then there came a heavy fall of
sleet, and to cap this followed 7° of frost ; and
altogether we had 411° of frost from April 10 to 25.
Henry Nimmo, Cranfield Court Gardens.

Buckinghamshire. — I never knew a worse
season than the present for hardy fruit, owing to
the spring frosts. Frosts of 12° and 14° were
registered at this place night after night from
the middle to the end of the month of April.

Pears and Apples gave great promise, being well
furnished with fruit-buds, but very few escaped
the frosts, and many young trees are quite bare
of fruit. Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots that
were protected have suffered in just the same
manner. At Wexham Park gardens we have had
to thin the fruits of only one Peach-tree, viz.,
Early York. The east winds which prevailed in
the spring brought much aphis. Plums and
Cherries are almost a failure. John Fleming,
Wexham Park Gardens, Slough.

— — The spring of 1903 will long be re-
membered by gardeners, the promise of good
crops having been most favourable ; but the hard
frosts of April and May destroyed all our hopes.
In these gardens the Pear crop in most years is
good ; this year the fruits may be counted on the
fingers of one hand. Apples are Very partial,
some varieties having very good crops, amongst
them being Bramley's Seedling, Cox's Orange
Pippin, Lane's Prince Albert, Worcester Pear-
main, King of the Pippins, and Tyler's Kernel.
Bush fruits generally were an average crop, and
Strawberries were plentiful and excellent.
Cherries, which are much grown in this neigh-
bourhood, are failures in most cases, and the only
variety carrying a good crop is Napoleon Bigar-
reau. Chas. Page, Dropmore Gardens, Maidenhead.

It was generally expected that after the

very severe week's frost that we had in April,
when the fruit-trees were in full bloom, that much
mischief would follow ; and now the extent of it
is plainly apparent, for a worse crop of fruit
generally has not occurred within my experience
of over forty years. S. G. Miles, High Wycombe.

Although . the prospects early in the

season were very encouraging for a good fruit
year, the trees being laden with blossoms, the
severe weather during April destroyed almost
the whole of the bloom ; and in some orchards
many acres in extent not a single fruit of any
kind is to be found. On the evening of April 1 5
sleet and snow fell for about two hours, followed
by 12° of frost and a bitter north wind ; 12° of
frost was also registered on the mornings of the
16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th, and 8° on April 20.
W. Hedley Warren, Aston Clinton Gardens,
Aylesbury.

This is the worst year we have had for

twenty-eight years. Strawberries are the only
crop we have. Out of an orchard of over
100 acres we have not a bushel of Apples, Pears,
Or Plums. Our best Strawberries have been The
Laxton, Royal Sovereign, Fillbasket, Trafalgar
and Climax. J. Smith, Mentmore Gardens, Leighton
Buzzard.

Cheshire. — Apples owing to the severe frosts
in the middle of April made hardly any flowers.
The few which set fell off in the cold winds of
June. Plums and Damsons were in flower when
the severe frost came, and none set ; Damsons are
a very serious loss to cottagers. Apricots, all fell
off when small, the foliage being much damaged by
April frosts. Gooseberries are an abundant crop,
and so are Currants. Strawberries did not swell
and were poor and seedy. C. Wolley-Dod, Edge
Hall, Malpas.

Derbyshire. — With one or two exceptions a
fruit crop does not exist hereabouts, there being
no Pears, Plums, or Damsons, and very few Apples
and Cherries. Currants, black and red, are
under average and small, owing to the prolonged
drought and cold nights. J. C. Tallack, Shipley
Hall Gardens.

The fruit crops in the gardens here and

neighbourhood are the worst we have had for
some years owing to the late spring frosts.
Apples, Pears, and Plums are a failure ; Cherries,
Morellos, only moderate ; Strawberries and Red
Currants under average, Black Currants and
Raspberries a failure. W. Chester, Chatsworth
Gardens.

August 15, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRGNICLE.

11;

Hertfordshire. — The fruit prospects in this
locality are extremely bad. The three most
important, viz., Apples, Pears, and Plums, are
practically a failure, which is due to the severe
and prolonged frosts during the month of April.
I have, on the whole, never known such a bad
fruit year. Strawberries have, however, never
been better. E. Beckett, Aldenham House Gardens.

I regret having to report the almost

total destruction of the fruit crops hereabouts,
brought about by frosts which occurred from
April 13 until the 25th, which varied from 4°
to 12°. Of Apples, Pears, Plums, Apricots, and
Peaches we have none, and the same might be
said of Cherries, although when protected on walls
there are a few fruits, but these are poor. Bush
fruits are about one-third of a crop. Strawberries
an average, but of small size. E. Hill, Tring Park
Gardens, Tring.

No fruit whatever to speak of in these

gardens of over 12 acres. There was a good show
of Pear-blossoms, and the trees were in full
blossom when the April frosts destroyed them.
Apples were not in blossom, but the frost cut all
the bloom-buds, and they consequently did not
expand at all. T. B. Morle, Frithsden Floral
Gardens, Berkhamsted.

The Czar Plum-trees have fair crops ;

other varieties very scanty, or none. Thos. Rivers
4" Son, Sawbridgeworth.

This year here the crop of fruit is very

small. Strawberries are the only kind which I
can say were of average quantity and quality.
Dessert Cherries were under average in quantity,
but the quality has been very good ; Morellos are
an exception, being good in both points. Apples
generally did not bloom so profusely as usual,
but there was a great show of bloom on Pears,
Plums, Cherries, Peaches, Nectarines, and small
fruits ; and all were very early, with the excep-
tion of the Morello Cherry, which was an unfor-
tunate state for them to be in before the long
term of winterly weather which set in on April 12,

. which not only ruined the embryo fruit ; it
checked growth and made it particularly liable
to the ravages of insects, and caused much
labour to be spent on cleansing the trees.
G. Norman, Hatfield Gardens.

Leicestershire. — The crop of Apples, Pears,
and Plums for the year 1903 is the worst on
record, it having been ruined by the severe frosts
and continuous cold winds during the months of
April and May. The small fruits suffered
severely ; of Black Currants there are none, Red
Currants are scarce and poor in quality. Rasp-
berries were very much damaged by cold winds,
but they made a second growth, and the crop is
an average one, but unusually late. Gooseberries
have turned out better than at one time we
anticipated they would do, but the crop is much
below the average. The only redeeming crop of
fruit is the Strawberries ; although many of the
best flowers were damaged there has been a good
crop of excellent fruits. Daniel Roberts, Prestwold
Gardens, Loughboro'.

All kinds flowered well and unusually

early, owing to the months of February and
March being much warmer than usual. Pears
were in full bloom when the two weeks of con-
tinued frost (April 11 to 25) commenced, and the
Apple-blossom was ready to open. The frosts con-
tinued to vary in intensity, but very little damage
appeared until the 19th, 20th and 23rd, when the
thermometer- on the stand at 4 feet above the
ground registered 25°, 25° and 23° respectively,
and that on the grass 18°, 19° and 15° ; this long-
continued frost made the mean temperature of
April 35° below the average for the month.
Previous to this I had never known Apple-
blossoms destroyed by frost before they opened,
and cannot remember such a failure in the
autumn fruit crop as wo have here this

season. All varieties of Apples have fared alike.
Gooseberries escaped with three-fourths of a good
crop ; owing to the earliness of the season they
had enough foliage to protect the fruits. The
Loganberry is the hardiest fruit we have here ;
it went through all the frost without injury to
leaf or fruit. Raspberries, by its side, were much
damaged. Strawberries had only a few flowers
forward enough to be damaged, and have given a
heavy crop of fine fruits. W. H. Divers, Belvoir
Castle Gardens, Grantham.

Shropshire. — I have a few Bramleys, Cox's
Orange Pippin, Lord Suffield, North Green, Haw-
thornden, new, and Bess Pool. Fruit crops, indeed !
In the whole course of my gardening career (fifty
years) I never saw such a scarcity. In short,
there is an absolute fruit famine in this district.
Strawberries and Gooseberries are oiu- best crops,
Black and Red Currants and Raspberries only
poor. A. 8. Kemp, Broadway, Shifnal.

Apples, Pears, Plums, and Apricots are a

complete failure. I have not seen anything like
it during my forty years' experience here. Rasp-
berries are a splendid crop, and that is all I have
to report. James Louden, The Quinta Gardens,
Chirk.

Staffordshire. — This is the worst fruit year
that I remember. Of Apple-trees most of the
trees have not a fruit upon them, while the others
have but a few. Of Pears and Plums there are
practically none. Sweet Cherries the same ; while
the Morello variety has a middling crop of fruit.
Red and White Currants are a fair crop, while
hardly a fruit is to be found on the Black varie-
ties. Raspberries are poor in quantity and bad
in quality. Strawberries were a fairly good crop,
but the season was soon over owing to the drought.
Not a fruit to be seen on the Walnut, and the
Nuts on the Cobs and Filberts are few and far
between. Geo. Woodgate, Rolleston Hall Gardens,
Burton-on-Trent , Staffs.

Fruit crops in this neighbourhood are

extremely scanty. The Loganberry is fruiting
splendidly on plants growing on walls, proving a
fine substitute for the Raspberry. Strawberries
very good. W. Bennett, Rangemore Gardens,
Burton-on-Trent.

This is about the worst season I ever

remember for outdoor fruits. There are very
few Apples, Pears, or Plums. Plums were very
full of bloom, but the sharp frosts we had com-
pletely killed them all. I never saw Raspberries and
Black Currants so much injured, the tips of many
of the shoots being killed outright. Strawberries
and Cherries being late in blooming escaped and
have been an average crop. John Wallis, Woore
Gardens, Newcastle- undcr-Lyme.

Warwickshire. — This is a most disastrous
year. Fruit, with the single exception of Straw-
berries, being below the average, and in the case of
Apples nearly a total failure ; of Pears, Plums, and
Apricots, very few ; Peaches whero the trees were
covered with protective materials, an under
average crop. Bush fruits are here a complete
failure, although a few miles off Currants are
abundant. James Rodger, Charlecote Park Gardens,
Warwick.

During my experience of more than fifty

years, I have not known fruit crops so bad within
a radius of, say, ten miles, as this year. Apples,
Pears, Black Currants, Plums, Damsons, Apricots,
Peaches, Nectarines, Cherries, and Walnuts are
quite a failure. Thos. Masters, Estate Office, Lower
Shuckburgh, Davcnlry.

I examined a good many farmers' orchards

round about this neighbourhood, and found the
whole of the trees of Apples, Pears, and Plums
practically fruitless. One, the largest I visited,
the farmer told me he had yearly carefully
attended to the cleansing and spraying of his

trees ; that the fruit buds were all killed long;
before they had time to open. Walnut trees are
also without fruit. Of Filberts and Hazel Nuts-
there are a few. The fruiting of Red and Black
Currants appears to be partial. Raspberries are
not at all satisfactory. Strawberries were plenti-
ful and of good quality. Blackberries about our
lanes and woods are flowering freely, and promise
a good yield should the autumn be one sufficiently
genial for their ripening. The rather unusual
repeated spring frosts and also mid - summer
frosts have much to answer for the decimation of
our fruit crops, and much sympathy will be felt
for those people whose living in a great measure
depends on the fruit yield of their gardens.
W. Miller, Berkswill.

iTo be continued.)

NURSERY NOTES.

MESSRS. SANDER & SONS.

In the famous Orchid establishment of Messrs.
Sander & Sons, at St. Albans, year by year the
hybrid Orchids have encroached on plant-house
accommodation formerly devoted to other subjects
until at present the greater part of the houses-
are filled with the plants raised on the place, and
of which some thousands of magnificent plants of
new hybrid Cattleyas, Lslias, Lslio-Cattleyas,
&c, are now in sheath, or showing flower for the
first time. In flower also are a large number,
especially of the fine strain of Lslio-Cattleya x
Bletchleyensis and L.-C. x Martineti, examples,
of which have recently gained so many honours-
at the flower-shows of the season.

In the preparation of leaf-soil, in which all the
hybrids at St. Albans are grown, the plants
assume large proportions in a short time, the fine
vegetation and flowering quality being due to a,
wonderful root development which the potting
material used and the careful culture given the
plants induce. Flowering for the first time is
a pretty light-coloured variety of L.-C. (C.
Schroderse : L. glauca), a new cross between L.
tenebrosa and L. crispa, and others.

Eight warm-houses, entered from the corridor,
contain new hybrid Cypripediums in all stages,
from the smallest seedling to the flowering plants,
one specimen of C. x Lord Derby being over
2 feet across. An adjoining house contains
the collection of named rare varieties of Cypri-
pedium insigne ; and in a warmer one are good
specimens of C. callosum Sandera?, C. Lawrence-
anum Hyeanum, C, bellatulum album, and other
rare kinds, some of which bear cross-fertilised
seed-vessels. Crossing and raising hybrid Pha-
laenopsis and Odontoglossums is being actively
pursued, and already some very interesting results
have appeared. One house is filled with hybrid
Phaius, the result of intercrossing all the species
available, and many are in bloom. Phaius Hum-
bloti has been much used, and some good forms
of the species are still in bloom. Among a
number of hybrid Sobralias, S. x Dellense shows
itself to be a very free-flowering and pretty
variety.

That hybrid Orchids can in time be grown to
form as fine specimens as large imported masses
is proved by some now, and recently, in flower at
St. Albans, and among which are Lielio-Cattleya-
x Canhamiana with eighteen flowers ; specimens
of L.-C. X Martineti with from twenty to twenty-
five flowers, and others of different hybrids of
equal beauty.

A large number of houses are still filled with
imported species. Some ranges of good Odonto-
glossums, chiefly O. erispum, have yet many in
flower, and in the cool-houses batches of Masde-
vallias give bright colour. One house is tilled
with Miltonia vexillaria just over bloom. With
the showy kinds are a number of prett\ botanical
species, including M. trinristelli. M. triolrote.

114

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[August 15, 1903.

US., musoosa, and the curious Brazilian M. Forget-
ianum. A long range contains thousands of
plants of the showy forms of Cattleya, the larger
number being of C. labiata autumnalis, which is
in great demand for cut flowers. A very long
house is filled on one side with a large importa-
tion of Dendrobium Wardianum. Vanda ccerulea,
imported in large quantity this year, came in fine
condition, and are now well established.

Among the rare Cattleyas in flower is a very
handsome and distinct form of C. Warscewiczii
with white flowers, the labellums having a deli-
cate marbling of rose-purple. White forms of
what is often called Cattleya gigas are very un-
common, and this seems to be one of the most
delicately tinted.

Among other pretty things noted were the
white and crimson Pachystoma Thompsoniana,
■some neat plants of Promenaea citrina, Cirrhsea
Warreana, and other curious species ; and in the
new plant-houses, Nicotiana Sanderse, which is
■one of the most beautiful and useful flowering
plants of recent introduction, seemed to fill the
house set apart for it with its profusion of ma-
genta-crimson flowers. Asparagus myriocladus
was very beautiful ; and the variegated Selagi-
nella Watsoniana seemed to indicate that it would
be grown extensively when it became better
known.

THE RESTRICTION OF THE
FOLIAGE AND SHOOTS OF THE
GKAPE-VINE.

The writer had this question to settle lately —
-whether it would be advantageous to permit
some young spring-planted Vines to make an
almost unrestricted growth, or, on the other
hand, whether it would ultimately, as well as
immediately, prove more beneficial to restrict
growth solely to the young canes. It may be of
interest to detail the reasons that induced an
adherence to the latter method. The root-range
when borders are completed is rather contracted,
and for that reason each Vine has laid upon it
the duty of producing several rods, thus securing
to each a fair proportion of border. Again, the
soil obtainable is so sandy that exhaustion looms
before one in the near future, and thus the
desirability of limiting the output of roots is
forcibly apparent. I am reckoning on a three-foot
wide border of sandy soil somewhat liberally
strengthened with certain manurial agents to
meet efficiently all the wants of the Vines for
rtwo years. Top-growth is rigidly restricted to
the number of canes required to furnish the
house with fruiting-rods, and the only foliage on
these canes is one leaf to each bud. I have been
• so curious as to examine the borders to discover
what progress the roots have been making.
■Perhaps the nature of the soil may have had an
influence, but I thought it very remarkable that
what are known as quill-like roots, which it
is well known perish during the resting
period, are not to be found, but quantities
of very fine roots that branch off from
the leading ones, in some placed like matted net-
work. The further question suggests itself — Is
there anything to be gained under any conditions
through allowing Vines to ramble at will, and
produce sometimes more growth and foliage than
it is possible to arrange within the limits of the
available training-space ? Or, to put it in another
way — Is the benefit supposed to accrue to young
Vines from unrestricted growth, with its conse-
quent rush of roots through the borders, of actual
value to the future of the plants ? From one
point of view it is apparent that the system is
.radically faulty in using up the border more
.rapidly than the requirements of the Vines call
for. Of course, as supposed available assets,
there is the extra stored-up sap ready to come
into action on the renewal of active growth ; but
its value is more problematical than assured.

It is, moreover, clear that once concede the
point that there is a saving of soil — and may it
not also be said of vitality in the Vine itself ? — by
restricting growth and foliage to the lowest limit,
that what is suitable for Vines in the earlier
stages of growth must be equally so in maturity
and age. It is very apparent to those whose
visits to gardens are rather extensive that in not
a few of them there is a tendency to restrict
foliage more than formerly, every leaf being
accorded space to secure whatever of sunshine
and light and air is going. It is also certain that
this practice does not lessen the fertility of the
Vines or the quality of the Grapes — even the
popular theory that a thin covering of foliage,
though essential to the finishing of white Grapes,
is detrimental in the case of black ones, being
open to discussion. A light crop of foliage can
certainly be said to be distinctly beneficial as
regards wood and bud ripening, and in the
matter of insect appropriation, a hard, sun-
lightened leaf is by no means a feeding-ground
that either thrips or red-spider care to attack.
And as regards mildew, I should say it would be
impossible for it to grow at all.

There is nothing whatever in these theories,
correct or not, at variance with what we know
obtains in the case of other fruits. Take so
common a fruit as the Gooseberry, train it as a
cordon, thus giving it the essential of light and
air, and we secure large crops, almost certain
year after year, of the very finest quality fruits.
The same thing obtains in the cases of the Apple,
Pear, Plum, and Peach — limit the shoots to the
merest requirements of the space to be covered,
and we seldom fail in obtaining the best results.
Need it be added that the same principle extends
to plant-culture in pots, e.g., the Chrysanthe-
mum ; to flowers in borders, note the common
Dahlia, Marigold, or Aster ; to vegetables, as, for
instance, the Cucumber, Vegetable-Marrow, To-
mato, down to the commonest herb. Why not
then to the Grape-vine ? B.

SUNNY HILL, LLANDUDNO.

In the Gardeners' Chronicle, December 22, 1900,
an illustration of the residence of Joseph Broome,
Esq., was given, together with views in his
beautiful rock-surroundedgarden ; andat different
times we have remarked on the luxuriance of the
many showy subjects contained in it.

Okchids.
These plants continue to fill the greater part
of the glasshouse accommodation, and the greater
proportion of them are in very satisfactory con-
dition, the Odontoglossums being especially re-
markable for vigour of growth and floriferousness.
In the two cool houses devoted to these plants
there is a fine show of the best type of O. crispum,
the main portion of which seems to be later to
bloom than is the case in some places, and the
quality of the blooms much finer than those
usually seen at this season. The greater part
are of the large-flowered, white type, but there
are some spotted varieties ; and one very pro-
mising blotched form of O. c. Lehmanni is in
bud. There is also a good show of flowers on
the fine plants of Odontoglossum luteo - pur-
pureum, one of which has a nine-branched spike
carrying more than fifty flowers ; O. aspido-
rhinum, and the now uncommon O. cristateltum,
are good ; and O. cirrosum, Epidendrum vitel-
linum, a brilliant batch of Masdevallias, cool
house Oncidiums, &c, materially assist the
display.

Cattleyas and L^lias
flower most profusely, and it is remarkable that
although the plants do not grow nearly so large
as in some collections, they give a larger pro-
portion of flowers. The flowering of C. Mossise
and C. Mendelii is nearly over, and the best

display is now made by the C. Warscewiczii
varieties, which, like the rest of the Cattleyas,
are no doubt induced to flower so freely by the
clear air and bright light with which the district
is favoured even in the dull season. One fine
specimen of C. Warscewiczii in a comparatively
small pot has three spikes, one of seven and the
other two of five flowers each.

An example of the light-coloured " gigantea "
class has a good show of magnificent flowers, and
even the smallest plants are flowering well, and
several have five or six flowers on a spike. There
were also noted C. eldorado Wallisii, -Anguloa
uniflora Turneri, Lslia tenebrosa, L. purpurata,
Miltonia vexillaria, Odontoglossum hastilabium,
Oncidium juncifolium, Phalaenopsis amabilis
Rimestadiana, a large specimen of a fine blush-
white Sobralia, and various other interesting
things, including a number of Cypripedium
Curtisii, C. Mastersianum, C. bellatulum, C. x
Swanianum, C. x selligeruta, C. Parlshii, &c, in
bloom. Mr. Broome is one of our oldest Orchid-
growers and gardeners, and many years ago, when
at Wood Lawn, Didsbury, took a leading part in
horticulture in the Manchester district, where,
despite his present success, he produced in the
favourite plants of that time far finer examples
than have been seen recently, and among which
may be cited the noble specimen of Vanda teres
Andersoni with 250 flowers, and which was
illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle at the
time.

The Plant-houses.

One small warm-house is nearly filled with fine
specimens of Eucharis grandiflora, which every
year produce a fine show of flowers. Stephanotis
grandiflora and Cape Gooseberry grow on the
roof. Others have stove plants and Orchids
growing together ; and in one, the singular Aris-
tolochia ridicula and Gloriosa superba are in
bloom. The cold greenhouses have a fine display
of Malmaison Carnations, Francoas, Kalanchoe
flammea, some profusely flowered Fuchsias (of
which the very handsome double Phenomenal was
the best), showy Petunias, Ivy - leaved Pelar-
goniums, and other flowers.

The Outdoor Garden.

Although sheltered by the Lesser Orme Head,
the more distant Great Orme, and other rocks,
some of which rise directly behind the garden,
the site is at times swept by strong winds ; hence
Mr. Broome has arranged a series of gardens,
each hedged in by Roses, Penzance Briars, Privet,
Fir-trees, and other subjects which give shelter
to the plants. Evidence that it has been a very
peculiar season, not continuously good for gar-
dening, is seen on the trees all around the dis-
trict, the unusually early growths and leaves
having perished from cold in April and May,
and for some time the damage must have
made them very unsightly. Now, however, a
new growth has been made, and although
in the fields and on the rocks the damaged
and the perfect foliage is seen together,
in the garden the unsightly, injured growths
have been removed. Nevertheless, notwith-
standing the care which Mr. A. C. Axtell, the
gardener, gives to his charge at Sunny Hill,
there is evidence that with some subjects he has
had more than the usual trouble, and with less
satisfactory results. For example, the tuberous
Begonias, which at this season have in other
years filled the beds with brilliant flowers, are
only now commencing to bloom ; the Gladiolus
and many other plants are more backward j and
the outdoor beds of Tuberoses, which in former
years have sent up spikes very freely, have this
year so far only sent up a few. The crowns, how-
ever, are vigorous, and will be lifted to flower late
in the year under glass.

The first little garden entered had a fine show
of Roses and other flowers, Rosa rugosa in large

August IS, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

115

bushes being very effective. The bank above in
front of the house is kept as a natural garden,
the grass being planted with Crocuses, Daffodils,
and other bulbous plants, and the steeper part
with Hypericums and Vincas.

The next, a sunken garden, has the large
specimen of Crimson Rambler Rose which formed
the Supplement of the Gardeners' Chronicle, De-
cember 22, 1900, in the centre. It is good this
year, but not nearly so fine as it has been in
better seasons. The Tea Roses, the beautifully-
tinted purple foliage of which admirably sets off
the flowers, are well in bloom ; and large masses
■of Galega officinalis alba; Alstrcemeria aurea,
which, not content with filling the bed, comes up
in the walk ; showy Aster speciosus and other
large-growing perennials, and on the wall on one
side an enormous Ceanothus rigidus, which
annually produces hundreds of heads of blue
flowers. Around the garden rockeries are
arranged planted with Alpines; Veronica pros-
trata, Gentiana septemfida, the Saxifrages,
Genista tinctoria flore-pleno, and other things
form great masses of bright colour. In several
places in the garden the Edelweiss forms dense
masses, and is quite at home ; so also the hardy
Cypripediums, and some other subjects which are
not generally satisfactory in gardens.

In several sections of the garden Carnations
are the chief feature. In one the beds are edged
with Statice Armeria, which give effective colour.'
One little garden has Liliums, in the hedge
Spiraea ariaefolia sending out immense sprays of
cream-white flowers, and S. Antony Waterer a
profusion of bright rose blooms. Sweet Williams
make large patches of colour, and Phloxes, Del-
phiniums, and other summer flowers are at their
test. In some of the sheltering hedges great
masses of Fuchsia Riccartoni show more flowers
than leaves ; Rosa polyantha is equally profuse ;
Deutzia crenata flore-pleno, Choisya ternata and
Philadelphus coronarius appear to advantage,
and other of the larger-growing flowering shrubs
are used, and in addition to giving their show of
blooms in season, assist in protecting the less
robust things planted within.

The Kitchen Garden
and fruit trees planted in different parts of the
garden also indicate the peculiarities of the
season. Some things which would in the
ordinary course be now in perfection are only
"beginning to turn in. Of Plums,, there may be
said to be no crop. Apples are irregular, some
of the trees having none, while others are heavily
. laden with fruits.

The natural rocks behind the kitchen garden are
scarcely less beautiful than the garden itself, its
velvety grass and moss being thickly set with
Helianthemums, dwarf wild roses, Geranium
sanguineus, and other wild flowers. The floral
■decorations in the dwelling-house illustrate the
beauty of grouping Carnations and Francoas in
the hall ; and in the drawing-room, in which is a
fine collection of water - coloured drawings, a
group of Kalanchoe flammea and some cut
Orchids are bright and effective. Outside the
window is a little cot, from which Cocoa-nuts
with holes in them are suspended. A colony of
several kinds of " Tits " continually pass in and
•out of the interiors of the nuts, which are
renewed as the contents are cleared out by the
■busy birds.

Fjg 46.— cacao fruit with portion
removed showing skhds.

CACAO OR COCOA (THE0BR0MA

CACAO).
There are but few plants that have had such
a varied range of usefulness and established such
a rapid reputation and popularity in so short a
space of time as the Cocoa, or, perhaps
more properly, the Cacao plant (Theobroma
Cacao), and probably no plant has ever had the

Home of the Cocoa-nut.— According to
the recently-published statement of the official in
charge of the Cocoa-nut trees of the Federated
Malay States, the land everywhere along the
coast of Selangor and for miles inland is most
suitable for these trees — a perfect home for
■Cocoa-nuts. The trees come quickly into bear-
ing, produce grand crops, and, owing to soil
fertility, absolutely require no manure. Truly it
would be hard to find a more fitting locality for
the growth of the Palm.

FIO. 47. — STEM Of CACAO WITH KED1T9 AMD KLOWKBS.

distinction of playing such an important part as
a social reformer, for in this latter respect every-
one knows that, in the hands of Messrs. Cadbury,
a new and model village has sprung up near Bir-
mingham under the name of Bourneville, which
will ever be associated with the celebrated plant
from the forests of the Amazon and Orinoco basins.

That everything connected with the prepara-
tion of food products and beverages should be of
the cleanest and most healthful character is most
important, and the situation and surroundings of
Bourneville specially tend to that direction, for
the Cocoa-seed now enters so largely into the
composition of the choicest confectionery that
its manufacture into the thousand-and-one forms
now seen in commerce has become almost one of
the fine arts ; and a Cocoa village, so to speak, in
the midst of pleasant surroundings has no doubt
assisted in bringing the product itself, upon
which the villagers gam their livelihood, more
prominently before the public.

Though the value of Cocoa as an article of
food in Europe is by no means of recent origin, its
development to the extent it has now assumed may
be dated back not farther than ten or fifteen years.
Its popularity is due to a great extent to improved
methods of preparation, by which a cup of cocoa
or chocolate can now be made in a very few
minutes, which, less than forty years ago, took at
least half-an-hour to extract by boiling the pro-
perties of the Cocoa nibs. To meet the increased
demand the Cacao-tree has become widely culti-
vated in most tropical countries. Amongst the
British West Indian Islands, Trinidad has always
stood in a foremost position for the quality of its
Cocoa.

In Sir Daniel Morris's Report on the Economic
Resources of the West Indies, he states that Cacao
cultivation has been established in Trinidad from
its earliest days. The total area under regular cul-
tivation in 1879 was 21,158 acres, and though the
average at the time the report was written was
not given, it was estimated at a considerably
higher figure. In 1881 the exports of Cacao were
of the value of .£266,613, which had increased in
1895 to £620,634.

In Jamaica the report said that Cacao cultiva-
tion was introduced by the Spaniards, and in 1671
there were sixty-five walks in bearing, and many
new ones in cultivation. These had practically
disappeared soon after the English occupation,
and the present cultivation was not more than
thirty years old. In 1876 the value of Cacao
exported from Jamaica was only £1,286, which
had increased in 1896 to £17,528. In most of the
other islands Cacao has been cultivated with
more or less success, besides which it has been
successfully introduced into Ceylon, as well as
iuto British India, where it is said trees raised
from seed come into full bearing at the age of
five or six years, after which period they yield
about 150 lb. of seed annually.

For the successful cultivation of Cacao, besides
the requisite soil and climate, an equable and
regular rainfall, as well as some protection or
shelter from prevailing winds, are necessary. If
shade-trees are required, they should be put in
the ground either before or at the same time as
the Cacao-plants, if they are intended to provide
temporary shade for a few months. In the West
Indies, Bananas and Plantains are put one
between each Cacao-plant, and these last for two
or three years; while permanent shade-trees,
which are chiefly hard-wooded plants, are placed
at distances of about 40 feet, and in three or four
years afford a permanent shade. By giving
ample space between the Cacao-plants, many
other plants of a useful character may be planted
between them without impoverishing the ground
during the first two or three years. They assist
in keeping the ground cool and moist and freer
of weeds. In planting belts of trees around
plantations as a protection against winds, such

116

TEE GARDENERS' CERONICLE.

[August 15, 1903.

trees should be of some economic value, so as to
give some return.

Although a Cacao-tree is in fruit more or less
all the year round, the seasons when the crops
are most abundant are in May and June, and
October and November. The quality of the
Cacao-beans or seeds depends largely on the va-
riety, of which a large number are in cultivation,
known chiefly by the form, size and colour of the
fruits. Cacao-seeds contain naturally about half
their weight of oil or fat, known as Cocoa-butter,
which is expressed; and in consequence of its
sweetness and freedom from rancidity, is largely
used in medicine in the preparation of supposi-
tories, as well as in ointments, cosmetics, coatinc
of pills, &c.

Commercial cocoa of the cheaper kinds are
mostly composed of a small proportion of the
pulverised seed mixed with starch or flour, hence
the thickened beverage produced by them. The
" Cocoa Essences " or " Cocoa Extracts " of the
best makers, being the pure powdered seed, pro-
duces a thinner or more fluid beverage, but one
in every way more wholesome, nutritious, and
invigorating.

Without going into figures as to the increased
consumption of cocoa in this country, it will
suffice to say that while in 1820 only 207,000 lb.
were consumed, at the present time the consump-
tion in the various forms of cocoa and chocolate
amount to some 20,000,000 to 30,000,000 lb. John
R. Jackson, Claremont, Lympstone, Devon.

To the above note we are fortunate enough
to be able to add the comment of Mr. Hart,
of Trinidad, now on a visit to this country :—

The illustrations which we publish to-day are singu-
larly alike in character and appearance, although one
is English, the other is truly West Indian. They
represent some o£ the work of the great English firm
of Cocoa manufacturers, the Messrs. Cadbury of
Birmingham. This firm has within recent years
become the proprietors of a valuable Cacao estate in
the Maracas Valley, Trinidad, where, we learn the
same care which has always been shown for the
interests of their employes in England has also been
extended to their West Indian staff. In this way the
Messrs. Cadbury have set an example for good to the
manufacturing world, for they try to do all in their
power to elevate and render happier the lives of all who
are employed in their service. In Trinidad, we learn
that the firm has voluntarily introduced many bene-
ficial reforms, and the policy adopted is likely to have
important results owing to the unostentatious and
thoroughly liberal manner in which the projects are con-
ducted. They are leading also in the recent effort at
fruit production into Trinidad, by selectingand planting
on their estate the finest class of tropical fruit-trees it is
possible to procure. The advent of Messrs. Cadbury into
innidad has been welcomed by all who have interests
in that Colony, and the wish is freely expressed that
firms of similar standing would come and do likewise

The West Indian stream represented in the Supple-
mentary Illustration is known as the Maracas River
which, followed to its source, leads to the foot of the
Maracas Falls, where a mountain stream falls over a
precipice some 300 feet in height. This spot is a
favourite place with American and English tourists.
tor in few places in the Island can such luxuriant
growth of tropical vegetation be seen within such easy
distance of the port of lauding. It is truly a tropical
treat, and once visited is not easily forgotten. The
Cacao-tree, to call it by its original name instead of the
modern or trade name of Cocoa, flourishes best in
humid valleys, and in the districl in question theplant
may be observed growing in the greatest luxuriance.
The crop is generally continuous, as the fruit ripens
through a greater part of the year, and provides suit-
able employment for the people at remunerative rates
The district is a healthy one, and malarial fever
common in many other districts, is not in any way a
prominent disorder among the inhabitants of the
Maracas Valley. J. n. Hart.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

SHOW, FANCY, AND DECORATIVE
PELARGONIUMS.
During the present month, and preferably in
the first fortnight, the propagation of Pelar-
goniums of the classes named should be under-
taken, a moderate increase of the stock being
always desirable, from the fact that some of the
older plants must be thrown away on account of
their inconveniently large size, or for other
reasons. The best sort of cuttings are made
from well-matured portions of the current season's
shoots. They require to be cut through just
under a joint, to be furnished with a few leaves,
and to have a length of 4 to G inches — a heel of
old wood is unnecessary, and is rather a hindrance
than otherwise to rapid rooting. Place the
cuttings in sandy loam to the number of three to
six in 4-injh flower-pots, and stand the latter on
a sunny shelf in a greenhouse-pit, or the green-
house itself, affording no shade. Afford water
copiously to settle the soil about the cuttings, and
afterwards but seldom till roots are formed. A
light syringing on warm days is beneficial. In
three or four weeks the cuttings will be rooted,
and may then be potted singly and treated like
the older plants.

ROSES in Bengal.— The Directors of the
Agricultural and Horticultural Society of India
have determined to give up the attempt to culti-
vate Roses m the climate and soil of lower Bengal

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt G L
Holfobd, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Lcelio-Cattleya elegans x L.-C. Schilleriana. —
This plant, being a hybrid, is rather inconsistent
in its flowering season, but the majority of the
plants flower soon after growth is completed ; and
when this happens, as it usually does at this
season, the best flower-spikes are obtained. The
plant, when healthy and vigorous, will sometimes
start to grow again immediately, and should
this happen growth must be encouraged so as
to complete it ere winter sets in. These
Lselio-Cattleyas should be afforded abundant
moisture at the root whilst in active growth, and
but a very small quantity whilst resting. Re-
potting, &c, should be performed when roots
are being emitted from the last - made
pseudo-bulb ; and the compost used should
be of a porous nature, using the same in-
gredients as previously advised for Cattleyas.
The pots should be well drained, and the plants
placed on the stage at the warmer part of the
Cattleya-house, and where there is plenty of
sunlight.

Lalia prmstans, L. pumila, L. Dayana. — These
short-bulbed Ladias, if they were potted as
previously advised, will now be established and
making growth, and should not be stinted of
moisture at the root. A very light position
should be afforded them, so that their new growth
will mature properly. Let the plants be freely
syringed morning and afternoon, weather per-
mitting.

Lwlio-Cattleya hybrids. — The cultivation of
L.-C. Digbyana Mossioe, L.-C. Imperatrice de
Russie, L.-C. Thorntoni, L.-C. Marona?, does not
differ much from that of L.-C. hybrids in general.
The first two named should receive attention at
about this date. Although forming roots fast,
the plants should not be afforded very large pots
or baskets, and they should be suspended in a
moist, warm house, and be removed to cooler
quarters when their growth has finished.

Deciduous Dendrobiums. — The present season
has not been everything that could be desired by
cultivators of Dendrobes, much more fire-heat
than was good for the plants having been needed ;
still most of these plants grown at Westonbirt
have made satisfactory growth, and should sunny
weather occur during the autumn the new pseudo-
bulbs will mature, and afford plenty of flower
later on. Many species are finishing this season's
growth, the earliest to do so being Wardianum,
crassinode, aureum, and the hybrids D. xantho-

centrum, D. Cybele, D. Clio, D. Aspasia, and
others ; and when the end leaf on a stem or pseudo-
bulb is fully developed, the plants should be re-
moved to the Cattleya or similarly heated house,
where more air and light are afforded, but on no-
account exposing the plants to bright sunshine or
ventilating them excessively until inured by
degrees to the air and to full sunshine. As the
pseudo-bulbs ripen the leaves will turn yellow,
but they should not therefore be removed, but
allowed to fall naturally. After the growth of the
plants is ended for the year, water should be>
afforded more and more sparingly, not cut off all
at once, otherwise the plants will again start into
growth ; moreover the roots are still active and
in need of moisture. All other Dendrobiums still
growing should be encouraged, so that growth
may finish before the days get much shorter.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq.
propmore, Maidenhead.

Out-of-door Vines. — The generally heavy rainfall
has induced Vines to make very strong growth,
and the stopping of lateral and sub -lateral shoots
will require much attention at the hands of the
gardener ; and the berries should be - thinned
forthwith. The Royal Muscadine has small
berries, and will not require much thinning. It is
well to keep the bunches away from the wall with
a cleft-stick. If the soil is of a light nature,
water and manure-water may be needed, the
latter well diluted; and a sprinkling of Thomson's-
Vine-manure will do good. If mildew appears
on the Grapes, syringe forthwith with a mixture
of flowers-of-sulphur, at the rate of 5 oz. to
4 gallons of water, a small quantity of soft-soap
being added to make it stick. Mix the soap and
sulphur into a paste before adding the water,
and keep it well stirred whilst using it, and
wash it off with clear water twenty-four hours
later.

Apples. — The Codlins, if heavily cropped, should
have the fruits thinned, the thinnings being used
in the kitchen.

Pears. — The fruits of such varieties a,s Jargo-
nelle, Citron des Cannes, Doyenne d'Ete, and
Beurre Giffard should be eaten direct from the
tree, or at best not stored more than a day or
two. Pear-trees on walls and bushes and cordons
generally, if carrying fruit, should be protected
from the birds, as, owing to the great lack of
fruit, they are sure to spoil such as we have. If
there are only a few fruits on a tree, it may be
prudent to put them into muslin bags.

Red and White Currants trained on walls
should be netted forthwith, and the nets kept
away from the fruit by means of forked sticks
9 inches long.

Work in General. — Where fruit-tree stocks are
grown for budding and grafting purposes — viz.,
the Broad-leaved Paradise for Apples, Quince for
Pears, and the Wild Cherry or Gean for Cherries
— these will now be in a suitable condition for
being budded. The buds should be inserted 3 or
4 inches above the soil for dwarf, and 6 to 7 feet
for standard trees. If the spring grafts are
making free growth, remove the clay and moss,
but retain the ligatures for a few weeks longer,
unless these are cutting into the rind, in which
case they must be replaced with fresh ones.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolls.
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Pelargoniums. — The show and decorative varie-
ties should now have the current year's shoots
pruned to within two or three buds of the base,
and be placed in cold frames, the soil in the pots
kept dry for a few days, and after that space of
time syringed night and morning till new shoots
appear, and then be shaken out of the soil,
straggling roots trimmed, and be repotted in
smaller pots than those in which they flowered.
Having potted them, let them be returned to the
cold frames and be kept close for a week, after-
wards affording full ventilation and applying
water with discretion. A suitable soil for these
plants consists of turfy-loam three-quarters and
decayed manure one-quarter, with enough sand
as will give porosity to the whole. Pelargonium

August 15, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

117

cuttings may be taken from ripened shoots and
dibbled into pans or shallow cutting boxes in
sandy soil and be placed under a frame ; afford
them full sunshine, pot them when rooted, and
treat like the mature plants. The zonal section
for autumn and winter flowering, if their pots
are filled with roots, may receive manure-water
twice a week. Pick off all flower-buds for some
few weeks longer, and do not allow the plants
to root into the material upon which they may
be standing.

Richardias. — Where these plants are grown in
pots throughout the year, the exhausted soil
should be shaken off the roots, and the longest of
the latter shortened, and the crowns potted in soil
consisting of loam three-quarters and decayed
cow - manure one - quarter. Pots varying from
54-inch to 10-inch will be the most convenient
sizes, placing single crowns in the smallest size,
and three in a 9-inch or 10-inch pot. Any
green foliage existing on the plants may
be retained, and supported with a stake.
If the plants have been properly ripened, all
the foliage will have decayed, and may be re-
moved. Let the pots stand on a worm-proof
border on the north side of a wall, and afford
water to settle the soil, but no more for several
days, even during dry weather, although the
syringe may be plied among them two or three
times daily. As soon as growth begins anew,
remove them to a sunny situation, and afford
water when required for the next eight months.
Eichardia-plants which are set out in trenches and
are beginning to grow should be well supplied
with water in dry weather, clear water sufficing if
decayed manure was placed in the bottom of the
trench. The stock may be easily increased by
potting any small suckers or pieces of the root-
stock with a bud attached. The varieties Little
Gem and the Godfrey are very suitable for
growing in small pots. Small seedlings of E.
Elliottiana, the lovely, yellow-flowered variety,
should be kept rather on the moist side through-
out the winter months, or they will perish,
whereas established plants may be kept dry in a
greenhouse until the new year.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Strawberry-plants in pots. — Let the potting of
Strawberry-plants for forcing be finished without
delay, keeping those potted later separated from
the earlier ones, the latter being the first to be
forced. Observe carefully all instructions previ-
ously given in regard to the treatment of potted
plants.

Runners for next year. — Plant out layered
runners for the production of next year's supply
of runners in a deeply-dug or bastard-trenched,
well-manured piece of land in an open situation,
at a distance of 15 inches apart in the rows and
2 feet between the rows, having first made the
soil firm and level. In the. absence of rain, apply
water occasionally till the runners take root.

Pot Vines. — Where ripefruit is required in March
and April, the canes should now be almost mature,
with bark of a dark-brown tint, and plump and
prominent buds. Assuming that the canes have
been gradually inured to the outside air night
and day, let the pots be stood on boards or slates
in the open on a south aspect, and the canes
secured to stakes or other fastenings till the
leaves fall, maintaining the soil in a moderately
dry condition, so as just to prevent flagging.
Pinch-in the laterals of later pot Vines, and pro-
mote the ripening of the canes by affording air
at all times. Next month these Vines may also
be placed out-of-doors.

The Early Vinery. — If forcing is to begin in the
month of December lateral growth should be well
ripened not later than the middle of September,
which in the case of aged Vines is not difficult, if
the air of the vinery is kept dry, and plenty of
ventilation is afforded night and day without arti-
ficial heat, excepting during long-continued dull
■weather. In any case sufficient moisture must be
applied at the roots. Young Vines, which usually
grow more freely than aged ones, may require
artificial heat always, excepting in very warm
weather, and the fullest ventilation ; and the
border to be kept on the dry side, just enough

water being afforded as will keep the foliage fresh.
Laterals must be pinched in closely, and insects
kept in check.

Ripe Grapes. — Examine the bunches once or
twice a week, removing decaying berries, as one
decayed berry will spoil the greater part of a
bunch. Black Hamburghs lose freshness and
colour if kept on the Vine long after they are
ripe, more especially if the vinery is kept very
dry. A slight amount of shadmg on the roof
helps to keep the fruit fresh-looking, and may
be applied after the berries are fully coloured.
Ripe Muscats may have a night warmth of 65° to
70°, with a small amount of air admitted by the
bottom and top ventilators, and one by day of 10°
to 15° higher, with a free circulation of air.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pioott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Celery. — The main and late crops, even when
afforded plenty of manure in the trenches, have
their growth hastened if liquid-manure and soot-
water be applied at intervals, and a sprinkling of
fresh soot once a week when the leaves are wet
with dew or rain as a preventative of the leaf-
miner. Eeinove all weeds, suckers, and leaves
with split stalks as fast as they can be got hold
of. Continue to earth-up the early crop in dry
weather, placing just sufficient soil up to the
plants, but not burying the tips of the heart-leaves.

Winter Greens. — Those which are well estab-
lished may be afforded in showery weather a
slight dressing of artificial manure if the ground
is in poor condition. The later-planted beds
should be hoed, and all vacancies filled up. Con-
tinue to plant with Coleworts all vacant pieces of
ground not wanted for other crops.

Lettuce. — Make a sowing on a south border, and
set out the plants when 2 to 3 inches high in any
warm part of the garden. If the weather is dry,
let drills 2 inches deep be drawn, into which
dibble the plants, and forthwith afford water.
Stir the soil between the plants in earlier
plantations, and do not let them lack water.

Parsley. — Cut back the plants of the early
sowings, and if a constant supply is required, let
the later sowings be thinned to G inches apart,
and plant out the thinnings at the same distance
apart in cold frames or on spent hotbeds, pre-
viously making the soil quite firm, shading and
syringing the plants until they are established ;
after which admit plenty of air, removing the
lights in fine weather.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Milleh Mundt, Esq

Shipley Hall, Derby.

Amaryllis belladonna. — These bulbs at Shipley
are retaining their leaves rather late, still the
bulbs should now be sufficiently ripened to lift,
and early planting is of considerable help to them.
The best preparation for them in a cold soil is to
well drain a narrow border at the foot of a south
wall, and all the better if it be the wall of a hot-
house, and plant them one foot deep in a mixture
of soil, sand, and brick-rubble. Sternbergias too
should now be planted, the narrow-leaved form of
S. lutea being by far the better one for general
culture as it flowers with greater freedom than
any of the other species.

Eniphofias, Hydrangea paniculata, and Pampas-
grass. — The plants should now be coming into
spike or flower, and they will be greatly helped
by occasionally affording them manure-water.

Plans. — Much unnecessary labour in propaga-
tion and much house-room for wintering tender
plants may be saved if at this time of the year,
when all the plants in question are before one's
eyes, making the matter an easy one, a plan for
next year's planting could be thought out and
decided upon. Very rarely is a flower garden so
well planted that no improvements will suggest
themselves, and in any case changes in the
scheme of planting may be welcomed, as however
good a plan may be, if constantly repeated, it is
sure to fail to please.

Herbaceoui Borden. — -Where perennial Asters,
Pyrethrum uliginosum, and others similar,
perennial Sunflower.-:, ileleiiiiinis. fee, are made
special features of the borders, much attention

will be called for in the matter of securing the
plants against the wind. Let them be so fastened
that they will have a natural appearance, and
that without bringing the sticks and ties too much
into view. In order that the mixed borders may
have an air of tidiness remove all faded stems
and flowers and encourage the growth of annuals,
&c, planted in vacant places so that they will
cover as much bare ground as possible.

Cuttings of Roses. — Own-root Eoses are much
sought after by some cultivators, and usually they
have to be raised at home. The stronger-growing
H.P.'s may all be raised from cuttings inserted in
the open ground late in October, but Teas and
weak growers generally must be struck under
glass protection before the wood has become
quite ripe. Deep, well-drained pots filled with
sandy soil should be used, the cuttings taken off
with a heel, the tips and lower leaves removed,
and the cuttings inserted to at least half their
length round the sides of the pots, taking care
that they are made firm and there is no air space
round or under the cutting. A portion of each
leaf — the middle lobe by preference — should be
removed. Place the pots in an ordinary frame on
a cinder bottom or on a very gentle hotbed, afford
water, syringe them daily, and keep fairly close
till roots form. They need shade in sunny weather.

Dahlia cuttings. — Small side shoots cut off close
to the main stems and inserted singly in 3i-inch
pots at this date, and put into a close frame, make
excellent if small tubers for planting-out next
year. They should be allowed to grow-on as long
as they will without drying them off, and be kept
in the cutting pots till the spring. For general
purposes I find this method of raising plants a
good one, and they give earlier flowers than
spring-struck cuttings ; and, what is worth a
great deal, they give much less trouble.

THE APIARY.

By Expebt.
All filled sections should be taken away
and fresh ones substituted, and sections which
are not properly filled left for a little longer
time. If preferred, where crates are nearly
filled, an empty crate of sections may be placed
underneath those which are filled ; and to do
this successfully and without killing any bees,
raise the full crate and smartly draw a carbolic
cloth underneath it to drive the bees down, and
place on the empty crate as soon as possible. A
little smoke should be given them before com-
mencing this operation. As soon as the crate is
finished, remove it by smoking the bees out, or
by the use of a Porter bee-escape, which can be
placed between the two sections. A new bee-
escape has just come into use which should prove
a great advantage over the old one, which has
only one escape, which often get3 blocked with
dead bees ; the new one has several escapes, which
must certainly act a great deal better. Keep all sec-
tions in taking out of crate the same way up as
the bees have left them, so as to prevent honey
in the uncapped cells from running out, and then
put them away in a place of safety. All swarms
should be returned to the parent-stock if an in-
crease of stock be not desired. If the bees swarm
from the sections it means that the work of honey-
gathering is stopped for a time, and as the weather
is so unfavourable and time brief, they will have
small chance of finishing the sections. Swarms
should befed if the rains continue. Asaruleswarm-
ing bees generally take enough food with them to
last three days, it will therefore be wise to feed
them on the second day, discontinuing to do so if
the weather should improve. The hives should
all benumbered; and supposing that No. 1 swarms,
and the swarms be placed in another hive— say
No. 2 — this fact should be recorded, so that you
may know at a glance that No. 1. having swarmed,
has a new queen, and No. 2, being a new colony
from No. 1, has an old queen ; by doing this you
can easily tell which are your old stocks with new
queens, &c. Keep down all long grass about the
hives, and place alighting boards where they are
needed. I Live plenty of water about, so that the
boes may drink, small floats being placed in the
pans to save them from drowning. A little silt
kept in a tin near the apiary is also an advantage.
Wrap up swarms well, as they have no full combs
of honey to keep them warm.

118

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Arj«UST 15, 190&

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK.

WEDNESDAY, Ado

rShro
w\ bu

i Royal Horticultural Society's
TUESDAY, Aug. 18 < Committee Meetings. Lec-
( ture on " Hollyhocks."

(Shropshire Horticultural So-
ciety's Exhibition at Shrews-
bury (2 days).

(.Eastbourne Summer Show.

f Royal Agricultural and Horti-
THUR3DAY, Aug. 20 [ cultural Society of Jersey,
I. Exhibition (a days).

("Devon and Exeter Horticul-
I tural Society's Show.
| Strathearn Horticultural Show
I (2 days).

FRIDAY,

Aug. 21-^

SALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY, August 17—

Trade Sale of over 4,000 lots of Dutch Bulbs, by
Protheroe & Morris, at 67 and 68. Cheapside, E.C.,
at 10 o'clock —Consignment of L. Harrisii, Freesias,
Roman Hyacinths, &c, by Protheroe & Morris, at
67 and 68, Cheapside, at 5 o'clock.

THURSDAY, August 20-

Trade Sale of 3,000 lots of Dutch Bulbs, by Prothe-
roe & Morris, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., at
10 o'clock.

FRIDAY. August 21—

Orchids in variety, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by
Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30.

(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-626°.
Actuai, Temperatures :—

London.— A ugust 12 (6 p.m.) : Max. 71°; Min. 55".

A ugust 13 (Noon) : Fine ; 66°.
Provinces.— A ugmt 12 (6 p.m.): Max. 63', South-
ampton ; Min. 55", Aberdeen

beauty and interest, and among them some
which would suffer in the drier, hotter
climate of the Riviera. Recognising these
facts, Sir Thomas has, as we have said, made
over to the Royal Horticultural Society the
extremely interesting garden lately belong-
ing to the late Mr. George Wilson, and of
which we supply an illustration at fig. 49,
p. 123. This is not a garden in the conven-
tional sense, but a place in which plants
thrive under the conditions most suitable to
them. They are not arranged formally or for
colour-effects, as in the dressed garden; they
are not grouped according to their affinities,
as they would be in a purely botanical
establishment, nor are they disposed in
groups to show their physiological pecu-
liarities or their modes of life, as is the
practice now in gardens intended specially
for the use of students; but they are
allowed to take possession of those nooks
and corners wherein they can grow and
display themselves to the best advantage.

A New Garden When a short time since a
for the Royal cardinal of the Romish Church

H°societtUral announced to the expectant
populace the election of a new
Pontiff, the "great joy" experienced was
not altogether unexpected. The tidings
we have to convey to our readers will
fill them not only with gratitude but also
with surprise. Horticulturists in general,
and the Fellows of the Royal Horticultural
Society in particular, will rejoice that in
Sir Thomas Hanbury they have found a
munificent and discriminative friend. He
has presented to the Society the garden
at Wisley, near Weybridge, so well known
to a large circle of our readers as the crea-
tion of our late friend, Mr. George Wilson.
The news is almost staggering. The gene-
rosity of the donor, the peculiar appropriate-
ness of the gift, the opportune season at
which it has been made will inspire all
well-wishers of the Royal Horticultural
Society with a feeling of gratitude and
encouragement.

Sir Thomas Hanbury is the owner of one
of the most famous gardens in the world,
that at La Mortola, near Ventimiglia, in the
Italian Riviera, a few miles distant from the
French frontier near Mentone. He has seen
that garden— some illustrations from which
were, as it happens, given in our last number
— spring up under his own eyes. He knows
by long experience what are the require-
ments of such an establishment. He knows
that useful for ornament or for study as may
be a plant in a pot on a greenhouse shelf,
it is far more satisfactory in all ways when
circumstances permit us to grow it under
more natural conditions. At La Mortola
a Mediterranean climate allows of the cul-
ture, in the open-air, under the least con-
ventional conditionspossible, of a vast variety
of plants which in our duller, less genial
climate would not thrive unless under pro-
tection. But for all that, we can grow in
the open a vast variety of subjects of

SIR THOMAS HANBURY, K.C.V.O.

In such situations their beauty is displayed
to the full; they are in harmony with
their surroundings ; their natural course of
evolution is not thwarted but fostered. Of
course this is only one phase of gardening —
a very delightful one, it is true ; but the
formal garden, the lawns, the fruit-garden,
the kitchen-garden, the arboretum, the trial-
grounds, have all to be considered, and
their claims in some cases are, of course,
paramount. Fortunately at Wisley there is
room for all these departments. There are
nineteen acres of garden-ground and water,
of the general character that we have men-
tioned ; eighteen acres at present utilised as
grass-land, and about twenty-two acres of
arable land, and two residences on the
property. What potentialities does not Sir
Thomas Hanbury's gift open out !

As for the timeliness of the donation, it
will be remembered that a very strong
feeling exists among the authorities that
Chiswick must be given up, and another
garden formed under more favourable con-
ditions. In spite of the historic associations
and the powerful sentiments connected with

them, we have had no doubt that this would
be a correct line to take in the future,
although we have always urged that, as the
lease of Chiswick has still several years to
run, the duty of the moment is to attend to
those matters which are of more immediately
pressing importance — to secure a home for
the library, adequate offices and meeting-
rooms, whrch are sorely needed, and to make
the best of Chiswick till these requirements
are satisfied. Sir Thomas Hanbury's muni-
ficence alters the conditions very materially.
The garden at Wisley is made. It can easily
be adapted to the requirements of the So-
ciety. The additional features that will be
necessitated can be added gradually, a-
small laboratory can be built, the scientific
side of the garden can be developed as well
as the practical, and the glories of Chiswick
— now and for many years past -historical
rather than actual — can be revived, to the
great benefit of progressive horticulture.
Chiswick will leave imperishable memories,
but there are not many now who will,
unless as a matter of sentiment,- regret its.
abandonment.

Wisley is charmingly situated, quiet and
out of the smoke of London. Even at Kew
the trees suffer from the smoke and fog, so
that in the future a new arboretum must be
secured. Where better than at Wisley?
Wisley is reached from Weybridge by road,
and there is a prospect that it will eventually
be made more easily accessible by means of
an electric tram along the Portsmouth road.

With hope and gratitude therefore we look
forward to the future, and we feel, as a con-
sequence of this grand gift of Sir Thomas-
Hanbury, the imperative necessity of pro-
ceeding as rapidly as possible with the new
library and offices. To this end the liberality
of Baron Schroeder, Mr. Elwes, Mr. Sutton,
Mr. Sherwood, and others, still needs to be
supplemented by the contributions of the
Fellows of the Society, while scarcely less
urgent is the necessity for securing a fund
for the carrying out the necessary additions
at Wisley, and an endowment for its future
maintenance.

Foreign Those who have occasion to
Flower pass through Tavistock Street,
Market. Covent Garden, will have no-
ticed the steady growth of a large building
on the site where houses used to stand. The
new building is only one more illustration
of the vast increase of the flower and fruit
trade done in the market. First, the Floral
Hall, originally designed for concerts and
similar purposes, was annexed, and is now
used as an auction sale-room for foreign.
fruits. Then the old Hummums Hotel, the
Bedford Hotel, and a large slice of Russelfr
Street were requisitioned for market pur-
poses. Then — we are not sure as to the
exact sequence of events— the Flower Market
was built adjoining our offices. Of this we
gave illustrations in our volumes for 1872,
p. 177, and July 7, 1894, p. 17.

In this building was held some years ago
a unique evening meeting for the benefit of
the Gardeners' Orphan Fund. The salesmen
and dealers arranged the market with their
beautiful productions, and put themselves
to no little inconvenience in the hope that
visitors to so novel and attractive a "soiree "
would give practical evidence of their sym-
pathy with the orphans and of their appre-
ciation of the remarkable sight displayed
before them by the self-sacrifice and willing

August 15, 1903.]

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

119

labours of the exhibitors. Sad to say, the
financial results were so inadequate that
nothing of the kind has been attempted
since. In any case, a visit to the Flower
Market in the very early morning is always
an interesting and a beautiful spectacle, and
one that has special attractions for the
statistician and the economist, as showing
the vast increase within a few years of the
trade not only of fruit, but of flowers.

We have been speaking of home-grown
flowers grown in the very numerous estab-
lishments in the suburbs of London, as well
as at greater distances. But the foreign
flower trade has also grown enormously.

A temporary structure was erected to
accommodate this department of the trade,
but that was soon seen to be totally inade-
quate. To supply the existing requirements
the building of which we now give an illus-
tration, thanks to the , courtesy of A. E. O.
Stutfield, Esq., the steward to the Bedford
estate, has been designed.

The length of the structure is 126 feet
the breadth 96 feet. The total area 11,520
feet super; the floor-space 8,444 feet super.

The basement will be used for stores, as
in the case of the foreign fruit-market (the
old Floral Hall). The ground-floor space
will be utilised by wagons, for convenience'
sake, and also to relieve the congestion in
the neighbouring streets.

The market for foreign flowers will be on
the first-floor. Here there will be eight rows
of counters and tables for the display of the
produce, removed by a lift from the vans on
the ground-floor. Provision is also made
for numerous offices for the firms doing
business in foreign flowers.

The facade shown in our illustration is
that on the north side, facing the market.
The construction is of red brick with stone
facings, with iron pillars and girders, and
ample provision for light. The architects
are Messrs. Lander, Beedell & Crompton

Royal Horticultural Society. — The

next meeting of the Floral and Fruit Com-
mittees of the Royal Horticultural Society will
be held on Tuesday. August 18, in the Drill HalL
Buckingham Gate, Westminster, from 1 to 5 p m
A lecture on "Hollyhocks" will be given by Mr
Webb at 3 o'clock.

-— - At a General Meeting of the Society held
on Tuesday, August 4, twenty-five new Fellows
were elected, among them being Sir Josslyn
Gore-Booth, Bart., Colonel the Hon. G. Napier
Major-General H. H. Lee, and Major Bernard
J. Petbe ; making a total of 1,070 elected since
the beginning of the present year.

. Dahlia Show, September 1 and 2

The Royal Horticultural Society will hold a
special exhibition of Dahlias on September 1 and 2
in conjunction with the National Dahlia Society'
ni the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster!
At this meeting only Dahlias can be shown, with

, the exception of flowers, fruits, 4c, for certificate.
All Dahlias, including those shown for certificate
must be left on exhibition until 6 p.m. on the

, second day, but other plants may be removed as
usual. For schedule of prizes, see Royal Horti-
cultural Society's Book of Arrangements for 1903,
PP. 89 to 93; or separate schedules can be ob-
tained on application to Mr. P. W. Tollock,

W+ \Ne.T ChurCh Eoad' Hove> Sussex
becretary to the National Dahlia Society. A

'ST <m"*,dginB C*cto Dahlias" will be
To'do? Sept6mber *• ^ Mr- C G. Wyatt, at

The Floral Committee.— On the 4th inst.

I placed before the Floral Committee, on behalf
of the raiser in Scotland, one of the most beautiful
varieties of Lady Fern known to me, a quite
distinct form from any othprs, and one of the gems
of that sportive species. There was no question
of its being merely a botanical curiosity, as it
was perfect in its symmetry, yielded equally
good forms from its spores, and, in short, by all
who know anything about British Ferns, it is
recognised as a charming thing. I naturally
proposed an Award of Merit for it, which was
seconded ; and yet of fifteen members present
seven refrained from voting at all ; five voted
for, and three against, so that under the new and
salutary rule of a two-thirds' majority, the plant
failed to obtain an award. This is not the first
time I have been similarly surprised. Some time
back I sent in another Lady Fern, found by
myself in Ireland and recognised by competent
judges as the best of all wild finds of cristate
form. It is distinguished by very long, pen-
dulous tassels, divided and redivided to the
utmost ; its habit is robust and erect, and there
is absolutely no other variety which equals it on
its own lines or resembles it at all closely. That
too failed to obtain recognition ; and all I could
gather as to the causes of its disqualification was
that " there were so many like it " (a
proof of absolute ignorance). I have not
been studying British Ferns for a quarter
of a century without knowing something about
them, nor am I by any means one of those
who think that my own geese are necessarily
swans, nor in either case did I depend entirely
on my own judgment. I had the opinions of
others before exhibiting, hence I am forced to
the conclusion that the disqualification in both
cases was simply and solely their British origin.
A remark was indeed made in the more recent
case that the plant was not a " market one." If
this be the reason it is a ridiculous one, since
given recognition, there is no reason why it should
not be propagated for the market. Moreover,
the Floral Committee is not, or should not be, a
mere trade committee to determine what is mar-
ketable, but should recognise merit whether
marketable or not. Does the Orchid Committee
act on such lines when an unique hybrid worth
hundreds of, guineas is put before it ? I fancy
not. So far as the non-voters are concerned, I
can quite understand a man's refraining from
voting when he knows nothing of the plant's
family, and elects not to back another man's
opinion, but what puzzles me is that men in the
same position vote against those who are recog-
nised as possessing the requisite knowledge, and
thus nullify it. The net result is that British
Ferns are relegated to the background, while
exotics of no greater and often of less merit find
ready recognition, exemplifying the old adage
that a prophet has no honour in his own country.
This should not be, and although I am on the
Committee myself, I have no hesitation in openly
signing myself as a protesting member on behalf
of the British Fern cult. Chas. T. Druery, F.L.S.,
V.M.H.

Gift to Warrington. — Through the
generosity of Mrs. John Crosfield the town of
Warrington, in addition to the beautiful park
presented by the late Mr. Crosfield, is now
further enriched by the addition of a handsome
conservatory, and still more valuable, the magni-
ficent pyramid Camellias (which, under the able
direction of Mr. W. Kipps, were the adornment
of Walton Lea, and perhaps amongst the finest
cultural examples in the kingdom) have also
been planted in the conservatory. At the open-
ing, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. J. C. Parr),
Mrs. Crosfield spoke of the interest the late
Mr. Crosfield took in the Camellias, which, she
was glad to say, had, with two exceptions, been
removed safely to their new home by the head

gardener of the park (Mr. Parker). She hoped
to see Warrington with its winter gardens,
and in concluding expressed the hope that
her gift might be of use to the poorer towns-
people. The Mayor at the conclusion pre-
sented Mrs. Crosfield with a handsome silver
Rose-bowl.

Plant Protection in August.— Set traps
for caterpillars destructive of the fruit of the
Apple, and destroy injurious insects, as in the
previous month. When the Hops are gathered
burn the remains of the Hop plants, so as to
destroy the red spider, which is sure to be present
in myriads on the foliage. Orchards under corn
crops should have the stubble ploughed under as
soon as possible after the harvest, a most im-
portant measure from the standpoint of pro-
tection from the numerous parasitic enemies of
cultivated plants, which are thereby destroyed.
Plants affected by mildew should be constantly
well dressed with flowers-of-sulphur when the
foliage is wet with dew or rain. As a protection
against the Phytophthora disease of the Potato,
sprinkle the haulm with the Bordeaux-mixture.
Plants of Cabbage, Kohl-rabi and Brassicas gene-
rally affected with slime and other fungus should
be pulled up and burned forthwith. Fusicladium
of Pears and Apples may be destroyed by occa-
sional dressings of Bordeaux - mixture, which is
formed by decomposing copper sulphate with lime,
in the following proportions : —Copper sulphate
(blue stone, blue copper, &c), 98 per cent., 2 lbs.;
freshly -burned lime, 1 lb. ; water to make 10 gals
Dissolve the sulphate in one half of the water.
Thf lime after being slaked to a fine powder is
well mixed with the rest of the water, and then
poured into the copper solution and stirred. The
vessel in which the mixture is made should be of
wood or earthenware, not of metal. To test
this allow the copper precipitate to settle,
and dip blue litmus-paper into the supernatant
liquid. If it remains blue the liquid is safe to
use ; if it turns red a small quantity more lime
must re added, the liquid stirred, and the test
repeated until the litmus -paper remains blue
when dipped.

Meeting of the German Dendrological
SOCIETY AT Breslau. — We understand that
the meeting of the German Dendrological Society
was held in Breslau on the 6th and two follow-
ing days in August. The programme seemed to
promise an interesting exhibition, and excursions
in connection therewith. The following papers
were to be read: — By Dr. F. Pax (of Breslau)
on AceracetE ; Professor Koehne (Friedenau) on
the Genus Amelanchier ; Herr Garteninspektor
Beissner (Poppelsdorf ), Coniferse ; Herr Garten-
baudirektor F. Goeschke (Proskau), Experiments
in Acclimatising Silesian Plants ; Herr Garten-
inspektor Purpus (Darmstadt), Dendrological
Researches; HerrGRAF von ScHWERiN(Wendisch
Wilmersdorf), the Genus Sambucus; Professor
Schube (Breslau), Sketches of Forestry in Silesia;
and Herr Forstgarteninspektor Buttner (Tha-
randt), Difficulties in Growing young Imported
Conifers.

MELOCOrON. — Under this name we have
received a kind of Squash, Pumpkin, or Marrow,
which is reported by Mr. E. J. Campbell, of the
British Honduras Botanic Station, as coming
from Mexico. It is a trailing Cucurbit which
gives long, smooth, green fruits a foot in length
and 4 to 5 inches in diameter. It is very prolific
and makes an excellent substitute for the well-
known Vegetable - marrow, which it much re-
sembles when prepared for the table in its im-
mature state. When ripe the fruits turn to a dark
reddish-brown tint. It is considered an acquisition
to our list of table vegetables. Mr. Campbki.i.
describes the fruit as a " rare Mexican Melon of

120

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 1",, 1903.

handsome appearance and good flavour," and
says, " It is eaten stewed with sugar, and fresh."
Trinidad BtMetin of Miscellaneous Information,
July, 1903.

" Holidays in Eastern Counties," edited
by Percy Lindley. (London: 30, Fleet Street,
E.C.) — Veiled, and handsomely veiled, by chatty
information and by many attractive pictures, we
have here a description of the country intersected
by the Great Eastern Railway. As the sketch-
map shows, thi3 tract includes districts of great
interest, and is in connection with the Continent
via the Hook of Holland. Town, country, and
sea-side are all available to the intending traveller
by this route, and he is told concerning the
attractions offered by the several towns, where
golf-links and other chances of amusement are to
be found. The holiday-maker still uncertain of
his destination should consider the attractions
here held out to him before finally making up his
mind to go elsewhere.

Carnations of Two Colours on One
Stem.— Mr. Hogan, of The Gardens, Wroxton
Abbey, Banbury, sends us a stalk of a Carnation
which divides into two branches. One branch
bears a flower with rosy-carmine petals, whilst the
other branch bears two pure white flowers. We
have seen such cases before in Roses, Pansies,
Chrysanthemums, and other flowers, some of
which have been figured in our columns. It is hard
to say why this happens. If we call it a reversion
to an ancestral condition, we do not explain it.

The English Flower-pot.— The talents of
English manufacturers have not been exerted in
the improvement of this necessary article in the
garden, for the character and class of pot remain
the same as they were fifty or a hundred years ago.
The result is a loss to English trade. A buyer of
considerable quantities in one of our Colonies
assures us that he has long ago given up the
importation of English makes, as the loss in transit,
owing to the form of pot adopted, is, he assures
us, as much as 00 per cent., while the loss when
importing improved American forms is only some
3 or 4 per cent., and the price paid is the same.
In the old form, no matter how carefully packed,
one pot acts as a wedge inside another, and when
a dozen or more are stood on end, the bottom
pots are burst by the weight of those above
them. In the American form this is obviated by
the rim being made wider, the lower edge
resting upon the rim of its neighbour. No
English pots are therefore imported, and the
English maker will shortly have no export trade
at all unless he is sensible enough to alter his
pattern, which does not cost any more to make
than the pots of our grandfathers. [On the
Continent pots are made on the American plan
above described. Ed.]

STOCK-TAKING : July.— The Trade and Navi-
gation Returns for the month of July, just issued,
present no very unusual features of interest.
There is an increase in the recorded value of
imports, and a small decrease in the figures
representing the value of exports ; and here it is
worthy of notice that the values relating to both
sides of the national account are too often arbi-
trary—not official, and we are assured that the
total value of exports is compiled from nothing
more reliable than the estimated prices placed
upon goods by shippers ; the Customs authorities
merely record the stated values for statistical
purposes. This is practically the case with
untaxed imports. The value of these has to be
excluded at the time of entry, but the Customs
officials' only responsibility for these returns is
simply the correct transcription of the figures
passed to them over the counter. To proceed,
the value of last month's imports is £45,653,320^
against £44,0SG,9G0, showing an increase of
.£1,56G,3G0. Among the items of increase are to

be found grain and flour ; other food increments
foot up at .£921,266. The following figures are of
value here : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Articles of food
and drink— duty
free

Articles of food
& drink— dutiable

All other Imports...

£ £ £

9,829,968 10,268,913 +438,945

8,587,727
25,689,265

11,131,149 ' +2,513.423
S4,253,2E8 —1,416,007

The following figures will be of greater value
this month and those to follow, owing to the
practical failure of our own fruit crops : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference

Fruits, raw-

Cwt.

Cwt.

Cwt.

Apples

Apricots and Peaches

35,786
8,461

80,147
5.810

+44,361
—2,651

Bananas ... bunches

259,586

270,107

+10,521

Cherries

83,274

46,684

-36,590

Currants

58,993

57,311

-1,679

Gooseberries

13,089

18,130

+5.0U

Grapes

12,250

18,855

+6,605

Lemons

149,886

113,571

—36,315

Nuts— Almonds

3,695

5,027

+ 1,332

Others used as fruit

71,360

59,224

—12,136

Oranges

128,268

59,618

- 68.620

Pears

5,867

12,323

+6,456

Plums

Strawberries

Unenumerated
Vegetables, raw-

35,656
15,549
83,173

30,638

5,001

152,673

—5,018
- 10,548
+69,501

Onions bush.

615,319

531,190

—81,129

Potatos cwt.

1,169,294

1,047.235

—122,059

Tomatos ,,

Vegetables, raw, un-
enumerated ...value

164,182
£37,011

227,361
£33,564

+63,179
—£3,477

To those hungering and thirsting after fruit, it
will doubtless be interesting to learn that this
year's Orange and Lemon crop in California is
estimated at 35,000 car-loads. During past weeks
there have been large consignments of soft fruit
such as Gooseberries, from German growers,
through Dutch ports. Glasgow has been selling
largely on Irish account in this commodity. A
new Orange is making some stir in Natal (the
Victoria), the result of cross-fertilisation under
the hands of Mr. David Brown, and first intro-
duced to notice by Mr. J. L. Knight, of Verulam.
Mr. Brown is a well known - experimenter in
cross-fertilisation. The result is a fruit girthing
up to 15 and in some cases 16 inches in diameter.
It is grafted on the Lemon, a very strong and
vigorous tree ; it is a heavy cropper, stands drought
well, and is in full bearing four years after graft-
ing. The fruit keeps well in the house for seven
or eight weeks, endures rough usage, is good for
shipping, and it is asserted that the fruit stands
well on trees for three months after being dead-
ripe. Lastly, much of the product is seedless.
There ! It is worthy of note here that timber
and wood imports foot up at some .£3,619,586,
against £4,077,108 for July, 1902 — a decrease of
.£457,495. The value of the imports for the past
seven months is £306,086,900, against £306,790,912
— a decrease of £704,012. We come now to —

Exports,
which, for the past month, are valued at
£25,875,545. Comparing these figures for those of
July last year — ,£26,029,170 — we have a decrease
of £153,625. There is some decrease in the
export of mineral waters, and of beer and ale ;
possibly the decrease in the exports of fish, cured
and otherwise prepared, also in the number of
barrels of herrings, may be held account-
able for the " sympathetic " reduction. The
value of the exports for the past seven months is
£168,398,170, as compared with £161,404,744 for
the same period last year, showing an increase of
.£6,993,426.

The Dusseldorf Horticultural Exhibi-
tion.— The complete programme of the Horti-
cultural section of the International Art Exhibi-
tion to be held at Dusseldorf in 1904 is now to
hand, and gives particulars, not only of , the main
show, which is to be open from May 1 to
October 25, but of various minor exhibitions that
are to take place in connection with it. The
general exhibition is to be held partly in the open-
air, partly in the -exhibition buildings. It is to
comprise classes for foliage plants, Roses of all
habits, Conifers and evergreens (in tubs, pots,
or planted out), marsh and peat plants
(Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Kalmias, &c), fruit-
trees (either standard or trained in various ways
and growing in pots), as well as berry fruit of
all kinds ; early spring flowers, outdoor Ferns,
alpine plants, decorative foliage plants (Palms,
Agaves, &c), and bog and hot-house plants, besides
horticultural sundiies such as summer-houses,
bridges, seats, and general garden furniture.
Within the buildings will be housed the exhibits,
which will include decorative plants in pots,
garden plans and models ; the Scientific and
Colonial section, industrial and trade products,
machinery, tools, implements, and the like. The
minor exhibitions are to take place very fre-
quently during the summer. From May 1 to
May 9 will be held inside the buildings a show of
decorative groups of foliage and of other plants
and Ferns, Orchids in bloom, flowering shrubs,
bulbs, spring flowers, such as Pelargoniums,
Cinerarias, Cyclamens, Carnations, fruit-trees,
water-plants, and forced vegetables. Besides
this, special exhibitions will be held indoors
from May 14 to August 30. These will include
blooming and foliage plants, cut flowers, florists'
arrangements, fruits and vegetables. From
September 3 to' 11, the show will include
decorative groups of flowering and foliage
plants, Orchids, plants of commerce, cut flowers
of every kind, ornamental fruits, and florists'
specialities. An important exhibition of fruit
and vegetables will be held from September 17
to 26, in which will be included Nuts, Grapes,
and pot-plants. Chrysanthemums will be shown
from October 18 to 23, and special exhibitions of
Orchids will be held from October 1 to 17, and
from October 21 to 23. These frequent shows
throughout the summer have been so arranged
by the authorities as to give every horticulturist
the opportunity of exhibiting plants of which he
makes a speciality, or in which he feels so great
an interest that he wishes them to become as
widely known as possible. Further particulars,
forms of entry, and regulations respecting prizes
and certificates can be had on application to the
Director of the Art and Horticultural Exhibition
of 1904 (Der Vorstand der Kunst und Gartenbau-
Ausstellung, 1904), Dusseldorf.

United Horticultural Benefit and
Provident Society. — The monthly committee
meeting of this Society was held at the Cale-
donian Hotel, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, W.C., on
Monday evening, Aug. 10. Mr. Thomas Winter
presided. Seven new members were elected, and
one other nominated. Four members are re-
ceiving sick pay, and eight are on the benevolent
fund at the present time. Three other members
have been relieved from this fund this year.

The Royal Botanic Society of London.

— The anniversary meeting of the Royal Botanic
Society took place Monday, August 10, at the
Gardens, Regent's Park. Mr. C. Brinslet
Marlay, D.L., who presided, congratulated the
Fellows on the improved financial position of the
Society. The Practical Gardening School was
progressing satisfactory, while the Laboratory
for Practical Work in Botany and Horticultural
Chemistry was serving its purpose admirably.
The introduction of electric-light and the work
of developing scientific instruction would entail

August 15, 1903.]

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

121

considerable cost. He therefore hoped that the
Fellows would introduce new members and thus
enable the Society to carry on its work.

Publications Received.— Bulletin oj the Depart-
ment of Agriculture. Jamaica, June and July, 1903. Con-
tents : Cocoa, II., Shade for Coftec and Cocoa, Jamaica
Cassava, Four recently-described Ferns from Jamaica,
&c.— Botanical Department, Trinidad, Bulletin of Miscella-
neous Information, July. Conteots : A Newly-introduced
Cucurbit, Plants indicating Character of Soils, &c,
March 31, ISO'. Details adVanca in all Stations, and
special attention to Sugar, Rubber, and Cotton Planta-
tions.— Fifteenth Annual Report of the Agricultural Expe-
riment Stations of the Louisiana State University and
A. and if. College, for 1902 A record of industry at all
Stations, especially in connection with Sugar-cane
Plantations.— Report on the Botanical and Afforestation
Department Hong-Kong for 1903. The work has been
steady and satisfactory, except as regards the herba-
rium and library, where very little progress has been
made. Various additions were made to the Hone-Kong
flora during the year.— Journal of Agriculture of Victoria,
May. Contains reports on : Crops under Irrigation,
Australian Saltbu-hes in California, Hop Growing in
Victoria, St. John's Wort as an injurious weed, &e —
Proceedings of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society of
India. — Proceedings of the Agri-Horticultural Society of
Madras.— Report of the Botanic Gardens, British Guiana,
1902-1903.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

♦

CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS. — "The Queen of
Night" has flowered splendidly lately at the
grand estate of Baron Rozenirn - Lehn, at
Orebygaard, in the Island of Lolland, Denmark.
The fine flower-gardens and plant-houses are
under the direction of the head-gardener, Candi-
date J. W. Jorgensen, and among his specimen
plants may be mentioned some Cereus grandi-
florus in extraordinarily good condition. There
are nine plants, planted six years ago, and some
of them were photographed by an amateur
photographer, Ingenieur Mengel, at Oreby.
The nine plants are planted against a stove wall,
and have this year, as last year as well, borne more
than 200 flowers. The number of blooms open
at the same time in one evening has been the
last five years respectively sixteen, twenty-four,
twenty-seven, thirty-two, and now forty-two ! It
was a splendid sight, with which hardly anything
can be compared in our northern country. Carl
Hansen, Professor, 28, Hollandervei, Copenhagen, V.
[To Messrs. Cannell & Sons we are indebted for
what had been a magnificent flower of C. tri-
angularis. Ed.]

RIBES SPECIOSUM.— In the issue of the Gar-
deners' Chronicle for August 1 occurs a short
account of this striking and graceful flowering
shrub, showing that it is a hardier plant than is
usually supposed. We have an old specimen here
which confirms this ; it is growing as a bush,
facing the north, and receives very little direct
sunshine indeed, though it is fairly well sheltered
by the house, being situated a yard or so from the
wall. It flowered profusely this summer, and
was an object of considerable admiration. Per-
haps it has a liking for shade and moisture, for
such are the conditions under which it flourishes
here. Our specimen is many years old, and
shows no sign of lessened vigour. There is also
a smaller one, an offshoot from the old plant,
growing quite well in a fairly open easterly
aspect. Kibes speciosum is quite a desirable
flowering shrub to have, for besides its beauty
when covered with its Fuchsia-like blooms, it is
one of the earliest plants to come into leaf ; yet
one rarely sees it. J. P. Blaithwaite, Carlisle.

OAK FUNGUS.— A short time ago, Mr. John
Enys showed me several Oak-twigs that he had
picked up beneath his trees at Enys, Cornwall.
On first seeing numbers of these twigs lying under
the trees, he attributed their presence to squirrels,
but on examining them, found no trace of the
bark being bitten. At the point of separation
from the larger branch the twigs were much
swollen, and the extremity appeared cicatrised.
I Mr. Enys forwarded some twigs to Kew, and was
. informed that the falling of these was due to the
parasitic Oak-fungus, Dichajna quercina, which
was very common on Oak-bark, but that it had
not been previously recorded as a girdling para-
site. Mr. Enys asked me to notice whether Oaks
I in other districts were similarly affected ; and a
. short time later, being in Monmouthshire, I found
the Oaks on the Wyelands estate, about two miles

from Chepstow, with numbers of twigs in the
same state as those at Enys lying beneath them,
and at Lydney Park, about twelve miles distant,
and also at Raglan Castle the same thing was
observable. On my return to South Devon I
found that the Oak trees were also attacked in
the same manner by the fungus, and picked up
many twigs beneath them. I forward a few from
Cornwall, Devon, and Monmouthshire for your
inspection. Those I have found range in girth
from the size of a finger to that of a knitting-
needle. Some were terminated by fresh green
leaves, and some short pieces, not more than an
inch in length, had cicatrices at both ends. If,
as stated by the Kew authorities, this fungus has
not been previously known to attack Oak trees in
the manner recorded, you might think the occur-
rence worthy of remark. S. W. Fiizherbert. [The
fall of the branchlets of the Oak occurs often
enough without any fungus by a natural pro-
cess. Ed.]

" MAIDENHAIR."— Mr. Brotherston (p. 69)
says •. " According to Turner, Galium was called
in the North, Maidenhair. This Britten identi-
fies with Galium Aparine -, but as ' petie Muguet '
is given as an equivalent, it is plain that it is a
mistake." Certainly, such an identification would
be " a mistake " ; but may I inquire where
" Britten " made it ? Certainly not in his
edition of Turner's Names of Herbes, where
" Maydensheire " (Turner's spelling) is glossed
Galium verum ; nor in the Dictionary of English
Plant Names, where it is also correctly identified.
James Britten.

SHALLOT8 V. EGYPTIAN ONIONS. — At several
shows in Kent this season, notably at Chilham,
large Russian Shallots have been disqualified,
"not being Shallots" in the opinion of some of
the judges. At Chilham, we are led to under-
stand, five lots were disqualified, the judges there
writing on the cards, "Disqualified, being
Egyptian Onions." Representation has been
made to us by several ef hibitors that this con-
duct on the part of the judges is wrong. Un-
doubtedly it is ; and it is poor encouragement to
amateurs and cottagers who, after procuring the
best exhibition Shallots and growing them, have
their exhibits treated in this way by men who
must be in complete ignorance of what large
Russian Shallots are. Dobbie 4* Co.

STRAWBERRY THE LAXTON.— My experience
with this Strawberry is quite the opposite to that
of your correspondent Mr. Barclay. I know well
that soil makes a difference in the behaviour of
Strawberries, and I incline to the opinion that
Mr. Barclay's garden is on a gravelly subsoil.
At Norwood, on the London clay, the Laxton has
been the Strawberry of the season, while Koyal
Sovereign for the first time has been quite a
failure, the fruit (that is, what was left by
the frost) damping off. The Laxton was simply
splendid in every way, the fruit large, of good
shape and colour. Having a good constitution, I
am of opinion that it is the coming Strawberry,
both for marketand private gardens. The raisers
in their catalogue do not recommend it for
forcing. Trafalgar is also a very fine variety
here, and Latest-of-All is simply indispensable.
J. Anderson, Streatham Grove, Norwood.

SPECIFIC NAMES. — I think a further examina-
tion of the new Kew Hand-Lists will show Mr.
C. Wolley - Dod that the authorities frequently
use capitals in the orthography of specific names
derived from patronymics. For instance, Crinum
Powelli, Crocus Boryi, Cyclamen Atkinsoni,
Delphinium Menziesii, Geranium Eossii, Erigeron
Koylei, and countless others possess initial
capitals. The fact that there are exceptions to
this practice seems merely to suggest that there
has been carelessness in compilation or in proof-
reading. It would be difficult to make a uniform
rule which would be logically defensible.
Common-sense suggests the initial capital in names
synonymous or in apposition, such as Lythrum
Salicaria ; and in the case of personal and geo-
graphical names there is distinct offence to the
eye in Crinum powelli, while there is none —
unreasonably, I am prepared to admit — in Crocus
nevadensis. May we not therefore use a small
initial for specific names which are descriptive-
adjectival or local, and a capital initial for

synonyms and patronymical adjectives ? This is
the practice I have adopted in my recently-issued
Concise Handbook of Garden Flowers (Methuen),
and though it lacks symmetry it may be justifiable
from a practical point of view in that it helps to
the understanding of the specific name. H. M.
Batson, Hoe Benham, Newbury.

THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S
COMMITTEES' CRICKET MATCH. — It is to be hoped
that this proposed cricket match, the one held last
year having been so pleasant and successful, is
but put off for a few weeks. To postpone it
indefinitely would be ungracious to the Earl
of Ilchester, who so kindly offered the use of
Holland Park for the match, and be not less
annoying to his esteemed gardener, Mr. C.
Dixon, who has done so much to perfect the
arrangements and get the ground into good order.
The initial mistake without doubt was made in
fixing the date of the match so early as August 8,
when so many members are engaged in other
directions. Last year the match was on Sep-
tember 3, nearly a month later, when a delightful
day was experienced and there was a good
attendance. It is hoped that the first week in
September will yet be selected, and thus show
both Lord Ilchester and Mr. Dixon that their
kindness is fully appreciated. A. Dean.

ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM SIBYL.— In your
notice of the above plant, shown in bloom at the
Holland House show, you describe it as having
been raised here. This is an error ; and it should
have been noted as a natural hybrid. Norman C.
Coohson, Oakwood, Wylam.

" CONDOR " RASPBERRY. — You are quite
right in your supposition that " the unfavourable
weather has hindered the development of sweet-
ness " in this variety. In normal summer weather
it is sweet and of good flavour, but a continuous
downpour of rain day after day, with no sunshine
and chilly nights, made all Raspberries in this dis-
trict acid and flavourless. Fortunately the weather
has now changed for the better. George Pyne.

THE CUCUMBER LEAF-SPOT. — One extensive
cultivator of Cucumbers at Worthing informs me,
and I have observed it also, that this malady is
not so prevalent this season as last, it being mid-
summer before it showed itself on the plants, and
then its spread was not so rapid. This spot has
more than once been termed the " Worthing
spot," but during the present season I have seen
more spot among the London suburban market
establishments. This is of interest, and on asking
Mr. Sparkes where the spot began in his houses,
his reply was, " At the door-ends." Again, as
evidence of the lessened virulence of the disease, I
observed a Cucumber- house with plants in bear-
ing, which had been affected some six weeks, and
were yet yielding a paying crop. Another state-
ment he made was that the spot began to appear
generally after a severe thinning of the bine, and
he thought that this showed a lack of strength
and the need of more feeding. I give this for
what it is worth. However, I must say the
Worthing growers are far cleaner in their cul-
ture than many I have seen this season in my
travels. The hillocks on which the plants grow
are small in size, and less manure is employed.
Stephen Castle.

PREPARING STRAWBERRIES FOR FORCING —
I can fully endorse Mr. Coomber's remarks with
regard to taking runners from young plants set
out the previous autumn. Two, three, or even
four - year - old plants will give fine strong
crowns, but side by side with plants from the
younger stock near fruiting stage the difference
is very marked. Contrary to the opinion of many
good gardeners, I do not believe in using very
rich composts for Strawberry plants ; and on
light loams I never repot, but simply layer the
runners into deep 32's. These pots I prefer to
•(•8's as they are less liable to suffer in autumn
from drying winds, slip-shod watering, &c, a
matter which may mean success or failure. That
fine old gardener and fruit cultivator, Mr. T.
Blair, for over thirty years at Shrubland, was a
very successful forcer of the Strawberry in
5-inch pots, and British Queen and Countess EL dn
Thury answer well in this sized pot. We grow
from eight to ten thousand here for early and late

122

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 15, 1903.

forcing, chiefly Royal Sovereign. This season I
noticed a higher percentage of blind ones than
usual, doubtless owing to the damp autumn and
lack of sun in ripening the crowns. G. T. Briggs.

ROSE ZEPHYRINE DRUOT.— The late Mr. Selfe
Leonard, who took a great interest in this Eose,
spelt it as above. He was largely instrumental
in re-introducing into this country this exquisite
thornless Eose, which blooms from June to No-
vember. Mr. Leonard used it in his garden
designs, and largely as a pillar or natural bush in
herbaceous borders. The Guildford Hardy Plant
Nursery is still, I believe, the chief English source
of supply, and I have pleasure in enclosing
blooms cut from trees supplied by them to me
four years ago. A. C. Curtis, Glazenwood, Guildford.
[A Eose without a thorn, rich in colour, delicious
in perfume. Ed.]

BOOK NOTICE.

Studies on the Livid-rot of the Vine

(Coniothyrium diplodiella), by Dr. Gy. de
Istvanffi. (Ann. Inst. Ampelogr. Eoy.
Hongrois, II., 1902.)

In this age of record-breaking, I think it may
safely be said that the work under consideration
constitutes a record in its way, no fewer than
288 pages of text, twenty-four coloured plates, and
twelve figures in the text being devoted to the
life-history of a minute fungus parasitic on the
Vine. Furthermore the work is a masterpiece of
research, as would naturally be expected from one
who for some years assisted Brefeld in his re-
searches on the fungi. From the practical stand-
point there is ample justification on the part of
the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture for
facilitating the research and forwarding its
publication, inasmuch as it is stated that in 1901
damage to the extent of .£320,000 was experienced
by the viticulturalists of Hungary, caused by
this fungus alone.

The fungus is by no means a novelty, being
first observed in Italy in 1878, and like many,
perhaps most other plants of as long standing,
has received several different names. Its most
generally used trivial name in Europe and the
United States is White-rot ; however, Dr. Istvanffi
elects to call it Livid- rot, because the blotches it
produces on Grapes are livid and not white.

Every part of the Vine above ground is liable
to attack from this pest. On the leaves large,
irregular patches of a dingy-"white or livid colour
are formed, and as the diseased portion dies and
becomes dry, its surface is studded with myriads
of minute black points, which represent the fruit
of the fungus. Its presence on the branches is
first indicated by a brownish tint, which soon
changes to grey, at which stage the numerous black
points or spore-bearing bodies appear. The ten-
drils often become much distorted when attacked.
The fruit may be attacked at all stages, and
very frequently infection takes place first at the
pedicel or stalk, and from thence passes into the
berry. When grapes are about half grown, the
disease commences in' a very characteristic
manner, and is easily recognised. The first
indication of disease is a pale-brown discoloration
at the point where the berry is attached to its
stalk. This discoloration extends evenly all
round the fruit, its extreme edge being of a
darker brown than the remainder, thus forming a
dark ring round the berry. This dark line con-
tinues to move slowly from the stalk end until the
entire berry becomes brown ; at a later stage it
changes to a livid colour, bears numerous fruit-
pustules, and the berry shrivels and dries up.

Up to the present, Livid-rot has proved to be
one of the most stubborn of parasitic fungi to
combat, there being no known practical means of
killing the spores. Dr. Istvanffi has discovered
that this immunity of the spores is due to the
presence of a certain amount of chitin in the

spore-membrane, which enables it to resist the
action of fungicides.

Numerous tables are given, showing the action
of nearly all known fungicides upon the spores,
the outcome being that not one is of the slightest
value ; in fact, spores that had been soaked in
Bordeaux-mixture for twenty-four hours after-
wards germinated and produced fruit.

Next comes a table of results of experiments, in
which it is announced that under the action of
one fungicide the spores are all killed. An ex-
planation follows, in which the author states that
he has discovered a substance easy of application,
always effective, innocuous, cheap, &c, capable of
killing the spores of Coniothyrium diplodiella,
notwithstanding their tenacity, and, as naturally
would be expected, it is also stated that this same
substance will also kill the spores of other species
of parasitic fungi not fortunate enough to pos-
sess an armour -cased exterior containing chitin.
Thus we are led up to believe that, so far as
fungus parasites are concerned, the long-hoped-
for millenium has at last arrived, and anxiously
scan the following page for further information.

After much patient search an obscure footnote
is discovered, which explains that the newly-
discovered fungicide is now being patented in all
important Vine-growing countries. In another
place it is stated that further information of a
practical nature will be given at some future
time ! Geo. Massee.

NEW HYBRID HEMEROCALLIS.

In my garden at the Vomero I cultivate all
the Hemerocallis and Funkias which I have been
able to obtain, including all those known in
European gardens. They flower here from the
end of April until November. H. minor and
Dumortieri are the first to flower, and the fine
aurantiaca blooms from April to November,
being thus the first and also the last. I culti-
vate them all in the open ground and in full
sun, giving much water and manure. When the
plants first came here all were completely sterile,
and I lost all hope of fertilising and hybridising
them. But little by little some of them showed
the lost quality of seed-bearing, and finally some
new importations from Central China made it an
absolute certainly that it would be possible not
only to grow seeds but also t» hybridise the
plants, and now the result is very promising, and
we have some fine hybrids.

Up to the present we have had seeds from the
following species and varieties : —
Hemerocallis minor, Mill.

„ Thunbergii, hort. Lemoine.

„ citrina, Baroni.

„ fulva maculata, Baroni.

,, aurantiaca major, Baker (?)

The remainder are still sterile, but give pollen
abundantly. We have hybrids of the following : —
11. citrina x aurantiaca major
,, x fulva maculata
„ x Thunbergii
„ X minor
,, x disticha
,, x „ fl.-pleno
H. aurantiaca major x citrina

„ x fulva maculata

H. Thunbergii x citrina

,, x aurantiaca major

„ x minor crocea

H. minor crocea x Thunbergii
,, x citrina.

If sown immediately after ripening the plants
or seedlings flower here during the third year,
and some of them after the fourth year. We
water and manure them abundantly, for they
are always thirsty and hungry. Here is a short
but concise description of my first fine and in-
teresting hybrids : —

1. Hemerocallis Vomerensr (Thunbergii x minor
crocea).— Leaves about 2 feet long, and very narrow,
deeply canaliculate, light green. Stem more than
2 feet long, with eight to ten very fine sweet-scented,
canary-yellow flowers borne April-May. The outside

of the flowers is a little more darkly shaded. A fine
hybrid, exactly midway between its parents. It is not
sterile, but produces peifect seeds:

2. Hemerocallis elmense (minor (gramlnea) x
citrina).— Leaves about 2 feet long or longer, concave,
light green, loose ; very stoloniferous. Stem about
3 feet long, bearing ten to twelve or more flowers of a
brilliant canary-yellow, very large, widely opened,
sweet-scented ; trunk bright green, tube very long,
flowers April-May, and is useful as a cut flower.

3. Hemerocallis x Hippeastroides (Minor crocea x
Thunbergii). — Leaves about 2 feet loDg, narrow,
elegantly recurved, light green ; stem 2 J feet long, with
about ten or more very handsome, widely - opened
flowers with star-like horizontal petals, brilliant
sulphur- yellow, and sweet - scented. A magnificent
variety that flowers in May and is exceedingly
elegant.

4. Hemerocallis x Partenopf (Thunbergii x
aurantiaca major).— Leaves about 2 feet or longer,
narrow, concave, fresh-green, a little shaded with grey
outside; stem cylindrical, slender, with many leaves,
and ten, sixteen, or more flowers. These are large,
like a Lily, canary-yellow, sweet-scented, with undu-
late petals. A very fine hybrid, producing seed
abundantly, and exactly midway between its parents.

5. Hemerocallis x Baroni (Thunbergii x citrina).
—This flowered first on June 20, 1903. Leaves about
2 feet or longer, concave below, undulate on the upper
surface, like the leaves of Citrina, and pink on the
lower part; umbel widely spreading, with many
flowers, which open in the evening or about 4 o'clock,
and are sweet scented, very large, with the inner petals
larger than the outer, and a very long, -light-green
tube. The stem is elegant, slender, and about 3 feet in
height. A splendid hybrid, with canary-yellow flowers.

6. Hemerocallis x ochrolecca (Thunbergii x
citrina).— Flowered first on June 21, 1903. Leaves about
2 feet long, narrow, concave on the lower surface, un-
dulate, fresh green; stem more than 2 to 3 feet in
height, slender, much ramified ; flowers open at 6 o'clock
in the evening, remaining so during the following day,
sweet-scented, large, deeply sulphur-yellow, with gold
anthers, and a short, greenish tube. A splendid
hybrid, and one of the finest of all the Hemerocallis.

7. Hemerocallis x MUlleri (Thunbergii x citrina).
Flowered first on June 25, 1903. The very fine large
flowers open at 4 o'clock. The leaves are like those of
the pollen-parent (H. citrina, sent from Central China
by the late Padre Givaldi, and named by Prof. Baroni,
of Florence), are narrow, concave, and undulate ; stem
2 feet long, always cylindrical, but somewhat angular,
not much divided, but with about fifteen flowers or
more in the umbel. The flowers are very large, with
large petals, sweet-scented, canary-yellow, with a long,
greenish-yellow tube and golden anthers. This is, so
far, the finest of my new hybrids.

Charles Sprenger, Vomero, Naples.

©bituair.

Mr. J. S. Hedderley. — This well-known
Midland florist died quite recently at his home at
Sneinton, Notts, at an advanced age. A con-
temporary of the late Mr. E. S. Dodwell, he was
one of a large band of florists who fifty years ago
made Derby and Nottingham centres of Carnation
culture. He was an enthusiastic Carnation culti-
vator, and was highly successful as an amateur
exhibitor, contributing to the Midland Florist
and to Gossip of the Garden. It was in 1855 that
the scarlet bizarre Carnation Admiral Curzon
sported in his garden to a scarlet flake, to which
he gave the name of Sportsman ; and it went at
one bound to the head of its class, and in the
year 1856 it took the whole of the prizes offered
for the best scarlet flake at the National Carna-
tion Society's annual exhibition at Birmingham ;
and in this year, 1903, nearly fifty years after-
wards, Sportsman took the first prize as the best
scarlet flake at the recent exhibition by the
National Carnation Society at the Drill Hall ;
and at the Midland Carnation show at Birming-
ham on the 6th inst. it took the 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
and 4th prizes among the scarlet flakes. Mr.
Hedderley raised a charming rose self named
Eoyalty, which I have reason to believe is the
variety Mr. J. E. Upton shows so finely on long
stems at the Drill Hall. One of the best Carna-
tions the late Mr. E. S. Dodwell ever raised was
C.B., J. S. Hedderley, which he named after his
life-long friend ; and it is still one of the most
popular exhibition varieties. I think it may be
said of Mr. Hedderley that he had outlived every
one of his contemporaries of 1855. R. D.

.August 15, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

123

NEW CHINESE PLANTS.

The following new species of Corydalis are two
•very charming rockwork plants, which are among
;the many novelties discovered in China by Mr.
Wilson when collecting for Messrs. J. Veitch &
Sons, in whose nursery they are now in flower.
Both have a lax rosette of bipinnately cut leaves,
and several erect, handsome racemes of yellow
<flowers arising direct from the perennial root-
•stock. C. tomentosa is densely covered with soft
white hairs on the leaves and racemes, and has
light yellow flowers ; whilst C. Wilsoni is glabrous,

side, the rest entire, rather thick in substance.
Eacemes erect from the rootstock, 5 to 7 in. high,
leafless, many-flowered from about 1 in. above the
base, tomentose on all parts except the corolla.
Bracts 2 to 3^ lin. long, entire, lanceolate,
acuminate to a fine point. Pedicels 2 to 3 lin.
long. Sepals J lin. long, ovate, acuminate, entire.
Corolla (including the J in. long spur) % in. long,
light canary-yellow, without markings ; limb of
upper petal spreading, ovate-oblong, subtruncate,
obtusely apiculate, with recurved margins, con-
cave at the middle and slightly gibbous-keeled

Coetdalis Wilsoni, IV. E. Brown (n. sp.).
Glabrous in all parts. Leaves all in a lax
radical rosette, 4 to 6 ins. long, If to 2J ins.
broad, oblong, bipinnatisect or bipinnatipartite,
light glaucous-green j pinnse about five on each
side, alternate, petiolulate, 7 to 13 lin. long, 3 to
9 lin. broad, ovate or deltoid-ovate, pinnately
3 to 5-lobed or with the lower lobes free, with a
lobule on their outer side, rather fleshy in sub-
stance. Eacemes erect from the root-stock, 5 to
7 ins. high, leafless, many-flowered from about
1 in. above the base. Bracts 4 to 5 lin. long,

Fig. 49. — view in the garden of the late sir, g. f. wilson, at wisley, surrey, (see p. 118.)

(La'ely presented to the Royal Horticultural Society by Sir Thomas Hanbury.)

•with light glaucous-green foliage, but not covered
'with a glaucous meal, and the flowers are in
\rather denser racemes, larger, and of a deeper
yellow than in C. tomentosa. Both are very
■attractive plants, and probably hardy.

Corydalis tomentosa, N. E. Brown (n. sp.).

Leaves all in a lax radical rosette, 4 to 7 ins.
long, 1J to 2 ine. broad, oblong in outline, bipin-
nate, everywhere softly and densely white tomen-
tose, very pale green, prettily tinted with reddish ;
pinnm 4 to 6 on each side, opposite or alternate, 4 to
1J in. long, 5 to 6 lin. broad, petiolulate, oblong,
' obtuse, pinnatisect, with 2 to 3 pairs of broadly
ovate obtuse lobes, the upper united with the
.terminal Johe, the lower with a tooth on the outer

on the back ; limb of lower petal slightly spread-
ing, ovate, obtuse, minutely apiculate, with a
boat-shaped central cavity, gibbous beneath and
minutely scabrous on the front part of the
gibbosity; spur compressed, 1J to lj lin. broad,
falcate-oblong, decurved, very obtuse ; inner
petals obtuse, bluntly apiculate, with somewhat
inflated keels. Stigma crutch-like, with hori-
zontal arms. Capsule about 1 in. long, terete,
pubescent. Allied to C. tomentella, Franch., but
differs in the leaves being more spreading,
tomentose with longer hairs, and the flower-
stems all arising direct from the root-stock, not
from a branching leaf -bearing stem as in C.
tomentella, besides which there are differences in
the structure of the flowers.

entire, lanceolate, acuminate to a fine point.
Pedicels 3 to 4| lin. long. Sepals 2 lin. long,
A lin. broad, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate to a fine
point. Corolla (including the £ in. long spur)
11 to 12 lin. long, deep canary-yellow, with
greenish keels to the outer petals, the limbs of
which are similar, spreading, ovate-oblong or
elliptic-oblong, acute and reflexed at the tips,
with a deep lanceolate central depression and
more or less recurved margins, gibbous-keeled on
the back; spur much compressed, 2J In. broad,
falcate - oblong, decurved, very obtuse; inner
petals obtuse, somewhat acutely keeled. Stigma
crutch-like, with incurved arms. Capsule about
1 in. long, terete, . curved, glabrous. N. E.
Brown.

124

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 15, 1903.

A TEXT-BOOK OF BOTANY.*

The book we have now to mention
1 ears the names of Professors Strasburger,
Noll, Schenck, and Schimper, as authors.
This is the second ^English edition, revised
from the fifth German version by Dr. W. H.
Lang, of Glasgow. The Introduction is an
excellent epitome of the present condition of
botanical thought, though we think that,
without in the least depreciating the labours
of Darwin, some acknowledgment should also
have been made of those of Wallace. The
term " natural selection " is well understood
by experts, but it is questionable whether
" adaptation " is not the more expressive term
and more readily understood by students.
" Survival of the[fittest " is.'another phrase that
requires modification according to circum-
stances. An organism may not really be the
fittest, but it is made so as the ultimate re-
sult of often conflicting circumstances, just
as a plant may thrive in a given locality, not
because it is really intrinsically the best
suited to that locality, butfbecause it there
happens to be less exposed to competition
from rivals. It grows where it can, not
where it would prefer to grow, had it a
choice in the matter.

To show how well the book has been brought up
to date, we may note that Prof. Hugo de Vries'
Mutation theory is invoked to'account for the pro-
duction of new species. Instead of the successive
evolution of new variations, which gradually, when
sufficiently attuned to circumstances, assume a
permanent character, transmitted by inheritance,
and thus become species, Prof. De Vries looks
upon what a gardener would call "sports " as the
siarting-points of new species. It may be so,
but we are by no means sure that in a work
hke the present it is not premature to adopt
Frof. De Vries' conclusions as articles of faith
without further confirmation.

Has any other botanist met with these varieties
of (Enothera Latnarckiana, which the Dutch
naturalist raises to the rank of species, or has
their permanence been tested by others? "We
have seen large areas covered with the plant,
and have looked for these sudden mutations'
without success. Of course that proves nothing
hut the desirability of further research.

Prof. De Vries, in his experiments with the
contorted Dipsacrs, succeeded in rendering per-
manent the twisted condition of the stem. ° Self-
sown seedlings from seeds kindly sent us by
Prof. De Vries have now come up year after year,
but show not a trace of spiral torsion.

The accuracy of Prof. De Vries' own observations
is, of course, beyond all question, but the different
results obtained elsewhere suggest that the "Mu-
tation theory " is hardly sufficiently established
to be treated as a dogma, to be incorporated in a
student's text-book, as it is in the Introduction
to the work before us. Propagation by grafting
would be rendered unnecessary if the reproduction
of " sports " could be depended upon from seed.

On the book itself it were an impertinence to
comment. It is clearly intended for advanced
students, who have the resources of a botanical
laboratory at their disposal. A novice would
hardly know what a " catalytic enzyme" is. It
is mentioned on p. 77, but, so far as we see,
no explanation either of the adjective or of the'
substantive is given in the preceding pages.
The relegation of the very numerous bibliogra-
phical references to the end of the volume" no
doubt saves, space and repetition, but it does not
add to the comfort or. convenience of the reader.
The book is richly illustrated, and some of the
illustrations are even coloured.

A copious index is added, in which, however,
we do not find the term " diarch."

We give one more illustration showing the care
that has been taken to bring the volume up to
date, and that is afforded by the reference to
Johannsen's experiments with ether in shortening
the resting stage of plants. Gardeners on the
continent have preceded us in turning this dis-
covery to account in the forcing of Lilacs and
other flowers.

As a book for advanced students there is no
superior to this, as it deals with all departments
of Botany.

SOCIETIES.

KOYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

August 4.— Present : Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S., in the
chair; Messrs. Hooper, Saunders, and Bowles; Dr. M.C.
Cooke, Revs. W. Wilks and G. Henslow, Hon. Sec.

Late flowering Plums, cOc— Mr. Hooper had noticed
that various modifications occurred in flowers of fruit-
trees at the present time. Petaloid sepals and semi-
doubling of petals with two carpels, forming twin
Plums, were not uncommon. It was observed that in
the common cultivated double Cherry [and in Prunus
triloba] there are always two foliaceous carpels present.
Pear-trees, &c, have also produced a second crop of
flowers, which are borne on the ends of the young
shoots instead of on spurs.

New Crocus.— Mr. Bowles exhibited dried specimens
and drawings of C. caspius, from Russian Talych,
S.W. Caspian, with a white flower tinted with rose.
He also showed the autumn-flowering C. Scharojani
from the Caucasus. It is of an orange colour, and
carries the leaves of the last season simultaneously.

Papavcr pavoninum.— Mr. Wilks showed a plant from
Central Asia (see Garten Flora, 1882, d. 296, 1. 1095), re-
markable for a crescent-shaped black band above the
base of each petal.

Cucumber Diseased.— Mr. Davis, of Bitton, Bristol, sent
roots of Cucumbers which had failed. Mr. Saunders
reports as follows upon them: "I found that the
extreme base of the stems were attacked by small
worms belonging to the family Enchytracidte, which
are nearly related to the earthworms, and are well-
known pests at the roots of plants; they were un-
doubtedly the cause of the unhealthiness of the plants.
Lime-water will kill them in a few minutes if it can be
made to reach them ; thoroughly drenching the soil
with this fluid might be of use, though I do not know
what effect it might have on the plants. They, however,
are so injured that I should imagine the best thing to
do would be to pull them up and burn them, and burn
or bury deeply the soil in which they grew."

Cucumbers Diseased.— Dr. Cooke reported upon some
fruit badly attacked received from the neighbourhood
of Bristol. It appears to be due to a fungus new to
science, which he has named Cladosporium scabies. A
full description will be recorded in the Journal of the
Royal Horticultural Society. He strongly recommends
" tbat all diseased fruits be removed and destroyed at
once, and those remaining should be sprayed to pre-
serve them from attack. Condy's Fluid, diluted, should
be tried as less likely to injure the fruits than copper
solutions. No effort should be spared at once to stamp
out the pest."

Macmillan & Co.

ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORI-
CULTURAL.

The twenty-sixth annual excursion of this Society
was made this year to Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire,
and Hertfordshire, the estates of Woburn, Wrest,
Ashridge, Tring, and Mentmore, and the woods in the
vicinity of High Wycombe, being visited. About 10D
members and friends of the Society took up their
head-quarters at Leighton Buzzard on July 27, and an
early start was made the following day lor Woburn.

The first stop was made at Brickbill, where the party
was met by Messrs. C. P. Hall & Mitchell, respec-
tively agent and forester on the Woburn estate. Here,
young plantations, planted in 1901, 1902, 1903, on a light
sandy soil, were inspected, various areas having been
planted with pure Oak, pure Ash, pure Scots Fir, and
mixed hard-woods and Conifers. All looked extremely
well, but the policy of planting pure Oak and of
putting Scots Fir on ground so well adapted for slit
planting, came in for a little criticism. The system of
pit planting is, however, undoubtedly the correct one

although it is an open question whether the extra
expense incurred is justified by results in the case of
Scots Fir on ground of this description. Experiments
in the cultivation of Heather were also seen, both
planting and sowing being tried; but the latter so far
has proved a failure.

A move was next made to the Scots Fir woods ad-
joining, in which the most interesting object-lesson
of the day was seen. This was the natural regeneration
of several acres of Scots Fir on ground from which
the old crop had been removed about four years ago.

The young crop covered the ground evenly and
thickly, and showed ^every sign of forming a useful
crop. A number of self-sown Plymouth Pine [What is-
the Plymouth Pine? We are not familiar with the
name. Ed] were noticed under the old crop of Scots
Fir still standing; but many were dead or dying from,
some unknown cause, although both aphis and fungi of
some kind were noticed.

After leaving this wood, the drive was continued
to Woburn Park, and the party had an interesting,
walk through the plantation known as the Ever-
greens, planted in 1743 on a heathy rabbit-warren.
It was in connection with this plantation that the
Duke of Bedford of that day differed from the views-
held by his gardener, a fact which he announced to-
the world by putting up a notice-board at the edge of
the adjoining high-road with the following legend:—
"This plantation was thinned by John, Duke of Bed-
ford, contrary to the advice and opinion of his-
gardener." At the present time the majority of the
trees have matured, and many interesting specimens-
of Cedars, Plymouth Pines, and other Conifers were
noticed. Of especial interest was a very fine Larch,
apparently L. sibirica, about 100 feet in height ; and a
young avenue of various species of the Silver Fir tribe
also looked remarkably well.

Proceeding through the beautifully-timbered park to-
the Abbey, the Society experienced the proverbial
hospitality of the House of Russell, and afterwards-
inspected the Abbey and gardens. The famous Woburn,
Beech, figured by Porbey in his Forett Primer in 1810,
came in for a good deal of attention. Its height up to
the first limb is B0 feet, and its girth at 5 feet up 14 feet
6 inches, and is reckoned to contain nearly 600 cubic
feet of timber. Unfortunately Porbey gives no girtbj
measurements of this tree, otherwise a comparison of"
data would have been both instructive and interesting.
Some splendid specimens of both the pedunculate an*
sessile - flowered varieties of Oak were also seen,
remarkable as much for their beauty of form as their
size. An inspection of the home farm and other-
features, and the interesting collection of American
bisons, deer, and other animals in the park completed/
the day's work.

On Wednesday the 29th, the first item on the day's,
programme involved a long drive to Wrest Park, the
historic seat of Earl Cowper. A fine avenue of Wych
Elm and Spanish Chestnut intersects the park; but
the gardens of Wrest are its gteat feature. Laid)
out in the style prevailing at the end of the seven-
teenth and beginning of the eighteenth centuries,.
WreBt probably illustrates one of the most perfect
example of the formal style of gardening in the
country (see Gardeners' Chronicle, vol. xxvii. 1900, p. 375t
et seq.). Its temples, statuary, grottoes, oblong canals,
vistas, pleached and grassed alleys, Yew hedges, &c.r
exhibit a character beside which modern ideas on
garden planning seem weak and puny. Unfortu-
nately the creators of such gardens only see the
effect of their work in imagination and not in
reality ; and perhaps this is one reason why the
imitation of them to-day is not more popular. Tc-
arboriculturists, the fine timber-trees standing here
and there throughout these beautiful pleasure-grounds
were of great interest— Beech, Ash, Wych Elm, &c,
of noble proportions ; and amongst the Beech was one
little behind the famous specimen at Woburn, and
having a girth of about 13 feet at 5 feet up.

Returning from Wrest a halt was made at Ampthill
for lunch, after which the historic old Oaks in the
park there were visited. Many of these were pollards,
and all were extremely picturesque old trees. The
largest had a girth of 29 feet 6 inches, while out of
sixteen of the largest trees only four had a girth of less
than 20 feet. In addition to their age and size, their
healthy and vigorous appearance probably render
them the finest collection of old Oaks in the county,,
and one of the finest in England.

A move was next made to the Experimental Fruit
Farm at Ridgmont, where Mr. Spenser Pickering and
Mr. Lewis Castle met the party. The various experi-
ments on the growing of fruit-trees were pointed out
and explained. To foresters, the most interesting facb
elicited was the injurious effect of a grass covering to
the surface- soil, proving the advisability of pit-plant-
ing on turf ; while the nurserymen present derived
much comfort from the statement that careless plant-
ing gave equally good results as those derived from
careful work. A short visit to the Woburn Experi-
mental Station of the Royal Agricultural Society
brought to a close a hard day's work, which, in spite
of thunder-showers, had proved a most enjoyable one.

The third day's proceedings Contained visits td'Asli- J
ridge Park, Tring Park, and Mentmore. At Ashridge

August la, 190?.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

125

were seen probably the finest Beech timber that can be
found in an English park. Straight, clean stems
runnine up for 60 or 70 feet without a branch, and con-
taining 200 or 800 feet of sound timber were not un-
common, and many parts of the park reminded one
more of a Beech forest than an ordinary park. But
-even the forestry instincts of the Society were tempo-
rarily forgotten when the magnificent mansion came
into sight. Its size, age, and the beauty of its archi-
tecture render it one of the most famous seats in
England; and the gardens and grounds adjoining
.are equally attractive. The Lime - tree Walk, the
Monk's Garden, and the avenues of ornamental
Conifers? were features almost perfect in themselves,
and were so situated that neither clashed with the
• other. A tree of great interest was the Oak planted
■by the late Queen, and which has already a girth of
-about 8 feet and a large spreading head. A good speci-
men of Fagus antarctica was also noticed.

From Ashridge the excursionists proceeded to Tring
Park, the fine seat of Lord Rothschild. At theentrance-
.gate they were met by Mr. Richardson Carr (the agent)
and Mr. Smith (forester), and conducted to the home
(nursery close by. These nurseries are used for the
raising of fruit trees, Roses, shrubs and forest trees,
and being high and on stiff, loamy soil, produce sturdy
plants fit to go anywhere. A bed of Larch and other
seedlings attracted much attention, and it was evident
■that Mr. Smith was a skilful all-round culturist.

Leaving the nursery on their way to the mansion,
-some fine young Beech and Oak were passed through,
_ -and the almost entire absence of rabbits both here and
at Woburn accounted in a great measure for the satis-
factory results obtained.

The gardens having been inspected, the Society was
■entertained at luncheon by Lord Rothschild, and then
went round the farm and private museum, the latter
having a world-wide reputation. Later on, the Ment-
anore gardens were visited.

On Friday a day was spent in the Beech woods round
High Wycombe, and the system of natural regeneration
•there adopted studied. One or two of the principal
chair factories were gone through, and the business part
■of the excursion was brought to a close, the general
impression being that the twenty-sixth excursion of
the Society had been both instructive and enjoyable
•and that the best thanks of all were due to those
noblemen and gentlemen who had assisted and enter-
tained the party so generously. A. C, F.

BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL.

August 3.— The annual meeting of this Society was
'held in the Institute, Bowness, on the above date.
There were present Dr. Stansfield (President) and a
fair number of other members, both local and general.
The Secretary's and Treasurer's reports showed the
financial affairs of the Society to be in a sound con-
dition.

The President in his opening address made reference
-to the gaps which had been caused by death in the
(ranks of the Society since he last met the members
and expressed his pleasure at meeting many old and
some new friends. He congratulated the Society on
the publication of the book of British ferns which had
been compiled by members of the Society, under the
■editorship of the late President, Mr. C T Druery
containing up-to-date lists, with details and dates'
-of origin, of all the best varieties of the various
British species of Ferns. He urged the members
to keep a watchful eye upon the book, so that in
■any future edition any possible flaws might be eor-
■rected. and new matter bearing upon the subject be
•inserted, so that the book might continue to be the
standard work of reference upon the subject. Several
of the chapters on apospory, &c, by Mr. Druery and
•others, had never before been published in popular
form, and would constitute a feature of great biological
interest in the book.

the election of officers for the ensuing year was then
gone through, most of the old officers being re-elected
but with some changes among the vice-presidents and
•committee. The place of meeting for next year was
Again fixed at Bowness, this being fairly central for
■members from England, Ireland, and Scotland, as well
-as being an attractive place of meeting from its natural
■advantages and surroundings.

Two papers by Mr. C. T. Druery were read, in the
absence of the writer, by the President, their subject
being " Varietal Types of British Ferns," and " The Pro-
pagation of Varieties of Lastrea montana." The Presi-
dent also read a paper of his own upon " The Study of
the Abnormal." A short discussion followed, in which
Mr. Garnett, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Whiteside, Mr. Edwards
and others took part. Mr. Garnett expressed his strong
belief in the influence of environment in the produc-
tion of varieties, and it was pointed out that there was
-a strong case in point in a beautiful crested form of
Lady Fern which had been picked up last year in this
neighbourhood by Mr. Phillips as a slightly abnormal
but not crested form. During the year, however, that
it had been under cultivation it had developed into a
•very fine crested or cristata form. The plant was
•exhibited by Mr. Phillips.

Mr. Garnett exhibited a very promising plumose
setigerum form of Athyrium, but the Fern was not yet
mature, and it was thought desirable to defer naming
it for another year. Mr. J. Loveday exhibited some
very finely-grown crested forms of A. f. f. setigerum;
Mr. Henry Bolton, Mr. Loveday, Mr. Praeger, and
others, exhibited fronds, all of more or less interest
and importance. The sensation of the year, however,
was a magnificent thoroughbred grandlceps form of
Lastrea montana. which had been found within a few
days in Longsleddale by Mr. Smithies. The Certificate
of Merit of the Soeiety was awardea to this Fern under
the name of Lastrea montana grandiceps, Smithies.
It is singular that Mr. Smithies is the only previous
tinder of a grandiceps form of montana; the present
find, however, quite surpasses Drevious records of this
type in this species, and is equal to the best grandiceps
forms found in other species. The meeting concluded
with votes of thanks to the writers of the papers, which,
it was decided, should be published in the Transactions
of the Society.

MEETING OF THE GHENT
CHAMBRE SYNDICALE.

August 3.— At the meeting on the above date of the
Chambre Syndicate and of the Society Royale d'Agri-
culture et de Botanique of Ghent, the following awards
were made :—

Certificates of Merit for cut blooms of Phlox, from
M. C. Kerkvoorde (par acclamation) : forCattleya hyb.
C. Schilleriana x C. Gaskelliana, from M. F. De BlivE,
of the Royal Gardens of Laeken fa Vunanimit() : for
Lselio-Cattleya (L. elegans x C. Warneri), from M. A.
Peetees, of Brussels (par acclamation) : for C. gigas
var. Mile. M. Henriette de Wavrin : for C. hyb. (C.
Schoffieldiana x C. aurea) (par acclamation et avec felici-
tation da Jury) —both these exhibits also were from
M. Peetees.

Certificates were also allotted for Cattlcya Withei (C.
Schilleriana X C. Warneri) ; for Lsslio-Cittleya Herman
Holmes (L purpurata x L -C. Schilleriana) (a Vunani-
miW) : for Cattleya Gaskelliana, and for C. Wavriniana
(C. gigas x C. Schofieldiana)-all these from the
Marquis de W.vvbin.

A Floral Certificate fell to M. Ch. Gazelle, for
Veronica purpurea; a Cultural Certificate to the
Marquis DE Wavrin, for Bulbophyllum barbigerum ;
and Honorable Mention for Begonia Triomphe de
Gand, from M. Pierre Parse,

BASINGSTOKE HORTICULTURAL.

August 3.— The twenty-seventh annual summer show
was held in Goldings Park on the above date. Plants
were numerous and good: and for nine specimen
stove and greenhouse plants, diverse, Mr. Hunt, gr. to
R. Moss, Esq., Fern Hill, Blackwater, was 1st, he
having magnificent specimen of Allamanda Hender-
sonii, and others very good. Mr. Wasley. gr. to J. B.
Tatloe, Esq., Shertield Manor, Basingstoke, was a
very creditable 2nd. Mr. Wasley also was awarded
the chief prize for four specimen foliage plants, his
Kentia Belmoreana being an excellent specimen of
this fine Palm. Mr. Hint was a close competitor. The
latter gardener was the winner of the 1st prize for four
flowering specimens, including a very well-flowered
one of Acalypha Sanderiana.

Fuchsias were exhibited in a manner much superior
to what one is accustomed to observe nowadays. Mr.
T. Russell, gr. to R. Blencowe, Esq.. Shippett's House]
Basingstoke, was an easy winner of the premier place
with four pyramids measuring 7 feet in height, shapely
plants, well flowered. This gardener was likewise 1st
for one specimen Fuchsia, with F. elegans measuring
8 feet in height.

Coleus were remarkable for bright colouring; and
Mr. Best, gr. to F. D. Ley-land, Esq., The Vyne,
Basingstoke, was 1st for four pyramidal examples
r> feet in height; and he was 1st for a group of mis-
cellaneous plants arranged so as to afford effect.

Exotic Ferns were excellently shown by Mr. Wasley,
who was 1st for six specimens, remarkable for healthy
and vigorous appearance. Mr. Hunt was 1st for four
Liliums. Cut flowers were shown in abundance; and
Mr. Neville, gv. to F. W. Flight, Esq., Cornstilcs, Twy-
ford, Winchester, was 1st for twenty-four and twelve,
and also for twelve blooms of Tea Roses, in all cases
showing capital examples. He was likewise the prin-
cipal prize-winner tor cut blooms of Carnations and
Picotees, winning the highest award in a class for
bunches of these flowers, as well as in the specimen
bloom class. Mr. Hunt was 1st for twelve bunches of
diverse hardy herbaceous perennials. The 1st prizs
for six bunches of Sweet Peas was taken by Mr. C, W.
Bkeadmohe.

Fhuit.

This was good in every respect. Tho best six dishes
were shown by Mr. Wasley, and consisted of finely-
berried bunches of Madresfield Court Grapes, a Melon,
Peaches, and Oullin's Golden Gage Plum; Mr. Hunt
was _'nd. Mr. Tamplin had the best bunches. of Black

Hamburgh Grapes in a class set apart for that variety.
A dish of the Peach, Nectarine, and one of exquisite
Pineapple secured for Mr.' Wasley the 1st place.
Windsor Castle was considered by the judges to be the
best green fleshed Melon, it was shown by Mr. Tamplin.
In Sutton's scarlet fleshed varieties Mr. Hunt was 1st.

Vegetables were excellent in quality but less numer-
ous than usual. Mr. Koeller, gr. to Sir W. Portal,
Malshanger Park, was 1st for Messrs. Sutton's prize for
six, and also for the Society's competition with eight
kinds ; Mr. Best was 2nd in each of these classes.

Messrs. B. Ladhams, Ltd., Shirley, and Mr. M.
Prichard, Christchurch, exhibited hardy herbaceous
perennials, Gladiolus, &c.

NEWBURY HORTICULTURAL.

August 3.— The fitty-seventh annual exhibition of
this Society was held at Goldwell Park on the above
date, and was equal to any previous show, the large
tent in which plants were displayed being filled. Fruit
was excellent, as were also vegetables. In recent years
adverse weather has influenced the attendance o£
visitors, but on the last occasion the weather was,
propitious, and the show was abundantly visited by
people from the town and from villages around.

The Committee depend entirely on horticulture, and
entertainments of other descriptions are not favoured.
The Society has as its President the Mayor of Newbury
for the time being, who is well supported by the
Corporation and others.

That widely known gardener.Mr. Chas. Ross, usually
leads in all classes. This year he was less prominent,
owing to a change of resident at Welford Park, and
the sale of his favourite stove and greenhouse plants.
He is, however, not readily beaten in fruits, vegetables,
and cut-flowers.

The Hannington Champion Shield, one of the most
coveted prizes, was on this occasion awarded for the
most successful exhibitor at the show taking the most
prizes.

The Open class (Div. i) was the weakest in the show,
due to the absence of the Welford plants ; still, those
gardeners who staged had excellentmaterial, especially
the 1st prize lot from Mr. T. Leith, gr., Beaurepaire
Park, Hants, whose specimens of Clerodendron Ba'-
fourianum, Allamandas, Stephanotis, and others, were
very good; Mr. T. Surman was a close 2nd, especially
fine beiog his Ixoras and Stephanotis.

For foliage plants Mr. Leith was 1st showing "large
Codiseums and large-leaved foliage plants; 2nd, Mr. C
Ross with small plants beautifully grown. Mr. C. Ross
also secured the highest award for the best foliage plant,
as did Mr. T. Leith for Exotic Ferns. Coleus made
a grand display and the competition was keen, well-
grown plants being in general shown, the awards in
the order of their value going to Messrs. Surman, gr.,
Donnington Grove; R. C. Norris, Kingsclere; and
Mr. C. Ross.

Fuchsias, always a notable feature at Newbury, were
present in fewer examples than formerly. Mr. T.
Surman was an easy 1st with capitally flowered plants
8 to lu feet in height ; 2nd, Mr. G. A. Cox, with smaller
specimens.

Begonias were numerously shown and of the best
quality. For double-flowered varieties, Mr. Clark and
Mr. King divided the awards; and in the single-
flowered varieties Messrs. Hopson, Surman, and
Norris were the principal winners. There was a
lively competition for the best plaut in bloom in the
show, and Messrs. Surman, Ross, and Ahery (Tile-
hurst), secured the awards, the first named having a
magnificently flowered Hydrangea 7 to 8 feet in
diameter.

A special feature at Newbury is what is termed a
model conservatory arrangement, this ij effected by
the use of elevated stages, and the effect is very good
when well done. There were five good exhibits of
this kind, Mr. J. Howard, Benham Park Garden, being
1st ; Mr. Norris was 2nd, and Mr. C.Ross, 3rd.

Cut flowers were very good in every class. Roses in
the Open classes were good, though small of size.
Messrs. Cooling A Son, Bath, weie 1st; and Mr.
Tranter, Henley, 2nd. In the local class, Lady Sutton
was a good 1st; and Mr. Mead, 2nd, the premier
stand having some very good Teas that were beautifully
fresh-looking ; and the Amateurs' Roses were particu-
larly nice. Dahlias were plentiful, Mr. Tranter being
an easy 1st, and Mr. Bosley 2nd ; and the class for
miscellaneous out flowers was well filled, Mr. T. Leith
being 1st, and Mr. W.T. Aiikhy, 2nd. Carnalious were
well shown by Mr. Tranter, 1st; and Mr. Smith, 2nd.

Fruit.— Grapes and Peaches were excellent. The best
six dishes, distinct, were shown by Mr. Howard ; and
Mr. R. Maker, gr., Yattendon Court, was 2nd. For
Black Hamburghs, Messrs. Surman, Howard, and
Lkks were the leading competitors, the bunches being
in cacti case of fine quality. Oilier Black varieties were
shown by Mr. BUEMAN, Mr. Howard, and Mr. Gall,
who won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes in the order given.
Mr. tJALi., gr., Aldermaston Court, showed Muscat of
Alexandria, exceedingly good In . erry and bunch,
Mr. Ross being 2nd. and Mr, Maiikh, Urd.

126

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AUGUST 15, 1903.

Mr. Lees and Mr. Cox had the best Meloiis, and Mr.
Leitf, Mr. Ross, and Mr. Morris showed very fine
Peaches; and Mr. Lees, Mr. Leith, and Mr. Howard
the finest Nectarines. Mr. Howaed had the best Pine
apple.

Vegetables, mostly from artizans and cottagers, were
very good and numerous. There were very few exhi-
bits from nurserymeo.

Roses came from Mr. Rigg, Caversbam; and some
good fruit was shown by local growers in single dishes.
Lord Beaconsfield Raspberry, from Mr. Faulkner, was
very fine. 67. W.

MIDLAND CABNATION.

August 6.— The Carnation in all its'types was seen in
excellent character in the Show House of the Birming-
ham Botanical Gardens on t his j -evasion. | It is an ideal
place in which to hold a Carnation show; overhead
two large specimen Bougainvilleas were in full bloom,
and round the sides, forming a leafy background to
the cut blooms, were Fuchsias in bloom and other
plants. It was the last exhibition in the Gardens
during the Curatorship of Mr. W. B. Latham, and his
arrangements were, as usual, excellent. The weather
was fine and the attendance]was large. The quality of
the bloom, as is usual at Birmingham, was very good,
the entries numerous and the competition keen.

Self Carnations— These occupied the foremost place in
the schedule of prizes, and there) were seven com-
petitors with twelve blooms, |Mr. R. C. Cartwright,
King's Norton (gr., G. Rudd). taking the 1st prize with
finely-developed blooms of Ensign (white),[Bomba, Sir
Bevys Lustre (rich deep rose). Comet, Seagull (a lovely
blush variety), Benbow (buff),JMrs. E. Hambro, Mrs.
Colby Sharpin (bright cinnamon), [Germania (still the
most refined yellow self). Enchantress, and Mrs.
Frinsep (another yellow self). Mr. A. W. Jones, Stech-
ford, was 2nd ; he had, differing from the foregoing,
Agnes Sorrel, Much-the-Miller (a fine white), Dudley
Stuart, Nubian, Tredegone (rose), and Sultan. Mr.
C. F. Thurstan, Wolverhampton, was 3rd with a stand
of excellent blooms.

There were twelve competitors with six selfs. Mr.
W. H. Parton, jun., Highfield, King's Heath, taking
t*»e 1st prize with superb blooms— Much-the Miller,
Nubian. Barras, Almoner;<a finepetalled yellow), Agnes'
Sorrel, and Mrs. E. Hambro. The Rev. G. C. Gottwaltz
Hadsor, Droitwich, came 2nd; he had Richard Dean
(new, a distinct purple self), Burn (bright pale red),
John Pjpe, Avalanche, itc.

Picotees with Yellow Grounds.— These were of very fine
quality, Mr. M. R. Smith, Hayes Common (gr., Mr. C.
Blick), taking the 1st prize with twelve finely-developed
blocms of Franklyn, Badoura, Countess of Darnley,
Daughter of Heth, Lady Avebury, Coquette, Countess
of Verulam, Morgiana, Isolt, Apnroaite, Mrs. Walter
Heriot, aud Danore, several being novelties not yet
sent out. Mr. A. W. Jones came 2nd, also with very
good blooms indeed, representing varieties in com-
merce—viz., Lady Bristol, Hesperia, Gronow, Alcinous,
Lady St. Oswald, Mohican, Badoura, Mrs. Hadley, and
Gertrude, with three others.

There were fourteen competitors with six varieties
and Mr. W. H. Parton, jun., took the 1st prize with
excellent blooms of Gronow, Hesperia, Mohican Alci-
nous, Lady St. Oswald, and Gertrude.

Carnations, Fancies.— These were very finely shown
and the competitors in classes for twelve and six
blooms were many. Here again Mr. W. A. Jones
was 1st ; he had superb blooms of Voltaire, Queen Bess
Argosy, Oakley, Alexandra, The Gift, Ivo Sebright'
Charles Martel, Eldorado, Brodick, Achilles, and
Oberon. Mr. R. C. Cartwright came 2nd, having,
differing from the foregoing, Emperor, Amphion'
Hidalgo, Euryalus, Pagan, Duke of Alva, and Renegade!

There was a keen competition with six varieties
unfortunately a class which was overlooked in the
course of note- taking.

Picotees, White Grounds.— These also were shown in
Very fine quality. The 1st prize for twelve blooms was
awarded to Mr. F. W. Goodfellow, who had of red
edges Brunette and Morna, heavy ; Mrs. Gorton and
Thomas Williams, light purple edges ; Amy Robsart
and Mrs. Openshaw, heavy ; Harry Ken yon and Pride
of Leyton, light ; rose and scarlet edges, Lady Louisa,
Little Phil, and Mrs. A. B. Brown, heavy ; Fortrose'
light. 2nd, Messrs. Thomson & Co., nurserymen!
Sparklnll. They had in good character : Red edges'
Brunette and Morna, heavy ; Mrs. Gorton, light ; purple
edges, heavy, Amy Robsart and Mrs. Openshaw j light
Mrs. Gorton; rose and scarlet-edged, heavy, Little
Phil, Mrs. Beswick and Mrs. Payne; light, Favourite
and Fortrose.

With six varieties, Mr. D. Walker took the 1st prize
out of eleven competitors. He had Fanny Tett, H.P E •
Clio, H.Ro.E. ; Mrs. Openshaw, H.P.E.; Little Phil!
H.RoE.; Grace Darling, L.Red.E.; and Brunette!
H.Red.E. Mr. E. C. Rossiter was 2nd. He had
L.Red.E. Thos. William, H.Red.E. Brunette, H.Ro E
W. H. Johnson, L.Ro.E. Favourite, H.Ro.E. Little Phil
and H.P.E. Fanny Tett. Mr. C. F. Thurstan, 3rd.

Carnations, White Grounds.— With twelve blooms
Messrs. Thomson & Co. were 1st, there being five com-

petitors. They had finely-developed blooms of S.B.'s
George, Robert Houlgrave and Robert Lord ; C.B.
Master Fred|; P.B.B. Wm.[Skirvingand Geo. Rudd; P.F.
Gordon Lewis and [George Melville; S.F. Guardsman,
Sportsman andiMeteor ; R.F. Mrs. Rowan. Messrs. W.
Pemberton |<fc Son, florists, Walsall, were 2nd. They
had very good blooms also of much the same varieties.

There were nine competitors with six blooms. Mr.
F. W. Goodfellow was 1st, with SB. Admiral Curzon
and George, C.B. Master Fred, P.P.B. George Rudd,
P. F. Gordon Lewis, and S. F. Sportsman; Mr. D.
Walker was 2nd ; and Mr. E. C. Rossiter, 3rd.

Single Blooms.— A very large number of single blooms
was staged, and the awards of the judges were as
follows, the first three awards being given ; where one
variety only is mentioned it is because it took all three
prizes :— S. B. Robert Houlgrave, C. B. Carnation
Master Fred, 1st and 2nd, and J. S. Hedderley ; P. P. B.
George Rudd, 1st and 2nd ; W. Skirving, S. F. Sports-
man, in such fine character that it was 1st, 2nd, 3rd,
and 4th ; R. F. Merton, 1st and 3rd ; Mrs. May, 2nd ;
P. F. Gordon Lewis. H. Red E. Picotee Brunette,
L. Red E. Mrs. Gorton, H. P.E. Mrs. Openshaw, 1st and
2nd ; Amy Robsart, L. P. E. Pride of Leyton, 1st and
2nd; Lavinia, H. Rose E. Mrs. Payne, 1st and 2nd;
Little Phil, H. Scarlet E. Mrs. Sharp, 1st and 2nd ;
W. H. Johnson, L. Rose E. Fortrose, 1st and 2nd ;
Favourite, Y. G. Picotee Gertrude, Y. G. Fancy Charles
Martel, Brodick, Voltaire, Fancy other than Y. G.,
Dalgetiy, Delightful, and Muleteer; Self, white, Ensign,
Mrs. E. Hambro ; buff, Mrs. R. C. Cartwright, Benbow ;
scarlet Etna, Isinglass ; yellow, Seymour, Corcoran,
Goliath, Germania ; rose, Lustre, 1st and 2nd, John
Pope; dark crimson, itc, Cassandra. Lady Jane Grey,
Jocelyn, the second and third heliotrope, the last-
named much the darkest.

Undressed Flowers.— It was universally admitted that
these were very fine, and just in proportion as refine-
ment is secured in new varieties so will the inter-
vention of the dresser be less required. There were
classes for twelve and six selfs, and also for twelve and
six fancies. Each bloom staged in a small vase with
Carnation foliage. Mr. C. F. Thurstan had the best
twelve selfs, and Mr. W. H. Parton, Jr., the best six
selfs ; the latter also had the best six fancies, and Mr.
Cartwright the best twelve. Some of the flowers were
unnamed.

Eight classes were set apart for blooms staged in
threes, in vases with foliage. Mr. A. W. Jones had
the best twelve in threes, and Mr. Parton, Jr., the
best six. Six of the classes were for six blooms of one
variety, shown in a vase, and this made a very pleasing
feature.

There was as usual three classes for novices, in
which the competition was numerous and keen ; these
classes serve as a recruiting-ground to the number of
exhibitors.

Premier Flowers : Bizarre, S. B. Robert Houlgrave,
from Mr. D. Walker ; flake, P. F. Gordon Leeves, from
Messrs. Thomson & Co ; Heavy-edged Picotee, H. P. E.
Mrs. Openshaw, from Mr. F. W. Goodfellow, Light-
edged Picotee, Pride of Leyton, from Messrs. Thomson
& Co.; Self, Ensign, white, Mr. R. C. Cartwright;
Fancy, Ivo Sebright, Mr. A. W. Jones; Heavy-edged
yellow Picotee, Gertrude, Mr. W. H. Parton, Junr.;
Light-edged Y.G. Picotee, Mrs. W. Heriot, Mr. M. R.
Smith. In the undressed sections the Premier Y.G.
Picotee was Gronow, Mr. W. H. ^Parton; Fancy,
Strongbow, Mr. M. R. Smith ; and Self, Sappho, Mr. C.
F. Thurstan.

Floral decorations were represented by shower bou-
quets (the best from Mr. W. B. Latham, Botanic
Gardens), sprays and button holes. A class for a round
table. 2h feet in diameter, having an arrangement in
Sweet Peas, brought a well -finished one from Mrs.
Martin, Erdington, which obtained 1st prize. Mr. R.
Sydenham's special prizes for twelve bunches of
Sweet Peas brought several competitors, and some of
the finest blooms seen this season.

Miscellaneous exhibits provided pretty features, and
Silver-gilt Medals were awarded to Messrs. Hewitt &
Co., for Floral Decorations and Cut Flowers ; to Messrs.
B. R. Davis & Sons, Yeovil, for very fine Begonias ; and
to Messrs. Felton it Co., for Vases of Carnations and
Floral Decorations. Large Silver Medals to Messrs.
Dicksons, Ltd , Chester, for Hardy Flowers ; to Messrs.
J. H. White & Son, Worcester, for Hardy Flowers, &o.\
and to Mr. Vincent Slade, Florist, Taunton, for Cut
Zonal Pelargoniums. Small Silver Medals were awarded
to Messrs. Cutbush it Son, Highgate, for Malmaison
Carnations ; to Messrs. Simpson & Co., Birmingham,
for Sweet Peas ; to Mr. Watts, for Seedling Carnations ;
and to Mr. W. Sydenham and Mr. W. L. Pattison, for
Cut Violas.

KINGSTON - ON - THAMES FRONT
FLOWER - GARDEN COMPETI-
TIONS.

The interest in these competitions, created a few
years since, seems to be still as strong as ever, for this
year the number of competitors, or at least of entries,
was nearly seventy. The town is, for the competitions,
equally divided into North and South sections, and in

each section there are classes for gardens over half a
rod in area, for smaller gardens, and for the best
decorated window-fronts. In all cases the houses to
which gardens or fronts are attached must not be
rated higher than £2u, neither must any hired labour
be utilised.

The best large gardens are found this year in the
Northern division, and M. Homes, who had some
singularly pleasing features, just displaces, by two
points only, J. Punter, who has been 1st in preceding.
years, with a charming little garden. In the South
section window- fronts are best, and J. Norhis, a carter
in the employ of the Corporation, presents a florally
decorated house-front with Virginian Creeper for a
backing that is indeed a beautiful town picture.

In the six classes thirty prizes have been awarded.
The judges were as usual Messrs. J. Weight, V.M.H.,
and A. Dean, of the Surrey County Education
Committee.

LAW NOTES.

■

CLAIM FOR GOODS WRONGFULLY
REMOVED.
Tudgey v. L. & S.W. Railway.
This case came on for hearing at the Chertsey
County Court on Thursday, August 0, and was a
claim by Mr. Edward Tudgey, nurseryman, late
of AValton, now of Fleet, Hants, for £Q 8s. 7d\„
against the L. & S.W. Railway Company, for
goods wrongfully removed. Mr. T. E. H. Chal-
decott was for the plaintiff, and Mr. H. L. Can-
cellor (instructed by Mr. S. Birchar) defended.
The plaintiff's statement was that his lease having,
expired he removed to Fleet. One truck of ffoods
was delivered to another firm at Fleet, where'
they were utilised. Subsequently he (plaintiff)-
found this out, and entered a claim for that part
of the goods which were destroyed. Mr. Caneellor
handed in an invoice on which was printed
that the goods were sent at owner's risk. The
plaintiff said he had never read it. His Honour
(reading) said the consignor agreed to exonerate
the company from any liability, damage, or mis-
delivery, in consideration of having the goods-
carried at a lower rate. He then handed the
invoice to the plaintiff, remarking, " You had
better read that." Mr. Chaldecott said his client
had not signed it. Plaintiff : " It was one of my
men, or my son." His Honour ■. At the same time
it has been signed by your client's agents. Most
people usually do not read the invoice very closely
when signing ; it is a pity they do not. It seems
to me a hopeless case. The next time the plain-
tiff should read the invoice. I give judgment
for the defendant company. Mr. Caneellor : With
costs ? His Honour : Under the circumstances
you might forego that. Mr. Caneellor : We have
got a defence on the merits of the case, and I
must press for costs. His Honour : Of course, il
you press for it you are entitled to the costs.

Presentation. — An interesting event took
place at the summer show of the Bishop's Stort-
ford Horticultural Society, which was held on
Wednesday in the grounds of The Grange,.
Bishop's Stortford, by permission of Mr. John
Barker, J. P. It was the presentation to Mr-
William Smith, the late Honorary Secretary, of
his portrait in oils, in appreciation of the admir-
able way he has carried out the duties since
the formation of the Society in 1870. The
presentation was made on the Terrace at:
The Grange by Mr. Tresham Gilbey, the
President for the year, in the presence of a
large and distinguished party of visitors. The
President remarked that since the Society was
started it had seen its ups-and-downs, but
in Mr. Smith they had had the right man at
the helm, and the show was now the best within
00 miles of London. This was entirely due
to the energy and unfailing pluck of their late
Honorary Secretary. Sir A V alter Gilbey and
Mr. John Barker endorsed these remarks ; and
Mr. Smith, in reply, said the fortunate position,
he was in was quite as much due to force
of circumstances as to his own merit.

:

AUGUST 15, 1903. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

\
127

Floral Decorations at Dublin Castle
during THEIR MAJESTYS' VISIT. — Messrs.
•Charles Ramsay & Son, the Royal Nurseries,
Ball's Bridge, were entrusted with the entire
floral decorations of Dublin Castle during their
Majesties' visit, including the State apartments,
drawing-rooms, Throne-room, St. Patrick's Hall,
and King's supper-room. Over 8,000 Roses, 5,000
"Bermuda Lilies, and immense quantities of Smilax,
Palms, exotic and flowering plants, were used in
"the decoration of St. Patrick's Hall on the occa-
sion of the Royal Court. The Hall was never seen
to better advantage, and the effect produced by
the floral adornment was one of a highly artistic
•character. The balconies at each end of Hall were
festooned with garlands of Roses, caught up at
*he ends with trophies of Lilies. On the top of
the balconies were banks of Roses, and at the
back of these were Marguerites, Lilies, and foliage
plants. The pillars were all twined with garlands
of Roses, the total number — all crimson Roses —
used in the decoration being over 8,000. Under-
neath the chandeliers were huge baskets of
flowers, Roses and Lilies, with trailers of Aspa-
ragus Sprengeri. At both ends of the Hall there
were similar baskets of flowers. The grand stair-
case of the State apartments was handsomely
•decorated with banks of flowering plants, Ferns,
And trailing plants. The King's supper-room was
prettily adorned with pink Roses and Lilies, gar-
lands of these flowers being suspended from the
ceiling. The mantelpieces were banked also with
pink Roses and Lilies, and the Royal supper-
table was artistically arranged with pink Brides-
maid Roses and Smilax. The entire decorations
reflected the highest credit on the good taste
displayed by the firm. Irish Times, August 12.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick.
London, for the period August 2 to August 8, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet.

go"

go

< <

of

p

Temperatttbb
of the Alb.

At9A.M.

8UN. 2
HON. 3
Ides. 4
Wed. 5
Thd. «

FBI. 7

Sat. 8

Means

S.W.

8.W.

S.W.
W.S.W.
W.N.W.
W.N.W.
S.S.W.

13
63-7

M an

58-87I-2
63'5|63'1 T1'2

62-7[60-070-8

62

61-4

63-2
69-5

57'3 69-2
55-0 69-7

57-7
60-0

63 -S 58-6 71-8

72-2
78-2

■O
58-0
56-3
51-7
52-7
49-3
42-8
46-8

TEMPEBA-
TUREOFTHE

SoiLat9A.M.

go

• 30 61 -2 60 -2 5S -4

... 62-0 60-3 58-4

... 61-960-5'5S-4

... 61-360-558-4

... 60-7.60-358-4

... 60-760-358-4

... 62-060-758-4

M
O
■O

46*2

56-2

42 6

43-8

39 2

34'4

40-2

Tot

0-30 61 -4,60 -4 58 -4

I

Remarks.— With the exception of a little rain on the
and inst., the weather during the week has been fine
j and bright

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
The following Summary Record of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
Aug. 8, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :—

"The weather.— Very unsettled, showery conditions
.' prevailed generally throughout the British Isles during
tl e first half of the period, and continued to a more or
less extent over the northern and western districts to

the close; but over the southern and eastern parts of
England the weather was much finer and drier after
the middle of the week. On the western and southern
coasts a good deal of mist or fog was reported in the
earlier part. Thunder occurred at Marchmont on
Thursday, and at Markree Castle and Plymouth on
Saturday. On Wednesday a large meteor was observed
at Scarborough, falling nearly vertically.

'■The temperature equalled the average in Scotland,
E. and W., Eneland, N.E. and N.W., and in the
Channel Islands, all other districts returning a deficit
of 1°. The highest readings were observed on various
days, the maximum of 79° in London and 77° at Cam-
bridge and Jersey occurring on Saturday. Many of the
northern maxima were below 60°. The lowe9t night
values were recorded in the inland parts of England
and Ireland during the fine spell of the second half of
the week, 38° in the shade being registered at Swarraton
and Markree Castle, and 39° at Cirencester.

"Theratn/a'', although frequent, exceeded the average
only over Scotland and the North of Ireland. In the
Channel Islands the amount was very trifling, and in
several parts of England and Ireland the aggregates
were from one-third to one-half the average. At Black-
pool 11 in. fell on Sunday, and at Fort William 12 in.
on Saturday, but as a rule the individual falls were
small.

" The bright sunshine was deficient in the North of
Scotland, but over the rest of the country there was an
excess as much as 10 to 19 per cent, in some districts."

Cut Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Pricks.

THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS.
For more than a month there have occurred only
two seasonably warm days, and on five nights during
that period the exposed thermometer indicated
readings within 8° of the freezing point. On the one
warm day of the past week, the temperature in the
thermometer screen rose to 75°, which, although only
about 5° above average, was nevertheless the highest
reading recorded here for nearly a month. At 2 feet
deep the ground is now of about seasonable warmth,
but is still 2° colder than the average at 1 foot deep.
No rain fell during the six days ending the 8th, but the
last two days have been very showery. The total fall
for these two days was, however, less than i inch. No
measureable quantity of ljain-water has now come
through the bare soil percolation gauge for three
days, and not any for five days through the gauge on
which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an
average for seven hours a day, or for more than an
hour a day in excess of the August average. The winds
were again as a rule rather high, and came mostly
from some westerly point. The amount of moisture in
the air in the middle of the day proved variable, but
taking the week as a whole there was more than a
seasonable quantity. E. M., Berkhamtted, Aug. 11, J903.

IARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, August 13.

[We oannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered 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.]

Vegetables.— Average Wholesale Prices.

s.d. s.d.
Mint, per dozen

bunches ... 2 0-26

Mushrooms, house,

per lb 0 8-09

Onions, per case . 4 0-60
— per bag

— green, per
dozen

Parsley, per doz.
bunches

— sieve

Peas, per bag ...

— per bushel ...
Potatos.perton ;
Radishes, per

dozen bunches
Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz....
Spinach, pr. sieve
Tomatos, Channel
Islands, per lb. 0 2-0 2[

— English, per
12 1b

Turnips, new, per
doz. bunches

— per bag
Vegetable - Mar-
rows, per dozen 0 9-10

Watercress, per
dozen bunches. 0 4-06

s.d. s.d.

Artichokes, Globe,

per dozen ... 0 6-10
Beans, dwarf, per

sieve 16-20

— broad, bush. . 10-16

— Scarlet Run-
ners, p. sieve 16-20

Beetroots, per

doz. bunches 2 0-30
Cabbages, tally... 3 0-50
Carrots, new, per

dozen 0 9-10

Cauliflowers, per

dozen 2 0-30

Celery, per dozen
bundle

Cress, per dozen
punnets

Cucumbers, per
dozen

Endive, per doz.

Garlic, per lb. ...

Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch

Leeks, per dozen
bunches

Lettuces, Cabbage,
per dozen

Lettuce, Cos, per
score

9 0-10 0

13 -

16-26
16 —
02 —

3 0-36

16-26

16-20
0 9-10
3 0-60
3 6-40
0 0-100 0

0 6-09

13 —

13-16

2 0-30

2 0-30

3 0 —

Alstrce-neria.doz.

bunches

Asters, bunches...

Azaleas, doz. bun.

Carnations, per

doz. bunches

— Malmaisons,
doz

Coreopsis, dozen

bunches
Dahlias, per doz.

bunches

Eucharis

Ferns, Asparagus,
per buneh ...

— French, per
doz. bunches

— Maidenhair,
doz. bunches

Gardenias, p. box

Gladiolus, White,

doz. bunches ...

— Blushing
Bride, dozen
bunches

— Brenchleyensis
per bunch ...

— various, bnch
Gypsophila, bun.
Liliums, longi-

florum, per
bunch

— lancifolium,
per bunch ...

— candidum, per
bunch

— rubrum.bnch.

— auratum.bnch.

s.d. s.d.

4 0-60
0 3-10
2 0-40

2 0-12 0
6 0-12 0
10-20

3 0-60
2 0-30

10-26

0 4-06

4 0-60
16-30

2 0-30

4 0-60

0 6-10
6 6-10
0 2-04

10-20

16-20

10-20
10-20
10-20

Lily of the Valley,
p. doz. bunches

Lupins, doz. bun.
j Malva, doz. bun.

Marguerites, yel-
low, doz. bunch.

Mignonette, doz.

Moaibretias, per
doz^o bunches.

Orchids : Cattleya,
dozen blooms...

Pelargoniums,
zonal, dozen
bunches

Phlox, per dozen
bunches

Poppies, Iceland,
p. doz. bunches

Roses, Mermet,
per doz.

— various, per
bunch

— red, 12 bnchs.

— white, bunch

— pink, buneh
Smilax, doz. trails
Stenactis speciosa

(pale mauve),

doz. bunches ...
Stephanotis, per

dozen

Stocks, per dozen

bunches

Sweet Peas, per

dozen bunches
Tuberoses, strong,
per bunch ...

— per dozen ...

s.d. s.d.

6 0-18 0

3 0-40

4 0-60

10-20
2 0-30

4 0-60

6 0-12 0

4 0-60

4 0-60

06-10

10-20

0 2-18
2 0-60
0 6-20
0 4-16
16-26

2 0-30

10-16

2 0-40

10-30

09-10
0 2-0 3

Plants is Pots, &c— Average Wholesale Prices.

Acers, each
Adiantuins, doz.
Aralias, per doz.
Arbor Vitae, per

dozen

Aspidistras, doz.
Aucubas, per doz.
Callas, per dozen
Campanulas, doz.
Coleuses, per doz
Coreopsis, dozen
Crassulas, dozen
Crotons, per doz.
Dracicnas, variety,

dozen

Euonymus, vars.,

per dozen
Ferns in var.,per

dozen

— Japanese balls,

&c, each
FIcus elastica,
per dozen ...
Fuchsias, p. doz.

s.d. s.d.

2 0-26

4 0-80

4 0-80

9 0-18 0

18 0-36 0

4 0-80

2 C- 3 0

4 0-60

4 0-50

4 0-60

8 0-12 0

12 0-24 0

12 0-48 C

4 0-60

4 0-30 0

10-16

9 0-24 0

3 0-60

s.d. s.d,
Gaillardia, dozen

bunches ... 10-20

Hydrangeas, doz. 8 0-24 0

L i 1 i u m longl-

florum.per doz.

— lancifolium,
per dozen ...

Lycopodiums, p.

dozen

Marguerites, doz. 3 0-12 0
Mignonette, doz. 4 0-60
Orange-trees.each 3 0-76
Palms, var., each 3 0-20 0
Pelargoniums,

— Oak- leaved,
scented, doz.
pink, per doz.

— scarlet, dozen
Petunias, p. doz.
Pteris tremula, dz. 4 0- 8 0

— Wimsetti.doz. 4 0-80
Rhodanthes, per

dozen 2 0-40

Verbenas, dozen 4 0-60

6 0-12 0
6 0-12 0

3 0-40

3 0-40

4 0-60
3 0-60
3 0-4 0

Apples, home-
grown, per half
bushel

Apricots, per doz.

Bananas, bunch..

— loose, dozen .
Currants, Red,

per sieve

— Black, sieve...
Figs, per dozen...
Grapes, Alicante,

per lb.

— GrosMaroc.lb.

— Hamburgh,

A., per lb.
B., per lb.

— Muscats, A. ,1b.

Fruit.— Average Wholesale Prices.
s.d. s.d.

3 0-80
16-30
8 0-13 0
10-16

5 0-60
12 0 —
10-30

0 10-1 6
10-16

16-20
0 8-10

2 0-36

Grapes, Muscats,

B., per lb.
Gooseberries, per

sieve

Lemons, per case
Melons, each ...
Nectarines, A., per

dozen

— B., per doz. ...
Oranges, per case
Peaches, A., per

dozen

— B., per dozen
Pines, each
Plums, per sieve
Raspberries, per

dozen punnets

s.d. s.d.
10-16

4 0 —

6 0-12 0
0 10- 2 0

12 0-18 0
3 0-60

13 0 —

7 0-12 0
10-40
2 6-50
7 0-11 0

6 0 —

Remarks — Californian Plums in cases sell for 12s. ;
Cape Lemons, of good colour and texture, in cases of
about 200, fetch 6s. to 8s. ; Melons, in cases of 24 or 36,
8». to 108. ; French William Pears, in sieves 12s., and in
boxes 6s. to 7s. ; Gages in sieves sell for 8s. to 12s., those
in boxes Is. id. to 2s. id. Broad Windsor Beans in bags
fetch 2s., Dwarf Beans in bags 2s. 6d., Runners 2s. to
2s. 6d. ; outdoor Mushrooms, in sieves or half-bushels,
2s. to 2s. 6rf.

POTATOS.

Home-grown, 70s. to 100s. per ton. John Bath, 32 & 34,
Wellington Street, Covent Garden.

FBTJITS AND VEGETABLES.
Glasoow, August 12.— The following are the averages
of the prices during the past week:— Apples, Lisbon,
12s. to 158. per case ; Oranges, Naples, 9s. to 12s. per
box ; Lemons, 6s. id. to 10s. per box, and 10s. to 14s.
per case ; Melons, 6s. id. to 9s. per case ; Grapes,
English, Is. 3d. to 2s. id. per lb. ; do., Denia, green,
5s. to 7s. per barrel : do., black, lis. to 13s. per barrel ;
Strawberries, 4d. to lOeZ. per lb. ; Plums, French, 2d.
to id. do. ; do. Gages, 7d. to 9d. do. ; Currants, red, in
tubs for preserving, 16s. per cwt. ; Gooseberries, Scotch
and Irish Warringtons, 24s. to 28s. per cwt. ; Mush-
rooms, Is. to Is. ad. per lb. ; Tomatos, id. to Sd. do.
Onions, 3s. id. to 6s. per case ; Dutch Carrots, 6s. 6<J. to
6s. per hamper.

<-

128

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 15, 1903.

CORN.

Avebaoe Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr.),
for the week ending August s, 1903, and for the corre-
sponding period of I902r together with the difference
in the quotations. These figures are based on the
Official Weekly Return :—

Description.

1903.

1903.

Difference.

Wheat

Barley

Oats

«. d.
31 7

24 11

23 11

>. d.
29 3

20 1

18 8

». d.

— 2 4

— 4 10

— 4 3

*#* Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
literary department, and all plants to be named,
should be directed to the Editor. The two
departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

A Eemedt for American- blight on Apple and
other Trees : P. K. The small quantity sent
was tried on American-blight on a small
Apple-tree, the preparation being applied with
a camel-hair pencil, in order to make the most
of it. It seemed to spread over the cankered
surfaces and into the cracks in the bark very
readily, and the American-blight soon vanished
from the parts to which the preparation was
applied, leaving the surface of the worst-
affected parts clean, and seemingly benefited
by the application. The quantity available
being so small, only a patch of American-blight
here and there could be treated, and the greater
part remained at the mercy of the pest. Not-
withstanding that the parts in which the
American-blight was left untouched were close
to the parts from which they had been cleaned,
the portions treated have not shown a fresh
crop.

Begonias Crippled in Leap and Shoot :
Perplexed. Caused by an exceedingly minute
mite. Wash the plants with mild soap-suds in
which a little commercial tobacco water is
mixed.

Books : W. R. T. "We are not booksellers ; but
if the seven volumes are in good condition they
ought to be worth at least 7s. Gcf. a volume.

Black Hamburgh Grapes Eipening when of
the size of Peas : A. C. We are unable to
name the cause. Please send materials for
examination.

Cattleya Warscewiczii (gigas) Growing : 0. G.
As new growth has started you had better
suspend the plant, or place it on an inverted
flower-pot in a light situation in a warm house,
and afford water carefully until the growth is
completed. It is not unusual for this Cattleya
to start fresh growth after flowering.

Consumption Cure : if. B. It would be arrant
quackery and reckless cruelty on our part to
affirm or endorse anyone else's affirmation that
the leaves you speak of would cure consump-
tion. They might palliate certain symptoms,
or perhaps even aid in preventing the onset of
the disease, but to cure it by such means is to
attempt the impossible. M.D.

Cucumber : P. T>. We cannot quite make out
the position of the fruit from the photograph ;
accpting your explanation as correct, it is very
unusual.
Fungus : M. M., Croydon. Lycoperdon giganteuin.
Cut in slices and fried it is excellent and safe
eating, so long as it retains its snow-white
colour.

Gardeners' References : E. B. Tou cannot be
compelled to return them to the gardener under
the circumstances.

Grapes : Perplexed. The fruits sent are affected
with Spot-fungus (Glseosporium), frequently
mentioned in the Gardeners' Chronicle.

Grapes Mildewed : Crauford. The fruits are
suffering from mildew (Oidium), and doubtless
the foliage and shoots likewise. Stagnant air
in the vinery favours its development, and
where the disease has once appeared there
must be great care in damping and syringing.
Flowers -of -sulphur in some form is the only
remedy, the better way of applying it being to
dust it over the Vines, and in the course of a
few days to syringe it off the Vines.

Glasshouse Eoofs : T. W. B. Galvanised iron,
with or without putty, no laps to the panes,
but ir«?tead butted ends, cut true. Roofing bars
set 12 inches apart ; panes 3 feet long, weight of
glass 16 ozs. per foot. No paint is needed for
galvanised iron, but Carson's anti-corrosion or
ordinary paint may be used if the metallic
colour is not liked.

Kochia : T. H. H. It is the natural thing for
the plant to turn to a reddish colour ; indeed,
that is one reason why it is grown. Instead of
asking for a remedy you should be glad to
welcome the change.

Labour in Gardens, Grounds, Plant and
Forcing-Houses, and for Keeping Clean
1^ Mile of Carriage-Drives and 1J Mile
of Gravel-Walks : A. J. P. Twelve able-
bodied men and one boy. If many of the
workmen are aged, as is commonly the case,
fifteen to sixteen might be necessary. We
can, in answering questions such as this at a
distance, only give a rough guess.

Names of Fruits : J. Kerss. Nectarine, No. 1,
Pitmaston Orange if the glands are round and
flowers large ; No. 2, Fairchild's Peach Barring-
ton. All the fruits deficient in flavour.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
A. E. M. 1, Cephalotaxus Fortunei ; 2, Boc-
conia cordata ; 3, Olearia Haasti ; 4, Mi-
mulus glutinosus. — W. B. 1, Linaria striata;
2, Sidalcea malvaeflora ; 3, Campanula Ra-
punculus ; 4, Erigeron speciosus ; 5, Sedum
kamschaticum ; 6, Campanula rotundifolia
alba. — T. W. R. 1, Pyrus americana ; 2,
P. intermedia; 3, ditto. "Oak," Quercus mac-
rocarpa var. olivteformis probably. "Wild
plant," Ononis spinosa, Juniperus sphaerica. —
Young Gardener. 1, Matricaria inodora ; 2, Po-
tentilla Tormentilla; 3, Achillea Millefolium
4, Hypericum quadrangulatum ; 5, not found
0, Solidago virga aurea ; 7, Prunella vulgaris
8, Lathyrus pratensis ; 9, Galium uliginosum
10, Lotus corniculatus ; 11, Stachys silvatica
12, Scrophularia nodosa ; 13, Linaria vulgaris
14, Achillea Ptarmica ; 15, Bartsia Odontites
15a, Solanum dulcamara ; 16, Inula dysenterica
17, Hypericum pulchrum ; 18, Melampyrum
arvense. — T. Allium vineale (Crow Garlic). —
W. D. Hieracium aurantiacum. — W. C. B. The
loose flowers are those of Eucomis punctata ; 1,
Ccelogyne Massangeana ; 2, not recognised, send
again with particulars as to the nature of the
plant. — W. A. 1, Cypripedium ciliolare; 2,
Cypripedium Curtisii ; 3, Cypripedium exul. —
X. Y. Z. Spiraea Nobleana— T. IF. C. 1, As-
trantia major ; 2, Alonsoa incisifolia. Thanks
for postal order, it has been placed in our
collecting-box for the Gardeners' Orphan Fund.
— W. T. Hibiscus syriacus (Althaea frutex of
gardens). — W. R. M. Aira coespitosa. — L. G. P.
Gaura Lindheimeri. — W. T. The grass sent
is too coarse for the purpose you mention. —
Tunbridge. 1, Hypericum Androscemum; 2,
Olearia Haastii ; 3, Cimicifuga racemosa j 4,
Lythrum Saliearia ; 5, Veronica spicata ; 6,
Spiraea (send leaf). — W. E. A Lysimachia ;
looks like the common wild one, but specimen
is imperfect. — F. M. D. 1, Either Deodar or
Cedar of Lebanon — we cannot tell the difference
from the scrap sent ; 2, Saxifraga hypnoides,
probably no flowers ; 3, Lonicera brachypoda ;
4, Nymphiea alba, small variety. — S. K. B.
The leaf is that of Hymenocallis littoralis ; the

small plant, Richardia Pentlandi (yellow
Richardia). Both grow well in an inter-
mediate-house ; and the Richardia may be
planted out in summer, and lifted and potted
in autumn. — W. D. 1, Taxodium distichum -y
2, Gleditschia triacanthos ; 3, Rhus cotinus ;
4, Eurya latifolia ; 5, Gesneriad (next week) ;
6, Campanula Trachelium, double fl.

Pea-haulm Dying : A. J. P. The haulm is in-
fested with mildew, and the roots have become
rotten in consequence of a water-logged condi-
tion of the soil.

Peach : D. Field. We are unable to name the-
variety from the fruit only — which, by the way,,
was not nearly ripe. You should have sent
a shoot with leaves attached, and stated the-
size of the flowers.

Peaches Diseased: Crawford. The fruits have-
cracked and fungus has entered the stone,,
killing the kernel. The cracking may be due-
to too little moisture irr the soil at one time-
and too much at another. You should keep-
the soil in a uniform state as regards moisture.

Potato-tubers on the Haulm : C. T. Sr Co..
Not uncommon. Often the result of in j ury to-
the underground tuber by wireworm or spade-
thrust.

Shot-hole Fungus : W. Priest. The attacks of
this species, Cercospora circumscissa, are likely
to be renewed from year to year, being favoured
by the dispersion of the dropped-out portions-
of the leaf bearing conidia or spores. Use against
it the ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate
— the first time when the leaves are expanding,
and repeating at intervals. The Bordeaux-
mixture is too irritant for use on Peaches, &c.

Spotted Tomato-seeds : John Kitley. I put
about a dozen seeds in water for twelve hours,
to soften and remove the cuticle for examina-
tion. At the end of the time only one seed
showed any sign of a spot, and this was found
to consist of cells like the rest,- but of a brown
colour, as if stained. Twenty other seeds were
next put in water for twenty-four hours. At
the end, only three showed a small irregular-
brown spot — found to be discoloured tissue y
in all the rest the spots had vanished. Not a
trace of mycelium or spore or parasite of any
kind. M. C. C.

Unfruitful Strawberry Plants : A. B. L.
The unfruitfulness may have arisen from the
preponderance of female, and great or entire
lac;k of male (pollen-bearing) flowers. This-
state of things may be brought about by the
gardener selecting the runners always from,
the strongest (female) plants, which of course-
produce only female flowers, or males that are
poorly supplied with pollen. In this manner it-
is easy for certain varieties to degenerate and
become to a great extent barren. The genus
is naturally dicecious, i.e., unisexual, bearing
the male and female elements in different
individuals. Some varieties are more inclined
to degeneration than others.

Communications Received. — Prof. Hansen, Copen-
hagen-M. Gerome, Paris— Sir G. King— W. G. S.— .
J. H — E. G.— National Dahlia Society— W. G. S —
Dr. Henry— M. C. C— Hans WerdermuUer, Massa-
chusetts— W. Trelease, St. Louis— B. C. Tipper & Co.
— H. Kempshall— E. W. G— R. .1 A. and F. B. H., too-
late for acceptance.— P. D.-A. H.— W. R. T.— Pennicfc
& Co.— M. B.— Cannell & Sons.— J. T. H —J. E. T.,
Karotonga-G. W. F.— Sir D. M , Barbados — G. W.—
E. M.— W. Hutchinson— K. J. A— W. H. A.-A. D. R.—
H. W. W— J. J. W— W. R. P.— E. C. P.— E. C.-C. T. D.
— S. C.-l. D— W. E. M.-A. Bateman-A. Ballard—
J P.— T. R. & Sons-A. R.— T. A. R.- J. Allen— W. B. H.
— W. W.— E. R., Ghent— Sir Thomas Hanbury.

GARDENING APPOINTMENTS.

Mr W. Hopkins, late Head Gardener at Broadlees,
Reigate, as Head Gardener to F. Wellesley, Esq.,
Weaifield Common, Woking.

Mr. U. Kempshall, until recently Head Gardener at
Gravetye Manor, East Grinstead, and formerly
Head Gardener for six and a half years at Lamport
Hill. Northampton, as Head Gardener to the Earl
of Ilchester, Abbotsbury Castle, Dorsetshire.

Mr. G. DtMOTT, formerly Gardener at Heronfiela,
Potters Bar. as Gardener to G. D. Newton, fisq.,
Croxton Park. St. Neots.

Mr. H. Toll, until lately Head Gardener at Higham
Hall. Woodford Green, Essex, and formerly Head
Gardener to the Rev. Canon Coventry, Severn-
Stoke, Worcester, as Head Gardener and Bailitl ta
V. Mastineau, Esq., Hurst Lodge, near Twyford,
Berks.

August 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

129

THE

darters' djitankk

No. 869.— SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Bamboos flowering ... HO Rosary, the —

Cabbages flowering ... 140 China Roses, late

Calochortuspukhellus 133 Roses, &c 1.31

Carnations, sporting; Roses in Jamaica ... 135

of HO Roses that flower

Cogniaux, M 139 well in the autumn 135

Conifers at Dropmore, Rose, thornless ... 13 1

growth of HO Rose Zephyrine

Dell, Egham, Orchids Druot 134

at 131 Roses at Newtown-

Fruit crops, remarks ards 129

on the condition of . 136 Seaside gardening ... 135

Fruit crops in Jamaica, Schizocodon sol da n el -

destruction of ... 139 loides 132

Hollyhocks (see sup- Societies—

plement) 138 Bishop's Stortford

HomeCounties Nature- Horticultural ... 146

Study exhibition ... 139 Dutch Horticul-
Maoures for grass land 140 j tural and Botani-

Obituary— cal 139

Dr. Albert Weber ... 139 English Arboricul-

Orchids at The Dell. tural 139

Egham 131 Irish Gardeners ... 147

Orchid notes and .Manchester and

gleanings— North of England

Lrelio - Cattleya x Orchid 147

Noel 132 Royal Horticultural 141

Odontoglossum eris- Taunton Deane Hor-

pum in Mr. Tracy's ticul tural 143

nursery 132 Shropshire Horti-

Phyllocactus strictus. 132 cultural 144

Plants new or note- Specific names 139

worthy— Sultanieh Grape ... 140

Angrascum Roth- Week's work, the—

schildianum ... 131 Flower garden, the. 137

Crossosoma califor- Fruits under glass . 137

nicum 130 Hardy fruit garden. 137

Mesembryanthemum Kitchen garden, the 136

mirabile 131 Orchid-houses, the . 136

Poa annua. 140 Plants under glass . 137

Publications received 137 t Wisley garden, the 138, 139

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Angraeeum Rothschildianum 131

Calochortus pulehellus 133, 141

Crossosoma californicum 130

Hollyhocks (Supplementary Illustration).

HOSES AT NEWTOWN ARDS.

ON the evening of the National Rose
Society's magnificent exhibition in
Glasgow, which was held on July 15 last,
six members of that Society proceeded to
Greenock, and thence by steamer to Belfast,
under the guidance of one of the members
of the party. On the following morning a
I pilgrimage was made to Newtownards,
renowned throughout the world as the
birthplace of many of the best of our
modern Roses. On the arrival of the
pilgrims at the nurseries, they received a
most hearty welcome from Mr. George
Dickson and the members of his family.
After a short delay, in the hope that the
, rain, which had just set in, would cease,
1 a move was made to the Eose - grounds.
Here the party was joined by their chap-
lain, also a keen rosarian, and a member
of the National Eose Society.

Under the untiring directorship of the

brothers Dickson, the pilgrims plodded

slowly up and down the apparently endless

1 lines of new Eoses. I say " slowly," because

, every few steps some attractive variety

.claimed attention, and had consequently to

! be commented on and its distinctive quali-

< ties duly noted. For five hours altogether,

notwithstanding the steady downpour, they

pursued with unflagging interest their in-

vestigations. Had any of their non-rosarian
friends been present to watch the move-
ments of these dripping enthusiasts, I am
afraid they would not have formed a very
high opinion of their mental qualifications.
When I state that throughout the live hours
no row was visited jtwice, and that new Eoses
only were inspected, some idea may be
formed of the extent of the work undertaken
by Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons at their
nurseries in Eose-raising alone. Several
thousand new varieties must have been
inspected. Had the whole of the collec-
tion been in bloom, eight or ten hours
would have been necessary to give the
choicer kinds even moderately careful
examination.

On the part of our conductors there was
no attempt to hurry us through the exhi-
bition ; indeed, they appeared just as en-
thusiastic and- interested as ourselves, and
more particularly so when they' happened
to come across a variety which they had not
themselves previously seen in flower. Had
not the pilgrims at last cried, "Hold —
enough ! " they would have been carried
off, wet, tired, and muddy though they were,
to some distant field to inspect the]remainder
of the collection.

There are certain qualities about nearly
all the Newtownards seedlings which are
very striking — namely, the unusual sub-
stance and depth of the petals, and the
freedom of flowering of the varieties. No
doubt the moisture-holding soil, and the *
softening influence on the climate of the
sea-breezes, may have been to some extent
factors in emphasising these all-important
qualities in any new Rose ; for flimsy-
petalled Eoses are not suitable for this
climate, and must ultimately be superseded
by those which will better withstand the
humid and uncertain weather of our islands
The plants, too, seemed to appreciate the
favourable conditions in which they were
placed, for even on the unmanured plots
they presented a healthy appearance, and
had made' good growth. No greenfly was
anywhere visible, and not a spot of mildew —
two pests which this year liave worried so
many rosarians in the SouthernJandjMidland
counties of England.

With such a large number of beautiful
varieties, seen for the first time, it was
extremely difficult to pick out the real gems.
It was like a connoisseur tasting different
choice vintages of some particular wine, for
we became at last so bewildered that it
would have been impossible to decide off-
hand on which varieties our choice would
have fallen had we been'asked to>elcct the
best dozen sorts, or even the best twenty-
four, where the standard throughout was so
high.

The firm, after years of careful cross-
breeding and selection, have now obtained
a distinct strain of pedigree Eoses of their
own, which they are crossing with well-
known types of existing varieties with the
most promising results. The strain con-
sists principally of hybrid Teas, with here
and there pure Teas, bearing larger flowers
and of more vigorous growth than is usually
met with in that section.

One member of our party, a professional
grower and himself the raiser of many
choice Eoses, who had not visited the New-
townards nurseries for several years, ex-
pressed himself as much impressed with the

clear advance in general quality of the seed-
lings that had taken place even during that
period.

Coming now from generalities to particu-
lars, and taking in the first instance the
creamy, lemon, and blush - whites, there
were several which may be best described
as improved Kaiserin Augusta Victoria,
like the beautiful lemon-white Mrs. David
McKee, which received the Gold Medal of
the National Eose Society at the Glasgow
exhibition the day before— varieties of stiff
upright habit, with conical flowers with high
centres.

Other fine sorts are Duchess of West-
minster (salmon - white), and Countess
Annesley (rosy-cream). The pink and pale
rose-coloured varieties, as is usual with
seedling Eoses, are more numerous than
any others. Of these may be mentioned
Lady Ina Bingham, easily distinguished by
its bold foliage. This is a semi-double
garden variety with grand guard petals of a
pure rose-pink colour, like Camoens. Dr.
Campbell Hall, named after the amateur
Eose champion of Ireland, is a fine silvery-
pink variety with a deeper centre, and is,
we understand, to be distributed next year.
The largest blooms that came under our
notice were about the size of Her Majesty,
with the character of Caroline Testout. The
large deep pink flowers and bold habit of
this Eose at once commanded attention.
Lady Ashtown is also a distinct and fine
deep pink variety.

In turning to the yellows we could not
but feel how much these are still wanted
among exhibition Eoses, and how greatly
any stand is lighted up as it were
and improved by their insertion. There
were several lemon-yellow varieties which
delayed the footsteps of the pilgrims for
some time. One was like Medea at its best —
in fact, an improved and more certain
Medea, and with more upright growth.
Then another gem was after the style of
Madame Hoste, but stronger and finer than
that variety. The colour is unique, shading
as it does from lemon-yellow to deep bright-
yellow halfway down the petals. Shortly
afterwards we came across a lovely button-
hole Eose, pure self-coloured orange, like
William Allen Richardson ; and another
orange, tinged red, like Lady Penzance.
There are also varieties of other shades of
yellow, ranging from creamy-yellow to rich
orange. Some of these varieties, should the
raisers decide on sending them out, will, I
feel sure, be warmly welcomed as decided
acquisitions by all classes of Rose-growers.

Among other seedlings of various colours
which arrested our attention may be men-
tioned in fortuitous order the following : —
Dean Hole, a fine hybrid Tea, with the
colour of Maman Cochet, and like that
variety it has an excellent habit of growth.
Then early in the day we spent several
minutes examining a new Tea Eose, which
may be best described as a strong-growing
Souvenir d'Elise Vardon. Mention must
also be made of another Tea with flowers
after the style of Cleopatra, but of upright
bushy growth. One of the most distinct
Roses that came under our notice was some-
what after the character of Mrs. W. J.
Grant, but fuller, and in colour like Marquise
Litta. Here and there were one or two
promising crimsons, and among them thai
very attractive variety, C. . I. Gialiainc ; but

130

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 22, 1903.

unfortunately at the time of our visit few of
the dark Roses were as yet in flower.

What is likely to prove one of the most
generally popular varieties of the whole series
is a Rose which would form an admirable
companion to Killarney, being of the same
type of flower and habit, but in colour a pale
rosy-copper. The christening of this variety
by the pilgrims, with our genial chaplain as
chairman, formed one of the most pictur-
esque incidents of our visit. After many
names had been discussed it was sug-
gested, with the approval of the raisers,

at Manchester will ever forget it. Indeed,
I need scarcely say that on that occasion
the Gold Medal of the National Rose Society
was without a moment's hesitation unani-
mously awarded it. For who could have
any doubt of its merit after seeing such
a display of perfect Caroline Testout-like
flowers ? It reminded me of the long line
of boxes of Her Majesty shown for the
National Rose Society's Gold Medal by the
late Mr. Bennett at South Kensington
in 1883.
Now that Roses are being so largely used

Fig. 50.— crossosoma californicum, ca£ifornian shrub, from the
garden of w. e. gumbleton, esq.

Tie isolated flower shows the funnel-shaped calyx tube, the spoon-shaped
sepals, &c. Flowers white, produced for the first time in Europe.

to name it " Betty," after a charming little
grand-daughter of our host. Ultimately the
name was changed to "Lady Betty." The
pilgrims were also permitted to name a Rose
after Lady Helen Vincent, who so graciously
performed the opening ceremony at the
National Rose Society's exhibition at Exeter
last year. In accordance with her Ladyship's
request a variety was selected somewhat
after the colour of Mrs. Edward Mawley.

In one part of the nursery were noticed
fine rows of Bessie Brown and Mildred
Grant, also of Edith D'Ombrain (a pink
variety of dwarf but very sturdy growth) and
of Florence Pemberton. Few who saw the
huge bowl of Florence Pemberton submitted
to the judges of new seedling Roses last year

for garden decoration, the greatest want
in the Rose -world is a race of hardy,
perpetual-flowering, climbing, or rambling
Roses. This vi ant I was pleased to see the
firm at Newtownards were endeavouring to
meet. To raise any number of varieties
combining the necessary vigour, hardiness,
and freedom of flowering, must necessarily
be a work of time ; but the brothers Dickson
have overcome so many difficulties in the
past that there can be no room for doubt
but that they will ultimately succeed in
giving us at no distant date the type of
climbing Rose required.

The warm reception accorded to us by the
Dickson family on the occasion of our
delightful visit we pilgrims one and all

gratefully'acknowledge, and only hope that
our chaplain will not forget, when compiling
his next list of Irish characteristics, to give
a prominent place in it to " Irish hospi-
tality," of which we experienced at New-
townards so striking an example.

As an indication of the sterling novelties
that rosacians may expect from the nurseries
at Newtownards in the future, and of the
leading position Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons
have already obtained, I append the follow-
ing particulars of varieties sent out from
those nurseries which are now in general
cultivation.

On reference to the National Rose So-
ciety's Official Catalogue of Exhibition and
Garden Roses, I find that out of the thirty-
three exhibition varieties included in it
which are ten or fewer years old, that as
many as eighteen, or more than half that
number, were raised at Newtownards.
Then in my analysis of the exhibition Roses
most frequently staged in the prize stands
at the last eight metropolitan exhibitions
of the National Rose Society, and which
appeared in the Journal of Horticulture in
October last, Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons will
be seen to be again to the fore. In the
table of Hybrid Perpetuals and Hybrid
Teas, Bessie Brown heads the list ; and Mrs.
W. J. Grant and Mrs. R. G. Sharman Craw-
ford occupy the fifth and sixth positions ;
while Mrs. Edward Mawley stands No. 5
in the table of Teas and Noisettes.

Enough has, I think, been said to give at
least some idea of the surprising extent and
beauty of the new Roses that are being
raised at the Royal Nurseries at New-
townards. I can only say on behalf of those
of our party who had not visited these
nurseries before, that we felt, like the Queen
of Sheba after visiting King Solomon, that
the half had not been told us. Edward Mawley.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CEOSSOSOMA CALIFORNICUM.*
To Mr. Gumbleton must be attributed the
credit of being the first to flower this interesting
shrub in Europe. Both in the leaves and the
flower before us there is a superficial resem-
blance to Carpenteria. The glabrous leaves are
lanceolate, entire, about 2\ inches long by ^ inch
broad, tapering to a very short stalk. The flowers
are solitary, on long, slender stalks, about inch,
in diameter, with five spoon-shaped reflexed
sepals, and as many rounded, white, shortly-
stalked petals. Stamens numerous, perigynous,
yellow, carpels five or six, free, distinct. Probably
the flowers will eventually be larger than the one
now sent by courtesy of Mr. Gumbleton.

This is one of several curious plants or varieties
confined so far as known to the islets off the-
California^ coast, and probably on the high-road
to extinction, if not preserved in the gardens of
the curious. It is placed among the Ranuncu-
laceEe, but the perigynous stamens attached to»
the edge of the short flower-tube, suggest Saxi-
frages rather than Ranunculus. Engler makes it
the type of a new natural order near Rosacea
(Naturl. Pflanzen famiil. Nachtrage, p. 185, 1900).
M. T. M.

* Crossosoma californicum, Nuttall ex Brewer & Wat-
son, In Botany of California, vol. i., ed. 2, p. 13 (1880>
(ed. 1, 1876).— "A stout diffuse shrub 4 feet higp, with
whitish wood, and grey bitter bark : leires oblong, 1 to
3 inches long, attenuate [tapering! to a very short
petiole; flowers large, on long stout peduncles; petals,
orbicular, 6—9 lines long; carpels oblone, 8—12 lines
long, 20—25 seeded ; seeds over a line in diameter, with
a shining crustaceous testa, covered with the brown
fringe of the arillus." Catalini island, Guadeloupe
island.

AUGUST 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

131

Angr-ecum Kothschildianum, n. sp.
(see fig. 51).

A fine plant from the little-known country of
Uganda, in the direction of the Victoria Nyanza.
It flowered with the Hon. Walter Rothschild,
and was awarded a Botanical Certificate at
the Royal Horticultural Society held on August
4 last. The species belongs to a section never
introduced into gardens, and the only other
representative of which is Angraecum Galeandrae,
Rchb. f. in Flora, 1865, p. 189, and which is
enumerated in Flora of Tropical Africa, 7, p. 136.

A. Galeandrte was recorded from Lower
Guinea and Angola (Welwitsch), and there is
good material of it in the Kew Herbarium. Its
leaves are narrowly cuneate and unequally bi-
lobed, and the plant is very different from A.
Rothschildianum. The flowers are allied. There
is no record of colour in A. Galeandra?, although
it is a very striking feature in A. Rothschildianum,
and could not fail to be remarked on in any
similar species if it existed.

A. Rothschildianum. — Habit of growth similar to
that of A. bilobum ; stem 3 to 6 inches high, leaves
ovate, unequally bilobed, rarely cleft at the apex,
the longer lobe being simply continued beyond the
shorter one, very dark-green, 4 to 8 inches long,
3 inches broad ; scape deflexed or pendulous (as
much as 1 foot long, and bearing twelve flowers
on the old imported spikes), four-flowered on
the plant described. Bracts small, triangular,
and closely clipping the stem. Pedicels J-inch
long. Flowers closely and alternately arranged,
very fragrant, white with a pale greon band up
the middle of the sepals and petals ; a rich
emerald - green disc and blackish - purple base
to the lip. Sepals lanceolate, apiculate, 1-irich
long petals slightly broader and shorter.
Lip and spur If inch long, the broad wavy
■edged ovate front, pure white on the margin,
rich emerald green in the centre, and blackish-
purple in the funnel of the spur, the tip of which
3-inch in length is enlarged, laterally compressed,
and recurved abruptly j spur brownish at the
point, green on the broader middle portion. This
•charming plant is one of the discoveries of
Major H. B. Rattray, of the King's African Rifles,
when on one of his expeditions into new country,
The delays of transit and the heat of the Red Sea, ■
however, nearly destroyed these and other fine
species sent at various times. James O'Brien.

Mesembryanthemum mirabile,
N. E. Brown (n. sp.).

This is a pretty dwarf tufted species, with
white flowers, belonging to the group with a tuft
of bristles at the tips of their leaves. It was sent
to Kew (where it flowered this June) from the
Cape Town Botanic Gardens, but its precise
habitat is unknown to me. The leaf surface,
as seen under a lens, is extraordinary, and pro-
duces a feeling of surprise when first seen, the
glittering papilla; which cover it being quite un-
like those of any other species I have seen ; their
beauty must be seen to be understood, for they
cannot be adequately described. As introduced,
the plant is about 1 inch high, densely tufted,
with densely - crowded leaves 2 — 6 lines long,
1J — 1J line thick. Under cultivation it has
become 2—3 inches high, with stems 1 — 2\ inches
long, 1^ — 2 lines thick, having internodes J — f
inch long, hispid with white hairs, which are
spurred at the base. Leaves opposite, shortly
connate at the base, often with small tufts of
leaves in their axils, spreading, 6—13 lines long,
2—3 lines broad, If— 2\ lines thick, sub-cylindric,
flattened on the upper side, bright green, densely
covered with somewhat glittering papillaj, which
are subrhomboid, with a short acute point at each
■end, one point directed to the apex, the other
to. the base of the leaf, whose obtuse apex is
tipped with a tuft of 12—14 (8—12 in the in-
troduced plant), dark-brown rigid bristles, i — 1

line long, the outer of which are acutely spurred
at the base. Flowers quite sessile between the
terminal pair of leaves. Calyx 6-lobed; tube
2 lines long, S\ lines in diameter, very broadly
obconic, shortly hispid with ascending spurred
hairs ; lobes unequal, erect ; two about 7 lines
long, the other four about 5 lines long, all re-
sembling the leaves, slightly gibbous at the base,
tipped with a tuft of brown bristles, the four
shorter lobes having membranous margins.
Corolla pure white ; petals 10 lines long, 1J line
broad, 2 — 3 - seriate, rather lax, oblanceolate-
linear, obtusely pointed, entire. Staminodes
3J — i lines long, filiform-subulate, very acute,
erect, slightly spreading at the tips, about H line
longer than the collected stamens, which they
closely invest ; staminal filaments white, with a
tuft of hairs at their base ; anthers yellow. N. E.
Brown.

obtained for worse blotched Odontoglossums than
" apiatum."

The Odontoglossum-houses have their occu-
pants in splendid condition. Among the priceless
blotched forms of O. crispum noted were O. c.
Baroness Schroder and O. c. Ballantinei, two of
the most beautiful ; 0. c. Sanderianum, O. c.
Princess Christian, 0. c. Rex, 0. c. Nobilior,
O. c. Starlight, 0. c. xanthotes, and 0. c. grande
maculatum, all superb things which have received
First-class Certificates, 0. Pescatorei and Veitchii
and some of the others having been in the collec-
tion over twenty years, Most of them have been
illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle.

In the main Odontoglossum-house a few are
still in bloom, including the singular-looking On-
cidium insculptum. Planted beneath the staging,
with other foliage plants, are numbers of Sanders'
Begonia Rex varieties, and which have produced

H\fsPCHf*J=J«

i'- -,'i

Fig. 51.— angr.ecum rothschildianum.

ORCHIDS AT THE DELL, EGHAM.

Like the sincere lover of plants that he is,
Baron Sir H. Schroder still retains the keen
interest in his famous collection of Orchids for
which his garden is noted, and his interest in his
plants individually is most pleasantly displayed
when, for the information of the visitor, he points
out some of the rarer specimens and relates in-
teresting points in their history, or of peculiari-
ties under cultivation. Thus we were introduced
to the famous purple - blotched Odontoglossum
Pescatorei Schroderiana and O. Pescatorei
Veitchiana, both still far ahead of any of the
numerous recent introductions, and both have
been propagated, though very slowly, and do not
now rely solely on the originals. Next came the
extraordinary O. crispum apiatum, for which the
Baron paid something less than j£200 at Messrs.
Protheroe & Morris' sale-rooms, and which was
supposed to have been the record price. So wild
was the purchase supposed to have been that the
Baron excused his rashness on the plea that
the plant had much taken his fancy. Since that
thousands of pounds aio asked and, it is (aid,

enormous leaves of the most beautiful and varied
colours.

In the little warm-house adjoining, the Pitcher-
plants suspended over the tank are in great
beauty ; the Anthuriums, Vanda teres, Macodes
petola, and other occupants, also good.

The large Cattleya and Ltelia house until
recently had a fine display of large-flowered
Cattleyas. At present the C. Gaskelliana form
the chief in flower, a few hybrids being also in
bloom, as well as the pretty, rare, and botanically
interesting Cattleya Schroderiana, of which the
one in flower now is of the original stock. The
new Cattleya x Shakespeare (Kex x granulosa
Dubuyssoniana) is a great beauty, the specimen
having three spikes with thirteen flowers, the
sepals and petals of which are cream-white, the
front of the labellum purple. Lrelio-Cattleya x
bletchleyensis Illuminator is a grandly coloured
hybrid ; L.-C. x Queen Alexandra, and La'lia x
purpurato - Digbyana Edward VII., two fine
things with which our readers will be conversant,
as they formed the supplementary coloured illus-
trations of our issue of June 21, 1908 ; L.-C. x

132

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 22, 1903.

Bella, one of the earlier hybrids and still one of
the best, and some others are also in bloom.

In the smaller cool-houses some of the Odonto-
glossums are in bloom. Also Nanodes Medusa?,
Ornithidium coccineum, Cochlioda vulcanica, C.
Noezliana, and a few brightly-coloured Masde-
vallias.

A warmer house has one side filled with Mil-
tonia vexillaria, M. v. superba and others being
in flower, as well as the rare and little-known,
fragrant Miltonia Sehroderiana, and a number of
Oncidiums. Beyond is a house of Cymbidiums,
in which also are several strong plants of the fine
white Mormodes luxatum eburneum, and some
other rare species.

A smaller Cattleya-house contains some of the
finest forms of Cattleyas, including C. Triana?i
Sehroderiana, C. T. Russeliana, C. T. Osmani.and
other of the old favourites which have never yet
been deposed. Also a collection of Sophronitis
crosses, including the fine Sophro - Cattleya •
Queen-Empress, S.-C. x Calypso, and S.-C. x
Batemaniana, the last-named being the plant
which received a First-class Certificate in 1887.

The large warm-house, in the centre of which
specimens of Anthuriums, Alocasias, &c, are
arranged, has the warm-house Cypripediums on
the side stages, and rare Bendrobiums, &c, sus-
pended from the roof. Among the former in
flower are three noble specimens of Cypripedium
x Lord Berby, C. x Massaianum, and some other
showy hybrids. Others remarkable for their
vigour and beauty of foliage were C. Stonei
platytamium, C. x Antigone, C. x Jas. H.
Veitch, and C. x Baron Schroder. Dendrobium
x Rhodostoma, as usual, bears its white and
claret flowers ; B. superbum Bearei. B. s. Burkei,
and B. s. Huttoni, the albinos of the species
commonly known in gardens as B. macrophyllum,
are in fine health; the fine forms of Cattleya
Lawrenceana, including C. L. Hyeana, C. L.
Vinckei, and C. L. concolor, all thriving; and
among the most interesting subjects the original
plant, now divided into two, of that singular
cross between C. citrina and C. intermedia,
known as C. v. Lamberhurst hybrid, and which
obtained a First-class Certificate in 1888. Like
many other wide crosses it is stubborn at times,
but Mr. Ballantine, the gardener at The Bell,
and his able assistant, Mr. Clarke, have hitherto
been able to tide it over the periodical fits of
waywardness, as they have done with many other
refractories. In this warm-house the suspended
baskets of the pale-blue Utricularia Endresi, and
the white and yellow IT. montana give a pro-
fusion of flowers which arrange well with the
Orchids.

The Phalsenopsis, which in time past have
given much trouble at The Bell, seem to have at
last settled down comfortably, and have made
promising growths. The Vandas and Aerides
houses have their occupants in satisfactory con-
dition, among the good specimens of the former
being V. insignis Sehroderiana, the unique
albino ; and V. Bearei, also confined to The Bell
collection ; and among the latter the pure white
Aerides Fieldingii album (A. Williamsii).

The deciduous Bendrobiums and hybrids are
suspended from the roof of a large span-roofed
warm-house, the central bed of which is filled
with beautiful-leafed Caladiums. Round the
sides are the Calanthes, the noble hybrid C. x
Baron Schroder, raised at The Bell, being by far
the finest, and also a remarkably strong grower.

One house, in which the small decorative plants
of Codia;ums and other ". table plants " are excel-
lently well grown, has a fine batch of Bendro-
bium formosum giganteum suspended in it.
Another house has a fine collection of Gladioli, a
bright dark-blue one being very effective. A
cold-house has a fine display of Lilies and Cras-
sulas, and throughout all the numerous ot ers, in

which are fruits and flowers, the utmost neatness
and order prevail.

Out-of- DOORS.
In a long range of frames the large number of
scarlet Nerine Fothergilli major are showing
flower, and in the beds and borders Gladioli,
Phloxes, and other showy perennials and herba-
ceous and Alpine plants make a fine and varied
display. The many fine trees and Conifers with
which the grounds are so skilfully planted seem
to be all the better for the wet and rather cool
summer, about which so many gardeners complain.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

L^LIO - CATTLEYA x NOEL (L. - C. x
SCHILLERIANA STELZNERIANA x C.
GRANULOSA SCHOFIELBIANA).
This pretty hybrid, raised by Mr. Thos. Staf-
ford, gr. to Fred Hardy Esq., Tyntesfield, Ashton-
on-Mersey, is now flowering in the gardens there,
and, as is the case with most of the C. granulosa
crosses, the features of the plant and flowers par-
take most nearly of that species, the labellum,
with its deeply-cleft, elongated side lobes and
roundish, fringed-edged front lobe extended on a
narrow isthmus, being especially suggestive of C.
granulosa. The flower is nearly 6 inches across.
Sepals and petals creamy-white, with an obscure
tracery of lilac. Lip bright violet-purple, the
base showing the white-ground colour between
the veining, and the front lobe a narrow lavender-
coloured margin.

Odontoglossum crispum at Twickenham.

This season the quantities of Odontoglossum
crispum imported seem to indicate that it may
be a rival of Lilium auratum, astonishing quan-
tities of which are imported and sold every year.
In Mr. H. A. Tracy's nursery, Amyand Park
Road, Twickenham, a goodly number of estab-
lished plants of O. crispum are in flower, most of
them consisting of the good round-flowered type,
and some few of the favourite spotted class. A
large consignment of fresh imported O. crispum
from the Pacho district has also recently arrived.

In the Orchid houses both hybrids and species
are well represented, in bloom being five very
fine forms of Lffilio-Cattleya x elegans, a very
handsome L.-C. x Atalanta, good L.-C. x Scb.il-
leriana, &c. Among the Cattleyas in flower is
a good selection of C. Gaskelliana and a few C.
Triansi of a fine type flowering out of season from
a fresh importation. Cypripedium x Thyades
(superbiens x Chamberlainianum) and many
other hybrid Cypripediums are also in bloom.

ALPINE GARDEN.

SCHIZOCOBON SOLBANELLOIBES.
This pleasing Alpine Japanese plant has been
imported in numbers quite disproportionate to
the measure of success — or rather failure — which
has attended its cultivation in this country. It
does not appear to travel well, and many of the
imported plants soon succumb after arrival, even
if they look promising when first planted. This
is unfortunate, as there is a charm about this
plant, with its deep, almost chocolate-coloured
leaves, which assume different hues, however,
at various seasons. This charm is heightened
when the delicate, small, fringed pink flowers
rise above its foliage in spring. The whole
plant is very dwarf, and it is thus one of the
plants which delight even the most fastidious
lover of Alpine flowers, and deserves every
effort to induce it to flourish. One ought not,
therefore, to feel disheartened or discouraged
if the first, second, or even third attempt to grow
it results in failure. My own first plant, care-

fully tended as it was, had lingered long ere it
succumbed, and it was not until I had seen it
established and happy-looking in the garden of the
late Mr. George F. Wilson at Oakwood that one
realised its beauty and the best kinds of con-
ditions for its cultivation. At Oakwood it was
partially, almost entirely indeed, shaded by
shrubs and grew in a peaty soil.

Every garden has not the conditions that
were afforded at Oakwood; but after some' ex-
periments success was attained here in a simple
way. A spot was chosen on an upper terrace of a
rockery, where it is shaded and sheltered from
the west and north-west by a bush of Berberis
buxif olia nana, in such a way that, with the shade
of other shrubs and plants at the top of the
rockery, the Schizocodon receives practically only
a little sun in the morning. The exact exposure
may be said to be north-east, but it is sheltered
by other rockeries from cutting winds. For the
purpose of suiting its requirements a compost
was made up consisting of about equal parts of
gritty sea-sand, which had been well washed by
rains, and a material I use instead of turfy-
peat, which is washed up occasionally by the
sea and which apparently consists of the fibrous-
matter from peat-bogs, decayed leaves, and small
pieces of sea-weed, all reduced to small particles.
This makes a good material for use in many
ways in the garden, as it practically serves for
peat, and can be used in a similar way to Cocoa-
fibre for most of the purposes to which that
useful substance is applied. The sand and this
were mixed together, the plant turned out of its
pot, the whole made as firm as the material would
allow, and a generous application of water com-
pleted the process. For a few days .a flower-pot
was placed over the plant, and only removed in
rainy weather, until the plant seemed reconciled
to its new quarters, when the pot was removed.
Since then all that it has received have been occa-
sional top-dressings with the same material and
frequent liberal supplies of water during the
summer, so that the soil never becomes dry.
Thus treated it has grown well and has flowered
for three or four seasons. These details may
seem rather prolix, but the Schizocodon is one of
the plants which requires and deserves the best
care of the cultivator. Further experiments
have convinced me that those who have not such
material as I have can grow it successfully in
turfy peat broken small, decayed leaf-soil, and
sand, in about equal proportions, while the addi-
tion of a little cocoa-fibre will be found useful,
though not absolutely necessary. S. Arnott,
Carsethorn-by-Dumfries, N.B.

PHYLLOCACTUS STRICTUS, Leu.

This species is certainly not very pretty, but it
is a rather rare plant, and as one of the night-
flowering Cacti, well deserves the attention of aU
lovers of Succulents. Two years ago I brought a
little piece of it from a garden in the South of
France, where the plant was cultivated without
a name, and had never flowered. It is remark-
able for the horny borders along the linear-lanceo-
late and crenate branches, which are only found
in a few Phyllocacti. This year I had the pleasure
to see its flower. The bud was extremely slender
and of a very curious aspect. It continued to-
grow to a length of 9 inches, not being thicker
than about 2 — 3 lines in the centre ; the sepals
were short and not numerous. The flower only
opened late at night, and had faded by the next
morning. The sepals were recurved, brownish-
white, and the petals pure white. The whole
flower had a diameter of little more than 3 inches.
The style is longer than the radiating stamina,
rose-coloured above, with 10 — 12 yellowish-white
stigmata. Phyllocactus strictus is said by
Lemaire, the author of the species, to be a native
of Cuba. Alu'yn Berger, La Mortola.

>-- August 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

133

CALOCHORTUS PULCHELLUS,

Douglas.

"We are glad to have the opportunity, thanks
to the courtesy of Messrs. Wallace, of illustrating
a plant which was exhibited by them at a recent
meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society (see
fig. 52). In the opinion of Mr. Carl Purdy,
whose experience entitles him to the greatest
consideration, the plant known in gardens as
C. pulchellus, and figured under that name in the
Botanical Magazine, t. 6527, and in the Botanical
Register, 1662, has no right to that appellation,
but should be called C. amabilis, Purdy. The
true C. pulchellus, according to Purdy, as here
figured, is of more robust habit, with larger
flowers and a different shade of yellow.

In the first number of Flora and Silva, p. 24,
Mr. Carl Purdy says of this species : " The true
pulchellus was one of the first discovered, as it
was collected by Douglas, sent to England, and
■described and figured in 1835. Later it was lost
sight of, and its very name appropriated by
C. amabilis. It has been reintroduced during
the last few years as C. pulchellus, Douglas, from
Mount Diablo, California. The flowers are the
largest of any of the Globe Tulips, and finely
globular. The petals are exquisitely fringed
with short, stiff hairs."

Mr. Purdy has overlooked the figure of Cyclo-
bothra pulchella given in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
June 16, 1883, p. 765, fig. 127, from a drawing by
Mr. Worthington Smith. This affords an illus-
tration of the inconvenience that arises from the
multiplication of synonyms. Not finding the
plant mentioned in our columns under the head
of Calochortus, we not unnaturally thought that
Messrs. Wallace's plant had not been figured;
but a comparison of the figure published in 1883
with that now issued will show that they repre-
sent the same species. We may add that Mr.
Worthington Smith, at p. 768 of the volume for
1883, gives an interesting account of the way in
which large insects are precluded from entering
the pouches on the petals, whilst the smaller ones
enter and cannot escape.

" C. amabilis," continues Mr. Purdy, "was until
this year known as C. pulchellus. It differs in
having much smaller flowers of quite another
shape, and a much deeper yellow." Probably by
inadvertence, and in spite of his expressed opinion
to the contrary, Mr. Purdy, in his monograph in
the Proceedings of the California Academy, includes
the names of Bentham's plant and of that figured
fey Lindley as synonymous with his Calochortus
pulchellus, when, properly speaking, those names
should have been transferred to his Calochortus
amabilis.

Mr. Purdy does not give the reference to the
original description by Mr. Bentham, which we
now supply : Cyclobothra pulchella, Bentham, in
Trans. Hort. Soc. London, n.s., vol. i., p. 412, t. 14,
I. 1. Bentham, it will be there seen, quoted
Douglas's MSS. name of Calochortus pulchellus,
but preferred to class the plant under Cyclo-
bothra. Nowadays, the two genera are con-
sidered to " slide into " one another, and our
present plant is accordingly placed under Calo-
chortus.

But these permutations of nomenclature, tire-
some as they are, are not the only difficulties
to be contended with ; there are other per-
plexities to be unravelled. In order to clear
them up so far as we could, we compared
Douglas's original specimens in the Kew her-
barium with Messrs. Wallace's plant and with
■ the three coloured plates above referred to. Now
surely, we thought, we shall be going back to first
principles and be able to settle the matter at
once. But we had not gone far in our task
before we found it necessary to formulate an
opinion as to what were first principles ! We do
not know whether Mr. Purdy has ever seen

Douglas's specimens. If he has, or if anyone else
for that matter has done so, the opinion arrived
at may, it is possible, be different from our own.
This difference arises from the doubt that may
be entertained as to whether we should take
Douglas's actual specimens as the starting-point,

or whether, as Douglas himself never published
a description of his plant, the manuscript name
he applied provisionally should be accepted or
treated as a nomen nudum, as botanists say.
That matter could easily be settled as we thought;
we had but to take into consideration the figures

Fig. 52.— calochortus pulchellus.

134

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 22, 1903.

and descriptions published first by Bentham,
then by Dr. (afterwards Sir William) Hooker,
and then by Lindley. Well, let us see how that
works out.

In the first place, there are Douglas's specimens
in the Kew herbarium — unsatisfactory ones, it
must be added. We do not know the date or
the exact locality where these were collected.
In any case they belong, in our opinion, to the
large-flowered form, such as that lately shown
by Messrs. Wallace, and figured by us in the
Gardeners' Chronicle, 1883, fig. 127, p. 7G8.

Secondly, we have the coloured figure and
description given by Bentham of Cyclobothra
pulchella in the Transactions of the Horticultural
Society, published in 1835, with the information
that it represents " Calochortus pulchellus, Dou-
glas MSS." On comparing this figure with
Douglas's specimens it is at once seen that the
figure does not represent the same species as the
actual specimens. The illustration represents
more nearly the smaller-flowered species which till
lately we have been accustomed to call pulchellus,
and which is now referred to C. amabilis, Purdy.

The same remark applies to the plates subse-
quently published by Hooker and by Lindley.

How are we to reconcile the discrepancy ? As
a means of doing so we suggest that Douglas's
herbarium specimens may antedate by some years
the plants raised at Chiswick. Bentham, in his
paper in the Transactions of the Horticultural
Society, read on January 21, 1834, expressly says :
" Report on some of the more remarkable hardy
ornamental plants raised in the Horticultural
Society's garden from seeds received from Mr.
David Douglas in the years 1831, 1832, and 1833.

Bentham's description and figure therefore
were taken from a cultivated plant, and so were
those of Hooker and Lindley. That being so,
then either the seeds must have been grown
under a wrong name, or the plant is very
variable.

The latter alternative is, of course, quite
possible ; but having seen the two cultivated
plants in a living state, as well as dried and
figured, we can but come to the conclusion, as a
matter of opinion, that the two plants do actually
represent two distinct species. As Purdy is the
latest monographer of the genus and well ac-
quainted with the species both in a wild and in a
cultivated state, we of course accept his decision
on that point. Then arises the nomenclature
difficulty before referred to. We propose to meet
that by following the Kew usage, and adopting
the name given by him who has put the plant in
the right genus.

Worked out on this basis, the nomenclature
and synonymy come out as follows : —

Calochortus pulchellus, Douglas MSS.
and in the Kew herbarium. Wood, Pro-
ceedings Philadelphia Academy (1868), p. 168
excl. syn. ; Baker, Journal Linnean Society
(1875), p. 303, excl. syn.; Watson, in
Botany of California, ii. (1880), p. 172 ;
Jepson, Flora of Western Middle California
(1901), p. 113; Purdy, in Proceedings Cali-
fornia Academy of Science (1901), p. 118;
Garden and in Flora and Silva, i. (1903),
excl. syn.

Synonym. — Cyclobothra pulchella, Gar-
deners' Chronicle, 1883, p. 768, fig. 127.

Calochortus amabilis, Purdy, in Pro-
ceedings of California, Academy of Science
(1901), p. 118.

Synonyms. — Cyclobothra pulchella, Ben-
tham, supra cit. ; Hook in Botanical Maga-
zine, 6527 ; Lindley, Botanical Register, 1662.

Calochortus pulchellus, var. amabilis, Jepson,
Flora of Western Middle California (1901)
p. 113.

? Calochortus pulchellus, var. B. paroiflorus,
Garten Flora.

All this detail will be as irksome to the reader
as it was troublesome to us to unravel. It is of
more consequence to the grower to know that the
larger form (C. pulchellus) is better worth culti-
vating than the smaller one now called amabilis,
although the connoisseur will not willingly be
without the two. In addition to differences in
size, habit, number, and colour of flowers, the
form of the sepals is usually different, being
much more gradually tapering in the true pul-
chella than in amabilis. The presence or absence
of fine threads or hairs on the inner surface of
the petals, which has been relied on as a distin-
guishing character, we find to be untrustworthy.
Hairs are found sometimes, whilst at others they
are absent from flowers of the same species.
M. T. M.

THE ROSARY.

ROSE ZEPHYRINE DRUOT.

A contribution to the history of this Rose is
given in our last issue, p. 122, as a supplement to
what had been previously recorded. We have
still, however, to learn the original source of the
Rose, and still to know how to spell its name, for
each of our correspondents spells it differently,
and we can find no authoritative standard to
which to refer it.

It is to the late Mr. Selfe Leonard, as it ap-
pears, that we are indebted for the introduction
of this very desirable Rose. It is not an exhi-
bition Rose, but as a garden or a pillar Rose it
has many excellent qualities. It is thornless,
it flowers throughout the summer, it is a free
bloomer, of a rich rose colour, and deliciously
fragrant. The young wood is green and shining,
devoid of prickles or hairs. The stipules are
adnate for three-fourths of their length, the free
portions are linear - lanceolate, with stalked,
glandular hairs. The racbis or midrib is slender,
deep red, with a very few small scattered
prickles, intermixed with a small number of
glandular hairs. The leaflets are in one
or two pairs, with a solitary terminal leaflet
larger than the rest ; all are glabrous on both
surfaces, oblong - lanceolate, rounded at the
base, serrated, deep green above, paler beneath .
The buds are conical, receptacle top-shaped,
glabrous ; sepals oblong - lanceolate, slightly
hairy, especially on the inner surface, inner ones
entire, outer slightly laciniate, all ultimately
reflexed ; expanded flower nearly 3 inches across,
petals roundish, obovate, recurved at the mar-
gins, yellowish at the extreme base, elsewhere
deep rose-pink ; styles free, carpels very hairy.

We feel that an apology is due for introducing
such technical details when in presence of so
lovely a Rose, but as it is desirable to be able to
recognise it and distinguish it from others, we
hope rosarians will not judge us harshly, but
in any case feel gratified that their attention has
been drawn to sd beautiful a flower.

The Thornless Rose.
There is a Rose here which for years has been
pointed out to visitors as " the Rose without a
thorn." It is growing as a bush, and has been in
the garden for about forty years so far as I
can tell. Its thornless nature is not absolute,
for though the slender stems are as a rule
destitute of thorns, at any rate of strong ones,
the leaves constantly bear a few small prickles on
the lower side of the midrib (rachis). Suckers
and strong shoots often have stiff spines. The
calyx, receptacle, and stalk below are thickly
covered with glandular hairs or bristles, some of
which may even be spinous. Thus, though the
thornless character is not invariable, yet the
bush can usually be handled with impunity. The
flowers are small, slightly scented, and pink in
colour with occasional streaks or splashes of a deeper
shade ; they are pretty in the bud stage. The Rose

is in bloom now, but would no doubt have been
so earlier if the season had been more favourable ;
besides it is growing in a rather sunless aspect •
Then vegetation generally is a week or two later
here in the north than in the south of England.

This note is sent with the thought that this
variety may be the ' ' Thornless Zephyrin Drouhin,"
shortly described by Mr. W. C. Leach in your
issues of July 25, p. 56, and August 3, p. 103.
Enclosed along with it are examples of the
flower as well as some of the foliage and pieces of
the stem [quite different.] J. P. Blaithwaite,
Carlisle, August 12.

[The rose sent is a double-flowered form of
Rosa Carolina, or some very closely allied species.
It is a native of the middle and eastern states of
N. America, and is very variable. Ed.]

Rose Frau Karl Druschki.
M. Paul Lorenz, writing in the Deutsche Gartner
Zeitung, protests against the name of this Rose,,
which, according to him, should be called " Schnee-
konigin" (Snow Queen), which name has' prior
rights. The Rose was raised by Peter Lambert,
and under whatever name it be known, it is one
of the fairest of the fair.

China Roses, Late Roses, &c.

Admirers of China Roses, properly known as.
Rosa indica, of which so many of the common
Monthly and a variety known as Hermosa have
been planted in recent years, would do well to
plant Madame Eugene Resal, a distinct and
beautiful variety, eminently pleasing to those
who care for Roses apart from their merits as
objects for exhibition. It is quite probable that
some hardened exhibitors would regard this va-
riety with indifference. Still, it is a pretty flower,
with its combined shades of coppery-red and
yellow. Moreover, the plant is free-blooming and
a vigorous grower.

Advice is frequently given to intending^
planters to place their Roses in beds or blocks
in separate varieties ; and very good advice it is,
especially when a large number can thus be
massed. I recently saw a departure from this
method, which, as a contrast, was very effective.
A number of plants of that lovely H.T. Caroline
Testout had been planted and mingled with a
like number of the crimson H.P. Victor Hugo,
and as both varieties had prospered, it was diffi-
cult to know which was most deserving of
admiration ; in any case, the effect produced was
very fine during the period when the blooms were
at their best.

Viscountess Folkestone stands charged of being
a rose that opens quickly and is soon over. There
is some truth in this ; but what a fine late-
flowering variety it is ! True, the autumnal
rains and winds soon tear its large thin petals to
pieces, but where soil and situation are suitable-
it blooms for a considerable length of time, and
there is always the possibility of obtaining a few
good flowers. The climbing Noisette Alister
Stella Gray once made a bold bid for popu-
larity, but it is by no means a general
favourite. Yet the yellow flowers, though small,
are very pretty and fragrant. Of this variety I
have been able to gather many late clusters in.
former years.

Those who have not grown Madame Isaac
Periere can scarcely be aware what a fine late-
blooming sort is this, rivalling even the old Gloire
de Dijon in this respect, its bright red flowers
being produced right into November, and, in fact,
until frost cuts short their career. The plant is
vigorous, and useful for covering pillars and
arches. I might mention many others that
usually provide autumn flowers in plenty where
they thrive : Anna Olivier, Souvenir de S. A.
Prince (usually rather thin at the end of the
season), Marie Van Houtte, Mine. Lambard (the-
colour of this is much poorer in autumn), and
many more, but will desist.

August 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

135

The Rose of the year has with us been without
question La France. We have many bushes, and
some standards, and on both the blooms have
been splendid and also numerous. In the wettest
portion of the season some of the flowers were
rendered worthless, but I have seldom seen La
France in such grand condition. J. W.

Roses in Jamaica.
Mr. H. Cousins says, in the Journal of the
Jamaica Agricultural Society, that Hybrid Per-
petuals are not worth growing in Jamaica,
the results not being adequate to the trouble
taken. Crimson Rambler, also, will not flower.
Tea Roses and Hybrid Teas as a rule do
well. The best seven are White Cochet, Pink
Cochet, Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, Baldwin,
Yellow Cochet, Etoile de Lyon, and La France.
Mr. Cousins is alluding to Roses growing in a
tropical climate at a low elevation. Probably on
the Blue Mountains the result would be
different.

Roses which Flower well in the Autumn.
Amongst autumnal Roses the following are
just now specially good — W. J. Grant, Kaiserin
Augusta Victoria, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, and
Caroline Testout; the polyantha Roses, crimson
and other ramblers, are now at their best, including
Euphrosyne and Helene, pink; Aglaia, yellow ; and
Thalia, white ; all of which are free and vigorous,
and suitable for forming festoons, covering pil-
lars and trellises. Rosa rugosa and its varieties
are distinct and effective as much for their flowers
and foliage as for their bright-coloured haws.
Budded stocks which may have missed to take may
now be rebudded, and be more likely to succeed
than earlier, owing to the abundant sap-flow since
the rains. The present is a good time for striking
Rose cuttings, well ripened twiggy unflowered
growths being selected for making them, these
being taken off with a heel and pricked into pots
filled with sandy loam, having a layer of clean
sharp sand on the top. Keep close under hand-
lights or cloches. The best place for them is a
shady position facing north. In about a month
the cuttings will be rooted and have begun to
grow, when air should be gradually afforded as
the weather permits. They will be best left un-
disturbed in the cutting-beds till late in the
spring, when they may be potted, keeping them
close till re-established. The cuttings will
require protection in severe weather. J. D. G.

SEASIDE GAKDENING.

(Concluded from p. 199.)
On narrow grass-slopes, the neat but monoton-
ous carpet-bedding is permissible, but it finds
favour with but few now. If adopting it, use
the rosette-formed Succulents in preference to
Alternanthera of sorts, and never venture to plant-
out the last named till the end of June, when they
have been gradually hardened off. Avoid carpet-
patterns, and above all things inscriptions, which
are in very dubious taste. The best Succulents
are Sempervinum calcareum, Kleinia repens,
Pachyphytum Browni, Sedum acre aureum, Sedum
lydium and S. spectabile. Echeveria furnishes
also a very wide choice of suitable subjects ; from
the noble E. metallica, to the minute E. secunda
glauca, and the mealy-leaved and distinct E.
pulvurelenta, all will be found most useful,
• indeed indispensable.

Antirrhinums, once classed as florists' flowers,
1 and named, have now passed from that mild
tyranny, and are raised from seed almost exclu-
sively. The Tom Thumb section originated on
(the Continent, and among these may now be
: found a large choice of dwarf and sturdy sorts,
from G to 15 inches in height, admirably adapted
for seaside bedding. These may be sown in the
open borders late in August, transplanted, and
finally placed in their permanent quarters in

early spring, when they will continue to grow
and flower all the summer — indeed, right up to
the first sharp frost. It greatly helps them if
the spent flower-spikes bearing their seed vessels
are removed as they form. Dwarf Antirrhinums
may be had in separate and distinct colours, but
are more effectual when used mixed. If raised as
directed, the habit will be shown before the final
planting out, so that the tallest may be chosen
for the centres of the beds, and the dwarfer ones
for the margins. Naturally the Antirrhinum is
biennial, but if sown early in gentle heat, and
planted out in May, it is practically an annual.
Among really distinct and striking novelties in
this flower are Brilliant, an almost scarlet form ;
and a pure white, called Queen Victoria, both of
which come true from carefully-saved seed. The
foliage of the last-named is small and abundant.
Some of the dwarf annual Toad-Flaxes (Linaria)
may be used to edge the beds of their near rela-
tives, notably Linaria splendens (purple), and
the neat L. bipartita aurea. The very pretty
variegated form of the Wall Toad- Flax (L. cym-
balaria) is very elegant, but is only to be relied
on in a few dry soils and in exceptional seasons.
The same may be said of the pretty varie-
gated form of the Ground Ivy (Glechoma). My
theory is that by persistent coddling the
plants are weakened, or it may be the absence of
chlorophyll in their leaf-cells (variegation) that
makes them weak.

Without exception, the Mesembryanthemum
tribe is happy at the seaside, many kinds being
hardy in the S. and S.W., therefore use these
neat plants freely — M. cordifolium and its varie-
gated kind, M. roseum, and its white sport,
called in the trade argenteum ; while on sandy
slopes the lovely pulchellum opens its pink stars
to welcome the morning sun ; and a large yellow-
flowered kind which Bam unable to identify. It
has large, succulent, triangular leaves, makes a
noble bed, and maybe edged with M. cordifolium.
The annual, M. tricolor, sown early in heat and
planted out in May, will continue in flower a
long time, especially if its small, Fig-like fruits
be constantly removed as formed. An allied
plant, Othonna crassifolia, is one of the best
plants for planting in small vases or on the
verges of steep slopes, and where it thrives
gives an endless succession of golden star-like
flowers. The brilliant Portulaccas occur to one's
memory here. These may be sown in pans and
transplanted to a sunny sandy bank in April or
early in May ; or better, they may be sown broad-
cast in the open-air. This plant is neat and
procumbent, and the blooms among the most
brilliant of their class. P. Thellusoni and P. Thor-
burni are yet the two finest, and all are good ;
while the single are much preferable. To get
the maximum of flower the soil should not be too
rich, and very sandy. So used, nothing can
exceed the brilliancy of this flower when at its
best.

Another flower that is most reliable for con-
tinuous blooming is Phlox Drummondi. Choose
the old kind, not grandiflora ; and for small
beds a German selection called Haynaldi and
Haynaldi cardinalis are dwarf and compact, and
the flowers almost metallic in their brilliancy.

The Dianthus or Indian Pink tribe, the Japa-
nese forms of which are called Heddewigii,
after a German explorer, may be here men-
tioned. These in size are very noble, also rich
in colour ; they may be raised in gentle heat,
gradually hardened off, and transplanted in April
or May. The single form is far the best for
effect, and the smooth-edged preferable to the
deeply-fringed section known as laciniata.

Begonias, once the fashion, are seldom of much
service except in exceptional seasons, being much
too brittle to withstand even the ordinary sea
breezes. Exceptions to this are the small-
flowered group, semperflorens, represented by

S. vera and its white form ; while the free-
blooming B. Davidiana is to be recommended for
its dark, metallic foliage and great freedom of
flowering, but it should have a good sheltered
position. Let it have the centre of the beds, and
be edged with any of the dwarf and sturdy
varieties of B. semperflorens.

Annual Chrysanthemums, now so varied and
greatly improved, may be used freely; but the-
choice should rest with the rigid-growing section
known as C. earinatum, with moderate-sized flat,
flowers and finely-cut elegant foliage. The wild
Corn Marigold, C. segetum is quite at home by
the sea-shore, and has now some very fine hybrid
forms, as grandiflorum, &c. ; and for those who-
prefer double flowers, the compact flowering kinds
may be chosen, as they are well coloured and
free-blooming in ordinary seasons.

The only Dahlias suitable are the very dwarf
single ones, known as Tom Thumb ; these range
from 6 inches to 1 foot in height, and are free
and continuous in their flower production. The
range of colour in these is extensive, from pur©
white in Snowflake, to dark maroon and crimson
in Venus and Bo- Peep.

Of Fuchsias the hardy kinds have already
been noticed in these columns, and the rest are,
with the exception of the variegated and highly
coloured-leaved section, embracing Burning-bush,
Sunray, &c, which should be pegged down,,
of not much value in seaside beds.

Petunias may be used, preference being given,
to the free-blooming and small-flowered section
known as the dwarf striped French. For a frag-
rant bed use the white species known as nyctag-
iniflora, the fragrance of which resembles that of
its near relative Nicotiana affinis, and, like it, it is
hardy in the South, young seedling plants sur-
viving the winter, and flowering early in the
summer.

The double Petunias make excellent beds,
being compact in habit and very floriferous-
The named kinds are best, as they may be
depended upon for colour and also for height,
two essentials in successful bedding. The single
strain known as compacta multiflora in Germany,
will be found admirably suited to our purpose,
as it is dwarf, very much branched, and certainly
many flowered. A selection I have seen in Nor-
folk called White Queen is undoubtedly by far the
best white for small beds. It is to be regretted
that there are not more among the coloured section
like this in habit.

A good plant to edge beds of Petunia is Cine-
raria maritima, and to keep this white, bed it
out in pots to check vigour ; nor must the silvery
Centaureas ragusina and candidissima, be for-
gotten ; and these plants are very happy even if
within the salt spray.

EEMARKS ON THE CONDITIONS
OF THE FRUIT CROPS.

(See Tables, ante, pp. 72 — 77.)

{Continued from p. 113.)

SOUTHERN COUNTIES.

Berkshire. — The fruit crops in this neighbour-
hood are the worst in my recollection. Apples
and Pears are almost a complete failure, and the
stone fruits are nearly as bad. A few varieties
of Apples showed good promise, but were cut off
by the frost. Pears, Plums, Peaches, and Cher-
ries showed well, but dropped off after the fruit
was formed. Strawberries were a good crop, but
the season was very late and the fruits were soon
over. Other small fruits were of fair average
and quality. J. Howard, Benham Park Gardens.

The fruit crops, including Apples, Pears,

Plums, Cherries, Peaches, Apricots, small fruits
and Strawberries, up to the end of March, were very
promising, in fact, much above the general average
here. But the month of April, during which we

136

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[August 22, 1903.

registered over 100° of frost, left us without any
■of the above-named, with the exception of small
fruits and Strawberries, which were much below
the average. W. Fyfe, Lockinge, Wantage.

The severe frosts of April 15, 16, 17, 18,

and 19, completely destroyed all Apples, Pears,
and Plums. .Red Currants, Gooseberries, and
•Strawberries escaped, and are carrying a very
fair crop of fruits. Jas. Coombes, Englefield
Gardens.

Dorset. — I have to record the worst fruit season
I have known for the past twenty-five years. As
■regards Apples, Pears, Plums, and Cherries, there
are practically none worth speaking of. Of small
fruits, Strawberries have been very good, Goose-
berries very fair, Kaspberries and all kinds of
■Currants very moderate, and on the small side.
The frosts of April 12 to 25 are undoubtedly
the cause, as then we registered from 7° up to 15°
■on two nights, on the 17th and 18th, which was
most disastrous to all fruit crops. Thos. Denny,
Down House Gardens, Blandford.

The fruit crop in this district is about the

worst on record. All promised well in early
spring, but severe frost and damp biting winds
about the end of April destroyed blossom and

young fruit wholesale. Pears and Plums are a
■complete failure ; Apples about quarter of an
average crop ; dessert Cherries, none ; Morellos,
half a crop ; Peaches and Nectarines a failure ;
Apricots — the best crop we have on walls, but
under average ; Gooseberries and Raspberries
very good ; Currants, thin ; late Strawberries,
good, early varieties spoilt with cold rains. Ben
Campbell, Kingston House Gardens, Dorchester.

All round the fruit crop is the worst

known for many years. Not only is our general
•collection of Apples almost a failure, but the
hardy cider kinds are equally deficient. The
frosts experienced during the second and third
weeks in April, which killed the Pear, Plum, and
<3herry bloom, are not accountable for the failure
•of the Apple crop, but rather the wet and sunless
season of 1902, for where the trees blossomed well
there was a conspicuous want of vigour in the
fcloom. Pears are a total failure on bush and
pyramid trees, and only on south aspects is there
any fruit on wall-trees ; and here the crop is not
•only a scanty one, but up to the present it is poor
in quality, and no amount of attention in the
•way of root-waterings, ftp., will induce them to
.grow ; the trees also are covered with honey-
dew, and looking most miserable. The remarks
with regard to Pears applies exactly to the Plum
•crop. Sweet Cherries have been good on west
walls, but Morellos are a very scanty crop
indeed. Apricots also are a very scanty crop,
and the same remark applies to Peaches and
Nectarines, and the trees of the latter suffered
badly also from the late frosts. Strawberries
'have been abundant and good, as also are Goose-
berries and Red Currants. Black Currants are
very scarce, and have realised just treble the
price got for them in former years. Except in
sheltered gardens, the Raspberry-crop is much
tinder the average, the bearing canes having
been hard hit by the frosts in April ; and the
.young canes were killed to the ground-level, but
are now making satisfactory growth. Cob,
Filbert, and Walnuts are exceedingly thin on the
[bushes and trees. T. Turton, Castle Gardens,
Sherborne.

Fruits promised favourably, but were

[punished severely by late spring frosts of unusual
severity. Pears turned black and fell in quan-
tity from the trees. Gooseberries yielded a
tremendous crop, and bush fruit is generally
good ; being rather thickly together, they formed
their own protection to a great extent, and did
not suffer as standard fruits did. J. Benbow,
Abbotsbury Castle Gardens, Dorchester.

Hants. — The fruit crops in this district are
very poor. Strawberries were fair, also Goose-
berries and Raspberries. No Apples, Pears,
Plums, or Damsons. Peaches and Nectarines are
thin, but will be good. The late frosts and cold
weather we experienced are the causes of failure.
Arthur Lee, Palace House Gardens, Beaulieu,
Brockenhurst.

Strawberries in this district have been,

as they always are, a good crop, in spite of the
adverse weather at the time and previous to
flowering. Sir Joseph Paxton, as usual, is still
the best variety for market purposes. Royal
Sovereign and Leader are making headway as
early varieties ; neither, however, travel so well
as the first-named " Joe's." Apples, Pears, and
Plums are the worst crop known for years. The
trees, however, are full of promise for next
season. Ed. Molyneux, Swanmore Park, Bishop's
Waltham.

The appearance of all fruit-trees early in

the season gave promise of a bountiful crop, but
our hopes were blighted by the severe frosts in
April (11th to 24th, when we registered 113
during that period). Apples are poor indeed,
Pears worse. Plums very thin, as the trees
were covered with a mantle of snow at blooming
time. Strawberries have been very good indeed,
with us the crop of the year. Currants very
good, especially red varieties. Gooseberries fair
average crop, Raspberries poor, Peaches and
Nectarines scarcely any outside, but in unheated
cases we have abundance. Nuts thin, Walnuts
none. A. G. Nichols, Strathfieldsaye Gardens,
Mortimer, R.S.O.

The fruit crops in this district are the

worst that have ever been known. Very few
Apples : the best are Lord Grosvenor, Lord
Suffield, Lord Derby, and Irish Peach. Plums —
some of the varieties have a fair crop, Eivers'
Prolific, The Czar, Prince Englebert, and Victoria,
are the best. Pears are the worst of wall fruits.
Peaches very few and trees badly blistered. All
small fruits are under average, except Straw-
berries, which are good. /. Bowerman, Hackwood
Park, Basingstoke.

In this locality Apples, Pears, and

Plums are a complete failure. There are whole
orchards without any fruit on the trees, and the
trees themselves have suffered very badly.
Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots are also a
failure. We grow a great many outdoor Peaches
and Nectarines here ; this year we have not two
dozen fruits on all our trees. Strawberries,
Gooseberries, and Currants are with us an
average crop. Thos. Leith, Beaurepaire Park
Gardens, Basingstoke.

{To be continued.)

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. Q. L.
Holford. Wostonblrt, Tetbury.

Dendrobium Phalwnopsis Schroderiana. — For
flowering during the autumn months, there is no
more beautiful Orchid than the one whose name
is at the head of this note. It is better when
grown by itself, where it may have abundant air
and sunshine afforded. The smoky air of large
towns is inimical to its well-being, especially when
the flowers appear late, as many of them then drop
off in foggy weather. The flowering of the plant,
even in rural districts, owing to the lack of sun-
shine, is likely to be noticeable this year. Our
plants which have made the best pseudo-bulbs
are those which were potted last year in a leaf-
mould compost, and not disturbed this season,
some of these having doubled the length of the
pseudo-bulbs made last year ; but flower-spikes
in accordance cannot be expected, unless the
former are thoroughly matured. No shading
should new be made use of, except during the

middle hours of the day if very bright, until such
time as the flowers begin to expand, when the
blinds must be lowered to preserve the blooms
from scorching. Abundance of moisture will
be needed at the root until the flower spikes are
removed, then less will suffice. The atmosphere
should be kept a little drier, damping the houses
in the morning only. Here a little top air is left
on the house at all times after the flowers begin
to expand, but the hot-water-pipes are always
kept warm to prevent the temperature dropping
too low. >

Dendrobium formosum.— This useful species is
also finishing up its growth, and is about to com-
mence expanding its attractive white flowers.
The treatment of the plant at this season is
similar to that for D. Phalsnopsis, and the plants
are very effective when grouped together with
that one. After flowering is over they can be
rested together in the same house, which should
be warm and dry.

The Cool House. — The growths of Odonto-
glossum Eossii, O. Cervantesii, O. (Erstedii, and
the natural hybrids, 0. Humeanum and O.
aspersum being sufficiently advanced, the plants
may be repotted or surfaced as may be required.
Fern-rhizomes may be employed as drainage
material, and a potting compost consisting of
two-fifths turfy peat, two-fifths leaf-soil, one-fifth
chopped sphagnum. This should be made
moderately firm, and clean fresh sphagnum laid
on the surface. Shallow pans are the most
suitable receptacles, as these can be suspended
from the roof, in which position the plants grow
well. If space can be afforded, newly-potted
plants are the better for being stood on the stage
till established. As the compost does not dry
there so quickly as when the pans are suspended,
a very small quantity of water will be needed to
keep the compost moist, but when thoroughly
established water will be needed in greater
quantity, the compost, however, being allowed to
become dry before water is afforded, more
especially in the case of O. (Erstedii, a species
which is injured by constant excess of moisture
at the root.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Qardener to Sir C. Fioott, Bart.,

Wexham Park, Slough.

General Hints. — In fine weather, when the
soil is dry, hoe between all young crops, destroy-
ing weeds and aerating the soil. The clean
appearance of the garden in winter largely
depends on keeping it clean in every part at
the present season, as after September weeds
are more difficult to kill. Remove all remains of
spent crops, clean up and burn all weeds, trim-
mings, and refuse.

French Beans. — Plantsgrowinginpits andfraines
should be exposed as much as possible to sunshine,
protecting them only on cold nights and from
heavy rains. The plants must on no account be
crowded, strong-growing varieties being allowed
10 inches from plant to plant. Let the plants be
earthed-up to the seed leaves with turfy loam,
leaf-soil, and spent manure from Mushroom-
beds. Make another sowing in heated pits, or in
pots which may be placed in a brisk temperature
when necessary. Should the former method be
adopted, make up the bed close to the glass,
allowing just sufficient space for the growth of
the plants. For pot-culture, choose X or 10-inch
pots ; and having afforded each good drainage,
half fill them with a rich loamy compost, rather
rough than fine, dibble-in five Beans in each,
cover with soil to the depth of an inch, and stand
the pots in a cold frame.

Endive. — The last sowing should now be made,
choosing a situation on a south border. If cold
frames are available mark out the space for these,
but make no use of them till winter is approaching.
Batavian Endive is the best for withstanding
cold, and should be the variety now sown.
Plants from the earlier sowings should be thinned
amd the thinnings planted before they become
drawn. As soon as Endive has attained to full
size tie up a number sufficient for daily use for a
fortnight, but never do this when the plants
are wet.

Radish and small Salads. — Make sowings forth-
with on rich soil ; sow also Mustard and Cress,

August 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

137

protecting the seeds from the sun and wind with
mats or a thin covering of straw.

Peas. — Late-sown Peas coming into bearing
should be afforded well diluted liquid-manure
and be made safe against the wind with stout
stakes inserted here and there in the rows,
and connected with soft string.

Capsicums and Chillies. — If these plants are
grown in pots in cold frames and they are
carrying heavy crops of pods, a top-dressing of
turfy-loam and cow-manure may be applied, and
liquid - manure alternately with clear water.
Syringe the plants twice a day with sun-warmed
water.

Gourds and Pumpkins. — Fruits now developing
should be exposed fully to the sunshine so as to
get them well coloured and well flavoured.
Plants growing on manure-heaps or on very rich
soil will need no manure-water, but others on a
poorer medium should have abundance of liquid-
manure applied at the root.

THE FLOWEB GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallage, Gardener to E. Milleb Mundy, Esq.,
Shipley HaU, Derby.

Cuttings of Plants which may now be Struck. —
Among the various plants cuttings of which may
be inserted forthwith are Violas, Pentstemons,
and Antirrhinums. All of these are easily raised
from seeds, but cuttings are to be preferred, as
not only is the gardener able to make sure of
certain colour effects, but a choice may be
made from plants having a similarity of habit,
which tends to promote a uniformity of growth
that is absent in seedlings. Viola cuttings
should be made from the small and firm shoots
which may be found near to the centres of the
plants. In the case of Antirrhinums, the small
side growths provide the best sort of cuttings ;
and of Pentstemons any of the weak but healthy
Bhoots that give no promise of flowering this
year may be used. These, being hardy plants,
may be rooted and wintered in cold frames
placed on a hard, impervious bottom in an open
position, elevated slightly above the surrounding
level, so that water may readily drain away. A
bed of sandy soil about 3 inches thick should be
placed in the frames, into which the cuttings
should be dibbled from 2 to 3 inches apart, and
watered in. The frame must be kept close and
shaded for a few days. If the old double
crimson or any other choice Sweet William is
grown, cuttings made from the smaller and more
wiry growths may be struck in the same manner,
a few being taken each year so as to provide
against possible losses.

Bedding Plants. — Continue the propagation of
bedding plants of all kinds until a sufficient
stock has been secured, always allowing a con-
siderable margin for losses. Where a good
selected strain or strains of dwarf Lobelias have
been secured, some of the plants should have
all the flowering stems cut back a few inches, but
should not be potted-up till later. Such make
excellent plants for furnishing cuttings in the
spring.

Deciduous Hedges, Sfc. — Beech, Hornbeam, or
any other deciduous hard-wood hedges should
now be clipped, before the new growth gets too
• hard. Fairly early clipping (i.e., as soon as pos-
sible after the Becond growth is mature) makes a
very considerable difference in reducing the
amount of labour required in using the shears.
Some species of evergreens may also be gone
lightly over, removing some of the strongest
growths which may be getting too prominent or
spoiling the symmetry of the bushes ; but nothing
like hard cutting-back should be indulged in at
this season.

Lawns. — Bare patches on lawns should be
pricked over, some suitable lawn grass - seeds
sown, and be covered with a sprinkling of finely
sifted soil, and then rolled or patted firm and
smooth with a spade. August is a good time
either for this patching work or for sowing grass
seeds for forming lawns, the formation of which
is sufficiently advanced ; and in such cases it is
better to sow now than to wait till the spring, as
time will be saved, and the quality of the grass
will be all the better.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budlelgh Salterton, Devonshire.

Fuchsias. — Cuttings inserted now and grown-on
steadily without any rest make fine plants that will
flower early next summer. Choose the points of
growing shoots, pinch off all the flowers, and insert
half a dozen around the edge of 3-inch pots filled
with equal parts of loam and leaf-soil and a fair
amount of silver-sand, and a little on the top of
the soil to filter down with the cuttings. Place the
pots on a mild hot-bed, or, failing this, stand them
in a cold frame. Keep close and shaded in either
case, dewing them overhead once or twice daily in
bright weather, when in about five weeks they
will be rooted well enough to be placed on a light
shelf near the roof of a greenhouse, and be potted
off singly into 3-inch pots a few weeks later. I find
Ballet-Girl, Mr. Gladstone, Molesworth and Mdme.
Carnot good double - corollaed varieties j and
among the single-flowered, Mrs. Marshall, General
Roberts, Lord Beaconsfield, Rose of Castille (im-
proved), Lady Heytesbury, Beauty of Wiltshire,
Brutus, Loveliness and Eclipse all very free.
Fuchsias have done grandly this season, owing
to the coolness of the weather. As the earlier-
flowered old plants get exhausted, stand them in
a sunny spot outdoors to ripen their growth.
Plants in full flower should be assisted with
manure-water occasionally, and by keeping all
seed-vessels picked off.

Primulas. — The double-flowered variety alba
• plena should be ready to be moved into 43-inch
and 5 J - inch pots, using a soil similar to that
advised for Primulas in a former Calendar. Pot
fairly firmly, and place in cold pits or frames
near the glass, standing the pots on a floor of
coal-ashes, but avoid affording too much water
now and throughout the winter and spring.
Keep a bit closer fora few days after repotting,
and afford a thin shade in bright weather, lightly
dewing them overhead with the syringe about
3 p.m. on such days, and removing all flowers for
a month or six weeks. The same remarks apply
to any of the single-flowered Primulas standing
in small pots. Fumigate the frame two nights
in succession should green-fly attack them, which
they, as well as thrips, often do if their surround-
ings are too dry.

Calceolarias. — These plants will be fit for prick-
ing off into boxes 2\ inches asunder, in a compost
consisting of equal parts of sifted loam and leaf-
soil, mixed with a good proportion of silver sand.
Place them in a similar structure to that men-
tioned as • being suitable for ' Primulas ; those
having a northern aspect for preference, and
afford a like kind of treatment, keeping a close
watch for slugs. Great care is necessary when
dibbling-in the seedlings so as not to bruise the
tiny stems, or failure will ensue.

THE HABDY PHUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

The Fig. — The excessively wet weather has
caused many of the fruits to crack, and so long as
present conditions last, a freer growth of shoots
than usual should be allowed ; but the trees
must not be allowed to become crowded, or the
shoots will not withstand frost well. In the
southern and western counties the Fig succeeds,
and ripens its fruit on standards planted in
sheltered places, and the fruits from these trees
are always of fine colour and good flavour. There
are sheltered gardens in the Midlands where
this method of culture might be tried, the
branches being protected against frost with straw,
Asparagus-tops when dried, or a double thickness
of bast mats.

Cob-nuts and Filberts. — Remove suckers from
the bases of the bushes, unless any are required
for planting later on. The wet weather has
caused all kinds of weeds to grow apace, and an
effort should be made to clear the ground forth-
with under the nut-bushes by pulling up the
largest and casting them on the rubbish fire, the
Dutch-hoe being used to destroy weaker ones
when the weather is dry. If squirrels make
havoc with the crop they must be killed, or there
will be no nuts left to ripen.

Hints on Work in General. — The fruits being;
cleared from the Raspberry-canes, cut away these>
and pull up all suckers not wanted for increase.
Having done these jobs, secure the young canes
to the stakes or wires loosely with soft string or
bast. Autumn fruiting varieties must be pro-
tected with nets. I'he scarcity of dessert fruit in
general will make autumn-fruiting Raspberries
very valuable.

Plums. — Fruits of early Gage Plums are now-
ripening, and it is well to go over the trees every
other day and gather all ripe fruits, which place-
on sheets of tissue-paper in the fruit-room for
future use. These fruits will keep in good
condition for several days.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Late Tines. — It is of much importance to
check all sub-laterals on lato Vines in bearing,
and thereby direct the energies of the Vine to-
the fruit, and permit sunlight to reach the
laterals and principal leaves. Gros Colmar is a-
variety which requires a longer period to ripen
than any other black Grape, and must be-
afforded artificial warmth throughout the autumn,
to enable it to finish properly. Other varieties
are colouring fast, and should be afforded free-
ventilation day and night ; less, of course, during-
the night, and gradually opening the ventilators-
or sashes more or less in the morning as the state of
the weather permits. Maintain the Vine-borders
in a moist state, and apply diluted cow-stable
drainings, or sprinkle Thomson's Vine-manure on
the surface, applying water to carry it down to-
the roots. Maintain the atmosphere in a mode-
rately moist condition till the berries are of full
size; when a moving, dry, warm air is desirable.
At present a night warmth of 02° to 05', and by
day a temperature of 72° to 80" may be afforded.
Lady Downe's Seedling (one of the best late
Grapes), Black Alicante, Gros Colmar, Appley
Towers, and Mrs. Pince are likewise food Grapes,
for keeping ; while Muscat of Alexandria, if well
ripened, keeps for a considerable length of time-
if cut with a piece of the shoot and put intc-
bottles of water in the month of November.

Tine Borders. — The end of the present
month is a good time to examine the borders of
the earliest Vinery as to their condition, if loss-
of vigour is remarked in the Vines, shanking ir»
the bunches, lack of size and colour in the-
berries, or any other evil, that may be caused by
defective root action. By dealing with the
borders at this season, the roots have time to-
seize upon the fresh soil before the leaves fall.
If there are outside as well as inside borders, let
a commencement be made with that inside the-
Vinery first, and renovate the outside border next
year. Carefully remove the soil from among the
roots, tying the latter in bundles as the work
proceeds, keeping them moist and as little exposed
to the air as possible. Having put the drainage
into a proper state, make up the border with a
compost consisting of good turfy loam, to which
may be added, according to the quality of the
loam, a heavy sprinkling of 4-inch bones, mortar
rubble, and charcoal ; then proceed to spread the
roots out at different depths, having previously
cut away decayed or bruised parts. Make the
soil firm by trampling it, and afford tepid water
abundantly, and mulch with a good thickness of
spent Mushroom-bed materials. Let the foliage
be syringed morning, noon, and evening, in
very bright weather. Apply a slight amount of
shading. The depth of a border, exclusive of
drainage, need not exceed 2J feet. In the case of
aged Vines it may be prudent not to thoroughly
renew the borders, but much good will result by
removing all the inert soil down to where the roots-
are plentiful, making up the border again withi
a rich compost, in which carefully spread out the
roots.

Publications Received. — crop jteport irom

Messrs Sluis <V '.root, Enkhulzen, Holland. —Proceed
ingi o/ tlie Agri Horticultural Society 0/ Madras, January
to March, 19:3. Contents: Superintendent^ Notes,
Rainfall. Governor's Visit to the Gardens. Flower
Show, &c. — Agricultural liullrtin 11/ the Straits and
Federated Malay States. Edited by 11. N. Ridley. Con-
tents: Rattans (concluded), by H. N. Ridley: Cocoanut
Beetles, Camphor Tree, the Mosquito Plant, Rubber, Ac»

138

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 22, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

■Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
4 it Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.
Communications should be written on one side only of
the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

illustrations. — 7V Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

<Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

TUESDAY,

("Royal Oxfordshire Horticul-
Arjr 2O tural Society's Show.

) Brighton and Sussex Horticul-
l. tural Society's Show (2 days).

'Royal Botanical Society's

MeetiDg
Harpenden Horticultural So-

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 26/ fifty's Sh°w- . , a ...
\ Batli Horticultural Society s
Show (2 days).
Reading Horticultural Society's
I Show.

f Sandy and District Floral and
.„ „. I Horticultural Society's Show.
"I Irish Gardeners' Association's
L Meeting.

THURSDAY,

SALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY NEXT—
Trade Sale of over 2 500 lots of Dutch Bulbs, at
67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris
at 10 o'clock.

CRIDAY, August 28—

Established Orchids in variety, at 67 and e8
Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30.

( For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Tempebatuee for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-61 6'.
Actual Tempebatuhes :—

London.— August 19 (6 p.m.) : Max. 68°; Min. 64*.

August 20.— Showery 64°.
Pbovinces.— A ugust 19 (6 p.m.): Max. 65", Home
Counties ; Min. 51", Shetland.

Hollyhocks Does anyone know the mean-
(see ing of the word ? Does anyone

supplement). know whence the plant, as
grown in gardens, originated? We ask
because the books either give different state-
ments or express no opinion at all ; and the
copyists either repeat what their prede-
cessors have said, without any attempt at
■verification, or they maintain a discreet
silence. As to the name, Prior is vague
and uncertain ; Britten and Holland do
not venture on any explanation. Where
•authorities like these are in doubt or are
silent, it is becoming in us to pronounce no
opinion.

Now as to the source. The books mostly
give China as the country whence the Holly-
hocks have been obtained ; but Hemsley, in
the "Index of Chinese Plants," published in
the Journal of the Linnean Society, only says
it is cultivated and subspontaneous in China
and Japan ; and in the Flora of British India
Masters says it is often cultivated in Indian
gardens; so that there is little or no evi-
dence that it is wild either in China, Japan,
or India. There is no doubt, however, that
Altha>a or Alcea rosea, the origin of the
common Hollyhock, is wild in certain parts
of Greece and Italy, and in what the Index
Ketuensis comprehensively calls " Oriens."

The Botanical Magazine, tab. 3198, pub-
lished in 1832, tells us that it was introduced

from China in 1753, but long before that,
viz., in Gerard's Herbal (1597), at p. 784, it is
figured under the name " Malva arborea flore
nigro multiplici, the Tree Hollihocke with
double flowers.'' At that time of day the
term " Hollihocke " included all the plants we
now call Mallows. "These Hollihockes," says
Gerard, " are sowen in gardens almost
everywhere and are in vaine sought for else-
where," so that he did not know the native
country. A search through the old herbals of
Germany and the Low Countries, from which
Gerard derived much of his information,
would no doubt be attended with interesting
results.

In our own times the Hollyhock has
undergone vicissitudes. The florists have
decreed that the guard-petals, as they call
them, shall be reduced to the smallest pro-
portions, and thereby have, in the eyes of
most flower-lovers, completely mauled the
beauty of the flower.

A worse disaster than this overtook the
plant a few years ago, when the Mallow
fungus, Puccinia malvacearum, attained
suddenly unwelcome predominance and al-
most destroyed the then existing plants.
Exactly why the fungus suddenly assumed
such virulence we do not know. It existed
and still exists on the wild Mallows of the
fields, where its ravages do not appear to be
of a serious nature. Nor do we know why
the severity of the attack has so much
abated. We know that some fungicides,
such as Condy's Fluid and Bordeaux-mix-
ture, have been used by some keen florists,
but the great majority have been content to
let things take their own course. In any
case, the Hollyhock now rears its stately
spikes in full many a garden, to the joy of
ttiose who appreciate form and colour.

The best general account of the Hollyhock
that we know of is that written by Mr. W. Paul,
entitled "An Hour with the Hollyhock."
That treatise was written more than half a
century ago, but requires but little to bring
it up to date. It is included in Mr. Paul's
Contributions to Horticultural Literature, a
book we cannot too strongly recommend the
young gardener of the present day to peruse,
and not only to peruse, but to study.

TheWisley Natueau-y the splendid gift
Garden. which Sir Thomas Hanbury
has made to the Royal Horti-
cultural Society has filled all our minds.
It was with a strong desire to see this
remarkable garden that a visit was paid
there on Friday, August 14, from Byfleet
station ; and more recently the Council of
the Society has visited it in company of
Sir Thomas Hanbury. By a narrow country
road or lane of some three miles in length
we arrived at our destination. It rained
heavily on the road, but fortunately not
after we reached Wisley. It is here worth
mentioning that the late Mr. Wilson's head
gardener, Mr. Tatnall, regards Horsley
station, on the new Guildford line, reached
by trains that go from Waterloo via Surbiton,
or by Leatherhead, as the nearest and most
direct route. Vehicles can also be obtained
at Horsley, the distance being about three
miles. The route is through the village of
Ockham, and past Lord Lovelace's park,
coming out into the Ripley road. Some
half-mile or so up towards London a narrow
turning, at which there is a board fixed
indicating the position of the garden, may

be seen on the left hand. All the world
might pass up or down the Ripley road and
never know of the existence of such a
garden. A few hundred yards onwards,
Wisley Hut, a famous house of entertain-
ment, opposite which is a superb lake, is
just about half a mile from the garden
entrance. But if Weybridge station be fully
five miles from the garden, at least "at the
present moment, the ride alone, apart
from the garden, is worth taking. From
the turn at the Fox Warren Lodge, beyond
Byfleet, by which the road passes, leaving
the fine St. George's Hill on the left, into
the Ripley, road, there is on both sides
beautiful open common-land, and- just now
the huge areas of purple Heather are indeed
glorious to see. Those who have not yet
seen these marvellously beautiful spreads
of colour on Wisley Common have something
to regret.

It is suggested that an electric light
railway may at some time be laid along this
beautiful road. It is not probable that this
will be done very soon, as for miles there are
very few inhabitants, and the lover of beauty
may well trust that never should this
natural beauty be spoiled by such asso-
ciations. The garden is as nearly as
possible twenty miles from Hyde Park
corner. Weybridge station is eighteen
miles, and Horsley station twenty-two miles
from Waterloo.

The one great drawback to the garden for
the purposes of the Royal Horticultural
Society is its distance from any railway-
station. Should the ordinary work in which
the Committees are interested be transferred
there, it is evident that the Council will
have to make arrangements to convey
members of those bodies to and fro free of
expense, and also to provide at the garden
refreshment accommodation. Were the latter
provided, the gardens might then in the
spring and summer become a great resort
for the Fellows, for it is certain that all who
love the beautiful in horticulture will find
at Wisley delights which they have never
before tasted.

It is no exaggeration to say of the garden
that it is unique. There is scarcely any
other such garden in the kingdom. It is a
garden devoid of all plan, and is in all its
aspects as wild as a garden can be — a
garden that no pen can adequately describe
nor picture pourtray. It was made piece-
meal, and as the late Mr. Wilson's fancy
dictated. There are no broad set paths, no
geometrical beds. All is natural, yet natural
with plants of every conceivable and, to
many of us, inconceivable description
Our advice to all is, Go and see it at once.

Not a thing is named. That may be
regrettable in a public garden that is to be
educational ; but labels in such a garden, if
used, must be numbered by thousands. Pro-
bably the only man who knows everything
there and its whereabouts is Mr. Tat-
nall, who, under Mr. Wilson's supervision,
made this garden. There is no digging
permitted in the many acres thus wildly
planted. The men do little else but pull
weeds and occasionally use the knife. As
the garden is, so it must be kept. No Philis-
tine hand must be laid upon it. Outside
there are some forty acres of open land that
can be utilised for any utilitarian purposes
— for fruit or vegetable or flower-culture, or
for an arboretum ; and it is good land too.

-AUGUST 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

139

WlSLEY. — In view of the large number of
letters I am receiving, asking if Wisley Garden
•can be visited by Fellows, will you permit me to
say that at present the property has not yet been
^formally] handed over to the Society, and that
none of our officers is there as yet. It is there-
fore impossible to open it to the Fellows at
present — in fact, some few months will probably
elapse before that can be done, but due notice
will be given to all Fellows a3 soon as possible.
W. Wilks, Secretary.

English Arboricultural Society.— The
members of the above Society who held this
week their summer meeting at Reading, travelled
'to Newbury, and drove from thence to High-
•elere Castle, the seat of the Earl of Carnarvon,
who had invited the Society to visit his estate.
The visitors first halted at the Castle, and
they were particularly interested in the fine
•Cedars of Lebanon, which in large numbers stand
within sight of the stately building. After
inspecting the ornamental trees and the gardens,
the party drove to Beacon Hill, which is sur-
mounted by a deep fosse, bearing evidence of its
,great antiquity as a military station. A visit
was also paid to Lord Carnarvon's , stud-farm
far race-horses, after which a drive through other
portions of the estate brought them to the
Cricket and Tennis ground, where Lord
Carnarvon entertained them at luncheon.

Dutch Horticultural and Botanical
SOCIETY.— At the meeting of the Floral Com-
mittee on June 27, 1903, First-class Certificates
were awarded to Odontoglossum crispum var.,
from Mr. W. C Baron van Boetzelaar, of Maar-
•iensdijk; to Rosa polyantha (seedling), an im-
provement on Euphrosine, as a new plant, from
Messrs. Gratama Brothers & Co., of Hoogeveen,
Certificates of Merit were granted to Delphinium
hybridum Prof, van Sterson as a new plant, from
Mr. W. van Veen, of Leyden ; to Biota orientalis
■a-urea seedlings, from Mr. A. Spaargaren, at
Aalsmeer; to Cattleya Mendeli (variety), from
Mr. P. W. Sutorius, at Baarn ; to Dianthus plu-
onarius Moerheimi, as a new plant, from Mr. B.
Ruts, of Dedemsvaart ; to Papaver orientale
Mahony, as a new plant, from Mr. B. Ruts, at
Dedemsvaart. A Cultural Commendation for
•Gnaphalium Leontopodium (specimen) from Mr.
J. M. Goes te Castricum. A Silver Medal to a
^collection of hardy perennials (cut flowers) from
Mr. Ruts, Dedemsvaart.

At the meeting on July 29 First-class Cer-

■tificates were awarded to Anthurium J. H. Tromp
M^eesters as a new plant, from Mr. J. H. Tromp
Meesters, at Steenwijk, with felicitations of the
jury; to a Begonia Fleur de Neige, Chrysan-
themum frutescens Saharet, Fuchsia Andenken,
from Heinrich Henkel ; as commendable
^plants from General Adriaan van Swieten,
Tuinbouw School, at Frederiksoord ; to Canna
indica Junon as a new plant, from Messrs.
Van Namen Brothers, at Zwijndrecht. Certifi-
cates of Merit were granted to Hremanthus fasci-
nator, from Mr. A. S. van den Berg, of Amster-
•dam ; to Rose Lady Roberts as a new plant, from
Mr. H. J. Beernink, of Aalten ; to Chrysanthe-
mum segetum Helios and Alonsoa miniata su-
perba, both from Messrs. Groeneweoen & Co.,
at Amsterdam. A Botanical Certificate was
• awarded to Ageratum mexicanum crispum from
.Messrs. Groeneweoen & Co., at Amsterdam,
.;and a Cultural Commendation to Chrysanthe-
mum Soleil d'Octobre, from Messrs. Bodes and
iiEMHES, of Dordrecht, for successful culture.
A Silver Medal as a 1st prize for a collection of
delphiniums was awarded to Mr. W. van Veen,
at Leyden.

The Home Counties Nature-Study Ex-
hibition.—We are informed that the Home
Counties Nature-Study Exhibition will be held

at the offices of the Civil Service Commission
(formerly the buildings of the University of
London), Burlington Gardens, London, from
October 30 to November 3. Prospectuses, regula-
tions, and prize-lists can be obtained from Mr.
W. M. Webb, Honorary Secretary, 20, Hanover
Square, N.

M. COQNIAUX— We are interested to find
that among the recipients of academic honours
at the recent celebrations at the University of
Heidelberg was M. Cogniaux. This celebrated
botanist, known among horticulturists for his
labours among the Orchidacea?, was admitted to
the degree of Doctor in honoris causA. It would
be difficult to find any one more worthy of such
an honour.

SPECIFIC NAMES.— Sir William T. Thisel-
ton-Dter writes: — "I find in the Gardeners'
Chronicle for August 15 last (p. 121) a letter from
Mr. H. M. Batson, which contains a statement
which seems to me to require a little elucidation.
In the Kew Hand-Lists I have deliberately adopted
a practice of printing adjectival specific names
without a capital. Mr. Wollet Dod is so good
. as to describe this as * logical and consistent.' I
will confess that I am of the same opinion, and
that, in fact, this is the reason which led me to
adopt the practice. I find, if I understand him
correctly, but I am not sure that I do, that Mr.
Batson thinks that ' this practice seems merely
to suggest that there has been carelessness in
compilation or in proof-reading.' This strikes
me as not a very gracious criticism of work which
has been in great measure undertaken for the
benefit of the horticultural world, with the
expenditure of very considerable pains. That,
however, is by the way ; to test its validity would
be a work of very considerable labour. I have no
doubt that Mr. Batson has in his eye instances of
inconsistency on our part. It would be a favour
if he would point them out."

President Roosevelt has the reputation of
being skilled in forestry and horticulture. A
portrait before us shows the President, axe on
shoulder, on his way to fell a tree, Gladstone-
fashion. It is to be hoped that he shows as
much tact and discretion in woodcraft as in
statesmanship.

Dr. Albert Weber died in Paris on July 27,
at the age of seventy-three, after a somewhat
prolonged illness. He was born in Strassburg,
and from an early age he devoted himself to the
study of the Cactus family. When eleven years
old his mother made him a present of the first
edition of Forster's Handbuch der Kakteenkunde.
Soon after, he met Mr. Saglion, who had a very
large and most famous private collection of Cacti
at his residence near Strassburg. It was here
that Dr. Weber laid the foundation of his studies.
Later on, throughout his whole medical career,
he spent his spare hours studying Cacti. He then
had the opportunity of accompanying the French
army of occupation to Mexico, in the reign of
Napoleon III., and to study these plants in their
native country. He spoke of himself as a pupil of
Dr. Engelmann, with whom he kept up a regular
correspondence. He never published anything
during Dr. Engelmann's lifetime. He was cer-
tainly one of the best authorities on Cacti. Many
species have been named by him, especially Opun-
tias. It was surprising how well he knew them,
and how carefully he investigated them before he
gave an opinion. There are still some plants in La
Mortola which wore named by him, and which
have not yet been published. Only last Sep-
tember he paid a visit to La Mortola ; he then
appeared in the best of health, and it was
interesting to watch him climbing over the rocky
places in the garden, where he examined every
succulent, from Opuntias to the most incon-
spicuous Rhipsalis, with the greatest interest and

enthusiasm. He was an honorary member of the
Deutsche Kakteen Gesellschaft, and his loss will
be deeply felt throughout the botanical world. —
A. B.

Is Mushroom-spawn Seed?— Of course a
botanist would have no difficulty in replying in
the negative, but the Customs-House officers in
India, it appears, think differently, and levy a
duty on imported spawn as if it were seeds. The
matter has not been contested in the law courts,
or we might get our minds improved.

Destruction of Fruit Crops in Jamaica.

— A strong gale began to blow to the north lately
in the island of Jamaica, and shifted to all points
of the compass, growing in power and fierceness
as it blew and changed its base until, as a hurri-
cane, it had reached the estimated velocity of
120 miles an hour. Nothing could, as nothing did,
withstand the terrible force of this visitation —
houses, villages, homesteads, all were wiped out ;
and fruit-trees, fruit-crops of all kinds growing
on the wind-swept land vanished from existence.
Ruin has been spread over the greater part of
two-thirds of the island — many square miles of
what had been richly-cropped soil had become a
waste, and on the evening of the day following
the outburst thousands of people were rendered
aimless and homeless on a desert — for to
such a pass had the beautiful land come. The
United Fruit Company is probably the largest
sufferer, in a loss which is estimated at .£2,000,000.
It is worthy of note that efforts at reparation,
aided from this side, have already been begun,
but it will be long before there can be any
Banana " prospects " to record — it will be very
much longer ere this last terrible disaster will be
forgotten.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

the names of plants. — Mr. C. Wolley Dod's
question, " Will any objector tell us why Kew is
wrong ? " assumes that Kew is wrong. From the
point of view of saving time and trouble, the
practice adopted by Kew is usually considered
by ordinary editors as the most convenient.
Unless an editor is a botanist, it involves a
considerable waste of time to hunt up the
Index Kewensis to see whether initial capitals
are used or not ; and when the Kew Hand-Lists
differ from that work, he may well be excused if
he adopts a simple rule. In non-botanical works
such a rule is excusable, but in botanical works
surely anything within reason that helps the
botanist to remember the meaning of the name
should be utilised. This is especially necessary
for teaching purposes. There is classioal
authority (Ca?sar, De Bello Oallico) for using
capital initial letters for adjectival form3 of
proper names, whether of persons or countries ;
and it is far simpler to use a capital wherever a
proper name is utilised, whether as a noun or
adjective, than to see Lindley or Hooker's name
spelt in one place with a capital and in another
with an ordinary letter ; to employ italics for all
old generic names used as specific, and to use
inverted commas for unaltered native or ver-
nacular names, e.g., Rhamnus Frangula, Ceatrum
" Parqui." It is true that Linnonis and some of
his predecessors generally used small letters for
adjectival forms of geographical names, but the
rule was apparently no more strictly adhered to
than the termination "acea." " is for Natural Orders
in Bentham's and Hooker's Genera Plantarum.
Linnoeus, however, seems to have hadan aim that
is often lost sight of by modern botanists, viz., to
leave no doubt as to the plant intended ; he even
sacrificed his rules occasionally on that account,
as is evident in such names as Asplenium Ruta-
muraria and Adiantum Capillus Veneris. For the
same reason, one rarely finds a Linniean speciflo
name (which should preferably be descriptive of
a peculiarity of the species) derived from the
name of a person. The enormous increase of both
specific and generic names since his time renders
it still more necessary to lessen the tax on

140

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 22, 1903.

memory by the adoption of simple rules whereby
the name may be more -easily remembered by its
meaning being understood. I have adopted the
plan of using capital initial letters for all proper
names, whether nominal or adjectival, and have,
as yet, found no disadvantage, but, on the other
hand, considerable utility in doing so. There are
so many names of little-known places in foreign
countries used as adjectival specific names, such
as caripensis, ardonensis, &c., or names altered
in form, such as tabrisiana, that without an
initial capital the meaning of the name is not
readily apparent. A curious instance of this
occurs in the name Citrus Medica, which if spelt
with an initial "m" means the Citron medicinal,
although it properly means the Citron of the
Medes. E. M. Holmes.

POA ANNUA. — I quite agree with Mr. Webster
and others that this is a very valuable grass for
town gardens. It seeds more freely and per-
sistently than any other grass I know of ; in fact,
from early spring to Christmas, provided the
season is mild, it is engaged in the work of repro-
duction. I should say it must be a difficult
matter to save the seed in quantity, as it ripens
so very gradually. Here, in Factory-land, I have
found it to withstand the fogs and atmospheric
impurities, where other grasses have perished
during the winter months ; and, further, it main-
tains its verdure underneath large trees. Drought
very quickly affects it ; but generally speaking
there is plenty of water in London gardens and
parks, so that difficulty is easily overcome. We
laid out a disused churchyard last winter as a
recreation-ground. It was not intended to sow
the grass-plots until next spring. A tremendous
crop of this grass, however, came up, and as it
was allowed to seed until the end of June, we
shall have good lawns next season without
further trouble. I may say that the grave-
mounds were levelled down some years ago, and

1 take it quantities of the seed must have been
buried too deep to germinate, and that in
trenching last winter it was brought near the
surface. Walter S. Aggett, Bermondsey, S.E.

BAMBOOS FLOWERING. — Mr. Burbidge has

somewhat misunderstood my communication to
him on the flowering and seeding of hardy Bam-
boos. The only Bamboos that so far have pro-
duced seed with me are Arundinaria Simoni and
A. Laydekeri. Phyllostachys nigra and P. nigra
v. nigro-punctata flowered profusely with me
last season and the season before, but no seed
was observed, although careful search was made.
Other Bamboos which have flowered in Europe
are Phyllostachys flexuosa, Arundinaria japonica
(Metake), and A. auriconia; none of these died,
though they were considerably weakened. Arun-
dinaria Simoni and A. Laydekeri do not suffer in
appearance from the effort of flowering. The
individual culms wither, but the clumps as a
whole are not affected. Redesdale.

FLOWERING OF CABBAGES. — I have been
interested in your seed trade forecast of the seed
crops. Under the heading of Brassicas your
correspondent is evidently at sea. The reason
for the shortage in Cabbage is not because "the
Cabbages planted out for seed bolted into flower
in spring so numerously," but the very opposite —
that is, the Cabbages planted out for seed have
failed to bolt and flower. I think any practical
seed-grower will bear out this statement. My
Cabbage-seed crops of various sorts this year
covered over 70 acres, and in no case is there an
average run; of some sorts not one plant in
fifty has run for seed. William Deal, junr.,
F.R.B.S., Kelvedon.

THE WET SUMMER AND THE GROWTH OF
CONIFERS AT DROPMORE.— The abundant rain-
fall of the present season has been most beneficial
to all Coniferous-trees, and in the light soil at
Dropmore Conifers have made strong growths,
vigorous young specimens of Cupressus macro-
carpa lutea having in some instances made leaders

2 feet in length, which are still growing. This
golden - foliaged Cupressus forms a fine orna-
mental tree for garden decoration. Cedrus
Deodara alba spica promises to grow into a very
ornamental tree the points of the young shoots
are Creamy-white — a good tree for grouping or

forming an avenue. Some measurements of the
finest specimen Conifers here taken recently may
be of interest to your readers : —

Height. Gfrffcat

Pieea rubra 95 it. 6 ins. ... 5ft. Bins.

Abies cephalonk-a 86 ft 8 ft. 5 ins.

Tsuga Mertensiana 76 ft 6 ft. —

Pseudo-tsuga Douglassii ... 187 It.* lift. Bins.

Cedrus libani 109 ft 12 ft. 2 ins.

„ Deodara 102 ft 8 ft. 5 ins.

., atlanticaglauca 78 ft 7 ft. 2 ins.

Cupressus Goveniana 36 ft 5 ft. 6 ins.

Piuusrigida 84 ft 7 ft. 6 ins.

„ Laricio 102 ft 10 ft. 3 ins.

„ ponderosa 98ft 8 It. Sins.

,, Lambertiaua 82 ft. 6 ins. ... 9 ft. A ins.

„ cerabra 66 ft 6 ft. 5 ins.

„ radiata (insignis) ... 82 ft 13 ft. 3 ins.

,, monticola 74 ft 5 ft. 2 ins.

,, excelsa 90 ft 5 ft. 3 ins.

Juniperus virginiana ... 55 ft 6 ft. —

Sequoia giganiea 90 ft 14 ft. 3 ins.

., seinpervirens lMft.t 8 ft. 6 ins.

Abies grandis 86 ft 8 ft. —

Thuia giganUa 85 ft 5 ft. 10 ins.

Libocedrus deeurrens ... 70 ft 5 ft. 2 ins.

Araucaria imbricata 58 ft 6 ft. 7 ins.

* The top droops and would if erect measure another
3 feet. t Carrying cones.

These measurements were taken with a dendro-
meter. Clias. Page, Dropmore Gardens, Maidenhead,
Bucks.

MANURE8 FOR GRASS-LAND.— I have read
with much interest the results of experimental
manure on grass by your correspondent, Mr. J. J.
Willis, Harpenden, and should be glad if he
would be good enough to state the quantity of
sulphate of potash, soda, magnesia, superphos-
phates, &c, when applied, or if used in conjunc-
tion with animal manure; also the commercial
names and price and value per acre j it would
then be valuable to our neighbouring farmers,
&c. John Pope, King's Norton, near Birmingham.

Mr. Willis, to whom we sent the above note,
obligingly writes : —

"The Rothamsted experiments on grassland were
arranged to teach certain agricultural lessons, and not
for the practical farmer to follow in all their detail.
For general pasture purposes it may be said that a
dressing of from 8 to 10 tons of farmyard-manure per
acre may be applied once in every four or five years.
Then to keep up the quality of the herbage use 5 cwt.
of basic slag with 3 owi. of kainit per acre. These may
be applied every other year, and put on as early In
January as the weather permits.

" If the land is deficient in humus (organic) matter,
superphosphate of say 30 per cent, soluble phosphate,
at the rate of 3 cwt. per acre, should be used instead of
the basic slag. Bone-meal, at the rate of 4 cwt. per acre
every other year, is also a capital manure for meadow-
lands ; kainit may be mixed with this. If the land has
been grazed by farm-stock and requires sweetening,
apply chalk-lime (ground) at the rate of J ton per acre,
in addition to the foregoing mixtures. This may be
put on any time from November to January.

'• Should it be desired to cut the crop for hay, apply
in March each year from 5 to 1 cwt. of nitrate of soda
per acre, just to give a stimulus. But do not exceed
this amount, otherwise the finer Grasses and Clovers
will be forced out, and the coarsely-growiDg species
will be too greatiy encouraged. It may be mentioned
that basic-slag is better than superphosphate for wet
meadows. The present wholesale prices of the manures
mentioned are as follows :— Nitrate of soda, £10 per
ton ; bone-meal, £5 per ton ; kainit, containing 23 per
cent, of potash, £2 10s. per ton ; basic-slag of 38 to
45 per cent, phosphate, £2 5s. per ton. Superphos-
phates vary in price according to the proportion of
phosphate made soluble; the higher grades are always
to be preferred. J. J. Willis, Harpenden.

THE FLAVOUR OF THE 8ULTANIEH GRAPE.—

In the Gardeners' Chronicle of August 8, p. 104,
there is the report of the Fruit Committee on the
Sultanieh seedless Grape. It runs thus : — " Rose-
coloured, transparent Grape, with delicate bloom,
but not much flavour." Yet others who tried it
after the Committee had given judgment on it
declared that it was of good flavour, and one
connoisseur declared it "very delicious." Now,
what can be the cause of this discrepancy ? I
had noticed that the judges previously had before
them the Peach Libra, and had eaten small slices
of this Peach in order to ascertain its flavour. I
believe this is the explanation of the discrepancy
alluded to. There was not time enough for their
palates to re-acquire a neutral condition after
having been impressed by the flavour of the
Peach, and so the flavour of the Sultanieh Grape
was considered insufficient. Perhaps a somewhat
similar phenomenon occurred to myself recently.
The flavour of the Cape Gooseberry (Physalis
peruviana) is unique ; it is distinct, and
very agreeable ; yet this is what happened : —
I had been eating some Strawberry Grapes,

the flavour of which is strong, distinct, and very
nice. After them I tried some Cape Gooseberries,
and was disappointed with their flavour ; they
were almost flavourless ! Anybody can make the
following experiment. Brink a little claret of a
brand preferred for its fine flavour, then eat
some caviare on a bit of toast, and after hav-
ing swallowed it drink a little more claret, it
will be found that the same wine highly
approved of before has now become a nasty
compound ! In my tasting experiences I found
sherry is the proper wine after caviare. Suppose
the judging committee had to decide at one
sitting on the qualities and flavour values of
Peaches, Grapes, Melons, Apples, &c, the chances
are that they would unconsciously deliver an.
erroneous judgment, excepting on the first fruit
tasted, for the risk of their palates becoming
vitiated by the flavour of the fruit previously
tasted is, I think, not small. Perhaps I may be
permitted to suggest that the Royal Horticultural
Society on such occasions should provide a plate
of Olives, so that the impression of the flavour of
one kind of fruit may be wiped out by that of an
Olive ; for there is nothing that cleans, the palate
so well as an Olive. If some object to Olives, then
bread-and-cheese (preferably Roquefort) might
have a similar effect. The other alternative would
be to allow a certain interval to elapse after the
tasting of each fruit, so as to admit of the palate s-
regaining its normal neutrality ; but this is not
practicable, for it would take up too much of the
Committee's time. In judging of the colour of
flowers, one would avoid using tinted glass
spectacles ; so, in judging of flavours, one requires-
some care not to misjudge them, owing to palate-
impressions of previous fruits. This discussion
raises an interesting question. Does the smoking
of tobacco, before giving judgment on a flavour,
interfere with the pronouncing a right judg-
ment ? This can only be ascertained by a series
of experiments made by the same person, for
different persons might be a source of confusion,
in the result. I believe tea-tasters are very
careful to allow a long rest to their palates before-
they undertake the work of their profession.
This physiological question may possibly be
of some importance. Market gardeners, and
also amateurs, rely on the verdict of the
Fruit Committee when a new fruit IE-
submitted to their expert judgment. And if
a horticulturist was enterprising enough to try
a new fruit, he might think it waste of time to
try a tree that produced fruit which had " not
much flavour." I tried this Grape when I had a
clean palate, and gave some to another person tc-
try who had also a clean palate, and we both
came to the conclusion that the Sultanieh Grape
is " simply delicious." E. Bonavia, M.D.

SPORTING OF CARNATIONS.— The note on a
Carnation sporting induced me to record the most
remarkable case of that kind that has come under
my notice, and which occurred only a week or
two ago. I had cuttings of several continental'
Carnations sent me a few years ago, some of
which are desirable varieties, others obviously
not far removed from types of the sixteenth cen-
tury. One of the latter, a yellow ground with-
stripes, sported to a pure white ground, but with'
no alteration in the markings, the same plant
bearing a self-coloured bloom at the same time. Is-'
there any other instance of a Carnation sporting
in this way, and is it any indication that the
yellow grounds originated from a white variety ?'
I suppose not. While on the subject of sports I
may say that Verbena Miss E. Willmott sported*
with me to a lovely deep rose colour. Has this.
happened with others ? I mentioned the matter
to the raiser the last time I met her, but it was-
new to her. A very curious case of reversion,
happened here some years ago to a variegated
Ficus elastica, one-half of the plant retaining its-
characteristic variegation, while the other half is
green, the lines of demarcation being apparent
even to portions of the leaves. If it had been
confined to leaves issuing, one kind from one half
of the stem, and one half from the other, that
would have been notable, but a leaf springing-
from either portion, if it passes beyond the
median line, acquires and retains either the self-
green of the one or the blotched yellow of the othei-
side is still more remarkable. R. P. Brotherston.

August 22, 1903. J

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

141

SOCIETIES.

BOYAL HOBTICULTTTRAL.

August 1«.— On this occasion the Drill Hal], Buck-
ingham Gate, was unusually gay with Gladiolus, Holly-
hocks, Begonias, hardy herbaceous perennials and
Qahlias.

Floral Committee.

Present : H. B. May, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs.
C. T. Druery, G. Nicholson, R. Dean, J. Jennings,
Howe, G. Reuthe, C. Dixon, C. Jeffries, J. W. Barr, C. E.
Pearson, R. C. Notcutt, W. Cuthbertson, H. J. Jones.
C. E. Shea, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James,
G. Paul and A. Perry.

Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshnnt,

The same firm showed several cut specimens ot
hardy shrubs, as, for instance, Colutea melanocalyx, a
species having orange-coloured flowers ; C. arbor-
escens, C. cruenta, with brown and yellow flowers ;
Ailanthus glandulosa pendulifolia, with very large
and massive-looking leaves, with a leaf-stalk tinged
with brown on the upper side ; Carpinus purpurea, the
younger leaves of which have a reddish-brown tinge ;
Betula aurea, whose young leaves have a yellowish.

Fig. 53.— calochortus ruLCHELLrs. (see p. 133.)

Orchids were more numerous than at the last two
meetings, many choice species and varieties, both old
and new, being exhibited ; and some well-grown and
finely -flowered Iiouvardias heralded the approach of
autumn.

A. rather numerous company visited the Hall.

N., exhibited shrubby Phloxes in variety, Including
Coquelicot (crimson). La Siicle (rosy - purple), Iris
(purple, of a rich tint), Evenement (eerlse), Caron
d'Ache (crimson-lake), Cyrano (purple and white), and
Fiancee. Sprigs of St&tice were stuck in between the
vases.

tint; Catalpa purpurea, the youngi loaves purple of a
doep tint; Fagus Zlatia, the foliage of which at the ends
of the shoots is of a yellow tint; shoots of Pyrua
Sorbus in fruit, Betula pyramidalis, with wavy, deeply
deutate foliage, very distinct.
Messrs. John Pked & Son, West Norwood, S.E

142

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AUGUST 22, 1903.

showed cut flowers of hardy herbaceous perennials,
&c., which included Phloxes, Chrysanthemum maxi-
mum, Helianthus, Statice, Echinops ruthenicus, with
steely - coloured, round flower - heads ; Montbretias
in variety, and a few Michaelmas Daisies. Besides
these, there were in show-boxes of soU covered with
pieces of rock a large number of Alpine plants, in and
out of flower.

Messrs. J. Cheai. & Sons, Lowfield, Crawley, showed
in zinc tubes placed in big show-boxes topped with live
moss, sing'e flowered varieties of Dahlias, of which we
may mei. tion as attractive in colouring Miss Morland,
Madge. Meta, The Sirdar, Columbine, Irene, Cleopatra,
Ac. ; Cactus Dahlias of the convolute or thread petal led
type, Galliard, Theodora, Ajax, J. W. Wilkinson, Eva,
Columbia, T. H. Jackson, W. Jowitt, Lyric, Vesta, and
Mr». de Luca. There were likewise about a dczen
varieties of Pompons (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nur-
sery, Chelsea, S.W., showed again the showy Senecio
clivorum; several tubfuls of Watsonia Ardernii,
having slender stems rising to a height of from
3 to 5 feet, surmounted with spikes of pure white
flowers ; Astilbe Davidi, having tall spikes of purple-
coloured inflorescences ; enormous flower-heads of
Sambucus canadensis; Streptoearpus (Veitch's hy-
brids), having pretty shades of colour, and flowers in
some cases larger than one usually sees, especially
large and showy being those of the Achiineniflora
strain. The seed was sown in January, and the
plants came into flower in six months (Silver Flora
Medal).

Messrs. H. & G. Buxlington, Nurserymen, Matlock
Bank, showed Carnation The Duchess, a large flower
of a light pink tint, and possessing a good calyx.

Messre. R. Veitch & Son, Royal Exotic Nursery,
Exeter, showed shoots of Coriaria terminalis, having
yellow fleshy fruits of the shape of those of the Yew, and
pinnate leaves 8 inches in length and 3 inches in
width. They showed likewise Aster canescens, Chry-
sopsis variety Rutleri (a yellow Composite). Fagus
Zlatia, the Golden Beech.

Herr W. Pfitzer, Stuttgart, exhibited (through Mr.
G. Schneider, 17, Ifield Road, Fulham Road, S.W.,his
agent in this country) some extraordinarily fine varie-
ties of tuberous-rooted, single-flowered Begonias of
much substance and large size, having frilled edges
like those of Primula sinensis, the frilling running
entirely round each petal and giving the flowers an
unusually attractive appearance. There were pink,
yellow, crimson, and scarletrcoloured varieties. Herr
Pfitzer also showed Begonia Bavaria of the floribunda
type, rosy -crimson in colour, for which he received an
Award of Merit.

Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper
Edmonton, showed Hydrangea japonica variegata, a
white variety of Plumbago capensis, Campanula iso-
phylla, Swansonia galegifolia alba, Solanum jasmin-
oldes, nicely flowered ; Nerium Oleander rosea splen-
dens, and N. O. r. s. variegata, with telling leaf
variegation of creamy white. He showed besides these
many plants of Bouvardias in a variety of colours,
most of which were capitally bloomed ; Pancratium
fr&grans, &c. The flowering plants were agreeably sej
Off by numerous small Ferns (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).
Mr. E. Potten, Camden Nurseries, Cranbrook, Kent,
exhibited various hardy perennial herbaceous plants,
including Trollius europensis improved, a flonferous
plant with flowers of a bright yellow tint : Phloxes of
the shrubby type, Buddleia variabilis, Potentilla Hop-
woodensis, Montbretias, including the fine large crim-
son Germania ; Ceanothus, Tritomas, Helianthus,
Heleniunis, Veronica rosea, and a fine lot of Sower
Bpikes of Penstemons (Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. Amcs Perky, Hardy Plant Farm, Winchmore
Hill, London, N., showed a very imposing group of
hardy herbaceous perennials as cut flowers. Among
these were Lythrum roseum superbum ; many choice
varieties of shrubby Phloxes; Veronica spicata alba
and the type ; Helen iums, Bocconia cordata, a white-
flowered Monarda didyma, Chrysanthemum maximum
Mrs. Head, various Hemerocallis, Clielone glabra, Tri-
tomas, Clematis integrifolia.CampanulaMariesi, plants
of Fuchsia globosa in bloom, Geum Heldreichi var.
superba, with brilliant orange-scarlet coloured flowers
(Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. B. Ladhams, Nurseryman, Shirley, Southampton,
showed some beautiful Gaillardias of the oculata types,
all having been raised from G. grandiflora. Other of his
exhibits were the perpetual Pinks, Mrs. Moulard,
Florence, and Marion ; Chrysanthemum maximum
var. Monarch (a fine showy flower) ; the hardy hybrid
Lobelia Andrew Barlow (having a good risp of purple-

coloured flowers) ; Geum " Apricot," and Heliopsis B.
Ladhams (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden,
showed extensively Hardy herbaceous perennials, in-
cluding many Gladiolus mentioned in another part
of our report ; Violas in variety, including the striking
variety Sunset ; Campanulas, shrubby Phloxes in
many fine varieties, Montbretias (very fine), Knipho-
fias, Wachendorfia jpaniculata, Lilies, Alstromerias.
Trollius, Water Lilies, a few Scabious, Lythrum, Mis-
canthus chinensis and M. zebrina, strong-growing
grasses, good for planting near water ; a new Cam-
panula carpatica named China Cup, much stronger in
growth and larger flowers than the type (Silver Flora
Medal).

HoVyhochi.— It was satisfactory to see this fine old
florist's flower shown so numerously and in such good
character; the fine collection shown by Messrs. Webb
& Brand, the successors of the veteran William Chater,
of Saffron Walden, furnished evidence that the Holly-
hock is getting back to its pristine vigour, and re-
covering from the effects of the fungus which duriDg
the past thirty years destroyed so many collections.
There were eighteen fine spikes of varied colours, and
144 cut blooms, all of good quality, showing substantial
improvement in the flower which is highly satisfactory
(Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Gladioli.— A magnificent collection of spikes of bloom
numbering 26 J were staged by Messrs. Kelway & Son,
Langport, Somerset. The fine quality of all was a
proof that the wet summer had not affected the de-
velopment of the Gladiolus at Langport. The darkest
in colour, shades of deep crimson to maroon, were
Lucius, Wellington, Mike Lambrow, Shahzada, The
Sultan, Western Glory, Sir Evelyn Wood (very fine),
Maharajah of Kolhapur, &c. ; shades of crimson and
fcarletwith rosy-scarlet were seen in Lord Iddesleigh,
John Warren, Earl Cadogan, Colossal, Arthur Toms,
F. Field, Marcianus. Duke of Devonshire, Lord Roths-
child, E. J. Lowe, Tros (very fine), W. Hobhouse, Lord
Methuen, General Buller, Marchand, Sunshine, Cellini
&c Shades of purple are scarce, the few varieties
showing this colour were Captain Kelway (a fine new
variety), Lord Hawke, and Persimmon ; of rose
and deep pink shades some of the finest were
Langport Wonder, Cervantes, Meteor, Calliphon,
Winnie Talbot, Ontario, and Shirley Hibberd; of
delicate tinted varieties, soft-pink, blush, and cream,
there were Mrs. Foster, Numa, Gribon, Mrs. T. Field,
Miss Monro, Appianus, Egeria, Princess Royal, Shakes-
peare, Sarah Bernhardt, Philon, and Richard Milson
(Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Baron Schroeder, The Dell, Egham (gr., Mr. Ballan-
tine), had a small but interesting collection of Canadian
hybrids which appeared to possess the blood of Ganda-
vensis, Lemoinei, Nanceanus, and Childsii. In colour
they ranged from cream through yellow to dark
crimson and purple ; the flowers finely formed and
generally with large dark throat blotches (Silver Flora
Medal awarded by the Council).

Mr. W. C. Bull, Rathlin, Ramsgate, sent a small
collection showing much individuality of character,
the flowers more rounded in form in some of them
than is usually seen, and having the colour usually
found on the throat segment confined to the bottom of
the open throat. Nymph, a very fine white with a
yellow flame ; Sulphureus, pale yellow ; Phyllis, blush
tipped purple, were the best (Award of Merit).

Messrs. Champion & Co., Old Street, St. Luke's,
showed a number of superior-finished plant-tubs, in
round, square, and triangular forms.

Awards.
Awards of Merit.

Gladiohis Lady Muriel Digby. — Primrose, with a
yellow stain on the throat and crimson markings ; a
large- flowered variety, forming a bold spike. Messrs-
Kelway & Son, Langport.

Gladiolus Nymph. — A large white variety, with
rounded segments and a stain of yellow on the lower,
with a disc of colour at the base of the open throat.
Mr. W. C. Bull, Rathlin, Ramsgate.

Tamarix odessana. — A shrub with fine foliage and long
pinkish inflorescence.

Orchid Committee.

Present : Henry Little, Esq. (in the Chair); and
Messrs. James O'Brien (Hon. Sec), W. Cobb, H. M.
Pollett, J. Douglas, F. Wellesley, G. F. Moore, H. Bal-
lantine, H. T. Pitt, W. Boxall, F. J. Thome, H.A.Tracy,
W. H. White, W. H. Young, and T. W. Bond.

Several excellent groups were staged, the number of
hybrid Orchids included being specially interesting.

Captain G. L. Holford, C.I.E., Westonbirt, Tetbury
(gr., Mr. Alexander), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal
for a fine group of superbly-grown Orchids, the speci-
men of Laelio-Cattleya x callistoglossa excelsa (for
which his grower was accorded a Cultural Commenda-
tion) being a marvellously fine exhibit. Also in the
group were good L.-C. x Bletchleyensis, L.-C. x eximia,
Cattleya x Germania superba, with a grand head of
bloom ; the handsome C. x Pittiana (Schofieldiana x
aurea), C. x Fernand Denis, C. x intricata, and a noble
example of Vanda ccerulea with a spike of eighteen
flowers.

Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford,
secured a Silver Flora Medal for a good group, the
novelties in which were Cattleya :< Ceres (Schilleriana
X Luddemanniana), a pretty hybrid with whitish
sepals and petals and large labellum like a fine C.
Schilleriana; Laelio-Cattleya :< luminosa aurifera,
with golden-yellow sepals and petals ; and Rodri-
guezia grandis, provisionally named (?R. Batemani), a
very remarkable species with large whitish flowers
striped and tinged with lilac. In the group also were
Cattleya x Iris Fascinator, C. x Niobe, Laelio-Cattleya
x Bletchleyensis, L.-C. x Adolphus, the rich reddish"
scarlet Sophro-Cattleya x heatoniensis, Lselia x Iona
superba, Stanhopea oculata, Brassia Lawrenceana,
Odontoglossum x crocidipterum, Catasetum callosum,
Masdevallia x McVittiae, M. x Pourbaixi, Platyclinis
filiformis, &c. ^

H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr
Thurgood), received a Silver Flora Medal for a fine
gToup, which included a few good Odontoglossums, and
notably a variety of O. crispum, which had the sepals "
and labellum nearly covered with red purple blotches. .
Also noteworthy were Bollea ccclestis, Odontoglossum
Uro-Skinneri album. Cattleya x Atalanta, C. Gaskel
liana albens, Laelio-Cattleya x Mrs. Pitt. L.-C. X ele—
gans, L.-C.xNysa, the new and pretty L.-C. x Constance
Wigan, Lu'lia monophylla, the delicately - coloured
Cypripedium x Felicity, C. x Wiertzianum, Aeranthes
carpophorus, &c.

Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, had a select
group, including the fine Cypripedium x Ultor, C. x
Cassandra, and other Cypripediums ; Phaius maculatus,
varieties of Laelio-Cattleya x Bletchleyensis, and other
Laelio - Cattleyas ; Miltonia vexillaria superba, the
pretty PachystomaThompsonia>num, and other interest- -
ing Bpecies (Silver Flora Medal).

Messrs. Stanley, Ashton & Co., Southgate, had an
excellent group, the central figure of which was the-
richly-coloured Lselia x Iona Southgate variety, which
took the only Award of Merit of the day. Also noted
in the group were Laelia x Amanda, Cattleya x F. W.
Wigan, forms of C. Loddigesii, Cypripedium x Carnusi-
anum, and other Cypripediums ; Oncidium x Mantinii,
the handsome yellow-and-brown O. Forbesii Borwicki-
anum, O. incurvum album, Ac. (Silver Flora Medal).

Jeremiah Colman, Esq., Gatton Park (gr., Mr. W. P..
Bound), sent a singular variety of Lrelio-Cattleya x
elegans with a narrow elongated front lobe to the lip.

Francis Wellesley, .Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr.,.
Mr. Hopkins), sent Cypripedium x Wiertzianum,
Bleu's variety; Laelio-Cattleya x Herman Holmes
superba, and Laelia x Olivia alba, differing from the
original in having white sepals and petals instead of '
yellow ones.

C J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court (gr., Mr G.
Duncan), sent Laelio-Cattleya Bletchleyensis and Cypri
pedium X Lord Derby.

Fred. Hardy, Esq., Tyntesfield, Ashton-on-Mersey
(gr., Mr. T. Stafford), sent the handsome Sophro-
Cattleya x George Hardy (S. grandiflora x C.
Acklandiae), a distinct flower of an Indian yellow tint,
flushed and spotted with purple. It had previously
received an Award of Merit.

J. Bradshaw, Esq., The Grange, Southgate (gr.,Mr.
Whitelegge) showed Cattleya x Comet (Warneri x aurea), .
with purplish-rose sepals and petals, and velvety-
purple lip with a yellow base.

W. M. Apfleton, Esq., Weston-super-Mare, showed
Cypripedium x Rolfese, Appleton's variety; C. x
Phcebe, and C. x Bingleyense. C. L. N. Ingram, Esq.,
Elstead, Godalming (gr., Mr. T. W. Bard), sent Laelio
Cattleya x Epicasta fulgens (C. Warscewiczii x L.
Dayana), and L.-C. x Meteor (L. Dayana x C. Bow-
ringiana).

Awards.
Award of Merit.

Lxlia X Iona, Southgate variety (Dayanax tenebrosa/,
from Messrs. Stanley, Ashton & Co., Southgate. No
hybrid of this cross had previously found favour with
the Committee, but the Southgate variety, a finely-

August 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

14:

formed and richly-coloured flower, wag much appre-
ciated. The two-flowered spike had perfectly formed
flowers, with sepals and petals of a purplish-rose the
ciroular fronted labellum being of a glowing dark
ruby-purple colour, with claret veining from the base.

Cultural Commendation.

To Mr. George Matthews, gr. lo Lord Auckland,
KiUey, Plymouth, for a fine spike of Oncidium luridum
guttatum, 7 feet 6 inches in length, and bearing 230
flowers.

To Mr. Alexander, Orchid-grower to Captain G. L.
Holfoed, for a grand specimen of LEelio-Cattleya x
Callistoglossa excelsa, with twelve flowers.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present : Mr. G. Bunyard, in the chair ; also Messrs.
H. Balderson, J. Cheal, W. Bates, H. Esling, A. Dean,
J. Barham, G. Help, H. Markham, Owen Thomas, J. H.
Veitch, J. Jaques, J. Willard, G. Wythes, F. Q. Lane,
and C. G. Nix.

Mr. G. Wtthes, Syon House Gardens, sent two seed,
ling scarlet- flesh Melons, neither fully ripe ; one, how-
ever, had remarkably thick, smooth, rich-coloured flesh ;
it was to be seen again when riper. There also came
from the same exhibitor two Vegetable-Marrows, one
long and white, the other pear-shaped, the products of
crossing the Turk's-cap with the Custard Marrow. He
was asked to send fruits to be cooked with other
varieties at Chiswick on Monday next.

Mr. H. Pare sent from Trent Park Gardens, Barnet,
a couple of long green Marrows of the bush variety ;
also a box of over- large Tomatos of the variety named
'Coronation." Plants of this are now being grown at
Chiswick. Mr. W. J. Staples, gr. to De Baby Ceaw-
shay, Esq , Rosefleld, Sevenoaks, had a couple of
curved Cucumbers.

Messrs. T. Rivers & Sons, Sawbridgeworth, exhibited
handsome rich-coloured but over-ripe fruits of their
new mid-season Peach " Peregrine," of good flavour
(Award of Merit). From Mr. J. Bowehman, Hackwood
Park Gardens, Basingstoke, came a quantity of pods
and clusters of a superb Scarlet Runner Bean named
"Hackwood Success." Not only is the variety most
prolific, but the pods are long and straight, averaging
12 inches in length (Award of Merit).

The Rev. G. F. Eyre Rock, Worcestershire, sent
pods of a fine Pea, The Logan, which closely resembles
Sutton's Exhibition Marrow and other varieties. Asked
to send seeds to Chiswick next year.

Mr. G. Kent, Norbury Park Gardens, Dorking, sent
a bunch of a seedling Grape, no information being
given as to parentage. The berries were of great size,
oval in shape, black and very fleshy, and apparently
of excellent flavour, but not yet ripe. He was desired
to show it again in a month.

Mr. J. Hudson, gr. to Leopold de Rothschild, Esq.,
had a dish of very fine fruit of Royal Sovereign Straw-
berry, gathered out-of-doors from forced plants put
out in the spring.

Cultural Commendation.

Messrs. Spoonee & Sons, Hounslow, put up a fine
collection of Apples, from their Nurseries, all grown
out-of-doors, where, for a wonder, they seem to have
a great crop. They were chiefly shown in baskets
and boxes. Of those most noteworthy were Lady
' Budeley, Pott's Seedling, Lord Grosvenor, Nonsuch,
Beauty of Bath, Red Astrachah, Red Quarrenden,
Stirling Castle, Frogmore Prolific, Grenadier, and
Worcester Pearmain (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal).

From MessrB. Dodbie & Sons, Rothesay, came
(grown at their Kentish nursery, Orpington) a very
attractive, handEome, and clean collection of twenty-
five varieties of Potatos, in baskets of about sixty
tubers each. Of whites, very fine were Duke of York,
White Beauty of Hebron, Ringleader, Windsor Castle,
Bharpe's Victor, Sir J. Llewellyn, Sutton's A 1, The
Factor, British Queen, British Premier, and Alpha. Of
coloured varieties, excellent were Crimson Beauty,
White Elephant, Eightyfold, Mr. Breesee, and Lord
Beaconsfield (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal).

TAUNTON DEANE HORTI-
CULTUBAL.

August 13.— This was the thirty-sixth annual exhi-
bition of the Taunton Deane Horticultural Society
that succeeds one that was in operation in the town
fifty years ago, and which held three exhibitions each
summer. The exhibition on the 13th inst. surpassed
| in extent, and in many respects in quality, any pre-
: vious one. There was not only a substantial increase
in the number of exhibitors, ,but a large one in the
number of entries. One very large tent was set apart

for the classes open to all, and it was most incon-
veniently crowded; though in previous years it had
proved amply suflicient. In the division open to
amateurs and gardeners, arranged in another very
large tent, there was the same crowding. A supple-
mentary tent was filled with groups and some specimen
plants ; another, considerably enlarged, accommodated
floral decorations; the "open to-all" fruit and vege-
tables filled another large tent; another had the
cottagers' productions; another, honey.

The task of judging was an onerous one, but the
admirable arrangements made by the secretary, Mr.
J. S. Winsor, greatly facilitated the work of the judges,
and enabled the tents to be thrown open at the adver-
tised time. One very interesting feature was the two
classes for British wild flowers : one was for twenty-
four species, collected by the exhibitor in Somerset
and Devon ; the other for the same number, collected
in the same counties between April 1, 1903, and the day
of exhibition— in the latter case dried and mounted,
but in both cases labelled in full with their Lai in and
common names and natural order, according to the
ttudtnt's Flora, by Sir J. D. Hooker. The judges of
these-the Rev. Prebendary Smith, East Brent, and
Dr. H. J. Alford, of Taunton— spoke in the highest
terms of appreciation of Ihe exhibits in these t«o
classes.

In the " Open-to all " tent, stove and greenhouse plants
in collections of twelve, all in flower, made a very fine
display, Messrs. James Cypher & Sons, Queen's Road
Nursery, Cheltenham, taking the 1st prize with very
large examples of Statice intermedia and Stephanotis
floribunda, Bougainvillea Sanderiana. and having also
examples of Ixora macrothyrsa, Allamanda nobilis,
Bougainvillea glabra, &c. Mr. W. Vause, nurseryman,
Leamington, was in strong force, showing admirable
specimens, and took the 2nd prize, and very closely up
too, with two very fine specimen Ericas, Ixoras Wil-
liamsii and I. Piigrimi, Allamanda Hendersoni, <£e.
W. Marshall, Esq . Taunton (gr., W. Thomas), who
had a finely grown collection, was 3rd ; and the judges
recommended that an extra prize should be given to
Mr. Geo. Tuckee, nurseryman, Hilperton, who put up
very good twelve specimens. With six plants Messrs.
Cypheh & Sons were again 1st, having finely developed
plantB ; Mr. W. Vause was 2nd ; and Mr. W. Beock,
Exeter (gr., W. Rowland), 3rd.

There were several classes for specimen plants, stove
and greenhouse, and solt wooded, in which good ex-
amples were staged. A very good specimen of Pbysi-
anthus albens, trained over a balloon trellis, well
grown and flowered, appeared among the greenhouse
plants. Messrs. Cypher & Sons were also 1st with
eight fine foliaged plants, and Mr. W. Vause, 2nd.

Mr. W. Brock had the best eight exotic Ferns, staging
fine specimens ; and Mr. G. Tucker came 2nd with
well-balanced examples.

Groups of Plants

arranged for effect formed a fitting centre to one tent.
In the Open division Mr. W. Vause was 1st; Mr. W.
Brock, 2nd ; and Messrs. E. S. Cole & son, nursery-
men, Bath, 3rd.

In the Amateurs' division Mr. Brock was 1st ; and
Colonel Sandford. Wellington (S. Kidley, gr.), 2nd.

Tuberous Bet/onias were in the form of fine specimens.
Mr. W. Marshall was 1st, and Mr. G. Tucker, 2nd.
Some good specimen single and double Zonal Pelargo-
niums were staged, also Fuchsias in fours ; there were
some very good Cockscombs also.

Messrs. Cypher & Sons were the only exhibitors of
four Orchids, staging well-bloomed examples.

Stove and Greenhouse Plants.

Some very good specimens of stove and greenhouse
plants were staged by amateurs. The best twelve,
which included foliaged plants, came from Mr.
Marshall ; Mr. Beock being 2nd.

Mr. Beock had the best six, and also the best four ;
Colonel Sandford coming 2nd in both classes.

Colonel the Hon. H. P. Gore-Langton, Hatch Beau-
champ (W. H. Bruford, gr.), came 1st with six fine
exotic Ferns ; and|Mr. H. S. Baily, 2nd ; the latter being
the only exhibitor of four Orchids, which received the
1st prize.

Some excellent Lilies in pots were shown by Mr. W.
Marshall, varieties of L. auratum and L. speciosum.
Specimens of L. auratum were good also ; the best came
from Mr. W. W. Baker, Bridgwater, who was 1st with
six single tuberous Begonias; and Mr. W. Marshall
1st with six double, both very good.

Zonal Pelargoniums in sixes, single and double;
Coleus, very well coloured ; Gloxinias, the best coming
from Mr. Maeshall. There were very good plants ot
Achimenes, the best from Mr. W. J. Villas. Good
Petunias were also staged; also Caladiums and
Cockscombs.

Cut Flowees

are always a strong feature at Taunton. In the Open
division Messrs. Peekins & Son, Nurserymen, Co-
ventry, had the best thirty-six cut Roses; Messrs. J.
Townsend & Son, Worcester, were 2nd. With eighteen
blooms, Messrs. Perkins & Son were again 1st, and
Messrs. Jaeman & Co., Chard, 2nd. Mr. H. Corder,
Bridgwater, had the best twelve Teas ; Messrs. J.

Townsend & Sons were 2nd. The Roses generally
were fairly good.

Messrs. J. Cray & Sons, Frome. came 1st with a
dozen very good show Dahlias ; Mr. Geo. Humphries,
Chippenham, was 2nd. With six fancy Dahlias
the position of these exhibitors was reversed.
Messrs. J. Cray & Sons had the best six bunches of
single Dahlias, and also nine bunches of Pompons.
Messrs. Jarjian & Co. had the best six Cactus : all
the Dahlias were better than could have been expected.
Phloxes were shown in good character; there were
Asters of the Comet type; Phlox Drammondii in
bunches made a tine display. Mr. A. R. Brown,
Handsworth, was 1st with twelve self and twelve fancy-
Carnations, showing very good blooms. Mr. Marshall
was 1st with twelve bunches of Stove and Greenhouse
cut flowers. Fine Begonia blooms double and single
from Mr. T. J. Tabu, Yatton ; and the Rev. J. D.
Phinu, North Cury.

Hardy Perennial and Bulbous Plants
were finely shown in collections of eighteen bunches
by Mr. W. Teesedee, Cardiff; and Messrs. W. J.
Stokes & Son, Trowbridge. The best twelve bunches
of Sweet Peas came from the Rev. P. W. Bbaucker.
The best twelve bunches competing for the special-
prize offered by Mr. R. Sydenham came from Mr.
R. D. Hancock, Halse.

In the Amateurs' division cut flowers were numer-
ously shown. The best eighteen bunches of perennials
were from Mr. W. M. Lawes ; Mr. J. Pole, Taunton, a
close 2nd. Gladioli in collections of twelve spikes
were good ; Asters were not up to their usual mark.
Mr. Marshall was 1st with twelve bunches of stove
and greenhouse cut flowers; Dahlias, Roses. Dahlias
of different types, and hardy annuals were also
competing.

Floral decorations. The best dinner table, open to
ladies only, was set up by Mrs. Barnet Blake, Bath ;
Mrs. Hill, Bridgwater, 2nd, both with charming
arrangements. In another class Mr. T. Lock, Crediton,
was 1st; and Messrs. E. Cole & Son, 2nd, both dis-
playing excellent workmanship. Messrs. J. Cypher &
Sons had the best epergne ; Messrs. Cousins, Taunton,
the best hand bouquet. Baskets and bouquets of wild
flowers were highly attractive.

Fbuit
was well represented. J. W. Digby, Esq., Sherborce
Castle (gr., T. Turton), was 1st with eight dishes, having
Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes ;
Royal George Peaches, Elruge Nectarines, Figs, Melon
Plums, and Apricots; the Exors.of Lady Ashburton,
Romsey (gr., G. Hall), were 2nd. Mr. Hall had the
same varieties of Grapes, also Peaches, Figs, Plums, &c.
With four dishes Mr. Hall came 1st with finely
finished Madresfield Court Grapes, Sea Eagle Peaoh,
Pine-apple Nectarines and Melons ; Mr. J.W.I leming,
RomBey, (gr , W. Mitchell), was 2nd. Mr. Mitchell
had the best three bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes,
well finished ; Mrs. T. Box, Yeovil, was 2nd.

With three bunches of any other Black Mr. Mitchell
came 1st with excellent Gros Maroc ; Mr. Hall, 2nd,
with Madresfield Court.

Mr. Mitchell was 1st with three bunches of White
Muscats ; and Mr. Tueton, 2nd. Any other White was
Foster's Seedling, from Mr. Hall; Mr. R. G. Scmee-
ville, Taunton, was 2nd with very good Buckland
Sweetwater.

Melons were plentiful; Peaches and Nectarines not
so good as usual. Dessert Pears were represented by-
Jargonelle; dessert Apples by Beauty of Bath. Culi-
nary Apples by fine Lord Suffield. Red and White
Currants were good ; and Gooseberries very fine.

Vegetables
were well represented. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Jae-
man & Co. and Daniels Beos. all offered special prizeF,
but the general quality throughout was not equal to
that in former years.

Miscellaneous Collections
abounded. Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, had a
very fine collection of Gladioli; and Certificates of
Merit were awarded to Mrs. Badcock, Beatrice Kelway,
C. M. Kelway, Countess of Dudley, and Happy Match.
Messrs. R. T. Veitch & Sons, Exeter, had a large and
interesting collection of plants and flowers. Certifi-
cates of Merit were awarded to Lonicera Hildebrandtii
and to a golden-leaved Fagus named Zlatia. They also
had Corydalis thalictrlfolia in good character. Mr.
W. B. Smale, Torquay, had Cactus and other Dahlias ;
a new variety of the former named Koonday appeared
to be a refined gloriosa. Mr. Vincent Slade, florist,
Taunton, had excellent zonal Pelargoniums, and also
Clematis and Roses in pots. Messrs. M. Pbichabd,
nurseryman, Christchurch, and Mr. J. H White, nur-
seryman, Worcester, had excellent collections of hardy
flowers. Messrs. BlackmoheA Sons, Tiverton Nursery,
Bath, and B. R. Davis i Son, Yeovil, Begonias in line
variety. Messrs. W. Tuplin & Son had various 11 wors.
Mr. W. Thesedek the same. Messrs. Jarman* & Co.,
Chard, a representative collection of cut flowers in
good character, &o.

144

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 22, 1903.

SHROPSHIRE HORTICULTURAL
EXHIBITION AT SHREWSBURY.

" BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER."

August 19, 20.— On Wednesday and Thursday of the
present week the twenty-ninth annual exhibition of
the Shropshire Horticultural Society was held in the
beautiful pleasure-grounds at Shrewsbury known as
"The Quarry." The first exhibition was held in 1875,
when the number of exhibitors was 74, the number of
entries 217, the number of prizes 312, and the amount
of prize-money £200. The extraordinary growth that
has taken place is shown by the figures of 1902, when
there were 379 exhibitors, 2,600 entries, 815 prizes, and
£1,061 15». in prize-money. The total receipts at the
last exhibition amounted to £1,746, and the number of
visitors was 75,000. During the Society's history it has
contributed to local charities a sum of £6,428.

The Society has been so fortunate for years past in
having good weather for its shows that the Committee
now manages to keep cheerful until the exhibition day
under conditions thatwould be quite sufficient to scare
more timorous folk. On Tuesday last the appearances
seemed altogether against fair weather. Rain fell in
quantities, and the "glass" was very low. But as last
year, on Wednesday morning the sun shone brightly,
the "glass " was rising slowly, and throughout the day
there was ideal weather. There can be no doubt that
upon the whole the exhibition was larger and better
than ever. We were informed that the secretaries
received about 300 entries in excess of those of last
year, and there were nine tents this year, and six or at
most seven tents last year. The entries were therefore
something like .1,000. As last year, the two largest tents
were illuminated with electricity on the night preced-
ing the show, so that exhibitors of groups for effect,
and other arrangements that necessitate a great dea;
of time, were able to work during the greater part of
the night.

The Indooe Fruit was as good as usual. In the
Champion Grape class Mr. J. W. Goodacbe has won
further laurels, beating Mr. Shingler, who won last
year; and Messrs. Buchanan, who were 2nd last year
and this. Messrs. Buchanan showed wonderful Muscat
Grapes, three of their bunches taking the maximum
number of points that could be awarded. It is worth
special mention that Mr. Goodacee won all the three
1st prizes in the big fruit classes, that for the dessert
table and those for the Champion Grapes, and for a
collection of sixteen dishes of fruit.

Vegetables were good. This wretched season has at
least one redeeming feature. It has grown some good
vegetables, excluding Potatos, for these are diseased
badly. The show at Shrewsbury promises well for that
to be held next month at Chiswick.

For the rest, there were delightful exhibits of hardy
flowers, Dahlias, tuberous Begonias, and many other
plants and cut flowers.

The show gained very considerably by the exhibit of
Hippeastrums from Col. Holfohd, and the splendid
fruit trees from Messrs. Bivees.

Once again it is our privilege to congratulate the
Honorary Secretaries, Messrs. Adnitt and Naunton,
upon the success attained, and which their efforts
have so well deserved.

PLANTS.
The principal classes for plants are the ordinary
ones for groups of miscellaneous plants arranged for
effect. Never are tliere seen better, more skilfully
arranged groups of this nature than those staged each
year at Shrewsbury, and they are displayed in a
spacious tent in which there is ample room for visitors
to see them with comparative ease. We have on many
previous occasions described the characteristics of
these miscellaneous groups arranged for exhibition
which have been for some years past of a style which
Messrs. Cypher have done more than anyone else to
make popular. The exhibits on this occasion were
not so distinct from previous ones that it is necessary
to describe them in detail. They are wonderful
creations ; they possess an extraordinary fascination
for the bulk of the visitors, and they contain such an
amount of material, and require such an expenditure
of time, that they only become possible if large money-

prizes are offered to those exhibiting them. On the
present occasion in the class for a group of plants in
and out of bloom on a space of 300 square feet the 1st
prize was awarded to Mr. W. Finch, Coventry ; the 2nd
to Messrs. Cypher & Son, Cheltenham; and the 3rd
to Mr. W. Vause, Leamington. In a similar class for
foliage plants exclusively the 1st prize was awarded to
Messrs. Cipher & Son ; the 2nd to Mr. John Thompson,
Derby ; and the 3rd to the Earl of Carnarvon, Bretby
Park, Burton (gr., Mr. J. Read). In these two classes
alone prizes are awarded which amount to £120.

Fifteen Stove and Greenhouse Plants.— Messrs. Cypher
& Sons, Cheltenham, easily won in this class, and
showed mammoth plants of Statice intermedia, Stepha-
notis floribunda, Erica Marnockiana, Allamanda no-
bilis, Codifeum Warreni. Ixora Duffii, Bougainvillea
Cypheri, <&c. ; 2nd, Mr. W. Vause, Leamington ; 3rd,
Mr. W. Finch, Coventry.

Six Stove and Greenhouse Plants.— The best collection
of six plants was shown by T. Sutton Timmis, Esq.,
Cleverley, Allerton, Liverpool (gr., Mr. B. Cromwell).
The species were Lapageria rosea, Stephanotis flori-
bunda, Ixora Williamsii, I. Duffii, Statice profusa, and
Kentia Fosteriana. The 2nd prize fell to Messrs.
Cypher & Sons.

Begonias.— There were excellent displays of tuberous-
rooted Begonias in pots, on spaces of 15 feet by 4 feet.
The 1st prize wa} won by a truly magnificent exhibit
from Mr. Fred Davis, Woolashill (gr., Mr. Pershore).
The flowers were as large as the best shown at the
' Temple " exhibition in May. 2nd, Messrs. Blackmohe
& Langdon, Twerton Hill Nurseries, Bath ; 3rd, Messrs.
B. R. Davis & Son, Yeovil.

Caladiums were shown by a few exhibitors, and the
best were good - sized specimens from T. Sutton
Timmis, Esq., Cleverley, Allerton (gr., Mr. Cromwell).

Coleus plants were shown, trained as pyramids about
5 to 6 feet high. Some of the best were shown by Jno.
Barker, Esq., Old Grammar School House, Shrewsbury
(gr., Mr. H. Worrall).

Zonal Pelargoniums and Fuchsias were exhibited in
specimens of moderate size.

Ferns were quite a feature in one of the tents. There
were several collections of four exotic species, the 1st
prize being awarded to T. Sutton Timmis, Esq.

The best collection of Thirty miscellaneous plants was
shown by Lord Harlech, Brogyntyn (gr., Mr. T.
Lambert). The plants were in five inch pots, and some
of them suitable for the ornamentation of the dinner
table.

The best collection of twelve plants suitable for the
dinner table, was from T. Sutton Timmis, Esq., Aller-
ton, being very pretty specimens of Codi;eum, Palms
and Pandanus Veitchii.

Lord Harlech obtained a 1st prize for a collection of
six stove and greenhouse plants, in a class limited to
residents in Shropshire. In this exhibit was a very
good plant of Clerodendron fallax, evidently a "cut
back" specimen. There were other classes likewise
limited to Shropshire residents, to which we cannot
refer in detail.

Gloxinias were good, but not specially remarkable
(except those from Messrs. Sutton it Sons).

Cordylines (Dracaenas) were shown also in classes by
themselves, and there were some good plants amongst
these.

THE DESSERT TABLES.

The first class in this section is that for a dessert
table, decorated with plants and foliage, the tables
measuring 10 feet by 4 feet 6 inches. Not more than
fifteen dishes of fruit were permitted in each exhibit,
and the kinds that might be selected were specified in
the schedule. Each table was covered with a white
cloth, but no silver, electro-plate, wine-glasses, or
decanters were allowed. There were three exhibitors,
and of these the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle,
Derby (gr., Mr. J. H. Goodacre), was successful iii
winning the 1st prize, having an exceedingly attractive
arrangement. The fruits shown and the number of
points awarded each were as follows :—

Apples

Points
awarded.

63

Points
possible

7

Fig's "'.

Grapes

64 ...

5

6J. ...

7
7
10

■i

8

10

ii

5

10

Melons

7i ...
7

10
8

Nectarines

6

n ...

8
8

Peaches

6

6$ ...

8
8

Pears

5i ...
6s

8
7

For Decoration ..

2J

7
28

Points awarded ... 118s 151

The varieties of fruits shown were as follows :—
Grapes, Muscat of Alexandria, Canon Hall Muscat,
Madresfield Court, and Black Hambro; Apples',
Ribston Pippin, Washington; Nectarines, Elruge,

Pineapple; Peaches, Bell'crarde and Princess of
Wales ; Pears, Pitmaston Ddchess and Marguerite
Marillat ; Figs, Brown Turkey; and two Melons. The
decorations were of Francoa, Gypsophila, and
Chironia. The 2nd prize was won by G. Farquhar,
Esq , Eastnor Castle (gr. Mr. G. Mullins), who won a
total of 107 points. He bad excellent Bigarreau
Napoleon Cherries, fine and richly coloured Belle
garde Peaches, two good Melons, a satisfactory dish of
Figs and Apricots, Nectarines, Apples, four bunches
of Grapes. &c. The decorations were of Francoa and
Montbretia crocosmtrflora. ' 3rd, The Hon. Mrs
Meynell Ingram, Temple Newsam, Leeds (gr. Mr. R.
Dawes), who was awarded 97 points.

COLLECTIONS OF FRUIT.
There were three important classes for collections of
fruits, and in each case the exhibits were decorated
with plants and flowers, that were judged separately,
and awarded three additional prizes in each class.

Collection or Sixteen Dishes.

The largest class called for sixteen dishes of fruit,
distinct, in not fewer than twelve kinds, and including
not more than two varieties of a kind. Black and
white Grapes were to be considered distinct kinds of
fruit. The exhibits occupied spaces of 8 feet by 4 feet
6 inches each. Pines were, excluded, and the prizes
were designed to encourage the " highest cultural
merit." There were three exhibits, and the 1st prize
was won by the Earl of Harrington (gr., Mr. J. H.
Goodacre). He had of Grapes, Duke of Buccleuch (2),
Madresfield Court, very nice (2), Black Hamburgh (2),
and Muscat of Alexandria. The Muscats were well
coloured, but not of remarkable weight. Of Peaches
there were Beliegarde and Princess; Nectarines,
Lord Napier; Figs, Brown Turkey; Apricots,-.
Turkey ; Plums, Transparent Gage ; Strawberry
Royal Sovereign; Pears, Souvenir du Congres; Apple
Ribston Pippin); Melons, Taunton Hero and a seed-
ling ; and Cherries, Morello. The veteran victors in '
so many battles showed capitally in this one.
The 2nd prize was won by Lord Biddulph, Ledbury
Park (gr., Mr. J. Dawes). He had good Black Alicante
Grapes, very heavy, and moderate bunches of Muscat
of Alexandria and Cooper's Black ; also immensely
large Sea Eagle Peaches, very fine Morello Cherries,
Lord Napier Nectarine, Transparent Gage Plums,
Brown Turkey Figs, &c. 3rd, Mr. F. Jordan, gr. to Dr.
Corbett, Impney Hall, Droitwich. This exhibitor had
large, very well-coloured bunches of Chasselas Na-
poleon Grapes, and several other varieties of Grapes
in good condition, especially Muscat of Alexandria ;
he had excellent Peaches Beliegarde and Violet Hative,
Nectarines Spenser, Apricot Moorpark, Melons Hero
of Lockinge and Frogmore Scarlet, &o. This exhibitor
won the 1st prize for his decorations, and the Earl of
Harrington was 2nd.

Collection of twelve Dishes.— In this class there was a
very fine display, there being five exhibitors. The 1st
prize was won by the Hon. Mrs. Meynell Ingram,
Temple Newsam, who showed Gros Maroc, Muscat of
Alexandria, and Madresfield Court Grapes, of which
the Muscats were weakest; Peaches Beliegarde and
Dymond, Nectarine Stanwick Elruge (very highly
coloured), Plum Kirke's, Fig Brown Turkey, Apple
Washington, Pear Marguerite Marillat, Melons Ring-
leader and another ; Mrs. F. Need, York House, Mal-
vern, won the 2nd prize. Peaches were again very good
in this exhibit. Apples and Plums very weak, and the
rest of moderate quality. 3rd. H. H. France Hay-
hurst, Esq. , Overley, Wellington (gr., Mr. S . Bremmell) ;
and 4th, Mrs. Swann, Halston Hall, Oswestry (gr., Mr.
C. Roberts). For decoration, the 1st prize was awarded
to the exhibitor last named.

Collection 0} Nine Dishes.— There were only two ex-
hibitors in this smaller class, and the 1st prize was
won by C. F. K. Mainwaring, Esq., Oteley, Ellesmere
(gr., Mr. C. Wilkins). He had two dishes of Peaches
and two dishes of Nectarines, four bunches of Grapes, a
Melon, a dish of Figs, and a dish of Pears. 2nd, Rev.
T. M. Bulkeley, Owen Tedsmore Hall, West Felton
(gr., Mr. J. Langley), who had rather heavy bunches
of Foster's Seedling Grapes, though not perfectly
finished, and a good dish of Prince Englebert Plums, &c.

Champion Grape Class.

(First, Mr. Goodacre.)

In class seventy-seven there was a great contest for
the magnificent Silver Vase, value £52 10s., which was
illustrated in these pages in August last year, and
which the Marquis of Hastings (gr. Mr. W. Shingler)
has held during the past twelve months. This
Challenge Vase will not become the property of an
exhibitor until he has won it three times.

The class calls for twelve bunches of grapes, in. four
or more distinct varieties, but not more than four
bunches of any one variety. The directions to the
judges were that each bunch should be judged on its
individual merits, and points awarded accordingly.
The maximum number of points that could be awarded
for Muscat varieties was eleven, for Black Hamburghs
ten, and for each other variety, nine. Superior culti-
vation and finish were to be given preference over
mere size. Each collection was decorated with

August 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

145

: flowering or foliage plaots, and out flowers, but this

' was done to secure a good effect only, the decorations

being judged and an additional prize awarded, quite

independently of tbe fruit. There were five exhibits,

and therefore sixty good bunches of grapes.

Tbe 1st prize was narrowly won by the Earl of Har-

' bington (gr., Mr. Goodacre). who succeeded owing to

i the varieties selected being finer in quality than those

in the second prize collection, and consequently the

| pointing was higher. But in the 2nd prize collection

I some of the bunches were awarded the maximum

number of points possible to the varieties shown. The

Earl of Harrington's collection included Muscat of

Hamburgh (3), Muscat of Alexandria (4), Madresfield

Court (3), Black Hamburgh (2). The pointing was as

follows :—

Points Points

possible, awarded.

Bunch No. 1... Black Hamburgh ... 10 9

„ 2... Madresfield Court ... 11 10

„ 3... Muscat of Alexandria 11 9

,, 4... Madresfield Court ... 11 10

,, 5... Muscat of Alexandria 11 8

„ 6... Muscat Hamburgh ... 11 loj

,, 7... Muscat Hamburgh ... 11 11

,, 8... Muscat of Alexandria 11 9

„ 9... Madresfield Court ... 11 10s

„ 10 .. Black Hamburgh ... 10 9il

,, 11... Muscat of Alexandria 11 8J

,, 12... Muscat Hamburgh ... 11 10J

130

115j

Points

Points

possible.

awarded.

... 9

?i

... 11

11

9

9

... 9

8}

... 11

11

9

9

... 9

9

... 11

11

... 9

9

... 9

8i

... 11

10J

... 9

84

The above collection was praiseworthy from every
point of view, and most of the bunches were of good
weight and finish.

The 2nd prize was awarded to Messrs. D. & W.
Buchanan, Kippen, Stirling, N.B.,who won 113J points.
The four bunches of Muscat of Alexandria in this ex-
hibit were the best in the show, being about 5 lb. each
in weight, and highly finished. The fourth bunch was
a little less heavy, but it was better coloured than any.
The pointing was as follows :—

Bunch 1... Alnwick Seedling ...
,, 2... Muscat of Alexandria
„ 3... Cooper's Black

„ 4... „

„ 5... Muscat of Alexandria

,, 6... Cooper's Black

„ 7... Black Alicante

,, 8... Muscat of Alexandria

„ 9... Alnwick Seedling ...

„ 10

,, 11... Muscat of Alexandria

„ 12... Black Alicante

Total 116 113J

The Black Alicante bunches were very heavy. This
firm was 2nd last year also. The 3rd prize was won by

1 Lord Hastings, Melton Constable Hall, Norfolk (gr.
Mr. W. ;Shingler), who won the Champion Vase last

• year. This year he gained 107J points. His varieties

1 were IMadresfield Court (4), Muscat of Alexandria (2),
Black Hamburgh (1), Alnwick Seedling (4), Gros
Maroe (1). He obtained maximum points for single
bunches of Madresfield Court, Alnwick Seedling, and
GrosMaroc. The Muscats of Alexandria were weak,
one bunch particularly lacking colour. 4th, Col. Platt,
C.B., Gorddinog (gr., Mr. W. A. Coates), who got
105} points. 5th, the Hon. Mrs. Meynell Ingram.

I Temple Newsam, near Leeds (gr., Mr. R. Dawes), who

I was awarded 80 points.

The prizes for decorations were awarded in this Class
as follows :— 1st, Col. Platt ; 2nd, "Hon. Mrs. Meynell
Ingram; 3rd, The Earl of Harrington.

Other Grape Classes.
There were six exhibitors in a class lor four bunches
of Grapes, two of a black and two of a white variety.
The best bunches were from Lord Harlech, Brogyn-
tyn, Oswestry (gr. Mr. T. Lambert). The varieties
were : Muscat of Alexandria, long well-shaped bunches
about 3 lb. in weight, pretty well finished, and Madres-
field Court, of good weight and moderate finish. 2nd,
J. Bayley, Esq , Bryn-y-Mewadd, Llanfairfechan (gr.
Mr. C. Richardson). In this case the varieties were
Muscat of Alexandria and Black Hamburgh, all heavy
bunches of pretty good finish. 3rd, F. K. Mainwaring,
Esq., Oteley, Ellesmere.
1 Two Bunches Black Hamburgh— Two very excellent
bunches won 1st prize for the Earl of Harrington
(gr., Mr. Goodacre). The colour of the berries was
1 splendidly developed in this case Larger bunches
; and less good berries were shown by the Rev. T. M.
Bulkeley Owen. 3rd,E.Mui.LERMi'Nuv. Esq .Shipley
Hall, Derby (gr. Mr. J. C. Tallack). There were five
exhibitors.

Single Bunch of Black Hamburgh.— The Earl of Har-

■ rington (gr., Mr. Goodacre) was again 1st lor the single

( bunch, showing a short thick heavy bunch, large in

berry and well coloured. There were eight exhibitors.

Two Bunches oj Madresfield Court.— This variety was

shown best by Lord Hastings (gr. Mr. Shingler), who

had very long slightly curved bunches of very large

berries, that were thoroughly "finished," and densely
covered with bloom. The Earl of Harrington came
next with good bunches, bearing less colour ; and the
Rev. T. M. BulkeleyOwen was 3rd. All of these were
good. There were seven exhibitors.

Two Bunches Black Alicante.— -There were four exhibits
in this class, and Lord Hastings won the 1st prize with
very heavy, perfectly-coloured examples ; 2nd, J. C.
Waterhouse, Esq., Prestbury (gr., Mr. A. H. Hall).

Two Bunches of Gros Maroc.—Ot eight exhibits in this
class, that from Lord Hastings (gr., Mr. Shingler)
was ahead of the others, the bunches were large, and
the berries were as big as Plums; 2nd, the Earl of
Harrington; and 3rd, Mrs. F. Alderson, Frankton
(gr., Mr. G. Davies).

Two Bunches of Muscat of Alexandria. — There were
eight exhibits in this class for the best of all Grapes,
and the 1st prize was awarded to Mrs. H. S.Gough,
Tal-y-Cafn, R.S.O. (gr., Mr. F. W. Everett), who had
immense bunches, probably 7 lb. each in weight ; but
they were not very well coloured, and some of the
berries were rather small ; 2nd, J. Bayley, Esq., Llan-
fairfechan (gr., Mr. C. Richardson), with good bunches
a little weak in colour ; 3rd, Earl of Harrington, with
long, rather meagre bunches, of excellent colour.
If Single Bunch Muscat of Alexandria.— The 1st prize was
won from eight other exhibitors by Messrs. D. & W.
Buchanan, Kippen, N.B.

Any other White drape.— There were five entries, and
the 1st prize was won by J. C. Waterhouse, Esq.,
Prestbury, for small bunches of Chasselas Napoleon,
with extra large berries of good colour ; 2nd, Col.
Platt, C.B., with very heavy bunches of Foster's Seed-
ling, small in berry, and not fully coloured ; 3rd, D.
Marriage, Esq., Chorley, Lanes, (gr., Mr. F. W. Kerr),
with rather poor bunches of the same variety.

Single Bunch of Diamond Jubilee.— The 1st prize was
awarded to a densely coloured bunch of big berries
shown by T. Corbett, Esq., Impney Hall, Droitwich
(gr., Mr. F. Jordan). The Earl of Harrington (gr., Mr.
Goodacre) had an excellent bunch of this much dis-
cussed Grape, not coloured so well, but the berries
were extremely large.

STONE AND OTHER FRUITS.

Six Plums.— There were %ight entries, and a dish of
the variety Prince Englebert, shown by J. B. Wood,
Esq., Henley Hall, Ludlow (gr, Mr. H. Huxter), was
placed 1st.

Twelve Red Plums.— The Earl of Harrington (gr., Mr.
Goodacre) won 1st prize in this class with fine fruits of
Cox's Emperor.

Twelve Purple Plums.— The variety Kirk's Plum, won
in a competition amongst eight exhibitors, the winner
being the Earl of Harrington.

Twelve Yellow Plums.— Golden Drop won 1st prize
here for the Earl of Harrington ; and in a class for
twelve Gage Plums, the 1st prize was awarded to the
same exhibitor for a good dish of Transparent Gage.

Melons.— The best white fleshed Melon was Hero of
Lockinge, shown by R. Clayton Swan, Esq., Gaddesby
Hall, Leicester (gr.,Mr. G. Selley); there were eleven
exhibits. Of the scarlet-fleshed varieties, the best was
Sutton's Scarlet, shown by Mrs. R. Darby, Adcote (gr.,
Mr.' R. Lawley); there were fourteen exhibits. The
best green-fleshed variety was a seedling, shown by the
Earl of Harrington.

Apricots.— There were seven dishes of Apricots, and
some of the fruits were very fine. The 1st prize was won
by Major Clive, Hereford (gr.,Mr. R. Grindrod), with
beautiful fruits of Early Red.

Nectarines.— There were eight dishes of Nectarines,
and all of them were satisfactory. The best was Rivers'
Orange, shown by Sir Geo. Me YRicK.Bodorgan, Anglesey
(gr., Mr. W. Pilgrim); 2nd, the variety Pineapple,
shown by R. Clayton Swan, Esq.

Twelve Peaches. — Among twelve dishes of twelve
Peaches, the best was Bellegarde, shown by Major
Clive ; and the same variety shown by the lion. Mrs.
Meynell Ingram was 2nd; and the variety Violet
Hative, irom T. ConnErr. Esq , Impney Hall, Droit-
wich, was 3rd. The Peaches were capital throughout
in size and colour.

CUT FLOWERS.

The principal cut flower at Shrewsbury this year was
the Sweet Pea. There were numerous classes in which
prizes were offered by Mr. Robert Sydenham and
other trade growers, as well as those by the Society
itself. One tent contained Sweet Peas exclusively, and
they were staged in other tents as well. Some of the
exhibits were exceedingly pretty, but we cannot refer
to them now in detail. The following exhibitors were
amongst those who won 1st prizes : — Sirs. C. Lashmore,
Market Drayton; Miss M E. Jones, Grapes Hotel,
Blcton ; Mr. W. Shropshire, Market Drayton ; Mr. T.
Jones, Ruabon ; Mr. H. Aldersey, Aldersey Hall,
Chester (gr., Mr. Jno. Chiaholm).

HARDY FLOWERS.
There were several very fine displays of hardy
perennial flowers, and together they constituted a
bank of bold flowers that compared favourably with

those at any previous show at Shrewsbury. The 1st
prize for a collection in which a frontage of 15 feet was
allowed each exhibit, was won narrowly by Messrs.
Harkness & Sons, Bedale, Yorks. In this group
Lilium auratum and varieties of L speciosum were
grand, and a bold bunch of flowers of the scarlet variety
of Gladiolus, Miss Beecher, was dazzling and extremely
good. Many of the finest species of hardy flowers were
represented, but it is impossible to refer to all of them.
Mr. M. Pritchard, Christchurch Nurseries, Hants, was
2nd, and included a capital bunch of Crinum Powelli ;
3rd, Messrs. G. Gibson & Co., Leeming Bar, Bedale.

An excellent collection of twenty-four bunches of
hardy flowers was shown by Miss Humberston, Newton
Hall, Chester (gr., Mr. R. Wakefield), who won the 1st
prize for twelve bunches. The 2nd prize in the larger
class was won by Messrs. G. Gibson & Co., Bedale, Yorks.

DAHLIAS.

There were Dahlias in abundance. The Cactus varie-
ties showing to splendid advantage in a class for Cactus
or Decorative varieties, in collections having frontages
of 10 feet 6 inches. In the 1st prize exhibit from Messrs.
W. B. Rowe & Son, Worcester, a few Adiantum Ferns,
and much Gypsophila were used to relieve the flowers,
but in the 2nd prize collection from Mr. S. Mortimer,
Kowledge Nurseries, Farnham, Surrey, a different
method of arrangement was adopted, and in place of
the Ferns and Gypsophila a little Dahlia foliage was
used with less confusing effect. In each case the
flowers were good. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.,
Salisbury, were 3rd.

The following class was of similar importance to the
last one, the spaces and prizes being the same, but any
varieties of Dahlias were permissible. In this case the
1st prize was won by a Cardiff exhibitor, Mr. Wm.
Treseder, of that town, who showed exceedingly well,
having the show, decorative, Cactus, and single varieties
effectively displayed in Bamboo pillars and in other
receptacles that afforded variety and effect. The flowers
were very good also. 2nd, Messrs. Keynes, Williams
& Co. 3rd, Messrs. Jones & Son, Shrewsbury.

CARNATIONS.

The best display of cut Carnations was made by Mr.
A. F. Dutton, Bexley Heath, Kent, who had not only
excellent flowers, but staged them to the best effect
possible. 2nd, Messrs. M. Campbell & Son, High
Blantyre, N.B. 3rd, W. A. Watts, Esq., Bronwylla, St.
Asaph.

There were very beautiful florists' exhibits. Messrs.
Jenkinson & Son, Newcastle-under-Lyme, won 1st
prize] for brides' and bridesmaid*' bouquets ; Messrs.
Perkins & Son, Coventry, were and in these classes,
but 1st for a featherweight bouquet.

Vegetables.

So considerable is the Vegetable department, that it
makes an exhibition of itself. There are no fewer than
nine coUection classes, and some thirty lesser ones,
all producing strong competition. The average
quality was very good, but some things stood out with
remarkable excellence.

Messrs. Sutton .C- Sons' Prizes— These were six, ranging
from £) to £1, the 1st being taken by that strong ex-
hibitor Mr. J. Gibson, gr. to R. W. Hudson, Esq., Great
Marlow. He had, quite superb throughout, Ailsa Craig
Onions, Best-of-All Runner Beans, Perfection Tomatos,
Prizetaker Leeks, Solid White Celery, Mammoth Cauli-
flowers, Windsor Castle Potatos, Gladstone Peas, and
Red Intermediate Carrots. Mr. E. Beckett, gr. to Lord
Aldenham, Elstree, was 2nd, having very fine Celery,
Runner Beans, Peas, Onions, Tomatos, all of similar
varieties. Mr. Ashton (gr. to the Earl of Lathom,
Ormskirk) was 3rd ; and Mr. C. Wilkins (gr. 10 O. F. K.
Mainwaring, Esq , Ellesmere), 4th.

In Messrs. Jas. Carter ct Co's Class, also for nine dishes,
Mr, Beckett was a good 1st, having Model Telephone
Peas, Duke of York Tomatos, Windsor Castle Potatos,
Holborn Model Leeks, Elephant Runner Beans, Per-
fection Carrots, Solid Ivory Celery, and Giant Cauli-
flowers. Second came Mr. D. Gibson (gr. to Mrs.
Johnstone, Kingston - on - Thames), with excellent
exhibits. Mr. Ashton, was 3rd; and Mr. Read (gr. to
the Earl of Carnarvon, Bretby Park), was 4th.

Messrs. R. Smith <t- Sons, Worcester, had a class also
for nine dishes. Mr. M. A. Hobspool, Ruabon, came
1st with very superior products; Leeks, Cauliflowers,
Celery, Snowball Turnips, Potatos, Gladstone Peas,
&0., were very good indeed. Mr. Beckett was second
with good exhibits ; Mr. Bremwell, gr. to H. H.
France Hayhurst, Esq., was 3rd, and Mr. G.Dawes,
Pool Parva, 4th.

Messrs. Webb £ Sons' prizes for eight dishes were
six in number, and like Messrs. J. Carter & Cos.,
commenced with £i. In ibis case Mr. Ashton was 1st
having fine Cauliflowers, good Onions, Runner Beans,
Renown Potatos, Kaiser Peas, Tomatos, Celery, and
Leeks; Mr. J. Bastin, gr. to Sir A. Henderson, M.P.,
Buscot Park, Berks, came- 2nd with excellent products ;
Mr. 11. Folkes, gr to the Right Hon. J. J. HALSBY.Esq.,
M.P., Hempstead. Herts, coming 3rd. and Mr. C. Jones,
gr. to the Misses Howell, Bernew, ah.

146

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 22, 1903.

The Societj's cl^ss for twelve dishes again brought
Messrs. J. Gibson and E. Beckett into competition, in
this case twelve dishes being required. The first
named was placed 1st, and the latter 2nd. the exhibits
■comprising kinds already generally mentioned.

Mr. E. Murrell had a class for eight dishes, in which
Mr. M. C. Townsend, gr. to J. B. Ackeoyd, Esq., Chalfont
Park, Slough, was 1st staging good things; Mr. J.
Birch, gr to Captain Butleb, Shelton Hall, was 2nd.
In a class for six dishes by the same donor, Mr. J.
Clowes, gr to G. F. Ward, Esq., Hadnall Hall, was 1st;
:Mr. 9. Abbott, gr. to Mrs. C. Guise, Hadnall, coming 2nd.

Mr. B. Sydenham, as usual, offered sixty small money
prizes in ten classes, the first being as under:— Two
dishes of Peas, with Duke of Albany and The Glad-
stone, capital pods, Mr. Hobspool was 1st. With a
•dish of very fine Runner Beans, Mr. Leith, gr. to Col.
Middleton Ross, was 1st. Th-ee Cauliflowers, Mr. J.
Read. Six Carrots, Mr. A. Folkes, handsome New
Intermediate. Six Parsnips, Mr. Leith, with very fine
White Hollow Crown. Eight Onions, Mr. Leith. with
good Ailsa Craig. Dish of Tomatos, Mr. F. Clarke, gr.
to M. Firth, Esq., Leicester. Six Turnips, Mr. Hob-
spool, small but very perfect Snowball. Three Celery,
Mr. Folkes, with good Standard Bearer. Two dishes
of Potatos, Mr. E. Walker, gr. to Sir W Honeyman, Bt..
Whitchurch, the varieties being Duke of York and
Snowdrop— very handsome samples.

Messrs. Hewett & Sons had a class for six dishes, Mr.
Read being 1st, and Mr. Walker, 2nd. There was
great competition in the single dish, or other small
classes, for prizes offered by the Society. Mr. H.
Powell, gr. to C. T Hatherlet, Esq., Addlestone,
Surrey, having the best Scarlet Runners; Mr. Leith
the most perfect dwarfs in Canadian Wonder; Mr.
Horspool the best Peas, with The Gladstone; Mr. A.
Hall. gr. to J. C. Waterhouse, E-q , Prestbury, had
i'landsome unnamed Cucumbers. Mr. J. Jones (gr.
to Mrs. F. Need), the best Tomatos, and Mr. Ashton
was first in a single dish of Potatos with Ideal, and the
same with two dishes having very handsome Sir J.
Llewellyn and Duke of York. In the Cottagers'
Classes there was a remarkable competition, quality, as
usual, ruling high. Some £150 are offered in prizes for
•vegetables at this great exhibition.

The result of the adding up of points gained by
exhibitors in Mr. Sydenham's classes was that Mr.
Leith again wins the Silver Challenge Bowl, and it
• now becomes his property finally, this being the third
win.

HONORARY EXHIBITS
have usually been numerous at Shrewsbury, but they
seem to increase even now. A group of Hippeastrums
in bloom in pots, shown by Captain Holfohd, Weston-
birt, Tetbury (gr„ Mr. Chapman), was one of the most
noteworthy when we remember the time of the year.
It is said that the bulbs had been retarded as well as
they could be in sheds, etc., with a north aspect. In
any case, they were magnificent, and showed perfect
cultivation, nor was the quality of the varieties less
noteworthy.

Mr. Jno. Forbes, Hawick. N.B., had a very pretty
exhibit of Pentstemons, herbaceous Phlox, double-
flowered Stocks, single blooms of Carnations. All of
•these flowers being specialities of Mr. Forbes were of
fine quality, the long spikes of large, brightly-coloured
•flowers of Pentstemons showing to capital effect.

Me'srs. Wm. Bull & Sons, New Plant Nurseries,
King't Road, Chelsea, London, exhibited choice foliage
plants and several good Nepenthes (N. Chelsoni, N. x
mixta, and N. Mastersiana), carrying a good number of
pitchers. The foliage plants included Cordylines
Ferns, Codireums, &c.

Roses were well shown by Mr. Edwin Mukrell,
Portland Nurseries, Shrewsbury. He had a very large
exhibit of good blooms of a large number of popular
varieties, among which a box of blooms of Mrs. John
Laing was conspicuous.

Messrs. Jas. Backhouse & Son, York, had a group
of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in pots, and a
pretty little rockery planted with Alpines.

Mr. W. B. Child, Edelweiss Nurseries, Acock's
Green, Worcestershire, had a very large group of
-hardy flowers.

Avery large exhibit of hardy flowers was shown by
T. Bonskell, Market Bosworth, which would seem to
he sufficient to deplete any amateur's garden.

Messrs. Dobhie & Co., Rothesay, N.B., staged a
magnificent collection of Dahlia flowers in which the
sections, exclusive of the show section, were well
•represented by good fl wers. The firm had also about
two dozen varieties of Potatos in baskets.

Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate Nurseries,
London, N., exhibited a group of hardy flowers, in-
cluding Nympbreis and a few alpine plants, itc.

The Ranelagh Nursery Co., Royal Leamington Spa,
•had a large group of Asparagus myriocladus.

From Miss Talbot, Margam Park. Port Talbot (gr.,
Mr. Milner). were shown fruits of nearly a dozen
varieties of Oranges.

Messrs. Laing & Mather, Kelso, N.B., exhibited cut
flowers of varieties of Carnations.

Mr. J. H. White, Worcester, had a large group of
hardy flowers in great variety.

Mr. H. Deverill, Banbury, showed a group of hardy

flowers ; and Mr. H. Deverill, Banbury, a collection
of cut Roses and Zonal Pelargoniums.

Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Brookfield Nursery, Olton,
Birmingham, had a collection of varieties of herba-
ceous Phlox.

Messrs. Phitchard & Sons, Shrewsbury, showed a
nice group of Ferns In pots, also Codiaeums.

Messrs. T. Rivers & Son. Sawbridgeworth, Herts,
startled the Shropshire folk with one of their
fine displays of orchard - house fruit -treei in pots.
There were Vines, Apples, Plums, Peaches, Nectarines,
Cherries, and several varieties of each. Some of the
Peach trees were 7 feet high, and laden with fruit.
There were about fifty specimens. Upwards of a dozen
fruits of the new Peach Peregrine were shown. This is
described as a very valuable variety which the firm will
distribute next year.

A very showy display of Zonal Pelargoniums was
made by Mr. Albert Myers, Sutton Lane Nurseries,
Shrewsbury. Well cultivated plant? and huge trusses
of bloom of a large number of varieties were shown.

Messrs. Dicksons, Ltd., Chester, showed some nice
hardy flowers in clean-looking specimens, also some
stove and greenhouse plants in pots.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed Gloxinias,
and a most interesting collection of crested Begonias.
The display of Gloxinias was very large, and of the
usual good quality of the firm.

An interesting display of varieties of hardy Heaths
was made by Mr. T. R Hayes, Keswick, Cumberland,
also a very fine lot of Scolopendrium crispum niajus.

Messrs. B. R. Davis & Sons, Yeovil, showed a fine lot
of tuberous rooted Begonias.

Messrs. J. Peed & Sons, Norwood, London, exhi-
bited a fine group of Caladiums.

Mr. John Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey,
showed a group of stove and greenhouse plants,
including some finely cultivated plants.

Messrs. Rd. Smith & Co., Worcester, exhibited a
large group of hardy flowers in the ground in the big
"group" tent. It was a very interesting collection.

Messrs. Blackmorf. & Langdon, Twerton Hill Nur-
sery, near Bath, showed a magnificent group of
Begonias.

Messrs. W. Clibran & Son. Altrincham and Man-
chester, made a display of herbaceous plants and cut
sprays of choice shrubs.

Mr. Heney Eckford, Wem, Shropshire, showed a
glorious group of Sweet Pea flowers of their latest and
best novelties, including the remarkable Scarlet Gem
and others.

Mr. F. M. Bbadley, Peterboro', showed a collec-
tion of Carnation blooms; Messrs. W. & J. Brown,
Peterboro', Carnation and Pelargonium blooms ; Messrs.
Jabman&Co., Chard, had a large collection of Dahlias,
and vegetable roots; Mr. Vincent Slade, Staplegrove
Nurseries, Taunton, Somerset, flowers of Zonal Pelar-
goniums.

Hobbies Limited, Dereham, Norfolk, exhibited an
immense display of Roses, Dahlias, &e.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch it sons, Royal Exotic Nurseries,
King's Road, Chelsea, had a very tine plant of the new
Senecio clivorum, from Central China, previously
described and figured in these pages, and a good plant
of Astilbe Daviaii, also illustrated in the Gardeners'
Chronicle.

Messrs. R. Hahtland & Son, Cork, exhibited a
quantity of Begonia blooms, Gladiolus, and Zonal
Pelargonium blooms.

A display of "St. Brigid" Anemones, was made by
Messrs. Reamsbottom & Co., GeashiU, King's County.
It is very late for these flowers.

Mr. Amos Perry, Hardy Plant Farm. Winchraore
Hill, London, N., exhibited about forty varieties of
bog and water grasses and plants, and flowers of forty
varieties of Nymphsea— a very interesting exhibit.

Messrs. Jones & Son, Shrewsbury, exhibited a
collection of Sweet Peas.

Mr. Robert Bolton, Warton, Carnforth, exhibited a
large collection of Sweet Peas. Mr. W. L. Pattison,
Cherry Orchard, Shrewsbury, flowers of varieties of
Viola. Mr. W. Angus, Penicuik Gardens, N.B., flowers
of a variety of Chrysanthemum maximum named
" King Edward" : the flowers were especially large and
bold. Mr. John Derbyshire, Ashley Road, Hale,
Altrincham, showed a nice lot of Sweet Peas.

Honorary Awards.

Large Gold Medals.
Captain Holford, Westonbirt; Hobbies, Ltd., Dere-
ham; Sutton & Sons, Reading; Dobbie&Co., Rothesay;
T. Rivers & Sons, Sawbridgeworth.

Small Gold Medals.
R. Smith & Co., Worcester; J. Peed & Sons, West
Norwood, London, SE.; Dicksons, Ltd., Chester; A.
Perry, Winchmore Hill, London ; Jarman & Co., Chard,
Somerset; Jno. Russell, Richmond, London; W. B.
Childe, Acock's Green, Birmingham ; Blackmore <£
Langdon. Twerton Hill, Bath; A. Myers, Sutton Lane
Nurseries, Shrewsbury; Ranelagh Nursery Co., Lea-
mington ; Ed. Murrell, Shrewsbury.

Silveroilt Medals.
Hewitt & Co, Solihull, Birmingham; Henry Eck-
ford, Wem; Robert Bolton, Carnforth; W. Cutbush &

Son, Highgate, London ; W. Clibran & Son, Altrincham ;
Reamsbottom & Co., King's County, Ireland; B. R.
Davis & Sons, Yeovil ; John Forbes, Hawick, N.B. ;
H. Deverill, Banbury ; F. Bonskell, Market Bosworth
Nuneaton; T. R. Hayes, Keswick, Cumberland; Jones
A: Sons, Shrewsbury; J. H. White, Worcester; Prit-
chard & Sons, Shrewsbury.

, Silver Medals.

W. Bull & Sons, Chelsea, London; W. & J. Brown,
Peterborough ; Vincent Slade, Taunton ; Jas. Back-
house & Son, Ltd . York ; R. Milnes, Port Talbot ;
Laing and Mather, Kelso ; W. L. Pattison, Shrewsbury ;
Jno. Derbyshire, Hale; F.M.Bradley, Peterborough;
R. Hartland& Son, Cork ; Gunn <i Sons, Olton.

BISHOP'S STOBTFOBD HOBTI-
CULTUBAL.

August 12. —The thirty-fourth annual exhibition was
held at The Grange, the residence of John Barker,
Esq., and was a great success in every way. The large
plant classes constituted the only weak feature of
the show. Cut-flowers were very fine, and the competi-
tion good. Fruit was excellent, and vegetables also ;
indeed, by the exhibits staged, it would appear that
there has been less injury to crops in this, part of the
country than in some others. The table decorations,
for which a large tent was allotted, .brought forth
thirty-one lady exhibitors.

The groups of plants were, in some instances, very
fair productions, and Mr. Harrison, gr. to Colonel
Archer Houblon, Hallingbury Place, was 1st ; Mr. W.
Clark, gr. to Mr. G. Gold, Stanstead, 2nd.

Store and Greenhouie Plants in Flower did not make a
strong class, though nice plants were staged. Mr. G.
Beech, gr. to John Barker, Esq., being 1st ; and Mr.
Brown, gr. to W. Holland, Esq , was 2nd. For twelve
plants grown in 8 inch pots, Mr. Beech was a good 1st,
there being six in bloom, and the others were foliage
plants. The same exhibitor was an easy 1st for Ferns,
showing well-grown plants.

Begonias were scarcely so large or so good as in
former years. Mrs. A. Taylor was 1st for an exhibit
consisting of single flowered plants, and Mr. W. Smith
was 2nd, with very fine doubles, which unfortunately
were not at their best. Mrs. A. Taylor was also 1st for
Begonias in hanging baskets, and some nicely-grown
plants were staged ; Mr. F. Tbilby was 2nd. Mr. Smith
had the finest Gloxinias, and Mr. Barker the best Ivy-
leaved Pelargoniums ; Messrs. Taylor and Barker the
best double flowered zonals ; and Mr. Smith and Mr.
Barker the best single-flowered zonal Pelargoniums.

Fuchsias were not numerous. Mr. Beech, gr. to Mr.
Barker, had the best lot of plants, and though small
in size of plant they were well flowered. Plants for
table decoration were well done, and J. Balfour, Esq.
(gr., Mr. A. Jeffries), had the best, and Mr. Beech
came 2nd.

Cut -flowers occupied a large space, and were ex-
ceptionally fine in most of tne classes. For Sweet Peas
there were three classes, and those of Messrs. Eck-
ford were very fine. Tne best collection of Sweet
Peas for the Eckford prizes made a grand display, Mr.
Hare, Miss Newman, and Mr, Beech being the
fortunate winners, being 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the order of
their names. For Messrs. McMulleu's prizes for the
best collection, Messrs. Barker, Edwards, and Smith
were the winners in the order named. For hardy
flowers, Miss Newman, Messrs. Gold, and Mrs. W. Gee
were successful. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshuut, had
a remarkably fine exhibit of herbaceous peren-
nials as cut flowers ; Mr. H. A. Hare was 2nd with
smaller bunches. Dahlias were a strong class, and
Mr. Barker, Mrs. Taylor, and Mrs. Gold had the best
stands. Roses were not plentiful; Messrs. Barker,
Mr. A. Taylor, and Mr. W.G. Gold had the best blooms.

Fruit, especially that from indoors, was well staged,
the baskets of mixed Iruit shown by Mr., Barker
and Col. Houblon being very fine ; the last named was
1st ; Mr. Barker, 2nd.

Mr. A. Jeffries had the best Hamburgh Grapes, also
the best Black in any other class, staging fine bunches ;
and Mr. Harrison, 2nd, the last-named having very
fine Muscats.

Some fine Peaches were staged, Sir James Blyth,
Bt., having the best, and Col. Archer Houblon was
2nd. The best Nectarines came from Sir J. Blyth
(splendid fruits), Col. Houblon, and Mr. C. H. Davis.

There were two very fine collections of fruit, Grapes
and Peaches being very good ; Col. A. Houblon being
1st, and Mr. J. Barker a close 2nd.

Vegetable} were excellent, the 1st prize being well
won by Mr. A. Jeffries he having fine Alderman Peas,
good Tomatos, Excelsior Onions, and Syon House
Potatos ; and 2nd, Mr. Beech, with good dishes.

Table decorations were most interesting. Miss A. F.
Harwood, Colchester, was 1st, having Tea Roses ; 2nd,
Miss Camp, Sawbridgeworth, with Clarkia, and a free
use of Jasmiuum officinale ; Miss Blyth being a close
3rd with Sweet Peas.

Messrs. Rivers, Sawbridgeworth, showed fruit-trees
in pots, receivlnga First class Certificate for new Peach

August 22, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

147

Peregrine; Messrs. Paul, Cheshunt, had a very fine
stand of herbaceous flowers ; Messrs. Warb, Feltham,
a good collection of hardy flowers ; and Mr. A. Peeby,
Winchmore Hill, hardy flowers and choice Water-
Lilies. Mr. S. Moetineh, Farnham, exhibited a very
tine lot of Dahlias, mostly Cactus varieties, and a new
one, Queen Alexandra, for which a First-class Certi-
ficate was awarded. 6. W.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OP
ENGLAND ORCHID.

August 14.— The members of the Committee present
were Messrs. Gratrix, MacNab, Stevens, Holmes,
Parker, Rogers, Keeling, Smith, Cowan, and Weathers
(Hon. Sec). There was a capital display of plants for
the month of August.

S. Geatbix, Esq. (gr , Mr. Cypher), staged a nice
group of plants, mainly hybrid Cypripediums. Cypri-
pedium x Lord Derby, Sander's var., received a First-
class Certificate (it is a fine handsome flower with very
broad petals having a light ground anddensely spotted),
Cattleya X Pittiana, a fine cross between C. Scho-
fieldiana x C. Rex, received an Award of Merit. Silver
Medal for group.

E. Kogeeson, Esq. (gr.,Mr. Blomeley), staged a good
group, in which were some well-flowered plants of
Cattleya Harrisonse, Cypripedium x Rachel (a cross
between C. Curtisii x Charleworth), received an Award
of Merit. The group was awarded a Silver Medal.

Messrs. Charleswobth, Bradford, had a beautiful
collection of plants, which obtained a Silver gilt Medal.
Lselio-Cattleya x Adolphus, var. superba (L. cinna-
barina x C. AcklandiEe), received an Award of Merit ;
while Cattleya x Iris, var. Fascinator, was voted a
First-class Certificate.

C. Pabkeb, Esq., Ashton-on-Ribble, again exhibited
Cypripedium x Cassandra. Mr. A. J. Keeling staged
a small group of plants, including Cypripedes and
Masdevallias (Vote of Thanks). Messrs. Sander A
Sons, St. Albans, had a good group of Lselio-Cattleyas,
<Sc, for which a Bronze Medal was awarded. Messrs.
Cowan & Co., Ltd., received a Vote of Thanks for a
small group. P. W.

IRISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.

August 12.— The second excursion of the season
organised by this Society took place on the above
date to Carton, the seat of the Duke of Leinster,
at Maynooth. Leaving Dublin at noon, the mem-
bers were met on their arrival at Maynooth by
Mr. Black (under whose supervision the gardens
are), and conducted over the demesne, extending to
about a thousand acres. There is much to interest
devotees of flora and sylva at this historic seat. Many
fine Conifers are here, and open grassy woodland
glades afford delightful prospects. Hardy herbaceous
plants are grown in enormous quantities, and the
variety and extent of the collection were the subject of
much comment.

Flowering shrubs, too, are a feature, and include
many interestine and rare sorts. The ornamental
waters, the pergola, and the various glasshouses all
contributed to the enjoyment and instruction of the
visitors. Maynooth College was visited ; nor were the
various objects of antiquarian interest which the
neighbourhood affords neglected.

©bftuarp.

WALTER JARMAN. — We regret to announce

the death, in his fifty-fifth year, of Mr. Walter

Jarman, head gardener to Mr. Brassey, Preston

Hall, Aylesford, Kent, which took place on

Monday evening, the 10th inst. For a period of

fourteen years he was head gardener to H. Here-

,path, Esq., Westwood House, near Margate, where

he carried out the re- modelling and planting of

the garden. After the death of his employer, he

entered the service of Joseph Farmer, Esq.,

Chapel Hill House, Margate, where he made

many alterations and superintended the erection

of the extensive glasshouses. Here he remained

for seven years, and entered the service of Mr.

Brassey about twelve years ago.

I Mr. Jarman assisted in starting the Isle of

| Thanet Chrysanthemum Show, and was an exhi-

1 bitor at most of the leading shows in East Kent,

> and during his stay at Westwood House, took

many of the leading honours at the Crystal

i Palace fruit shows for Grapes. He was Secretary

! of the Aylesford Allotment Society.

The deceased had been ailing for about five
months, and a few weeks ago it was discovered

that he was suffering from cancer. He leaves a
wife and nine children to mourn his loss, the
youngest being eight years old.

MRS. HARRY CANNELL. — We regret to hear
of the sad trouble that has befallen Mr. Harry
Cannell, second son of Mr. Henry Cannell, of
Swanley, by the death of his wife, in her thir-
tieth year, on the 17th inst.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken In the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick.
London, for the period August 9 to August 15, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet.

9

3

Tempebatube

OF THE AlB.

At9A.il.

Tempera-
ture ofthe

SOILat9A.M.

SUN. 9

M0N.1D
TUE8.11

Wed. 12

Thu. 13

FBI. 14

Sat. 15

MEANS

W.S.W.

w.s.w.

W.S.W.
W.N.W.
W.S.W.

S.E.
W.S.W.

-a

64-7
61-5
58-0
58'7
62-3
60-2
61-7

61 0

57-371-5
56-266-4
55-064-4
58-470-0
57-077-7
59-5,70-2
55-564-4

54-70-1763-861-368-4
63-50'38'63-761-758-6(
I4-7O-60'62-061-758-7|37-3

57-0 69-2

■a i

Pi Q.

o e

*3 *3

o a>

o 9

3 5

3 <

M M

•a -3

I23

gas

K

CO

I

3

49 3
9

54-6
47-30-11J62-3J61-3J58-9

51-80-1763-5.61-858-9
57-0 ... 62-6:61-858-9

737

61-661-358-8|53-2
39-8

45-0
50-9

Tot|
51 -9 1-43 62 -8 61 -6 58 7 46 6

I I I I I

Remarks.— Dull weather, with cold, gusty winds, have
been the prevailing feature of the past week, with an
occasional burst of bright sunshine, and rain on five
days.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The following Summaey Recobd of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
Aug. 15, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :—
•" The weather during this week was of an exceedingly
unsettled character, steady rains or heavy passing
showers alternating with comparatively fair intervals.
Thunderstorms occurred in most parts of the kingdom,
and in some localities were accompanied by hail.

" The temperature just equalled the normal height in
England, E., but was 1° or 2° below it in all other dis-
tricts. The highest of the maxima (registered either
on the 9th or 13th) ranged from 74° in the Midland
Counties and England, 3 , and S.W., and 73° in Scot-
land, N., to 69° in the other Scotch districts, and to 68.°
over Ireland. The lowest of the minima, which were
recorded on somewhat irregular dates, varied between
51° in the Channel Islands and 38° in Scotland, N., and
Ireland, N. In the other districts the lowest readings
were a little below or slightly above 40°.

" The rainfall exceeded the mean in all districts
excepting England, N.E., the excess being either con-
siderable or very large. Several places again had more
than an inch in twenty-four hours. At Gelderton on
Tuesday there was as much as 1'72 inch, and at Markree
on Friday 204 inches.

"The bright sunahine was deficient over the kingdom
as a whole, but slightly in excess in a few localities.
The percentage of the possible duration ranged from
52 in the Channel Islands and 43 in England, S.W., to
26 in Scotland, E., 25 in Ireland, N., and 24 in Scot-
land, N."

THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS.
Cold, Wet and Qloomy.— The present cold, wet and
gloomy spell has now lasted over five weeks. DuriDg
that period on only three days has the temperature in
the thermometer-screen exceeded the average, while
on as many as seven nights the exposed thermometer
has fallen to within 8" of the freezing-point. The
ground is now 1° colder at 2 feet deep, and 2° colder at
l foot deep than, is seasonable. Throughout the past

five weeks rain has fallen on all but eleven days, and
to the total depth of 5j incheE— equivalent to a watering
on each square yard of surface in my garden of
24^ gallons. Of that amount about 13J gallons have
passed through the bare soil percolation gauge, and}
nearly 3 gallons through the gauge covered with shor
grass— the latter being a veiy unusual circumstance at
this season. On two days the sun shone brightly for
about ten and a half hours a day, but during the rest of
the week the iecord of sunshine proved very poor
averaging but little more than three hours a day. The
winds, although variable, were, taking the week as a
whole, of more than average strength ; while the
atmosphere in the middle of the day was again humid
for a summer month. E. M., Berkhanuted, A ugust 18. 190.3-

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, August 20.

[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined.
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who arc-
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered 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.]

Plants in Pots, &o. — Average Wholesale Prices.

S. d. S.d.

S.d. S.d

Acers, each

2 0-26

Fuchsias, p. doz.

3 0-60

Adiantums, doz.

4 0-80

Hydrangeas, doz.

8 0-24 0

Aralias, per doz.

4 0-80

L ilium longi-

Arbor Vitse, per

florum.perdoz.

6 0-12 0-

dozen

9 0-18 0

— 1 a nc-i folium,

Aspidistras, doz.

18 0-36 0

per dozen ...

6 0-12 0-

Asters, per doz.

3 0-40

Lycopodiums, p.

Aucubas, per doz.

4 0-80

dozen

3 0-40

Campanulas, doz.

4 0-60

Marguerites, doz.

3 0-12 0

Coleusea, per doz

4 0-50

Mignonette, doz.

4 0-80

Coreopsis, dozen

4 0-60

Orange-trees, eacl

3 0-76

Crassulas, dozen

8 0-12 0

Palms, var., each

3 0-30 C

Crotons, per doz.

12 0-24 0

Pelargoniums,

Dracaenas, variety

— Oak- leaved,

dozen

12 0-18 C

scented, doz.

3 0-4 0

Euonynius, vars.,

pink, per doz.

4 0-60

per dozen

4 0-60

— scarlet, dozen

3 0-60

Ferns in var., per

Petunias, p. doz.

3 0-4 0'

dozen

4 0-30 0

Pteris tremula, dz. 4 0- 8 0

— Japanese balls

— Wimsetti.doz.

4 0-80

tea,, each

' 1 0- 1 6

Rhodanthes, per

Flcus elastica.

dozen

2 0-4 0-

per dozen ...

9 0-24 0

Verbenas, dozen

4 0-60

Cut Flowers,

&a. — Average Wholesale Pricks.

$.d. s.d.

s.d. s.d.

Alsl n i -meria, doz.

Lilium auratum,

bunches

4 0-60

per bunch

10-20

Asters, doz. bun.

2 0-40

Lily of the Valley,

Azaleas, doz. bun.

2 0-40

p. doz. bunches

6 0-18 0

Callas, per dozen

2 0-30

Lupins, doz. bun.
Malva, doz. bun.

3 0-40

Carnations, per

4 0-60

doz. bunches

2 0-12 0

Marguerites, yel-

— Malmalsons,

low, doz. bunch.

10-20

doz

6 0-12 0

Mignonette, doz.

2 0-30

Coreopsis, dozen

Montbretias, per

bunches

10-20

dozen bunches.

4 0-60

Dahlias, per doz.

Orchids: Cattleya,

bunches

2 0-40

dozen blooms...

6 0-12 0

Eucharis.per do/..

16-20

Pelargoniums,

Ferns, Asparagus,

zonal, dozen

per bunch ...

— French, per

doz. bunches

10-26

bunches

4 0-6 0-

Phlox, per dozen

0 4-06

bunches

3 0-46

— Maidenhair,

Poppies, Iceland,

doz. bunches

4 0-60

p. doz. bunches

0 6-1O

Gaillardia, per

Roses, Mermet,

doz

10-20

per doz.

10-20

Gardenias, p. box

16-20

— various, per

Gladiolus, White,

bunch

0 2-18

doz. bunches ...

2 0-30

— red, 12 bnc-hs.

2 0-60

— BrenchleyenslE

— white, bunch

0 6-20

per bunch ...

0 6-10

— pink, bunch
Smilax, doz. trails

0 4-18

— various, bnch

6 6-10

16-38

Gypsophila, bun.
Lilluras, longl-

0 2-04

Stephanotis, per

dozen

10-16

florum, per

Stocks, per dozen

bunch

10-20

bunches

2 0-40

— 1 a ncl folium,

Sweet Peas, per

per bunch ...

16-20

dozen bunches

10-30

— candidum, per

Tuberoses, strong,

bunch

10-20

per bunch ...

0 9-10

— rubrum, bnch.

1 0- 2 0 i

— per dozen ...

0 2-03

Fbuit.— i

LVERAGK "

'holesale Prices.

s.d. s.d.

s.d. 1.4.

Apples, home-

Grapes, Muscats,

grown, per half

B., per lb.

10-16

bushel

a 6- i o

Lemons, per case

« 0-12 0

Apricots, per doz.

16-30

Melons, each

10-3 6-

Bananas, bunch..

8 0-13 0

Nectarines, A., per

— loose, dozen .

10-16

dozen 12 0-18 0

Figs, per dozen...
Filberts, per lb.

1O-30

— B„ per doz. ...

3 0-60

0 6 —

Oranges, per case

7 1-13 0

Grapes, Alicante,

Peaches, A., per

per lb.
— GrosMaroo.lb.

0 8-14

dozen

7 0-12 0

10-16

— B., per dozen

1 (i- 4 0

— Hamburgh,

Pears, half bathe]

5 0-6 0-

A., per lb.

16-20

— Crate, 21

6 0-60

B., per lb.

0 8-10

Pines, eaoh

a 6- i s

— Muscats, A. ,1b.

2 0-30

Plums, per sieve

6 0-10 »

148

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[August 22, 1903.

VBQKTABLES.-

Artichokes, Globe,

per dozen ...

Beans, dwarf, per

sieve

•Averaoe Wholesale Prices.
a. d. a. d. a.d. a. d.

Mint, per dozen
2 0-30 bunches ... 10-20

Mushrooms, house,

6- 3 0 per lb.

— broad, bush. . 0 9-10 Onions, per case

— Scarlet Run
ners, p. bushel 4 6-70

Beetroots, per

doz. bunches 2 0-30

Cabbages, tally ... 3 0-50

Carrots, new, per

dozen

— per bag
Cauliflowers, per

dozen

Celery, per dozen

bundles
Cress, per dozen

punnets

Cucumbers, doz.
Endive, per doz.
Garlic, per lb. ...
Horseradish, fo

0 10-1 0
4 0-50
3 0-36

0 9-13
3 0 —

3 0-40

8 0-10 0

1 3 —

1 6- 2 3
1 6 —
0 3 —

— per bag

— green, per
dozen

Parsley, per doz.
bunches

— sieve

Peas, per bag ...

— per bushel ... 3 0-46
Potatos, per ton 60 0-100 0
Radishes, per

dozen bunches

Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz....

Spinach, pr. sieve

Tomatos, Channel
Islands, per lb. 0 2-0 2;

— English, per
121b 2 0-30

2 0-26

10-16
0 9-10
4 0-70

0 6-09

1.1 -
13-16

reign, p. bunch 19-26 Turnips, new, per

Leeks, per dozen

bunches 16-20

Lettuces, Cabbage,

per dozen ... 0 6-09
Lettuce, Cos, per

score 0 6- 6

doz. bunches 2 0-30
— per bag ... 3 0 —
Vegetable - Mar-
rows, per tally . 16-26
Watercress, per
dozen bunches. 0 4-06

: Remarks.— Soft fruits are now over for the season.
Vegetable Marrows fetch very low prices ; Aubergines,
per doz. 2s. ; Corn Cobs, per doz. 2s., 2s. 6d. ; out-of-door
Mushrooms sell per half-bushel at Is., is. 6d. Most of
the Plums and Pears now seen are foreign. Tomatos
are very plentiful and low in 'price. Foreign Pears are
Duchess. Beurre Clairgeau, and Williams Bon Chretien.
Our home grown Plums are Orleans, Prince of Wales,
Czar, Victoria, &c. The bag Peas;are Yorkshire grown.

Potatos.
Home-grown, 70s. to 100s. per ton. John Bath, 32 * 34.
Wellington Street, Cement Garden.

PHTJITS AND VEGETABLES.

Glasgow, August 17.— The following are the averages
of the prices during the past week:— Apples, Lisbon,
12s. to 15s. per case; Oranges, Naples, 9«. to 12s. per
box ; Lemons, 6s. 6d. to 10s. per box, and 10s. to 14s.
per case ; Melons, 6s. 6d. to 9s. per case ; Grapes,
English, is. 3d. to \2s. 6d. per lb. ; do., Denia, green,
5s. to 7s. per barrel : do., black, lis. to 13s. per barrel ;
Strawberries, id. to lOd. per lb. ; Plums, French, 2d.
to 6d. do. ; do. Gages, 7d. to 9d. do. ; Irish Warrington
Gooseberries (rather over-ripe for preserving), 24s. per
ewt. ; Pears, 2s. 6d. to 3s.[3d. per sieve ; Tomatos, 6d. to
8d. per lb. ; Mushrooms, Is. to is. 6d. do. ; Onions, 3s. 6d.
to 5s. percase ; White do., 3s. 6d. per bag ; do., Eschalots,
4s. do. ; Carrots, 8s, per hamper.

Liverpool, August 17.— The following are the average
of the current prices during the past week— prices
varying according to supply —Wholesale Vegetable Mar-
ket.- Potatos, per cwt.. Early Regents, 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. ;
Kidneys, 4s. to 6s. ; British Queen, 3s. to 4s. ; Tur-
nips, 8d. to lOd. per 12 bunches; Swedes, 3s. to 3s. 3d.
per cwt. ; Carrots. 6d. to lOd. per dozen bunches ;
Onions, foreign, 4s. 8d. to 5s. per cwt. ; Parsley, 4d. to
6d. per dozen bunches ; Lettuces, 6d. to 8d. per dozen ;
Cucumbers, Is. ed. to 2s. 6d. do. ; Cauliflowers, is. to 2s.
do.; Cabbages, 6d. to Is. do.; Celery, is. 9d. to 2s. 3d.
do.; Peas, 3s. to 4s. 6d. per hamper; Beans 2s.
to 2s. 3d. do. St. John's— Potatos, Is. to Is. 4d. per peck ;
Peas, is. to Is. 6d. do.; Cucumbers, 3d. to ed. each;
Gooseberries, 3d. to 4d. per lb. ; Currants, Red, 6d. do. ;
Peaches, 4d. to 6d. each ; Filberts, 8d. per lb. ; Grapes]
English, Is. 6d. to 2s. 6d. do ; do. foreign, 6d. to 8d. do. ;'
Pines, foreign, 4s. 6d. to 6s. each ; Mushrooms, lOd. to
is. per lb. Birkenhead .-—Potatos, Is. per peck; Peas
lOd. to Is. id. per peck; Cucumbers, 2d. to 4d.' each;
Currants, Red, 6d. to 8d. per lb. ; Cherries, 6d. to 8d.
do. ; Gooseberries, 4d. do. ; Grapes, English, is. 6d. to
4s. do. ; do. foreign, 6d. to 8d. do. ; Tomatos, English,
6d. to 8d. do.; Mushrooms, French, 6d. to Is. do.;'
Filberts, 8d. do.

CORN.

Avehaqe Prices of British Corn (per imperial qr )
for the week ending August 15, 1903, and for the corre-
sponding period of 1902, together with the difference
in the quotations. These figures are based on the
Official Weekly Return :—

Description.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Wheat

Barley

Oats

a. d.

31 7
34 9
22 2

a. d.

29 11

21 3
18 10

a. d.

— 1 8

— 3 6

— 3 4

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Apples and Pears : G. M. W. Yes ; the unfold-
ing leaf serves to distinguish them. The
Apple-leaf, as you say, unrolls on one side ; the
Pear on both sides ; but we never heard that
the name " Pear " had anything to do with
that circumstance. Is a pun intended p Nor
can we see the association with the " evening
shadows."

Apple Grub : E. J. The grub or larva of the
Leopard moth, Zeuzera sesculi. You can hook
out the creature with a curved wire, or inject
some kerosene into the hole.

Boiler for Heating Glass Structures :
Perplexed. Choose a sectional boiler (see our
issue for March 7 of the present year, p. 156),
capable of heating, without using an excessive
amount of fuel in severe weather or making
the pipes unduly hot, six rows of 4 -inch
pipes in the vinery and stove, two flow pipes
and one return pipe in the greenhouse, and one
flow and one return in the pits. The vinery
being a lean-to, should have four of the pipes
running along the front and two just about the
middle of the house, and raised about 1 foot off
the border. If the vinery stands apart from
the other houses, the pipes may be carried
round the ends as well as the front, and in any
case that would be advisable for unconnected
houses, forcing or other.

Books ; Cornubian. See the book reviewed in our
columns last week, p. 124, Students' Text-Book
0/ Botany, by Vines (Sonnenschein). — C. <5" C.
Vegetable Physiology, Reynolds Green (London :
Churchill) ; Lectures on the Physiology of Plants,
S ' H. Vines (London, Clay & Son), and many
smaller books. — J.C. Table Decorations. We know
no recent work on this subject. Miss Hassard's,
was a good one in its day, but is out of
print, besides being rather old-fashioned. If you
know the German language, there are several
that might serve your purpose. — Constant
Reader. Obtain of Mr. Upcott Gill, Bazaar
Office, Drury Lane, Popular Bulb Culture, by
W. D. Drury; price Is.

Correction : Mr. Brotherston writes to express
his regret that a mistake should have occurred
in his article relating to an alleged statement
of Mr. Britten's. "Galium verum," and not
"G. Aparine," appears in both the works named.

Correction : " Plymouth Pine." — In the report
of the meeting of the Eoyal Scottish Arbori-
cultural Society, " Plymouth Pine " should be
read as " Weymouth Pine "—P. Strobus.

Fungus on Hollyhocks : J. P. Bordeaux-
mixture or weak Condy's-fluid are useful, but
you would do well to destroy by burning every
plant, and to abstain from the cultivation
of Hollyhocks for a few years, or rely on
seedlings raised annually, burning them when
they have bloomed or become a prey to the
parasite.

Grasshopper : W. S. The common green grass-
hopper. It does not exist in sufficient numbers
to do much mischief.

Names op Fruits ; One Peach in a chip box,
no letter accompanying it. Smashed beyond
recognition.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
C. B„ Braintree. Catasetum Kussellianum. —
J. D. B. 1, Rhododendron ponticum variega-
tum; 2, Buddleia variabilis ; 3, Metrosideros ;
4, Kennedya Marryattiaj ; 5, not recognised,
send when in flower ; 6, Cotyledon. — W. B.
Campanula isophylla, white variety. — T. B.
Cyrtanthera magnifies ; 2, Farfugium grande
variegatum ; 3, Polypodium aureum. —
E. P. Se Co. The so-called Calvary Clover,
Medicago echinus. — A. Bullard. 1, Ponte-
deria crassipes ; 2, Artemisia vulgaris ; 3,
Eubus odoratus (purple-flowering Raspberry) ;
4, Rosa rubrifolia; 5, Campanula pulla var.
alba ; 6, Desprez with yellow flowers ; 7, Gera-
nium Endressii; 8, Campanula pusilla (syn.
pumila).— A. T., Catford. Why send such

wretched specimens ? 1, Choisya ternata ; 2,
Viburnum Opulus ; 3, not recognised ; 4,
probably Staphylea pinnata ; 5,Cupressus Law-
soniana lutea ; 6, Buddleia Lindleyana. — F.
McD. 1, Centranthus ruber; 2, Sedum car-
neum variegatum ; 3, a Magnolia, no flowers ;

4, a Cornus, no flowers. — W. W. 1, Lysima-
chia clethroides ; 2, Saponaria officinalis ; 3,
Maranta ; 4, Cassinia fulvida ; 6, Salix rosma-
rinifolis ; G, Pyrus Aria. — J. McK. An ordinary
variety of Cattleya Warscewiczii, often called
C. gigas in gardens. — Northampton (no letter).
1, Hremanthus puniceus; 2, Bignonia radicans;
3, Agrostemma coronaria. — Hants. Cattleya
intermedia, but with peculiar features. — A. B.
Erigeron canadensis. Lycopsis arvensis. — J. B.
Pyrus Aria, and an Amelanchier. — F. M. W.
We do not know the Rose. — Orchid. 1, Erica
arborea; 2, Menziesia polifolia; 3, Menziesia
polifolia alba ; 4, Cyperus laxus. — Buxted. 1,
Cattleya Loddigesii ; 2, Oncidium flexuosum ;
3, Selaginella ca'sia ; 4, Selaginella Wildenovii ;

5, Adiantum formosum; 6, Diplaziuni alterni-
folium. — Hortus. 1, Lomatia silaifolia ; 3, Cen-
tradenia rosea ; 3, Hoffmannia Ghiesbrechtii
variegata ; 4, not recognised. — G. S. 1, Clero-
dendrum trichotomum ; 2, perhaps Pawlonia
imperialis ; 3, Eugenia Ugni ; 4, perhaps Cen-
taurea macrocephala (send when in flower) ; 5,
Eryngium alpinum ; 6, Eryngium amethyst-
inuin. — W. W. 1, Codiaeum irregulare ; 2, C.
Weissmanni ; 3, C. Johannis ; 4, C. longifolium ;
5, C. trilobum ; 6, C. interruptum. — C. A. V.
1, Thuyopsis dolabrata ; 2, Buxus communis ;
3, Piptanthus nepalensis; 4, Retinospora fili-
fera ; 5, Abies Pinsapo ; G, Cryptomeria ele-
gans. — S. K., Bungay. Hymenocallis littoralis.
Hymenocallis are generally called Pancratium
in gardens.

Melon and Tomato Foliage : J. A. B. The
first-named is affected with the ' ' spot " disease
often mentioned in these pages in recent issues;
and the second with Peronospora Lycopersici,
against which you may, when first observed,
use the Bordeaux-mixture with success.

Palm Roots : Nonsuch. The roots were quite
withered. We cannot say what is the matter.
Send better specimens properly packed.

Peach : A. Bateman. Greatly damaged in
transit, and we cannot identify the variety.

Peach - leaves Injured : L. M. Shot-hole
fungus. See answer to W. Priest in our last
issue.

Potatos : Constant Reader. The brown spot is
due to a Potato fungus, of which there are
several. Spray with Bordeaux - mixture as
often explained. The " early curl " is no doubt
occasioned by cold.

Prolified Roses : S. Bernard. Very common.
They are due to some change of growth
occurring at a particular period from seasonal
causes. You can do nothing to prevent it.

Rating of Glasshouses used for Trade Pur-
poses : /. P. Land on which there are build-
ings, glass or otherwise, are rated higher than
that on which there are no buildings. A few
years ago the rates paid on such land were
much lower. We would advise you to consult
a solicitor.

Sweet Peas : Will the correspondent who sent
us last week a few new varieties of S weet Peas
kindly send his name and address ?

The Fern Bulletin : TV. F. C, San Francisco,
This is published quarterly by W. A. Clute,
Binghampton, New York.

Communications Received. — H. J. E.— C. B.— S. P.
(photos, many thanks; under consideration). —
R. P. P.-W. E. G.— W. H. B.. Dublin.— C. W. D.—
A. B.— D. Jones, Hartsheath.— W. Fulford (too late for
insertion).— C. Luker & Co.— R. J. A.— S. C— A. F. U.
— R. P. B.— J. R. J.— P. W.— W. B. H.— J. W. H.— E. S. R.
— R. F. F. (pamphlet, with thanks). — G. W. F.-M.
Daniel, Rennes- J. D.— C. de C, Geneva— R. Dawes—
R. P. B.-G. H.-R. D— W. W. (too late, next week)-
J. H.— C. L. & Co.— Edina— Orchid.

DIED. — Archibald McEwan, on August 14,
age sixty-seven years ; for forty-six years out-
door foreman with Austin & McAslan, Glasgow.
A Highland gentleman. G. M. W.

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle.1"

A? Group of Double-flowering Hollyhocks: from a photograph uy f.'mason good.

August 29, 1903."

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

149

THE

(Sartors' djtaitkk

No. 870— SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 1903.

Apple-crop in Nova

Scotia ...

Apples, late blooming
Apples from Canada...
Aristolochia Sipho ...
Bamboos, the flowering

of

Black Currant

Bonavia, Dr.. and the

Fruit Committee ...
Books, notices of —

A concise Handbook
of Garden Flowers

•Orchids, their Cul-
ture and Manage-
ment

Camellia, the Senior...
Campanula Vidali in

the open

Carnation, a bicolor...
Carnations at Wret-

ham Hall

Cereus candicans, &c
Cider Apples in France
Clubbing in Brassicas
Dahlias, reflexed

Eastnor Castle

Elder, the golden ...
Eryngium amethysti-

num

Fruit crops, remarks

on the conditions of
Fruitculture in Irelan d
■Garden, past and

future, in the
■Garden produce byrail
Gardeners' dinner ...
■Gunnersbury House

Gardens

Hampstead, open

spaces around
Helxine Soleirolii ...
Hollyhock, the mean-
ing of the word
3Cnipho6a erecta

Law notes

.Lawn-sand

Manuring of market

garden crops

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Anthracnose (black-rot) of the Vine 168

Mullins, Mr. George, photograph of 155

Rock-garden in the Melbourne Botanic Garden

(Supplement)
Shrewsbury Show, photographs of exhibits *t the

150, 151. 152, 103,160, 161

PAST AND FUTURE IN THE
GARDEN.

AS the autumn approaches, the thoughtful
gardener will take advantage of this
■more or less restful season in the garden to
take stock of the results Of his labours during
the past season, and of the condition of the
garden in the various departments under his
•charge. Improvements in the following year
■will be suggested by the failures and their
■causes in the past.

The year has now so far advanced that the
gardener will soon be able to come to a con-
clusion as to the results he has or is likely
•to obtain in the various departments under
bis charge. A review may therefore be pro-
fitably taken of the season's work in the
fruit department under glass, to ascertain
■whether the Vines have given us the return
in quality and weight of fruit we had hoped
for and anticipated from them. It may be
that we have to decide on the replanting of
a vinery in consequence of a failure through
•one cause or another. Other Vines may not
.'have come up to our expectations, entailing
perhaps the restriction and partial remaking
of the border. It may be that the I'each-
trees, the Cherries, the Figs, and other fruit-
trees have shown signs of distress through
age or in consequence of some adverse con-
ditions. The present, then, is the time to

ITENTS.

Melbourne Bdtanic

160

Garden

161

163

Names, specific

163

159

Nertern. depressa

161

159

Obituary—

Adlam. R. W.

159

162

Castle, Mrs

159

162

Papaver aculeatum ...
Plants, new or note-

lot

163

worthy—

Crassula tomentosa

152

Poisons

16.'

151

Potato crop in the

Channel Islands ...

159

Poultry-keeping, sub-

154

urban

153

159

Rhubarb Daws' Cham-

pion

l'O

161

Shrewsbury show, the

151

161

Societies-
Devon and Exeter

163

Horticultural

166

162

Croydon Horticul-

159

tural

164

163

English Arhorkul-

1F0

tural

166

155

Leith Horticultural

164

154

National Carnation

and Picotee

165

161

Rock Ferry Hnrti-

cu tural

164

155

Royal Horticultural 159,

lt8

Royal Horticultural

164

149

of Aberdeen

165

161)

Trowbridge Horti-

159

cultural

164

Wilts Horticultural

164

149

Sweet Peas

160

Strawberries in 1903...

U3

162

Week's work, the—

162

Apiary, the

157

Flower garden, the.

156

lfO

Fruits under glass .

157

154

Hardy fruit garden .

157

163

Kitchen garden, the

156

163

Orchid-houses, the .

157

Plants under glass .

157

158

Weigela rosea

162

form conclusions as to what has been the
cause of our disappointment, and to decide
on the remedy.

There are few seasons in which some new
fruits are not temptingly dangled before the
grower's eyes, and few resist the temptation
of trying one or more. It may be a Grape,
a Peach, an Apple, a Melon, a Tomato, or
what not. The time has now come when it
is possible to form an estimate of their
merit, and to' decide whether they are to be
retained for future supplies, or discarded.

It will soon be time to overhaul the
glass structures as regards their condition
as to repairs and painting. There is no time
so well adapted for this work as the autumn,
when the houses are empty. It is a season-
able time also for examining boilers, pipes,
and valves, and for renewing and repair-
ing them if needful. Then is also the
most convenient time to inquire into the con-
dition of the bothiesTas to cleanliness and
comfort, and especially to see that the bed-
rooms are provided with the necessary
means for securing warmth and comfort in
the winter.

In the hardy fruit department, some of
the wall and other trees may have fallen
into bad ways ; notice must be taken of
these, and provision made to improve their
conditions.

The bush-fruit tree quarters and Straw-
berries must come in for critical inspection,
and if signs of falling away in any respect
are apparent, then means must be provided
to arrest this failing by the] best remedy
which suggests itself, according to the cause
of failure.

A review at the present time of the results
which have attended our labours in the
kitchen garden during the past remarkable
season cannot but be profitable. In this
department there is ample scope for reflec-
tion as to the success of the various crops,
and also as to the merits of the many new
varieties- which have been°under trial. The
conditions for any improvements which
.reflection may suggest, whether in relation
to crops the quantities or varieties to be
grown, are much more easily decided upon
when the work is anticipated [and arranged
for, whilst examples of the year's work
are actually before us, than when they
have faded from view into the dim dis-
tance.

Time will also be well spent in reviewing
work in the flower-garden during the past
season. It is now much easier to detect
flaws and errors while the plants are in full
bloom and other occupants of the beds in
full foliage, than it will be later on when
the beds are bare. It is so much easier now
to suggest and determine on any improve-
ments which it may be possible to introduce
into this department of the garden the
following year, whether it be in the intro-
duction of some new and effective plant for
bedding or in improved combination and
association of other plants. No opportunity
should be lost sight of to make this aspect
of the garden, however small it may be, as
interesting, bright, and beautiful as it is
possible to make it; remembering that in
the majority of cases it is situated within
the sight of its owners all the day long.

Herbaceous borders have been so improved
of late years in interest and beauty by the
introduction of many new and hardy plants,
and also by the greater attention given to

improved arrangement and association of
the immense wealth and variety of these
beautiful plants now available for the gar-
dener's service, that they are worthy the
closest attention, and now is the time to
see them at their best.

The lawn, the pleasure-ground, and the
woodland will well repay any attention they
may receive at the gardener's hands at the
present time. Trees grow rapidly, and with-
out due attention to pruning and thinning
valuable specimens soon injure one another
past redemption. Double or treble leaders
may be forming on some of the choice
Conifers, and if not removed in time will
disfigure the growth of the tree for years to
come.

New Conifers and other hardy foliage
and flowering trees and shrubs of great
ornamental value and interest are constantly
being introduced, and to those to whom the
Pinetum appeals and gives pleasure, the
addition of an occasional new introduction
is a source of great interest.

It will soon be time for planting early
bulbs ; and in association with these what
possibilities of effect are opened out, and
what visions of beauty rise to the mind
when we remember the various ways in
which their services can be requisitioned,
whether in the flower -garden or mixed
border, but more especially in gardening in
the grass ! Those who have not already
embarked in this delightful aspect of out-of-
door gardening would not be long in doing
so did they know the rich store of interest
and pleasure waitingfor their enjoyment, and
that at a comparatively trifling cost. 0. T.

GUNNERSBURY HOUSE.

In the Japanese garden at Gunnersbury House
the other evening I noticed the very distinct
Hydrangea quercifolia in flower. In a cool, half-
shady place it was very distinct and effective.
The large-lobed leaves have a certain resem-
blance to Oak-leaves, hut are more hispid or
hairy and of a dead olive-green shade. The
paniculate inflorescence reminds one of that of
H. paniculata, but the aborted flowers are whiter
and larger and more shapely in their way. The
abortive flowers, by the way, in Hydrangea,
Viburnum, &c, are of course the showy ones
from a garden point of view. The beauty of the
showy flowers is, in this species, intensified by the
centre of the inflorescence being densely rilled
with tiny apple-green buds and small Spira:a-
like flowers of quite another character. Although
this plant may not generally prove to be so
showy as H. Mariesi and H. M. alba, it neverthe-
less deserves a place in the rock, Japanese, or
bog-garden, as a distinct companion to Kodgersia,
Bamboos, and other Japanese vegetation.

Now I am writing, I should like to say how
very rich and beautiful the lawns, gardens, and
lake at Gunnersbury House really are at the pre-
sent time. The Nympha;as or Water Lilies alone
are well worthy of a long journey to anyone who,
like myself, is interested in these charming flowers.
All M. Latour Marliac's best seedlings are repre-
sented in the cold water, along with one or two
of the hardier of the blue-flowered kinds.

In an open-air tank, slightly heated by a
•t-inch hot-water pipe passing round its botton>,
the Eastern Lotus, or Nelumbium, is vigorous
and healthy, and its first flower-buds are about to
expand above the soft, parasol-like leaves. The
tank-margin itself is concealed by grasses and
other appropriate aquatic vegetation. Along tln>
front angles is a rich border of Pontedcria
(Eichornia) crassipes, which quite recently bore

150

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 29, 1903.

three or four hundred of its erect spikes of soft
blue-purple flowers. This plant has long been
grown in botanic gardens as furnishing an
example of swollen petioles, hence perhaps its
popular name of "The Fishing-float Plant,"
but it rarely flowered under hot-house cultiva-
tion, although its first cousin, Eichornia azurea,
often flowers freely under glass. E. crassipes
is "The Water Hyacinth," so often alluded
to in the newspapers as forming a kind of " sud "
and blocking river steamers on the Amazon and
its tributaries in South America. It also has
proved a nuisance in Queensland and elsewhere

4-inch hot-water pipe concealed in the mud at the
bottom. The tank is covered by a wooden glass-
covered frame, the lights of which can be raised
for ventilation or other cultural purposes. The
leaves are large and rich green in colour, with
indented margins, and the buds expand at the
water-line ; but eventually the stalks become
erect, and the great flowers are raised a foot to
18 inches above the water, thus giving them a
very stately appearance. The flowers themselves
open dark blue with an orange centre, but as
they reach their utmost expansion of 8 to
nearly 11 inches the colour becomes of a

the blue Egyptian Lotus (= N. stellata),'N. s-
Berlin variety, and N. s. pulcherrima, the finest
perhaps of the N. stellata group or series. " There
are also the American seedlings, Mrs. Ward and
William Stone ; but beautiful and fragrant as
these undoubtedly are, none can for a moment be-
compared to advantage with N. gigantea. I Mr.
Hudson recently received a First-class Certificate
for a seedling of N. gigantea raised at Gunners-
bury ; and well it deserved the honour awarded.
Will it hybridise with African, European,1 or
American kinds ? That it varies from seed, the>
certificated variety N. g. Hudsoni amply proves-

FlG. 54. — FIKST TRIZE EXHIBIT OF DAHLIAS IN CLASS 57 AT SHREWSBURY, FROM MR. W. TRESEDER, CARDIFF,
HAVING A FRONTAGE OF 10 FEET 6 INCHES. (SEE P. 151.)

when introduced into streams. The effect of the
plant at Gunnersbury is good, whether in flower
or not, and there is perhaps one little point
about its flower-spikes worth recording, viz., that
though its inflorescence is quite erect until the
last flower fades, it then bends downwards,
burying its young seed-vessels in the water, a
habit probably of service in its South American
home as a protection against vegetable-feeding
animals or birds.

Finest of all the Water-Lilies at Gunnersbury,
however, is the " Queen Water-Lily of Queens-
land," Nymphjea gigantea. It is difficult to keep
calm and critically sober in the face of so
noble and exquisite a flower. It is grown at
Gunnersbury in a shallow tank, the water of
which is slightly heated by a flow - and - return

paler hue— 30ft blue, with a glistening lustre
like flue old satin. Each flower consists of
the usual four or occasionally five greenish
sepals and several whorls of flattened petals
which imbricate, and ultimately reflex slightly
around a central boss of golden-yellow stamens
which recalls that in the single white-flowered
Chinese Paony. Mrs. Rowan, the lady who
made sketches of many lovely Australian flowers,
startled some of us in her book by describing
the flowers of this heavenly blue Water-Lily as
being "as large as soup-plates"; but she was
quite right, and the flowers now in bloom at
Gannersbury are much finer than the late Miss
Marianne North's picture of them painted in
Australia and now at Kew.
Beside this kind at Gannersbury are growing

Shall we ever get a race of really hardy blue*
Water - Lilies for our cold - water ponds and
streams ? The beauty of the Australian visitor
at Gunnersbury House, and its grateful response
to a genial cultural welcome, seems in any case-
to open up vistas of blue water-flower beauty of
the finest kind.

Apart from Water-Lily ponds or lakes and
pools, there is much else to see at Gunnersbury
— Hoses, Tea Eoses, China Roses, old Roses, and
Rjses new, of all the best kinds. Tiie terrace is
bounded on the lawn side b/ Pom > ;ranate3,
scarlet, and the still rarer whits lowered variety
amongst them, with swest-scsited Verbena
(Aloysia) and Myrtles of varied kinds, with th e>
blue of Agapanthus, the vivid scarlet of
Tt-opejlun and Salvia, Pelargonium aid.'

August 29, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

151

Fuchsia, and the homely fragrance of banks of
the dear old scented Cape Pelargonia, beloved
of other and more simple social days. There
are noble Cedars and Elms, glints of velvety
lawns and water through the trees, such
Hydrangeas in tubs as one can only see else-
where in Cornwall or in the south and west of
Ireland. An Hydrangea in a tub that measures
S feet high and 10 feet through and bears
hundreds of its soft green and rosy flower-heads
is worthy of respectful consideration.

No visitor privileged to see Gunnersbury can
tforget the Magnolia conspicua of spring, or the
quaint old standard, near the house, of M. grandi-

SHREW SBUEY.

In our present issue we are enabled to publish
some photographs taken specially for this Journal
by Mr. Thurtle, of Shifnal, at the great show of the
Shropshire Horticultural Society held at Shrews-
bury last week. Fig. 54 represents the 1st prize
exhibit of Dahlias, shown by Mr. William Treseder,
nurseryman, of Cardiff, which was greatly admired
for its general good effect. This firm frequently
exhibits Dahlias, and although the flowers have
usually to travel a great distance, as, for instance,
when exhibitions are held in London, they are
usually successful in winning prizes.

conjunction with a much larger group of
Gloxinias.

In fig. 57 is illustrated an exhibit of Car-
nation flowers that won 1st prize for Mr. A. F.
Dutton, nurseryman, of Bexley Heath, Kent.
We have had occasion several times already this
season to refer appreciatively to the quality of
the flowers, and to the effective arrangement
conspicuous in Mr. Dutton's exhibits at the
Temple Show and at the Drill Hall. Though
Mr. Dutton has been only two seasons in his
present nursery, which was already provided
with glass-houses, he has worked up a stock of
40,000 plants. He has four span-roofed houses,

Fig. 55. — best group of competitive tuberous-rooted begonias at Shrewsbury,
shown by mr. fred davis, an amateur.

flora in autumn. The latter tree is noble and
laurel-like, with great ostrich-egg-shaped buds,
and flowers that, when fully expanded after a hot
day in August, remind one of pure white fantail
.pigeons nestling cosily amongst the great glossy
leaves.

The Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums and Fuchsias in
•pots, the borders gay with Heliotrope, Celosia,
Aoonite, Tritotna, and other flowers, the fruit-
tree houses and the Orchids, must await
"a more convenient season." Thanks to my
■old friend and fellow-student at the Eoyal
Horticultural Society's examinations, I enjoyed
the privilege of a look round these gardens
retired and beautiful ; but apart from any
•questions of personality and good fellowship,
they are exceedingly beautiful and fair to see.
f. W. Burbidge.

An excellent group of tuberous-rooted Begonias
is shown in fig. 55. This exhibit won 1st prize
from such renowned firms as Messrs. Blackmore
& Langdon, of Twerton Hill, and Mr. Davis, of
Yeovil. It is especially remarkable, because, as
we are informed by a correspondent. Mr. B. G.
Stanley, the exhibitor, Mr. Fred Davis, Woolashill,
near Pershore, is quite an amateur, being a
farmer high up on the side of the Bredon hills.
Some five or six years ago Mr. Davis caused
considerable surprise by winning important prizes
at Birmingham for Chrysanthemums. His ex-
hibit of Begonias at Shrewsbury was as good as
any we have ever seen. Another exhibit of
Begonias is shown in fig. 56. In this case the
flowers are all single, and belong to a type that
develops crests on the petals. The exhibit was
made by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, of Reading, in

150 feet long by 25 feet wide each, containing
blooming plants in 6-inch pots. One house, con-
taining 3,000 plants of the variety Mrs. Thos. W.
Lawson, is typical of the other three. It is now
an excellent show, although flowers have been
cut from them since September, 1902. Mr. Dutton
estimates that he has cut 10 or 12 blooms from
each plant in the year. In the remaining house,
containing blooms for cutting, are the following
varieties : — Melba, Royalty, G. H. Crane, Cam-
bridge White, Queen Louise (white), Cambridge
Clove, Floriana, Sybil, &c. Strict attention is
paid to disbudding, and the compost used, even
for the young stock, contains much prepared
manure.

The two remaining photographs on pp. 160, 161
illustrate the 1st and 2nd prize exhibits in the
Champion Grape Class for twelve bunches. The

152

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AUGJJST 29, 1903.

st prize exhibit, from the Earl of Harrington
(gr., Mr. Goodacre), contained none but first-rate
varieties. They were as follows : Back row,
reading from right to left (1 to G), Black Ham-
burgh, Madresfield Court, Muscat of Alexandria,
Madresfield Court, Muscat of Alexandria, and
Muscat Hamburgh ; front rov , reading from
right to left (7 to 12), Muscat Hamburgh, Muscat
of Alexandria, Madresfield Court, Black Ham-
burgh, Muscat of Alexandria, and Muscat Ham-
burgh. By referring to the table of points in our

Alexandria, Alnwick Seedling (2), Muscat of
Alexandria, and Black Alicante.

On the first day of the exhibition the weather
was delightful, and the receipts at the gate
amounted to .£983 19s. 9d„ being only .£20 less
than last year's record figure. On Thursday,
the second day, however, rain fell continuously,
and the receipts were only .£1,357, compared with
.£1,918 last year, and £1,690 in 1901. The total
receipts, it is expected, will meet all expenses,
and leave a small balance on the year's working.

expedition to Hantam, where C. tomentosa was
collected.

Thunberg's description, given below,* is'not a
very good one, but agrees very well withMasson's
specimens ; so there can be little doubt the
identification is correct. During the last two
years a Crassula has flowered twice at Kew, which
I find upofi. comparison to be the same as
Masson's specimens of C. tomentosa; and as the
latter is only imperfectly described, I here give a.
more complete description, taken from the living

Fig. 5P. — a group of crested begonias shown at Shrewsbury by Messrs. sutton and sons, reading, (see r. 151.)

report last week, each bunch may be identified by
its number. Messrs. D. & W. Buchanan, of
Kippen, N.B., who were 2nd, as last year, had
four remarkable bunches of Muscat of Alexandria,
three of which were awarded the maximum
number of points. The other gained 10J points,
and is the bunch of Muscats nearest to the left
hand in the back row. The exhibit contained
too few first-class varieties to win let prize.
The varieties were, front row, reading from
right to left, Alnwick Seedling, Muscat of Alex-
andria, and Cooper's Black (2), Muscat of Alex-
andria and Cooper's Black. Back row, reading
froni right to left, Black Alicante, Muscat of

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CRASSULA TOMENTOSA, Thunb.

This plant is interesting as being one among
many that were collected in South Africa by
Thunberg about 130 years ago, which have re-
mained practically unknown ever since. In 1897,
however.it was pointed out by Messrs. Baker and
Britten, in the Journal of Botany for that year,
p. 481, that there were specimens of this species
in the British Museum which were collected by
Masson, who travelled with Thunberg on his

plant, which is remarkable for the great difference-
between the form and arrangement of the leaves
of the barren rosettes and those of the flowering-
stems.

A perennial herb, 6 — 15 in. high when ir>
flower, but only 2 — 3 in. high when not flowering,

* Crafeula tomejitota. Thurherg in Nov. Act. Phys.-Med.
Acad. Cmtar. Ltopold-Varol, Xqt. Cur , vol. 6. p. 333 (1778).
— " Foliis cnnnatis, lanceolatis. villosls, ciliatis, caulo
subnudo: floribus verlicillatis Crescit in Hantam.
Floret Octobri. Xoverabn. Folia radicalia oblongo-
lanceolata. oMumuscu ;i. connata, hirsuta, ciliata, ira-
hricata, pollicaria ; caulina trium parium, minora.
Caulis angulatus, erectUB, \illosus, pedalis. Flores
verticilati. ■

August 29, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

153

branching at the base, where the main stem
varies from J — h in. thick. Leaves of the barren
rosette J— 1-} in. long, -J— 1J- in. broad, -J- in.
thick, orbicular - obovate to broadly cuneate-
obovate, very broadly rounded at the apex,
connate at the base, crowded, distichous, but
being alternately developed to the right or left,
they form a subquadrate rosette, with the young
leaves erect and the elder spreading or recurved,
flat above, slightly convex beneath, or when old
and recurved they become convex above and
concave beneath, fleshy, bright - green, softly
pubescent (almost velvety) on both sides, ciliate

site bracts or some of the lower clusters pedun-
culate and capitate, forming a long, narrow,
interrupted inflorescence. Bracteoles about 1.V
lin. long, v— f lin- broad, puberulous beneath,
glabrous above, ciliate. Sepals 1 — 1J lin. long,
| — j lin. broad, oblong, obtuse, convex and thinly
puberulous on the back, flat and glabrous
on the inner face, ciliate, green. Corolla
white, gamopetalous ! 5-lobed, glabrous ; tube
| lin. long ; lobes 1J lin. long, f lin. broad near
the base, ovate - lanceolate, constricted at the
base, tapering in the upper part into recurving
subacute tips. Stamens 5, shorter than the

wired-in enclosures of 20 or 30 yards square. But
can fowls under such circumstances be kept at a
profit ? I am satisfied that in nine cases out of
ten they are kept at a loss. Why is it, then, that
so many are maintained ? They are kept as a
hobby, and any loss that is made is more or
less compensated by the pleasure of possessing
such live-stock and securing home-laid eggs warm
from the nest.

There is, however, one way, and I believe only
one, by which a few fowls can be kept at a certain
profit, although closely confined, and if it were
more generally practised, the number of suburban

Fig. 57. — first prize exhibit of carnation flowers shown at Shrewsbury by me. a. f. dutton, bexley heath, kent.

(see r. 151.)

with soft spreading hairs A — I lin. long. When
about to flower the leaves change their form and
become spaced out; the lower are 1 — 2h in. long,
'J — J in. broad, varying from cuneate-oblong to
•elongate-oblong or lanceolate - oblong, obtuse or
subacute, connate at the base into a sheath J — \
in. long ; the upper stem-leaves become gradually
smaller, so that those at the base of the flowering
part are not more than 5 — 9 lin. long and 3 — I lin.
broad, passing into the bracts ; all are pubescent
and ciliate like the leaves of the barren rosettes.
Flowering stems terminal, terete, with internodes
^ — 2 in. long, softly pubescent, with short, spread-
ing hairs. Bracts similar to the upper leaves but
gradually smaller and glabrous above. Flowers
in 5 — 8 small, compact, distant clusters J— J in.
in diameter, all sessile in the axils of the oppo-

corolla ; filaments filiform, glabrous, whitish,
anthers yellow. Hypogynous glands about J lin.
long, broadly cuneate -obovate, truncate or slightly
einarginate. orange. Carpels tapering upwards,
glabrous, green ; stigma oblique. N. E. Brown.

SUBURBAN POULTRY KEEPING.

The number of subvirban poultry-keepers has
increased enormously during the past fifteen
years, and it has been estimated that fully one-
third of the eggs produced in this country arc
now obtained from this source. Suburban resi-
dents living in detached or semi-detached villas
are, as a rule, obliged to confine their feathered
stock within very narrow limits, such as small

poultry-keepers might yet be increased tenfold
Instead then of attempting to re' " chickens, or to
keep any adult fowls all the year round in con-
fined enclosures, let the poultry-yard be tenanted
with stock for six months only, from the middle
of February to the middle of August. Purchase
in February, say, a dozen pullets or one-year-old
hens of a non-sitting breed, such as leghorns,
andalusians. or minorcas. During the following
six months these fowls will lay quite four-
fifths of the eggs that can be expected from
them if kept the full twelve months. We
therefore get a maximum of eggs during these
prolific egg-laying months at a minimum cost of
food and labour of attending. The fowls whan
bought in may cost from 2s. (>J. to 3s. (ij. each,
and when sold out in August will commonly

154

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 29, 1903.

realise from Is. 9d. to 2s. each, as they will then
be in good condition for killing. All surplus
eggs laid during the summer should be
dropped into water-glass, lime pickle, or other-
wise preserved for autumn and winter use. By
adopting this simple plan you escape the six un-
profitable months in all poultry-yards ; and in too
many instances the handsome profit made during
the spring and summer months is more than
eaten up during the autumn and winter. Again,
very few people are successful in keeping fowls
in small enclosures, however well attended, in
either health or profit, for twelve consecutive
months, to say nothing of the increased labour and
misery of attending to such stock in all weathers
through our inclement winters.

No fowls produce so many eggs during the
laying season as those confined in suburban runs.
This is owing to the better care and attention
which they receive, the shelter afforded, and the
table-scrap food, which is so conducive to egg-
laying. The best varieties of fowls for egg-laying
are now so generally and largely bred throughout
the length and breadth of our land that there
can be no difficulty in securing a dozen head or
so of suitable stock, and at a moderate price, to
place in one's pen in the spring of each year.
There are probably a quarter of a million amateur
poultry-keepers who by adopting this suggestion
may convert a loss into a certain gain, as well as
avoid the many diseases which sooner or later
bring disaster to all poultry-keepers who attempt
to do too much upon a limited space. K. B.
Baghot de la Bere, Burlage Hall, Leicestershire.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

THE GOLDEN ELDER.

There is a general impression that the
Golden Elder is a variety of our common native
Elder (Sambucus nigra), and in the recently-
issued revised edition of the Hand-List of Trees
and Shrubs grown, in the Kew Arboretum, it
is so designated. This, however, is an error.
The species to which this plant belongs is the
Canadian Elder (S. canadensis), a plant which
flowers later in the season than the common
Elder, and whose flowers have not the powerful
odour of those of that species. The cymes of the
Canadian Elder are more cushion- shaped than
those of the common Elder, and its leaves have,
under similar conditions, one pair more of lateral
leaflets. It also differs from the common Elder
in the number of the parts of its calyx, corolla,
and andrcecium. In S. nigra the number of
sepals, petals, and stamens is four, but occasionally
five occur. In S. canadensis the number of these
is five, but six are occasionally met with.

At a meeting of the Botanical Society of Edin-
burgh, on July 9, 1890, I pointed out that this
plant was a variety of S. canadensis, and in a
letter to the Garden on March 5, 1898, in
reference to an article which appeared in that
periodical on the Elders, I repeated this ob-
servation. Subsequent to the meeting of the
Botanical Society at which I made this com-
munication, r had an opportunity of discuss-
ing the matter with Mr. James Grieve, of
Redbraes Nursery, Edinburgh, whom I found
to be quite cognisant of the fact that this plant
was a variety of the Canadian species, and I also
learned from him some interesting facts relating
to its history ; and quite recently I had an oppor-
tunity of again discussing the matter with him.
Mr. Grieve states that the Golden Elder was
first brought to Edinburgh (where it subsequently
became very plentiful in the public gardens)
about thirty years ago, from the nurseries of
Messrs. W. Samson & Co., Kdmarnock, and that
the late Mr. William Gorrie, landscape gardener,
Edinburgh, who called it the "Cauliflower-

headed " Elder, was chiefly instrumental in
bringing it under the notice of the Edinburgh
nursery trade. But at that time the plant must
have been very scarce, as Mr. Grieve stateB that
he himself propagated it from single buds (as is
done in the case of Vines) in the nurseries of
Messrs. Dicksons & Co., at Pilrig. It would be
interesting to find out if anything more than has
been stated here is known to readers of the Gar-
deners' Chronicle as to the origin and distribution
of this now very common plant, as I have, so far,
been unable to find any record of this in published
works. A. D. Richardson, Edinburgh.

HARDY PLANT NOTES

KNIPHOFIA ERECTA(?).
In the autumn of last year I received from a
well-known French nurseryman at Lyons a plant
under the above name which purported to be
something quite new and distinct from all other
members of the genus in having its flower-tubes
turned upwards, instead of downwards, as they
usually are. When my plant came into flower
with two spikes of bloom about a fortnight ago I
was much disappointed to find that its flowers
were in nowise erect, but merely those of an
ordinary form of K. uvaria. I at once wrote to
the sender of the plant, requesting him to send
me a spike of the true variety for comparison, in
case a wrong plant had been sent me by mistake.
I now hear from him to say that to his great
surprise and regret the flowers of his plants,
which were perfectly erect last year, are this
year no longer so, but seem to have reverted to
the type form. I think this curious case of
reversion is worth recording in your columns.
W. E. Gumbleton.

Papaver acdleatdm (the Prickly-stemmed
Poppy).

In the spring of this year some seeds were sent
to me for trial by Messrs. Barr Brothers, which
had been collected by their father when travelling
in the Transvaal region. Amongst these was one
labelled " Bronze Poppy " ; this is now flowering
in my garden, and is most distinct in appearance,
all the leaves and flower-stems being thickly
covered with stout hairs or bristles, which
account for its distinctive name as above stated.
I sent a blooming stem to the Kew herbarium
for identification, when it was pronounced to be
Papaver aculeatum.

I find that it is also figured in the 64th volume of
the Botanical Magazine, on plate 3,623, under the
synonym of P. gariepinum ; but this plate some-
what inadequately represents the plant, and
hardly does full justice to either the size or colour
of its flowers. It is also figured by Sweet in the
second volume of his British Flower Garden, on
plate 173, under the name of P. horriduni; and
this is a much better and more accurate portrait
of the flower. W. E. Gumbleton.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

A Concise Handbook of Garden Flowers,
by H. M. Batson. (Methuen & Co.)
Now that so-called wild-gardens, rock-gardens,
and herbaceous borders are in vogue, the utility
of a "concise handbook" will not be contested,
provided it be well done. Of course there are
Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening, Robinson's
English Flower Garden, the Kew Hand-Lists, which
are specially valuable as the work of experts, and
various other books that might be enumerated in
this connection, but they cannot all be called
concise handbooks. Mr. Batson 's work is a hand-
book in the literal sense of the term, and of
necessity it is concise. Little or no botanical
detail is given, the special points in the manners

and customs of the plants, the way in which they
adapt themselves to varying conditions are not
mentioned, and so a world of interest is left
untouched. But no blame can be imputed to the
compiler on this ground. It did not enter into
his plan to go into such details, and had he done
so conciseness must have been abandoned. What
he has given us is an alphabetically arranged
catalogue of most of the more important hardy
herbaceous plants. This list is carefully conv
piled and up to date. Fritillaria askabadensis,
for instance, is included, and so is Astilbe-
Davidii. With reference to this latter plant, the
writer has gone out of his way to give it an
absurd English name, " David's False Goafs-
Beard"! whilst the singular beauty of the flower
is hardly, if at all, mentioned.

Senecio clivorum, a noble perennial, is also-
included, as well as Polygonum Baldschuanicum.
Polygonum sacalinense is alluded to under the
heading of P. cuspidatum, though it is very
properly pointed out that it is distinct frons
cuspidatum. Reference to the full index, which
is given at the end of the volume, will prevent a
careless reader from confounding the two.

A similar remark applies to Hypericum Moser-
ianum, which surely deserved a separate para-
graph, instead of a mere mention under H.
calycinum.

Begonia Veitchii can hardly be considered a.
hardy plant in this country.

The cultural details are brief but to the point-
They reflect the author's own experience, and
may not always coincide with the experience of
others. We should not, for instance, recommend
anyone to plant Hieracium aurantiacum on the
rock-work, or anywhere where its vagrant habits
and powerful assertiveness would be objection-
able.

The Shirley Poppy and other forms of Papaver
Rhseas are omitted, but no fewer than four
species of Incarvillea are noted. One Rubus only
is included, R. arcticus — spelt, by the way, " R»
articus," a trifling oversight which we mention
because it forms an almost solitary exception to
the correctness of the names. Rubus deliciosus
and R. leucostachys, and the double pink Bramble
had claims for admission, but we can well under-
stand that selection and elimination had to be
practised.

Discursive notes of this kind might be largely
extended, but to little purpose. Let us in con-
clusion recommend the book as a very useful,
carefully compiled catalogue, and one likely to-
be very serviceable to the amateur and to young
gardeners.

Orchids.*

It would require far more space than we can,
afford to do justice to this excellent work, which,
in its original form by Mr. W. Watson, of Kew,
assisted by Mr. W. J. Bean, is well known and
highly appreciated by orchidists generally. The
revision of the work, and the addition of more
extensive cultural instructions, together with a>
mine of information relating to all that pertains
to the raising and cultivation of hybrid Orchids,
by Mr. H. J. Chapman, has greatly enhanced its
value in every respect. There seems no part of
the practice of Orchid culture which has not been
ably dealt with in a short chapter easily turned
to by reference to the index ; and the twenty fine
coloured plates and numerous illustrations, chiefly
from photographs by Mr. Chapman, are not only
a help to the Orchid-grower seeking information,
but a temptation to the casual reader who does
not grow Orchids to attempt, with the aid of
such an excellent work, the pleasures of Orchid
culture.

As has been stated, the work commences with,
chapters on the leading points in Orchid-culture.

* Orchids, ihzir Culture and Management. L. Upcott
Gill, Drury Lane, London.

August 29, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

155

rhen follow an enumeration and description of
the genera and species, with general remarks and
cultural directions, with each references to the
authorities for the names and figures being given
where possible. In these matters the work is
generally accurate, although, as in most other
books of the kind, occasionally the author
is to be caught tripping. For example, at
p. 83, Catasetum Bungerothii is described,
and at the end the information is given " syn.
Coryanthes Bungerothii." Turning to p. 130 we
find "C. (Coryanthes) Bungerothii (N. E. Br).
This is a synonym of Catasetum Bungerothii."
The fact is that N. E. Brown never named Cory-
anthes Bungerothii. If he had done so he could
not possibly have confused it with Catasetum.
Coryanthes Bungerothii Rolfe is a very dis-
tinct Coryanthes figured in Lindenia, vi., p. 11,
and of course bears no resemblance to a Catasetum.
There are also a few other errors, none of which
detract much from the usefulness of the work,
which may be regarded as one of the best, most
" up-to-date," handy volumes of reference for
Orchid-growers of all classes, either amateur or
commercial, hybridist or cultivator of imported
Orchids. At the end of the work " British and
other Hardy Orchids" are dealt with; and "A
Chapter for Beginners" added, both of which
are good features in the work, which extends to
559 pages, and is well indexed.

EASTNOE CASTLE:

Gardener and Gardens.

We have pleasure in publishing the portrait of
Mr. Mullins, gardener to Gr. Farquhar, Esq., at
Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, who won the 2nd prize at
Shrewsbury last week in the class for a decorated
dessert table, and who is frequently successful at
horticultural exhibitions. The following parti-
culars of his training and of some features of
Eastnor gardens will be best given in Mr.
Mullins's own words : —

"I spent the first four or five years of my
gardening career in the neighbourhood of Salis-
bury, principally in the gardens of the late Lord
E. Thynne. Leaving Salisbury, I went to Somer-
leyton Hall, Suffolk, under the late Mr. J. Bole,
and remained three years as journeyman. I then
went to Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons' nurseries for a
few weeks before becoming foreman to Mr. C.
Denning, Ashgrove, Sevenoaks, where I remained
only one season owing to a reduction in the
gardens in 1890, I again spent a few weeks in
the Chelsea nursery before being engaged as
foreman by Mr. Thomas, Sunbury Court, Middle-
sex, where at that time fruit and flower forcing
were extensively carried on. After two and a half
years at Sunbury, I went as managing foreman
to Mr. T. S. MacLaurin, agent to H.I.M. the
Empress Eugenie, Farnborough Hill, Hants,
which post I filled until November 1, 1895, when
I was appointed by Lady Henry Somerset to
take charge of her ladyship's gardens at Reigate,
where extensive alterations and improvements
were carried on during the following two years.
On the retirement of Mr. F. Harris from the
Eastnor Castle Gardens, I was appointed by her
ladyship to succeed him on November 1, 1897.

" Eastnor is four miles west of the Malvern
Hills, within the bounds of the old historical
Malvern Chase, and is delightfully undulating.
The soil in some parts is calcareous, in others a
good rich loam, and is admirably adapted to the
growth of the Conifers and deciduous trees.

" The late Earl Somers, a great lover of trees,
made good use of these natural advantages, and
about the year 1840 commenced to form a very
fine collection of Conifers, choice shrubs and
deciduous trees. The 40 acres of pleasure-grounds
are now well furnished. The lake, which is
22. acres in extent and is situated at the foot of
the terraces joining the castle, is tastefully

fringed with Dogwood, which has a very pretty
effect. His lordship did not confine his planting
to the 40 acres of pleasure-grounds, but planted
Pinus insignis, Cedars, and Cupressus macrocarpa
in large groups, chiefly on high ground surround-
ing the pleasure-grounds, and although a great
number were killed in the memorable winter 1860
— 1861, many still remain, and are now very
fine specimens of their kind. In 1861, by the
assistance of Mr. W. Coleman, his lordship greatly
increased the planting ; and looking now at the
noble specimens and fine groups, one admires the
taste and forethought exercised in the arrange-
ment. In order to secure quick results over such
an extensive area his lordship and Mr. Coleman
generally adopted the method of planting in
groups such varieties as Thuya gigantea, Libo-
cedrus decurrens, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Juni-
perus chinensis, and many others which have
now a charming effect.

"On entering the pleasure-grounds by the lodge-
gate, the. visitor's attention is at once attracted
by a fine specimen of Sequoia sempervirens, which
has lost its leader more than once, but still attains

MR. GEORGE MULLINS,
Gardener at Eastnor Castle.

a height of 80 feet, while the girth of the
trunk 18 inches from the ground is 14 feet.
There are also in this vicinity a great number of
stately Cedars, Cryptomeria japonica, 40 feet
high ; C. Lobbii, Pinus Lambertiana, Abies Nord-
manniana, 70 feet high ; Tsuga Hookeri, nu-
merous Sequoia (Wellingtonia) over 70 feet high.
There are fine groups of Pinus excelsa growing
on the edge of the lake.

" In the grounds, which lie more on the north
side of the castle, there are good specimens of the
following trees : — Tsuga canadensis, girth of stem
8 feet, spread of branches 40 feet ; Pseudo-Tsuga
Douglasii, which has been planted extensively, and
makes fine specimens, some of which were planted
in 1862, and on being measured in 1882 were
found to be 52 feet in height, showing they are at
home at Eastnor ; Abies grandis, about 70 feet ;
A. bracteata, 65 feet high, spread of branches
38 feet ; and Cedrus libani, a noble and well-
preserved tree, with spread of branches of at
least 90 feet. There are fine trees of Cedrus
atlantica glauca, from cones gathered by Lord
Somers, and which present the appearance of
conical masses of frosted silver ; also fine speci-
mens of Pinus insignis, from seeds gathered and
sown by Mr. Coleman in 1861.

"In the rock-garden are found such trees as
Araucaria imbricata, two fine trees of Prum-
nopitys elegans, which bear fruit, and are over
20 feet in height ; Thuyopsis dolabrata, Pinus
Montezumte, one of the original trees of Acer

atro-sanguineum, with a spread of branches equal'
to 30 feet ; also fine pieces of Taxus elegantis-
sima aurea, 25 feet through, and others which,
are too numerous to mention.

The Kitchen-Garden and Fruit-Houses
stand on 6 acres of land, and contain some
remarkably fine fruit-trees, among which is a
Peach-tree of the variety A Bee, which is not so-
well known probably as it deserves to be. It-
was planted about 1863, and fills a house-
40 feet by 12 feet. This Peach may be de-
scribed as an early Royal George, and of
the finest quality. Another notable old
Peach-tree is a Stirling Castle, growing on the
open Peach wall, and filling a space of 42 feet run
by 10 feet high. It annually carries heavy crops-
of fine large fruits. There are two long south
walls which are well covered with good specimens
of the Peach and Nectarine. Returning to the
houses I must conclude by a description of the
old Vine Black Hamburgh, supposed to have been
planted in the year 1812, and which at tha
present time fills a house (span-roof) 72 feet in
height and 20 feet in width, running north andi
south. The old Vine at present is in good health
and carries heavy crops, some of the bunches-
weighing 4 to 6 lbs. Another house contains a
Muscat of Alexandria which has been planted
over 50 years, and is fast filling the spacious-
house it occupies." George Mullins.

REMARKS ON THE CONDITIONS

OF THE FRUIT CROPS.

(See Tables, ante, pp. 72—77.)

(.Continued from p. 136.)

f Kent. — Pears and Plums are practically absent

in this neighbourhood, the crops having been cut

off by late frosts in May, after a most promising.

flowering season. George Fennell, Bouiden,.

Tonbridqe.

Apples, such as Worcester Permain, Rib-

ston Pippin, Duchess' Favourite, King of the
Pippins, are carrying fair crops, but generally the
crop is a light one. The Strawberry crop has-
turned out much better than we expected,
after the excessive cold rains in June. Goose-
berries, Raspberries, and Mulberries are good.
Pears, stone-fruits, Cobs and Walnuts are almost
a failure. Geo. Hutt, Lullingstone Castle Gardens^
Eynsford.

Gooseberries, Strawberries, and Rasp-
berries are average or just under average crops-,
and fairly good in quality ; but other bush fruits
are a complete failure, chiefly owing to late
frosts. Stone fruits failed to set well, and what
promised to be a small crop was nearly all lost
after the wet and cold of early June. It seems-
impossible this year to keep the trees free of
insect pests. W. E. Humphreys, Blendon Hall
Gardens, Bexley.

Although the frosts of May and June

are mainly accountable for a general failure in
fruit crops, I cannot but come to the conclusion
that the sharp frost of November, 1902, falling
on wood which by that time was scarcely ripened,
is also a factor, because we have most fruit on
Apples moved 1901 and 1902, which made but a
little growth, and that very "hard," owing to
thin foliage. George Bunyard, V.M.H., Maidstone.

Middlesex. — I have never seen such a total
failure as in this part of the country. I do not
think we have a late Pear ; most trees are quite
barren. Apples in a similar condition, except
Cox's Orange and Line's Prince Albert. No
Plums or Damsons of any kind. A few Morello
Cherries ; dessert ones flowered well, but all
dropped after the severe weather in May. Small
fruit produced a fair crop when sheltered. Early
Strawberries a quarter crop, but later oaes good.
Peach-trees in sjme cises were so badly injure !

156

3

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE,

[August 29, 1903.

that' they will never recover ; a few kinds are
bearing half a crop, early kinds none at all.
<3. Wythes, Syon House Gardens, Brentford.

' This is one of the worst seasons for fruit
that I have experienced for many years — Apples
and Pears almost absent, Plums short, and
Cherries only a thin crop; but of the soft
fruit there has been a very fair crop — Straw-
berries good, Raspberries excellent, and of Goose-
berries and red Currants we have had a very
satisfactory crop of nice fruit. H. Markham,
Wrotham Park Gardens, Bamet.

The worst season I have ever had to

record. The frosts wrecked the Pears completely
.after they had been hastened by the previous
mild weather. The earliest Apple-blossom was
•cut off too, and so was the earliest Strawberry
the same. Attacks of both aphis (green and
black) and of American blight are more severe
.and persistent than usual. Jas. Hudson, Gunners-
bury House Gardens, Acton.

Never was there a finer prospect of a good

ifruit crop than there was this spring ; but the
-cold winds and frost we experienced in April
ruined the blossom and embryo fruits. Prom
April 13 to 25 we had cold north-east winds, with
■from 4° to 9° of frost every morning. The only
fruits that withstood the cold were Gooseberries
and Currants ; early Strawberries showing flower
were all spoiled, but on the later varieties there
was a fair crop. What few fruits of Apples,
Pears, Plums, and Peaches did escape were
•completely destroyed by a terrific thunder-storm
of hail and rain we had on May 2G ; the hail was
more like pieces of ice than anything else,
breaking off or lacerating every tender leaf and
■fruit. Peaches and Apricots on the walls had
pieces knocked out of them to the core. Not a
fruit of anything escaped that was exposed, the
trees being mulched with their foliage. Potatos,
'fair crops on light soils, on the heavy lands very
poor owing to the late heavy rains leaving the
ground so hard. No disease thus far. W. Watson ,
Harefield Place Gardens, Uxbridge.

I regret to say the fruit crops are nearly

a failure in this district. Gooseberries alone were
satisfactory. Strawberries half crop. Pears and
Plums total failure through the late frosts.
Apples will be about a third of a crop, many
.having fallen. W. Bates, Cross Deep Gardens,

Twickenham.

Surrey. — Fruit crops in this district are ex-
tremely scanty. With the exception of Apples
and Morello Cherries there is nothing. Pears
and Plums are very scarce. American blight is
rampant, and in many cases the trees are growing
much too strong, and the growths, with so much
wet and sunless weather, are very soft. Straw-
berries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, and Currants
have been a fair crop, but the quality of the fruit
<has left much to be desired. J. F. McLeod, Dover
Mouse Gardens, Roehampton.

We have absolutely no Plums and no

Pears ; a good crop set, but the severe late frosts
took all the young fruit. Apples just escaped.
Strawberries seemed to throw up a second
•bloom and so gave a moderate but late crop.
W. Wilks, Shirley Vicarage, Croydon.

A complete failure in the case of Apples,

Pears, and Plums, the late frosts we experi-
enced being alone responsible. Strawberries, in
spite of losing their first flowers, have been a
good crop in quantity and quality ; Royal Sove-
reign and Trafalgar particularly so. Raspberries
in many cases have been few and are blighted.
■Gooseberries and Red Currants have been good,
■but Black Currants poor. W. Honess, Cobham
Park Gardens.

■ The Pear crop is practically a failure.

Apple-trees flowered well, but the frost destroyed
the greater part. Some trees of a variety are

show scarcely a fruit,
the crop is a light one.
fruits about half a crop.

cropping well, and others of the same have no
fruits, though they seem to be in the same condi-
tion at time of flowering and are close together.
Among Apples that are best with us is Stone's, a
variety that has not failed for twelve years. It
is undoubtedly one of the best varieties for
autumn use. Lane's Prince Albert is another
nearly certain cropper ; Hormead Pearmain, Tower
of Glamis, Warner's King, Allen's Everlasting, and
Stirling Castle. Dessert Apples are very few.
C. J. Salter, Woodlatch Lodge Gardens, Beigate.

The condition of the fruit crops this year

is deplorable, rarely has a worse report had to be
made. Apples are a very light crop, a fair lot on
one tree in twenty perhaps, but generally very
thin. Whilst there are rather better results on
walls, both Pears and Plums out in the open

Cherries are better, yet
On walls we see of stone
Of bush fruits, Goose-
berries have been fairly plentiful, but Currants,
except on walls, have been very poor. Straw-
berries have been partial, in some places good, in
others thin, so much of the first bloom was de-
stroyed by frost. Raspberries have been fairly
plentiful, but all the same, many shoots suffered
from frosts in the spring. A. Dean, Kingston-on-
Thames.

With the exception of small fruits, all

other kinds are the worst and poorest I have seen
here during the past seventeen years. W. C. Leach,
Albury Park Gardens, Guildford.

Sussex. — The only Apple-trees that are carry-
ing a full crop are two large old standards of
Hambledon Deux-Ans, which are somewhat shel-
tered from north and north-east winds. The
foliage at present is tolerably healthy, and we
have so far escaped the disastrous storms which
have caused much damage near us. E. Burbury,
Arundel Castle Gardens.

The Apple-crop in this district is a com-
plete failure, but I attribute this to the ravages
of birds in late spring as much as to the un-
favourable season. The only varieties that are
carrying anything like a crop are Cellini Pippin,
Lord Derby, and King of the Pippins. Among
the few varieties of Pears spared by the frosts to
carry a crop may be mentioned Pitmaston
Duchess, Bergamot d'Esperen, Beurre Ranee, and
Jersey Gratioli. Trees of Marie Louise, which
have never failed to crop for the last ten years,
have none. The severe cold was sufficient to
cause the dropping of the profuse bloom upon
Plum-trees. Raspberries were a bountiful crop,
especially that grand variety Superlative. Chas.
Jones, Ote Hall Gardens, Burgess Hill.
(To be continued.)

The Week's Work.

THE PLOWBB GARDEN.

By J. C.Tallace, Gardener to E. Milleh Mundy, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Pyrethrums. — Old clumps of these, after being
established for a few years, become very con-
gested in growth, and flower but poorly. In
such cases it will be well now to take off sufficient
of the best crowns to form another plot, and pot
them up singly in small pots. Put them in a
cold frame, and keep the atmosphere rather close
until they have made new roots and growth.
In November the plants may be planted-out with
safety where they will flower.

Delphiniums. — Split up and replant Delphi-
niums. If this be done now, they will make
fine plants for blooming next year. Often, for
convenience' sake, this work is delayed till late
in the year, but late-planted divisions winter
badly on some soils, and if the work cannot be
done now it had better be deferred until spring.

Thrift and Pinks. — These plants when used for
edgings in gardens become gappy after a few
years. Where this is the case, lift the plants,
divide them, and replant the best pieces. Plant

rather deeply, and make the soil firm around the
plants. If the Thrift has not previously succeeded
owing to the nature of the soil, add to it a good
sprinkling of sand or grit.

Fibrous-rooted Begonias, which are so much
used for bedding, can be readily increased by
cuttings inserted now in pots or boxes of very
sandy soil placed in a warm pit or frame.
The joint immediately above the base of each
cutting should show a growth bud, and this latter
should not be removed before insertion. Tuber-
ous Begonias are not often raised from cuttings,
but any special variety may be increased in this
way by following the same rule with regard to a
base bud and striking the cuttings in a frame
with a shaded aspect.

Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum. —
This favourite carpet plant must be rooted in an
open airy position on a shelf in the glasshouse. If
the cuttings be kept in a close, moist, or shaded
place they will damp off.

General Work. — Keep the growth "of weeds
under by frequently using the hoe. On herba-
ceous borders and flower-beds regulate the ties
and supports afforded the plants. Pick off
all dead .flowers and leaves, and ensure tidi-
ness in all ways. Seeds of most hardy annuals
may still be sown for flowering early next summer.
Those sown earlier will be in need of thin-
ning. Roses that have been budded and on
which the ties have not yet been loosened, or
which have been re-tied, should be examined to
see that the ligatures do not cut into the bark.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Fiqott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

CawK/owers.— Make a sowing now, and another
about September- 20. Sow the seeds thinly on
a south border or other sheltered position in
drills drawn at 9 or 12 inches apart and securely
netted against birds. As soon as the seedlings
are large enough, prick them out into cold frames
in soil that is not too rich. Shade them from
strong sunshine and keep the frames closed for a
few days only. Three good varieties for this
sowing are Sutton's Magnum Bonum, Walcheren,
and Veitch's Autumn Giant. Here we depend
on plants sown in heat in January. Sutton's
First Crop, if sown at that date, will produce nice
heads by the end of May or the beginning of June
and are not so liable to buttoning or bolting as
those sown in autumn.

Turnips. — The last sowing may now be made
for autumn and winter use. Such late-raised
plants will sometimes grow during the whole
winter, and they are valuable for supplying
green-tops in early spring. Afford the soil a
good dressing of wood-ashes and soot, and sow
the seeds in shallow drills. Thin out earlier
sowings and dust the plants with soot, wood-ashes,
and lime. Use the hoe frequently.

Spinach. — Mike another sowing on deeply-dug
and well-manured land in a somewhat sheltered
but open position. Afford the ground a good
surface dressing of burnt garden refuse, level
and make the soil moderately firm. When the
seeds have been lightly covered in, throw over
the bed a coating of fresh wood ashes. Thin out
earlier plants as soon as ready to a distance of
3 or 4 inches. Afford dustings of soot and lime
when the leaves are wet.

Spring-sown Onions. — Carefully bend over the
tops, laying them all one way to hasten the
ripening process. About a week afterwards they
should be pulled up and turned over every two or
three days that they may ripen off as quickly as
possible. The harvesting of this crop requires
much care. The keeping qualities of Onions
depend largely on the degree in which they are
matured and the care taken in handling them.
Store the bulbs on a fine day, and lay them thinly
where the air can ply about them freely, or they
may be roped and hung up in any dry airy place.
Make another sowing of winter Onions as advised
in previous notes.

Potatos. Owing to frequent rains and the
absence of sun, the disease is appearing amongst
late varieties, and the longer the tubers remain
in the wet ground the worse they will become.
Varieties that have finished their growth should
be denuded of the haulm at once, and lifted as

August 20, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRGNICLJa.

157

soon as the work can be done in dry weather.
Burn the haulm as soon as it is removed. Do not
heap the tubers together thickly, but place them
where they can be sorted over occasionally that
infested tubers may be removed. Medium-sized
tubers for planting next season should be placed
thinly on shelves in any cool, airy place.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page, Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Preparing for the Planting Season.— Ground
which it is intended to plant with fruit-trees in
November, if cleared of summer crops, should be
trenched forthwith. Bastard trenching is the best
preparation for the soil, as by this method the best
or top spit of soil is still kept at the top for the
roots of the trees to start away in. If the soil is
of a heavy nature, a liberal dressing of farmyard-
manure, wood-ashes, and road-scrapings should
be dug into the bottom spit as the work proceeds ;
and if stone fruits are to be grown, lime-rubble,
at the rate of one bushel to the rood, should be
added. Light or medium soils will not require
wood-ashes, but may be much benefited if a
dressing of slightly heavier soil be afforded. On
no account should heavy clay be dug in, as it will
not mix with the lighter soil.

General Work. — As the fruit is cleared from the
bush-traiued trees, take a digging-fork and point
over the surface of the ground that is caked hard
from much trampling by the feet. This will
destroy the surface-rooting weeds, and allow the
sun and air to penetrate the soil. Remove the
mulching material from around all fruit-trees,
unless they are carrying a heavy crop, in order
that the sun-heat may the better assist in ma-
turing the wood. Take advantage of wet days to
get the fruit-room put in order, though I am
afraid well-filled fruit-rooms will be very rare
this season. Scrub the shelves with soft-soap and
hot-water, and do any lime-washing that may be
required.

Strawberries. — The soil being in excellent con-
dition Strawberries should be planted out at once.
Plant them firmly ; and should dry weather set in
afford them a slight mulch with litter.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T H. C.

The Pine Stove. — The house containing plants
carrying ripe or ripening fruit should be afforded
a night temperature of 70° to 75°. Admit a little
air in the morning when the temperature has
commenced to rise, and close early in the after-
noon, when with sun-heat the temperature may
rise to 90° or 95°. A dry atmosphere is conducive
to good flavour in the fruit, and it is essential to
perfect ripening. Water with clear water only,
but keep the soil on the dry side as the fruit
approaches maturity.

Succession Houses. — From, the time plants pass
out of flower until the fruits commence to change
colour, they may be afforded stimulants at each
watering. Liquid manure obtained from the
soakings of deer or sheep's manure, and for a
change guano water, will be found excellent
fertilisers, and should be applied in a tepid state.
Winter-fruiting smooth Cayennes that were
started last month will now be in flower, a dryer
condition of the atmosphere therefore should be
maintained; but do not allow the roots to lack
moisture. The bottom heat may range from
85° to 90°, the night temperature from 65" to 70 ,
and by day 10° to 15° more, making the most of
the amount of solar warmth there may be. Aim
at securing a sturdy growth in young plants
recently put into their fruiting pots, by giving
them timely and ample ventilation upon every
favourable occasion. At closing time slightly
dew them overhead with the syringe, and in fine
weather damp the paths frequently. The present
is a good time to put in a batch of Queen
suckers. Before potting them, make sure they
are free of scale or other insect pests. Pot firmly
in 5 or 0 in. pots in a rich, loamy compost.
Plunge the pots in a bottom heat of 85' to 90° close
to the roof glass. Afford shade during bright
weather, and lightly syringe the plants in the
morning and afternoon, also the walls and other
surfaces of the propagating pit. The night tem-
perature need not exceed 65°, but may rise by day

to 85°, with ventilation and plenty of moisture in
the atmosphere.

Figs. — Trees in pots for producing the earliest
forced figs next year should now have their growths
in a well-ripened condition, and, provided they
have been well hardened off under glass, they may
be stood out-of-doors in a sheltered but sunny
position. Keep the foliage free from insect pests,
and give sufficient water to maintain the leaves in
a fresh condition, but lay the pots on their sides
during wet weather. Thin out the growths if
they are in any way crowded, this being all the,
pruning necessary where systematic pinching has
been carried out. Do not permit later trees in
pots to carry more fruit in the second crop than
they can bring to a serviceable size, as it is neces-
sary that the trees should make good wood for the
production of next year's first crop. When the
roots need water, especially if the trees are old or
bear heavy crops, afford them diluted liquid
manure. Houses containing ripening fruit should
be afforded a constant circulation of dry warm
air, but do not let the roots suffer from dryness at
this time.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Matne, Gardener to the Hon. Mask Kollk,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Vallotas. — The flower- spikes are now developing,
therefore afford the plants manure- water once or
twice a week. They require all the sunlight
possible, and are stood out-of-doors from July
until the flowers open, in many gardens in this
county, with satisfactory results.

Begonias. — Support leading growths of Gloire
de Lorraine with neat stakes of green Bamboo or
deal painted that colour. When the pots are full
of roots afford the plants a little weak manure-
water once each week. A weak solution of clear
soot-water will keep the foliage a good colour.
The plants being of more value after the middle
of October, all flowers should be picked off during
September, and the plants lightly syringed twice
a day, to ward off thrips and mites. B. Dregei,
a pure white species, makes a good companion for
Gloire de Lorraine, and B. x President Carnot, a
strong grower with rosy carmine flowers, is useful
in early autumn. The variety Gloire de Sceaux
may be shifted into 5 or G-incn pots. These will
flower after the turn of the year.

Cyclamen. — Within the next few weeks a
sowing should be made of these useful winter-
flowering plants. Sow in shallow pans, after
carefully draining them. Place a thin layer of
. half-decayed leaves over the drainage material,
then fill the pans to within an inch of the rim,
with equal parts of sifted loam and leaf-soil, and
silver sand. Make this moderately firm, and if
it is too dry, apply water a few hours before
sowing the seeds. Dibble the seeds in at dis-
tances of } inch apart, and cover them J inch
deep. Place sheets of glass over the pans and
shade them from the sun's rays. Afford a tem-
perature of 60°, and in four to six weeks, when
the seedlings have appeared, remove the pans to
within a foot of the glass roof and keep the
soil fairly moist. Plants standing in cold pits or
frames and having their pots full of roots, may
be fed once or twice weekly, pulling out from
their base all flowers that push above the foliage
next month. Pull the frame lights back during
the night for the next few weeks if the weather
should turn fine, but not if there are frequent
rains.

Violets, for planting in pits or frames should
have all runners cut off as they appear. The
summer has been favourable to the plants, the
frequent showers having kept them free from red
spider. Plant them in their winter quarters
early in the month of October.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holfohd, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Milton i<i vtaiZiorfa, having had a short rest,
has commenced to make new growth. The plants
may now lie repotted or top dressed according to
their need. Carefully examine the plants before
the work is commenced, and be sure each is quite
free from insect pestai Small yellow thrips con-
ceal themselves down in the interior of the young

growths, when it is almost impossible to eradicate-
them with brush or sponge. Plants so attacked
should be fumigated at regular intervals, and
occasionally dipped in some safe insecticide. It
is not necessary to fumigate the whole house for
the sake of a few plants ; let those infest ;d be
carried to another house it is intended to fumi-
gate. Before repotting a plant, take it out
of the receptacle and shake the old potting
material from the roots, removing all dead and i
decaying matter. Large plants that are unsatis-
factory in the centre should be divided, and each
piece potted singly, it being most difficult to keep-
them healthy in large masses for any length of
time. The potting compost should be similar to-
that described in the Calendar for January 31st.
Plants potted at this season should be placed in
as small pots as possible, from which they can be-
shifted again in the spring. Afford water-
sparingly to plants that have been repotted ; let
it be applied through a can having a fine " rose.""
Stand the plants in a shady position in the
Cattleya or intermediate house.

Sophronitis grandifiora, having started into
growth, may be examined, and each plant treated
according to its requirements. The species-
thrives well under similar conditions to those
advised in a recent Calendar for the short-bulbedi
Odontoglossums, except that the Sophronitis-
should be suspended in the warmest part of the-
house. Never disturb the roots of Sophronitis
unless it is really necessary, but top-dress the-
plants if the surface-material has become sour.

Cattleya eitrina is totally unlike any other
Cattleya in its habit of growth, the pseudo-bulbs,,
foliage, and its lovely sweet-scented flowers,
always droop towards the ground. The plants-
should be grown on blocks of wood or teak- wood
rafts, with a little sphagnum-moss pricked in
about the roots to help hold the moisture. Sus-
pend the plants close up to the roof-glass in the
cool intermediate - house. After a good rest
which followed the flowering period, root action
and growth have again commenced ; therefore a
more liberal supply of water will be needed, and
the block and plant should be frequently
immersed in the water-tank.

THE APIARY.

By Expert.

Work in the Apiary. — The beautiful weather
we are having [written several days since. Ed.
is extending the honey season, and honey is still
coming in from the second crops of Sainfoin and
White Clover, to say nothing of large quantities
of Charlock and wild flowers. Sections should
still be given where necessary, but the district
should be taken into consideration ; for instance-
where there is plenty of Sainfoin, White Clover,
&c, as mentioned above, full crates of sections can
still be given. When the sections are placed in the-
crates they should be wedged close up together
to prevent the bees building such bulky sections.,
as you cannot get more in price for them ; and
in packing they are most awkward. The dividers
should be scraped, whether they are tin, glass,
or wood, as any small pieces of comb attached to
them will induce the bees to build the sections on,
to them ; this spoils the section for sale, to say
nothing of the inconvenience. In other districts
where the honey-flow is not so good, about twelve
or fifteen sections should be placed on, and the
half-full ones from the back should be placed
in the front, to give the bees a better chance-
of filling them. Shallow frames should be ex-
tracted and closed up in the same way ; the-
frames should all be returned to the hive, to-
allow the bees to clear them out dry, and the
ones that are left closed up. In extracting,,
keep as far away from your apiary as possible,
and close the doors to prevent the bees eominjj
in. No honey should be exposed longer than is
necessary. In taking off sections, as soon as you
have enough to carry they should be taken away
at once, taking care that the sections are placed
the same way up as when taken from the hive
Destroy earwigs and wax-moth a? soon as dis-
covered. Replenish the water supply. M irk ofi
your stocks which have given no surplus, and
keep a look-out for driven bees for strengthening
a little later.

158

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[August 29, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

^Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
4i. Wellington Street, Co vent Garden, London.
Communications should be wbitten on one bide only of
this papeb, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

illustrations — The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dec. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

Special Notice to Correspondents The Editor does not

undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement.

APPOINTMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER.

TUESDAY, Sept. 1

THURSDAY, Sept.
SATURDAY, Sept.

<WEDNESDAY,9ept,
SATURDAY, Sept.

TUESDAY, Sept. 15

•FRIDAY,

Sept.

MONDAY, Sept.

WEDNESDAY.Sept
THURSDAY, Sept.

TUESDAY, Sept.

Royal Horticultural Society's
Committees Meet. Lecture
on "Judging Cactus Dahlias.''
National Dahlia Society's Ex-
hibition at the Drill Hall
i (two days).

f Alnwick Horticultural and Bo-
,1 tanical Society's Show.
) Paisley Horticultural Society's
I Show (two days).
. ( Societe Franchise d'Horticul-
) ture de Londres Meet.
I Royal Caledonian Horticul-
tural Society's Show in Wa-
9 J verley Market, Edinburgh
(two days).
1 York Dahlia Show.
12— Royal Botanic Society Meet.
/■Royal Horticultural Society's
| Committees Meet. Lecture
on " Edible Fungi."
National Dahlia Society's Floral
Committee Meeting at Drill
I Hal).

jg 1 Horticultural Show at Gotheu-
> burg, Sweden (five days).
("National Chrysanthemum So-

21 •( ciety's First Floral Committee
I Meeting

23— Royal Botanic Society Meet.
0, ) Irish Gardeners' Association
" ( Meeting,

('Royal Horticultural Society's
Fruit and Vegetable Show
29 I and Conference in the Chis-
j wick Gardens (three days).
| Gardeners' Dinner at Holboru
V. Restaurant, 7 p.m.

SALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY, Am. 31 to Sept 4-

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 6S, Cheapside, E.C by
Protheroe & Morris, at 1030 o'clock.

THURSDAY NEXT—

Consignment of Lilium Harrisii at 67 and 68, Cheap-
side, E.C, by Protheroe & Morris, at 3 o'clock

CRIDAY NEXT—

Orchids in variety, at 67 and 68, Cheapside. EC bv
Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30.

(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Avbbaue Temperatuhe for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
— 61'2'.
Actual Tempeeatuhes :—

London.— a ugust 26 (6 p.m.) : Max. 67°; Min. 50°.

August 27.— Fine, warm.
Pbovinces.— August 26 (6 p.m.): Max. 68°, Southern
Counties ; Min. 51°, North of Scottland.

*ruit Culture I™1™* ^ ^"S™ Bil1
in Ireland. has been passed by the Legis-
lature, and great expectations
■have been excited as to the scope of the
measure and its results. This being a non-
political journal, we can only venture to
liope that at last the great Irish Land ques-
tion may have been settled in such a way
as to produce lasting benefits to the com-
munity; for these benefits must be felt over
the kingdom ; and one of these will probably
be exemplified by a vast increase in the
acreage of land set apart for fruit cultivation.

The fruit nowadays produced in the sister
Island is certainly of a very high class,
equal to any ever shown at the Crystal
Palace. Confirmation of this was given at
the great Fruit section of the International
Exhibition held in Cork in October of last
year. Of the six hundred and twenty-four
exhibits by amateurs, gardeners, and
growers, divided into sixty -six competi-
tive classes, there was none that did not
receive commendation, especially, perhaps,
the groups twelve feet by four feet. The
show was principally the work of the Irish
Department of Agriculture and its inde-
fatigable secretary, Mr. T. P. Gill; and
he, together with all who have interested
themselves in the subject of Irish fruit cul-
ture, are of opinion that no limit can be set
to the extension of the culture, save that
of the silver sea bordering the cultivated land.
We believe it to be nearly capable of demon-
stration that wherever there is fixity of
tenure in agricultural land, there fruit is
grown — not always and necessarily for
market, but to afford a change of dietary, a
sort of relief to porridge and Potatos ; and
with the addition to the menu the taste is
at once elevated and becomes more refined.
The consumer becomes less gross in his
appetite— in short, all round a better man.
We hope to see thousands of little farms,
with their accompanying fruit quarters,
and their added industries.

We have noted Mr. Gill's work in a very
recent communication to a correspondent of
ours. That gentleman says, " In a number
of counties itinerant instructors are at
work stimulating an interest in this industry
(Fruit culture). A co-operative jam factory
has recently been started through private
enterprise at Navan, while the Government
is undertaking an experiment on com-
mercial lines in fruit-growing and pre-
serving at Portadown.

Incidentally we may express the hope
that vast areas now unprofitable, or nearly
so, will be gradually afforested; but that,
owing to the length of time that must elapse
before it is remunerative, is a work to be
undertaken by the State rather than by
individuals.

In conclusion it should be noted that
extension of industry ensures a stay of
emigration to other lands, and so it may
well be claimed that there would soon
follow a rise in the population, in the
amount in the savings-banks to the credit
of the workers, also, not least, a great
increase in the happiness of all classes. So
Godspeed to the Irish Land Purchase Bill !

The

We commend to all concerned
Manuring of tne reprint from the Journal of
Market Gar- the Royal Horticultural Society
den Crops. of a paper Qn thig subject by

Dr. Bernard Dyer and Mr. Shrivel. It
gives a summary of the results of eight
years' experiments on various garden and
fruit crops. One main object of the experi-
ments was to ascertain whether the present
use of very large quantities of dung in
market gardening was warranted by results
— that is to say, whether the proportion
between the cost of production and the
financial yield was as satisfactory as it
should be.

Heavy dressings of dung at an average
cost, say, of eight shillings the ton, are pre-

sumably wasteful, and better financial
results would be obtained by using a smaller
quantity of dung, supplemented by some
suitable fertiliser. The general results of
the extensive and varied experiments made
during nine or ten years, and recorded in
the pamphlet before us, go to show that the
purchase of stable-dung in such large quan-
tities is wasteful and extravagant. Farm-
yard-manure is, of course, different. But, in
any case, the use of dung can to a. large
extent be profitably supplemented by the
admixture of certain chemical fertilisers.
The chief value of the stable-dung is to im-
prove the texture and condition of the soil.
We have not space to notice in detail the re-
cord of the various experiments. We can
only say that, with the exception of cereals,
they relate to all the ordinary crops of the
farm, the kitchen garden, and of the orchard.

The paper is full of information upon
points of detail of the greatest moment to
the farmer and gardener. To give one illus-
tration only : — The dressing recommended
for Strawberries is twenty-five loads of
stable-dung (twelve and a half tons) per
acre, with a dressing of phosphates and an
early application of two hundredweight of
nitrate of soda. The early period at which
this crop can be marketed is a matter of
much greater importance financially than
the absolute weight of the crop. The dress-
ing above recommended yields, on the
average, not only the best crop, but the
earliest. The figures given in regard to
" President " Strawberry are very striking.
We hope the reprint, which is issued by
Vinton & Co., will have a very large circu-
lation among gardeners and farmers.

We are so often asked to cite the quan-
tities of fertilisers to be used on smaller
areas than an acre that we reproduce the
following calculations of weights of ferti-
lisers for small plots : —

Our manurial applications are, for the
sake of uniformity of comparison, calculated
in quantities per acre. For readers who
may wish to manure smaller areas than
this, it may be convenient to give at once
a short table enabling them to see at a
glance what are the corresponding quan-
tities for smaller areas of ground. We have
therefore calculated the various dressings
from 1 cwt. up to 8 cwt. per acre into their
equivalent quantities for —

1 rood (^ of an acre).

1 square rod or perch (J3 of a rood or ji, of
an acre).

1 square yard (^ of an acre).

The calculation of dressings per yard is
only approximate, but it will be found
convenient for the use of readers who wish
to make experimental trials on a small
scale, or to manure even a few yards of
domestic kitchen garden.

The various equivalent dressings are as
follows : —

Equivalent quantity per

Rood

Square rod
or perch

Square yd.

Cwt.

1

lbs.

28

lbs.
i

*

oz.

i

2

56

U

+

4

112

25

1}

6

168

41

Si

8

224

54

3

August 29, 190S.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

159

The Royal Horticultural Society will
lold a special exhibiton of Dahlias on September 1
and 2, in conjunction with the National Dahlia
Society, in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate,
■Westminster. At this meeting (unless by special
arrangement and permission) only Dahlias can be
shown, with the exception of flowers, fruits, &c,
■for certificate. All Dahlias, including those
shown for certificate, must be left on exhibition
until 6 p.m. on the second day. A lecture on
"Judging Cactus Dahlias" will be given, on
•September 1, by Mr. C. G. Wyatt at 3 o'clock.

At a general meeting of the Society held

•on Tuesday, August 18, twenty-five new Fellows
■were elected, among them being the Eight Hon.
Sir Francis H. Jeune, G.C.B., Col. T. H.
Skinner, and Dr. A. Henry, making a total of
1,095 elected since the beginning of the present
year.

■ Intending eKhibitors at the Fruit and

Vegetable Show to be held at Chiswick on
-September 29, 30, and October 1, can obtain an
•official entry form, together with schedule of
prizes, on application to the Secretary, Royal
Horticultural Society, 117, Victoria Street,
•London, S.W. Entries for this show close on

■ September 22. There will be a special tent for
■horticultural sundries. A cold luncheon will be "
provided on September 29, at which the Council,
Judges, and the Committees will be present, and
for which all interested in the show can obtain

•tickets (3s., including wine or beer) on application
•to the Secretary, 117, Victoria Street, S.W.,
•before September 27.

May I ask you to say that the Council

■have consented to have a Sundries Tent at Chis-
■wick, on September 29, 30, and October 1, in
(precisely the same way as they did at the last
Holland House Show. Applications for space
•should be made to Mr. Wright, Royal Horticul-
■•tural Society's Garden, Chiswick, W.

The Gardeners' Reception Dinner.— Mr.
A. Dean writes :— " The Gardeners' Chronicle has
shown so much kind appreciation of the efforts of
-the Gardeners' Dinner Committee to make the

■ coming dinner function a success, that I ask your
kind consent to allow me through your columns to

•remind all, of either sex, who may desire to attend
the dinner, that the date (Sept. 29) of the dinner

■and the Chiswick Show is rapidly approaching,

• and that tickets, of which the number is limited,
>3hould be secured early. It may interest many
••to learn that our grand old gardener, Dean Hole
•of Rochester, has secured a ticket and earnestly

hopes to be present. We inserted in the circular
■so widely issued, at the suggestion of our chair-
<man, Mr. Owen Thomas, a line referring to the

possible fact that the coming show may afford a
'last opportunity for many to see the old Chiswick

gardens. How little did we then think
'that possibility was so near ! In not a few
•of the letters I receive from old gardeners,
■not only is that contingency dwelt upon, but
fthere runs through them a vein of strong

thankfulness that the Dinner has been organised

to enable so many who are veterans in the
•noble army of gardeners once more to meet
•and to revive old associations, perhaps, too, for

them for the last time. How fortunate are we also

in having secured so distinguished a gardener-
•employer and horticultural patron as Mr. Leo-

• pold de Rothschild for our Chairman, for he
will most gladly greet the gardeners of Great
Britain ! We trust that many gentlemen who know
•and appreciate gardeners and their worth will
■attend and support him. It will be an occasion
•long to be remembered, and who would be

willingly absent ? We trust to see many of our
S1^rs as well as brpthers in horticulture present.
All communications should come to me at G2,
.Richmond Road, Kingston-on-Thames." A. Deun

R. W. Adlam.— We greatly regret to have to
announce the death, on July 17, from malignant
disease, of our Transvaal correspondent. During
the war he took refuge at Port Elizabeth, but
returned to Johannesburg before the guerilla
war was quite stamped out. His account of the
vegetation and of the country generally at that
time is very interesting, and may be read in our
columns, October 5, 1901. Here, too, he mentions
how the trees in the Joubert Park had grown
during his absence. His herbarium and library,
including the Gardeners' Chronicle, were safe, for,
as he said, " Your Boer loves to commandeer
gold, but he has a rooted aversion for what
makes gold, i.e., knowledge." The plants in the
conservatories were not in such good condition,
as they had been left in charge of a coolie who
did not know a Palm from a Primula. The
Orchids were in a miserable condition, and many
valuable plants had vanished utterly. In spite
of all this Mr. Adlam wrote hopefully of the future,
and, as we know, devoted himself energetically
to the care and improvement of the Joubert Park,
and to efforts to promote forestry and fruit-
growing in the Transvaal. The Peach is men-
tioned as specially suitable for cultivation in that
district. Those interested in knowing what other
fruits will do in that country should read his
article on the subject in our columns, April 5,
1902. Mr. Adlam also contributed from time to
time notices of rare or novel plants found by him,
and was in communication with Kew, the Cam-
bridge Botanic Garden, and other similar esta-
blishments. His death is a serious loss to Botany
and Horticulture.

MR. LEWIS CASTLE.— The friends of this
gentleman will sympathise with him in the
death of his wife on the 22nd inst., in her forty-
second year. She had been in ill-health for
several years, but her condition became serious
within the last two months. She was well known
to a former generation of Kewites as the daughter
of an old Kewite, Mr. W. Gossett, and was much
interested in horticultural matters, rendering
great assistance to her husband in his early
career.

The Senior Camellia.— A recent number of
the Revue Horticole contains a figure and a de-
scription of a Camellia growing in the Royal
Park at Pillnitz, near Dresden. It formed one of
four originally introduced by Father Camelli.
In 1801 the head gardener planted it in the open,
in a sheltered situation. It is now more than
100 years old, and is covered every year with
a profusion of single red flowers. The bush is
850 m. (27 feet) through, and 26 m. (more than
8-1 feet) in circumference. It is protected in
winter by a kind of movable shed, which can be
slightly heated when required.

Cider-Apples in France. — From official
information we gather the following respecting
the prospects of a cider-apple crop : — In Brest
and district there are no Apples; in Morlaix
about 75 per cent, less than the usual crop ;
Quimper, over ; Concarneau and Quimperle, in
South Finistere generally, yield the largest crop ;
In the Quimperle district it is about 70 per
cent, of the average crop; Chiiteaulin, none;
Department of the Cotes du Nord, none ;
Morbihan-Ploermel district are generally very
bad crops ; Vannes district not enough for local
requirements.

ARISTOLOCHIA SlPHO.— This climber, with its
broad cordate ovate leaves, is a capital plant for
clothing pergolas and similar purposes, albeit its
flowers are the exclusive property of the botanist
and make no appeal to the ordinary lover of
flowers. Every now and then the plant, for some
reasons yet to be determined, changes the charac-
ter of its foliage, and the big broad leaves are

replaced by long narrow lanceolate or even linear
productions. It is a mere guess to say that this
is due to unfavourable climatal conditions in-
fluencing the plant at a particular stage of its
existence, but we have no other solution of the
problem to offer, nor has Mr. Divers, who kindly
sends us illustrative specimens from Belvoir.
The plant is somewhat subject to foliar vagaries.
We have seen "pitchers" formed on the leaves,
and frequently frill-like outgrowths as if it were a
Scotch Kail.

Channel Islands. — Statistics op the
Potato Crop : Season 1903. — It will be seen
that the prophecies as to the financial result of
the crop have been justified by facts, the total
value of exports being .£475,888 17s. fid. Only in
one year since 1885 has there been a better
result, viz., in 1891, when the amount realised
was .£487,642 Is. 8d. It should be noted that the
number of tons exported (47,530) represents the
net, and not the gross weight, a difference of
5,470 tons being thus accounted for. The busiest
week was that from June 8 to June 13, when
10,025 tons, representing something approaching
a quarter of the whole crop, was exported. The
highest price obtained was .£23 8s. per ton, and
the lowest £4 lis. The total number of packages
of Potatos reached the surprising total of 1,086,262.

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33

Apple Help from Canada.— Learning of
the deficiency in France, &c, the High Commis-
sioner for Canada has informed our Board of
Trade Department that in view of the consider-
able demand that will probably exist for cooking
and for cider Apples, he has made inquiry
of the Dominion Dipartui'nt of Agriculture a

160

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Awgus"! 29, 1903.

Ottawa respecting the supplies available in
Canada, to which the following reply was cabled :
" Large quantities of cooking and cider Apples
obtainable at about fifteen dollars for long box.
Hand-picked stock, costing twenty dollars, would
carry safer, owing to risk of deterioration in
transit.

Garden and Farm Produce by Rail.—
The oarriage of agricultural produce by passenger
train on the Great Eastern system appears to be
growing in popularity, judging from the figures
furnished us by the Traffic Manager. That
gentleman informs us that in the first six months
of the year the number of parcels carried was no
fewer than 90,000, which shows, when compared
with the 84,000 carried during the corresponding
period last year, an increase of 0,000 parcels.

SWEET Peas. — We have received specimens
of the following meritorious novelties from Messrs.
W. W. Johnson & Son Ltd., Boston.

Gladys Deal. — Robust habit ; flowers three in
a raceme ; pale self lavender coloured ; standard
flat, scarcely notched.

Eastern Queen. — Clusters three - flowered ;
flowers self coloured, pale ivory coloured ;
standard rounded entire ; wings large spreading.

Caprice. — Clusters three-flowered ; flowers white
flushed with pink, especially at the back of the
standard.

Elfrida. — Clusters mostly three - flowered ;
flowers white flaked with rosy -purple, sometimes
semi-double ; standard rounded entire.

DAHLIAS. — Messrs. Cannell send us some
very handsome flowers of the so-called reflexed

scarlet, very large ; Madame Keller, deep rosy-
lilac, base yellow ; Beauty of Kent, florets rich
maroon with white tips ; Madame Lumiere, white
with broad deep-rose stripes in the centre ; Mdllc.
Selene Charvet, very large white; Germania, of a
beautiful shade of rose- pink, central florets yellow ;
Count Steyen-r- (we have not space to spell the
Dutch name in full, moreover we are afraid to-
misspell it !), the flower is of a very peculiar
shade of orange-brown ; Source de Fer, deep-
scarlet with narrow yellow stripes ; Madame van
der Dael, flowers lilac, inner florets pale yellow or-
whitish.

HOLLYHOCK. — Sir Herbert Maxwell favours-
us with the following communication: — "'Does
anyone know the meaning of the word ? ' you ask

FlC 59. — CHAMPION GEAPE CLASS AT SHREWSBURY. (SEE P. 151.
First prize exhibit from the Earl of Harrington, gr , Mr. Goodacre.

Apple-crop in Nova Scotia. — A corre-
spondent writes : — " I have just been informed
that the Nova Scotia Apple-crop promises to be
more than satisfactory. According to official
estimates, based on present indications, there
should be a full crop of superior Apples, with a
surplus of over 400,000 barrels for export, varie-
ties and qualities being about as follows : — Non-
pareil, 60,(100 barrels ; King, 50,000 ; Gravenstein,
50,000; Ribston Pippin, 4-0,000; Golden Russet,
30,000 ; Baldwin, 60.000 ; Rhode Island Greening,
30,000 ; other varieties, 80,000 barrels."

Rhubarb Daws' Champion.— Our attention
has been called to the fact that the variety of
Rhubarb illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle for
April 14, 1900, is sometimes spelt incorrectly. The
raiser's name, it appears, is " Daws," not " Daw."
We hope that writers will be careful to put the
apostrophe after the last letter, and thus respect
our correspondent's legitimate susceptibilities.

type, which are becoming popular, particularly for
church decoration. Just as the old show Pansies
were killed, remarks Mr. Cannell, by the big
Belgian Pansies, so the show Dahlias are being
ousted by the newer forms with flat, not incurved,
florets. Everyone to his taste. For our part we
shall not be sorry to see the end of the " lumpy,
inelegant " flowers beloved of a generation of
florists that is rapidly disappearing. Even the
exquisite gradations of colour do not compensate
for the hideousness of the form. Happily in the
so-called reflexed type, as seen in the specimens
before us, we have flowers that are acceptable both
for colour and form. There has also been a ten-
dency for some time past to exhibit these flowers
in a less formal and more graceful manner than
in the regulation boxes, and we trust this
tendency will grow till the last remnant of
ugliness disappears. Among the more beau-
tiful forms sent us by Messrs. Cannell are :
Jeanne Charmct, lilao ; Souvenir de Gustav Douzbn

in your leader of August 22. Professor Skeat-
has analysed it pretty closely upon severely
scientific principles, and perhaps I may summarise
his conclusions for the benefit of those who have-
not his etymological dictionary at hand. ' Hoc'„
genitive ' hocces,' was the Anglo-Saxon name for
the Mallow. In middle English (a.d. 120O— 1500>
' holihoc ' and ' holihoke ' appear in vocabularies
as translation of the Latin ' Althea ' and the old
French ' ymalve.' From the last comes the
modern French ' guimauve,' Marsh Mallow.
* Hoc ' seems to be a word borrowed from the
Celtic, the Welsh for Mallow being ' hocys." The
prefix 'holly' is misleading; it should be spelt
with but one ' 1,' being simply the adjective ' holy.'
In Minshen's Guide into the Tongues (1627V
occurs ' Holie hocke, i.e., malva sacra ' (the Holy
Mallow). Although H. Wedswood was not an
authority on botany, he is worth quoting on this
point. In his Dictionary of English Etymology, '
(1872) he observes, 'The Hollyhock was doubtless-

Atjgtot 29, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

161

so called from being brought from the Holy
Land, where it is indigenous.' The first occur-
rence of the compound name in English certainly
•corresponds with the period of the Crusades."
Herbert Maxwell.

Darlington Park.— We notice in the

Northern Star an appreciative description of the
•features of the South Park at Darlington, which
is under the direction of Mr. James Morrison.

Bicolor Carnation. — A short time ago we
ihad occasion to note a Carnation with flowers of
two distinct colours proceeding from the same
«talk. Now Mr. Jefferies, of Oxford, sends us a

and other plants grouped to show the forms and
their natural means of adaptation to a dry
climate. The contrast with the deciduous trees
is very striking. Near at hand, in a prominent
situation on a raised mound, is a temple, the
pillars of which support a domed roof, and of
which the capitals are adorned, not with the
classical Acanthus, but with the more locally
appropriate Stag's - horn Fern (Platycerium),
which is novel and equally effective. This temple
is erected to the memory of the first Governor of
Victoria, the Hon. Charles Joseph La Trobe, who
in 1846 selected the site for these gardens. The
material used for the construction of the temple

venience the Nertera, which, in the spring, I was
obliged to lift and to replant further away.
However, the Nertera did not appear to resent
the disturbance, and is now covered with its
charming little orange-red berries, as it has been
during the last two summers. If the weather
remains fairly open, many of the berries remain
upon the plant uutil Christmas. Doubtless others
grow Nertera depressa in the open, but I have
myself failed to meet with it in gardens up to the
present. All the plants on the ledge are growing
in pure peat mixed with a fair amount of granite
sand. S. W. Fitzherbert, South Devon.

ERYNGIUM AMETHYSTINUM.— I notice that in
the article on "Seaside Gardening," p. 109, the

Fig. 60. — champion crape class at Shrewsbury, (see p. 161.)

Second prize exhibit from Messrs. D. and W. Buchanan, Kippen, N.B.

specimen in which the two Inlves of the same
Iflower are different. The petals on one half are
■white willi a pink picotee-edge, those on the other
ialf are yellow with red edge and a few stripes
of the same colour. We have on various occasions
"noted similar peculiarities, but never one more
marked than that furnished by Mr. Jefferies.

THE MELBOUKNE BOTANIC
GARDEN.

[See Supplementary Ilhistra Hon.]
On various occasions we have spoken of the
Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and the many
improvements effected by Mr. Guilfoyle. The
•Supplementary Illustration issued with the
present number shows a portion of the rock-
-gardea, with Dracienas, Agaves, Aloes, Opuntias.

was basalt, reduced to coarse powder mixed with
cement, and while soft moulded into blocks and
used as stone would be.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

NERTERA DEPRE8SA— This pretty little plant,
which has a wide range over the mountain slopes
of Australia, New Zealand, South America, Java,
and other countries, has done well with me in the
open for three years. It is planted on a ledge
about 2 feet above the ground level, and faces
north, being sheltered on the south by perpen-
dicular rocks about 3 feet in height. It shares its
ledge with Shortia galacifolia, Ourisia coccinci.
and Philesia buxifolia, all of which are doing
well, indeed the Ourisia is doing almost too well,
for it has spread so that it threatened to incon-

name of this Eryngium is given as E. amethy-
stinum (Oliverianum), conveying the impression
that the two specific names are merely synonyms.
E. auiethystinum and E. Oliverianum are, how-
ever, two distinct species, and vary consider-
ably in their habit. E. amethystinum (true)
is a rare plant, and one that I have never met
with in nurseries. It is often catalogued, but I
believe, where that is the case, E. Oliverianum is
almost invariably grown and sold under that
name. In three nurseries I have met with E.
Oliverianum labelled E. .iiiiethystinuin. I possess
both species, which differ so widely that the
merest tyro, seeing them side by side, could
n t fail t.. discriminate between them. S. 11'.
Fit:herbert.

CAMPANULA VIDALI IN THE OPEN. — I have ft
fine plant of this Campanula now in full bloom
that, is a Very attractive sight. It flowered
fairly well last season, the first year of its being

162

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AutsusT 29, 1903.

planted out, and I determined to experiment
with it by leaving it undisturbed and unprotected
in the ground through the winter. Rather to my
surprise it endured the ordeal unharmed, not a
leaf being injured. It is bearing thirty-three
flow«r-spikes, the tallest being 35 inches in height
and carrying 18 blossoms, while in all there
are about 400 blooms on the plant. Its main
stem is 9 inches in height and has a circumference
of 4 inches. It is growing in a narrow border in
front of a wall facing south-west. The long,
white, drooping hells, which are very waxy and
substantial in texture, standing out from the
flower-stems on foot-stalks about 2 inches in
length, some of which carry three blooms, have a
pretty effect and give the plant a distinct
character. Being a native of the Azores it is
doubtful if even in the genial climate of South
Devon it will brave many winters in the open.
8. W. Fitzherbert, Kingsivear, South Devon

weigela ROSEA. — In the early summer
season of 1901 I had occasion to cut back two
large bushes of this good old flowering shrub that
were growing in front of the eastern windows of
the house, and had somewhat overgrown the
space allotted to them. I cut back all the
strongest growths to about three eyes, with the
result that they have made another break and
produced a much finer lot of bloom than at the
early and natural season. The present season I
had occasion to treat the plants in the same way,
with even better results ; at the present time one
plant has been well out for the past week, while
at this season the flowers last much longer, and
in the north-west suburbs of London, Harlesden,
Craven Park. <?. A. Bromfield, 4, Newnham Street,
Bryanston Square. [The flowers sent are finely
developed. Ed.]

BLACK CURRANT.— Having grown the Giant
of Boskoop for three seasons, in all of which it
has proved most prolific, allow me to call atten-
tion to this new variety. Here it is a very strong
grower, although the soil is cold and retentive.
It seems particularly hardy, far more so than
some others. It is a good bearer of very large
black and sweet berries, and for this reason
should prove good for the dessert. The bunches
of fruit are somewhat short, but all, or nearly so,
are of the same size, thus precluding waste.
Indeed, so satisfactory has it proved that the
other varieties will be discarded ; though I
intend growing Carter's Prolific, which is also of
great merit, though more acid in flavour, and is
undoubtedly a good bearer. William Lee's Per-
petual has never borne a crop of fruit, all in-
variably being destroyed by the early frosts.
This year the Black Naples fruits were unusually
fine, though the flavour was far surpassed, as also
was the size, by the Giant of Boskoop. Harrison
Weir, Poplar Hall.

THE GARDEN-SHOW IN AUGUST.— This has
been a wet and dripping, a cool and moist Holly-
hock year. At Hampton Court they are (and
have been) lovely now, single and double, and of
nearly all shades. Nymphaea gigantea at Gun-
nersbury, and the Marliac Water-Lilies there, at
Gravetye Manor, and at Kew Gardens, are the
great floral sights of this August, so far as I have
seen. The Bamboos at Kew also, like the Holly-
hocks at Hampton Court, have enjoyed a climate
that has spoiled Cannas and scarlet Pelargoniums.
We cannot have everything at its best every
season ! The general average is good. Trees and
shrubs I never saw better in gardens and parks
everywhere than they are this year. F. W. B.

LAWN SAND. — My experience in the use of
lawn sand may be of interest. On July 7,
in the middle of the one dry period in this
summer in the London district, I used it on a
tennis - lawn at the rate of 4 oz. to the square
yard, as recommended, in the hope of killing
Daisies and improving the turf. The whole sur-
face was temporarily browned, and now, six
weeks later, after copious rains, there are still
patches where the roots of the grass have been
completely killed. A certain proportion of the
Daisies have gone, but other weeds, such as
Ranunculus and Achillea, have flourished ex-
ceedingly, and are much more numerous and
ranker than on a second court on the same

stretch of turf which was happily left untreated.
The court was in excellent condition for play in
the early part of the season, but now hand-
weeding and a fresh sowing of grass will be
necessary, and there is little chance of its com-
plete recovery by next spring. E. S. R. [The
benefits resulting from the application of lawn-
sand are not, as a rule, witnessed for some con-
siderable time. At first ill effects often arise
from the browning of the lawn in patches. A
top-dressing of manure in winter, aided by a
small proportion of fish guano, will do good.
Nitrogenous manures, as a rule, improve the
grasses at the expense of the weeds, but they
should be used with discretion. Ed.]

POISONS.— The importance attached to the
scientific study of agriculture and horticulture
during recent years has naturally increased the
demand for insecticides and fungicides for de-
stroying animal and vegetable pests. Some of
the chemicals used for these purposes, such as
potassium sulphide, Bordeaux-mixture, lime and
copper and ammoniated copper preparations,
carbon bisulphide, white hellebore, tobacco-
paper, kerosene emulsion, sulphur, ferrous sul-
phate, preparations of tar, quassia powder, and
similar substances, do not come under the cate-
gory of statutory poisons, and can be sold with-
out restriction by anyone. A few, such as
corrosive sublimate, Paris-green, white arsenic
and its preparations, and potassium and sodium
cyanides, come within the scope of the Pharmacy
Act, 1868, and although these can be sold by
wholesale to retail dealers if duly labelled with
the seller's name and the word "poison," such
substances cannot be sold by retail except by
registered chemists — the persons specially
trained to handle them — and then only subject to
the strict regulations prescribed by the Pharmacy
Act. E. M. Holmes.

HELXINE SOLEIROLII.— This pretty moss-like
Urticaceous plant, native of Corsica and Sardinia,
is effectively used by Mr. J. O. Clarke, gr. to
Ludwig Mond, Esq., for most of the purposes for
which Selaginellas are generally used in plant-
houses, and Mr. Clarke says that it is more adapt-
able and keeps better than any other plant of its
kind. It is used to grow on the staging in the
Orchid-houses, to fill in spaces in rockeries, for
growing on the surfaces of jardinieres, and for
forming the ground-work of plant-covered walls.
One cold house has the back wall covered with
Helxine Soleirolii, its pale-green slender sprays
forming an admirable setting for the Begonias,
Ficus stipularis, F. minima, Adian turns, and
other plants whose healthy condition, growing on
the wall, is mainly due to the shade and moisture
ensured by the pretty little dwarf plant which
covers the surface. J.

CEREU8CANDICANSANDC.C.DUMESNILIANUS.

— The above plants have again flowered this
year with me — a rather unexpected thing, as they
did so last year. The flowers are of a very
similar nature, but the former is much the
larger, and they are not so short-lived as some of
the family. A much larger plant of the former,
about 6 feet high, has never shown signs of flower-
ing yet, but perhaps it will do so in time. Cereus
chiloensis had two or more flowers — they, as a
rule, flower yearly; the C. c. Dumesnilianus is
setting a seed-pod, that may be worthy of notice
perhaps when ripe, if it does ripen, but of no
value, of course, to me at least. J. C.

OPEN SPACES AROUND HAMPSTEAD— A few
days since, I went over the newly acquired open
space known as Golders Hill, and was agreeably
surprised to find plants growing there that are
more often to be found in greenhouses, especially
around our famous city. Golders Hill is a
charming spot, well and heavily timbered, the
grounds undulating. There are several spots here
where it would be impossible to imagine you were
within 5 miles of St. Paul's — the Quick hedges,
the wild Roses, the partially hidden duck-pond,
the wild rabbits, birds of nearly all sorts, the
Apple orchard, meadows ablaze with wild flowers,
and not a brick or chimney-pot to be seen, but
everything reminding the visitor of the quietness
of country life. In the artificial part, immediately
surrounding the mansion, which was the former

residence of Sir Spenser Wells, were some fine-
bushes of Camellias, which flower well ; they
were certainly full of vigour and robust, and were-
in several localities, and in e ach spot they looked
well. On the mansion (which, by the way, hae-
been partially converted into cloak and refresh- -
ment-rooms for the public) is a very fine Clematis
montana and some good Roses, and in an old
conservatory was a very old plant of Acacia deal-
bata, with a stem some 18 inches in circum-
ference : the plant covered the roof. Several beds •
are filled with Roses, and these looked very vigor-
ous, and I should say the soil is suited for Rose-
growing. There are some fine Hollies and also
a hedge of Hollies. In the grounds there is a
very large Tulip-tree, Liriodendron tulipiferum,
and one which must have been planted sooni
after its introduction into this country, judging;
by its size. In another spot there is Ginkgo-
(Maidenhair-tree) towering away, and yet strong
and thoroughly established ; some fine Willows-
are also in evidence, and I noted a small but nice
example of Abies Webbiana and of Picea
Smithiana which looked very pleasing and orna-
mental. Some herbaceous plants we're dotted
about in a border, which had a Sweet Briar-
hedge as a background; and near, to a small,
pond, practically hidden by long grasses, reeds,
&c, were some bog-plants, which were as much,
at home as they would be 100 miles in the
country. In other places bulbs have been planted
by the former owner, and in the season they must,
have looked charming, as also did a colony of
Bluebells. Some nice pieces of Rhus Cotinus-
were noticed. In many instances one could
observe that the superintendent, Mr. Palmer, was •
handling the place in a business-like way, and
making many improvements without disturbing
the natural conditions. On Hampstead Heath
proper I noted some very large Willow-trees — in.
fact, they were the best I have ever seen. I had
little time, but could have well spent a whole day. .
The beautiful scenes that all Londoners can
enjoy are something remarkable. ' W. A. Cook.

THE FLOWERING OF BAMBOOS. — I owe an.
apology to Lord Redesdale for having misunder-
stood the facts of his note on the above-
subject, or rather for having mistaken them,
owing to misquoting its substance during
my absence from home. His lordship was so-
kind as to present us with "one Arundinaria
Simoni from seed ripened in the open - air at
Batsford in 1901," as also, 'one A. Laydekeri.
from seed ripened in a Peach-house in 1902," and
not with a Phyllostachys nigra seedling as I
inadvertently stated in my communication in the
Gardeners' Chronicle, August 8, p. 90. I should
now like to point out that A. Simoni varies a good
deal in the manner in which it flowers. Some-
individuals are practically all flower, viz., every
growth upon them bears flowers, not alone the-
present year's side-growths from old culms, but
even the growing basal growths also flowering..
Such individuals, even if they recover ultimately,
will suffer badly and be greatly weakened. Other
clumps are only flowering on one or two out of
many culms, and these, as I believe, may suffer
very little or not at all. In some cases an.
enormous crop of heavy starchy seeds has been
produced, but, as usual, " something else has also
happened." Both mice and birds have eagerly
availed themselves of the unwonted addition of
Bamboo seeds lo their food supplies. I do not
know precisely 'hat soil exists at Batsford Park,,
but here, on light, warm, sandy alluvium, and.
near the dry and smoky air of the town, the fruit-
ing clumps of Arundinaria Simoni look very
brown and shabby indeed, very little new foliage-
having been produced this season. They look as
though the whole energy of the plants has been
diverted from vegetative growth to flowering and
fruiting fertility. Plants that had culms heavily
laden with plump oat-like seeds a fortnight or sc ■
ago have shed many seeds owing to high winds,
but no doubt the bulk of the fruits have been,
devoured by grain- eating birds and animals..
Now that so many species or varieties of Bamboos
are becoming thoroughly well established in
British gardens the chances are that every year-
some of them will flower and fruit, and it is quite
possible that seedling and even hybrid varia-
tions may be raised ; and it may be worth whiles
to protect the seeds from being blown away by •

August 29, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE.

163

rough winds, or from being stolen and eaten by
birds and mice, as is pretty sure to happen if they
are unprotected. F. W. Burbidqe.

In the Gardeners' Chronicle for August 8

there was an article on the flowering of Bamboos.
I now enclose flowers taken from Arundinaria
Simoni grown in the garden of O. O. Wrigley,
Esq., Wansfell, Windermere. The plant looks
very miserable, but it is now making a little new
growth. This may interest your correspondent,
F. W. Burbidge, and others. Hy. Rothery.

DR. BONAVIA AND THE FRUIT COMMITTEE.—

Some interest undoubtedly enters into the sug-
gestions of Dr. Bonavia with respect to the
palates of the members of the Fruit Com-
mittee and fruit-tasting at the Drill Hall. As
I read the Doctor's criticisms 1 began to fear
that he would invite the Council of the Koyal
Horticultural Society to furnish our table with
claret, nauseous stuff, or some other chemical
compound called wine, by the aid of which we
might blunt nature's palates and provide artificial
ones. Happily he stopped short of that proposal
and fell back on Olives. I think we are perfectly
capable of coming to a correct conclusion with
respect to flavour in fruit without any such aids.
What does Dr. Bonavia think of having to taste
some twelve to twenty diverse Melons in suc-
cession, and yet in the end come to a right con-
clusion without any artificial aids ? yet in so many
fruits one may find just as many flavours.
I notice at the table, where some twenty or
more members may be present, and all possibly
having somewhat different palates, yet if any
fruit is good it is unanimously approved [and
none left for the reporters to test. Ed.]. If
it is not good, it is with equal unanimity
objected to [and plenty left for the re-
porters. Ed.]. That shows that palates cannot
be so corrupted by tasting diverse fruits as is
imagined. I cannot say how far the smoking
of tobacco may affect the palate, not being
a smoker, but I know that if there be any excel-
lences in fruit I am quick to select them, and
I find other members do the same. Possibly
all depends on what may be regarded as flavour.
Thus we often have placed on the table Melons
or other fruits, described as seedlings, which the
senders pronounce to be of " fine flavour."
Almost as often when so recommended the Com-
mittee find flavour entirely absent. I think it
is this variable fancy, for it is little less, as to
what constitutes flavour which exhibits the dif-
ference between the senders of fruits to the Drill
Hall for tasting and the members of the Com-
mittee. With special reference to the Straw-
berry and Sultanieh Grapes, which Dr. Bonavia
has at times placed before the Fruit Committee,
do not the various opinions as to their flavours
entertained by the Doctor and the Committee
really lie in the fact that the flavours of ordi-
nary Grapes, such as Muscat of Alexandria and
Madresfield Court, for instance, are so dfferent
from what may be fitly described as the peculiar
flavour of the Strawberry-Grape ? The Sultanieh
I was not present to taste on the 4th inst. Of
the Strawberry-Grape the late Mr. A. F. Barron
wrote "third-rate, but on account of its peculiar
flavour and perfume is extremely interesting."
It is no doubt that peculiarity in taste, which
characterises the Sultanieh as much as the
Strawberry, to which the Fruit Committee
takes exception. I fear educating the members'
palates up to the Strawberry-Grape standard is
not possible. A. Dean.

strawberries in 1903.— The notes con-

I tributed by Mr. Bunyard (p. 70) are interesting

, and of practical value. They show the diverse

) behaviour of varieties on different soils. Many

J varieties that Mr. Bunyard recommends as doing

■ well at Maidstone are almost worthless in these

gardens. Royal Sovereign this season (doubtless

owing to the wet) was very poor in quality.

Young plants of this variety grow far too strong

i at Poltimore. The best returns are obtained

'- from forced plants ; young plants are only

planted for supplying runners for forcing. The

Laxton has nut come up to expectations with me.

It was a little firmer, and appears to crop better

the fir6t 6eason than Koyal Sovereign, and may

•prove better the second season. I am planting

all I can get for further trial. President is of
little use with me, as also is Sir J. Paxton. Fill-
basket has been better than I ever had it before ;
the colour is, I think, too pale, but it is a heavy
cropper. Trafalgar I have discarded after three
years' trial. Mentmore and Waterloo are other
varieties I have ceased to grow. Latest- of -
All is very variable, sometimes good, but does
not colour well at the tip of the fruits. Mr. Car-
michael's varieties I have grown, but they are
not satisfactory in our soil ; neither are Lord
Suffield, nor Empress of India and Gunton Park.
The two very best varieties I have in any season are
Leader and Monarch. The last-named has a very
brilliant surface, is a good traveller and an immense
cropper. Leader beats it in size. Both these
varieties are close and compact in growth. Until
one has thoroughly tested the various Straw-
berries now listed, it is better to plant sparingly.
T. H. Slade, Poltimore Park Gardens, near Exeter.

SPECIFIC NAMES.— Sir W. T. Thiselton-Dyer
has evidently read my note on this subject
hastily, and has misunderstood it. Mr. C.
Wolley - Dod having instanced Imila royleana
(with no capital letter for the patronymic
adjective) as a form adopted in the ortho-
graphy of the Kew Hand - Lists, I quoted
Erigeron Roylei and other examples as not ad-
hering to the rule, if rule it is, which cannot be
admitted. If this variation on one name can be
. defended, I shall be glad to know on what
grounds. If one example or the other is not a
specimen of " carelessness in compilation or in
proof-reading," what is it ? The new Kew Hand-
Lists need no praise. They are a monument of
industry which must earn their right meed of
recognition ; but I do not see why criticism of
typographical errors is necessarily "ungraeiows."
The errors are facts or not facts. If facts, the
compiler is surely as deserving of a word of criti-
cism on the point as any lesser mortal. Sir W. T.
Thiselton-Dyer asks me to show instances of
inconsistency. Let me refer him to p. 3 of the
Herbaceous Hand-List, where within a few lines of
each other we find Acaena Novse-Zelandiie and
Acantholimon assyriacum, and to p. 415, where
appear Dracocephalum ibericum and D. Mol-
davica, as a couple of examples. But if Sir W. T.
Thiselton-Dyer will refer once more to my note,
he will find that it was written in whole-hearted
support of his general system of use and non-use
of capitals, which has no less claim to being a
good system because he or his. workers have in-
dulged in ' occasional lapses from it through
" carelessness in compilation or in proof-reading."
H. M. Batson.

CLUBBING IN BRA8SICAS. — In an issue of the
Gardeners' Chronicle published in March last I
read an article by Mr. Massee, in which he recom-
mended the use of gas-lime against clubbing in
Cabbages. The garden here has been infested
badly with the pest for a number of years, but I
am pleased to say that the gas-lime, used according
to the directions given, has completely destroyed
it. H. T. W., Carricklee.

LATE - BLOOMING APPLES.— Is there not a
possibility of creating a race of late-flowering
Apples by working up and through Court Pendu
Plat or any other late-blossoming kinds which
may be in existence. This season, wherever I
have seen Court Pendu Plat, the trees have been
clean, healthy, and carrying a reasonable crop of
fruit. The late-flowering habit of this variety is,
of course, well known and appreciated, but so far
as I am aware no one has tried systematically by
intercrossing with other kinds to create a race of
late-flowering Apples. I have never until now
had a cool house I could spare for the work.
My idea is to give up a small orchard-house to
Apple-trees in pots, of only a few kinds, Court
Pendu Plat being one ; the others to be selected
from such free-bearing kinds as Bismarck, Stirling
Castle, Lane's Prince Albert, Lord Suffield,
Bramley's Seedling, Ac. Hy growing the trees in
pots it would be comparatively easy to retard
the early - flowering trees, and to hasten the
flowering of Court Pendu Plat by keeping
the trees under glass. The idea is, of course,
to manipulate the blossom with the 6018SOrs and
camel's-hair pencil under glass until the fruits
are set. Afterwards the trees may be plunged

outside. What I should be glad to know through
the columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle is what (if
anything) has been done in this direction. And
as it would be (if it works out right) a national
benefit to induce others who can attend to the
trees, and can spare a house for them, to take the
matter up, will the Editor kindly say what he
thinks about it — and oblige many readers besides
Edward Hobday, Cambridge. [ We can but express
general approval of the project, reserving our
opinion as to details till another opportunity. Ed].

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

CARNATIONS AT WRETHAM HALL
GARDENS, THETFORD.

On the occasion of a recent visit to Wrethani,
I observed some remarkably fine blooms of Carna-
tions. In one large span-roofed greenhouse there
were on view about 1,200 plants, which bore
evidence of having flowered abundantly, and were
still making a fine display. Among these were
King Arthur (a very large scarlet), Asphodel (a
striking rosy-pink), and the lovely yellow Cecilia.
Mr. Henley, the head gardener, also drew my
attention to Horsa, Raphael, Champion, and
Hildegard, all very beautiful. The plants are
robust, and showed unmistakably the care and
skill bestowed upon their cultivation.

In another house were some plants of Souvenir
de la Malmaison Carnation in fine condition,
among which in fine form were observed the
varieties Nell Gwynne and Mrs. Everard Hambro.
Flowering outdoors were 400 seedlings of border
varieties, some of them of great promise. The
owner of Wretham, S. Morris, Esq., is an en-
thusiastic horticulturist, and besides Carnations,
which form a feature of the garden, he appreciates
stove plants, Chrysanthemums, and hardy herba-
ceous perennials. E. C. Parsloio, Shadwell Court.

TRADE NOTICE.

Change of Title of Firm. — Charles E. Living-
ston, of 127 and 129a, High Street, Dunfermline,
N.B., has found it necessary, owing to a largely
extended business, to take into partnership Mr.
Thomas White, late manager of an Edinburgh
firm. On and after July 20, 1903, the business
will therefore be conducted under the style of
Livingston & White.

LAW NOTES.

DISPUTE ABOUT SEED PEAS.

At the Redhill County Court on the 19th inst.,
before Mr. Manning, the Surrey Seed Company
sued Clinton G. Hart, of 35, Nightingale Lane,
London, E., for £2 17s. ~d. in respect of goods
supplied. Mr. F. J. Flitton, secretary of the
Company, stated that tie defendant sent hi? firm
an order for 4 bushels of King William I. Peas,
which were forwarded to him. Defendant
refused to accept delivery and the Peas were
returned, but witness would not receive them,
and they were now in the hands of the railway
company. Defendant stated that the Peas which
were sent were not according to order, contending
that they were Early Green Kenilworth. Ho also
submitted samples of King William 1. Peas as
supplied by Messrs. Webb & Co. and Messrs.
Carter & Co.. which he contended differed very
materially from the Peas supplied. Mr. Flitton
contended that what defendant expected was
King William I. " Special " or " Improved." His
Honour gave a verdict for the defendant with
costs.

Horik i i.tikai. Society's Balance.

In the Wycombe County I'oiut, Judge Marten
had to decide the ownership "i a balance ■•' 8180

164

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AUGUST 29, 1903.

in. fjhe Lands of the treasurer of the late West
TVycombe Horticultural Society. The society
ceased operations two years ago rather than
comply with the wishes of the lord of the manor,
Sir Robert Dashwood, who declined to grant the
use of his park for the annual show unless the
tent for the sale of intoxicants was abolished.
One of the members of the society entered a
friendly action against the treasurer, and the
Judge decided that.the balance. should be divided
equally among all who were members at the time
of the winding up. Another society, minus the
objectors, has since been formed, and the wishes
of the lord of the manor have been complied with.

SOCIETI ES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.

August 18.— Present : Dr. M. C. Cooke in the chair ;
Messrs. Holmes, Odell, Gordon, Michael, Saunders,
Bowles, Douglas, YVorsley, and Dr. Masters.

Orites excelsa.— Mr. Holmes showed a specimen of
the. bark of this Australian Protead, remarkable for
containing aluminium succinate. The nearly allied
Grevillea contains no aluminium.

Kubus rosivfolius. — Mr. Odell showed flowers and
fruit of this Rubus, which has pinnate foliage of a light
green colour, white flowers, and scarlet fruit.

Proliferous Cucumber. —Dr. Masters showed a remark-
able specimen, in which from one fruit a second one
had sprung, longer than the parent. This was from a
specimen probably akin to those showing remarkable
outgrowths of flowers from the axial part of the fruit,
exhibited on a former occasion.

liyvienocallis Harrisiana. — Mr. Bliss sent bulbiform
seeds of this plant in process of germination, which
were referred to Dr. Rendle for examination and
report.

Viola Disease.— Specimens sent by Mr. Bacon were
referred to Dr. Cooke for examination and report.

Apple-tree, scorched.— A further letter was read from
Mr. Dowson relating to Apple branches shown at the
last meeting. The dead bark does not peel off on the
south side only, as it would do from sun-scorch, to
which the mischief had been attributed, but on the
north side also. Lightning was suggested as the
probable source of injury, as no fungus could be
detected.

Vine-leaves discoloured. — Leaves were sent from Worth-
ing affected with red-spider. There were traces of
Honey-dew and of Smut fungus (Capnodium).

Cucumber scale.— Dr. Cooke showed further specimens
of Cucumbers affected with Cladosporium scabies,
which will shortly be illustrated in the Gardeners'
Chronicle. A close atmosphere is favourable to the
spread of these fungi, whilst a current of air is pre-
judicial to them. This has been observed by growers
in the case of Tomatos affected with Cladosporium.

Peas.— Mr. Wobsley showed specimens of late Peas
rotting near the base, whilst the foliage above turns
brown and shrivels. This condition is very common
this autumn, and is probably due to excessive moisture
at the root.

The Fruit and Vegetable Committee

at Chiswick.

beans, marrows, and melons.

August 2»,— A meetiDg of the Fruit and Vegetable
Committee was held at Chiswick on the above date.

Present : H. Balderson, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs.
C, Beckett, J. Willard, G. Wythes, H. Esling, G. Keif,
S. Mortimer, and A. Dean.

As the number of the Committee present was one short
of the needful quorum only recommendations to the full
Committee of Tuesday next at the Drill Hall could be
made. These included a First-class Certificate to that
fine Kidney Bean, hitherto without an award, although
one of the best in commerce, Canadian Wonder, here
very fine indeed, sent by Messrs. Sutton & Sons,
Dobbie & Co., and J. Sharpe & Co. An Award of Merit
was recommended to Dwarf Beau Reliance, a compact
and most abundant cropper (Sutton & Sons); Kingston
Gem, a green, long-podded variety and a great cropper
(Dean) ; and to Wythes' Early (G. Wythes), an early and
very prolific variety. The Runner Beans of the rough
or scarlet-flowered section were remarkably good,
growth being first rate. Of these Award3 of Merit were

advised to Champion (Dobbie & Co.). a heavy cropper
carrying long pods, and to Best-of-All (Sutton & Sons),
also a superb podding variety. A similar award would
have been advised to Prize-winner, but it had previ-
ously been given. All the smooth-podded section of
Runner Beans have done badly, evidently finding the
weather too wet and cold.

Among Vegetable Marrows, which have largely suf-
fered from the cold nights and heavy rains, Jawards
were recommended to Defiance (Jas. Veitch & Son), a
round green form, and to the Sutton Marrow, small
oval white, very early and prolific.

Mr. G. Wythes brought bunches of the Japanese
Wineberry to show its abundant fruiting properties,
also a fine seedling Melon named Wythes Duchess,
flesh very thick, smooth, and deep scarlet in colour,
with green rind. It was the product of crossing Best-
of-All with Syon House. Mr. G. Keif, Regent's Park,
showed a fine yellow-skinned and prettily netted
Melon, having salmon-coloured flesh, named Regent's
Park, the produce of crossing Frogmore Scarlet with
Blenheim Orange; flesh thick and of delicious flavour.
Awards of Merit were recommended for these two
varieties. Considering the general conditions of the
weather, and sunlessness, these two Melons seemed to
possess in such a season exceptional merit.

Although rain fell heavily both morning and after-
noon, the latter especially, making the gardens almost
like a stream, the Committee were fortunate in finding
a dry interval for their purposes. Had but one or two
other members braved the weather as those present
did, a full quorum would have been furnished.

WILTS HORTICULTURAL.

August 12.— The annual summer exhibition was held
in the grounds of the Bishop's Palace, Salisbury, and
was in every respect a successful one. Plants, if not
so numerous as in some past years, were of excellent
quality.

For a miscellaneous group for effect, 11 feet by 9 feet.
Mr. A. Robey, gr. to Colonel Loyd, flanham Cliff,
Salisbury, was a good 1st with suitable plants not too
closely arranged ; Mr. A. G. Bedford, East Hanham
Nurseries, Salisbury, was 2nd. For nine specimens
Mr. G. Hall, gr. to Lady Ashburton, Melchet Court.
Romsey, was 1st with grandly flowered specimens of
Allamanda Hendersoni, Bougainvillea glabra, and one
of Cycas revoluta in perfect health ; Kentia Belmoreana
and Cocos plumosa. Mr. Hall also won for six exotic
Ferns with beautiful examples of Davallia Mooreana,
quite 8 feet in diameter, Microlepia hirta cristata, and
Adiantum trapeziforme.

Mr. J. Rockett, gr. to E. F. Pye-Smith, Esq , Salis-
bury, was awarded the premier prize for six specimen
Coleus, staging plants with brilliantly coloured foliage
and trained in convex form.

Cut flowers were remarkable for numbers. For twenty-
four Roses, Mr. Neville, gr. to F. W. Flight, Esq ,
Cornstiles, Twyford, Winchester, was easily 1st with
handsome blooms, having regard to the recent bad
weather for Roses. His finest were Bessie Brown,
A. K. Williams, Marie Baumann, and Souvenir de Pierre
Notting. Dr. Seaton, Lymington, was 2nd.

Dahlias were numerous, and Mr. J. Bryant, Salis-
bury, was an easy 1st with twenty-lour blooms, dis-
tinct. Mr. J. Miller, Shenfield, was 1st for twelve
show or fancy varieties, with large, shapely flowers.

Mr. Neville easily secured the 1st prize for twelve
bunches of Pompons, six of each, compact blossoms of
varieties having decided colours.

Mr. J. Page, gr. to Miss Seymour, Knowle House,
Salisbury, was 1st in a keen competition for eighteen
cut flowers; and for twelve Mr. H. Brown, gr. to the
Hon. R. Wyndham, was 1st.

Carnations and Picotees were splendidly staged by Mr.
Neville, who secured the leading award for eighteen,
having very handsome flowers of Dorothy, Mrs, F. A.
Flight, Amphion, Gil Polo, Heather Bell, Bertha Nut-
hall, and Countess Vcrulam.

Sweet Peas were plentifully exhibited. For twenty-
bunches, Mr. A. Maple, Aldermoor, Shirley, was 1st
with typical examples of leading varieties; and Mr.
A. C. Jones. Exeter House, Salisbury, was 1st for
twelve bunches with even better flowers than in the
larger class.

Table Decorations are made much of at Salisbury.
Miss M. Carey, Stratford-sub-Castle, won the coveted
place with an arrangement of dark Roses which was
quite striking in effect. Mr. R. H. Jefferey', Nursling,
had an arrangement of Orchids, Lily of the Valley,
Francoa, Asparagus Sprengeri, &c, all of which were
tastefully arranged, and deserved a better position.

Fruit was abundant in quantity and good of quality.
For a collection of eight kinds Mr. Hall was 1st with
very grand productions, especially Black Hamburgh
Grapes, Sea Eagle Peaches, and Pineapple Nectarines ;
Mr. W. Mitchell, gr. to J. Willis Fleming, Esq., Chil-
worth Manor, was 2nd. Black Hamburgh Grapes in
the class set apart for this variety were splendidly
shown by Mr. Mitchell, who was 1st without the

shadow of a doubt ; as were also his Madresfield Court
Grapes in the three bunch class for any other black
variety. Melons were excellent, the variety Windsor
Castle from Mr. Robey taKing the 1st place. Sea Eagle
Peaches were of huge size and finely coloured, winning
for Mr. Mitchell the 1st prize.

Non competitive Exhibits were attractive. Messrs. B.
Ladhams, Ltd., Shirley, Southampton, had hardy cut
flowers in ilarge quantity, among which Gaillardias
were extremely fine. Mr. M. Prichard, Riverslea
Nurseries, Christchurch, had a huge collection of a
similar character, the Gladiolus of the Nanceianus,
Childsii, and Lemoineii types being especially note-
worthy.

ROCK FERRY HORTICUTURAL.

AuiiUST 13.— Mrs. Paterson generously set apart a
portion of her pretty garden for this exhibition, and
instead of the overcrowding so noticeable last year
there was ample space to stage the excellent show.

The groups of plants were arranged in square form.
Dr. Cooke, The Brook (gr., G.Osborne), won the 1st prize
in the larger class; 2nd, Mr, H. Ogtjen. The smaller
class was won by Mr. G. atkin (gr., H. Morris).

For six stove and greenhouse plants, Dr. Cooke was
1st with excellent specimens of Bougainvillea Sanderi-
ana, Acalypha Sanderiana, Allamanda nobilis, and
Crotons Reidii, Chelsonil, and Wei6inanii. Exotic
Ferns were of tine quality Irom Mr. E. Evans (gr., C.
Jones) ; and there were handsome Begonias from Mr.
Roby.

The 'gardens of the district are rich in herbaceous
plants, and the competition in classes for these was
keen. Mr. J. Lee won 1st prize.

Cut Eoses were excellent. The 1st prize was won by
Mr. R. Kellock (gr., R. Jones).

Cactus Dahlias lacked interest owing to their being
unnamed: this want of attention was noticeable
throughout the show.

Fruit was of the highest merit. Mrs. Paterson (gr.,
T. Ferguson) won 1st prize for a collection with Muscat
and Black Hamburgh Grapes, Royal George and Stirling
Castle Peaches, Pride of Stourbridge Melon, and
Pineapple Nectarines.

The vegetables possessed excellent quality, the
principal prize-winner proving to be Mr. H. D. Tre-
lawny, Shotwick Park, Chester (gr., J. Clarke), who
won 1st prize for a collection. Orchid.

LEITH HORTICULTURAL.

August u, 15.— The twentieth show of the Leith
Horticultural, Industrial, and Sports Society was held
at Hawkhill Grounds on the above date3. The show
was one of great merit, all the classes being well
filled, the entries totalling 1071. and entirely filling the
large marquee which in former years contained both
the flower show and the industrial exhibition section.
Competition was perhaps strongest in the classes for
plants and cut flowers.

A class which usually excites great admiration is
that for floral designs open to florists in Edinburgh
and Leith. A much-admired design which was worthily
awarded 1st prize was a beautiful cross and pedestal
composed mainly of dark-purple Sweet Peas, the cross
being relieved by white Sweet Peas and Lily of the
Valley, while the pedestal made an exquisite back-
ground for a cluster of Stephanotis, pink Carnations,
and Ferns. In all sections for tables of plants there
were exhibited a standard of excellence which would
have done credit to the Waverley Market shows.

In the class open to all for a table not to exceed
12 by 6 feet, arranged to produce artistic effect, 1st
prize (a Silver Cup value £10) was easily won by Mr.
Wm. Joisson, nurseryman, Portobello; ifr. Phillips,
Granton Road Nursery, secured the 2nd place.

In the Gardeners' Class for the best-arranged table of
plants. Mr. A. Alexander. Craigend Park, Liberton,
took the 1st place ; the 2nd prize being awarded to
Mr. P. Hunt.

The Amateur section for tabic? of plants 8 feet by
4 feet, brought forward a large number of entries, and
the competition was keen, the 1st prize, "Thos.
Mackie Memorial Cup" (presented by Provost McKie),
Gold Badge and £2, being secured by W. J. Bryson,
53, East London Street.

For twenty-four Rose blooms, open to nurserymen,
there were fine entries, the 1st Prize (Gold Medal) going
to Messrs. David W. Croll, Dundee; 2nd, Silver Medal,
to Messrs. Hugh Dickson & Co., Belfast.

There was a line display of Violas and Pansies (show j
and fancy) from Mr. John Downie, Beechill i
Nurseries (Silver Medal).

May Mr. Fairley and his able assistants long enjoy
the success which their enterprise merits ! Edina.

CROYDON HORTICULTURAL
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.

At a recent meeting of the members of this Society,
a paper on " Orchard and Bush-fruit Pests and How to
Combat Them " was read by Mr. A. Maslem, Bramley
Hill House Gardens, and proved to be of great interest
and practical utility. In the discussion that followed
several interesting questions of detail were debated.

August 29, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

165

NATIONAL CARNATION AND
PICOTEE.

(Northern Division.)

August 15.— This show was held at the Botanical
Gardens, Manchester, but rain fell so continuously as
to prevent the attendance of many visitors.

The show was better than had been anticipated, the
chief exhibitors being Messrs. A. R. Brown, Birming-
ham ; C. T. Thurston, Wolverhampton; T. Lord. Tod-
morden ; J. W. Bentley, Stakehill; D. Walker, Kilmar-
nock; J.Edwards, Moston ; E. Kenyon-Shuttleworth,
C. T. Budenberg, Marple; Messrs. Pemberton & Son,
Walsall ; and the Rev. C. A. Gottwaltz, Droitwich.

Twelve Carnations, Bizarres and Flakes, White Grounds ■
—This was a fine competition, Mr. T. Lord winning
with capital flowers of J. S. Hedderley, Master Fred,
Geo. Melville, Sportsman, Arline, Admiral Curzon,
Mrs. T. Lord, Sarah Payne, Miss C. Graham, C. F.
Thurston, Mrs. Shaw, and Gordon Lewis. 2nd, Mr.
J. W. Bentley.

Six Bizarres and Flakes.— Six boxes were staged, Mr. J.
Moston being 1st with J. D. Hextall, Pandora, R. Houl-
grave, Gordon Lewis, Sarah Payne, and C. F. Thurston.
2nd, Mr. J. Brocklehuhst.

Twelve Picotees, White Grounds, dissimilar.— The flowers
in this section were of the finest type and purity. Mr.
C. F. Thurston was 1st with Mrs. Holder, W. H.
Johnson, Pride of Leyton, Ganymede, Little Phil, Mrs.
Gorton, Mrs. Openshaw, Brunette, Favourite, Thos.
Williams, Henry Kenyon, and Lady Louise. 2nd, Mr.
A. R. Brown.

Siz Picotees, White Grounds.— Ten boxes were staged,
Mr. J. Edwards taking honours with a charming set-
Mrs. Openshaw, Mrs. Beswick, Little Phil, H. Kenyon,
Lady Louise, and John Smith ; 2nd, Rev. C. Gottwaltz.

Twelve Selfs, not more than two of a variety.— Mr. A. R.
Brown led with perfect flowers of Avalanche, Bomba,
Cadet, Snowdrop, Agnes Sorrel, Jenny Gough, Miss
Alley, Snowdrift, R. Dean, Germania (2), Sir Bevys, and
Teddy Galton ; 2nd, Mr. C. F. Thurston.

For six Selfs, the Rev. C. Gottwaltz was 1st.

Twelve Fancy or Yellow Ground Carnations or Picotees.—
This was probably the finest class in the show, Mr. C.
F.Thurston's 1st prize flowers being superb, consist-
ing of Queen Bess, C. B. Thomson (2), Daniel Defoe (2).
Czarina, Charles Martell, Argosy, Artizan, Diva,
Countess Verulam, and Lady St. Oswald; 2nd, Mr. A.
R. Brown.

Six Fancy or Yellow Ground Carnations and Picotees.—
Mr. D. Walker's stand was a model of neatness. The
varieties were Edith, Helios, H. Falkland, Paladin,
Gronow, and Charles Martell.

The single bloom classes brought out many choice
flowers, perhaps the most handsome being the purple
flake Carnations and the heavy-edged red and purple
Picotees.

The best scarlet bizarre was Robert Houlgrave; the
best crimson bizarre, Master Fred; the best pink and
purple bizarre, T. Lord; the best scarlet flake, Sports-
man ; the best rose flake, Mrs. Rowcn ; the best purple
flake, Gordon Lewis.

Picotees.— The best heavy-edged red was J. Smith;
the best light edged, Mrs Gorton ; the best heavy-
edged purple, Mrs. Openshaw; the best light-edged
purple, Pride of Leyton ; the best heavy edged rose,
ecajlet, and salmoD, Mrs. Payne; and the best light-
edged rose, scarlet, or salmon, Lucy.

Mr. J. Edwards had the Premier Carnation in J. B.
Hextall, crimson bizarre ; and Mr. A. R. Brown, the
best Picotee in Myra. a medium purple edge, and
certificates. Certificates were granted the Rev. C. Gott-
waltz for Myra and Lucy (a light-edged scarlet);
and to Mr. B. Simonite, for Aurora, a heavy- edged

TROWBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL.

August 19.— The fifty-fourth annual exhibition was
held in the Flower-show Field, a large plot of land
close to the railway-station, left by the late Mr. Wil-
liam Stancomb. the Lord of the Manor, to the Horticul-
tural Society, on condition that a flower-show should
be held at intervals of not more than three years,
the field being vested in trustees, who are the magis-
trates of the town. The weather was flue, and there
was a very large attendance.

The show all round was a remarkably good one; the
Fuchsias, which were much in advance of any seen in
other parts of the country, were a little under the
Trowbridge mark, owing to laok of sunshine. There
was a good display of Fruit, also of floral decorations ;
while the Vegetables were, on the whole, numerous and
fine. There are many allotment gardens about Trow-
bridge; they are well cultivated, and the produce from
them is always of a high order of merit,
i Fuclutias always occupy the first place in the schedule
1 of prizes. The best six plants came from Mr. H. Pocock,
t Florist, Trowbridge, who had, of dark varieties. Brll-
. liant, Dod's Favourite, and Charming; light, Arabella,
•Favourite, and one uunamed. Mr. Geo. Tuckbr,
! Florist, Hilperton, was and. With four specimens, Mr.
' TucrfEu came 1st, and Mr. Pocock, 2nd.

Stove and Greenhouse Plants.— Mr. W. J. Mann, Trow-
bridge (H. Matthews, gr.), was 1st with well-grown and
bloomed specimens, chief among them a fine example
of Ixora Pilgrimi, one of Rondeletia speciosa major,
also of Erica Eweriana .elegans, E. Irbyana, Bougain-
villea Sanderiana, <fcc. ; Mr. Geo. Tucker was 2nd.

The best specimen foliage plant was a fine Kentia
from Col. Vivian, Rood Ashton (gr , W. Strugnell);
the best specimen flowering plant, Stephanotis flori-
bunda from Mr. Matthews.

Some excellently grown and flowered Zonal Pelar-
goniums were staged by Mr. Geo. Tucker. Heaths
were shown in nice-sized specimens by Mr. H.
Matthews, and Mr. Geo. Tucker also.

Gloxinias were very good from Mr. Tucker (1st) ;
Messrs. W. J. Stokes & Son, Hilperton, were 2nd.

Begonias were a very fine feature. Mr. H. Fry,
Trowbridge, was 1st with six doubles and also with six
singles, showing finely-grown specimens of excellent
quality; Mr. W. P. Clark, Trowbridge (gr., T. Tistock),
was 2nd.

With four Orchids Mr. E. Viner, Frome, was 1st, he
had nice plants of Cattleya Gaskelliana, C. Harrisoni
violacea, Vanda ccerulea, and Dendrobium Schroederi ;
Mr. J. F. Hall, Wells, was 2nd, he had a piece of Vanda
eterulea in fine character.

Group of Plants Arranged foe Effect,
in two classes were bright and effective, but too much
crowded ; fewer plants would ensure a better effect
with careful placing. Mr. Atchley was 1st in the
larger class, and Messrs. J. Cray & Son, 2nd. In the
smaller class Mr. J. Kemp was 1st, and Mr. Atchley
2nd.

Some excellent Ferns were shown iu twelves. Mr.
A. P. Stancomb, the president of the Society, was 1st
.with gold and silver Gymnogrammas, a very fine
Davallia Mooreana, a beautiful specimen of Gleiehenia
rupestris glauea. Adiantums, <&c. ; Messrs. W. J. Stokes
A Son, Trowbridge, were 2nd. Caladiums were shown
by Mr. J. Kemp and Messrs. Davis & Son, Yeovil.
Coleus were in the form of good brightly coloured
bushes. Messrs. J. Cray & Son were 1st, and Mr. H.
Matthews, 2nd.

Cut Flowers. #

In this department Asters, Roses, Dahlias of all
types, hardy flowers, annuals, and stove and green-
house species were good. Mr. W. J. Jones, Bath, took
the 1st prize for twenty-four quilled Asters, also for the
same number of Victorias and Comet types, all very
much finer than could have been expected, the quilled
especially.

With twelve varieties of Roses shown in threes, Mr.
J. Mattock, nurseryman, Oxford, was 1st; Messrs.
Perkins & Son, Coventry, were 2nd. For thirty-six
single blooms Messrs. Perkins & Son were 1st; and
Messrs. Townsend & Son, 2nd. For twenty-four varie-
ties, Mr. J. Mattock 1st, and Messrs. Townsend <& Son
2nd. For twelve varieties Messrs. Perkins & Son
were 1st. Messrs. Townsend & Son were 1st for twenty-
four Teas ; and Messrs. Perkins & Son, 2nd.

Messrs. Geo. Cooling & Son, Bath, were 1st in a
class for eighteen bunches of garden Roses, with very
line and striking bunches of Madame Falcot, Mdlle. de
Massing, Coiallina, La France, Gruss an Teplitz,
Safrano, Irish Beauty, Madame Pernet, Papa Gontier,
&c. ; Mr. J. Mattock was 2nd.

With twenty-lour bunches of hardy flowers, Messrs.
J. Stokes & Son were 1st. showing a very fine lot.

With twelve show Dahlias, Messrs. J. Cray & 8on
were 1st, having excellent blooms ; Mr. G. Humphries,
Cheltenham, was 2nd.

Messrs. Cray & Son, who are undoubtedly coming to
the fore as cultivators ot Dahlias, were 1st with twelve
very good fancy varieties ; and Mr. J. Wai.keb, 2nd.

Single Dahlias were in excellent character, the best
twelve bunches came from Mr. T. Carr, Tiverton, a
little large but very fresh ; Messrs. J. Cray & Son
were 2nd.

With twelve bunches of Cactus Dahlias, distinct
variety, Messrs. J. Cray & Son were 1st, having finely
developed blooms. The new white variety Winsome,
of which they speak in the highest terms, was fine ;
Mr. G. Humphries was 2nd.

With twelve Gladioli, Mr. J. Mattock came 1st.

Fruit and Vegetables.

The best collection of ten varieties of fruit came
from Mr. H. Jones, Bath, who had Gros Maroc and
Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Sea Eagle Peach, Pine-
apple Nectarine, Jefferson's Plum, Apricots, Melon, Ac. ;
Col. Vivian. Rood Ashton (gr., W. Strugnell), was 2nd.

With six dishes, Mr. W. Oliver, The Gardens, Little-
ton Panell. was 1st. He had Muscat of Alexandria
and Alicante Grapes, Nectarines, Apples, Ac. Mr.
Strugnell was 2nd.

Grapes were shown well in several classes. Peaches,
Apricots, Nectarines, Plums, Cherries, &c, were some-
what sparingly shown, and of generally good character.
The best two dishes of culinary Apples were Warner's
King and Peasgood's Nonsuch, from Mr. J.F. Hall.
The best two dishes of dessert Apples were Beauty of
Hath and Worcester Peannain. Some nice fruit of
Lady Sudeley were staged.

Vegetables were good for the season, and a largo
number of collections was staged. Mr. B. C. WATTS,

Hilperton Marsh, won the 1st of Messrs. Sutton & Sons
prizes for six kinds of vegetables ; and Mr. A. S.
Somerville, Wells, was 2nd.

A very fine collection of cut Begonias was staged by
Messrs. Black & Langdon, Twerton Hill Nursery,
Bath.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL OF
ABERDEEN.

August 20, 21, and 22.— This Society held its Annual
Exhibition on the above dates, in the Duthie Public
Park, Aberdeen. The arrangements of the show were
much the same as in preceding years, but 'so large
were the number of entries— 1800, nearly 200 above
those of last year— that no little difficulty was experi-
enced in getting the exhibits all properly staged. Mr.
J. B. Rennet, Advocate, Aberdeen, the courteous
secretary, and the judges were on the ground by 7 a.m.

Considering the unfavourable weather which ha3
been experienced, the display made by the gardeners
of the north-east of Scotland was little short of
marvellous.

Pot Plants,

The large marquee devoted to this section was a
splendid show. For twenty stove or greenhouse plants
in pots, Mr. John Proctor, gr. to Sir William
Henderson, Devanha House, Aberdeen, won the 1st
prize.

For the best six stove or greenhouse plants, distinct,
Mr. Proctor again scored a worthy victory. The
Society's Silver Medal for the best specimen plant in
flower [was taken by Mr. William Kilgour, gr. to Mr.
Webster, of Edghill; Mr. William Scorgie, Aber-
deen, making a good 2nd. For the best specimen
foliage plant, open to all, Mr. John Sim, Glenburnie
Park, Aberdeen, took the Silver Medal; Mr. Proctor
being 2nd.

Pelargoniums were a splendid class, Mr. J. M.
Simpson, Varvil Bank, winning the Medal ; and Mr.
Alex. Douglas, Kepplestone, being 2nd. Mr. John
Sim, Glenburnie Park, carried oil' premier honours for
plants for dinner-table decoration. The Medal for
double Begonias was taken by Mr. Kii.gour, Edghill,
and for the single varieties by Mr. H. Skene, Garthdee
House. Mr. William Wood, Priory Hill, Culter, was
1st for Petunias.

In the Carnation class Mr. W. Scorgie, showed
capitally, and he was closely followed by Mr. John
Yule, Craibstone House, Bucksburn. The other ex-
hibitors worthy of mention, and the sections in which
they were supreme, were as follows :— Mr. J . M. Simpson,
Varvil Bank, Fuchsias; Mr. A. Douglas, Kepplestone,
zonal Pelargoniums; Mr. John Sim, Gloxinias; Mr.
John Black, Aberdeen, early flowering Chrysanthe-
mums ; Mr. John Proctor, Celosia pyramidalis.

Cut Flowers.

The show of cut flowers was far in advance of that of
last year. In the Professional class, Mr. George
McLennan, Fetteresso Castle, Stonehaven, took pre-
mier honours for twenty- four Rose blooms, dissimilar,,
with a line entry; Mr. Alex. Douglas, Kepplestone
House gardens, being 2nd. Mr. Alex. Daloaeno,
Woodville, Arbroath, carried oil the Silver Medal for
twelve Rose blooms, H.P. ; Mr. W. Coutts, Ellon,
being 2nd.

For six Teas or Noisettes, Mr. Alex. Brebner,
Dalhebity, Bieldside, led. Mr. Andrew Gardineb,
Kenmay House gardens, led for twelve double Dahlias.
Mr. James Jamieson, Hankhill, Milltimber, took the
Silver Medal for six varieties of Pompon Dahlias, and
Mr. Alex. Grioor, Fairfield, Aberdeen, took similar
honours for the best twelve Cactus Dahlias.

Mr. Alex Douglas, Kepplestone, took the Silver
Medal for twelve bunches of hardy herbaceous flowers;
and for a collection of twenty varieties of cut tlowers
and fine foliage bedding plants, the Medal was taken
by Mr. Samuel Robertson, gr., Ferryhill House, Aber-
deen. For Carnations or picotees, Mr. M. L. Low,
Elgin, was winner.

Fruit.

In the Professional class, as is his wont, Mr. Alex-
ander Hutton, Usan House, Montrose, carried off the
principal prizes, [being 1st for a collection of nine
dishes, also for four bunches of Grapes, one bunch of
Grapes, Melons, Peaches, dessert and cooking Apples,
and Tomatos, a record for which Mr. Hutton deserves
to be heartily congratulated.

Mr. A. Grigor, Fairfield, was 1st for two bunches of
black Grapes, aud Mr. John Petrie, Crathies Castle,
Kincardineshire, Is: for Muscat Grapes.

Mr. G. Taylor, Inchgarth House, made splendid
exhibits of hardy fruit.

Mr. J. Ferguson, Linton House, Cluny, forwarded
good specimens of Gooseberries, and deservedly scored
in these classes.

Strawberries, as can well be understood, owing to tho
wot season, have been a comparative failure this year;
nevertheless, one would not have thought so on seeing
the beautiful specimens put forward by Mr. A. Patkr-
son, Ruthrleston. Aberdeen.

For Raspberries. Mr. A. Douglas, Kopplcstono
House, took premier place.

ICG

THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE

[August 29, 1903.

Vegetables.

For the best collection of vegetables comprising the
nine commoner varieties, Mr. Alexander Pateeson,
Ruthrieston, was 1st; Mr. James Gbant, Rothienor-
man, and Mr. Frank Kinnaird, Broomhill, Aberdeen,
being 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Mr. William Leith, Lonmay, won the Society's
Silver Medal lor the best collection of feven varieties
of vegetables ; Mr. D. Thom. Woodside, being 2nd.

The other more prominent names in the prize list
included Mr. Alex. Grigor, Fairfield, salads ; Mr.
.'Ames Smith, Kaimhill, Cabbages; Mr. Frank Kin-
naird, Carrots ; Mr. John Paterson, Denwood, Cauli-
flowers ; Mr. Alexander Brebner, Dalhebity, Cucum-
bers; Mr. A. Hutton, Dsan House, Montrose, Onions
and Leeks ; and Mr. John Kinnaird, Peas.

In the Potato classes there was keen competition.
The Society's Silver Medal for the best collection com-
prising four varieties was secured by Mr. T. B. Middle-
ton, gr. to Sir Arthur Grant, Bart., of MonymuBk,
Aberdeenshire; Mr. John Yule, Craibstone. was 2nd ;
and Mr. William Milne, Corsindae House, 3rd.

Mr. A. Paterson, Ruthrieston, was 1st for a collec-
tion of four varieties, closely followed by Mr. Courrs,
Ellon.

Nurserymen's Exhibits.

The displays made by the nurserymen and florists
were good. Messrs. D. & W. Croll, Dundee, swept
the board with their magnificent collections of Roses.

Mr. William A. Dustan, Holburn Nurseries, Aber-
deen, was 1st for Dahlias.

Wreaths were a fine show, Messrs. Knowles & Sons,
Aberdeen, taking the lead with exquisite specimens
composed of Stephanotis, Lilium Harrisii, Lily of the
Valley, and Tea Roses.

Mr. Alex. Burns, Jun , had the best decorated
dinner-table.

Messrs. Ben Reid & Co., Aberdeen, had an attractive
stand (non-competitive), on which were displayed
Liliums, Codiseums, stove and greenhouse plants,
wreaths, bouquets, a broken column of variegated
Ivies, and Gladiolus.

A large space was occupied by Messrs. Cocker &
Sons, Aberdeen (non-competitive), who brought to-
gether a superb collection of rare varieties of herba-
ceous plants, Phloxes, &c.

Messrs. W. Smith & Sons, Burnside Nurseries, Aber-
deen, had also a very fine honorary display, their stand
occupying about 80 feet of staging.

The weather was moderately good throughout the
three days, and financially the show was much more
successful than last year, the sum obtained being £:so
above that obtained last year.

DEVON AND EXETER
HORTICULTURAL.

August 21.— The 197th exhibition of the Society was
held at Northernhay, one of the best kept and most
beautiful of the pleasure-grounds of the city of Exeter.
Taken as a whole, it was one of the most successful
shows of recent years, and with the exception of fruit,
the exhibits were above the average in merit.

It is to be regretted that some of the best gardens in
the neighbourhood are not usually represented at this
show, such as Poltimore, Killerton, llicton, Streatham
Hall, Culver, Stover, Ac ; the only exhibit from any of
these fine gardens being an honorary one from
Poltimore

Cut Flowers.

For twenty-four Dahlias, double, show, and fancy,
the 1st prize was awarded to Messrs. Jakman & Co.,
Chard, amongst whose blooms were Miss Cannell,
James Vick, Gloire de Lyon, Julia Wyatt, and Harrison
Weir.

For twenty four Cactus Dahlias, Messrs. W. B. Smale
& Son, Torquay, were 1st with a fine lot, which in-
cluded Noonday. Lucky Star, Khaki, Ignea, and Beauty
of Eynsford, all fresh and well done.

The 1st prize for forty eight spikes of Gladioli went
to Mr. 8. Bird, Wellington, for rather a poor lot; and
the 1st prize for twelve Tea Roses to Messrs. Jarman &
Co. The competition for the decorated table (fruit
and flowers) was keen, and brought out some good
work, the 1st prize falling to Mr. Geo. Lock, Crediton.

Plants in Pots.

For twelve stove and greenhouse plants, Mr. W.
Brock, Exeter (gr., W. Rowland), was 1st, in whose lot
were fine specimens of Codiseum Andreanum and
Cycas revoluta. Mr. Brock was 1st also for six speci-
mens (three in flower and three foliage), and for six
stove and greenhouse plants, showing Ixora Prince of
Orange, Bougainvillea Sanderiana and glabra, Cassia
corymbosa, and Clerodendron Balfouri, very well.
Mr Brock was also 1st for six stove and greenhouse
Ferns. For a group of plants, 11 feet by 15 feet, Mr.
Brock was an easy 1st. For the smaller group, 11 feet
by 8 feet, Mr. W. F. Losing, Knightleys (gr., W. R.
Baker), was 1st with a well-arranged collection of small
but effective plants.

Mr. W. B. Hebebden, C.B , Elmfield (gr., E. Cole),
was 1st in each class for six foliage Begonias, six
Dracaenas, and six Caladiums. Among his bestCala-

diums were Mrs. Harry Veitcli, Bicolor splendens,
Marquis of Camden, and Gaston Chandon. Mr. Loring
was 1st for six Cockscombs, better plants than are
usually shown at this meeting. Mr. T. Knapman (gr.,
F. Protheroe) was 1st for six Pelargoniums, showing
Snowstorm and Mry. Ewens in good form.

The 1st prize for six double tuoerous-rooted Begonias
was awarded to Mr. H. C. Ware, Exeter; the 1st prize
for six single Begonias going to Mr. H. Turner,
Exeter, who also secured 1st for six Coleus.

Fruit.

For a collection of eight dishes of fruit premier
honours went to Sir J. Shelley, Shobrooke Park (gr.,
H. Mairs), who included Muscat of Alexandria and
Madresfield Court Grapes, Barrington Peachej, Pine-
apple Nectarines, Beauty of Bath Apple, Moorpark
Apricots, Hero of Lockinge Melon, and Cullen's Golden
Gage Plum.

In the five dishes collection, Sir John Ferguson-
Davie, Creedy Park (gr., W. Seward), was 1st, showing
Black Hamburgh Grapes, Sea-Eagle Peaches, Kirke's
Lord Nelson Plums, Victoria Nectarines, and
Heraskirk Apricots, in good form.

Mr. Bannatyne. Haldon House (gr., J. Ellicott), was
1st for Black Hamburgh Grapes; and Rev. Hamilton
Gell, Winslade (gr., G. J. Barnes), for Muscat of Alex-
andria. For Madresfield Court Grapes, the Rev. H.
Clerk, Exmouth, was 1st; and for Buckland Sweet-
water, Admiral Parker. Among the winning kinds of
iruit were Barrington Peach, Victoria Nectarine, Lord
Suffieldand Irish Peach Apple, Jargonelle Pear, Moor-
park Apricot, Brunswick Fig, and Black Alicante
Grapes, all, considering the season, being well shown.

Vegetables.

This is always the strongest class in the show, and
competition keenest. Sir John Shelley again took
premier honours with a magnificent collection which
included Ailsa Craig Onion, Reuton's Monarch Leek,
Vcitch's New Intermediate Carrot, Standard Bearer
Celery, Perfection Tomato, Red Garden Globe Turnip,
Lord Roberts Cucumber, Duke of Albany Peas, Autumn
Giaut Cauliflower, Best-of-All Ruuner Beans, Up-to-
Date Potatos, and Hollow Crown Parsnips— a splen-
didly-grown and well-shown collection in every respect.

In the smaller collection, Sir Dudley King, Weir
House (gr. S. Baker), was 1st with nearly the same
varieties. The single dishes, which were hotly con-
tested, were also nearly of the same kinds, excepting
Veitch's Scarlet Model Carrot, which is always well
shown at Exeter, and Potatos, which constitute a very
stroDg class at all Devonshire shows.

The 1st prize in the class for Tomatos was won by Sir
Dudley King for a good dish of the variety Cannell's
King.

The 1st prize for Shallots was awarded to Mrs.
Savile, Barley House (gr., J. Rogers), for a dish of
bulbs of Veitch's Purple Exhibition of extraordinary
size.

Trade Exhibits.

Messrs. Robt.,Veitch & Son, Exeter, in a large and
interesting collection, showed the Golden Beecli (Fagus
Zlatia), Lonicera Hildebrandti, Tamarix aestivalis,
Cocos australis, Beaufortia splendens, Corydalis tha-
lictrifolia, and other novalties (Certificate of Merit).

A Certificate was also awarded to Messrs. W. B.
Smale & Son, Torquay, who showed a large collection
of Dahlias; The Devon Rosery Co. (Curtis, Sanford
& Co.) had a fine stand of Roses, also a fine col-
lection of Apples from their fruit farm at Cockington ;
Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmoutb, had [a. fine collec-
tion of Pelargoniums; Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard,
and Tuplin & Sons, Newton Abbot, also showed
collections.

ANNUAL EXCURSION OP THE
ENGLISH AREORICULTURAL.

Following close upon the heels of their Scottish
confreres, the members of the above Society, as we have
already mentioned, held their Twenty-second Annual
Meeting at Reading, on August 17, for the purpose of
visiting the estates of Highclere, Longleat, and
Savernake.

HlGHCLEBE.

The first-named of these estates was visited on
Tuesday the 18th, and the park and woods were in-
spected under the guidance of Mr. W. Storie, head
forester. The magnificent Cedars of Lebanon near the
castle came in for a good deal of attention, the largest
girthing nearly 20 feet at 5 feet up, while other trees of
interest near the castle were Carya alba 60 feet high
and 9 feet in girth, and Abies cephalonica, 80 feet high
and 11 feet in girth. The remains of an ancient Yew
under the castle walls were said to be 1,050 years of age
and had every appearance of being the oldest tree on
the estate. After inspecting the stud-farm, the Society
was entertained at lunch by Lord Carnarvon, who was
represented by his agent, Mr Rutherford. The saw-
mill was then inspected, and the woods round the lake
walked through. These woods contain fine specimens
of the commoner Coniferse, Corsican Pine, Silver Fir,
Men2ies Spruce, Weymouth Pine, Douglas Fir, &c,
being exceptionally fine, a specimen of the last-named
being said to rival the famous tree at Dropmore.

Longleat.

On Wednesday the party journeyed by special train
to Westbury, whence they drove to Longleat, an
account of which had been written for the Society by
Mr. A. C. Forbes, from which the following isan extract:—

"This house stands on the site of a small Priory,
founded by Sir John Vernon, Lord of Horningsham. in
the fifteenth century. This priory was dissolved by
Henry VIII. , and after passing through various hands,
it was purchased by Sir John Tbynne about 1540. The
present mansion was commenced about 15*56. and over
£80,000 are said to have been expended on it in labour
alone between that date and 1579. The house did not
acquire its present form, however, until about 1680.
About that period extensive gardens and groves were
laid out by London and Wise and two of their col-
leagues, who took it in turn to superintend the work.
Beyond that part of the park known as ' The Grove,
little of these gardens now remain, and the greater
part of the site they occupied was thrown into the park
by ' Capability' Brown about 1760.

"The greater part of the park (together with the
Lower Woods) occupies what was once part of the old
Forest of Selwood, in which Alfred is supposed to have
collected his followers before attacking the Danes.
This forest extended for a considerable distance into
Somersetshire, and many parts of the district retain
their character to this day. The main avenue leading
to Horningsham was probably planted about 1680, and
originally consisted of Elms, only a few of which now
remain. The gaps have been filled up -with various
species. The Beech woods and other clumps on Park
Hill were planted by Brown about 1760, but except on
the ;north side, his characteristic but formal clumps
are not greatly in evidence, and the slopes of the park
above the main avenue furnish one of the finest
examples of the natural style of landscape gardening
in |the country. The most noteworthy of the park
timber consists of Oaks, Elms, Limes, and Poplars,
and those standing in the Grove cannot be excelled in
the county of Wilts, taking the quantity of timber and
the area on which it stands together.

" The Longleat woods cover an area of nearly 4,000
acres. Of this area about 1,500 acres stand on the
Oxford clay, and other clay or loamy soils ; about 500
acres are on the chalk, and the remainder are on
greensand. On the first-named soils, coppice, with
standards, is the prevailing sylvicultural system, and
the species met with are Oak, Ash, Hazel, &c. On the
chalk mixed plantations of Larch, Corsican and Aus-
trian Pines, Birch, &c, planted for shelter and game,
predominate. On the greensand Larch, Scotch Fir,
Birch, and Oak constitute three-fourths of the crop,
and three-fourths of the entire area are contained iu
one block of woodland. The species .which succeed
best and prove most profitable on the greensand are
Larch, Douglas Fir, Silver Fir, and Weymouth Pine,
and Conifers generally grow rapidly. Beech also does
well, but Oak is apt to be shaky, although growing to a
fair size. Spanish Chestnut, either in the form of
coppice, or as a mixture with Lirch, does well, and is
very profitable if not allowed to stand for long.

Methods of Working.

In the coppice with standards the woods are divided
into areas of convenient size for cutting, and worked
on an average rotation for fourteen years. Where Ash,
Alder, &c, predominate this rotation is being length-
ened by twenty years, in order to produce pit wood.
Where the standards are thin and only consist of ripe
timber, the ground will either be filled up with Ash
and Oak for standards, or planted up as high forest,
according to soil and situation.

" In the Coniferous woods clear felling is adopted in
mature woods, the area cleared being about 10 acres
annually, the greater part of the woods consisting of
Scotch Pine, for which there is no outlet except for pit
wood. Felling on a large scale is not possible without
disorganising the local market for this timber. A con-
siderable extent of over-ripe Scotch Pine is consequently
still standing, but as the ground cleared during the
last fifty years has been replanted with Larch and
other species of a more profitable nature, more exten-
sive clearings will ultimately become practicable.

•' The chief market for Coniferous wood is the Rad-
stock coal field, about 16 miles distant, which takes all
kinds of rough hard wood timber, Scotch Pine, Larch,
&.c, at so much per ton. Larch makes about Is., Scotch
Pine 8d., Spruce and Silver Fir Id., and Oak about Is. 3d.
per foot in the wood when sold for this purpose, and
the largest pales in coppice wood are worth about 148.
per ton. Hazel coppice of fourteen years' growth
makes from £1 to £i per acre, while good pole wood of
twenty years' growth will make from £8 to £12 per
acre. The market prices for Oak, Ash, Birch, &c , are
similar to those prevailing in most parts of the South
of England.

"The following particulars of a group of Silver Firs
growing on about one-third of an acre of ground will
illustrate the growth of this tree on the greensand. It
is 120 years of age, and the number of trees it contains •
is twenty-seven. The largest girths at 5 feet up 14 feet
1 inch, and the smallest 6 feet 5 inches. Their height Is
about 130 feet, and their average cubic contents are
180 feet, or 5,000 feet in all, equal to a stock of 15,000 feet
per acre.

I

August 29, 1903.J

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

167

l at 5 ft.

Height.

ft. ins.

ft.

12 4

100

14 1

96

7 2

70

12 6

81

11 4

80

11 10

78

15 0

130."

"Among other trees in the Longleat Woods maybe
mentioned :

Gir

Tulip-tree

Sequoia sempervirens

Gingko biloba

Sequoia gigantea (Wellingtonia) .

Lucombe Oat

Silver Fir

After visiting Huren's Gate, from which an extensive
view into Somersetshire may be obtained, a visit was
made to the grove in which stand the large Oak, and
some remarkably fine Limes and Poplars, the former
said to be the tallest in England, being 130 feet in
height. Unfortunately, time did not permit some of
the woods round the house to be seen, and a move had
to be made for Showwater for luncheon. The after-
noon was spent in walking through the Coniferous
woods in this part of the estate, and in inspecting the
clearing and replanting which goes on annually in
these woods.

Savernake.

On Thursday a long train journey was again under-
taken, in order to visit the ancient forest of Savernake.
After walking through some of the woods , containing
some very fine Larch-trees, the park was entered by
the Cathedral Avenue, consisting, as do all the Saver-
nake avenues, of Beech. These Beech avenues, so far
as their length and perfect arching of their canopy are
concerned, are probably unique; and a more perfect
resemblance to the lofty aisles of a cathedral could
scarcely be found .

Tottenham House was visited, and the Marquis of
Ailesbury was represented by his daughter, Lady
Margaret Bruce, who accompanied the party in their
inspection of the pictures and heir-looms of the Bruce
family, amongst which are the sword and hunting-horn
of Robert Bruce.

Proceeding to the gardens, an object of the greatest
interest to foresters in particular and arboriculturists
in general was inspected. This was one of the original
Larches brought from Tyrol by the Duke of Atholl,
about 1740, and presented by him to the then Marquis'
of Ailesbury. Owing to the distance the Duke had to
travel, the Marquis was able to plant his tree at
Savernake ten days before the former could reach
Dunkeld, and this particular tree is, therefore, one
of, if not the earliest planted specimen in the country.
It has now a height of 80 feet, and a growth of 12 feet,
although its leader is dead.

Before leaving the home farm after lunch, the
Marquis of Ailesbury himself joined the party, made
an interesting speech on the subject of the avenues,
inviting those present to advise him as to the best way
of renewing them. The forest was then driven through,
and the famous Oaks known as the "Dukes Vaunt,"
"The Queen," and the "Bradon Oak" were inspected.
The two first are gigantic ruins, girthing about 30 feet,
but the last-named is a fine healthy specimen of Q.
pedunculata, with a girth of 19 feet 4 inches at 5 feet.
The road to Savernake station followed the main
avenue to the Marlborough Lodge, and then tiirough
the outskirts of the forest bv the high road, bringing
to a close a most interesting day.

On Friday the Society visited the seed warehouses
and trial grounds of Messrs. Sutton & Sons at Reading,
and were entertained by the firm at luncheon.

THE WEATHER.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken In the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick.
London, for the period August 16 to August 22, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet.

Tempera-

n

Temperature

ture ofthe

O

a

OF THE AIR.

SOILat9A.M.

9

p*

5

K

—

a,
o

AtSA.M.

(J

g

ri
2

A

*-•

2 ej

— cq

So »

to
o

M
H
O
■

S
5

3

55

fc

3

s
■
■a

O

o

©

9
CI

©

©
©

©
©

go

a

a

0 o

a

n
ft

i

— >

0B

a
B

§

5j

<

4
<

3

,

d

Is

5

Ij

H

M

M

M

o

a>

Q c* Q O O

•a — -a -a x>

■o

■O

•O

■a

. Son. 16

w.

59-6 52-9

65-7

51-3,0- 29^1-6 61 -3 59 '0

45 3

; MON.17

w.s.w.

60-3 57-1

69-9

54-30 07|62-3i61-3|590

60-0

TUES.IS

W.8.W.

60-3

58-3

69-1

55-00-26 63-361 -659-0

545

. Wed. 19

W.S.W.

57-3

54-0

67-0

53-40-03 «3-361-5S9'0

53-0

THTJ. 20

w.s.w.

58-7

55-0634

52-20-22 62-261-459-0

47-4

FBI. 21

s.s.w.

57-8

54-7 67-3

52-5 ... ,ei'8,6i'i|s9'0 5a-a

)8AT. 22

w.

58-8

54-8,69-2

52-3

... |61-6|61-l|59-0

11 1

Means

...

59-0

55-367-3

530

Tot

087 63 -161 -3 59-0

49-1

THE WEATHER IN WE3T HERTS.
Cold, Wet, and Gloomy Weather.— The present cold,
wet, and gloomy period has now lasted more than six
weeks, during which time there have been only three
days when the temperature in the thermometer-screen
rose above the average for the time of year. During
the same period the nights were, on the whole, much
less unseasonably cold than the days, but nevertheless
on as many as nine of them the thermometer exposed
on the surface of the lawn showed readings within 8'
of the freezing-point. The coldest of these nights
occurred during the past week, when the same ther-
mometer Indicated 34°— a very low reading for August.
At 2 feet deep the ground is at the present time 1°
colder, and at 1 foot deep 3° colder, than is seasonable.
Throughout the past six weeks rain has fallen to the
aggregate depth of over 65 inches— equivalent to a
watering of as much as 30s gallons on each square yard
of surface in my garden. In the same six weeks nearly
18 gallons of rain-water have come through the bare
soil percolation gauge, and 6 gallons through the gauge
on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an
average during the week for five hours a day, which is
about an hour a day in defect of the mean for August.
The winds proved variable, but were as a rule light ;
while the amount of moisture in the air was again
greater than is usual at this season. E. M., Berkhamsted,
Auguit2h, 1903.

Fruit. — Average Wholesale Prices.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, August 27.

[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered 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.]

Plants in Pots, &c. — Average Wholesale Prices.

a.d. i.J

Acers, each
Adlantums, doz.
Aralias, per doz.
Arbor Vitae, per

dozen

Aspidistras, doz.
Asters, per doz.
Aucubas, per doz.
Campanulas, doz.
Coleuses. per doz
Coreopsis, dozen
Crotons, per -doz.
Dracienas, variety,

dozen

Euonymus, vars.,

per dozen
Ferns in var.,per

dozen

Ferns, Japanese

Balls, and var.

ditto, eacli

a. d. a. d.

2 0-26
4 0-80
4 0-80

9 0-18 0
18 0-36 0

3 0-40

4 0-80
4 0-60
4 0-50
2 0-40

12 0-24 0

4 0-60
4 0-30 0

1 0-

Flcus elastica,
per dozen ...

Fuchsias, p. doz.

L i 1 i u m longl-
florum, per
dozen

— lancifolium,
per dozen ...

Lycopodiums, p.

dozen

Marguerites, doz.
Mignonette, doz.
Palms, var., each
Pelargoniums,
pink, per doz.

— scarlet, dozen
Petunias, per doz.
Pteris tremula,

dozen

— Wimsetti.doz.
Verbenas, dozen

9 0-34 0
3 0-60

6 0-12 0
6 0-12 0

3 0-40

3 0-12 0

4 0-60

3 0-30 0

4 0-60
3 0-60

3 0-40

4 0-80
4 0-80
4 C- 6 0

Out Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Prices.

Remarks.— Strong winds and showery weather have
•sen the previilfng features during the past week.

Alstrcemeria, doz

bunches
Asters, doz. bun.
Azaleas, doz. bun.
Callas, per dozen
Carnations, per
doz. bunches

— Malmaisons,
doz

Coreopsis, dozen

bunches
Dahlias, per doz.

bunches
Eucharis, per doz.
Ferns, Asparagus,
per bunch ...

— French, per
doz. bunches

— Maidenhair,
doz. bunches

Gaillardia, per

doz

Gardenias, p. box

Gladiolus, White,

doz. bunches ...

— Brenchleyensis
per bunch ...

— various, bnch
Gooseberries, Cape,

doz. bunches

Gypsophila, bun.

Lillums, longi-

florum, per

bunch

— lancifolium,
per bunch ...

— rubrum.bnch.
Lllium auratum,

per bunch

i.J. i.J.

4 0-60
2 0-40
2 0-40
2 0-30

2 0-12 0

6 0-12 0

10-20

2 0-40
16-20

10-26

0 4-06

4 0-60

10-20
16-20

0 4-10
0 4-10

8 0- 9 0
0 2-04

10-20

16-30
10-20

10-20

Uly of the Valley,
p. doz. bunches

Lupins, doz. bun.

Malva, doz. bun.

Marguerites, yel-
low, doz. bunch.

Mignonette, doz.

Montbretias, per
dozen bunches.

Orchids : Cattleya,
dozen blooms...

Pelargoniums,
zonal, d. bun.

Phlox, per dozen
bundles

Poppies, Iceland,
p. doz. bunches

Roses, Mermet,
per doz.

— various, per
bunch

— red, lj bnchs.

— white, bunch

— pink, bunch
Scabiosa caucasica

doz. bunches
Smilax, doz. trails
Solidago.d. bnch.
Stephanotis, per

dozen

Stocks, per dozen

bunches

Sun Flower, doz.

bunches
Sweet Peas, per
dozen bunches
Tuberoses, strong,
per bunch ...

— perdoien ...

i.J. i.J.

6 0-12 0

3 0-40

4 0-60

i o- a o

3 0-30

4 0-60
6 0-13 0
4 0- « 0

3 0-40
0 6-10
10-30

0 2-16

2 0-60
0 6-20
0 4-16

4 0-00
16-26

3 0-40

10-18
3 0-40

16-30

10-30

0 9-10
0 2-03

i.J. a.d.
Apples, home-
grown, cookers,
per bushel ... 4 6-70
per half bushel 2 6-36

— WorcesterPear-
main, half bush. 5 C- 6 0

Bananas, bunch.. 8 0-14 0

— loose, dozen . 10-16
Cobnuts, per lb. 0 6 — I
Figs, per dozen... 10-20
Filberts, per lb. 0 4J-0 6
Grapes, Alicante,

per lb. ... 0 8-14

— GrosMaroc.lb. 10-16

— Hamburgh,

A., per lb. 10-16
B., per lb. 0 6-09

Grapes, Muscats,
A., per lb. ...

B., per lb.

Lemons, per case
Melons, each
Nectarines, A.,per
dozen

— B., per doz. ...
Oranges, per case
Peaches, A., per

dozen

— B., per dozen
Pears, per half

bushel

— Crate, 24
Pines, each
Plums, per sieve

a.d. id.

2 0-30
0 8-13

14 0-18 0
0 10-1 6

12 0-18 0
4 0-60

6 0-14 0

7 0-12 0
16-40

3 0-60

6 0-70

2 6-46

3 0-10 0

Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices.

i.J. a.d.
16 —

2 0-26
0 9-10

4 0-50

2 0-26

3 0-50

1 3
4 0

i.J. a.d.
Mint, per dozen

bunches ... 10-16

Mushrooms, house,

10 0-15 0

13 —

10-20
16 —
0 3 —

Artichokes, Globe,

per dozen ...
Beans, dwarf, per

sieve

— broad, bush. .

— Scarlet Run-
ners, p. bushel

Beetroots, per

bushel
Cabbages, tally ...
Carrots, new, per
dozen

— per bag
Cauliflowers, per

dozen

Celery, per dozen
bundles

Cress, per dozen
punnets

Cucumbers, doz.

Endive, per doz.

Garlic, per lb. ...

Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch

Leeks, per dozen
bunches

Lettuces, Cabbage,
per dozen

Lettuce, Cos, per
score

Remarks.— Plums are easier in price. There is a
good supply of foreign Swizens at 3s. to 4s. the half-
bushel ; Gisborns, 6s. ; Victorias, 8s. to 9s. ; Diamonds,
7s. 8d. ; Australian Oranges, in cases of 120 to 140, are 6s.
to 8s., quality poor; Californian New Town Apples, in
case, 8s. ; French Tomatos, in boxes, 2s. to 2s. 6d. ; in
crates, 4s. Corn Cobs, per dozen, 2s. ; Mangos, per
dozen, 6s.; Aubergines, per dozen, 2s.; Salsafy, per
dozen, 4s. ; home grown Endive, per score, 9d. to Is.

Potatos.
Home-grown, 70s. to 100s. per ton. John Bath. 32 <fc 34,
Wellington Street, Covent Garden.

per lb.
Onions, per case .
— per bag

— green, per
dozen

Parsley, per doz.
bunches

— sieve

Peas, per bag ...

— per bushel ...
Potatos, per ton

2 0-26 Radishes, per
dozen bunches
Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz....
Spinach, pr. sieve
Tomatos, Channel
Islands, per lb.

— English, per
121b

16-20 Turnips, per doz.

bunches
10-16! — per bag

Vegetable - Mar-
0 6-09 rows, per tally .

Watercress, per
10 — 1 dozen bunches.

0 10-1 o
4 0-50

3 0-36

16-20

10-16
0 9-10

4 0-60
3 0-40

60 0-100 0

0 6-09

13 —
10-13

0 3H> 4

3 6-46

2 0-30

3 0 —

0 4-08

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Address Wanted : Hortus. We have no means
of knowing.

Asia Minor : F. Sf Co. We can only answer your
question in general terms. The climate is hot
and dry in summer, bitterly cold in winter.
On the lower slopes of the mountains a more
temperate climate is experienced. Speaking
generally, any vegetables that will do along
the Mediterranean will thrive in Asia Minor,
especially if irrigation can be practised. Wood-
ashes, leaf-mould, and a proportion of sand
might be added to the soil.

Beoonia Gloire de Lorraine : Greenland's. The
plant seems to have been growing very rapidly,
and then during that time has received a check
at the root. The failure is due to injury to the
roots or the collar of the plant. Soot-water,
unless applied very carefully, may be a cause
of injury. Even when the liquid is not strong
enough to cause damage if given occasionally,
it might do so if the plants are afforded it to©
frequently.

Begonias : F. E. G. The leaves have been
injured by mites, a species of Tarsonymus,
invisible to the naked eye. Tobacco-water is
one of the best remedies, either as a spray or in
a large vessel in which the plants may be
dipped.

Brassica Stems Bored by In6Ects : H. T. II'.
Probably the work of a species of two-winged
fly belonging to the genus Anthomyia, and
allied to the Cabbage-fly, A. brassies. Hut in
the absence of the insect it is impossible to
definitely fix the species, and all the more so
seeing that the nature of the injury is of an
unusual character. As a means of prevention.

168

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[AutrosT 29, 1903.

make your seed-beds on entirely fresh ground,
and see that the plants do not become over-
crowded. Transplant also to fresh ground or
where a good succession of crops has been grown ;
and after planting out sprinkle a band, about
C inches wide, of fresh gas-lime between the
rows. It is most important that all infected
plants should be removed and burnt.

Carnations : R. C. B. All good border varieties.
Of the three we prefer the yellow-striped
variety. The red one is useful as coming later-
The white is not pure enough and seems liable
to burst its calyx. Considering the season, they
are all good flowers.

Cucumber Leaf - spot : Telegraph. We will
answer your questions in our next issue.

Grapes Failing to Colour : G. H. If the
Grapes colour very irregularly, it is due to
some detail in the cultural conditions being
more or less unsuitable. It occasionally
happens, however, that in bunches otherwise
well developed and perfectly coloured, there is
one or more berries that remain perfectly green.
Unless this be due to imperfect fertilization, it
is difficult to arrive definitely at the true cause.

Grape Rot (Glososporium ampelophaoum) :
Bewildered. The bunch of Grapes sent for
examination appears to be undoubtedly infested
with Grape-rot, or anthracnose of the Vine, of
which we must refer to a long account in the
Gard. Ghron., July 8, 1893, p. 93, since which
time it has very frequently occurred in this
country. Unfortunately we have failed to find
conidia in the present case, as the pustules
appear to be immature, but the external
appearance and incipient pustules seem to
indicate the species we have named. It is
unnecessary to urge again that all the species
of this genus of fungi are dreadful peste, and
every trace should be destroyed as soon as it
appears, whether on the fruit, leaves, or twigs,
for it affects them all. We find on some of the
Grapes that Penicillium glaucum, the common
blue mould, has developed. This is not strange,
for it will attack anything vegetable ; but
Sorokin has figured it, in a Russian work, as a
parasite of Grapes. M. C. C.

Grapes : Query. We are not prepared to express
an opinion unless we see specimens. — Perplexed
One. There is no injurious fungus on the
berries received, but only a mould which has
grown after the berries have cracked. The
cracking is most likely due to injudicious water-
ing, and it is frequently the result of flooding a
border with water after it has been allowed to
become drier than it should be.

Hollyhock : W. F. The Hollyhock - fungus.
Burn the shoots at once. Spray the young
plants next season with liver-of-sulphur, J oz.
to a gallon of water.

Mealy Bug on Vines : J. E. Kei-osene emul-
sion is an excellent winter dressing for Vines,
but before applying this it is necessary to look
carefully over the rods when the pruning has
been done, and remove every vestige of loose
bark, which affords the pest hiding places.
The rods should also be treated with a solution
of 3 oz. of caustic soda and 3 oz. of commercial
potash, dissolved in 2 gallons of boiling water.
The fumigation with sulphur will not hurt the
Vines if applied when they are dormant, unless
it be done excessively. The XL- All Vaporising
Insecticide might be used with advantage.

Name of Scale Insect : Pinus. Orthezia in-
signia, of Douglas. It belongs to the family
Coccidae, and is generally a very destructive
species. Mr. E. E. Green, in the Circular of
the Royal Gardens, Ceylon, s. 1, No. 10, pp. 83 — 94
(1899), has given a full and interesting account
of this insect. You will also find a reference to
the insect in Bull. Roy. Gardens, Kew, Nos. 102,
103, p. 163 (1895).

Names of Fruit : B. G. 8. Summer Strawberry.
— Waterford. 1, Lady Sudeley ; 2, Stirling
Castle ; 3, Waltham Abbey ; 4, Cellini Pippin ;
5, Peasgood's Nonsuch.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so

good as to consult the following number. —
D.R. 1, Silene gallica ; 2, S. gallica var. quin-
quevulnera ( = S. quinquevulnera) ; 3, Agrostis
alba. — Learner. 1, Triticum repens ; 2, Festuca
sciuroides ; 3, Agrostis vulgaris var. pumila.
C.B. 1, Juniperus virginiana ; 2, Cryptomeria
japonica; 3, Cryptomeria japonica var. excelsa ;
4, Juniperus ; 5, Erasmus, Ash ; 0, Ulmus
montana. — G.T. 1, Polygonum cuspidatum ;
2, Polemonium cceruleum ; Galega officinalis
alba. — E.B. 1, Asplenium Ruta muraria ; 2,
Asplenium trichomanes. — S.B. 1, Euonymus
latifolius ; 2, Salvia Horminum. — J.E. Biguonia
radicans. — Mac. Asclepias curassavica. — D.
Wallington. We do not undertake to name
varieties of Zonal Pelargoniums or other
florists' flowers. — ■ No Name. Address, St.
Nicholas Men's Club. Another time please
send better specimens, not more than six, care-
fully packed, and with the labels more easily
detached. Our time is precious. 1, Potentilla
Tormentilla ; 2, 3 and 11 not found ; 4, Solanum

, X 800 '
B- C \o)

Fig. 61.— anthracnose (black eot) of the vine.

Dulcamara ; 5, Achillea Millefolium ; 6, Cam-
panula rotundifolia ; 7, Hypochairis radicata ;
8, Sagina procumbens ; 9, Teucrium scorodonia ;
10, Achillea Millefolium ; 12, Calluna vulgaris ;
13, Stachys Betonica; 14, Achillea Ptarmica.
— A. G. C. 1, Spiraea ariaefolia; 2, Polygonum
cuspidatum ; 3, Rhus typhina. — Pkyto. 1,
Ulmus campestris variety ; 2, Alnus glutinosa.
— J. G. W. Your specimens represent two of
the very early raised kinds. 1 is near, if not
actually Venus de Medicis ; 2 is close to Bank's
Glory ; 3, a tuberous Begonia, which we cannot
name. — H. W.J. 1, Hedychium coronarium ; 2,
Tydea speciosa ; 3, Cypripedium Sedeni ; 4,
Pteris cretica albo-lineata ; 5, Pteris argyrea ;
6, Adiantum decorum ; 7, Asplenium bulbi-
ferum ; 8, Polypodium nigrescens ; 9, Cyrtom-
ium falcatum ; 10, Cyrtomium falcatum. —
H. W. J. and G.H. B. It seems from internal
evidence as if these ostensibly different persons
were one and the same. If so, a shabby trick
has been played upon us, the penalty for which
is to send us forthwith a donation for the
Gardeners' Orphan Fund. In one case ten
specimens, in the other nine, instead of the
regulation six. If we are mistaken we apolo-
gise.— G. H. B. 1, Polypodium plumosum; 2,
Gymnogramma oehracea ; 3, Adiantum formo-
sum ; 4, Pteris serrulata polydactylon ; 5,
Adiantum capillus Veneris ; 6, Pteris serru-
lata cristata ; 7, Adiantum cardiochloena ; 8,
Gymnogramma tartarea; 9, Pteris longifolia.

You have sent more than six. — M. R. M.
Cypripedium x Sedeni, of gardens, more cor-
rectly Selenipedium x Sedeni.— Greenlands. 1,
Panax or Aralia ; 2, Paullinia thalictrifolia ;
4, Elaeagnus pungens variegata ; 5, Cornus
mas var. tricolor ; 6, Cassinia fulvida. —
J. M. 1, Lycium sinense ; 2, Sidalcea Candida ;
3, Pteris tremula ; 4, Cystopteris fragilis ; 5,
Galega officinalis alba; 6, Robinia pseudo-
acacia. — G. M. Equisetum arvense. If weed-
killer of eight times the usual strength will
not kill it, we do not know what will ! Try
sprinkling it with petroleum and set it on fire,
and dig up the roots. — A. P. C. Do not send
more than six. Veronicas next week. 6, Ge-
nista tinctoria ; 7, Sedum spurium ; 8, Ge-
nista sagittalis ; 9, Sedum spurium album ;
10, S. populif olium ; 11, Olearia Haastii; 12,
Potentilla fruticosa ; 13, Colletia cruciata. —
W. S( S. All varieties of Statice sinuata. S.
sinuata was figured in Botanical Magazine,
t. 71 ; and even at that early date it was a well-
known plant. It is stated to be a native of
Sicily, Palestine, and Africa.

Nicotiana colossea : M. B. This is. a species.
We will endeavour to give you the information
you require when less pressed.

Roots : F. L. We have not examined the root-
cells in the cases you mention, but we expect
they will turn out to be identical.

Scarlet Runners : M. Bros. Due to the season.
There is no fungus ; the pods are perfectly
healthy.

Situation in Jardin des Plantes, Paris :
J. T. W. Write to M. Gerome, the Curator.
It is quite possible he may take you if your
qualifications will satisfy him. As an alterna-
tive you may write to Mr. Geo. Schneider, who
as President of the Societe Francaise d'Horti-
culture de Londres, may be able to help you to
get a situation in a French garden.

Strawberry Leaf : W. D. The leaf is affected
with the Strawberry fungus (Sphsrella Fra-
garie), figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle for
July 8, 1891, p. 53. Spray the plants at once
with a solution of copper, prepared by dissolv-
ing 3 oz. of carbonate of copper in one quart of
water, and then diluting it to 20 gallons. If
the pest is very bad, it will be well to remove
all the old leaves early next spring and burn
them.

Three Peaches : F. H. B. $( W. D. The naming
of Peaches is not possible, at least with cer-
tainty, and we would advise you to take them
to some nurseryman who cultivates and fruits
Peaches.

Tomatos : Padiham. There is no fungus disease
present in the specimens sent us. The failure
of the plants is probably due to some cultural
defect, such as unsuitable loam, &c. If you
will send portions of the roots we will examine
them for signs of eelworm and wireworm.

Trop-eolum speciosum : F. E. G. If you move
the plant it will be best to do so in March,
before growth commences ; but there is risk in
disturbing this species. You might take some
of the growths from the underground rhizomes
that are just appearing above the soil, and pot
them up now. Be careful in severing them
from the parent plant to save what roots there
may be on the lesser rhizome, and place the
pots in an unheated house or frame, where the
plants may be shaded and kept moist until
established. They should be planted-out next
season when fully established.

Communications Reckived.— W. E. 6.— A. H.— F. W.B.
— S. W. R., Queensland-Dr. Cogniaux— W. G. S.— :i
R. L. c.— S. F. & Co.— W. C— J. T. H-.-M. C. C—
W. A. C, photographs— R. L.— C. B, many thanks,
but you were anticipated— W. H. B — W. A. L.—
A. F. W., the insertion of your initials under this
head is to be understood merely as an acknowledg-
ment of the receipt of your communication, whicn
will be considered in due course.— 8. C.— R. W. P.—
F. M. Good— A. C.F.— R J L, —Messrs. Sutton— Prof.
Hansen, Copenhagen -Dr. Henry— W. J. B— J. C—
J. U.. photos under consideration, meanwhile accept
our thanks.— F. L.— J. Snell-W. T. G.— J. Maeers—

E. W.— A. T. C.— 3. H— 3. L. Cocks— Rockcist— Storrie
& Storrie-S. A.— W. R.— J. O'B.— Dicksons, Ltd.—

F. M.— H. R.— N. F. B.

Photographs Received with Thanks.— W.C.& Son—
A. F. D.-J. O.

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September 5, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

169

THE

No. 811.— SATURDAY, SEPT. 5, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Anomotheca cruenta .

Apple crops and cider
making in Devon-
shire

Apples, late-flowering

Bamboos, the flower-
ing of

Belvedere, the (Kochia)

Eegonia semper-
florens " Golden
King"

Books, notices of—
The Book of Shrubs
The Flora of Jersey
The Tree Book

Cucumber leaf-spot ...

Cucumber monstrosi-
ties

Cucumber scab

Dahlia Union,
London

Dahlias

Dahlias, Cactus,
•judging of

Frogmore, the new ...

Fruit crops, remarks
on the condition of
•the

Garden City, the first

Gladiolus

Henry, Dr. Augustine

Horticulture, the scien-
tific side of

'Kew notes

Kochia Scoparia

Latham, Mr.W. B, tes-
timonial to

Names, old-time

the

the

177

Novelties from Qued-

linburg

Obituary —

Housley, William ...
Orchid notes and glean-
ings—

Anguloaunifloravar.
eburnea

Disa grandiflora ...

Gomeza planifolia...

Peaches, late

Plants, new or note-
worthy—

Rubus lasiostylus ...
Polygala vulgaris,

white variety
Poppy, the Iceland ...
Karotonga, Flora of...

Societies-
Brighton & Sussex

Horticultural
National Dahlia ...
Royal Horticultural

Specific names

Spiraea Anthony Wa-
terer

Tabernremontana co-
ronaria

Watsonia iridifolia
O'Brienii

Week's Work, the—
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

176
180

170
170
170
170

179
177
109

181
182
180

18)

173

173

173

174
175
174
17.i
175
175

170
172
173

178
171

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Cactus Dahlia Cheals' White (Supplement).

Cucumber, lateral prolification in a

Cucumber-scab, the

Cyder Apple-tree in Devonshire

Dahlia imperialis growing in Queenstown, Cape

Colony

Gladioli, two novelties in

Group of Hippeastrums exhibited by Captain

Holford at the Shrewsbury Show ...

THE FLOWERING OF BAMBOOS.

SOME doubt has been expressed in recent
issues from the Gardening press as to
whether any Bamboos really die after flower-
ing. The experience of the last few years in
our own gardens has shown how unfounded
was the belief at one time entertained that
all Bamboos died after flowering. But it
fieems to be getting as far away from the
facts of the case in the other direction to
say that none do so. There appear to be
three groups into which Bamboos may be
divided, according to the way they behave
after flowering;— 1st, There are those which
there appears to be no reasonable doubt die
entirely; 2nd, Those that flower and bring
'themselves to a miserably crippled state by

f «e doing, yet do not die; 3rd, Those that (lower

| frequently but partially (that is on a certain
proportion of culms only), and which do not
appear to suffer at all. The following notes
refer to species, both tender and hardy, that

i 'have flowered in these islands. In view of
the points in dispute, it may be worth while
to put on record their behaviour after doing
so. The first two- cases seem to me to prove
that some Bamboos do not survive their

• flowering.

1. A'Kundinaria Falconeri. — I wrote to Mr.
W. Osborne, late gardener to Lord Barrymore,
Fota Island, respecting this Bamboo. It flowered
there in 1876, and he says, — "All the Arundi-
naria (or Thaninocalamus) Falconeri at Fota
Island, and all that I knew for miles round, bore
seed and died at the same time. . . . We left the
roots in the ground for a year or two, and then
dug them up. There was not a particle of life in
the roots."

2. Chtjsquea abietifolia. — In the years
1884-1885, this climbing Bamboo flowered in the
West Indies, and a plant sent to Kew from
Jamaica flowered at the same time. According
to Sir Daniel (then Mr.) Morris, " when the seed
was set, the stem began to die down, and appa-
rently every plant in the island [Jamaica] died,
root and all." (See Gardeners' Chronicle, Oct. 23,
1886, p. 524.) The Kew plant died also.

3. Arundinaria Hookeriana. — This species
flowered in the Temperate-house at Kew in 1899,
and bore seed (from which the plants now in
the house were raised). Every plant died; and
Mr. Dallimore, at that time foreman of the house,
informs me there was no sign of life in the roots
when he dug them up. I learn, however, that at
Glasnevin, where it flowered at the same time,
some died whilst others have recovered.

4. Arundinaria Latdekeri. — In 1896 this
Bamboo flowered at Kew and in other establish-
ments. As we had only one plant, I was anxious
to keep it, and as it gave no sign of growth after
flowering I had it taken up and placed in mild
bottom-heat to stimulate it into activity aga,in.
It continued to send up new growths for more
than a year, but after becoming a few inches high
they invariably flowered, and the plant gradually
dwindled away and died. Young plants were
raised from seed at Batsford, but I do not know
what happened to the original plant.

5. Arundinaria Simoni. — At intervals during
the past twelve years this plant has blossomed at
Kew. Never more than a few culms, however,
have flowered at one time, and the plants have
never suffered at all. From several quarters,
however (Wales, Cornwall, and Surrey), I hear
that it is flowering over every part of the plant
this year, ' and in these instances it will be
interesting to see what happens.

' 6. Arundinaria auricoma flowers every year
on a certain proportion of culms, but the plants
remain as vigorous and healthy as ever.

7. Arundinaria falcata var. glomerata,
growing in the Temperate-house at Kew, behaves
like the preceding species.

8. Phtllostachts Henonis. — This Bamboo has
flowered in many places throughout the country
in recent years. So far as I know, none of the
plants have died outright. Those that I have
seen get into a very crippled, sickly state, but
keep on sending out a few leafy shoots. They
may ultimately recover.

9. Phtllostachts nigra and the variety
punctata. — These, although distinct enough for
horticultural purposes from P. Henonis, aro really
forms of the same species. Their behaviour after
flowering is the same. IT. J. Bean, Kew.

RAROTONGA.*
One by one the remote islands of the
Pacific Ocean are becoming better known,
and soon there will not be one un-
explored on which there is endemic vege-
tation. But it is a singular fact in the
history of these islands that some of those

* The Flora of Barotonga, (As Chief Inland of the Cook
Group. By Thomas If. Cheeseman, F.L.S., Curator of
the Auckland Museum, New Zealand. Transactions of
the IAnnean Society, Second Series (Botany), vl., pp.
S«l-313, plates 31—35.

of which the names are most familiar are
or, until quite recently, were botanically un-
known. Pitcairn Island, the refuge and
home of the mutineers of the Bounty and
their descendants, has still to be botanised
in its least accessible parts, where endemic
plants are likely to exist. It was the same
with the Cook or Hervey Islands, the scene
of the missionary Williams's remarkably
successful labours early in the last century.
This group has been a British Protectorate
since 1888, and in 1900 it was fully incorpo-
rated in the British Empire. The following
year Mr. Cheeseman spent the months of
May, June, and July, botanising the island
of Karotonga, and although he does not claim
to have exhaustively botanised it, there are
probably few novelties left for future ex-
plorers. He presented a set of his dried
plants to Kew, partly in order to have cer-
tain desirable comparisons made with speci-
mens there ; and he has now published the
results of his investigations in the place
cited below.

The island of Karotonga is in about 160° W.
long., within the tropics, and about six or seven
hundred miles south-west of Tahiti. It is
oblong in shape, and about eight miles long by
six in width. The surface is very diversified
and picturesque, with mountain ridges ra-
diating from the centre, and a number of
peaks from 1,500 to 2,250 feet high. The
ridges are remarkably narrow and sharp, in
places not more than a foot in width, with
precipitous slopes into ravines hundreds of
feet deep, and corresponding rivulets. The
whole island is now practically covered with
forest, though formerly nearly all practicable
parts were cultivated. The climate is fairly
equable, the temperature rarely rising above
90' Fahr., or falling below 60'; and the an-
nual rainfall is about ninety inches. Thun-
derstorms, with a rainfall of two or three
inches in a few hours, are not uncommon,
but hurricanes are rare.

Mr. Williams estimated the population at
30,000 in 1823, or nearly ten times the present
number.

Previous to Mr. Cheeseman's visit Kew
possessed specimens of fewer than a dozen
flowering plants from Karotonga, and about
as many Ferns. Now he enumerates 3.34
species of the two divisions, of which
sixty-seven are Ferns. As might be ex-
pected, a large proportion of the species
are generally dispersed in Polynesia, and
many of them are of much wider distribu-
tion. Mr. Cheeseman eliminates ninety-
nine as probably or certainly introduced,
leaving an indigenous flora represented
by 235 species.

The natural orders of the greatest number
of species are : Graminea-, 25 ; Leguminosne,
23; Euphorbiacero, 16; Solanacea\ 11 ; Com-
posite, Rubiacea-, and Malvaceae, 10 each;
Urticacea\ Cyperacese, and Orehidacere,
9 each. Eighteen species, including one
Fein, are apparently confined to the island.
Prominent among these is Fitchia speeiosa,
an arborescent Composite, one of the com-
monest small trees in the island, forming the
greater part of the forest in many places at
elevations above 500 feet, and ascending to
i Me tops of the highest peaks. It has glossy
foliage, like a Laurel, and orange-red flower-
heads 3 to 4 inches in diameter, and it is the
most ornamental feature in the landscape.
In the flowering season the natives make
numerous excursions to the hills in order

170

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September, 5, 1903.

to collect the honey which the flowers
secrete in abundance. The genus Fitchia
was previously only known from the Society
Islands.

Sclerotheca viridiflora, a shrubby member
of the Lobeliacea?, is also interesting on
account of the distribution of the genus
being the same as that of Fitchia. All the
Orchids found in the island are terrestrial,
and belong to widely spread genera. The
Coconut is the only Palm, and of this the
natives distinguish five varieties, chiefly by
the size and colour of the fruit. Bananas
are still the staple article of food, and Mr.
Cheeseman names fifteen varieties. Yams
in variety, Taro (Colocasia antiquorum),
Kape (Alocasia macrorhiza), and Breadfruit
are all extensively cultivated. There is a
wild Banana (Musa Fehi) which bears an
edible fruit, and often forms groves several
acres in extent. The Pineapple is also
largely cultivated, and the fruit exported to
New Zealand. The five plates, by Miss M.
Smith, illustrating this interesting addition
to the literature of insular Floras, represent
Elieocarpus rarotongensis, Fitchia speciosa,
Sclerotheca viridiflora, Myrsine Cheesemani,
and Cyrtandra rarotongensis. W. Bottiny
Hemsley.

CUCUMBER MONSTROSITIES.

The reputedly cool Cucumber has lately shown
signs of great excitement. Last year we pub-
lished some extraordinary cases of prolification in a
variety of Telegraph, and we now supply a figure
of some Cucumbers in the fruiting stage. It will
be seen from the drawing (fig. 62) that at the base
of the older and thicker of the two fruits leaves
are proceeding, and not only leaves but a second
Cucumber on a short stalk, and, like the parent
Cucumber, provided with leaves where ordinarily
there are none. As the true fruit is embedded in
a branch which forms the outer portion or rind
of the Cucumber, it is not wonderful that such an
axis should produce other branches. It is what
a branch might be expected to do, but why it has
done so in this case is a problem we cannot solve.

drupels rose-pink, covered with hairs and termi-
nating in long styles. Flesh yellow ; flavour
peculiar, not unpleasant, subacid, reminding one
of the taste of the berries of the Hawthorn, or, as
a friend states, something between a Raspberry
and a Blackberry.

The species is well worth growing by the plant-
lover, and affords a promising subject for the
cross-breeder. HI. T. M.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

RUBUS LASIOSTYLUS, Focke.*
To Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea,
we are indebted for a specimen of this handsome
Chinese Bramble, remarkable for its glaucous
stem, leaves covered with white down on the
lower surface, purple flowers, and rose-pink
" berries," resembling those of a Raspberry, but
sub-globose. It was introduced from China by
Dr. Henry, and is noteworthy for its glaucous
cylindrical branches, provided with rather nume-
rous slender straight or slightly-curved prickles.
The leaves are trifoliate on long prickly petioles ;
stipules large, leafy, obliquely oblong, abruptly
acuminate. The terminal leaflet in the specimen
examined was about i inches long, rather less in
extreme breadth, thin in texture, light green
and hairy above, downy and milk-white beneath,
ordate suborbicular acuminate bidentate, nerves
pinnate approximate, with transverse inosculating
nervules; the lateral leaflets are similar but
much smaller. The flowers are numerous, in
much-branched panicles, provided with large
leafy stipule-like bracts and remote prickles.
Flowers nearly 1 inch across, with broadly lan-
ceolate acuminate purplish sepals, hairy on the
inner surface ; petals rosy-purple, oblong, shortly
stalked, shorter than the sepals ; filaments gla-
brous. Fruit sub- globose, pointed ; ovaries or

* Eubus laiioetylus, Focke, ex Botanical Magazine, t.
3426 (1891).

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

DISA GRANDIFLORA.

South African terrestrial Orchids, even in our

best collections, often refuse to respond to the

care bestowed on them in a satisfactory manner ;

on the other hand, in some gardens, most of them

Fig. tu.- lateral pbolification in a cucumbeb.

thrive admirably, and especially that showiest of
all — Disa grandiflora. In Mrs. Brightwen's pretty
gardens at The Grove, Stanmore, Mr. J. W. Odell
has seemingly without effort cultivated every
species of Cape terrestrial Orchid which has come
into his hands. Among them are several species
of Satyrium, which have flowered regularly for
years ; the frail and pretty Disa sagittalis, which
also flowers regularly ; D. tripetaloides, with
several elegant spikes of white rose - spotted
flowers to each plant ; D. racemosa, and some of
the hybrid Disas, and, best of all, a number of
D. grandiflora, with stout spikes of large bright
scarlet flowers. Mr. Odell winters them on a
shelf near the glass in a cool greenhouse, where
they remain until the flowering season is over,
when they are placed in a cold frame situated in
a shady place, the glass-lights of which aie off
for the greater part of the time. Here they
remain until winter sets in. Disas like a free

supply of rain-water and a pure and rather dry
air around them, hence they seldom thrive in
an Orchid-house.

Angcloa tjniflora var. eburnea.
Anguloa uniflora, upon which the genus was
founded by the Spanish botanists Ruiz and
Pavon, is the most widely distributed member
of the genus, having been found in extreme
localities in Peru, New Granada, and other parts-
of South America, and is, perhaps, consequently
the most varied in form and even in the -colouring
of its flowers. The bulk of the species, however,
from all localities have, compared with the
showier members of the genus, rather narrow,
laterally compressed flowers with acute sepals,
sometimes blush white or pale pink, and often
spotted with rose. Occasionally, however, there
appears a large pure white form with almost
globular flowers so much resembling' those of the
largest Anguloa, the yellow A. Clowesii, as
to have acquired for it the erroneous name of
Anguloa Clowesii var. eburnea. The form of the
column and of the labellum of this large white
variety is very different from those of A. Clowesii,
and the plant, which has also been called A. ebur-
nea, was correctly figured from a specimen which
flowered with Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., in
Lindenia, viii., p. 27, as A. uniflora var. eburnea.
A similar large, pure white, wax-like variety,
with a rose-coloured freckling inside the labellum,
is kindly sent by H. Rider Haggard, Esq., Ditch-
ingham House, Norfolk, who makes his garden
his chief pastime when not engaged on the lite-
rary work which has brought him so much fame-
Mr. Rider Haggard states that he received the
plant as "anew species from the Philippines,"
but there must have been an error in the record,
for the plant could scarcely be indigenous in
that region.

GOMEZA PLANIFOLIA.

A raceme of twenty-five flowers of this pretty
and delightfully fragrant species is sent by
Francis H. Moore, Esq., the Royal Infirmary,
Liverpool, who states that it came from Brazil
with Oncidium concolor. It was introduced by
Messrs. Loddiges about the year 1822, and has
frequently appeared since. It is a compact-
growing plant of the light green tint seen in
Miltonias, with which it thrives well. Its floral
racemes are freely produced, the flowers being;
greenish-yellow, the lip light yellow, the column
white with a reddish line round the stigmatic-
surface. A singular feature is given by the
broadly-oblong lip of the mature flower resting
closely on the longer lateral sepals, which are>
united for two-thirds of their length. J. O'B.

MARKET NOTES.

LATE PEACHES.

A visit to Mr. J. Walker's market garden at
Ham Common, Kingston, interests me at any
time, and more especially at this season, when the
Peach crop is a small one. The fruits observed
were large and of high colour, and even the fruits
of Princess of Wales Peach were veiy highly
coloured. The Peach-house3 are now without
artificial heat, so as not to hasten the ripening of
the fruits.

I have put a double asterisk in my note-book
against Sea Eagle, for never have I observed this
variety of so large a size or with such fine colour.
I had this variety under my charge at Worthing,
some thirty years ago, growing it in pots and in the
border. I well know its value. Nectarine Peach
was of full size and good in other respects, and
the trees cropped very regularly. Princess of Wales
is always a good-sized fruit, but it is generally of
a pale tint ; here, on the contrary, the tint is very
beautiful.

Gladstone, an extraordinary fruit in all respects,
was excellent. There were five trees in ome house

September 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

171

alone. This variety, Mr. Walker told me, is always
better if the ripening is aided by fire-heat. Crim-
son fruits of Galande from some of the trees have
been gathered, and there were later fruits to
follow. Trees of the new Peach Thomas Rivers,
a very strong grower, were fruiting abundantly —
a late and very promising variety.

The Barrington Peach is one of the choicest
and richest in colour, and large of size, cropping
well. Humboldt Nectarine is a very large fruit
of the Pine-apple breed and a good variety for
market. The methods of packing fruit for the

The second flower is named Lady Muriel
Digby, and is of great size. The general colour
is primrose, with a yellow stain and markings of
crimson. It was shown by Messrs. Kelway &
Son, the celebrated cultivators in Somerset-
shire, from whom we received only a day or
two ago specimens of several other remarkable
novelties, as follows: — Admiral Markham, red
flaked with deeper colour, and marked with
purple on the lower segment and throat ; Duke
of Norfolk, 5J inches across, colour salmon-red,
with a white band through each segment and a

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

The TREE BOOK. By Mary Kowles Jarvis. |
(John Lane).

This is a dainty little book, consisting appa-
rently of reprints of magazine articles. In any
case, it is pleasantly if not authoritatively written.
The author's statements indeed require to be
received with caution. It is very doubtful whether
the Elm is a true native of this country, a doubt
recognised by the author, though on the same

CAHDCHRjJfJ

Fig. 63. — two novelties in gladioli that received awards of merit at a meeting of the
royal horticultural society on august 18.

'taarket afforded a useful lesson, everything being
graded as packed, and needless to say the best
prices are obtained. Stephen Castle.

GLADIOLUS.

At the~present time, when every garden is, or
should be, gay with Gladiolus in bloom, the ac-
companying illustration (fig. 63) of two bold and
beautiful varieties exhibited at the Drill Hall
meeting on August 18 last will have especial
interest. The first one, Nymph, is pure white,
except for a stain of yellow on the lower seg-
ment, and a disc of dark colour at the base of the
open throat. It will be seen that the flower is of
large size, composed of rounded segments. This
variety was shown by Mr. W. C. Bull, Rathlin,
Earoegate.

white mark on the lower one ; Snowdrift, white
with stain of pale buff colour on the two lower
segments and a purple blotch in centre, con-
spicuous violet-coloured anthers ; Countess Amy,
purple with white band in centre of each seg-
ment; Moyana, cream-coloured with markings of
rose in centre, and deeper shades of cream ; and
Taunton Deane, salmon- red colour, of duller shade
than Duke of Norfolk, and flaked with a deeper
tint ; the lower segment has a white blotch
minutely spotted with deep red colour.

All these varieties have exceedingly large
flowers ; and the size and strength of the spikes
— most of which were developing two smaller
spikes, in addition to carrying from twenty to
thirty flowers — are an indication of the extraordi-
nary success that attends the cultivation of this
bold and handsome autumn-flowering plant at
Langport.

page she speaks of four varieties as " indigenous."
We should not consider the Elm as specially
valuable for town - planting, but rather the
reverse, unless in parks and large open spaces.

The "Willow" upon which the captive
Hebrews hung their harp3 is quite as likely to
have been the Euphrates Poplar, Populus
euphratica. A printer's error has converted
the name of the Elder from Sambucus nigra to
Tambuscus Nigra. The " keys " of the Ash and
Maple are not seeds. But we need not dwell on
these minor matters ; the author's powers of
observation are manifest in her remarks about
the fertilisation of the flowers, and in her
remarks on the supernumerary buds of the
Uueldres Rose, Viburnum Opulus, in the axils of
the leaves of which we are told there are three
buds, " one to grow and the others as reserves to
be called up if needed." The work ends with a

172

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 5, 1903.

section in which the reader is told how to distin-
guish the trees ; hut what is meant when we are
told that the fruit of the Oat is " acorns,
rough cup and smooth elongated bulb," we
cannot divine. The boot is provided with an
index, and the illustrations are pretty and
characteristic.

The Flora of Jersey.

Mr. Lester-Garland has published, through

Messrs. West, Newman & Co., a " Flora of the

Island of Jersey," which we can commend to all

visitors to that favoured spot. It opens with an

Lester-Garland is that of EDgler ; hence this is,
so far as we tnow, the first Flora of any part of
Britain arranged on that system. The old group of
Monochlamydeae disappears entirely, its members
being sorted into their proper places according to
their real affinities. Xo experienced botanist will
regret this change, though as an avowedly
artificial group it had its advantages in facilitating
research. No classification can be perfect ; our
tnowledge is and will always be too imperfect to
enable us to trace definitely the genealogy of
living plants, and hence the value of an artificial
system as a tind of index, a means to an end but

Fig. 64.— cucumber scab (cladosporium scabies, Cooke).

Fruit real size ; threads and eporules magnified 100.

account of the physical features of the island,
where summer merges into autumn, and autumn
into winter ; where severe frosts are unusual and
snow seldom lies long on the ground. Thirteen
frosty days and 1930 hours of sunshine in the year
are quoted on the average of fifty years. Cider was
once the chief article of export, but Earth-
Apples, or Potatos, have taten the place of the
Apples on the trees. Cultivation, drainage, and
the erection of residences have done much to
reduce the indigenous flora, which is dispersed
over six different tinds of station, viz., the sandy
beaches in the vicinity of the sea, the granite
cliffs, the salt marshes, the moorlands, the culti-
vated table-land, and the moist valleys and
meadows. The arrangement followed by Mr.

not the end itself. The systematic enumeration
of Jersey plants follows the introductory chapter,
and not only are the Jersey localities given, but
also indications are furnished of the existence of
the species in the other Channel Isles, in western
France, and Europe generally. We do not find
anyspecial mention of the relationship between the
flora of the Channel Islands and that of the south-
western parts of England and Ireland. Attention
is called to the very interesting fact that many
Mediterranean species have made their way up
the coasts of Spain and France to Jersey, which
thus forms the northern limit of several of these
plants. The boot is evidently very carefully
compiled, well printed, and provided with an
index of genera.

The Book of Shrubs.
By^George Gordon, V.M.H.

This is one of the series edited by Mr. Harry
Roberts, and published by John Lane. There
is still a sad want of tnowledge of orna<-
mental trees and shrubs amongst the owners of
gardens, or perhaps even a more deplorable
apathy on 'the subject. Landscape gardeners are
often unaware of the resources at their command,
and thus, as the demand is slight, it is only in a
few of the large nurseries that we find a stoct
of any but the commonest things. Yet a visit
to Kew or to some of the exceptional nurseries
alluded to will suffice to reveal beauty and interest
among trees and shrubs quite comparable with
the endowments of any other class of plants.
From Japan and China we are receiving additions
to this department, and, thants in especial to the
discoveries of Dr. Henry and Mr. Wilson, not to
mention earlier collectors, and to the energy and
zeal of Messrs. Veitch. we may expect a steady
influx of new and beautiful plants of this nature.
There may be some of our readers who saw the
extraordinarily numerous and varied collection
of Chinese plants exhibited at one of the meet-
ings of the Eoyal Horticultural Society this
spring by Messrs. Veitch ; and if that collection
did not whet their interest and rouse their
curiosity, the case must be more hopeless than
we thint it really is. The exhibits in spring of
flowering shrubs shown by Messrs. Waterer, Veitch,
W. Paul, G. Paul & Son, Cheal, Fisher, Son &
Sibray, and others, are also amply sufficient to
show what a wealth of beauty is at command.
For the most part the trees are hardy and of the
easiest possible culture. Mr. Gordon has done
good service by calling attention to them first
in a series of articles in the Gardeners' Magazine,
and now in the little volume before us.

After a few judicious remarts on transplanting
and cultivation, the author enumerates many of
the more showy deciduous species, beginning
with those that have- A as the initial letter of
their names, and ending with Weigela. American
shrubs, shrubs with ornamental foliage, trees and
evergreens, Conifers and Bamboos, all come in
for mention, but it is obvious that in the compass
of some eighty pages the treatment of the subject
must be so far from exhaustive that we may hope
at no distant time to be put in possession of that
more complete wort which is one of the require-
ments of Garden literature.

THE CUCUMBER SCAB.

(Cladosporium scabies.)

In the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle for
August 8, p. 100, a description was given of a new
disease tnown as Cucumber Scab, which it is
feared will prove to be an exceedingly hurtful
scourge. As every detail in connection with this
new pest is of importance until its life-history is
ascertained, it must be recorded that since we have
discovered that the convex and blactened cuticle
is not an essential feature, we have also found
that after the infected fruits have been tept
undisturbed for twenty-four hours, the cut and
broten surfaces, where the fruit has been broten
across, and all exposed portions of the flesh, have
developed a crop of the characteristic mould,
which appears to grow vigorously, at once, from
every fragment of the fruit. From this we may
infer that the mycelium thoroughly permeates
the fruit, and that every fragment of infected
Cucumbers should be burnt at once, because
millions of the conidia may be developed and
ready for dissemination in little more than a day
and night. In the illustration at fig. G4 the
sporules are magnified about 400 diameters, and
their dimensions are 10 • s by 12 x 8, reachingto
20 to 25 x 8 m. (micromillemetres). M. C. Cooke-.

September 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

173

THE APPLE CROPS AND CYDER-
MAKING IN DEYONSHIKE.

At a time when the Apple crops over the
country are much under the average, and the
quality for the most part inferior, it is dis-
tressing to know that even in the notable
Apple counties of Devon, Hereford, Somerset,
Worcester, and Gloucester, the same state of
things prevails. This fact is all the more re-
grettable since in these counties Apples are not
only the fruit upon which so many of the
poorer classes depend for domestic use in the
winter, but they are equally or perhaps more
important for the production of the staple drink,
cyder. Much attention has of late been directed
towards the extension of the trade, making
this a profitable industry by improvement in
methods of manufacture and by selection and
cultivation of the best kinds of cyder Apples.
The revival of an old industry of this kind has a
considerable interest, especially as it has been
allowed to fall into disrepute in consequence of
the questionable methods adopted in the prepara-
tion of the beverage as well as in the material
from which it is often made. One sees, for
instance, in a good Apple season quantities of
the fruit gathered and collected in heaps in
the orchards that abound in this neighbour-
hood, the heaps being untouched until late in
autumn or early in the winter months, and
when removed in the ordinary farm carts the
fruits are in such a state of decay as to
suggest their use for manure rather than for
making a wholesome drink. It is with the view
of altering this, and using the fruits just at the
time when they are fully ripe or "mellow," as
well as in the adoption of a thoroughly clean and
healthful system of manufacture, that cyder-
making is now occupying the minds of the autho-
rities in this country. Under proper supervision
the neglected orchards will, it is hoped, be im-
proved and become more remunerative, so that in
good seasons in the future the Apple orchards of
Devon may be as productive of healthy, well-
grown trees as that shown in the photograph
(fig. 65), for which I am indebted to Messrs.
Henry Whiteway & Co., of Whimple, near Exeter,
who are taking a lead in the cyder industry of
Devon.

It is, perhaps, scarcely necessary to say that
the photograph does not give an idea of what the
orchards hereabout appeared like in the past
spring, when flowers were not only scarce, but
what there were were spoilt by late frosts, with
the result that at the present time there is
scarcely an Apple to be seen in any of the
orchards in this neighbourhood. John R. Jackson,
Claremont, Lympstone, Devon.

nodules of charcoal and some silver sand. The
plant will succeed with ordinary stove treatment ;
the soil being kept uniformly moist at the roots,
and the plants clean. H. W. Ward.

WATSONIA IRIDIFOLIA O'BKtENH.

A bed of this fine snow-white Irid is in fine
condition in the open ground in the quarters
devoted to Lily culture in the nursery of Mr.
H. A. Tracy, Amyand Park Road, Twickenham,
who stated that up to this season he, like many
others, has had but indifferent success with it.
Formerly he used to pot the bulbs in the spring,

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

TABEKN^MONTANA CORONAEIA.
This free - growing stove plant produces
pearly - white flowers from the points of the
young growths during the summer months.
Cuttings of 2 to 3 inches in length, taken
off any time in the year and inserted in small
pots filled with sandy soil, placed in a forc-
ing-house or pit and afforded water, will root
in due time. The rooted cuttings should be
potted singly into 72-size pots in fine peat, with a
Bprinkling of sand added, making this moderately
firm about the roots in potting ; return to heat
and afford water. "When the new growth has
' grown a few inches nip off the points, and repeat
this operation until bushy plants of the desired
size are obtained, these being shifted into larger
pots before the roots become matted until placed
in their flowering-pots, which may range from
8 to 10 inches in diameter. In potting employ
good turfy peat, with the addition of small

from the points of the individual young shoots=
during July and early part of August. These being
borne well above the dark-green narrow lanceo-
late serrated leaves, are very telling in effect, andi
command the attention and admiration of all who-
see the plants in flower ; therefore I cannot help
wondering why this charming Spiraea is not
better known and more extensively grown than
it appears to be. The plant is admirably adapted
for planting singly on lawns, alongside shrubbery
walks, or, indeed, in any position where plenty of
light and sunshine can reach it ; moreover, it*ia
a capital plant to cut from, as the flowers [keep

Fig. 65.— am excellent cyder atple tree in Devonshire.

and although they made fine foliage they did not
flower satisfactorily. This season the bulbs,
which were also rather small, were kept dry in
the bulb-shed until the first week in June, when
they were planted in a bed in the open ground.
They started into growth at once, and were
afforded water copiously until they all, without
exception, sent up flower-spikes. They were then
given weak liquid manure occasionally, and the
spikes became very strong and branched freely,
showing flowers in great profusion. J. O'B.

Spir.ka Anthony Watkbbb.
Anthony Waterer is one of the best, if not the
very best, of the shrubby Spineas. It is a profiue
flowerer, producing as it doe8 good-sized trusses

fresh a long time in a cut state. A good stock
of this showy and very useful shrubby plant
may be easily worked up from cuttings taken
early in September, or earlier, and inserted in>
4S-size pots, duly crocked, and filled with light
mould, and surfaced with silver-sand, stood in a
cold-frame, watered through a rose, and kept
close and shaded from bright sunshine for a fort-
night or so, will soon form root and leaf-growth,
when the little plants should be potted singly. in
small pots, returned to the frame, and watered,
keeping the frame close until the roots have taken
to the new soil, the plant; being then subjected.
to a free circulation of fresh air. prepai
to planting them out-of-doors in the spring
// \V W.

174

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 5, 1903.

REMARKS ON THE CONDITIONS
OF THE FRUIT CROPS.

(See Tables, .ante, pp. 72 — 77.)
(Continued from p. ]5J.)
Wiltshire. — The Apple, Pear, Plum, and
Cherry crops were almost totally destroyed by
the severe weather we had between April 8 and 25
with scarcely a break. The severest frosts
■occurred on the 17th, 18th, 20th, 23rd, 21th, and
25th, when we experienced from V to 12° of frost
•on each night. The only crops saved were those
against walls protected by glass copings and
netting suspended in front. T. Challis, The Gar-
dens, Wilton House, near Salisbury.

Apples, Pears, and Plums are a general

failure here, owing to the hard frost of April.
Morello Cherries, Strawberries, Currants, and
•Gooseberries turned out better than was antici-
pated. S. W. Tucker, Longford Castle Gardens,
Salisbury.

Lancashire. — The fruit crops were never so
Ibad in this district. Every fruit, except Straw-
berries, failed in consequence of late frosts.
That of 6° on the morning of June 21 finished the
•work of destruction ; Peas, French Beans, Potatos,
and other tender plants were either much injured
or killed outright. On July G we were visited by
& gale of wind from the west charged with salt
■spray brought a distance of 20 miles, which
proved as disastrous as the frost to many subjects;
•even the foliage of forest-trees looked as if they
had been subject to 10° of frost. Wm. P. Roberts,
■Cuerden Hall Gardens, Preston.

Cornwall.— The cold weather we had in the
•months of March and April destroyed most of the
blossom, and punished the wall-trees more than I
iave known for a number of years. All wall
•fruits are very scarce, and the Apple-crop is
•almost a failure. W. H. Bennett, Menabilly, Par
Station.

We had a magnificent show of blossom

•on all fruit trees, but the spring frosts were
disastrous. Apples, Pears, Peaches, and Apricots
•are utter failures, despite the dry June— we only
had 110 inches of rain. Strawberries have been
.remarkably fine and very good in flavour. Figs
promise to be a very good crop. Peach blister
was prevalent, but the trees have now outgrown
ut, and in common with all fruit trees are growing
■well. A. C. Bartlett, Pencarrow Gardens, Wash-
•away, R.8.0.

Devonshire.— With one or two exceptions the
(fruit crop is a failure. The autumn of last year
was wet and cold, and unfavourable for fruit
trees. Pears and Apples blossomed very well,
and I attribute the loss of crops to the unripened
■state of the wood. Geo. Baker, Membland Gardens,
Plymouth.

Apples, Pears and Plums are not nearly

so plentiful as last year, but what there are
appear to be clean and good. The sharp frosts
•experienced during April worked havoc with
Cherries and Pears, and though Apricots appeared
-to set all right, and Cherries too, a great
mumber have dropped during the stoning period.
Peaches and Nectarines are good, and Rasp-
berries have been abundant; also Strawberries,
•Gooseberries, and Red Currants. Cider prospects
are far from good, last year's making being sold
at 50s. a hogshead of 63 gallons. In some years it
•can be bought for half that price. James Mayne,
Bicton Gardens, East Budleigh.

Gloucestershire.— During the sixteen years
that I have resided in this locality I have not
seen so poor a crop of fruit. The only redeeming
feature is a sprinkling of Apples, of which the
•varieties Worcester Pearmain, Blenheim Orange,
and Cox's Orange Pippins are the best. Geo. W
Marsh, St. George's Nursery, Cheltenham.

The severe frosts of April, such as 9°, 10°,

11°, and as low as 20° of frost ! destroyed all
prospects of much fruit of any kind. We have
no Pears or Plums, and very few Apples.
William Keen, Bowden Hall Gardens, Gloucester.

Herefordshire. — Taken all round, the fruit-
crop is the worst we have experienced for many
years. Apples and Plums are a very small crop ;
Pears, Cherries, and Black Currants almost a
total failure. Other small fruits not good,
Gooseberries only turning out fairly well on
account of their having matured fruits from a
second crop of blossoms, the first time I have
ever known this. The damage was caused by
three days' very severe frost, which cut off every-
thing, even blossom-buds not showing colour.
John Watkins, Pomona Farm, near Hereford.

The only Apple carrying a good crop is

Stirling Castle ; and of Pears, Durondeau and
Marie Louise d'Uccle are the best. Apricots are
a total failure. Strawberries were a good crop,
especially the variety Laxton's Fillbasket.
Thos. Spencer, Goodrich Court Gardens, Boss.

Monmouthshire. — In these gardens the only
variety of Apples carrying a heavy crop is
Golden Summer Pippin, which, owing to its
position, escaped injury during the April frosts.
In many orchards the caterpillars of the Winter-
moth have again been most destructive. Peaches
and Nectarines are very good, and the trees are
clean and healthy. W. F. Wood, Llanfrechfa
Grange Gardens, Caerleon.

Few Apples, except some cider varieties,

carry fair crops, and Warner's King, Frogmore
Prolific, Lane's Prince Albert, The Queen, Cellini
Pippin, Lord Grosvenor, and Grenadier as bush
trees carry light crops. Pears are almost a total
failure, except some trees upon walls that were
protected in spring by canvas blinds. Similar
remarks apply to Plums. There is, however, a
light sprinkling of fruit upon some bush trees,
Victoria being the best. Cherries, with the ex-
ception of Morellos, are a complete failure ; and
Peaches and Nectarines are thin. T. Coomber, The
Hendre Gardens, Monmouth.

Somersetshire. — The worst crop I have expe-
rienced in thirty years. Splendid show till the
frost in April ; but even now we have fared better
than many. Gooseberries, Strawberries, and Mo-
rello Cherries were good. Apricots have suffered
in wood to a large degree. We have not 100
Pears in our garden, and not a sack of Apples.
John Crook, Forde Abbey Gardens, Chard.

Worcestershire. — There is little or no fruit
of the staple kinds. Here and there a few
orchards, or rather plantations, of Pershore
Plums have cropped moderately. There are
several notable exceptions in Apples, Court
Pendu Plat (the " Wise " Apple, properly called,
as the trees of this variety never bloom till all
danger of frost is over) ; Stirling Castle (a
regular cropper every season — truly this old
Apple should be planted extensively) ; School-
master, The Queen, Professor, and Pott's Seed-
ling— this latter bears also every season. A. Young,
Witley Court Gardens, Stourport.

Apples are very thin ; Lord Grosvenor,

Worcester Pearmain, The Queen, and Lane's
Prince Albert are the best. Several Peach-trees
have been almost killed by frost, although
partially protected. F. Jordan, Impney Gardens,
Droitwich.

The summary of the fruit crops on all

sides is that one has to record the most disastrous
all-round failure of a life experience. The only
spark of consolation is that the causes were
beyond human control, with comparatively few
exceptions. Pears are a complete failure in the
open, and there is only a sprinkling on best walls.
It is now an established fact that no fruit
blossom can stand from C° to 14° of frost for ten
nights in succession without serious injury. On

some of the above nights there were as much as
6° of frost at 10 p.m., increasing to 14' — indeed,
quite thick ice was formed during several nights,
consequently the tender fertilising organs of the
buds and flowers were completely frozen through
and utterly destroyed. This happened in the
middle of April, following upon the heels of a
mild winter and early spring. W. Crump,
Madresfield Court Gardens, Malvern.

WALES.

Carnarvonshire. — The most unsatisfactory
for forty years. — W. Speed, Penrhyn Castle
Gardens, Bangor.

Pembrokeshire. — A few of the hardiest Apples
have escaped, notably King of the Pippins and
Winter Hawthornden. Such fruits as Goose-
berries and Currants, which very rarely fail, were
a short crop this season. • George Griffin, Slebeck
Park Gardens, Haverfordwest.

(To be concluded.)

The Week's Work,

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq ,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Peach and Nectarine-trees. — When the fruits
have been gathered from early varieties, cut away
all wood that has carried fruit this season that
will not be required for extending the trees. The
sun's rays, which are necessary to mature the
wood, will then be more likely to reach all parts
of the trees. Aphis are especially troublesome this
season on the points of the shoots, and can best
be destroyed by dipping the ends into a vessel
containing one of the approved insecticides. Do
not permit the leaves to shade fruits that are
ripening ; and if birds and wasps are troublesome,
cover the trees with fine-meshed netting.

The Apricot. — The few fruits that escaped the
May frosts and got safely through the " stoning "
period have cracked badly, and are useless for
dessert purposes. Remove the laterals and sub-
laterals before they have made much growth,
and secure the leading growths to the wall, for
the wood being very brittle it is easily broken by
gales.

Hints on General Work. — Finish the planting
of Strawberries, so that they may become estab-
lished before winter. Autumn-fruiting varieties
have suffered from the heavy rains and low tem-
perature. Where the plants are growing on a
south or west border it is good practice to afford
them the protection of a cold frame ; but abund-
ance of air must be afforded during fine weather
by tilting the lights sideways. Remove all run-
ners that have formed lately upon the plants in
the open, and keep the Dutch hoe going between
the plants during fine weather. Morello Cherries
are now ripe, and if well protected from the wasps
and birds will keep in good condition on the trees
for several weeks. When fruit is required look
over all the trees and gather the mo3t forward.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller MUNDY.Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Late Tulips. — All the later-flowering kinds of
Tulips, such as the " Darwin," " Cottage,"
" English," " Parrot," also varieties of T. Ges-
neriana, and most of the true species require to
be planted earlier than the ordinary Dutch forms,
because they need a longer season for root-growth.
Bulbs, therefore, which were lifted a few weeks
ago and dried under cover, as advised, should
now have the outer scales rubbed off (especially
if these are not bright in appearance, but show
signs of fungoid spotting), and when they have
been sorted into sizes, they should be replanted. Do
not throw away the small bulbs, but plant them by
themselves, that they may develop into flowering
bulbs. By keeping a supply from such young
stock vigorous growth may be maintained in the
collection. If the soil is inclined to be heavy and
unsuited to Tulip-culture, it may be much im-
proved by a heavy dressing of river-sand or road-
grit, and if at all poor good rotten manure and

September 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

175

leaf -mould may be dug in deep enough to be well
below the bulbs when planted. Insert the bulbs
thickly enough to enable the plants to support
each other, and at the same time not to be
overcrowded. No general rule can be given
for this, as the leaf - growth varies greatly
according to the variety. From 4 inches to
G inches deep will be sufficient, choosing the
latter depth where the soil is light. T. Greigii,
T. Clusiana, T. persica, and T. Sprengeri, &c,
appear to prefer a comparatively sheltered posi-
tion on the rockery rather than a place in the
open.

Alliums. — Among the Alliums are several very
handsome species, perhaps the best-known of
which are A. moly, very suitable for planting in
warm soil in a sunny position ; and A. neapoli-
tanum, an excellent plant for naturalising in the
shade of trees. A. Ostrowskianum is an excellent
plant for the rockery ; and another good species
to plant is A. pedemontanum. Alliums are some-
what neglected, and the present being a good
time for planting, this note may be useful in
drawing attention to them.

Alpines. — In Alpine gardens and rockeries many
species are planted which are certain to succumb
if the winter be very wet. At this time of the
year small pieces of the various Saxifrages,
Sempervivums, &c, may be readily rooted in
shallow boxes containing gritty soil, and, if kept
in a dry frame during the winter, will be useful
to replace any established clumps that may fail. ■
Saxifraga pyramidalis especially, and some others,
will not winter out here unless planted so that
snow cannot lodge on them. Take slips or
cuttings of such as these now ; and it is a good
time to raise stock generally.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Maynk, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Eolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Greenhouse Climbers. — Tecomas, Bignonias,
Passifloras, Tacsonias, Cobsea scandens, and Man-
devilla suaveolens usually make so much growth
during the summer months that it becomes
injurious to plants growing beneath them unless
it is occasionally thinned out. This will be the
more necessary now that the days are getting
shorter, therefore cut the growth away freely
with a knife wherever it is at all crowded.
Heliotropes that appear untidy may be spurred
fairly close back, and will then flower again
about Christmas if afforded a little fire-heat early
in November, or as soon as frost or excessive
damp renders it desirable. Do not syringe Lapa-
gerias that are developing blooms. Bougain-
villea glabra and B. Sanderi, trained near the
glass roof in the orangery here, are making a
good show now, but the former is much brighter
and the flowers larger than those of B. Sanderi,
consequently the older variety is preferred.
Plants of Luculia gratissima or Pinceana growing
in beds or borders, and now setting their flower-
heads, should be kept drier overhead for a time,
and if there be any thrips the leaves had better
be sponged with soapy water.

Ferns. — Plants in small pots may be transferred
to larger ones if it is intended to keep them
growing. If it is found necessary to sow each
autumn to maintain a stock for thumb- pots,
select fertile fronds now ; but where plenty of
ventilation is afforded a fernery, there are
generally sufficient seedlings to be found among
the shingle or other staging material. Lay the
fronds with spores on sheets of paper, cover them.
and place them on a shelf until the spores are
ripe, when they may be sown in small shallow
pans filled with a peaty, sandy soil, made firm and
covered with sheets of glass. When germination
has taken place, remove the glass, and as soon as
the young plants are ready, prick them off into
other pans and keep them near to the glass. The
sun's rays being less powerful now, gradually
reduce the shading, especially in the case of
Adiantum cuneatum grown for cutting purposes.

Campanula, pyramidalis remains a very long
time in flower if kept in an airy structure, free
from overhead moisture, and its perfume is of
the sweetest. Any old plants that may not have
flowered should be transferred into pots a couple
of inches larger, to make good plants for flowering
next summer. Seedlings raised this year should

be fit for 8-inch pots, and may be afforded a
similar soil to that recommended for Richardias
three weeks since. Place the plants in full sun-
shine, and lay the pots on their sides during heavy
storms. This is necessary in the case of all
newly-potted plants standing in the open, and to
such greenhouse plants as Azaleas, Ericas,
Camellias, &c.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Miltonia Roezlii M. Bleuana. — These plants are
rather uncertain in their flowering season, and
often when they are healthy and vigorous they
produce two displays of flower in one year ; but
there is little doubt that those produced during
April and May are by far the best. At Weston-
birt the plants afforded a good display at that
season, and when the flower-spikes had been
removed, the plants which are cultivated in a
leaf-soil compost, were kept rather dry at the
roots until new growths began to push. These
growths are now commencing to make new roots,
any repotting therefore that is necessary may be
given attention. Their culture should be very
similar to that afforded M. vexillaria, except that
they need more heat, and should be placed in a
shady corner of the warmest house. The plants
give better results when the roots are confined,
over-potting should therefore be avoided.

Itlasdevallias. — The robust-growing species
succeed best in the cool-house, where they are
now fast completing their growth and making
new roots freely from the base. When these are
visible the plants may be repotted or topdressed
without delay. The compost should contain leaf-
soil, this being one of the many species that thrive
admirably in it. Use therefore equal parts of
rough leaves, turfy-peat, and fresh sphagnum-
moss, and add plenty of sand. Press this mode-
rately firm about the roots of the plants, and
cover the surface with a neat layer of clean moss.
Avoid over-potting, and make sure that perfect
drainage is supplied each pot. The most critical
time for these plants is that following the potting
process, before the roots have secured a good hold
of the compost. It is then most easy to over
water them, and thus lose many leaves. The
material should be in a moist condition when it
is used, so that some time will elapse before the
plants will need to be afforded more, which should
be a thorough soaking. The plants will also
need a little extra shade for a time ; but when
they are re-established, let them be placed close
up to the light so that newly-made leaves may
■mature. As the days become shorter much less
water will suffice, it being safest to keep them on
the dry side during winter.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pioott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Celery. — The earliest Celery should be well
blanched and fit for use. Afford later plantings
attention, that a good succession may be main-
tained. No watering need be done at present,
owing to recent rains. Remove side-shoots and
all decayed leaves, and when the plants are quite
dry draw small quantities of earth around them,
making it as fine as possible, and remembering
that much soil should not be applied at one time,
nor on any account should soil be placed above
the hearts of the plants. The latest batch for use
in March and April will not require to be earthed
until October or November, but the plants should
be looked over carefully, removing all offsets, and
keeping the surface-soil well stirred with the
Dutch-hoe. Dust the plants in the early morning
with fresh soot.

Cardoons, like Celery, should be blanched by
degrees. Place a few inches of stiff brown paper
round each stem first, following this up with hay-
bands, and finally banking -up the soil about
them. Choose fine days for the work, when the
plants will be quite dry.

Mushrooms. — When sufficient material has been
got togother and sweetened by frequent turnings
and exposure to the air, beds should be made in
the Mushroom-house to afford successional crops.
Let the beds be made to a depth of L' feet or
'J. feet G inches. Tread and beat the manure with

a wooden rammer as the building-up proceeds-,
for it is essential that the manure be made as firm
as possible. Do not spawn the bed until the heat
is declining to about 80°. Break the spawn into-
pieces as large as a turkey's egg, and put the
pieces into holes 3 inches deep made with the
hand at distances of 9 inches. Cover the spawn*
with manure taken from the holes, pressing it
back very firmly. Defer soiling the bed for a.
week, and in the meantime place over it a thin
covering of long stable - litter or straw. The
atmosphere of the house should be cool and
moist, avoiding fire-heat.

Tomatos. — The season has not been a good one-
for Tomatos out-of-doors. Expose the fruits to-
the sun and air as much as possible by keeping-
the plants free of all growth, and remove or cut-
back some of the leaves. Cut the fruits as soon,
as they show signs of colouring, and place them,
in a warm position indoors, where they will
finish ripening.

Beans. — See that Runner Beans are securely
staked against strong winds by placing extra
supports to keep them in an upright position.
Trim the loose growth away with the shears
after it has reached the top of the stakes.
Gather the pods when they are of moderate size... '
or they will become unfit for use. French Beans
sown in pits and frames should have the points-
of their growth pinched back to the seed-leaf as-
early as possible to induce them to branch.
Make another sowing in pots or heated pits.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Peaches and Nectarines. — If the trees intended
for forcing very early next season were forced last
season, they will need no encouragement to rest
at the proper time provided previous instructions
in regard to ventilation have been carried out,
and the trees were partially pruned after gather-
ing the fruit. Do all that is possible to retain,
the foliage clean and healthy until it ripens
naturally. It is important at this stage that the-
trees shall not suffer from a lack of water at the
roots ; much of the evil of bud-dropping in the
early months of the year is due to a deficiency of
root-moisture at this season. Thoroughly wash
with the hose or syringe the foliage upon trees
from which the fruit has recently been gathered.
Thin out the shoots that will not be required for-
fruiting next season or for extending the trees,
and throw the ventilators wide open, or, if
possible, remove the roof-lights altogether. If
the trees have borne an exhaustive crop, afford
them liquid-manure or other approved fertiliser.
Expose the fruits on later trees to the sunshine,
and syringe the trees in the morning and after-
noon until the fruits are approaching ripeness.

Vnheated Houses. — Houses containing late
varieties of the Peach and Nectarine should be
closed early in the afternoon that the sun-heat
may be preserved, which will aid the ripening of
the fruits, and mature the wood that will fruit-
next year. Open them again a little top and
bottom in the evening to dispel superfluous mois-
ture. Tie the shoots in thinly over the trellis, so
that light and air may freely circulate among
them. Remove all extra strong-growing and*
sappy shoots. When watering, liquid-manure
may be afforded aged and heavily cropped trees,
but clear water only should be given to young;
trees. Forcible syringings with clear water wilL
keep down red-spider, and if mildew is trouble-
some, dust the affected parts with flowers-of-
sulphur, removing and burning any fruits that
are badly affected.

Tomatos. — If not already done, pot on into well-
drained clean G-inch pots Tomatos for winter
fruiting, employing a compost consisting of three-
parts good fibrous loam, and one part loaf-mould,
adding a small quantity of chaired garden refuse,
mortar-rubble, and a sprinkling of " Veltha
Powder. Make the soil moderately firm, and if
possible place the plants thinly upon a base of
ashes in a pit close up to the roof-glass. Encou-
rage a sturdy short-jointed growth by free venti-
lation in fine weather, but in dull and sunless,
weather maintain a slight heat in the hot-water
pipes. Pat a stake to each plant, and grow on as
cordons, rubbing out the side-shoots ;is soon aa
they form.

170

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[September 5, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to tbe Publisher.

Illustrations. — The Editor mill thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, <fce. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEN.

I Royal Caledonian Horticul-
tural Society's Show in Wa-
verley Market, Edinburgh
(two days).
York Dahlia Show.

SATURDAY, Sept. 12— Royal Botanic Society Meet.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY, Sept. 7 to Sept. 11 —

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by

Protheroe & Morris, at 10 '£0 o'clock.
THURSDAY NEXT—

The whole of the plants at Cuckoo Hall Nursery,

Cuckoo Hall Lane, Lower Edmonton, by Protheroe

& Morris, at 12 o'clock.
•FRIDAY NEXT—

Orchids in variety, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by

Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30.
(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Tempebature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-60 7.
Actual Tempebatubes :—

London.— Sept. 2 (6 p.m.) : Max. 84°; Mln. 59'.

Sept. 3.— Fine, warm. 70°.
Provinces. — Sept 2 (6 p.m.): Max. 78", North of
Scotland ; Min. 50°, Home Counties.

By the aid of long experience

EhesideeofiflC and Persistent effort. h°rti-
Horticulture. culturists may fairly claim to
have made two blades of grass
.grow where one only grew before ; moreover,
the "grass" is of better quality. We get it
earlier, we gather it in later. The advan-
tages we have thus derived from improved
methods, more rigorous selection, and better
opportunities do but enable us to foresee
the infinitely greater benefits that we or
•our immediate successors may derive from
the application to practice of the lessons of
•science. As cultivators our concern is with
the living plant. The more we know of the
way in which the plant lives and of the
manner in which it carries out its life's
work, the fuller our knowledge of the con-
ditions and limitations under which these
operations are carried on, the greater will
be our success as practical men. Ordinary
routine work well carried on ensures a large
measure of success, but it affords no hope of
advancement, no chance of breaking new
.ground, no power of adapting ourselves to
■unforeseen conditions, or availing ourselves
of the ore which men of science are con-
stantly bringing to the surface for us to
utilise.

If these remarks appear transcendental
and unpractical we have but to turn to
the achievements of science in other de-
partments to be convinced that similar
results are within our reach also. Wireless
telegraphy, the penetration of otherwise
opaque substances by certain light rays,
are only two illustrations of the way in
which scientific discovery, at first regarded
-as unpractical, has vapidly been utilised for
the great benefit of humanity. Considera-
tions of this nature led us to welcome the
proposal that emanated from Professor
Beach, that an attempt should be made to
organise scientific work in relation to horti-
cultural practice. From some letters ad-
dressed to us by Professor Beach we are
.gratified to find that his proposal has already

been cordially welcomed in the United
States. Matters of this kind are not con-
fined to one nation, but they concern all
humanity, and hence, whilst, on the ground
of patriotism, we might have been pleased
if such a movement had originated in the
Old Country, we can but rejoice that it has
been well taken up in the New. Our cousins
have forged ahead of us in this matter,
the means at their disposal are larger and
more varied than any we enjoy; their ex-
periment stations, their colleges, the organi-
sation of their Government Agricultural
Department are all in advance of anything
we can show in the same line.

We have in mind more especially the
educational facilities enjoyed in the United
States and in Germany, and the abundant
opportunities afforded for research in those
countries. We do not for one moment over-
look what has been done and what is doing
at Kew and at Rothamsted. We have every
reason to be proud of those establishments
as unsurpassed in their way, but their work
lies upon such different lines that they are
above and beyond comparison.

Professor Beach, who is the " Horti-
culturist" of the New York Agricultural
Station at Geneva, N.Y., writes to us as
follows : —

' ' While the need of better organisation of
scientific work along horticultural lines has been
felt in this country for some time, I was quite
unprepared for so enthusiastic and generally
favourable a reception as the proposition met
with. I enclose a copy of the circular letter
announcing that organisation has been deter-
mined on.

" While we American horticulturists are en-
deavouring to take a step forward in the organi-
sation of our scientific work, we do not forget our
indebtedness to the mother country. How dif-
ferent would be the aspect of both the art and
the science in these United States had we never
had the assistance of English gardeners, and had
Kew never existed ! "

"The organisation of the Society for Horti-
cultural Science proposed in my circular letter of
June 30 has been decided on. The proposition
met with a wide and enthusiastic and almost
unanimously favourable reception among not only
horticulturists, but also a considerable number of
botanists and other scientists. The need of the
Society is keenly felt, and the time appears ripe
for inaugurating the new movement. An attend-
ance of at least thirty of those interested is
assured for the Boston meeting, and Professor
L. H. Bailey has consented to preside at the first
meeting.

" The circular letter has elicited various and
often divergent expressions of opinion as to the
organisation, affiliation and policy of the Society,
especially as to its affiliation. In order that the
whole subject may be gone over thoroughly and
deliberately, a preliminary meeting for organisa-
tion and conference will be held in the rooms of
the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Wednes-
day afternoon, September 9, at two o'clock. It is
hoped to have the fullest possible attendance at
this meeting. The headquarters of the Society
will be the same as those of the American
Pomological Society."

We hope to be able to record the results
later on.

"The Botanical Magazine '—Mr. W. B.

Hemsley, F.R S., Keeper of the Herbarium of
the Royal Gardens, Kew, is now associated with
Sir Joseph Hooker, in the editorship of this
periodical. A more appropriate appointment
could not have been made.

Mr. W. B. Latham. — A meeting of Nursery-
men, Gardeners, and others interested in horti-
culture was held on Saturday, August 22, to
consider the best means of recognising the many
years of valuable service rendered to horticulture
by Mr. W. B. Latham, who is resigning the cura-
torship of the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, and
at that meeting it was unanimously resolved to
entertain him at a Complimentary Dinner, to be
held at the Colonnade Hotel, New Street, Bir-
mingham, on Thursday evening, September 24,
and in the meantime to raise a fund for the
purpose of presenting him with a Testimonial
suitable to the occasion, and such that will
represent the good wishes of all lovers of horti-
culture in Birmingham and district. In addition
to having held the curatorship for thirty-five
years, he has been Chairman of the Birmingham
Chrysanthemum Society for thirty years, of the
Gardeners' Association for seventeen years, and
of the Birmingham Spring Flower Show (at one
time held in the Town Hall) for fifteen years,
thus establishing a unique record of useful
activity in the interest of horticulture. Mr. J.
Hughes, High Street, Harborne, is th'e Hon. Sec.

Novelties from Quedlinburg. — We have
received from Mr. Roemer, of Quedlinburg,
Germany, a plant of Begonia semperflorens
Golden King. It is described as a variegated
sport of the darkest Begonia semperflorens Zulu
King, that was introduced in the autumn of 1897.
The plants of this novelty, as grown under glass,
are of a stout and regular bushy habit, and branch
freely. The leaves are very small, round, upright,
and bright sulphur-yellow coloured, marked some-
times with spots or blotches of an orange colour.
The nerves or veins of the leaves are sometimes
of the same yellow colour, but at other times of a
lively green colour. The flowers are rich crimson,
and the seed-pods crimson - red. When this
Begonia is planted out the yellow colour becomes
bright carmine or carmine-rose on the margin of
the leaves. Mr. Boemer states : " All the other
yellow-leaved varieties of B. semperflorens, such
as B. semperflorens atropurea foliis aureis, and
also of Begonia semperflorens Golden Ball, are
less attractive than Golden King, and the flowers
of Golden Queen are deeper in colour."

A variegated helianthus. — Mr. Roemer also
sends us a plant of a variegated Helianthus, of
which he states " most of the plants of Harpalium
rigidum foliis aureis, or Helianthus rigidus foliis
aureis, are about 5 feet in height. They are
vigorous in habit and branch freely. The rough
leaves are bright sulphur-yellow coloured, some-
times variegated with green. The flowers are of
good size and of a darker colour than the leaves.
I dare say there are few perennials that have
such bright foliage, and I am sure it will be found
valuable for planting in groups or in beds ; but
single plants will also be very effective. The
plants are perfectly hardy and have withstood
several winters with me in the open ground with-
out any protection or covering. Last year about
oO per cent, of the seedlings came true from seed.

Dr. Augustine Henry.— Scientific circles
have been rejoiced by the return to London
of this genial and accomplished man, a native
of Ireland, who went out to China, and has
now retired from the Chinese Customs after
a service of twenty years. He is a distin-
guished botanist and ethnologist, and delivered
two lectures in the Cork Exhibition, on Wednes-
day evening, August 26, at 8.30, on "Primitive
Folk of China " ; and on Thursday evening,
August 27, on " Forests, Wild and Cultivated."
Dr. Henry, who is an accomplished and in-
teresting speaker, has the art of using his
learning lightly. He has enriched the Herba-
rium at Kew with many thousands of plants,
a large proportion previously unrecorded, and
ha? contributed many articles to these columns

September 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

177

on Chinese plants. He lias also made a special
study of the characteristics and usages of the sin-
gular and thrifty people among whom he spent
some of the most active years of his life. The lec-
tures above alluded to were illustrated with slides
from Dr. Henry's valuable photographs. Having,
while in China, been impressed by the forests
there and the choice wood-craft, or rather wood-
working, thrift and skill of the Chinese, Dr.
Henry has taken up forestry as a special study,
and has inspected some of the best-managed
forests, not only in Great Britain and Ireland, but
also on the Continent, and in tropical regions as
well. Quite recently a visit to the sandy Landes
of France, where Pinus maritima (Pinaster) has
succeeded so well, convinced him that much
good work of a similar kind, viz., the reclamation
and planting of waste and barren tracts of land,
might be profitably carried out elsewhere, especi-
ally in Ireland. He is at present assisting in the
production of a sumptuous work on trees, the
inception of a well-known traveller and scientific
iiaturalist, who has seen trees and forests, wild
and cultivated, in nearly every part of the world.
Dr. Henry is still in the prime of life, his energy
and enthusiasm are alike remarkable, and he will
carry with him in his new spheres of labour the
good wishes, not alone of his many personal
friends, but of all interested in forestry, ethno-
logy, botany, and the political economy of our
native land. F . W. B.

The Iceland Poppy.— Messrs. Storrie &
Storrie, of Dundee, have kindly sent us a few
flowers of a peculiarly fascinating strain of this
lovely Poppy, the flowers of which present
delightful combinations in colour-shades, par-
ticularly of yellow, orange, rose, and red. Some
of them are flaked similar to those shown at the
Holland House show on June 25, when the strain
was distinguished by an Award of Merit.

THE NEW FROGMORE. — A correspondent
"writes : — " There is going on in the Royal gar-
dens at Frogmore a process of change or evolu-
tion that bids fair to make not only a new but a
vastly improved Frogmore. As rapidly as a big
staff of men under Messrs. Mackenzie & Moncur,
of Edinburgh, can perform the work, all the old
glass structures are being cleared away, and in
their place are being erected lofty and broad
vineries, Peach, Fig, and other houses, running
•east and west of the entrance which fronts Mr.
Mackellar's residence. On the west side the
touses vary a little in breadth ; on the east side
they will be all three-quarter spans, and more
Jofty. Fronting these will be borders and a
broad walk ; in front, a long glass corridor, from
the south side of which will radiate a series of
span plant, Melon, Cucumber, and other bouses.
Two huge boilers will furnish the heat required,
and the whole of the hot-water pipe mains will
i he laid in a series of deep, broad, brick subways,
now being constructed, so that all repairs or other
needful attention can be given without opening
the ground. The splendid bothies have already
been described and illustrated in these pages.
That the change or evolution thus being effected
was needed there can be no doubt ; still it is but
what we are entitled to look for in the gardens of
the King of Great Britain, where all should be
i of the very best. It is something on those lines
we hope in time to see evolved out of the new
i Chiswick at Wisley, where a bold designer and an
• able gardener, such as Frogmore has, might
i create a grand garden worthy of the horticulture
of Great Britain."

. First Garden City.— It would appear that

I this scheme has taken definite shape, and that

I operations will shortly be commenced in the

laying out of some 4,000 acres of land near to

Hitchin, on the Great Northorn line from King's

Cross. The site is near the railway junction at

.Hitchin, and the land is stated to be all that

could be desired for the mixed purposes of resi-
dential, factory, and agricultural operations.
Water, the promoters state, is found in abund-
ance, and there are various roads over the
property, which is now in the hands of a strong
firm prepared to do all that is necessary for the
formation of the first Garden City.

The " Belvedere."— Quite recently a very
ornamental annual plant, about 2 feet in height,
of dense pyramidal habit, light green linear
leaves turning eventually to purple, was exhibited
by Messrs. Cannell, and attracted much atten-
tion, as suitable for bedding and other decorative
purposes. It was soon recognised as a Chenopod
or Goosefoot, known to botanists as Kochia
scoparia, but long cultivated in gardens, though
now almost forgotten, so that we failed to find
any references to it in Nicholson's Dictionary.
Turning over Miller's Gardeners' Dictionary
(eighth edition, 1768), we came across the follow-
ing account of the plant, which we deem of
sufficient interest to quote : —

" [Chenopodium (Scoparia).— Goosefoot with a hairy
Flax-leaf, commonly called Belvedere, or Summer
Cypress.]

" The third sort is sometimes cultivated in gardens ;
it is a beautiful plant, which is naturally disposed to
grow very close and thick, and in as regular a pyramid
as if cut by art. The leaves are of a pleasant green ;
and were it not for that, it hath so much the appear-
ance of a Cypress-tree that at some distance it might
be taken for the same by good judges. The seeds
should be sown in autumn ; and in the spring, when
the plants are come up, they may be planted into pots
of good earth, and kept supplied with water in dry
weather : these pots may be intermixed with other
plants to adorn court-yards, <Sic, where they will appear
very handsome, until their seeds begin to swell and
grow heavy, which weigh down and displace the
branches ; at which time the pots should be removed
to some abject part of the garden, to perfect their
seeds, which if permitted to fall upon the ground will
come up the next spring, so that you need be at no
more trouble in propagating these plants, but only to
transplant them where you intend they should grow."

The plant is an annual, and a native of Central
and Southern Europe. It is the Chenopodium
Scoparia of Linn.eus, and derived its name from
" scopse," meaning thin branches suitable for
making brooms j or from " seoparius," a sweeper.
By some it has been identified with the " scopa
regia of Pliny (Book xxi., cap. vi.), " Non levior
ei, qiiam scopam regiam appellant ; quanquam
folia ejus olent, non flores." Here a comparison is
made with the perfume of " Caltha " ; but whilst
it is the flowers of Caltha which are fragrant, it
is the leaves of the Scopa regia which have that
property. The identification of the Scopa regia
of Pliny with Kochia Scoparia of modern botanists
seems very doubtful, for although the dried twigs
might serve for a light broom, the leaves are
destitute of fragrance, or have a slight weedy
odour which is scarcely agreeable. Linnjeus, as
it will be noticed, wrote the specific name with a
capital S, and was at no pains to make the generic
and specific names of the same gender, whence it
is to be inferred that Scoparia was originally
used as the name of a genus. Someone who has
leisure at command might probably light on the
name in some old herbal ; we have looked in vain
in Gerard and Chabraeus. The Scoparia dulcis
of Linnscs is a totally different thing.

The London Dahlia Union. — We are
informed that, owing to the closing of the Eoyal
Aquarium, Westminster, the annual display of
Dahlias made by the Union, which comprises all
the leading Dahlia-raisers and cultivators of the
day.willtakeplacein the Prince's Hall of the Earl's
Court Exhibition, which is near the entrance in the
Warwick Road, on Wednesday and Thursday,
September 1G and 17. It is during this particular
week that the popular Cactus Dahlia is seen at its
best, and on this occasion there will be on view
not only all the finest new varieties of the present
year, but several from abroad, including some
very singular and interesting variations of the

type, of home and foreign production. As the
Dahlia show will form a part of the General
Exhibition it is free to all who pass the gates,
and the flower-loving public will have an oppor-
tunity of witnessing one of the largest exhibi-
tions of all types of the Dahlia ever seen in
London. The Secretary and Manager is Mr.
Richard Dean, V.M.H., Ealing, London, W.

"The Official Handbook to the Public
Parks of Leeds and Kirkstall Abbey." —

This guide, by Arthur T. Allsop, Parks Super-
intendent, is superior to most books of its class,
and certainly deals with details of a city deserving
of carefully - written descriptions. The open
spaces seem to be kept up on the wise principle
that a park should be a park, and a playground
a playground; and that sports and games are im-
portant adjuncts, as well as museums and schools.
Judging by the letterpress and the many illus-
trations, Mr. Allsop manages an important task
with much skill. In his Handbook he mentions
the various parks and recreation-grounds about
Leeds, telling us something of the bird -life
therein, while we read also of the attractions of
Woodhouse Moor and Ridge, and of Kirkstall
Abbey, and various other interesting places near
Leeds. In connection with all, we must remember
the difficulties attendant upon all horticultural
operations when carried on in the vicinity of a
large and crowded city.

ANOMOTHECA CRUENTA— This pretty little
Irid is a native of the Cape of Good Hope,
whence it was introduced long ago ; but up to
the present time wo were not aware that it had
any claims to be considered a hardy plant.
Captain Rogers, however, has sent us from
Plymouth a drawing of the plant, which he tells
us has come up regularly for the last three
years in his stable-yard, near the root of a Plum-
tree, and in a situation where it gets no benefit
from the morning sun, and indeed only a scanty
supply of sunlight for the rest of the day.

"Holidays in North Germany." — The

publishers (for the Great Eastern Railway) send
us, from 30, Fleet Street, a tempting handbook,
edited by Percy Lindley, and telling us about
holidays in North Germany. Greatly increased
facilities now exist for visiting Berlin and the
interesting old towns of Brunswick, Hanover,
Hildesheiin, &c, combined with the picturesque
Hartz Mountains district. The route recom-
mended is the much-advertised one vi'i the Hook
of Holland, and is certainly direct and convenient*

Old-Time Names.— Mr. Divers sends us
some extracts from a seed-list of 1710, in which
mention is made of " Dutch Admirals, Hottspur
Beans, Belvedere Double Larksheel, Wing Pease,
and Cirdus," and asks us to say to what varie-
ties these names severally apply. We do not
know what Dutch Admirals are. Perhaps some
of our correspondents can help us in this matter.
Hottspur Peas are mentioned in Miller's Gar-
deners' Dictionary. Belvedere is none other than
Kochia scoparia, recently re - introduced, but
known in Miller's time as Summer Cypres?.
Larksheel is synonymous with Larkspur. The
winged Pea Pisum (Ochrus) is described as
having an entire leaf, sending out tendrils.
Cardus (? Carduus or 'i Cardoons), we cannot find
the name. It may be interesting to quote the
names of the Peas given in the eighth edition of
Miller's book, dat?d 170M, the first in which the
Linnean nomenclature was adopted, and there-
fore a book of very great interest. Here are the
names of the Peas :— The Golden Hotspur, the
Charlton, the Reading Hotspur, Masters' Hotspur,
Essex Hotspur, the Dwarf Pea, the Sugar Pea,
Spanish Morotto (sic), Nonpareil, Sugar Dwarf
Sickle Pea, Marrow Fat, Dwarf Marrow Fat, Rose
or Crown Pea, Rouncival Pea, Gray Pea, and Pig
Pea. It is interesting also to note that the Crown

178

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

[SEPTEMBER 5, 190EK

Pea, then called Pisum uinbellatum, was grown in
these times; indeed, it is described and figured in
Gerard's Herbal (1597), under the title of Tufted
or Scotch Pease, long before the silly story got
afloat that this was obtained from an Egyptian
mummy-case, whence the name Mummy Pea,
under which name we generally get some speci-
mens every year. The appearance is due to a
fasciation or blending of several stalks into one
ribbon-like stem, surmounted by a "crown" of
flowers and pods at the top.

Croydon Horticultural Mutual Im-
provement Society. — On the 26th ult. about
thirty members visited Burford Lodge, and
through the kindaess of Sir Tkevor Lawrence

Tea, J. B. Carruthers.— Report on the Trivandrutn Mu-
seum and Public Gardens, 1901-1902. The season was not
unfavourable for the plants ; the number of these was
greatly increased. — West Indian Bulletin, vol. iv.. No. 2.
Contents : Ground-nuts in the West Indies, W. G. Free-
man ; Cultivation of Pine-apples, Bay Oil, and Bay
Bum, Culture and Uses of Eucalyptus, &c.

DAHLIAS.

Now that Dahlias are to the fore, we have the
opportunity once again of figuring the very beau-
tiful D. imperialis, or Tree-Dahlia. This attains
such a height that it is only in establishments
provided with lofty structures that it has room
to develop. Indeed, the last time we saw it, it
had to be laid low to exhibit its attractive lilac

FlG. 66.— DAHLIA IMPERIALIS, GROWING IN QUEENSTOWN, CAPE COLONY.

the party was shown round the gardens by Mr.
Bain, the head gardener. In the afternoon
Albury Park, the residence of His Grace the
Duke of Northumberland, was the rendezvous,
and an inspection was made of the spacious gar-
dens and pleasure-grounds. Fine weather was
experienced throughout the day. This was the
fourth annual outing.

Publications Received.— BuUetindiiJardinim-

perialBotanique de St. Petersbnurg, Tome III., Lirraison 5.
Michigan State Agricultural College Experiment station
Horticultural Department — Vegetables and Bunk Fruits,
byL. B. Taft and M. L. Dean.— Agricultural Bu'letin of
the Straits and Federated Malay Straits, June. Edited by
H. N. Ridley. The contributions to th's periodical
relate chiefly to the cultivation and extraction of
rubber.— Circulars and Agricultural Journal of the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Ceylon, January : The Tea Tortrix ;
April: Report by the Controller of the Experiment
Station, Peradeaiya, Herbert Wright; May: The Lob-
ster Caterpillar, E. E. Green ; July : Root Disease in

flowers. The specimen we now figure (fig. 66)
is growing in the Botanic Garden, Queenstown,
Cape Colony, and we are indebted to the Secre-
tary, Mr. F. Bernick, for the illustration. The
plant was figured in our columns on April 2, 1870,
p. 459. It may be added that Queenstown is in
32° S. lat., and has an elevation of 3,500 feet
above the sea, which is over 100 miles distant.

In our Supplementary Illustration the
garden Dahlia is represented by one of the
newer varieties of the " Cactus "-flowered type.
" Cheals' White " has thin, long, narrow florets,
which incurve towards the centre, a characteristic
that has been described as " claw-like," and being
of moderate size, it is a very good specimen of
the Cactus Dahlia. Some remarks upon the
judging of this type will be found on p. 181, in
the report of a lecture delivered at the Drill
Hall.

KEW NOTES.

Impatiens Oliveri. — This is a new introduc- |
tion from Uganda which we owe to Sir John
Kirk, who collected seeds of it in that country, i
and sent them to Kew with the following-
particulars : — *' Impatiens, found 390 mile©
inland up railway ; altitude 6,800 feet in volcanic j
rock or tufa ; stems ereet, fleshy, 4 feet high -.
flowers white, grows in clumps." The plants now
flowering at Kew have stems 2 feet high, branched
from the base, the leaves in whorls, oblanceolate, ,
3 to 6 inches long, the margins clothed with
bristle - like cilia ; flowers several on a, slender
pedicel 3 to 4 inches long, of the same form as ;
those of I. Sultani, but 2\ inches across, and of a>
clear blush-pink colour paling to white in the*
centre ; spur 2 inches long, white. This is |
perhaps the largest-flowered of all the Impatiens,
and promises to be a first-class garden plant. It I
grows freely in a cold house, and may proves I
hardy enough to be grown out-of-doors in
summer.

Camptosema rubicundum.

The genus Camptosema attracted some atten-
tion a few years ago, when C. grandiflorum was.
introduced from Brazil. We grew that plant" in.
a stove at Kew, but it was never satisfactory. A
much better garden plant is C. rubicundum, also-
a native of South America, but perfectly happy in>
a greenhouse along with Tacsonia van Volxemi,
where it grows along a rafter and produces Wis-
taria-like racemes of bright ruby-red flowers.
Fifty years ago it was grown in the Palm-hous&
at Kew, where it formed " a climbing shrub of
great length ; the older portions of the stem as
thick as one's finger, the young leafy branches-
slender ; leaves trifoliate, dark green." It was
introduced into cultivation under the name of
Kennedya splendens, and was said to be from
New Holland. It is a very suitable plant for
covering verandahs, &c, in subtropical countries,
and also for pillars in warm greenhouses.

Oldenbergia arbuscula.

A plant of this remarkable Composite has beem
in flower for some weeks in the Cape-house at-
Kew, where it has grown in sixteen years from a.
seed to an erect, thick-stemmed, unbranched
shrub 3 feet high, with felted leaves like those of?
Eriobotrya, but shorter, and a large head of
purplish flowers. In some notes of Cape plants
published in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1887, 1
gave the following particulars of this plant : — It
is common on the hills about Grahamstown, being;
largest and healthiest on the highest and most
exposed hills, where there is little soil. From a.
few seeds brought home by me we have raised
plants. Although a free and abundant flowerer,
its great heads (often a foot across, and composed
of a mass of purple flowers) being plentiful
enough, yet it is only rarely that seeds are.
ripened. I believe this is the first time this
plant has been flowered in Europe, although it
has been in cultivation before. It is totally un-
like any other Composite in cultivation. In>
Grahamstown it forms a shrub something like-
Rhododendron Falconeri. A figure of it will
shortly be published in the Botanical Magazine.

Kleinia Galpini.
Although introduced from the Transvaal to-
Kew in 1890, and described in the Botanical
Magazine in 1892 (t. 7,239), this really attractive-
greenhouse plant has not yet received much,
notice. There is a group of it now in flower in
the Cape-house at Kew, where its succulent
silvery foliage, bright orange-coloured flower-
heads, and compact habit give it quite a distinct
and ornamental appearance. It is easily grown,
can be propagated from leaf-cuttings, and it
flowers freely. In a summer like the present it

September 5, 1903.]

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

179

•would not perhaps be a first-class plant as a
fcedder, but in a sunny clime I have no doubt
that it would form a large, cushion-like mass of
silvery foliage, studded over with bright orange
■flower-heads. It is the handsomest of ail the
species of Kleinia, a genus peculiar to Africa,
and although for a time merged in Senecio, now
again restored by Kew.

Orchids.

The following are specially noteworthy as being
in flower at Kew : Habenaria carnea, an excep-

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

HELP REQUIRED.— Willyou permit me through
your columns to solicit the support and interest
of anyone who has influence with the Governors
of the Royal Hospital for Incurables, Putney, on
behalf of James E. Green, formerly a gardener,
but who has been totally paralysed for the last
nine years ? This case is strongly recommended
by Mr. H. Veitch, Mr. Ingram, also by Dr. Wilson
of Weybridge, and Captain G. A. Webbe. I
should be glad to receive any promises of votes.
The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society, through

LATE-FLOWERING APPLES.— Some years ago I
crossed Court Pendu Plat with some pollen from
Wyken Pippin, and as a result I got several seed-
lings, only one of which is of any use. This is a very
good-flavoured Apple, similar in appearance to
but larger than Wyken Pippin, and is, I think,
likely to prove a good late-keeping dessert fruit.
It retains in a marked degree the late-blooming
qualities of the parent. I have this season sent
grafts to one of our leading fruit-tree specialists
for trial, and have also worked some myself on
the Broad-leaf and Nonsuch Paradise stocks for
trial. W. E. Wallace, The Nurseries, Eaton Bray,
Dunstable.

-A GROUP OF LATE-FLOWERED HIPPEASTRUMS EXHIBITED AT THE SHREWSBURY SHOW BY CArTAIN HOLFORD,
WESTONBIRT, TETBURY, GR., MR. A. CHAPMAN. (SEE ANTE, P. 14(i.)

tionally good example ; Bulbophyllum grandi-

florum, with seven large bird-like flowers ; B.

mandibulars, B. barbigerum, B. saltatorium ;

Megaclinium platyrachis, the most remarkable

species of a very peculiar genus j M. angustum ;

Angrtecum Eichlerianum, with about twenty large

white flowers, which have been open about two

J anonths and are still fresh ; Dipodium pictum ;

! Neobenthamia gracilis, which has the appearance

, -of a Bamboo, and terminal clusters of white

■flowers suggestive of Hoya carnosa ; Stenoglottis

longifolia, a most useful Orchid, easily grown and

i .nearly always in flower, its erect elegant racemes

•of bright purple flowers being of the kind that

florists find valuable for bouquets, &c. The

white form of it is also in flower. W. W.

its Committee, has rendtrel valuable help to this
candidate. The Benevolent Society deserves all
the help we gardeners can give it. I hope to be
again able to organise a concert on its behalf, and
would be glad of the help of anyone living within
reasonable distance of Chertsey. The concert
will be early in November. A. J. Broun, School of
Handicrafts, Chertsey.

POLYGALA VULGARIS, WHITE VARIETY, ETC.
— On the 22nd inst., while out hotanising, I
found a pure white specimen of Polygala vul-
garis, the Milkwort. Will you kindly inform me
whether this is a rarity or not? fit is nat
common. En.] I also found pure white speci-
mens of Ballota nigra (or perhaps B. alba, Benth,
and Hook.), and Prunella vulgaris. Bockciit,
Penarth, S. Wales.

Your correspondent refers to a matter

of some moment to British fruit - growers —
one, moreover, greatly accentuated in this
terribly trying year. Not only are they to
be commiserated on their present and periodical
losses owing to the vicissitudes of our climate,
but also on account of the adverse criticism to
which they are so constantly subjected. Anything
that tan be dono to improve the prospects of
home growers is well worthy the attention of
your correspondent and all well-wishers. My
chief object in sending you this communication
is to suggest that not only should an attempt be
made to increase the varieties of late-flowering
Apples and all other hardy fruits, but also
of those particular but limited number of
varieties which are prono to carry crops year
by year, as a very exceptional few really do. 1

180

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 5, 1903.

will confine these remarks to Apples, and in-
stance such varieties as the too little known
variety Golden Spire,' which always crops, and
with me is as good this year as in other years.
It is a thin-branched, wiry-habited tree, with
insignificant flowers, which it seems to set in
all weathers. Bismarck again is a fairly free
setter, though very different in matter of flowers,
foliage, and habit. It is fruiting here this
season, notwithstanding Keswick Codlin is quite
bare. Then there are Potts' Seedling, Margil, &c,
which are likely subjects to work upon in this
direction, always bearing in mind that the pollen
parent most generally influences intercrosses.
William Earley.

■ Mr. Edward Hobday's suggestion in re-
lation to the desirability of obtaining a race
of late-flowering Apples is interesting, although
it may not result in securing for Apple bloom
immunity from frost. The first thing to ascer-
tain from all who grow Court Pendu Plat
is how far the bloom of that variety may have
escaped frost and is now producing fruit. In
all the gardens I have been into, in not one
case has that variety been pointed out to me
as specially fruiting. Do not let us forget
that the early flowering of Apple-trees, as of all
others, this year was largely due to the exception-
ally warm weather we had early in the year.
But for that fruit-bloom would have been a
fortnight later. But I find not a few observers
who do not attribute all the present fruitlessness
to the frosts. They think that last season's
ungenerous weather is largely the cause of com-
parative bloom weakness or pollen deficiency. If
that be so, we cannot have very high hopes for
a fruit crop next year. A. D. [Several of our
correspondents have referred appreciatively to
this variety in their remarks upon the fruit crops.
Instances appear on p. 174. Ed.]

The interesting note of Mr. Edward Hob-
day has set me looking over my note-book, in
which I have from time to time recorded the crop-
ping of those varieties which have come under my
observation in vaiious home counties. In addition
to seeing these varieties growing, the majority are
also on the market. Mr. Gladstone, Juneating
(both white and red), and Beauty of Bath ; Quar-
renden, Duchess, Favourite, Cox's Orange, King
of the Pippins, very heavy crop, but hanging
badly. Culinary : Keswick Codling (heavy crop),
Lord Suffield, Golden Spire, Stirling Castle (heavy
crop), Worcester Pearmain, Cellini, Manx Cod-
ling, Ecklinville, Blenheim Orange, Prince Albert
(Lane), Dumelow's Seedling (Wellington), and
Hawthornden (new). Some of these, as recently
as August 29, at Worthing, I saw hanging in full
crop. At Twickenham (Orleans House) there is
a very full crop of Wellingtons, &c. At Finchley,
Stirling Castle is particularly heavy. At Brent-
ford, King of the Pippins is extra good. As good
Apples come into the market I learn the district
from which they are grown. Worcester Pearmain,
is good from Canterbury. (Stephen Castle.

A BIG PRICE FOR POTAT08.— We have sold
to a speculating buyer 2 tons of Northern Star
for JE317, and he has already refused .£400 for
them. It is turning out all that is claimed for it,
being a strong grower, an abundant cropper, of
good quality, and free from disease. It is expected
that this Potato will make £400 a ton before
Christmas. There are plenty of buyers, but few
sellers. Home Sr Sons, Cliffe, Rochester.

SPECIFIC NAMES. — If your correspondent will
refer to the note by the Rev. C. Wolley-Dod in
the Gardeners' Chronicle for August 8 last, he will
find that the suppression of the initial capital to
a personal adjective in the Kew Hand-Lists is not
" a specimen of carelessness in compilation or in
proof-reading," but was deliberately adopted, and
is described by Mr. Wolley-Dod as " logical and
consistent." Roylei, Novae-Zelandias, and Mol-
davica are all substantives, the latter being the
name of a suppressed genus. The imputation in
a widely-circulated journal of " carelessness " in
the preparation of works issued from a public
establishment is a serious matter, unless it can
be clearly justified by facts ; and this, it appears
to me, your correspondent has not succeeded in
doing. W. T. Thiselton-Dyer.

I may perhaps be allowed to say that

Mr. Batson, and not Sir W. Thiselton - Dyer,
seems to me to have misunderstood the ques-
tion at issue. I am sorry if I stated the case
obscurely in my first letter to the Gardeners'
Chronicle on the subject. The innovation to
which I called attention, with an expression of
entire approval, referred only to adjectives
derived from personal names when used as bo-
tanical specific names. These have hitherto been
written with an initial capital letter ; but in the
last edition of the Kew Hand-Lists they are
written with an initial small letter, as geo-
graphical adjectives have always been. No
change is made in the old rule for writing geo-
graphical or personal nouns in specific names.
To come to Mr. Batson's examples. In the name
Erigeron Roylei, Roylei is a noun substantive,
and therefore has a capital, as before ; but royle-
ana is an adjective, and therefore has now an
initial small letter. In the other examples from
the Kew Herbaceous Hand-List, Acsena Nova?-
Zelandise : Novae - Zelandiae is a geographical
proper name and a noun substantive, and as such
has always been written in specific names with an
initial capital ; if it had been novre-zelandicae it
would have had an initial small letter. Similar
names are Aster Nova>AngliEe, and A. Novi-
Belgii, which have always been so written.
Acantholimon assyriacum is consistent with the
rule ; if the name were A. Assyria? it would have
a capital. Dracocephalum Moldavica is quite
consistent with the old rule. If Mr. Batson will
refer to the Index Kewensis, he will find that Mol-
davica is an old genus of Tournefort, now ab-
sorbed in Dracocephalum. Such names have
always been written in good botanical works with
a capital letter, being used as nouns in apposi-
tion. I may further say that, having, for my
amusement, looked very carefully through the
last edition of the Kew Herbaceous Hand-List as
soon as published, I am prepared to stand sponsor
for it, and to assert that it contains no incon-
sistencies in the application of the new rule. If
Mr. Batson can find any, and will send them to
me, I will explain them. A very few typo-
graphical errors which I found were sent by me
to the Director of Kew, and courteously accepted
by him. Tlese are all noted in my own copy of
the Hand-List. C. Wolley-Dod, Edge Hall, Malpas.

Obituary

Mr. William Housley. — We regret to have
to annoimce the death, on the 25th ult., of this
gentleman. He had been secretary of the Shef-
field Chrysanthemum Society for fourteen years.
and was highly respected. At his funeral a large
number of representative members of the Sheffield
and other Chrysanthemum Societies were pre-
sent, and a still larger number testified their
regard by sending wreaths. Mr. H. Willford,
96, Greenhow Street, Walkley, Sheffield, is acting
as secretary for the time being, and all commu-
nications relating to the Society should be
addressed to him at the above address.

SOCIETIES.

ROTAI HORTICULTURAL.

September 1 —Tuesday last being the occasion on
which the Royal Horticultural Society's hospitality
was extended to the National Dahlia Society, ordinary
exhibits at the Drill Hall, Westminster, were not
encouraged. The Dahlia show requires the whole of
the space on the ground floor, and the parent society
therefore could only invite its regular exhibitors to
show new plants, flowers, fruit, or vegetables that were
submitted for certificates. The Committees sat up-
stairs in the canteen, and there were displayed most
of the exhibits that were not Dahlias.

The Orchid Committee recommended two Awards
of Merit and one First class Certificate.

The Floral Committee recommended nine Awards
of Merit and one First-class Certificate, five of these
awards being to new species of Vitis, introduced from
China by Messis. J. Veitch ifcSONS. No novelty gained
an award from the Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

In the afternoon a lecture upon " Judging Cactus

Dahlias " was read by Mr. C. G. Wyatt, and upwards oS>
twenty new Fellows were elected to the privileges oi.'
the Society.

The Dahlia show, of which a full report is given in.
another column, was very satisfactory.

Floral Committee.

Present: H. B. May, Esq. (Chairman); and Messrs.
R. Dean, C. T. Druery, J. F. McLeod, W. Howe, G.
Reuthe, W. Bain, H. Turner, C. K. Pearson, Chas.
Jeffries, R. W. Wallace, Rev. F. Page Roberts, R. C-
Notcutt, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, Geo. Paul, W.
Marshall, J. Walker, J. Fraser, E. T. Cook, and John
Green.

Messrs. W. Wells & Co , Earlswood Nurseries,
Redhill, showed an attractive group of Chrysanthemum ■
flowers, from plants growing in the open. These*
included the excellent border varieties Carrie (rich,
yellow), Pearlie (rose coloured), Champ de Neige^
(white), Gertie, Goacher's crimson, Blush Beauty, and1
another mentioned under "Awards."

Hobbies, Limited, Dereham, Norfolk, exhibited'
several new varieties of Fuchsias, and some pretty
little plants of Iris pallida foliis variegatis, in which-
the variegation was particularly distinct and effective.

Mr. J. Young, High Street, Southend, exhibited a.
scarlet, semi-double-flowered Zonal Pelargonium 06
dwarf habit named Southern Hem.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited, in addition to-a.
number of new species of Vitis, Buddleia variabilis
Veitchiana, 9 fest high, with purple infloresences.
1 foot long ; and Calceolaria Burbidgei, a hybrid that
ought to be well known and grown in every garden.
It is in bloom almost all the year round in the-
greenhouse (No. 4) at Kew, and few can have visited*
Kew at any season and not have seen it.

Mr. W. C. Bull, Ramsgate, showed a good variety ofi
Gladiolus Lemoinei, cream-coloured with red stain,
and deeper cream-colour on the lower segments.

A species of Hippeastrum from South America,
shown by Col. Tillotson, Beckbury Hall, Shifnal,
Salop (gr., Mr. F. G. Thomas), has greenish flowers, in>
which the three outer segments incurve until the*
pointed tips meet, and the inner three segments reflex.

Awards.

Chrysanthemum " The Champion."— A border variety
of golden -yellow colour, flowers 4 inches across;,
florets, J of an inch wide, slightly incurving at the tips.
Shown by Messrs. W. Wells & Co , Earlswood, Surrey
(Award of Merit).

Chrysanthemum maximum variety " King Edward."— This-
is an immense-flowered variety of this well known,
border flower; tbe blooms are 5s inches across. Shown
by Mr. W. Angus, Penicuik Gardens, N.B. (Award ofi
Merit).

Gladiolus gandavensis " Van Duel."— A large, bright
rose-coloured variety, with crimson markings, and a.
central mark of paint-like white on each segment.
Shown by Messrs. Wallace & Co., KUnfield Gardens.,.
Colchester (Award of Merit).

Midalgoa Wercklei. — This plant was figured and.
described in the Gardeners' Chronicle for August i, j
1900, p. 83. It is known as the Climbing Dahlia, because
its single scarlet flowers are like those of a single
Dahlia. Most suitable for training on the rafters of a.
greenhouse, as is done with such good effect at Kew.
Shown by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, (gr., Mr. Bain>
(Award of Merit).

Tamarix hispida aestivalis.— A variety with rich rose-
colonred inflorescence; very effective. Shown by
Messrs. R. Veitch & Sons, Exeter (Award of Merit).

Vitis armata.— In general character something like
V. Coignetite. Leaves about 7 inches across with,
toothed margins, colour olive - green. Stems and
petioles of leaf reddish-brown, rather thickly studded
with short fleshy spines. From Central China. Shown
by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons (Award of Merit).

Vitis flexuosa Wihoni.— A slender-growing variety with I
ovate, acuminate leaves 2,; to 3 inches across. Shown
by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons (Award of Merit).

Vitis megaphylla.— This is a species with much com-
pounded loaves, reminding one more of a Koelreuteria
than of a Vine. The green leaf with reddish petiole
measures about 16 inches long. From Central China.
Shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons (Award of Merit).

Vitis sinensis. -A species with reddish- purple, lobed
leaves covered with soft hairs on the under surface.
Snown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch it Sons (Award of Merit)-

Vitis Thomtoni.—Oi rather slender habit, and having
digitate, rather reddish leaves. Described by the late

September 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

181

Professor Lawson in Hook. . Fl. Brit. Ind. I. 657.
Shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons (First class
Certificate).

Orchid Committee.

Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the Chair ; and
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), W. H. White, W.
Boxall, J. Wilson Potter, E. Hill, J. W. Odell, F. Sander,
W. Cobb, and De B. Crawshay.

Messrs. Chableswoeth & Co , Heaion, Bradford,
were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group com-
posed of Sophro-Lselia x Gratrixiie magniflca (L. tene-
brosa x S. grandiflora), a fine flower, shaped much like
L. tenebrosa, of a reddish tint, reined with claret red ;
Cat tleya x Mrs. Pitt " Heaton variety," with rose sepals
and petals, and fine orange disc to the lip ; C. x Lord
Rothschild " Heaton variety," Lselio-Cattleya x Ad-
miral Dewey, L.C. x Donna Roma, L.-C. x elegans,
L.-C. X Gottoiana, L.-C. x Issy, Cattleya x Germania,
C. x Suavior superba, C. x Niobe, Rodriguezia
Claesiana, &c.

Messrs. Sandek & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a
Silver Banksian Medal for a good group, in which were
Cattleya x Exquisita, a charming new hybrid (see
Awards), Ltelio-Cattleya x Britannia (L.-C. x Can-
hamiana x C. Warscewiczii), a large white flower tinted
with rose, the front of the labellum being rose-purple,
the disc sulphur-yellow ; many varieties of L.-C. x
Bletchleyensis, and L.-C. x Martinetii ; Cattleya x
Mrs. J. W. Whiteley, Cypripedium x Transvaal, and
other Cypripediums ; Miltonia Roezlii, M. spectabilis,
and M. vexillaria ; Odontoglossum Krameri, O. x
lepidum, &c.

Messrs. B. S.Williams & Sons, Holloway, Bhowed a
group made up of a good collection of specimens of
fifteen kinds of hybrid Cypripediums, including C. x
Lebaudyanum, C. x Thorntoni, and C. x Harrisianum
vivicans; also I.n-'.ia crispa, Ccelogyne Massangeana,
Vanda tricolor " Glen variety," and V. tricolor superba.

Jeremiah Colman, Esq , Gatton Park (gr., Mr. W. P.
Bound), showed L;elio - Cattleya x Henry Greenwood
" Gatton Park variety," a grand form, the largest yet
seen, and of fine colour; L-C. x Bletchleyensis
gloriosa, a vety dark variety with bronzy-yellow sepals
and petals, changing to pale rose towards the margin,
and with dark purple lip ; and a strong plant of
Odontoglossum bictoniense with three spikes.

Walteb Cobb, Esq , Tunbridge Wells (gr., Mr. J.
Howes), showed Coryanthes Cobbii, an unspotted form
of C. maculata ; sepals and petals yellowish-white, lip
tinged with orange colour.

Messrs. Stanley Ashton & Co., Southgate, showed
Cattleya x Crashleyi (granulosa x Loddigesii ?), a near
ally of C. x Mrs. Mary Gratrix.

J. Guenev Fowler, Esq , Glebelands, South Wood-
ford (gr., Mr. J. Davis), showed a fine plant of the
curious Catasetum Russellianum, with a strong spike
of whitish, green-lined flowers.

Awards.

First-class Certificates.
Cattleya x Pittiana, "J. Wilson Potter's variety1'
(granulosa Schofieldiana x Dowiana aurea).— From J.
Wilson Potteb, Esq., Elmwood, Croydon (gr.,Mr. W.
H. Young) ; one of the largest' and best of the C.
granulosa hybrids, and in which the typical C. granu-
losa form of flower is very prominent, although en-
larged, and much beautified. The large sepals and
petals were of a bronzy yellow hue tinted with rose;
the labellum marked with orange in the centre, the
front being purplish ruby-red, the fimbriated margin
blush-white.

Award or Merit.
Cattleya x Tankcrville (bicolor x Rei).— From Messrs.
Stanley, Ashton & Co., Southgate. Sepals and petals
cream-white tinged with primrose, the lip, with the
very small side lobes, and long, narrow isthmus, as in
all hybrids of C. bicolor, bright purple.

Cattleya x Exquuita (luteola Holfordi x Parthenia

"Prince of Wales ").— From Messrs. Sander it Sons,

I St. Albans. A charming gem of a fragrant, white-

! flowered Orchid, with the neat habit and profuse

I bloomingqualities of the yellow C. luteola. Flowers clear

white, in shape resembling those of Cattleya Mosskc,

though not so large. Labellum with a rich yellow disc,

and bright purple marbling in front. The parentage is

very interesting, for whereas it is from C. luteola, one

, of the most distinct of species, on the one side, the

, agent on the other was produced by C. x calummata

(llmbrtata) x Mosshu Wageneri, and from the latter

the form of the flower descends. The neat little plant

shown had two spikes of three and two flowers

respectively.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present : George Bunyard, Esq., V.M.H. (Chairman),
and Messrs. H. Balderson, H. Esling, O. Thomas, F. Q.
Lane, G. Reynolds, J. Willard, H. J. Wright, J. Gibson,
A. Dean, W. Fyfe, G. Keif, J. .'aques, H. Markham, W.
Poupart. S. Mortimer, J. Cheal, and Rev. W. Wilks.

Prior to the inspection of exhibits it was resolved
that all the awards recommended by the members of
the Fruit Committee at Chiswick on August 24, a full
quorum not then being present, be agreed to. These
recommendations were mentioned in our report last
week.

The next business was the reading of a very interest-
ing report from Mr. Jaques, who, at the request of the
Committee at the preceding meeting, undertook to be
present and inspect, on behalf of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society, a method of packing home-grown fruit
for transmission to the tropics by Mr. A. F. Turnbull,
of Mark Lane, City. It was agreed to ask that, to secure
an important opinion as to the condition of the fruit on
arrival, Mr. Turnbull be asked to pack a similar box,
using his patent packing material (a white powder),
and that it be sent to Sir Daniel Morris, at Barbados,
whose report would naturally secure the fullest confi-
dence. Mr. Jacques was cordially thanked by the Com-
mittee, and his leport will in due course be published
in the Society's Journal.

General exhibits were not numerous ; Mr. Clarke, gr.
to Lady Plowden, Aston Rowant Hall, Oxon, staged a
collection, including good Dymond Peaches ; Humboldt,
Lord Napier, Pine-apple ; Stanwick, Elruge, and
Newton Nectarines ; Reine Claude de Bavay and
Quetsche St. Martin Plums, and fine Lemons (Silver
Banksian Medal).

Mr. W. Howe, gr. to Lady Tate, Streatham, had a box
of fine BourjassotteGrise Figs (Cultural Commendation)-

Mr. W. Fyfe, The Gardens, Lockinge, sent a hand-
some early white Apple, striped red, named Miller's
Seedling. It seems to be known in Sussex as "The
Miller." The fruits were hardly ripe, but when so-tire
pleasant eating.

Messrs. Goff & Co, Floral Nurseries, Littlehampton,
had a large green-flesh Melon. Mr. Clarke, gr. to Lady
Plowden, sent a scarlet-flesh variety named Aston
Rowant; and Messrs. Dohbie & Co., Rothesay, had a
selected form of the Cantaloupe Melon, round and
much sutured. No awards were made.

Mr. B. Wadds, gr. toLordMiDLETON, Birdsall, Yorks,
sent two bunches of white Grapes, one thinned, the
other not. The variety was supposed to be the product
of crossing the Strawberry-Grape with Ferdinand De
Lesseps Grape. The skins were very tough and the
flesh acid.

Messrs. Rivebs & Sons, Sawbridgeworth, had a few
Peaches to .show effects of inarching. They were
referred to the Scientific Committee.

Mr. R. Maker, Yattenden Court, Newbury, showed
Vegetable Marrow named Codlin's Cream; and Mr. P.
Cantly Brick; had a dish of over-ripe Tomatos.

The Lecture.

JUDGING CACTUS DAHLIAS.
Before calling upon Mr. Wyatt to read a paper upon
" Judging Cactus Dahlias," Mr. Edward Mawley, who
presided, said that there had been considerable In-
detiniteness in regard to the points that constituted a
good exhibition flowerof this type, and it was arranged
early in the year that Mr. Wyatt should introduce the
subject, so that there might be brought about a greater
uniformity in their aims, and that there might be a
greater degree of certainty in regard to the type of
flower that should gain most points at exhibitions.

Mr. Wyatt explained the need that existed for intro-
ducing some rule in regard to the judging of these
flowers, and said that an exhibit of Cactus Dahlias
might gain points for each of the following qualities-
form, size, colour, and effectiveness in the setting-up
of exhibit. In a Cactus Dahlia it was important that
the florets should be long and narrow, and folded back
at the edges. It should not have a very large disc, the
centre should be closed, and there should be no flat
florets. A good flower should show perfectly the pecu-
liar characteristics of the variety, whether in form or
colour. Mr. Wyatt recommended that the four qualities
already enumerated should be valued as follows,
making in all a maximum of ten points : —

Form, 4 points.

Size, 3 points.

Colour, 2 points.

Setting-up, 1 point.
The maximum number of points for size should only
be given when the flower was quite free from coarse-
ness ; the colour should be clean, clear, and the flower

free from blemish or injury ; paleness of colour due to
overshading or other cause should be judged to be a
defect. In judging a bunch of one variety the bunch
should be judged as one flower only, as the " trebles "
are judged at the Rose exhibitions.

The Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., preferred to rank " colour "
next to " form," and before " size." He considered that
"form" was the principal point in all flowers; but
that as taste in regard to correct form was constantly
changing, it was not wise to be too definite in defining
the qualities of form in accordance with the ideas of
the moment in respect to what the form ought to be.
Mr. Wilks regarded mere size in all flowers, fruits, and
vegetables as " a despicable thing." He thought they
should give to " size " by itself as little consideration as
it was possible to persuade professional growers to agree
to. He was confident that amateurs would prefer to give
it no consideration at all. He agreed there should be a
point or more for effective "setting-up" of vases or
groups, but single flowers of new varieties submitted
for certificate should be judged as flowers only, as
flowers that would be " set up " in the future if they
were sufficiently good to be recommended for the
purpose.

Mr. Stredwick, who is well known as a successful
raiser of Dahlias, was inclined to favour the small
Dahlia. If he had to please himself only he would
never issue a Cactus Dahlia more than 6 inches in
diameter, but as a raiser he was bound to consider the
opinions held generally by exhibitors aud cultivators.
He was strongly in favour of awarding points for
effective " setting up." If healthy plants were put
into maiden loam they would generally give good
flowers, even if little attention were given them, but
they cannot stage themselves at exhibitions. He had
seen at that show flowers that were perfectly grown,
which result he should credit very largely to Nature.
and they were staged shamefully, for which he was
obliged to credit the exhibitor. Mr. Marshall was
offering a prize at the show to be held shortly at Earl's
Court, with a view of encouraging the production of a
race of Pompon Cactus flowers, and if this succeeded
his hearers might depend tha', Cactus varieties measur-
ing about 2\ inches in diameter would be found the
most beautiful flowers the Cactus Dahlia was capable
of producing.

Mr. Frederick Treseder (Cardiff*) said they were
not discussing the Dahlia merely as a flower, but as an
exhibition flower. He thought that other things
being equal, a flower that possessed unusual size
without suffering in refinement should win in a com-
petitive exhibition. He was also of opinion that the
National Dahlia Society should not attempt to define
what is a Cactus Dahlia and what is not. Tastes
differed, and the differences should be respected.

An amateur supported Mr. Treseder's views, saying
the cultivator who secures "size "but retains refine-
ment has done most ; and contended that flower-shows
would cease to be attractive to the public were "size"
ignored, for the "British public" expected and de-
manded "size" in exhibition flowers as in everything
else.

Another member supported Mr. Treseder, aud yet
another pleaded that 'size " need not be feared so lODg
as refinement was insisted upon. Some varieties— for
instance, Mrs. Crowe-even when 7j inches across, was
never coarse; and a large flower of equal refinement
must be given preference.

Mr. J. F. Hudson protested against the false idea of
" size " that had been preached. The variety Mrs.
Crowe might possess refinement even if it was 7 or
8 inches across; but the question was this— was it so
beautiful then as it would be if it were but 6 inches ?
He thought not. The Cactus Dahlia, thought Mr.
Hudson, could only reach its ideal of beauty when
6 inches or less.

The Chairman, in summing up, thought they could
not afford to ignore size altogether; but mere size
would never do much harm If judges Insisted upon
thinness of florets and narrow petals.

Subsequently Mr. Wyatt said that he placed "size
before "colour," becausehe regarded the latterqualily
as the free gift of Nature, and the former as the result
of the hard work of the cultivator

BRIGHTON AND SUSSEX
HORTICULTURAL.

Aui:ustzS, 28.— Tills exhibition Wis held on the above
dates in the Dome. Corn Exchange in an annexe of 1 1 ■
Dome, and in a large marquee in the grounds, and it is
the twelfth of the Society's annual exhibitions. Alike
with regard to the number of exhibitors and of entries,
it was the most successful exhibition tho Society had as

182

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[September 5, 1903.

yet held. There were 114 exhibitors as against 65 last
year, an<J 48"> entries as against 335. The area of the
Dome and Corn Exchange is very large, and there
was much room unoccupied by exhibits. The Fern
groups in the marquee were very pretty; Roses num-
bered eighteen entries; hardy herbiceous cut blooms
were abundantly and well shown; Apples of good
quality did no! convey the idea that the crop is this
year a bad one.

The competition in the Dahlia and Gladiolus Classes
was weak. The large group set up by Messrs. Bal-
chik & Sons was an admirable example of .skilful
arrangement of plants in pots.

Grapes of good quality, Peaches, Nectarines, Plums,
Apples, and Melons were numerous, and generally of
very good quality. Vegetables and Potatos, especially
the latter, were very good.

In the Corn Exchange there were fifteen small tables
on which table decorations were arranged ; these were,
as is usual, of various degrees of elegance and appro-
priateness; the prizes awarded being, 1st, Mrs. P.
Lindsay, The Laurels, Hailsham, the material used
being Gypsophita, Bougainvillea, Anemone japonica
in variety, Sweet Peas, Maidenhair Fern, Grass haulms,
<Stc.; and, Mrs. Coleman, Ferring, near Worthing, with
a device made of Montbretias, Ferns, Gypsophylla, <Sc. ;
3rd, Mrs. A. Cooper, Broadwater, Worthing, a device
in Carnations in white and pink flowered varieties.

A good feature in showy Carnations consisted of a
table 6 feet by 5 feet filled with Carnations in great
variety, the centre raised about 2 feet above the flowers
on the rest of the table, the whole being interspersed
with Adiantums, Asparagus, Fittonia, Myrsiphyllum.
Tradescantia, Ac. The exhibitor was Miss Shiffneb
Coombe Place, Lewes There were two other tables of
the Bame character.

Table Plant, to the number of six were shown in
response to ofle a of special prizes, and consisted of
f^M T"ieSat»m, Codiaeums. Kenttas, Dracamas.&c. :
1st. Mr. Gahnett ; 2nd, Mr. W. E. Andebson.

rwa^n„0//'°"'er\were few' and consisted of two only
that showed much taste in arrangement or goodness of
material viz.. that of Mhs Yelland and Mr H [Gah-
nett Of stove and greenhouse cut flowers there we?e
our boxes of twelve bunches each. That which took the
1st prize consisted of Roche, fa-cat*. Tecoma jasm n
oides, Cattleya g gas C Gaskelli,.,,,. n;„i»j ■
bills, Gloriosa superba, i3 ' DlpIadema ama"

sel T TltZ'"e>S ^er! we" shown ^ Mr- A W. Tros-
sell Tonbridge, Kent, and Miss A. F Hakwood
Colchester, the former consisting of Cattleya ome
Bjreet Peas, Franroa ramosa, and greenery of a liiht
description; and the latter of W Allan «S1S£I
Rose, Hypericum calycinum, Montbretia and a red
dish orange coloured Cactus Dablia-a telling study ,n

taken by Pj.bc* W t" loch i«n I %°?S) was
wer^eT »** ^ ^ £ ttg*
The Rotunda was furnishprt „in, • .

gr to Major Thurlow, Buckliam Hill House Uckfilht
who was 1st in a class for eighteen disS'species ti
hardy perennial or bulbous flowers in bunches '

Dahlias : Competitive Classes.

Gardeners and Amateurs.— Pomvm nihil*., • i„f .
six varieties, Mr. J. Harper gr to - T ™» * f°r
Vernon Lodge, Preston. Tucker, Esq ,

Six Cactus varieties. -1st, Pehcy W. Tulioch Em
Hove, with Phineas, scarlet; Mrs. Ed MaX Dr m'

Messrs. J. Cheal & SoNS were fortingle-flowered
varieties, and also for a dozen Pompons ,low<»ed

four°di,7innitiMWereleW'aDd in U.eel'a.. for twenty-
four distinct Messrs. Cheal & Sons took the 1st prize

t,tt I'^etmarq^e°, erected in the grounds he'd a quan-
t.ty of Ferns, Palms, and foliage plants, as well as
groups set up for effect or to." Indicate methods of
arrangement with Ferns and mixed flowering and
foliage plants. In the former Mr. Jas." Adams, gr. to
the Kev. Sir G. C. Shiffner, Bart.. Coombe Place,
Hamsey, Lewes, was 1st, taking- the Corporation Chal-
lenge Cup and a Silver Medal with Adiantum of diverse

species, Pteris cretica alba and others, and species of a
weeping habit.

Coleu,.— The 1st prize was taken by six pyramids of
distinct varieties, shown by Mr. G. Sims, gr. to E. A.
Wallis, Esq., Sunnyside, Upper Lewes Road, Brighton.

Fuchsias, Six specimens. — 1st, Mr. H. Head, The Drive
Nursery, Hove, with bushes 3 to 4 feet in height, finely
bloomed.

Caladiums, Six specimens. — 1st, Messrs. W. Miles &Co.,
Church Road, Hove, with plants of moderate size, but
fresh looking This exhibitor was also 1st for Fuchsias,
to the number of six, these being in bush form and
under 4 feet in height.

Zonal Pelargoniums.— For six specimens, various, 1st,
Mr. Jas. Rogers, gr. to Mr. C. E. F. Stanford, with
well-bloomed plants from 3 to 4 feet in diameter.

Gardeners and Amateurs.

Plant Groups not exceeding 13 by 7 Jeet.— There were
many competitors in this classof miscellaneous flowers
and foliage plants, and the exhibits were of varyiDg
degrees of excellence. 1st, Mr. W. E. Anderson, gr. to
B. Parish, Esq., Melodia, Preston Park. This group
consisted of Lilies, Campanula pyramidalis Vallotta,
Gloxinias, Celosia pyramidalis, small Palms, Tuberoses,
Codiaeums, &e . disposed on a carpet of Adiantums and
Coleus with a white-and-green leaf.

Groups 20 by 9 feet, Open.— In this competition, Mr. G.
Miles, Victoria Nursery, Dyke Road, was 1st, taking a
handsome Silver Bowl and a Silver Medal for a good
rich group pleasingly arranged. The background con-
sisted of a very dark-flowered Bougainvillea glabra,
Lilium speciosum album, Codiaeums, Tuberoses; and
in the front of this there were thinly-arranged On-
cldiums, Eucharis, Carnations, small Caladiums, Be-
gonias, and under all a carpeting of Maidenhair. 2nd,,
Mr. John Harper, who had a showy group, but in
which Lilies were too lavishly employed.

Palms were shown by Mr. H. Gahrnett, 1st; and
Messrs. Miles & Co., 2nd.

Frdit.

Collection of fruit, eight dishes distinct, Pines excluded.—
1st. Mr. J. Gore. Fruit Grower, Polegate, with three
middling bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, two of
them lacking in colour; three bunches of Gros C'olmar,
massiveand of good colour; fine Williams' Bon Chretien
Pears, Mclndoe's Bestof All Melon, Milton Nectarine
(very fine), Apple Lady Sudeley, Peach Dr. Hogg, and
Figs Brown Turkey. The 2nd prize went to Mr. Edwin
Neal, gr. to Mrs. Nix, Tilgate, Crawley, who had
massive bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes, fine
Rojal George Peaches, and Pineapple Nectarine. 3rd,
Mr. Chas. Earl, gr. to O. E. DAvigdor Goldsmith,
E q , Somerhill, Tonbridge, who^e Grapes, Peaches,
and Apples were a creditable production.

For a collection of nine bunches in three i>arieties of
Grapes. — 1st, Mr. G. Gore, Polegate, for three fine
bunches of Gradiska, white ; three massive bunches of
Gros Maroc, and for three of Muscat of Alexandria,
of fair size but lacking in colour. 2nd, Mr. W. Taylor,
gr. to C. Bayer, Esq , Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill,
S.E., with Gros Maroc, big-berried and massive
bunches; beautifully finished Chasselas Napoleon, and
capital Madrestield Court. Mr. J. Seymour, gr, to
T. W. Crook, Esq., Seldenville Vineries, Worthing,
was 3rd, his Black Alicante and Musca'. of Alexandria
being very superior examples.

Muscat of Alexandria, three bunches of this variety —
1st, Mr. J. Seymour, with fine, regularly shaped, well
ripened bunches ; 2nd, Mr. C H. Jonks (gr., Ote Hall,
Wivelsfield) ; 3rd, Mr. Ed. Neal, with long, slender'
but heavily shouldered bunches.

Three bunches of Black Hamburgh. — 1st, Mr. Chas.
Neal, Tonbridge, with bunches perfectin shape, colour j
and berry; 2nd, Mr. Ed. Neal, with large straggling
bunches of great weight; 3rd, Mr. Kemp, with fine large
bunches which had been carelessly handled or packed,
a fact that probably accounted for their beingp]aced3re\

Peaches and Nectarines were rather extensively shown,
and in numerous instances the fruit was exceedingly-
fine in size and colour.

Melons numbered five exhibits of two fruits each,
and eleven of one fruit each.

The Early Dessert Apples.— Four dishes of Worcester
Pearmain, Kerry Pippin, and Lady Sudeley, which
obtained the 1st prize, were shown by Mr. F.W.Thomas
Wannock Garden, Polegate.

Kitchen Apples were well shown by several exhibitors,
especially by Mr. C. Neal, who was 1st ; 2nd, Mr. F. W.
Thomas, Wannock Gardens, who had fine Peasgood's
Nonsuch, The Queen, &c.

The exhibit of Plums consisted of twenty-four dishes
in variety, good, well-coloured fruits.

Vegetables.

These were plentiful and good, Onions, Cauliflowers,
Celery, Leeks, Peas, and Beans being of especially good
quality, owing to the dripping nature of the summer;
Potatos were free from scab, nearly all were kidney-
shaped

The best collection of Potatos was shown by Mr. W.
Brown, Police Station, Rottingdean,

For a collection of vegetables, Mr. W. Manton, gr. to
the Rev R. Mashiter, was 1st, the Bestof- All and
Sutton's A 1 Runner Beans, Snowdrop Potatos, Solid
White Celery, Ailsa Craig Onion, and Autumn Giant
Cauliflower being fine. The 2nd' prize was taken by
Mr. M. Tourle, gr. to F. Barchard, Esq , Horstead
Place, Dckfield, who showed Runner Beans Elephant,
Model Telepone Peas, and Snowball Potatos, in very
fine condition.

The exhibitor of the best six kinds was Mr. A.
Simmons, gr. to Sir Francis Osborne, Bart., The
Grange, Framfield, who had fine Alderman Peas,
Sensation Potatos, and Tomato Duke of York.

Trade Exhibits.

Messrs. John Peed & Son, West Norwood, exhibited
hardy cut flowers of good quality and in much variety ;
Sweet Peas, Gloxinias, double and single - flowered
Begonias, as cut blooms. Not for competition.

Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, showed fruit trees
in pots, hardy perennials as cut flowers, Dahlias,
miscellaneous stove and greenhouse plants, Phloxes,
Tritomas, Heliopsis scabra, Helianthus, Buddleia varia-
bilis, <Sc. Not for competition.

Messrs. Balchin & Sons, Brighton and Hove, showed
a quantity of trees and shrubs as cut shoots ; many
have yellow or variegated foliage useful for planters.
They also exhibited an elaborate group set up with
much good taste at one end of the Corn Exchange. It
was practically of a horse-shoe shape, and the plants
employed consisted chiefly of Lilium lancifolium
album arranged at the heels of the shoe and surrounded
by dwarf plants of Caladiums, and having a vase in the
centre holding a variegated Pandanus. Behind each
of these groups stood a Palm 15 feet high surrounded
by a ring of finely coloured Codiaeums. The middle
area was filled with a mixture of Lilies, Odonto-
glossums, Crinums, Saxifraga sarmentosa variegata,
Caladiums, Thunia alba, Dracaena Sanderiana. Meso-
spinidium, <&c.

Mrs. Banger, Southwick, Brighton, exhibited a
rustic arrangement in cork, decorated, as we think
very incongruously, with gaudy Sunflowers, with
Hollyhocks, Campanula pyramidalis, Delphiniums ;
while the fore ground consisted of Saxifrages, Au-
riculas, Pansies, &c. Not for compgtition.

There were exhibits of annuals, tender and hardy ; of
Sweet Peas in much variety.

T. 8. Ware, Ltd , Feltham, exhibited a large showy
group of hardy herbaceous perennials.

Mr. H. Skinner, gr. to J. Dunk, Esq , showed, not for
competition, a group of leaf Begonias in variety.

A Silver Medal was awarded to Mr. G. W. Piper,
Uckfield, for a comprehensive exhibit of Tea and Tea
Hybrid Roses. The flowers had been taken at pre-
cisely the right moment, and they remained fresh-
lookiDg and charming. Not for competition.

NATIONAL DAHLTA.

"CACTU3 TYPE LARGELY DOMINATES."
September 1, 2 — Forty five years ago there was
held in St. James's Hall, Piccadilly, an exhibition of
Dahlias, from which may be said to have sprung the
National Dahlia Society. The show of 1858 was wholly
of the show and fancy varieties ; in the class for a
device a few blooms of pompon varieties and also
of dwarf bedding sorts might have been seen. There
were but few pompons at that time, and they mainly of
tall growth ; it was a few years later that the .late Mr.
C. Turner took the pompon type in hand, and greatly
improved and extended the varieties. There were no
Cactus Dahlias, and the single form was practically
unknown. The introduction and improvement of the
Cactus type have changed the whole aspect of the show :
this type now largely dominates, and new forms are
being numerously produced, showing much varia-
tion in colour ; and while the bedding varieties,
once so much grown, have, to a great extent, ceased to
exist, the pompon varieties have greatly increased in
numbers and popularity whilst the single Dahlias are
less popular than they were a few years ago.

The present exhibition was a remarkably good one
for the season, and there was a larger number of
entries than was at one time anticipated. For lack of
sunshine and warmth, a certain amount of roughness
was discernible in the show and fancy varieties; the
Cactus type was not free from it, though some excellent
blooms were staged; even the pompons and singles
lacked the fine finish seen in drier and warmer seasons.
The whole of the Drill Hall was required to accommo-
date the exhibits. The miscellaneous collections, some
of which were very imposing, were ranged round the
sides of the Hall. There was a fairly good attend-
ance; the atmosphere of the Drill Hall became very
close during the afternoon.

Show and Fancy Dahlias.— There was little evidence of
decline in the interest attaching to this section. In the
large class for forty eight varieties three collections
only were staged, though space was reserved for two
more entries. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.,
Salisbury, were placed 1st, having for the season good
blooms of Brilliant, George Sanger, new of the present
year; Darkest-of-AU, nearly black; Mrs. Evry, Gloire

September 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE*

183

de Lyon, Henry Clark, new of 1903 ; J. N. Keynes,
Arthur Rawlings, W. Keith, Watchman, Mrs. MeKenzie,
John Walker, Henrietta, Mrs. Saunders, J. Chamber-
lain, J. T. West, John Hickling, Dr. Keynes, Virginal.
Gracchus, R. T. Rawlings, Mrs. Langtry, &c. Mr. C.
Turner Royal Nursery, Slough, was 2nd ; Mr. S. Mor-
timer, Swiss Nursery, Famham. 3rd.

With thirty-six varieties Mr. W. Tbeseder, nursery-
man, Cardiff, was 1st, having good blooms of John
Walker, Mrs, Saunders, Mrs. Dodds, Henry Walton,
Imperial, Sunset, A. Ocock, Mrs. Langtry, Goldflnder,
Comedian, John Hickling, Diadem, Mrs. Slack, Majestic,
Virginaie, Duke of Fife, Duchess of Albany, Duchess of
York, Mrs. Gladstone, Prince Henry, &c. Mr. S. Mor-
timer was 2nd; his leading blooms were Virginaie,
Duchess of Albany, S. Mortimer, Watchman, Lilac
Queen, and Reporter. Mr. John Walker, nurseryman,
Thame, 3rd.

With twenty-four varieties, Mr. F. M. Seale, Vine
Nursery, Sevenoaks, was 1st with good blooms of Pea-
cock, J. B. Service, Mrs. Saunders, Duchess of York,
Dr. Keynes, Mrs. Gladstone, W. Keith, Minnie Hobbs,
James Cocker, W. Powell, Frank Pearce, Matthew
Campbell, &a. Messrs. J. Chat & Son, nurserymen,
Frome, were 2nd, also with some good blooms.

With eighteen blooms, Mr. George Humphries,
Kington Langley, Chippenham, was 1st. He had in
good character James Cocker, Rev. J. B. M. Camm,
J. T. Saltmarsh, Colonist, Miss Cannell, Arthur Raw-
lings, R. T. Rawlings, Mrs. Langtry, Mrs. Gladstone,
John Walker, Ethel Britton, &c. Messrs. J. Cray &
Son were 2nd ; and Mr. Seale, 3rd.

With twelve blooms, Mr. J. R. Tranter, Henley-on-
Thames, took the 1st prize ; among his blooms was a
promising seedling. Messrs. J. Cheal & Sox, Nur-
serymen, Crawley, were 2nd.

Cactus Dahlias.— One of the principal points of inte-
rest in the show was the Open class for eighteen
bunches of Cactus Dahlias in bunches of six blooms,
the 1st prize carrying with it the holding for one year
of a valuable Challenge Cup. The judging of this class
was extremely difficult, two or three at least of the
stands closely approaching each other in point of
merit. Messrs. J. Stredwick & Son, Dahlia speciilists,
St. Leonards, were placed 1st, having in their eighteen
all but three varieties of tlieir own raising; their new
varieties were Mrs. J. W. Wilkinson, Merlin, Sirius,
Pearl, Reliance, Amelia Roberts, Improved Magnificent,
Oliver Twist, Falcon, H. L. Brousson, Osprey, Ella Krae-
mar, Florence M. Stredwick, Comet, Rainbow, and Ivan-
lioe. Someof these are described under the head of seed-
lings. Among the foregoing were some charming tints of
pink and rose, and there were valuable additions to the
striped section ; the two other varieties were Columbia
and Mrs. Winstanley. A Silver Medal was awarded to
the variety H. L. Brousson, as the best Cactus Dahlia
in the open classes. This firm has now taken for a
few years past a decided lead as raisers of Cactus
Dahlias; Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., Nurserymen, were
a close 2nd, very little indeed dividing the two stands ;
nearly all the varieties were raised by the exhibitors.
Messrs. J. Cheal & Son, were 3rd.

With twelve bunches of six blooms, Mr. John
Walker, Nurseryman, Thame, was 1st, having excel-
lent examples of Phineas, Mrs. Mawley, Richard Dean,
Ianthe, Raymond Parkes, Alpha, Lord Roberts, Uncle
Tom, J. W. Fyfe, Eva, H. J. Jones, and Crimson Gem ;
Mr. S. Mortimer came next; and Mr. C. Turner
was 3rd.

With forty-eight cut blooms shown on boards, there
was a very close competition, the difference in point-
ing the blooms between the first three being very
slight. Messrs. J. Burrell & Co. were placed 1st, and
out of the four dozen blooms they had, all of very fine
quality, forty at least were of their own raising ; chief
among them were J. W. Wilkinson, Mrs. E. Mawley,
Annabel, Chameleon, Dulcis, Mrs. De Luca, Laurette,
Blanche, Rosine. Minnie West, H.T.Robertson, Trojan,
Ella, Ida, Zoe, J. H. Jackson, Alice Decima, and Pre-
mier. Messrs. Keynes & Co. were 2nd, and Messrs. J.
Stredwick & Son, 3rd.

There were eight boards of twenty-four blooms of
Cactus. Mr. W. Baxter, Nurseryman, Woking, was 1st
with finely developed blooms of Ida, Ianthe, Lyric,
Gabriel, J. H. Jackson, Mrs. Seagrave, J. W. Fife, Mrs.
H. J. Jones, Ringdove. Lord Roberts. Etna. Mrs. J. J.
Crowe. &c; Mr. S. Mortimeh came 2nd; lie had in
very line character Clara G. Stredwick, Gabriel, Mabel
Tullock, Queen Alexandra, J. F. Hudson, Mrs. E.
Mawley, Eva Vesuvius, &c. ; 3rd, Mr. W. Treseder.

Cactus Dahlias in Cotes.— With twelve varieties, six
blooms of each, each bunch in a vase arranged with
foliage; Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, were placed 1st.
The flowers were set up in a very pleasing manner, with
charming foliage used sparingly but appropriately.
The leading varieties were Mary Service, Mrs. Mawley,
W. Jowett, Clara G. Stredwick, Vesta, Floradora, Lyric,
Lord Roberts, H.J. Jones, ic. Mr. F. M. Seale was
2nd, and Messrs-. Keynes & Co.. 3rd ; good blooms were
I staged, but they were too much hidden by foliage.
, These vases made a good feature.

Pompon Dahlias.— these made, as tlic7 always do, a

.very pleasing feature, and it wis gratifying to no'.e

, that the judges gave the preference to small, compact,

; even-sized blooms. Mr. C. Turner was placed 1st with

i an almost peifect collection, the varieties Bacohus,

Orpheus, Sylvia (new, pale ground tipped with purple),
Distinction, Queen of the Whites (a charming new
variety), Hesperea, Ganymede, Mignon, Adelaide,
Nerissa, Darkest of All, Zorania, Nellie Bromhead,
Cyril, Jessica, San Toy (white edged and tipped with
rosy-purple, quite distinct), Malcolm (a new white),
Romulus, etc. Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons came 2nd ;
and Mr. F. M. Seale, 3rd.

There was a good competition also with twelve
bunches, Messrs. J. Cray & Son taking the 1st prize
with excellent blooms of Tommy Keith, Douglas,
Lilian, E. Harper, Dr. Jim, Whisper, Bacchus, Nellie
Bromhead, Novelty, &c. Mr. John Walker was 2nd ;
3rd, Mr. G. Humphries.

Single Dahlias.— Two collections only of twenty-four
bunches were staged, and they formed a pleasant
change from the double flowers. Messrs. J. Cheal &
Sons were 1st with some charming bunches ; chief
among the varieties were Miss Girdlestone, Wm. Parrott.
Beauty's Eye, Snowdrop, Royal Sovereign, Madge,
Columbine, Hilda, Cerito, Viotoria, Leslie Seale, Miss
Roberts, Eric, Robin Adair, &c. Mr. F. M. Seale was
2nd with Phyllis, Robin Adair, Columbine, Jeannette,
Miss Glasscock, Fred Seale, Victoria, Yellow Perfection,
Polly Eccles, Harry Brater, &c.

With twelve bunches of Singles Mr. John Walker
came 1st. He had pleasing blooms of Edie Oblein,
Duchess of York, Fascination, Aurora, Duchess of
Westminster, Alice Seale, Robin Adair, Beauty's Eye,
Susie Seale, &z. Messrs. J. Cray & Son were 2nd ;
and Mr. G. Humphries, 3rd.

Amateurs' Division.

The amateurs are now a numerous body, and acces-
sions are annually being made; a goodly number of
small classes are included, and these give an oppor-
tunity for growers of small collections to show what
they can do.

Show and Fancy Dahlias.— With twenty-four blooms
Mr. Thos. Anstiss, Brill, Bucks, an old supporter of
the Society, was placed 1st. with excellent blooms of
J. T. West, Mrs. W. Slack, Mrs. Langtry, W. Powell,
John Hickling, Duchess of Albany, John Walker, Mar-
jorie, R. T. Rawlings, Mrs. Gladstone, Dr. Keynes, <Sc. ;
Mr. J. Pilling, Gee Court, Hyde, was 2nd. In addition
to the first of the money prizes in this class, Mr.
Anstiss also became the holder of a handsome Silver
Challenge Cup.

With eighteen blooms there was a good competition
also, Mr. A. Parker, ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, taking the
1st prize; and Mr. S. Cooper, Hamlet, Chippenham,
was a close 2nd.

With twelve blooms of show Dahlias only, Mr. J.
Newman, Bell Inn, Kingswood, Bristol, was 1st with
Mr. Glassoock, Marjorie, Dr. Keynes, R. T. Rawlings,
Duchess of York, Mrs. Glasscock, Florence Tranter,
Richard Dein, John Rawlings, &c. ; Mr. J. Cousins,
Green Lane, Cheltenham, was 2nd.

With six blooms of show varieties only, Mr. George
Hood, Langley Burrell, Chippenham, came 1st.

The best twelve fancy Dahlias were set up by Mr. 8.
Cooper, Hamlet, Chippenham, who had in good cha-
racter Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Mrs. Saunders, Dandy,
Hercules, Sunset, Watchman, Matthew Campbell, &c. ;
Mr. T. Anstiss came a close 2nd.

With six blooms of fancies, the 1st prize fell to the
lot of Mr. 3'. Newman, who had well-developed blooms
of Mrs. Saunders, Gaiety, Matthew Campbell, and Hero
in his half dozen ; Mr. J. Cousins was 2nd.

Cactus Dahlias. — Willi six bunchc3, six blooms in
each bunch, each shown in a vase arranged with foliage,
there appeared to be only one exhibitor, Mr. E. Turn er,
Hippington. Sevenoaks, who was placed 1st. For nine
varieties, three blooms in a bunch with foliage, a class
in which a Silver Challenge Cup was given, Mr. P. W.
Tulloch, the Secretary of the Society, Hove, Brighton,
was placed 1st with excellent blooms of Mrs. E. Mawley
(awarded a Silver Medal as the best bloom of a Cactus
variety in this division), Mrs. H. J. Jones, J. H. Jack-
son, P. W. Tulloch, Florence, Miss F. M. Stredwick (a
fine new white), H. T. Robertson, Mrs. Winstanley,
Lyric, &c. ; Mr. W. Peters was 2nd. With six varieties
also in bunches of three blooms, Mr. H. Brown, North
Street, Luton, came 1st; he had well-developed blooms
of Ajax, J. W Wilkinson, Lord Roberts, J. H. Jackson,
Mrs. E. Mawley, and Up to Date. Mr. F. Grinsted
took the 2nd prize.

With twenly-four blooms of Cactus, shown on boards,
there was a keen contest, Mr. H. A. Needs, llorsel),
Woking, coming 1st with excellent blooms ot Alpha,
Mrs. E. Mawley, Floradora, Clara G. Stredwick, Uncle
Tom, Lady Colin Campbell, J. W. Fife, Mabel Tulloch,
Gaillard, Mrs. Clinton, Winnifred, Richard Dean,
Ringdove, Lyric, &a. Mr. J. Bryant, St. Martin's
Terrace, Salisbury, was 2nd.

With twelve blooms, similarly shown, Mr. H. Brown
was awarded the 1st prize with Ajax, Chas. Woodbridge,
Mis. E. Mawley, J. W. Wilkinson, Lord Roberts,
Rosine, Exquisite, Mrs. Carter Page, &c. Mr. E. T.
Matthews, 42, Almond Street, Derby, was 2od.

With twelve blooms there was a keen competition,
Mr. H. Brown, Luton, being 1st; Snd, Mr. E. T.
Matthews, Derby.

Pompon Dah'ias.—Jhe 1st prize for twelve varieties,
six blooms of each, went to Mr. H. Brown, who had
some pretty varieties ; and Mr. J. F. Hudson was 2nd.

Single Dahlias were shown byamateurs in two classes
in one case in six bunches of ten biooms, Mr. J. F.
Hudson taking the 1st prize, and Mr. E, Mawley, 2nd,
both with excellent varieties.

Decorative Classes.— The best basket of Dahlias ar-
ranged with foliage was shown by Mr. H. A. Needs,
who used pale-tinted Cactus varieties with bronzy and
green foliage— a pleasing object; Mr. R. Edwards,
Sevenoaks, came 2nd.

With a vase of Dahlias, Mr. Needs was again 1st; in
this case he used scarlet and crimson Cactus Dahlias,
with variegated and bronzy foliage. Mr. P. W. Tulloch
was 2nd ; he had orange Cactus, with broLza and
green foliage.

Mr. Tulloch was awarded the 1st prize for three
vases arranged with foliage ; he had one variety of a
Cactus Dahlia in each vase with pretty foliage. Mr. E.
Mawley came 2nd.

The best shower bouquet of Dahlias came from Mr.
W. Treseder.

The class for a basket of Cactus Dahlias arranged
with any foliage brought three competitors, aud the
awards of the judges were not unanimously approved,
Mr. Seale was awarded tlie 1st prize. He used red and
salmon-tinted flowers with pretty foliage; Mr. W. Tre-
seder came 2nd with lighter colours, and many thought
his arrangement the most tasteful ; the 3rd basket had
some weak points There were several attractive vases
of Pompon Dahlias.

Seedlings.

The practice of t he National Dahlia Society in relation
to seedlings is open to grave objections. It is required
that they have stems not less than 9 inches in length
without any support, and they are placed on a table by
themselves, and after the judging is completed they
are dealt with by the Committee and Judges. They
were placed on this-occasion at the end of a table near
a window through which the sun shone brightly, and
by the time they were dealt with they had taken on a
deplorable hang dog look, the flowers bent down over
the vases, and in order to inspect the blooms they
had to be held up aloft and looked at from below. As
they are judged solely as exhibition flowers, all this
appears to be needless. It would be much better to
have all new varieties set up on supports as they are
shown and judged in that form, and this should be
done concurrently with the judging of the general
classes, so that the blooms may be seen as fresh as
possible.

Certificates of Merit were awarded to the following :—

Cactus Miss F. 31. Stredwick.— A charming and finely
formed pure white variety, with a slight primrose
centre ; an addition to the group of white varieties,
which is not too strong.

Cactus Sirius.— An excellent addition to the striped
varieties. Bright yellow ground with stripes of
crimson.

Cactus Mrs. ./. 11'. Wilkimon.—Deep rosy pink nith a
pale centre. Of a pleasing shade of colour, and a
welcome addition to the pink and rose tinted varieties.

Cactus II. L. Broitsion.— Delicate salmon ou a pale
yellow ground; pretty and refined. Selected for a
Silver Medal as the best new seedling, though the
opinion of the judges was not generally concurred in.

Cactus Pearl.— Ot a beautiful sole rosy-pink shade,
very pleasing and refined.

The foregoing five varieties were all from Messrs. J.
Stredwick & Sons, the raisers.

Cactus II. W. Sillem.—A large, bold, and striking
bright crimson variety, promising to be valuable for
exhibition purposes (H. Shoesmith).

Pompon Queen 0/ the Whites — Delicate creamy-white;
an average-sized flower of excellent form, petal, and
centre (C. Turner).

Pompon Edina.— Deep yellow, with a slight brownish-
red centre; medium-sized, and of excellent form (C.
Turner).

Single Dahlia Priyicess of Wales.— Pink, with a delicate
shading of heliotrope; a highly refined and distinct
variety of perfect shape (J. Cheal & Sons).

Trade Exhibits.

Round the outside wall of the Hall were staged
several very fine trade exhibits. Messrs. H. Cannell
& Sons, nurserymen, Swanley, had Cactus Dahlias in
great variety and in bold bunches, alternated with
panels of Kochia seoparia, and in addition some large
broad-petalled decorative varieties from the Continent,
including the Collarette types (Silver-gilt Medil).

On the opposite side Hobbies (John Green), Norfolk
Nurseries. Dereham, had a very tasteful arrangement.
Against a b!ack background they had traced a series oi
arches of Smilax, and in front of this an imposing
array of Cactus and other Dahlias, inclusive of soue
valuable new varieties (Silver-gilt Medal).

Mr. J. T. West, Dahlia Specialist, Tower Hill, Brent-
wood, had a large collection of Cactus and Pompon
Dahlias in bunches, all in excellent character (Silver
Medal).

T. S. Ware, Ltd , Hale Farm Nurseries, Feltham, had
a large collection of bunches and single blooms of
Cactus varieties, including many of the new varieties
of last year (Silver Medal 1.

Messrs. W. Cutbusii & Son, nurserymen, Hlgligato,
also had bamboo-stands and vases of Dahlias in variety
(Silver Medal).

184

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[SEPTEMBER 5, 1903.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*#* Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
literary department, and all plants to be named,
should be directed to the Editor. The two
departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

Alder Fungus : F. W. B. The outgrowth is
due to a fungus, Exoascus, similar to that
which produces Peach-blister.

Araucaria imbricata Coning : F. W. The poor
specimen about 30 feet in height will probably
not survive many years. It is not uncommon
for such trees to produce a large number of
cones. If any of them should prove to contain
seeds it will be proof that a male specimen exists
in the locality, for the trees are dioecious,
i.e., each is of one sex only.

Bouvardias : E. Q. The injury to the tips of
the shoots is the result of something uot being
quite right in cultivation. There is no disease.

•Chrysanthemum maximum : Jas. Ross, Rowantree
Nursery, Alexandria, N.B. This is a capital
variety, the flowers being oh inches across.
The blooms are quite as large as those of
"Edward VII.," described under " Awards," on
p. 180, but the florets are rather less wide, and
the general appearance therefore " starry " and
attractive.

-Cucumber Leaf-spot : Telegraph would be glad if
. we would answer the following questions with
regard to Cucumber Leaf-spot. " 1. The prin-
cipal causes of spot ? 2. What methods there
are of safeguarding crops against spot, and of
stamping out the disease when it first appears ?

3. Can any remedy be applied which will both
prevent and check spot disease, and which also
will cause no damage or disfigurement to the
growing fruits in connection with market sale ?

4. Can the disease be introduced in the Cucum-
ber seed bought from seedsmen ? If not, how
has the disease spread over such a wide area,
when it first appeared in the Worthing district ?

5. What is the best way to disinfect houses in
which spot disease may have appeared, so as to
prevent, if possible, a recurrence of the same
next season ? Briefly, from the above ques-
tions, I wish to know if spot can be treated
and kept at bay without spoiling the fruits ;
what means to take to prevent or cheek an
outbreak of it ; and, in the case of spot show-
ing, how to disinfect the houses so as to get rid
of the pest on next season's crops."

Answer.
1. There is only one cause, that is a
minute parasitic fungus called Cercospora
melonis, of Cooke. 2. Can be safeguarded by
avoiding " soft foliage," caused by the presence
of too much moisture in the atmosphere, too
free use of manure, and deficiency of ventila-
tion. The latter is important, even if extra
heat is required to maintain the required
temperature. Spray every portion of earth in
the house with Bordeaux-mixture once a week
from the first, even if there is no evidence of
the disease. With persistent attention the
disease can be stamped out ; or, better, it can
be prevented from appearing by spraying with
sulphide of potassium, 2 ozs. in 3 gallons of
water, in which 2 ozs. of soft-soap is dissolved.
Infection can only take place on the under-
surface of the leaf, hence this portion should
be thoroughly covered with the solution.
Use this solution every other day instead
of water that is used for sj-ringing.- The
spraying taking the place of syringing.
3. Answered under No. 2, except to state that
the solution will not injure the fruit. 4. The
disease cannot be introduced with the seed.
The spores are spread by wind, tools, clothing,
insects, &c. 5. Empty the house and drench

every part inside with Bordeaux-mixture. Add
gas-lime to the soil, and mix thoroughly at
least two months before it is placed in the
house. G. Massee.

Fern-culture for Market : C. E, B. W. We
do not know of any such book.

Gloxinia: F. P. No, it is not new. Forty years
ago there was a " race " of these plants, which
form a supplementary corolla outside the first ;
but they have dropped out of cultivation, and
now we only see imperfect specimens such as
you send.

Insect : W. T. P. Sirex gigas, the Giant Saw-
fly ; not uncommon, but very destructive.

Microscope : C. E. B. W. You cannot learn how
to use the microscope from a book. You must
get some friend to show you the way, or better
still attend some class. As you are not far
from Chelmsford you might make enquiry at
the Laboratory there. "Vou can get a micro-
scope for from £5 to £50 and upwards.

Monkey Nuts : C. W. D. Arachis hypogea, the
ground nut of which you will find an account in
the Treasury of Botany.

Nectarine Cracking : H. J. K. The supply of
water has been in excess of what the fruit
could deal with. It has done its best, but
cracked in the effort.

Names of Fruits : J. P. The Pear is Jargonelle.
— 8. L. Cod. Probably Early Margaret, of
Kent growers, but the specimens appear to be
dissimilar, except for colour. Could you send
otherspecimens, taking care thatall are gathered
from one tree ?

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
A. T. Cozens. 1, Veronica formosa ; 2, V. ano-
mala ; 3, V. Haasti ; 4, V. pinguifolia; 5. V.
pimelioides. — P. T. W. Z. Davallia hirta var.
cristata as far as can be judged from the poor
specimen. — J. L. Linaria vulgaris, common
Toad Flax ; natural order Scrophulariacea?,
near to Antirrhinum. — E. W., Wales Court. A
species of Echites (a New World genus), perhaps
E. umbellata; not likely to be indigenous in
Australia. — W. B. Desfontainea spinosa ; per-
haps Helleborus fetidus. — A. N. 1, Cotoneaster
Simonsi ; 2, Gnaphalium margaritaceum ; 3,
Sedum spurium. — Corokea. Both forms of
Ficus stipularis. — H. J. P. 1, Mesembryan-
themum species ; 2, Sedum glaucum ; 3, Mo-
narda didyma ; 4, Lonicera brachypoda aurea ;
5, Spiraea Lindleyana; 6, Achillea ptarmica
(double); 7, Senecio Jacobea; 8, Achillea
Millefolium ; 9, Salix, we cannot name the
species. — E. C. C. D. Salvia Horminum, Hydro-
eotyle vulgaris. — F. E. G. Itea virginica. —
G. B. Silene Armeria. — A. B. Spot on Grapes,
see last week's issue ; 1 and 3, species of Inula,
which we cannot name ; 2, Olearia Haastii ; 4,
Achillea Ptarmica, double ; 5, Veronica spicata ;
0, Malva moschata alba; 7, Corydalis lutea; 8,
Polemonium cceruleum ; 9, Agrostemma Githago ;
10, Campanula grandiflora, sometimes called
Platycodon; 11, not found; 12, Alstromeria
aurea; 13, a hybrid Veronica. Another time
do not send more than six ; our time is precious,
and we cannot find enough of that commodity to
be able to hunt up species, the names of which
we do not happen to remember. — M. S. Odon-
toglossum x loochristyense, a supposed natural
hybrid between O. triumphans and O. crispum.
— J. H. D. 1, Iresine Lindenii ; 2, Iresine
Herbstii ; 3, Alternanthera amcena ; 4, Alter-
nanthera paronychioides. — Vardon. 1, On-
cidium ampliatum ; 2, Oncidium flexuosum ; 3,
Odontoglossum constrictum ; 4, Odontoglossum
Lindleyanum. — C. J. 1, Bocconia cordata; 2,
Funkia ovata ; 3, Spergula pilifera; 4, Ampe-
lopsis quinquefolia, Virginia Creeper ; 5, La-
mium maculatum. — H. J.G. 1, Alnus laciniata ;
2, Castanea vesca variegata ; 3, Alnus im-
perialis; 4, Erigeron speciosus, probably. —
A. B. T. 1, Cattleya Loddigesii ; 2, Cattleya
intermedia. The difference in the form of the
labellum in these species is a very reliable
feature. — C. H., Guildford. Begonia Froebelii.
— R. H. W. 1, Fuchsia procumbens, a good
basket plant for greenhouse ; 2, Veronica
species, see next week's issue. — S. Hedges.
Hollies, varieties of Ilex aquifolium ; — 1,

Handworthensis argentea ; 2, argentea mar-
ginata ; 3, laurifolia aurea ; 4. Watereriana ; 5,
Lawsoniana aurea picta ; G, aurea regina ; 7,
Handsworthensis argentea ; 8, ferox argentea ;
9, aurea marginata ; 10, Crataegus Crus-Galli.

Orphan Fund. Mr. H. Bateman is thanked for
3s. 6d. contributed to this fund.

Pear Leaves : II. D. The leaves are infested
with the larva of the Pear Slug- worm, Selandria
atra, figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, June 2,
1894, p. 703. Dust the trees with quicklime,
and repeat the operation several times, for the
reason that although the lime will surely kill
them if it remains upon their bodies sufficiently
long, they are able to get rid of the first appli-
cation by changing their skin, as do snails.
They are not capable of changing the skin
twice in a short space of time. Lime-water has
been found useful against this pest. Use about
1 peck of lime and 2 lb. of soft-soap to 30 gallons
of water, and spray it .over and. under the
leaves before seven o'clock in the morning and
after five in the evening.

Plant References : M. B. Lathyrus aurantius,
Koch. We find no mention of this in.Boissier's
Flora OrientoMs. Rosa orientalis is described
at p. 225 of the Supplement to that work. —
Calendula. We do not know where the five
species you mention are figured. They are not
in Pritzel.

Royal Horticultural Society's Examina-
tions : W. 8: Apply to the Secretary, Royal
Horticultural Society, 117, Victoria Street,
Westminster.

Royal Horticultural Society : H. M. The
yearly subscription of Fellows is from £1 Is. to
J24 4s. Apply to the Secretary, whose address
already appears in this column.

Shallots or Egyptian Onions: St at ion-Master.
Perhaps the following quotation from the
Vegetable Garden, the English translation of
Messrs. Vilmorin's authoritative work, will
settle the point : — " In England a large-bulbed,
vigorous- growing variety is cultivated under
the name of Russian or Large Brown or Large
Red Shallot, bulbs nearly twice the size of the
true Shallot. The outer .skin is of a reddish-
brown colour, the inner scales deep violet or
purple. Cloves grow in tufts of from three to
seven. Leaves erect, 18 inches long, deep
green in colour." To make sure, we applied to
several of the salesmen in Covent Garden, and
append the note we received in reply : — '-' Un-
mistakably Shallots, and very fine bulbs indeed ;
but owing to their unusual size not so saleable
as the smaller ones, in so far as the market
trade is concerned."

Tally : E. C. C. D. The market tally is a number
(sixty), not a weight. A tally of Cabbages
would mean sixty heads.

Tomato Fruit : E. Q. The hard patches in the
ripe fruit are due to excess and consequent >
granulation of one of the constituents caused
by lack of potash in the soil. Sulphate of
potash should be used in the soil, but not
kainit. There is no fungus concerned in the
case.

Tomatos : Correspondent. The Tomato - spot,
caused by a fungus (Cladosporium). Spray the
young plants with weak Bordeaux - mixture.
Burn the affected plants, and take care that
the house is sufficiently ventilated. For green-
fly on Smilax, fumigate with XL-All, but re-
member it is a virulent poison.

Communications Received.— J. M. B , the paragraph
appears to us to be of the nature of an advertisement.
We shall he glad to consider any interesting articles
—J. D. (the report was too nearly like a catalogue
and too long. We will use what is possible)— M.
Grignan— S. W. F.— E. Q.—U. Rashleigh— Sir George
King-D. R. W— W.B. H.— J. E.J (photograph under
consideration)— W. A. C — W. E. G.— Protheroe &
Morris O^ext week)— R. J. A.— E. D. R., America-
Garden City Pioneer Company— F. Davis— W. C. &
Son— A. D. (tha'ks for photograph)— A Reader^
Young Gardener— Dodo - Evelyn Chapman— Expert—
J. D. G. W. H. D.— Leo G.— R. Weichsel & Co.—
E. Ward— S. W. F.-H. D.— Letellier, Fils & Cie.—
C. H. Whitlow (next week)— Constant Reader— F.
Hayes (we still find no injurious fungus)— M. W.—
W. G. S — W H. E— W. L —J. B.-E. C. C. D— A. C—
W. Wright— J. H — C. H.— Alwin Berger (with thanks).

(Fo<- Markets and Weather, see p. x.)

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle.

Cactus Dahlia Cheals' White: half-size.

I

I1

September 12, 1903. i

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

185

THE

(gartaers' (praratk

No. 812.— SATURDAY, SEPT. 12, 1903.

Apples, late flowering

Asparagus

Belvedere, the

Botanical Magazine ...

Brussels Botanic Gar-
den, gift of Ferns to
the

Cattleya x Pittiana,
•'J. Wilson Potter's
variety"

Dahlias, Cactus, the
judging of

Flowers in season ...

foreign correspond-
ence-
Paris

Fruit crops, remarks
on the conditions of
the

Fruit famine in Per-
shore and Evesham.

Fruits, tropical, in
England

Gardeners' dinner, I he

Gladiolus from Rams-
gate

Crape clasp, the
ChampioD, at
Shrewsbury

Humeas and Peaches

Insect pest on stone-
fruit trees

Ireland-
Mount Usher gar-
dens

Kew notes

Law notes-
Bankruptcy case ...
Hating appeal

Melon, an Award of
Merit for a

Names, old time

Plant portraits

Plants, old age in

Plums, German

CONTENTS.

194 Orchid notesandglean-

194 ings—

194 Cattleya Gaskell-

193 iana ,

Eulophia Peeters-

iana

Cattleya x Patro-
cinii, Westfield va-
riety

Poly gal a vulgaris,

white variety
Railway embankment,

disfigured

Raspberry Condor ...

Rose Zephyrine

Drouhln

193

189

194
192

190

1:8

188
19J

194

195

186
1b7

195

195

195
194
193
192
193

Societies-
Dublin Royal Horti-
cultural

Dumfriesshire and
Galloway Horti-
cultural

Great and Little

Warley

National Rose 192
North umber land

Flower Shows
Royal Caledonian

Horticultural
Royal Horticultural

188
188

188
191

193

191

197

127
196

197

19S
192.
19R
Stroud Horticultural 197

Stock-taking

Sy denham, Mr. Robert
" The Orchid Hunt "

Trade Notices

Week's Work, the—

Apiary, the

Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Oattleya x Pittiana, "J. Wilson Potter's variety"...
Leaf and buds of Apricot attacked by Gelechia

nanella

Mount Usher. County Wicklow, Ireland, views in

the gardens at (Supplement).

Kaspberry Condor

Sirex gigas, the Giant Sawfly

View in the Palm-houee, Kew

1W
199
193
199

191

191
191
190
191
190
190

194
2(0

187

It is possible that, now attention has been
drawn to the ravages of its larvae, many hitherto
unexplained failures of fruit which have been

The white marks formed in the leaves, indicating
where the tissues have been devoured by the
larva?, are very conspicuous, and it is not unusual

A NEW INSECT PEST ON STONE
FRUIT TREES.
{GELECHIA NANELLA.)
"T\URING the past few years considerable
*-* damage has been wrought to Apricot.
Peach, Plum, and Cherry-trees by an insect
which has destroyed the buds by eating out
their contents, and so preventing the
development of the fruit.

The damage was chiefly noticeable in
spring, and at first suggested the presence
of the Red Bud Caterpillar; but as the cater-
pillars of the plague in cmestion appeared
•on the trees long before the time when the
Red Bud grub is usually found, a series of
observations was made by the writer with a
view of ascertaining the identity of the
insect responsible.

The result was that the Red Bud grub was
found to be innocent, the damage being due
to the ravages of the larva of a small moth
(Gelechia nanella), which will probably be
found to have a much wider distribution
than has been anticipated, especially as the
larvae are so easily introduced to gardens or
nursery stock.

This moth belongs to the group known as
"Tineina," and to the genus "Gelechia,"
and although it has been known to science
from 177<i or thereabouts, and known in
Britain since 1828, its early life history has
remained " a scaled book."

FlO. 68 —GELECHIA NANELLA:
LARVA AS SEEN AT END OF
MAY, PUPA IN JUNE, AND
MOTH ON WING IN JULY.

(Magnified )

vaguely attributed to failure of the fruit to
" set " or other causes, will be traced to the
presence of these larva? in the buds.

Fig. 69.-

-LEAF OF APRICOT IN SEPTEM11ER, SHOW1M
MINES MADE BY CATERPILLARS.

Fig. 71. -shoot of apricot in spring, with buds

containing caterpillars.

(A) ruined blossoms ; (bi damaged growth buds.

to find a dozen or more in a single leaf. If one
of these is opened/, the small larva? will be found
feeding at the end of their mines (fig. 69).

The general colour of the caterpillar is reddish
or russet-brown, the head and a patch on the
first segment of the body being dark brown or

The first indication of the presence of the pest

is afforded by the leaves, in which the larva?

' mine during August, September, and October.

Fill, 70— SHOOT WITH SECTION OF BUD, SHOWING

POSITION TAKEN BY YOUNG CATKHI'ILLAR

IN SPRING.

Fig. 72.-shoot 01 apricot in autumn, showing

winter home of the i atehl'ii.i.ah at

i in: hack of bud. (Magnified)

black. As the time of leaf-fall approaches, the
larvtB, which] have then attained a length of
about | inch, desert their mines. Many retreat
to the twigs, andj there form little white silken

186

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[September 12, 190S.

cases in the axils of the buds in which to pass the
winter (Eg. 72). Those larvae which leave the
twigs form their cases either in crevices of the
wall or in the folds of the cloth-shreds used to
secure the tree. In these cases the larvae sleep
until growth commences in the spring.

Towards the end of February they leave their
winter homes., and in sunshine may be seen
crawling on the twigs searching for the opening
buds. Having made its selection the larva eats
its way inside, and from that moment the bud is
doomed. The apex of the bud is lined with silk,
and in the case of a growth bud it is also bound
to the side of the twig with silk. The larva now
applies itself to its work of destruction and
rapidly increases in size until, by the end of May,
when it is full-grown, it has attained a length of
about fths of an inch (see fig. 08). When nearly
full-grown considerable variation may be seen in
the colour of the caterpillars, some retaining the
russet-brown colour of autumn, whilst others are
pale green. All, however, retain the dark head
and mark on the first segment of the body.

The majority of the caterpillars enter the pupa
stage whilst still in the bud, and without any fur-
ther preparation than the lining of the cavity in
the bud (by this time reduced to a mere shell)
with silk. A few leave the buds, and their pupse
may be found enclosed in silken cocoons in the
shreds used in training the trees. The pupae at
first have the head and tip of the body pale
brown, with the wing cases and centre of body
pale green, but later they become a uniform
pale brown.

The moths, which emerge from the pupa early
in July, measure about J inch across the wings,
which are dark grey, very prettily mottled, and
streaked with black and white (fig. 68). The
extent and density of these markings vary con-
siderably in individuals; but the. oblique white
line, which crosses the wings near the base, is
more or less developed in each.

The moths appear to possess small powers of
flight, and pass the day resting on the walls or on
the trunks and branches of the trees, where, by
reason of their sober colouring and small size,
they are easily overlooked (fig. 08).

From what I have said, it will be seen that
practically the only time when the insects are
conspicuous is when they are mining in the leaves ;
hence it is advisable to pick off and examine all
buds which fail to develop in the spring.

If this insect is responsible for the check, the
larva will be found snugly ensconced inside the
bud (see fig. 70). It will also be seen that, from
the position taken up by the insects, remedial
measures are not easily applied. The following
have been used with success, and are recommended
for dealing with the pest.

Remedies.

On the first appearance, in August or Sep-
tember, of leaves marked with pale streaks, indi-
cating that the pest is at work, the trees should
be examined, and all leaves found to contain
larva3 picked off and burnt (fig. 09). The part of
the tree most generally infested is that from 5
to 0 feet from the ground.

Little can be done from October to February,
when the caterpillars are resting in their silken
cases ; but the cloth shreds may be looked over,
and any found to contain hybernating caterpillars
should be removed and destroyed.

By the third week in February the trees should
be sprayed with petroleum emulsion, quassia, or
Paris -green, with a view of preventing the
caterpillars on emergence attacking the buds.

From this time onward any buds which fail to
develop should be picked off and, together with
the contained larva or pupa, taken away and
burnt.

Finally, early in July, when the moths appear
on the wing, a further spraying of the foliage

with one of the solutions mentioned above will
assist in preventing the moths from depositing
their eggs on the leaves, and so laying the
foundation of a future attack.

The latest work on Entomology, speaking of
this insect, observes that it is " variously said to
feed on the flowers and in the shoots of Pear-
trees," but the writer has not yet discovered it on
Pear or Apple. In some published lists of fruit-
growers' foes it is also given as one of the enemies
of the Pear-grower, no mention being made of its
ravages among stone-fruits. This will no doubt
explain why injury to stone-fruits has been
attributed to other sources, and the ravages of
Gelechia nanella overlooked. J. T. Houghton,
Public Library, Worksop.

IRELAND.

A GARDEN IN WICKLOW, MOUNT USHER.

[See Supplementary Illustration.]

(Concluded from p. 82.)

Then there is the garden in the wood across
that beautifully light and fairy-like suspension
bridge represented in the supplement to this week's
issue. The suspension bridge connects the road
entrance or drive down the wood gardens with the
house garden, and the wire ropes, as shown in
our picture, are draped with Wistaria on one
side, and Clematis montana on the other. There
is also another entrance from the Ashford side,
with its Primula-fringed rivulet, its stepping-
stones, with choice flowering shrubs on the grass ;
and before entering the river, the little brook
forms a pool, fringed with marsh-loving plants
and semi - aquatic bulbs, such as Leucojum
aestivum, Iris, Arum Lilies, &c, flanked with
Bamboos, while on its surface float the mottled
pads or leaves and exquisite blossoms of some of
the best of Marliac's coloured Water-Lilies.

There are other pools and circular fountains
on the walks near the creeper-festooned cottage,
in which Water-Lilies, Aponogeton, Water Haw-
thorns, or Cape Pond-weed, Indian Club, Azolla
filiculoides, and other choice aquatic plants
thrive.

To see the river-wall covered in March and
April with fleece-like masses of purple, crimson, or
lilac-coloured Aubrietia is a sight not readily to be
forgotten. This wall is also furnished with other
vegetation, such as Dianthus, Sedum, double-
flowered Brambles, and other things. The Cali-
fornian Zauschneria is scarlet in autumn on the
sunny wall-face, and its effect, like that of the
spring-tide Aubrietias, is intensified or enhanced
by the reflections in the still water below. In
summer, the Vartry seems to go to sleep at times
on the broads between the weirs over which it
falls, foams, or splashes merrily nearly always ;
but in winter and spring, after heavy rains or
snow-storms on the mountains, the peaceful little
river becomes a raging torrent, its waters dis-
coloured with mud or peat water; and now and
then it has tried to rise above the protecting wall
and invade the walk and garden. Despite its
force, however, there are some plants quite
naturalised on the great rocky stones and boulders
that occupy its bed, such as the great Californian
Saxifrage, and two or three of the Japanese Knot-
weeds or Polygonums, seen in the middle dis-
tance of our picture. The riverside trees which
shade the river banks and the hardy Ferns in the
old mill race are here very quaint and beautiful,
consisting of a Spanish Chestnut with a splendid
gnarled bole or trunk, groups of wild Cherries,
Hawthorns, Oak, Ash, Sycamore, and Beech and
Alder, still further afield. The point of view is
just as, passing the cottage, the river vanishes
into cool and shady pools beloved of the spotted
trout and the white-breasted dipper or water-
ouzel, which haunts the place, and may be seen
dashing like lightning through the fringes or

curtain of a water-fall on the pond-overflow race
near the house, behind which is ensconced the
nest and its eggs or young. Even the lordly
salmon nests and spawns in the gravelly bed of
the tail-race here — a sight rarely seen in a
garden !

In the cool of the evening, after hot summer or
autumnal days, the mist hangs over meadow and
river alike, and j7ou may see the great grey
herons rise from their fishing haunts beside the
river, and float away to their roosting-places in
the woods, like ghostly visitors from another
sphere, or a flock of curlew pass seawards with
their plaintive cry, and hear the wood pigeons coo>
and croon their last "Good-night," as the sunlight
dies away.

The place is a haven of peace and rest, sacred
to friends and flowers, to bird life and- books, and
to simple and genial hospitality. Even a soaking
wet day — and it can rain in Wicklow — may be
spent here with delight amid the selection of
books, the pictures, the quaint bits ■ of old
Chelsea, varied by peep3 through the window at
the flowers and the birds or squirrels getting
luncheons off bones or split Cocoa-nuts, or other
suitable provender especially arranged for their
benefit on the grey and lichen -[embroidered
branches of a great Pawlownia-tree.

To attempt to name even a tithe of ..the plants
of all kinds that flourish here would be impossible,
even if likely to serve any useful purpose, but
they are all numbered with zinc tallies and duly
entered in the books of plant life religiously
kept. This system of labelling is practical,
tolerably simple and efficient, without being
obtrusive or conspicuous enough to destroy the
charm of the plants themselves or the garden as
a picture. You may see here the Maples and
tree Paeonies, and the fertile hardy Palms of
both sexe3, and the hardy shrubby grasses, or
Bamboos, nestling tall, though they be beneath
the still taller Ti trees or Cordylines ; as also the
Veion'cas, Pittosporums of NewJ Zealand and
Australasia, and Sophoras from China.

The purple-flowered Potato -tree (Solanum
crispum) and its elegantly habited first-cousin,
S. jasminoide3, Fremontia, Mandevilla suaveo-
lens, Pomegranate, Myrtle and Oleander, choice
Abelias, Spiraeas, many Rhododendrons, Zenobias,
Andromedas, and other ericaceous plants all
flourish here in profusion. In autumn the best
varieties of Hydrangeas, blue, rosy, and white, are
very luxuriant and showy in the wood garden
and elsewhere. Tricuspidaria forms a bush eight
or more feet high and ten feet wide, and bears
hundreds of its pendent red cherry-like flowers
amongst its dark and glossy leaves.

The scarlet Tropaeolum speciosum covers wall
and bush, Cydonia, Cotoneaster, Roses, and
dark Ivied screens, with its tender foliage and
bright scarlet flowers, followed in autumn by a
profusion of its crimson-purple calices set with
tui-quoise-blue berries. Two of many plants which
succeed here better than I ever saw them else-
where are Cypella Herbertii, four feet high and.
five feet across, simply a great spreading sheaf of
leaves and flower-spikes. The other is Dierama.
( Sparaxis) pulcherrima, with dainty spikes "like
fishing-rods for fairies," five to seven feet high,
elegantly pendulous at their tips, and each branch-
let hung with bells that vary in colour from dark
velvety crimson-purple to almost snowy- white.
All the phases between the two so-called species,
viz , D. pendula and D. pulcherrima, occur here
from home-saved seed ; and yet we are told that-
at Dunran, a quaint old place above Mount Usher,
this plant is even still more luxuriant and
charming when grown from seed.

The wood-garden, rich in Phloxes, Lilies of all
the best species, Hellebores, Tea and other Roses,
Bamboos, Spiraeas, Meconopsis, &c, with its
choice inner circle round a Water-Lily-pool of

September 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE,

187

Trillium, Anemones, Primroses, Shortia, Galax
Ourisia, Paracha>tus, choice Camellias, and
ericaceous plants is luxuriant and charming
beyond words to say. Here again Cordylines,
Bamboos, Abutilons, Cornus capitatus, and other
rare shrubs abound, and we have never seen more
brilliantly coloured beds or borders of St. Brigid
Anemones than those grown here. In spring
the grassy lawns are gay with Crocus, Bogs-tooth
Violets, Bluebells, with circles or masses of hardy
Cyclamen at ground level around the boles of
the trees ; and masses of Narcissi of many and
varied kinds nutter in the soft breezes or rude
gales — in the sun or rain of blustering March or
of showery April.

Tou may visit Mount Usher any day in the
whole year and never find it without flowers and
healthy greenery. There are many good gardens
in Wicklow, including Powerscourt, Kilruddery,
Bellvue, Delgany, Dunran (with its castle near
the centre of a circular walled-in garden with
great Yew-trees and Yew and Laurel hedges, its
trees, shrubs, and splendid scenery) — but there is
only one Mount Usher, in the sheltered and happy
valley of the Vartry, as it flows down from the
celebrated Devil's-glen a mile or so away. It is
an ever-charming focus spot of beauty — soil,
shelter, fine aspect or position, variety of surface,
ample water-supply, and a genial climate ; but the
great factor of all is the personal equation, viz.,
that of the genial owners, the Messrs. Walpole,
makers of the place, of what may be called
the overflow of their wealth, ability, energy, and
leisure for an extended period of busy years.
Not only has this garden been to them a source
of personal enjoyment, but they have extended
the pleasure it has constantly afforded them to
hundreds of other people fond of horticulture, as
the book signed by visitors amply shows. Our
illustrations speak for themselves, and are from
photographs taken by Mr. Geo. E. Low, who is
himself a keen amateur gardener. F. W. Burbidge.

KEW NOTES.

View in the Palm-house at Kew. — The
Palms at Kew are a source of interest and delight
to all kinds of visitors, many of the specimens in
the large Palm-house being almost equal in size
to what they attain in a wild state in the tropics.
"When they reach a height of 00 feet or so they
iave to be sacrificed or they would soon push the
froof off. A large sacrifice of this nature had to
be made three years ago, and the view shown in
the illustration (fig. 73) is. from the gallery over-
looking the younger Palms which replaced the
giants then cut down. The fan-leaved Palm in
the centre of the view is the Bermudan Sabal
Blackburniana, no doubt the oldest Palm in
England, as it was probably introduced by
Admiral Bligh in 1793, and is therefore 110 years
old. It is in vigorous health, and produces
regularly large crops of Grape-like fruit. To the
left is Howea (Kentia) Belmoreana, the first of its
kind to be introduced from Lord Hone's island,
it having been in the Palm-house fifty years. The
plant flowers almost every year.

Gerardia htbrida.
A plant bearing this name is now in flower in
the Pentstemon bed in the herbaceous ground at
Kew. It was obtained last year from the curator
of the Botanic Garden at Giessen, Herr F.
Rehnett, who wrote an account of it, published
with a figure in Die Girtenwelt for November SI,
p. 99. The origin of the plant is said to be
Pentstemon campanulatus crossed with Gerardia
tenuifolia ; but there appears to be some mistake
here, as careful comparison shows that the sup-
posed hybrid is simply a form of Pentstemon
campanulatus, a most variable species. Probably
the mistake arose from accepting as Gerardia
tenuifolia a plant figured in Illustration Horticole,

1894, p. 159, under that name and since grown in
Continental gardens, but which is a narrow-
leaved, small-flowered form of the Pentstemon.
Gerardias are mostly parasitical and of little or no
value in horticulture.

Ltsimachia Henryi.
There are two fine examples of this new
Loosestrife now covered with flowers at Kew — one
in the rockery, and the other in the herbaceous
garden. They are cushion-like tufts a yard
across and 4 inches high, formed of interlacing
prostrate stems which ramify freely and root as
they spread. The leaves are oblong, 2 to 3 inches
long, dark green, and the flowers, which are in
crowded heads all over the plant, are campanulate,
J inch long, bright yellow, and lasting. Judging
by its behaviour this year, this plant ought to
prove useful in many places in the garden, as it
grows very freely and is evidently quite hardy.
In some respects it resembles L. paridiformis.

to flower, but from some cause or other it has
never revealed its true characters until this
year. Probably the excessive wet and other
peculiarities of weather experienced at Kew
this season have suited the Kirengeshoma ;
at any rate it has made strong stems 2
feet high, robust dark green lobed leaves re-
sembling those of Cineraria cruenta, and terminal
panicles of bell-shaped, cream-yellow flowers
nearly H inch long; the corolla composed of five
overlapping oblong acuminate fleshy petals, some-
what recurved and free above, and so closely
folded below as to appear united. A good idea of
the plant may be got from imagining an ordinary
Cineraria with flowers suggesting a Campanula.
Prof. Yatabe, who is the author of the genus,
says it is allied to Hydrangea and Philadelphus,
and that it is a native of woods on Mount
Ishizuchi, at an elevation of 5,000 feet. A figure
of the Kew plant has been prepared for publica-
tion in the Botanical Magazine.

If 1

»4/"|

Wk ;fHH|

* ^.

v/flM

m

-<£rr ■ ■■■-.

SI

F3l. ' %

mm

fi.\

. ~ urn .

■2£l . ■

"T^tsFOiR^r*

Fig, 73. — view in the palm house, kew, as seen from the gallery in may.

raised and flowered at Kew about ten years ago
from seeds sent by Dr. A. Henry from Ichang,
and of which a figure was published in the
Botanical Magazine, t. 7226; but L. Henryi is
quite prostrate in habit and has much smaller
leaves. Br. Henry discovered this new introduc-
duction, and it was named after him by Mr.
Hemsley some years ago ; but we owe the posses-
sion of living plants of it to Messrs. .Tas. Veitch &
Sons, for whom it was collected in China by Mr.
Wilson.

Kirengeshoma palmata.

A brief description of this plant, taken from
the Japanese Botanical Magazine, was published
in tho Qardeners' Chronicle, February, 1891,
p. 202. In the same year Dr. K. Yatabe, of the
Botanic Gardens, Tokio, Japan, sent seeds of it
to Kew, and from these a single plant only was
raised. This has been grown for ten years or so
in a rather moist, sunny position in the rock-
garden, and it has now and then made an attempt

Adenophora polymorpha.

A fine form of this is now flowering in the
rockery at Kew. It is one of the plants collected
in China by Mr. Wilson for Messrs. J. Veitch &
Sons, to whom Kew is indebted for the example
under notice. The stems are 5 feet high, branched,
and clothed with numerous rich dark blue bell-
shaped flowers an inch long, with acute corolla
lobes and long narrow sepals. The species is, as
the name denotes, very variable, some forms of
it having small unattractive flowers. The pre-
sent one may be compared with Campanula Tra-
chelium, so far as general effect goes. It is quite
hardy. The genus, which is scarcely known in
gardens, comprises about a dozen species, and
it belongs to the same group as Ostrowskia,
Symphiandra, and Campanula.

Aois-n i m l-'isi iikiu.

This is a rare plant. The figure in tho Botanical
Magazine under this name is, according to Dr. O.

188

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 12, 1903,

Stapf, true A. japonicuin, of which A. autumnale
is a synonym. What is accepted at Kew as the
true A. Fischeri may now be seen in flower in the
collection there. It is three weeks or a month
earlier than A. japonicum, of which there is a
large bed at Kew, strong and full of flower-buds,
and it also differs in the flowers being smaller
and of a very dark purple-blue colour. It is
decidedly a plant worth looking after for autumn
effect. What is supposed to be a third species of
the same group was introduced by Mr. Wilson
from China, and will shortly be distributed by
Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons as A. Wilsoni. Accord-
ing to Sir Joseph Hooker, upwards of three
hundred specific names have been advanced for
probably not more than thirty species of
Aconitum ! W. W.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

CATTLEYA GASKELLIANA.
Mb. Arthur Cobbold obligingly sends us a
flower, in which the upper or dorsal sepal is
attached to the back of the column. As the
vascular bundle which supplies the stamen that
is opposite to the sepal starts originally from the
same bundle as that which supplies the sepal, the
malformation becomes intelligible.

Eulophia Peeteksiana

is the subject of an attractive coloured plate in a
recent number of the Revue Horticole. This is,
according to Mr. O'Brien, the Grammatophyllum
Eoemplerianum of Keichenbach, in Gardeners'
Chronicle, 1877, p. 240. We shall have to wait
till 1914 before the herbarium of the eccentric
Professor can be consulted in order to obtain
confirmation of this opinion.

Cattleya x Patrocinii, " Westfield Variety."

A very fine improvement on the original form
of this interesting plant is now in flower in the
collection of Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield,
Woking (gr., Mr. Hopkins). The original plant
was recorded in Brazil as a natural hybrid of C.
Loddigesii and C. guttata leopardina (? Leo-
poldii) in 1890, and the same year a similar plant
flowered in several European gardens. More
recently it has appeared in other places, a very
good form of it having been figured in the Dic-
tionnaire Iconographique des Orchidies. Mr. Wel-
lesley's variety is, however, much finer, notwith-
standing the fact that the inflorescence bears six
flowers. The flowers, which are over 4 inches
across, are shaped like those of C. Leopoldii,
except that the undulated and extended side-
lobes of the labellum seem more continuous with
the front lobe than in that species. The sepals
are of a bright rosy-mauve colour freely spotted
with reddish-crimson, the spotting being smaller
at the backs of the segments than on the face.
The labellum is clear rose-colour with a white
base, and a darker rose hue in front of the stout
white column. The crimped edge of the labellum
also has a white margin.

Much confusion has been caused by classing
C. Leopoldii as a variety of C. guttata. C. hy-
brida (typical C. guttata x Loddigesii) was
raised by Messrs. Veitch nearly half a century ago,
but that C. Patrocinii was a cross between C. Leo-
poldii and C. Loddigesii seems to be proved by
the plant raised by M. Maron from that parentage
and named C. x Gaudii ; and further confirma-
tion is given by Mr. Ed. Kromer, the collector,
who informs me that he knows that the few
original plants of Cattleya x Patrocinii were
collected at Santa Catharina, where C. Leopoldii
and C. Loddigesii grow together. The smaller
and botanically different C. guttata he says is
common even in the harbour of Eio de Janeiro,
but not in Santa Catharina. J. O'B.

TROPICAL FRUITS IN ENGLAND.

It is stated that we are about to receive a large and
regular supply of Mangos ; those who love them may
well exclaim, "At last!" Why this most delicious of
the common tropical fruits has not been familiar in
Europe for years was always a puzzliDg question for
those who thought upon the matter. Botanists agree
that India was its native home, because all the various
names current in the East, or all which have no refer-
ence to its characteristics, can be traced to the Sanscrit.
But even before the arrival of Europeans it was very
widely spread, and they conveyed it to all their settle-
ments. The Spaniards introduced Mangos to the
Philippines in the sixteenth century, and China-
men trading there, appreciating the novelty, carried
the seeds home. The Dutch planted it in the
Moluccas as early as K55, and pirates, as the
legend goes, transported it to Zanzibar and Mada-
gascar. At the present time one would have to search
far for an island in the Eastern or the Western Tropics
where the Mango does not flourish. It has reached
Egypt, for M. de Lesseps used to present his friends
with some of the highest quality, grown at Ismailia.
But hitherto there has been no regular export to
Europe, and the small parcels that arrived mostly
belonged to those villainous species which taste of
turpentine. For there are Mangos and Mangos,
ranging from varieties actually uneatable, through
those which have a disagreeable "smack," mole or
less, to the perfection of " Bombay No. 9," and it is
the former mostly which were distributed in old
times ; but some authorities of experience assign
the bad flavour, as a rule, to soil or conditions
unsuited to the tree. However, the good sorts are
so common nowadays that we ought to have had
the fruit in abundance ever since " cold storage "
wa3 introduced. Trinidad has come to the rescue.
Such a large consignment is on the way that 400 boxes
sent by special train to Covent Garden as soon as the
vessel arrives will be only a first instalment. It is
added that the fruit will be sold at "popular prices."
If Mangos become an ordinary object on our dinner-
tibles persons of an ingenious turn will find an oppor-
tunity to distinguish themselves. A machine or
apparatus for eating the fruit with comfort and
decency has been a "felt want" for ages. In India
they say that one can ouly eDJoy it in the privacy of
the bath, where no spectators can be disgusted by
the process and no clothing can be spoiled. It must
be admitted that there is a good deal of truth in this
statement. The prettiest woman eating Mangos in
public is a distressing sight for the fastidious, and the
juice leaves a permanent stain. But it is certainly not
beyond the resources of science to devise a^neat little
holder which should enable us to consume the pre-
cious thing without inconvenience to ourselves or
others.

Several brand-new fruits have been discovered lately,
besides the hybrids which enterprising gardeners have
produced. In the country of Boma, behind Fashoda,
Captain Welby found one which none of the people
with him recognised. The tree resembled a Cherry, but
the fruit was a " natural jam "—flavour not mentioned.
" It came in handy for breakfast." In the same unex-
plored district he came across another, like an Orange,
" the inside a mass of large pips covered with a yellow
pulp." It was pleasant enough to eat, but wanting in
taste. The account in each case suggests possibilities
for the future. The common fruits, Apples, Pears,
Plums, Cherries, were unpromising in their original
forms. When the Gordon College at Khartoum has
turned out native gardeners skilled in Western science,
they may make something of their local produce. But
it seems that Ma label el an a possesses fruits which need
no improvement. Half a century ago Livingstone dis-
covered a carious nut called Maneko, the seeds of which
arecoveredwith a glutinous fibre, chewed by the natives,
but not swallowed. Livingstone agreed with them
that it was delicious. We are not aware that the
Maneko has been noticed since that time, but lately it
was discovered in Matabeleland. Another novelty i3
the Inhlada, a name meaning "famine fruit" in Zulu,
because, they say, a little goes so far that in time of
dearth many lives are saved by it. The nut, bigger
than the largest Orange, contains an acid pulp in
flavour like roasted Apples, much appreciated by the
white colonists, who find the Zulu report quite correct
—two of these nuts make a meal. Then there is the
Marula, much like a Green Gage in taste, but the pulp
is replaced by syrup ; and an unnamed fruit, re-
sembling an Apple in all respects. All these curiosities
would grow in Southern Europe probably, and if they
come up to the descriptions they may be intro-
duced before long. It is well to recollect, however,
that pioneers in Matabeleland would be apt to find any-
thing in the way of fruit which was not bad delightful.
But in the tropical countries of either hemisphere,
besides the many species cultivated, an intelligent
caterer often serves a dish of fruit which he cannot
name. The bazaar people told him perhaps, but he
never heard the word before, and he cannot remember
it These are " jungle fruits," always small, and nearly
always delicious. Perhaps at some future day they may
be cultivated. A traveller in Costa Rica once sent his
servant to buy fruit in the market, and the man

brought back five species, all resembling the Medlar
-in taste, though utterly different in form, and all
agreeable. No one at the hotel could name any of
them.

But it is not creditable to the enterprise of our busi-
ness men that scores of fruits common and valued in
the European settlements have never been sent home.
The explanation always offered is that nobody would
buy them. The first consignment might be a loss ; but
it is not likely that, when people strive so hard fo*
something new in their entertainments, such exquisite
fruits as the Duku and the Rambutan— to name only
two, almost as common in the Malay country as Apples
are here— would not sell. The true reason is want of
enterprise— nobody has thought of it.

Of course most of these products would not bear
the journey in former days ; Mangosteens, which are
so commonly pronounced the best of all, will not bear
it now, they say. We should feel more confident on
this point if assured that the experiment has been
tried more than once on a large scale. Hundreds of
people, no doubt, have bought some Mangosteens in
the market, carried them aboard, and obtained per-
mission to store them in the cool chamber— where
they promptly decayed. But this is not business.
There are so many legends about this queen of fruits,
mostly unfounded, that one who is familiar with them
may well doubt. Until a very recent date! it was an
article of faith unquestioned that the Mangosteen
would not live, much less fruit, beyond the charmed"
border of the Straits Settlements and Malay kingdoms
adjoining. There was one striking piece of evidence
to the contrary, no doubt.

The Duke of Devonshire, so famed for his de-
votion to horticulture, plantad seeds of the Mangosteen
at Chatsworth, and actually obtained two trees. They
grew and grew for something like forty years. At length
each bore a single fruit. One the Duke presented to
Her Majesty, and one he ate himself. Next day the
trees were cut down. But such a case did not affect
the rule. A circumstantial story told how the Dutch
authorities even of Java had spent much money in
efforts to acclimatise it— always vain. And forty years
ago it was true probably that no specimen could be
found outside the limits given — because everybody
supposed that it would be useless to make the attempt.
But somehow the charm got broken, and now Man-
gosteens are flourishing from Bombay to the Philippines
—not very fruitful yet, but that is because they are too
young probably.

This, however, is the delight of epicures and persons
of cultured taste. The vulgar, white or yellow, prefer
Mangos and Durians ; but as for the latter it must be
added that many persons of the utmost refinement
enthusiastically support the opinion of the populace.
Durians could always have been imported without
difficulty ; with fair treatment they would sail
round the world undamaged. We shall never
see them at Covent Garden, notwithstanding— which is
a bitter thought to many estimable persons who have
served their Queen and country, or maintained the
dignity of British trade, in the Far East. If a waggon-
load of Durians passed through the streets of London
unannounced, all the sanitary inspectors en routs
would turn out in panic, and the Borough Councillors
might be summoned for a special meeting. Such is the
awful smell of this fruit, which tastes, as its ravinglovers
declare, like nuts and cream. Personally, we should
add, while admitting this flavour, a taste of Onions too
strong for our palate. It may be asked how Europeans
contrive to enjoy a fruit which for those who do not
worship it is as disgusting as an open drain, and the
stench does not pass away for hours. Both ladies and
gentlemen form Durian Clubs. Each member in turn
entertains the rest, and so the nuisance is distributed.
Standard. [It was the Duke of Northumberland, at
Syon House, who first fruited the Mangosteen in Eng-
land. See Gardeners' Chronicle, June 2, 1855, p. 371. Ed.J

REMARKS ON THE CONDITIONS
OF THE FRUIT CROPS.

(See Tables, ante, pp. 72—77.)

(Concluded from p. 174.)

IEELAND.

Galwat. — All small fruits were good, especially
Strawberries. The " Leader " I find an excellent
fruit, both firm in texture and of a bright colour ;
Laxton's Fillbasket is an excellent cropper. And!.
Porter, Woodlawn Gardens.

Longford. — Small fruits and Strawberries
were very good in this neighbourhood ; Pears and
Plums few, and Apples a total failure. For twenty-
five years our orchards have not been so destitute-
of fruit. This is owing to the cold sunless season
of last year, consequently the young wood did not
mature. John Rafferty, Castleforbes, Newtownforbes_

Sligo. — The blossoms of Apples, Pears and
Plums wore destroyed by frosts in April and
severe winds in May. Strawberries have beea

September 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

189

very good, particularly Fillbasket, which has
been by far the most prolific variety here ; Ment-
more and Trafalgar also gave a good account of
themselves, but such new sorts as the Laxton
and Climax have been rather disappointing.
Joseph Songster, The Gardens, Lissadell.

Limekick. — The promise of good crops of fruits
was very good here in spring, but the frosts
during April destroyed all. The frosts were as

wooded fruit. Of Strawberries the show of
bloom was excellent, but owing to cold damp
weather when the fruit was taking colour,
large quantities rotted on the plants, the variety
Royal Sovereign especially so. C. Smith $ Son,
Caledonia Nursery, Guernsey.

Jersey. — Again have frost and cold winds
blighted the hopes of growers. A few Pears have
escaped, but Chaumontel alone shows a fair crop,

CATTLEYA x PITTIANA," J. WILSON
POTTER'S VARIETY."

The first plant to flower of this fine hybrid
between Cattleya granulosa Schofieldiana and C.
Dowiana aurea was in the collection of H. T. Pitt,.
Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr. Thurgood),
and it was recorded in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
August 9, 1902, p. 95. At the Royal Horticultural
Society's meeting on September 1, J. Wilson*

Fig. 74.— cattleya x pittiana, "j. wilson potter's variety."

follows : — on the 2nd, 2" ; 12th, 2° ; 14th,
7°; 16th, 8°; 17th, 8°; 18th, 7°; 19th, 2' ; 22nd,
6° ; and 24th, 5°. The wind was generally from
the north. The rainfall for the month was
1'68 inch. W. Bowles, Adare Manor Gardens, Adare.

CHANNEL ISLANDS.
Guernsey. — Fruit trees generally this season
flowered very early, indeed, too early to allow of
a good set of bloom, which was probably the
result of last summer, which failed to ripen the
wood sufficiently. This applies to all hard-

and much of the fruit is badly marked by hail.
Williams' Bon Chretien has been particularly
ravaged by small grubs, which appeared in hun-
dreds in each fruit, hollowing it completely.
Most growers were wise enough to pick and burn
the affected fruits. This trouble has not been
noticed here before. Apple-trees are showing
Ermine-moth caterpillars again, but rather fewer
than last year. Strawberries suffered much from
extremely wet weather. Tomatos are largely
grown again out-doors after l'otatos. II. Becker,
Cwsarean Nurseries.

Potter, Esq., Elmwood, Croydon (gr., Mr. W. H.
Young), showed another variety of the same parent-
age, and was accorded a First-class Certificate.

The flower of Mr. Pitt's plant was 7 inches
across, and of exquisite tinting, the cowslip-yellow
sepals and petals being delicately tinged and
veined with rose, and the centre and base of the
labellum showing the rich gold veining of C.
Dowiana aurea.

Mr. Potter's variety (fig. 74) partakes more
strongly of C. granulosa, and its bronzy-yellow
sepals and petals tinted with rose are of darker

190

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 12, 1903.

3iue than the original variety. The labelluru
has orange-coloured marking in the centre, the
•front being purplish-ruby-red, the fimbriated
margin blush-white. It is a very handsome
■flower, and the plant was cultivated to its best,
but the flowers when exhibited were scarcely
of full size. /. O'B.

THE ROSARY.

ROSE ZEPHYRINE DROUHIN.

At last we have got on to the right track, and
have been informed of the proper way to spell
the name of this Rose. For this information we
are indebted to M. Mottet, the author of a ser-
viceable little book on Conifers and a frequent
■correspondent of the Revue Horticole. In that
publication, in the year 1899, at p. 308, we find
that this Rose is called in Switzerland Charles
Bonnet ; in England, Madame Gustav Bonnet ; in
Germany, Zephyrine Drouhin ; in Italy, Ingegnoli
prediletta ; in France, Zephyrine Druot, Drouot,
and Drouhot. At any rate gardeners must not
rail at botanists for multiplying synonyms,
for they are much concerned with glasshouses
"themselves.

Rose Zephyrine Drouhin, as we must now call
it, was raised by M. Binot, of Dijon, in 1873. M.
Binot dedicated his Rose to Madame Zephyrine
Drouhin, the wife of M. Drouhin, a gentleman
•attached to horticultural pursuits residing at
•Semer (Cote d'Or). It is a hybrid Bourbon
climbing Rose, almost destitute of thorns, and
with the beautifully-coloured and deliciously-
scented flowers to which we have already alluded.
M. Mottet tells us it is exceptionally hardy, pro-
ducing its flowers singly or in clusters of ten or
twelve all the summer till checked by frost. It
is easily propagated by cuttings or by budding.
•On September 7th we received a box of lovely
blooms of this Rose from Messrs. Jas. Cocker &
Sons, Aberdeen, who have cultivated the variety
for some years. It is cited in their catalogue for
last year as " Zepherin Drouot." The richly-
coloured fragrant flowers are exactly the same as
those described in our issue for August 22,
-p. 134.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

PARIS.

Flowers at Funerals.— For some years past
there has been a tendency in Paris, owing to the
excessive extent to which the practice has been
carried, as elsewhere, to request that no flowers
-or wreaths should be sent on the occasion of a
•death. As this custom becomes more popular it
will entail considerable loss on the florists. A
member of the Societe Rationale d'Horticulture
who lately died left a request that no flowers
should be sent, and as if to compensate for the
loss to trade bequeathed a thousand francs to the
Society above named. On the same principle it
has lately been usual in Brussels to insert in the
newspapers notices to the effect that New Year
cards will not be sent by certain persons, who
give to the poor the amount they would other-
wise spend on cards. This generosity does not
affect the tradesmen whose business is thus
curtailed.

The Cours la Reine Hot-houses.— The large glass-
houses erected at Cours la Reine, by the borders
of the Seine, for the 1900 exhibition are not yet
permanently occupied. The Societe Nationale
d'Horticulture make use of them in May and
November for their flower-shows ; otherwise the
buildings remain practically unused. The
authorities of Paris naturally hesitate to main-
tain these costly erections for occasional occupa-
tion only, and have offered them to the Society

for 10,000 francs a year. The Society would
willingly hold meetings in the buildings, but
could only do so four or five times per annum,
and are asking for a less heavy rental. Probably
a suitable arrangement will be made as the
authorities do not wish to pull down the houses,
and the Society hopes to get larger attendances
at their shows. At the meeting on August 27
some fine Gladioli were shown by MM. Vilmorin-
Andrieux, and M. Gravereau ; Chrysanthemums
by M. Lionnet, and there were other good ex-
hibits.

Schomburgkia-Cattleya. — At the last meeting of
the Societe Nationale d'Horticulture de France
M. Dallemagne, of Rambouillet, staged a new and
interesting Orchid, a hybrid between Schom-
burgkia tibicinis and Cattleya Mossia;, and which
he has named Schomburgkia-Cattleya striata x .

The habit of the plant is intermediate ; the
pseudo-bulbs are rather short, swollen and striped,
and bear two leaves at the summit; the flower-
stem is rather short, and bears five flowers.
These flowers are very large, at least as large aa
those of C. Mossia?, the petals and sepals are not
wider than those of Schomburgkia, and are rolled
round like those of Cypripedium Parishi, they
are of a fine bright red colour tinged with
magenta ; the lip recalls strongly that of Schom-
burgkia, but the lateral lobes enclose the column,
the base is white, and the anterior lobe is bright
red. I believe it to be the first hybrid obtained
between a Schomburgkia and a Cattleya. G.

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L
Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Odontoglossums. — Since the introduction of
leaf-soil into the compost used for Odonto-
glossums there has been a marked improvement
throughout the country in the quality of the
flower-spikes produced and in the health of the
plants in general. Yet some growers still stick
hard and fast to the old compost of peat and
sphagnum-moss, and no doubt obtain favourable
results. It is also true that large quantities of
Odontoglossums are killed yearly through being
potted in fine leaf-soil and carelessly watered
by inexperienced men. At Westonbirt, leaf-soil
has been used in the potting mixtures for the
last two years with very satisfactory results, the
quality of the flower-spikes produced being much
superior to those produced in the old compost.

Potting the Plants. — The present month is
without question the most suitable time for the
general overhauling of such plants as O. crispum,
O. Pescatorei, O. triumphans, O. Halli, O. luteo-
purpureum, &c, for at this season the majority
of the plants have started well into growth, and
will therefore quickly make new roots, which will
take hold of the rooting medium now afforded
them. But there are always some plants that
remain dormant longer than others, and these
may not be ready for potting until early spring.
Leaf-soil should be used as follows : — Good Oak-
leaves or Belgian leaf-soil two-fifths, turfy peat
two-fifths, clean chopped sphagnum-moss one-
fifth, adding a good sprinkling of silver-sand and
finely broken crocks. Let the material be well
mixed together, and use it in as rough a state as
possible. Over-potting must be avoided with
strictest care. It is a mistake to put a plant
into a pot large enough to accommodate it for two
or three seasons' growth. Select smaller pots
that will afford room sufficient for the extension
of the roots in one season, and when these have
become filled with roots, shift on the plants with-
out disturbing the ball. If the repotting be done
in this manner, affording water is not so difficult
or dangerous during the winter months, as the
rooting medium dries much quicker. Such plants
may be potted on for two or three seasons as the
pots become filled with roots, but after this time
it will b^ best to shake the plants out, cleaning
away all old material from the roots and removing

old useless pseudo-bulbs. The plants should then
be started again in small pots as before. Before
re-potting put a layer of bracken-roots or clean
crocks in the bottom of each pot for drainage, and
in the course of potting press the material
moderately firm about the roots. Keep the base
of the plants on a level with the rim of the pot,
and cover the surface with a neat layer of fresh
sphagnum moss. After the operation the usual
care will be needed in regard to watering, and
special attention must be given to keeping the
atmosphere sweet and moist by careful damping
and ventilating. Prevent cold draughts, and
whenever the weather permits spray the plants
over-head with water.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq.
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Gooseberry and Currant Bushes. — It is a good
practice to thin the growths of the present
season ; and if the bushes were disbudded in the
spring, very little will need removal at the
present time. The case is different if the shoots
were allowed to grow unchecked, and the free-
growing varieties will have formed thickets of
shoots. In this case let all the small, twiggy
growths be removed entirely, and the stronger
ones thinned out, but leaving a sufficient number
to allow of a final thinning being carried out in
the spring. Black Currants do not make so much
wood as the red and white varieties ; but in the
case of young and vigorous bushes it will be well
to go over them, removing badly-placed shoots.

Cordons of Gooseberries and Currants trained on
north walls should have the nets removed as soon
as all the fruits have been gathered, the shoots
beingthen thinned, as advised in the case of bushes.
The weather is now much drier, in the south of
England at least, and gardeners have been
enabled to ply the hoe in keeping down the
weeds. Experience has taught me that the hoe is
an important tool in the cultivation of hardy
fruit, the growth of the roots of fruit-trees being
encouraged by the surface of the soil having a
fine tilth, and they derive more benefit from
manure when this is applied to the surface than
by digging it in after the trees are planted.

Hints on Work in General. — Such early varieties
of culinary Apples as Grenadier, Lord Grosvenor,
and Keswick Codlin, are now fit to gather, and in
so doing go over the trees several times, gathering
only those that will part readily from the shoots
by a slight upward movement. Stored in a cool
room these early varieties will keep sound for
some weeks, and with the short crop of many
late kinds they will prolong the season. Where
the gardener is fortunate enough to have a crop
of Williams' Bon Chretien Pear, a few fruits
should be gathered at short intervals and placed
in a cool vinery to ripen.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

The Plant Stove. — As the season wanes, less
shade and moisture should be afforded in this
structure, so that the growth of the plants may
become harder before winter. Such plants as
Allamanda, Stephanotis, Clerodendron, Bougain-
villea, Gloriosa, that are passing out of flower,
may be afforded less water at the roots, and be
placed at the cooler end of the house if it be con-
venient to remove them. If painting is to be
done to the interior of the house, September is a
good month to undertake the work, as the plants
may with safety be taken to unheated houses and
pits for a few weeks. In any case the glass and
wood-work should be well washed down with
warm soapy-water, as filth always accumulates
where much heat and moisture are employed. Let
all the plants be cleaned and the pots scrubbed
before returning them to the house.

Euphorbias. — E. pulcherrima and Jaequinseflora
standing in cold pits or frames must soon be
transferred to a slightly warmer atmosphere, or
they will be liable to lose their bottom leaves ;
and be careful not to over-water them. Both
species require to be stood near the glass-roof,
the latter doing best when the growths are

September 12, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

191

trained to pieces of string or wire. A night
temperature of 60°, with plenty of ventilation
during bright days, will be suitable, and no shade
whatever need now be afforded them. If stimu-
lants be given, let the application be weak, or
it will injure the roots.

Schis anthus. — These are very showy subjects
for the greenhouse during early spring, especially
the newer strain " Wisetonensis." Sow seeds in
pans of light sandy soil in a cool structure and
afford shade until the seedlings are through the
soil. Prick them off as soon as they are ready
into 48-size and small 32-size pots, in which they
will flower. The compost may consist of turfy-
loam and a little leaf-mould and manure, with a
sprinkling of sand. Place three and five plants
respectively in each pot, apply water and shade
for a few days. When the plants have become
established stand them on a shelf in a freely
ventilated house. The growths will need to be
supported by neat stakes. Early in February a
little feeding may be commenced.

General Work. — The time is fast approaching
when fire-heat will have to be employed, if not to
keep out frost, to dispel damp, therefore examine
the heating apparatus, replacing with new any
parts that may have become useless. Have all
flues and chimneys swept, and the boilers and
water-pipes emptied of all sediment, which, if
left in them year after year, tends to corrode the
iron and prevents the free circulation of water.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miixeb Mr/NDY,Esq ,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

The Backward Season. — The present year has
not been a good one for flower gardening, most
plants being late in blooming, the result of cold
nights almost throughout the summer, as well as
sunless days. Of rain, we have had no excess at
Shipley. It is a pleasing fact that the weather
conditions have not affected injuriously the later-
flowering Michaelmas Daisies, Uudbeekias, Pyre-
thrum uliginosum, and some other late autumn-
flowering plants ; and given a fine September, the
display will be excellent. A few of the earlier-
flowering herbaceous perennials have been re-
tarded by the weather. Aster amellus is just
now opening its flowers ; Eudbeckia Newmani
is in its first flush of bloom ; and the shrubby
Phloxes raised from cuttings are now affording
a nice display, in succession to the old stools,
which are past their best. In spite of the back-
wardness of many kinds of plants, there are
some marked successes to record, notably Violas,
which have flowered freely, and still continue
to flower. A few of the best that I grow are
Mrs. C. F. Gordon, Acushla, Pembroke, Bride-
groom (an improved Isobel), and Diana. The
last-mentioned is, and has been, very fine, and
has proved itself a most useful bedding Viola,
large flowers, habit good, and in the mass forming
a cloud of delicate mauve colour. Many of the
early-flowering Chrysanthemums will be late, and
in some cases they will probably scarcely reach
their best this year; but the Marie Masse va-
rieties, the small-flowered yellow Flora, and
Market White are all that one could wish,
being clean in growth and adorned with numerous
flowers and flowers-buds. Sweet Peas have been
fine and the flowers extra large, the recent rains
giving them a new lease of life. Carnations have
been good, and they are still in flower. The buds
of Lilium auratum have suffered much from the
weather, and the flowers are not really good ;
L. a. platyphyllum is the best form out-doors.
Tuberous-rooted Begonias, which form good con-
trasts with zonal Pelargoniums, are now at their
best, the rains not injuring them ; Lobelia
cardinalis has done well, and the variety Firefly
has again shown its superiority to L. c. Queen
Victoria. Montbretias are fine ; and Pentstemons,
as might be expected in such a cool season, are
very fine.

Ground Work. — Where the planting of beds
with herbaceous perennials is contemplated and
the ground is cleared, it will be advisable to
double dig it after applying a good dressing of
manure under each spit. Ground dug now
will have time to settle before the planting is
undertaken. Land for Carnation-beds and plots

should now be dug, a small quantity of manure or
bone-meal being dug in ; the former one spit
deep, and the latter stirred into the newly
turned up soil. Lime too should be applied if the
soil is deficient in this constituent, and charred
earth is another useful ingredient effective for
securing healthy growth in the plants-

Work in General. — Continue the propagation of
bedding-plants. Pot up zonal Pelargoniums struck
in the open ground ; examine tuberous - rooted
Begonias, and mark those that have not made good
growth. Bought-in tubers are diverse in habit,
and those which show defects should not be kept.
Take a general survey of flower-garden arrange-
ments, and note all prospective alterations while
these are fresh in the memory.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.
Tomatos — Apply to plants cropping heavily
liquid-manure, or Le Fruitier artificial manure,
sprinkled on the soil. If trained as cordons,
remove side shoots before these attain to a large
size, and shorten the foliage a little at a time
when crowded. Top-dress plants in pots with a
rich loamy compost whenever they show signs of
exhaustion, supplementing this by regular sup-
plies of plant-food. Let the atmosphere be
buoyant, ventilating freely whenever the weather
is favourable. A night temperature of 60c, and
by day of 70° to S0°, with ventilation, is adequate
where artificial heat is necessary to maintain the
plants in a fruiting state. Plants raised in early
summer, and now commencing to yield fruit,
will, if grown on under cool conditions, be useful
for early winter fruiting. Keep the plants
growing strongly by affording them fertilisers, as
advised for earlier-fruiting plants.

Melons. — The cold, sunless weather towards the
end of last month hindered the growth of the
latest-planted Melons, and much artificial heat
has been necessary. The growth in consequence
has been rather weak, and more susceptible to
the attacks of insects. If aphides are trouble-
some, vaporise with XL-All compound, and for
red-spider forcible syringings of tepid water or
sponging the affected leaves may be resorted to.
Apply tepid water only in smal! quantity till the
roots have taken full possession of the beds.
Syringe the plants in bright weather at closing
time, allowing the temperature to rise with sun-
heat to 90° or 95°. By artificial means a day
temperature of 75° to 85°, and by night 70" may
be afforded. Ventilate upon every favourable
opportunity, and in bright weather frequently
damp the paths, &c. Early July -raised plants are
now swelling their fruits rapidly and will be
much benefited by applications of liquid manure
or sprinklings of Le Fruitier on the beds,
immediately afterwards applying water. At this
stage the ripening fruit sometimes splits at this
season, therefore be cautious in applying water.
Afford ripening fruit a night temperature of 70°,
and by day 80° to 85°, with free ventilation and a
dry atmosphere, with just enough moisture at the
root to maintain the foliage in a fresh condition.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Part, Slough.

Spring and Early Summer Cabbages. — Prepara-
tions for this crop should be made as soon as pos-
sible, it being advisable to set out the plants in a
small state in preference to allowing them to
stand in a crowded seed-bed. Any open yet
sheltered piece of land in the garden will suit
this crop, provided it is well manured, deeply dug,
and then made quite firm by trampling it. At
Wexham Park the soil is light, and I have planted
the Onion quarter and Strawberry beds with
Cabbages without previous digging, only hoeing
the land deeply, and drawing drills in which to
set out the plants. Grown thus, Cabbages make
a great number of fibrous roots, and are better
enabled to withstand the severities of winter than
those planted in loose soil, and it is an easy matter
to apply fertilisers when needed. Plant-out the
smaller-growing varieties at 18 to 24 inches
between the rows, and those of larger growth at
24 to 30 inches, and at a distance of 9 to 12 inches
respectively from plant to plant, so that each

alternate plant in a row may be pulled up for use
early in the spring. The plants should be made
quite firm in the soil, and be afforded water, a
small ring of finely-sifted coal-ashes being placed
round each.

Spinach. — Make a large sowing on well-
manured, deeply-dug ground, making it mode-
rately firm before sowing the seeds, and applying
a copious dressing of wood-ashes or charred,
finely-sifted garden-refuse. Generally speaking,
Spinach sown at this date may be relied upon
to withstand the winter frosts ; still it will be
prudent to make another sowing. Continue to
thin out earlier sowings, and to sprinkle the
plants occasionally with fresh soot and wood-
ashes, and to aerate the soil and destroy weeds
by the use of the hoe.

Winter Onions. — Those that were sown last-
month being well advanced in growth should
receive a good dressing of soot and wood-ashes,
and when the soil is dry the land should be hoed
occasionally. If not already done, let the har-
vesting of the spring-sown crop be finished forth-
with, and store the bulbs when they are
thoroughly dried.

Leeks. — Take advantage of fine weather to
mould-up the plants ; and, unless growing on
very light land, do not afford them water at the-
root after this date.

Carrots. — Lift the early-sown Carrots, or many
of them will split and become almost worthless ;.
and store them in sand or coal-ashes in a cellar-
or other cool place. Thin out later sowings as-
soon as the plants have made a few true leaves,.
and ply the Dutch-hoe between the rows of
plants.

Radishes. — Make a sowing of the French Break-
fast Radish on a south border, where protection
can be afforded when needed, or in cold frames,
but not using the lights till frosty weather sets
in. Protect the seeds from birds. Sow Mustard
and Cress weekly in similar positions, covering
the seeds with mats till germination has taken
place. Lettuce and Endive may be tied up to-
blanch when the leaves are dry. Thin out late
sowings, planting the thinnings at the foot of a
south wall or near to the lights in cold frames.

THE APIARY.

By Expert.
The bees are still doing well and storing
surplus, although I fear the honey flow has been
very poor in a good many districts. Unfinished
sections should still be closed to allow them to-
be properly filled if possible, care being taken
to cover up carefully the empty space to prevent
them building combs, and also to confine them to
the sections. When the body-box is filled with
honey and the bees strong, a few sections can be
placed on, as these may keep the bees quiet. The-
entrances to all hives should be closed up a little
to enable each stock to protect itself better in case
of robbing. As soon as bees are noticed destroy-
ing the drones, it may be presumed the honey
flow is over, and the entrances should be closed.
Take away all honey as soon as it is removed
from the hives, and all small pieces of comb with
honey on it ; and dividers with any honey however
small on them should be covered or taken away. A
mixture of carbolic acid should always be handy,
one part of acid to five or six parts of water, for
spraying the entrance as soon as robbing is
noticed, or a tin of carbolic powder will answer
the same purpose. Sections that are partly
filled, and that the bees are not likely to com-
plete, should be extracted and placed on the
hives for the bees to clear out, and when dry they
may be taken off. The same applies to shallow
frames. The grass should be kept short round
the hives, particularly in the front, and dry quilts
given when tho old ones have become wet. Stocks
which have not done well should be marked out
for attention in the near future. Place a little
beer and vinegar about the apiary to entice moths
and wasps ; a long-necked bottle is a good death-
trap for them if half filled. Wax-moth should
be noted and every one destroyed, and when
hives have got very bad they should be trans-
ferred to another hive, and each frame well
cleansed.

192

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 12, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not
und/Ttake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

[ Royal Horticultural Society's
Committees Meet. Lecture

TUESDAY Sept 11-' on " Edible Fungi."
IUMUAI' SEFr' 13| National Dahlia Society's Floral
Committee Meeting at Drill

FRIDAY,

Sept. 18

Hall.

) Horticultural Show at Gothen-
1 burg. Sweden (live days).

SALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NE XT-
Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by
Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30.

MONDAY NEXT, Sept. 14—

Trade Sale of Pot Plants at Dyson's Lane Nurseries,
Upper Edmonton, by Protheroe & Morris, at 11.

TUESDAY NEXT, Sept. 15—

Trade Sale of Winter Blooming Heaths at Burnt
Ash Road Nursei ies, Lee, by Protneroe & Morris,
at 11.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 16—

Trade Sale of Winter Flowering Plants, at the
Nurseries, South Woodford, by Protheroe & Morris,
at 11.— L. Harrisii, Palm Seeds, &.C., at 67 and 68
Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 4.

-THURSDAY, Sept. 17—

Sale of Stove and Greenhouse Plants, ic, at the
Biimsdown Nurseries, Green Street, Enfield High-
way, by Protheroe & Morris at 11.— Trade Sale of
Winter Blooming Heaths, at Longlands Nurseries,
Sidcup, by Protheroe and Morris, at 11.

FRIDAY, Sept. 18-

Clearance Sale of Nursery Stock at Green's Nur-
sery, Staines Road, Hounslow, by Protheroe and
Morris, at 12.— Orchids at 67 and 68 Cheapside, E.C.,
by Protheroe and Mori is, at 12-30.
fFor further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Tempebatuhe for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-58 7%
Actual Tempebatuhes :—

LONDON.— Sept. 9 (6 p.m.) : Max. 67° ; Min. 50°.

Sept. 10.— Overcast, noon ; 62°.
Provinces.— Sept 9 (6 p.m.) : Max. 61% Hastings ;
Min. 46°, Aberdeen.

,. We take from a recent number

Plants. °f ^ue Bulletins d' Arboriculture

the following remarks by M.
Jules Burvenich on old age in plants : —

A paper published at Prague, and entitled
Bohemia, contains the following remarks
■concerning certain analogies between animal
and vegetable organisms : —

" Certain plants increase by offsets ; this
method of propagation is also found in cer-
tain animals of low organisation, portions of
which, when completely detached, become
perfect individuals.

': In Germany an important fact has lately
been discovered. All the Lombardy Poplars
in the country are descendants from a single
male specimen imported from the East,
which is still in existence in the Worlitz
Park. Offsets from this tree were distri-
buted, so that all the Lombardy Poplars in
Italy and Germany are, as it were, like one
huge individual specimen divided into
several thousand portions. It is said that
.all the Italian Poplars are becoming un-
healthy, and gradually dying.

" Dr. Ochsenius conjectures, probably
•correctly, that the cause of this phenomenon
is that all these Poplars, forming, as was
before said, a single organism, are conse-
quently now all old, and showing every
indication of approaching death.

" Professor Witt remarks a similar phe-
nomenon in the decadence of the well-
known Eose La France. It has, he says,
been noticed in Germany for several

years that this Eose has become stunted
in growth, and its price enhanced. In
the environs of Frankfort rosaxians are
suffering considerable loss, as, in spite of
their utmost care, plants of this variety of
Eose are perishing, while other sorts are
doing wonderfully well. Some growers have
even tried, and with success, to replace this
variety when grown wholesale with another
that closely resembles it.

" It would be useless to seek the cause of
this general failure in the composition of
the soil or the presence of vegetable or
animal parasites; it seems more correct to
regard this condition, not as disease properly
so called, but as due to the ' weakness of
age,' it having been sent out in 18b7.

"These facts are not surprising, remarks
M. Jules Burvenich, as they are frequently
demonstrated in the cultivation of other
plants, raised, not from seed, but from buds,
layers, grafts, or suckers. It is owing to
this degeneration in plants propagated thus
artificially that sooner or later it becomes
essential to have recourse to seed in order
to obtain new stock or to recover varieties
already obtained from their 'weakness of
age.' This condition of things is evident,
for instance, in the case of the Potato, in
that of Strawberries, and of fruit-trees in
general."

We do not know how far our readers will
agree with these statements. We can
understand the death of old cells worn out
from various causes; but all the time the
protoplasm is healthy and the cells retain
the power of multiplying their number,
there is no reason, other things being equal,
why the life of the plant should not be
prolonged indefinitely.

Royal Horticultural Society.— Exhibi-
tion of Edible Fungi. — On Tuesday, Sept. 15,
an Educational Exhibition of Edible Fungi will
be held in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate,
Westminster, 1 — 5 p.m. ; and an illustrated
lecture upon them will be given by Dr. M. C.
Cooke, M.A., V.M.H., at 3 o'clock. All in-
terested in extending or acquiring knowledge
of the edible species are invited to send collec-
tions. Collections should, if sent, be delivered at
the Drill Hall on Monday afternoon, Sept. 14 ; or,
if brought, they should arrive at or before 9 a.m.
on the Tuesday, so that they may be properly
grouped and arranged by the Fungus specialists.
Intimation of an intention to exhibit should, if
possible, be sent a few days before to the Secre-
tary, Royal Horticultural Society Office, 117, Vic-
toria Street, Westminster, S.W.

Fruit and Vegetable Show at Chis-
wick, September 29, 30, and October 1. —
Alteration in Schedule. — The prizes offered in
Class 52 for Apple "Charles Eoss " will be open
to nurserymen and market-growers, as well as to
gardeners and amateurs (see Division V., p. 24).
Intending exhibitors at this show can obtain a
copy of the schedule, with the official entry form,
on application to the Secretary, Eoyal Horticul-
tural Society, 117, Victoria Street, S.W. Entries
for this show close on Tuesday, September 22.

At a general meeting of the Eoyal Horti-
cultural Society held on Tuesday, September 1,
twenty-two new Fellows were elected, making a
total of 1,117 elected since the beginning of the
present year.

National Rose Society.— We are informed
that a special meeting of the Committee will be
held at the rooms of the Horticultural Club,
Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, Westminster, on
Tuesday the 15th inst., at 3 p.m. Edward

Mawley, Hon. Secretary. "Agenda: For the
purpose of deciding on the date of the Metro-
politan Show in 1904, and also where it shall be
held. The attendance of members is earnestly
requested."

The Gardeners' Dinner. — We have been
asked to correct an impression which seems to
prevail amongst foremen and under gardeners,
that they are not eligible to attend the Gardeners'
Dinner on September 29. That is not the case.
All engaged in horticulture will be (with tickets)
cordially welcomed. The Committee wish it to
be known that any purchaser of tickets wishing to
have parties of friends seated together, should
send his name and the number of the party
several days prior to the dinner, when the Dinner
Committee will do their best then to arrange seats
as desired. It should also, be made .known that
no tickets can be issued later than September 25,
by which date also all payments must have been
made to the Secretary, Mr. A. Dean, Kingston-
on-Thames.

The National Dahlia Society.— We are
informed by the Secretary, Mr. P. W. Tulloch,
that, by permission of the Eoyal Horticultural
Society, an inspection by the Committee of the
National Dahlia Society of the Cactus Dahlias
grown for trial at Chiswick will be held at
Chiswick Gardens on September 17, at 2 p.m. A
prize of 10s. 6cL, the gift of Mr. A. Dean, will be
awarded to the raiser of the best variety for
garden decoration.

Gladiolus from Ramsgate.— Mr. W. C.
Bull, of Eamsgate, who raised the white variety
Nymph, illustrated in our last issue, writes —
"I am sending a few spikes of my seedling
Gladioli. I have been working on these for many
years, especially on the white and yellow shades,
with a view of getting a strain possessing, 1st, vigor-
ous constitution and habit ; 2nd, purity of colour,
both in self and bizarre varieties ; 3rd, a type of
flower of compact strong shape, which will stand
rough weather and come true to colour and form
without any shading or codling. The introduc-
tion of the characteristics of Gladiolus Saundersi,
will, I am sure, lead to great results, but several
of its bad points, such as the weak peduncle,
loosely built floppy flowers, and irregular
order of their opening in the spike, will have
to be eliminated. I find also an increasing
tendency for the normally mono-symmetrical
flowers to become regular with actinomorphic
symmetry, the flowers pointing upwards — a
weak characteristic, as they weather badly,
filling up with rain. I have, in fact, some
seedlings which resemble more in their individual
pips a Lapageria than a Gladiolus. They are
very lovely all the same when cut and arranged
in a vase placed on a low table so that the flowers
are looked down upon. I have in view also a
strain of very dwarf and compact Gladioli of the
Gandavensis type, especially good for cutting for
filling the ordinary-sized table or mantelpiece
vase, about 20 inches to 2 feet high, of bright and
pure colours, free from the harsh contrasts of
colour and hooded form of flower found in many
of the dwarf Lemoinei section. I think there is
room for such a strain, and hope in a season or
two to have a fairly numerous collection of these
Uttle ' Lilliputs.' " Our correspondent sends a
very interesting lot of flowers, and we shall
look forward with pleasure to witness future
developments.

Flowers in Season. — We have received
from Messrs. W. Watson & Sons, nurserymen,
Clontarf, Dublin, some flowers of a pretty fancy
self Carnation, Mrs. Lora Armstrong, for which
they have received the Certificate of the Eoyal
Horticultural Society of Ireland, on their show-
ing the variety on August 25, and an Award of
Merit at Glasgow on the 2nd inst. It was raised
by Mr. Dowling, gr. to Mrs. L. Armstrong, of

September 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

193

Hollywood, Carrickmines, from whose employer
^Messrs. Watson have purchased the entire stock
■of this variety. The colour is salmon-pink, and
rthe flower has stout, erect stems, and does not
fcurst its calyx.

The Fruit Famine in Pershore and

Evesham. — In several of the villages surrounding
Pershore and Evesham, the inhabitants, says a
-contemporary, are on the verge of bankruptcy
•owing to the failure of the fruit crop. Thousands
of acres of land are wholly devoted to the culti-
vation of the Pershore Yellow Plum, which at
■this time of the year is in great demand for jam-
ai&king. The oldest residents do not remember
.a more disastrous season. One fruit-grower
states that in an average season he sells from
15,000 to 18,000 pots of Plums, a pot containing
172 lb. This year, although he has been far more
fortunate than his neighbours, owing to several of
his orchards being in sheltered positions, he
•estimates he will only gather one-tenth of that
-quantity. The manager of a jam factory reports
•that he will not gather a single pot from his
■orchard, while an Evesham firm, who are growers
■and salesmen, expect to gather only from four to
five pots from an orchard which last year yielded
over 1,500 pots. The small growers, and each
village contains twenty to thirty at least, had a
<very indifferent season last year, and they began
this year in debt, but hoped to tide over their
■difficulties with the September sales. Ninety-
aiine per cent, of them, however, have not
gathered a single pot of Plums. The price has
gone up by 300 to 400 per cent. In 1901 Plums
•were so plentiful that a pot could be purchased
ifor Is., and last year at from 5s. to 8s., while only
this week purchasers willingly paid 15s. to 16s.
.per pot for good fruit.

"Botanical Magazine."— The September
number is noteworthy, amongst other things, for
dts wrapper, whereon Mr. W. B. Hemslet's name
■appears as assisting Sir Joseph Hooker. Mr.
Hems let's long association with Kew, his prac-
tical knowledge of garden plants, his vast know-
ledge and experience, render him eminently fitted
tfco assist the revered Editor. The plants figured
an the present number are : —

Senecio tanguticus, of Maximowicz, tab. 7,912. —
.A Chinese species of large dimensions (6 to 7 feet),
deeply-cut leaves, and many-flowered pyramidal
panicles. The flower-heads contain only a few
yellow flowers. The seeds were sent home by Mr.
Wilson, and the plants flowered at Coombe Wood,
an the nursery of Messrs. James Veitch & Sons.

■Dialea Gilliesii, Hooker & Arnott, tab. 7,913.—
A white-flowered Chilian Crucifer, having much
the appearance of Arabis alpina. Kew.

Zris bucharica, Foster, in Gardeners' Chronicle,
1902, i„ fig. 135. Kew.

Aloe Cameroni, Hemsley, tab. 7,915. — A hand-
some caulescent species, with sinuate, toothed
-leaves, and long spikes of pendent, cylindric, red
'flowers tipped with green. A native of eastern
'tropical Africa, flowered at Kew.

Psychotria capensis, Valke, tab. 7,916.— A South
African shrub, with opposite subsessile, obovate-
•oblong leaves, tapering to the base, and terminal
panicles, and cymes of small yellow flowers. Nat.
•order Eubiaceae. Kew.

"The Orchid Hunt."— "In the story that
Iforms the basis of the plot of ' The Orchid Hunt,'
now being rehearsed for the opening of the new

1 Gaiety Theatre," says the Daily Mail, " an Orchid
will lead to complications as varied if not so

■ serious as those that followed the missing letter

- '»n ' A Scrap of Paper.' The opening act is laid
in Kew Gardens, where a school for the study of
'the history and cultivation of Orchids is in
session. The rivalry of two amateur cultivators

. of Orchids— a great English statesman and the
French Minister for Foreign Affairs— leads to a

wager as to which of them shall secure the most
perfect specimen of the plant. Messengers are
sent to Peru to search for something of great
beauty, and fortune appears to favour England
until the wiles of a pretty French giii [enable her
to] secure the prize. With this she lands at Nice,
where the second act takes place. In the end,
however, a humble^ and amusing English gardener
— to be impersonated by Mr. Edmund Patne —
produces a still finer specimen that he has
quietly grown at Kew."

Stock-taking : August.— Notwithstanding
the drawbacks caused by general unrest on the
Continent of Europe, the Trade Returns for the
past month are of a satisfactory nature. The
imports show an increase of .£2,348,885 on the
month of August last year, the figures being
.£42,761,450 against .£40,412,571. There were
great increases in sugar, raw and refined, accom-
panied by a rise in Tea and Wheat— got well in
front from all quarters excepting the United
States. In all articles of food apart from the
above there were many variations, and a large
falling off has to be recorded in tobacco. The
following summary table will be found of
interest : — ■

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Articles of food
and drink— duty
free

£
9,981,747

£

9,398,280

£

—583,467

Articles of food
& drink— dutiable

8,015,460

9,980,051

+ 1,93*591

All other Imports...

22,385.361

i3,383,125

+997,761

One result of the new arrangement in sugar, it
should be noted, is the raising of the prices to
the British consumer — jam, of course, having
gone up ; whilst the prices to the Continental
growers have been lowered very considerably. Re-
ferring to Tea, our German friends are developing
the cultivation of the plant in the Cameroons, whilst
the Kussian gro wers record a success. In respect to
the imports of timber, they were for last month
.£3,661,579, against £3,621,221 for the same
period last year — a gain of 440,358. By the way,
it may be noted that our trade with Honduras is
decreasing, the year's figures for mahogany and
cedar showing that the United State have taken
up the tale, their requirements being more
easily and cheaply met than are those of our own
timber-merchants. In the section devoted to
fruit and vegetables there is a sorry story to
relate, as in the following table : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Fruits, raw-

Cwt.

Cwt.

Cwt.

Apples

Apricots and Peaches
Bananas ... bunches

40,659
3,345

227,641

148,271

1,630

357,398

+107,612

—1,715

+129,757

Cherries

Currants

6,940
13,982

3,611
13.598

-3,329
-384

Gooseberries

2.513

383

—2,130

Qrapes

Lemons

101,852
68,872

117,432
68,752

+16,580
—120

Nuts— Almonds

5,751

3,672

-2,079

Others used as fruit

27,600

29,417

+1,817

Oranges

Pears

9,075
140,562

24,890
78,527

+ 15.815
—62,035

Plums

269,910

187,750

—82,160

Strawberries

73a

18

-714

Unenumerated

181,373

269,775

+88,402

Vegetables, raw-
Onions bush.

833,745

738.537

—95,208

Potatos cwt.

219,170

256,811

+37,641

Tomatos ,,

111,363

126,164

+ 14,811

Vegetables, raw, un-
enumerated ...value

£29,718

£28,458

—£1,258

by inspectors and condemned — there is more to
follow. Large quantities of Apples have come
from Germany, in barrels and bags ; our friends
over the Atlantic are pushing on their stores ;
possibly we may have some new jams on sale
shortly. The general imports for the past eight
months foot up at some £348,819,362, against
4347,172,166 for the same period last year — a
difference of 41,647,196. We note the following
respecting —

Exports,
which are placed at 425,664,884, against
424,299,826 for the same period last year — an
increase of 41,365,058. The increase is pretty
evenly spread over a variety of articles, and
many lands. Textiles are in favour in the Far
East — India, China, &c. The trade for the eight
months shows an increase of 48,358,484 ; the
figures vary, for 1902, 4185,704,570; 1903,
4194,0C3,054. Gauging the flow of imports by
the increase in exports, the above results are
satisfactory.

German Plums to the Rescue. — The fate
of our English Plums is too well known to require
elaboration — they are gone, and in their place
have come to market large quantities grown in
Germany, unfortunately not always of a high
character, as might have been observed at the
Southwark Police Court on Saturday last, when
the magistrate, after viewing the semi-putrid
fruit, condemned four lots as unfit for food under
any guise. The chief inspector of the Bermondsey
Borough Council Sanitary Department reported
the seizure of the fruit, and the magistrate
went outside to scan three van-loads of Plums
from Hamburg ; 185 half-sieve baskets were the
receptacles used, and jam was the proposed product.
The magistrate, as in duty bound, condemned the
fruit, and ordered it to be destroyed. Perhaps
there was overmuch hurry in packing and for-
warding the fruit to market.

Gift to the Brussels Botanic Garden.
— The Count de Kerchove de Denterohem,
who is well known to our readers as President of
the Societt' Royale a" Agriculture el de Botanique de
Gand, and who was recently appointed President
of the Conseil de Surveillance of the Brussels
Botanic Garden, has presented to that establish-
ment a very fine collection of Ferns, comprising
more than 125 species. The garden was already
very rich in Ferns, and the generous gift of the
new President is much appreciated.

Disfigured Railway Embankment. — A
contemporary says that "at Abbots Ripton, on
the Great Northern Railway, a platelayer has cut
the Gorse bushes growing on the sloping bank3
into the shapes of garden chairs, peacocks, dogs,
and other devices. The effect proved so pleasing
that the Company have men now employed in
trimming the Gorse or Whitethorn growing on
the embankments into many fantastic forms."
This, if true, would be most calamitous j but we
are pleased to reflect that it is hardly likely that
a great railway company will spend the share-
holders' money in destroying the beauty of its
own property.

Small Fruit in Great Britain. — A pre-
liminary statement has been issued concerning
the agricultural returns of Great Britain for
1903, and from this we take the following statistics
concerning small fruit :— acres under cultivation,
76,152 in 1903, 75,378 in 1902, being an increase
of 774 acres, or 10 per cent.

Note must be made of the enormous amount of
bad fruit forwarded to the London market from
Hamburg, especially Plums. Much has been seized

PLANT PORTRAITS.

Plum des Bureites.— A Belgium Plum, ova with a
deep suture, green spotted with red. M. Burvenk-k
classes it with Koine Claude. Bulletins a" Arboriculture,
&c., August.

CoDi.v.uM M. Louis Fouknier. — A handsome
"Croton" with leaves tapering at the base, and
dividing above the middle into threo lanceolato lobes,
dark groou heavily spotted with crimson near the
centre. Kcvue llorticole, August 16.

194

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 12, 1903.

EASPBEREY CONDOE.

(Fig. 75.)

Early in August last, Mr. Pyne, of the Denver
Nurseries., Topsham, Devonshire,' sent for our
inspection some trusses of his new seedling Rasp-
berry, and an illustration of a spray of the same,
carrying about one dozen fruits. It is a cross
between Red Antwerp and Superlative, and the
plant continues to fruit till the'middle of August.
In our remarks upon the fruit sent we drew
attention to its acidity (see Gardeners' Chronicle,
August 1, 1903, p. 82), which comment Mr. Pyne
stated in a later communication .was misleading.
Probably this attribute, which was certainly
noticeable, was due in this instance to lack of
sunshine during the ripening period.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

ASPARAGUS. — In the Gardeners' Chronicle for
June 27, under " Answers to Correspondents,"
a correspondent, " W. P.," who had "Asparagus
dying after being seven jears planted," was told
by the Editor that the roots sent showed signs of
having been taken out of a waterlogged soil. I
had the same experience some ten years ago, and
concluded, after experiments, that it was caused
by dressing the beds in autumn with manure and
allowing it to remain on the beds till spring.
This is a general practice, but it will not do here,
as the manure keeps the soil wet and sour, and the
Asparagus rots away. Since discontinuing the
practice I have done nothing tothebeds inAutumn
bejond clearing away the old growths when ripe,
leaving the beds quite bare all winter. In spring
I topdress the beds with wood ashes, leaf-soil,
and sand, affording a little artificial manure in
showery weather during the summer, and I have
as good Asparagus as one could wish, Shoirld
" W. P." see this note, I would advise him to try
this treatment. Wm. W„ N.B.

LATE - FLOWERING APPLES. — From many
years' observation I have found, speaking gener-
ally, that it is those which flower earliest that
bear the most regularly ; and this year it is no
exception. Do what we may, we cannot alter the
conditions of the weather, and I fear, after ex-
perimenting for many years on late-flowering
varieties, we shall not improve upen those we at
present possess. Royal Jubilee is the most
vigorous late-flowering Apple, but it bears but
few fruits this year. George Bunyard.

POLYGALA VULGARIS, WHITE VARIETY (see p-
179). — It was on a hot summer day — ah me ! years
ago — that I first came across the white form of Poly-
gala vulgaris at Wootton, North Staffordshire.
It is frequently to be met with there. This
place, with its entrancing outlook, is associated
with the name of J. Jacques Rousseau ; it was
here that he botanised, and here he wrote a
portion of his Confessions. At Diminsdale, not
far away, I have found specimens of the
"Winter Green, Pyrola media. Another uncommon
British plant is the little plain May Lily,
Maianthemum convallaria; this also occurs in
the same neighbourhood. In the ditches by the
roadside —

"ill upon the Cauldon Lowe
(.leum rivale abounds."

In fact, these high lands —

" Upon whose breast
The labour iDg clouds do often rest,"

have, from a lime whereof the memory of man
runneth not to the contrary, formed a happy
hunting - ground for the enthusiastic British
botanist. Mary Adams, September 6, 1903.

I have frequently found the white form

of Polygala vulgaris (Milkwort) in South Berk-
shire and Sussex. I have also found it with
blue, purple, pink, and white veined with pink,
or purple flowers. The Rev. — Johns in Flowers
of the Field, speaks of it as having blue, pink, or
white flowers. I also know a field near Newbury

(Berks) where the Cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans)
occurs with double flowers every year. Frank
Gammon, Bwxted Park Gardens, Vckfield, Sussex.

JUDGING CACTUS DAHLIAS. — When reading
your report of the lecture on judging Cactus
Dahlias, I noticed that " habit " was not con-
sidered a point in judging a flower for an
award. We find in business one of the first
things a buyer asks is, "Does it throw its flower
well up above the foliage ? " For many of the flowers
put on the table for awards on Tuesday, Sept. 1,
were sorts that flower in the bush, as one could
see by the manner they had been stopped down
into 1 inch diameter wood. This is the great
fault of many — a fault inherited from the
parent of the race, Yuarezi. Then, as to
regulating or fixing 0 inches as the maximum
size, this seems quite absurd ; it would be as
bad as refusing an award to a large Carnation
or hybrid Orchid. There is room for flowers of
all sizes. Nature is free, and has no rule to fix
size ; in her wisdom, she finds a place for the
giant Lily and the humble Forget-me-Not.
" One point" is suggested for setting up. Well,
if the setting-up means torturing innocent flowers
" in the stocks " as rigid as if they were cast in
iron, as was the case at the Drill Hall, then I do
not agree at all with their idea of setting-up. I
take it that horticultural shows are for the

Flci. 75.— NEW RASPBERRY CONDOB.

purpose of popularising and encouraging the
growth of flowers, and that the use of flowers is
to beautify the garden and house. Are these
metallic fixtures good for either ? Could not
the flowers be exhibited in a manner that might
be used in the house, like the undressed
Chrysanthemum in vases and the undressed
Carnation ? These shows should be to lead in
taste, and to show how flowers can be best
set-up for house or garden. Many now prefer
the more natural methods ; they have lost their
taste for so much dressing and fixing and
pulling out of petals. John Pope, The Ericas,
King's Norton, Worcester.

OLD-TIME NAMES. — Dutch Admirals were an
esteemed variety of Pea, and, according to Bradley
(1718), not a reliable authority, must have been
a very old variety, for he identifies it with the
" Roncival," a variety that can be traced centu-
ries back — " The Roncival or Egg Pea, which is
also called the Dutch Admiral, is the most ram-
pant of all the Pea kind"; and another authority
says of it, " The Dutch Admiral and the Marrow
Pea, which are most excellent, should not be sown
till March or April, but require to be well sup-
plied as affecting a superiority, and they reward
the owner with plenty." " Winged Pea" is men-
tioned by the same writer as a vegetable, and it is
described by Miller, ed. 8, as Lotus tetragono-
lobus, which later botanists appear to call Tetra-
gonolobus purpureus. In Miller's time it was
cultivated about London solely for its flowers,
though he remarks that in some of the northern
counties it continued to be eaten. " Cardus " is no

doubt a misspelling of Carduus, the C. bene-
diotus. "The Carduus, sown in gardens for its
virtue in physical uses, hath obtained the name
of Benedictus or the Blessed Thistle." [Nicholson's-.
Dictionary of Gardening gives the proper name of
Carduus and Cnicus as " Carbenia."]

Ths Belvedere." — A short note on this

will be found in the Gardeners' Chronicle at p. 359,
May 31, 1902. The plant is figured by Gerard,
and is called " Scoparia, sive Osyris gnecorurn,"
and appears in the chapter on " The Totle Flax.""
Parkinson also figures it, and calls it " Scoparia,
sive Belvidere Italorum." By Lyte it is called
simply Osyris. R. P. Brotherston.

THE CHAMPION GRAPE CLASS AT SHREWS-
BURY.— Now that two great contests have taken
place for the possession of the magnificent Cup-
given for this class, and as both contests have-
been fought under entirely different conditions,
it is perhaps worth while bringing before your
readers a few points bearing on the respective?
merits of these conditions. Being competitors in>
the Champion Grape class each year, except the-
first, I trust this criticism may not be" taken as-
the wail of a disappointed exhibitor. Far from
it. The judges, in our opinion, justly awarded
the first place to Mr. Goodacre's exhibit, accord-
ing to the standard of pointing they had to go-
by this year. Last year Mr. Shingler fairly won
on the conditions then prevailing. Had the-
standard been the same last year as this, last
year's 3rd prize exhibit (Mr. Lunt's) would
have taken the Cup across the Border. Had the
conditions this year been the same as last,
the 2nd prize exhibit this year would have won,
and the Cup off to Scotland. Puir auld Scotland t
What with the King's title and this Will-o'-the-
wisp Shrewsbury Cup, thy just rights are denied
thee ! Well, after all, it does not matter whether-
the Cup goes to Scotland or remains in England,
what we all wish is that the best exhibit should
win. There is little fear of its being otherwise-
if the conditions were on a fairer footing to all,
and the Society retain the services of such
straightforward and experienced point judges-
as they have so far employed. Many Grape-
exhibitors are of the opinion that when such
an important prize was given, contested for,
and won the first time under certain conditions,
these conditions ought not to have been changed
until the Cup was won outright. No doubt the
alteration was made by the Society in good faith
and in the best interests of Grape-exhibiting. I
hold that the reverse will be the case. What do we
find ? Last year ten exhibitors entered the field,
three being from Scotland ; this year only five
entei-ed, one only being from Scotland. Now if
ever there was a competition which deserved to-
be of an international character and attract
visitors from all parts of the kingdom, it is surely
this one. The cup is the most handsome and
valuable trophy in the horticultural world at the
present time, not to speak of close on .£50 in
cash prizes. It would be a great pity if the come
petition was still further to decline, as I am
afraid it will do. Not only so, but unless the
conditions are founded on a fairer basis to all
Grape growers, I am confident the competition
will be confined to a few — less than the number-
of prizes offered, and the exhibits will dwindle down
to the ordinary level of 2Wb. bunches, which can
be seen at any third-rate show in the kingdom.
Surely the thousands who flock to Shrewsbury
expect to see for so great a prize something excep-
tional in the way of Grape-growing — something
greater than they can see at their own local
shows ! Until this year, the winner in the Cham-
pion Grape class was supposed to be the exhibitor
who staged the twelve finest bunches showing
the highest cultural skill on the part of the
exhibitor, irrespective of variety. Now it is dif-
ferent ; the man who cannot stage particular
varieties has no chance. This is now entirely a
Muscat class. To give an illustration : supposing
an exhibitor staged twelve bunches, six of which
were Muscat-flavoured, which is a fair proportion-
of the two sorts, and the judges, considering
each bunch in this collection a perfect specimen,
awarded them the full maximum of points: this
would be a feat which the most ambitious culti-
vator need never hope to accomplish ; but, for the-
sake of argument, let us suppose that such took
place. Another exhibitor staged twelve bunches.

September 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

195

all Muscat-flavoured sorts. This lot, in the
•opinion of the judges, did not contain a single
perfect bunch, but dropped on an average one
,point per bunch, or twelve points in all.
Which of the two collections showed " superior
•cultivation" and "finish," which the schedule
stated was to carry primary weight ? Surely no
■competent judge but would say the first lot ;
yet with the present Shrewsbury standard of
■values it would not win. The alteration I would
suggest in the conditions upon which the Cup
.has been competed for this year is, that all
Muscat sorts remain as they are with a maximum
of 11 points, but to include Black Hamburgh,
which should also be given 11; all others 10.
'This would then read, "A maximum of 11
joints may be given to all Muscat-flavoured
■varieties, black or white, including Black Ham-
■burgh ; a maximum of 10 points to all other va-
rieties. Superior cultivation and finish will be
-considered of the greatest importance." The
present stipulations in the schedule read, "A
maximum of 11 points may be given to all
Muscat - flavoured sorts ; a maximum of 10 to
Black Hamburgh. All other varieties may receive
a maximum of 9 points. Superior cultivation
and finish will be considered of the greatest
importance." If the alteration I have suggested
were adopted, I am certain the interest would be
sustained in this Champion Grape class. The ■
exhibits would be more showy and imposing, and
more competitors would come forward ; for then
the small grower who might be able to show a
mixed lot, all showing very high cultivation,
would have a chance of winning, which he has
mot at present. D. Buchanan, Forth Vineyard,
August 29, 1903.

HU,Mf AS AND peaches. — What may be
Tegarded as a very singular instance of harm to
one plant arising from the juxtaposition of an-
other, was seen at Lockinge Gardens recently
Mr. V, . Fyfe had learned from Mr. Harris, who is
Mr. A. MacKellar's intelligent foreman at Frog-
more, of the assumed harm done to Peach trees in
a, house by placing in the same house a few plants
of Humea elegans, the effect being within twenty-
-four hours to create a comparative withering or
•burning of the younger leaves of the Peach-trees,
and in many cases causing them to fall In
other cases the effect was to produce in them
small holes, or to render the leaves minutelv
perforated. Mr. Fyfe felt that the statement
was of so unusual a kind that he resolved to test it
and placing a few 2-foot-high Humeas in a Peach-
frouse, found in twenty-four hours exactly the
same injurious results following their presence in
the house that had been noticed at Fro^more
It does not seem as if Humeas affected
injuriously any other plants, but the matter is
well worthy of further inquiry. Seeing that
there is no known affinity, bet ween the Humea
and the Peach it is so difficult to understand in
■what way one should operate injuriously to the
other. The natural assumption is, that at night
when the Peach-house is close shut, the Hunua
-leaves exhale some offensive element that pro-
duces the harm ; but what it may be scientific
inquiry can alone determine. No doubt it is a
. matter for the laboratory rather than for sur-
mise. Oases have been known, though rarely
when gardeners have suffered from handling the
plants, as some others have done so from
handling Primula obcotiica; but no one has
Heard of the latter doing any harm by contact or
presence to other plants or vegetation. If any-
one having both Humea plants and Peach-trees
«nder glass choose to test this matter they can
do so. To fully understand the cause of the
injury would be indeed interesting. A. D.

AWARD OF MERIT FOR A MELON. - I should
oe glad if you would kindly give me your opinion
on the following circumstance. Last year I had
.occasion to borrow a Melon for a house-party,
which my neighbour had raised. I took a great
tancy to the Melon when I saw it, and I there-
tore saved the seed-a fact which I mentioned
to my neighbour when I next met him, and
naving a better houso for early Melons than ho
row, I said I would try and get one in for York.
• iie was qmte willing that I should do so, but said
be did not know if that seed would be true, but he
would give me rami- which he knew would be I

grew the Melon, and took one to York ; but it was
not ripe enough. I told him afterwards that if I
got a good fruit I would send one up to the Fruit
Committee ; which I did, and gained an Award of
Merit. He gave me liberty to do as I liked with
it. I sent it as from the grower, not from the
raiser. My neighbour now thinks that he ought
to have had the Certificate. The Award or Cer-
tificate of Merit was made out in the name of my
employer. I am fully informed by the Secretary
of the Royal Horticultural Society whose it
should be, but my friend does not seem satisfied.
Who ought, under the circumstances, to have the
Certificate ? I should esteem it a great favour if
you would publish these few remarks. An Ad-
mirer of Melons. [In the circumstances named,
the Committee could not do otherwise than award
the Certificate to the exhibitor. Ed.]

LAW NOTES.

EATING APPEAL.
Messrs. W. T. Ware, Ltd., and the Assess-
ment Committee of the Bath Union.

A case of considerable importance to the trade
has just been decided in connection with the
assessment of a nursery at Englishcombe, in the
occupation of the well-known firm of Messrs.
Walter T. Ware, Ltd.

The original assessment for Poor Rate purposes
of the nursery portion, including glasshouses, was
22192, and this was subsequently increased to
,£340 os. Messrs. Ware, Ltd., appealed to, the
Assessment Committee for an abatement, but
without effect. Notice of appeal to the County
Quarter Sessions was then given ; but before the
hearing came on it was arranged that the matter
should be referred to Mr. J. B. Slade (Protheroe
& Morris). of Cheapside, London, and Mr. W. T
Howes (Geo. Nichols, Howes, Young, Alder & Co.),
of Bristol, as Arbitrators on behalf of the Appel-
lant Company ; and Mr. H. A. Castle (Castle &
Castle), of London, and Mr. C. 0. Spackman, of
Bath, as arbitrators on behalf of the Union
Assessment Committee. These gentlemen could
not agree, and the matter was then referred to
Mr. John. Alderson Foote, K.C., the umpire ap-
pointed by them.

The case was heard at length by the umpire at
the Surveyors' Institution, and he subsequently
made an inspection of the property. Mr. Slade,
who conducted the case on behalf of the appel-
lants, was assisted by Mr. Howes; and Mr. Castle,
acting for the Assessment Committee, by Mr.
Spackman.

Mr. Slade's contention was that the letting
value should be the basis of assessment, and the
umpire took the view that the cost or assumed cost
of the buildings could not be taken into considera-
tion for rating purposes, but that the only
question was what rent such buildings would
command from year to year. The total amount
of the net assessment appealed against Wak
.£369 10s., and this lias been reduced by the
umpire's award to ,£258 19s. '

A comparison of the following figures will prQve
interesting : —

ASSES3MENT APPEALED AGAINST.

Pahish or Englishcombe.

Area.

A. R. P.

1 1 21

Description.

.Dwelling-house and
' garden

' Buildings

Gross
ratable
value. •

£ 20 0 ...

30 0 ...

' 'ratable

£ 17 0
25 10

3 0 0

Glasshouses

260 0 ...

163 10

8 2 0

Land, rough hanks ...

3 5 ...

3 0

2.". 3 17

Market garden

103 10 ...

101 0

1 0 35

Meadow

1 5 ...

1 1ft

11 0 0

,, (Barrow Castle)

30 0 ...

29 5

Paui-h oi Twerton.

2 2 .-

f Agricultural land
1 (Smallcombe)

£ 8 15 ...

£ 8 10

£lf6 IS

£M9 li>

The valuer for the]*Assessment Committee

furnished the following summary : —
Parish of Englishcombe.

Area.
A. R. p.

Description.
( Land

Gross
ratable
value.
£ 12 0 ...

Net
ratable
value.
£ 10 p

! Buildings, plants, &e.

1 Land and garden, with
buildings

€03 0 ...

400 0

Buildings

43 0 ...

40 0

\ House and garden...

22 O ...

18 0

21 2 5

Agricultural land ...

97 14 ...

92 16

S 0 27

Land

33 0 ...

31 7

Buildings

9 0 ...

7 10

14 0 6

Land (Barrow; Castle)

31 0 ...

32 5

Parish ;of Twerton.

2 2 7

Land (Smallcombe) ...

£50...

£ 4 15

£36 1 14

£636 13

In addition to which there was a small meadow
of 1 acre 35 poles in the parish of Englishcombe,
the assessment of which was agreed at 221 15s.

The Figures Furnished by Me. Slade were as

follows :—

Parish of Englishcombe.

Gross Ntt

Area. Description. ratable ratable

value.

, .' .,." I House, Buildings, and

1 "L1 Land 30 0

rclae

24 0
fGlass 107 0 ... 71 0

1 20 '

j Land on which Glass-

(. houses are built ... 9 10 ... 9 0

o. ..JOpen Land and

61 u **\ Meadow 51 n

, . n ,, I M e a d o w (Barrow

11 u ( Castle) 28 0

Parish of Twerton.

2 0 5 Land;(Smallcombe) ... 3 0

■ £m 0

49 0
27 9

£183 6

The Award of the Umpire, Mr. J. A. Foote. K.C.
Parish of Englishcombe.
Description. Nel ratable value.

Dwelling House and Garden £25 10

Buildings 17 0

Glasshouses 79 0

Land 104 0

Meadow 1 15

„ (Barrow Castle) 27 14

Parish of Twerton.

Land

L.'.i' 1H

being a reduction of £110 lis. in the net ratable value.

The llith Union Assessment Committee to bear the
costs of the reference and the Umpire's charges.

Mr: Isaac Williams was the solicitor for the
Assessment Committee, and Messrs. Stone, King,
and Thomas represented Messrs. Walter T. Ware
& Co., Limited. , .

BANKRUPTCY CASE.

The first meeting t>i the creditors of James
Barnshaw, trading as J. W. Silver- & Co., The
Norbury Nurseries, Streatham, and residing at
Woodbury, 361, London Road, Thornton Heath,
todk place on August 28, at the offices of the
Official Receiver for the Croydon District, Railway
Approach, London Bridge, S.E.

The statement of affairs filed by the debtor dis-
closed gross liabilities amounting to 23895 18s. 3<f ,
of which 228 44,0s. lid. was expected to rank against
the estate for dividend. The assets were returned
at 22737 10s. -id., from which 2251 lis. id. had to
be deducted for the claims of preferential credi-
tors payable in full, leaving the net assets at
£685 19s., and disclo3inga deficiency of 221 5s7s. 118,
The Official Receiver reported that the receiving
order was made on the 5th inst., on the debtor's
own petition, and an order has since been made
adjudging him bankrupt.

The debtor stated that in September. 1894, he
and his then partner, Mr. Joseph White, pur. '•
the Norlmry Nurseries, Streatham, for a sum of
222,500 (of which sum he stated he found

196

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Septembeb 12, 1903.

.£500), and that they continued to trade, under the
style of W. J. Silver & Co., up to about five years
ago, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr.
White being paid ,£250 for his share in the
business, and from that time up to the date of the
receiving order the debtor appeared to have
carried on the business on his own account but
under the same name as before. The debtor
attributed his insolvency to business losses
caused by the recent war in South Africa, to bad
weather and floods, and living in excess of his
income, and stated that he did not become aware
of his insolvency until about six months ago.

SOCIETIES.

BOYAIi HOETICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.

September l.— Present : Dr. Cooke, V.M.H., in the
chair ; and seven members.

Hippeastrum species.— Co). Tillotson sent flowers of
a plant sent from South America. The petals were
of a pale clear green, passing into primrose, the
stamens and pistil bright pink, and protruding far
beyond the petals, which were almost closed at the
apex of the flower. Though not very attractive in
colour, it was thought it might be useful to breed from,
on account of the great substance of the petals.

Raspberry, Wineberry, Blackberry Hybrids. — Mr. H.
Peebman sent specimens of the foliage (the fruits had
fallen off, and could not be identified) of three hybrids,
Blackberry x Raspberry , Raspberry x Wineberry, Wine-
berry x Raspbeny. They were considered most inte-
resting, and he was requested to send again next year,
each in a separate box, with both fruit and foliage.

Bud Formation— Mr. J. Robson sent " a section from
a young Sycamore exhibiting the extraordinary facility
with which this tree develops woodbuds from the
bark." The tree had been budded on the bare space
between two leaves, and the bud had failed, but from
the base of the incision the stock had sent out a
growth "where no eye previously existed. I have
twenty-five or more examples of the same thing in
Sycamores, but though I have budded many subjects
I have never noticed 1he same thing in any other
genus."

Hippeastrum Blistered.— Br. BONA via sent some leaves
of Hippeastrum "covered with something that looked
like scale, but which adheres so closely to the epi-
dermis that it is difficult to remove." The scale-like
blotches, on examination, proved to be not of insect
formation at all, but blisters due probably to defective
root-action, itself due to a check of some sort, such as
cold or too much wet.

Cryptococcus on Weymouth Pine.- Mr. R. Knight-Bhuce
sent a specimen of bark literally swarming with the
white woolly or waxy Cryptococcus which attacks
Pines, and which, he says, is rapidly spreading, and
killing plantations of the Weymouth Pine. The Com-
mittee considered the case almost hopeless, but sug-
gested spraying the trees with a paraffin emulsion.
Mr. Wilks said he had but little hope in spraying Cryp-
tococcus, as, unless the sprayer was peculiarly strong
and powerful, the fluid would not penetrate the downy
wax with which the insect covers itself. He had
known a case of a Beech-tree being saved by hand
scrubbing with a brush, using soft-soap and paraffin
emulsion; but he had never known spraying to be
successful.

Discoloured Vine Leaves.— These were received from
Mr. Neild, of Holmes Chapel. Dr. Cooke reports:—
"Vine-leaves with broad irregular patches of bright
coloration have been known and observed for the past
half century. Sometimes the colour is yellow, or
becoming brown, and sometimes reddish, or claret
colour. ;in America it is known as the California
Vine disease (see U.S.A. Reports of the Department of
Agriculture, is, 1892). This or a similar disease is
known in Sicily as ToUctage,' and in Italy as 'Mai
Nero.' No satisfactory reason has yet been assigned
for this affection, as no trace of fungi has been found,
and there is no cause to suspect that fungi of any kind
have anything to do with the discoloration. Leaves
are constantly being submitted to the Scientific Com-
mittee for report as to the cause or remedy, but none
can be given."

FUyriferous Sweet Pea.— Mr. Hunt sent a flower-stalk
of Sweet Pea having seven fine blossoms.

Proliferous Helenium. — The Rev. C. Wolley - DOD,
V.M H., sent flower-heads of this, remarking that one
particular plant in his garden always produces them ;
and that, as a rule, small secondary flowers grow out
of the disc.

Campanula lactiflora, linear-leaved— -The Rev. Wolley-
Dod sent a curious "abnormal" form of C. latiflora,
"which comes in small percentage from the seed of the
typical form, perhaps one in 200. The linear leaves can
be recognised early in the seedling stage, and I never
saw intermediate forms." Analogous forms with
stellate flowers are not uncommon in Campanula
rotundifolia, and De Candolle in his Monograph of Cam-
panula figures and describes one on Campanula Medium,
which he considered unique in the genus.

Silver leaf disease in Apples and Plums. — Mr. Gaut
brought specimens from an orchard of 7 acres in
Yorkshire. The soil is warp-land, varying in depth
from 1 to 3 feet within short distances, and overlaying
clay. The drainage is good, with drain pipes. Shelter
is afforded by the fruit-trees in the orchard. The
altitude is nearly sea-level. The general culture has
been to give a good dressing of farmyard-manure every
four years and lime every few years. The trees had
been planted ten years, and Silver leaf appeared three
years ago and it has got worse every year, and the
trees affected in summer die the following year. The
varieties affected are Victoria Plums, of which there
are about 500 trees ; and Lord Grosvenor Apple grafted
on Keswick Codlin stock.

Mr. Gaut remarked that the matter was creating
considerable interest in Yorkshire, and the soil had
been analysed with the following result :—

The air-dried soil contains in 100 parts —

Water S'JO per cent.

Loss on ignition (organic matter,

combined water, &c ) ... 5'09 ,,
Mineral matter 9181 „

100 00

Containing nitrogen 0'161 per cent.

Equal to ammonia 0*183 ,,

The soil was free from root fibres or any visible
organic material.
It had been said by some experts that Silver-leaf was
due to a lack of nitrogen in the soil, but the analysis
seemed to show this could hardly be the case. Dr.
Cooke said that the disease was so mysterious because
he could find no spores or mycelium of fungus and no
bacteria. He knew of no remedy, but advised cutting
out the parts affected the moment the disease was seen
and burning them. See also Royal Horticultura Sticiely's
Journal, vol. xxvii., pages 713, cxliii., and cxlix.

Rose-leaves Diseased.— Mr. J. W. Scott sent three
bundles of Rose-leaves diseased. " No. 1. Theplants are
in good health, and at present there is but very little
of the disease on them. No. 2 is taken from small pot
plants spring grafted, and seems to develop those spots
when grown in a high moist temperature. No. 3
appears to be like the last, attacking plants that are in
a soft-growth, and we have it in several houses, in
some cases stripping every leaf off the stem, but on
taking the lights or glass off, the plants recover to a
great extent."

Dr. Cooke pronounced the disease in each case to be
Actinonema rosse, called by growers the Black Mildew.
It is a fungus disease very common all over Europe,
and though it may be checked by Bordeaux-mixture,
no actual remedy is known. It was considered to be
greatly stimulated and encouraged by growing the
plants too closely together without sufficient air and
light, or in too humid an atmosphere. It is advised to
dry the plants off and let all the leaves fall (which
should be collected and burnt), and then induce them
to make altogether fresh growth.

NATIONAL EOSE,

THE DATE OF THE METROPOLITAN EXHIBITION.

We have been requested to publish the following
memorial to the Executive of the National Rose
Society :—

" To the Honorary Secretary of the National Rose Society.

When, at the annual general meeting of the National
Rose Society, held last December, it was decided by a
majority of one to hold the Metropolitan exhibition in
the gardens of the Inner Temple on July 1 in prefer-
ence to July 8, some of us doubted the wisdom of the
decision. A leading evening paper, in its report of the
show, dated July 1, states : " The National Rose Show
this year is an exhibition representative only of the
Southern counties. The Midland and Northern coun-
ties will not be able to show for a fortnight or so. That
the Southerner has had it all his own way will be seen
by the record of the trophies and principal prizes."
We may add to this, that in no instance was the

Southerner at his best. But even! if he was, the com-
pulsory absence of the Northern and Midland growers,
not only in this, but in several years past, seriously
challenges our Society to the name of Mational.

At the Metropolitan Exhibion is held the friendly
contest for the championship of the year. This gives
it an importance not possessed by any otlaer Rose
show. When this is held Roses should be at their best.
Can it be maintained that Rosei are at their best
between July 1 and 4 ? Yet it is on these dates that the
Metropolitan Show has been held six times during the
last seven years.

It will be Been from the subjoined extracts from the
Annual Reports, that in two years only out of seven
was the Metropolitan Show a good one. The one in
1897, held on July 2, an abnormally early season, the
other in 1900, on July 7, " the largest. . . . yet held by
the Society." On the other hand, the same reports
affirm that the Northern Show held, with one excep-
tion, on dates ranging from July 15 to 19, was in-
variably a good one, four shows out of seven being
described as " the best Rose show of the year."

We are, therefore, of opinion that the Metropolitan
Exhibition is held on too early a date.

If it be pleaded that this exhibition should bs held
alternately early and late, we would reply that the
latest date on which this show has hitherto been held
is not late, but barely mid-season. And. mindful as we
are of the large number of exhibitors residing south of
London, wc nevertheless think that the interests of
individual exhibitors should be subservient to the
interests of the National Rose Society as a whole ; we
desire that the public may see the Roses at their best,
and that the Metropolitan Show may be recognised as
the best Rose show of the year.

Distance from London militates against a representa-
tive gathering of rosarians at the annual general
meeting. We therefore deprecate that the fixing of the
date of this important exhibition should be left alto-
gether to a chance majority of those attending and
voting, and we ask that to " Regulations to Exhibitors "
should be added these words, " Tne Metropolitan Show
shall not be held earlier in the year than July 6."

S. Reynolds Hole, President, The Deanery, Rochester.

F. R. Bubnside, Vice-President, Great Stambridge
Rectory, Rochford, Essex.

George Gordon, Vice-President, Kew.

E. B. Lindsell, Vice-President, Bearton, Hitchic.

Henry V. Machin, Vice-President, Gateford Hill,
Worksop.

Joseph H. Pemberton, Vice-President, The Round
House, Havering-atte-Bower.

ALFREn Tate, Downside, Leatherhead.

W. Wilks, Vice-President, Shirley Vicarage, Croydon.

R. N. G. Baker, Vice-President, Heavitree, Exeter.

H. H. D'Ombbain, Vice-President, Ashwell Vicarage,
Ashford, Kent.

J. Ramsay (Capt.), Vice President, Yvery House, Fare-
ham.

A. Foster-Melliar, Vice-President, Sproughton Rec-
tory, Ipswich.

Extracts from the Annual Repobts of the Na-
tional Rose society fob the Past Seven Years.

1896. Cevstal Palace, July 4. "The Crystal Palace
exhibition, which was held at the most trying
part of the season, proved as before stated an
inferior one, whether regarded from the point of
view of its extent_or the general quallty.of the
flowers."

Ulvebston, July 16. "The display of flowers
was not only large, but In many classes remark-
ably good."

1897. Crystal Palace, July 2. " The largest show the
Society has yet held."

[N.B. In the report on the weather. Mr, Mawley
points out that exhibition Roses came into
bloom abnormally early this year.]
Norwich, July 15. "A most successful one."

1898. Crystal Palace, July 2. " Was rather.less than
average extent."

Halifax, July 14. " The best Rose show of the
year."

1899. Crystal Palace, July 1. " The least Extensive
Metropolitan exhibition of recent years."
Colchester, July 6. "The best Rose show of
the season.-'

1900. Crystal Palace, July 7. " An unusually exten-
sive one, being the largest Metropolitan exhi-
bition, with the exception of those In 1892 and
1897, yet held by the Society."
Birmingham. July 19. " The display of Roses at
the Birmingham exhibition was also exception-
ally large.

1901. Temple Garoens, July 4. " The display of Roses
was, with two exceptions, the largest the Society
has yet held, but the general quality of the
flowers was below the usual standard, Tea Roses
and garden Roses excepted."

Ulverston, July 17. " Less extensive than
usual. As regards the quility of the flowers,
however, it must be regarded as having been the
finest Rose show of the year."

1902. Temple Gardens, Jufy2. " Taking the number
of exhibition Roses as a guide it was the smallest
Metropolitan show since 1893."
Manchester, July 19. " Unusually extensive ;;
indeed, with only four exceptions, it was the

September 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE.

197

largest exhibition that has yet been held by the
Society in the provinces. Taking together the
average quality of the exhibits and the number
of them, it must be regarded as having been the
finest Rose show of the year."
A few copies of the above Memorial have been
circulated for signature. There has already been a
ready response. May I ask those members of the
National Rose Society who have not received the
circular, and who, approving of the Memorial, desire
that their names should be added, kindly to communi-
cate with me— Joseph R. Pemlerton, Havering, Essex.

DUBLIN ROYAL HORTI-
CULTURAL.

August 25.- The show was made up of exhibits in
four large marquees erected on the grounds, each
representing a different section. One contained plants
of various descriptions, another cut-blooms, a third
fruit, and the fourth was given over to a lady's bicycle
decoration display, which during the evening com-
manded much attention. The exhibition in all respects
was a fine one, and, in the opinion of the judges, many
of the exhibits, especially in the cut-blooms and fruit
sections, were above the average.

The display of Asters, Coleus, Dahlias, Begonias, and
Gladioli was a remarkably good one, and amongst
those who carried off prizes were Lord Caeew, Lady
Doyne, of Gorey ; Mr. Reginald Haeeis, Mr. David
Deimmie, of Booterstown ; Mr. F. A. Millae, of Monks-
town ; Mr. Edwaed D'Oliee, of Bray; and Messrs
Hogg & Robeetson.

Me3srs. Dickson & Sons, of Newtownards, had a
magnificent collection of Roses of various kinds ;
while Messrs. Habtland & Sons, of Cork, who for so
many years have bsen successful exhibitors at all the
leading shows in this country and in England, showed
a number of the most beautiful specimens of Begonias,
a flower to which they have devoted much attention.
In addition, they staged a wonderful collection of
Asters.

Messrs. Deummond & Sons had also a fine display of
potted plants and cut flowers, and the specimens
shown from Messrs. Dicksons' well-known nurseries
attracted much attention. Amongst others whose ex-
hibits secured leading places were Messrs. Watson,
of Clontarf, for a beautiful display of Dahlias ; and
Messrs. Edmondson Bbothebs, of Dame Street, whose
ostrich-plume and comet Asters were of immense size
and surpassing in form the finest Japanese Chrysan-
themum, and the colours of which were of remarkable
purity.

Messrs. Ramsay & Sons, of Ball's Bridge, who make a
specialty of greenhouse plants, exhibited as usual a
beautiful display, to which the judges had little
hesitation in awarding a prize.

Worthy of special attention also were the remarkable
displays forwarded by Messrs. Dickson & Sons, Belfast,
and Messrs. Jameson, both well known growers, whose
collections have been awarded prizes at the leading
shows in the country.

STROUD HORTICULTURAL.

August 26, 27. -The annual show was held in the
grounds of E. S. Godsell, Esq., the co-secretary of the
show. The exhibits were praiseworthy, and well
arranged in commodious tents.

There were three classes for groups of miscellaneous
plants, and good groups were shown in each. The first
group, 8 feet deep by 25 feet frontage, attracted three
competitors, the premier prize of £15 falling to the
Messrs. Cypheb & Sons, of Cheltenham ; the 2nd, to
Sir J. E. Dobington, Bart.

For a group in the space of 8 feet by 15 feet, E S
Godsell, Esq (gr., Mr. Hammond), set up a charming
exhibit, and won the 1st prize. The 2nd prize group,
from Mrs. Blackwell, lacked lightness in arrange-
ment.

Two exhibitors entered the class for a group occu-
pying a space 8 feet by 10 feet, and the 1st prize was
awarded to J. D. Lane, Esq. (gr., Mr. Ponell).

For six specimen stove and greenhouse plants, three
foliage and three flowering, Mr. Cvphee was closely
followed by Mr. Wm. Vause.

The 1st prize for six distinct exotic Ferns was
awarded to Sir J. E. Dobington (gr., Mr. Savegar). Mr.
Godsell, who won 2nd prize, had a large plant of
Davallia fljiensis plumosa.

For six varieties of double flowered Begonias the
Rev. S. Cobnish won 1st prize; and for single Be-
gonias, Messrs. Pbice & Sons.

The exhibits in the classes for plants, cut flowers
fruit, and vegetables were generally good.

A large number of excellent exhibits were staged in
the Cottagers' classes, vegetables being very fine, also
fruit, in spite of the vagaries of the weather.

The Royal Horticultural Society's Silver-gilt Medals
were awarded to Messrs. Hugh Low & Co , for Orchids-
Messrs. Peed <fc Sons, for Caladiums; Messrs. Wm.
Cutbush & Son. for herbaceous and Alpine plants;
Messrs. Cowan & Co., Liverpool, for Orchids; and to
Mr. E. S. Godsell, for a miscellaneous group of
(lowering and foliage plants.

DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY
HORTICULTURAL.

August 28, 29.— The annual exhibition was held in
Castledykes Park, Dumfries, on the above dates. The
show was a worthy rival to the memorable one with
which the Society celebrated its jubilee in 1862, and
was quite the best held under the auspices of its
present management. The number of entries was very
much larger than last year, and, in spite of the un-
favourable weather which prevailed right up to the
first day, the exhibits were of good quality, and came
from a wide district.

For the 1st prize of £5 and the custody of the hand-
some 15 guinea Challenge Cup, presented by the Dum-
fries Town Council for the best table of plants 12 feet
by 6 feet, there was strong competition in the Open
class. The prize went to Messrs. James Seevice &
Sons, Maxwelltown. The ind prize was awarded to
Mr. J. M. Stewart, gr. to John Neilson, Esq , of
Mollance, Castle Douglas.

For the circular group of plants 9 feet in diameter,
Messrs. James Service it Sons also took 1st place ; Mr
R. Grigor, gr. to M. Balmain, Esq., of Woodlands, was
2nd.

For twenty-four Rose blooms, Messrs. J. Palmee &
Son, Ltd., Annan, were 1st; Messrs. W. Leaemcnt &
Son, Dumfries, being 2nd.

In the section for fifteen Tea Rose blooms, Mrs
Rutherfoed, Crichton House, Dumfries, was 1st.

Messrs. J. Bogie & Son carried off the prize for a
collection of cut Dahlias arranged for decorative effect.
Sweet Peas were exceedingly good, and Messrs. W.
Leaemont & Son's collection of eighteen bunches well
deserved the first place.

For twenty-four bunches of hardy herbaceous plants,
Messrs. W. Middleton & Son took 1st place with a
choice collection; while Messrs. T. Kennedy & Co.,
Dumfries, were 2nd. Other prizes went to Messrs.
James Seevice & Sons, for twelve plants for table
decoration; Messrs. W. Middleton & Son, for twelve
Conifers; and Messrs. Keer Beos., Dumfries, for
twenty four Carnations or Picotees.

In the Gardeners' class, cut flowers made an excel.'ent
display, Sweet Peas, Asters, Roses, and herbaceous
plants being conspicuously good. Among pot plants,
the Begonias had suffered considerably from the
weather, but Ferirs and Chrysanthemums were
noticeable; while the bulbous plants and zonal Pelar-
goniums, for which Mr. C. M. Iver, gr. to Mrs. Young,
Lincluden ; and Mr. J. M. Stewart, Mollance, look the
respective prizes, were perhaps the best exhibits.

Fbuit,
considering the very bad season, made a surprisic;;
show. Grapes were exceedingly fine, and hardy fruits
excellent. Mr. Stewart was 1st for a collection of
fruit, and Mr. Jas. Duff, gr. at Threave, 2nd.

Mr. B. Rutheeford, gr. at Glenlair, was 1st for a col
lection of hardy fruits ; Mr. Duff being 2nd.

For Grapes, Mr. Huff, Mr. James Henderson, gr. to
J. Minto, Esq , of Elmbank; Mr. A. Robertson, Close
burn ; Mr. M. B. McDonald, Langholm ; and Mr.
Houston, Crichton, were the prize-winners.

Vegetables,
especially Onions, were very good. Mr. Duff and Mr.
Houston were 1st and 2nd for a collection of twelve
sorts ; and Mr. W. Andebson, Collin ; and Mr. R
Middleton, Kircudbright, for six sorts.

Trade Exhibits.
Plants were sent for exhibition by Messrs. Kennedy
& Co., Dumfries; Messrs. Fothebingham & King,
Dumfries; Mr. James Kennedy, Greenbrae (Dahlias) ;
and Messrs. J. Palmee & Son, Ltd., Annan (Roses).

GREAT AND LITTLE WARLEY
COTTAGE-GARDEN SHOW.

September 3.— This was the fifth annual exhibition,
and with it was held for the first time an exhibition of
farm produce. A large circular marquee, with a good-
sized oblong tent running out of it, was set up near
the front of the residence of Warley Place, and Miss
Willmott, the President, was ubiqltous superintending
every detail, while attentive (o her many visitors. Col.
WhittiDgton, the Hon. Sec , with Mr. J. Preece, the
gardener at Warley Place, made the various arrange-
ments for the exhibits, Mr. Berkeley also rendering
assistance.

In the centre of the marquee was a large group of
plants from Warley Place, arranged by Mr. Preece ; in
another part was a fine and varied collection of fruit
and also of cut flowers ; while one portion of the side of
the marquee was occupied by a very fine collection from
Messrs. Wallace & Co., Kiln field Nurseries, Colchester.

Some of the servants in the house contributed some-
thing to the show, in which their mistress takes so
much pride, one furnishing a miniature rock garden.
Mr. John Russell, nurseryman, Brentwood, had a
bold and striking group of plants and also of cut
flowers in the tent, and outside a large group of hardy
subjects in excellent character. Mr. Leonard Brown,

Seven Arches, Brentwood, had a pretty collection ef
Sweet Peas.

The competitive exhibits were from the parishes of
Great and Little Warley. Division I. was for cottagers
only; Divisions II. and III. for cottagers andamateurs.
Altogether there were about sixty-five classes, com-
prising plants, cut flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

In addition Miss Willmott offered prizes lor
the best cultivated cottage and allotment gardens, and
made the proviso that they be inspected at least
three times in a season. Prizes were also awarded for
the prettiest garden and window garden. In order
to stimulate home industries, there are classes, under
the head of Miscellaneous, for cooked Potatos, honey,
bread, cakes, home-made jams, and suet-puddings
made without eggs. There was a division for handi-
crafts and needlework, and for washed and ironed
shirts and collars. There was also a group of classeB
for children under 14 years of age, which included
needlework in various forms, maps, drawiDg, essays on
botany, &s.

Miss Willmott threw open her beautiful gardens for
the inspection of visitors. R. D.

CROYDON AND DISTICT HORTI-
CULTURAL MUTUAL IMPROVE-
MENT SOCIETY.

Septemheb 1.— A new feature in the programme of
this Society was successfully carried out at their
rooms, Sunflower Temperance Hotel, George Street, on
the above date, when discussions on Floial Decora-
tions, with demonstrations, created a very enjojablc
two hours' entertainment. The principal interest was
centred on three dinner tables, which had been
artistically decorated by Messrs. M. E. Mills, A.
Maslen, and P. F. Bunyabd respectively, and the
decorative excellence displayed by them called forth a
word of praise from all who were present. The dis-
cussion was principally on table decorations, but
many useful suggestions were made on other decora-
tions. Interesting exhibits came from Mr. W. Bentley,
who brought Drosera rotundiflora ; from Messrs.
Thompson & Sons, Wimbledon, a specimen plant of
the new double flowered Gypsophila paniculata; from
Messrs. Wells & Co., Earlswood, two new Chrysan-
themums, "The Champion" and "Carrie," the former
haviDg that day gained an Award of Merit at the Rojal
Horticultural Society's meeting in London ; and from
Mr. A. C. Roffey, four excellent specimens of his
improved Telegraph Cucumber.

THE FLOWER SHOWS OF
NO RTHUMBERLAN D.

The Northumberland flower show season was recently
at its height, and considering the sort of summer we
have had, the quality of the exhibits shown was really
wonderful.

Quiet, industrious, and generally speaking, sober,
the Northumbrian miner takes unbouLdedaelight in
his cottage garden, and the annual flower show is to
him the one red-letter day of brightness and animation
in a woik a day calendar that contains very much that
is dreary and colourless.

Perhaps this passionate love of flowers may be
accounted lor by the law of contrasts. Working, as he
does, day after day away from the sunlight and amid
the darkness of mother's earth's internal economy, the
tending of his Roses or fruit-trees affords a very real
relief and pleasure.

Apart from that, however, one fact is very evident.
These northern village flower shows— and scores take
place all over the county— produce an array of gorgeous
blooms, tastefully ai ranged bouquets, and succulent
vegetables that would do honour to far more pre-
tentious exhibitions.

Tne attendance at each of these little annual fetes is
to be numbered in thousands, for villagers Irom the
surrounding countryside troop in to make critical com-
ments on the various exhibits, which of course they do
not consider to approximate in splendour to those
raised in their own particular abode.

Village rivalry is very strong, and maDy places have
the reputation of producing certain classes of flowers
fruits, or vegetables, which is jealously regarded and
maintained. The village of Swalweil is famed as the
home of the giant Gooseberry, while other places
boast of their mammoth Leeks, and so on.

In addition to a splendid array of blooms, bearing
eloquent testimony to the excellence of the Hon.
culturist's art, these shows often develop into a sort of
annual merry-making, for sports and athletics are
generally held in the evening, and may be there is a
choral contest. At any rate, there is sure to be a good
band to enliven the proceedings, for the show coffers
are generally quite full, so gratifying is the support
accorded.

As one who has had the privilege of visiting a large
number of these functions this year, I have been
greatly struck by the excellence displayed in the
various departments; especially in cut flowers I have
noticed some dazzling arrays of blooms. Lovely

1U8

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 12, 1903.

1'ansies, fragile Petunias, gorgeous Dahlias (particu-
larly the Cactus variety), military-lookiDg Gladioli,
Zinnias, Begonias, among others.

In the Open classes I have examined some splendid
exhibits of cut flowers from Messrs. Harkness & Sons,
of Bedale, who win many prizes. Other well known
firms think it worth while to send exhibits for the
sake of advertisement. One can generally notice, too,
industrial classes, in which the " gudenife" can show
her skill ; while the youngsters display wonderful
creations in the way of fretwork cathedrals and the
like. A man's hobby often proves an index to his
character; in which connection I say, "Long may the
Northumberland miner stick to his cottage garden ! "
W. T. 6 , Xewcastleon-Tyne.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTI-
CULTURAL.

September S>, 10.— The show held in the Waverley
Market, Edinburgh, on Wednesday and Thursday last
was one of the best of late years, and formed a pleasant
surprise to those who did not hope for anything so
good. Fruit, however, was not up to the usual stan-
dard as to quantity, though the quality for the present
season was very good. Flowers formed an extensive
exhibition, the quality being in most instances all that
could be desired.

FRUIT.

The chief class was for: -Table of Dessert Fruit,
10 feet by 4 feet 6 inches, decorated with plants in pots
not exceeding 5 inches in width, Cut Flowers and
Foliage, Orchids being excluded. There were only
three exhibitors, Mr. Goodacre, gr. to the Earl of
Harrington, Elvaston Castle, being 1st for fruit with
106} points, having fine Madresfield Court (7 points),
Chasselas (5.'), Muscat of Alexandria (8), Black Ham-
burgh (7}), Washington Apple (6J), Ribston Pippin
(7), Figs, Brown Turkey (6), Melon "(7 and 8), Nectarine
Pine-apple (7), and N. Albert Victor (7}), Peaches (u) and
Barrington (7), Pears Souvenir du Congies (7r;), and
Margaret Marrilat(S). and Plum Coe's Golden Drop (7).
Mr. Kidd, gr. to Lord Elphinston, Carbery Towers, was
and with 9.'i points, Grapes very good; and Mr. Smith,
gr. to Lord Stair, Oxenford Castle, 3rd.

Mr. Kidd secured the 1st prize for decorations with
25} points out of a possible of 28. The flowers employed
were mainly Gloriosa superba, Gypsophila, Francoa
rambsa, with a few sprays of Smilax, the general effect
being somewhat heavy ; Mr. Smith 2nd, with 2) i points;
3rd, Mr. Goodacre, with i:> points, and by far the most
charming arrangement.

There was some dissatisfaction among onlookers as
to the result of the pointing in this portion of the
class.

For a Collection oj Ten dishes of Fruit Mr. Goodache
was again 1st with beautifully finished Madresfield
Court and less good Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, a
fine Queen Pine apple, Gunton Hero Melon, Princess
Peach, Albert Victor Nectarine, extra fine Directeur
Hardy Pear, a Gage Plum, and lirown Turkey Fig.
Mr. Mackinlay, gr. to Earl Cowper, Wrest Park,
Ampthill, Beds, was 2nd.

For a Collection of twelve dishes Jlardy Frv.il grown out-
0/ doors (confined to Scotland).— Mr. Day, gr. to the Earl
of Galloway, Garlieston, was 1st with a fair lot. "

For a Col'ection of twelve dishes of Fruit grown in an
Orchard home. Grapes excluded.— Mr. Goodacre secured
1st prize with really grand produce, Pitmaston Duchess
and Margaret Marrilat Pears, Gascoigne's Scarle; and
King of Tonipkin's County Apples, Albert Victor and
Spencer Nectarines specially fine. Mr. Greenlow, gr. to
H. J. Younger, Benmore, was a very good 2nd, showing
also grand examples of Apples, Pears, and Peaches.

GRAPES.

The bunches of Grapes, like the collections of fruits,
were rather short in number.

For six bunches of Qrapes, at least three varieties.—
Messrs. D. & W. Buchanan, Forth Vineyard, Kippen
secured 1st place with grand clusters of Alicante,
Muscat of Alexandria, and Alnwick Seedling— a truly
grand exhibit ; Mr. Jas. Beisant.gr. to Mts.Armistead
Castle Huntly, Jnd, also with a grand lot, comprising
Muscat Hamburgh, Muscat of Alexandria, Madresfield
Court (extra fine) ; 3rd, Mr. Green, gr. to Sir c". M.
Palmer, M.P, Loftus, with very fine examples, perhaps
hardly ripe. 1st, 49} points; 2nd, 16} points; 3rd,4ll
points.

Four bunches of Qrapes —Mr. Goodacre was 1st wilh
Black Hamburgh (well finished), Muscat Hamburgh,
MuScatof Alexandria.and Madresfield Court(27 points)'
2nd, Messrs. Buchanan, with bunches less good tban
in the former class (25J points) ; 3rd, Mr. Green.

Two bunches Muscat of Alexandria.— These were some-
what wanting in finish, though the clusters were alf
large and fine. Mr. H. E Hugbes, gr. to SirD. E. Hay,
Bart., King's Meadow, Peebles, being 1st; Mr Good'-
ACRE, 2nd; and Mr. Day, 3rd.

Two bunches Black Hamburgh.— There was a strong
competition in this class, the Grapes being superior
to what one usually sees of (his old variety. Mr. Good-
acre was 1st wi'h large bunches; Mr. A. Grieve
Hunter Street. Kirkaldy, 2ad, and Mr. Kidd 3rd

One bunch Muscat of Alexandria.— Mr. Goodacre was
1st with a medium bunch of splendid finish; 2nd, Mr.
Hughes ; 3rd, Mr. Fann, gr. to Lord Bali our of
Burleigh.

One bunch Black Hamburgh.— Mr. Greive was 1st with
a splendidly finished example; 2nd, Mr. Stuart,
Thirlestane Castle; 3rd, Mr. Galloway, gr. to Lord
Wemyss, Gosford.

One bunch Alicante. — Mr. Sutherland, Polmont
Station, 1st, with a fine bunch; 2nd. Mr. Stuart,
Thisle^tane Castle ; 3rd, Mr. Moody. This was a large
and good class.

One bunch Alnwick Seedling.— Mr. Green had an extra
large cluster, well finished, to which the 1st prize was
awarded ; 2nd, Messrs. Buchanan ; 3rd, Mr. Suther-
land, gr. to J. L. Learmont, Esq., Polmont Station.

For One bunch Gros Colmar.— Mr. Stuart, gr. to Lord
Lauderdale, Thirlestane Castle, was 1st.

For one bunch of Lady Downes, Mr. Kidd had 1st prize ■
and for one bunch of Madresfield Court, Mr. Beisant
was 1st.

The best bunch of Diamond Jubilee was shown by
Mr. Kidd, who had a small but well-finished example ;
Mr. Beisant was 2nd.

The same variety was shown by Messrs. Buchanan
in a class for one bucch of any new Grape introduced
since 1885, and it was awarded 1st piize.

In a class for one bunch of black Grapes of finest
flavour, Mr. Murray was 1st, with Muscat Hamburgh ;
Mr. Goodacre, 2nd, with the same variety ; 3rd, Mr.
Beisant, with Madresfield Court.

Mr. Hughes showed the finest flavoured white Grapes
in Muscat of Alexandria.

In a class for one bunch of a Black Grape having
finest bloom Mr. Sutherland was 1st with Appley
Towers.

Other Fruits.

Mr. Goodacre was the only exhibitor of one Queen
Pineapple, a good fruit to which 1st priza was awarded.

Mr. Goodacre had also the best green or white-
Ileshed Melon, and Mr. Day the best scarlet flesh
variety.

Figs were rather small; the 1st prize went to Mr. J.
Brown, gr. to Major Balfour, Ballessie.

Peaches. — There was a remarably good lot in the class
for twelve fruits, Mr. Wilson, gr. to Miss Mansel,
Sulby Hall, Rugby, was 1st with fine fruits; 2nd, Mr.
Glen, Larbert, with Sea Eagle. Mr. Wilson was also
1st for twelve Nectarines, with very fine fruits of
River's Orange; Mr. Smith, Oxenford Gardens, with
good Humboldt, was 2nd.

Apricots were disappointing, and Plums were not
largely staged.

Collect ion of Dessert Plums, four varieties, nine of each. —
Mr. Goodacre was 1st with Guthrie's Gage, Bryanston
Gage, Jefferson, and Coe's Golden Drop, perfectly
ripened; Mr. Sinclair, Congletou, was a good 2nd;
and Mr. MacKinlay, 3rd.

Collection of Culinary Plums.— Mr. Goodacre was 1st
with Belle de Septembre, Monarch, Pond's Seedling,
and Goliath; 2nd, Mr. Smith, Oxenford Gardens; 3rd,
Mr. Murray, Culzean Castle Gardens.

For Apples, twelve varitties, ripe or unripe, there was a
fair lot of fruit. Mr. Smith, gr. to Madame Smith,
Convent Garden, Roehampton, was 1st with good
examples of culinary varieties; Mr, Findlay, Mares-
field Park, 2nd ; and Mr. Gibson, Kingston-on-Thames,
3rd.

The next Class was for a Collection of Apples grown in
Scotland, twelve varieties.— 1st prize, " Malcolm Dunn
Memorial Medal in Horticulture" and £3. This
brought out a strong competition, no fewer than eleven
competitors staging. The fruit, owing to the season,
was less good than usual, but the collections as a whole
were quite as good as could be expected. Mr. Sinclair,
Congleton, Drem, secured 1st prize with nicely finished
fruits ; Mr. Day 2nd, but not nearly up to his usual
form ; and Mr. Murray, Culzean, 3rd.

Collection of Apples, six varieties.— There was a very
strong competition, Mr. Smith, Roehampton, being 1st
withniceclean fruits ; Mr. Caddick, Caradoc Ross, 2nd.

Six Dessert Apples.— 01 single dishes of Apples there
were, as usual, numerous exhibits, Bramley Seedling,
Ecklinville, Alfriston, Worcester Pearmain, Lady
Sudeley, James Grieve, Grenadier, Lord Suffield, Lord
Grosvenor, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Pott's Seedling, and
The QueeD, being the best shown, many beiog particu-
larly good, and the prizes going mainly to English
growers.

Col lection of Pears, twelve varitties, ripe or unripe. — Pears
were also fine, and Mr. Hindley was 1st, showing fine
Jules Guyot, Pitmaston Duchess, Beurre d'Amanlis,
Duchess a'Angouleme, and Williams' Bon Chretien ;
2nd, Mr. MacKinlay.

Collection of Pears, grown in Scot'and, six varieties.— Mr.
Greenlay, Benmore, was 1st, with some good fruits.
There were of these also a large number of siDgle
dishes, mostly of good quality.

PLANTS.

Group of Miscellaneous Plants, arranged 011 floor to
produce the best effect within a circle is feet in dia-
meter. The exhibit need not itself be circular, nor

occupy the whole floor space.— Only one exhibitor
staged— Mr. Wood, gr. to J. BUCHANAN, Esq., Oswald
House. The group was an effective one, with many
Clerodendron fallax, that brightened up the arrange-
ment of Orchids, Primulas, Crotons, &t.

Four Stove or Greenhouse Plants, in flower, distinct.— lit,
A. G. Wood, Oswald House, Edinburgh, with Anthu-
rium Knightii, Fuchsias Mrs. Marshall and Royal
Standard, and Francoa ramosa; 2nd, Geo. McKenna,
gr , Norton, Ratho; 3rd, H. E. Hughes, Peebles.

One Stove or Greenhouse Plant, in Flower.— Mr. Geo.
McKenna, gr., Nor;oD, Ratho, was 1st with a Statice.

Four Orchids, distinct. -1st, Wm. Sharp, gr., Fdrgan-
denny, with Cattieya Sauderiana, C. velutina, Odonto-
glosium Alexandra, and O. Pescatorei ; 2nd, G. Wood,
gr., Oswald House.

One Orchid. -1st, Wm. Sharp, Forg&ndenny, with
Cattieya Sanderiauum ; 2nd, G. Wood.

Three Cypripediums, distinct.— 1st, Wm. Sharp, Forgan-
denny, with Cypripediums ojnanthum superbum,
C. Curtisii, and C. Harrisianum.

Four Exotic Ferns, distinct species, exclusive of all others
for which Prizes are Offered.— 1st, Wm. M. Bruce, gr.,
Rockvilie, Murrayfield, with GymnogrammaLaucheana
gigantea, Todea pellucida, Microlepia platyphilla, and
Asplenium longissimum ; 2nd, Geo. Wood.

Four Aaiantums, didincl. — Mr. L. Moudie, Mussel-
burgh, 1st, with Williamsii, conclnnum, cuneatum;
2nd, John Pearson, Murraj field.

Tree Fern, not less than 3 feet stem.— 1st. Mr. Andrew
Pride, Newington House; 2nd. A. McKenzie, Trinity
Grove : 3rd, G. Wood.

Four British Ferns, distinct— lgt, Chas. Pattison,
Linwood; 2nd, W. M. Bruce, Murrayfield.

Nine Dwarf British Ferns, distinct, pots not exceeding
6 inches.— 1st, J. C. Brown, 25, Waterloo Place ; 2nd, D.
Miller, Penicuik ; 3rd, Wm. Robertson, Falkirk.

Six Selaginellas, not fewer than three being distinct.— HI,
Mr. Wm. Bruce, Murrayfield, with S. dichotoma, S.
Mastersi, S. Galleotit, S. Caesia, S. Mertense, S. varie-
gata; 2nd, G. Wood, Oswald House.

Six foliage Plants, distinct, exclusive of Palms.— 1st, Mr.
J. Tom, with Dracaena Gladstonei, D. Massangeana, D.
Doucetti, Codi.-eum Reedii, and Ficus elastica: 2nd,
Alex. McKenzie, Trinity Grove; 3rd, Geo. McKenna,
Norton, Ratho.

Six foliage plants, distinct, in pots not exceeding 9 inches.
— 1st, Mr. J. Tom, with Dracaena sauderiana , D. Duchess
of Portland, Codiasum Reedii, and Ficus elastica; 2nd,
Mr. A. McMillan, Douglas Castle.

Six Table Plants, Foliage, distinct, pots not exceeding
6 inches.— 1st, Mr. R. Glen, Larbert; 2nd, Alex.
McMillan, Douglas Castle.

Six do.. Ferns.— 1st, Alex. McMillan, Douglas Castle;
2nd, Wm. Henderson, Corstorphine.

Six Tuberous-rooted Begonias, single, distinct cars.— 1st,
Mr. Robert Brown, E:kbank; 2nd, J. Phosseh, Cor-
storphine; 3rd, Wm. Smith, Dreghorn Castle.

Three do. do., double, do.— 1st, Mr. Robt. Brown, Esk-
bank ; 2nd, Wm. Smith, Dreghorn Castle ; 3rd, Chas.
Dickson, Corstorphine.

Two Fuchsias, distinct — 1st, Mr. W. Heattie, Gala-
shiels ; 2nd, W. Aitken, Balerno ; 3rd, Andrew Pryde,
Xewington House.

CDT FLOWERS.
There was an enormous quantity of all kinds of
flowers, the greater proportion of which was of superior
quality. ,

For Twelve Gladioli, distinct varieties, Mr. Bennett,
Berwick-on-Tweed, was 1st with very fine spikes; 2nd,
Mr. Lawrie, Prestwick, also very fine; and 3rd, Mr.
Brydon, Innerleithen.

The same exhibitors repeated their successes for
Six Gladioli, all of which were fine.

For Twelve Double Tuberous rooted Begonia Blooms,
Mr. Johnston, East LintoD, Prestonkirk, was 1st with
a fine lot of blooms of the newest forms; Rev. Mr.
Rodgebs, Prestonkirk, was 2nd ; Mr. R. Ballantyne, gr.
to J. Reid, Esq., Bygor, 3rd.

Twelve Shoiv or Fancy Dahlia Blooms, dittinct varieties. —
Mr. Sutherland, Kiiklntillock, 1st; Mr.. Veitch, Car-
lisle, 2nd; Mr. Robertson, Eastwood, .'ird.

Twelve Cactus Dahlia Blooms, distinct varieties.— These
were fine, being fresh and well coloured. Mr. Suther-
land was 1st here; 2nd, Mr. Ruuertson; and 3rd, Mr.
MeCowen, gr. to A. Colyille, Esq., Arngomery, Kippen.

Six Bunches Cactus Dahlias, distinct varieties, six blooms
in each bunch.— Mr. Robertson, Eastwood, 1st; 2nd,
Mr. Sutherland, Kirkintilloch.

Twtlve bunches Sweet Peas, distinct, own foliage, not
more than forty spikes in each bunch.— Of these there
was a great assortment of fresh and large blooms, all
in the improved and newer varieties ; Mr. Malcolm,
Imns, being 1st with a remarkably fine lot; 2nd, Mr. R.
Mackenzie, Aviemore; and 3rd, Mr. Duncan, School-
house, Fogo.

Six bunches Sweet Peas, distinct, not more tban forty
spikes in each bunch, decorated with any kind of foliage
or grass.— This was a very pretty lot, the arrangements

Septembeb 12, 1903.J

THE GARD ENER 8 ' CHR ONI CLE.

199

of many being very happily conceived and executed.
Mr. Prosser, gr. to W. T. Dickson, Esq., Corstorphin,
being 1st, with the best Pels exhibited; 2nd, Mr.
Young, Jedburgh ; and 3rd, Mr. R. McAndie.

Twelve Roses, distinet varieties —1st, Mr. Bennet,
Kent Cottage, Hellensburgh, with fresh blooms ; 2nd,'
Mr. Parlane, Rosslea Row; and 3rd, Mr. Laurence
Black, Kinglassie, Fife.

Twelve Tea Roses, not. fewer than six varieties.— Here Mr.
Parlane was 1st; Mr. Bennet, 2nd; and 3rd Mr
Black.

Six Vases of Carnations, one variety in each vase, with
own foliage and buds, not exceeding nine expanded
blooms in each vase. Vases to be supplied by the
Society.— Mr. Brydon, 1st with fresh, clean blooms •
and Mr. Young, Jedburgh, 2nd.

Six Vases Carnations, with own foliage and buds, not
exceeding nine expanded blooms in each vase Vases
to be supplied by the Society.— Here Mr. Brydon was
again 1st with a superior lot of blooms; and Mr
Bennet, Tweedmouth, 2nd.

Six Vases Picotees, ditto — Mr. Brydon was here again
1st, and Mr. Rankin, Dunfermline, 2nd.

Twelve Chrysanthemum blooms.— These were really fine
Mr. Baird, gr. to J. Younger, Esq., Amsbrae, being 1st'
and Mr. Richardson, Manor, Peebles, 2nd.

Twelve bunches Hardy Herbaceous Perennials, distinct -
Mr. Brydon was 1st ; 2nd, Mr. Robertson, Thornlie-
bank. This class was a very striking one.

Twelve Vases, Hardy or Half-hardy Annuals, distinct
effective arrangement to be considered,— Mr. McAndie
Inveresk, was 1st; and Mr. McFarlane, Kilgraston!
Bridge of Earn, 2nd.

The annexed Class brought out a stronger competi-
tion than usual.

Open to Ladies only.

The best and most tastefully arranged dinner-table

decoration, consisting of cut flowers and foliage, set

out in glasses or other suitable receptacles, or

placed on the table-cloth. A space not exceeding

5 feet by 3 feet was allowed.— Mrs. J. Mackenzie, Pol-
worth Gardens, being 1st with an arrangement of
Lilium speciosum, Duchess of Fife Carnations, and
Gypsophila paniculata; Mrs. Duncan, Fogo, 2nd,
with Sweet Peas; and Miss Jane F. Campbell,
Comely Bank, 3rd.

VEGETABLES.

For a Collection of Vegetables, twelve kinds, Mr. GibsoD
gr. to R. W. Hudson. Esq., Marlow, Bucks, was 1st with
61 points to his credit, Celery, Leeks, Tomatos, Onions,
Peas, Carrots, and Cauliflowers being particularly fine'
Mr. Harper, Tulliebelton, Bankfoot, was 2nd with
54$ points, showing very fine samples; 3rd, Mr. Rae
gr. to Major Ross Kerr, Sunlaws, Kelso, with
52J points.

Of Leeks there were many splendid specimens, those
from Mr. McMillan, gr. to the Earl of Home, Douglas
Castle, to which the 1st prize was awarded, being fine
indeed.

Celery also was fine, Mr. Waldie, Dollarbeg, being
1st. There were also many dishes of fine Tomatos, also
good exhibits of Peas, Cucumbers, and other vegetables
of very superior quality.

NURSERYMEN.

For the best collection of Hardy Floioers, not exceeding 100
bunches, arranged on a table not exceeding 25 feet by
5.feet,no duplicate bunches allowed ; Messrs. Cocker &
Sons, Aberdeen, alone staged in' this important class,
and they were awarded 1st prize.

thirty-six Gladiolus, not more than two of any variety
—Mr. Mair, Prestwick, showed the only lot in which'
were many very fine examples, viz, Girandole, Cron-
stadt, Hamlet, Formosa, Mme. P. Palmer, Carmelite
Mahomet, Michael Angelo being particularly fine. The
1st prize was awarded.

I Collection of Dahlias, any varieties, space 7 feet by 5 feet.
—Mr. R. J. Hamill, The Vineries, Birmingham, w.%9 1st
in this class with a finely-arranged group, embracing
the best of the several sections; Messrs. Campbell &
Son, Auehenraith Nurseries, High Blantyre, a good 2nd.

Eighteen bunches Cactus Dahlias, distinct varieties, six
blooms in each bunch-Messrs. Campbell & Son were
again 1st in this class, showing fully-developed and
well coloured blooms ; and Mr. Smellie, 2nd.

Twenty four Dahlias, diitinct varieties.— In this class
Mr. Smellie scored, having large, fresh and perfect
I blooms; Messrs. Campbell was 2nd; and Messrs.
Lister & Sons, Rothesay, 3rd.

Twenty Mir Cactus Dahlas, distinct varietivs.-B.eTe
Messrs. Campbell & Sons were 1st, with a grand lot
ofblooni8; and Mr. Smellie, 2nd.

Thirty-six Roses, distinct varieties.— Messrs. J. Cocker

6 Sons, Aberdeen, were 1st, the best blooms being
: Marchioness of Londonderry, C. Testout, Mrs, W J

Grant, G. Harkness, Papa Lambert, Madame E.
Verdier, those being very fine ; Messrs. D. & W. Croll,
Dundee, were 2nd, with smaller fresh blooms ; and
Mr. Hugh Dickson, Belfast, was 3rd.
For eighteen Roses, distinct, Messrs. Cocker were again
•1st, with large and fresli blooms; and, Messrs. Choi i ■
and Crd, .Mr. Hugh Dickson.

Twenty-four Tea Roses, not more than two of any one
variety —Messrs. Croll. 1st, with small neat buds;
Messrs. Adam & Chaigmile, Aberdeen, 2nd.

Twelve any Scarlit or Crimion Rose.— Messrs. Croll
were 1st, with medium-sized but lovely blooms of John
Stuart Mill; Messrs. Cocker, 2nd, with Marie Bau-
mann in glorious colour ; Mr. Dickson 3rd, with Hugh
Dickson.

Twelve Vases of Roses, one distinctvariety in each vase,
excluding H.P. To be shown on stems not less than
9 inches in length, and in vases to be supplied by the
Society.— 1st, Messrs. W. <Si R. Ferguson, Dunfermline;
this, however, did not appear quite so worthy as that
of Messrs. Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen, who were 2nd ;
and 3rd, Messrs. Croll.

Collection of Roses, to occupy space 5 feet by 5 feet, shown
with own Buds and Foliage— Jas. Cocker & Sons, Aber-
deen, secured the 1st prize with a very fine lot, Alfred
Colomb and Ards Rover being very fine; Messrs. F. &
R. Ferguson, of Dunfermline 2nd.

MISCELLANEOUS EXHIBITS.

These were as usual at Edinburgh of great merit and
very numerous, producing a great effect in the general
appearance of the market. From Messrs. A. Lister &
Sons, Rothesay, came a nice lot of Pansies, Violas,
Carnations and Picotees, florist varieties, with
Cactus Dahlias, &c. ; and from Mr. T. Jannock, Dersing-
ham.came Lily of the Valley and Lilacs.

A very pretty lot of American Carnations, comprising
Mrs. Lawson, Floriana, Royalty, Queen Louise, and
Harry Fenn, was staged in an agreeable method by
Mr. A. F. Dutton, Bexley Heath.

Mr. Henry Eckford, Wem, set up his usual table of
Sweet Peas, and a nice lot of the same flower was set up
by Mr. Lawrie, Rose Lea Gardens, Bestwick : the same
exhibitor staging a collection of nicely-grown Apples.

From Messrs. Cunninghame, Fbaser & Co., Comely
Bank, Edinburgh, there was staged a grand group of
Conifers and hardy^flowers in great variety. Messrs.
James Greive & Sons, Redbraes, Nursery, also staging
hardy flowers.

Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, staged a very large
group mainly of cut flowers, Cactus Dahlias being
finely staged along with Chrysanthemums and other
flowers in season ; and a strain of Fuchsias of the
fulgens strain, to one of which, R. H. Hennel, an
Award of Merit was awarded.

Mr. Angus, Penicuik, staged cut blooms of the
large-flowered variety of Chrysanthemum maximum
"King Edward." From the Nurseries of Mr. John
Forbes, Hawick, came a large exhibit of cut flowers,
among which Pentstemons, Phloxes, Carnations,
Hollyhocks, and Cactus Dahlias were conspicuous
for high quality. Messrs. Kent & Brydon, DarliDg-
ton, showed a nice lot of cut Carnations arranged
in glasses. • Messrs. Laing & Mather, Kelso, set
up a large tabic of most of the varieties of Carnations
for which they are celebrated. Messrs. Dickson <Si
Sons, Edinburgh, also showed Carnations in variety.
Mr. R. J. Hamill, Birmingham, produced a fine effect
with Cactus Dahlias. Messrs. Campbbll & Son, High
Blantyre, also exhibiting choice varieties of the same
plant. Messrs. Dickson & Co., Waterloo Place, pro-
duced a grand mass of grouped plants and flowers,
with fruiting Vines, Vitis CoignetEe, V. purpurea, Pe-
largonium Coronation Gem, Begonias in great variety,
with Ferns and stove and greenhouse plants.

Messrs. T. Methuen & Sons, 15, Princes Street, set
up a large group of plants, chief among which were
Liliums, Clematis, and Chrysanthemums; and this
formed undoubtedly one of the grandest displays in
the show.

The tabic furnished by Mr. John Downie, Princes
Street, included fine Begonias, Pelargoniums, Gloxinias,
Violas, Pansies, Dahlias, and various hardy flowers,
the arrangement generally being somewhat different
from what one usually sees.

Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Dundee, had a charm-
ingly - arranged table, in which fruiting Apple-trees
were prominent, with lovely Streptocarpus blooms,
single - flowered Bcgonia9, Cockscombs in pots, and
Dahlias. I

From Messrs. Sander & Co , St. Albans, came a
group of the newer Orchids, which attracted much
attention from lovers of those flowers.

Messrs. R. B. Laird & Son, Pinkhill, had an extra
and most effective arrangement of plants in groups, con-
sisting of standard Codlaeums ; Dracsenas. Liliums,
Cattleyas, with large Palms, Cycads, Bamboos, and
quantities of.deeorative subjects of the most preferred
kinds arranged in a novel and most effective fashion.

Messrs. Todd it Co., Shandwick Place, presented a
marvellous display of Roses In the form of Harps,
wreaths, crosses, baskets, and posies. These were
extremely artistic in not only t lie arrangement, but
also in the disposing of the colours effectively.

Messrs. Blackmore & Lang don, Bath, staged a table
of double Begonias of great beauty, many of the blooms
being of enormous size and glorious colouring, Rosic,
W. Sparshott, Lady Wilinot, Countess of Warwick, Mrs.
Mogcr, and Evelyn Courtnay being particularly fine.

TRADE NOTICES.

BUNYAED'S, MAIDSTONE.
The above business started iu 179C, and for tho
past twenty-three years carried on by George
Bunyard, V.M.H., has for family reasons been
registered as George Bunyard & Co., Ltd. No
shares are issued to the public, and the Company
take over the concern as from October 1, 1902
George Bunyard remains as governing director'
his son Edward Ashdown Bunyard and Binlay
Sinderson being managing directors, so that no
change in the personnel of the firm takes place,
the statutory number of members being made, up
of the family.

Gkeen Lank Nursery, Sunbury, Middlesex.

Mr. S. G. Mason having resigned his position
from above will no longer represent the firm of
S. G. Mason & Co., Green Lane Nurse ly,
Sunbury, Middlesex. All future communications
should be addressed to Mr. Walter Foster, the
proprietor.

A New Company.

G. and A. Clark, Limited, capital 420,000 in
£1 shares (10,000 5 per cent, cumulative prefer-
ence). The object is to adopt an agreement with
G. Clark and A. Clark for the acquisition of the
business now carried on by them at Dover
Folkestone, and elsewhere in Kent, and to carry
on the business of nurserymen, seedsmen, florists,
gardeners, &c. No initial public issue. The first
directors (to number not less than four or more
than eight) are G. Clark, A. Clark, A. Banks,
L. G. A. Ulden, and J. H. Smithen. G. Clark
and A. Clark are governing directors. Registered
office, Maison Dieu Nursery, Maison Dieu Road,
Dover.

Mr. Robert Sydenham, who, a short time
ago, left English shores under medical orders,
has arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, from
which he has written stating that he is wonder-
fully better for the trip, and that he hopes to
return home in November.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

%* Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
literary department, and all plants to be named,
should be directed to the Editor. The two
departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and' confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

Ananassa sativa variegata : J. W. This being
a sport from the wild species probably, the
frait will doubtless possess too much acerbity
to be pleasant eating. The fruits of the un-
improved Pineapple are very apt to cause
soreness of the tongue and palate, as we once
knew to our cost.

Apple-stocks for Dwarf Trees and Bushes, 4c :
G. D., Young Gardener. The broad-leaved Para-
dise and the Doucin Apples make the best dwarf-
ing stocks for the Apple. A very light soil is not
suitable for Apple cultivation, but it may be
made to grow good fruit by deep trenching and
the addition of heavy loam and mulches of
manure in the summer months, and liquid-
manure applied in the winter. In very heavy
soils it is advisable to form mounds I or 1J ft.
high in the middle "and sloping away at the
sides, planting the tree at tho top of eaeh
mound. Heavy land should be drained with
rubble-drains laid 1 foot deep and 2,j feet apart,
and even light land may need draining if the
water-level be higb, say 1 feet from tho surface.
There is no book published on the subject of
stocks for fruit-trees, but you would find in n

200

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 12, 1903.

useful information in The Art of Grafting and
Budding, by Chas. Baltet, published by Mr. W.
Robinson at the Garden Office in 1873, but
which is probably out of print, and only to be
obtained at the old book shops.

Chrysanthemum Foliage: F. H. The leaves
sent are affected by the fungus Puccinia
Hieracii, the too-well-known rust, described in
Gardeners' Chronicle, October 8, 1898. Spray
when the plants are making their growth with
potassium sulphide, at the rate of \ oz. to one
gallon of water. The only thing to be done
now is to isolate affected plants, and pick off
and burn all leaves that show signs of the rust.

Clubbing in Brassicas : H. L. The note by
Mr. Massee referred to on p. 163 by H. T. W.,
Carricklee, will be found in the Gardeners'
Chronicle for February 7, 1903, p. 94, under the
heading " Scientific Committee."

Crimson Rambler and other Roses : F. W. M.
Take slips of ripe wood 12 inches in length in
October, top them, that is, cut off the unripe
tips and the middle lobe of each leaf that is
left above ground, then with a dibber make holes
8 inches deep in land dug one good spade's
depth, put into each hole one cutting, then put
in as much sharp sand as will half fill the hole,
raise the cutting an inch or two, and press it
down again firmly, then fill in the hole with soil.
Let the lines of cuttings be made a foot apart,
and the cuttings stand at G inches apart ; make
the ground firm before the work is begun. If
the Rose slips are received before the bed is
ready for them, if in bundles, untie them and
lay the butt-ends deeply and thinly in moist
soil in a shady place. The place you suggest
for the Rose fence will suit the plants admir-
ably. Stable and pig-dung, half decayed, is
good for Roses. The cutting-bed may face east
or west.

Cyclamen Grubs ; T. T. Grubs of the common
weevil — very destructive. Trap them with
slices of Carrot.

Dahlia : D. H. The catalogues describe the
variety Lady of the Lake as single-flowered,
therefore neither of the blooms you send can
be this one.

Employment in a Nursery : F. 0. Lindborn.
As you seem to have a little acquaintance with
the English tongue, you should find no diffi-
culty in obtaining employment by advertising
in this journal. Please address the Publisher
concerning this matter. We will ask him to
send you the tariff of prices for " Want Places "
advertisements.

French Catalogue : A Reader. If you apply to
„ Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux &. Cie., Quai de la
Megisserie, Paris, or at 24, Mark Lane, London,
E.G., they may be able to give you a copy of
their catalogue. We believe the firm issues
French and English editions.

Gloxinia : J. R. Gloxinia flowers of the type
you send were common many years ago. The
peculiarity is due to an outgrowth from the
normal corolla ; and it is interest ing to observe
that the rich colour on the outgrowth is on the
reverse side. We are not surprised to hear
that the peculiarity has been more or less
' ' fixed."

Insects : C. H. Sirex gigas, the Giant Sawfly or
Wood-wasp (fig. 76) ; very destructive to Coni-
ferous trees, in the wood of which the female
deposits her eggs by means of an ovi-positer,
with which she pierces through the bark.

Introduction of the Elm in the Reign of
Queen Mary (?) : Helen M. Everard. The Elm
is a native of Europe, North America, and parts
of Asia and Africa, extending as far south as
Barbary, and as far north as Russia. It has
been a well-known tree since the time of the
Romans. There are about forty places in Eng-
land mentioned in the Doomsday Book which
take their names from the Elm, vide Loudon's
Arboretum et Fruticetum Britannicum, p. 1373,
vol. iii. The commoner species, Ulmus cam-
pestris and V. montana, seem to be truly
distinct, although there are many varieties
raised from seeds. The late Mr. Masters, of
Canterbury, who paid great attention to the

genus, considered that the Huntingdon Elm,
raised about the middle of the eighteenth cen-
tury, to be identical, or apparently so, with
the American Elm, TJ. americana ; and that
IT. glabra and U. major seem intermediate
between TJ. campestris and TJ. montana.
TJ. campestris must have been a common tree
in this country from very early times. The
tree rarely produces seeds in this country, and
was and is mostly propagated from cuttings
(stakes) or suckers, which it produces plenti-
fully from the old roots.

Leaves Disfigured : M. W. We do not think
the holes are the result of fungus, but of some
insect. Observe them at night. The leaves of
Peach trees, if attacked badly with Cercospora
circumscissa (Shot-hole fungus) would be likely
to fall sooner than they should do.

Missprint Under Specific Names in Gardeners'
Chronicle, September 5, p. 180, col. 2, line 2G.
"novre-zelandicae" should be"nova-zelandica."

Nail-Gall on Beech : J. H. The work of a fly,
Cecidomyia fagi.

Names of Fruits : A Correspondent has sent
several ripe Plums and an Apple packed in
newly-m<>wn grass. It is not surprising that
the grass became heated and hastened the

Fig. 76.— mrkx gigas, the giant sawfly.

decay of the Plums. The Apple is Duchess of
Oldenburgh. — Letellier, Fils § Cie. The Apple
is the variety Lord Derby, a very good culinary
fruit. — ff. O. Fig Negro Largo, one of the
largest and best Figs in cultivation. — Constant
Reader., 1, EcklinvUle Seedling ; 2, Duchess of
Oldenburgh ; 3, Cox's Orange Pippin ; 4, Red
Astrachan ; 5, Green Woodcock ; G, Stirling
Castle.— C. H. Whitlow. 1, Norfolk Beefing ; 2,
The Queen ; 4, Lady Sudeley ; 5, Cellini ; 6,
not recognised. — G. P. K. 1, Worcester Pear-
main ; 2, Minchul Crab. — C. B. Figs : 1, Ver-
sailles ; 2, Brunswick.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
W. L. Catalpa bignonioides. — /. B. 1, Poly-
gonum cuspidatum ; 2, Choisya ternata ; 3,
Pyrus salicifolia — we cannot tell for certain
from the specimen sent. — E. B. Forms of
Statice sinuata. — E. C. C. D. 1, Abelia flori-
bunda ; 2, Veratrum nigrum. — W. M. A. 1,
Cassinia fulvida ; 2, Tellima grandiflora ; 3,
Betonica carnea ; 4, Agrostemina Githago. —
R. H. W. 2, Veronica speciosa, very good form.
A. Dalling. 1, Sedum arboreum cristatum ; 2,
S. pruinatum ; 3, S. Fosterianum probably,
rather poor specimen ; 4, Santolina viridis ; 5,
S. v. alba ; 6, Coreopsis verticillata. — W. H. D.
Probably a species of Malcolmia ; cannot be
certain without specimen with fruit. — W. Com-
fort. Linaria bipartita alba. — A". W. Monstera
deliciosa syn. Philodendron pertusum. The
fruit is very good eating when quite ripe and
peel removed. — F. H. We cannot name the
plant from a leaf only.— J. R. Othonna crassi-
folia, a good basket plant, e fen for the dwelling-
house. — C. D. Y. 1 and 2, forms of Cupressus
Lawsoniana ; 3, Retinospora ericoides ; 4, Cryp-

tomeria japonica ; 5, Sequoia sempervirens j 6,
Picea grandis. — J. J. N., Bury. 1, Asplenium
trichomanes ; 2, Cupressus funebris ; 3, Aspa-
ragus plumosus ; 4, Adiantum capillus Veneris ;
5, A. Waltoni ; G, A. Pacotii. — Cornubian. 1,
Cypripedium x polystigmaticum (Spicerianum
x venustum) ; 2, Epidendrutn umbellatum ;
3, E., (Diacrium) bilamellatum. — E. W. R. 1,
Ophiopogon Jaburan variegatum ; 2, Cyperus
longus ; 3, Dracsena Sanderiana. — V. M. 1,
Stanhopea oculata; 2, Gongora quinquenervis;
3, Restrepia antennifera ; 4, R. trichoglossa ;
5, Bulbophyllum tremulum ; 6, Cifrhopetalum
picturatum. — D. 8., Devises. 1, Cestrum fasci-
culatum ; 2, Phygelius capensis. — B. R., Aber-
deen. The Fern is Athyrium filix foemina corym-
biferum, a crested form of the common " Lady
Fern." — J. B., Gloster. Chenopodium purpu-
reum of gardens. — Japonica. We cannot under-
take to name varieties of florists' Carnations.
New White Grape: K W. We .are sorry to be
unable to appreciate this variety. The berries
are disagreeably acid and astringent. They
lack sweetness and flavour.

Physalis Franchetti Dying off in the Open
Ground : S. W. F. The primary cause of the
death of the plants seems to have been a small
boring insect (caterpillar), but none was found
in the stems, &c. Wherever the creature had
entered the tissues had decayed, the injury
extending upwards and downwards. If the
plants that are not so far gone as those sent
were examined, the caterpillars might be dis-
covered in the rooti and stems in a living state.

Quickest mode of Raising Rosa rugosa
Plants : E. F. C. Let dwarf Rose stocks (Dog
Rose or Manetti) be potted in late October, and
tongue or wedge-graft these in the first week
of the new year, in a temperature of 58° to 60°,
using warm grafting-wax to cover the point of
union. These, if grown in an intermediate-
house, will make nice plants if once stopped by
the month of May, and some of the strongest
may produce flowers at about that season, or
earlier. Seed is long in vegetating, and
cuttings struck cold will not make roots in less
than six months, or produce flowers till the
second year. Soft cuttings struck in heat in
the spring make nice little plants by the
autumn, if afforded suitable cultivation.
Layering cannot be recommended when large
quantities of plants have to be secured.

Six Best Tomatos for Market : Grower. Ham
Green, Perfection, Conference, Hathaway's
Excelsior, Lister's Prolific, and Frogmore Se-
lected. If a yellow-fruited variety be wanted,
take Golden Queen or Golden Jubilee (Veitch's).

Temperatures : On p. 176, under " Provinces,"
the words " North of Scotland " and " Home
Counties " were reversed.

Thorn-hedge : H. D. The injury is caused by a,
well-known fungus parasite, Pleospora oxya-
canthse, which gives to Hawthorn hedges and
bushes the appearance of having been scorched.

Vine-Leaves : J. L. We can discover no fungus
disease. The injury is more likely to be due to
scorching.

Zonal Pelargoniums : Dodo. 1. If a plant be
repotted in early autumn, and be induced to
make fresh roots before winter, and be kept
only moderately moist at the root, it should
" start again " in the spring, without heat, or
with very little. 2. Clay's fertiliser or Peru-
vian guano. 3. Cuttings are made by making
a short transverse cut immediately under a
node. 4. Loam, three-quarters ; leaf-mould, one-
quarter; and a small quantity of fine sand if
the loam be of a heavy nature.

Communications Received.— E. B. (ihe report ia un-
suitable).—M. Roemer.— H. E., Hurstpierpoint.— A.D.
—A. A. Pettigrew.— H. J. C. (impossible this week,
but shall appear in next issue) -B. R. & Co.— R New-
stead.-G. S.-F. C. H.-P. O.-R. J. A -E. M.-W. J. T-
— W. Harris, Jamaica (with thanks).— Chambre Syn-
dicale des Horticulteurs, Beiges.— Constant Reader
-Heinrich Henkel.-R P. B.— R. D— H. M.-S. A.-
W. S— R. M. D— H . W. W— G. B.— J. S. H .—A. B. 8.-
E. B — F. B.— E. 3 -J. Y.— B. A.— J H. R— C. W. 8.-
T. W.— C. O.-H. W.-R. R. & Co., Ltd. We have no
responsibility for the Garden Annual. It is published
at 17, Furnivil Street, Holborn.— Dr. M. _

(For Markets and Weather, seep, x.)

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle.''

River-side Scene in Gardens, Mount Usher, Co. Wicklovv.

Suspension Bridge over Vartry River, Mount Usher, Co. WiCklow.

September 19, 1903.]

THE

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

201

No. 873.— SATURDAY, SEPT. 10, 1903.

CONTENTS.

AzolJa filiculoides in

fruit 211

Anomatheca cruenta 210
Autumnal flowers ...
••Belvedeie," the

Books, notices of—
Kevue del'Horticul-

ture Beige

The Living Plant ...

Buddleia variabilis
Veitchiana

'Edinburgh, proposed
international exhi-
bition at

Education and science,
value of, to the nation 208

Flowers in season ... 20s

Fungi, edible and poi-
sonous 208,214

Home Place, Limps-
field ...

Humea elegans and
Peach trees

Hurricanein the West
Indies

In secticides and fungi-
cides „

Ipomceirubro-ccerulea 210

■Kew notes

Lupine, the \

Onions, Albanian ...

■Orchid notes and
gleanings —
Angrtecum falcatum 205
Epidendrum pris
matocarpum

Passiflora edulis

Paris
Tuileries gardens
and the Jardin des

Plantes

210 Plants, new or note-
worthy—
Ltelio - Cattleya x
elegans var. pur-

purascens

Presentation to Mr. J.

Doe

Rose blooms, mon-
strous

Rose Zephyrine Drou-

hin

Societies—
ADcient Society of

York Florists
National Chrysanthe

mum

National Dahlia ...
Royal Caledonian

Horticultural ... *
Royal Horticultural 208
211
Specific names, the

spelling of 211

Strawberry President

Loubet 209

209 Sun spots 211

20J Weather in Devon ... 210
Week's Work, the—
Flower-garden, the 207
Fruits under glass... 207
Hardy fruit garden 207
Kitchen garden, the 207
Orchid-houses, the . 20ii
Plants under glass . 206

209

209
209

20S

2C9

206
210

201

205

209

•04

203
209

210
211

215

215

205
203

ILLU8TRATION8.

Cantharellus cibarius

Coprinus comatus

Helvella crispa "

Lupines

Marasmius oreades ...

Passiflora edulis

Truffles, true and false

(!upPlemeent1arden " H°me ^"'^P*™*

21S
213
212
203
2 8
203
2u5

A WEST INDIAN HUKEICANE.
PJULTIVATOKS in the British Islands
^ have frequently to contend with heavy
falls of snow, injurious hailstorms, disas-
trous frosts, blighting winds, and cold rains,
any or all of which severely tax the patience
and pockets of agriculturists and horticul-
turists. In the tropics we are free from
these serious drawbacks. With us sunshine
is the order of the day from January to
December, with few exceptions. We are
Hot, however, without our troubles and
trials, frequently of the most trying nature.
It is a matter for mutual and sincere con-
gratulation if our seasonal rains come when
they are due, and if they are propitious
everyone is pleased and happy, as good
nuns mean good crops.

Jamaica being a country that depends
entirely on agriculture for its prosperity,
• it will be readily understood why season-
able rains bring gladness to all. But it
frequently happens that the expected rains
■do not come at the right season, or perhaps
notat all, then everyoneand everything suffer.
A scarcity of water, with a temperature of
about 90° Fah. in the shade, are not envi-
able conditions. When such droughts occur
everything languishes; tender plants perish,
plantations of every kind surfer terribly, and
cattle die in the pastures from starvation
and thirst.

When the long-looked-for rains do arrive
■after a period of drought they usually come
«n torrents, and do immense damage to
roads and works. This, however, is all soon
forgotten, everyone is so pleased to see rain
again that the damage caused is only of
momentary consideration. Nature assumes

a smiling countenance, vegetation and
animals soon revive, and the planters for
the time-being are happy, being thankful
that their losses were not heavier.

But what a difference may be observed in
the aspect of affairs after the visitation of
that most dreaded of all the misfortunes
that we are subject to — the devastating
hurricane ! Its effects are usually disastrous
in the extreme. On August 8th we were
warned that a hurricane wras approaching
Jamaica from San Domingo, and would
probably strike this island on the 10th. The
10th was a squally day, and along the
northern coast the weather was boisterous ;
but it was not till 3 a.m. on the 11th that the
storm burst upon us in full force, and from
that hour till after 6 a.m. it wrought havoc.
Port Antonio, on the north-east coast, the
principal Banana-shipping port and a most
important business centre, was practically
wiped out. Other ports on the eastern and
northern coasts shared much the same fate.
Vessels were sunk or driven ashore,
buildings of all kinds were demolished or
seriously damaged, huge trees were uprooted
or denuded of limbs and foliage, Cocoa-nut
■ Palms were wrenched out of the ground or
broken off short, the Bananas went down
like Oats before the reaper, and nothing
escaped the fury of the tempest. Telegraph
and telephone-poles were blown down and
roads were blocked, and for a time all the
means of communication were disorganised,
so that it was nearly a week before the full
extent of the damage caused by the storm
was generally known. We now know that all
kinds of cultivation have suffered severely.
All Bananas that stood in the path of the
hurricane were blown down ; and as the
Banana was our chief article of export, it
will be readily understood that we have
received a staggering blow.

In the last financial year we exported over
14,000,000 bunches of Bananas to the United
States and to England, and there was every
indication that this immense total would
have been largely exceeded during the
current year. Fifteen to twenty steamer
cargoes of this fruit were leaving the island
every week, and with one fell blow this large
volume of trade has been brought to a
standstill.

The Banana of all tropical plants is least
able to withstand a storm. The plant is a
surface-feeder, and its roots do not penetrate
the soil to any considerable depth ; its tall,
spongy stem is usually top-heavy with its
crown of broad leaves and large bunch of
fruits, and as the plantations are either in
wet districts or in lands that are constantly
irrigated, the soil does not render much
assistance in anchoring the plants, sd that
even in a moderate gale they are blown over
by the thousand.

Many planters have invested all their
capital in Banana cultivation, and it will
be a difficult matter for them to put their
plantations in order and cultivate them for
ten to twelve months, the time required
to produce another crop of fruit, without
financial aid.

During the list few years very large
numbers of Cocoa plants have been put out,
and it is reported that some of the finest
Cocoa plantations have also been destroyed.
Bread-fruit and Avocado Pear-trees are ex-
tensively grown wherever the conditions
required for their growth are favourable.

The trees of both species were laden with
fruits just maturing, but these were all blown
off where the trees were not uprooted or
shattered. The Bread-fruit especially is
an important food product, and the loss of
this crop is itself a serious one. All Oranges,
Grape-fruit, Coffee, Pimento, &c, in exposed
situations have been more or less seriously
damaged. Fortunately some of the more
important Orange-producing districts in the
central parishes escaped the storm, or were
only slightly affected by it, so that the
Orange crop is partially saved. The ex-
tensive plantations of Cocoa-nuts along the
northern coast were, as might be expected,
terribly shattered, and it is estimated that
on some of the extensive plantations two-
thirds of the trees have been blown down.

The peasant proprietors, especially in the
eastern end of the island, where the hurri-
cane was more severely felt, are compara-
tively heavy losers. The small landowner
likes to surround his dwelling with a little
of everything. He grows a patch of Coffee,
Cocoa, Sugar-cane, Maize, Sweet Potatos,
Cocoes or Eddoes, Ked Peas (Haricot Beans),
Yams, Cassava, &c, and a few each of Bread-
fruit, Avocado Pear, Mango, Cocoanut Palms,
Orange, Grape-fruit, Limes, and perhaps a
Naseberry and Star-Apple, with of course
Bananas and Plantains, and many other
fruits and vegetables, the kinds of products
grown depending largely on the size of the
holding and its location — e.g., in a holding at
oOO feet altitude the owner can grow Cocoa
and Coffee, but at 3,000 feet altitude Cocoa
would have to be dropped from the list.
Then, again, in some districts the Mango
will not fruit, whilst in others the Bread-
fruit will not thrive; some localities produce
good Yams, whilst others are more suitable
for Cocoes or Eddoes ; so that every culti-
vator must of necessity choose the product
that can be profitably grown in his district ;
but in every case there is a fairly long list
from which to choose, and advantage is taken
of this to grow a varied assortment of trees
and food-plants.

A great many of these small growers have
lost practically everything, including their
houses, but if afforded prompt assistance
they will recover their losses, although in the
meantime they majT have to endure a con-
siderable amount of hardship. The majority
of them grow nearly everything they require
in the way of food, and dispose of the
surplus in the local markets. In this way
they were able to get a little cash wherewith
to purchase clothing and other necessaries,
and the sudden deprivation of the means
of obtaining ready money will seriously
inconvenience them.

The Public Gardens.
All the public gardens are situated in the
eastern end of the island, and they have all
been much damaged, three of them seriously.
Those that have suffered most are the Hill
Gardens, situated in the Blue Mountains,
at an altitude of nearly 5,000 feet above sea
level ; the Hope Gardens, in the Liguanea
plain at the base of the hills, altitude 600 to
700 feet; and the Castleton Gardens, in the
Wag Water valley, about 11 miles from the
northern coast, and nearly ">0O feet above sea
level. These three gardens are practically
wrecked. They look as if hordes of savages
had been let loose in them for the express
purpose of destroying everything that thoy
contained of value or of beauty.

202

THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE.

[September 19, 1903.

At the Hill Gardens grand trees of Eu-
calyptus Globulus and other species, Pinus,
Dammara, Gordonia, Acacias, etc., are up-
rooted. Nearly every large tree has been
blown down. The once handsome Tree-

and it is doubtful whether many of those
that are left will survive the injuries in-
flicted by the hurricane. Many fine speci-
men trees that adorned these gardens are
lost or severely injured. Spathodea cam-

Fig. 77.— passifloea eiulis. (see p. 203.)

Ferns are now bare stems, and everything
presents a woeful appearance.

At the Hope Gardens all the magnificent
Guango (Pitheeolobium-Saman) trees, that
were such a prominent feature in thegrounds,
have been uprooted or so denuded of their
huge limbs that they present a sorry spectacle,

panulata, Pterocarpus indicus, Peltophorum
ferrugineum, Kigelia pinnata, many C»sal-
pinia coriaria, the whole grove of Olives,
many Juniperus, and Pithecolobium dulce,
are only a few of the trees now lying flat
upon the ground. The fine specimen of Oreo-
doxa regii is leafless, and other Palms are

seriously damaged. The collection of im-
ported Orchids growing on blocks and in
baskets underneath the shade -of the double
row of Divi-divi trees was sent flying in all
directions, and the plants are terribly bat-
tered and bruised. This was one of the
largest and most valuable collections of im-
ported Orchids in the West Indies. It con-
tained nearly all the best Cattleyas, Lfelias,
Oncidiums, Epidendrums, Dendrobiums,
Aerides, Vandas, Phatenopsis, Stanhopeas,
&c, most of which were obtaine'd from
various sources in exchange for Jamaican
species. The collection has been roughly
treated and much damaged, but the plants
will recover, and they will again delight the
numerous visitors who come to see them
when they are in flower.

The nursery is a very important branch
of the work carried on at the Hope Gardens.
About 100,000 plants of Cocoa, Coffee, Nut-
meg, Kola, Sugar-canes, rubber .of sorts,
fruit-trees and timber-trees of many kinds,
&c, as well as many ornamental shrubs
and trees which as young plants are annually
distributed at nominal rates, or free of
charge, to all parts of the island from the nur-
sery. The nursery usually contains a stock of
200,000 to 2o0,000 young plants in beds and in
Bamboo pots placed under the shade of trees.
The shade and shelter trees were nearly all
blown down, crushing large numbers of the
young plants beneath them, and exposing to
the[sun and wind those that were not crushed

The Castleton Gardens are in a state of
chaos. These beautiful gardens have been
wrecked thrice by hurricanes in twenty-
three years— in August, 1880; August, 1886,
and August, 1903.

In August, 1886, many valuable trees that
escaped the hurricane of 1880 were destroyed.
Since that time others have grown up, and
many specimens that were then small have
arrived at maturity and were flowering and
fruiting. The gardens may be roughly-
divided into four sections: 1st, the Economic
grounds, containing collections of Coffee,
Cocoa, Nutmegs, Cloves, Cinnamon, Vanilla,
rubber of various kinds, tropical fruit-trees,
&c. ; 2nd, the Arboretum containing a collec-
tion of timber and other trees ; 3rd, the
Palmetum, containing an extensive and
magnificent collection of Palms; and 4th,
the Ornamental portion, containing a large,
and varied assortment of ornamental trees,
shrubs, climbers, etc.

It would be much easier to enumerate the
trees that have partially escaped the fury of
the storm than to give a list of those that
are uprooted or otherwise destroyed. There
is scarcely a Nutmeg-tree left standing; the
Cloves, Rubber-trees, Kola-trees, and others
of economic value are nearly all lying On
the ground; the Lit-chi trees, Butter-nut,
and many other fruit trees are destroyed ;
the trees of Mangosteen are standing, for-
tunately, but they are leafless and form a
curious sight. The Mangosteen is a low
bushy tree with an abundance of thick,
leathery leaves. Absolutely every leaf has
been torn off. One tree was laden with fruits
just ripening, and strangely enough, whilst
a large portion of the crop was blown off,
about 200 of the fruits still remain on the tree.
The fine specimens of Attalea Cohune grow-
ing on either side of the entrance-gate are
leafless, and a grand specimen of this noble
Palm in the Palmetum has been blown down.
All the Palms have suffered very much. A

.September 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

203

tine tree of Corypha elata, with its immense
leaves, that might easily have sheltered
twenty people from a shower of rain, has
not a loaf left. The huge blades must have
offered great resistance to the wind, the
powerful leaf-stalks being twisted like pieces
of thick rope, and the leaves hanging limp
and useless.

The magnificent Koyal Palm (Oreodoxa
regia), which has been photographed hun-
dreds of times by visitors to the Gardens, is
now a lofty, leafless trunk. I have, however,
Be ;n it in the same condition before, and
it will quickly set to work to replace its
majestic crown of leaves. All the Palms
that have not been blown down will recover
in time. Two trees of the Wine Palm,
(Caryota urens), about 50 feet and 60 feet
high respectively, are down, as are many
other noble specimens. A magnificent tree
of Pachira insignis in full bloom, and a
- grand old tree of Lagerstrcomia Flos-reginaj
were uprooted. The Banyan and other
species of Ficus were not likely to-be up-
rooted, but the trees are dreadfully shattered.
All the shelter sheds for ornamental pot
plants were blown down, and large numbers
of the plants are ruined. The handsome
Tree Perns (Cyathea arborea), that every
visitor admired, are mere bare poles.

But further details would be wearisome ;
a mere list of the trees and plants destroyed
would fill several columns of the Gardeners'
Chronicle. Gangs of men are now busy with
axes, cutlasses and saws, cutting up trees
that a few days ago were the glory of our
public gardens. The careful labour of years
was practically wiped out in a couple of
hours by this fearful storm— a storm that
will never be forgotten by those who expe-
rienced it. Fortunately our soil is marvel-
lously fertile as a rule, and plant growth is
extremely rapid, so that in a year or two
there will be few traces left of the hurricane
of 1903. The Bananas are already making
vigorous growth, and next year there will
probably be an enormous crop. Cocoanut
Palms, Bread-fruit, and other trees cannot
be replaced so readily, but it is merely a
question of time. What is urgently needed
now is financial aid to enable the planters
to employ labour to put their buildings and
plantations in order; and it is reported that
the Government is arranging to give such
aid in the shape of loans to those who need
temporary assistance ; also that seeds of
quick-growing food-crops will be distributed
amongst the peasantry who have lost their
crops, and that they will be helped to rebuild
their small houses. In the meantime, sub-
scriptions have been opened and relief
committees appointed to give immediate
assistance to all poor persons who are in
want of food, clothing, or shelter. W. H.,
Jamaica, August 24, 1903.

PASSIFLORA EDULIS.

As there seems to be some doubt in gardens as
to the true P. edulis we give an illustration (fig. 77,
p. 202), which will enable the gardener to recognise
the fruit, especially when we add that it is of a
purplish colour. It is not a fruit to put before a
hungry man, for there is but little substance in
it, but the perfume is delicious. Many of the
Passifloras possess fruits which are well suited for
the preparation of conserves, and the Granadilla,
P. quadrangularis, is particularly deserving of
notice in this connection. Still better are the
gigantic fruits of P. macrocarpa, which seems to
hare slipped out of cultivation, though very

remarkable not only as a stove climber with
noble foliage and attractive flowers, but as pro-
ducing in abundance gigantic fruits which, as we
have said, are excellent used as preserves.
There is a notion that this species is only a
variety of the better known P. quadrangularis,
but though there is considerable similarity
between the two species, yet the construction of
the flower furnishes ample points of distinction
between them.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

L.ELIO-CATTLEYA x ELEGANS YAR.

PURPURASCENS.

In the Right Hon. Lord Rothschild's gardens,

Tring Park, Mr. E. Hill has had a very fine show

of remarkably good varieties of this beautiful

natural hybrid between Lslia purpnrata and

Fig. 78.— a vase of lu tines.

THE LUPINE.

There are few more showy perennials than the
Lupines, blue or white. Their soft, palmately
divided leaves, which throw off the drops of
water as from the proverbial duck's back, and
their noble spikes of flowers rendsr them very
ornamental. They prefer a rich, moist soil, and
require a minimum of trouble. They are readily
propagated, either by division or from seed. The
yellow-flowered Lupine is largely grown as an
agricultural crop on the Continent, and as the
horizontal tiers of blooms are separated by wide
intervals, the spikes, when seen at a distance, as
from a railway carriage window, appear striped
and barred, producing over the whole field a
singular appearance. Our illustrations (figs. 7s
and 7'.») have been prepared from photographs
supplied us by Mr. J. Pradburv, Haywood Park,
Sheffield.

Cattleya Leopoldii, but at all points the new
variety purpurascens is superior to any which
have previously flowered. The inflorescence has
five flowers, each 7 inches across the extended
petals from tip to tip, and all the segments are
proportionately broad and well displayed ; the
petals, which are usually rather narrow in this
plant, measure in this case over an inch and a
half wide, and they are of fine substance. The
chief attraction of the flower, however, is that its
sepals and petals are of an uniform glowing, light
purple colour ; the column, tips of the side lobes
and massive front lobe of the lip being of a darker
tint of the same bright purple colour. The lower
parts of the side lobes of the lip are white. It is
a remarkably showy plant, and superior to any of
its class, eithor natural or home-raised hybrids
/. O'B.

204

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[September 19, 1903.

PARIS.

THE TUILERIES GARDENS AND THE
JARDIN DES PL ANTES.

Paris, in spite of intermittent showers, is as
bright as ever. Of course, being the vacation
season, everyone is still at Les Eaux or at Les
Bains de Mer. For all that, the principal streets
are about as empty as Cheapside at mid-day, and
the " Metropolitain " disgorges from the subter-
ranean regions at every few hundred yards shoals
of people as it were from the very pavement, for
there are no above-ground offices at all. The
Tuileries gardens have altered very little during
the last half-century, and they are so brilliant
and so gay that there seems little necessity for
change ; they are adapted to their surroundings,
which, after all, is the main thing, and as instruc-
tion is not in any way aimed at, we need not

whole of the Louvre to form one end of that
magnificent vista which extends to the Arc de
Triomphe !

Around some ornamental columns near to the
buildings are some magnificent flower beds, offering
a blaze of mixed colour, which, though so brilliant,
is by no means offensive. Bound the base of the
columns in question is a mound bearing circles
of Cannas, Salvias, Marguerites, mixed Pelargo-
niums, broken up at the edges into triangular
points,the groundwork of which consists of semper-
florens Begonias edged with Golden Feather. All
this is commonplace enough, but then comes a
broad ring of really green turf, and outside this
a deep circlet of zonal Pelargoniums of various
shades of scarlet, pink, crimson, and white all
intermingled, making a most beautiful and
effective display. Taken as a mere floral display,
we have never seen anything to equal this in
brilliancy and variety of colour. Of course, the

At th) Jardin des Plantes little has changed
in all these year3, the same gritty paths, the
same oblong beds full of flowers (much the same
as in the Tuileries Gardens). A billowy mass of
Polygonum baldechuanicum attracts attention, as
well as imposing masses of the silvery-white P.
lanigerum, such as one sees at Kew, but not in
many private gardens ; big bunches of Caryop-
teris, Mastachanthus, with their blue flowers and
fragrant grey leaves; the historic Robinia, a
veritable wreck ; the Lebanon Cedar, with equal
claims to veneration. Forsythia Fortunei seems
strange grown as a standard and in bloom in
September.

An avenue of Judas-trees (Cercis siliquastrum)
grown as standards with clear stems is worth a
note, for they form, so far as one can judge from
one example, excellent town trees, and so far as
the writer is concerned their use for this purpose
is unusual.

Fig. 79. — a pretty group of lupines, (see p. 203.)

regret the lack of interest and the deficiency of
higher aims when the object is solely to please
the eye. The old-fashioned narrow borders are
still here, but the Ivy edgings are dispensed with,
although the standard Hibiscus remain at regular
intervals like sentinels. They have been there for
half a century and perhaps longer, and now that
they are in full bloom they look well, interspersed
with a few standard Roses and tall Dahlias, all
of the Show and none or but few of the Cactus
section ; and peering above a groundwork of
gay flowers, Pelargoniums, Tagetes, Marguerites,
dwarf Cannas, Salvias, Fuchsias, Lantanas,
Gaillardias, and more than need be enumerated
besides ; but there are no sub-tropicals with their
bold foliage, and no herbaceous plants such as
have leaped into fashion again in England.
These may be seen in other Paris gardens, but
just now we are occupied solely with the Tuileries
Gardens. What good work did those horrid
Communards unconsciously accomplish when
they destroyed the Tuileries and threw open the

whole thing is old-fashioned nowadays, and it is
open no doubt to the criticism aimed at all
bedding-out some years since ; but for all that
" the picture is beautiful," and in the heart of a
great city, if beauty is obtained, a great deal else
may be condoned.

An ornamental bed on green turf, which in
association with architectural surroundings is
effective and appropriate, consists merely of a
groundwork of some deep red velvety-looking
Coleus, dotted here and there with yellow varie-
gated Abutilon, and edged with a narrow border
of pale yellowish Coleus. Most of the Horse-
Chestnuts and many of the Limes are covered
with shrivelled brown leaves, as if scorched by
fire. In striking contrast are a few trees which,
careless of the fact that winter, not spring, is
approaching, have bourgeoned out into clear
translucent green foliage and spikes of pinkish
blossom. This anticipation of the right time is
likely to be as unfortunate as would be undue
retardation.

In the conservatories, which are ill adapted,to
modern conditions, are very many most interest-
ing plants, of which it is not desirable here to
mention a tithe. A huge Jubaa spectabilis is
very noticeable among the Palms, and as an
interesting but not altogether desirable fact may
be mentioned the circumstance that a fine speci-
men of Arenga saccharifera, known to be upwards
of sixty years old, is now flowering, and having
fulfilled its destiny is making ready for death.

Caryota urens is in like case, but C. Cumingii,
like a prudent citizen, is making provision for the
future by the production of suckers to continue
the race when the parent-plant has died. Near at
hand are four or five fine specimens of Aloe Bainesi,
figured and described years ago in these columns
by Sir William Thiselton-Dyer. [May 2, 1874.]

The museum is rich in Sansevierias and Cacti,
and has recently obtained the collections of the late
Dr.Weber, containing well-grown specimens, many
of them unique. AgaveWeberi has glaucous leaves,
destitute of spines at the margins, and is a very

September 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

205

desiralU p'ant, but unfortunately it produces no
offsets. A. Tequilana, on the other hand, another
very interesting species with glaucous spiny -
margined leaves, produces offsets freely.

Trevesea sundaica, a curious Araliad, is in
flower, but it appeals to the botanist chiefly, not
that it is by any means unattractive. A similar
remark may be made with reference to those very

X-200 X-500-

FlC. 8C— ', BE BE1TISH TRUFFLE : TUBER .USTIVUM.

( ee "Edible Fungi" on p. 21).)

remarkable riant s the two species of Didiera and
the one of Fouquieria, both mentioned in these
columns previously. But any attempt to empty
the contents of our note-book before the eyes of
the reader would be to inflict upon him a trial
which we have too great a respect for him to do,
and therefore bring these disconnected fragments
to a close. The Ramhler, September 10.

•X-200- w" ' X 500

FlQ.81.— THE FRENCH TRUFFLE: TUBER MELANOSPORUM.

(See p. 214 )

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

AN(5E^CUM FALCATUM.
A number of nice specimens of this graceful
Japanese species in the Orchid-houses of Mr.
6. W: T. Shrubshall, Ion Nursery, Thornton
' Heath, are affording a good show of flowers.
There is at this nursery an interesting se?ection
of other uncommon Orchids to be seen, and
further accommodation for Orchid - culture is
being made. The tufts of the Angracum have

f rom-three to six spike? each.and these bear four or
five pure white flowers on pedicels about 2 inches
in length, the slender curved spurs of the
flowers being of about the same length. It was
the first species of Angrascum cultivated in
Europe (about 1813). It is an easily-grown
plant, and may be flowered in the cool Orchid-
house or greenhouse.

Epidendrum prismatocarpum.
• A good example of this species comes from
Mrs. Goodden, Compton House, Sherborne. The
erect, many-flowered raceme bears flowers each
about 2 inches across, and all of the segments are
narrow. The sepals and petals are yellowish-
white, the former having many purplish- choco-
late-coloured spots, and the latter fewer and
smaller spots of the same colour. The base of
the lip and column is white, and the acuminate
front lobe rose colour. It was first discovered in
1849 by Warscewicz on the volcano of Chiriqui,

X-20O

X-500

Fig. 82.— the Italian truffle : tuber magnatum.
(See p. 214.)

Central America, at a height of about 5,000 feet,
•but it has at no time been a common plant in
gardens, probably on account of its being often
grown in houses of too high a temperature. It
should be kept in a cool part of the intermediate-
house, along with Lyeastes, &c.

INSECTICIDES AND FUNGICIDES.

The following list of the principal insecticides
and fungicides, and notes as to their uses and
adulterations, has been prepared by Mr. H. A.
Ballou, B.Sc, Entomologist on the staff of the
Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West
Indies : —

Paris-green, London-purple, and Arsenate of lead,
which are known as "stomach poisons, are adapted
for use against Buch insects as are able to bite off por-
tions of their food and swallow the fine particles. Any
poison which may be applied to such food would there-
fore be swallowed and have an opportunity of acting
upon the insect.

These poisons would have no effect upon sucking
insects, which merely penetrate the tissues of the plant
or animal on which they feed, and suck out the juices
from within. In dealing with them, a "contact poison '
must be used, such as soap solution, whale-oil soap,
kerosene oil, and kerosene emulsion. Tobacco, helle-
bore, and pyrethrum may also be included in this list
These contact poisons all act in the same general way,
that i», by stopping up the breathing pores in the sides
of the insect's body and thus causing suffocation.
Carbon bisulphide and potassium cyanide are used
against those insects that are difficult to reach with
either stomach or contact poisons, such as borers,
ants, underground inserts, insects in houses, insects
in grain bins, itc.J These two insecticides are, however,

poisonous, aud their use, except by an expert or on©
well acquainted with them, is attended with consider-
able danger. Hellebore, pyrethrum, tobacco, lime, and
sulphur all have their uses both as contact and stomach
prisons, but more especially as contact poisons for use
against soft-bodied insects, such as grubs, sun -fly larvse-.

Fig. 83.— the red truffle of bath : melanogasteb
variegatus. (See p. 214 )

fleas, plant lice, &c. Of these, pyrethrum and tobacco-
are probably the most valuable.

Lime, sulphuric acid, and copper compounds are
the principal materials used as fungicides. The com-
bination most generally employed is a mixture of lime-
and copper sulphate, known as Bordeaux mixture.
The ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate is also
well known as a fungicide. With the Bordeaux-mixture
any of the arsenical poisons may also be used in which
case one spraying will serve to destroy both insects
and fungi. With the ammoniacal solution of copper
carbonate, however, only the arsenate of lead should
be used, since the ammonia has the effect of rendering
the arsenic In Paris-green or London-purple more
soluble, and the arsenic will be liable to cause the
burning of the foliage of the plants.

The Bureau of Chemistry of the United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture has recently issued a Bulletin.
(No. 68), giving analyses of a large number of the in-

FlG.84.-THE FALSE TRUFFLE: SCLERODERMA VULGAR3.

Shown on Tuesday last at the Drill Hall (see p. 215).

secticides and fungicides offered for sale in America.
These analyses show that great variation occurs in
the composition of even such standard materials as
Paris green and Loudonpurple. They further show
that many of the patent preparations for the complete
extermination of all insects and fungi contain nothing
that could be of any valuo. either as an lnsectlcido or
fungicide, or even as plant food. Others are composed
largely of some neutral material, to which a little

20G

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 19, 1903.

tobacco, pyrethrum, or some arsenical poison has
been added. Bordeaux-mixture can be purchased in
the form of a dry powder. It is, however, better to
prepare it as required, since chemical changes are
■liable to take place between the lime and the copper
Sulphate.

HOME PLACE, LIMPSFIELD.

\_See Supplementary Illustration."]

The high ground beyond Oxted, in the county
■of Surrey, has been chosen by several gentlemen
who are desirous of making new homesteads, and
although the beauties of the Bracken, Heather,
Gorse, and other wild flowers growing on the
uncultivated and rugged land for miles around,
supply a beautiful natural garden to all alike,
each proprietor has in true English fashion
worked out his own ideas of a garden on the land
surrounding his dwelling. Home Place, owned
by Horace Barry, Esq., is a very charming
garden of its kind, and its main characteristics
were suggested by Mrs. Barry, whose chief pleasure
and occupation are found in the garden which she
thas so well designed.

The house is on the highest part of the ground,
and the garden, which is a modern one on old-
fashioned lines, slopes from it with a natural
■curve which contributes much to the effect of the
gardener's efforts, which have been mainly di-
rected to the laying out of a series of nooks and
small gardens, connected by pergolas, which are
covered with Roses and other climbers, that are
wisely allowed to grow unrestricted, so as in a
great measure to conceal the structures by which
they are supported.

Roses abound, climbing varieties having the
.greater prominence, the pergola9 being mainly
■covered with them. This year many of the
species and varieties of Roses have bloomed more
finely than usual, and some of them look as if
they would bloom till very late this year. From
the balcony a fine view of the garden and the sur-
rounding country is obtained. Immediately below
it are some broad stone steps with a bank
on either side, carpeted by the pretty Rosa
Wiehuriana, whose close-growing habit, abundant
fiowers in season, and bright, nearly evergreen
leaves, render it an admirable subject for the
situation ; and so freely has it spread around that
several species planted near are already over-
grown by it. At this point the varieties of
China or monthly Roses form very effective pic-
tures, and the closely clipped Yew hedges with
which some parts of the garden are furnished
afford pleasing features. The house itself is
covered partlj with the yellow Banksian Rose
■and Rose W. A. Richardson, both of which have
bloomed very freely, the latter flowering well
-even now in various parts of the garden.

On the lower level a broad border, backed by
.an irregularly built stone wall, which is covered
with climbers and flowering shrubs, contains a
wealth of old-fashioned herbaceous perennials
And annuals intermingled with Carnations, Roses,
and other plants with odoriferous flowers. The
Roses on the pergola that forms a covered way
down the middle of the garden have made very
•luxuriant growth, and were hanging around,
At the time of our visit, in dense, graceful masses.
Crimson Rambler and some of the other ramblers
have made a great show this year, but scarcely
so good, it is said, as in previous seasons. Blairii
No. 2, Aimee Vibert, Madame Alf. Car-
iriere, Reve d'Or, Claire Jacquier, Lamarque,
Brunonis, and Fortune's Yellow may also be
mentioned as having been specially beautiful,
and on the screen surrounding the croquet-
ground Rosa rubrifolia is remarkably handsome,
its foliage of a glaucous putple tint, with
bunches of rose-purple-tinted haws, being showy
and unlike any of the other species of Roses
growing in this garden, all of which, however,
liave characteristics which recommend them to
the Rose-lover.

In the lower part of the garden is a pond, in
which are planted some varieties of Water- Lilies,
which now find a place in most gardens of any
pretensions ; and to add to the floral display Ivy-
leaved Pelargoniums, &c, are elevated in tubs
above the water-level.

In the pleasure-ground beyond, a few very
choice specimen Conifers were found, such as
glauca, Abies pungens glauca and Cedrus atlantica
these being perfect and beautiful specimens.
On one side is a border of unusual width, planted
with herbaceous perennials, at the back of which
a screen of climbing Roses is planted, with
many bright patches of different species and
varieties of Helianthus, Phloxes, Antirrhinums,
Asters, Montbretias, Carnations, and other showy
flowers, among which patches of Shirley Poppies
take the first place, the colour of their flowers
being the softest, most varied, and delicate.
In one corner is a large mass of thriving
Bamboos, and within the view from this point a
group of varieties of Rosa rugosa, and that
beautiful and free - blooming Rose, Laurette
Messimy, with its fine yellow-tinted, rose-coloured
flowers. The wide border formed at the bottom
of the flight of steps contains showy flowering
shrubs, pillar Roses, and a fine display of herba-
ceous perennials in bloom.

Leading to the orchard and kitchen-garden a
pergola for trained fruit-trees is being formed,
and many of the trees which are to cover it have
been planted ; and some idea may even now be
formed of its future beauty when time has brought
about the accomplishment of the design.

The Glasshouses.
Although these are of modern date they are
not specially cared for, being used chiefly as
contributories to the outdoor garden, in the
management and working of which Mr. W. Down,
the head gardener, and his assistants, have
plenty to do. But as in many gardens where
gardening under glass does not receive much
attention from the owner, some specially fine
examples of uncommon flowers are to be found.
For example, in the well-filled conservatory a
large specimen of Ha;manthus Katharina?, with
many spikes of its scarlet stellate flowers, was
observed ; and at the back of the house two fine
examples of Crinum Moorei, and on the roof a
large specimen of Lapageria rosea var. alba. In
another glasshouse a very large specimen of
Hiemanthus puniceus and some fine examples of
the Nerine Fothergillii were noted. In various
parts of the garden and in the lawns bulbs that
flower in the spring are planted, and the whole
garden is so arranged that it is more or less
showy and interesting at all seasons. O'B.

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holfoed, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Sobralias. — These plants are amongst the more
easily-grown Orchids, a cool intermediate house
suiting their requirements if put in the lighter
and more airy part of it. Where a good selection
of them are grown a very effective display
can be made in the months of July and August,
especially if these be arranged amongst foliage
plants. The species in cultivation are S. ma-
crantha, S. m. Hodgkinsonii, and the beautiful
white variety S. m. Keinastiana, S. Holfordii, S.
leucoxantha, S. xantholeuca, and the hybrids,
S. Amesiana, S. Veitchii, all of which are strong-
rooting plants requiring ample rooting space and
liberal treatment. The flowering season being
over, young stems are just pushing up, and any
plant that has become pot-bound should be
afforded a shift into a larger pot, and if very
large, divided. It is a difficult matter to sepa-
rate the large fleshy roots without injuring them,
and great care should be taken to preserve as
many of these as possible. The divided parts

should have all loose material and broken roots
removed, and be placed in pots just large
enough to accommodate them. Afford good
drainage and pot firmly, using a compost of equal
parts of good turfy-peat, loam, and leaf-soil,
adding a small quantity of moss, with plenty of
silver-sand and crocks. The surface of the soil
should be left 1 inch below the rim, so as to allow
of plenty of4 water being afforded when in full
growth, and at other times the soil should be
kept moist. The syringe should be used freely
about them in sunny weather when the plants
have become re-established. This year's flowering
growths may be removed, cutting them close down
to the roots, tying out the new growths so that
light and air can pass freely between them.

Cwlogyne cristata and its varieties are now
rooting freely, and healthy established plants
will require water almost daily till such time as
the pseudo-bulbs have completed their growth,
till then weak farmyard liquid-manure may be
applied twice weekly. Plants that were repotted
this year will not need much water, the new
materials being very retentive of moisture, and a
too frequent application would sour and sodden
them. Light and air should be freely admitted to
the plants, so as to ensure good hard* pseudo-
bulbs, as it is only in this way that fine flower-
spikes can be obtained.

Disa grandiflora and other species of Disa
having finished flowering will now be sending up
new growths from the sides of the old flower-
spikes, and the repotting of these should receive
attention, the present time being the most suit-
able for this operation. Choose well-drained
pots, and a compost consisting of two-fifths leaf-
soil, one-fifth turfy peat, one-fifth turfy loam,
one-fifth moss, mixing plenty of crocks and coarse
silver-sand with the whole. After repotting
afford water to settle the compost, and afterwards
only as much as will keep it moist. Place them
in a position close up to the roof at the coolest
part of the Odontoglossum-house. Keep a sharp
look-out for thrips and green-fly, the latter being
sure to make its appearance at this season.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne. Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Carnations. — Varieties of the Souvenir de la
Malmaison section that were layered in July or
early August should now be given attention by
removing rooted layers from the mother-plant by
the use of a sharp knife, cutting to within an
inch of the new roots. Carefully pull away the
soil first, so that it will be seen better where to
make the cut ; and when the layers have been
severed, take a small fork or trowel, and gently
lift each plant with as many roots as possible, and
pot them into 4-inch or 5-inch pots, according to
size. For the potting compost use good fibrous
loam three parts, and well-decayed manure and
flaky leaf -mould one part, adding a little well-
broken charcoal and river-sand. Should the loam
be very heavy, it may be well to use a small
quantity of fibrous peat with it. Pot moderately
firm, and arrange the plants on a coal-ash bottom
in a cold frame, which should be shaded from the
sun, and have the lights kept nearly closed for a
week. If the plants be afforded water through a can
having a fine rose as soon as potted, a light
spraying overhead with the syringe once a day
will be sufficient until shading has become un-
necessary and full ventilation is afforded. When
this stage has been reached it will be better to
remove the plants to the Carnation-house. Tree-
Carnations for blooming during the coming
winter, and at present standing in the open,
should soon be placed under glass. The weather
is unusually wet here, and the temperature has
fallen to 40° on two occasions. Arrange the
plants in a light airy part of the greenhouse,
and use care in affording water during the
winter.

Freesias and Laohenalias. — Growth being active,
place the plants in a cold frame which faces the
south, opening the lights freely during the day,
and supporting the leaves with strands of raffia
after placing three or four neat stakes round the
sides of the pots. Lachenalias may be given a
similar position until frosts occur.

Cinerarias.— If large plants be required, shift
the earliest batch into 7 or 8-inch pots, using a

September 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

207

similar soil as that recommended above for
Carnations, but excluding peat. Later plants
should be potted-on as they become fit into 6-inch
pots, which are sufficiently large for good speci-
mens if stimulants be afforded occasionally as
the flower-stems develop. Keep a sharp look-out
at night for slugs. The Leaf-miner will also
quickly disfigure a plant if not searched for and
destroyed. Fumigate the plants on two succes-
sive evenings should green-fly appear. Afford
full ventilation by day and night, and in settled
weather the lights may be removed from 5.30
p.m. to 8 a.m., the night dews being very beneficial
to Cinerarias. If this is impracticable owing to
bad weather, syringe the plants twice daily on
bright days.

Gloxinias. — The majority will have ceased to
flower, and may be placed on a shelf in an airy
but warm house, and less water applied to the
plants until the foliage dies away. The tubers
may be wintered in the pots, or shaken out and
placed in shallow boxes of sand or leaf-mould
in a temperature not less than 55°. Achimenes
may be treated similarly.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Foktescue, Esq ,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Morello Cherries. — In many gardens the nailing-
in of the young wood is not done until the fruit
has been gathered, because the shoots serve to
keep the nets used for protecting the fruit from
the birds away from the wall, and Morello
Cherries generally colour well even if slightly
shaded. Such work should not be delayed
or the wood will become so hard at the base that
it will be difficult to bend them into position.
Lay in the shoots about 3 inches apart over the
wall space occupied by the tree. Small twigs of
willow or other pliant wood may be used to keep
the shoots in position by thrusting the twigs
under the older branches, but shreds and nails
or a tie of bast will be needed at the base of the
shoots. If black aphis be still present on the
trees syringe with an approved insecticide at
intervals of a week until the pest is exterminated.

Plums. — Trees of late varieties, such as Coe's
Golden Drop, Transparent Gage, Reine Claude du
Bavay, Ickworth Inperatrice, Late Monarch, and
Pond's Seedling, should be covered with hexagon
netting, or if the fruits are few, they may be
enclosed in muslin bags in order to protect them
from wasps and flies. The fruits of Golden Drop
and Ickworth Imperatrice will keep in good
condition for several weeks if gathered when
perfectly dry, wrapped in tissue-paper, and placed
in the fruit store.

Pears. — Early varieties will now be ripening
and should be looked over frequently, gathering
only those that will part readily from the stem.
At Dropmore, upon upwards of 200 trees, we have
not a dozen fruits, but a few miles away I have
seen orchard standards carrying a heavy crop.
The varieties were Hessle and Louis Bonne of
Jersey. These trees were unfortunately stripped
of their fruit by the gale on the night of
September 10, together with a splendid crop of
Blenheim Orange and Wellington Apples.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
VVexham Park, Slough.

Turnips. — Make another sowing now, and it
may prove to be the most useful for providing
bulbs for winter and spring use. Afford the
ground a good top-dressing of soot and wood-
ashes. Thin out earlier sowings, and use the hoe
frequently between the plants in fine weather.
Dust the plants with soot when the leaves are
wet. As soon as the bulbs are of a good size pull
them and cut off the leaves, but not too closely,
and leave the tap-root uninjured ; store them
thinly, placing sand or coal-ashes between the
layers of roots. Turnips are best stored in ridge-
shaped clamps in the open, but not in large
quantities together, or they will heat and spoil.

Bcel-rool. — Owing to the wet season the roots
of some of the large-growing sorts are likely to
become too big if allowed to remain longer in the
ground. These should be carefully lifted, taking
care not to break the tap-roots, and twisting off

the leaves by hand. Store them in the root-room
or in any cool place in finely-sifted ashes or sand.

French Beans which were sown late on a south
border should have frames placed over them, but
abundance of air must be admitted whenever the
weather will permit. Plants raised from seeds
sown in heat should be earthed-up to the seed-
leaf with warmed light soil. These will require
all the light possible, and fire-heat should only be
employed on cold nights. Make another sowing
of the varieties Canadian Wonder or Ne Plus
Ultra in 8-inch pots or in heated pits, allowing
only sufficient room between the glass and the
soil for growth to develop.

Capsicums and Chillies growing in cold frames
should now be removed into a warmer structure
and be placed near the glass, where they will
ripen their fruits. Syringe them freely with
tepid water in bright weather. Afford weak
liquid-manure at each alternate watering, and
keep the plants free from green-fly and red-
spider.

Globe At ticholces. — Remove heads as they become
fit for use and put the stalks in about 2 inches
of water, and keep in a cool place. These will
last in good condition for some time if small
pieces of the stems are cut away and the water
changed occasionally.

Potatos. — Should any of the late crops be still
in the ground, no time should be lost in lifting
them. Unfortunately the disease is causing sad
injury in most places, and the sooner the tubers
are out of the wet ground the better. Look over
those already stored, and remove any that are
affected.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C. ,

Winter Cucumbers. — Before setting out the
plants at the end of the present month, tho-
roughly cleanse the interior of the house, wood-
work, walls, hot-water pipes, &c, and the glass
on both side3. It is absolutely necessary to
provide bottom-heat for winter Cucumbers, and
this is best obtained by hot-water pipes placed in
a chamber separated from the Cucumber-bed by
an iron grating. Upon the grating place fresh
turves, the grassy side downwards, and on these
raise hillocks of rich compost 4 feet to 0 feet
apart according to the extent of the trellis to be
covered. A good Cucumber compost consists of
two parts of best turfy-loam, one part leaf -mould,
and one part spent Mushroom-. bed manure, to
every full wheelbarrow-load of which a 3-inch
potful of Veltha- powder and a little burnt
garden refuse may be added. When the soil has
become throughout of the same temperature as
that of the Cucumber-house, set out the plants, and
encourage them to grow strongly, the object being
to get the trellis covered with bine before crop-
ping the plants to any great extent, and before
the short days set in. Afford a day temperature
of 75° to 80° by artificial means, or 90° together
with sun-heat at closing time, and a night tem-
perature of 70°. Afford ventilation freely when-
ever the weather permits, syringe the plants at
closing time on bright days, and maintain a moist
condition of the atmosphere generally by damping
down. Deal with insect pests as advised for
Melons.

Muscat of Alexandria Grapes. — Vines on which
ripe fruit is hanging should be well venti-
lated in the sunnier parts of the day, and be
afforded a temperature at night of 60° to 65°, and
70° to 80° by day. If the borders received plenty
of water and a good mulching of spent Mush-
room-bed manure when the fruit began to colour
no more water will be needed in the case of
Grapes for early consumption. Vine borders, if
shallow and consisting of light porous soil, should,
when the soil is found to be approaching dry-
ness, be afforded sufficient clear water as will
moisten it to the bottom, choosing a fine dry
morning for carrying out the work, and then
applying full ventilation. In the afternoon put
on a layer 3 inches thick of dry hay to check
evaporation. A dry border will result in shrivel-
ling of the berries, more particularly if the bunches
are not well finished. Later Muscats now colour-
ing should be afforded a night temperature of 70 ,
and one by day of 80' to 85°. Keep lateral growths
closely pinched and remove diseased berries.

Late Vineries. — Apply waterto the borders, and if
it be thought necessary, manure- water, till the fruit
is fully coloured, which should take place about
the end of the month, and then allow them time
to ripen thoroughly. Maintain moderately dry
conditions in the vinery in dull weather, but on
bright days damp the paths as usual. A night
temperature of 62° to 65°, with a small amount of
ventilation, and a day temperature of 70° to 80°
may be afforded. Free ventilation in suitable
weather may be applied.

Pot Vines. — These should now be standing in
the open, and until the leaves fall the roots
should not lack water ; but the soil must not be
allowed to get sodden with rain, means being
taken to prevent moisture entering the pots.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller Mundy, Esq ,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Tender Bedding Plants. — The advent of frosty
nights, however slight the degree of frost,
compels the gardener to turn his attention to the
housing of tender bedding-plants. Personally, I
do not find it wise to bring the recently-rooted
plants from the cutting-frames to the houses
until compelled so to do by really sharp weather,
it being of benefit to the plants to afford them
full exposure so long a time as it may safely be
done, and to place them close to the glass when
the need for shelter arises. In the case of zonal
Pelargoniums there will be no need for applying
water whilst they remain in the frames. Ver-
benas, Marguerites, Gazanias, Ageratums and
others do better in the moist and cool air of a
cold frame or pit than in a greenhouse. Alter-
nantheras, Iresines.and Coleuses should be placed
where they may be afforded warmth of not less
than 50°, a lower temperature being injurious to
these plants. For those plants still left in the
propagating-frames, mats or Frigi-domo should
be kept in readiness for use in case of frost
occurring.

Sweet Peas. — In localities in which the Sweet
Pea can be wintered safely out-of-doors, a sow-
ing made now will flower early next year.
This flower has become such an important or, I
might rather say, such a fashionable one, that
a lengthening of its flowering season is always
appreciated. Unless the ground is of an open
friable nature, and is well drained naturally or
otherwise, and the position is one that is pro-
tected from cold winds, the results are not likely
to be good. Sow the seeds, which if possible
should be new, rather thicker than is advisable
when sowing in the spring.

Planting Evergreens. — Most evergreen shrubs
may now be removed and replanted with safety,
though these operations should not extend
beyond the present month. Personally, I prefer
the late spring for planting evergreen trees and
shrub3. There is this to be said in favour
of early autumn planting, the transplanted
objects do not stand in need of much water at
this season, which is a saving of labour ; the
results, however, are not so generally satisfactory
as spring planting, and more deaths occur if the
winter be a severe one.

Propagating Conifers. — Many of the Conifers of
small growth, viz., Kotinosporas, Cupressus, and
Juniperus may be propagated from cuttings of
the young growth at the present season. Insert
in pots of sandy soil covered with sand shoots
of 3 to 4 inches in length furnished with a thin
heel of last season's wood with the needles cut off
for about an inch at the butt-end, and place these
in a light frame. They require to be carefully
protected against drip and the moisture that con-
densos on the glass, and to be carefully afforded
water. As a rule the propagation of these
plants is better left to nurserymen, but given
the attention demanded by cuttings of hard-
wooded plants generally, they may be raised at
home.

Hints on Current Operations. — Pay constant
attention to the sweeping up of tree leaves on
lawns and walks, which, if left, cause much harm
to turf and gravel. In clearing up the various
borders, take care not to injure bulbous plants
and others which may now be on the move.

208

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 19, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does' not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement.

Letters lor Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.
Communications should be written on one hide only op
the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations.— The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, Jlowers, trees, &c. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

Local Sews,— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

MONDAY, Sept

'. 21 -j

("National Chrysanthemum So-
ciety's FirstFloral Committee
Meeting

WEDNESDAY,SEpr.23-Royal Botanic Society Meet.

THURSDAY, Sept 21 ' Irish Gardeners' Association
( Meeting.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT-

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, EC bv
Protheroe & Morris, at 11.

THURSDAY, Sept. 24—

Sale of Nursery Stock at the Floral Nurseries,
Castle Hill, Maidenhead, by Protheroe & Mori is
at 12. '

FRIDAY. Sept. 25-

Grand Importation of Odontoglossum orlspum and
other Orchids, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30.
(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-664'.
Actual Temperatures :—

London-. -Sept. 16 (6 p.m.) : Max. 61° ; Min. «\

Sept. 17, Light clouds, noon : 62"
Provinces. -Sep/. 16 (6 p.m.): Max. 56', Penzance-
Min. 51°, Holyhead.

The value of In view .°f these very inipor-
Educationand tant subjects concerning our
Science to the progress as a nation, we take
Nation. the f0ilowing abstracts of the
notice of the first day's meeting of the
British Association as given in the Times of
Thursday, September 10 : —

"The British Association opened its annual
meeting at Southport on Wednesday, Sept. 9,
and in the evening the President, Sir Norman
Lockter, delivered his address. After referring
to the death of Lord Salisbury and to the
acceptance by Mr. Balfour of the presidency
for next year, he contended that statesmen would
be obliged in the future to pay more regard to
education and science as empire builders and
empire guarders than they have paid in the past.
" A relative decline in national wealth derived
from industries must follow a relative neglect of
scientific education. Sir Norman proceeded to
point out how, by the neglect of mental develop-
ment, this country had lost much of the com-
mercial and industrial ascendency which she
obtained in the 19th century by the early appli-
cations of science and the rapid development of
her exceptional resources. A new struggle for
•existence, as Huxley long since pointed out, had
begun between organised nations. What was
needed was a complete organisation of the re-
sources of the nation, so as to enable it best to
face all the new problems which the progress of
science, combined with other factors in inter-
national competition, was continually presenting.
He insisted on the need for the scientific spirit in
all departments of the State administration, as
well as in commerce and industry, and therefore
for the effectual organisation of science as an

instrument of national progress. The skeleton
and machinery of such an organisation already
existed in the British Association and its corre-
sponding societies. The most pressing needs to
be supplied were those of better provision for
research and a larger and more efficient equip-
ment of universities. He contrasted the pro-
vision made for these requirements in this
country with that of Germany and the United
States, and insisted that we must give up the
idea of relying upon private effort. As the result
of careful inquiries and calculations, he held it to
be necessary that there should be an expenditure
of .£24,000,000 by the State on the establishment
of new Universities and the better equipment of
those already existing, and that a large sum
should also be devoted to the endowment of
research. He advocated the constitution of a
Scientific National Council as indispensable not
only for industrial and commercial progress,
but for the national defence and the national
safety.

"No Government," remarks the Times writer,
" would at present be prepared to submit a scheme
of the proportions which we have described. But
they will be bound to look at the matter in some
new lights, and to consider more than they have
considered the thesis that ' a relative decline in
national wealth derived from industries must
follow a relative neglect of scientific education,'
and that teaching centres may be as important
as battleships. Sir Norman Lockyer has put
before us facts which should make a deep lodg-
ment in the public mind. Very likely his address,
one of the most carefully-thought-out pleas yet
presented for national scientific training, may
prove, in Milton's phrase, as to his scheme of
national education, ' the occasion and incitement
of great good to this island ' ; and the meeting
of the British Association at Southport may be
chiefly memorable for initiating an important
movement."

Royal Horti- The most interesting single
cultural exhibit at this show on Tues-
Society's day last was a group of Agari-
Fungus show. CUg elvensis, sent by Tho.mas
Bristow, Esq., F.K.H.S., of Primrose Hill,
Tonbridge, with the information that it
abounds in his grounds, sometimes growing
to a great size. This species is closely
allied to the cultivated Mushroom, and is
fully its equal as an esculent, with a darker
and scaly pileus often six or eight inches in
diameter, with flesh an inch in thickness,
and usually growing in clusters of five or six
individuals. Hitherto this species has been
exceedingly rare, having been recorded only
in the Midlands, near the Neasden Keservoir,
and in a garden in Upper Holloway. Latterly
it has been found and figured in France. It
is a splendid species, and would be a great
acquisition if it could be cultivated.

The Chantarelle, which has an established
reputation at public dinner-tables at home
and abroad, was sent from the New Forest
and Epping Forest, as well as Lactarius
deliciosus from the former locality. Alto-
gether no fewer than fifty edible species
were to be seen on the tables.

Subsequent to the exhibition, a lecture
was delivered on the subject by Dr. M. C.
Cooke, to a crowded audience, who exhi-
bited a remarkable interest in the subject.
It is understood that experts were engaged
before the opening of the show in unpacking,
naming, and arranging the specimens sent,
which were for the most part unnamed. Not-
withstanding assiduous attention, a great
many specimens were to be seen without
labels when the public were admitted.

There was a specimen of the common
Agaricus arvensis which measured upwards
of eighteen inches in diameter even in
its partially dried condition. This was
evidently a record.

Royal Horticultural Society. — The
President and Council of the Eoyal Horticultural
Society offer a prize of ,£10 for the best essay on
Cottage and Allotment Gardening. The essay
must not exceed 5,000 words, and all unnecessary
technical expressions should be avoided. Notice
must be taken of Vegetable, Fruit, and Flower
Cultivation. The essay must have as an appendix
(not included in the 5,000 words) a list of reliable
but inexpensive books on the subject which
could be recommended to a cottager. The prize
essay to become the sole and absolute property of
the Society. The essays must reach the Secretary
of the Sosiety, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster,
S.W., before January 1, 1901. Each essay must
be signed with a motto, and a sealed eayelope
must be enclosed bearing the same motto on the
outside, and the writer's name and address inside.
These envelopes will not be opened until the
judges have decided on the motto winning the
prize. If any illustrations are added they should
be of the simplest and plainest outline description.
W. Wilks, Secretary.

Flowers in Season.— We have received
from Mr. Heinrich Henkel, of Darmstadt,
flowering shoots of Scutellaria Baikalense, a hardy
perennial herb, almost glabrous j flowers blue, in
simple racemes, a native of Eastern Asia; of
Chamsebatiaria (Spiraea) millefolium, a glandular-
pubescent spreading shrub, leaves lanceolate in
outline, 1 to 3 inches long, densely set with
oblong leaflets ; flowers £ inch across in 2 to 5
inches long panicles, white ; and Pentstemon
Bridgesii, a profusely flowering species, forming,
as Mr. Henkel tells us, large bouquets of flowers
the whole summer; flowers, rosy-scarlet, arranged
on erect spikes 1J foot long.

We have received from Mr. T. Smith, of

Daisy Hill Nursery, Newry, a good collection
of uncommon plants in flower, which show
how rich are our resources in plants for ren-
dering the garden attractive at this season.
We append the accompanying note from the
pen of Mr. Smith : — " Eriogonum racemosum, I
think you will agree with me, is a most charm-
ing plant ; Monardella villosa is an uncommon
plant in gardens; Polemonium confertum, owing
probably to the generous rains, has continued to
flower all through the season ; P. c. pulcherri-
mum is a dainty beauty and the smallest of all j P.
himalaicus bipinnatum is a great jump for a
plant to make ; Verbascum Lewanico, an acci-
dental seedling, evidently of hybrid origin as it
is quite sterile ; Genista mantica is a very dis-
tinct Broom, flowering for the second time this
season ; Cytisus elongatus has not been out of
flower for three months — a most useful shrub ;
Genista tinctoria, useful as flowering late ;
Daphne Cneorum, quite out of season, but as
fresh and welcome as in spring ; Menziesia poli-
folia lutescens is a break towards a yellow
Heathwort ; Dracocephalum Baikilense is a pretty
late-flowering plant, but it is one which travels
badly ; Leucothoe recurva is the first to give us
rich autumn colouring; Achillea pubescens is
very bright, and is practically in flower all the
season. There are ripe seeds and fresh flowers
on the spray sent."

A Large Spike of Buddleia Variabilis
VEITCHIANA. — We have received from Messrs.
J. Veitch & Sons, Eoyal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea,
an extraordinarily large spike of Buddleia varia-
bilis Veitchiana, 27 inches in length, and pro-
portionately broad. The flowers are in perfect
condition and the whole is exceedingly ornamental.

September 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

209

The weight of so large a number of flowers and
its great length had caused the spike to droop
■directly downwards like the flower-racemes of the
■common Laburnum, and seen at a short distance
it resembled an enlarged spike of Saccolabium
TBlumei niajus, excepting in colour.

Presentation to Mr. J. Doe.— On the

■conclusion of the King's recent visit to Lord and
Lady Savile at Rufford Abbey, His Majesty
presented Mr. J. Doe, the head gardener, with a
valuable diamond scarf-pin, in the shape of the
Royal monogram. At the same time His Majesty
expressed to Mr. Doe the extreme pleasure he
■had derived from the gardens during his visit,
.and congratulated him on their condition. Mr.
Doe has had charge of the gardens at Rufford
for more than nine years, and has effected several
improvements.

Chambre Syndicale des Horticulteurs
Belges et Societe Royale d'Agriculture
et de Botanique de Gand (First Section).

— On the occasion of the meeting of the above in
-the Casino, Ghent, on Sunday, September 6,
Certificates of Merit were granted to Madame
L. Hemptinne for Cattleya aurea ; to M. le
Marquis de Wavrin (d VunanimiU et avec felici-
tations du Jury) for Cattleya Gaskelliana alba-
ccerulea, Lselio - Cattleya hybrida (L. pumila
prcestans x C. labiata Warneri), and for Cattleya
Gaskelliana alba (par acclamation) ; to Messrs.
"Sander & Sons, Bruges, for Lielio - Cattleya
'Bletchleyensis (L. tenebrosa x C. Warscewiczii
'(d I'unanimite), for Lslia prsestans pulchra, L.-C.
eximia inversa (L. purpurata x C. Warneri),
L.-C. Lady "Wigan, L.-C. Aspasia (L. purpurata x
•C. Schilleriana) (a VunanimiU') ; and to M. T.
de Bievee, of the Royal Gardens, Laeken, for
Cattleya Bievrianum (hybrid C. Gaskelliana x
■C. Schilleriana).

Proposed International Horticultural
"Exhibition at Edinburgh.— At a meeting of
-the Council of the Royal Caledonian Horticul-
tural Society held on Saturday, 12th inst.,
it was unanimously resolved to at once set about
■preparations for the holding of an International
■Fruit and Flower Show in Edinburgh, under
•the auspices of this Society in September, 1905.
The last International show held by the Society
was in 1891, and proved a great success. Look-
ing to the strides which horticulture has taken
in recent years, both at home and abroad, the
•Council anticipate a greater success ; and they
■are desirous of offering premiums even better
than in 1891, the total sum then offered being
,£1,300. The Secretary is P. Murray Thomson,
S.S.C., 5, York Place, Edinburgh.

Albanian Onions.— We are informed by
Messrs. R. Weichsel & Co., Magdeburg, that the
harvesting of the Onions will begin shortly. If
the weather is not too wet during the harvesting
the Onions will be better in quality and keep
•better than last year. The size will again be
generally large. The crop will be smaller than
Hast year ; this is not only because a part of the
•crop was lost shortly after sowing, but also
because a smaller area has been cultivated owing
to the low prices which ruled last season. For
ithis reason prices will be higher than last year.

Open Space in Southwark.— The memory
of Horsemonger Lane Gaol has not yet died out.
When the famous building was razed to the
iground, the site was acquired by the London
Comity Council, and converted into an open
apace for the recreation of the masses. At heavy
■cost the land adjoining (an acre and a hall) was
acquired and added to the gaol site, and
trecontly this was thrown open to the youthful
population— one half for the girls, the other for
the boys. The cost has been very great, £20,000
being given as the amount expended. Surely

some way could be found, per Act of Parliament,
for getting rid of this terrible load on the back of
Sanitation !

The "Revue de l'Horticulture Belge"
is rich in illustrations this month. It contains a
coloured plate of Rubus reflexus, to which we
lately called attention ; illustrations of the stem
of Dicksonia antarctica, of the Nepenthes house
at Kew, a plan of the botanic garden at Eala in
the Congo State, presided over by M. Leon
Ptnaert, and worked by 250 native men and by
50 women ! The account of this garden is very
interesting, and is to be completed in a subse-
quent number. Turning from grave to gay, we
have illustrations of the nautical fete at Ghent,
in which florally decorated boats took a large
part. The " Avenir Horticole "is to be congratu-
lated on the success of its enterprise. A similar
fete on the Serpentine would be a novelty in this
country.

Strawberry President Loubet. — Someot
our French contemporaries seem to take it amiss
that a Strawberry should have been dedicated to
M. Loubet. We greatly regret that they should
take this view of the case, as we are quite sure
there was no other object than to render homage
to the President of a great and friendly nation
who happened to be visiting our shores about
that time. The merits of the fruit in question
have yet to be determined ; but the intention is
the same, be the fruit good or otherwise.

The Living Plant.— Messrs. Hutchinson &
Co., of Paternoster Row, are publishing in fort-
nightly parts an illustrated work on this subject
by Messrs. A. G. Knight and Edward Step.
Seven hundred original illustrations are promised.
It is to be, or is, " the only book of its kind," and
" the first attempt to present the essentials of the
science in a complete and popular manner."
These are hardy assertions, for which we presume
the commercial managers rather than the authors
are responsible. We do not think that either of
the botanists who have given their help, viz.,
Francis Darwin, Lionel Beale, George Nicholson,
A. B. Rendle, Leo Grindon, W. Watson or Henry
Burkill would subscribe to such statements with-
out qualification. Time will indeed show whether
" this is the most carefully produced book on the
subject in this or any other language." The
illustrations begin with one representing an old
English garden with its clipped rows which are
as unnatural as art can make them ; and then we
pass to two illustrations, the one representing
pure, the other adulterated Coffee, as seen under
the microscope ; the explanation, we presume, is
to follow. Then we have the Vegetable Sheep
(Haastia), with nothing to indicate any propor-
tionate size between it and the Walking Leaf
Insect, the Orchid flower or the New Holland
Pitcher-plant in close proximity. We hope it
may not be too late to remedy this deficiency in
some way, and to correct the slip in Plate V.,
where a Sarracenia is called a Cephalotus. Of
the text, which seems rather diffuse, we may
speak on another occasion, when the work has
advanced further.

AUTUMNAL FLOWERS.

This is a season in which our gardens wear a
highly picturesque aspect, notwithstanding ad-
verse atmospheric conditions — storms of wind
and much rain. Moisture is certainly productive
of growth, but, on the other hand, a superabund-
ance of it is injurious to our fairest flowers.
Plants of a climbing character may grow with
marvellous rapidity under its influence, but the
delicate beauty of their flowers entirely dis-
appears. Tropasolum majus, the Great Nasturtium;
TropiBoluin speciopum, and its finely contrasted
cousin, Tropa'olum canariensis, commonly styled

"the Canary Creeper," have rarely grown more
grandly in my own garden than they have done
this autumn ; florally they are also, notwith-
standing atmospheric adversity, extremely effec-
tive. Perhaps my finest artistic effect has been
achieved this season by growing T. canariensis
upwards through the dark foliage of Prunus
Pissardi.

The most memorable pictures I have ever seen
created by that lovely climber, Tropaeolum
speciosum, may be found at present at Logan
Gardens in this parish, where it climbs and
flowers to a commanding height.

At this special season gardens are bright with
Dahlias, Montbretias, Phloxes, and Violas, which
from atmospheric tribulation of late have suf-
fered much. It is by no means an ideal period
for the Dahlia, which has sometimes been desig-
nated, not without expressiveness, " the autumn
queen." This is the intermediate season of the
Rose, many of whose varieties are preparing for
their final flowering. My finest specimen at
present is Papa Gontier, a beautiful deep pink
hybrid Tea of French origin. Few Roses are
more fascinating than this, and it has more of th.e
so-called perpetual habit than any other Rose with
which I am acquainted ; though it has rivals here
even in that direction in Madame Pernet Ducher
and Clara Watson. This attribute is also pos-
sessed by that most richly-fragrant of hybrid
Teas, Viscountess Folkestone, which, though not
quite so full in the centre, has proved itself a
worthy rival of La France. Caroline Testout also
grows and flowers superbly during the early autumn
months. Among climbing Roses, Madame Pierre
Cochet, Bouquet d'Or, William Allen Richardson,
and Belle Lyonnaise are at present conspicuous ;
also Margaret Dickson, which is blooming grandly
on the south and west walls of my garden, at a
height of 10 feet. Roses, as a general rule, are
considerably smaller in autumn than in summer
but in form and in colour they are very beautiful.

Some of my fairest Lilies recently in full bloom
were Lilium auratum and L. chalcedonicum, also
certain early varieties of L. speciosum. This
Lily has fragrance " like odours rapt from remote
Paradise." Notwithstanding the exacting char-
acter of our climate, these Lilies find themselves
in many instances m almost perfect corre-
spondence with their environment. David R.
Williamson.

KEW NOTES.

Dipodium pictum. — There are two species of
Dipodium, natives of the Malayan Peninsula, viz.,
D. paludosum, which flowered at Kew in 1895, and
D. pictum, now flowering at Kew for the first time.
The latter is the handsomer, having a scape a foot
long bearing nine flowers, each 2 inches across,
and coloured pale yellow with leopard-like spots
of crimson, which is brightest at the back of the
sepals and petals. The lip is saddle-shaped and
covered with shaggy hairs. The plant has an
erect spiral stem bearing opposite rows of lea-
thery, channelled, ribbed leaves. Some notion
of this species will be obtained by orchidists from
its synonyms, which are Grammatophyllum scan-
dens and Leopardanthus scandens. The plant
at Kew was obtained from the Singapore Botanic
Gardens ; it thrives in a tropical house along
with Vandas, &c. A figure of it has been
prepared for the Botanical Magazine.

Asparagus drepanophyllus (Ddchesnei).

We owe the introduction of this distinct species
of Asparagus to L'Horticole Coloniale, Brussels
(M. Linden), by whom it was first exhibited in
Paris in 1900 undor "the provisional name of A.
Duchesnei. It is remarkable in having falcate
cladodes (substitutes for leaves) of varying
length, and arranged along the branches in such
a way as to givo the appearance of elongated
almost flat fronds. The longest cladodes are,

210

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[SEPfEMBEB I!>, 1903.

nearly 3 inches, and they are thin, with a distinct
central nerve, and of a dark glossy-green colour.
When allowed space in a tropical-house the stems
climb to a length of 20 feet or more, branching
f reely so as to clothe pillars or rafters with an
elegant evergreen drapei y. A plant in a stove at
Kew is now in flower, and it proves to be A.
drepanophyllus of Welwitsch, with longer cladodes
than those described, no doubt owing to the con-
ditions under which the cultivated plants are
grown. The flowers are borne on lateral racemes
3 to 6 inches long, and they are green and un-
attractive. The species is a native of various
parts of tropical Africa, including the Congo,
whence it was introduced to Brussels.

Crintjm natans.
One of the most remarkable plants recently
introduced from tropical Afiici is this Crinum,
which combines with the essential characters of
the genus the habit and appearance of a Vallis-
neria or of Sparganium natans. It will not grow
unless treated as though it were a Water-Lily,
and then it develops numerous narrow, thin,
wavy leaves from 1 to 2 yards in length. Not
even Mr. Baker, with his knowledge of Crinums,
would suspect that this plant was one until
ha saw the flowers. Sir John Kirk found
this species eight years ago in the Niger,
in fresh water a long way from banks, and he
discovered it through its flowers, which pro-
truded above the water, the leaves being all sub-
merged. There is a good example of the plant
now in flower in the Victoria Lily-house at Kew.
The scape is a foot high, and the flowers, which
are in an umbel, have slender, erect tubes 6 inches
long, and drooping narrow segments 3 inches long,
of pure white. Miss Smith made an excellent
drawing of the plant when it first flowered at Kew
last year. See Botanical Magazine, t. 7,862.

Allamanda violacea. '
The best form of this distinct stove shrub is a
first-class garden plant. It has been constantly
in flower on the roof of a stove at Kew since
June, and its shining rose-purple flowers, over
3 inches across, are as attractive as those of a
Dipladenia. It is happiest under cultivation
when grafted on to one of the strong-growing,
yellow- flowered forms, such asChelsoni,Williarusii,
or Hendersoni, which, by the way, are all varie-
ties of A. Schottii. Sir Joseph Hooker, in de-
scribing A. violacea in the Botanical Magazine in
1890 (t. 7122), states, on the authority of Gardner,
who collected it in Brazil, that its powerfully
cathartic root is extensively employed in malig-
nant fevers. It was in cultivation in England
forty years ago, but was soon afterwards lost,
Kew re-introducing it again in 1888 from the
Botanical Gardens, Durban, Natal. It differs
from all other Allamandas in the colour of its
flowers, and also in having hispid leaves usually
in whorls of four or five.

The Kew Belladonna.
The superiority of this form of Amaryllis
Belladonna over the other two, viz., the type and
that known as blanda, may now be seen at Kew,
where all three are flowering in the border
against the south wall of the Orchid-house.
There are twelve flowers open on one scape of the
Kew variety, whereas on the others not more than
five can be found. The flowers are larger and the
colour a richer shade of rosy-crimson than in any
other Belladonna. The origin of this fine plant
is doubtful. It is supposed to be the result of a
cross between Brunsvigia Josephina; and a Bella-
donna Lily ; but Mr. Baker, after carefully
examining the plant, was of opinion that it was
nothing more than an exceptionally fine variety
of A. Belladonna. The cross between these two
has since been carefully made at Kew, and the
progeny will soon be old enough to flower; we
shall then see if there is anything in the story of

the origin of the Kew Belladonna. It is certain,
at any rate, that this cross can be made.

Ltcoeis squamigera.
This plant has flowered at Kew this year better
than it ever did before. In a little border on the
south side of the tropical fernery it has become
established, and in August there were about fifty
spikes of flowers. It will be remembered that
this plant was first distributed as Amaryllis
Hallii, and called the Blue Belladonna. In habit
the plant is very similar to the Belladonna Lily,
the flowers being produced in the same way, and
about the same in form and size ; but they differ
in being of a dull grey-blue colour (see illustra-
tion in Gardeners' Chronicle, February, 27, 1897,
p. 137). To some tastes they are pleasing, but to
others they are dull and what Mr. Gumbleton calls
" tush." Bulb fanciers may like to know that L.
squamigera is quite at home when grown under
conditions that suit the Belladonna Lily. W. W.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

monstrous ROSE blooms.— I send you an
abnormal growth of Moss Rose. The plants were
planted late, and did not flower much in their
proper season, but though the old Moss (not
perpetual) they are now making this effort. Geo.
Bunyard. [The probable causes of the abnormal
growths are the late planting, which postponed
the flowering of the plants, and the heavy rains
that promoted exuberance of growth. Several
similar instances of proliferous Roses were figured
in the early volumes of the Gardeners' Chronicle.
Ed.]

ANOMATHECA CRUENTA — It may be of in-
terest to state, in connection with the note in the
Gardeners' Chronicle of September 5, p. 177, that
Anomatheca (now Lapeyrousia) cruenta lives for
several years here without any protection. It
was, however, lost in the hard winter of '94 — '95,
but I have a few bulbs that were planted a year
or two afterwards and which bloom yearly. It is
a much more effective plant in the shade than in
full sun, the bright colour showing much better
under such conditions. It has been grown for
years at Trinity College Botanic Gardens, Dublin,
where I saw it first as an out-door plant some
years ago, and where Mr. F. W. Burbidge pointed
out to me the better effect it produced in the
shade than in the sun. It comes very freely from
seeds, so that those who wish may soon have a
large stock of bulbs. S. Arnott.

IPOMCEA RUBRO-CCERULEA. — This lovely Con-
volvulus is sometimes seen in hot-houses, but
rarely in the open ground. Being a native of
southern Mexico, it requires to be started in a
warm temperature ; but when the plants have
attained a height of 18 inches to 2 feet they may
well be used for the decoration of the conserva-
tory, or even planted against a sunny wall in the
open. There are over 300 species of Ipomceas, the
majority of which are not in cultivation, but
none exceeds in beauty the subject of this note.
The large flowers, from 3 inches to 4 inches in
diameter, are of a lovely pale-blue tint, and are
rivalled in hue by no other plant in the open
garden. The plant is an annual, but will continue
to flower under glass protection, where sufficient
heat is afforded, until December or January. In
the open its season of beauty is naturally of
shorter duration ; but there is no reason why it
should notbeusedtoornamentwarm walls through
August and September. The present summer has
been exceptionally wet, dull, and windy, yet for
the past five weeks this species has afforded a
charming picture on a south wall, where its
twining growths ascend perpendicular wires to a
height of 4 feet, and charm beholders with
numbers of pale-blue flowers. The plants are put
out in rich and porous soil in mid-July, when the
first flower-buds are just formed. They are grown
singly in 4^-inch pots, and care should be taken
not to disturb the ball in planting. Few are
aware what beauty they miss by not employing
this lovely annual Convolvulus for affording colour
to southern walls with its clear blue flowers in late
summer and early autumn. S. W. Fitzherbert.

THE " BELVEDERE." — The note in the Gar- •
doners' Chronicle on " Kochia Scoparia," p. 177, j
reminds me of the difficulty experienced in finding
out anything about it when it was brought into- i
notice by Messrs. Cannell. I then found it where |
I little expected, in Britton & Brown's Illustrated I
Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, I
where it finds a place as a plant which has become- 1
naturalised in " Ontario, Vermont, and Northern ti
New York." Your note has induced one to search !
further, but several herbals and old gardening .
works contain no reference to it. As you remark,
it is to be found in Miller's Gardeners''Dictionary, ■
and I also find it in Justice's Scots Gardiners"
Director, second edition, 1759, where it appears in I
the list of seeds in the catalogue of Dirk & Pierre- j
Voorhelm, Haarlem, 1754, under the name of '
Belle Videre, which Justice tells us further is
" the Chenopodium lini folio villosa, Tourn., ;
Flax-leaved Orach, Belvidere vulgo. These- |
plants may be raised from seeds_ sown in the ,
autumn or early in the spring, and when they •
are 2 inches high they should be transplanted
into pots or borders, where, when they are full- i
grown, they make a very pretty pyramidal bush i
to adorn rooms ; they are very hardy and sow I
themselves often ; when in pots they should be- jj
often watered." Gordon's Planters, Florists and: \
Gardeners' Poclcet Dictionary (Edinburgh, 1774) !
speaks of it as " . . . Flax-leav'd Arach, Summer \
Cypress, or Belvidere," which " has much the
appearance of the Cypress Fir, but is of a brisker ;
green, and grows in the pyramidal form. The ■
seeds should be sown in autumn, and when the
seeds ripen, if they are allowed to scatter on the-
ground, they will come up much better than when. ;
sown with much care. This kind is an annual,
which agrees with a light, warm border, andl
should have plenty of water in warm weather."
S. Arnott, Cars'ethorn-by-Dumfries, N.B.

HUMEA ELEGANS AND PEACH-TREE8.— Upon I
reading the letter of your correspondent, " A. D,"
upon the above subject in the Gardeners?
Chronicle, it brought clearly to my mind a similar
case that came under my notice some six years
ago. As a journeyman gardener at the time, I j
had in my charge a lean-to Peach-house, the
front of which was planted with trees trained on I
a trellis which reached about half-way up the
roof, and the bed at the back, which was raised
some 3 feet, was used for standing pot-trees upon, 3
and there was a shelf running along just above .]
the permanent trees. Upon this shelf we had at
one time some two dozen plants of Humea grow-
ing in 7-inch pots. After they had been in the
house for a few days, I noticed that all the pot- j
trees were in a sad way, the younger leaves- !
curled up as if they had been scalded, and in
several instances small holes were noticed in
them. I called the attention of the head gar-
dener to these appearances, and as I had been
recently using an insecticide upon the trees, I
got blamed for using it at too great a strength j
but I thought it strange that it should not have
had any ill effects upon the permanent trees, ,
seeing that they were all in the same stage of
growth, and were syringed with the same lot of
insecticide. After the light which "A. D.V
letter has thrown upon the subject, I am of the
opinion that the Humeas were the cause of the
mishap. The only reason that I can give for it.
only having effect upon the pot-trees is that they
were above and near to the plants of Humea,
whilst the permanent trees were below them, so that
the pot trees would naturally have a larger-
amount of the emanations from the Humeas.
G. W. Young, Welbeck.

CHAMPION GRAPE CLASS AT SHREWSBURY. —

In the following sentence in my letter published
on p. 194, the word " visitors " should have read •
" competitors " : " Now if ever there was a com-
petition which deserved to be of an international
character, and attract visitors (competitors) from
all parts of the kingdom, it is surely this one."'
D. Buchanan.

THE WEATHER IN DEVON. — The disastrous-
gale which raged on Thursday afternoon and
evening of September 10 may be described as a
bad finish to a bad season. Besides doing a
large amount of damage to ornamental and forest
trees, the effect of the gale was very apparent in

September 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

211

the garden. On Friday morning it was noticed
that most of the Apples and Pears had been
shaken from the trees, and the foliage was as if
scorched. Outdoor flowers and tender vegetables
have suffered badly. To make the condition of
things worse we registered rather more than 8° of
frost on the night of the 14th. The hope of good
.autumnal weather for the proper ripening of
fruit-trees and other plants is not promising.
T. H. Slade, Poltimore Parle Gardens, Devon.

AZOLLA FILICULOIDES IN FRUIT.— A quantity
■of this pretty little aquatic Cryptogam is now
fruiting freely in an open-air tank in the Trinity
College Botanical Gardens at Dublin, and any
•botanist who may wish for a supply of fresh
living specimens will receive the same gratis on
■his forwarding a stamped label addressed to him-
self, or wherever he wishes the material delivered
per post. If this note should catch the eye of
anyone having Salvinia natans in the fruiting
stage, I should be glad of a fresh supply for
preservation. F. W. Burbidge, Trinity College
Botanic Gardens.

SUN SPOTS. — Sir Norman Lockyer is reported
to have said, in his address to the British Asso-
ciation just recently, that we were in for a series
■of wet and cold summers, caused by spots on the
«un, and that, having had two, the second worse
than the first, the next one would be worse still,
'but that there would be an improvement in 1905.
I did not read his address, but if this statement
be true, then the outlook for next year is in-
deed a gloomy one. Certainly it is unwise
to anticipate trouble, but the practical de-
duction from the warning is that so far as
possible it should be prepared for. How far
that can be done by gardeners is for each one
to determine for himself. Probably throwing up
garden soil intended to carry crops, in the form
of sharp sloping beds facing south, may help in
some respects. Those who have planted Tomatos
largely outdoors this year and suffered failure will
hardly do the same next year. Potatos should be
■allowed more room between the rows. Everything
that can be should be grown under glass. The
prophecy may not come true, but it is well
to be prepared lest it should, as seems very
probable. A. D.

THE SPELLING OF SPECIFIC NAMES.— There
is, of course, an evolutionary process going on in
botanical names as in other matters, but I often
wonder why the botanists persist in following
the obsolete practices of those who were often in
■error years ago. Why should a gardener's time
be wasted in deciding by references to books or
otherwise whether a certain specific name is to
begin with a capital letter or otherwise P Had
we the accurate classical attainments of the
Eev. C. WoUey-Dod the thing would be easy, but
as this is not so, why do botanists hesitate to
adopt the common-sense plan the zoologists
adopted years ago, and write all specific names
with a small letter at the beginning. Most of
the real commerce of the world in timber, fruit,
textiles, drugs, &c.,is conducted without botanical
names at all; why should botanists and horti-
culturists be such sticklers for pedantry in the
matter of spelling Latin plant names P Men who
have real work to do sooner or later adopt simple
•common-sense methods of doing it. They have
no time to waste on " the whyness of the where-
fore, or the goneness of the past" ; and I for one
■only voice the opinions of many others who think
a name should be like a clear and unobscured
lighthouse, and not like a dark lantern. At any
rate, why should botanists waste time in arguing
about a matter the zoologists settled in a practical
manner long ago P Common-sense.

R08E ZgPHYRINE DROUHIN— Admirers of the
best garden Roses are deeply indebted to you for
bringing this variety under their notice, and
your notes will be certain to cause it to be more
widely known. It appears to have escaped the
notice of the reporters of the horticultural press
at the Edinburgh show that a vase of Rose
Zephyrine Drouhin was included in the collection
of Roses exhibited by Messrs. J. Cocker & Sons, of
Aberdeen. No name was attached, however, or
more would have observed it and been in a posi-
tion-to speak of its lovely colour and delicious

fragrance. Its thornless or almost thornless
character was also evident, so that one can
quite endorse what has been said in its favour.
S. Arnott.

SOCIETI ES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

FRUIT AND VEGETABLE COMMITTEE.

FfiiDAT, September 11.— A meeting of the Fruit and
Vegetable Committee was held at Chiswick, at which
there were present Messrp. H. Balderson (Chairman),
O. Thomas, W. Bates, H. Esling, J. Smith, G. Woodward,
H. J. Wright, J. Jacques, G. Keif, and A. Dean, thus
forming a full quorum.

The primary object of the meeting was Potato in-
spection, there being a large number of late varieties,
old and new, to be examined. Some gave very fine,
others very poor crops. Tops had largely died off, but
there was comparatively little disease seen in the tubers.
A few varieties were still in full growth, and these
were not tested. There was very little of supertubera-
tion. Eight samples of varieties that were of promising
appearance on the ground were selected to undergo
the cooking test, one conducted here always in their
skins with singular success. Of these, Daniels' Special
(Daniel & Sons, of Norwich), an old variety, but still of
capital quality, having had a certificate in 1891, was
still found to be excellent.

A First-class Certificate was unanimously given to
Tim Gray, a white, oval round, and a heavy cropper, one
of a large batch of seedlings sent by Lord Carew from
Ireland. This was exceedingly good when cooked.

Awards of Merit were given to Maid of Coil (Lord
Carew), a white, flatfish round, a great cropper; H.
Fincham (Fincham, Kent); and to Dalmeny Beauty
(J. Smith), a long oval round, with a white skin ; and a
fine cropper. *

Generally the tubers were drier this time when
cooked than was the case at the corresponding time in
1902.

Out of a batch of Cauliflowers, an Award of Merit
was granted to Damman's Eclipse, a fine stock, inter-
mediate between the Early London and Autumn Giant,
the curd solid and white, and the plant dwarf.

A trial of Cabbages and Kales was observed, but all
were so coarse in growth, not one apparently being
fitted for ordinary garden culture. What could have
induced any one, for instance, to send the Giant Drum-
head Cattle Cabbage to Chiswick ? A considerable
number of Tomatos growing in pots were likewise
noted, but none exhibited merits that rendered it
worthy of an award. Tomatos now seem to have
reached their full development. A.

September 15.— The usual fortnightly meeting of the
Committees was held in the Drill Hall, Buckingham
Gate, Westminster, on Tuesday last, when the buildiDg
was well filled with a very miscellaneous collection of
plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and fungi.

The Ohchid Committee recommended a First-class
Certificate, a Botanical Certificate, and two Awards of
Merit to novelties.

The Floral Committee was concerned largely with
Dahlias, and appointed a subcommittee to act in con-
junction with a sub-committee of the National Dahlia
Society in the judging of seedling varieties. Ten
awards were recommended, and they may be regarded
therefore as equivalent to Awards of Merit by the
Royal Horticultural Society and First - Class Certifi-
cates by the National Dahlia Society. Iu addition to
the Dahlias, Awards of Merit were recommended to
Smilax sagittxfolia, Senecio tanguticus, and Sidalcea
"Rosy Gem."

The Fruit and Vegetable Committee made no
awards to the novelties submitted to them, but
attention may be drawn to a remarkable exhibit of
Lettuces made by Messrs. Dickson & Robinson, of
Manchester.

The exhibition of Fungi (the only one held under
the auspices of the Society since that reported in the
Gardeners' Chronicle tor October 9, 1839), interested a con-
siderable number of the visitors, many of whom
appeared to regard even the most edible species with a
considerable amount of distrust. The most surprising
circumstance connected with this exhibition of British
Fungi, shown presumably to illustrate Dr. M. C. Cooke's
lecture on "Edible Fungi, 'was that there were only
two poor specimens of the commonest species of all,
Agaricus campestrls, the cultivated Mushroom. The

nearest relative shown was the Horse Mushroom
(Agaricus arvensis), of which there was a remarkable
specimen. la order to illustrate Dr. Cooke's lecture
we have reproduced illustrations of a few of the more
popular of edible fungi, omitting the Mushroom, which
is sufliciently well known.

Floral Committee.

Present : W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs.
R. Dean, J. Green, H. B. May, J. Walker, A. Perry, J. F.
McLeod, W. Howe, G. Reuthe, C. Dixon, C. J. Salter,
C. Jeffries, R. Wallace, J. W. Barr, W. P. Thomson,

E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, H. Cutbush, C. Blick, Rev.

F. Page Roberts, G. Paul, and C. E. Pearson.

From Baron Sir H. Schroeder, The Dell. Englefield
(gr., Mr. H. Ballantine), was exhibited a splendid group
of Nerines, apparently N. Fotbergilli ma jus. The
plants included young ones in 5 inch pots and great
masses in 10-inch pots. One and all were extremely
well flowered (Silver Flora Medal).

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, were awarded a Gold Medal for
one of their grand exhibits of Nepenthes, showing
twenty-nine excellent plants in twenty-seven sorts,
suspended ovar a groundwork of Adiantum Ferns.
The pretty hybrid N. x Mixta iu one instance
carried seventeen good pitchers; ard others were
equally good, especially N. Balfouriana, N. x Sir W. T.
Thiselton Dyer, N. singuinea, N. intermedia, N. x
Tiveyi, N. Mastersiana (still one of the best and
highest coloured), N. Wrigleyana, N. Raillesiana, N
Hookeriana, and N. Curtisii superba, one of the most
effective varieties. The whole collection was composed
of excellently grown plants, such as the Chelsea firm
are famed for. Messrs. Veitch also exhibited a plant
of Actinidia chinensij about 15 feet high, entwined
round wooden stakes. Iu general appearance this
trailing plant is somewhat like Vitis Coigoetise, but
the large rough leaves (excepting the early ones) are
ovate, with acuminate tips. The stems are reddish,
and like the leaves are covered with hairs. A dried
specimen collected in China showed the flowers of the
plant, but its use in the garden would doubtless be that
of an ornamental foliage trailer.

Messrs. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper
Edmonton, London, showed a group of beautiful plants
of Adiantum tenerum Farleyense in pots, varying in
size from 5, 8, to 10 inches. The specimens were
remarkably fresh in appearance and finely developed,
each plant bearing a number of young fronds, bearing
the tint characteristic of this handsome variety. There
were thirty-six plants (Silver Banksian Medal.)

Messrs. J. Hill & Son, Barrowfield Nurseries, Lower
Edmonton, made a large exhibit of Ferns, in which
species and varieties of Gleichenia were the prominent
features ; Davallia tenuif olia Veitchii, a very slender-
growing graceful Fern, Adiantum Farleyense, several
species of Asplenium, oc3, were interspersed with the
Gleichenias. Of Gleichenias there were excellent spe-
cimens of G. dicarpa glauca, G. semivestiU, G. spe-
luncfe, G. dicarpa, and the more foliaceous and dis-
tinct G. flabellata (Silver Flora Medal).

Roses were shown as cut flowers from Messrs. JNO.
jEFiERiEStt Son, Royal Nurseries, Cireucester, who
had six boxes containing about eight dozcu blooms of
good size and quality for so late a date (Silver gilt
Flora Medal).

Messrs. W11. Boll & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea,
exhibited a group of line foliage plants, mostly stove
species, and all very finely cultivated. The plants
included Dracvcna Victoria, varieties of Codizeum,
Dracsena Goldleana, Cocos Weddelliana, the pretty
little basket plant (Ceropegii Woodii), Habenaria
carnea in excellent condition and flower, i&c. (Silver
Flora Medal).

Messrs. Dohbie & Co. .Rothesay, N.B., made a display
of cut sprays of Fuchsias, in something like one
hundred varieties, single and double flowers. In
which were short and long corolla types and various
colours. They were abundantly flowered, and served
well for visitors to compare the different varieties with
each other.

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, exhi-
bited a splendid group of Cannas, as brightly coloured
as if it were midsummer. There were nearly fifty
varieties shown, of which Mrs. G. A. Strohleiu (crim-
son), B. Van der Schoot (yellow, splashed with red),
James Wigan (almost cherry red), Black Prince <very
deep crimson 1, Herman Fisher (salmon - roJi, and
Magara (bright crimson with yellow margins) wero
particularly attractive. Two flue blooms of the white-
flowered Ccrcus triangularis were also from Swanley
(Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

212

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 19, 1903.

Fig. 85.— the white helvella: helvella cmsrA.
'See Lee ure on "Edible Fungi," p 214.)

Messrs. W. Cotbush & Son, Highgate Nurseriep,
London, N., made a very extensive exhibit of hard;
flowers, amongst which varieties of shrubby Phloxes
were excellent. Among white-flowered varieties were
Sylphide, MrF. Jenkins, Jeanne d'Arc, &c. ; Etna
Coquilicot, Richard Wallace, &c , represented the
salmon and pink shades, and there were a number of
purple ones. In the hardy flowes, the Pentstemonp,
Montbretias, and border Chrysanthemums were most
showy (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfleld Nurseries, near
Crawley, made an extensive exhibit of Dahlias, in-
cluding Pompons, Cactus, and single-flowered varieties ;
also a few species of hardy flowers (Silver-gilt Banksian
Medal).

Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt,
exhibited a few hardy flowers, amongst which we
noticed Kudbeckia Newmani, R. purpurea, Scabiosa
caucasica magnifica, Gaillardias, CoreopsU, &c.

Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Alton, near Birmingham,
staged a grand lot of shrubby Phloxes, eonsistiDg of
the best varieties. Good, bold bunches were put up,
that gave a very fair idea of the head of blooms each
variety may be expected to produce. A group of the
excellent white Phlox Sylphide was thus put up. The
method adopted was to stretch rough wire nettir g over
large tin bowls, and place the stems through the meshes.

Messrs. Thos. S. Waee (1902), Ltd , Ware's Nurseries,
Feltham, made a very large display of hardy flowers.
Including a Sidalcea, mentioned under "Awards;"
also sprays of flowers of Polygonum Baldschuanicum,
and an infinite number of species. In addition to the
hardy flowers there were some plants in bloom of
hybrid Nerines, among which N. x Crimson Beauty
had large rather spreading flowers of bright-crimson
(Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Wallace & Co , Kilnfield Gardens, Col-
chester, filled the cross table near to the entrance-door
with a group of hardy flowers, Including a quantity of
Gladiolus in variety, and some choice varieties of
Lilium speciosum, L. auratum rubro vittatum ; also
Sternbergia lutea major, Colchicum Bornmulleri,
CEnothera riparia, &c. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Babe & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden,
London, exhibited Gladiolus, Tritomas, Colchicums,
and other hard? flowers (Brorze Flora Medal )

Messrs. B. Ladhams, Shirley Nurseries, near
Southampton, exhibited a group of hardy flowers, and

made a speciality of varieties of Gaillardia,
Pyrethrum roscuni, &c, with a few of the carly-
flowering perennial Asters, and a number of the
hybrid Lobelias of the syphilitica and Cardina'i !
sections (Bronze Flora Medal).

Messrs. W. Welis & Co.,Ltd.,Earlswood Nur-
series, Redhill, again made a large exhibit of
out-of-door-grown Chrysanthemums, in which
Carrie, the new yellow flowered variety, also
Blush Beauty, Mychett Gem (white), Goacher's
Crimson, and a very large number of others
appeared (Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. A. H. Gwillim, Eltham, Kent, showed a
nice collection of single and double flowers of
tuberous-rooted Begonias, and was awarded a
Si'ver Banksian Medal.

Dahlia (single) Princets oj Wales.— A perfectly
circular flower of rosy-mauve colour, with au
orange-coloured ring around the disc. A very
attractive and choice flower, though not in-
cluded in the official list of Awards. Shown by
Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons.

Awards.

AWABDS OK MEB1T.

Dahlia {Cactus) Miss F. M Stredwick.—A good-
sized flower with rolled and pointed florets,
colour whitish with lemon yellow centre. Shown

by Messrs. J. Stbedwick & Son, Silverhall Park, St.
Leonards on-Sea.

Dahlia (Cactus) Mrs. II. L. Brousson. — A very fine
variety of the larger-flowered type. Excellent florets,
colours bronze and buff. Shown by Messrs. J. Stbed-
wick<Si Son.

Dahlia (Cactus) Qeorge Gordon.— This belODgs to the
type of flower that usually presents two colours. In
this case the centre or top florets of the flower are of a
bright yellow colour, but the older florets bronze.
Shown by Messrs. J. Etredwick & Son.

Dahlia (Single) Rosebank Scarlet .—An intensely crimson
flower, 3 inches across, of Igood circular form. Shown,
by Mr. Ed. Mawley. Rosebank Berkhamsted. •

Dahlia (Cactui) Sweet NelL—A large flower of ricb
mauve colour and whitish centre. Shown by Messrs-
Hobbies. Ltd., Dereham, Norfolk.

Dahlia UingU) Darkness. — Intense marooncrimsoD
colour. Shown by Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons.

Dahlia (Cactus) Dainty.— A very "dainty" flower o5
mauve and primrose colour. Shown; by ^Messrs.
Hobbies, Ltd.

Dahlia (Pompon) San Toy— A pretty little flower, oS
less than average Pompon size, with ^white.'florets,
having a purple margin and tips. Shown by Mr.JCHAS.
Turnee, Royal Nurseries, Slough.

86.— THE SHAGGY CAP: COPRINUS COMATUS.
(See Lecture on 'Edible Fungi," p. 214.)

September 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

213

Fig.

-THE CHANTARELLE : CANTHARELLl'S C1BARIUS.
<?ee Lecture on " Edible Fungi," p. 2U.)

and a singular Polystachya sent from West Africa by
Sir Trevor Lawrence's eon (see Awards). The showy
things included Miltonia x Bleuana, a finely-grown
Disa grandiflora; Lrelio-Cattleya x purpuiato-Sehiller-
iana, Oncidium varicosuru, Bur ford variety, with
extraordinarily large flowers ; Ltelio Cattleyax Proser-
pine, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal).

H. T. Pitt, Esq , Rosslyn, Stam'ord Hill (gr., Mr.
Thurgood), staged an effective group, which ir eluded
Miltonia x Bluntii Lubbersiana, M. Roezlii, M. Reg-
nelli Crawshayana, M Candida, the singular Oncidium
microchilum, the rare Eu'.ophia guineensis, a good
Vanda cnerulea, some plants of the elegant Odonto-
glossum aspidorhinum, O. bictoniense album, O. Uro-
Skinnerii album, Cattleya Eldorado, the delicately-
tinted Cypripedium x'Felicity, C. x Fowleriana, C. x
Wiertzianum, C. niveum, &c. (Silver Flora Medal).

Messrs. Chablesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford,
were recommended a Gold Medal for a very fine group
of select hybrids, including six plants of their fine
Cattleya x Iris [(bicolor x aurea), varying in tint, but
all beautiful; C. xiGermania (granulosa X Hardyana),
equally fine; C. x Chamberlainiana (Leopoldii x
Dowiana), one of the earliest and most beautiful
Veitcbian hybrids :LieHo-CattleyaDigbyano purpinata;
L.-C. x Digbyano-Warscewiczii; and Ifelia x Helen
(tenebrosa x Digbyana), Ltelio-Cattleya x Clive, L.-C.
x callistoglossa, LCattleya x Lord Rothschild, C. x
fulvescens, C. x Harrisoniana Alexandra, white, with
a slight blush tint; Cyrripedium X Mad. Georges
Truffiut, Sophro-Lcelia x Heatoniensis. and other good
hybrids, including Odontoglossum x Duvivierianum.

Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a
Silver Flora Medal for an extensive group, the gem in
which was the new and handsome Zygopetalum x
Roeblingianum, from C. G. Roebling, Esq., Trenton,
New Jersey, which secured a Firstclass Certificate
(see Awards). Among other good things noted we:e
Loe'.io Cattleyax Herga (L -C. elegacs x C. Gaskelliana),
a very pretty flower; L.-C. x Duchesnei, several good
L.-C. x Canhamiana L -C. x Atalauta, Cattleya x Mas-
tersonise, Pachystoma Thompsoniana, various Cypripe-
diums, and good Odontoglossum crispum.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, showed two
very distinct hybrids in Cattleya x Pittiana, which
differed widely from those previously shown, the ore
having bronzy-rose and the other yellow sepals and
petals, and both having rose-purple veined Jabellums.

Dahlia (Pompon) Queen of Whites. — Almost described
by its name. It may be added that the flower is much
larger in size than the one mentioned above, and that
it has just a suspicion of lemon yellow. Shown by Mr.
C. Turner.

Sidalcea Candida " Rosy Qem " — A very fine variety of
this hardy plant having rich rose-coloured flowers.
Shown by Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd.

Senecio tangulicus. — A Chinese hardy species, growing
from 1 feet to 6 feet high, and having much divided
Chrysanthemum-like leaves. The flowers are yellow,
rather small and inconspicuous individually, but pro-
duced in large terminal, erect panicles. Shown by
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons.

Smilax aspera (sagittxfolia). — This half-hardy Ever-
graen climber was shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch &
Sons. It has sagitate leaves 4 inches wide at base and
about 3J inches long. An illustration of a variety of
this species was published in the Qardeners' Chronicle for
December 20, 1884, p. 785, from which it will be seen the
species produces sessile fascicles of flowers arranged
in long spikes.

Orchid Committee.

Present: Harry J. Veitch, EEq., in the chair; and
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), De B. Crawshay,
J. Gurney Fowler, W. Boxall, J. W. Odell, H . Little,
J, Colman, H. A. Tracy, W. H. Young, J. W. Potter,
W. H. White, F. W. Ashton, J. Cypher, A. McBean,
F. J. Thorne, G. F. Moore, F. Wellesley, and H.
Ballantine,

There was a very good show of Orchids, several fine
groups being staged, and many subjects were entered
to go before the Committee.

Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford (gr, Mr. W. H.
White), staged an interesting group, containing several
singular species, among which were noted Oncidium
Boothianum, with a very long-branched spike of yellow-
in.'i - brown flowers ; Bulbophyllum Micholltzii, a
singular-looking species allied to B. grandiflorum, but
with narrow and green segments ; Pholidota eliinensis,

Fig. 88.— the fairy ring champignon: (mabasmius OREADE8).

(See Lecture on " Edible Fungi," p 211 )

214

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[September 19, 1903.

Also LtelioCattleya x Haroldiana, L.-C. x Euuomia,
&c.

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Part, were
awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an effective group, the
plants at the back of it being well flowered ones of On-
cidium carthaginense, the prettiest of the O. luridum
section ; O. incurvum, O. microchilum.and others with
slender spikes. In the front were Cypripedium x Frau
Ida Brandt, C. x Mme. G. Truffaut, C. Lawrenceanum
11 jcaniim, C. x Olivia, Cattleya aurea, C. Gaskelliana
alba, Miltonia Regnelli, Dendrobium formosum, and a
distinct, brown-tinted form of Bulbophyllum Lobbii.

C. H. Feiling, Esq., Southgate (gr., Mr. Stocking),
snowed five fiDe hybrids of Cypripedium Rothschild-
iunim, viz , two good specimens of C. x Massaianum,
and one each of C. ■ Wiertzianum, C x Shillianum,
C. x Neptune, and C. Elise (Pallas X Kothschildi
mum), a bold finely-marked flower.

T. M. Crook, Esq., Stanley Grange, near Preston
(gr. Mr. Parks), showed a remarkable plant of Cypri-
pedium x Lord Derby with three spikes bearing to-
gether four fine flowers proceeding from the centre^of
one growth; C. x superbiens x Rothschildianum, and
two others which secured Awards.

Sir Wm. H. 8. Marriott. Bart, Blandford, sent Cat-
tleya x Armainvilliersiense (Mendelii ■ Warscewiczii).
Drewett O. Dbewett, Esq. , Riding-Mill on Tyne, sent
Cypripedium x Calypsoides (Calypso x Rothschildi-
anum).

Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield (gr , Mr. W.
Hopkins), again sent iu still finer condition his showy
Laslio-Cattleya x Wellsiana magnifica, which had pre-
viously secured an Award of Merit. Its broad petals
were rosy-lilac, with a crimson-purple feather on the
middle portion extending to the tip, and the front of
the lip of a ruby-purple colour.

Baron Sir H. Schroeder, The Dell, Egham, sent a
flower of the handsome Sophro -Cattleya x Queen
Empress, still the most beautiful of the Sophronitis
crosses.

W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange (gr., Mr. W.
Stevens), sent Odontoglossum x Junoduteo-purpureum
sceptrum x cirrhosum), with light - yellow rather
narrow sepals and petals blotched with chocolate, and
white lip marked with purple.

Awards'.

First-class Certificate.
Zygopetalum X Eoeblingianvm (rostratum x maxillare
Gautieri), from C. G Roebling, Esq., 333, West State
Street, Trenton New Jersey, D.S.A. (gr., Mr. Clinka-
berry), and shown by Messrs. Sander & Sons, St.
Albans.— A very beautiful hybrid, partaking mostly of
the large-flowered Z rostratum in size and shape of
bloom, but with the growth of Z. maxillare. The sepals
were whitish-emerald green, with a light chocolate-
purple marking running up the middle portion ; petals
nearly white, marked with purple on the inner halves.
L'p of a violet colour at the base and crest, In front
of which are some fine white linesradiating into the
middle portion, which is marked with rose-purple.
The enlarged white front portion of the lip has a
cleft on each side, indicating trifoliation. This re-
markable hybrid is comparable only to the fine
natural hybrid Z. Ballii (illustrated in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, March 10, 1900, p. 149), which had Z. rostra-
tum for one of its parents, but could not have Z.
maxillare Gautieri for the other, unless a new record
of habitat for one or the other can be found.
Awards of Merit.
Cypripedium Lawrenceanum Qratrixianum, from T. M
Crook, Esq., Stanley Grange, Hogliton.— Flower re-
sembling the fine green and-white C.-L. Hyeanum, but
with a rose tint on the petals and lip.

C!/pripediumxRapparUamim(IJat\)a,mia.xmm x Charles-
worthii), from T. M. Crook, Esq.— Flowers large, dorsal
sepal white, fine'y tinged and marked with magenta-
rose. Petals and lip tinged and slightly veined with
brownish-purple.

Botanical Certificate
to Polystachi/a Buchanani, var. viride, from Sir Trevor
Lawrence, Bart., Burford (gr., Mr. W. H. White).— An
interesting variety of a remarkable speciesof which the
type was sent from the Zimbesi by the late John
Buchanan. The present variety was collected in West
Africa by the third son of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart.,
Lieut. C T. Lawrence, of the West African Frontier
Field Force, who thus establishes a new record for the
plant. The eight-branched inflorescence bore many
smallish emerald-green flowers with white labellums.

Cultural Commendation
to Mrs. Timmins, Stone Hall, Oxted, for a fine plant of
Cattleya Loddigesii, very profusely flowered.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Mr. G. Eunyard (Chairman); and Messrs-
H. Balderson, A. H. Pearson, W. Bates, H. Esling,
P. Mortimer, A. Dean, G. Keif, E. Beckett, J. Jacques,
O. Thomas, H. Markham, G. H. Maycock, J. Willard,
J. H. Veitch, H. Somers Rivers, W. Poupart, E. Moly-
neux, and J. Cheal.

A large Melon, named "Montreal," came from Mr..W.
J. Kipling, toe Gardens, Knebworth, Stevenage. Mr.C.
Moss sent from Welford Park Gardens, Newbury, one
named " Surma," the product of crossing Hero of
Lockinge with Banquet.

From the Swanley Horticultural College came a pair
of fair-sized Melons attached to each other by the
rind, and were shown as twins. Mr. Ross also showed
a pretty round, flattish Apple, richly coloured, named
"Ruddy."

Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, showed a fine pale-
green Apple, unnamed; flesh soft and briskly
flavoured.

Mr. F. W. Rich, Royal Nurseries, Sandford Churchill,
had a very handsome medium-sized, round, very red
Apple named " Rich's favourite. "

Mr. E. Row, gr. to the Dowager Countess of
Harrowby, High Ashurst, Dorking, sent a fine, curved,
culinary Pea, which was unanimously regarded as The
Gladstone.

Mr. J. King, East Hornden, Essex, showed a dish of
capital Autocrat Peas as King's Autocrat.

Mr. J. W. Perkins had dishes of Potato Recompense,
which was recommended to be tried at Chiswick : as
was also a Runner Bean said to be the product of
crossing Tender - and - True with the white Dutch
Runner. No awards were made to any of these exhibits.
Messrs. Spooner & Sons, Hounslow, had staged a
really fine collection of Apples for the season, all from
the open. They were shown iu baskets, boxes and
plates, and comprised forty varieties. The cooking
varieties included very line Grenadier, Royal Jubilee,
Annie Elizabeth, Alfriston, The Queen, Potl's Seedling,
Bismarck, Frogmore Prolific, Paasgood's Nonsuch,
and Sandringham. Of dessert varieties, there were
Lady Sudeley, Red Quarrenden, Duchess Favourite,
Good-enough, Nonsuch (very good sample, but very
little known), Worcester Pearmain, Wealthy, the oddly-
coloured conical Okera, and Williams' Favourite
(Silver-gilt Knightian Medal).

A most remarkable and unusual exhibit was one of
Lettuces, set up by Messrs. Dickson& Robinson, of Man-
chester,consisting of a great number of varieties of Cos
and Cabbage forms, the latter type greatly predominat-
ing. The plants were shown chiefly in pairs, and were
planted as it growing in a bed of cocoa fibre refuse. On
a table 3 feet wide and 30 feet long, the rows generally
comprised four plants. No such a capitally set up ex-
hibit of this nature has ever been seen at the Drill
Hall. Apart from the very fine samples shown, their
wonderful freshness and solidity, the method of stag-
ing was literally an object-lesson, and the whole
exhibit won universal praise. This enterprising Man-
chester firm are to be congratulated on the success
which has thus attended their exhibit, as a Gold
Medal was unanimously awarded to it. The plants
were all from a sowing made in the open ground in
the spring, and not transplanted, but merely thinned.
The finest Cos forms were Champion White, Paris
Green, Par Excellence, Giant Market, and Balloon or
Mammoth; the best of the smooth-leaved Cabbage
varieties were Lord Kitchener (something like Ley-
den), White Dutch, very fine; Destruction, also very
fine; Fearnought, remarkably solid and of medium
size ; Paragon, green, slightly tinted with red ; Erfurt
Thickhead, like Destruction, but less solid ; University,
of great size, slightly coloured; Queen of Lettuces,
much like the preceding; and the well-known AU-the-
Year-Round. Yellow varieties were Large Yellow,
Buttercup, and Rudolph's Favourite; crumpled forms
were Continuity, Favourite, Wonderful (dark green),
Bossing's Giant, Staghorn (much laciniated), Nea-
politan, Supreme, Large Brown, and others.

describe the characteristics of the following species,
which he had selected as the best representatives of
British edible fungi, all of which were illustrated by
enlarged coloured diagrams :—
The cultivated Mushroom, Agaricus campestris.
The Wood Mushroom, Agaricus sylvicola.
The large Mushroom, Agaricus villaticus.
Berkeley's Mushroom, Agaricus elvensis.
Horse Mushroom, Agaricus arvensis.
Bleeding Mushroom, Agaricus hcemorrhoidarius.
St. George's Mushroom, Tricholoma gambosa.
Blewits, Tricholoma personata.
Blue Caps, Tricholoma nuda.
Dusky Caps, Clitocybe nebularis.
Parasol Mushroom, Lepiota procera.
Shaggy Caps, Coprinus comatus (see fig. 86).
Chantarelle, Cantbarellus cibarius (see fig. 87)
Fairy Ring Champignon, Marasmius oreades (see
fig. 88).
Edible Boletus, Boletus edulis.
Rough -legged Boletus, Boletus- scaber.
Morels, Morchella esculenta.
Morels, Morchella semilibera.
Morels, Morchella Smithiana. " .

Grey Helvetia, Helvella lacunosa.
White Helvella, Helvella crispa (6ee fig. 85).
Great Puff Ball, Lycoperdon bovista.
Truffles,* Tuber mstivum (see fig. 80).
Frencn Truffle, Tuber melanosporum (see fig. 81).
Of the above series, the first seven belong to the
purple-spored group ; the succeeding five, with the
Chantarelle and Marasmius, to the white - spored
group. The shaggy caps to the blaek-spored group, all
belonging to the Agaricini. The two species of Boletus,
to the spore-bearing order. The three Morels and two
Helvellas, to the asci-bearing group, or Ascomycetes,
as well as the two species of Truffle; whilst the one
Puff-Ball represents that family known to science as
Gastromycetes.

The lecturer announced that he had certainly eaten
of no fewer than eighty British species, to which he
added, " And yet it is probable that quite half of this
number, if not more, were simply capable of being
eaten without personal injury, but with nothing better
to recommend them. I venture to think that the
number of e-culeut species found wild in this country,
and which are really worth the trouble of collecting
and eating, are few in comparison with the number
which may be eaten without inconvenience, and there-
fore are classed as edible. And, even with the best, so
much depends upon the capacity of the cook that their
doom may be sealed in the kitchen."

It ultimately transpired that no fewer than 250 indi-
genous species of fungi are practically edible. It was
recorded of the 20th annual International Culinary
Exhibition held in the Tuilleries Garden, Paris,
April 17, 1903, " On entering, the visitor nearly walks
into a tiny Mushroom garden, with a hundred sorts of
edible fungi growing, or trying to grow, in little banks
of earth." That would be a sight worth seeing 1

Lecture on Edible Fungi,

In connection with the exhibition of edible Fungi, an
illustrated lecture on the subject was given by Dr.
M. C. Cooke, V.M. H. After excusing himself for
treating the subject from a popular and gastronomic
rather than a botanical point of view, the lecturer inti-
mated four types or groups which include the majority
of edible fungi, under the popular names of (1) Mush-
rooms, (2) Morels, (3) Truffles, and (4) Puffoalls.

After detailing the principal features in the structure
of the Mushroom tribe, or Agarics, he proceeded to

EXHIBITION OF EDIBLE AND
POISONOUS FUNGI.

This exhibition was a comparatively small one,
partly owing to the date being three weeks too early
for the general appearance of the larger fungi, and
partly to the early advent of autumn frosts. The
naming of the specimens was very imperfectly carried
out, and the mysterious explanatory " experts " that
had been announced so extensively were conspicuous
by their absence. On the overworked shoulders of our
good old friend, Dr. Cooke, lay most of the work, and
he was obviously over-tired. With one exception, all
the naming of specimens that was done was in his
clear handwriting.

The first table on the right on entering was occupied
by a firjt-class but small exhibition by Mr. J. F.
Rayneb, of Ivy Bank, Highfield, Southampton. All
the specimens were good, clean, and perfect, and Eet
out in an orderly manner. A considerable number of
these had names in Dr. Cooke's handwriting; they
included a splendid group of the Chantarelle— Cantha-
rellus cibarius, the Liver Fungus— Fistulina hepatica,
Boletus bovimn, B. edulis, and B. scaber; Agaricus
fusipes, A. rubescens, A. vaginatus, Marasmius oreades,
Lactarius deliciosus, and Hydnum repandum. There
were, however, no notes as to the edibility or otherwise
of the plants exhibited.

* A full description of true and false Truffles, by Mr.
Worthington Smith, was published in the Gardeners'
Chronicle for April 5, April 25, and May 10, 1B90.

September 19, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

215

The next group was sent by Mr. Carleton Rea, of
Worcester, one of the keenest mycologists we hare in
this country, the examples were all good, and most of
the fungi had labels attached in Mr. Rea's well-known
handwriting ; but a number of labels were ou the left
hand of the exhibit, with no accompanying fungi;
other of the labels had been placed incorrectly or had
got misplaced by exhibitors; for instance, Hygro-
phorus chlorophanus was labelled Agaricus phalloides,
which is quite as absurd as if an Orchid " expert " had
called one of our friend Cannell's Carrots Odonto-
glossum crispum,

Mr. Rea's notes were instructive. He explained that
a small puff-ball named Lycoperdon pyrlforme tastes
" very sweet, like brain?," when cooked. He did not
say that it causes constriction of the throat if tasted
uncooked. Agaricus infundibuliformis was truly
stated to be a "very nice, delicious esculent" when
cooked ; and that other?, as Lactarius glyciosmus,
Paxillus involutus, and Russula cyanoxantha, were
esculent and in some cases "delicious." He also
explained that Hydnum repandum required three
hours' " cooking," and Cantharellus cibarius four
hours' "cooking." Agaricus prunulus was truly de-
scribed as a " delicious esculent," A. fusipes a " tender
and taBty esculent," Hygrophorus conicus as " fairly
good," H. miniatus as "very delicate and nice-tasted."
The " delicious esculent " named Boletus edulis must,
it was stated, be " well cooked"; no method of cooking
was, however, indicated. It is not every cook who can
cook a Boletus, or who is willing to stand lor four
hours playing with a Cantharellus. Amongst un-
named examples were Boletus radicans and Agaricus
sinuatus.

Under Agaricus vaginatus Mr. Rea stated that " both
the fulvous and mouse coloured forms are of the best
esculents we have in England." I have known both
forms to cause profuse perspiration and illness ; and
only a few days ago a case of serious poisoning from
the consumption of this species was laid before the
authorities of the British Museum.

The third display was a rather extensive one, sent by
Messrs. A. Clarke and C. Crossland, of Halifax.
None of the examples had a scrap of information
either as to the names or qualities of the plants exhi-
bited. Either of the gentlemen named could have
easily supplied the names, and both were present in
the Drill Hall.

At the end of this table was an uncommonly good
collection sent by Mr. Willahd, of Holly Lodge. In
the middle was an enormous example of a foreign
woody Polyporus ; on the right were poisonous species,
and on the left edible ones. These had all been named by
Dr. Cooke, and it was the only collection he could find
time to attend to. Amongst the poisonous species were
some of the best known forms, as Agaricus phalloides,
muscarius, ieruglnosus Mappa, and pantherinus,
Lactarius rufus, piperatus, and vellereus, Russula
drimeia, Boletus felleus, and Scleroderma vulgare (see
fig. 214).

The collection of edible species was very good, and
included Agaricus procerus, rachodes, arvensis, in-
fundibuliformis, vaginatus, and notably a grand col-
lection, with spawn, of elvjnsis, Coprinus comatus,
and atramentarius, Lactarius deliciosus, Craterellus
cornucopioides, Marasmius oreades, Boletus edulis,
and Fistullna hepalica. Amongst the edibles, Dr.
Cooke, who superintended this group, laconically
labelled some " may be eaten," but with what probable
result the Doctor did not venture to say. He said
that Lactarius turpis " may be eaten," but if L. turpis
is an esculent, its specific name should be altered,
If "turpis" really means ugly, foul, and filthy.

There was one other exhibit at the further end of the
hall on the right-hand side (on entering), forwarded by
A. L. Smith, Esq., Silvermere, Cobham. This was a
large and good exhibit, but practically without names.
Dr. Cooke had named a very few, and the others were
mixed, in some instances poisonous and edible in the
same group, as the esculent Boletus edulis with the
poisonous B. felleus. Names might have been easily
supplied, but the all-willing doctor had no time, and
"experts " were a mere myth.

Only two true Mushrooms were exhibited, although
the Horse-Mushroom, confused in some instances in
i the Drill Hall with Agaricus xanthopus, was well re-
presented; some of the exhibitors, notably the last
mentioned, had more or less cut oil' the steins, and by
doing so had mined the examples for instructive
purpoEcs. Many species of botanical interest, as Spa-
, rassis crispa, Paxillus atro tomontosus, were present.
W. <:. 8.

ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTI-
CULTURAL.

We publish the following list of Awards made at the
above Exhibition on September 9, which we were
unable to insert in our last issue :—

Awards of Merit
to Messrs. Dobbie it Co., Rothesay, for Cactus Dahlia
Lucifer, and Fancy Dahlia Wm. Skeldon, and for
Fuchsia R. H. Hennel; to Messrs. J. Grieve <£ Sons,
Pilrig, for Chrysanthemums Janet H. Grieve (white),
and C. J. Cutler Grieve (brown and bronze).

First class Certificate
to Carnation Francis Samuelston, shown by Mr. G.
F. Brotherston, gr., Breckenburgh Hall, Thirsk.

The following Awards were made to Nurserymen and
others for Plants, &c. :—
Gold Medals
to Messrs. Cuninghame, Fraser & Co., Comely Bank,
Edinburgh; Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay; Messrs.
Sander & Co., St. Albans; Messrs. Laing & Mather,
Kelso ; Messrs. Methuen & Sons, Edinburgh ; Messrs.
Todd & Co., Edinburgh ; and to Messrs. R. B. Laird &
Sons, Ltd., Edinburgh.

Silver gilt Medals
to Messrs. Dickson & Co., Waterloo Place, Edinburgh ;
Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Dundee; Mr. John Downie,
Edinburgh ; Messrs. Wm. Thomson & Sons, Cloven-
fords.

Silver Medals
to Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Bath ; Messrs.
Campbell & Sons, Blantyre; Messrs. Jas. Dickson,
& Sons, Edinburgh ; Mr. Henry Eckford, Wem, Salop ;
Mr. John Forbes, Hawick; Messrs. J. Grieve & Sons,
Edinburgh; Mr. Theodore Jannock, Dersingham;
Messrs. A. Lister i Sons, Rothesay ; Mr. Lawrie,
Roselea, Prestwick.

Bronze Medals
to Messrs. Kent & Bjjydon, Darlington ; Mr. J. Rowatt,
for Pentstemons ; Mr. Dutton, Bexley Heath, Kent.

ANCIENT SOCIETY OF YORK
FLORISTS.

Sept. 9.— This old-time Society is showing vigour by
striking out a new venture in the shape of a Dahlia
show. It is hoped the interest shown by the city
residents and others may enable the Committee to
have an annual exhibltiou. They are very favourably
situated in having the use of the very commodious,
well-lighted building in which the Chrysanthemum
show is held.

The President of the Society, Sir Joseph Sykes
Rymer, opened the show about 2 t.m., and congratu-
lated the Committee in having got together such a very
interesting exhibition of Dahlias and other autumn
flowers.

It may here be mentioned that the Society holds
what they term four minor shows each year in the old
Guildhall. No charge for admission is made on these
occasions. The fourth minor show was the stock on
which the Dahlia show was worked.

In the class for a miscellaneous group of foliage and
flowering plants, Mr. Cottam, florist, Cottingham, was
well 1st; 2nd, Rev. G. Yeats, York.

Mr. Cottam was also 1st for a table group of Cactus
Dahlias with any sort of foliage ; Asparagus in variety
was used.

For a table group of Gladioli 6 feet by 4 feet, Messrs.
Harkness & SON, Bedale, was well 1st, with some
splendid spikes of flowers; Mr. W. Hutchinson,
Kirkby Moorside, being 2nd. The same exhibitors
occupied similar positions in the class for a table group
of herbaceous perennials and annuals. Mr. Cottam
was 3rd with a tastefully-arranged table; but the
flowers lacked size, colour, and distinction. The last-
named exhibitor won the prize offered by Messrs.
Kelwat, Langport, for similar quantity of plants, but
confined to those named in their catalogue. Perhaps
the most interesting bit of colour, form, and general
ensemble in the show was that part of It set apart for
annuals in bunches of twelve, six, and three kinds.
This was a good competition, the 1st prize being won
by Mr. W. Hutchinson, with a most excellent exhibit.

DAHLIAS.

For thirty-six flowers, show or fancy distinct, Mr. S.
Mortimer, Farnham, was 1st, his best flowers
being John Hickling, Perfection, F. Mortimer, Archie
Mortimer, William Rawlings, Rosamund, Imperial,
and Arthur Rawlings; 2nd, Messrs. Cray & Sons,
Fromelield; 3rd, Mr. B. Stringer, Cross Gates, with'
Yorkshire grown flowers.

For forty-eight Cactus Dahlias, Mr. W. Baxter,
Woking, Surrey, was 1st; Mr. 8. Mortimeu was a very
close 2nd. His collection lacked the variety in colour
as compared with the first lot, but it had liner
individual flowers. Mr. CLARK, Rodley, Leeds, was 1st
in the class for twenty-four show and fancy vaiieties

distinct, confined to members of the Ancient Society of
York Florists. There was a very fine lot of exhibits
both in the classes for Pompons and singles.

The trade exhibits were in themselves a nice show.
Messrs. Hobbies (John H. Green), Dereham, was
awarded a Gold Medal for a very fine exhibit of Cactus
Dahlias, Tea Roses, Clematis, and Gladioli. Messrs.
R. H. Bath & Sons, and Mr. House, Peterborough, were
awarded Silver Medals — the former for Dahlias.
Gladioli, Phlox (herbaceous); and the latter for a fine
exhibit of hardy perennials in fine variety.

NATIONAL DAHLIA.

September 11, 12.— The National Society held their
Northern show at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Old
Trafford, on the above dates, the grand annexe looking
quite charming with the wealth of colour which the
trade more especially brought together.

Considering the damaging weather there was but
little fault to be found with the blooms, while the
staging in every department was deservedly praised.

Show and Fancy Varieties.
In the open class for thirty-six Show and Fancy, Mr. C.
Turner, Slough was 1st with a capital stand of flowers,
the best of which were Miss Cannell, W. Garrett,
Colonist, Maud Fellows, J. Walker, R. T. Rawlings,
Mrs. Langtry, Merlin Warrior, J. T. West, Arthur
Ocock, Duchess of Albany, and Arthur Rawlings ; Mr.
S. Mortimer, 2nd, with good blooms of 3. Mortimer,
Clara, J. B. Service, and A. Pearce; 3rd, Mr. J. Smellie,
Busby.

Twenty-four distinct Show and Fancy.— 1st, Mr. M. V.
Seale, Sevenoaks, with a splendid stand consisting of
Gracchus, Reliance, Mabel Stanton. Daniel Cornish,
Jno. Hickling, Jno. NicholsOD, Harry Keith, 8.
Mortimer, Wm. Powell, Warrior, and A. Rawlings.

Twelve distinct Show and Fancy. — Messrs. J. Cheal &
Sons, Crawley, were 1st with large, finely-formed
flowers of Maud Fellows, Dr. Keynes, Mrs, Gladstone,
Wm. Rawlings, Florence Tranter, and Arthur Ocock ;
2nd, Mr. T. Jones, Bryn Penylan, Ruabon.

Cactus Dahlias.

These were in superior condition throughout and
created no small attention, the class for twelve
varieties in bunches of six blooms bringing forth
severe competition. Mr. Stredwick, Silverhill Park.
St. Leonards, was 1st, with a stand faultless in every
respect; Mrs. Mawley, O. Twist, H. J. Jones, Mrs. J. W.
Wilkinson, Columbia, F. Stredwick, Mrs. H. L. Bronis-
son, Rainbow, Ella Kru'mer, Falcon, Comet, Osprey,
were the varieties. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.
followed closely ; 3rd, Messrs. Cheal.

For twenty-four blooms distinct. — Messrs. Keynes,
Williams <Si Co. somewhat easily took the position ;
Ianthe, Mrs. H. J. Jones, Winonie, Raymond Park,
James Bryant, Khaki, Minnie West, and Reliance were
all admirable. 2nd, Mr. J. Smellie ; 3rd, Mr. W.
Treseder.

For twelve varieties, lix blooms of each, arranged in
vases, with any suitable foliage, grasses, or berries, the
quality of the blooms being the first consideration.— A
decisive victory was gained by Mr. Seale, who had
magnificent flowers of J. W. Tullock, Ajax, Jno. Burn,
and Gabriel ; the decorative portion was admirably
carried out with grasses, tinted foliage, and berries in
variety. Messrs. Keynes, Williams &. Co. were 2nd;
and Mr. W. Treseder, 3rd.

Pompons.
This pretty type of Dahlia was well represented ;
Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was 1st with E. Hopper,
Bacchus, Daisy, Silvio, Darkest-of-All, and Nerissa in
superb condition. Mr. M. V. Seale, 2nd; 3rd, Messrs.
Keynes, Williams & Co.

Single flowered Dahlias.
As in the previous class, these consisted of twelve
varieties in bunches of ten, and the blooms staged by
Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons were excellent, the best
being Vesuvius, Amos Perry, Miss Morland, Victoria,
and Columbus ; Mr. M. Y. Seale was 2nd, with small
flowers, neat and of good colour.

Amateurs.

This section has been seen to belter advantage, but
many of the show and fancy varieties were of very high
quality. Mr. T. Jones, Ruabon, gained honours for
eighteen blooms, with Perfection, Mrs. W. Slack, Mrs.
Langtry, 8. Mortimer, and Mabel Stanton ; 2nd and 3rd,
Messrs. E. T. Matthews and T. Shawcboss. The latter
exhibitors were well to the fore in many other classes.
For twelve blooms distinct, 1st, J. Filling, Hyde.

The new seedlings which received Certificates were
Rainbow, rich rose colour; Comet, a flower of Uie
deepest mauve, striped crimson ; Hereward, cream
coloured, splashed with violet; Georgo Gordon, light
yellow; and Mary, a red-and-wbite pompon Cactus.

Trade Exhibits.
The trade was represented by Messrs. Dohiiir A Co.,
Rothesay, who showed a table «u feet long, handsomely

210

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 19, 1903.

arranged with fine herbaceous perennial and florists'
flowers. Their Dahlias too formed a groat feature
(Silver-gilt Medal).

Messrs. Hobbies, Ltd., showed an artistically arched
background with Smilax trailing over the arches ; also
pyramids of Roses, including the new Dorothy Perkins
and Souvenir de P. Notting, and many new varieties of
Dahlias (Large Gold Medal)

Messrs. J. H. White & Son, Worcester, had also a
heavy stand of herbaceous perennials, florists, and
other out-of-doors fl owers. The Tomato White's Majestic
is rightly named, seven fruits weighing together 3j lb.
(Gold Medal).

A novel idei came from Messrs. Dickson & Robin-
son, Manchester, who filled a very large space with
fully-developed Lettuces bedded-out. They were excel
lent, and created no little curiosity. We name the
finest varieties in our report of the Drill Hall meeting
on Tuesday last. They had besides a fine display of
Gladioli and Dahlias (Large Gold Medal).

Mr. J no. Robson took the Gold Medal fpr a choice
collection of perennial herbaceous plants and flowers,
and a Silver-gilt Medal for a collection of Dahlias,
arranged effectively (Silver gilt Medal).

Messrs. Dickson, Bhown, & Tait staged seventy
dishes of Toraatos in fifty varieties ; Queen Alexandra
(an enormous cropper, new), Crimson King. Invincible,
and Early Empress were conspicuous (Gold Medal).

Messrs. Dicksons, Ltd., Chester, were awarded a
Silver Medal ; Mr. A. J. A. Bbuce, Chorlton eura-
Hardy, a Silver gilt Medal; and Mr. W. L. Pattison,
Nottingham, a small Silver Medal).

Messrs. Edwards & Sons, Nottingham, had their
Edwardia ware in many varieties.

Mr. Weathers was, as usual, most courteous to all
visitors and exhibitors.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL
BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT.

At the recent monthly Committee Meeting, four new
members were elected, and four were reported on the
Sick Fund.

The Annual Dinner will be held at the Holborn
Restaurant, on Tuesday, October 27 next, at 6.3J p.m.,
when Mr. Peter Barr, V.M.H., has kindly consented to
preside. The Committee hope that all members and
friends who can attend will do so.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

September 21.— The first meeting of the Floral Com-
mittee of the above Society will take place on the above
date in the Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand. This is
the first of three meetings arranged to be held in Essex
Hall, the succeeding two being on October 25 and
November 23, both at 3 p.m.

The remainder of the meetings of the Floral Com-
mittee will take place at the Crystal Palace on the dates
fixed for the usual three exhibitions, viz , October 6,
November 10, and December 8. On these three oc
casions the meetings will be at 1 p m. The first meet-
ing of the Executive Committee of the Society will be
held at 7 p m. on the 31st inst. at the old business
quarters of the Society, Carr's Restaurant, 26.r>, Strand.

brrcjpondcnti

%* Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
literary department, and all plants to be named,
should be directed to the Editor. The two
departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

Asters from Germany : M. Roemer. We regret
that the Asters were crushed and quite
withered.

Beech Bark Covered with a 'White Woolly
Coat : No letter, in Tin Box. This covering is
not a fungu3, but is deposited by the Beech
aphis, Chermes fagi. It is often associated
with Nectria ditissinia, which under these
circumstances brings about the destruction of
the cortex, but does not cause canker. If the
tree is not very large you might wash all
affected pai'ts with petroleum emulsion.

Belvoir Castle : P. 0. This place is situated
in Leicestershire.

Berried Shrub, &c : J. K. R. Crataegus Le-
landi. The herb sent is not Tarragon. The
Melon leaves are infected with a fungus
Cercospora Melonis, often mentioned in the
Gardeners' Chronicle this year.

Books : D. E. Villa Gardening, by E. Hobday
published by Macmillan, would suit your
purpose well.

Carnation Seedling : H. Elliott. The flower
you have named Pride of Hurst appears to
possess much merit. The rose colour is clear
and good, the petals full and round, and the
calyx remains unbroken. We hope the habit of
growth of the plant is satisfactory.

Chrysanthemum Pest : Thos. Watmore. Antho-
coris nemorum, Linn., in all stages. It is one
of the plant-bugs, and, like the plant-lice,
pierces the cuticle to feed upon the juices of the
plant, causing injury by parching up the leaves
and flowers, or covering them with blotches.
The most successful way of destroying these
pernicious pests is by jarring the plants over a
piece of tarred canvas. Keep your plants well
in the open, and away from any other kind of
vegetation. Other plants harbour the bugs.
R. N.

Cinerarias Diseased: W. Tea. The leaves are
attacked by mildew, and they should be syringed,
laying the plants on their sides, with sulphide
of potassium ^ oz., water 1 gallon, repeating
this weekly for a month. Clear out the frame
or pit, and afford it a good sulphuring by
igniting some rags dipped in melted sulphur,
being careful not to let the fumes come into
contact with any living plant.

Clubbing in Brassicas : E. Reed. We are
unable to republish the entire note on this
subject that appeared on p, 94 of our issue for
February 7 last as you suggest, but we will
give thechief points of Mr. Massee's remarks :—
" The germs are hungered out if the soil is kept
free from Crucifers, cultivated or wild, for
four years, their exit being hastened by the
use of (quick) lime. If the growing of
Brassicas cannot be postponed for so long a
time, as much quicklime as is compatible with
the healthy growth of the plants should be
intimately mixed with the soil to the depth of
G to 8 inches. If gas-lime be used, lay it on
the land 1 inch thick, letting it remain for
four weeks and tnen pointing it in. No plant-
ing should be done for six weeks. This appli-
cation of quick -lime or gas-lime should take
place in the winter. Plants are mostly attacked
in the first six weeks of their existence, and
those that escape for that period do not, as a
rule, become diseased on being planted on
infected soil ! Shepherd's Purse should be
carefully weeded out. The fungus could not
cross a narrow garden path, but could be easily
transmitted by garden tools or the workman's
boots." The issue in which the note appeared
was that for February 7, 1903, p. 94, and may
be obtained from the Publisher.

Fern Fronds Browned: C. G. The Fern fronds
have been attacked by thrips, and probably the
nature of the glass on the roof and the lack of
shading may have contributed to the damage,
as you suggest.

Ifomcsas Leari and rubro-ccerulea : J. S. H.
I. Leari has flowers that vary in tint from
lilac to dark purple, whereas those of I. rubro-
ccerulea, which are more than 3 inches across,
are red, blue, or purple. Leaves membran-
aceous, much veined ; short acuminate ; pedun-
cle fleshy ; three to four flowered ; flowers 3 to 4
inches wide, the tube and limb of which are
red before expanding finally purple or China
blue. There are a blue and a white form. I.
rubro-ccerulea is a greenhouse climber, growing
9 feet high. I. Leari is rather shrubby at first
and requires the heat of a stove or interme-
diate-house for its successful cultivation. The
flowers you sent packed in cotton-wool arrived in
a woeful condition, and were practically useless.
We are not surprised that your nurseryman
sent you the wrong plant, the names being
much mixed. The leaves (three-lobed) sent as
those of I. Leari appeared to be right.

Medical Attendance : K. W. G. The gardener
is classed as a domestic at law in so far as
regards the Servants' Tax and notice to quit
service, but he is not on the same footing as
the indoor domestic as regards medical attend-
ance in case of illness; amd although we have
known cases in which the employer has gener-
ously paid his gardener's doctor's bills, but
such payment is a matter of favour, not a right
that can be enforced. The young gardeners who
may be living in a bothy are in some gardens
allowed medical attendance free of cost.

Microscope for Botanical Purposes : J. C.
The price runs from £5 to ,£50.

Muscat of Alexandria Grapes Diseased:
E. Seymour. The fruits are suffering from
infestation by the so-called "spot" fungus,
Glajosporium ampelophagum, for which there
is no known cure. For a description and figure
of this fungus see Gardeners' Chronicle, July 8,
1893, p. 33. The fungus attacks the leaves and
soft growth as well as the fruits, and springs
from within, the thread-like mycelium having
punctured the epidermis, the spores exuding
and forming a crust on the surface. Flowera-
of-sulphur and finely-powdered lime may be
used against it. Dew, rain and syringing
wash the spores about and help' to spread the
fungus.

Names of Fruits : F. B. 1, Worcester Pear-
main ; 2, Byford Wonder; 3, Stirling Castle j

4, Warner's King ; 5, Lane's Prince Albert ; 6,
Lord Suffield— E. Burnham. Tour Apple under
the name of " Old Man " we should say is a
local variety. In our opinion it has little to
recommend it when compared with the fine
sorts now in commerce. — H. W. Worcester
Pearmain.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
Constant Reader. ' Corydalis lutea, South
European, but long naturalised in this country.
X T., Southend. A species of Basella ; send
matured shoots together with flowers. —
P. T. W. Z. Nephrodium setigerum (Baker)
var. cristatum (Hort.). — C. W. Strickland.
Platanus orien talis (typical Oriental Plane). —
C. 0. Quercus alba.— A. M. 1, Sedum acre ; 2,
Eupatorium maculatum ; 3, Ligustrum japoni-
cum ; 4, Kuscus aculeatus ; 5 and 6, Ligustrum
japonicum. — J. M., Nottingham. 1, Oncidium
carthaginense ; 2, Masdevallia coccineaj 3,'
Davallia Tyermanii; 4, Phrynium jucundumj

5, Lastrasa aristata variegata; 6, Doodia
lunulata; 7, Doodia aspera. — H. C. 1, speci-
men immature. Cannot be named from leaves
only ; 2, Tanacetum vulgare crispum ; 3,
Saponaria officinalis flore pleno ; 4, Monarda
didyma. — C. G. 1, Nothochlaena tenera.

National Chrysanthemum Society's Cata-
logue : T. W. Apply to the Secretary, Mr. E.
Dean, Banelagh Road, Ealing, W.

Phal/enopsis Recently Imported : A. K.
Anderson. Suspend them in a warm moist
house of ordinary stove-house temperature,
lightly syringing them morning and afternoon.
On showing signs of rooting and growing put
them in small pans or baskets and suspend
them in the same house, using sphagnum-moss
as a potting material.

Scleroderma vulgare (False Truffle):
T. Edwards. Sometimes used in pate de foit
gras instead of the true Truffle. It is not very
wholesome (see fig. 84).

Written Notice of Dismissal : Anxious. We
think that as the notice reached you, although
it was not put into your hands, you are bound
to take it as a sufficient notice.

I

Communications Received — C S. & Co., Ltd. (we will
endeavour to do so)— F. W. B — D McD.— B A Sons-
W. P.— H. W. W.-W. L B -B. A — W. P.— W. H. R. &
Son, Ltd.— A. M.-E. M.— G. Wythes— W. M.-Albus-
P. W. T.-R. J. A.— W. J. M.— F. G G.-G. H. H.-A H.
— T. H. S— Tweed-W. Baylor H.— Orchid-E. R —
Howden i Co. -J. C & Sons-J. R. J— H. S.-R. D.-
Expert — Dr. B. — Baron Schroeder — Mewsbrook—
A. Perry-E. H. M.— B. L. C. — E. 9.- W. E. B.-
Coniferre-F. G.-V. N. G. & Co.— The Rambler.

(.For Markets and Weather, see p. x.)

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle.''

View in the Gardens of Horace Barry, Esq., Home Place. Limpsfield.

September 2G, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

217

THE

(garters' (jpmmklt

No. 874.— SATURDAY, SEPT. 2G, 1903.

CONTENTS.

22S

Obituary—

Beswiek, John

231

228

Smith, James 229

231

2iS

Parks and gardens of

the Metropolis

225

Philadelphus mexica-

231

nus

218

Publications received

226

216

Rose, the thornless ...

139

Rotterdam

2?0

229

Scientific Committee .
Societies—

229

228

Derby Horticultural

2?0

219

London Dahlia

s:-o

Union

23(1

224

Manchester Orchid

230

229

National Chrysan-

themum ... 225

Z31

221

North London

228

Dahlia

3rn

229

Storm in South Cork

228

225

Varieties of cultivated

225

plants wearing out .
Vegetable products of

217

227

the West Indies

225

229

Vegetables, hints to

2iS

exhibitors of
Vegetables, improve-

220

228

ments in

Week's Work, the—

231

226

Apiary, the

223

Flower-garden, the

223

Fruits under glass...

223

aat>

Hardy fruit garden

223

Kitchen garden, the

223

Orchid-houses, the .

223

221

Plants under glass .

233

229

Wythes, Mr. George...
Zygopetalum x Koe-

219

219

blingianum

227

Apples, late-flowering

Apples, second flower-
ing of

Bamboos, flowering...

Book notice —
Ihe scale insects of
1 lie Lesser Au lilies

British Association,
the

Cactus Dahlias, exhi-
biting

Champion Grape class
at Shrewsbury

Cornus aurea Spathi .

Cotton in the West
Indies

Coriariaruscifoiia ...

County instruction
gardens at Hasbury

Crocus Scharojani ...

Erica Burnetti

Flowers in season ...

Frosts in Scotland ...

Gardeners' reception
and dinner ... 221,

Grapes, Sultanieh ...

Greenwich Park

Humea elegans in
Peach-houses

Humphreys, Mr.
Thomas

Hybridisation of Or-
chids, recent experi-
ments on the

Latham, Mr. W. B.,
complimentary
dinner to

Lupin " Somerset " ...

Molyneux, Mr.
Edwin

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Conservatory in the Rotterdam Zoological Gardens

(Supplement)

Molyneux, Mr. Edwin, portrait of 219

Philadelphus mexicanus 318

Smith, portrait of the late James 211

Wythes, Mr. George, portrait of 219

Youths at work in the County Instruction Gardens

at Hasbury 221

2ygopetalum x Roeblingianum 227

DO VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED

PLANTS WEAK OUT?
fT^HE opinion that any variety of plant
J- which is continually propagated
asexually by buds or cuttings must in the
course of time deteriorate is very generally
held, though it is not always easy to gather
the evidence in its favour. The deteriora-
tion is sometimes supposed to be one of
quality — if a flower it falls off in size or in
character, if in a fruit the flavour is affected ;
but the more general opinion is that the
constitution of the race gets weaker, and the
stock becomes delicate and more susceptible
to disease. Amongst gardeners the most
commonly quoted example is the " Kibston
Pippin " Apple, which is to-day notoriously
liable to canker on any but the kindliest
soils ; again the West Indian varieties of
Sugar-cane are supposed to have become
more liable to fungoid disease and less
productive through their continuous propa-
gation from stools.

The first man to give expression to the
idea that varieties deteriorate with age
seems to have been T. A. Knight, who found
a difficulty in re-establishing healthy stock
of several of the Apples he found as old trees
in the Herefordshire orchards, even when
grafted upon fresh stocks, and so came to

the conclusion that those particular races
were aged and worn out. Since all the asexu-
ally reproduced examples of a given variety
must be considered as only parts of the
original seedling, Knight suggested that
each individual possesses a limit of age ; and
the various parts of it, however multiplied
and scattered, must approach that limit
simultaneously.

Darwin is often considered to have lent
the weight of his judgment to the support
of the same idea ; but the only passage we
have been able to find is hardly apposite —
" Several distinguished botanists and good
practical judges believe that long-continued
propagation of cuttings, runners, bulbs, &c,
independent of any excessive development
of those parts, is the cause of many plants
failing to produce flowers or producing only
barren flowers — it is as if they had lost the
habit of sexual generation. That many
plants when thus propagated are sterile
there can be no doubt, but as to whether the
long continuance of this form of propaga-
tion is the actual cause of their sterility I
will not venture, from want of sufficient
evidence, to express an opinion." *

Long prior to this, in 1845, Lindley had
discussed the same opinion, and pronounced
against Knight's view, but as the matter
is one of considerable practical import-
ance, it may be well to review the evidence
that is now available, especially as it
may lead men with long experience of par-
ticular plants to put forward other cases
with which they may be acquainted, and so
provide material for a sound judgment.

At the outset it should be remembered
that no argument can be founded upon the
disappearance of varieties, famous in their
day, from our shows or catalogues ; in all
directions the progress of horticulture has
been so rapid that an old variety soon
becomes outclassed and displaced by a
new introduction which is in some respect
a " beat " upon the old favourite. The
persistence of an old variety possessed
of sufficient quality to remain unexcelled
by the rising competitors is, however, a
case in point ; what is wanted is evidence
that the old variety, while the habit of the
fruit or flower is unimpaired, retains or
loses its constitutional vigour.

Again, we must exclude from our con-
sideration the well-known vigour and flush
of growth which characterises all seedlings,
especially hybrids and wide cross-breeds,
in the first year or two of their existence.
From other points of view a seedling is
somewhat unstable, and does not always
show its true properties at first. The ques-
tion is whether when once the seedling has
settled down to its normal condition it can
retain that character unimpaired by age and
continuous asexual reproduction.

The case of the Ribston Pippin has already
been cited ; undoubtedly this variety pos-
sesses an indifferent constitution to-day;
but was it ever otherwise ? The earliest
notices we have been able to find of the
Ribston Pippin all speak of it as liable to
canker, and a shy bearer on many kinds of
soils. Knight quotes the Golden Pippin
Apple as one that had become weak, and
which he was unable to rejuvenate by
grafting on to young stocks, but in 1845
Lindley declared that the Golden Pippin

* Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication,
second edition, 186... Vol. II , p. 163.

returned to England from France in a
vigorous condition ; nor would it be difficult
to find this Apple flourishing in the West
Country at the present time. Per contra,
Apples are still grown, like the Old Non-
pareil and the Catshead, which run back to
Elizabethan times, as far at least as can be
decided from description and name in our
earliest books on fruits. Among Grapes not
only are many of our house varieties of
great age, but there seems no break in the
cultivation of some of the wine Grapes from
Roman times to the present time, Colu-
mella's Vitis prsecox being identified with
the Morillon noir hatif, or early black July
Grape. Roses have undergone greater change,
the constant introduction of newer varieties
having swamped most of the old ones ; still,
all the Banksian Roses must be derived from
Kerr and Fortune's introductions in 1807 and
1824, and the copper and yellow - flowered
Briars were introduced by Gerard in 1596.
Apples, Grapes, and Roses are however long-
lived individuals, so that the wearing out of
the race may be a very slow process ; but can
any different evidence be derived from her-
baceous perennial plants whose duration is
presumably shorter? Lindley quotes the case
of the Jerusalem Artichoke, which, as it
never perfects seed in this country, must
have been reproduced by tubers since its
introduction in 1617.

Among florists' flowers the Tulip possesses
perhaps the most thoroughly recorded
history, and several are still to be found in
our collections that are well over a hundred
years old. "La Vandicken " appears in
a catalogue of 1772, and was shown in good
style at the Northern Tulip Show this year;
it is certainly a poor grower, but this appears
to have been its character from the first.
"San Josef" and " Heroine," or "Triomphe
Royale," were well known in 1798, and are
vigorous enough and in good character to-
day, though of Heroine, Mr. Bentley writes
in his descriptive catalogue, "Age appears
to be telling, and good feathered examples
are scarcer every year." " Count," or" Conite
de Vergennes"has been grown in this country
for more than 130 years, and is a sturdy
grower, still shown, despite the faults which
have always characterised it. But notwith-
standing these and other examples of long-
evity which might be quoted, there is a
general feeling that Tulips eventually lose
their character; as Mr. Bentley says in an-
other place, "Like many other old kinds,
it seems to have lost its refinement, and
blooms in a muddled flamed condition."

Among fancy Carnations "Admiral Cur-
zon " (Scarlet Bizarre) is recorded to have
first bloomed in 1844, and though it ha9
never been a particularly strong grower, it
has been practically at the head of its class
for fifty years, and even now it has only one
competitor in " Robert Houlgrave " for the
premier position. In this case there is no
evidence of loss of either quality or vigour,
the latter never very great. There are one or
two Auriculas which possess even a longer
history; Page's "Champion" is figured in
Sweet's .Florist's Guide in 1827, and mentioned
in Hogg's Manual in 1824; it is still one of
the best among green-edges, and though a
poor grower it seems always to have
possessed that characteristic. Lancashire's
"Hero" is another flower still shown, which
was at the head of its class in the forties,
and here again there is nothing to show

218

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[SEPTEMBEK 26, 1903.

deterioration or weakening of constitution.
Of other florists' flowers, Chrysanthemums
have been subjected to such rapid improve-
ment that there has been no chance of the
survival of the older varieties, and the same
may be said of Dahlias.

In the Potato we have a good example of
a plant propagated asexually on a very large
scale, one also where for commercial reasons
the vigour and quality of the variety is
carefully watched, and here we can find very
distinct evidence of deterioration with age.
To quote from Mr. W. J. Maiden's article on
" Potato-growing " in the Journal of the
Board of Agriculture for March, 1903: "A
variety may start its career with a high
standard in all . . . features, but in course

it suffers no further deterioration, other
than the tendency which so susceptible a
plant as the Potato seems to possess of
accumulating the germs of disease, carried
forward until it becomes difficult to obtain
healthy tubers.

Reviewing the whole of the evidence at
our disposal, the general conclusion would
seem to be adverse to the opinion that
varieties deteriorate with age and become
worn out ; so many positive cases can be
produced of their persistence, even among
short-lived plants, while the steady dis-
appearance of old sorts may be accounted
for by their gradual supersession by new
introductions of greater merit either in
quality or in constitution. But it is very

or wax-like, white, turning to yellow or ivory-white
with age. The flowering branches are slender, and
2 to 3 feet long, and form an elegant wreath-like
appearance as they hang from the, bush, being
borne downwards by the weight of the flowers.
Our sketch (fig. 89) was made from specimens
obtained from a large and spreading shrub, 14 feet
high, growing on the wall of the fruit and kitchen
garden at Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow, where so
many half-hardy trees and shrubs thrive so well.
Some idea of the genial climate of that part of
the country may be formed by the fact that the
Carob, Ceratonia seliqua, grows into a large bush
14 feet high, and much more in breadth or diameter,
on the opposite wall of the same enclosed garden.
Although probably not hardy in all soils and
localities, this distinct and handsome Mexican
" Mock Orange " i3 worth a sheltered and half-

FlG. 89.— PHILADELPHIA MEXICANUS.
(From a Water-colour Sketch by F. W. Burbidge, V.M.H. Two-thirds natural size.)

of years one or all of these features dete-
riorate, so that it is no longer profitable to
grow. . . . The deterioration of all varie-
ties renders it imperative that new varieties
be introduced. ... A bad feature of many
of these worn-out varieties is that they
readily succumb to disease. As the profit-
able career of a Potato is of short duration,''
&c.

But from careful inquiry we are inclined
to believe that the features which charac-
terise a new variety of Potato and render it
so desirable to the market-grower for a few
years only, consist in nothing more than the
flush of vigour, generally associated with a
certain instability of character and sportive-
ness, which we have already noted as
belonging to any seedling. After a certain
time the variety settles down to its environ-
ment, and, as may be judged from the many
really old sorts still cultivated in gardens,

desirable that men whose experience with
particular plants extends over a long period
should put on record any definite cases
bearing on the point. A.D. H.

PHILADELPHUS MEXICANUS.
According to Nicholson, in the Supplement to
the Dictionary of Gardening, P. mexicana is of
comparatively modern introduction. Originally
it appears to have been introduced from Mexico
in 1839, and again in 1898. It is the largest-
flowered of all the Philadelphus. The plant has
solitary, axillary flowers, and being somewhat
tender on cold soils and in exposed situations, it
is far less common than are the more hardy
American and Japanese species. The leaves on
flowering shoots are smaller than those of other
species, except perhaps those of P. hirsutus, and
those of its hybrids are of a dark-green colour, and
the flowers are 1 to l.J inch across, very massive

shaded position in gardens near the sea ; and of
course it may be expected to succeed in the
south and south-west of England and Ireland, or
in the genial west of Scotland, where many other
half-hardy exotic shrubs also do well.

There is a variety of P. mexicanus, called P. m.
Coulteri, introduced, it is said in Nicholson's
Supplement as recently as 1888 ; but probably this
is a mistake, as the shrub has existed for many
years in old Irish gardens, where it is known as
the "Rose Syringa." It forms a wall shrub
of very erect habit of growth, and rarely
flowers except during or after very hot summers.
Like the type its flowers are solitary, deliciously
perfumed, something like a blend of Orange
flowers and Roses, and it differs from all other
species or varieties of Philadelphus inasmuch as
each of its four white petals have a purplish
blotch at its base, which contrasts well with the
central tuft of golden or yellow stamens.

In connection with the popular name of " Rose
Syringa," as used in Ireland, it is curious to find

Septembeb 26, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

219

that Hernandez, Nov. Plant. Mexico, Src, Vol. IV.,
chapter 10, on p. 107, compares the habits of the
plant (P. mexicanus) with the Musk Eose,
and he says, moreover, that a sweet and
agreeable essence is distilled from its flowers.
Hooker, in Botanical Magazine, vol. 124 (= 3rd
series, Vol. 54), says that P. mexicanus is scarcely
distinguishable from solitary flowered specimens
of P. grandiflorus, Willi, Botanical Register,
t. 570, except by its scented flowers, but observes
that P. grandiflorus is a native of the Eastern
United States, from Virginia southwards. P.
mexicanus was collected by Hartweg, and reared
in the Chiswick Gardens of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society about the year 1835. Lindley
figured it there in 1842 from a plant 2 feet high
only, and having smaller leaves and flowers than
native specimens or the Kew plant shows. Hooker
further says that the plant appears to be common
in Mexico from north to south, growing wild in
hedges at elevations of 0,000 to 8,000 feet in
Oaxaca and about the city of Mexico. It was
also collected in Guatemala, in the department of

Me. EDWIN MOLYNEUX.

Quiche, at an altitude of 0,000 feet, by Mr. J.
Donnell Smith and others. Schleehtendal con-
sidered P. mexicanus to be the Acuiloth or
climbing aquatic shrub of Hernandez, who figured
it and alludes to it as growing in wet places, and
either creeping on the ground or as scrambling
up trees. " At Kew Gardens, P. mexicanus is
trained on the south wall of the Orchid house,
where it flowers freely annually in June, but it is
not hardy" (Hooker). The perfume is so deli-
ciously aromatic that the plant might be worth
the attention of the cultivators of perfume in
South France and elsewhere. Other remarks
about this species will be found in the Gardeners'
■ Chronicle, 1883, vol. i. (new series), p. 753.
F. W. Burbidge.

MR. EDWIN MOLYNEUX, V.M.H.

There are few better known men among
gardeners than Mr. Edwin Molyneux, formerly
gardener to W. H. Myers, Esq., Swanmore Park,
Bishop's Waltham, and now steward to the same
gentleman at the same place. Mr. Molyneux 's
fame rests primarily upon his successes during
many years in the cultivation and exhibition of
Chrysanthemums. What Chrysanthemum grower
is there but has read Molyneux's Chrysanthemums?
But Mr. Molyneux's experience is not limited to
the growing of Chrysanthemums, and we have
the pleasure to publish his portrait for the first
time in the Gardeners' Chronicle in connection
with the exhibition of vegetables to be held next
week at < Ihiswick. Many years ago Mr. Molyneux
exhibited vegetables for competition, and during

all the subsequent years he has been called upon
frequently to judge the produce of others, hence
the hints to exhibitors he has written on p. 220
will be helpful to beginners. The following par-
ticulars of Mr. Molyneux's career are given in
his own words : —

" Born at Sproxton, near Helmsley, Yorkshire, I
commenced my gardening career at Stillington
Hall, l'ork, where I stayed seven years, getting
a thorough grounding in all departments of a
general good garden, where no department " was
neglected for the sake of giving greater attention
to another. The next two years I spent under
Mr. Campbell at Sutton Hall, near Y'ork, where
the cultivation of fruit-trees, kitchen and flower
gardening were the main features. After this a
short time was spent in Messrs. Backhouse's
nurseries in York, and from there I went to Tong
Hall, near Leeds, a garden especially noted for
Pineapple culture. After making a brief stay
there I went to Messrs. F. & A. Dicksons, Chester,
who sent me to Major Walter's garden near
Birkenhead as foreman, where I stayed three years.
Grapes, bulbous plants, especially Hyacinths,
Tulips, &c, were exhibited frequently and suc-
cessfully from these gardens at the shows of the
Royal Botanic Society in Liverpool. From there
I removed to a small place at Eock Ferry, taking
full charge, and won many prizes for exhibits of
fruit, especially Grapes, at Liverpool, Manchester,
Birkenhead, &c. Here I stayed two years, and
then moved to Camp Hill, Woolton, Liverpool,
where I remained nearly two years with the father
of my present employer, who afterwards bought
Swanmore Park, to which place I removed in
September, 1878.

" All the houses were rebuilt, and an entirely
new garden was formed, to which additions have
been made at several times. The garden is what
is known as a general one, and all departments
are given equal attention. Perhaps the principal
features are Chrysanthemums, Grapes, vegetables,
hardy plants, shrubs, tree9, and lately Eoses.
Through the great kindness of my employer,
who is passionately fond of gardening in all its
phases, I have been permitted to hold the privilege
of membership of one of the Eoyal Horticul-
tural Society's Committees formany years."

Mr. Molyneux was awarded a Victorian Medal
of Honour in Horticulture at the time of the
initiation of the Medal in 1897. His knowledge
of practical gardening and horticultural exhibi-
tions is unusually extensive.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

COENUS AUEEAJSPATHI.

The subject of this note forms a very desirable
and effective shrub associated with others, or as a
solitary specimen on a lawn, the beautiful soft-
yellow tint of the foliage forming a striking and
pleasing contrast to the surrounding green-leaved
plants. To form specimen bushes, the plants
from the earliest stage should be cut into shape
annually in the autumn, when they have shed
their leaves. The shoots, trimmed off from 12 to
18 inches in length, may then be inserted 4 or
5 inches deep in any kind of soil, but preferably
in a sandy loam, in rows from |15 to IS inches
apart, and at about 9 inches in the rows. Cuttings
thus treated will root in due time and make
useful plants the following year, ready for
transplanting after the fall of the leaf.

Other good varieties of the Dogwood are C.
alba, which attains to from 5 to 10 feet in height,
according to quality of soil and elimatical con-
ditions— it has deep red bark, oblong leaves,
and white flowers; C. aurea elegantissima tricolor
fol. variegatis (Silver-striped), and C. sanguinea
(common Dogwood), and one of the most
effective of our native shrubs. The bark of
the young shoots being bright red, the flowers

white, and the fruit purple, renders it a very
telling and desirable subject to be included in all
shrubbery borders, and also to be planted in
irregular clumps on the verge of woods, on either
side carriage-drives, &c. All the species of Dog-
wood are easily rooted, robust growers, and more
or less telling in effect, and therefore should be
more generally and extensively grown than they
now appear to be. H. W. W.

Mr. GEO. WYTHES, V.M.H.

In affording our readers a portrait of Mr.
George Wythes, head gardener to the Duke of
Northumberland, Syon House, Brentford, he
may be described as a typical out - of - doors
gardener. Although being at Syon, he is charged
with the care of one of the largest conservatories
in England, and with a large number of other

■

Mb. GEORGE WYTHES.

plant and fruit-houses, the natural bent of
the man is to take the greater interest in
the vegetable and fruit gardens, and in the
pleasure-grounds and arboretum. Few gardeners
have been awarded a greater number of medals
by the Royal Horticultural Society for exhibits
of vegetables, fruits, and plants which were con-
tributed some years ago from the Syon gardens.
He holds two Gold Medals at least for very
complete collections of vegetables staged at the
Drill Hall. This fact alone should be sufficient
to stamp Mr. Wythes as a vegetable specialist ;
but his interest in vegetables has led him further
than mere cultivation, he having raised many new
varieties of Potatos, Cabbages, Vegetable Marrows,
Artichokes, &c. ; and of fruits, several good varie-
ties of Melon. Most of these have been recog-
nised by the Fruit and Vegetable Committee of
the Eoyal Horticultural Society, and have been
distributed through the trade to gardens over the
country.

Mr. Wythes lias a note upon " Improvement in
Vegetables" on p. 221, and in our next issue he
will have something to say about certain new
varieties. For many years Mr. Wythes has been
an active member of the Eoyal Horticultural
Society's Fruit Committee, and was one of the
original " sixty " gardeners awarded the Victoria
Medal of Honour in Horticulture in L897. Jlr.
Wythes has been at Syon for the past seventeen
years, having succeeded the late Mr. Woodbridge,
and was formerly gardener to the lute Lord

220

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[September 26, 1903.

Hatherton, of Teddesley Hall, Staffordshire, in
whose garden he effected many improvements in
a comparatively short term of service. Previous
to that Mr. Wythes had experience in many
establishments as journeyman, foreman, and
head gardener.

HINTS TO EXHIBITOKS
VEGETABLES.

OF

No one will deny that this has been a good
season generally for the growth of vegetables.
The rainfall may have been excessive for crops
growing in heavy retentive soils, but it has been
very helpful in others of a lighter nature, and
especially where the soil is shallow or rests upon a
gravelly sub-soil. Vegetables possessing a con-
siderable degree of perfection have been exhibited,
especially by cottagers and amateurs. Now that
Shrewsbury is past, the attention of the Vegetable
world is centred on the exhibition to be held at
Chiswick on the 29th inst., which it is hoped
will be better of its kind than any hitherto held.
Here we shall expect to see many of the
champions enter in friendly rivalry for the Blue
Ribbon of vegetable cultivation.

A hint or two to those who have not had much
experience in exhibiting may possess interest and
be of some use to them. I need hardly say I do not
intend these notes for such well-known exhibitors
as Messrs. Beckett, Gibson, Bastin, Bowerman,
&c, but merely for the beginner.

Selection of the various specimens is a point on
which many beginners err. They are apt to
attach too much importance to mere size. I
do not deprecate size in vegetables entirely. In
some kinds of vegetables considerable size is an
absolute necessity for the attainment of high
quality, while in otherkinds size isa serious demerit.
Extreme size in Potatos, Cauliflowers, Cabbages,
Vegetable - Marrows, Beet, Carrots, Turnips,
Mushrooms, Cucumbers and Lettuce is detri-
mental to appearance and to good quality, and
offends good taste. Judges are not at all likely
to encourage the exhibition of such produce by
awarding first prizes.

In the case of Onions, Peas, Tomatos [? Ed.],
Parsnips, Celery and Leeks, size is an advantage
if it is accompanied, as it should be, with sym-
metry of outline and freedom from blemish of
any sort. No one will dispute that the larger an
Onion is — of the Ailsa Craig type, for example —
provided of course it is shapely, with no " neck,"
thoroughly matured and clear in the skin, the
greater recognition it should receive at an
exhibition.

It is the same with Peas, a shapely pod of any
variety containing ten peas in the best condition
for consumption, large individually, of the deepest
green, uniform in shape and size, and of good
flavour, the pod itself carrying dense bloom on
the outside, free from speck of any kind, thrip
or otherwise, cannot fail to be superior to one
that contains but eight peas. In the case of
Carrots, extreme size is detrimental, for seldom,
if ever, do large Carrots possess good colour,
which is the most valued quality in these roots.
If the skin of a Carrot does not carry that rich
orange-red tint which is so pleasing, it is hardly
likely to possess it in the core. In no vegetable
do we look for so much symmetry as in a Carrot ;
colour, shape, and medium size are necessary for
perfection in this vegetable.

Exhibitors of limited experience make a great
mistake in selecting their Turnips ; seldom do
they consider what the inside is like, but
study very closely outside appearances, whereas,
" Of what use is a ' woody ' Turnip ?" I
would ask. Be certain the inside is firm
a nd juicy, then consider the outside appearance.
I need hardly say that blemishes due to wire-
worms or other cause cannot be tolerated.

neither can extreme size. The roots should
be rather small, firm, shapely, and clear in
colour, whether it be white or yellow. I might
continue with examples of selection, but fear I
have already trespassed on space.

In conclusion I would point out the desirability
of obtaining absolute distinctness in varieties.
In making a large exhibit such as will be shown
in Class 93 at Chiswick, described in the Royal
Horticultural Society's Schedule, as a " Collection
of Vegetables occupying not more than 50 square
feet, Amateurs," I would advise exhibitors not to
include any varieties the distinctness of which is
not easily apparent. Pay more attention to
quality than to mere variety. For instance, an
extra dish of Potatos, Tomatos, Onions, or Peas,
if of extremely high quality, would be preferred
in a close competition before a fanciful dish of
any vegetable that may be shown merely for the
sake of obtaining variety in the collection, such,
for example, as Garlic or a second dish of Spinach.
Do not overcrowd the dishes, but arrange them
so that no difficulty will be experienced in an
inspection of the exhibit by the judges or the
public, bearing in mind that this show is intended
to be educational. E. Molyneux.

ROTTEEDAM.

[See Supplementary Illustration.']

The railway journey from Antwerp to Rotter-
dam does not appear particularly interesting to
the traveller who is familiar with the railway
scenery in our own island, the country which is
traversed including many hundreds of acres
of Fir-trees of medium size, and abundance
of water and bog land. The tedium of the
journey is broken a little by the overhauling of
one's luggage at the Dutch frontier town of
Eosendaal, or, if travelling in the opposite direc-
tion at the Belgian town of Esschen ; and by the
great and handsome bridges near to Eotterdam,
which are rare instances of the triumphs of
engineering.

The horticulturist also notices with interest
various nurseries quite close to the station plat-
forms. Amongst these is the celebrated estab-
lishment that belonged to the late Charles Van
Geert at Calmpthout, and which is now known as
the Socit'te Anonyme Horticole de Calmpthout.
There are many acres of trees and shrubs culti-
vated there, and the stock consists of out-of-door
plants. A little further on, at Rosendaal, is the
nursery of G. Heerma Van Voss, and at Ouden-
bosch those of Looymans & Sons, Van der Bom,
Jos. de Bruyn, and others. These are a few only
of those that may be seen from the railroad, and
in some instances the train runs through them,
there being nursery-stock on either side.

Arriving at Rotterdam there are many features
of great interest, including the numerous canal3
and the fish-market, quite available to the fishing-
smacks although situated in the town itself. The
principal attraction for the horticulturist, how-
ever, lies in the Zoological-Botanical Garden
(Diergaarde), outside the Delft Gate on the
northern side of the town. It belongs to the
Zoological Society, and the area of the Botanic
Garden is about 35 acres (14 hectares), containing
fifteen glasshouses. The superintendent of the
plant department is Mr. Johann F. Wilke, an old
Kewite, who has held the position for twenty years.

In respect to out-of-door gardening, few places
could be less suitable than this site. It is open
to the north, being exposed to the coldest winds,
and the atmosphere is generally laden with smoke
and fumes from the town. The garden might be
much improved if adequate shelter could be
provided, but it is regrettable that the railway
line bordering on the north prevents any addi-
tional planting for this purpose.

When we visited Mr. Wilke in April, many of
the flower-beds were filled with Violas, but being

a Dutch garden the beds in summer are always
planted in the formal carpet fashion, with similar
species of plants to those used in this country for
the purpose. Each year there are rafsed between
40,000 and 50,000 plants for this style of bedding,
a detail that in itself must necessitate a large
amount of labour and attention. There are
fifteen glasshouses, many of them of large size
and containing good specimens ef interesting
plants. The most remarkable, and one that
causes most surprise to visitors, is that known' see
" The Whisky Bottle " house, the glass roof being
formed of hollow glass-bricks 3J- inches thick.
The invention was from Switzerland, and the
house is said to be capable of keeping out as
much as 20° of frost without having to use any
fire-heat. It is quite a curiosity, but beyond
this we suspect the idea has little to recommend
it. The interior is heated to stove temperature,
and contains heat-loving species of plants, in-
cluding a collection of Nepenthes.

In the Water-Lily house, where the Victoria
Regia is cultivated in a large oval tank 50 feet
long and 33 feet wide, having no hot- water pipes
in the soil, there was a very fine specimen of the
interesting Commelinaceous plant, Cochliostema
Jacobianum, bearing its sweetly-scented, bluish-
purple flowers in abundance. Alpinia nutans was
also conspicuously in flower. A specimen of the
large-flowered Sobralia Cattleya was remarkable
for its great size and healthy appearance. It is in
a mammoth pan, and had eighteen or twenty
growths 5 feet high. It flowered two years ago.
S. macrantha was also in excellent condition in a-
tub that must have measured as much as 3i feet
across. Asparagus Sprengeri, suspended in large
baskets, was doubly attractive owing to the plants
bearing a plentiful crop of its bright red-coloured
fruits. A plant of Casuarina (the only genus in a
Natural Order bearing its name), with its roots
in a pot submerged in a tank, is remarkable for
being about 20 feet high.

From the Water-Lily house a porch leading to
another house filled with good specimen Vandas
in variety contains climbing Roses, but the
atmosphere of the porch or corrider is too hot
for some varieties to succeed well, though others
appear to enjoy it. In another house a fine plant
of the well-known Angrsecum sesquipedale was in
flower. In this corridor Columnea Schiedeana
was in bloom. It is a Mexican herbaceous
climber, and its Gesneraceous flowers are some
2 inches long, marked with yellow and brown —
an old plant, but by no means commonly
cultivated.

The large winter garden or conservatory, of
which a view is afforded by the Supplementary
Illustration, contains some fine specimens of
greenhouse and half - hardy species, of which
mention may be made of Dicksonia antarctica,
28 feet high ; big specimens of Cereus, and of
Agave ferox, &c. In an adjoining house con^
taining economic plants, one of the best speci-
mens was Arenga saccharifera.

In another house there is a collection of Cycads
and allied species, amongst which was noticed a
big-leaved form of Encephalartos Lehmanni. A
collection of plants of the fantastic Strelitzia
Regina? (Bird of Paradise plant), that happened
to be blooming, showed how variable is the
species, for the flowers of each plant differed
from the others a little in size or shade of colour.

The Palm-house has a dome 59 feet high, and
is a building of considerable dimensions. Some
of the best plants are Washingtonia robusta, a
very pretty specimen about 7 feet high; Livis-
tona olivKformis, and Kentiopsis macrocarpa
(Kentia Lindeni), about 14 feet high.

Some very pretty Cinerarias were in flower in
a house that was gay with a miscellaneous col-
lection of plants in bloom, the principal feature
of which consisted of great banks of Rhododen-
dron (Azalea) indicum profusely flowered. The

September 26, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

221

Cinerarias were obtained by Mr. Wilke from
Messrs. Vilmorin-Adrieux & Co., Paris, and
they were remarkable for the unusual saucer-
like form of the flowers and their particularly
attractive and soft rose colour. It is a decidedly
distinct strain, and the plants possess a plea-
santly compact yet freely branching habit of
growth. The white variety, and some of the
tinted ones, Mr. Wilke said, will come true from
seeds.

Two other plants in these gardens that must be
mentioned are Pandanus Veitchi and Goodyera
discolor — the former because Mr. Wilke has a
form of this ornamental stove foliage plant
that usually presents eight white young leaves,

THE COUNTY INSTRUCTION
GARDENS AT HASBURY, HALES-
OWEN.

We are indebted to Mr. James Udale, County
Council Instructor for Worcestershire, for the
following note on these gardens, and for the
photograph from which the illustration was
prepared : —

" I send for your inspection two photographs of
sixteen boys' gardens (County Instruction Gar-
dens') at Hasbury, Halesowen [one of which
forms the subject of our illustration, fig. 92.
Ed.]. The Worcestershire County Council now
provides instruction, seeds, tools, manure, &c,

and no failures or partial failures anywhere, ^he*
gardens are creditable alike to the pupils and
their teacher."

IMPROVEMENT IN VEGETABLES.

A much greater interest has been taken in
this subject in late years by the leading nursery-
men, who have spent much time and money in
efforts to improve their stocks, and by private
growers and amateurs who have given vege-
tables a large part of their attention. It is
well known that vegetables grown for seed,
purposes require the greatest care, and unless
this is given them the best kinds soon become

Fig. 92. — YOUTHS AT work in the county instruction gardens AT HASBURY, NEAR HALESOWEN.

devoid of colour absolutely. Subsequently they
commence to become green at the tips, and the
colour then spreads, but by this time more young
leaves have developed. It is decidedly more
effective as a variegated plant even than the
species is generally known to be.

The Goodyera has been mentioned because,
whilst so many cultivators in England, as else-
where, find the cultivation of the species so diffi-
cult, Mr. Wilke cultivates it quite easily in the
ordinary atmosphere of the stove, without con-
fining it in a case. The plants are potted in
a rather stiff loam, to which a little peat and
Belgian " terre de bruycre " is added.

The Rotterdam Botanic Gardens possess more
plant-houses than any other botanic gardens in
Holland. P.

free of cost to 275 youths at eighteen different
centres in the county. The Hasbury centre has
the distinction of obtaining the highest possible
number of marks for cleanliness and for order of
all the sixteen gardens at that centre at the
inspection on July 31 last. I was so pleased
that I asked the local teacher (who is seen at the
top right-hand corner of the illustration) to have
a photograph taken and sent to me. His name
is Mr. John Clarke, and he lives at Halesowen.
Hasbury and Halesowen are on the borders of the
Black Country. The crops from right to left are :
Parsley, Shallots, Onions, Leeks, Beetroots, Par-
snips, Carrots, Broad Beans, White and Red
Cabbages, various winter greens, Potatos, Peas,
Dwarf Beans, Runner Beans, salad plants and
Celery. The whole of the crops are excellent,

so much mixed that any good points they may
have are lost. I am glad to note that of
late years less preference is given to mere size at
exhibitions, quality, not quantity, being placed
first, and though on some occasions coarse vege-
tables have been given the highest awards, this
is not general. It has been said that large vege-
tables are necessary for cottagers. This I do
not admit, for large roots or coarse vegetables
require a longer time in which to grow, there is a
much greater demand on the soil, which the
sooner becomes exhausted, and in the end the
return is smaller.

What an improvement has taken place in the
Tomato ! A few years ago it was the grower's
aim to secure as large fruits as possible ; now it
is not so : prettily-shaped fruits of mediuw

222

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[September 20, 1903.

size are most favoured. I am surprised that
the yellow-fruited varieties have not found more
favour for use in salads, as they have thinner
skins and a nice appearance in the salad-bowl.

The best Cucumbers now are by no means the
largest in size, this being an advance, but even
now we do not make the best of this vegetable
fruit, for many persons could eat it in a cooked
state who otherwise dislike it.

It is in Peas that the greatest advance has
been, and growers are much indebted to the
famous Reading firm for a considerable portion of
the progress ; but many others have worked to
improve the varieties and make them what they
are. When we remember the early cropping
Peas that were grown years ago, mostly small
white round-seeded varieties, and compare them
with those available now, the gain is at once
apparent ; and the same remark applies to most
of the mid-season and late-cropping varieties.
Not only is there better quality, but also
a decided improvement in habit of growth and in
cropping qualities. Peas have certainly made
great strides, and by studying the varieties in
conjunction with soil and other details, a longer
season of supply is possible.

The French and Eunner Beans have during
the past twenty-five years made remarkable deve-
lopment. It is seen particularly in the climbing
French Bean. I have little to chronicle in regard
to new and distinct kinds of vegetables, but
there is no lack of new varieties of types that
already existed, and the popularity of the climb-
ing French Bean since its introduction in 1897
shows that there is a much greater general
interest taken in vegetable culture than was the
case formerly. Consider the best type of
Eunner Bean of the present day ; it has a long,
straight, fleshy, shapely pod, and is much supe-
rior to the old Scarlet Eunner of thirty or forty
years ago. New varieties of the dwarf or Kidney
Bean grow with greater vigour and for a longer
time, and produce better pods.

I do not think we shall ever be fortunate
enough to get a perfectly hardy Broccoli or
Cauliflower, still it cannot be denied that the
new varieties are of more sturdy growtli and
appear better able to hold their own in our
variable climate. We have now some beautiful
varieties of Cabbage that are earlier, of smaller
size and better quality than those we formerly
possessed. More attention is now paid to
seasons. There are three distinct seasons,
and it should not be expected that an early
spring Cabbage is suitable for consumption in
August or later. But even the easily-grown
Cabbage is not always cultivated to its best in
private gardens, and change of soil is not afforded
this crop sufficiently often. There is no question
but that the advent of the small early Cabbages
of the Ellam type was one of the greatest successes
in the last few years. There is need now for
further advance, either by rigid selection or by
crossing, for all Brassicas are inclined in time
to degenerate.

The Potato

affords a very wide subject. There has been
long and continued progress since Mr. Fenn, the
well-known veteran, took the American varieties
in hand and crossed them with our own, thus
producing a new race. New varieties which crop
earlier than the Ashleafs, and yield more heavily
have been introduced by various firms both North
and South. Similar progress has been made with
late varieties. The tubers are now of excellent
shape and colour, and the varieties yield
heavy crops. In the raising of new kinds in
the future, cross-breeders should make flavour a
cardinal point. The Eoyal Horticultural Society
in their awards for new varieties put flavour in
the first place.

The coming Conference on Vegetables at
Chiswick might with advantage have been given
a wider scope, taking into account the progress

made of late years. The meeting will afford
greater interest owing to the prizes given for
exhibits of vegetables. All interested in vege-
table culture will be grateful that vegetables
have been recognised, and that more interest is
taken in what forms one of our most valuable
foods. In my next communication I hope to
note the improvements in the various types, and
describe the importance of cultivating greater
variety, so that an increased interest may be
taken in the kitchen garden, and that it may be
more profitable. G. Wythes, V.M.H.

The Week's Work.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexandee, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holfohd, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Cool Houses. — The cool nights and moist air of
early Autumn afford conditions peculiarly grate-
ful to the inmates of this house, and do away
with the need for much damping down. Venti-
lation should be free at all times, merely avoiding
draughts on cold days and nights. If it be
feared that the temperature will fall too low
before sunrise, artificial heat should be applied,
as it is not good for the plants to allow the
warmth to decline below 50° by that hour ; the
ventilators being left slightly open at night.
Slugs are sure to devour the tender roots and
flower-spikes, and must be sought for at night
and killed ; and baits of Lettuce leaves, slices of
Carrot, and saucers filled with bran should be set
about the stages. The flower-spikes should be
protected with bits of cotton-wool put around
their base.

Pleiones. — These having finished their growth
for the ' season and the leaves fast decaying,
scarcely any water will be needed, although the
potting material should not be allowed to become
dust-dry before the flowering season is past, and
on the other hand it should not be kept very moist.
The flowers of these plants are short-lived. P.
humilis is only about halfway through its season's
growth, therefore the plant should be afforded
a fair supply of water at the roots for some time
yet. The underside of the leaves, which sotne-
timesharbours red-spider, should be often syringed
so as to dislodge this pest.

Heating apparatus of all sorts should be put
into good order, flues cleaned out, flre-bars
renewed, leaky joints caulked, and valves and
taps made easily movable. [Where the old-
fashioned smoke flues are still in use, which is but
seldom nowadays, these will need to be overhauled,
cleansed, and damaged parts made good. Ed.]

and set to face the south, should be built betimes.
There is no better means of protection than such
frames if cold brick-pits be not available in suffi-
cient number. There are canvas covers now pro-
curable from the water-proofers which are none
the worse for being rolled up when wet, and that
will not rot if left rolled up for several days.
Vegetables are unharmed in these improvised
frames, if the frost be kept out and moisture be
thrown off. Spent hot-beds may be made useful
for protecting many sorts of vegetables, the
soil being broken up finely and additional
soil put into the frames if the plants would not
be near enough to the glass. Such frames
answer for small Cauliflowers, Lettuces, Endive,
&c. Such things should be kept close and shaded
for a few days after planting. Keep the leaves
dry, therefore do not draw off the lights in rainy
weather, but afford air all the same ; at other
times only put the lights on the frames at night.
If sparrows or slugs injure the plants, apply fresh
soot to the leaves.

Parsley. — If there is a fear of shortness of
supply later on in the year, small plants should
be lifted with the tap root intact and planted in
frames in rows, 9 inches apart, and G inches
from plant to plant in the rows, applying a good
dressing of soot when the planting is finished.
Thin the plants of late sowings, and stir the soil
frequently between the plants.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Cabbages. — So as to ensure a succession of good
Cabbages, several plantations should be made at
this season. The earlier-set-out plants should be
earthed-up with the hoe as far as the lowermost
leaves, and a sharp look-out kept for the brown
grub, which eats through the stems just under
the surface ; these are usually to be found by
scratching away the soil with the fingers. Make
good all losses of plants as soon as possible.

Celery. — Continue to earth-up the main crop
plants, making sure before so doing that the soil
at the roots is in a thoroughly moist condition ;
for if Celery be allowed to suffer from lack of
water, the produce will be tough. In moulding-
up, make the soil friable, and place some of it
firmly round the plants when quite dry, then
follow with coarser soil Extra pains should be
taken with the final earthing to finish off the
tops of the ridges neatly and smoothly.

Tomatos. — Tomato plants growing out-of-doors
should be denuded of most of their leaves, so as to
allow of the sun's rays reaching the fruits, and
as soon as any of the latter show colour remove
them to a glasshouse to ripen. If frosts set in
pull up the plants, remove the foliage, and hang
up the plants head downwards in a warm, dry
glasshouse.

The Frame Ground. — In order to furnish a
regular supply of vegetables during the winter
and early spring, rough skeleton frames, made
either with boards or thick turves for the walls

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By T H. C.

Figs. — Where the earliest crop is taken from
trees grown in pots, these, as soon as the leaves
have performed their functions, may be repotted
if necessary, otherwise top-dressing will suffice,
the actual starting taking place in the month of
November. Fig-trees when repotted should be
turned out of their pots, and the exhausted soil
picked out from among the roots with a sharp-
pointed stick ; and if a larger pot seems to be
required, choose one a size larger than that it
has occupied, otherwise return it to the old
pot after it has been well cleansed, shorten-
ing back the very strong roots. Afford ample
drainage. In most cases, a rich top-dressing,
applied after much of the old soil has been
removed from among the roots, will be suffi-
cient for trees that have not been in the
same pots for more than a year. A suitable
compost for the Fig consists of good turfy loam,
some mortar-rubble (an eighth), and finely-broken
charcoal, with one-sixteenth of bone-meal. The
soil should be made firm, and the pot so far filled
as will afford ample space for holding water. Place
the trees in a sunny position out-of-doors, guard-
ing against sharp frosts and the soil becoming
saturated with rain ; on the other hand do not
allow it to become very dry.

Succession Houses. — As soon as the fruit has .
been cleared from later trees, remove all the
shoots that are not required for next year's
fruiting, and thus contribute to the maturation
of the shoots. Throw open the ventilators to the
fullest extent, and except in cold, moist weather
shut off artificial heat and maintain the air in a
dry state, but keeping the borders fairly moist ;
and when applying water afford occasionally
liquid-manure abundantly to trees which have
been heavily cropped.

Pine Stove. — Afford winter fruiters which may
be over the flowering-stage some manure-water.
On fine days syringe the plants lightly when clos-
ing the house, and maintain the air in a moist
state by damping-down, &c. The bottom heat need
not exceed 85" nor the night temperature G5" to i
70", and by day 75° to 80°. Give air on every
favourable opportunity by day, and before the
temperature of the house reaches 75°. The Pine-
stove lately occupied by fruiting Queens, the fruits
of which are now consumed, should be cleansed,
both inside and outside, woodwork painted if
necessary, and the walls lime-washed. If
bottom-heat is supplied by tanners'-bark, some
fresh bark in the desired proportion should
be incorporated with the old, the bed being
made 15 to 18 inches in depth. This bed may
again be filled with fruiting Queens, which may
be encouraged to make growth for a month,
and then, the pots being filled with roots,
they may be rested for a time previous to start-
ing them to fruit in the month of January. The

September 26, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

223

bottom-heat should range from 80° to 85°, the
night temperature not exceed 65° and that
by day 75° to S0°, excepting for a short period
after closing the house about 2.30 or 3 o'clock,
when it may be allowed to rise to 90° by sun-heat.
Keep the plants sturdy by ranging them within
a short distance of the roof, and by applying air
freely in favourable weather. Afford all growing
plants the same kind of treatment, and avoid
crowding them together. Examine every plant
at the least once a week, and afford tepid water
to such as need moisture at the root.

Cucumbers. — Assist plants in bearing by top-
dressings of loam and leaf-mould or spent Mush-
room-bed manure in equal proportions. Afford
these plants weak liquid-manure or occasionally
some safe kind of artificial fertiliser, and after-
wards some tepid water to carry it down to the
roots. Aged plants, if in a healthy state, will
produce Cucumbers early in the winter if most
of the old bine be removed and the young growth
is tied in thinly. Prick up and remove the surface
soil of the beds and borders, replacing it with
the rich compost mentioned above, adding a
sprinkling of Veltha or Thomson's Vine-manure.
Syringe the plants if the afternoon has been fine,
and allow the warmth to run up to 90° or 95°, but
let it to fall to G5° or 70° at night. Frequently
damp paths, walls, and other surfaces.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Millee Mcndy, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Roses. — Let all gross-growing and fiowerless
shoots be shortened to half their length, and
weak ones removed entirely, leaving only those
intact which are strong enough to afford good
flowering growths next year. Cuttings may
now be taken of all sorts of hardy Roses for
striking out-of-doors. The shoots employed
as cuttings should be of moderate strength
of the present season's growth, taken off when
possible with a heel of older wood attached, and
be made about 10 inches in length, 6 inches of
which should be buried in the soil. Unless the
soil of the garden is naturally of a sandy nature
it is advisable to incorporate a considerable quan-
tity of sand or road-grit with the staple, or
sprinkle the bottom of each little trench. Be sure
that each cutting rests firmly on the sand, and
that the soil is made firm around it. When
finished off, the cutting-bed should be afforded
water copiously.

Cuttings of varioiis Shrubs. — At the present date
cuttings of Veronicas, Euonymus, Escallonias,
Aucubas, Bupleurum, double- flowered Gorse, Gaul-
theria, &c, may be inserted in very sandy soil,
surfaced with silver-sand, under hand-glasses.
Where the first -named three shrubs are grown out-
of-doors some cuttings should be struck every
year, the plants being often killed by severe
frosts, and it is a curious fact that cuttings| will
escape while established plants get killed.

. Calceolarias. — In propagating the bedding va-
rieties of Calceolaria, I prefer to wait till the end
of the present month or early in the next, at
which date the plants have almost ceased to grow.
A cold frame placed on a hard bottom of coal-
ashes, upon which a 4-inch layer of sandy-loam is
laid, forms an excellent place for striking
cuttings of the Golden Gem type ; but C. am-
plexicaulis, being rather more tender, should be
struck in portable boxes, so that they may be
removed to cold frost-proof houses . or pits later
in the year. Calceolaria cuttings should be made
3 inches in length, and be inserted in holes made
with a small dibber, then be afforded water
I heavily, and shaded from bright sunshine for a
few weeks.

, Brugmansias, $e. — Cuttings of Brugmansias,

Plumbago capensis, Swainsonias, and Abutilons

■nay be taken, struck and in pots filled with sandy

soil and placed in a hot-bed. They should be kept

in a growing state throughout the winter.

. Lobelia erinus. — Plants that were cut back as

j advised some weeks ago may now be placed in

(■ or 5-inch pots, accommodated in a cold

• frame, and be transferred at the ;end of October

to a greenhouse-shelf. Such plants will afford

, numerous cuttings in the spring.

Seels. — Where any specially good type of
•annual or biennial has been grown this season

the plants should be examined for ripe seeds,
which latter should be dried, cleaned and stored.
The seeds of seme of the better species of hardy
herbaceous perennials are well worth saving,
healthy stock being readily raised from home-
grown seeds.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropruore, Maidenhead.

Out-of-doors Vines. — The season has not been
favourable for these Vines, and mildew is very
prevalent on the bunches of Royal Muscadine
now ripening. The bunches should be pro-
tected from birds and wasps by placing them in
thin muslin bags, taking care however that the
berries are quite dry when enclosed. The
Grape-Vine, being sometimes planted against
buildings having projecting eaves, suffers from
lack of water at the root, and where this is
suspected, water and occasionally weak manure-
water should be afforded. Let all lateral shoots
be nipped off, and the bunches kept away from
the surface of the wall with short cleft sticks.

The Fig. — The fruits of the varieties Brown
Turkey, Pingo de Mel, and Brunswick which are
ripening should be protected from flies, birds, and
wasps by fine-meshed netting. The heavy rainfall
has set up a very vigorous growth in the trees,
which, owing to the lack of sun, does not mature,
besides causing the fruits to split at the eye and
■to drop off. The trees should be examined at
short intervals and the ripe fruits gathered ; they
will keep in good condition but for a short space
of time.

Hints on Work in General.— li it is the intention
of the gardener to remove any aged or worn-out
wall trees, the operation may be undertaken forth-
with. In preparing a station for a new tree'in
the same place that the old one grew, let the top
spit be removed to one side, for mixing with fresh
loam, and the next spit should be thrown out for
at the least a width of 3 feet, measured from the
wall-foot, and in length as far as it is calculated
the roots of the new tree will reach, and a bit
further. Having done this, add enough sound
turfy loam to the top spit as will make up for
that which has been removed of the second spit,
so as to bring up the soil to the proper level, mixing
these by turning them twice ; and in the case of
stone fruits add liberally of mortar-rubble if the
staple be of a heavy nature, and afford a layer 1 foot
thick of brickbats, &c, at the bottom as drainage,
covering this with whole turves, grassy side
downwards. Before filling in there will be no
need to trample the soil, there being ample time
for it to settle before the trees are planted.
These remarks apply likewise to pyramidal and
bush trees in the open fruit quarters.

;

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne. Gardener to the Hon. Mark Roixe,

Bictou, Budleigh Sulterton, Devonshire.

Caladiums. — Most of these plants will now be
past their best, and may be placed at the cooler
end of the plant stove, and be afforded less water
till the foliage is matured, when very much less
will suffice. I am not an advocate of affording no
water to the soil during winter, believing that
more tubers are lost by this kind of treatment
than when the soil is kept moderately moist
during the period of rest.

Coleus. — Let 3 or 4-inch pots be filled with sandy
soil, into which insert half-a-dozen cuttings per
pot of the varieties intended to be kept through
the winter, and place the pots in a shady corner
of the propagating-pit, such a position being
least likely to cause damping-off than a close
propagating-case. When rooted, stand the pots
fairly close to the glass, and afford water with
much moderation, otherwise there will be many
losses from damping off during the winter months.
Keep the plants in a temperature of 55° to 00 ,
rooting the tops again early in the month of
December if the plants are inclined to get leggy.

Bouvardias. — These should be removed to the
greenhouse forthwith, or the cold weather will
have a disastrous effect on them. Afford them a
light airy position, and for a few weeks give
light syringings in the morning and early in the
afternoon on warm bright days. In affording
manure of any kind let it be weak, the roots of

Bouvardias being very fine and soon injured by
strong manures. About the third week in October
remove the plants to a well-ventilated house or
pit where a small amount of fireheat may be
applied, and let the night temperature range from
55° to 60°, with the usual advance by sunheat. I
find the ordinary greenhouse a trifle too cold for
Bouvardias, their flowers not expanding satisfac-
torily, especially those of the double-flowered
varieties, Alfred Xeuner and President Garfield ;
the plants should still be lightly dewed over once
or twice daily in fine weather.

Pelargoniums. — The zonal section of these
plants standing in pots out-of-doors should be
removed forthwith to frames, brick pits, or airy
shelves in the greenhouse, the last being the best
places for the plants till they come into flower.
The nearer the plants are kept to the glass the
greater the quantity of flowers. Clean off decay-
ing foliage, and ascertain if the drainage is good,
and the hole clear of obstruction, and still apply
manure-water once or twice weekly till the flowers
begin to open.

Bichardias that were planted out may soon be
dug up and repotted without doing more root-
mutilation than is really necessary. Pots of 7 to
9 inches in diameter form suitable sizes for single
crowns, or three may be put into 10-inch pots,
using a similar kind of soil to that advised for
these plants in the Calendar for August 15.
After pottiDg keep them close for a few days,
frequently syringing the leaves, and not allowing
the plants to get dry at the root ; but if they are
afforded water as soon as potted, the syringe will
keep them sufficiently moist for several days.
Shade them lightly should the leaves droop.

Routine Work. — In the colder counties it will
be necessary to house Salvias, Coronillas, Genistas,
Solanums, Richardias, Azaleas, Camellias, Ericas,
and New Holland and Cape plants that may be
standing outside. In Devon these plants can
remain outside for a mouth later, though the
temperature here during the past week or longer
has fallen at night lower than is usually the case
at this date. Keep the houses well ventilated
and the plants syringed overhead occasionally for
the first week or ten days, and let all pots be
cleansed and the soil freed from weeds, moss, &c.

THE APIARY.

By Expert.
Work in the Apiary. — All sections should be
scraped, cleansed, and placed away where bees
and flies cannot reach them, unless they are sold
and despatched to the purchasers. The sides
of each section should be wiped with a sponge
after scraping, and in handling them afterwards
take hold of them by the corners and not by
the flat part or there will be finger-marks visible,
which might induce some shopkeepers to refuse
to buy them. It is better to sell the sections forth-
with if fairly good prices can be obtained, rather
than keep them till the price rises. The sections
should be carefully packed, always keeping them
the same way up as that in which they were taken
from the hive. A good method of packing sections
is to use a travelling crate with springs on the
bottom, but in sending large quantities a good
and safe way is to get a strong cube-sugar box
and have the bottom well Ipadded with soft hay,
allowing the hay to come up the box all round about
6 inches, covering the hay with strong sacking.
The interior should consist of three crates made
like section racks and each large enough to hold
two dozen sections. Well pack up the back tier
of each crate with a piece of thin board and stuff
some paper behind it to make all tight, and place
a piece or two under them so as to form a sort of
tray to prevent the honey from running. The
lid should be screwed down and not nailed, aa
hammering jars the combs. A large label should
be put on the top, " Honey with care. This side
up." Run-honey should be broken up directly
after the bees in the skeps have been driven out
or destroyed, as it will break up much better while
warm. An empty skep should always be placed
on the stand wlion the full one has been removed.
Leaky roofs should have attention as the con-
tinuous rain will have found its way into a good
many hives. Robbing as soon as noticed should
be immediately stopped. Uniting bees should
be carried out forthwith.

224

THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE.

[September 26, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES,

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations , or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement.

Letters lor Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming^ should be addressed to the EDITOR,
4i, Wellington Street, Co vent Garden, London.
Oommunications should be written on one side only of
thi paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK.

TUESDAY,

/"Royal Horticultural Society's
Fruit and Vegetable Show
,„, 0Q I and Conference in the Chis-
otpr. et wick Gardens (three davs).

Gardeners' Dinner at Holborn
I Restaurant, 1 p.m.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT-

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by

Protheroe & Morris, at 10.3,) o'clock.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30-

Palms, Azaleas, &o., at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by

Protheroe & Mori is, at 4 o'clock.
FRIDAY, Oct. 2-

Orchids in variety, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, by

Protheroe & Morris, at 12.33.
(Tor further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
-55 1°.
Actual Temperatures :—

London. —Sept. 23 (6 p.m.) : Max. 6y'; Mln. 52'.

Sept. 24, At noon, overcast, little wind : 66°.
Provinces.— Sept. 23 (6 p.m.) : Max. 65", Isle of Man ;
Min. 53°, Aberdeen.

It may surprise some who have
Cotton in the only a superficial knowledge of
West indies. West Indiarj products to know
that the culture of cotton in those Islands
has been discontinued. One of the species
of Gossypium (G. barbadense) indeed derives
its name from Barbados. It is this species
or one of its many forms which yields the
long stapled cotton known as " Sea Island,"
also the Bourbon, Barbados, New Orleans
varieties. It is cultivated in the Southern
States of America, and in vaiious parts of
tropical Africa. The Peruvian cotton (G.
peruvianum) is probably only a form of this
with coherent seeds.

For reasons to which it is not necessary
to refer in this place, the cotton industry of
the West Indies has been discontinued, but
thanks to the foresight and energy of Sir
Daniel Morris, there seems good reason to
hope that the culture of the plant may be
profitably revived. From a statement in
the Barbados Agricultural Reporter, we learn
that—

" A sample of cotton from Barbados recently
received honourable mention in England, and
was priced at the highest figure. There is no
doubt whatever that this island, once the home
of cotton, is as capable as ever of furnishing its
quota of first-quality staple j indeed, it may be
said that the soil, under the perfect system of
tilth, is hungry for a crop essentially different
from the perpetual roots and grasses which for so
many years it has been forced periodically to
produce.

" Mr. Sealt has long been an active worker
in the field of cotton reTintroduction as an auxi-
liary crop, and has well earned the distinction of
having been one of its most earnest pioneers. It
is certainly very gratifying to find such perfect

indication that the island, once famed for this
valuable product, is still capable of growing it in
perfection, at a time, too, when the nearly-
crushed-out sugar industry so sorely needs a
reliable auxiliary.

" It is perfectly true " (says the journal from
which we quote) " that with suitable cultivation
and judicious treatment, the cotton industry is
eminently calculated at the present time to
relieve the depression which has for so long
weighed down this practically-ruined island.
There is some hope that cotton will restore at
least some margin of long unaccustomed profit,
which may perchance lead up to a renewed
agricultural prosperity."

On the occasion of the opening by Lady
Morris of a new cotton factory, the Chair-
man of the Cotton and Onion Committee,
whose efforts are directed towards encourag-
ing the cultivation of Cotton and Onions in
Barbados, acting in co-operation with the
Imperial Department of Agriculture, spoke
as follows : —

" ' About two years ago, owing to various
reasons, the prices of cotton commenced to rise in
the English market, and it occurred to Sir
Daniel Morris that it would be a good thing to
start Cotton-growing in certain West India
islands where it could be grown to advantage.
He, as head of the Imperial Department of Agri-
culture, advocated the planting of Cotton in this
island amongst other places. Some time last
year prices again rose, owing to the supply being
smaller than usual. This led to the organisation
of the British Cotton-growers' Association, and
to the starting of a vigorous campaign for the
promotion of Cotton-cultivation on suitable areas
within the British Empire. Sir Daniel Morris
and his Department, finding encouragement in
this movement, strongly advocated the cultiva-
tion of Cotton in this island as supplementary to
the growing of Sugar-cane. A few gentlemen
planted small areas, and got good results ; and
the Department of Agriculture furnished a supply
of seed to persons willing to grow it. Meanwhile
Sir Daniel Morris communicated with the
Cotton-growers' Association, and secured the gift
of a gin and baling-press for the use of the
island. He also approached the Agricultural
Society, and asked its co-operation with his De-
partment in encouraging and directing the efforts
that were being made to establish Cotton-
growing in the island.

" * The Society, of course, readily consented to
co-operate with the Department of Agriculture.
The next step was to approach the Legislature
and ask for a grant of £250 to purchase the
machinery necessary for working the gin. A
further application was made to the Governor-in-
Executive Committee for the use of a site on
which to erect the necessary machinery, and this
site was given. All these applications were
readily granted. I have to add that Sir Daniel
Morris has secured for us two more gins, which
will be erected shortly. It is calculated that an
area of about one thousand acres will be brought
under Cotton cultivation, which will keep three
gins employed. Our sincere thanks are due to
Sir Daniel Morris for his help in enabling us
to open this factory. This is the first Cotton
factory erected in the West Indies. It is to be
hoped that the factory will get a sufficient supply
of Cotton to keep it going, and that the Cotton
industry will prove a substantial help to the
Sugar industry. Lady Morris has kindly con-
sented to come down here and open the factory, I
therefore have great pleasure in asking her to put
the first Cotton through the gin.'

" Lady Morris thereupon stepped forward, the
engine was put to work, the gin began to work,
the first bale of Cotton was supplied by her hands
as she said : 'I hereby declare this factory open.'"

Ten or twelve thousand acres are likely to
be devoted at once to Cotton cultivation,
calculated to produce three hundred
thousand pounds of clean Cotton. The
Cotton-seed oil is also a valuable asset, and
the seeds themselves are available for the
feeding of animals.

Royal Horticultural Society.— Fruit
and Vegetable Show at Chiswick. — The Eoyal
Horticultural Society will hold an exhibition of
British-grown fruits and Vegetables in their
gardens at Chiswick on September 29, 30 and
October 1. A Conference on Vegetables will be
held on Tuesday, September 29, at 2.30 p.m., Mr.
Georqe Bunyard, V.M.H., in the chair. The
following gentlemen have been asked to read
papers : — 1. " On Cooking Vegetables," Dr.
Bonavia and Mr. James Hudson, V.M.H. 2.
" On Vegetables all the year round for a Private
Family," Mr. W. H. Divers. 3. " On Vegetables
for Exhibition," Mr. Edwin Beckett.. 4. " On
Vegetables for Market," Mr. W. Poupart. The
exhibition will open at 12 (noon) on September 29,
and at 10 a.m. on the two following days, closing
at 6 p.m. Fellows of the Society on showing
their tickets at the entrance will be admitted
free, and the public on payment of 2s. 6<2. on the
first day and Is. on the second and third days.

At a General Meeting of the Royal

Horticultural Society held on Tuesday, Sep-
tember 15, twenty-four new Fellows were elected,
making a total of 1,141 elected since the beginning
of the present year.

The Gardeners' Reception and Dinner.
— We have received the following communica-
tion from Mr. Alex. Dean, Secretary to the
Committee: — " The Committee have been informed
through the Rev. W. Wilks that eight members
of the Council of the Koyal Horticultural Society,
including the President, Sir Trevor Lawrence,
Bt., V.M.H., and Mr. Gurnet Fowler, the
Treasurer, will be present, also his worthy self, as
he has been invited to respond with other
secretaries on behalf of the Eoyal Horticultural
Society. Tickets are going so rapidly that the
500 printed bids fair to be utilised. Late appli-
cants may be left out in the cold. All unsold
tickets, if any, must be immediately returned,
and all others paid for prior to the 29th. Ticket-
holders from the country should specially note
that, if coming to Holborn from Chiswick by
train and the tube railway, if they alight at the
British Museum station, they will find Newton
Street exactly opposite, down which, a little way
on the left-hand, is the entrance to the recep-
tion-hall. Cloak - rooms are close at hand.
A large plan of the tables will be hung in the
reception-room, on which will be found the names
and places of all the speakers and vice-chairmen,
also those who have specially asked for seats in a
party. These parties should not exceed three or
four, as they are then more easily accommodated.
It is hoped that the published programme, which
includes eight toasts, some twenty-four speeches,
with ten musical items, may be got through by
10 p.m. To bring about that desideratum it is
specially desired that all speeches be very brief,
as long ones would dislocate the whole of the
arrangements. After the full programme is
got through, musical items may follow if
desired. The singing of " Auld Lang Syne " by
all the company will close the set programme.
It is earnestly desired that every name-card will
be handed in at the door of the reception-room."

Complimentary Dinner to Mr. W. B.

Latham. — At a general meeting of subscribers
held at the Athletic Institute, John Bright Street,
Birmingham, on Monday evening, September 14,
after much consideration it was decided that it
was advisable to postpone the dinner from Sep-

September 26, 1903.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

225

tember 2-1 (as originally fixed) to October 22, in
order that his many friends at a distance may
have an opportunity of showing their apprecia-
tion of his many kind actions and lifelong ser-
vice to horticulture. Mr. Owen Thomas (late
Head Gardener to His Majesty the Kino),
25, Waldeck Eoad, West Ealing, W., who has
kindly promised to preside at the dinner and
present the testimonial, will be glad to receive
subscriptions ; or they may be sent direct to the
Chairman, Treasurer, or Secretary. The dinner
tickets issued for September 24 will be available
for October 22.

Flowers in Season. — Messrs. Gauntlett &
Co., of the Japanese Nurseries, Redruth, send
for our inspection two Veronicas, viz., La Fleur
de Roses, white; Coquette, pale lilac, with flower-
spikes 5 inches long ; and a flower of Mutisia
decurrens, a Composite with deep orange-coloured
narrow rays and yellow anthers, the flower measur-
ing 4 inches in diameter. The plant thrives best
when afforded the shelter of a wall. It is
figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 5273.

From Mr. J. Derbyshire, Ashley Eoad

Nursery, Hale, we have received three seedling
varieties of Sweet Peas. Dorothy Derbyshire is
rich rose-pink colour, with whitish keel ; the
flowers are large and the segments broad, but the
standard is not erect. It is very effective, and the
best of the three. Pink Pearl comes next in merit,
and its colour is described by the name. Celine
as also pink, but of lighter shade, and has whitish
wings, which are rather constricted. It may be
that fresh flowers would not appear so " hooded "
as these specimens that had travelled by post.

Mr. A. Perry, of the Hardy Plant Farm,

Winchmore Hill, sends us a few flowers of the
new Geum Heldreichi superba, saying that it
commenced to flower in the first week in May,
and will continue to bloom until frosts occur.
The habit of growth is neat, and the flower-stems
are thrown up well above the foliage. They are
bright orange-red in colour, and most effective.
Also perennial Aster " Perry's "White," a fine
white flower with pretty loose petals. Perennial
Aster "Elsie Perry" is an excellent pink variety.
It is a seedling raised at Winchmore Hill some
three or four years ago, and it received an
Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural
.Society last year. The flower is a clear rosy-pink.

TRAFALGAR Day.— The Navy League have
■accepted the design of Mr. G. W. Bellgrove,
F.R.H.S., outdoor floral manager to the Junior
Army and Navy Stores, for the decoration of the
Nelson column, on October 21 next. The scheme
includes the usual Laurel festoons and clusters of
Palm fronds, and other foliage on the four corners,
and growing Palms and foliage plants on the
■base.

The MONGOOSE, which was introduced into
Barbados and other West Indian islands to clear
the Sugar-cane plantations from rats, has multi-
plied to such an extent that the inhabitants are
cow petitioning the Government to take steps to
exterminate the animal, which not only devours
the rats, but now destroys birds, snakes, toads,
and other insectivoreus creatures, to the great
loss of the planters, but to the great benefit of
the " moth-borers "and other destructive insects.

FROST in SCOTLAND.— Severe frosts, writes
an [ Aberdeen correspondent, have been experi-
enced in the north during the week ending
19th inst. Twelve degrees of frost were recorded
in the gardens at Balmoral Castle on Monday,
and about a similar figure was registered on
Tuesday. For the first time during the present
autumn severe frosts were experienced in the
Badenoch and other upper Speyside districts this
week. On Tuesday, 15th inst., the ground was
white as with snow, and still waters were sheeted
with ice — in some instances nearly a quarter of

an inch thick. The continued severe weather is
causing great loss to florists and farmers.
The latter, indeed, are to be greatly commiserated ,
seeing that in the high-lying districts there is
yet scarcely a tinge of autumn visible on the
cereal crops, and in the present sodden and im-
mature condition of the grains they are bound to
suffer seriously. We experienced a similar severe
frost at the corresponding period last year, when
very great damage was done. The Potato crops
in these districts are blackened in all directions,
and after the check they sustained at the outset
by the severe visitation of June 19, the crop is
practically speaking ruined.

White Variety of Toad-Flax (Linaria
CYMBALARIA). — A correspondent residing at
Aylesford asks if we have ever observed a
" white form " of the above-named plant. We
surmise his meaning to be white-flowered. We
have never observed any such. Will some of our
correspondents kindly answer this question 'i

Vegetable Products of the West
INDIES. — Our contemporary Nature remarks, in
its issue for Thursday, September 17, that it will
not be owing to want of help from the Imperial
Department of Agriculture if West Indian
planters fail to get profitable returns from their
land. In the last number of the West Indian
Bulletin the value of Ground Nuts (Arachis
hypoga°a), Eucalyptus trees, and the Bay tree,
is brought to notice. The Ground Nut is a
source of profit, since it furnishes oils, of which
the best grade is nearly equal to olive-oil, and it
offers another source of profit since it may be
manufactured into oil-cake, for which theije is
evident demand, as at the present time large
quantities are imported. For the manufacture
of bay-oil and bay-rum the tree Pimenta acris
has a considerable value ; it is indigenous to
many of the islands, but must be distinguished
from the tree known as " bois dTnde Citron "
in Dominica, the product from which is inferior.

The Parks and Gardens of the Metro-
polis.— There has been issued recently by the
London County Council a volume of 800 pages,
entitled London Statistics, 1902-3, from which we
learn that the Council keeps open 91 public parks
and open, spaces, with a total acreage of 3,832,
and provides many games and pastimes. The
Royal parks and open spaces maintained by the
Government, 12 in number, have a total acreage
of 1,619 acres ; and the City Corporation main-
tains Epping Forest, an area of over 5,000 acres,
and some other pleasancea in the district, together
totalling 0,489 acres.

Edmonton and District Gardeners'
Mutual Improvement Society.— It is pro-
posed to form a Gardeners' Mutual Improvement
Society, and a meeting for this purpose will be
held on Monday, September 28, in the garden
library, Pymmes Park, Edmonton, at 8 p.m. The
gardeners of Edmonton and the surrounding dis-
trict are invited to attend this preliminary
meeting, with a view of arranging the details.
The Middlesex Education Committee have kindly
placed the garden library at the disposal of the
proposed Society ; and the valuable collection of
gardening and botanical books may also be
utilised for purposes of reference. Meetings will
be held once a week, at which papers dealing
with some branch of gardening will be read and
discussed. Gardeners in the neighbourhood who
are willing to join the Society or to read papers,
are invited to communicate with Mr. J.
Weathers, Pymmes Park, Edmonton.

Proceedings of the First Annual
Meeting of the Chrysanthemum Society
OF America. (A. T. De la Mare Printing and
Fublishing Co., Ltd., New York.) — We have just
received this brochure of 74 pages, which contains
a record of last year's Convention at Chicago held

by the Chrysanthemum Society of America. If
we are not mistaken it is only the second printed
contribution to the literature of the Chrysanthe-
mum that the Society has made since its forma-
tion in 1889, the first being a catalogue issued so
far back as 1892. Now that the French N.C.S.
are preparing a catalogue of all varieties grown
in France at the present time, and that our own
N.C.S. have in the press a supplement to their
official catalogue that will be ready in a few
weeks, it is opportune for the American society to
repeat the experiment of issuing theirs in a
revised and enlarged form. The little volume we
now refer to more especially contains a frontis-
piece portrait of the president, Mr. Arthur
Herrington, followed by his address at the open-
ing of the Convention, and the treasurer's report.
The rules and constitution of the Society are
likewise given. The other literary matter con-
sists of the text of the papers read and others that
were presented to the Convention. The second
show and convention will be held in New York,
next November.

Algerian Vegetables.— Mr. Scratchley,
British Yice-Consul at Phillipeville, Algeria,
writes to the Foreign Office : " It is a pity that it
is not possible, owing to the absence of direct
communication, to get into touch with the
London market for such vegetables as early
Potatos, Green Peas, Globe Artichokes, and a
vegetable called Chayottes (Sechium edule).
This vegetable is very much like a young Pump-
kin, but firmer, and there is only one big seed
inside. It ought to be able to stand a long
voyage." [It is not unknown in Co vent Garden
Market. Ed.]

"Catalogue of Books on the Useful
ARTS." — This publication is issued from the
Public Library, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and is
drawn up by the chief librarian, Mr. Anderton.
It is designed to supplement the general cata-
logue by bringing before specialists a detailed
and classified list of the books they are most
likely to require. The system of classification
that has been employed in the Catalogue is
Dewey's Decimal Classification, adopted in
many other libraries, and therefore readily com-
prehensible to many of the casual visitors. At
first sight the system appears complicated, but
a little study clears up the difficulties, and there
is a general index to assist the unaccustomed.
We need not comment upon the general excellence
of the library, which is rich in treasures well
arranged for handy reference.

Gold Coast Botanical Department. —
We have before us the report of the Gold
Coast Botanical Department for 1902. Mr. A.
Evans, Assistant Curator, has published (in the
absence of Mr. W. H. Johnson, Curator) a
bulletin that is, on the whole, very favourable.
Successful experiments have been made in
acclimatising various economic plants, the plan-
tations generally appear to be in good order,
and the official business increasing, so that in a
short time we may look for more important
results.

" Horticultural Directory."— The Editor
of this publication desires to remind nursery-
men, seedsmen, and more particularly head gar-
deners, that additions and corrections for the
1904 edition must be received at the office,
12, Mitre Court Chambers, Fleet Street, London,
not later than October 5 to ensure insertion.

National Chrysanthemum Society.— The
first meeting of the Floral Committee for the
present year took place at the Essex Hall, Strand,
on the 21st inst., in a spacious room having an
excellent roof-light, and enabling the flowers to be
seen to the best advantage. At the commencement
of the proceedings.Mr. D. B. Cranes was re-elected
Chairman of the Committee for the present year.

226

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 26, 1903.

Two large-flowered Japanese Chrysanthemums
were submitted, one J. A. Humphrey, pale yellow,
the younger blooms tinted with pinkish-salmon,
which is not so pronounced with age ; it has loDg,
broad, drooping florets, curling at the points
(Commended). Prom Mr. C. Griffin, Walton
Leigh Gardens, Addlestone, Surrey. Also from
the same raiser, Holme Sumner, an incurved
Japanese, bright deep yellow, with broad florets
curling inwards ; fine in colour. The next
meeting of the Committee will be at the Crystal
Palace on October 0.

Mr. Thomas Humphreys.— The presentation
by the Floral and Fruit Committees of the Royal
Horticultural Society of an' illuminated address,
&c, to Mr. Thomas Humphreys will be made at
the conclusion of the luncheon at the Chiswick
Gardens on Tuesday next, September 29. As
illustrating the good wishes generally enter-
tained for Mr. Humphreys by friends who have
been brought into business contact with him in
London, it may be mentioned that the Chiswick
Gardens staff have already presented their retir-
ing Assistant Superintendent with a gold albert
as a mark of their esteem. Members of the Press
also are taking means by which to acknowledge
the unvarying courtesy the Press has received
from Mr. Humphreys at all the shows and
meetings of the Society, and at Chiswick. Mr.
Humphreys will remove to Birmingham Botanic
Gardens on October 1.

Publications Received.-^ Book of litrbs, by

Lady Rosalind Noriheote. Published by John Lane,
The Bodley Head, London and New York.— Vegetables
Jor Profit : No. 1 (Green Crops) ; No. 2 ( Koot Crops) ;
No. 3 (Asparagus, Peas, Beans, Rhubarb, Seakale,
Marrows, &c): No. 4 (Mushrooms, Cucumbers, Salads
Tomatos, &c.) Edited byT. W. Sanders, F.L S., F.R.H.S.
W. H., and L. Collingridee, 148. 149, Aldersga'te Street!
'E.C.-.fnurnol of the Horticu'tural Society of Japan for
May 19, 1903— The Botanical Magazine (of Japan), July
1901, published at Tokyo. -Bulletin No. 6, Department of
Agriculture, Victbria : Cooperative Forage Experiments in
Southern Victoria, and Two Years' Field Work of the
Chemical Branch Published by Allan Morrison,
458a, Chancery Lane, Melbourne. — Proceedings of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, Vol. lv
part 1, January, February, March, 1903.— Woburn Experi-
mental Fruit Farm. Third Report by the Duke of Bed-
ford, K.G.. aDd spencer U. Pickering, F.R.S.-Leaflet
No. 93, of the Board of Agrieulture-J^armj/ard Manure.

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

On the occasion of the meeting of the Botanical
Section of the Association on September 10,
various papers on botany were given. The first
one read concerned the Ancient Floras, and was
delivered by Mr. A. C. Seward, F.K.S., Lecturer
on Botany in the University of Cambridge :—

Section K. — Botany.
He chose for his subject the geographical
distribution of the floras of the past, a subject
which, he admitted, was too extensive to be
adequately presented in a single address. He,
however, made a great effort to deal with it as it
deserved, and in the course of an elaborate and
highly technicil paper of great length he said
that —

•'One difficulty that met them at the outset was that
of synonomy. ■ The Naturalist,' as Sir Joseph Hooker
wrote in his Introductory Essay to the Flora of New
Zealand, 'has to seek truth amid errors of observation
and judgment and the resulting chaos of synonomy
which has been accumulated by thoughtless aspirants
to the questionable honour of being the lirst to name
a species/ Endless confusion was caused by the
use of different generic and specific names for
plants that were in all probability identical or at
least very closely allied. Worthless fossil's were
frequently designated by a generic and specific
title; an author lightly selected a new name for
a miserable fragment of a fossil Fern - frond with-
out pausing to consider whether his record was
worthy of acceptance at the hands of the botanical
paleographer. In endeavouring to take a comprehen-
sive survey of the records of plant life, they should

aim at a wider view of the limits of species and look
for evidence of close relationship rather than for slight
differences, which might justify the adoption of a dis-
tinctive name. Their object, in short, was not only to
reduce to a common language the diverse designations
founded on personal idiosyncracies, but to group
closely allied forms under one central type. They
must boldly class together plants that they believed to
be nearly allied, and resist the undue influence of con-
siderations based on supposed specific distinctions.
As a preliminary consideration they must decide upon
the rao*t convenient means of expressing the facts of
geographical distribution in a concise form. The recog-
nised botanical regions of the world did not serve their
purpose; they were not concerned with the present
position of mountain-chains or wide-stretching plains
that constituted natural boundaries between one exist-
ing flora and another, but simply with the relative
geographical position of localities from which records
of ancient floras had been obtained. In an accom-
panying map he had divided the surface of the earth
into six belts, from west to east. The most northerly
or Arctic belt, included the existing land areas as far
south as latitude 60°, comprising— 1, Northern Canada ;
2, Greenland and Iceland; 3, Northern Europe ; 4, Bear
Island and Spitsbergen ; 5, Franz Josei's Land ; 6,
Northern Asia. The North Temperate belt, extending
from latitude 60° to 40 ', includes— 7, South Canada and
the Northern United States ; 8, Central and Southern
Europe ; 9, Central Asia. The North Subtropical belt
comprises the land between latitude 40° and the Tropic
of Cancer, including— 10, the Southern States of North
America; 11, Northern Africa, part of Arabia and
Persia ; 12, Tibet and part of China ; 13, Japan. The
Tropical belt, embracing the land-areas between the
Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, includes— 14, Central
America and the northern part of South America ; 15,
Central Africa and Madagascar; 16, India, the Malay
Archipelago, and Northern Australia. The South Sub-
tropical belt, extending from the Tropic of Capricorn
to latitude 40° south, includes— 17, Central South
America; is, South Africa; 19, Central and Southern
Australia. The South Temperate belt includes— 20, the
extreme south of South America; 21, Tasmania;' 22,
New Zealand.

Devonian and Lower Cabonherous Floras.

The scanty records from pre-Devonian rocks afforded
but little information as to the nature of the vegetation
that existed during the period in which were deposited
the Cambrian, Ordovician, and Silurian strata that now
formed the greater portion of the Welsh and Cumber-
land hills. They must wait for further discoveries
before attemping to give more than the barest outline
of the plant-life of those remote epochs. Their know-
ledge of the plant-world which existed during the
Silurian period was far too meagre to justify any
statement as to geographical distribution. Of the few
records of supposed Silurian plants, several had been
shown to be unsatisfactory, and the nature of others
was too uncertain to.;admit of accurate identification
The Lepidodendron-like fossil from the Clinton lime-
stone of Silurian age in Ohio, described by Claypole
in 1878 as Glyptodendron. had been referred by a
later writer to a Cephalopod. Stur's Bohemian plants
described in 1881, were too imperfect to afford any
information of botanical value; while the Ferns and
Lepidodeudroid; plants recently recorded by Potonie
from the HartzIMountains were more likely to be
of Devonian than Silurian age. The earliest plants
that had been found in sufficient number, and in
a state of preservation which rendered their' identifi-
cation possible, were those from Devonian rocks
From Bear Island, a small remnant of land situated
within the Arctic circle, the late Professor Heer
described several Devonian plants ; and more recently
Professor Nathorst, of Stockholm, had given a full ac-
count of this interesting and comparatively rich flora"
The relics of plant-life preserved in this Arctic island
carried them back through countless ages to a time
when a luxuriant vegetation flourished in a region now
occupied by ice-bound land and Polar seas. The Bear
Island rocks were, in the language which Huxley taught
them to use, homotaxial with certain Devonian plant-
bearing strata'in'.other parts'of the world; they occu-
pied the same relative position in the geological series
The Devonian and Lower Carboniferous plants led them
away from the present along converging lines of evolu-
tion toa remote stageiin the history of life ; they brought
them face to face,with proofs of common origins, which
enabled them to recognise community of descent iu
existing groups between. which a direct alliance was
either dimly suggested or absolutely unsuspected if
they confinediUheir, investigations to modern forms
They recognised.imoreover, in swchaplant as Archieo-
calamites an anccstorjfroni which they might derive in
a direct line the existing, members of the Equisetales.
In other types, by farjthe greater number, they saw
striking examples of Nature's many failures, which,
after reaching, an extraordinary complexity of organi-
sation, gave place to other products of evolution and
left no direct descendants. Another fact that seemed
to stand out clearly was;the almost world-wide distri-
bution of several characteristic Lower Carboniferous
plants."

Recent Experiments in the Hybridisation
of Orchids.
By Charles C. Hurst, F.L.S.
The first hybrid Orchid raised by hand was Calanthe
x Dominii, which flowered with Messrs. Veltch at
Exeter, in 1853, out of C. Masuca by pollen of C. furcata.
Since then, and especially during the last decade, the
number of hybrid Orchids has increased remarkably,
until at th9 present time there are on record more
than 1,300, each representing a distinct cross. Of
these at least 230 are generic hybrids, while the indi-
viduals of eacli cross are innumerable. The great
majority too, are fertile and comprise hybrids of the
second, third, and fourth generations. One of the
more advanced of these is Paphiopedilum x Kubele,
which contains five distinct species in its pedigree. It
is evident therefore that in many respects Orchids
offer a wide field to the student of inheritance.

Intermediate Hybrids.

My own experiments in Orchids have been mainly
confined to the hybrids between three Indian species
of Paphiopedilum (formerly known as Cypripedium)—
viz., P. Spicerianum, from Assam ; P. insigne, from
Nepal ; and P. Boxallii, from Burma. For brevity I
will term these. S, I, and B respectively, and for sim-
plicity I will deal with a single conspicuous character
in each— viz., the colour-markings on the dorsal sepal
of the flower. In B these take the form 'of purple-
black blotches more or less confluent. In I they are
round regular spots, brown on the green and purple
on the white ground. In S these colour-markings are
absent. In the first generation (F, of Bateson) S was
crossed with I, and vice vert<i, giving about fifty
hybrids, known as P. x Leeanum, which I will term
81. The result was practically the same in both
crosses, the colour-markings taking the form of a
few small regular dots, brown on the green, and
purple on the white ground, thus being fairly inter-
mediate between the spotted I and the unspotted 3.
Individuals from the tame capsule varied slightly in
the size and number of the dots, as they tended
towards the I or S parent. This result is a good
illustration of the intermediate or blended type of
inheritance which prevails in the great majority of
Orchid hybrids. In the second generation (FA one o
the SI hybrids was crossed with the third species B,
and rice vend, giving about sixty hybrids known as P.
x Hera, of which forty-nine have flowered, and thirty
have been figured (Hurst, 1903).

As far as the colour-markings are concerned, these
forty-nine hybrids fall naturally into two distinct
groups. The first group, twenty-three in number, con-
sists wholly of spotted forms, the colour-markings
taking the form of numerous irregular but distinct
spots, black on the green, and dark purple on the white
ground.

The second group, twenty six in number, consists
wholly of lined forms, the colour markings taking the
form of fuflused lines and stripes, black on the green
and dark purple on the white ground. These two
groups are apparently discontinuous, so that each
hybrid falls naturally into one group or the other, each
group having its own set of individual variations.
Careful comparison shows that the first or "spotted"
group resembles the collateral F, hybrid BI, known
as P. x Sthlesingerianum (Boxallii x insigne); while
the second or "lined" group resembles the collateral
F, hybrid BS, known as P. x Calypso (Boxallii x
Spicerianum). These F, hybrids, BI and BS, are un-
mistakably distinct from one another, though indi
vidually variable in this particular character; and
these same variations are practically repeated in the
F, hybrids S I x B.

Hence we see that for a single character SI x B =
BI + B3. As it is with this character so it is with the
other characters so far as they have been observed.
These results are a further confirmation of the
Mendelian idea of the separation of hybrid characters.
According to Mendel the F, hybrid SI should for any
single character produce pure S and pure I gametes in
equal numbers, and not any hybrid SI gametes at all
so that in Fs, when SI is crossed with B, the pure B
gametes will unite alternately with the pure S and the
pure I gametes, and the resulting zygotes will be BS
and BI in equal numbers. As we have seen, the actual
result is 23 BI + 26 BS, which is near to equality con-
sidering the small numbers involved. It is evident,
therefore, that the phenomena of the separation of
hybrid characters, so brilliantly demonstrated by
Meudel in Pisum, may also be observed in intermediate
Orchid hybrids.

Dominant Hybrids.

So far the hybrids dealt with belong to the inter-
mediate or blended type of inheritance, as do the great
majority of Orchid hybrids. In certain distinct
crosses, however, we find that one parent is always
dominant in all characters, almost to the exclusion of
the other. For example, Epiphronitis x Veitchli,
raised by Messrs. Veitch in 1890 out of Sophronitis
grandiflora by pollen of Epidendrum radicans. is in all
its structural characters a pure Epidendrum ; the only
traces of the Sophronitis parent being the dwarfer
habit, fewer larger and darker flowers, with a few
slight modifications of the lip and crest. Indeed, did
we not know that Sophronitis was the other parent,

September 26, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

227

it would have been impossible to have suggesied it.
In addition to the above, more than twenty distinct
hybrids have been raised between various species of
Epidendrum with reed-like stems, and various species
of Epidendrum, Laslia, Cattleya, and Sophronitis with
pseudo-bulbs, comprising thousands of individuals,
and all without exception have the reed-like stems and
general characters of Epidendrum (cf. Hurst, 1898 and
1900.) Unfortunately these hybrids have so far proved
infertile, their pollen being apparently defective and
actually impotent. We cannot therefore test their
nature by further breeding, and it is impossible to say
whether they are comparable to Mendel's cases of
dominance in Pisum.

False Hybrids.
now come to those curious cases

We now come to those curious cases of one-
sided inheritance in Orchids to which I have ap-
plied Millardet's term of •' false hybrids " (1900.
page 106.) The most numerous of these are the
various crosses that have been attempted by expert
hybridists at different times and in different countries,
between Zygopetalum and several more or less remote
genera, with the result that all the offspring have
proved to be Zygopetalum pure and simple Alto-
gether more than 400 seedlings have been raised by
Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea, Heath of Cheltenham, Bleu
of Pans, Ross of Florence. Leon of Bletehley, Orpet of
8. Lancaster, U.S.A., McWilliam of Whitinsville, USA
and the Rev. Horner of KLkby Lonsdale. The seed-
parent in each case was Zygopetalum Mackayi (the
reverse crosses being unsuccessful). The pollen used
was from Odontoglossum Pescatorel. O. crispum,
O.grande, O. bictonense, Oncidium tigrinum, Lycaste
Skinnen, Lselia anceps, Calanthe vestita, and Vanda
ceerulea All the 4oo seedlings raised from these
matings proved to be exactly like the seed-parent,
2. Mackayi. It is interesting to note, however, that
the individuals raised from the same capsule varied
in sizs and colour of the flowers in the same way that
the seed-parent species does in its native habitat

In other words, the " false hybrids " behaved just as
it they had been raised from self-fertilised seeds, but
as I showed in 189s, self-fertilisation, direct or indirect
was impossible in these cases, as the pollinia of the
seed-parents were all carefully removed before the
crosses were made (1898, p. 477). Apart from this, too,
the peculiar structure of these Orchids makes seif-
Jertuisation impracticable, as Darwin has well shown
(1862, p 150, f. 23). Nor is it apparently a case of Men-
delian dominance, for in the second generation (F ) the
characters of the seed-parent are again repeated pure
and simple, even when the "false hybrid" is re-mated
with the supposed recessive. This experiment was
carried out by Mr. McWilliam, by re-maiing one of the
F, "false hybrids" <Z. Mackayi ? x L. anceps) with
pollen of L. anceps alba, and the result was still Z
Mackayi pure and simple.

It seems clear, therefore, that we have in these
Zygopetalum seedlings, "false hybrids," comparable
to the original ones of Millardet in Fragaria (1894) It
may be noted that all the " false hybrids " in Orchids
so far are maternal in all characters, as were the
majority of Millardet's (1890, and also Bateson and
Saunder's Matthiola (1902, p. 79).

Other experiments, however, show that "false
hybrids " may occur that are paternal in all characters
as in a few of Millardet's Fragaria (1891), and De Vries'
Oenothera (1903, p. 31). The most interesting cases of
. false i hybridism " are, however, only just coming to
light both in plants and animals, in which a single
character only behaves as a "false hybrid," the
remaining characters being true hybrids.
^ These may be purely maternal in one character, as in
Bateson s Single comb Poultry (1903. p. 115), and appa-
rently in Spillman's glabrous and long - headed Wheats
<1902, p. 97); or they may be purely paternal in one
character, as in Bateson's Single comb Poultry (1902
P. 115), and my own unpublished experiments with
plumage colour in poultry.

Whether all these types of "false hybrids" have a
common explanation is difficult to say. but so far as
the Zygopetalum series is concerned, in 1900 1 suggested
that the stimulus of fertilisation might induce a kind
of parthenogenesis, without actual union of the sexual
elements (1900. p. lot;), ciusing the "false by-
Sl. sJ-° ">semble the seed-parent in all characters,
ims idea has been favourably received by Bateson
(1902. p. 157) and De Vrles (1903, p. 31), and It seems
■guite feasible that an extension of it to individual
fcametes of either parent mayultimaielyexplain all the
phenomena of "False Hybridism," or Monolepsis, as
Bateson more precisely terms it (1902, p. 165).

..|.n,C0D,<TI<l6iPP' u,ere is ro doubt ,liat l,ie .mestion of
Dalse Hybridism." or Monolepsis, opens out a wide
neld for original research In many genera of plants
and animals; and as our knowledgn of normal in-
. tientance increases, the need for experiments into the
nature of one-sided inheritance becomes more urgent
and pressing. s

REl'EHENCES.

Bateson and Saunders. 1902. Rep Erol. Com. Pou. Soc . I
. Darwin, 1883, Fertilisation •>< Orchids (2nd edit ')
De \ ries. 1903. Die Mutalinns Theorie. II.
Hurst, 1898, Journ. Km/. Hurt Snc, xxt.. pp 442-49(1
-Hurst, 19HIJ, Journ. Soy. Hori. Soc, xxiv , pp 90-116
.m,1.'81'.,1**''1' '"'"'"• tC"U- Bort. Soc, xxvl., pp. 01 1 121.
Mil ardet, 1894, Men soc Sri. Bordeaux, iv.. p. 317
bpillman, 1902, Bull 116, Ex. Sta. I S. /><>'. Agr.

ZYGOPETALUM xEOEBLINGIANUM
(Z. ROSTRATUM x Z. MAXILLARE
GAUTIERI).

This remarkably handsome new hybrid Orchid
(fig. 93), which, has created quite a stir among
British orchidists, was awarded a First-class Cer-
tificate by the Orchid Committee of the Eoyal Hor-
ticultural Society on Sept. 15. The variety was
raised by Mr. H. T. Clinkaberry, gr. to C. G-.
Boebling, Esq , of Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.A.,
and the plant was brought over by Mr. Fritz
Sander, of Messrs. Sander & Sons, in order that
it might be flowered, shown, and afterwards sold
without reserve at Messrs. Protheroe & Morris's
Auction Eooms, Cheapside, and the amount

THE GARDENERS' RECEPTION
AND DINNER.

(On September 29, 1903.)
Doubtless many of those who, like myself, live
at a considerable distance from London, have
been awaiting some kind of a programme of the
proceedings that are to take place at the above
function. Are dress clothes to be worn, or is
morning dress optional? [Morning dres3 will
be worn. Ed] This is a little point that
often perplexes people, country visitors more
especially, and might have been mentioned on
the dinner-tickets. The directions given by cir-
cular as to the best routes for reaching Chiswick
and thence to Holborn are very good ; and as the

Fig. 93. — zygopetalum x roeblingianu.m.
Sold for 50 guineas on September 15 for the benefit of the Royal Horticultural Socie y's Building Fund.

realised handed over to the Secretary of the
Eoyal Horticultural Society as Mr. Eoebling's
gift towards the new Hall of Horticulture.

The plant was offered at two o'clock on Friday
last, Mr. Harold Morris, who was in the rostrum,
announcing that the amount realised would be
handed over in full, the auctioneer kindly fore-
going all commission on the sale. The plant was
started at a low figure, and by fair competi-
tion was knocked down to Sir Frederick Wigan,
Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen, for fifty guineas.
The plant was described in the report of the
Eoyal Horticultural Society's meeting which
appears in this Journal on September 19, p. 214..
The flowers partake greatly of Z. rostratum in
form, sepals whitish emerald green, with a pur-
plish marking up the middle; petals nearly white.
marked with purple on the inner halves ; lip and
crest violet-coloured at base, white in front, with
purplish-rose coloured markings. J. O'B.

Chiswick Garden is soon to be relinquished, it is to
be hoped that many of those gardeners who come
to attend the dinner will also ba present at the
Vegetable Conference at the Chiswick Garden as
well and on the same day, viz., September 29.
They may then take a last look at what has been
one of the most historical and remarkable sites of
horticultural progress during the past century
The list of trees and shrubs, and of garden
flowers, fruits and vegetables introduced through
the Eoyal Horticultural Society or tested at Chis-
wick is a long one, and a roll-call of the names of
the more notable amateurs, professional gardeners,
and of celebrated botanists at various times and
in various ways connected with the place, would in
its way tie equally or even still more remarkable.
The records, of plants and men alike, are
enshrined however in the volumes of the Trans-
actions of the. Horticultural Society h&gixuiing in 1819)
butcontainiugpapersreadascarlyas 1806,01 in the

228

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 26, 1909.

year following that in -which the Society itself
was established. The Journal of the Horticul-
tural Society, commenced in 184G and continued
intermittently until to-day, is also full of details
as to the valuable work done at Chiswick and
elsewhere; and the file of the Gardeners' Chronicle,
dating from 1841, is also full of such records,
which are moreover especially valuable as being
unofficial and independent expressions of the best
or most able expert opinion.

Some of us who are deeply interested in horti-
cultural progress look upon this great gathering
of gardeners as indicative of progress in horticul-
tural matters, both social and political, and are
asking ourselves how the influence of such a
meeting will trend. How can a union of 500
gardeners more or less best be made to lend
itself to the furtherance of the highest and best
aims of gardeners, for gardening not only now,
but in the future ? It is quite possible that the
promoters of this unique gathering may have a
surprise-packet in store for us, as a sort of grace
after meat ! At any rate such a meeting is not
likely to pass away without leaving in its train
some potent suggestions for the good of horti-
culture, and for the benefit of those who follow it
zealously as a profession. Seeing that horticul-
turists as a body so seldom meet at the festive
board, except on charitable occasions, it has been
hoped that this reception and dinner is only the
beginning, and that its success on the present
occasion may lead to its becoming an annual affair.
Such a y early meeting would not only be a social
success, but it might be made the occasion of
intellectual advancement as well. At such a
reunion gardeners would have an opportunity of
showing that their craft, calling, profession —
call it what one may — is of enormous economic
importance ; that it is by far the highest form of
land culture, and one that exerts a vast and
beneficial; interest on many other collateral in-
dustries and on our home trade. As it is, we
have organised means, however inadequate they
may now and then prove to be, to assist old and
nfirm gardeners, their widows and orphans ;
but the social and political energies of the young,
the strong, and the able men in our profession
have so far been neglected. In this sense horti-
culture has been left like an untilled field, and I
for one sincerely hope and trust that, directly or
indirectly, the present festive meeting may lead
towards progress and improvement alike to gar-
deners and to gardening in Great Britain and
Ireland. F. W. Burbidge.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

GREENWICH PARK.— The flower-beds in Green-
wich Park — in the " lake enclosure " around the
superintendent's lodge at the Blackheath gates,
and thence to the lake — are bejewelled with bloom
just now, despite the blustering winds that have
buffeted them of late. All those who go there to
see cannot but congratulate Mr. W. J. Marlow,
who has succeeded Mr. Webster in the post of
superintendent. Among the more notable
changes which have come about under his rule
are that the sward in the enclosure and there-
abouts is shorn close, instead of having paths cut
through it, with the result of a beautiful emerald
setting to the flower-beds and licence to the
visitor to stroll here and there at will, instead of
keeping within a deliminated frontier. All the
plants are labelled with both scientific and
papular names, and many, admiring the blossoms
or foliage, are to be seen taking notes with a view,
probably, of acquiring specimens for themselves
of those plants which have most hit their fancy.
Eentish Mercury.

SECOND FLOWERING OF APPLES. — As an
illustration of the eccentricities of this remark-
able year I may perhaps be allowed to say that I
have in my garden a Golden Russet Apple-tree
that has produced only one fruit this year ; but
at this present time (September 14) is bearing

two perfectly formed flowers, notwithstanding
that the nights during the past week have been
excessively cold, in some instances with slight
frost. John R. Jackson, Claremont, Lympstone,
Devon. [By no means an uncommon circum-
stance. Ed.]

LATE-FLOWERING APPLES. — We have been
interested in the correspondence in your columns
respecting the merits of various late-blooming
Apples. Our experience, however, differs some-
what from some of your correspondents, and we
give herewith a list of varieties that are cropping
heavily with us this year, most of which flower
late in the spring. Jubilee, Prince Albert, and
Worcester Pearmain are carrying the heaviest
crops, thus proving the great value of late-
blooming varieties, which escape the late spring
frosts ; in fact, for a number of years these varie-
ties ha^e always borne a crop, no matter what
the season has been. The following are the
varieties of Apples which flower late : — Jubilee,
Prince Albert, Worcester Pearmain, Court Pendu
Plat, Lord Derby, Lord Grosvenor, The Queen,
Newton Wonder, Bess Pool, Sandringham,
Domino, Keswick Codlin, Pott's Seedling, Forge,
Stirling Castle, Atalanta, Gospatric, Grenadier,
King of Pippins, and Hormead's Pearmain.
J. Cheat S( Sons, Crawley.

In respect to this very important subject,

and the liability of frequent losses from spring
frost, would it not be advantageous to select late-
flowering Crab stocks for budding and grafting
standard Apples ? I saw a Crab-tree last spring
which was a fortnight later in flowering than any
other Crab in this district, being fully exposed on
all sides to the sun and winds. I think, therefore,
it would be well to select such varieties of Crab
stocks for budding and grafting upon. Constant
Reader.

FLOWERING OF BAMBOOS. — I have read with
much interest the various remarks of correspon-
dents in the Gardeners' Chronicle concerning the
flowering of Bamboos in this country, and I
recently paid a visit to Mr. Warmington, gardener
to Sir J. Llewelyn, Penllergaer, Swansea, who has
charge of a very fine collection of Bamboos,
numbering upwards thirty species, growing in
masses and clumps 15 feet and 16 feet high.
Although we looked carefully through the clumps
we found flowers and seed only on Arundinaria
Simoni. It is unfortunate that flowering does not
add to the beauty of these plants. In some cases
they were partly flowering, and in others even this
year tho suckers were in bloom. C. S. Branson.

THE RECENT GREAT STORM IN SOUTH CORK.

— The storm of Thursday week was fearful. The
one in February was bad enough, but the leaves
being on the trees there was greater havoc this
time. A huge Beech, I suppose 150 years old,
was blown across the road leading to Ard Cairn, the
top coming within the grounds. Most of the
Apples, poor as the crop was, have been blown off.
It is astonishing, though, how some sorts with-
stand the wind, no matter how strong it may be
— Worcester Pearmain and Stirling Castle are
examples of this. I have some nice fruits of both,
and the crop is a full one, the Worcester Pear-
mains being wonderfully well cropped for the
season. My lovely tree of Abutilon vitifolium,
20 feet in height, is levelled — a matter for regret,
it being such a fine specimen of a rather rare
plant. Any person caring to get a piece of
the wood as a curiosity may be supplied on
sending Cd\ in stamps. I do not suppose any
collector of timber in the United Kingdom has
the same. I intend to replace the tree with a
young plant. W. Baylor Hartland, Ard Cairn,
Cork, September 14, 1903.

THE GALE. — I shall be much obliged if any
of your readers who have had rare or curious
trees blown down by the gale would let me know,
as I am anxious to procure samples of wood from
some, and shall be happy to pay their full value
and expenses if they would kindly let me know.
I want especially the following, if not less than
8 to 10 inches in diameter : — Magnolia acu-
minata, Tilia americana, Koalreuteria panicu-
lata, any American Maple or Oak, Sophora
japonica, Cladrastis amurensis, Virgilia lutea,
Gymnocladus canadensis, Prunus serotina, Pyrus

tor minalis, Liquidamber styraciflua, Nyssa biflora,
Fraxinus ornus, Catalpa speciosa, Celtis aus-
tralis, C. occidentalis, Mulberry, Plane, Hickory,
Juglans cinerea, Pterocarya caucasica, any Birch
except alba, Corylus colurna, any ra*e Conifers,
if large enough to contain heart-wood. H. T.
Elxces, Colesborne, near Cheltenham.

HUMEA ELEGANS IN PEACH-HOUSES.— Plants-
of Humea, if placed in a Peach-house when th&
trees are in active leafage, will be a cause of
injury to the Peach trees. Many years ago, when:
I was gardener at Combe Abbey, we placed a lot, of
Humeas in a Peach-house as being a convenient
and suitable place for them, but shortly after
putting them there, I cannot now remember how
long, the leaves of the trees plainly showed signs-
of distress. I drew the attention of some of my
young men to the appearance of the leaves of the
Peach trees, and we came to the conclusion that
the presence of the Humeas might be the cause
of the appearances, and I at once had ■ them'
removed, and soon after the trees resumed a
healthy appearance. Whatever noxious elements
are exhaled from the Humeas only an analytical
chemist will be able to tell us, but this much we
do know, namely, that when placed in a close
atmosphere the smell of the Humeas is more
offensive than pleasant. If any of the men who
happened to be with me at Combe at that time
can call the, circumstance to mind, they could
verify my statement ; but the notioe to which
" A. D." draws our attention, besides that of my
own, is the only one I ever know to be recorded j.
but these remarks may probably elicit more.
W. Miller, Berkswell.

■ ■ Being interested in the article by your

correspondent " A. D." in your last issue con-
cerning Humeas and Peaches, I send a sample of
Peach -leaves for your' kind inspection taken from-
trees which have been growing within 3 feet of a
batch of Humeas all the summer. As you will
see, they are in perfect condition, and show no-
signs of injury through being brought in contact
with the Humeas. Since reading about Mr.
Fyfe's curious experience, I have made a careful
examination of our trees and have failed to find
any trace of the injury described by him. H. Smithy
foreman, Buscot Park. [The leaves sent by our
correspondeat were robust, dark green, and
without any blemish whatever. Ed."]

CROCUS SCHAROJANI. — It may be of interest
to many to know that this vivid orange-flowered
species from the Caucasus and mountains of
Trebizond has recently been introduced by Myn-
heer C. G. van Tubergen, jun., of Haarlem. It
was in cultivation in British gardens years ago,,
but I only once saw it in flower in the Koyal
Gardens, Kew. It is interesting as being the
earliest of all autumnal kinds to flower, and its-
colour in this section is quite unique. As a rule,
its cheerful blooms push up in August, but occa-
sionally they appear in mid-July. It is closely
followed in September by C. cancellatus var. cili-
cicus, and the great blue C. speciosus. Mynheer
van Tubergen may be congratulated on his
success in the introduction of many rare and
interesting bulbs, such as Iris, Tulips, Fritillarias,
&c. ; and lastly but by no means least on his
having again rescued this beautiful Crocus from
oblivion, and restored it, not without many
practical difficulties, to British and Continental
gardens. F. W. Burbidge.

THE SHREWSBURY CHAMPION GRAPE CUP
COMPETITION.— Surely the task of winning the
coveted Shrewsbury Grape Cup three times will
be found difficult enough without any additional
tantalizing paper skirmishes, which in the present
case are quite uncalled for, as it is admitted by
all, including the Messrs. Buchanan them-
selves, that the pointing was correctly and fairly
done, and the judges' final decision a just one. I
am greatly surprised and sorry to find such plucky
and formidable opponents lowering their standard
after admitting the just treatment meted out to
the competitors, as recently recorded in the
columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Now may I
ask what would be thought of an exhibitor who
staged culinary Apples and cattle Cabbages in
classes in which dessert or table varieties were
invited, and then complaining of not getting the
prize, although hia exhibits were by far the

September 26, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

229

largest and heaviest ? ' I noticed that some of the
usual clever onlookers thought the exhibits
obtaining the maximum points should have won
the prize ; if this were so it would defeat the
object of the pointing system, as the results of
the Shrewsbury contest plainly illustrates how
seldom it is possible to obtain the better-class
varieties in the best condition. But as great
stress seems to be placed on the maximum
problem, I may be pardoned for repeating the
opinion of some of my more friendly opponents,
who thought the judges might have been a trifle
more liberal to my Black Hamburgh and Madres-
fiefd Court Grapes, which meant, as I imagine,
that they were deserving of a maximum. Doubt-
less the judges, however well balanced, would
experience some slight difficulty in transferring
their vision (as it were) from an elephant to a
thoroughbred horse, and assess each at its proper
value ; but as we ought to speak favourably of
the bridge that carries us safely over the stream,
I am satisfied to let a win suffice, narrow as
the margin appears to have been ; the same
as does a few inches of a horse's nose in
a race, however great the prize. There
appears to be some erroneous ideas about
the altered conditions of the competition. All
the competitors (and others) were perfectly cog-
nisant of the fact that the 1903 schedule con-
tained plainly-printed instructions to exhibitors,
while that of 1902 simply referred exhibitors to •
the Royal Horticultural Society's code by way of
instructions for the guidance of the judges.
Neither do I think it advisable to make any
change during the present competition, for
anxious and courteous as the Committee have
always been to one and all alike, they doubtless
know the difficulty of trying to please everybody,
which invariably ends in nobody being pleased.
It is a little amusing to find the Messrs. Buchanan
comparing some of the Shrewsbury exhibits to
those usually seen at our village shows. I may
remind them that it is their pet Alicantes which
we usually find there in galore, and if big
bunches are to prevail, Mr. Shingler has the
Cup well in hand, for when visiting him a few
days since I remarked that he had plenty of
those wonderful clusters, similar to those he sur-
prised us with at Shrewsbury last year, still
hanging on the Vines. I also note a prophecy
regarding a falling off in the number of com-
petitors for the Champion Cup. As a set-off
against this, I may say that at least three new
competitors are likely to come — viz., one from
Scotland in Mr. Kirk, also one from the West in
Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Kenna from Tullamore.
When at Shrewsbury, one of those enterprising
single-handed growers, whom it is dangerous to
despise, showed me some pleasing samples, re-
gretting he had not entered for the Cup class.
However, had the arrangements been left to your
humble servant, all the competitors should have
entered the race together, and no fresh ones
admitted ; but we may safely trust our modest
fame to the always just Committee, which acts
fairly to all alike. J. H. Goodacre.

LUPIN SOMERSET.— Your illustration, p. 204,
of a group of Lupines prompts me to send you a
note concerning the variety Somerset, which is
said to be hardy. As to this I cannot speak
positively, having had this variety for a brief period
only. With me the plant grows exceptionally
vigorously, and flowers in abundance. The point
about this Lupin is its variety of colour. The
ground- work is yellow, this being tinted with red,
which imparts a pleasing as well as novel
appearance to the flowers. E. M., Hants.

THE THORNLES8 ROSE. — It seems appropriate
at this moment to recall what one of the Fathers
of the Greek Church, St. Ambrose, said on this
subject: —

" Before the Fall, the Rose was born,
St. Ambrose says, without the thorn ;
But with the Fall then came the thorn,
Without the fragrant Rose-bud born,
But ne'er the Rose without the thorn."
Helen M. Everard, Neivbold, Leamington.

THE LATE JAME8 8MITH, V.M.H. — With
feelings of intense pain I have but just read in
this (Monday) morning's Daily Newsol the death,
on Friday, September 1H, in Scotland, of a very

highly esteemed colleague on the Fruit Com-
mittee, James Smith, gardener to Lord Rosebery
at Mentmore. That death has also of necessity
cast a shadow over our gathering on the 29th,
for not only was he a member of the Dinner Com-
mittee, but took deep interest in it. Gardeners
are essentially feeling men, and, when they
meet on the 29th, they will speak to each other
in bated breath of a fellow-man and a fine gar-
dener, whom to know was to esteem. It was
the. privilege of those of the Fruit Committee
who were present at the last meeting of that
body at Chiswick so recently as the 11th inst., to
have him present as a colleague, and we thought
then how much better he seemed, and much
brighter and more cheerful than he had been for
some time past. How much now will that
remembrance be cherished ! He was a worthy
member of a craft that has given to the world
many able and estimable men. A. Dean. [An
appreciative Obituary notice of our late friend
will be found on p. 231. Ed.]

FUNGI AT THE DRILL HALL —In the report on
the Fungus exhibition at the Drill Hall on Tues-
day, 15th inst., I am given the credit for showing
a good collection, whereas I only exhibited the
large dried specimen of Fomes australis from
South America. I do not know who sent the
other exhibit to which you refer in your report
as coming from me. /. Willard, Holly Lodge
Garden, High-gate, N.

A FINE SPECIMEN OF ERICA BURNETTI.—
Sir William Henderson, Devanha House, Aber-
deen, has at present in full bloom in one
of his greenhouses a superb specimen of a
Cape Heath. The variety is Erica Burnetti,
and it measures ^ feet 3 inches in diameter, and
is covered with a multitude of coral-pink blos-
soms, presenting a beautiful appearance. This
variety is one of the most difficult of all Cape
Heaths to cultivate, and the excellent condition
of the plant reflects great credit on the skill
of Sir William's head gardener, Mr. John Proc-
tor. W. Kelly. [Not mentioned in Index Kewensis,
but it is found in Fl. de Serres, S, 845. Ed.]

SULTAN IEH GRAPES. — In these days of cease-
less activity in horticulture, when every depart-
ment seems to be crowded with those who laud to
the skies any flower, fruit, or vegetable to which
they are partial, it is well to draw attention to
those who have the courage .to strike out from
the old beaten path, and take up some novelty
which others have neglected. One of these is
Dr. Bonavia, of Worthing, who has written lately
on the Strawberry Grape and the Sultanieh
Grape. The former I have not seen, but he has
been good enough to send me a bunch of the
latter, which seems to be very interesting. Most
housewives know its value in the Christmas
season, when it comes before them in the form of
the Sultana raisin. It is very prolific, it pro-
duces long bunches, every flower seems to set, it
is very sweet and of good colour. It will find no
favour with those who are enamoured with that
tasteless though good-looking Grape Gros Colmar,
but it offers great possibilities, and if Dr. Bonavia,
who has taken it in hand, can manage to cross it
with some of our established favourites, a new
era in Grape culture may be before us, and we
may perhaps hope to see a new race of Grapes
appealing to our consideration. Wild Rose.

EXHIBITING CACTUS DAHLIAS. — Mr. J. Pope's
indictment of the existing method of exhibiting
Cactus Dahlias has in it much reason, and
especially so in the fact that the setting up of
the blooms in wire racks or frames entirely
misleads purchasers who, ignorant of the true
habits of so many of these flowers, buy them
because the blooms thii3 set up look so erect and
attractive. But what a sorry spectacle do these
flowers present when shown as seedlings for
certificates have to be shown. Scarcely one
variety in fifty has a stalk that holds the blooms
erect ; and for the size and beauty of the flower,
I do not know of any garden plant that produces
its blooms so diffidently and with such a lack of
decorative effectiveness as does the Cactus Dahlia.
All this comes from the practice of giving awards
to flowers solely from their exhibition point of
view when staged in frames, and not in the
least because of the variety's usefulness in

the garden. I have offered a small prize
in connection with the trial of Cactus Dahlias,
chiefly of recent introduction, now being con-
ducted at Chiswick, for the varieties which there
prove the most decorative as garden plants. I
have done this because, whilst a warm admirer
of the Cactus varieties, I care so little for the
merely exhibition aspects of the flowers, and so
much for their garden aspects, and especially for
their fitness for use as cut flowers. How many of
the varieties that have been awarded certificates
are there, which either are so deficient in robust-
ness that they propagate badly or are difficult to
grow, or else are never heard of after a second
season ? What folly it is to waste certificates
upon such things that are of so fugitive a nature
or so useless in the garden. Would the Rose
have been such a popular flower had it existed
solely for its suitability for exhibition ? Does not
that glorious flower owe more now to its garden
decorative qualities than to any other cause 'i At
Chiswick, even now, out of so many varieties only
one is at present (September 12) at all present-
able. I trust ere the month is out a few may be
found worthy of being classed as garden Dahlias.
A. Dean.

CORIARIA RUSCIFOLIA (syn. C. SARMENTOSA),
— I enclose a small branch to show the orna-
mental character of the plant in berry as grown
here. I have had much larger clusters of berries,
but they have been spoiled by wasps, which eat
them greedily. From its perfect hardiness,
elegance of growth, and ornamental berries, the
plant is well worthy of a corner in any herbaceous
border however select. The flowers are small
and insignificant, but the berries are beautiful.
Wm. W., N.B. [Very beautiful indeed. Ed.]

SOCIETI ES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.

September 15.— Present : Mr. Michael (iu the chair) ;
Messrs. Odell, Chattenden, and Worsley, Professor
Boulger, Revs. W. Wilts and Geo. Henslow, Hod. Sec.

Silvir-leaJ disease.— With reference to the report in
the minutes of the last meeting, Mr. Gaut wrote
as follows :— " I notice in this morning's Gardeners'
Chronicle, p. 196, a slight error. It is this, "Silrer-leaf
was due to a lack of nitrogen in the soil.' It should
have been ' presence of too much.' I was quoting Mr.
Massee. Mr. Bland, the owner of the fruit trees
afflicted, before he wrote to me, sent some leaves to the
Board of Agriculture, who sent them on to Mr. Massee.
The following is a copy of the report :-' Copy A, 3350.—
Diseased Plum trees.— The disease is generally known
as Silver-leaf, and has been proved to be due to the
presence of too much nitrogenous food in the soil.
Abstain from using farmyard or organic manure of
any kind, and sow rape or some quickly-growing crop
under the trees. Remove the crop when fully grown.' "
Much hesitation was shown by the Committee in ac-
cepting this conclusion, as Portugal Laurels growing
in poor, gravelly soil have been known to be badly
ailected, as much as garden fruit trees.

Asparagus diseased.— Herr Otto Froebel, Zurich V.,
sent the following communication, with specimens :—
•• Dear Sir— Permit me to send you today by post a
monstrosity I observed since last year on my old plant
of Asparagus retrofractus. We call such form ' Hexen-
besen,' which means 'Witch's broom.' They are often
observed on different hardy plants, on Conifers, trees,
and shrubs. However, I have never observed this
anomaly on any one of my various species of Asparagus,
and I hope it will be interesting to the readors of the
Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society if you will
bring this notice." Mr. Michael undertook to examine
the specimen. "I intend to send you next spring*
flowering branch of the quite new Forsythla europsea
(Heegenand Baldacci), introduced by seeds in iswfrom
Albania. I should feel much satisfied if I could send
first flowering branches of this new shrub, very hardy
In my country, and If this novelty could be llgured in
your very Hoe and always most interesting Journal."

ChimOTianthui, abnormal .foliage.— Mr. -Odeli. showed
branches bearing normal as well as bifurcated leaves,
arising from a separation of the llbro-vaseular buudles
of the midrib, at various distances from the base lu
some it commenced even in the short petlolo.

230

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[September 26, 1903.

Eelworm in Agrostis. —Mr. Chattendex showed ex-
amples of the unusual position of eelworms in the
inflorescence of this grass.

Cemia in Campanula.— Be also showed examples of
this fungus in C. rapunculoides, as well as an appa-
rently new species of fungus attacking the sepals of
Clematis.

Dracxna with ai'rial root.— He also exhibited a stem
which had been ringed, and had since produced a
downward growing" toe," or adventitious root, upwards
of a foot above the ground.

Heuchera.-i.li: Wilks received a plant in foliage, on
every leaf of which a foliaeeous bud was developed at
the base of the blade on the upper end of the petiole.
There appeared to be no account of such being a
normal condition.

Figs drying and falling —Mr. Worsley drew attention
to the fact that certain Figs frequently ceased to
mature after a certain time, then dried up and fell off.
The general opinion was that nourishment was
diverted by some cause or another, as the winter Figs
in this country always fall off as soon as foliage appears.

NORTH LONDON" DAHLIA SOCIETY.

September 9, 10 -This was the third exhibition of
this growing Society, and the commodious Queen's
Hall was nearly three parts filled with exhibits. A few
olasses were thrown open to all comers, and these
brought some fiDe blooms from growers at a distance,
though those shown by local exhibitors were generally
very good.

Mr. A. Perby, Hardy Plant Nursery, Winchmore
Hill, set up a very fine bank of hardy flowers, and
Certificate) of Merit were awarded to Helianthus
tomentosus and Geum Heldreichi superoum, both
being in fine character.

Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfield Nurseries,
Crawley, had a very fine bank of Dahlias, among which
there were several nice flowers of the Cactus, Pompon
single-flowered, and show varieties. Certificates of
Merit were awarded to Mrs. D. B. Crane, a promising
white variety; and to single Dahlia Princess of Wale*,
a mixture of sunset hues, salmon, orauge, and rose.

Mr. J. T. West, Dahlia specialist, Brentwood, had a
simihar fine collection, and a Certificate of Merit was
given to Cactus Charm, a beautiful and novel form
pale orange-red tipped with blush and delicate violet

Messrs. Cutbush & Sox, Nurserymen, Highgata and
Barnet, had a large number of Cactus Dahlias set up in
bamboo stands and vases, arranged with Fern fronds

Messrs. W. Wells & Co., Ltd.. Earlswood Nurseries
had several bunches of eirly-flowering Chrysanthe-
mums, and Certificates of Merit were awarded to Carrie
aud to The Champion, two yellow flowered varieties.

Other small trade exhibits were also staged, including
some pretty floral decorations set up by Madame
Helene.

Evidently the local growers favour the Cactus
varieties, for they dominated in the loral classes
Some pretty Pompons were staged, the tendency being
to cut them too old, and the same fault appeared to
characterise the show Dahlias. There were a few
single varieties, but they are evidently only sparingly
grown in the north of London.

In addition to Dahlias there were special prizes for
hardy herbaceous perennials, which appeared to be
well grown in the locality; Phloxes, Hollyhocks
Gladiolus; annuals, including Sweet Peas; also for
tuberous-rooted Begonias, foliage plants, table plants
and for floral decorations, epergnes, &o., making up'
as a whole an attractive display.

One encouraging feature is the large number of
ladies and gentlemen who offer special prizes for
various subjects, and in this respect they are supported
by the local florists.

DERBY HORTICULTURAL.

September 9, lO.-This show, held on the above
dates, was held in connection with the Agricultural
Society's show, and was a very successful one. The
schedule contains 130 classes, in many of which the
prizes are valuable, and this season, notwithstanding
its inclemency, the large marquee with its annexes
were filled with plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruit of
excellent quality generally.

The chief class in the show was that for a decorative
group of plants to cover sou square feet, arranged in
the form of a segment of a circle. This brought five
exhibitors, the 1st prize being £20, 2nd £16 3rd £12
4th £8, 5th £5, and 6th £j. Thestrong opponent of past
years was Mr. J. Oakes, J. P. (gr., J. Ward), Riddlings
House, who this year failed to compete, and the 1st
prize fell to Mr. G. H. Turner (gr., Mr. J. Thomnson)
Littleover House, Derby, whose group was a capital
example of grouping that was very effective ; 2nd Mr
W. Holmes, Chesterfield, whose group was heavier in
arrangement, the Orchids forming the chief features of

attraction ; and Sir O. Mosley, Bart, (gr., Mr. G. Wood-
gate), was 3rd.

The Plant classes brought good examples, and the
general competitions were keen. Mr. G. Caeringtcn
and Mr. E. Roe were well to the front for Dahlias and
Roses. Another successful exhibitor was Mi. Josiah
Wood.

In the Fruit classes Mr. Goodacre followed up his
Shrewsbury successes, taking prizes in every class for
Grapes, his Muscat of Alexandria, Black Hamburghs
and Madresfield Court being extraordinarily fine.

For Apples. Peaches, Plums, &o., the same exhibitor
scored heavily ; Messrs. Bbiggs and H. D. Smith
following as 2nd and 3rd.

A keen competition ensued in the Vegetable classes,
the quality of which was of the highest excellence, Mr.
J. Read, Mr. J. Hudson, and Mr. G. Woodgate taking
the chief prizes.

Messrs. Sutton's prize went to Mr. G. Wocdgate, and
Messrs. Webbs' to Mr. S. W. Thompson.

Trade Exhibits.
These came from Mr. J. H. White, Worcester, hardy
herbaceous perennials ; Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons,
Crawley, Dahlias; Messrs. R. W. Proctee, Derby,
Roses, Dahlias, &c; Mr. W. L. Pattison, Shrewsbury,
Pansies and Violas; Mr. Deteeill, Banbury, Onions ;
Mr. W. B. Child, herbaceous perennials ; Messrs!
Hewitt, Birmingham, Carnations, &c. ; and Messrs.
Webb & Sons', Wordsley, stand consisting of vegetables
and liowers. Orchid.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OP
ENGLAND ORCHID.

September 11.— Present; Messrs. S. Gratrix, W.
Thompson, R. Ashworth, A. J. Keeling, J. Cowan, R.
Johnson, W. Holmes, H. Smith, P. Weathers (Hon. Sec.)

The meeting on this date was held at the Royal
Botanical Gardens at Old Traflord in fine weather.
There was a good display of plants, groups of them
being contributed by S. Gbateix, Esq. (Silver-gilt
Medal), E. Rooebson, Esq. (Silver Medal), T. Statter,
Esq. (Silver Medal), Messrs. Sander & Sons (Silver
Medal), and to Mr. A. J. Keeling and Mr. S. Allen
(Votes of Thanks).

S Gratrix. Esq. (gr., Mr. Cypher), had in his group
some very choice plants, one of which, viz., Brasso-
C ittleya x heatonensis, gained a First-class Certificate ;
the parents of this hybrid are Catlleya x Hardyana x'
Brassavola Digbyana, and the flowers are of fine
quality; Cypripedium X Chorltoni, a cross between C.
charlesworthii X C. ;< Harrisianum, received an Award
of Merit ; Sophro-Lielia x heatonensis, a good richly-
coloured hybrid (Sophronitis grandiflora x L.-elia pur-
purata), received an Award of Merit ; and Cypripedium
x Eismannianum variety grandiflora gained a similar
award.

E. Rogerson, Esq (gr., Mr.Blomily), received a First-
class Certificate for Cattleya x Iris var. magnifica, and
for Cypripedium x Massaianum var. superbum, the
latter being a very fine form. The same amateur
received Awards of Merit for Cattleya :•: Maroni var
ulive, Cattleya x Boadicea, and Cypripedium x Para
(C. bellatulum x C. Charlesworthi).

Messrs. Sander & Sons received an Award of Merit
for Cattleya x Ella var. superba (C. bicolor x C. gigas).

T. Statter, Esq. (gr., Mr. Johnson), exhibited Cattleya
x Brymeriana, for which an Award of Merit was voted.

John Cowan & Co., Ltd., exhibited a magnificent
form of Cypripedium Lawrenceanum var. Gratrixi-
anum, which was awarded a Firstclass Certificate.

Mr. A. J. Keeling exhibited a fine plant of Masde-
vallia macrura, which received an Award of Merit. P. W.

READING & DISTRICT GARDENERS'
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT AS-
SOCIATION.

• The last two gatherings of the members of this
Association were of an enjoyable character, visits being
paid to Danesfield. Marlow, by permission of Mr. R. H.
Hudson, and to Hillside, Reading, by invitation of the
President. The outing to the former place was by
steamer, and the party numbered about sixty. Ar-
riving at Medmenham, the visitors were met by Mr. J.
Gibson, the head gardener, and conducted across the
meadows to the polo ground, where lunch was par-
taken of. The President, Mr. Leonard Sutton, presided,
and on behalf of the members tendered to Mr. Hudson
their thanks for allowing them to visit Danesfield for
the second time. After lunch the party first inspected
the kitchen garden, and needless to say great interest
was manifested in the various crops of vegetables,
specimens from which have made the name of Danes'-
field famous in horticultural circles during the present
year. A stroll through the grounds and a game of
cricket made the remainder of the day pass pleasantly.
The visit to Hillside took place on the 14th inst.. and
was the first meeting of the present session. Previous
to the meeting over one hundred members sat down to
a substantial tea, afterwards making an inspection of
the gardens. The subject for the evening's discussion

was " Notes on a Recent Visit to the Gardens at Bear-
wood," questions on the culture of crops seen to be
answered by the head gardener, Mr. W. Barnes.

The subjects touched on were Strawberries, Begonias,
Peas, Melons, Carnations, Vines, Peaches, Cauliflowers,
Potatos, Seakale, Onions, Lily of the Valley, Beans,
Celery, 8olanums, soils, &c.

Before separating, a hearty vote of thanks was
accorded to the President for his kind hospitality, and
to Mr. Barnes for leading the meeting. Several new
members were elected.

CROYDON AND DISTRICT HORTI-
CULTURAL MUTUAL IMPROVE-
MENT.

September 15.— Cryptogamic plants, or the lower
order of plant-life, formed the subject of a lecture
delivered before the members of this Society at their
Rooms, Sunflower Temperance Hotel, on the above
date. The lecturer, Mr. G. W. T. Shrubshall, alluded
to the little attention generally devoted to this race of
plants. The exhibits at the meeting also proved at-
tractive, and unanimous thanks were freely expressed
to the exhibitors.

The next paper will be read on October 6, when Mr.
J. Cheal, Lowfield Nursery, Crawley, will take " Horti-
culture in America and Canada," illustrated with
lantern views.

LONDON DAHLIA UNION.

September 16, 17.— A good show of Dahlias was held
on the above dates under the auspices of the London
Dahlia Union in the Prince's Hall at Earl's Court
Exhibition. The arrangements were in the hands of
Mr. Richard Dean, and by the use of a number of
Palms and other green foliage plants the appearance
of the exhibition as a whole was much improved. In
most of the competitive classes there were numerous
exhibits, and of miscellaneous collections from the
trade there was a large and brilliant display.

Cactus Varieties.

The first class was for displays of Cactus Dahlias
arranged on table-spaces of 12 feet by 6 feet, with
light foliage, Ferns, and Grasses. The 1st prize was
awarded to the only exhibitor, Mr. V. Seale, of Seven-
oaks, who by means of tall Bamboo stands and other
receptacles, furnished with good flowers, made an
imposing exhibit.

An interesting class was that in which Mr. William
Marshall ottered prizes for the best six bunches of
Pompon Cactus-flowered varieties, with a view to en-
courage the development of small, refined flowers of
this type. The exhibits in this the first year were
sufficient to show that such a type would possess much
attraction. Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salis-
bury, obtained 1st prize, showing the varieties Corona-
tion (rosy-crimson), Fairy (greenish yellow and white),
and Dolly (red aud white) : 2nd, Mr. M. V. Seale.

In a class for twelve bunches .of Cactus blooms, dis-
tinct, Messrs. J. Stredwicic & Son, St. Leonards, beat
four competitors. Amongst the varieties were the
following :— Pearl, a lovely flower of rich clear mauve-
pink colour with white centre ; Comet, a flaked variety ;
Florence M. Stredwick, white; and Mrs. Ed. Mawley,
yellow. 2nd, Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., Cambridge,
who had two noteworthy varieties in Premier, bright
red colour; and Violette, a very large flower, lacking
refinement, but possessing a distinct shade of violet
colour, in recognition of which a Certificate was
awarded this novelty.

The best exhibit of twenty-four Cactus blooms on
boards was shown by Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., and
the following varieties were noticed in particular—
Violette, W. J. Gallon, reddish orange colour ; Joyce,
rosy-crimson ; Dulcis, Blanche, white, with lemon-
coloured centre; and J. H. Jackson; 2nd, Messrs. J.
Stbedwick & Son; 3rd, Messrs. Kevnes, Williajis.iS
Co., Salisbury.

The best exhibit of twelve blooms, distinct, on boards
wa) from Mr. M. V. Seale; Messrs. J. Stbedwick &
Son being 2nd; and Mr. E. West, Jr , had the best
exhibit of six blooms.

In a class for the best six blooms of any Cactus
variety, those varieties that gained prizes were Mrs.
Ed. Mawley (1st prize), J. Bryant, and Mrs. de Luca,
all of shades of yellow.

Iu the Amateur classes for Cactus Dahlias, the
principal competitiou was one for the best collection of
nine varieties, three blooms of each, shown in bunches,
for which the 1st prize consisted of the Hobbies
Challenge Cup and £1. Mr. H. A. Needs, Woking, was
awarded 1st prize; and Mr. W. Petees, Holmhurst
Gardens, St. Leonards, 2nd. Mr. M. H. Bbown, 174,
North Street, Luton, had the best collection of six
varieties, three blooms of each ; Mr. Ed. Mawley' being
2nd. Mr. H. A. Needs the best collection of twelve
blooms.

Show and Fancy Vaeieties.

The flowers in this section were very satisfactory to
the florist. Not only were there many collections of

September 26, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

231

blooms, but these were good in size, and as symmetri-
cal as if made to pattern. The best collection of twenty-
four blooms came from Mr. Stephen Walker, High
Street, Thame, Oxon ; Mr. Chas. Turner, Royal Nur-
series, Slough, was 2nd; and Mr. S. Mortimer,
Rowledge Nurseries, Farnham, 3rd.

In the class for twelve blooms. Messrs. J. Cheal &
Sons, were 1st; and Mr. J. R. Tranter, Henley-on-
Thames, 2nd. The best collection of twelve blooms
from an amateur was shown by Mr. T. Anstiss.

Pompon and Single Dahlias.

Mr. C. Turneb, had very pretty collections of
Pompons in classes for twelve varieties in bunches
containing ten blooms, and six varieties in bunches of
six blooms. The new ones, Daisy, San Toy, and Queen
of Whites, were included, and a mave-coloured flower
named Wilfred was very attractive.

The best single Dahlias were shown by Messrs. J.
Cheal & Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley, who ob-
tained 1st prize in a class for twelve varieties in bunches
of six blooms. The varieties Darkness and Princess of
Wales, both of which were shown at the last meeting of
the Royal Horticultural Society, were on this occasion
awarded Certificates of Merit. Mr. M. V. Seale was
2nd; and Mr. S. Walker, 3rd.

The best exhibit of six varieties from an amateur
came from the Rev. S. Spencer Pearce, Combe
Vicarage, Woodstock.

Trade Exhibits.
Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, made a
large exhibit of flrst-class flowers of Cactus Dahlias
(Gold Medal); Messrs. Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham, Nor-
folk, an extensive exhibit of Dahlias, Roses, &c. (Large
Gold Medal) ; Messrs. J. Buhrell & Co., a magnificent
exhibit of Gladioli (Gold Medal) ; Messrs. Dobbie &
Co , Orpington, Kent, a collection of Dahlias (Silver-
gilt Medal) ; Messrs. Thos. S. Ware, Ltd, also Dahlias
(Silver-gilt Medal ) ; Messrs. Jas. Cheal & Sons, Dahlias
(Silver Medal) ; Messi-3. J. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate
Nurseries, London, N., Dahlias (Silver gilt Medal); Mr.
Eric F. Such, Maidenhead, hardy flowers (Silver
Medal) ; Messrs. S. Spooner & Sons, Hounslow, a col
lection of Apples (Gold Medal); and Mr. J T West
Dahlias (Silver Medal).

©bttuan?*

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

September 21.-The usual autumn meetings of the
Committee were resumed on the above date at Carr's
Restaurant, Strand, the former meeting-place of the
Society, which had been recently rebuilt ; Mr. Thomas
Bevan in the chair; there being a good attendance.
The minutes of the last meeting having been con-
firmed, the Secretary reported the death of Mr. James
Smith, of Mentmore, who had been appointed one of
the judges of fruit at the November exhibition; and
instructions were given that the Secretary convey to
Mrs. Smith and family the sympathy and condolence
of the Committee under their bereavement. Mr Geo
Woodward, Barham Court Gardens, was elected as
judge in the place of Mr. Smith. Mr. Tapper, a member
of the Committee, having gone to reside at Brackley
Mr. Geo. Caselton, Crystal Palace, Sydenham, was
unanimously elected in his room. Mr. C. H Payne
reported that the new catalogue was in the press and
wquld be issued at the earliest possible moment A
lengthy correspondence was read with the Crystal
Palace Company in reference to their intimation that
a poultry show would be held in conjuction with the
National Chrysanthemum Society's show on No-
vember 10, and that the north nave and the space
under the central transept would be required for the
poultry show, leaving only the southern nave
for the purposes of the Chrysanthemum Society A
strongly - worded protest made by the Secretary
was endorsed, and he was instructed to write
to the Company, and express in forcible terms aprotest
by the Committee against this treatment.
vrMr' C' Harman payne reported that the French
National Chrysanthemum Society had arranged to hold
their annual exhibition at Lille on [November 6 next
and would be gratified by the presence of any friends
from this country ; also that a deputation from the
French Society would attend the November exhibition
at the Crystal Palace ; and instructions were given that
they be suitably entertained. It was also announced
that the American Chrysanthemum Society, which
held its first exhibition last year at Chicago, had issued
an interesting report of their proceedings. It was
resolved that, subject to the ability of the President to
preside, the annual dinner should be held on No-
vember 26, and a small committee was appointed to
carry out the same.

The Secretary reported that the annual outing of the
Society to Park Place, Henley-on-Thames, was a great
success, and was attended by 193 persons. The
Secretary was instructed to convey to Mrs. Noble the
thanks of the Society for permitting the visit; and
also to Messrs. Stanton and Powell for their valuable
co-operation. Fifteen new members were elected, and
one Society was admitted to atliliation. A vote of
thanks was passed to the Chairman for presidlog.

Mr. James Smith.— There are numerous
readers of this journal who will read with pro-
found regret of the passing away, rather suddenly,
of Mr. James Smith, head gardener to the Earl
of Rosebery, at Mentmore, Leighton Buzzard, a
post he had worthily filled for twenty-eight years.
The deceased had been suffering for a long period
of time from a trying malady, which he endured
with exceptional patience ; and some time back
his condition was such as to cause grave anxiety
to his family, but owing to the skill and unre-
mitting attention of his doctor he seemed to
recover to an unexpected degree. On Tuesday,
September 15, he went for a short holiday to
Aberdeenshire, to revisit the scenes of his boy-
hood at Cullen, and on Thursday the 17th he
was taken ill, and passed away at midnight.

Mr. Smith, who was one of the most genial of
men, and popular among all classes in the locality,
was well known throughout the country ; he was
a trusted and faithful servant, one who held a
high and distinguished position in the ranks of

Committee. His services were often and eagerly
sought as judge at horticultural and floral shows
in the district. The flourishing Mentmore horti-
cultural show, of which he had been an active
promoter since the date of its inception, owes
much to him, and his object was always to
promote the success of similar local exhibitions.
Further afield, where his marked abilities have
always been highly appreciated, Mr. Smith has
acted as judge at Edinburgh, the Crystal Palace,
the National Rose Society's shows, at Northamp-
ton, Shrewsbury, and elsewhere ; in fact, exhibi-
tions of importance throughout the land have
been few at which the services of the deceased
have not at some time or another been requisi-
tioned. His interest in fruit-growing, and espe-
cially in the cultivation of Plums, was very keen,
as witness the splendid orchards at Mentmore
and Cheddington, which have under his manage-
ment attained such a flourishing condition. Mr.
Smith's kindly assistance to cottage-garden and
allotment-holders and societies has been most
valuable. Mentmore, it goes without saying, has
lost a talented and highly-valued servant, under
whose direction many improvements and develop-
ments have been effected in connection with the
beautiful and famous gardens and grounds in
which his life was almost entirely wrapped up
The deceased leaves a widow and six adult
daughters. The mortal remains were brought to
Mentmore on Tuesday, and the funeral took place
on Thursday, the 24th inst.

The Late JAMES SMITH, V.M.H.

his profession, and was sincerely respected by all
with whom he came in contact. He was born at
Belhelvie, near Aberdeen, and had attained the
age of sixty-six years.

Mr. Smith was apprenticed, together with the
late A. P. Barron and Fraser Smith, of Cullen, at
Crathes Castle Gardens, Kincardineshire, and he
was at one time under gardener at Scone Palace,
Perthshire.

During the long term of his residence at Ment-
more, he had held his appointment successively
under the late Baroness Meyer de Rothschild,
then under the Countess of Rosebery when Miss
Hannah de Rothschild, and in the remaining
years under the Earl of Rosebery. Mr. Smith
came to Mentmore from Exton, the country seat of
Earl Gainsborough, having in earlier years been in
the service, at High Elms, nr. Bromley, in Kent, of
Lord Avebury, at that time known as Sir John
Lubbock. He held a prominent position in the
gardening world ; he was a Fellow and Member
of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society, and a holder of thv
Victorian Medal of Honour. He was for many
years a regular contributor to the columns of the
Agricultural Gazette, and a frequent and valued
writer to the Gardeners' Chronicle and other gar-
dening journals, and recently had been engaged in
assisting in the revision of a well-known work on
gardening. He was one of those who helped to
found the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund in lssr,
and for several years was a member of the Execu

MR. JOHN BeSWICK — This old Middleton
florist died recently at Middleton, in his eightieth
year, and was buried on the 19th inst. He was
one of a band of florists who had maintained the
traditions of the locality as a centre of florists'
flower culture, and had made the gold-laced
Polyanthus a specialty, as also Auriculas, Carna-
tions, &c. He had been a constant attendant at
the Auricula shows held at Rochdale, Manchester,
and other places in the North, but increasing
infirmities had made him an absentee for the last
three or four years. It is said that he leaves a
stock of a new scarlet bizarre Carnation of his
raising, of very fine quality. Unfortunately
the old man had become reduced in circumstances,
and he leaves an elderly daughter, who had been
his companion, and who, it is to be feared, is only
scantily provided for.

BOOK NOTICE.

The Scale Insects of the Lesser Antilles i
By H. Maxwell-Lefroy, M.A., F.E.S., &c.
Issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture
of the Imperial Department of Agriculture
for the West Indies. ( Pamphlet series No. 22,
pp. 1—50, 1903.)
This concise little work completes Mr. Maxwell-
Lefroy's contribution to our knowledge of the
scale insects and mealy bugs of the West Indies.
The object of the pamphlet is to enable anyone
however unfamiliar with insects to obtain such
information about these pests as will enable him
to cope with them successfully. The author's
descriptions of the insects are given in such clear
and simple terms that the horticulturist and
fruit - grower should have little difficulty in
identifying the Coccids of the Lesser Antilles. A
list of the important food-plants is also given,
and in every case the author has suggested the
remedies* that have been found most effective in
getting rid of the insects. Thirty-one speci a
aro dealt with, completing the fifty-one species at
present destructive or likely to prove so in the
immediate future. Of this total twenty-two are
regarded as native, twenty-five as introduced,
and four are of doubtful origin. It may interest
the English horticulturist to know that no less

The remedies to be used for those pests were fully
discussed in Part I., pp. 21—27, Issued 1531.

232

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[September 26, 1903.

than twenty-four of the species enumerated have
been met with on cultivated plants in this
country, including such well-known pests as the
white Rose scale (Aulacaspis rosae), the white
Palm scale (Diaspis boisduvalii), both the common
mealy bugs (Dactylopius citri and D. longifilis),
three species of brown scale (Lecanium hemi-
sphasricum, L. hesperidum, and L. oleae). and the
more recently introduced Lantana or Kew bug
(Orthezia insignis). The work is accompanied
by many small pictures, which, although some-
what rough, are sufficiently characteristic to aid
the student in his investigations.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Address or Gardeners' Royal Benevolent
Institution, and Name of Secretary : F. G. G.
C. J. Ingram, Esq., 175, Victoria Street,
"Westminster, S.W.

Agapanthus Leaves : J. W. L. We can dis-
cover no disease. The injury is a mechanical
one.

Autumnal Leaves : Tweed. We know of no sort
of preparation, but they might be dried in
warm sand or between sheets of absorbent
paper, changing the sheets every few days till
dry. When dry, if not of the desired colour,
they may be coloured, and then coated with
thin varnish.

Black Grapes sent in a Cioar-Box : No
Name. Berries badly shanked, and far from
ripe.

Books : A. Hope. We know of no separate work
on the subject of garden weeds. A lecture on
the subject was given at a meeting of the Royal
Horticultural Society by Miss Jekyll, which,
may be obtainable at the office of the Society,
117, Victoria Street, Westminster.

Caterpillar on Pear-tree Foliaoe : J. M.
Larvae of the saw - fly, Selandra atra (of
Stephens), see Saw-Jlies of the Pear, by the late
Prof. J. O. Westwood, in these volumes 1848,
p. 524. The Saw - flies appear in July and
deposit their eggs on or in the upper side of
the leaf, and in about five weeks the slug-
worms arrive at full growth and appear as buff
or yellow caterpillars of about J inch in length,
and free from all slime. In October they leave
the leaves and go down into the soil, where
they spin an oval, brown, silken cocoon, from
which the Saw-flies come up in July the
following year. Dressings of quick-lime twice
or thrice repeated will kill them. Soap-suds
applied with the garden-engine are very effec-
tive in getting rid of this pest. Skimming off
the surface-soil and burying it a foot deep else-
where will get rid of the cocoons. These lie
beneath the surface at various depths down to
4 inches.

Caterpillar: W. S. The larva of the Privet
Hawk Moth, Sphinx ligustri.

C. Baltet's Book on the Art of Grafting and
Budding: Young Gardener. If you have a
difficulty in obtaining this book, and will let
us know your name and address, we will put
you in the way of obtaining a copy in good
condition.

Chrysanthemum-leaves Disfigured : J. Jack-
son. No fungus disease.— A Reader of the
Gardeners' Chronicle. The leaves are affected
with the fungus Puccinia Hieracii, figured
and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle for
October 8, 1898, p. 269. See also our issue for
September 12 last, p. 200,

Coleus and Other Plants : E. S. We have no
knowledge of emanation from Coleus affecting
other plants ; indeed, we are sceptical con-
cerning the action of Humea elegans on the
leives of Peaches or other plants. The Humea
and Coleus have been cultivated for so many
years in our gardens that their effects, if any,
on plants or animals would not have escaped
notice for so long a period of time.

Dahlia Roots : E. R. L. These are best stored
cool and dry like other nearly hardy tubers.
Store in a shed or place where the frost is kept
out. If too warm and dry the roots shrivel.

Disqualification of Amateur Exhibitor for
employing a Gardener, in contravention
of rule in Schedule : J. P. We think that
the disqualification was wrong, seeing that the
" gardener *' was an " odd " man only, doing all
sorts of jobs about the garden, house, cellar,
and stable-yard ; moreover, he being by trade
a brassfitter.

Donation to the Royal Gardeners' Orphan
Fund : W. F. C. Received the sum of 5s.,
which will be forwarded to the Treasurer, as
desired.

Erythrina crista-galli (Coral-Tree) : J. C.
We do not suppose that seedlings raised from
seeds sown early in the month of January would
flower much, if at all, the first year.

Grapes Diseased : J. T. A bad case of infection
by the Spot-fungus. Remove and burn all
diseased berries, and in very bad cases the
entire bunch. See answer to " E. C." in last
week's Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 216. — E. Seymour.
The fruit is badly affected by the Spot-fungus,
often reported on in these pages of late.

Iris Roots : C.E.S. The Iris-root is affected with a
soft rot, caused by bacteria. All the soft
decayed parts should be cut away, the roots
should then be soaked in a 1-per-cent. solution
of sulphuric acid in water tor an hour.

Kentias Dying-off Below the Ground-level :
C. F. G. C. We can only say, in the absence of
all detail, " Found dead." We should like to
inspect a potful of soil in which a sickly plant
is still found before giving an opinion as to
cause of mishap.

MildewTed Grapes : Sydenham. Cut out all
infested berries, then apply dry sulphur, and
keep sulphur mixed with water about the
house, and paint the hot-water pipes with lime-
wash into which flowers-of-sulphur have been
mixed. Keep the air dry and free from excess
of moisture.

Names of Fruits : Mewsbrook. 1 and 4, Cellini ;
3, and the flat green fruit, Warner's King ; the
conical-angular bronzy fruit is Cornish Mother ;
small round Apple, Cox's Orange. We are sorry
that the numbers got mixed, but doubtless our
correspondent will recognise them by descrip-
tion given above.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —

B. A. Clitoria ternatea. — G. W. S. 1,
Calluna vulgaris; 2 and 3, Erica vagans.
W. T. Polygonum affinis. — R. B. Phytolacca
decandra. — B. L. C. 1, Daboecia (Menziesia)
polifolia alba ; 2, Daboecia (Menziesia) polifolia
(type) ; 3, Calluna vulgaris alba ; 4, Mesem-
bryanthemum species, send when in flower ; 5,
Artemisia species, send when in flower ; 6,
Echinops commutatus ; 7, Eryngium dichoto-
mum ; 8, Helenium pumilum.— F. Q. 1, Thuya
occidentalis ,- 2, Juniperus chinensis ; 3, Cu-
pressus nootkatensis ; 4, probably one of the
dwarf forms of Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 5, Cu-
pressus Lawsoniana ; 6, Thuya orientalis var. —
Coniferw. 1, Cupressus Lawsoniana var. lutea ;
2, Thuya japonica ; 3, Cupressus Lawsoniana
var. ; 4, Juniperus sabina. — V. F. P. Eccremo-
carpus scaber ; not a Swiss Alpine but Chilian
creeper. — A. D. M. Periploca graeca. — W. N.
Vanda Roxburghii. — J. B., Gateshead. Salvia
Horminum. — J. H. Brassavola cucullata,
often called B. cuspidata. — E. B. L. The
Cypripedium is so much like C. ciliolare and

C. Curtisii that it is not of much value. —
M. S. The flower you send is certainly one of
Odontoglo3sum x Coradinei. How the error
you mention occurred we are at a loss to
understand. — E. W., Durham. Cyrtanthus
sanguineus, often called Gastronema sanguinea.
An Amaryllid, not a Lily. — Ferns. 1, Athy-
rium filix-fcemina cristata ; 2, Osrnunda regalis
cristata ; 3, Lastraea filix-mas polydactyla ; 4,
Lastraea filix-mas cristata ; 5, Polysticum angu-
lare cristata ; 6, probably another crested form

of Lastra?a filix-mass. All the specimens are
imperfect. — Hants. The one with orange centre
is the form of Cattleya Eldorado, sometimes
called crocata ; the other a pale Cattleya
Gaskelliana. — A. Hope. Colchicuni autumnale
vars. — W. M. Echeveria secunda glauca. —
T. H. 1, Polygonum compactunf; 2, Helenium
autumnale grandiflorum; 3, Polygonum cuspi-
datum variegatum ; 4, next week ; 5, material
insufficient ; 6, Pittosporum undulatum ; 7,
Choisya ternata ; 8, Eugenia Ugni.
Names of Willows: J. B. 1, Salix incaua ; 2,
Salix nigricans var. ; 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, forms of Salix
vitellina ; 5, Salix purpurea. We do not
guarantee Salix names from leaves alone. '

Nectarine : W. P. We cannot name the variety
from such specimens. The probable cause of
the fruits having cracked is that the roots
have been afforded water immoderately after a
period in which the soil was comparatively dry.

Obtaining Employment at Kew and Chiswick :
Earley. Only young men are accepted in those
gardens. We would advise you to advertise in
these columns, the circulation of the Gardeners'
Chronicle being large among employers of
gardeners. Send to Publisher for tariff.

Pear-Leaf : Mot. The work of the Slug-worm,
the larva of Selandria atra. Frequently dust
the foliage with finely - powdered quicklime,
and remove the soil beneath the trees and char
or bury it deeply elsewhere.

Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund : T. H. S.
The gardening appointment will be inserted in
the Gardeners' Chronicle, and the sum of 2s.,
kindly sent, remitted to the Treasurer of the
Fund.

Seakale Forcing in Three Small Glass-
houses : F. J. G. Take up the roots in Novem-
ber ; leave them exposed to frost for a few
days, then place as many of them as you choose
in light soil, placed on the floor and at a few
inches apart. Afford water to moisten the
whole, then cover the beds with clean straw
1 foot thick, over which, before the Seakale
sprouts, place tarpaulin, mats, or anything that
will keep out the light. Keep the temperature
under 60° and steady.

Savoy with Clubbed Root : W. R. Cuerden.
See reply to E. R., p. 216, in last week's
Gardeners' Chronicle.

Seedling Carnation: E. H. M. The white
flower you describe as a "tree" variety is
unusually large, measuring nearly 5 inches
across. From the form of the calyx, it would
appear to have some relationship with the
Souvenir de la Malmaison section.

Sulphate of Potash : John Budden. This is an
expensive manure, and should not be em-
ployed for crops in general. You will find 2 —
3 oz. per square yard sufficient for your purpose.
It may be scratched into the soil or given in
water.

Tomato Leaf : W. M. Peronospora Lycopersici.
Use Bordeaux-mixture.

Violet-Leaf : Mot. The disfigurement is caused
by iEcidium depauperans, which may be de-
stroyed by washing or syringing the plant with
the Bordeaux-mixture or other fungicide.

Vine-leaves Covered with Wart-like Galls :
J. Hogan. Caused by a mite, Cecidomyia ceni-
phila. When the leaves fall naturally, gather
them up and consign them to the garden
furnace. The species is not common.

Wineberry, &c. : W. E. B. The small fruit is
Rubus phcenicolasius, and the chance seedling
may have been derived from it, the male parent
being a Raspberry.

Communications Received. — W. J. M.— Albert F.
Upstone, 35, Church Street, and 1, Market Street,
Kotherham- J. Hughes- J. Mertens it Co.— B. Astitou
(with thanks) — W. L. B. — H. J. C. (next week)—
W. H. D.— J. Sherlock (next week)-F. H. K.— G. W.—
N. Davis-A. D.-H. W. W.— B A. H.-J. G.— J. J.—
J. F. W.-J. T Houghton— J. Downie— K. O. G. (for
Lord Hastings)— G. H— B. H. P.— S. A.— Leo F.—
E. H. B.— Rosa— B. B.— W. M.— L. S.-A. B.-J. H. C—
G. L— B. B.— A. J. 8.— T. P.— T. S., T. B., W. N.

(For Markets and Weather, see p. xi.)

55
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OCTOBER 3, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

THE

No. 875.— SATURDAY, OCT. 3, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Agancus elvensis ...

Birmingham City
Parks

Chesswood, Worthing

Climbers for pillars ...

r>aphne Blagayana ...

Events of the week ...

Gardeners'Dinnerand
- reception, the

Grapes at Longleat ...

Hehanthemum algar-
viense

Huruea elegans and
Peach-leaves

(Humphreys. Mr. T.,
testimonials to

Sniphofia erecta and
K. x Triumph

labour-saving imple-
ments

Lapageria, Nash Court
variety

Locust in Natal

Luncheon at Chia-
wick, proceedings at
the

Obituary-
Cooper. Dr. Robert
Marr, Charles
Shand, W. ...

Market gardening
notes

Paris —
Versailles

Peach and Nectarine
trees

Potato Northern Star,
propagating

Societies-
Dutch Horticultural
aid Botanical ...
Rojal Horticultural
(fruit and vege-
table show at Chis-
wick) 240

Toadflax, the white...

Vegetables as exhibi-
tion subjects

Vegetables, preserved,
for the navy

Viola papilio

Week's Work, the—
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

Wislev, a research
station at

238
233
235
231

Ml

236

2 iO
210

239
239
239

238

238
238

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Artichoke showing the normal position of the
tubers 23

5"ea Edwin Beckett growing in a house at Framfield
in May 23

Photographs showing methods of propagating
Potatos .. ... ... j3

Portraits of Messrs. Ashton, Bastin, Darin, Divers,'
Fenn. Horspool. Mortimer, Pope, Thomson,
and Ward (Supplement, pp. ii. and ill.)

The members of the Committee responsible for the
Gardeners' Dinner (Supplementary Illustration)

Vegetables at Reading, Mr. Gibson's exhibit of ... 23

VEGETABLES AS EXHIBITION
SUBJECTS.
rpHE gardener who in these days would
J- pose as an exhibitor of vegetables must
be something more than a grower. He must
have artistic tastes to enable him to set up
his products, when he has secured them,
with such skill and charm that they shall
attract the eye, arrest attention, and produce
in the mind of the spectator much pleasure.
Probably there are those of the old school of
grower who may think the chief aim of the
grower should lie to secure bulk— that it is
absurd to aspire after beauty in such very
homely and commonplace things as vege-
tables, and that all this display of artistic
taste in setting up a collection of these pro-
ducts at exhibitions is nonsense. A gardener
| of this sort would be distinctly out of
| .place to-day with such ideas as those here
I outlined ; and most certainly would he be
I out of the race in such competitions as are
I those we now see at exhibitions where high-
I -Class vegetables are effectively displayed,
■and constitute a striking feature. Not only
is it now the case that the modern methods
i of displaying vegetables have caused them
I to be regarded at shows with exceeding
j favour— collections often constituting objects
] of great beauty and arresting attention— but
growers have learnt to produce subjects in
which all the good features and pleasing
. form that mark them are clearly and well
■brought out. Practically, in the desire to

secure what is now held to be quality in
preference to mere bulk, it has been found
almost invariably that quality is indelibly
associated with nice form— hence the greater
attractiveness of vegetables as exhibition
subjects now than was formerly the case.
And the exhibitor, realising how strikingly
this beauty exists, seeks to show it in each one
of his productions to the best advantage.
What, in setting up a collection, is better
than a somewhat sloping base of fresh green
Parsley ? What a pleasing framework or foil
does this present for the objects which rest
upon it ! (fig. 101). In the centre at the back
is built up a single-face pyramid of some
half-dozen Cauliflowers, the heads closely
trimmed as just fit for table, white as snow,
solid as stone, and rounded in form. On one
side stands up a bundle of Leeks, the blanched
stems for some 12 to II inches of length of
pure white, each stem without spot or stain,
not large in circumference, but through-
out perfectly even in length and diameter;
these have their green leaves slightly
trimmed. On the other side is a bundle of
fine Celery, the outer stem still tinted
with green or red, but the inner ones per-
fectly blanched, and each plant having
the same features. The stems are stout,
firm, and, if broken, they are found to
be very crisp, showing how well they
are fitted for salading. Each plant is'
massive and heavy, for size and solidity
allied to perfect blanching in Celery always
mean the highest table quality. Thus we have
a background. Fronting these come such
pretty subjects as high-class globular Onions,
of good size, perfect in form, the skins
of a nut-brown tint, glossy, and entirely
free from spot or blemish. They form a
fine central feature, and should be so set
up that the full depth of each bulb is seen.
On either side come splendid long, white,
and perfectly formed Parsnips, not neces-
sarily large, but certainly symmetrical ; and
on the other, bright, rosy Carrots, in form
absolutely perfect — Nature's own object-
lesson ; for man could not, did he fashion
them, construct more that is perfect in
outline or of greater beauty. Rich, deep-
red Tomatos, of fair size, without crack,
even in size and colour ; deep-green pods of
Peas, each well filled, yet young and fresh ;
pure white Turnips, round as cricket-balls
and devoid of blemish; long, straight, bright-
green Runner Beans, each as of a pattern
carefully selected, and laid on the Parsley ;
handsome, evenly-sized, very clean, white
Potatos ; a pair of white or pale-green
Marrows; or a brace of long, smooth, deep-
green Cucumbers, and there you have at
this season a collection of a dozen kinds
that will stand first and foremost anywhere.
Some of the highest skill in exhibiting
is found amongst leading vegetable com-
petitors. A. D.

PARIS.

VERSAILLES AND THE TRIANONS.
If any impartial observer should wish to com-
pare for himself an architect's garden and that
designed by a landscape gardener, he could not
have a better chance of carrying out his desire
than to pay a visit to Versailles and the imme-
diately adjoining parks of the greater and of the
lesser Trianon. Versailles has in front of its
huge, sprawling facade a noble terrace with

bold flights of 'steps, and basins where mytho-
logical personages disport themselves with or
without water as the case may he, where the
flower-beds are planted in \ the same style as
those in the Tuileries Gardens before mentioned,
encircled by thick Box edgings, and backed up
by hedges and mutilated Yews of the most
formal — shall I say hideous ? — character.
Everywhere there are ladies and gentlemen
in stone or marble, exposed to all the winds of
heaven in the most incongruous attire, or, in the
case of the ladies, with no attire at all. The
architect would no doubt see much to admire in
some of these groups of statuary, and his admira-
tion may be shared by the layman, with the only
protest that they are out of place in a garden.
Looking over the terrace wall on one side, the
visitor looks down upon a square enclosure in
which are not tens or scores, but many hundreds
of mop-headed Orange-trees of all ages and sizes
— an extraordinary sight, as if the children's
play-room of some giant had been emptied of its
toy trees.

From this vast terrace — and it is vast this
time, though the French use the word vaste for a
garden in which the proverbial cat could be
swung with difficulty — from this vast terrace an
imposing sight of radiating avenues is gained,
the centre being occupied by a long, narrow
ribbon of turf, the tapis vert, beyond which
fountains and basins with more mythological per-
sonages, and then a long, straight canal filled
with dirty water, terminating in the distance in
some unimportant architectural features.

The avenues of Limes and Elms are mono-
tonous, but nevertheless striking, and so artfully
disposed that the actual distance, which is not
little, really seems greater than it is. Between
these radiating avenues are (I know not how
many) " bosquets " — bowers — each of a slightly
different character, but mostly rigidly formal in
outline, and containing more mythological per-
sonages, more gentlemen in incongruous costume,
and more ladies without any.

One of these bosquets is devoted to the use
of children; and still another, the "Jardin du
Roi," is one of the prettiest features of the park.
It is in the English style, and forms a welcome
relief from the stately formality of the noble
avenues. The central lawn is soft and green, and
would do justice to an English garden ; the soil is
moist, the site having been formerly occupied by a
small lake. Around this lawn are shrubbery borders
edged with gay Begonias, Fuchsias, Salvias, and
other flowering plant3. Gathered here and there
are clumps of Rhododendrons intermixed with
paniculate Hydrangeas, and edged with white,
sweet-smelling Funkias, isolated tufts of Bamboos,
Eulalias, and Pampas Grasses.

Some noble specimen trees are to be found here,
notably a very fine Fern-leaved Beech, two fine
deciduous Cypresses, with Corsican and other
Pines — Abies nobilis, Thuya gigantea, and others.
The approaching autumn has just touched the
leaves of the Horse-Chestnuts, the Virgilias, the
Negundos with golden-yellow, so that the whole
is very charming, and shall I say English in
character ?

In some few cases an attempt has been made in
these bosquets, and made successfully, to intro-
duce a more picturesque style of treatment, but
it is invariably spoiled by the mermaids, the
intrusive gentlemen, and the undraped statues
before mentioned. Here, then, we have an excel-
lent sample of an architect's garden. The trees
are merely planted to fit his design and suit
his caprice. It is a garden which in one
sense may be said to be, though full of plants,
yet without any — grandiose, but with no
sense of repose or seclusion, even in the
bosquets, and where the plants have no interest
and only serve a formally decorative purpose.
Not a hint is afforded that tho plants are full of

234

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 3, 1903.

living interest. Every living thing is sacrificed
to the architect, who uses the trees as so many
stones, and the flowers as so many architectural
mouldings or mosaics. Very different is the
effect produced in some of the bosquets already
mentioned, and at the Trianons, of which more in
another communication. The Rambler.
{To be continued.)

PEOPAGATING POTATO
NORTHERN STAR.

There has been so much said and written
about this new variety of Potato that we wel-
comed an invitation that reached us recently to
visit several acres of growing plants on the Manor
Farm at Ham. The owner of the crop, Mr. W. J.
Maiden, has been Superintendent of the Agrieul-

FlO. 95.— POTATO PLANT OBTAINED FROM SINGLE EYE,
AND AFTERWARDS "TOPPED" TO SUPPLY CUTTING
SHOWN IN NEXT FIGURE.

tural section under the Royal Dublin Society,
and principal of several agricultural colleges.
The invitation stated that such was the vigour of
Northern Star the plants had remained perfectly
green, although the variety Up-to-Date growing
along one side and end of the crop had quite suc-
cumbed to disease. The case was not overstated,
for on September 11, the day following a disas-
trous gale of wind, the conditions were exactly
as described. Upon inquiry we were told that
the plants of Northern Star were sprayed
with a solution of copper, &c, ten days previously.
The Up-to-Date variety belonged to another pro-
prietor, but were not separated by the width of a
single yard, and had been left to themselves
entirely. The rows were quite overgrown with
weeds, and the Potato haulms were black. The
neglect, however, of the one crop, and the per-
sistent attention given to the other, were not
sufficient to explain the good condition of
Northern Star, because the Up-to-Dates were
very badly infested with disease before any spray

-•<i*im

FIG. 96.— ROOTED CUTTING OF POTATO.

was afforded Northern Star; yet this variety
remained clean and strikiDgly healthy in appear-
ance. It is safe to assume that thousands of
spores were blown on to the foliage but were
unable to vegetate.

A root of Northern Star that was turned out
had eighteen tubers, which at that date were
little more than half grown, but assuming that
they have developed well since, the crop will be a
heavy one. It appears that the variety is very
sportive at present, or that the seed has been
inadvertently mixed, for Mr. Maiden had been
compelled to " rogue " his plants several times,
although the seed-tubers came direct from the
raiser, Mr. Findlay, of Markinch, N.B. The
tubers of Northern Star have a white skin and
white flesh, the eyes are situated more particu-

\

larly at either end, and when the tubers are-
lifted the embryo growths in the eyes are pink
in colour. This latter peculiarity is important,
being a good means of identification. The haulm
is very strong and erect, the leaflets flat, rough,,
and exceedingly thick ; whilst the blossom of Up-
to-date is violet-coloured, that of Northern Star
is whits or very faint cream-colour, and is not
produced in much quantity. The flavour of the-
tubers when cooked is described as excellent, but
it is admitted that Up-to-Date possesses little-
or no flavour.

Economy in Seed-tubers.
The tubers were so dear to purchase last season
that everyone who had purchased some were

Fig. 97.— a sprouted tuber.

Fig. 98.— a tuber that has begun to run.

anxious to make the most of them. All Mr.
Maiden's plants were obtained from single eyes.
The accompanying illustrations, prepared from Mr. :
Maiden's photographs, will remind the gardener
how easy it is to increase the stock of a new
variety of Potato in a short time. In fig. 95 is
shown a plant obtained from a single eye, which, jl
when it had grown a few inches high, wa»'
" topped," and the top, inserted just as one would
insert a Pelargonium cutting, is shown rooted in :
fig. 96. Then in fig. 97 is a tuber that has been
allowed to sprout ; each little sprout is taken off
and treated as a cutting, and the same "eye",
usually develops several such cuttings. In
fig. 98 is shown a tuber that has commenced to
" run " in the clamp. These growths are not-
thrown away, but are cut up into little pieces
that will root and form plants. By raising plantB.

OCTOBER 3, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE,

235

rally the plants were fully exposed. No glass
was used.

Evidence of another kind respecting Northern
Star Potato was furnished by Mr. E. S. Wiles, The
Rookery gardens, Downe, Kent, a well-known
Potato specialist who brought a tuber very badly
diseased, and stated that in his garden the variety
was attacked this season as badly or worse than
any other. This grower considered the variety
Edward VII. to be of greater value. His soil is
a heavy loam or clay, over a sub-soil of flint and
chalk. R. H. P.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

FlG. 99.— JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE, SHOWING THE NORMAL POSITION OF THE TUBERS.

from single eyes, Mr. Maiden was able to plant
|one acre of land with 1 J cwt. of tubers. They
I'were planted in rows 32 inches asunder, and
1 30 inches was allowed between each " set " in the
■rows. This is the minimum amount of space that
• should be afforded this unusually robust variety.
IThe manure used per acre was as follows ■ 14
■loads of farmyard manure, 1 cwt. of sulphate of
|ammonia, 1 cwt. muriate of potash, and 5 cwt.
■superphosphate. The tubers were earthed up
■uncommonly high, another excellent method by
I which to repel disease.

Mr. Maiden, whose remarks in the Journal of
Vthe Board of Agriculture were quoted on p. 218 of
our last issue by " A. D. H," thoroughly believes
that a seedling variety of Potato possesses during
the first sixteen or twenty years of its existence a
degree of vigour that enables it to resist disease
and to crop abundantly, but that afterwards it
loses such vigour gradually until it becomes quite
an unprofitable crop. He believes in Northern
Star through and through, and thinks that those
growers who get a stock of it in the next few years
will increase the yield of their Potato crop by
! one-third or even one-half of the whole.
' It may surprise many of us to learn that a
Potato-set obtained from a mere cutting, if
planted-out sufficiently early, is capable of yield-
ing as heavy a crop of tubers as a plant grown
from a whole or divided tuber. Mr. Maiden has
found it so; and the following letter to the
Gardeners' Chronicle from Mr. J. Sherlock, Fowley
Gardens, Liphook, Hants, bears the same testi-
mony : —

" Last spring my employer, E. A. Lee, Esq.,
purchased 2 lb. of tubers of Northern Star from a
Yorkshire grower, which came packed in wadding

,iike so many Peaches, with a pamphlet of instruc-
tions, which I followed as nearly as possible. I
put them in a warm-house, in a box containing

jaome soil, and as the shoots appeared above-

I ground I took off the cuttings, 200 in all, and
rooted them. I planted them in the open ground
on May 20, and have now (September 22) lifted
the enormous quantity of 420 lb. from the 2 lb. of
Potatos. Is this a record crop from so small a

: quantity ? I may add that I obtained the largest
Potatos from the ' cuttings,' some of them turn-
ing the scales at 1] lb. each, and there are plenty
of 4 and J lb. in weight."

It scarcely needs to be pointed out that if such
compound multiplication is contemplated, it is

necessary to commence in March at the latest,
because the rooted cuttings should be nice little
plants in pots for planting out in May. Even
when the division is not carried beyond the
single eye system, it is necessary to establish
them in pots, for single eyes do not succeed so
well if put directly into the open ground. Every
plant in Mr. Maiden's crop of several acres was
first established in a pot. This was done in an
improvised frame, erected on the south side of a
thick, high hedge. During the night a canvas
was drawn over them, and in the daytime gene-

PEACH AND NECTARINE- TREES. —Owing to
failure of crop and the wet and sunless weather
experienced this season, Peach and other stone-
fruit-trees will have made strong coarse growth,
which will require much attention on the part of
the gardener in order to get the shoots ripened
properly. Young trees planted but a few years
may need lifting and replanting at an early part of
the autumn, not shortening the roots too much, but
carefully lifting and cutting them back to within
a reasonable distance from the stem, the wounds
being cut smoothly, and the trees replanted with
the roots at various depths. If the soil is sweet
and good, the only addition required may consist
of lime-rubbish, wood-ashes, and friable soil
mixed with the staple, with a good sprinkling
about the roots. In the case of old trees the
shoots should be thinned so as to admit the
fullest amount of sunlight, and all which have
borne fruit (if not wanted) should be removed.
If this be not carried out the chances of a
good crop of fruit next year will be poor.
If young trees are to be planted this season, let
the borders be thoroughly examined and the
nature and condition of the subsoil ascertained,
a suitable soil and a dry subsoil being of great
importance for Peach and Nectarine trees. In
the colder parts of the country the borders should
be raised several inches above the surroundinc
level, the depth of soil, however, need not exceed

Fig. 100.— the new tea, edwin beckett, growing in a house at framfield in may

23G

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 3, 1903!.

21 feet. The best bind of soil for the Peach is loam
of moderately heavy texture, together with lime
rubbish and charred earth in considerable quan-
tity, and a small quantity of decayed manure.
The soil should be made rather firm when plant-
ing, and the trees placed 6 inches distant from
the wall so to allow for the thickening of the
stems. From tree to tree a space of not less than
18 feet should be afforded. Varieties are many, and
it is unfortunate that most of the best ones ripen
at about one time, but for affording a long supply
the following will be found useful : — Waterloo,
Hale's Early, River's Early York, Early Grosse
Mignonne, Goshawk, Stirling Castle, Dymond,
Bellegarde, Crimson Galande, Harrington, Sea
Eagle, NectarinePeach, and Princess of Wales —
this last should be given a good aspect. Of Necta-
rines, take Lord Napier, Elruge, Pitmaston
Orange, Humboldt, and Pineapple. H. Markham,
Wrotham Park Gardens.

WHITE TOAD -FLAX (LINARIA CYMBALARIA
ALBA). — We note your correspondent's remarks
on p. 225 of the Gardeners' Chronicle, and beg to
say that we had for years a large patch of this
plant on the north side of our rockery when at
Tottenham. It grew quite as freely as the
common one from both roots and seeds, but
unfortunately we lost the stock in moving from
Tottenham to Feltham. We have now a white-
flowered variety of Linaria pallida, which we
believe to be very scarce. Thomas S. Ware
(1902), Ltd.

Regarding your request anent the white

variety of Linaria cymbalaria, I beg to state that
we have cultivated this variety for several years.
H. Menkel, O.H., Darmstadt.

In reply to the query respecting the

white variety of Ivy-leaved Toad-Flax, I wish to
state that, whilst walking through the little
hamlet of Lee on the North Devon coast last
summer, I observed a patch of white-flowered
Ivy-leaved Toad-Flax growing on an old wall in
company with plants of the normal colour. From
the well-known habit this species has of pushing
its seed-capsules into the crannies of the wall on
which it may be growing, I have no doubt that
the plants of this white variety have by now con-
siderably increased in numbers. We have the
same variety growing here from seed sent by the
late Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich. John W. Odell,
The Grove, Stanmore.

In response to your correspondent's inquiry

concerning the white-flowered variety of Linaria
cymbalaria (Mill), I have to state that I have
grown this plant for the past fourteen years, but I
have always regarded this variety as being of a
more tender constitution and delicate habit of
growth than the normal type, hence I have found
the white form rather difficult to keep or propa-
gate ; and this may account for its comparative
rarity. Should your correspondent at Aylesford
care to pay expense of transit or postage of
a small plant of this, I will with pleasure forward
one on receipt of advice to that effect. E. F. S.

daphne blagayana.— No one who has seen a
mass on a rocky bed or a large plant of this spe-
cies depending from the face of a low rock will
fail to desire to include it among the cherished
flowers of his garden. While this Daphne is
eminently suited for the rock-garden, it is not
one whit less adapted for the flower-garden, if a
suitable position be adopted ; and a bed on the
grass would be delightful in spring, when the
evergreen leaves are simply the groundwork for
the clusters of tubular white flowers. It is
seldom seen thus, but all that it requires is a
slightly raised bed of loam, sand, and peat, in a
rather shady place, and to have the shoots pegged
down annually after flowering, or, better still,
held down by good-sized stones. In a short time
the growths will quite cover the stones and render
them invisible. One of the finest masses of this
Daphne I have ever seen was at that home of so
many good and carefully grown plants — Glas-
nevin — where a great mass of Daphne Blagayana
is in its season redolent with sweetness and most
attractive when in flower. Its natural height is
from 3 to 6 inches, and its rather straggling
growth lends itself well to the method of pegging
do wn or fastening down with stones already noticed .
It may also be mentioned that it dislikes exces-
sive drought, and that it grows splendidly by

the margin of a bog, where its roots can have
access to the moisture without being actually in
it. The ordinary blooming time is April and May.
8. Arnott, Carsethorn-by-Dumfnes, N.B. [The
Glasnevin plants were illustrated in these pages
on October 25 last year. Ed.]

CHESSWOOD, WORTHING.— The owner, Mr.
George Beer, who is fast approaching four-
score years, is still in working trim and as full of
enthusiasm as ever. During a recent visit, the
nursery recalled to me the days of my own experi-
ence at Worthing, dating from 1872. There is also
special interest centred in this establishment, in
that the first block system of vinery-planting and
Grape-growing was inaugurated here. Again,
tanks above ground, inside, were also some of the
original features of this old-established nursery,
Mr. Beer rightly claiming that water under
this system, somewhat warmed, is far better
than a supply from colder sources. The Gros
Colmar (late houses, with fuel burning ! — growers
please note, two houses in block) are good and
furnish a particularly useful market crop. A
good 150-feet span of Alicante is also very
promising. Lastly is the 180-feet span, running
east to west, 30 feet wide, put up some twenty-five
years ago. This house then caused much com-
ment, not only in the Worthing district, but
elsewhere, not only on account of its dimen-
sions, but also for its aspect. This vinery,
with borders outside, the Vines planted out,
the front or sides of the houses being formed
of concrete walls, is to-day very successful.
The plants on the east side are of Alicante,
which, while late, was a full crop. It is, how-
ever, to the other side of this house to which I
specially call attention. Here we have a mixture
of Gros Colmar and Muscats, with an occasional
rod of Gros Guilliaume. No order was observed in
the original planting, but a better crop of Grapes
would be hard to find. Gros Colmar is bearing a
heavy, fine-berried, good bunch crop— on double
rods chiefly. Muscats — single rods, on which I
counted fifty bunches — are, indeed, a good market
crop, with the least possible sign of shanking. The
rainy season here has been of great assistance to
Mr. Beer, he having had less water to afford
the borders. Gros Guillaume, cr, as it is dubbed
for short, Barbarossa, pleases the grower not only in
the crop but by its flavour. He discards Gros
Maroc from the other houses on the score of want
of flavour — this too from a typical market grower.
The piping is very evenly distributed, six rows
singly, and with Vines a quarter of a century old
there is still much to learn from this house and
its crop. I must not fail to note one span-house
devoted to Muscats that will just about be ready
by Christmas, a full crop of useful size bunches,
with good berries, the set being very regular.
Stephen Castle..

CLIMBERS FOR PILLARS, ETC.— In order to
improve the appearance of a greenhouse by the
use of suitable climbing plants, there is usually
no need for an elaborate apparatus for supporting
the plants ; for much may be done with pieces of
copper wire, or even string, drawn under the
rafters or over the doors. Climbing plants do
much better when grown in such a manner than
they do if twisted around sticks. I will mention
a few species which can be grown in a warm
greenhouse, Cestrum Newellii, C. elegans, Plum-
bago capensis, P. rosea, Clianthus puniceus,
Acacia leprosa, Myrsiphillum reticulatum, M.
asparagoides, very useful for cutting from for
decorative purposes ; Kennedya nigricans, a plant
of very free habit and easy cultivation, producing
deep purple flowers, almost black ; Hardenbergia
Comptoniana, Cobaia scandens, Asparagus urn-
bellatus, Bougainvillea glabra and B. Sanderiana,
and Streptosolen Jamesoni. The last - named
species, when grown for several years in a big pot
and afforded a good dressing of a suitable fertiliser
occasionally, will make a most effective display. I
remember last year seeing a perfect specimen at
Rood Ashton, Wilts, which, having been grown in
this manner, presented a mass of flower. Then
there are Passifloras and Tacsonias for the roof, and
Fuchsias and Ivyleaf Pelargoniums for clothing
pillars. Roses make ideal pillar and rafter plants,
especially the variety Niphetos ; but no list of
climbers would be perfect without red and white
varieties of Lapageria, the shoots of which should

be regulated and trained as growth proceeds
to prevent them becoming entwined together.
Lapagerias require much water during dry
weather, provided they have plenty of roots, but
the greatest care is necessary if tb^e roots be few-
or_ in poor condition. The Jasmines are also-
suitable for the stove or warmer houses, andJ
Allamanda and Stephanotis floribunda. Clero-
dendrons flower most freely when trained to the
rafters, and Cissus discolor produces a charming:
effect as a trailer. The species mentioned above,
together with many others, may be grown either-
in pots, tubs, or borders. Care should be taken
to prevent climbing plants becoming so dense as
to injure plants which grow beneath their shade.
They require to be kept neatly tied in and trained
to their allotted space. W. A. Cook.

HELIANTHEMUM ALGARVIENSE.— Much confu-
sion exists between the Sun Roses or Helianthe-
mums and the Rock Roses or Cistuses, the subject
of this n»te being for years grown as Cistus algar-
viensis, and being still sold by nurserymen under
that name. In the Botanical Magazine it wa&
figured under the latter name, and the synonym,
Helianthemum algarviense attached. However,.
the authorities now state that no true Cistus
bears yellow flowers. This pretty Sun Rose is a-,
native of Portugal, but is quite hardy in porous
soil in warm nooks in the south - west. The-
flowers are bright yellow colour, with a deep-
maroon blotch at the base of the petals, and are
slightly over an inch in diameter. It is perhaps-
a trifle inferior in decorative value to H. for-
mosus, which bears larger blossoms of rather a
brighter yellow, with similar crimson - maroon
blotches at the base of the petals. H. algar-
viense was sent to me in mistake for H. formosus,.
but I am glad to have it, as it has formed a neat
little bush about 2 feet by 2 feet, and has been
in bloom for many weeks. Its flowers, like those-
of the rest of its family, are very fugitive ; but
they are produced in such rapid succession that
the plant is never flowerless. S. W. Fitsherbert^ '
South Devon.

A RESEARCH STATION AT WISLEY.— I have
just noted in the Gardeners' Chronicle the ex-
cellent gift by Sir T. Hanbury of Mr. G. Wilson's
place at Weybridge. What a splendid idea ! I
hope the Royal Horticultural Society will keep the^
present garden intact as it is very beautiful.
" Rothamsted " is famous for agricultural ex-
periments, chiefly chemical, but no horticultura>
research or pathology is undertaken there. My
idea is that " Wisley " should be a horticultural,
research station, to give advice to Fellows of the
Society, and perhaps others. The Scientific
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society
could superintend, and a good botanist, a
pathologist, should be in charge of that depart-
ment, leaving the curator free to attend to-
practical matters. A research laboratory, such
as might easily be constructed at Wisley, with a
garden to work in, would be making this new
possession of the Royal Horticultural Society
both useful and ornamental. Ceylon.

LAPAGERIA NASH COURT VARIETY.— I send a.
spray of Lapageria Nash Court variety, taken,
from a plant which has this year made growths-
27 feet in length, and is now flowering profusely.
S. Nash, Head Gardener, Kinloch Castle, Rum, by
Oban, N.B. [A very fine spray, abundantly
flowered. Ed.]

AGARICUS ELVENSIS. — If this species has only
been previously recorded from the Midlands, near
Neasden, and at Holloway, as stated in the Gar-
deners' Chronicle leader, p. 208, it is an extra-
ordinary thing that it has been known as elvensis
B. and Br. for forty years. "Elvensis," from
the banks of the river Elwy in North Wales.
W. G. Smith.

HUMEA ELEGANS AND PEACH - LEAVES —

It seems to me a singular thing to read of
Humeas credited with injuring Peach-leaves. I
have had plants for two or three months standing
close to some Peach-trees trained on a wall with-
out observing the slightest injury being done.
The plants certainly have a peculiar odour, which
some persons like, and will have some specimens
of it grown every year. It is a useful plant when
in flower for standing amongst others in the con-
servatory. A. J. Long, gr., Wyfold Court.

October 3, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

23?

FlG. 101.— MR. J. GIBSON'S STAND OF VEGETABLES, AWARDED FIRST PRIZE AT READING. (SEE P. 233.)

PLANT NOTES.

♦ .

KNIPHOFIA EEECTA.
Since writing ray note on the above-named
plant and its reversion to the type form which
had taken place both in my own garden and also
in that of the French nurseryman from whom I
had, received it, I have heard from Monsieur

Charles Molin, of Lyons, to assure me that in his
garden the plant has not reverted, but continued
quite true and constant. In proof of this state-
ment he sends me three spikes which certainly
show the accuracy of his assertion, as all the pips
on them are perfectly erect. The colour is a
good clear red and the plant is a most curious
and interesting addition to this beautiful family.

I hope to see it bloom in true character in my
garden next year. My note appeared on page 154-
of your issue of August 29. W. E. Qumbleton.

Kniphofia htb. Triumph (Hort. Leichtlin).

The above-named plant is quite one of the most

distinct and beautiful of its numerous family.

and well deserves the name given to it by the

23S

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 3, 1903.

well-known and distinguished raiser and hy-
bridist from whom I received it some four or
more years ago. Although it has bloomed
regularly about this time each year I have had
it, it has never been at all so fine as it is this
year, having responded amply to generous treat-
ment in the spring in the way of manure placed
under the clump after carefully lifting it without
■disturbing or dividing it. My plant has pro-
duced four bloom-stems, two of which each bear
three flower-spikes, and the other two two heads
■each. It might therefore be correctly named
K. trifida or tristachya. The colour of the
flowers is a bright, clear apricot - yellow, with
orange stamens protruding. The height of the
two trifid stems is just over 4 feet. W. E.
Qumhleton.

MUSCAT GRAPES AT LONGLEAT.

It is many years since the fine range of
vineries at Longleat was erected, the borders
made, and Vines planted by Mr. Wm. Taylor, a
former gardener ; but though the Vines have for
so long a period matured their crops of high-
<;lass fruit, there seems no diminution of vigour
or fruiting capacity. Probably forty years mea-
sures the space of time over which these have
borne their annual burden, which speaks well
both for the construction of the borders and
their management by successive gardeners since
Taylor's time. The late Mr. Pratt added a new
lustre to their already historic career by his
successes at the many great exhibitions which
he attended during a portion of the time he
had charge of the gardens. Exhibiting, how-
ever, was allowed to lapse, and has not since been
renewed, though under Mr. Gandy's skilful
treatment the Grapes might still take a leading
place at exhibitions. The division in which the
Muscats are grown is 80 feet in length, and
an width 30 feet ; and the vines form a fine
picture with their golden clusters within a
short distance of the eye of the beholder.
Though the roof and ventilating-lantern are
carried up to a good height and angle, the Vine-
trellis is so arranged that the bunches may be
reached for thinning and cutting without having
to make use of tall steps. This arrangement was
purposely made by Mr. Taylor, so that ample space
should exist between the glass and the Vines. No
scalding of the foliage ever occurs, and no need
«xist3 for tying down the shoots in spring until
the growth has extended to its limit, and they
have flowered and set their berries. Thus a great
saving of time is effected. No danger of scalded
leaves occurs by reason of their contact with
the glass, and the bunches are well elevated
to catch the morning sunrays, and the air meets
with no obstruction in its passage through the
vinery. The ventilation provided is perfect and
•easily adjusted, thus conditions are afforded
which, given good treatment, will and do
-give splendid results. Mr. Gandy has been in
charge but a few seasons, but evidence is not
wanting in the present orop of Muscats and later
Grapes to show that he is not less a master in the
art of Grape-culture than his predecessors. A
■division that formerly accommodated and pro-
duced splendid Black Hamburghs is now devoted
to decorative plants for use in the mansion. By
a great many visitors this is considered nothing
short of a loss to the prestige of the garden,
necessary though it may be, for the complete
range formed for many years an unique example of
high-class Grape-growing. The complete range
measures, I believe, 229 feet in length, and is
•divided into three compartments, and this great
space was furnished by twelve Vines only,
trained on the extension principle. Bods
from either side are made to furnish the
whole span, and the permanent Vines occu-
pied the four corners of each house, the main
rod extending along the foot of the roof, and

others radiating from this at convenient dis-
tances apart, extend to and reach the opposite
side of the structure.

The Muscat of Alexandria Grapes always set
and colour perfectly ; the berries are large and
free from the blemishes often seen in this desir-
able variety. The soil of Longleat is naturally of
a somewhat heavy nature, requiring the careful
application of water, though it might be said in
favour of the borders that they are elevated
almost or quite their own depth above the
natural level of the ground. Spacious though
the borders are, it was discovered by the late
Mr. Pratt, that the roots had penetrated the
side walls, and gone beyond into the vegetable
quarters. These roots were severed by opening
a trench on the outside, and for a time this
drastic operation had an influence clearly indi-
cated in the following and succeeding crops. The
Vines ultimately assumed their natural progress,
and have for many years now produced their
golden clusters that have afforded delight to
many who make a pilgrimage to the gardens at
Longleat. W. S.

MARKET GARDENING NOTES.

The prospects of the late Grape season is an
important matter at about this date. Having
observed large quantities in several establishments
I am able to form an estimate from the market
man's point of view. In every instance where the
Vine-roots are outside the vineries the growers
are unanimous in their opinion that the late
heavy rains have benefited the Vines of most
varieties and the bunches generally, with the
exception perhaps of Canon Hall Muscat. Dealing
with this excellent market Grape, I find more
than the usual quantity of green lateral shoots,
which will not get matured, and there will be a
difficulty in obtaining plump mature buds to
which to prune. All will know who have grown
this Grape what ill-ripened buds mean — too
often these refuse to start with the season,
and unless there are breaks from the old spurs
there is a blank space. The cool sunless summer
and heavy rainfall are accountable for this
defect. Grapes coming on such shoots do not
keep, hence the sooner the bunches are cut the
better, after clearing out the shanked berries.
The crop of Canon Hall is not so heavy as that of
last year, albeit there are many fine bunches on
many of the Vines. Two growers I am acquainted
with are even now marketing in good style. Cer-
tainly in vineries having no outside borders, the
berries of Black Alicante colour and the bunches
are finer, and yet the thinning was thought to be
about the same as in those growing in outside
borders. A firm bunch of Alicante is always liked
in the market, as well as size in the berries. I
notice in some instances that the berries are burst-
ing from being too tight in the bunches. The
bunches of Gros Colmar are much more freely
thinned, but in all late vineries the fruit is still of
a green colour. The foliage is also, however, green ;
and there is les3 red-spider on the foliage than
usual. Good colouring and finish may be looked
for with confidence. Instances are not wanting
where the heavy rains on outside borders have
caused the berries to crack, which is a mishap
that happens at the colder ends of the house just
before the berries swell finally. In no market
garden are these varieties of Grapes grown
without fire-heat. Stephen Castle.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Saltertoa, Devonshire.

Liliums. — Place in a sheltered sunny position in
the open air L. laneifoliuin and L. auratum as the
bulbs pass out of flower, applying water in mode-
rate quantity until the foliage and stems mature,
and then protect from the weather and keep the
soil dry till they are repotted — that is, about the
middle of the month of November. Bulbs of L.
longiflorum var. Harrisii, if required in flower at
an early date, should be potted up when they
come to hand, placing one bulb in a large 32, or
three in a 2-l-sized pot, leaving space for a top-
dressing of soil and manure when the stems are
half grown up. Employ for this bulb loam
rather more than half, the other part" consisting
of flaky leaf-soil and rough peat, together with
sharp sand and a small quantity of charcoal. It
is well to place a small quantity of sand under
each bulb, and cover the bulbs with l'j- inch of
soil. Let the pot stand in a cold frame or pit,
covering and surrounding the pot with cocoa-nut
fibre, and affording no water before the bulbs
push up their stems.

Gladiolus. — The early-flowering varieties so
useful for flowering in pots, if brought on gently,
— viz., The Bride (Colvilli alba, a pure white
variety) , delicatissima, General Scott, and Peach
Blossom, should be potted in loam, leaf-soil,
with a small quantity of rotten manure, and a
sprinkling of sand. Place six corms in a small
32-pot, and treat similarly to Lilies.

lxias respond to the same kind of treatment.

Conservatory and Greenhouse. — Fuchsias, Bego
nias, Celosias, Humeas, Cannas, and Coleus,
having by this date lost most of their decorative
value, should be removed, and these structures
re-arranged ; but before doing this, the climbing
plants on the roof should have the growths
thinned, and the necessary cleansing of the plants
and glass carried out, and shading materials
removed. There will be no lack of decorative
material to take the place of those removed if the
instructions given in these caleudars from time
to time have been carefully carried out. In
arranging plants at this date let ample space be
afforded each so that light and air may reach
them, the foliage and flowers being after this
date very easily injured by damp. The plants of
Fuchsia, Canna, and Begonia should be placed in
a sunny spot out-of-doors until the first frosts
occur, when they should be stored away for the
winter.

Unheated Frames. — These are often utilised
during the summer months for the cultivation of
Plumbago rosea, Eranthemum pulchellum, Be-
gonia Gloire de Lorraine, Beinwardtia trigynum,
&c, which should now be cleansed and placed in
the intermediate house or pit, which is kept at
about 60° at night.

.

Publications Received. — Notes iur qneiques

Apoci/nactes laticiftres de la Flore du Congo. Par Enjile
de Wlldeman, Conservateur au Jardin Bcrtanique de
l'Etat, Jirussels. Published by MM. Spineux et Cie.,
62, Montagne de la Cour. — The Amateur's Garden Annual,
for 1H03. By Samuel Dobie & Son, Heathfield Gardens,
near Chester.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Flemins, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

French Beans. — Late sowings on south borders
will continue in bearing for some time longer if
frames or temporary lights be placed over them,
and mats or litter be used at night to prevent an
undue lowering of the temperature. Keep the
pods closely picked where no protection is applied,
as the first frost now may ruin the plants. Beans
may be kept fresh and good for some time to
come if laid on a cool floor. Plants of French
Beans growing in pots or beds in heated pits
should be syringed freely in bright weather, and
the pits closed early, but afforded air in abun-
dance by day in favourable weather. Make
another sowing in heat of not less than 60°, and
as soon as the plants come above the soil place
the pots near to the light.

Vegetable Marrows. — Let every fruit be taken as
soon as large enough, and store them for future
use in a cellar or other cool place. The plants
may be kept in a bearing condition for some time

OCTOBEE 3, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

239

longer if frame lights are available for placing over
them, or a temporary framework made and covered
with oiled canvas, &c, for use on cold nights.

Cauliflowers. — Examine the beds of Cauli-
flowers, breaking the larger leaves over the curds
of those fit for consumption, which will suffice to
ward off slight frosts and rain. If the plants are
turning in faster than they can be consumed, lift
the more forward ones, or those about the size of a
penny piece, with a good ball of earth attached,
in cold pits or in an open shed. Cauliflower
plants may be laid-in up to the lower leaves in a
slanting position in some sheltered spot and
covered with mats or litter in the event of frost.

Carrots. — The main crop of roots should at
about this date be lifted and stored away in
moderately dry earth or sand in the root-house,
or stacked against a wall in the open with soil or
sand between them, and secured against frost
with litter, &c. Thin out to a few inches apart the
later sowings in pits and frames, and apply fresh
soot occasionally between the plants. Close the
frames early in the afternoon so as to hasten the
growth of the plants.

Beetroots, Ire, should be lifted, the leaves
twisted off, and the roots stored in the same
manner as Carrots, care being taken not to
damage the main root in any way. Celeriac
should be lifted, the chief leaves trimmed off, but
leaving the central leaves intact, and be bedded
in damp soil in banks or on the flat in a cool light
cellar or cold pit. It should be encouraged to
make slight growth.

General Remarks. — Ply the hoe among late-sown
crops, and clear off large weeds and the remains
of crops, and all decaying leaves from Brussels-
Sprouts, &c. There is scarcely anything more
valuable generally in the kitchen-garden than
the ashes from garden-refuse, and much of this
collected in large gardens should be burnt in a
smother-fire, the ashes being occasionally col-
lected, sifted, and put under cover. Collect long
stable-litter and bracken for protective material,
and store when dry under cover or make a stack
and thatch it. On wet days look over the Potatos
in store.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller Mundt.Eso .
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Border Carnations. — Those layers which were
the earliest made, being sufficiently well rooted,
may be severed from the mother-plants, and
planted where it is intended they should flower.
Planting the layers is a matter which requires
care in the performance, for whilst firm planting
aids success, the tenderness of the newly-formed
roots renders them liable to be broken off by
pressure carelessly applied. The beds having
been prepared as advised in an earlier Calendar,
the layers should be planted at from 10 inches
to 15 inches apart, robust-growing varieties being
put at the greater distance, especially in gardens
in which Carnations are successfully grown.
The plants set out at this date will form nume-
rous roots, and become established before the
winter begins, and my experience has taught me
that this method is superior to that of potting
the layers and keeping them under glass till the
• spring, and then planting them in the open.
Only in low-lying districts or where smoky fogs
are prevalent is it necessary to put any portion of
the stock of border Carnations under glass.

Climbers. — Many kinds of climbers may be
planted with advantage at this season — namely,
Ampelopsis in variety, Ivies, Wistarias, Aristo-
lochia Sipho, Polygonum baldschuanicum (a
much over- rated plant, which had a boom through
being seen in good form during one or two hot
seasons a few years ago, but which in my opinion
is only suited, as a flowering plant, for very warm
situations), the ornamental-leaved "Vines, and
Clematis. Eoses may well be left till a later
date, as they have not yet ceased to grow.
Where there is plenty of scope, the aspect on which
to plant is an important point, more particularly
in regard to Clematis, which, if they are planted
on the north side of a pergola, pillar, or whatever
support may be provided for them, are not nearly
80 .liable to die off. Bright sunshine may be of
service to the top growth, but it should not be

allowed to strike the lower parts of the stems.
Wistarias, Eoses, Aristolochia, and Vitis, on the
other hand, should be fully exposed to sunshine
in order that the wood may become matured.

Lifting Bulbs and Covins. — The early-flowering
Gladiolus, Tigridias, and Galtonias, being now in
a mature condition, are ready for being lifted
preparatory to storing them. Trigridias need
lifting in the colder parts of the country, other-
wise injury from frost may occur; and I find
that the other plants mentioned flower the better
for being afforded a season of rest in a dry place.

Sedum cceruleum. — I have found this pretty
little annual Stonecrop very useful for covering
bare ground in the rockery in which early-
flowering Irises, Tulips, Chionodoxa, and Scillas
are planted. It is a plant readily raised from
seeds, and makes an excellent covering for the
ground without detriment to the bulbs lying
beneath. The flowering season of the plant is
said to be July, but I find that it flowers continu-
ously after that time; and its pretty star-like
pale-blue flowers and neat leaves and stems afford
pleasing effects.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Paoe. Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq.'
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Bush fruits. — Land to be planted with fruit
bushes during the present month or early in
■ November should now be prepared by bastard-
trenching, adding a liberal supply of half-
decayed farmyard - manure, which should be
worked into the bottom spit as the work proceeds.
Do not wait for the leaves to fall before planting
Eed and Black Currants, the soil being so moist
that there is nothing to fear, and the roots will take
hold of the soil before severe frost ocours. Take
care in the case of Black Currants to obtain the
bushes from a stock which is free from the
Currant-bud mite. It is good practice to plant a
number of young bushes every year and to
destroy a like number of old ones that have
become less productive. The finest fruit is
obtained from young bushes.

Gathering and Storing Fruit. — Such varieties as
William's Bon Chretien, Beurre dAmanlis,
Souvenir du Congres, Madame Treyve, Triomphe
de Vienne, Beurre Hardy and others are fast
ripening, and the fruits should be examined
every few days, gathering only those that will
part freely from the spurs when slightly raised.
Pears being such a poor crop this season, those
who have a few fruits should take every measure
to prolong the supply as far as possible. Late
varieties, such as Olivier des Serres, Winter Nelis,
and Duchesse de Bordeaux, should be protected
by hanging small-meshed netting in front of the
trees if tbey are growing against a wall, or the
tomtits will be sure to peck them. Should
appearances indicate sharp frost, afford the trees
a covering of scrim canvas at night, removing
it in the morning. Unless these late Pears are
allowed to hang until they will part freely from
the branches they will be unfit for dessert.
Take advantage of fine days to gather all Apples
as fast as they ripen. Such late varieties as
Stunner Pippin, Court ?endu Plat, and Welling-
ton should be allowed to remain on the trees
until quite ripe.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By T. H. C.

Peaches and Nectarines. — With the exception of
trees growing in unheated houses, the Peach season
is now^atan end ; and preparations have to be made
to put the earliest forcing-houses into good order.
Assuming the forcing of the trees in previous
years was begun in November or December, and
the varieties are early ones of good quality, they
may be pruned as soon as the leaves fall or part
readily from the shoots. The pruning will be
slight, provided the shoots which bore fruits
were removed in early summer and new shoots
trained in their places. Let the pruning be so
carried out as to obtain fruit-bearing shoots over
all parts of the trees, cutting back to half or three-
quarters of their length, and always to a wood-
bud, all fairly strong shoots not required for
further extension, and laying them in from about
■A to G inches apart over the trellis-wires. Having

finished the pruning, cleanse the house in every
part, washing the woodwork with soap-and-water
and the glass with water only, and finish off by
coating the walls with a wash made of fresh,
quicklime. Then cleanse the trees with an in-
secticide, which brush well into the crevices of
the bark. Scrape the loose surface soil off the
borders, lightly point them over if roots are nu-
merous ; at the same time afford a dressing of
Thomson's Vine-manure or Le Fruitier, and if
necessary a heavy application of water. Follow
this with a top-dressing 3 inches deep of rich
loam, to each wheelbarrow-load of which add a
6-inch potful of bone-meal and two shovelsful of
mortar-rubble and charred garden refuse, less or-
more according to the texture of the loam, and
mulch the border with decayed farmyard or spent
Mushroom - bed manure. Let the windows or-
ventilators remain wide open day and night till
the trees are started.

Succession Peach Houses. — Trees exhibiting
signs of weakness should be examined as to the-
state of their roots, and if weakness is found to be-
due to an unwholesome or improper soil let the-
latter be removed from among the roots, substi-
tuting for it a compost like that recommended for
top-dressing the border, or lift and replant.
Make sure that the borders are well drained,
and the roots near to the surface. A border
need not be deeper than 30 inches, exclusive of
drainage. Trees growing strongly at the expense-
of fruitfulness may be lifted and replanted just
before the leaves begin to fall, at which time-
coarse roots may be cut back. The fibrous roots-
should be spread out at different levels, and the
planting done firmly. Apply water and then a
mulch, and in bright weather syringe the foliage
three times daily. The proper ripening of the
shoots in the latest houses should be matured by
keeping the air dry and affording artificial heat.
The beginning of the month of November is a
suitable time for planting Peach trees under
glass, and at the present time the loam may be
got in readiness and the borders prepared, it
being more profitable to plant afresh than to-
try to improve worn-out or diseased trees.

Winter Tomatos. — Let the plants for winter-
fruiting be potted into 10-inch pots, and if possi-
ble afford them a place at the sides of a span-
roofed house, where the growths will be close to-
the roof and their requirements receive the first
consideration. Give daily attention to the
opening flowers in the matter of fertilisation.
Maintain a night temperature of 58° to 60°, and
by day one of 68° to 70°, with free ventilation on
warm days, and at all times a moderately dry
atmosphere.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holkohd, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Temperatures. — The weather experienced during
the latter part of September was all that could
be desired for Orchids, and, owing to the previous-
lack of sunshine, these favourable conditions
were very welcome. As we cannot expect a
long continuance of fine weather it will be
advisable to prepare for winter by reducing:
the warmth in all the houses a few degrees,
night and day. The sun is still capable of
raising the degree of warmth in the houses,
considerably during the middle hours of the day,
and this should be made use of by the cultivator
to admit fresh air.

Damping down. — The amount of damping down,
afforded at this part of the season must be reduced.
On sunny days the East Indian and intermediate
divisions may be damped down only moderately
morning and afternoon, the houses being allowed
to get dry during the middle hours, which is an
important thing, and one that assists the thorough
ripening of the growths. In the cooler divisions
damping down should be done in the morning.
and then only when the day promises to be sunny
and warm.

Ventilation. — Continue to afford a considerable
amount of air when the weather permits, Orchids
growing stronger and healthier when the air is
kept pure and sweet. Air may still be admitted
during the middle hours of the day if the outside
conditions are favourable, this being the best
means of drying and purifying the atmosphere.

240

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Ccto'bbb 3, 1903.

Appointments for October.

■SATURDAY,
-TUESDAY,

Oct.

Oct.

TUESDAY, Oct. 13

„ t Soc'idte Frareilse 6'Horticul-
) ture de Lonures, Meeting.

/"National Chrysanthemum So-
. J ciety's Early Variety Exbi-
'| bitionat Crystal Palace(three

I days).

(■Royal Horticulture Society's
I Committees meet Lecture

THURSDAY,

MONDAY,
MONDAY.
TUESDAY,

on " Autumn Strawberries
(. and Raspberries."

("Royal Agricultural and Horti-
n„T ,.| cultural Society of Jersey's
uu- 1D | Sttow of Fruits and Vege-

L tables.

i National Chrysanthemum 8o-
Oct. 19-j ciety's Executive and Flora

( Committees meets.

i National Chrysanthemum So-
Ccr. 26-: ciety'a Floral Committee

( meets.

I Royal Horticultural Socie'y's
Oct. 27-; Committees meet. Lecture

( on " Pruning Roses."
WEDNESDAY, Oct. S8— Royal Botanical Society meets

(Torquay Gardeners' Associa-
I tion's Chrysantbemum Show.

meets.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.
MONDAY, October 5. to FRIDAY, October 9-

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68. Cbeapside, E.C., by
Protheroe & Morris, at 10. 3J o'clock.
WEDNESDAY NEXT—

At Perry Hill Cliffe. near Rochester, 8ale of Fruit
Trees, by Protheroe & Mori is. at 11.30 o'clock.
(For further particulars see our Advertisement cotumns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
- 53 7°.
Actual Temperatures :—

London. -Sep*. 30 (6 p.m.): Mai. 70'; Mln. 56'.
Weather bright.
Oct. 1 (Noon) : 64°. Slightly overcast, wind sti'l.
Provinces.— Sept. 30 (6 p.m.): Max. 63% Cardiff;
Min. 55", Cape Clear.

The two most interesting and
ThtheVweek.0E important events of the pre-
sent horticultural year have
happened this week. It is difficult to ex-
aggerate their significance. An exhibition
of vegetables by itself might not arouse
much enthusiasm, though it ought to supply
a much-needed stimulus. Such a display,
held as the final ceremonial likely to be
carried out in the famous gardens at Chis-
wick. stands out, however, as an historical
event. The time has gone by for lamenting
rthe abandonment of Chiswick or grieving
over the long neglected opportunities of
that establishment. Sir Thomas Hanbcry,
V.M.H., has altered that, and we can only
hope that the glories of the old garden may
shine with enhanced splendour at Wisley.
Still, although it would be childish to in-
dulge in useless lamentations, we may
surely find a useful stimulus in recalling
the time when Chiswick was a live force
in horticulture — the time of Knight, of
•Sabine, of Douglas, of Bentham, of Royle,
of Lindley, of Paxton, of Robert Thompson,
• of George Gordon, of Archibald Barron.
What giants these men were in their several
departments ! Wisley will have its work
cut out to produce an equally imposing
array ; but there need be no reasonable
doubt that the men will be forthcoming if
the governing body is wise enough not only
■to consider the necessities of the moment,
Stmt to look forward to those possibilities
which the association of science with practi-
cal horticulture is certain to beget.

There are not many left now who re-
member Chiswick as it was in its so-called
-" palmy " days, when, on occasion, it was the
resort of the fashion of the day, when the block
of carriages, whose occupants were wending

their way to the garden, began soon after leav-
ing Hyde Park Corner and extended the whole
way through Kensington and Hammersmith
to Turnham Green. Then the area of the
garden was three or four times greater
than it is now. "Wild gardens" existed
there before the name had been brought into
popularity. An arboretum was formed of
which a few remnants may still be seen in
the adjacent villa gardens; and it can never
be forgotten by the most indifferent of
cultivators how important were the intro-
ductions of Douglas among Conifers, nor
what a profusion of flowering plants from
various parts of the world were gathered to-
gether by him and by other of the Society's
collectors and dispersed from Chiswick.
Truly Chiswick has had a noble past !

As to the materials and quality of the
exhibits shown on this the last of the
Chiswick exhibitions it is not necessary to
speak here, beyond saying that they were
excellent and worthy of the occasion. Refer-
ence must be made for details to another
column.

But we cannot pass over the other im-
portant event of which we spoke — the two
indeed are associated intimately — and it is
fitting that some .500 gardeners should have
met to revive old friendships, make new
ones, and celebrate in this way the very im-
portant change in the destiny of a Society
in which they are all so much interested.
There has been no gardeners' dinner on any
scale approaching to this since 1866, and
the greatest thanks are due to the members
of the Committee, to Mr. A. Dean, and
others who laboured to make this a success.
Our supplementary illustration, prepared by
Mr. Gregory, gives the portraits of these
good men and true; but, alas! since the
photograph was taken death has seized one of
the foremost of them, and one of the leading
gardeners of the country — we allude to Mr.
Smith, of Mentmore, whose career was
sketched in a former issue. Our illustration
will thus have an added and a sadder
significance than it would otherwise have
had. But of the five hundred present, what
shall we say but that they constitute a fine
band of honest, trustworthy men, loving
their work and willing to help their less
fortunate brethren in the time of need ? We
might say a great deal more ; common
justice demands that we should say no less.
And how high the profession of gardening
stands ! We are proud to consider Adam as
the special forerunner of gardeners, but
Dante goes further and describes the
Almighty Himself as the " Eternal Gar-
dener." If this be true, and in one sense it
certainly is, then these five hundred men
who met on Tuesday, as well as those who
were not present, may well feel no common
honour in their craft, as well as immeasurable
reverence, in being permitted to be labourers
under the most exalted of Head Gardeners.

"The Eternal Gardener."— The following
reference to the " Ortolano eterno " is made by
Dante in canto xxvii., 1. 65, of the Paradiso, as
kindly pointed out to us by Mr. Paget Totnbee
Cart's translation runs thus : —

" As for the leaves, that in the garden bloom,
My love for them is great as is the good
Dealt by the Eternal hand that tends them all."

Dutch Horticultural and Botanical
SOCIETY. — At the meeting of the Floral Com-
mittee on August 20, 1903, First-class Certificates
were awarded to Tamarix hispida aestivalis, as a

new plant, from Mr. C. Weselenburg, at
Hazerswoude; to Gyp^ophila paniculata fl. -pi.,
as a new plant, from Messrs. M. van Waveren.
at Hillegom ; and Certificates of Merit to Tritoma
Pfitzeri, an insufficiently known plant, from the
same firm ; to Crinutn Powelli blandum. as a new
plant, from Bjlr. P. W. Voet, at Overveen, Haarlem;
to Anthemis nobilis fl.-pl., as a newly imported
plant, from Messrs. Weselenburg & Stassen,
at Leiden ; to Eichardia hybrid Hillegom's
Gloire, as a new plant, from Messrs. van Meer-
beek & Co., at Hillegom. A Botanical Certificate
was awarded to Weigela hortensis nivea varie-
gata, as a new plant, from Mr. C. Eschweiler,
at Oudenboseh ; to Viola cornuta grandifiora
Halbhauer, as a new plant, from Mr. Ju. C.
Groenewegen, at Landpoort.

The Liverpool Horticultural Associa-
tion.— We are requested by Mr^ Harold Sad-
ler, Secretary to state that the Chrysanthemum
and Fruit Show of this Society will be held on
November 11 and 12 next.

The Etherisation of Plants.— Mr. Jan-
noch writes : "As my name was mentioned in
the Gardeners' Chronicle on February 28 last,
p. 143, in connection with the etherisation of
plants, it may interest your readers to know that
my further experiments this Autumn have proved
very satisfactory, and were quite beyond expecta-
tion. Lilacs that were etherised on August 24,
were in full bloom and foliage by September 18
and subsequent batches which I etherised are all
doing well and growing with a rapidity quite
amazing. So far I can only speak of Lilacs
with a certainty of success, but I am experi-
menting with other plants, such as Azalea
mollis, Deutzias, Funckias, Spiraeas, Prunus,
variegated Maple, Wistaria, &c, and I feel confi-
dent of success when the experiments are com-
pleted. Eespecting the blooms of Lilacs, I find
that from etherised plants, they are finer and
last longer than from retarded plants, a fact
which speaks well in favour of etherisation. T.
Jannoch, Lily Nursery, Dersingham, near King's
Lynn. [We are sorry again to ask why experi-
ments of this kind are not carried out at
Chiswick? It is not too late even now. Ed.].

Preserved Vegetables for the Navy.—

It will be remembered that some time since an
inquiry was made into the subject of catering for
the Navy in respect to preserved vegetables ; the
report then submitted to " My Lords of the
Admiralty " was duly considered, a careful speci-
fication drawn up for the use of those who might
choose to tender for the supply of the specified
provisions, and issued to such persons as were
thought to be capable of carrying out the con-
tract. The vegetables required consisted of Po-
tatos, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Carrots, Onions,
French Kidney Beans and Scarlet Bunners, &.O.,
sliced, shredded, or entire as required. Eightee
firms were chosen to compete, of which only one
was British. The reason for this was that the
wage3 item is a heavy one, and that our vege-
tables are so succulent that the cost of reducing
moisture to 12 per cent, is a great deterrent. ■ I

The late Dr. Robert T. Cooper.— We

regret to announce the death of Dr. Cooper,
which took place on September 14 at his resi-
dence, 17, Stanley Gardens, London, W. He
practised at 18, Wimpole Street, and belonged to
Cooper's Hill, Co. Carlow, Ireland. Apart from
his own profession, he took much interest in
economic and social problems, and especially in
forestry ; and he delivered lectures on the subject
of reafforestation in Dublin, at Cambridge, and
elsewhere. He founded the Irish Forestry So-
ciety, and took the deepest personal interest in
its progress and welfare up to the last annual
excursion, which had been arranged for Saturday,
September 19, and to be in the domain and woods

OCTOBBE 3, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

241

of Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow. The day as fixed
upon, however, proved to be the day of his
"funeral, and the excursion was postponed in
.-respect to his memory. " The Field," Saturday,
September 26.

Birmingham City Parks.— The Baths and
Parks Committee have appointed Mr. William
■H. Morter to tiie vacant post of Head Gardener
•^or Chief Park Keeper) of the Birmingham City
Parks, rendered vacant by the retirement of Mr.
'Samuel Hearn, under the Birmingham Super-
annuation Act, 1S97, after thirty years' continuous
service with the Corporation. Mr. Morter has
•had a very large and varied experience on the
estate of Lord Aveburt, at High Elms, Farn-
borough, where he has been employed as Head
•■Gardener during the past eleven years, an experi-
ence which will be of much service to him in
taking over ,the direction of the Gardening and
-Landscape Work connected with the Public
Parks and Recreation Grounds of this City. Mr.
.Morter will take up his new duties on
November 1 next, and has been appointed at a
-salary of .£180 per annum.

The Locust in Natal. — The preventive
.measures of the Government against this de-
structive pest appear to be reaching perfection,
and the results of their application are more satis-
factory than formerly. Some sixty sprayers have
'been procured from America, thoroughly reliable
arsenic from London, and the solution for spray-
ing on trees, &c, made up as follows :— 1 lb. of
-arsenic, J lb. soda (washing), 4 to 5 lb. of sugar
,^or treacle), 16 gallons of water. The ingredients
-should first be boiled in two gallons of water for a
■ quarterof an hour,and then added to the 14gallons.
This mixture has been found perfectly inno-
-cuous to stock, excepting in two cases, in which
some pigs, imitating Dickens' jackdaw, partook of
some of the mixture placed in tins, whose example
was followed by a rash dog : both were buried in
their skins ! " Hoppers," we are told, find life a
burden wherever the mixture is applied to the
herbage which they frequent.

Labour-saving Implements. — Mr. J. C.
Willis, Director of the Ceylon Botanical
Oardens, demonstrated the utility of several
labour-saving implements which he had come
■across when travelling in America. The most
important, perhaps, was the Peavey log-roller.
By means of this simple implement the log is
gripped on the top, and thus the log-roller is
■enabled to obtain more leverage than with the
old contrivance, which worked from the bottom,
and generally made a hole in the ground. Mr.
Willis put a fairly large log in motion by means
of this instrument with practically no effort.

Then there was the post-hole digger. This
simple implement is very useful for low-country
work. In a very short time a round hole of
several feet can be made. It is simply turned
round, and does the boring itself. Of course, for
stony or rocky ground a shovel must be used.

A very fine spray — particularly useful for the
tea-plant — was also shown. It has the advantage
of not being expensive. The old sprays used on
•estates were practically useless, because the spray
was ejected in large drops, which could have no
effect on the glossy tea-leaf ; and it is only when
spray is exceedingly finely distributed— as by
this patent — that the necessary result can be
produced.

Other implements, of which the advantages
were obvious, were a steel tube rake, very light,
and a machine for going between the rows of
flower-beds, which, as it was provided with a
wheel — could not sink below a certain depth.

There was also a very neat contrivance for
scattering lime, which should be very effective if
"it can fulfil its purpose as succesfully as it
scattered theorowd. Tropical Agriculturist.

Testimonial to a Well-known Commer-
cial TRAVELLER.— The staff of Messrs. Hurst
& Son, Seed Merchants, 152, Houndsditch,
London, have presented to Mr. Hugh Aiton, a
silver tea service on his retirement from the fiim.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Fruit and Vegetables.
Last Exhibition at Chiswick!

September 29, 30 and October 1.

One o£ the busiest weeks of the horticultural year
has just closed. The great exhibition of British grown
fruits, which had been held at the Crystal Palace for
some years past, was this year opened in the Society's
gardens at Chiswick on Tuesday last, in conjunc-
tion with a marvellous show of vegetables. The
reason, announced early in the year, for the trans-
ference of the fruit show from the Palace to Chiswick
was that the Crystal Palace authorities always raised
objection to vegetables being shown in conjunc-
tion with the fruit show. la any circumstances
it appears to us a very satisfactory arrangement,
bearing in mind that, as the President remarked
during a speech which followed the luncheon, this
event will most likely be the last exhibition that will
be held at Chiswick. However good the reasons for
leaving Chiswick may be, or how deeply we may regret
that the association of the Society with the historical
gardens is about to terminate, all of us may be glad
that the events of the week have been "the means of
attracting a very large number of Fellows, to make,
it may prove to many of them, a last visit to a place
that will always occupy a prominent and honourable
place in the history of the Society.

Ihe Fruit show was a great surpriseto fruit growers.
Even those who had contributed to make the display
were astounded to see what their confreres were able to
stage. As many were heard to remark on Tuesday, one
would not have believed there was so much fruit iu the
country. Yet it must 'je admitted that there was not
so fine an exhibition as would have been the case in a
season in which the elements were more helpful to the
development of the fruit crops.

If we turn to the Vegetables we may speak of them
in the superlative degree, and without qualification.
They were surpassingly good. In the large class for
Amateurs' collections the exhibits staged by Messrs.
Beckett (I), and Jas. Gibson (2), were the best produce
and the best staged we have seen, justifying Mr.
Molyneux's remark at the luncheon, that "such an
exhibit of vegetables has never been put before the
public since the creation."

After the luncheon, a Victoria Medal of Honour in
Horticulture was presented to Sir Thomas Hanburv,
and two Testimonials to Mr. Thomas Humphreys.
The Conference was opened at about 3 o'clock In the
afternoon, Mr. Geo. Bunvard presiding, and there was
a good attendance. We may refer to the papers in our
next issue. The weather in the afternoon of Tuesday
was uncompromisingly wet, and many who had to
attend the Gardeners' Dinner at the Holborn Restaurant
in the evening received an unwelcome baptism.

DIVISION I.

FRUITS GROWN UN'I'ER GLASS OR OTHERWISE.
(Gardeners and Amateurs only)

. COLLECTIONS OF FRUIT.

A noteworthy exhibit from His Majesty the Kino,
comprising nine very fine Pines, and a dozen large
well coloured bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes cut
from the large Vino at Cumberland Lodge, was staged
by Mr. Mm-keli.au, and attracted considerable atten-
tion. The Grapes were large in berry and highly
coloured.

There were two exhibitors of collections of nine dishes
of ripe dessert fruits, and the Earl of Harrington,
Elvaston Castle, Derby (gr. Mr. J. H. Goodacre), won

1st prize. He had excellent Grapes throughout, show-
ing the varieties Muscat of Alexandria, Gros Maroc;
also Melon Thornton Hero, Apples Washington and
Ribston Pippin, Peaches Princess of Wales and Golden
Eagle, Nectarine Albeit Victor, and Pear Doyenne da
Cornice. The 2nd prize was won by the Hon. Mr.
Justice Swinben-Eady, Oatlands Lodge, Weybridge,
Surrey (gr., Mr. Jas. Lock). He had very heavy bunches
of Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, with fine large berries
not quite finished, moderate Alnwick Seedling, a small
Cayenne Pine, good Barrington and Princess of Wales
Peaches, Humboldt Nectarines (small), a Melon, Brown
Turkey Figs, and King of the Pippins Apples.

In a class for six dishes of fruit there was only one
exhibitor, namely, J. Willis Fleming, Esq., Chilworth
Manor (gr., Mr. W. Mitchell). His Grapes were very
good, Mrs. Pince being capital in size of bunch and
colour, but the berries were rather small ; Muscat of
Alexandria was of good weight and colour. The rest
of the dishes included two varieties of Peaches, one of
Pears, and one of Apples.

GRAPES.

In the premier class for Grapes there was only one
exhibitor, The Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle,
Derby (gr., Mr. J. H. Goodacre), who had a very nice
collection of at least six distinct varieties, three
bunches of each. The varieties were Black Hamburgh,
of moderate size and good colour; Barbarossa, very
large ; Black Alicante, excellent in berry but hardly
finished in colour ; Muscat of Alexandria, very good ;
Gros Maroc, and Madresfield Court, rather thin, light
bunches.

In the next class, which called for four varieties of
Muscat-flavoured Grapes, there was no exhibit at all.

Three hunches oj Black Hamburgh, —There were six
entries in this class, and the 1st prize exhibit from
J. Willis Fleming, Esq., Chilworth Manor, Romsey
Hants (gr., Mr. W. Mitchell), was much superior in
colour and finish to any of the others ; the 2nd prize
was awarded to three bunches from the Earl of Har-
rington ; and the 3rd to Miss A. S. Ridge, llighfield.
Englefield Green (gr., Mr. G. Lane), who had large-
berried bunches, but rather red in colour.

Mrs. Pince, three Bunches.— Of the three exhibits of
this well flavoured but rather difficult Grape, the best
was shown by J. Willis Fleming, Esq., whose very
large bunches were about twice as heavy as any of the
others and extra good. Two of the bunches were well
finished, and the third nearly so, 2nd, the Earl of
Galloway, Galloway House, Garliestown, N.B. (gr.,
Mr. James Day).

Black Alicante, three Bunches.— There were as many as
eight entries in this class, and the best Grapes were
shown by George C. Raphael, Esq , Castle Hill,
Englefield Green (gr.,Mr. H.H. Brown), who had heavy,
well-shouldered, nicely-finishedbunches. 2nd, S. Platt,
Esq., Wargrave Hill, Twyford, Berks (gr., Mr. M.
Brodie); 3rd, Col. Hon. C. Habbord, Gunton Park,
Norwich (gr., Mr. W. Allan).

Madresfield Court, three Bunches.— The best in this class
was again from the garden of J. Willis Fleming, Esq ,
Chilworth Manor, and consisted of very long tapering
bunches of highly-coloured, good-sized berries— a very
excellent exhibit; 2nd, Miss Talbot, Margam Park,
Port Talbot (gr., Mr. R. Milner.)

Any other Black variety, three bunches.— Excellent speci-
mens of Gros Maroc gained 1st prize in this class for
J. Willis Fleming, Esq. The berries were of extra
size and colour ; 2nd, the same variety from Col. G, B.
Archer Houblon, Hallingbury Place, Bishops Stort-
ford (gr„ Mr. W. Harrison) ; and the same variety from
Col. Habford was placed 3rd. Appley Towers and
Gros Colmar were also shown in this class.

Muscat of Alexandria —There were eleven exhibits of
this, the best Grape extant. The 1st prize was awarded to
the Eirl of Harrington for large bunches pretty well
coloured, and the 2nd to the Hon. Mr. Justice
Swinfen-Eady, Oatlands Lodge, Weybridge (gr., Mr.
James Lock) ; Col. The Hon. C. Harbord obtained 3rd
prize for exceedingly well-coloured, ripe berries, just
commencing to shrivel a little, but in the best condition
for eating at the moment.

Any other While variety —The 1st prize was awarded to
Chasselas Napoleon, shown by C. Beyer, Esq., nice
white berries of the white appearance characteristic of
the variety ; the 2nd prize was won by the variety Mrs
Pearson, shown by the Hon. Mr. Justice Swinfkn-
Eady ; and the 3rd prize to Golden Queen, shown by
Captatu Clive, Whitfield, Hereford (gr., Mr. Robert
Grindrod).

242

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 3, 1903.

DIVISION II.

{Open to Nurserymen and Market Growers only.)

FOR FRUIT GROWN ENTIRELY OUT OF DOORS.

The first Class in this division required a space of
32 feet by 6 feet run of tabling filled. Here Messrs. G.
Bcnyard & Co., Maidstone, were worthily awarded the
1st prize for a very handsome exhibit. The centre-
piece was a three-tier tripod, standing on a raised base
draped with Smllaxwith single specimens of the Dart-
mouth Crab suspended at intervals. These at a short
distance had the appearance of highly-coloured Plums.

On the base three highly coloured mounds of Apples
were arranged, on the second tier three, and one at 1 he
top, which was about 6 feet above the level of the table.
Along the length of the latler was a raised platform,
and between the dishes of fruits small Palms, Ferns
and Araucaria excelsa plants were lightly arrranged.
Noteworthy among the many dishes were very fine
Gascoigne's Seedling, Stirling Castle, Washington,
Peasgood's Nonsuch, Baumann's Reinette, lady
Sudeley, Royal Jubilee, Emperor Alexander, The
Queen, Gloria Mundi, and Scarlet Pearmain among
Apples, all wonderfully well coloured for such a
summer as we have experienced. Pears were repre-
sented by Durondeau, Pitmaston Duchess, Doyenne du
Cornice, Winter Windsor, Dr. Jules Guyot, Souvenir du
Coogres, Marguerite Marrillat, Princess Emile d'Heyst,
Vicar of Winkfield, Beurre Baltet Pore, and some
others; a few dishes of Plums, Monarch being note-
worthy ; and a collection of nuts— the whole collection
comprising the large total of 190 distinct varieties.

The 2nd prize was awarded to Messrs. John Peed
& Son, West Norwood. Their collection was taste-
fully arranged in round baskets and dishes, and
the fruits generally were of high character. Wai-
ner's King, Allington Pippin, Wealthy, Lane's
Prince Albert, Gascoigne's Scarlet, Cellini Pippin, and
Bismarck were conspicuous among the Apples ; and
no other varieties of fruits were included in
this collection. Messrs. H. Cannell & Son, who
were placed 3rd, had a highly meritorious ex-
hibit, admirably arranged, which, being near to the
entrance of the large vinery, where all these exhibits
were displayed, was seen to great advantage. Among
Apples, very good were Warner's King, Emperor
Alexander, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Gascoigne's Seedling,
Baumann's Reinette, Bramley's Seedling, Cellini
Pippin, Bismarck, Duchess of Oldenburgh, Hoary
Morning, a nice lot of Gravenstein, and Lord Derby.
Included in this collection were some small fruits and
a collection of Kentish Cobs. Mr. Basbam, Fairoak
Nurseries, Newport, Monmouth ; Messrs. Cheal &
Sons, and Messrs. Spoonek & Sons, each staged very
meritorious collections in this class.

The next class under the same conditions was
allotted the same width with half the length - ran
(16 feet). In this section a Devonshire exhibitor was
awarded the 1st position, Mr. J. B. Colwill, Sidmouth.
His collection was made up chie fly of Apples, which were
unusually bright and highly coloured. Lady Sudeley
was of remarkably high colour, Ecklinville, very
fine; Worcester Pearmain ('Gascoigne's Scarlet, Cox's
Pomona, Cox's Orange Pippin, Tom Putt, Blenheim
Pippin were among many others most noticeable.
Mr. G. Mount, Exotic Nurseries, Canterbury, was 2nd
with dishes of highly - coloured Apples in raised
baskets, and a few Pears.

Messrs. Pewtress Bros., The Old Nurseries, Tilling-
ton, Hereford; Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, and
Messrs. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate, and Messrs. Hugh
Low & Co., also staged miscellaneous collections in
this class.

The Horticultural College, Swanley, Kent, was
represented by a handsome table of fruit, which ex-
celled in artistic arrangement. Three stands of Melons
draped with Smilax and Ampelopsis Veitchii gave
height to the centre, while the same decoration formed
the groundwork of the staging. Noticeable dishes were
Peasgood's Nonsuch, Warner's King, Bismarck, six
varieties of MeloDS, baskets of Grapes, dishes of Plums,
Nuts and Pitmaston Duchess Pears very fine. The lady
students took an active part in the arrangement, and
must be congratulated on their success.

Orchard House Fruit and Trees arranged on
32 feet run of 6 feet width of tabling

In this class Messrs. G. Bunyard had a remarkable
exhibit, which was worthily awardedaGold Medal. The
trees in pots were carrying excellent crops of highly-
coloured fruits; and of Apples there were Emperor
Alexander, Allington Pippin, Wagener, Gascoigne's
Seedling. Dartmouth Crab, Baumann's Winter Reinette,
Hormead's Pearmain, Winter Queening, and several in

duplicate. Peaches and Pears were also included.
Among the dishes of fruits were extra fine Cox's
Pomona, Golden Noble, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Washing-
ton, Gascoigne's Seedling, Emperor Alexander and
Twenty-Ounce. Specially fine Pears were Doyenne du
Cornice, Marie Benoist, Beurre Superfin, Uvedale St.
Germain, :General Todleben, Marguerite Marillat and
Pitmaston Duchess.

Messrs. Rivers it Son also staged some good speci-
mens. Particularly noticeable was a fine dish of
Peasgood's Nonsuch Apple, of wonderful colour and
size.

DIVISION III.

FRUITS GROWN IN THE OPEN AIR

(Except Class 3)).

Open to Gardeners and Amateurs On'y.

Four exhibitors competed in the 1st Class of the
Division, that for twenty-four dishes of Apples, six-
teen cooking and ei°ht dessert. The 1st prize was
awarded to Mr. W. Wilkins, gr. to Wm. Bythway, Esq.,
Warborough, Llanelly, for an even collection. The best
among the culinary varieties were Tyler's Kernel,
Peasgood's Nonsuch, Withington Fillbasket, Warner's
King, Yorkshire Beauty, and Ecklinville Seedling;
the dessert, Ribston Pippin, Worcester Pearmain, Cox's
Orange, St. Edmund's Pippin, and Allington Pippin.
2nd, Mr. Salter, gr. to Mrs. Haywood, Woodhatch
Lodge, Reigate ; lie had a magnificent dish of Stones
probably the best in the whole exhibition ; also Warner's
King, Lane's Prince Albert, and Ribston Pippin were
very good. 3rd, Mr. Lewis, gr. to R. H. B. Mahsham,
Esq., East Sutton Park, Maidstone.

For eighteen dishes Mr. Charles Crane, gr. to Mrs.
Alexander, Cheveney Hunton, Maidstone, was 1st
with among others very fine Peasgood's Nonsuch, Kent
Fillbasket, Newton Wonder, Alexander, Lord Derby,
Warner's King, Ribston, and Cox's Orange Pippin ; 2nd,
Mr. Ridgwell, Orselt Grange, Essex; 3rd, Mr. J.
Coruford, gr. to Major Powell Cotton, Quex Park,
Birchington : six lots competed.

In the class for thirteen dishes, Mr. A. Porteus, gr.
to Mrs. C T. Hanbury, Belmont, East Barnet, was 1st
with nice clean, medium-sized samples ; 2nd Mr. J. W.
Barks.gr. to H. Partridge, Esq., Castle Hill, Bleteh-
ingly, Surrey; 3rd, Mr. J. Weston, gr. to Viscount
Dungannon, Bessborough, Pietdown, Ireland.

For six dishes ten exhibitors competed, the 1st prize
going to Mr. James Dawes, gr. to Lord Biddulph of
Ledbury, Ledbury Park, Ledbury; large Pott's Seed-
ling, Peasgood's and Warner's King; 2nd Mr. W.
Wilkins.

For six dessert varieties, eleven exhibitors staged,
the 1st prize going to Mr. Wilkins for Ribston,
Egremont Russet, Worcester Pearmain, Cox's Orange,
Allington Pippins, and Gascoigne's Seedling; 2nd, Mr.
Lewis.

PEARS.

In the succeeding class for eighteen dishes of Pears
there were three competitors, the 1st prize going to Mr.
Woodward, gr. to R. Leigh, Esq., Barham Court,
Maidstone. He had very fine Marguerite Marillat,
Durondeau, Pitmaston, Le Brun, Conference, Beurre
Lucas, Princess, Magnate, Duchesse d'Angouleme,
Beurre Baltet Pere, Doyenne du Cornice, Beurre
Dumont, and Gansels Bergamot; 2nd, Mr. Baoon.gr.
to Rt. Hon. The Lobd Mayor, The Mote, Maidstone ;
3rd, Mr. J. Cobnford.

For nine dishes the only exhibitor, Mr. Parr, gr. to
F. A. Bevan, Esq., Trent Park, New Barnet, was
awarded the 1st prize.

For six dishes two competed, the 1st prize going to
Mr. Mancey, gr. to Alfred Benson, Esq., Upper
Gatton Park, Merstham ; 2nd, Mr. J. Moore.

PEACHES
grown entirely out-of doors. For three varieties, Mr.
Masterson, gr. to the Earl of Camperdown, Weston
House, Shipston-on-Stour, was 1st, showing the varieties
Walburton, Princess of Wales, and Sea Eagle; but in
the succeeding class for one variety the 1st prize
was awarded to Mr. Vert, gr. to Lord Braybrooke, for
Sea Eagle!; the 2nd to Mr. W. Mitchell, gr. to J. W.
Fleming, Esq., Chilworth Manor, Romsey, for the
same variety. The best dish of Nectarines was from
Mr. Goodacre.

PLUMS AND CHERRIES.

But one exhibitor staged fix dishes of Plums, Mr. J.
Cornford, and he was awarded the 1st prize.

No exhibitor was forthcoming with six dishes, two
to be dessert and four cooking; but in the succeeding
class, that for a single dish of Gage Plums, there were
ten competitors, all but one showing Coe's Golden
Drop. Mr. J. Vert was 1st ; 2nd, Mr. C Crane.

For any single dish of a dessert variety there was no
exhibitor; but for a single dish of a cooking vjriety
nine dishes of Monarch and one of Archduke were
staged. Mr. Vert was again 1st ; 2nd, Mr. Carlisle, gr.
to G. J. Griuble, Esq., Harlow Grange, Biggleswade.

The Morello Cherry class brought four exhibits, the
1st prize going to Mr. Page, gr. to J. B. Fohtescue,
Esq., Dropmore ; 2nd, Mr. S. Haines, gr.to Hon. D. P.
Bouverie, Coleshill House, Highworth.

DIVISION IV.

SPECIAL DISTRICT COUNTY PRIZES.

(Open to Gardeners and Amateurs only.)

Open only to Kent Growers. •

Collection 1.— Mr. G. H. Dean, Sittingbourne, Kent
(gr., W. S. Stower), with very good fruits of Bismarck,
Peasgood's Nonsuch, Bramley's Seedling, Warner's
King, King of the Pippins, and Cox's Orange Pippin u
2nd, Mr. T. L. Boyd, Tonbridge, Kent (gr., E. Coleman),
with Peasgood's Nonsuch, Warner's King, Queen,
Bismarck, Cox's Orange Pippin, and Ribston Pippin.

Six dishes of Pears; one only, but very fine fruit..
1st, Mr. T. L. Boyd, with Beurre Fouqueray, Pitmaston
Duchess, Duchess d'Angouleme, Beurre Baltet Pere,.
Durondeau, and Doyenne du Cornice.
Open Only to Growers in Surrey, Sussex, Hants,
Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.

Six dishes of Apples as before. There were from
exhibitors in these counties six collections. 1st, Mr„
J. T. G. Bannatyne, Haldon House, Exeter (gr„
T. Ellicott), with Annie Elizabeth, Ecklinville, Peas-
good's Nonsuch, Loddington Seedling, Ribston Pippin
and Worcester Pearmain; 2nd, Mr. M. P. Grace,
Battle Abbey, Sussex (gr., H. Avery), with Lady
Henniker, Warner's King, Loddington, Mere de.
Menage, Cox's Orange and Ribston Pippins.

Six dishes of Pears. In this class there were four-
collections. 1st, J. K. D. Wingfield Digby, Esq.. Sher-
borne Castle (gr., T. Turton), with Beurr6 Diel, B.
Superfin, B. Alexander Lucas, Doyenne du Cornice,
Huyshe Victoria and Durondeau ; 2nd, the Earl of.
Ashburnham, Ashburnham Place, Battle (gr., G. Srigg),
with Doyenne du Cornice, Pitmaston Duchess, Brock-
worth Park, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Beurre Bacheliei"
and B. Bosc.

Open only to Growers in Wilts, Gloucester,
Oxford, Bucks, Berks, Beds, Herts and-
Middlesex.

Six dishes of Apples as before. There were in this
class six collections shown. 1st, Sir A. K. B. Osborn,
Chicksands Priory (gr., C. J. Elliott), with Golden
Noble, Warner's King, Blenheim Orange Pippin, Peas-
good's Nonsuch, Ribston and King of the Pippins ; 2nd,
A. W. G. Wright, Esq., Newent, Gloster (W. H. Davies,
gr.), with The Queen, Warner's King, More de Menage,
Peasgood's Nonsuch, Worcester Pearmain, and Cox's-
Orange Pippin.

Six dishes of Pears brought two collections, 1st, Mrs..
St. Vincent Ames, Cote House, Westbury (gr., Mr. W. H..
Bannister), with Beurre Bosc, B. superfin, Durondeau,
Doyenne du Cornice, Marie Louise, and Autumn Nelis;
2nd, G. J. Gribble, Esq., Harlow Grange, Biggleswade
(A. Carlisle, gr.), with Margaret Marillat, Louise Bonne
of Jersey, Pitmaston Duchess, Marie Louise, Doyenn&
du Cornice, and Durondeau.

Class 40.— Open only to Growers in Essex, Suffolk,.
Norfolk, Cambridge, Hunts, and Rutland.

Six dishes of Apples, three collections, 1st, Mr. N. A,
Page, Thorness, Clacton-onSea, with Warner's King,
Gascoigne's Scirlet Seedling, Cox's Pomona, Peasgood's
Nonsuch, Cox's Orange, and King of the Pippins. The
samples were decidedly good. 2nd, Col. G. B. Arches
Houblon, Hallingbury Place (gr., Mr. W. Harrison),
with Peasgood's Nonsuch, Warner's King, Lord Derby,
Northern Greening, Worcester Pearmain, and King of
Pippins.

Six dishes of Pears— Of these there were two collec-
tions, 1st, Col. Hon. C. Harbord, Gunton Park, Nor-
wich (gr., Mr. Allan), with very fine fruit of Beurrfr
Baltet Pere, Marie Louise, Brockworth Park, Doyennfe
du Cornice, Emile d'Heyst, and Doyenne Boussoch:
2nd, Lord Braybrooke, Audley End, Saffron Walden
(gr., Mr. J. Vert), with Beurre Bachelier, Doyenne du
Cornice, Gratioli, Beurre de Jonghe, Bergamotte d'ete,
and Alexandre Lambre.

Class 41. — Open only to Growers in Lincoln,

Northampton, Warwick, Leicester, Notts,

Derby, Staffordshire, Shropshire, and>

Cheshire.

Six dishes of Apples, four collections, 1st, Mr. John

Lee, Higher Bebington, Cheshire, with Tyler's Kerne),

October 3, 1903.J

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

243

Peisgoods Nonsuch, Warner's King, Loddington,
Kibston and Cox's Orange Pippins; 2nd, Mr. Knight,
Stamford, with Blenheim Orange and Cox's Orange
Pippin, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Warner's King, Mere de
Menage, and Worcester Pearmain.

Six dishes of Pears, three collections, l3t, The Duke
of Rutland, Belvoir Castle (gr., Mr. W. H. Divers),
with Huyshe's Victoria, Beurre Kance, B. Diel, Doyenne
du Cornice, Emile d'Heyst, and Glou Morceau ; 2nd,
Mr. Henry Knott, with Beurre Ranee, B. Alexander
Lucas, B. Diel, B. Superfin, Louise Bonne of Jersey,
very good, and Doyenne du Boussoch.

•Class 42.— Open only to Growers in Worcester,
Hereford, Monmouth, Glamorgan, Caumarthen,
and Pembroke.

Six dishes of Apples, two collections. — 1st, Lord
Biddulph of Ledbury, Ledbury Park (gr. J. Dawes),
with fruit richer in colour than in the two preceeding
classes, having Warner's King, Peasgood's Nonsuch,
Taylor's Kernel, Gascoigne's Scarlet, Bibston and Cox's
Orange Pippins ; 2nd, Mr. John H. Wootton, Byford,
Hereford, with Warner's King, Qaeen, Ecklinville Seed-
ling, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Worcester Pearmain, and
Wealthy.

Six dishes of Pears only.— 1st Lord Bidduxph of
Ledbury, with fruit of tine quality, the varieties
Pitmaston Duchess, Doyenne du Cornice, Brockworth
Park, Doyenne Boussoch, Gratioli of Jersey, and Marie
Louise.

Class 43.— Open only to Geowees in the Other
Counties of Wales.

Six dishes of Apples, three collections. — 1st Col.
Coenwallis West, Ruthin (gr. A. Forder), with War-
mer's King, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Lord Suffleld, Lord
Derby, Ribstoa Pippin, and Worcester Pearmain ; 2nd,
R. A. Horspool, gr„ Chirk Castle, Ruabon, with War-
ner's King, Blenheim Orange, Queen, one unnamed
Allington Pippia, and Worcester Pearmain.

Six dishes of Pears, three collections.— 1st, Mr. R. A.
Hoespool, with Beurre Baehelier, B. Diel, Triomphe
•de Jodoigne, Chaumontel, Conference, and Louise
Bonne of Jersey ; 2nd, Davis Ivans, Esq., Highmead,
Llangbyther (gr. Mr. Fox), with Durondeau, Doyenne
du Cornice, Bon Chretien, Beurre Hardy, B. d'Amanlls,
and B. Ranee.

Class 44. — Open only to Growers in the Six
Northern Counties of England and in the
Isle of Man.

Six dishes of Apples, two collections.— 1st Mr. J.
McIndoe, The Gardens, Hutton Hall, Guisborough,
with Warner's King. Bramley's Seedling, Lord Derby,
Lord Qrosvenor, Ribston and Cox's Orange Pippins;
2nd, Mr. H. Thellusson, Brodsworth Park, Doncaster
<gr. W. Chuck), with Alfriston, Ecklinville Seedling,
Bismarck, Northern Greening, Lady Sudeley, and Cox's
Orange Pippin.

Six dishes of Pears.— 1st, H. Thellusson, Esq., with
©urondeau, Beurre Diel, Gratioli of Jersey, Colmar
d'ete, Jargonelle, and Louise Bonne of Jersey ; 2nd,
The Earl of Lathom, Ormskirk (gr., B. Ashton), with
Pitmaston Duchess, Doyenne du Cornice, Durondeau,
Glou Morceau, Easter Beurre, 'and Louise Bonne of
Jersey.

Class 45.— Open only to Growers in Scotland.

Six dishes of Apples, two collections, 1st, The Earl of
■Galloway, Galloway House, Garlieston (gr., J. Day),
with good fruit of Peasgood's Nonsuch, Warner's King,
Bismarck, Gascoignes Seedling, James Grieve, and
Worcester Pearmain ; 2nd, The Earl of Home, Cold-
stream, N.B. (gr., Jno. Cairns), with Warner's King,
Bismarck, Grenadier, Lane's Prince Albert, Duchess'
Favourite, and Duke of York.

Six dishes of Pears, two collections, 1st, The Earl of
Galloway, with Pitmaston Duchess, Durondeau,
Madame Treyve, Jersey Gratioli, Beurre Baehelier, and
Louise Bonne of Jersey; 2nd, The Earl of Home, with
Beurre d'Amanlis, Doyenne Boussoch, Backhouse's
Beurre, Beurre Clairgeau, and Doyenne du Cornice.

Class 46.— Open only to Geowees in Ireland.

Six dishes of Apples, four collections, 1st, Mr. H. F.
Bboad, Aghern, Conna, co. Cork, with Stirling Castle,
Sharp's Nose, Queen, Winter Hawthornden, Allington
Pippin, and Worcester Pearmain. The first generally
well coloured ; 2nd, Viscount Duncannon, Piltown (gr.,
J. Weston), witli Lane's Prince Albert, Golden Spire
<very doubtful), Queen, Ecklinville, Colonel Vaughan,
and Worcester Pearmain.

Sixfdishes of Pears, 1st, Mr. H. F. Broad; and 2nd,
Lady E. H. Bury, Tullamorc (gr., R. McKenna), but the
fruit could;not be correctly identified.

DIVISION V.

SINGLE DISHES OF FRUIT GROWN IN THE

OPEN AIR.

(Opento Gardeners and Amateurs only.)

Choice Dessert Apples.

Adams' Pearmain.— 1st, J. F. G. Bannatyne, Esq.,
Haldon House, Exeter (G. Ellicott, gr.). with even, well-
coloured fruit for the season ; 2nd, Mr. G. Pearson,
Brickendonbury, Hertford (R. Smith, gr.), also with
good fruit. Six dishes were shown.

Allington Pippin— Jen dishes, varying somewhat in
character according to locality. 1st, Miss Talbot,
Margam Park, Port Talbot, with very fine fruit ; 2nd,
Mr. G. H. Dean, Whitehall, Sittingbourne (R. Miller,
gr.), with smaller but good type.

American Mother.— Only two samples were shown, and
those of indifferent character. 1st, Lord Poltimore,
Poltimore, Exeter (T. H. Slade, gr.); 2nd, Mrs. Hay-
wood, Woodhatch Lodge, Reigate (C. J. Salter, gr),
with an ordinary sample.

Blenheim Orange.- Ten dishes. 1st, Mr. T. L. Davies,
Park House, Addlestone, with small, even examples ;
2nd, Mr. G . H. Dean. The samples varied considerably.

Charles Ross.— One dish only. In appearance like a
small Peasgood's Nonsuch. 1st, Mr. J. B. Colwill,
High Street, Sidmouth. A good sample.

Cox's Orange Pippin.— Thirteen dishes. 1st, Mr. J. W.
Fleming, Chilworth Manor, Romsey (gr., Mr. W. Mit-
chell), with a good dish of fruit, but one fruit very like
Cellini Pippin ; 2nd, Mr. G. H. Dean, also with an ex-
cellent dish.

Egremont Russet.— Four dishes only. 1st, Walpole
Gbeenwell, Esq., Marden Park, very fine; 2nd, C. P.
Wykeham Martin, Esq , Leeds Castle, Maidstone, also
with fruit of good character.

James Grieve. — Three dishes only. J. T. Atkin-
son, Esq , Montrose Villa, Caversham, Reading, with
bright, finely-matured fruit ; 2nd, Col. G. B. Arches
Houblon, Halllngbury Place, Bishop's Stortford, with
fruit differing very widely in character.

King of the Pippins.— Seventeen dishes. This class
shaped as well as any, though some fruits were small.
1st, The Rev. Thos. McHurdie, Woburn Park, Wey-
bridge, with large fairly-finished fruit; 2nd, A. W. G.
Wright, Esq., Quarry House, Newent, Glos , with bright
well-coloured samples.

Mannington Pearmain. — Five dishes ; generally of
indifferent quality. 1st, John Lee, Esq., Kingscroft,
Higher Broughton ; 2nd, T. L. Boyd, Esq , Tonbridge
(gr., E. Coleman).

Margil — Five dishes. 1st, G. J. GsiBBLE.Esq., Harlow
Grange, Biggleswade (gr., A. Carlisle); 2nd, Mrs.
Haywood. '

Ribston Pippin —Twelve dishes ; some very good fruit
indeed was staged. 1st, The Earl of Ashbubnham,
Asbburnham Place (gr., G. Grigg). very fine; 2nd,
G. H. Dean, Esq , also with an excellent sample.

Any other Variety, seven dishts being shown.— 1st, Col.
Aecheh Houhlon, with a good dish of Washington ;
Mr. A. W. G. Weight was 2nd, with finely-coloured Wor-
cester Pearmain. Lady Sudeley, Williams' Favourite,
&c, were shown.

CHOICE COOKING APPLES.

Bismarck — Six dishes. 1st, G. H. Dean, Esq., with a
very fine sample indeed; 2ad, H. H. Williams, Esq ,
also with good fruit.

Blenheim Orange.— Nine dishes of larger-sized fruit
than in the Dessert Class. The Rev. Thos. McMurdie
was 1st with fine examples ; and Mr. G. H. Dean, 2nd.

Bromley's Seedling.— Vine dishes. 1st, G. H. Dean, Esq.,
with very large fruit ; and Mrs. G. Pearson, 2nd.

Gascoigne's Scarlet.— 1st, Mr. G. H. Dean, with finely-
finished fruit; Mr. Walpole Greenwell was 2nd, with
medium-sized samples, having a delightful bloom upon
them.

Golden Noble.— Seven dishes. 1st, Mr. A. W. G. Wright,
witli well-coloured specimens ; and Mr. G. H. Dean, 2nd.

Lane's Prince Albert.— Thirteen dishes, generally very
good. 1st, Mr. G. H. Dean, with large symmetrical
fruit; 2nd, Mrs. Haywood.

Lord Derby.— Eleven dishes. 1st, H. C. Smith, Esq ,
Mount Clair, Roehampton (gr., W. Wallace), with fine
even fruit ; 2nd, Mr. G. H. Dean, with good fruit also.

Mere de Menage— Six dishes. 1st, G. II. Dean, Esq.,
brightly coloured ; 2nd. J. B. Fortescue, Esq, Drop-
more, Maidenhead (gr. C. Kidge).

Newton Wonder.— Vive dishes. 1st, Col. the Hon. C.
Harbord, Gunton Park, Norwich (gr., W. Allan); 2nd,
the Earl of Galloway, Garlieston, N.B. (gr., J. Day).

The prizes in this class were given by Messrs. J. R.
Pearson & Co., and the compe ition was confined to
exhibitors living in certain Northern and Eastern
Counties. They also offered prizes in Class 71 for
exhibitors living south of these Counties, twelve dishes
being shown, and, as might be expected, much finer
than any in the previous cla3S. G. H. Dean, Esq., of
Kent, was 1st, and Mr. W. Greenwell, Surrey, 2nd.

Peasgood's Nonsuch. — Four dishes. 1st, G. H. Dean,
Esq., with very fine fruits ; 2nd, J. B. Foetescue, Esq.

Stirling Castle.— Eight dishes. 1st, Colonel Aechee
Houblon, with good fruits; Mr. J. K. Wingfield
Digbt, Sherborne Castle, Sherborne, was 2nd.

Warner's King— "Slue dishes. 1st, Mr. John Lee,
Higher Bebbiugton, with large examples; Mr. G. H.
Dean was 2nd.

Any other variety.— Nineteen dishes. 1st, Mrs. Hay-
wood, with very good Stone's ; 2nd, Lord Beaybrooke,
Audley End, Saffron Walden, with the same variety,
very good ; 3rd, T. L. Boyd, Esq , Tonbridge, Kent
(gr., E. Coleman), with Royal George ; 4th, M. P. Grace,
Esq . Battle Abbey (gr., H. Avery), with Loddington
Seedling.

CHOICE DESSERT PEARS.

BeurrC Superfin. — Three dishes. 1st, J. K. D. W.
Digby, Esq., with an excellent dish ; 2nd, Mrs. ST.
Vincent Ames, Cote House, Westbury.

Comte de Lamy — One dish only. 1st, J. T. Chaeles-
worth, Esq., Redhill (gr., T. W. Herbert), with fair-
sized fruit.

Doyenne' du Cornice.— Four dishes. 1st, Lord North-
bourne, Northbourne Abbey, Dover, with very finely
finished fruit; 2nd, H. Paeteidge, Esq., B'etchlngley,
Surrey (gr., J. W. Barks), with good, but not so fully
ripened examples.

Durondeau.— Threedishes. 1st, J.K.D.W. DiGBY.Esq ,
with very fine fruit; Col. the Hon. C. Harbord was
2nd.

Emile de Ueyst.— Three dishes. 1st, Col. the Hon. C.
Harbord, with a dish of good fruit , 2nd, Mr. C. P. W.
Martin, with smaller but shapely examples.

Fondante d'Automne.— One only, poor; 2nd, the Hon.
C. Harbord.

Louise Bonne of Jersey.— Five dishes. 1st, the Earl of
Asbburnham, with very fine fruit; 2nd, Col. the Hon.
C. Habbord.

Marie Louise — Four dishes. 1st, Col. the Hon. C.
Harbord, very good; 2nd, A. Benson, Esq., Upper
Gatton Park, Merstham.

Pitmaston Duchess. — Six dishes. 1st, H. Partridge,
Esq., with large examples ; 2nd, Col, the Hon. C.
Harbord.

Thompson. — One dish only. 1st, Col. the Hon. C.

HARBORD.

Any other Variety.— 1st, the Hon. C. Harbord, with
very fine Williams' Bon Chretien, fully ripe: 2nd, Col.
G. B. A. Houblon, with Doyenne Boussoch; 3rd, H.
Partridge, Esq., with Fondante Thirriott; 4th, Col.
Archer Houblon, with Seckle.

DIVISION VI.

Dried or preserved fruits of any kind were shown
subject to the condition of their being tested by the
judges, and provided they were grown in the British
Islands.

The principal class here asked for an exhibit to
occupy a space of 8 feet by 6 feet, and not more than
2 feet high in the centre, to comprise home preserved
or home bottled British-grown fruits (Open).

The 1st prize was awarded Miss Bradley, Lady
Warwick Hostel, Studley, Warwickshire; Messrs.
Austin & Co., Kingston-on-Thames, being a very close
2nd.

In the 1st prize stand were bottled fruits of Plums,
Raspberries, Cherries, Currants, Gooseberries, Peaches,
Tomatos, young berries of Grapes liom Grape-thinnings,
and several others, besides jams and jellies of similar
subjects.. Messrs. Austin had a rather larger number
of bottles, among which Raspberries were conspicuous
by their bright colouring.

The next class asked for foreign grown and preserved
or bottled fruits, in which one exhibitor only staged,
Miss C. E. Martin, Willowhrook, Auburn, New York,
The subjects here comprised sliced green Tomatos,
Peach Chutney, Brandy Peaches, and Brandy Pears ;
a 2nd prize was awarded.

Two classos for eighteen bottles were devoted to
amateurs who did not trade or sell Iheir produce. The
1st prize was awarded to Mrs. C. P. Markham. Hasland
Hall. Cliestorfleld ; 2nd, Mis. E. Beckett, Aldonham,
Elstree.

244

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Octobbb 3, 1903,

There were four exhibitors for an exhibit of twelve
bottles, two competed, the 1st prize going to Mr. J.
Bushnell, Sandling, Maidstone; 2nd, Mtss Smith,
The Bungalow, Southwiek, Brighton.

HORTICULTURAL SUNDRIES.

A tent was provided for sundries, and a great variety
of specialties more or less used in gardens were
displayed. Messrs W. Wood & Son, Wood Green,
made an imposing display, and were awarded a Silver
Banksian Medal. In their exhibit they displayed the
tops of several Potato growths clem and healthy, as
showing the freedom from disease when sprayed, as
these had been, with their perfect copper compound
"Mardol."

Mr. J. Pinches made a characteristic display of
"Acme" labels in great variety, wire arches, <Sc.
(Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. J. Bentley, Ltd., Chemical Works, Hull,
staged a large collection of their well-known insecti-
cides, weed killers and manures, and were awarded the
Silver Flora Medal, the highest awarded in this section.

Mr. E. C. Lawson, Ashley Road, Hornsey Rise, N ,
had on show Beckett's Patent Tree Ties, a handy inven-
tion of Mr. E. Beckett, which should prove a very
useful article.

Messrs. Valls & Co. had a stand of their speciality,
" Beetlecute," for the destruction of beetles, cock-
roaches, &c. (Bronze Medal).

Messrs. Champion & Co. had on view a collection of
their specially made tubs, boxes, &c, now well known.

Messrs. Pulham & Son staged vases and other objects
in their Pulhamite Stone, together with a small collec-
tion of alpine and rock plants.

Mr. A. P. Bruce, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester,
cent a collection of floral helps for mounting cut
flowers.

Messrs. G. George & Son, Putney, Messrs. Coert &
Co., Ltd., also staged collections of garden sundries ;
and H. M. Hamilton, 2, York Street, Covent Garden,
fancy baskets in great variety, each being awarded a
Silver Banksian Medal.

DIVISION VII.
VEGETABLES.

How well did the exhibits in this section justify
the efforts put forth a few months since to in-
duce the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society
to promote a great vegetable exhibition ! Although
what was seen was not so fully up to the standard
desired by the promoters of the exhibition in the
general effect produced, yet there were collections
shown such as have never before been seen anywhere,
which not only in quality, but also in arrangement,
showed that England takes a very high position in
vegetable culture.

In the large tent devoted to vegetables, without
doubt ;the two collections staged side by side there
by Messrs. E. Beckett and J Gibson constituted
the primary feature; indeed, once seen, few wanted
to see others. All the same, there were other fine lots ;
and remarkably rice were those collections set up, not
for competition, by some of our great Arms. Those
collections of the trade put into competition were
rather inferior, and comprised rather quantity and
variety than high quality.

Taking the Gardeners' classes first, as most im-
portant, in the large one, occupyingaspace of 50 square
feet, the 1st prize and the Sherwood Silver Cup went to
a grand collection of 112 dishes exhibited by Mr. E.
Beckett, gr. to Lord Aldenham, Aldenham House,
Elstree. Mr. Beckett had built up a fine background,
in which were inserted many fine dishes, that being
faced with many others best displayed in that way ; and
on a bed of Parsley Giant White, Standard Bearer,
Solid White, and Prize Pink Celeries ; International and
Champion Leeks ; Ne Plus Ultra, Allsa Craig, Cocoanut,
Blood Red, and WhiteLisbon Onions ; Satisfaction, Syon
House, Up-to-Date, Sir J. Llewellyn, Windsor Castle,
and Satisfaction, white ; and Edgecote, purple, Mr.
Bresee, The Dean, Lord Tennyson, and Vicar of
Laleham, coloured Potatos. Scarlet Model, New Inter-
mediate, and other Carrots ; Sensation. Defiance. Royal
Windsor, and Ideal Cucumbers ; Golden Jubilee,
Lister's Prolific, Daniel's No. 1, Dwarf Gem, Perfection,
and other Tomatos; Autocrat, E. Beckett, Captain
Cuttle, Gladstone, late cropping Peas ; very fine

white Giant Cauliflowers, white and red Cabbages,

Savoys, Kales, white and yellow Turnips, Mushroomsi
Vegetable Marrows some six varieties, and many other
lesser vegetables, made up a collection that in quality
and arrangement has never been equalled. In the
judging, conducted by points and with the greatest
care, it was interesting to note how the diverse leading
dishes in this, and the splendid collection set up
beside it by Mr. J. Gibson, gr. to R. W. Hudson, Esq ,
Danesfield, Marlow, oscillated, sometimes one getting
the lead, sometimes the other, and probably of about
the first eighty dishes there was little to choose.

Mr. Gibson set up ninety-five dishes, having thus
fewer by twelve than had his formidable competitor,
who in that way gained valuable points. This exhibitor
had fine white and red Celery, Magnum Bonum, Ailsa
Craig, A.l, and Blood-red Onions; Favourite, New In.
termediate, Early Forcing, Early Gem and the most
perfect Scarlet Defiance Carrots ever seen. Several
varieties of Beets ; gcod Gladstone, Autocrat, Early
Giant and Duchess of Albany Peas; superb Parsnip',
fine Cauliflowers ; Triumph, Edward VII., Reading
Russet, Windsor Castle, and other Potatos ; also fine
Tomatos, Vegetable Marrows, Runner and Dwarf Beans,
&c. Should these giants in vegetable culture ever meet
again in a similar class at a R yal Horticultural
Society's show, we hope the num r of dishes will be
strictly limited to sixty, and thus make the contest
more even and fair, as well as more interesting,

Mr. W. Fyfe, gr. to Lady Wantage, Lockinge House,
Wantage, put up a very handsome collection of sixty
dishes, such as would elsewhere have been placed very
high. Here he was placed 3rd ; Mr. Lock, gr. to B. H.
Hill, Esq., Crediton, coming 1th.

In the other Gardeners' class the space to be covered
being but 2i square feet there were but three competi-
tors. Here, Mr. T. Bowerman, gr. to Lord Bolton,
Hackwood Park, Basingstoke, was a fairly easy 1st, his
exhibits being so very good. He na(j thirty-four
dishes, including grand Leeks, fine Intermediate
Carrots, Autumn Giant and Mammoth Cauliflowers,
superb Solid White, and Standard Bearer red Celery ;
Excelsior, Ailsa Craig, and Blood-Red Onions ; Pole-
gate, Sunbeam, Golden Perfection, and other Tomatos ;
Hackwood Queen Runner Beans, Duke of Albany and
Alderman Peas, The Major, Up-to-Date, Sir J. Llewel-
lyn and other Potatos; Beets, Turnips, Parsnips.
This collection won the Veitch Memorial Medal. Mr.
A. Basil, gr. to the Rev. Thos. McMubdie, Weybridge,
was 2nd.

POTAT03.

The best samples of these tubers without doubt
came from Mr. B. Ashton, gr. to the Earl of Lathom,
who had quite beautiful Carltonian, Discovery, Duke
of York, The Sirdar, Monarch, New Guardian, Snow-
drop, Ever-good, General Buller, Snowball, and Fylde
Wonder. Mr. A. Ayling, Newhaven, Sussex, came
2nd, his tubers being rather too large and quite lacking
in finish; whilst Mr. S. Cole, gr. to Earl Spencer,
Althorp, had distinctly the handsomest and cleanest
tubers, and should, as showing quality, have been
placed before size and discoloration.

TRADE COLLECTIONS IN COMPETITION.

In the large class allowing a space of 100 square feet,
Messrs. R. Smith & Sons, Worcester, were the only
exhibitors. The collection comprised every possible
kind or variety, but they were lacking in the rare
quality seen elsewhere. In the corresponding class to
cover 50 square feet, the competitors in the order in
which Medals were awarded were Messrs. Veitch &
Sons, Exeter; Messrs. J. Cheal & Son, Lowfield,
Crawley; and Messrs. G. Bunyahd & Sons, Maidstone,
These collections contained a remarkable variety of
vegetable products, but need hardly be more specially
referred to.

There was no exhibit in the class fcr Gourds, the
season apparently not having favoured those produc-
tions. In the trade class for a collection of eighteen
dishes of Potatos, the best came from Mr. Green,
Wisbech, who had clean samples of Ninety-Fold, Sir
J. Llewellyn, Satisfaction, Evergood, General Roberts,
The Factor, Up-to-Date, Edgcote Purple and others.
Mr. J. B. Colwill, Sidmouth, was 2nd, having good
Ideal, The Factor, Mr. Bresee, The Crofter and others.

DIVISION vnr.

OPEN TO AMATEURS ONLY.

In this division there were someexcellent exhibits, and1
the competition in most of the classes was fairly good,
although there were a few which were not filled, for-
which in a measure the season was answerable. What
may be termed the more popular kinds, such as
Potatos, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, <So., were well repre-
sented. The Globe Artiohoke class brought three ex-
hibits and all good ; Mr. Beckett, gr. to Lord Aldenham,
Aldenham House, Elstree, was 1st with the green
variety ; Mr. Gentile, gr. to Mrs. Dennison, Gt. Gaddes-
den, was 2nd, with purple heads slightly more aged,
but equally fine as regards size, succulent and fleshy.v
3rd, Rev. T. McMurdie (gr., Mr. A. Basil), Wobura
Park, Weybridge.

There was no competition for climbing or dwarf
French Beans, which seemed strange, the climbing
variety having become very popular.

Scarlet Runners or White Runrer Beans were
abundantly shown and the quality was superior, five
lots being shown. The 1st prize was well taken by Mr.
B. Ashton, gr. to the Earl of Lathom, Ormskirk, with
Sutton's Prizewinner, a fine Bean of a deep-greer*
colour; 2nd, H. Partridge, Esq., Castle Hill, Bletching-
ley (gr., Mr. J. Banks), with Sutton's Best-of-All ; B. H.
Hill, Esq. (gr., Mr. G. Zock), Newcomes, Crediton,
Devon, was 3rd.

Red top round Beetroot brought a good competition,
and Mrs. Dennison was a good 1st with Eclipse, the
roots of nice shape and nice colour and size ; 2nd,
Mr. Basil ; and 3rd, B. H. Hill, Esq, Eleven lots were
staged, and these were remarkable for similarity ofi
size.

For six red top Beetroots, long, 1st, Mr. Cole, gr. to
the Right Hon. Earl Spencer, Althorp Park, North-
ampton ; and, J. Huntley, Esq., Cockburn Lodge,.
Hirsel, Coldstream; 3rd, Col. Cornwallis WEST(gr.,.
Mr. Forder), Ruthin Castle.

For green top Beetroots only one lot was staged, a.
remarkable circumstance, the green Beets being,
mostly of fine quality, though a wet season might make
the roots coarse.

A. A. Speirs, Esq, Houston House, Renfrewshire,,
(gr., Mr. J. Brown), had nice roots of green curled
Borecoles ; there were only two exhibitors, Dobbie's
Victoria, a close, compact variety, shown by A. A.
Speirs, Esq., secured for his gardener an easy 1st;
Mr. J. Ieeland, Kilbirnie, Ayrshire, was 2nd v ith, the
same variety.

For any other variety of Borecole there were no
exhibitors, but there were six lots shown in the Cauli-
flower or autumn Broccoli class, of three heads. Mr..
Cole was 1st, having nice close heads of Autumn
Giant ; 2nd, Mr. Beckett, with the same variety ; and
Mr. W. Waite, gr. to F. M. Brown, Esq., Butterknowe,.
Southfields, 3rd.

In the class for Brussels-Sprouts plants and those
for Cabbage or Colewort there was no competition,
it being doubtless too early for these vegetables to be
shown in the best condition.

For three Coleworts or Cabbages there'were three
exhibits, Mr. Speirs having splendid examples of the
Imperial Winnigstadt ; Mr. R. A. Horspool, gr., Chirk
Castle, was 2nd ; and H. Paeteidge, Esq , was 3rd.

There was no entry for large Red Cabbage, and onlyi
two for the small variety, Mr. Beckett being 1st with
dwarf Red Dutch ; and A. A. Speibs, Esq , 2nd with.
Dobbie's Dwarf Red. For Early Dim Savoy there was
no entry, and only one for Drumhead Savoy, Mr. C.
Durvz, Hotel Imperial, Hythe, being 1st with three fine
heads of the latter. For any other variety there were
two good exhibits from Mr. SrEissand Mrs. Dennison,.
these taking the awards in the order of their names.

Carrots formed an interesting class, and were gene-
rally of fine quality. Mr. R. A. Horspool's exhibit was-
splendid, and the variety the stump-rooted Smith's
Scarlet Defiance; Mr. B. H. Hill was 2nd with excel-
lent Veitch's Model; and Mrs. Dennison 3rd, with.
Early Nantes.

For long-rooted Carrots Mr. B. H. Hill was an easy
1st with Sutton's Intermediate— very shapely root antif
of tine colour ; A. A. Speibs, Esq., was 2nd with Dobbie's
Intermediate; and Mr. J. Kennedy, Trinity Bay, Mill-
port, was 3rd with the last-named variety.

There were four lots of red Celery staged, the largest
heads being by no means the best. Mr. Beckett was
1st with excellent heads of Standard Bearer , A. A.
Speirs, Esq., was 2nd with Dobbie's Selected ; and
Mr. Fyfe, gr. to Lady Wantage, Lockinge Park, 3rd,,
with Standard Bearer.

For dwarf Red Celery there was only one exhibit,.

October 3, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

245

viz.. Early Rose (Veitch), from Mr. Beckett; and only
two persons showed in the white class, Giant White
being the best, and the exhibitor Mr. Beckett ; and
Mr. R. A. Horspool, 2nd, with Wright's Giant While.

For white dwarf Mr. Beckett was again to the front
with Early Gem, a beautiful exhibit.

Evidently this date is too early for Celeriactobe at its
best in our gardens and no entries were made in this
class or in that for Couve Tronchuda, and only two for a
brace of Cucumbers, Mr. Fyfe being an easy 1st with
very fine fruits ; and Col. Cornwallis West, 2nd.

Endive —Of these some excellent heads were staged,
but there were few competitors, and the Rev. T.
McMurdie was an easy 1st for the curled leaved
variety; and there were three exhibits of broad-
leaved varieties. Mr. C. Dcruz, Hythe, being 1st with
splendid examples ; and Mr. Beckett, 2nd ; and Rev.
T. McMurdie, 3rd.

There was no entry for Eschalots shown in clusters,
but there were eight for single bulbs, Mr. J. Ireland
being 1st with Dobbie's large Red ; J. Huntley, Esq.,
2nd; and Mrs. Dennison a close 3rd.

There was only one exhibit of six bulbs of Kohl Rabi,
and this came from the Guardians, Hornchurch Homes,
Romford (gr., Mr. A. Higgins), who had good bulbs of a
green variety.

For Leeks there were four competitors, and these
were remarkable for their great length and successful
blanching. 1st, Mr. Beckett, with Dobbie's Champion;
Mr. Speirs, 2nd, with the same variety; and Mr. Hors-
pool, 3rd, with New Model. Some of the plants were
nearly a yard long, but we are certainly incline! to
give preference to the d warier, thicker - stemmed
exhibits.

Cabbage Lettuces were excellent. Rev. T. McMurdie
was an easy 1st with Sutton's Supreme, a variety cf
fine quality and not coarsely leaved ; Mr. R. A. Hors-
pool was 2nd with All-the year-Round ; and R. Dixon,
Esq., Heath House, Twickenham (gr., Mr. A. H. Rick-
wood), was 3rd.

There were two exhibits of Cos Lettuces, each very
fine. Rev. T. McMurdie was 1st with Balloon; and
J. T. Chahlesworth, Esq., Nuffield Court, Redhill
(gr., Mr. F. W. Herbert), a close 2nd with Veitch'a
Brown Cos.

There were but few Mushrooms, Mr. E. Beckett
having the only dish, being awarded 2nd prize.

Onions were remarkable for size and finish, and
Mr. E. Beckett, who was 1st, had six very beautiful
examples of Ailsa Craig ; Mrs. A. Branmell, The
Worthys, Kingworthy, Winchester (gr., Mr. Brown),
was 2nd ; and Col. Hon C. Harbord, Gunton Park,
Norwich (gr., Mr. W. Allan), 3rd.

In flat varieties, Lord Bolton, Hackwood Park,
Basingstoke (gr., Mr. Bowerman), had probably the
best bulbs in the show, the variety being Ailsa Craig ;
Mr. W. Fyfe was 2nd, and Mr. Beckett, 3rd. with white
Spanish and very fine bulbs for this variety. Of red-
skinned Onions only one lot was staged, and these
came from Mr. Beckett.

Excellent Parsley and some nice Queen Onions were
among the exhibits.

For six long Parsnips, Mr. Speirs was 1st with
Dobbie's Selected ; and J. G. Marsh, Esq., Tamworth
Road, Hartford, 2nd, with shorter roots.

In the round, short-rooted class, there was no
competition.

For the best three dishes of Peas there was some
splendid produce shown by Mr. B. Ashton, Ormskirk,
who had dishes of the varieties Alderman, Queen
of Marrowfats, and Duke of Albany; Mr. K. A
Horspool was 2nd with a fine dish of the varieties St.
Duthue and Gladstone ; 3rd, J. F. Charlesworth, Esq.,
Redhill, with pods a little smaller than those of the
last-named exhibitor, but of very fine quality.

The class for six dishes of Potatos brought one exhi-
bitor, Col. C. WEST(gr., Mr. Forder), who showed Gen.
Buller, The Colonel (a very superior tuber), Windsor
Castle, Sutton's Seedling, and Satisfaction.

For six dishes, six tubers each, of Kidney Potatos,
H. Padwick, Esq., Manor House, Horsham, was 1st
with clean, shapely tubers, having very fine British
Queen; Mr. A. A. Speibs was a close 2nd, his best being
The Factor, Herd Laddie, and The Crofter.

For three dishes of rounds there was only one entry.
These varieties were excellent from Mr. R. Milner, gr.
to Miss Talbot, Margam Park, Port Talbot.

For kidney-shaped varieties there was more compe-
tition, Mr. A. A. Speirs being a good 1st, having a
grand dish of Sutton's Ideal; T. Lloyd Davies, Esq.
(gr., Mr. Geo. Crabbe), Park House, Addlestone, being
3n<|, having handsome tubers of Supreme and Reliance;
and Mr. W. I. Cayuill, gr., Beiale House, 3rd.

Only one exhibit of Salsafy was remarked, that from
Mr. Beckett; and only one of Scorzonera, which came
from Rev. T. McMurdie— excellent for the time of year.

Spinach was represented by one dish only ; and New
Zealand, Tetragonia expansa from F. M. Brown, Esq ,
Southfields, S.W.

Tomatos formed a notable feature of the show, and
the fruits were mostly of good size and quality ; but
only one yellow fruit was observed in this class. The
1st prize for four dishes of six fruits was taken by Mr.
B. Ashton, Chancellor being bis finest dish; 2nd by Mr.
B. H. Hill, Crediton, with Frogmore Selected as his
best dish ; aud 3rd by Mr. II. Forder, Ruthin Castle.

There were two exhibits of two dishes and varieties,
and Mr. C. Page, gr. to J. B. Fohtescue, Esq., Drop-
more, was 1st, having Winter Baauty and Perfection ;
2nd, Mr. Smith, the Convent Gardens, Roehampton,
with Perfection and Frogmore Selected.

Turnips formed an extensive class, there being seven-
teen exhibits. Rev. T. McMurdie was 1st with Model
White Stone ; 2nd, Mr. R. A. Horspool ; and 3rd, Mr.
B. H. Hill with Veitch's Red Globe.

There was no entry of any of the Navet section, and
only two yellow fleshed varieties. Of these last Mr.
B. H. Hill had very fine bulbs of Sutton's Perfection ;
and Mr. A. A. Speirs was 2nd with Golden Ball.

Marrows were not numerous, and for white and
green, long varieties, Rev. T. McMurdie was the only
exhibitor, taking the 1st prize ; and Mr. E. Beckett was
2nd for round-fruited varieties. No Custard Marrows
were shown, and no awards were made for Saladings.

Mr. Beckett was 1st for a collection of named pot
herbs, an interesting exhibit; and for any vegetable
not in the above classes, Rev. T. McMurdie staged
very large white Spinach Beet; and Mr. A. A. Speirs
was 2nd with the Chinese Artichoke (Crosnes) Stachys
tuberifera.

Proceedjngs at the Luncheon.

A large company was present at the luncheon at
1 o'clock p.m., on Tuesday, including the Council,
Committees and Judges.

During the subsequent proceedings Sir Trevor
Lawrence, Bart., President, amidst the greatest
applause, presented the Victoria Medal of Honour in
Horticulture to Sir Thomas Hanbury, whose muni-
ficent gift to the Society, of the late Mr. Wilson's
garden at Wisley was announced a few weeks ago.

Sir Thomas, in accepting the Medal, thanked Sir
Trevor Lawrence for the kind words he had uttered,
and described himself as unworthy of them and of
the applause that had accompanied the gift. In regard
to the gift of the garden, he had done little more than
transfer a certain sum of money from one book to
' another, except that he had saved the beautiful
garden of his friend, the late Mr. Wilson, from
coming into the hands of the builder. It was now
safe, and he hoped that it would remain for an
indeterminable period in the hands of the Society,
and that it may serve a useful purpose. Though
living in Italy, said Sir Thomas, I am an Englishman,
and in visiting England each year, I rejoice to see
that among those who cultivate plants a love of
Nature is rapidly increasing. Such a love was pos-
sessed by Mr. Wilson in an uncommon degree.

Sir Trevor Lawrence next made some momentous
remarks about Chiswick. He said that as that was pro-
bably the last time they would meet at an exhibition
in those gardens, it seemed appropriate that he should
say something about Chiswick and its relation to the
history of the Society. It was a little over eighty
years ago that the Society leased Chiswick from a
former Duke of Devonshire. The garden was then
33 acres, it is now only 13 acres. The President then
described the circumstances of tho Society at that
period, alluded to the 6 guinea Fellowship subscrip-
tion, and went on to say that although the garden
had been a great advantage to the Society, it had
not been an unmixed one.

After speaking of the fetes that were given at
Chiswick, which, said Sir Trevor, were chiefly for
fashionable people, he went on to say that the affairs
of the Society were in such a condition in 1*30, that a
committee of investigation was appointed, and this
committee reported that a debt of £iO,coo had been
incurred by the formation and maintenance of tho
garden. One reison for the failure of the Chiswick

fetes was doubtless that the weather was unpropitiout
on most occasions. It is recorded in Andrew Murray's
History of the Society that on one occasion there was
such a deluge that the regiment of Guards who were
present got half-a-crown each for lending their coats
to ladies until they reached their carriages, and after-
wards there were picked up bushels of ladies' shoes
and stockings that were drenched through ani
through, literally washed away from their wearers.

Sir Trevor then alluded to the late Dr. Liudley's
connection with the Society, and said that Lindley's
name was honoured and esteemed wherever botany
is studied throughout the world. He joined the
Society in early life and in 1859 became a member
of the Council and Secretary. One thing in connec-
tion with the Chiswick Gardens, said Sir Trevor, they
might recall with congratulation. He referred to
the money that had been spent, perhaps somewhat
lavishly, in sending collectors all over the world to
get new plants, including such collectors as Douglas,
Fortune, Hartweg, and many others. AmoDgst them ail
Douglas and Fortune were preeminent.

One defect there had been in the management of
the Society — they had never known how to take care
of their money. " Our friend, Sir Daniel Morris, was
perhaps the first man who set himself to put the
finances of the Society into a satisfactory condition."
There had been other good Treasurer since then,
and they had an excellent Treasurer nov, but he
hoped that if this Council, or any other Council,
should show a disposition to waste mouey, the
Fellows would pull them up sharply.

The President then said he thought they should
recognise and acknowledge that the various Dukes
of Devonshire had behaved to the Society just as noble-
men might have been expected to do. Sir Thomas
Hanbury's gift had not only provided the Society
with a garden, but it had healed serious differences
of opinion that existed in regard to which scheme
should come first, that of the erection of a Hall or the
formation of the Garden.

Mr. H. M. Bateson, a membsr of the Scientific
Committee, said that the gift of Wisley had provided
a great opportunity, that he thought the Council
shou:d seriously consider to see how best it might
ba utilised. The work done at Chiswick, said Mr.
Bateson would of course be continued at Wisley ; but
he hoped that it would also be found possible to estab-
lish a research station. Raisers of new plants were
working by scientific principles they did not fully un-
derstand, yet it is now known that the laws of heredity
and variation can be determined to a degree that is of
practical use to the gardener. If a proper research
station could be established, then after a few years,
not very many, those laws might be applied with as
much certainty as they are now applied in cases of
animals, <Sc. This was only one subject, but there were
many more that required investigation and research.

Mr. Chump and Mr. Molyneux then replied for the
Judges aud Committees.

Testimonials to Mr. Humphreys.
Sir Trevor Lawrence satd tbat he bad to call
upon Mr. R. Dean to read the following addre.s to Mr.
Thomas Humphreys ; aud in doing so said that no
servant of the Society had discharged his work in a
more efficient manner than Mr. Humphreys had
done ;—

"This address, together with a oabinet canteen of
cutlery and silver, and a ijueen Anne tea and coil m
service, is presented to Mr Thomas Humfmirev,
Secretary of the Floral Committee of the Royal Hon,-
eultural Society, by those wlio names are appended, in
warm appreciation of his services to the Floral and
Fruit Committees of the Society, both at the Drill
Hall, Westminster, and at the gardens of the Society
Chiswick. They desire to heartily congratulate M .
Humphreys upon his appointment as Curator of the
Botanical Hardens, Edgbaston, Birmingham and co -
dlally wish him ami Jiis family good health irilb
increasing prosperity.''

The address, which was presentod by Mr. W. Marshal),
was signed by the chairmen of the Committees, and by
Mr. H. B. May and Mr. R. Dean, chairman anl Seer -
tary of the Testimonial Committee; and by upward* of
seventy members of the Fruit and Floral Committees.

24G

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[October 3, 1903.

The address was illuminated in a magnificent and
appropriate manner; the margins contained coloured,
representations of Roses.-Daffodils, Dendrobiums, and
Grapes ; whilst the old tree, which is as it were the
trade mark of the Royal Horticultural Society, was
reproduced at the top.

Following this presentation, Sir Trevor called upon
Mr. Gordon, in the unavoidable absence of Dr. Masters,
to read the following address from the " Press " : —

"To Me. THOS. HUMPHREYS.
On your retirement from the Royal Horticultural
Society's historical gardens at Chiswick, the under-
mentioned representatives of the Horticultural Press
desire to offer you an expression of their good wishes.
They acknowledge with appreciation and thanks the
assistance you have freely afforded them at the
Society's exhibitions and on other occasions, and they
beg you will accept the accompanying Roller- top
Writing Desk with their autographs engraved upon a
plate, as a token of their wishes for the future health,
happiness, and prosperity of yourself and family
They hope that the work you will do in the Edgbaston
Botanical Garden s at Birmingham will result in further
popularising the art of gardening, and encouraging a
greater love for plant-life.

E. T. Cook M. T. Masters, F.R.S.

H. G. Cove F. Moore

C. H. Curtis R'. Hooper Pearson

A. S. Gait W. Thompson

J. Harrison Dick H. H. Thomas

John Fraser H. J. Wright

GeorgeGordon, V.M.H. W. P. Wright"
Mr. Humphreys expressed thanks for both gifts, and
acknowledged the receipt of a cheque from the Royal
Horticultural Society's Council. He was much en-
couraged by the fact that in taking up his new work he
would have the good wishes of such a large body of
eminent horticulturists.

Orchid Committee.

Preient: Harry J Veitch, Esq., in the Chair; and
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), Norman C. Cookson,
H. Little, H. A. Tracy, W. Boxall, W. H. Young, M.
Gleeson, H. Ballantine, W. Cobb, T. W. Bond, and
J. W. Odell.

There was a very small show of Orchids, only six
being submitted to the Committee.

Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr.,
Mr. H. J. Chapman), showed Cattleya x Lord Roths-
child Oakwood variety (Gaskelliana x aurea), a very
handsome and fragrant hybrid, differing from the
original in having much broader petals, and rich
yellow sides to the lip; also Cypripedium >; Nandii
(callosum x Tautzianum), white, tinged and spotted
with rose.

Henry Little, Esq., Baronshalt, Twickenham (gr.,
Mr. Howard), showed Cattleya x Wendlandii Little's
variety (Bowringiana x Warscewiczii), with a fine spike
of four flowers. Sepals and petals rich rosy-purple,
lip maroon -purple. Also C. x Hardyana Baronshalt
variety, very fi ne.

W. P. Buekinshaw, Esq., Hessle, Hull (gr.. Mr.
Barker), showed Cattleya x Hardyana Hessle variety,
a very handsome purplish rose coloured flower with
rich crimson lip, having golden lines and two yellow
patches on the disc.

H. 8. Goodson, Esq , Westfield Road, Putney (gr.,
Mr. Chown), sent Cypripedium x H. S. Goodson (Swin-
burne! x T. B. Haywood). The flower was near to
C. x Swinburnei in colour. Upper sepal greenish with
dark lines ; petals tinged rose on the outer halves,
spotted brown on the inner parts; lip wkitish tinged
brown- rose.

THE GARDENERS' DINNER.

GATHERING OF NEARLY FIVE HUNDRED.
This event, which had been looked forward to for so
long with so much interest, proved to be more suc-
cessful than the most optimistic workers could have
expected, especially considering the uncomfortable
weather. The magnificent " King's Hall" at the Hol-
born Rejtaurant was incapable of accommodating all
the guests, many of whom had to be given places in
the galleries, underneath the galleries, or in any
corner that could be used for the purpose. Rarely, if
ever, have so many persons been gathered at a similar
dinner in Loudon as were present on Tuesday evening,
and never have there been so many horticulturists at a
similar function. The scene was indeed impressing.

The Chairman's table ran along the whole length of
the room, and from this there were nine or ten tables
stretching across the room at right angles. At the end
of each of the cross-tables there was a Vice-Chairman
selected from the Committee, and all of the tables
were beautifully decorated with choice plants and
flowers, supplied and arranged free of all cost by the
firm of Messrs. James Veitch & Co.

Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, who had consented
to preside, was unable to be present, and his friend,
Lord Duncannon very kindly accepted the position.
His Lordship was supported on the right by Sir
Trevor Lawrence, Bart., President of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, and on the left by J. Gurney Fowler,
Esq., Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Other gentlemen supporting included Messrs. Harry J.
Veitch, Arthur W. Sutton, Leonard Sutton, Rev. W.
Wilks, and a large number of influential gentlemen.
We do not know the exact number that sat down, but
it would be about 480. Notwithstanding the pressing
invitations to be present that had been offered to
ladies, very few representatives of the gentler sex
took the opportunity to come, but there may have been
a dozen in all.

When the dessert was served, Lord Duncannon
called upon the Secretary, Mr. A. Dean, to read
several letters from gentlemen unable to be present.
Captain Holi ord, who was in attendance upon the
King, sent a telegram expressing cordial sympathy
The following letter from Mr. Leopold de Rothschild
was read :—

" Gunnersbury, Sept. 26, 1903.
Dear Mr. Dean,

When I had the pleasure of seeing you and Mr.
Thomas yesterday, I explained to you fully how dis-
appointed I was not to be able to keep my engagement
to act as your Chairman next Tuesday, and although I
am sure you have told your Committee all that I said
to you, I cannot refrain from writing a few lines which
perhaps you will read at your dinner, with my very
best wishes for the happiness and welfare of all
present.

I have been indisposed for about a month, and
though I am virtually well again I am not strong
enough to act as your Chairman, nor should I be able
to do justice to such a pleasant task. But fortunately
Lord Duncannon has kindly consented to take my
place, and although it is my loss not to be present
at your dinner, I trust it will be very great gain to you
to have him as my representative, and shall not venture
to intrude upon his privilege in alluding to the great
progress that has been made in horticulture during
the .past twenty-five years, but I cannot refrain from
expressing the sympathy I have for your craft.

This great gathering of men following the same
occupation, coming from all parts of the United
Kingdom to meet in friendly intercourse, is a testi-
mony to the value of the early friendships began in the
bothy and continued through life.

I have noticed how anxious every gardener is that
the man whom he has taught should succeed well in
life, and how, when he has succeeded, he comes back
with feelings of affection and regard to the place where
he first received his garden education. And then there
is that pleasing interchange of knowledge and of new
specimens, all of which proves that there is no petty
jealousy in men of your occupation. This may be due
partly to your studious habits, and to your interest in
the world of science, but I am inclined to think that it
is chiefly due to the softening influence of Nature,
which brings harmony into your lives as it brings
harmony into the gardens that you tend. Or it may be
to the legend that, ' Deus ipse primus plantavit hor-
tum,' which interpreted is : ■ God Himself was the first
to make a garden.'

Believe me to be yours very truly,

Leopold de Rothschild."
The Dean of 1 oc iester wrote as follows :—
" The report of my illness to which you refer is cor-
rect, and I only deferred my announcement to you so
long as there was the faintest hope tbat I might attend
the Dinner on Tuesday. That hope has given place to
a bitter disappointment, and I have been ten days in
bed with a severe broncnial cough, and although I am
recovering strength, and am to go downstairs to-
morrow, my doctor says that I shall not be in a
condition to travel till the end of next week.

I have been anticipating long and anxiously a
meeting with a representative body of those men,
among whom I have found the most genial friend-
ships and happiest eDjoyment of my life,

Will you tell them that with an old man's blessing,
and from a brother's heart, I pray they may ever
cherish and communicate to others that love for a
garden which brings health to the body, peace to the
mind, and thankful worship to the soul. May the
words spoken to me more than fifty years ago by my

beloved friend, Thomas Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, be
as true to them as they have been to me, ' Your delight
in the flowers will never leave you.'

Believe me to be ever yours sincerely,

Reynolds Hole."

The Chairman then proposed the toast of " His
Majesty the King," and nearly 500 joined in singing a
verse of the National Anthem. The next toast was
" Her Majesty the Queen, the Prince and Princess of
Wales," >te. ; and again the company joined in singing
a modified version ot the second verse. After this was
over, the Chairman announced the receipt of a tele-
gram from Mr. L. de Rothschild, containing a warm
greeting, sincerely regretting his absence, and ex-
pressing his best wishes for a good meeting. Mr.
de Rothschild, sn id the Chairman, wished to be present
in spirit, and begged the Committee to supply wine to
every guest as a gift from himself.

Rising to propose the next toast, which was that of
" The Royal Horticultural Society, and all other
Horticultural Societies," Lord Duncannon expressed
his sorrow that the gathering had been disappointed
in their Chairman ; but the company were -evidently
satisfied that they could not have had a better sub-
stitute.

Lord Duncannon said that next year would see the
centenary of the Royal Horticultural Society, and
mainly owing to the liberality of Baron Schrdeder, a
new Hall was now being built, which it was hoped would
becompleted nextyear. This would cost £10, COO, and of
this sum £24, COO had been already given or promised
leaving a sum of £10,000 remaining. The Council would
be very glad to receive contributions to this fund.
In addition to this, and owing solely to the liberality
of another amateur horticulturist, Sir Thomas Han-
buby, the Society was provided with a new garden,
from which it was expected important results would
be obtained. The Society's prospects were now better
than they were ever, thanks to the President and
Secretary, and a loyal and energetic Council. The
Society had done much to popularise gardening in
Britain. Half a century ago gardens were the luxury
of a few, now they are enjoyed by the many. Indeed
a home seemed not a home without a garden.

Horticultural Societies in different parts of the king-
dom were also doing a work that was not so apparent
on the surface. Not only do they provide the joys
obtainable from the exhibitions, but they encouraged
artizans and others to maintain and care for gardens
of their own. The Royal Caledonian Horticultural
Society, which was established in 1828, had announced
its intention to hold an international exhibition in
Edinburgh in September, IMS, at which he (the Chair
man) was glad Colonial exhibits were to be a feature.

In regard to gardeners (he would say it with all
respect) they sprang from the industrial classes. The
middle-aged among them, at any rate, had not had the
advantages of a thorough education, but in spite of
this they had succeeded in raising the art and practice
of gardening in the British Isles as high or higher
than it is in any other part of the world. The gar-
dener's position in regard to the provision of
necessaries and delicacies in fruit, vegetables,
and flowers, was such that he was often treated
more as a friend than as a servant by his
employer. Living in isolated places, he knew
how they would enjoy a social evening like that,
affording opportunities for a hearty handshake from
many an old friend from distant parts of the country.
They had an Irish landlord in the chair (said Lord
Duncannon), and they must suffer for it. "Ireland is
always with us." Very much had been done in Ireland
to promote horticulture. In his lordship's district,
nearly all the cottagers have gardens, this, notwith-
standing " the pig is under the dresser, and the hen
hatching in the saucepan." The interior of the
cottages had also been vastly improved. Apples suc-
ceed well, and there was generally a superabundance
of Plums. They had (in his lordship's district) a warm
climate and good soil. Fruit cultivation on a large
scale might be made remunerative, but at present
there was a diffiaulty in providing a good market,
the transit to London being rather slow. His
lordship next bore testimony to the qualities of

October 3, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

247 "N

his own gardener (Mr. Weston), who had always been
willing to impart to those around him the knowledge
and love of horticulture he himself possessed. The
Chairman said that his own garden was a beautiful
one, having natural advantages, but these had been
enhanced by " the gentle comrade of my married life,"
who loves and studies her garden. Lord Duncannon
concluded by promising a hearty welcome to any who
might visit Kilkenny and would call upon him.

The Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., said that Lord Duncannon
had referred to the ups and downs there had been iu
the history of the Royal Horticultural Society, but he
thought the time had now come when they should
forget the " downs." It was true that in 1887 the life of
the Society was practically despaired of. Then Sir T.
Lawrence, Baron Schroder, Mr. Veitch and others
came, and put their shoulders to the wheel and inaugu-
rated a period of prosperity that was still increasing.
In 1887 there were 770 subscribing Fellows, at this
moment there were almost 7,000. In 1887 they had a
debt of £12,000, at this moment they had an income of
£150 a year from accumulated funds. They had also
an income from subscribing Fellows of £7,000 a year.
All this growth had been caused by the Society having
in 1887 abandoned all side shows, and concentrated all
its energies upon gardening pure and simple. So long
as the present Council and the present influences are
at work at the core of the Society it would continue to
prosper. Well, then, the Society had two acknow-
ledged wants. First a new Hall of its own, and
secondly a better garden of its own. These two wants
threatened to tear the Society asunder, and as if they
would destroy each other. "They were like twins at
the birth struggling for primogeniture, and neither
willing to give precedence to the other. Now they
hope to have both the Schroder Hall and the Han-
bury Garden. The two gifts were liberal, and each has
cost the giver £5,00D. But great gifts involve large
responsibilities. It now remained for the rank and
file of horticulturists to complete the Hall and equip
the Garden. His Lordship had said they required
£16,000, but he would say they wanted at least £20,000,
including £5,000 for the garden. Were there not plenty
of rich ladies and gentlemen who loved their gardens,
like Lady Duncannon, who could give the paltry sum
of £20,000 ? Could not those gardeners to rich men who
can spend much money on their own gardens and on
their horses, give their employers a hint that help is
needed by the Royal Horticultural Society ? They
could not use their accumulated funds, for a very good
reason. The up-keep for both Hall and Warden will
involve an increased expenditure. Take the funds
away and the Society would be left with a greater
annual expenditure and a lessened income.

Mr. F. W. Burbidge also responded to this toast and
said that though Ireland was not his mother, she
had been a good step-mother to. him for twenty-four
years, and some of the most beautiful fruit he had
ever seen was grown in Ireland. He would like the
Royal Horticultural Society to be known as the Royal
Horticultural Society of Britain and Ireland (not
London) to extend its borders, and have all other
Horticultural Societies affiliated to itself. He would
do his best when he returned to Dublin to induce the
Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland to become
affiliated.

"Gardening and Gardeners, Amateur and Profes-
sional," was the next toast, proposed by Sir Trevor
Lawhence, Bart., who laid emphasis upon the develop-
ment that has taken place in horticulture in the past
fifty years, as was shown by the appearance of the
tables that evening, and by the window-boxes and
other evidences of gardening that were to be seen
throughout London, in the East as well as the West
End. Gardening had good influences. His experience
had been that where there was a good ;ind well-cared-for
garden attached to a cottage, there was usually happi-
ness in the cottage (tself. If the garden was full of

■ dead dogs and old saucepans, there was something
wrong also inside the cottage. The art and craft of
gardening, said Sir Trevor, was understood in England
in away it is not in any other country. Swanlcy

. turns out a numbtr of lady gardeners, said Sir

Trevor. They would hold out the hand of fellow-
ship to them, especially if they won't interfere
too much with the Apples. Sir Trevor then got
perilously near a discussion of a very vexed question.
He actually mentioned "fiscal policy," and then Mr.
and Mrs. Chamberlain's interest and love for garden-
ing, and hoped that when votes would be preseutly
bandied about that the claims of a good gardener
would not be forgotten !

Mr. T. Challis, Wilton House Gardens, in reply,
made an excellent speech, but in commencing said
that he felt as gardeners did after that week of frost,
wind and snow in April— fruitless, hopeless and nearly
speechless. He was not quite sure to what gender the
gardener now belonged-masculine, feminine or neuter.
He supposed he must reply not only on behali of the
man with the blue apron, but also of his sisters of the
short skirts. He thought that they should welcome
the ladies and work cordially with them, and pray also
that they may be speedily transferred to that other
state designed by Providence for them to enjoy, and
for which they were pre - eminently suited. His
thoughts next ran back to the "palmy" days of
Chiswick, the associations of the place, and the men
that had been connected with it. In regard to tne
future they were all grateful for the new Hall, and
they were grateful to Sir Thomas Hanbury for the
garden. The nurseryman's ideal was a good exhibi-
tion-hall, but the gardener's ideal was a school of
horticulture, and he concluded with an appeal for the
formation of such a technical, scientific, and practical
school at Wlsley. Mr. McIndoe also replied to this
toast.

"The Gardening Charities" was next proposed by
Mr. R. Dean in an earnest, pleading speech of some
length. He referred to the work that is being done by
the various charities, remarking that it seemed hard to
see reason for human suffering, but it did appear as if
man was bound to spend the last few years of his life
in comparative helplessness in order that the spirit of
helpfulness might be engendered within us. Mr.
Hahry J. Veitch replied for the Gardeners' Royal
Benevolent Institution, Mr. H. B. May for the Royal
Gardeners' Orphan Fund, and Mr. C. H. Curtis for the
United Horticultural Provident and Benefit Society.

The next toast was that of "The Horticultural Press,"
proposed by Mr. Owen Thomas, V.M.H., in a rather long
carefully written speech. Dr. Masters, F.R.S.. and
Mr. George Gordon", V.M.H., should have replied, but
Dr. Masters was unable to be present, and the work
fell to Mr. Gordon.

Mr. W. Crump next proposed "The Horticultural
Trade," and this was responded to suitably by Messrs.
A. W. Sutton, V.M.H. ; George Bunyard, V.M.H. ;
G. Dickson, and Peter Kay, V.M H.

"The Chairman," proposed by Mr. A. Dean, was
received with tumultuous applause and musical
honours, sung lustily.

Then there were the toasts of "Mr. Owen Thomas"
(Chairman of the Dinner Committee), and "Mr. Alex.
Dean," Secretary (proposed by Mr. R. W. Ker).

The singing of "Auld Lang Syne "brought the pro-
ceedings to a close about 11 o'clock p.m., and owiag to
the excessive number of the speeches, many of which
were too long, it was found impossible to have as much
music as the guests would have liked, a fact that
accounted for some degree of impatience exhibited
towards the close of the proceedings.

Apart from this the event was absolutely successful,
and a testimony to the work that has been done by Mr.
Alex Dean and his committee. The proceedings were
unofficial, and were not connected with the Royal
Horticultural Society.

©bftuari?.

TRADE NOTICE.

Dissolution of Partnership. — The partner-
ship heretofore subsisting between William Bir-
kenhead and John Birkenhead, carrying en
business as nurserymen at Park Koad, Ashton-
on- Mersey, and Fern Nursery, Sale, under the
style or firm of '* W. & J. Birkenhead," has been
dissolved by mutual consent. Mr. William
Birkenhead will continue the business mentioned
above. Mr. John Birkenhead will carry on the
business of seedsman, &c, at 10, Washway Koad,
Sale.

CHARLES Marr.— We regret to record the
death of Mr. Charles Marr, who was foreman of
the royal kitchen gardens at Frogmore for the
long period of fifty-two years, and retired on a
pension on July 1, 1899. On that occasion he
received an illuminated address and a puree of
gold from the staff and employes at the Royal
Gardens; he was also a recipient of the late
Queen's Jubilee Medal. Since leaving Windsor
he had resided at Bagshot with his youngest
daughter (Mrs. Webb), and although unable to
take outdoor exercise, up to recently he had en-
joyed fairly good health ; but a few months ago
he unfortunately broke his arm simply by turning
in bed and throwing his arm across a chair, and
this accident, coupled with his advanced age,
affected his health. He gradually became weaker,
and passed peacefully away on Wednesday, Sep-
tember 23. He was followed to the grave, among
relatives and others, by several of the garden
staff of Frogmore.

Mr. W. Shand.— We regret to announce the
decease of Mr. William Shand, nurseryman and
seedsman, of New Street, Lancaster. The death
took place on Wednesday morning, Sept. 23, at
his residence, Woodlands. Mr. Shand had been
in failing health for some time, the general
breakdown really dating from the death of Mrs.
Shand three years ago, whose loss at the
time he acutely felt. The deceased was the son
of a farmer, and was born at Pittenkerrie, near
Banchory, Kincardineshire, some sixty-five years
ago. Shortly after completing his apprenticeship
he received an appointment as assistant gardener
at Dunecht, the Highland seat of the Earl of
Crawford and Balcarres, and from there he
entered the service of Messrs. Lawson, Ltd., the
famous Edinburgh nurserymen.

Leaving Edinburgh, he received his first
appointment as head gardener to Sir Robert Duff
(Governor of New South Wales), of Fetteresso
Castle, Stonehaven ; and subsequently he was
successful in receiving a similar appointment at
Lowther Castle, having been engaged by Earl
William, the grand-uncle of the present Lord
Lonsdale, in 1872. Ten years later he came to
Lancaster and assumed a partnership in business
with the late Mr. Halstead, Penny Street and
Greaves Nurseries. In 1885 he started business
on his own account, and subsequently acquired
the Greaves Nurseries. Since then he had, by
diligence and large experience, built up a large
trade connection, the ramifications of which
extend all over the North of England.

Mr. Shand leaves a family of three sons and
three daughters — two of the latter being married .
He was for more than forty years a correspondent
of this journal.

%* Owing to the extraordinary pressure on our
spaee, and to the necessity for going to press at an
earlier date, owing to the large increase in our
circulation, several subjects are necessarily post-
poned till our next issue.

AdiantumFarleyense — Year ok Introduction:
W. T. This is a variety of A. tenerum, a native
of Barbados, and was introduced in 18G5 by
T. D. HOI, Esq., of London, by whom it was
received from his friend, T. G. Briggs, Esq., of
Barbados, who resided at Farley Hill in that
island. It was a seedling raised at that place,
and not fera natures. The plant was described
by the late T. Moore in the Gardeners' Chr.
for August i, 18U0, p. 730.

Anemone Grower op Lincolnshire. A. Wmk-
sop. Mr. Gilbert, Lincoln, probably is meant.

248

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 3, 1903.

Artificial Manure for an Aged Orchard on
a Clay Soil : C. G. D. As a matter of fact
artificial manure will do no good, at least at
first and before the mechanical texture of the
soil has been altered by working into it sand,
finely sifted coal-ashes, quicklime and strawy
farmyard manure. These substances should
be incorporated with the soil above the roots,
necessarily at but small depth ; but midway
between the stations the soil may be moved two
and three spits deep. Marl, which contains as
its active principle lime, does good, and may
be applied at the rate of 80 cubic yards per acre.
If the orchard is under turf, paring and burning
cleanses the soil of injurious acids, destrovs
grub-larvae, liberates plant food from the
minerals of the soil, greatly improve the
texture of clay soils. The loss of nitrogen by
burning is readily made good by liberal
manuring. The paring is best done by a
paring plough, and not more than 3 inches
in depth should be taken off. Once bared of
turf, it would be advisable to under-plant
with small fruit bushes, Strawberries, &c.
It would be as well to ascertain if the land
needs relieving of moisture by draining (rubble
drains). If not under-cropped with fruit bushes,
green crops, such as Mustard, Rape, Clover,
and Eye, may be grown and ploughed in,
this affording much amelioration of clay soils.
Potash especially and superphosphate of lime
should be used in conjunction with the firm-
yard manure.

Chrysanthemum-leaves Disfigured : T. B. No
disease, no fungus ; probably result of sudden
change of temperature. — W. N. No organic
disease, no fungus. Probably caused by over-
strong manures, or change of temperature.
M. C. C.

Chrysanthemum Sport : E. B. The flowers you
describe as being from a sport from the variety
Madame Marie Massee, being of rich bronze
and red colours, are very attractive. You
should show similar ones to the Floral Com-
mittee of the National Chrysanthemum Society.

Cucumber-leaves witb Brown Blotch upon
Them. G. H. Where have you been these two
or three years past, that you have not read or
heard of the Melon and Cucumber-blotch ? At
present there seems to be no method known of
preventing an attack, nothing externally being
observed till the mischief is done, the fungus
developing between the upper and lower
epidermis. Destroy the plants, sulphur the
house, and grow no more Cucumbers or Melons
therein for three or four years.

Dendrobium Findlayanum spotted ; S. H. The
specimen sent seems to indicate that the plant
has not had sufficient fresh air, and has been
kept too constantly in a warm, moist house. We
suggest that you should put the plants so
affected in a cool, sunny greenhouse, and keep
them perfectly dry until they lose all their
leaves on the mature growths. Keep them
cool and dry until they begin to grow again,
when you should afford them plenty of heat
and moisture. After growth is well advanced,
remove all damaged parts.

Evergreen Undergrowth where Shade is
Dense : J. C. You would find Scolopendrium
vulgare and Vinca major more enduring than
those you have tried and found wanting.

Fungi : L. Steele. Agarics in bad condition, and
no information whether growing on ground or
on wood afforded. 1, no stem and no informa-
tion afforded— possibly a Pholiota sp. ; 2, Pho-
liota squarrosa. M. C. C.

German Gardener : R. B. Your friend would
stand but little chance of obtaining an im-
portant post here, unless he can speak the
English language, is acquainted with -the
climate, and the methods of cultivation pre-
vailing in this country. Situations with a
wage of .£100 a year are not common, and
moreover they are difficult to obtain, the com-
petition for anything superior being very
severe. The publisher of the Gardeners'
Chronicle would send a copy of the paper and
tariff of advertisement charges on application.

Heating a range of Glass : W. M. We cer-
tainly should not hinder the flow of the water

by having 2-inch mains to supply pipes 3 and
4 inches in diameter, but have them of 3 inches
diameter at the least, and set the boiler some
distance below the floor of the house. We
assume that the houses are span-roofed, and
entered by doors in the centre of each partition,
and for this reason two flow and two return
pipes are needed.

Holly Stems to Kill : G. 0. Bore a few large
holes with an auger or centre-bit in the stems,
beginning at the ground level, and at slight
depth insert some common salt or creosote into
these holes. Sulphuric acid would have an
equally fatal effect, but it is dangerous in
handling.

Injury to a Gardener from Handling a
Wall Creeper: A. B. The plant of which
foliage is sent is Rhus Toxicodendron. It
should not be handled without thick gloves,
and ought to be banished from all ordinary
gardens. It was sent out in error many years
ago as a species of Ampelopsis.

Lycoris : C. 8. The specimens of Lycoris re-
ceived by us and sent on to Mr. Baker are too
withered to form a definite opinion about. The
special features of L. Sprengerii seem to be
the long pedicels and the bluish-purple flowers ;
of L. incarnata, the short pedicels and the rosy-
pink flowers, with narrower perianth-segments
than in L. squamigera (Botanical Magazine,
t. 7547).

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
sivered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
T. H. Inula glandulosa. — Stratford Road.
Calceolaria pinnata. — L. Bide. Red, Lobelia
cardinalis ; blue, L. syphilitica. — J. D. Sam-
bucus racemosa, native of the mountains of
Continental Europe. The variegated leaf is
that of S. nigra (common Elder) probably. —
C D., Midlothian. Oncidium x Mantini, a
very handsome natural hybrid, occasionally
imported with O. Gardneri and other Brazilian
Orchids. It is uncommon, and therefore of
greater value than 0. Forbesii and others of
its class. — H. W. J., Buckingham. 1, Denstcedtia
davallioides ; 2, Pellsa rotundifolia ; 3, Doodia
aspera ; 4, Aspidium vestitum ; 5, Lastrsea
Sieboldi ; 0, Cassia corymbosa ; 7, Haworthia
margaritifera. — Shalstone, Bucks. 1, Selagi-
nella viticulosa ; 2, Woodwardia radicans, so
far as we can judge without seeing fertile
frond ; 3, Scolopendrium vulgare (Hart's- tongue
Fern) ; 4, Lastraea trichodes ; 5, Osmunda gra-
cilis (spectabilis) ; 6, Polystichum aDgulare ; 7,
Onychium japonicum. Ferns, especially when
sent in immature specimens or portions of
fronds, are not easy to identify ; fertile fronds
should be sent. We give the recognised garden
names, although often species have a dozen
synonyms. Your letter and enclosure received.
Thanks. — W. C. Sf Sons. Corylus Avellana,
var. contorra (see Gardeners' Chronicle, 1874,
fig. 32). — Anxious. 1, Lotus peliorhynchus, so
far as we can judge without flowers ; 2, Ruellia
Desvosiana. — /. M., Notts. 1, Cyrtomium For-
tunei ; 2, C. falcatum ; 3, C. caryotideum. These
are included under Aspidium, but the names
given are commonly used; 4, Jacobinia (Jus-
ticia) carnea ; 5, Sedum spectabile ; 0, S. Sie-
boldi.— No name or initials. Cichorium intybus.
T. A. The yellow is one of the hybrid Mont-
bretia crocosmaeflora. The double Achillea
ptarmica flore-pleno. — W. B. The Cypripedium
will be remarked on later. — E. W., Darlington:
Probably the variegated Snowberry; 2, Li-
gustrum lucidum variegatum ; 3, Elajagnus
pungens variegatus ; 4, Berberis Thunbergii ;
5, Cephalotaxus pedunculata ; G, Kerria
japonica variegata; 7, Abies concolor. —
R.O.R. 1, Myrtle; 2, Ruellia Portelhe ; 3,
Hedychiuni, probably Gardnerianum, send
when in flower ; 4, Helxine soleirolii ; 5, Adi-
antum Pacotii ; 6, Asparagus decumbens. —
A. B. C. 1, Escallonia macrantha ; 2, Olearia
Haastii ; 3, Andromeda (Pieris) japonica ; 4,
Hibiscus sinensis variegata. — E. W. R. 1,
Agapanthus minor variegatus ; 2, Carex ja-
ponica variegata ; 3, Eulalia japonica varie-
gata ; 4, Dracaena, Lindeni. — Amateur. 1, Tri-
toma uvaria ; 2, Veronica Hendersoni of gar-
dens ; 3, Chrysoco ma (Aster) Linosyris ; 4, Sedum

spurium ; 5, Helianthus rigidus. — C. F. Dray-
ton. Lilium tigrinum Fortunei ; Rubus rosa-
folius. — A. G. S. 1, Cotoneaster affinis ; 3,
Rhus Toxicodendron, be careful how you
handle it ; 3, Cotoneaster mi^rophylla ; 4,
Linaria macedonica ; 5, Andromeda acumi-
nata ; 6, Andromeda calyculata, but without
flowers.

Pelargonium Brown-spotted : 1. Smith. The
brown spots are caused by a mite puncturing
the epidermis. Kill the mites by fumigation
or washing with diluted tobacco-water. Give
close attention to the plants in the event of
further attacks. Gloxinia - leaves sometimes
suffer similarly.

Rose Stocks : Well Green. It is against our
rule to recommend dealers, either native or
foreign. You should advertise your wants in
the Gardeners' Chronicle or in some French or
German gardening journal, or watch our adver-
tisement columns.

Runner Bean : F. H. Randall, Sidbury Lodge
Gardens, Edgivare. The pods you send as being
those of a cross between Sutton's Tender-and-
True and White Czar have a good appearance,
and are nearly stringless, but whether" the va-
riety is better than existing ones could only be.
determined by a trial with standard sorts at
Chiswick or elsewhere, as was recommended by
the Fruit and Vegetable Committee when the
variety was before them on September 15.

Situation as Gardener in South Africa :
Constant Reader. The obviously proper course
is to advertise in several Cape newspapers and
in this journal.

To Raise Ferns : Amateur. When the spore-
cases which you will find on the back of the
Fern-fronds have become dark-brown or black,
rub out the spores, which are extremely minute,
on to a sheet of white paper, and dry them
slightly under a tumbler in the sun, taking
care in so doing not to let the wind carry them
away. Prepare some seed pans by crocking
them with finely-broken potsherds or soft brick,
put lumpy peat over these, then almost fill up
with the nodules of sandy peat that will not
readily pass through a half-inch-meshed sieve,
discarding those that are larger, and over this
put a thin layer of very finely-sifted sand and
peat. Make firm and level, and sow the spores
very thinly, which press in, but do not cover
with either sand or soil, and apply water by
allowing it to rise through the holes in the
bottoms of the pans, but not quite to the sur-
face. Set by to drain, then place in a cold-pit
or damp part of a greenhouse, or in a common
garden-frame. Fern-spores may be germinated
on the upper surface of very soft red bricks set
in shallow pans containing water, simply
placing a very thin layer of sand on the
bricks ; even that may be omitted without
detriment to germination.

Underground Tubers: A. J. S. Ground-nut or
Pig-nut, Carum bulbocastanum.

Vermin Paste : A. Worksop. The addresses of
the makers and vendors of the sort named are
not known to us.

Vine-leaves : W. N. Always common, but
never well accounted for ; no real disease ;
most likely caused by sudden chill. M. C. C.

Violets Diseased : N. H. Cooke. See answer to
" Mot" in this column in our last issue.

" White Heather " : IF. S. These " popular '
names are a source of endless confusion. The
plant may be Erica cinerea, of which a white-
flowered variety is often met with ; or a white
variety of E. carnea; or E. Tetralix alba, or E.
vagans alba, or of the white variety of Calluna
vulgaris, common Ling, this is perhaps the
commonest white Heather. Unless you send us
a specimen we are unable to give you its proper
name.

Communications Received — K. It— G, W.— C. H.— H.
Frank. Zurich— F. W. Moore-G. B. & Co.— C. H. W.
—J. O'B— T. H. H.— J. G.— Cunninghame. Fraser &
Co.-G. H.— J. S.-. . C— C. A. H.-A P.— J. E —9. R. 8.
—J. F — H. J. P.— E. W. D.— W. R., Kensington— R. N.
— W. H. C— J. M.— Vilmonn Andrieux et Cie.— Expert
— R. B.— Remingtion^Type-writer Co.— J. O'B.-S. A.—
H C.-J. C— A. H.— F. W. M.— C. H. W.— G. Bunyard
-D. R. W.- J. E.

(For Markets and Weather, seep, x.)

Supplement to the " Gardeners' Chronicle," October 3, 1903.]

THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE SHOW.

OUE PORTRAITS.

In connection with the Vegetable Exhibition
and Conference held on Tuesday last at Chiswick,
we have reproduced the portraits of a few British
gardeners who are good "all-round" cultivators,
and who have shown a special preference and inte-
rest for the cultivation of choice vegetables and
fruit. In the present day, when there appears to
be an inclination in some quarters to regard the
cultivation of kitchen garden crops with a certain
degree of indifference, it is good policy on the part
of the Royal Horticultural Society to endeavour
to show by the proceedings of the past week that
kitchen gardening forms one of the most im-
portant departments that can be undertaken by a
first-class gardener. When a gentleman is about
to engage a gardener, he very naturally expects
that, whatever additional capabilities the candi-
date may possess, he at least will be able to
produce first-class crops of fruit and vegetables.

As examples, therefore, to young men about to
commence their work, the careers of the following
gardeners may be studied with profit : —

Messrs. Ed. Beckett, J. Gibson, &c.
The two lions in the Vegetable world to-day,
especially from the exhibition point of view, are
of course Mr. Ed. Beckett, gr. to Lord Aldenham,
Aldenham House, Elstree, and Mr. J. Gibson, gr.
to R. W. Hudson, Esq., Danesfield, Marlow. But
it is not necessary to publish separate portraits
of them in this issue, as, being members
of the Committee responsible for the Gardeners'
Dinner, their photographs appear on our Supple-
mentary Illustration. The same may be said of
Mr. James Hudson, who was the author of a
paper read at the Conference on the cooking of
vegetables, Mr. James F. McLeod, Mr. 0>»en
Thomas, Mr. Geo. Woodward, Mr. Norman, Mr.
Fyfe, Mr. Markham, &c.

Mr. Ben Ashton.

The following particulars, furnished us by Mr.
Ben Ashton, gr. to the Earl of Lathom, Lathom
House, Ormskirk, Lancashire, are interesting : —

" A native of Nottinghamshire, I commenced
my gardening career at a very early age in the
gardens of Babworth Rectory, near Retford,
in March, 1867, under the late Job Smith, who
was a pupil of the late T. Speed, of Chats-
worth. Mr. Smith was a very able gardener but
a very severe taskmaster, which was perhaps a
good thing for a somewhat mischievous youngster.
After serving an apprenticeship of four years I
went to Little Ponton Hall, Grantham, under the
late Jos. Towers, but remained only a few months,
going afterwards to Nocton Hall, Lincoln (at
that time one of the seats of the Marquis of
Ripon), as kitchen-garden foreman under Mr.
Ridsdale, where I stayed nearly two years. From
Nocton I went as journeyman under that cele-
brated Pine and Grape- grower, the late Joseph
Jefferson, Carlton House Gardens, Worksop. If
space permitted I should have liked to give some
details of Mr. Jefferson's method of Pine-growing.
I had not been with Mr. Jefferson many months
before he gave me cbarge of the Pine-stoves and
Vineries, and I need hardly say that I was then
in my element. I remember his sending me to
■ a noted local show with a quantity of fruit, and
his joy at my coming back with eleven 1st and
two 2nd prizes for thirteen entries. After
serving Mr. Jefferson a little over two years I
went as first journeyman at Ashburnham Place,
Battle, Sussex, under Mr. Maxton, where I gained
m uch useful knowledge in hardy fruits, &c.

" From Ashburnham I went as flower-garden
man to that fine old gardener, Mr. Jno. Derricutt,
Pye Nest Park, Halifax, who I am happy to say
is now enjoying a well-deserved pension from
the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, of
which he was a staunch supporter for many
years. After five months I was made foreman.
I may here say that Mr. Derricutt was the finest
propagator and plantsman that it was ever my
good fortune to serve under. He was also an
expert Pine and Grape grower, which will be
readily understood when I say that he grew in
11-inch pots Black Prince Pines weighing as
much as 10 lb. 8 oz., a photo of which I possess at
the present time. I left my kind master and
friend at Pye Nest after two years' service to go
as foreman to another noted gardener, Mr. Robt.
Milne, Vale Royal, Northwich, Cheshire, and
while with Mr. Milne I created a mild sensation
by growing in 7-inch pots Poinsettias with bracts
measuring 22 inches in diameter. Many other
things were at that time grown well at Vale
Royal, notably Calanthes, specimen Mignonette,
Eucharis, Begonia Ingrami, &c, in addition to
fine Grapes and Peaches ; carpet bedding was
done on a large scale.

" From Vale Royal I went as foreman to Thur-
crof t Hall, near R^ptherham, where I only remained
a few months; after which I went as head
gardener and manager to the late Selina, Vis-
countess Milton, Kirkham Abbey, York, in
March, 1881. Her ladyship dying in 1883, I
remained with her son, the present Lord Hawkes-
bury of Hazelbech till March, 1885, whea I left
to go as gardener to Lord Howard of Glossop,
Glossop Hall, Derbyshire, where I remained
eleven years. I may here remark that Glossop,
from a gardener's point of view, is one of the worst
districts in the British Islands, being wet, cold, and
the atmosphere soot-laden ; successful vegetable
cultivation there was quite out of the question.

" I left' Glossop to come to Lathom in January,
1896, and, as the story says, * have lived happily
•ever since ' — happy because I found at Lathom
a soil that with good cultivation will grow most
things fairly well, and because I found most kind
and appreciative employers, who were ever ready
to recognise and give a word of praise for what-
ever is good upon their table, whether fruit,
vegetables or flowers.

" Of all vegetables the one perhaps that I
cultivate best is the Potato, of which 1 grow
every year about fifty varieties, and for which
I have won many prizes, including the Silver
Cup (of which I own two) of the Liverpool
District Farmers' Club show, which has perhaps
the finest Potato show in the country."

Mr. W. L. Bastin.

Mr. W. L. Bastin, gr. to Sir Alex. Henderson,
Bart., Buscot Park, Berkshire, is well known as
an exhibitor of kitchen-garden crops and fruit.
The particular difficulty with which he has to
contend is due to the soil of the garden being of
a very heavy nature, and resting on a subsoil of
clay. He says : —

" I have had the privilege of serving in good
all-round gardens since I was fifteen years old.
My aim has been to become a good practical and
theoretical gardener. I have gained my experi-
ence as journeyman and foreman at Preston
Hall, Maidstone, Kent; Swyncombe Park, Henley-
on-Thames ; Haydon Hall, Eastcote, Middlesex ;
Fetcham Park, Leatherhead, Surrey ; and Ash-
grove, Sevenoaks, Kent. For some years I was
gardener to Admiral Pringle, Digswell, Hertford-
shire; and I left that place to take charge of the

gardens of Sir Alex. Henderson, Bart., M.P.,
Buscot Park, in 1897. These are good gardens,
and we have a great demand for fruit and vege-
tables. I have also given some attention to
the growing of vegetables for exhibition at the
principal shows— London, Shrewsbury, Wolver-
hampton, Bristol, Cardiff, and Reading— where
I have won gold and silver medals and nu-
merous other prizes ; also Silver Cup and other
high honours at the Temple for fruit and vege-
tables. I was awarded a Silver Knightian
Medal by the deputation from the Royal Horti-
cultural Society in July, 1903, at Cardiff, for a
collection of six varieties of vegetables, which I
was told was an unusual distinction to be
awarded a collection of only six varieties."

Mr. Norman Davis,
although specially well known as a first-rate
cultivator of Chrysanthemums, has distinguished
himself also in the growing of culinary Peas
under glass for consumption in the month of May,
being the only cultivator nearer than the Channel
Isles who has grown such a crop in anything
like the quantity (see Gardeners' Chronicle,
June 13, 1903, p. 369). He says :—

" I was born at Brixton in 1850, which at that
time was principally inhabited by City mer-
chants, and horticulture flourished. My father
and grandfather were merchants and keen gar-
deners, and my love for gardening was inherited.
Before I could be started in life misfortunes had
overtaken us, and on leaving school at the age of
fourteen I had little to depend upon but my own
energies. I was, however, placed with an uncle,
also a City merchant, where I remained some
twenty years, gaining considerable experience in
commercial life. Then, upon losing my mother,
the home was entire'y broken up, and I found
myself in lodgings at Walworth ; and it was here
that my fate as a Chrysanthemum grower was
decided. My landlord was a keen amateur
' 'Mummist,' exhibiting in his small way at the
local shows ; and it was not long before I was as
keen as he. I spent in his garden much of my
spare time, and together we often visited the
then far-famed Temple Gardens, as well as such
nurseries as those of Messrs. Salter, Adam, and
Forsyth, bringing home cuttings or plants of the
novelties. Upon marrying in 1872 I found more
scope for the practice of my hobby, but my
sympathies were not confined to Chrysanthe-
mums. I have reared collections of many kinds
of florists' flowers. Finding gardening expen-
sive and beyond my means, I started as many
others have done, and made my hobby pay for
itself ; and finally left City life and started as a
professional grower. My success as a Chrysan-
themum grower, however, is not the interest of
the moment.

" After 1890, finding competition growing keener
every year, I decided upon extending my busi-
ness, and came to Framfield, in Sussex, in 1890.
I tried market gardening under glass; scarcity
of skilled labour in country districts rendered
progress slower than I wished, but I think I can
fairly say I have turned out various crops with
some amount of success. Strawberries (these
without heat), French Beans, and Tomatos, all
paid well, and always will do, so long as they
are well grown and properly marketed. My
chief success, however, and what has proved
most interesting to me, has been the growing of
culinary Peas under glass for marketing in May;
these I have grown for six years in succession, and
no crop has paid me better : I have been aM,- to

11

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

TOCTOBER 3, 1903.

send up as manyj'as ICO ^usbels in a season to
Covent Garden. Such[crops, however, are uncer-
tain unless unusual facilities are at command ;
but they require no heat.

" Notwithstanding the discouragement market
gardeners meet with, unfair taxation of glass-

Mh. BEN ASHTON,

Gr. to the Earl of Lathom,
Lathom House, Ormskirk.

houses, excessive railway rates, uncertain mar-
kets, and other drawbacks, I am of opinion that
there is scope for extended cultivation of choice
early vegetables. Englishmen need fear no
foreign competition, but one must be quick to
learn the requirements of markets."

ME. NORMAN DAVIS,

Cultivator of Early Crops of Vegetables,

Fraru field.

Mr. "W. H. Divers

is well known as gardener to the Duke of Rutland,
Belvoir Castle, Grantham, and is a frequent and
valued correspondent to these pages. He says : —
" Born atlWierton Place, near Maidstone, where
my father was gardener for upwards of forty years,

I owe much of my success to his encouragement
and teaching ; I used to get into the garden at
every opportunity, and at the age of fourteen
commenced work there in earnest. After four
years I went to Linton Place in the same neigh-
bourhood, as journeyman under the late Mr. J.
Eobson, and remained two and a half years. The
estate at that time belonged to the late Lady
Holmesdale. Vegetables were grown well here,
also hardy flowers, and the extensive flower
gardens contained a fine collection of Conifers,
planted by the late Mr. Masters, of Canterbury,
in 1844; a large collection of flowering shrubs
also succeeded well — much of my spare time
was spent in examining these. Mr. Robson was
chairman of the Maidstone Gardeners' Mutual
Improvement Association, and all the young
gardeners attended the meetings, which were
very instructive.

" I next obtained an introduction to the late Mr.
Arthur Veitch, who kindly arranged for me to go

vegetable Chou de Burghley was distributed; this
had been raised by Mr. Gilbert, and was a cross
between a Broccoli and a Cabbage, and the demand
for it was so very great that upwards of -£200 was

Mr. W. L. BASTIN,

Gr. to Sir Alex. Henderson, Bart.,

Buscot Park.

realised by the sale. The Marquis of Exeter, with
his usual kindness and liberality, presented me
with £o for keeping the accounts, and gave all the
men a present besides. When I had been there

Mr. DAVID THOMSON, V.M.H.,
Late of Drumlanrig Gardens, N.B.

as journeyman at Brantinghain Thorpe, East
Yorkshire, a much smaller place, but where I got
acquainted with vegetable-growing in the North,
also with a fine collection of New Holland plants
and Heaths, and a small collection of Orchids.

" My next move was to the Earl of Scarborough's,
Sandbeck Park, where a good establishment was
kept, and garden produce had to be grown on a
most unfavourable soil. From there I went to
Lord Salisbury's, Hatfield, where the gardens
had begun to improve under Mr. Norman's
management, frequent changes in bead gardeners
having previously reduced them to a very bad
state.

"I next went to Tandridge Court, Surrey, as
general foreman, and found the sandy soil very
favourable to vegetable growing. After some
few months spent in the stoves and Nepenthes
house at Messrs. Veitchs' nursery, Chelsea, my
next move was to Burghley House Gardens, Stam-
ford, under the late Mr. R. Gilbert, who was well
known at that date (1879) as an exhibitor of vege-
tables, having recently won the 50-guinea Chal-
lenge Cup offered by Messrs. Carter, and various
other cups and prizes. 'While I was there, the new

Mr. W. H. DIVERS,

Gr. to His Grace the Duke of Rutland,

Belvoir Castle.

five years the late Mr. Hopwood of Ketton Hall,
called to see Mr. Gilbert, and after going through
the houses, asked if his foreman could be spared
to take charge of his garden ; I wis called in, and
he explained that he had spent a large sum of
miu;y iu building Peac'i-houses, and he wanted

OctobH! 3, 1903. J

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

ui

a gardener who could grow Peaches better than
anyone else in the kingdom. I found on arriving
there some ?ery fine houses, and the largest
private collection of Peaches and Nectarines in

Mb. R. A. HORSPOOL,

Gr. to RICHARD MlDDLETON, Esq.,

Chirk Castle, Denbighshire.

the country, but I had to lift the whole of the
trees and remake the borders before they fruited
satisfactorily. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hopwood often
complimented me afterwards on the success I

ME WILLIAM POPE,

Gr. to the Eari. of Carnarvon,

Highcleic Castle.

obtained eventually. I also found vegetables had
been very scarce there, and that large quantities had
been purchased, but after a few months more were
grown than the family required. Hardy flowers

and Carnations were in great demand, and good
collections were established. In the winter of
1889-90 I went to Florida to inspect and report
on an estate there belonging to Mr. Hopwood ;
this gave me a good insight into American life
and methods of business, and proved most interest-
ing and instructive. Icollected, dried, andmounted
all the wild flowers I could find, and took many
notes on the cultivation of the various fruits. As
a change of ownership was contemplated at Ketton
Hall I resigned my appointment there in 1S94,
after staying nearly ten years, and commenced
my duties at Belvoir Castle, as gardener to his
Grace the Duke of Eutland, immediately after-
wards."

Mr. Robert Fenn

is very well known as one of the first seriously to
attempt to improve Potatos by cross-breeding.
It was in 1837 that he first crossed the old " Red
Regent " with an indigenous variety of America,
given to him by a Mr. Pringle; and as the
seedlings proved to be different from their
parents, he continued the work and achieved

Mb. ROBERT FENN,
A Celebrated Raiser of Potatos.

most gratifying success. He has raised very
many excellent varieties, which have been dis-
tributed by the firm of Messrs. Sutton & Sons,
Reading. Mr. Fenn was born in Suffolk in 1817,
and he is therefore eighty-six years old, but in
spite of his years he is enjoying excellent
health and keenly interested in his garden at
Sulhamstead.

Mr. R. A. Horspool,
the gardener at Chirk Castle, Ruabon, Denbigh-
shire, is a young man who developed an in-
terest in vegetable culture at the very outset of
his career. He is rapidly making a reputation
for himself in the Principality. The followiDo-
notes afford further evidence that a garden is
not necessarily useless or " worn out " merely
because it is old : —

"I have always had much liking for growin<*
good vegetables, but it was not until five years
ago that I commenced to grow for exhibition. In
the first year I was beaten at Chirk and Wrex-
ham Pomological show, but it gave me greater
energy for the next season, when I was placed
first at both shows. After this success I showed

also at Shrewsbury, Birmingham, &c, and have
been fairly successful during the last three
seasons,

"These gardens are very old, and the date
1651 is cut in freestone over a doorway in one of

Ma. S. MORTIMER,

Raiser of Cucumbers and Tomatos,

Rowledge Nursery, Farnham.

the walls. Nevertheless there is a good vegetable
and fruit garden of about 8 acres. It lies
between three terraces of walls, there being a
mile of walls covered with fruit-trees. The two
uppermost gardens slope gently towards the

Mr H. W. »ARD,
Market Nurseryman, Rayleigh, Essex.

south, so that the Situation is all that can be
desired, and there are soils in the different
quarters to suit every kind of vegetable grown,
for there are five or six different kinds. The lowest
part of the garden used to be a fishing lake, about

IV

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 3, 1903.

3 acres in extent, but half a century ago it
ceased to be a lake, and is now well drained, the
water running into a well and the overflow into
the woods. On this portion I have no difficulty
in procuring first-rate vegetables for home con-
sumption or exhibition, such crops as Cauliflowers,
Peis, Runner Beans, Turnips, Celery, Leeks, &.C.,
succeeding splendidly, but Carrots will not grow
after the thinning stage. But I have not the
slightest difficulty in growing Carrots in another
part of the gardens, and I have a grand lot with-
out the least sign of wireworm amongst them.
That the soil has been cultivated so many years
does not hinder the Carrot in the least, yet tome
people think that they require fresh soil each
year. My greitest difficulty is that I am situated
so far North. Crops are quite a fortnight earlier
in the South than here. I have a difficulty in
getting Ailsa Craig Onion and Autumn Giant
Cauliflower up to exhibition standard, and more
especially so the last two seasons."

Mr. S. Mortimer.

There must be very few visitors to the horti-
cultural exhibitions who have not become familiar
with the collections of Cucumbers, Tomatos, &c,
from Mr. Mortimer, of the Eowledge Nurseries,
Farnham. At the earliest shows in the year,
including that held at the Temple, Mr. Mortimer
usually shows produce that leaves nothing to be
desired from the standpoint of cultivation. Not
only this, but he has paid much attention to
the raising of seedling varieties, and he has
been successful. Tomato " Winter Beauty," raised
by Mr. Mortimer, is an exceedingly useful variety
to the gardener, and as shown by many of our
correspondents during last winter, it comes into
bearing very quickly. Mr. Mortimer writes : —

" 'Purley Park Hero ' was the first seedling variety
of Cucumber I raised, and it is more than twenty
years ago that this received a First-class Certi-
ficate from the Royal Horticultural Society, and
it is still in cultivation. Since then I have
raised some ten or twelve varieties, most of which
have been Certificated by the Royal Horticultural
Society's Fruit and Vegetable Committee, and all
are in cultivation at the present time. Among
the best of these are 'Matchless ' and ' Sensation.'
All my Cucumbers are pedigree varieties that
have been worked down from an original strain,
and this I find is the only way by which to keep a
pure strain. One of the best things I have ever
raised is Tomato ' Winter Beauty,' the pure stock
of which has given great satisfaction to cultivators.

Mr. W. Pope.

Many an exhibitor of vegetables has found
a formidable opponent in Mr. W. Pope, gardener
to the Earl of Carnarvon, Highclere Castle, near
Newbury ; and readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle
will remember him as a writer of one of the
weekly calendars in these pages, to which he is
still an occasional contributor. Mr. Pope is an
excellent cultivator. He writes : —

" I do not know that I can say much about
myself that would be of interest. I commenced
to exhibit vegetables soon after taking my first
head place at Harold Wood, in Essex, in 1875,
taking a second prize for a collection at Brent-
wood in, I think, the following year. 1 next
went to Bishops Waltham, in Hampshire, and
exhibited pretty regularly at Southampton for
several years with varying success until I entered
on my present charge at Highclere in the autumn
of 1883. There is no doubt that exhibits of
vegetables attract more attention from the
general public than was the case twenty years
ago, for which the more attractive and tasteful

methods of setting up are mainly responsible.
But there has been possibly some advance in
cultivation, and certainly there is a great im-
provement in many varieties, notably Potatos,
Onions, Tomatos, Peas, and Beans. I am very
glad to note the tendency is to discourage the
' setting up' of large, coarse vegetables, and that
more attention is being paid to high quality."

Mr. David Thomson, Sr.

There is no gardener in this country, whether
Scotsman or not, but respects the former gar-
dener at Drumlanrig, now in his eightieth year,
and living quietly near to Dalkeith, in perfect
health, and as keenly fond of gardening as he
ever was.

Mr. David Thomson was born in 1821, in the
island of Mull, to which place Sir Walter Scott
had sent his father in 1817. He left home for
apprenticeship at Carstairs House in 1837, under
the late Mr. Ross, who was a very smart man
and an excellent cultivator ; from there he went
to Bothwell Castle in 1840, and was under the
veteran Mr. Turnbull for four years. Bothwell
Castle gardens were then among the best gar-
dening establishments in Scotland, and certainly
Mr. Turnbull was one of its best gardeners. They
were famous more particularly for the culture of
Heaths and for hybridising. In 1844 he went to
be under that prince among horticulturists, the
late Mr. Maruschi, in the Regent's Park, London.
He next removed to Wrotham Park Gardens, and
was two years foreman there under his brother,
the late Mr. Wm. Thomson, " King of the Vine-
yard."

Mr. D. Thomson was head gardener first to Mr.
Drummond, head of the banking firm at Charing
Cross ; then in 1850 he was gardener to the late
Captain Trotter at Dyrham Park. He burnt all
the heavy soil in the gardens at Dyrham Park,
and grew the finest vegetables, after the burning,
he ever produced. In 1858 he went to Archer-
field, which gardens he rendered celebrated for
flower gardening and fruit culture. His Pines
and Grapes grown at Archerfield were often seen
on the exhibition-tables, where they were usually
successful in winning prizes. In 1868 he was
appointed gardener to the famed gardens of
Diumlanrig Castle, proving there in every de-
partment his skill and experience as a gardener ;
thence he retired in 1897.

From each of his situations he had tempting
offers made to remain ; he has been awarded the
Niel Prize, the Veitch Memorial Medal, and the
Victoria Medal of Honour. On leaving Drum-
lanrig he was presented with a magnificent silver
casket and illuminated address by seventy-six of
his foremen, all of whom he had placed in good
situations scattered all over the world.

He was a writer for the Journal of Horticulture,
and for several years wrote constantly for the
Scottish Gardener (from 1854 till 1870), and
edited it part of that time. He edited The Gar-
dener from 1871 to 1882, when as the last of the
monthlies it was discontinued. He was author of
a treatise on The Pine-apple, Fruit Culture under
Glass, and the Handy Book of the Flower Garden.

His only son, Mr. David W. Thomson, is a
worthy representative of a notable horticultural
family, and is highly esteemed and respected as
a prominent nurseryman in Edinburgh.

Mr. H. W. Ward
needs no introduction to readers of the Gardeners'
Chronicle, although his portrait has never ap-
peared hitherto in its pages. Mr. Ward was a
frequent and valued contributor during the
quarter of a century he was at Longford Castle,
and since his removal from that place to Rayleigh,

in Essex, where he has established a flourishing
market nursery, has continued to do so. The
following notes are interesting: —

" One of my specialities during the twenty-five
years I was head gardener at Longford Castle,
Salisbury, was the cultivation of choice vege-
tables. ^Having an abundant supply of good
stable-manure at my disposal, and being pro-
vided with ample labour, I had three layers,
about 6 inches thick each, trenched into a
portion of the kitchen-garden every "year, the
trenches being from 2 to 3 feet deep and the
same width ; the bottom of the individual trenches,
being broken up with a digging-fork, received the
first layer of manure, the other two were in-
corporated with the soil in the process of trenchin°\
No wonder, therefore, that ground thus treated
should produce satisfactory results. Scarlet-
runner Beans attained a' height of from 15 to-1
25 feet, supported by stout Ash-stakes braced
together with others placed longitudinally at
about 6 feet from the ground and .secured in
position by cross-ties made of tarred string, and
these bore heavy crops of fine Beans from bottom to
top, the produce being gathered by the aid of a
long pair of steps. Veitchs' climbing French
Bean (raised and grown by me for many years
before being distributed by Messrs. Veitch &
Sons, of Exeter), attained a height of from
7 to 8 feet and was heavily cropped with long
straight Beans of fine quality in ground prepared
as above. The same may be said of Peas and
other crops. Owing to the annual application of
soot as a top-dressing prior to sowing seeds of
Onions, Turnips, and Parsley, and the trans-
planting of Lettuce plants, my crops never
suffered from the attacks of the Onion-maggot
and other pests.

'* During the years 1882 up to 1886 (inclusive) I
was a frequent and successful exhibitor of
collections and single dishes of vegetables at the
Royal Horticultural Society's shows, then held at
South Kensington Gardens. I secured 1st prize,
offered by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, for four dishes
of Peas two years in succession, the dates
being May 23, 1882; and May 22, 1883, and
June 26 same year. I also carried off Messrs.
Suttons' 1st prize for a collection of Potatos on
July 24, 1883 ; I was 1st for three dishes of Peas,
June 24, 1884 ; 1st for two dishes of Beans, and
1st for Messrs. Carters' Peas at Chiswick, July 3,
1884. At the Royal Horticultural Society's Pro-
vincial Show, held in Liverpool on June 29, 1886,
I took 1st prize offered by Messrs. James Carter &
Co. for four dishes of their Peas ; also 1st for
three dishes of Peas in the Royal Horticultural
Society's class.

" During a period of nearly twenty years I have
assisted to make the awards in the special vege-
table classes at Shrewsbury, having for my col-
leagues first the late Mr. Thomas Laxton (once),
the late Mr. Pownall (several years), Mr. Lambert
(Powis Castle) and Mr. A. Dean during the last
five or six years, all being able, painstaking and
conscientious judges, and with whom it has been
a pleasure to work. The vegetables, like all other
exhibits at the Shrewsbury Show, are splendid
examples of good culture.

"Some twelve years ago I was present at a
show held in Cheltenham in September, at
which excellent vegetables were staged in great
quantity in the individual classes, huge piles
being artistically arranged, in some cases by the
aid of a pair of steps ; the number constituting a
dish not having been stated in the schedule of
prizes, dishes were made up thus : 250 Tomatos,
50 Cauliflowers, 30 Cucumbers, 100 Onions, and
so on. A very imposing show they made ! "

Bradbury , Agncur &• Co., Ld„ printers, London and Tonoridge.

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October 10, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

249

THE

Partem' (IJiftrmtkk

No. 876.— SATURDAY, OCT. 10, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Book notices—

Hardy perennials ...

The fruit garden ...
Bridge House, Wey-

bridge

Chrysanthemumgrow-

ing, in America
Dictamnus fraxinella
Dublin, notes trom ...
Exacum zeylanicum...
Foreign competition .
•Gourds at the Grove,

Staumore

Huniea elegans and

Peach trees

iLinaria cymbalaria

alba

Mcludoe. Mr., retire-
ment of

Nicotiana Sanderse x.
Obituary—

Olmsted, F. L.
Odontoglossum, rever-
sion in

Orchid notes and

gleanings

Paris —

The Trianons
Peaches at the Chis-

wick show

Plant breeding, new...
Plants, new or note-
worthy—

Pinus eldarica
Plums, a disease of ...
Portraits of botanists

857

256

25s

587 I
256 i

353

Potato Northern Star

Presentation to Mr.
and Mrs. Laird

Shallot or Egyptian
Onion?

Societies-
Manchester Orchid
National Chrysan.

themum

Royal Horticultural

Sisyrinchlum iridifo-
lium

Turnip -seed, repro-
ductive power of ...

Type-written labels for
plants

University of London
lectures at Chelsea
Phvsic Garden

Vegetables all the year
round

Vegetables, Conference
on

Vegetables, improve-
ment in

Vegetables, new

Vegetables, Parisian...

Victoria regia with
two open flowers ...

Week's Work, the—
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

260

256

250

262

261
260

251

259
556

251

550
258

254
255
255
i.it
2.i'i
255

ILLU8TRATI0NB.

Artichoke Jerusalem, new white 252

Artichoke Globe Perpetual 258

Bean, French. Progress 553

Cabbage St. Martin 253

Cabbage Wythes' Early Gem 251

•Cauliflower Incomparable 268

■Custard-Marrow, new 251

Nicotiana Sanderae (Supplement)

Pea, tall three-podded 258

Shallot that was mistaken for an Onion 250

View in the Park of the Little Trianon, Versailles 259

BRIDGE HOUSE, WEYBRIDGE.

A S the skilful painter elaborates with
■£*- much care his well-conceived picture,
so has Mrs. H. Seymour-Trower worked out
her clever garden plan around the massive
dwelling situated in a bend of the river
Wey. The estate was acquired some years
ago by H. Seymour-Trower, Esq. Among
artists and other persons with keen eyes
to discover the beautiful in landscape gar-
dening, it has long been known as a very
' charming and cleverly-arranged garden. It
ds for us an easy task to endorse that opinion
after the survey we were privileged to make
recently, but not so easy to do even the
semblance of justice to it in words only.
Nor is it possible to convey exactly in what
particulars the beauty of the garden con-
sists. Most of the subjects observed are to
be found in the gardens of others, and yet
at Bridge House they seem to afford more
refinement to the decoration of the place
than in ordinary gardens. To get at the
reason of this we must go back to the time
when Mrs. Trower first took it in hand. The
garden was then an old one, and although
the efforts of the gardener had produced no
unusual effect, the fine old Firs, Hollies,
Yews, and other trees, which grew in height
almost to the eaves of the house at the

angles, and the other fine trees on the
slope towards the Wey, gave a very good
material for operations. Hal gardening
of a formal character been adhered to
the effect of these fine aids to garden design
would have been almost lost. But the plan
which Mrs. H. Seymour-Trower decided to
work out was to form a garden in harmony
with all that was beautiful in the old part,
and to bring to her aid every available
plant and shrub which might be thought
worthy of contributing to the artistic and
natural beauty of the whole ; the one pre-
vailing idea throughout being to leave
nothing which had an appearance of new-
ness; to prune or train none of the plants
so as to obliterate their natural habit, but
to present Nature as being guided but not
curbed. One sees this in every part of this
delightful garden, which is beautiful in
detail as in general effect. The garden near
the house is made up of several separated
designs enclosed by Yew-hedges or other-
wise screened from view; and beyond the
terrace the grassy slope, the central figure
in which is a clump of three gigantic Beech-
trees, shelves away to the river, the banks of
which have been planted with great good
taste. The house itself is partly covered
with Wistaria sinensis, Clematis montana,
Forsythia suspensa, and Roses ; and on one
side of it is a terrace, the square, rough-
hewn stones of which are greened over and
the joints moSs-grown. To the right is
a charming garden paved with mossy
stones, and having in the middle an
oblong basin in which Water-Lilies flourish.
Beyond is an elaborately worked wooden
screen ; on one side, a curved stone seat,
with the inscription on the back, "Gather
ye Rose-buds while ye may"; and on the
other side in, lobed borders, a plentiful
supply of Roses, Pinks, and other fragrant
flowers ready to the hand of the gatherer;
the whole scene being suggestive of repose.

On the higher level of- the terrace the
garden beneath the house is beautified by
Phloxes, Asters, and other perennials in
flower ; and among larger trees a grand old
English Yew at one corner is a fine object.
On the other side, and beneath the orna-
mental stone balustrade, are irregular
arrangements of Lilium speeiosum, Be-
gonias, and other bright flowers, relieved by
the blue-grey tints of Eucalyptus globulus,
bushes of Rue, Southernwood, and other
fragrant herbs. At this angle of the house
is a fine open-air room, artistically furnished,
and over the sides of which the fragrant
climbing Roses, Honeysuckles, &c, trail ;
the steps leading up to the room having
Orange-trees plentifully set with golden
fruits, Lilies, Pelargoniums, and other
flowers.

Continuing beneath the high wall, furnished
with circular openings of dressed stone,
which screens this part of the garden from
the pleasure-ground leading to the river, the
visitor comes to a charming corner, the old
wall at the back being partly covered with
Traveller's Joy, the blue-berried Vitis, and
Toad-Flax, which last caps the wall and
droops over here anil there in a graceful
manner. The shrubs beneath the wall have
for the central object a fine bush of Myrtle
in full bloom, a Pomegranate, Gum Oistus,
and other flowering shrubs naturally inter-
mingled, a spray here and there of the
climbers on the wall arching over them.

On the other side of the house, one angle
of which is covered with a Vine and the
purple-tinted leaves and fruits of Rosa rubri-
folia intermingled, is a plantation of tall
herbaceous plants— Polygonums, Michael-
mas Daisies, Lilies, Campanula pyramidalis,
Helianthus, and similar flowers, inter-
mingled with flowering shrubs, both hardy
and tender, some tall standard variegated
Abutilons being very effective. Continuing,
the border has masses of white and yellow-
flowered Marguerites, Phloxes, Gaillardias,
Stocks, Gladiolus, &c, the end being made
up with a distinct collection of the autumn-
flowering Asters ; and beyond this point the
floral display is maintained with Lobelia
cardinalis, with Stocks and other scented
flowers, a fine display of pillar Roses, and a
clump of different species of Maples,
selected for their beautiful tints in the
autumn.

Passing a pretty little garden with
summer-house in the corner, bushes of
Sweet Briar heavily laden with fruits beside
the steps, and a sundial in the middle of the
grass-plot, an effective arrangement of Roses
and cut-leafed Bramble in fruit may be ob-
served. Here, as in every other part of the
garden, the soil in the beds is not visible, a
carpeting of Saxifraga sarmentosa and other
Saxifrages and low-growing plants conceal-
ing it. These are allowed to ramble over
the edges of the borders in a natural manner,
and thus break the hard lines of the borders,
and the grassy or mossy paths beside them
add to the natural beauties of the design.
To this end also all the grassy surfaces of
the gardens are speckled in spring-time by
an abundance of Narcissus, Crocuses, Snow-
drops, Chionodoxas, and other bulbs, per-
manently planted.

Passing a tennis-court, here rendered
ornamental by its angles being broken by
groups of shrubs, and its sides redeemed
from the usual straight lines by irregular
groups of perennials, Roses, &c, next comes
a little Rose-garden, the beds of which are
bordered by tall edgings of Box. Skirting
this garden a shady dell is passed through,
the banks in which are planted with bulbs>
Foxgloves, and similar subjects, the hardy
Cyclamens being in great beauty. On the
higher part is a picturesque old well, the
stonework around which is covered with
Ivy, Toad-flax, and moss — a very charming
contribution to the scene.

Passing under some fine Oaks and Chest-
nuts, we come to a "wild garden " beneath
the Fir-trees, Bracken, Brambles, Willows
and climbers intermingled, and here and
there brightened by clumps of orange-
coloured Montbretias. Then a bog garden
is reached, having a rivulet running down
the middle, the banks showing clumps of
Japanese Primroses in flower, the elegant
foliage of Japanese Irises, Bulrushes, Reeds
and kindred plants, two fine specimens of
Phormium tenax, New Zealand Flax, being
quite at home in this sheltered situation.
Passing the plantations on the river bank,
we note the fine effect of the grouping of the
flowering and berried trees, some of the
specimens of Euonymus europicus, Splndle-
tree, being specially bright with fruits. On
one side is a dovecot, with white fantail
pigeons, well in keeping with the homelike
repose of the whole scene ; and during tho
walk we encountered many pleasing com-
binations, one shady part of the river bank

250

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[Octobee 10, 1903.

being brightened with patches of autumn-
flowering Crocus, in another a good show of
the modest flowers of the hardy Cyclamen ;
farther on a group of Spirreas of small
growth, a clump of Sea Buckthorn, with
one of the specimens bearing berries; with
Roses and other fragrant flowers every-
where. Some fine statuary embellishes the
floral designs, and at all points indications
of artistic taste are evident.

The Kitchen Gardens.
These consist of one made not many years
ago, and the "old "garden, which, in addition
to growing good vegetables, is planted with
a large number of fruit-trees. A rustic
covered way or pergola passes through the
middle of this garden, upon which climbing
Roses, Honeysuckle, and other trailers are
grown ; and these, together with numerous
flowering herbaceous perennials, Mignonette,
&C, in the borders, afford a good supply of
flowers. Here also are the glasshouses,
consisting of a Fig-house, a Vinery, and
some for the cultivation of plants. In all of
them the inmates, although well cared for,
are of secondary interest compared with the
flower garden.

SHALLOT OR EGYPTIAN ONION?

In the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle for
August 15, p. 121, there appeared a letter from
Messrs. Dobbie & Co. complaining that at several
shows held in Kent this season, notably at
Chilham, large Eussian Shallots had been dis-
qualified, and -were described by the judges
officiating at the Chilham show as " Egyptian
Onions." Messrs. Dobbie and the disappointed
exhibitors maintained that the bulbs were true
Eussian Shallots. Subsequently the station-
master at Chilham sent us specimens of the bulbs,
and these we now illustrate in fig. 102.

In the Vegetable Garden Messrs. Vilmorin write —
*' In England a large-bulbed, vigorous-growing
variety is cultivated under the name of Eussian,
or large brown or large red Shallot, bulbs nearly
twice the size of the true Shallot." We took the
opportunity to show some of the bulbs to several
salesmen in Covent Garden, who stated that they
are " unmistakably Shallots, and very fine bulbs,
but owing to their unusual size not so saleable as
the smaller ones, in so far as the market trade
was concerned."

NEW VEGETABLES.

The new vegetables illustrated on pp. 251 — 253
have been raised by Mr. Geo. Wythes, Sjon
House Gardens, Brentford, who has kindly
afforded us the following information concerning
them : —

Custard Marrow. (Fig. 103.)
The new Pear-shaped Marrow shown in fig. 103,
I obtained from the bush and the old custard
varieties, with the idea of getting a better fruit
with a smoother skin. It is yet too early to
speak definitely of its growth, as this year, owing
to the great rainfall, Marrows have not had fair
play. The quality is good, and I think Custard
Marrows are superior as a vegetable to other
kinds, being much drier and more like a Potato
in consistency. The plants have a trailing habit
and fruit freely. The fruits should he cooked
whilst young, for they are worthless when old.

New Cabbage Early Gem. (Fig. 104.)
This was raised with the idea of getting a
small-growing variety that is earlier, if possible,
than that good variety EUam's Early Dwarf, and
in a measure this has been secured, for though
much smaller (it having just a single row of

outer leaves) it becomes fit for cutting before
EUam's. Most growers will admit that this is a
gain. Even a few days in the spring, when green
vegetables of good quality are scarce, is a con-
sideration. The plants are very dwarf, having
a short stem and a small, conical, compact heart,
and the variety is the result of crossing EUam's
with Sutton's Little Gem. The new variety is
larger than that last named, and similar to it in
quality. For years, when staging early vege-

FlG. 102.— SHALLOT THAT WAS MISTAKEN FOE AN ONION.

tables at the Eoyal Horticultural Society's meet-
ings, I made Little Gem one of my leading dishes,
and it was always admired for its earliness and
compact growth.

New Cabbage St. Martin. (Fig. 107.)
For some years I have endeavoured to get a
perfectly hardy Cabbage for use from November
to April, and in a measure the new St. Martin
may be described as such. The value of the Cole-
wort Eosette Cabbage is so well known that I
need not describe it ; but it is by no means hardy,
as in very wet weather the heads split badly,
and in severe frosts they are badly injured.

My aim has been to get the quality of the Eosette
with greater hardiness, and I crossed the Eosette
Colewort with the Christmas Drumhead Cabbage-.
The heads of St. Martin are not large, but com-
pact and firm, and when grown in the Eoyal
Horticultural Society's gardens for trial they
were thought to be a valuable addition, and the
variety was given an Award of Merit.

The seed should be sown in late April or May.
The plant is dwarf, with spreading foliage ; the
heads are roundish, of medium size, "and very
firm ; in this respect it is like the Drumhead,
with the distinct flavour of the Colewort.

New Long White Artichoke.
This variety is the result of rigid selection
exercised for several seasons in order to get
smoother tubers of better quality and colour.
It may be urged there is no real gain in length-
ening the root, and in a measure this may be-
true j but I fail to see any disadvantage, providing
a better root is obtained (fig. 105). -From close-
observation I have found that the rounder or shorter
roots have a greater tendency to be rough and
more warty, and the tuber varies greatly in colour,
some being much whiter. I think by close atten-
tion to these points it is possible to improve the
root very much. This new variety is a strong
grower, attaining a height of 10 feet, and succeeds
best in a loamy soil with ample moisture, but
requires considerable space. The tubers are best
left in the soil as long as possible.

New Dwarf Beans.
At the Vegetable Conference at Chiswick in
1889, I staged a collection of dwarf Beans to
show the amount of variation in them, and from
these plants, over a dozen kinds, I succeeded in
effecting several crosses. From these two distinct
varieties appeared, but it has taken much time
to work up a stock. They were in due course
sent to Chiswick for trial, and received awards
both for their forcing properties and as general
garden varieties, under the name of " Northum-
berland Prolific" and "Progress." The first
name was altered in 1897 to Early Favourite, and
it received an Award of Merit under that name
as a forcing variety.

Progress, shown in fig. 106, is the result of
crossing Mohawk or Six Weeks with Canadian
Wonder, with the intention of getting an earlier
Bean than the small-podded early varieties;
hence the use of Canadian Wonder, one of the
largest and best podders, for one of the parents.
" Progress " is earlier, and has large, broad pods
and a much stronger constitution than Mohawk,
but is dwarfer than the well-known Canadian
Wonder. Few vegetables that I have taken
in hand have given me more satisfaction than
Progress Bean, which I consider to he a gain
in every way. This Bean will last a season,
yielding produce from June to October, if proper
food and moisture be afforded. This could not be
said of the majority of dwarf Beans, they are not
continuous croppers, and the plants are not vigorous,
enough to withstand red-spider and drought.

Early Favourite was produced in an attempt to
get an early forcing Bean of the Syon House type,
but more productive than that variety. The
parents in this case were Mohawk and Veitch's
Ne Plus Ultra. It is recommended as a forcing;
variety, and received an Award of Merit after
trial under glass at Chiswick. It is equally valu-
able for cultivation in the open ground on account
of its earliness and good cropping quality, and
was given another Award when grown as an early
crop out-of-doors.

Out of a batch of seedlings in 1899 I secured
two distinct types ; one I hope will yet come to
the front, and the other recently received an
Award of Merit under the name of Wythes' Early
Dwarf. This was the result of crossing Syoa

October 10, 1903.]

TEE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI OLE.

251

It is difficult to know what to select, there are now
so many good varieties. What a valuable addition
is the variety Autocrat that Messrs. Veitch gave
us a few years ago, and what fine varieties are
Alderman, Goldfinch, Matchless Marrowfat, Late
Queen, and the Michaelmas Pea ! It is difficult
to see what further advance can now be made, so
much having been done during the last quarter
of a century.

I admit it is important to have early Peas
that will withstand our variable seasons, but it is
not always the variety that is at fault when there
is failure. Over-crowding always produces poor
plants, and if the necessary thinning out is done
early, it would often improve the crop. Afford the
plants more space in the rows and you will obtain
more abundant and better crops. G. Wythes.
(To be continued.)

Fig. 103.— new custard marrow, (see p. 250.)

House with Mohawk ; it will be seen Mohawk is
a favourite as a parent, and this is because it has
such a compact habit and is of fine quality. The
older Syon House is noted for its earliness, but
does not last long ; this latter fault is absent in
the new seedling. The pods also are thicker or
more fleshy and longer, and the quality excellent.

MEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

PINUS ELDARICA, Medwedjew.
"We take the following from a recent number
of the Jardin, which in its turn reprints it from
Arb. [?] des Tiflischen Botanisehen Gartens, 1902 : — ■
"A new species of Pinus from the desert of Eldar,
in Transcaucasia. It is an erect tree, about
15 metres high, with spreading head, long
spreading branches ; leaves in pairs, rigid, acute,
scabrous at the edges, 4 centimetres long. The
ripe cones are ascending, 2 to 3 centimetres long,
i to 2 centimetres broad, solitary or verticillate,
on a short stalk, oval-oblong ; apophysis convex,
transversely keeled. P. eldarica differs from P.
Brutia by its shorter leaves and its cones, which
are solitary or in groups of two or four. It
differs from P. halepensis by its thicker leaves,
and especially by the stalk of the cone, which is
ascending, never deflexed.

IMPROVEMENT IN VEGETABLES.

(Continued from p. 232.)
• Peas. — In Peas, the progress made is very
marked. The pods are finer and the quality
superior, whilst the haulm is dwarfer. This
progress is by no means valueless to the pur-
chaser, who now gets better quality ; and growers,
• by purchasing seed true to name, obtain much
\ better crops. A few seasons ago I saw the results
of a trial of the old small white round Peas
.under field culture, with the newer varieties, which
'have more vigour, much larger pods, and greatly
'superior quality. There could be no comparison
between them, as the newer varieties, having some
of the characteristics of the Marrowfats, were so
i; much superior, whilst the crop could be gathered
i from them much more easily.

Soil is a very important factor in the cult ire of
Peas. On poor gravelly soils Peas are short-
lived after the beginning of August, especially if
the weather be hot, but in suitable soils I have
.seen a fair supply obtained from the end of May

until November, beginning with such varieties as
"Veitch's Chelsea Gem, Sutton's Early Giant, May
Queen, Little Marvel, and Ideal, all possessing
the true Marrowfat flavour, and others, such as
Bountiful, that will thrive where mora tender
varieties fail. These show what great strides have
been made with the early varieties, which include
Carter's Daisy, Early Morn and Stratagem.
This last belongs to the second early section.

There is now an improved Stratagem, "The
Danby," doubtless, a re-selected stock ; but the
older form proved a valuable variety for years,
and is still a great favourite. The new main-
crop or midseason kinds are noted for sturdy
habit, heavy cropping, and high quality, possessed
by such Peas as Sutton's Eureka, Dwarf Defiance,
and Prize - winner ; Carter's Telephone, and the
earlier Laxton's Gradus, and Thomas Laxton, &c,

DUBLIN.

Trinity College Botanic Gardens, Balls-
bridoe. — These gardens, like most of those around
Dublin, suffered considerably by the storm at the
beginning of the year. Mr. Burbidge has the
loss of many trees to deplore, among them a fine
specimen of Ulmus americana, but fortunately the
old Stone Pine remains intact. We noticed re-
cently a few things in flower outside. Lapeyrousia
(Anomatheca) cruenta grows quite freely in the
open. There were clumps of Primula, capitata
bearing spikes plentifully, and a large space in a
corner is filled with Primula sikkimensis, which
must have been a pretty sight when in flower. On
a border we came across the quaint Dragon's
Head Gladiolus (G. dracocephalus) and Hypoxis
hemerocallidea ; Androsace lanuginosa and A.
Lemoinei were covered with blossom. Under a
hedge was growing Mentha Requieni, a very
minute but pretty little herb. There is also a
strong clump of Polygonum equisetiforme which
might easily be taken, even by a botanist, for an
Equisetum. Other treasures too numerous to
mention were seen. They, like their old plants-
man, Mr. Hannahan, have been here for years and
years, and so " belong " to the College gardens.
Parts of the garden are now gay with Crocus spe-
ciosus, Cyclamen europseum, and Ericas.

Fig. 104. — cabbage wythes' early gem. (see p. 250.)

252

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 10, 1903.

The houses in this establishment are excellently
kept, but the weather being fine, we preferred gaz-
ing at the Powerscourt Phormiums and the great
Gunneras.

Phcenu£ Paek, Dublin.

The People"s Garden in the Park should be
visited by all visitors to Dublin. With its

Feather is a plant that wants hiding somewhere.
Great bold Kniphofias are to be seen everywhere.
Bambusas and Polygonum sachalinense, planted
at discreet distances on the steep bank adjoining
the lake, give just the effect desired, Aralia
spinosa, turning a reddish-brown, adding colour
to the scene. The Willows, White Poplars (always

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Fig. 105. — new long white artichoke,
(see r. 250.)

varied surface, it is quite distinct from any-
thing " on the other side." The bedding-out
is always very good. Ivy -leaf Pelargoniums,
trained umbrella - fashion, Jacarandas, various
species of Aralia dotted about everywhere in
the beds make a nice show. A good idea is
Golden Feather (Pyrethrum) planted in among
the Chrysanthemum groups; it serves to. light up
the ground in an agreeable manner. Golden

fluttering with the breeze), the fine stretch of
lawn, the Dublin mountains in the distance give
a sense of elation not often felt. One should
not come away without a peep at the lakejin the
Zoological Gardens close by. This same lake
should also be seen again later on in the autumn
when the Dogwoods fringing it put on their
gorgeous colours. Leo Farmar.

(To be continued.)

EULOPHIELLA PEETERSIANA, Stn. GRAM-
MATOPHYLLUM RCEMPLERIANUM.
With respect to the remark on p. 188, Sept. 12,
that to verify my suggestion that Grammato-
phyllum Rceinplerianum Rchb. fils was a synonym
of Eulophiella Peetersiana, "we shall have to-
wait till 1914 before the herbarium of the eccen-
tric Professor can be consulted in order to obtain
confirmation of this opinion," I may say that it-
has long ago become a recognised fact, as there
is other authentic material available besides that-
in the late Professor Reichenbach's Herbarium.
The Orchid Review, 1899, p. 358, gives my article-
on the subjectpublishedinthe Gardeners' Chronicle,
November 11, 1899, p. 353, and at the end, Mr.
R. A. Rolfe adds, " After comparing this note with
dried specimens and figures, I am quite satisfied
that the two plants are identical, so that another
chapter is added to the history of this remark-
able plant." J. O'B.

Anthogonium gracile, Lih&l.

A very elegant little species, somewhat re-
sembling in habit a Bletia verecunda of small
growth, but with differently shaped flowers. The>
narrow plicate leaves ascend from the Bletia-like
pseudo-bulbs, from the sides of which spring the>
slender spikes, each about 1 foot in length, and
bearing on the upper third rose-coloured flowers .
furnished with pedicels about half an inch in
length. The perianth forms a tube half an inci
in length, from the upper part of which the two-
lower sepals are rolled back, the upper one con-
tinuing to the back of the column, the tips of all
three being recurved. The lip is cuneate, re-
curved, obscurely lobed, and spotted with red.
It is native of Moulmein, Himalaya, Nepal,
Sikkim, Khasia Hills, and recently recorded from
Yunnan, always at high altitudes.

It has flowered with Mrs. Brightwen, Th&
Grove, Stanmore (gr., Mr. J. W. Odell). The
genus is monotypic. It is well illustrated in
King and Pantling's Orchids of the Sikkim Hima-
laya, vol. 8, plate 134.

CATA8ETUMS FROM MoOETEBEEKE.

Writing from Brussels, M. Lucien Linden says ;
" I send you the flowers of five beautiful Catase-
tums as a proof that that genus is not so difficult
to cultivate as some Orchid- growers suppose it
to be. The plants from which these spikes ar»
taken, and many more which are now splendidly
in bloom here, have been cultivated by me for ten
or twelve years — that is to say, ever since their
introduction — and they have flowered abundantly
every year. I think the beauty and diversity of
form and colour equal to any of the showy genera
of Orchids." The fine examples sent fully
bear out these remarks, and especially the
gorgeously - tinted Catasetum Bungerothii
imperiale, whose massive wax - like flowers
have labellums measuring 2i inches across, and
nearly all but the front margin is of a rich purple
colour, the petals being spotted with a similar hue.
C. Bungerothii Pottsianum is a smaller white-
flowered variety with rose-tinted petals ; C. X
splendens Lindeni, rich purple on the upper half,
and orange colour on the front portion of the lip ;
C. x splendens rubrum, rich yellow tinted, with-
red in the centre ; and C. x splendens aureum
has a large citron-yellow coloured lip.

The chief points required in the cultivation of
Catasetums are to grow them while making their ,
leaves and perfecting their growth in a warm
intermediate-house, and near the roof for pre-
ference, and to rest them cool and dry. In fact,
if they are treated like deciduous Dendrobes, and
liberally afforded water when making their
growth, they are not difficult plants.

Abnormal Cyfeipedium Flowers.
Flowers of Cypripedium Charlesworthii, ren- .
dered still more beautiful by an abnormal

Cctobee 10, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

253

arrangement of the parts, are sent by Mr. J. O.
Clarke, gr. to Ludwig Mond, Esq., The Poplars,
Avenue Road, Regent's Park; and as both the
flowers from the same plant exhibit similar
peculiarities, it may be that the character is
fixed. The whole of the flower is perfect and of
the best type, with a large dorsal sepal of a rich
purplish-rose tint having white marbling at the
tip. The added peculiarity consists in the lower
sepals being supplemented on each side by extra
borders of the same colour and character as the
upper sepal; the lighter greenish lower sepals
appearing in the middle. So arranged, the
usually inconspicuous lower sepals are as large
and showy as the upper one. A similar variety
has also appeared in a nursery in Scotland.

A flower of Cypripedium x Leeanum sent by
Messrs. We Bull & Sons is in part similarly

ward movement made by Nature to preserve her
originals, and hoped that it would later on show
clear traces of hybridity. I believe this plant to
be the first crispum ever raised. It is the result
of a good form of O. crispum crossed by O.
Wilckeanum. It is of good round form and
medium size, but has now, as in 1900, not a trace
of the yellow ground of Wilckeanum, and,
excepting five small pin- head spots in four sepals,
not a trace of the blotching of that hybrid in all
its thirteen blooms. It is blooming on sixth bulb
of good size, and it is impossible to expect any
alteration of colour or markings. Its history is
as follows: crossed, March 5, 1893; sown, March 3,
1891; opened six blooms, August 13, 1900 ; opened
thirteen bloom?, September 23, 1903. I have the
Wilckeanum still, but not the crispum ; but I
remember it perfectly.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

Fig. 106.— new French bean "progress." (see p. A50.)

deformed, but its beauty has departed. The
upper sepal is not in its proper place, but it has
gone to form the border of the lower sepals, as in
the case of Mr. Clarke's flower. The place of
the upper sepal is taken by the only petal, and
the lip is elongated and laterally compressed.

Reversion in Odontoglossums.

In relation to my first article hereon in your
issue of February 14, 1903, p. 99, I now adduce
another interesting piece of evidence. The first
exhibited proof was my seedling Odontoglossum
crispum (crispum x crispum Crawshayanum),
which appeared at the Royal Horticultural Society
meeting on March 10, 1903. That plant proved
reversion even beyond my expectation, for a
worse form of O. crispum could hardly be ex-
pected, and all trace of the great blotches of
O. c. Crawshayanum was wiped out by the retro-
grade movement effected by Nature.

My present subject is again in bloom, and in
fact it is my first result, but when it first bloomed
in 1900 I could hardly credit the gigantic baok-

This is the second plant and from a different
crossing that proves the great prepotency of
O. crispum, when unspotted, as the seed-
bearing parent to revert to itself. I failed to
raise more than this one plant from this cross,
but in future results there is hope of greater
numbers wherewith to prove my theory beyond
doubt and even contradiction. " Straws show
which way the wind blows," is a good old
proverb, and these first small results are very
early straws. Perhaps some day I may have a
sheaf of them, or some other raiser may forestall
me. I hope that, if he should do so, he will
publish his results.

Perhaps considerations of value of unbloomed
seedlings may prevent these failures coming to
light, but I consider that the great value of
" blotched crispums " is more than ever assured
by these failures to produce them artificially. I
shall exhibit this plant at the Royal Horticultural
Society on the 13th inst. ; thus this generally
supposed unlucky number will have entered some
three or four times into the history of the plant.
l)e B. Crawshay, October :i, 1903.

CHRYSANTHEMUM-GROWING IN AMERICA
FOR MARKET OR SHOW PURPOSES.

The methods employed in Chrysanthemum-
growing in the United States vary very much
Irom those in England. The cuttings, rooted on
a bench of coarse sand, with bottom-heat, are potted
into 2-inch pots, from which they are transplanted
into soil on the benches of the houses, where they
remain until they have flowered. These benches
are built of cement or wood, with a wooden or
tile bottom, and are about 4 inches deep. A
house 100 feet by 20 feet contains six, 4 feet
wide and rather less than 50 feet long. The
bottoms of these are covered with a layer of rough
sittings or rotted turf, and are then filled with
good loam free from manure.

Planting commences in the beginning of June,
and care is then taken to select strong young
plants with soft wood down to the base, hard
wood, if there is any, being as far as possible
buried below the surface. Five rows of plants,
10 inches apart, are put on to a bench, the plants
8 to 9 inches apart in the rows — in all, about 1,800
plants to a house. They are watered sparingly
until the plants are growing strongly, when a

Fig. 107.— cabbage st. martin, (see p. 250 )

top dressing of well-rotted manure with little or
no straw is afforded ; and when that is exhausted
they are fed with light applications of chemical
fertilisers, applied every three or four days ; if
this be not done, another mulching of manure is
given.

The reason for affording slight and successive
applications of manures and fertilisers is that the
plants shall receive the nourishment as it is
required, and roots are formed ; while if planted
into rich soil in the beginning much of the food
is lost, and the plants are slower in starting.

Water is applied overhead with the hose fre-
quently to keep down red-spider, and aphis are
kept in check with constant fumigations of
tobacco. Rust is little known, the climate being
too dry. The plants, as soon as 6 to 9 inches
high, are tied to strings for support. Buds of
early varieties, mostly for market, are " taken "
from the middle of August on ; from those for show-
ing from the beginning of September. Each plant
carries one bloom, for market as well as show
purposes, only large flowers with leaves right up
the stem being in demand, the small decorative
flowers, as put on the English markets, being
unsaleable.

Many other market flowers and foliage plants
are grown in the same manner, and by the end of
August the benches in many houses are filled
with Carnations, Roses, Smilax, and Asparagus
Sprengeri and A. plumosus. E. Denys-Rowe,
48, College Avenue, Adrian, Michigan.

254

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 10, 1903.

PLANT NOTES.

SISYRINCHIUM IRIDIFOLIUM.

Veet little appears to be known aboilt this
Sisyrinehium, but it is a charming little plant,
well worthy of culture in warm gardens. As
a native of Chili, it would probably succumb
during the winter in cold localities ; but there
seems to be no reason for supposing it to be less
hardy than S. bermudianum,a denizen of the warm
but windy isles of Bermuda. S. iridifolium has
•also gone by the name of Marica iridifolia, and
was introduced into this country in 1822, yet it is
most rare to meet with it in gardens. It pro-
duces Iris-like foliage about 8 inches in height,
and bears clear yellow flowers, from half an inch
to an inch in diameter, through many weeks of
the summer and early autumn.

S. bermudianum must possess a hardier consti-
tution than it- is credited with, as I have seen
large old clumps of it in a garden on high ground
near Chepstow, where it has received no protec-
tion. The North American S. grandiflorum and
its white variety are fairly well known ; and the
tall-growing S. striatum, a coarse plant of no
particular merit, is sometimes to be met with ;
but none of the family is prettier than the
subject of this note when in good flower. S. W.
Fitzherbert.

ExACTJM ZEYLANICUM (MACRANTHUM).

The showy star-shaped indigo-blue flowers with
(rich golden-yellow coloured centres which this
fine Ceylon plant produces are coveted by most
plant lovers, but generally speaking they have
but ill-success with the plant. In the Right
Honble. Lord Rothschild's garden, Tring Park
<gr., Mr. E. Hill), a nice lot of plants of it have
been grown and bloomed in a tolerably warm but
well-ventilated greenhouse.

In regard to this plant a correspondent, writing
from its home in Ceylon, possibly gives a hint
which may be useful, and which seems to indi-
cate that Mr. Hill's success has been brought
about by free ventilation of the house and avoid-
ing over-potting, which generally works mischief
with this plant. Our correspondent remarks : " I
think many fail to grow this plant at home by
being too kind to it. I have always found it
growing best on the poorest soil, often on an
•exposed, rocky, barren ridge, with no shelter from
the sun."

PARIS.

THE TRIANONS.
(Continued from p. 231.)
Oppressed by the stately grandeur of Ver-
sailles, it is with a feeling of relief that one enters
the more pictural domain attached to the greater
and to the lesser Trianon respectively, and where
the visitor will be forcibly reminded of the gar-
dens at Hampton Court and the pleasure-grounds
at Kew, the Queen's Cottage included (fig. Ill,
p. 259). Here are woods and plantations, but
ifew or no formal avenues, together with flower-
beds and fountains in proximity to the palace?,
where they are appropriate enough. The fur-
nishing of the flower-beds in the immediate
vicinity of the buildings is carried out on
much the same lines as in the case of the
Tuileries gardens and the parterres of Ver-
sailles ; elsewhere a freer and more varied
style prevails. One bed in particular was very
striking, consisting chiefly of an extremely
brilliant scarlet Begonia, of which M. Bellairs,
the courteous Superintendent of the Parks and
Gardens, has kindly given me the history. It
was raised some twenty-five or thirty years ago
by M. Bertin, of Versailles, and distributed by
MM. Vilmorin, Andrieux et Cie, under the name
Begonia Bertini x . Like B. Worthiana, it is a
hybrid from B. boliviensis, but with larger
flowers, with the segments more widely spreading

and more brilliant in colour ; the tubers, M.
Bellairs tells me, attain a large size; the plant
itself is robust and starts into growth early.
When planted out in May it is already in full
flower. It is employed in shady situations as well
as in those exposed to the full sun, and in any
case is most brilliant in colouring and very free
flowering.

But the great feature of the little Trianon park
is the pictural manner in which the undulating
grounds are disposed around a central lake, which
is not a straight canal, as at Versailles, but a sinu-
ous sheet of water with a pleasing outline, which
might with advantage be broken up by tufts of
aquatic plants. The trees are planted some
singly, some in groups ; often contrasted forms
are associated, as pyramidal trees with round-
headed trees, billowy Sophoras with conical
Thuyas, and so forth. Just now the contrast
of colour is in some cases very striking, as
when a golden-leaved Horse-Chestnut is backed
up by the silvery foliage of a noble group of
Scotch Pine. And what grand trees there are
here !— spreading Cedars, stately Wellingtonias,
furnished to the ground, Corsican and Wey-
mouth Pines, Abies pinsapo, a gigantic Ailan-
thus, the biggest I have ever seen, and Red
Cedars in abundance ! But perhaps of all the
splendid trees here to be seen none is more
remarkable than a pyramidal Oak, towering aloft
with a mass of rich green foliage, like some huge
flaane-shaped column of verdure. The unbranched
portion of the trunk is short and stout, its girth,
at 3 feet from the soil, is roughly 10 feet. A day
or two might be spent here profitably in studying
the forms of Pinus Laricio and other Conifers,
but a mere enumeration of them in this place
would be tedious.

Bamboos have not found much favour here yet,
although there are numerous sites well adapted
for them, provided the climate be suitable.
Chamaerops Palms pass the winter out-of-doors
suitably matted up, so it would seem that with a
little protection Bamboos might also be made to
form a feature in these lovely gardens.

Before leaving the parks of Versailles I may
mention that I had the honour of assisting at a
small exhibition of horticultural produce, held
in the Orangerie, in a vast crypt beneath the
terrace. The exhibition itself contained some
fine groups of foliage plants from M. Truffaut,
Dahlias from MM. de Vilmorin et Cie., a group
of Montbretias from M. Welker, of St. Cloud;
some good vegetables, including Gourds and
Aubergines, a few finely coloured Apples, but
not much else that the readers of the Gardeners'
Chronicle would care to have put before them.

At the judges' luncheon your representative
had the honour of an invitation to be present,
and received a most kindly and friendly wel-
come, the remembrance of which will not soon be
effaced. The Rambler, September 19.

The Week's Work.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pioott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Turnips. — Seldom are Turnips grown of so fine
a shape and quality as they are this season, the
showery weather suiting the plants to perfection.
Let all bulbs of the earlier sowings be lifted
immediately they have grown to fair useable sizes
— storing them in moderate-sized heaps on the
north side of a wall. It is a good practice to put
them in layers alternately with sand or finely-
sifted coal-ashes, and the heaps into the form of
ridges, covering the top and sides with dry
bracken and a layer of soil about 3 inches in
thickness. Thin the late sowings and stir the soil
between the rows with the Dutch hoe, applying
dressings of fresh soot if slugs are troublesome.

Seakale. — The growth of the plants has been
particularly good this year, but the crowns are

late in maturing ; consequently it will not be
prudent to lift the roots for early forcing unless
a short season of rest is afforded by removing
the leaves as soon as these begin to decay, then
lifting the roots and leaving them on the ground
for a few days. When Seakale is required very
early in the autumn use should >be made of
retarded crowns, which afford good heads in about
three weeks, after placing them in the Mushroom-
house or other suitable dark place.

Rhubarb needs a similar kind of treatment, and
will force better if allowed to remain uncovered
for a week before being placed in heat. The
roots should be taken up carefully, with good
balls of soil, and subsequently kept moist. It is
of no use to attempt forcing immature crowns
of either Seakale or Rhubarb. It is not an un-
common thing to have the produce of the second
batch of roots fit for use before the first. Suit-
able varieties should always be grown on a south
border for forcing very early, especially where
the land is of a heavy nature.

Globe Artichokes. — These will need protection
when frost threatens, the heads being tied
together and three stakes placed round them,
and over all a covering of mats or litter. Clear
away the useless stems and decaying leaves.

Cauliflowers. — Those intended to stand in pits or
frames throughout the winter should be potted-up -
or pricked off into beds as soon as large enough
to handle, keeping them near to the glass. The
lights should be kept over them till the plants
make new root, after which remove them in the
morning and replace at night, unless the weather
is mild. Afford water carefully, as much mois-
ture in the soil causes soft growth, and they are
then almost sure to damp off during the winter.

Leeks, iSfc. — In fine dry weather earth-up the later
plantings, and before proceeding to do this, make
sure that the soil at the roots is not dry. Break
up the soil finely, and place it carefully round
the plants. Cardoons should be earthed-up at
intervals of about ten days, until the required
length of blanched stem is secured, employing
plenty of soil to ensure perfect blanching.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller MCNDY.Ksq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Planting Trees and Shrubs. — From the present
time till the middle of the month of November
is the best season in which to plant most
species of deciduous trees and shrubs, which are
now forming fresh roots. Early planting enables
these roots to seize upon the soil before the
winter's cold checks growth for a time. This
early establishment of the plants enables them to
make an unimpeded start next year, and renders
the application of water unnecessary. There are
now available numerous flowering trees and
shrubs, such as the Crabs, Crataegus, Cotoneaster
affinis, C. Simonsii, Euonymus, and others which
possess decorative fruits. In selecting it should
not be overlooked that the fruits of the Coton-
easters and Euonymus are seldom eaten by
birds ; while Pyrus Aucuparia (Mountain Ash)
and some species of Pyruses are stripped of their
fruits ere these have coloured ; and such subjects
should not be much planted where birds are
numerous or the coverts dense. If the trees are
home-grown the gardener has it in his power to
lift them with as many roots or as good balls as
possible. In digging up a tree or bush open a
deep trench 4 to 6 feet distant from the stem,
and work up to it, taking small quantities of
soil away from the roots at a time, and keeping
the trench clear at the bottom. A big ball is
generally unnecessary, and often leads to the
whole mass falling away while being transported
to the new station. A ball of manageable size,
easily transportable on a mason's barrow
or a hand-barrow, with plenty of undamaged
roots at the sides, will generally be found
sufficient if the work be well carried out.
A great assistance to every newly-planted tree is
to wash-in the soil from a coarse water-can-rose
or the spout, which will settle it round the
roots in a manner not to be equalled by pugging
or ramming.

Herbaceous Borders. — One advantage in devoting
flower-borders to special seasons is that the over-
hauling and replanting of one set can be carried

October 10, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

255

out while the plants in the other are at their best.
This is the case with our autumn borders at the
present date, which are still gay ; whilst those
devoted to spring and summer flowers are being
attended to, and the plants lifted and divided so
as to be completely re-established before winter
begins. Where it is possible the better plan is
to lift all the plants, except those known to be
injured by root disturbance, and trench or double
dig the border and replant ; but this not being
always convenient, good results may be obtained
by simply digging out large holes and affording
each plant plenty of manure.

Iris. — English and Spanish Iris, which afford
excellent flowers for cutting purposes, may now
be planted. Although the expanded flowers are
easily injured, the flower-buds develop and expand
nicely when the stalks are put into water.

Work in General. — Tender perennial plants used
in subtropical work should now be lifted, potted,
or tubbed, and brought into the houses in which
they will remain till June. Echeveras used for
edgings may be placed in dry soil in boxes, and
for the present these may be stood in a cold frame
where there is freedom from drip. "Whenever the
time serves, fork out or spud up obnoxious weeds
wherever they appear in the rougher parts of the
garden.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.
Tomatos. — Plants raised in early summer which '
are growing in cool houses will yield fruits
till late in tne year if space be afforded the grow-
ing shoots, and the roots kept well supplied with
manure. Eemove the fruits as soon as they be-
come ripe, as if allowed to hang for any length of
time the plants become exhausted. Fertilise the
flowers daily, remove decaying leaves, and thin
out the remainder. Afford constant ventilation,
and a night temperature of 55° to 60°, and by
day of 65° to 70°, and maintain the air of the house
in a buoyant condition.

Orchard-house.— From the present date till the
end of the month the planting, root-pruning, or
transplanting of the trees, also the potting or
top-dressing of trees in pots may be undertaken.
Early Cherries, Plums, Peaches, and Nectarines
which have been plunged outside may be brought
into the house, and after the soil in the pots has
become nearly dry, repotting or top-dressing may
receive attention. If a plant was repotted last
year, a top-dressing of loam and manure will
suffice this time, after pricking out the exhausted
soil from among the roots to half the depth of the
ball, replacing it with a loamy compost, which
ram well together. A good top-dressing compost
will consist of turfy loam, to every barrowful
of which has been added a 7-inch potful of bone-
meal, and three of mortar-rubble and charred
refuse. In repotting reduce the ball in size, shorten
coarse-growing roots, and place the ball in a
pot one size larger than that it was taken from,
making use of a compost like that recommended
for top-dressing, and pot firmly. Trees that are
growing in pots of great size may be re-
turned to the same sized pots, after reduc-
ing the size of the ball and cutting off some
of the roots. Trees standing in the borders, if
growing too strongly, may be induced to fruit
more abundantly if root-pruning be carried out
at this season. Let a trench be taken out 3 to
4 feet more or less distant from the stem of
the tree, and deep enough to get at the deepest
roots, and work the soil away with a digging fork
up to within IS inches of the stem, also undermin-
ing the ball and severing any strong-growing roots
that have a tendency to go downwards. Carefully
preserve all the fibrous roots, and in filling-in
the trench, spread these evenly out in layers in
the upper foot of soil, firmly trampling the latter
as the work proceeds. Unless the soil is of poor
quality nothing beyond a small addition of
mortar-rubble is necessary when again returning
it to the hole. Finish off with a copious appli-
cation of water and a mulch of decayed stable-
litter. By carrying out root-pruning at this
season the wounds will heal quickly and fresh
roots will start from the wounded ends early in
the spring. During very bright weather syringe
the trees twice or thrice daily so long as there is
any foliage upon them. Afford full ventilation
night and day, and where growth on Peaches

Nectarines, or Figs is in any way crowded, cut
the superfluous shoots not wanted for fruiting
next year.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. 6. L.
Holiohd, Westoiibirt, Telbury.

Oncidiums. — The species 0. varicosum, O. Eo-
gersii, O. crispum, O. Forbesii, O. tigrinum, are
autumn - flowering, and the plants will have
completed the growth of their pseudo-bulbs, and
in some instances the flower - spikes will be
advanced sufficiently to make it prudent to
fasten them to stakes. If the plants can be
removed to a house where the atmosphere is
a little drier and warmer and plenty of air
is admitted, it will be an advantage. A house
that is set apart for resting Dendrobiums will
suit them well. Afford the plants a position on
the stage where there is enough sunlight to
mature the new growth. Water in moderation
will be needed till the flower-spikes are removed,
when a very small quantity will suffice. Let the
flower-spikes be removed from weakly plants, and
do not leave them on strong plants for any great
length of time after every flower has opened.

Odontoglossum grande. — This species is now in
bloom in the cool intermediate-house ; and seeing
that the flower-spikes are produced on the partly-
developed pseudo-bulbs, water should not be
withheld till these are fully matured. While the
plants rest, not much moisture at the roots is
required to keep the pseudo-bulbs plump and in
health. Grown in leaf-soil, 0. grande is one of
the most inexpensive Orchids to grow, and one
that furnishes quantities of flowers good for
cutting in the autumn. No difficulty is experi-
enced in its cultivation if it be placed in a well-
ventilated, cool intermediate - house the year
round. »

Calanthes are fast completing their growth ;
but the leaves are still fresh, consequently water
will still be needed. On bright, sunny days
admit an abundance of air; and be sure that
sunshine reaches them the whole day long.

Vanda Kimballiana. — The flowers of this fine
species are fast opening, and they will expand
more kindly if afforded a little more warmth and
slightly drier conditions. In a cool moist house
the flowers are apt to get spotted. The flowering
season over, remove the plants to the cool inter-
mediate house for the winter, and afford but
little water at the roots.

Shading. — This may now be entirely dispensed
with in all houses, excepting those in which seed-
lings in a tender stage or newly-potted plants
are standing. Sometimes the blinds are employed
to maintain warmth in the houses on very cold
nights in winter, in which case they must remain.
All blinds when taken down should be perfectly
dried before being put into store for the winter.
Note should be taken of any that will require
repairs or replacing with new ones next year.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. GardeDer to J. B. Foetescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.
Planting Fruit-trees. — It is usual on some
country estates to plant one or two acres of land
with fruit-trees as an auxiliary supply to the
garden proper. Where it is intended to plant an
orchard of this description, the work of prepara-
tion should be undertaken forthwith, a site being
selected, if possible, where shelter from the north
and east winds exists or can be provided. If the
soil is of a loamy nature, or the subsoil is clay or
marl, the Apple, Pear, and Cherries will succeed.
Should the orchard be put under grass, standards
with stems 7 feet high should be planted, and
the trees set 24 to 30 feet apart, according to
the varieties. Blenheim Orange Pippin, which
forms a large, spreading head, requires even more
space than 30 feet, and the upright growers
rather less than 24. Holes of 6 feet in diameter
should be prepared by taking off the turf 3 inches
in thickness, placing this aside, and removing the
soil below to the depth of 2 feet ; then chop the
removed turf into small pieces, and place in the
bottom of the hole, filling in the soil, and finishing
off with a mounded surface ; no trampling of the
soil should be done, as it will settle of itself before
planting time arrives. Good varieties of Apples
for cultivation in this form are Keswick and

Manx Codlins, Blenheim Orange Pippin, Lod-
dington Seedling, Bramley's Seedling, Lane's
Prince Albert, Gloria Mundi (on heavy soils
only), Waltham Abbey Seedling, Dr. Harvey
of the Eastern Counties, Wellington and Ham-
bledon-deux-Ans ; of dessert varieties, King of
the Pippins, Fearn's Pippin, Gravenstein, the-
white and red Juneating are amongst the best.
Of Pears : Beurre Clairgeau, B. d'Amanlis, B.
Capiaumont, Louis Bonne of Jersey, Williams'
Bon Chretien ; and the stewing varieties Catillac,
Verulam and General Todleben. Cherries i
Bigarreau Napoleon, Kentish Bigarreau and
Waterloo Heart. May Duke will do well in some
sitviations, but as a rule it is tender, and if any
trees are planted the warmest corners should
be chosen for them.

Hints on Work in General. — Take advantage of
fine days to gather such Apples as part readily from
the shoots. Apples are not likely to keep long in
good condition this season, the fruits being soft
owing to lack of sunshine. Strawberry-plants
should be denuded of all runners if these are not
wanted, and the ground between the plants hoed.
Filberts and Cob-nuts are now ripe, and should
be gathered and stored in a cool, not over dry
cellar, or the kernels will shrivel.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne. Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bictou, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Chrysanthemums. — The shoots of these plants.,
owing to lack of sunshine, are rather immature,
and as a consequence the flowers will not be of a.
very high standard. The time has arrived when
many of the plants must be placed under glass,
although at the time of writing the weather is
mild ; still, cold nights and probably hoar frost
may return at any time, and it would be unwise
to trust outside any longer such of the plants as
are showing colour in the flower-buds. Varieties
for furnishing flowers from the middle of the
month of December and onwards should remain
out-of-doors as long as it is safe to leave them
there, a few degrees of frost doing such plants no-
harm provided the buds are not bursting. Let
the pots be scrubbed, decayed foliage removed,
and weeds as well as forward suckers be pulled
out ; and in arranging the plants for effect see
that the colours are blended in a pleasing manner.
The flowers last a very much longer time when
staged within 2 feet of the roof. Afford full
ventilation by day and less by night while the
weather remains mild. Examine them twice
daily as to water requirements, and apply manure-
water to plants which are not showing colour in
the flower-buds. Fumigate two evenings in
succession if Jblack-fly infest them ever so little,
and dust with flowers-of-sulphur should mildew
appear, which is quite likely after such a season
as the present.

Violets.— These plants for flowering in the
winter and early spring are better grown in
brick pits than in wooden garden frames of the
ordinary kind ; and if the former have been,
employed for Cucumbers or Melons the past few
months, with tree-leaves and stable-manure as a
means of supplying bottom-heat, all that will
now be necessary will be to remove the plants
and fill to within a foot of the rafters witb
similar soil, making it firm by trampling. The
surface of the bed should come to within 0 inches
of the glass. The layer of soil in which the pj*nts-
are set out should be of a moderately light
nature. Lift the Violet plants with a good ball
of soil, cut off all runners, and plant out at from
4 to 6 inches apart, according to variety, pressing
the soil firmly around the roots, and applying
water freely. The lights should not be kept on>
the pits till fr03t threatens, but be pulled back
every fine day, a close atmosphere being fatal
to Violets ; a south or south-east site is best
during the winter, and it should be far away
from tall trees and buildings.

Primulas. — Plants which may be standing in
cold frames should be placed without delay on
airy shelves or on the front stage of a greenhouse
within a few feet of the roof, and allowed to
expand their flowers ; and if fire-beat be used at
all let it be employed duriDg the day when full
ventilation can be given. Cyclamens require a
similar kind of treatment.

256

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[October 10, 1903.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

("Royal Horticulture Society's
I Committees meet Lecture
). on "Autumn Strawberries
(. and Raspberries."
(Royal Agricultural and Horti-
]rJ cultural Society of Jersey's
I Snow of Fruits and Vege-
[ tables.

TUESDAY, OCT. 13

THURSDAY, Oct

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY Oct. 12 and Oct. 14-

At 14 30, at Stevens' Room, Dutch Bulbs, Palms
and Decorative Plants

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT-

Kutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by
Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30 A M.

TUESDAY, Oct. 13-

Roses, Aucubas, &c, at Old Nurseries, Spring
Grove. Isleworth ; Protheroe <& Morris.

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 14—

Conifers, Fruit Trees, etc.. at Cockmanning's Nur-
sery, St. Mary Cray, Kent; Protheroe & Morris, at
noon.— Palms, Aza'eas, Plants, &c,67 and 68, Cheap-
side : Protheroe & Morris, at 4.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY. Oct. 18 and 16—

Shrubs, Roses, Trees, &«., at Tunbridge Wells Nur-
seri«s ; Protheroe & Mori is, 11.30.

FRIDAY, Oct. 16-

Orchids, 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C. ; Protheroe &
Morris, at 12.30.
(Pur jurtner particulars see our Advertisement \olumns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
rrom observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswitk
-517.
Actual Temperatures: —

London.-Oc< 7(6p.m.): Mar. 63°; Min.53'.

Vet. 8 (Noon) : 64°. Overcast.
Provinces. — Oct. 7 (6 p.m.) : Max. 69°, off Cromer;
Min. 45", off Aberdeen.

New Plant *N tlle course of an address
Breeding. on " Varieties r' at the recent
Detroit Convention, Prof. L. H.
Bailey, discussing the subject of new plant-
breeding, said :—

" With most tree-plants, however, the difficulty
is great, since the generation from seed to seed
is so long that little can be accomplished in one
man's lifetime. (What an opportunity Methu-
.selah missed!) Of course, the same general
methods must be applied to these plants as to
•others, but it is work that must be largely
delegated to the professional experimenters. The
.general nurseryman can scarcely hope to take it
•up to any large extent. Definite plant-breeding
work is now coming to be a business by itself.
The old days and the old ways are passing. Yet
3 believe that there are some things that every
nurseryman can do with efficiency and with
profit to hasten the time of more efficient varie-
ties. The first thing that I would urge is that
attention be given as much as practicable to the
particular plant from which cuttings or buds or
scions are taken. I have already had this question
up with several horticultural societies, but it
always needs new emphasis and the evidence of
new experience. By this remark, I do not mean
to say that I was the first to present the idea,
'for I can trace this advice back certainly more than
200 years— thereby adding testimony to its im-
portance. There are those who deny that the
individual characteristics of a plant are in any
way impressed on its bud-propagated offspring,
but these persons are fewer each year and the
■evidence to combat them is constantly stronger.
The whole tendency of modern plant-breeding, as
we have seen, is to begin with a plant because it
Jias individual merit rather than because it repre-
sents a particular variety. That is, we are con-
stantly giving greater attention to individuality
in plants. This the animal-breeder has always
■done. If no two Cuthbert Raspberry bushes and
<no two Early Crawford Peach-trees are alike, why
not propagate from those that are best P I have
&n orchard of Crawford Peaches, all purchased
from one of the best and most reliable members
•of this Association, but I have at least twenty
kinds of Crawfords, some of them practically
worthless. If I were to plant another Crawford
orchard, I should want to know what trees the
buds were taken from. If I were to propagate
indiscriminately from my own orchard, persons to
whom I should sell the trees would probably say

either that the stock was 'mixed' or that the
Crawford had run out. Now, I admit that the
stock would have been ' mixed ' and yet every
tree be a Crawford. Suppose now that I should
propagate only from the very best trees, what
then would likely be the result ? I believe the
time has come when the nurseryman must cease
to propagate indiscriminately from stock merely
because it belongs to a given variety. He
should propagate only from stock or trees that
he knows to have direct merit for efficiency.
Another way of increasing the efficiency of
varieties is by giving the variety the particular
care that it needs. There are some varieties, as
Ben Davis and Baldwin, that thrive almost any-
where and come to approximately their full value
under all ordinary methods of treatment. These
are the goats of the pomological sphere. There
are others that are practically worthless unless
some special attention is given them. The
Spitzemberg Apple is one of these, an Apple that
is not 'run-out,' as popularly supposed, but
forced out because it does not have soil of
sufficient heart, and does not receive sufficient
care in tilling and pruning and spraying. Many
of our really good varieties are going out because
of this lack of special care. I am aware that the
special care is expensive, but nevertheless there
are many people who would like to grow these
varieties if only they knew how. In many cases
the extra care would be well repaid in an extra
price for the product. Are we not likely to have a
reaction from the Kieffer Pear propaganda, when
some at least of the varieties that it has driven
out shall reapper ? If not, then the ideals of Pear
growing are lowering rather than rising. But
the larger side to this whole question is that we
really cannot expect to make great permanent
progress in varieties until we make corresponding
progress in the care we give them. We shall
continue to have razor-back varieties as long as
we continue to give razor-back care. Merely
to get a variety is only half the battle. You
cannot raise good sheep on the provender that
you give a billygoat."

NlCOTlANA SANDER/E x .— One of the most
strikingly beautiful plants of the year was raised
by Messrs. Sander & Sons, of St. Albans, and
exhibited by them at the Temple and elsewhere.
N. affinis, with its fragrant white flowers, is a
universal favourite. Less well known is a
Brazilian species, N. Forgetiana, which bears
numerous red flowers. By crossing the two
Messrs. Sander obtained a plant of bushy habit,
with bold oblong leaves tapering at the base,
and a loosely-branched inflorescence bearing a
profusion of rosy - carmine flowers, shown of
full size in our supplementary illustration. Our
figure, drawn from the living plant, unfortunately
lacks the beautiful colour, and to that extent
does not do .justice to the subject. It can be used
for conservatory decoration or as a summer
bedding plant.

Royal Horticultural Society.— The next
meeting of the Fruit and Floral Committees of
the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on
Tuesday, October 13, in the Drill Hall, Bucking-
ham Gate, Westminster, 1 to 5 p.m. A lecture on
"Autumn Strawberries and Raspberries " will be
given by Mr. Jas. Hudson, V.M.H., at 3 o'clock.

National Rose Society.— a meeting of
the General Purposes Committee will be held at
the rooms of the Horticultural Club, Hotel
Windsor, Victoria Street, Westminster, on Tues-
day the 13th inst., at 2 p.m., to arrange pro-
gramme for 1904, to consider suggested altera-
tions in bye-laws and regulations, and other
business ; and a meeting of the Committee will
be held at 3 p.m., to fix the date of the Temple
Rose Show in 1904, the date of the Autumn Rose
Show in 1904, and alterations in bye-laws and
regulations. Edward Mawley, Hon. Secretary.

PRESENTATION.— Mr.andMrs. David Prinolb
Laird, Pinkhill, Murrayfield, have just been pre-
sented with a handsome Silver Lamp on the
occasion of their silver wedding by the employes
of R. B. Laird & Sons, Ltd., nurserymen, Edin-
burgh. The presentation was made by the
oldest employe', Wai. Deas ; Mr. Laird very
suitably 'replying. Mr. and Mrs. D. P. Laird
were married at Truro, Nova Scotia, on Sep-
tember 30, 1878.

Peaches at the Chiswick Show.— When
extraordinarily fine Peaches are shown at an exhi-
bition on the last day of September, judges who
live in less favoured localities are apt to consider
them to be house-grown produce. This was the
case at Chiswick, when very large fruits shown
by Mr Geo. Woodward, of Barham Court Estate
Gardens.Maidstone, were disqualified by the judges
before asking any questions. Some' of the fruits
had been gathered from an outside wall, having
had no protection whatever, and the remainder from
a wall provided with a glass coping, a measure of
protection permitted by the Royal Horticultural
Society's schedule in the outdoor culture of Peaches.
We believe that after an appeal by Mr. Wood-
ward the disqualification was cancelled ; and this
circumstance proves that if judges would be a
little more careful to obtain information before
taking such a step as they did in this instance, a
considerable amount of annoyance might be saved
exhibitors, some of whom not unnaturally regard
disqualification for such a reason as a slur upon
their honour.

Type-written Labels for Plants, No-
tices, ETC. — The Remington Type-writer Co.
has placed on the market a type-writer, writing
block type, especially designed for such purposes
as label -writing, the preparation of display pla-
cards, notices, &c. It will readily be grasped
how useful such a machine as this would be for
labelling exhibits, and for many other purposes
connected with exhibiting nursery work and
gardening generally. A great feature of the
machine is that its work is absolutely indelible
and indestructible.

Beckenham Horticultural Society.— j

We have received the syllabus of lectures and
meetings of this useful and progressive Society
for the winter season, October 2, 1903, to March 5,
1904, which contains announcements of a number
of lectures on subjects of considerable interest to
gardeners. The library and reading room at the
Church House, Beckenham, is open on every
Friday evening during the winter session.

"The Fruit Garden."— We are informed of
the appearance this month of a book entitled
The Fruit Garden, Illustrated, Descriptive, and
Cultural. The authors are Messrs. George Bun-
yard and Owen Thomas, both of whom bring a
life experience to the work ; and they are assisted
by some of the best fruit growers in Great Bri-
tain, America, France, and the Channel Islands.
The book deals with every aspect of up-to-date,
practical, and scientific methods of cultivating
fruit in Great Britain, both under glass and out-
of-doors. The interests of the private garden
and of the poor man's garden, with market wants,
are considered. The primary object in view is to
render the book a help to the attainment of success
in the growth of fruit in the British Isles, and to
encourage more extended cultivation among all '
classes. To this end the work is illustrated by
about 400 outline sketches and photographs. All
edible fruits known to British gardeners, exotic
and hardy, are described in alphabetical order.
Articles are included on the construction and heat-
ing of glasshouses, the building of fruit-rooms,
spraying, pruning, and training trees, orehard-
housemanagement, the Tomato underglassandout- ■
of-doors, remedies for diseases, and insect enemies.
Whole fruit preserving is included, and chapters

-October 10, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

257

on fruit culture, packing, and export, as practised
■in America, France, and the Channel Islands.
"The Fruit Garden is published at the office of
■Country 'Life, 20, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden.

An Interesting Experiment.— We learn
that the Gold Medal collection of hardy fruits
■exhibited by George Bunyard & Co. at the recent
Chiswick Show, has been sold to the Cold Storage
Stores, Limited, Tottenham, who intend experi-
menting on it, with a view of reproducing it in
good condition at a Spring Show in the Metropolis.
Their works are at Tottenham.

VICTORIA REGIA.— Mr. F. W. Moore, Royal
Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, writes :—
•"On the evening of Monday 18th ult., two large
•and fully developed flower buds on the plant of
Victoria regia in this garden opened simultane-
ously, and remained open during the night and
also during the following day; they withered
simultaneously on the forenoon of September 30.
One leaf only was developed with these buds,
■which were on opposite sides of the plant. This
is a unique experience in my cultivation of this
.glorious aquatic, extending now over many years.
J have previously only seen one flower open,
•although a strong bud has frequently been above
"the water while it was in flower, but this bud
■would not open for two days after the open flower
■lad withered. Cultivators of the Victoria will also
■know that with each flower a new leaf appears,
'these young leaves having frequently to be cut
•out to prevent overcrowding. These twin flowers
developed together, appeared together, opened
^together, and withered together. I may add
■that the plant this season has been a very
vigorous and free-flowering specimen. It would
4>e interesting to know if any of your readers
have had a similar experience."

PORTRAIT8 OF BOTANISTS.— Dr. WiTTROCK,
■of Stockholm, has prepared a catalogue of the
■extensive collection of portraits of botanists con-
tained in the library of the Botanic Garden,
Stockholm. Of many of them reproductions are
given. Brief biographical details are also sup-
plied, so that the publication is one of much
interest to botanists. The text is in Swedish,
•but Latin summaries are added for the benefit
•of those not conversant with the Scandinavian
'tongue.

The Surveyors' Institution.— The first
• ordinary General Meeting of the Session 1903 —
1904 will be held on Monday, November 9, 1903,

when the President, Mr. Albert Buck, will
•deliver an opening address. The Chair will be

taken at 8 o'clock.

The Institution Library is open from

10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. every weekday except Satur-
day, when it is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The
attention of the members is specially called to
"the fact that the rooms of the Institution are
■open daily, and are available for reference to
the library, for arbitrations, writing, appointments,
•or other business purposes.

Begonias, Single and Double.— Messrs.
T. S. Ware, of the Begonia Nurseries, Bexley
Heath, Kent, sent us lately a large box containing
an assortment of some of the finest Begonias we
have seen. They were cut from the open ground,
and although slightly damaged by rain were yet
remarkable for size, symmetry, substance, and
•variety of colour.

"Hardy Perennials."— This is No. 9 of a
•aeries of rural handbooks published by Dawbarn
. ■& Ward, of Farringdon Avenue, and edited by
Mr. H. S. Ward. The author of Hardy Peren-
nials is Mr. D. S. Fish, of the Royal Botanic
■Garden, Edinburgh, son of our well-known con-
tributor and correspondent, the late D.T. Fish. In
a small space we have useful cultural directions,
and an alphabetical list of the most valuable

perennials, and many hints concerning their
seasons of bloom, arrangement, &e. A few
illustrations are included. We recommend the
pamphlet to all needing a handy guide of this
nature.

University of London. — Course or Lec-
tures on Advanced Botany. — During the
first term of the Session 1903^4 a course of
eight lectures on " The Relation of the Compo-
sition of the Plant to the Soil in which it Grows "
will be given by A. D. Hall, M.A., Director of
the Rothamsted Experimental Station, at the
Chelsea Physic Garden. The Lectures will be
given on Tuesdays, at 3 p.m. The syllabus will
be as follows : —
Lecture I., October 13.

The Practical Problem.— Differences in value of

various plants dependent upon their variation in

quality and due to the soil in which they were

grown.

The Scientific Problem —The study of the various
factors affecting nutrition so as to obtain light
upon the ultimate chemical reactions by which
plant synthesis takes place.

General ideas upon the composition of the plant
and the course of nutrition. Functions of the
soil in nutrition. Variable factors in the action of
the soil-water supply, chemical composition, tem-
perature. Interaction of these factors.

Lecture II., October 20.

The stages in the development of a plant, assimi-
lation and the accumulation of reserve material,
its migration and maturation. The requirements
of a plant as regards water. Effects of deficiency
or excess of water at different stages. The texture
of the soil as affecting the supply of water to the
plant. Variation in the composition of the plant
dependent upon heavy and light soils^

Lecture III , October 27.

The ash constituents of plants. Their functions
In the nutrition of the plant, effects due to their
deficiency or excess. Amounts of ash constituents
taken up by the various crops as compared with the
amounts present in the soil. Selective action of
plants. Theories of manuring based upon the
composition of the ash. Law of the minimum.

Lecture IV., November 3.

The analysis of the ash of a plant to obtain infor-
mation as to the manurial requirements of the foil
on which the plant was grown. Amount of variation
to be found in the composition of the ash of plants.
Comparison of aeh analysis with soil analysis.
Selection of test plants for analysis.

Lecture V., November 17.

The Wheat Crop.— Stages in the growth of Wheat-
cessation of nutrition, continuance of assimilation
the migration of the accumulated material to the
grain. Quality of Wheat as affected by soil and
climate. Characteristics of English and the various
foreign Wheats. Relative stability of the compo-
sition of grain as compared with that of the whole
plant. Variations in composition of Rothamsted
Wheats dure to manuring and season. Conditions
upon which the quality of strength in Wheat
depends.

Lectuije VI., November 24.

The Barley crop.— The difference in the elements
constituting high quality in Barley and Wheat.
Difference in the habit of growth of the two plants.
Relation of these factors to the soils and manuring
most suitable for Wheat and Barley respectively.

Composition of root-crops grown at Rothamsted.
Effects of soil and manure on the quality of the
crop and its maturation.

Lecture VII , December 1.

Adaptation of flora to soil conditions. Effect of
long-continued differences in manurial treatment
on the character of the herbage of the Rothamsted
grass plots. Effects of nitrogen, potash, and lime
on the relative dominance of gramineous or
leguminous plants. Secondary effects on particular
species due to the depth to which the manures
enter the soil. Application of Rothamsted results
to the interpretation of the composition of the
herbage of other soils.

Lecture VIII., December 8.

Intolerance of particular soil conditions exhi-
bited by certain plants. Flora of acid soils. Causes
of soil acidity. Reaction of the plant on the soil,
maintaining a nrulral condition. Calcifuge and
calcareous plants. Effects of injurious consti-
tuents In the soil in inducing xerophytic struc-
ture. Alkali soils and their flora. Causes of tho
association of particular crops with certain types
of soil.

A Disease in Plums. — Dr. Erwin Smith
describes in Science, vol. xvii., No. 429, March 20
1903, a disease in Japanese Plums, which shows
itself first in the form of spots on the leaves,
which become " shot holes." The spots on the
fruits become deep cracks, which spoil the Plums.
This disease is said to be due to a yellow Bac-
terium (Pseudomonas pruni), which enters the
plant through the stomata.

EETIEEMENT OF MR. McINDOE.

In consequence of the death of Sir Joseph Pease,
Bart., and the sale of the Hutton Hall estate,
Mr. Mclndoe, the well-known gardener, is shortly
retiring from active service there. For nearly
thirty years he has occupied the most prominent
place in the field of not only Yorkshire but North
of England horticulture. The writer of these
notes has had the pleasure of his acquaintance
during the whole of the time stated, and he has
felt that some notice of his career should be
recorded in the pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle.
His remarks will be fairly brief, first, for fear that
the exigencies of your space may compel the free
use of the editorial scissors ; and, secondly, one
could not get the full details of the life of Mr.
Mclndoe without a close interview, which I feel
sure would not be cared for either by the writer
or by Mr. Mclndoe. As his name shows, he is
a native of Scotland, and was born in 1836, his
native county being Renfrewshire. His father
was a market gardener, and as a boy he entered
early into what was to be his life's work. His
first place on leaving home was in the gardens of
Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, the head gardener
at that time being a Mr. Campbell. Thence he
went to Archerfield, under Mr. Young. These
gardens were at that time, and for many years
afterwards, when managed by Mr. David Thomp-
son, considered to be amongst the best in Scot-
land. The young aspirant to horticultural fame
was only about twelve months in his new place
before he was made a foreman, being only twenty
years of age at the time.

Later on we find him at Auckland Palace,
Durham, as foreman at the age of twenty-one.
Thence he went to Bishopthorpe Palace, and
Addington Park, Croydon, both in the same
position. As will be known to most readers of
this journal, these three places were occupied by
the then Bishop of Durham, the Archbishop of
York, and the Archbishop of Canterbury respec-
tively. In 1863 he was appointed gardener to
Coles Child, Esq., Bromley Palace, Kent, which
at that time was a place of note in the gardening
world, seeing that some hundreds of applicants
applied for it when then vacant. A few years
afterwards Mr. Mclndoe became gardener and
farm bailiff to the then Archbishop of York at
Bishopthorpe, near York, where he remained till
the winter of 1874, when he removed to Hutton.
It was here that the chief work of his life was to
be done. At that time Mr. Joseph Pease was
rebuilding the mansion, making new gardens
and erecting a splendid lot of new glass-
houses. The new gardener entered into the
spirit of the whole affair with well-directed
enthusiasm and, on the whole, very sound judg-
ment. It was quite a treat to meet him at York
Gala each year, and hear his vivid but guarded
description of the new work done and being done
under his management. Very shortly he began
bringing object-lessons of his work and care for
the judges to look upon and the public to admire.
While in no sense wishing to unduly magnify
Mr. Mclndoe's doings as an exhibitor of fruit,
this much may fairly be claimed — that no other
gardener has for 25 consecutive years, at a first-
class show, won so many prizes for fruit as he has
done at York. To go further into his record in this
respect would be simply to write a catalogue.
This much may be added : Mr. Mclndoe has often

25S

TEE GARDENERS' CERONICLE.

[October 10, 1903.

told me that the time he felt most gratified as an
exhibitor was in 1S97 at Shrewsbury, when he
was awardel 1st prize in the Victoria fruit class
for sixty dishes of fruit illustrating the produce
of British gardens. ' Besides the money prize
given 1 y the Shrewsbury Committee, the Gold
Medal of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers,
London, and two otber valuable medals were
awarded to this exhibit. As is well known, he
was one of the first sixty to whom the Royal
Horticultural Society gave the Victoria Medal of
Honour later on in the same year. But enough
on this head. Mr. Mclndoe found time to in-
terest himself in the social and religious well-
being of his neighbours at Hutton. For many
years he acted as a churchwarden, and in other
ways found an outlet for his judgment and
ability. I think that as a body gardeners might
fitly do more of this wherever their lot in life is
cast.

Having had the misfortune to lose his wife
some three years ago, Mr. Mclndoe will make his
future home with a married daughter at Dartford,

afford heads nearly all the year round in the
South of France, where Artichokes are grown
extensively. In any district the heads would be
fit for cutting unusually early, and if taken young
are described as delicious when eaten with oil and
vinegar, the scales being so crisp and fleshy
(fig. 109).

Three-Podded Pea.
This variety resembles in size and earliness
a well - known French Pea, Clamart, largely
grown around Paris for canning purposes; the
pod, however, is more curved, fills well, and is
generally produced in trebles. A good Pea for
market gardeners or owners of large private
gardens (fig. 110).

(To be continued.)

r%<fa,^

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

HUMEA ELEGANS AND PEACH-TREES.— After

reading the remarks by Mr. Smith, p. 22S, on the
above subject, it will be necessary for me to explain
my experience with the Humeas more fully. The

Fig. 108.— cauliflower incomparable.

in Kent. He has been appointed to superintend
the laying-out and planting a public park for that
town. This, with his position as Consulting
Horticulturist to the Metropolitan Asylums
Board and other opportunities that will occur,
will give full scope for his abilities. P. G.

[A portrait of Mr. Mclndoe was published in
these pages, August 23, 1902. Ed.]

NEW PAEISIAN VEGETABLES.

Owing to the courtesy of Messrs. Vilmorin,
Andrieux & Co., we are enabled to give illus-
trations of some new varieties of vegetables that
have lately been introduced by this renowned
firm of French nurserymen, and which have
' pesial interest in connection with the recent
Vegetable Show and Conference. The illustra-
tions are the copyright of Messrs. Vilmorin et Cie.

Cauliflower Incomparable,
though resembling Autumn Giant, is said to
be earlier. The heads are of large size, good
form, white, and compact. It is recommended as
an excellent variety for market purposes (fig. 108).

"Globe Artichoke Perpetual"
is so named because the variety, when afforded
water as often as necessity arises, is said to

time of year when the Humeas were placed in the
Peach-house would be some time early in May or
thereabouts, when the trees would be making youn g
growth and receiving early forcing treatment.whieh
means a close and humid atmosphere. The Humeas
would also be in exuberant growth, as they were
placed there with a view to increase their growth,
preparatory to their being planted out by the first
or second week in June to form a back row for a
Iod g ribbon-border. I can now recall to my memory
that whilst placing the Humeas in the Peach-
house I had some misgivings as to the wisdom of
putting so many of those strong-smelling plants
in a house at so tender an age of the Peach-tree
leafage. As already explained, my fears were
well grounded ; we had to shift the plants quickly.
Mr. Smith in his note states that their Humeas
were in the Peach-house "all summer," with
very probably ripened leafage, and, we will also
surmise, abundance of top and bottom air, which
of course would completely alter the conditions
and account for the healthy leafage of their trees.
Mr. Smith will perhaps kindly also further
explain. W. Miller.

I have read with considerable interest the

several articles which have recently appeared in
these pages on the above subject, and having had
similar experience to Mr. Fyfe, these few lines may
not be without interest. We had a batch of about
thirty-six Humeas in 9-inch pots, and being short
of room I had them arranged under the trees on

Fig. 109.— globe artichoke pebpetual.

the front trellis in our second early Peach-house
towards the end of April. Shortly afterwards
the trees on the front trellis got scorched — Wal-
burton Admirable and Stirling Castle Peaches-
slightly ; but the middle tree, a Violette Hative
Nectarine, badly; while the trees on the back wall
entirely escaped. Thinking perhaps that the trees
required water, an examination of the border was

FlG. 110.— TALL THBEr-PODDBD TEA.

October 10, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

made, but found to be quite moist. I was therefore
at a loss to know the cause of the mischief, never
once suspecting that the Humeas had anything
to do with it until I read Mr. Fyfe's note on the
matter. Taking into consideration all the cir-
-cumstances of the present case, I can arrive at no
other conclusion than the one put forward by
several of your correspondents. Immediately
After the Humeas were shifted outside, about the
middle of June, the Nectarine-tree, which was
practically at a standstill all this time, com-
menced at once to make fresh growth, but the
"fruit finished smaller than usual. I am sending
you some of the leaves affected at the time, and
also some of the same shoots made after the
removal of the Humeas. J. Fulton, gr., Graemes
Dyke, Harrow Weald, Middlesex. [The leaves our
-correspondent sent for our inspection quite bear
•out his statement that they were injured by
something whilst the Humeas remained in the
Peach-house, being small in size, full of holes,

A REGRET, AND SOME NEW VARIETIES OF
THE POTATO. — The district auditor cited me
to appear, on the 29th inst., at the Board
Rooms, at Bradfield, Berks, for the auditing
of my Poor Bates for the parish of Sulham-
stead. I felt how much more congenial for me
it would have been to have visited the dear old
Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at Chiswick,
which has been familiar to me through all its
successes and vicissitudes since the year 1835,
when I was for the first time taken there to a
Royal Horticultural Fete by the then President,
T. A. Knight. I am glad to read that the events
were successful. I should have felt sorrow too in
visiting the old garden for the last time. I shall
have a lot to inform you about them some day ;
but allow me to mention now that I am lifting
and storing my new strains of North-American
hybrid Potatos. This has been a test-year for
them. They are behaving very well indeed.
It has taken me twenty-eight years to arrive

GOURDS AT THE GROVE, STANMORE. — In
Mrs. Brightwen's garden many singular-looking
Gourds are grown by her gardener, Mr. J. W.
Odell, and the plants are still well furnished with
fruits. In all parts of the garden some species
of Gourds are to be found. In the warm-houses
Benincasa cerifera has many of its large oval
fruits, which are rendered all the more beautiful
by the whitish waxy appearance of the skin and
the dense, short, hair-like covering on the sur-
face. This Gourd is said to be used generally
throughout India in the immature state in curries.
It is widely distributed in Tropical Asia and
Africa, and, like many other Gourds, has probably
been in cultivation so many hundreds of years
that its true native habitat cannot be determined.
Also in the warm-houses are plants in fruit of
Momordica Charantia, whose fruits when mature
split, exposing the red seeds ; Luffa sgyptica,
L. acutangula and other singular species. In the
cool-house Ecballium Elaterium,] when mature,

Fig. 111.— view in the park of the little trianon, Versailles, (see p. 254.)

tagged at the edges, and in places browned or,
as he says, scorched. Those taken from the trees
subsequently to the removal of the Humeas are
large, and uninjured in any way. Can there be
any connection between the disease that deci-
• mated the Humeas a few years ago and the above-
mentioned condition of the Peach leaves!'' Ed.].

SEED8 OF DICTAMNUS FRAXINELLA. — I en-
close a seed of Dictamnus Fraxinella. I am sorry
■that I have only one left, but if you cut it in two
longitudinally and touch either of the halves with
the steel blade of a knife, you will observe what a
strong attraction it has for steel. Once when I
put the blade of my knife to about the sixteenth
of an inch from the half seed, it seemed to jump to
it. Perhaps you may be able to say if there is any
record of these seeds possessing the property of
magnetism or electricity. I cannot find any, and
I shall be obliged if you can give me any infor-
■ mation about it. A. B. Steele. [We should be glad
if some correspondent would oblige us by sending
us half-a-dozen seeds for trial. The seed sent us
did not behave as it ought to have done, but trial
was not made till some time after it had been
received. Ed.]

at their present stage, and it will take me
some five or six years more before I can make
the majority of them fit for commerce. By-
the-bye, what men we have in the Potato
world nowadays, and what wonderful prices, it is
said, they are receiving per lb. for their seedlings !
Of course we all know that the last well-adver-
tised Potato is the best ! Nevertheless, I still
claim to be taking the lead by adding fresh
blood, so to speak, in order to prolong the exist-
ence of the noble tuber. Let me add how
honoured I felt last week when I saw my por-
trait introduced in your pages amongst those good
men and true. R. Fenn, Sulhamstead, Oct. 0, 1903.

THE REPRODUCTIVE POWER OF TURNIP-
SEED. — When harvesting Dobbie's Golden Ball
Turnip-seed this summer at Orpington, I was
struck with the appearance of a remarkably fine
plant. I had it saved by itself and thrashed out.
The weight of seed was 8J ounces. I counted the
seeds in 1-lGth of an ounce, and found they
numbered 1,120, which works out at 147.840 for
the 8} ounces. Thus a single seed sown in July,
1902, has reproduced itself 147,840 times in a
twelvemonth. William Cuthbertson.

ejects its pulp and seeds forcibly, and Cyclanthera
explodens has many spiny fruits, which burst and
scatter the seeds when touched. Cyclanthera
pedata, Megarrhiza californica and others are
equally interesting. Outdoors the best show is
on a broad arch or rustic covered way supporting
a Cucumis ficifolia, the very large green fruits of
which, striped with white, are very handsome.
In one of the houses is a specimen of Trichos-
anthes anguina (Snake Gourd), with long whitish
fruits having an odour of Melons.

FOREIGN COMPETITION. — It is of no use
blinking the fact that the horticultural trade of
this country is being seriously threatened by the
enterprise of foreign competitors, whose priced
catalogues are now reaching us in considerable
numbers. I attribute this fact to the inju-
dicious publication of the names and addresses of
the thousands of subscribers to the Koyal Horti-
cultural Society, though the names of supporters
in New Zealand are, curiously enough, con-
spicuous by their absence from the book. Just
now orders for bulbs ami plants are being con-
sidered both by professional and private persons,
and, all things being equal, the difference shown

260

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[OCTOBEE 10, 1903.

in favour of foreign buying is so very great that
I should doubt if head gardeners who have re-
ceived the Continental catalogues would be justi-
fied, in their employers' interests, in continuing
business with English firms, with whom, perhaps,
they have dealt for years, although it is not im-
probable that in many instances a tempting
inducement is held out to them to do so. Such
a system is obviously destructive of the con-
fidence which should exist between master and
man, and should be discountenanced in the most
decided manner. Possibly, on the figures shown
below, Mr. Chamberlain may elect to consider the
fiscal position of Dutch roots, and at once apply
a fundamental remedy. I think one may well
alter the trite saying to —

SOCIETIES.

" In matters commercial the fault of the Dutch
Is asking too little and giving too much."

J. s. c.

[With the above communication comes a tabular
statement showing the retail prices asked for a
large number of different bulbs by an English
and by a Dutch firm respectively. Nothing is
said about quality, but in every single in-
stance the Dutch price is lower, often con-
siderably lower, than the English. The ag-
gregate number of shillings asked by the
Dutch is 258s. 6d. for the same bulbs as are
marked at 443s. 4<J. by an English firm. In
addition to these apparently "cutting " prices it
will be remarked that the address of the gardener
is specially asked for in the catalogues, and in
one or two instances, which were brought under
our notice last year, large (we may say, very
large) pecuniary inducement? were made to the
gardener to deal with a certain firm. This con-
stitutes a great difficulty in dealing with the com-
mission question. Publio opinion, if not the law,
is decidedly adverse to anything like illicit com-
missions ; but what would our Continental friends
care for public opinion or British law ? Ed.].

NORTHERN STAR POTATO. — Following the
interesting article by " E. H. P." on the above
Potato in last week's issue of the Gardeners'
Chronicle, permit me to give details of the result
of one tuber. Last spring a friend sent me a
Potato of Northern Star, weighing U oz. I
cut it in two and planted the " sets " on April 14.
We lifted the crop on October 2, when one set
yielded 12 lb., and the other llf lb., or a total of
23| lb. of Potatos from 1J oz. of seed. The
tubers number sixty and are all sound. John. H.
dimming, Grantully Castle Gardens, N.B.

L1NARIA CYMBALARIA ALBA.— In reply to the
question asked by a correspondent in the Gar-
deners' Chronicle of September 2(j, I have seen the
white-flowered variety of Linaria cymbalaria,
which I have also observed offered in catalogues,
though but rarely. It is not frequently seen
however. S. Arnott.

In answer to your inquiry (p. 225) I send

you some branches of Linaria cymbalaria alba,
which we grow in masses here in the Jardin
Alpin d'Acclimatation, at Floraire, Geneva. I
found this variety several years ago in the walls
between Clusone and Castione, in the Berga-
mesque Alps (Italy). We have sent already
many hundreds of the plant to many countries.
S. Correvon, Geneva.

Regarding your correspondent's query

about a white form of Linaria cymbalaria, I may
say there is a white-flowered form of it here
(Killerton) ; it bids fair to become as common as
the type, from which it differs in no way except
in being white, with a yellow blotch on the lip.
John Coutts, gr., Killerton, Exeter.

There is a white-flowered form known in

gardens. I think seed is sold under the name of
L. cymb. major or maxima, and produces plants
larger in all parts than the type, and with flowers
varying from pale lilac to pure white. I have
grown it in the rock-garden, but have not seen
flowers this season, it, like most of my self-sow-
ing annuals, having failed. E. Bowles. [Messrs.
Cunningham, Eraser & Co., of Comely Bank
Nurseries, Edinburgh, send us a specimen of the
white variety, which has been established for
many years on the wall of a greenhouse in their
establishment. The plant sent is producing
seed-pods. Ed.]

ROYAL EOETICULTTJEAL.

September 29, 3}, and October 1.— On the occasion
of the show of fruits and vegetables at Chiswick last
week, several of the Committees sat for the considera-
tion of new plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. A note
upon the Orchids exhibited was published in our last
issue, but the proceedings of the Floral and Fruit
Committees were held over owing to the extraordinary
pressure upon our space.

There were eome exhibits at the Show that, being
outside the competitive classes, were not noticed in
our report. Among these was the excellent exhibit of
Grapes from the gardens of His Majesty the King at
Cumberland Lodge by Mr. A. McKellar, which showed
how greatly the cropping qualities of this very old
Vine have been improved. Also very fine fruits of
Smooth Cayenne and Queen Pineapples from His
Majesty's gardens at Windsor.

Mr. Geo. Cannon, Cannon's Nursery, Ealing, exhi-
bited a collection of trained fruit-tree9 in pots, and
other miscellaneous exhibits were shown.

Floral Committee.

Present: W. Marshall, Esq., chairman; and Messrs.
Chas. T. Druery, Charles Jeffries, W. J. James, Herbert
J. Cutbush, A. Perry, E. T. Cook, K. W. Wallace. Chas-
Dixon, W. G. Baker, Jno. Green, C. J. Salter, G. Reuthe,
W. P. Thomson, Jas. Walker, E. H. Jenkins, Wm. Cuth-
bertson, R. Dean, and John Jennings.

Awards of Merit.

Chrysanthemum Polly. — An early- flowering variety,
with medium-sized bronze and yellow coloured flowers,
composed of broad florets. Shown by Messrs. W. Wells
& Co., Ltd., Earlswood Nurseries, Redhill.

Lilium speciosum magniftcum.— An extra fine variety of
this popular Lily, like a glorified L. speciosum roseuni.
Shown by Messrs. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens,
Colchester.

Cactus Dahlia, Spotless Queen.— A medium-sized flower
of good shape and substance ; white, tipped with green
in the centre. Shown by Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham.

Cactus Dahlia, Spitfire.— A very floriferous variety with
shapely scarlet flowers, borne on long stems well above
the foliage. Shown by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay

Cactus Dahlia, Mr. Amos Perry.— A vigorous-growing
variety with large bright crimson and scarlet flowers.
Shown by Hobbies, Ltd., and Messrs. Dobbie & Co.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present : Geo. Bunyard, Esq., Chairman ; and Messrs-
A. H. Pearson, F. Q. Lane, W. H. Divers, H. Eslings,
Geo. Wythes, G. Norman, J. Willard, E. Molyneux,
E. Beckett, W. Crump, James H. Veitch, S Mortimer,
W. Iggulden, J. Jaques, W. Bates, P. C. M. Veitch, John
Basham, and George Keif.

The Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society has
obligingly forwarded us a list of Medals and Cups, &c,
awarded at Chiswick. We make the following abstracts,
omitting those that have already been given in our
report last week. In Division II and VII. the value
of the Medals awarded was not given in the schedule,
nor determined upon at the time our notes were
taken :—

DIVISION II.

Class 14— For Fruit Grown entirely Out-of-doors

(32 Jeet run of 6 feet tabling).

1st, Gold Medal, to Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Ltd.,
Maidstone.

2nd, Silver gilt Knightian Medal, to Messrs. J. Peed &
Son, West Norwood, S.E.

3rd, Silver Knightian Medal, to Mr. John Basham,
Bassaleg, Mon.

Class 15.— ForIFruit Gbown entirely Out-of doobs
(\<6feet run of&feet tabling).

1st, Hogg Memorial Medal, to Mr. J. B. Colwill,
Sidmouth.

2nd, Silver giltfKnightian Medal, to Mr. Geo. Mount,
Canterbury.

3rd, Silver Knightian Medal, to Messrs. Pewtress
Bros., Hereford.

Class 16.— For Orchard-house Fruit and Trees.
1st prize, Gold Medal, to Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co.
Ltd., Maidstone.

DIVISION VII. (VEGETABLES).

Class 92.— Collection of Vegetables

(Occupying not more than 100 square feet, open to the

Trade only).

1st prize, Silver-gilt Knightian Medal, to Messrs. Hv

Smith & Co., Worcester.

Class 92a.— Collection of Vegetables
(.Occupying not more than 50 square feet, open to the
Trade only).
1st pri^e, Silver gilt Knightian Medal, to Messrs. R.
Veitch & Sons, Exeter.

2nd prize. Silver-gilt Banksian Medal, to Messrs. J..
Cheal & Sons, Crawley.

3rd prize, Silver Knightian Medal, to Messrs. G. Bun-
yard & Co., Ltd., Maidstone.

Class 93.— Collections of Vegetables
(Occupying not more than 53 square feet, Amateurs).
1st prize, Sherwood Silver Cup (value £.0), to Lordt
Aldenham, Elstree (gr., Mr. Beckett).

Class 94 —Collection of Vegetables
(Occupying not more than 24 tquarefeet, Amateurs).
1st prize, Veitch Memorial Medal, to Lord Bolton,
Basingstoke (gr., Mr. Bowerman).

Class 93.— Collection of 18 Varieties of Potatos.
(Open to the Trade only).

1st prize, Silver-gilt Knightian Medal- to Mr. R. W,
Green, Wisbech.

2nd prize, Silver-gilt Banksian Medal, to Ms. J. B„
Colwill, Sidmouth.

3rd prize, Silver Knightian Medal, to Messrs. R_
Veitch & Sod, Exeter.

Class 97.— Collection of 12 Varieties of Potatos

(Amateurs).
1st prize, Bronze Williams' Memorial Medal, and £}„
to the Earl of Lathom, Ormskirk (gr., Mr. B. Ashton j.

MISCELLANEOUS.
Gold Medal.

To H.M. the King, Windsor Castle (gr., Mr. McKellar),.
for Grapes and Pineapples.

To Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, for a.
Collection of Vegetables.

To Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgewortb, for-
Fruit Trees in Pots.

To Messrs. Dobbie & Co , Rothesay, N.B., for (a) Col-
lection of Potatos, (b) Collection of Vegetables.

Silver-gilt Knightian Medal.
To Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, for Potatos.
To Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, for a Collec-
tion of Vegetables.

Silver Knightian Medal.

To the Horticultural College, Swanley, for a Collec-
tion of Vegetables.

To the Agent-General for British Columbia, Finsbury
Circus, for Canadian Preserved Fruit.

To the Marquis of Exeter, Stamford (gr., Mr. Metcalfe),,
for Melons.

Silver Banksian Medal.

To Mr. R. W. Green, Wisbech, for Potatos.

To Messrs. J. King & Son, Coggeshall, for Cabbages.

To Messrs. Harrison & Sons, Leicester, for a Collec-
tion of Vegetables.

To Mrs. A. Bramwell, Kingsworthy, Hants, for Onions

Conference on Vegetables.

A Conference was held in the afternoon of Tues-
day, September 29, at Chiswick, in connection with the:
Exhibition, the record of which has already been pub-
lished, and was well attended.

Mr. George Bunyard, of Maidstone, presided, and
in opening the proceedings said that by virtue of the
position which he had the honour to hold as Chairman
of the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horticultural So-
ciety, it was his privilege to say a few words on that
interesting occasion. Naturally his mind went back to-
the first great Apple Conference of 1883, and the object
of the Society in holding the present meeting was to
endeavour to demonstrate the progress which had,
been made in hardy-fruit culture since that period.
He could not but refer to the state of affairs in
18*3, when the Council of that date observed what
might be called a benevolent neutrality. The Con-
ference would never have been held at that time had it
not been for the persistent efforts of Mr. A. F. Barron „
who, had he been spared to be with them now,

October 10, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

261

would hive been gratified to recognise the substantial
progress made during these twenty years. How
different was their position today, when the
Council of that ancient Society not only initi-
ated the present meeting, but also contributed
to it a considerable sum and many medals
as a reward for successful culture, and by their hearty
sympathy and co operation had done everything in
their power to make it a great success. Personally he
looked upon the exhibition of fruit which they had
bBfore them to-day as a distinct triumph, and as a
telling testimony to the skill, energy, and perseverance
of cultivators duriag one of the most inclement sea-
sons on record. Because during 1903, from the very
earliest of the fruit blossom, they had had constantly
to contend with adverse circumstances, whether in
regard to climate, the manifold insect pests, or the
continuous rainfall which had obtained up to the pre-
sent time. So far he had been speaking as regarded
the Fruit Exhibition.

Before, however, he left that department he would
like to call cultivators' attention to the advantages
which the culture of fruit in eold orchard houses
presented in disastrous seasons such as that through
which they had passed. A glance at the fruit in the ex-
amples in the Orchard House classes would make this
remark obvious to all, although the earlier fruits,
such as Cherries and Plums, were now past.

In the culture of Vegetables, of which they
had a remarkable collection shown, the care, skill,
and attention were quite as evident as in the
case of fruits. While the wet weather had been
favourable to certain kinds, it had required con-
stant effort to produce these splendid examples which
they saw before them. They would agree with him
that it was a happy idea on the part of the Council thus
to link together both hardy fruits and vegetables in
one exhibition, because in those two directions there
were, he thought, yet vast possibilities. And whether
as food for the people or as luxuries for those who
could afford them, in both instances they had a distinct
contribution to their welfare and general health. A
study of the health reports of London and other large
cities would, he believed, reveal the fact that the
health and well being of the people were directly de-
pendent upon a plentiful supply of both vegetables and
fruit at a price within the reach of all classes, while in
the country the allotments had become a great boon.
Reverting again to 1883, one could but regret and
record the loss of many expert cultivators, who,
however, had left their mark on the subjects of which
he had spoken. To mention a few names which
stood out prominently, there were R. D. Blackinore,
of Teddington, Charles Haycock, of Barham Court Gar-
dens.Dr. Robert Hogg, H. Line, John Lee, Thomas and
Francis Rivers, John Woodbridge, of Syon House,
Malcolm Dunn, of Dalkeith, Shirley Hlbberd, W.
Ingram, of Belvoir, W. Wlldsmith, of Heckfield, and
others whose names will always be gratefully remem-
bered as having contributed to their knowledge of
fruit and vegetable culture in. this kingdom. Then
there was James Smith, of Mentmoro. He could bear
testimony to his wonderful ability and power of work.
It was intended to pass a vote of sympathy later on, but
he trusted that that mention would show that he was
not overlooked, and formal notice of the matter would
be most likely taken at the next committee meeting.

The present Conference would be notable as the last
held in those historical gardens; but under the altered
conditions at Wisley and with the new Hall, it was
expected that very valuable woik would be accom-
plished by the Society. (Cheers.)

VEGETABLES ALL THE YEAR ROUND FOR A

PRIVATE FAMILY.
Mr. W. H. Divers, gardener to the Duke of Rutland,
Belvoir Castle, then read a paper on " Vegetables all
the Year round for a Private Family.'' He said this
was a subject upon which many disputes had arisen.
We read of one which took place more than 3,0Co years
ago, when the Children of Israel reproached Moses
because they had not the Cucumbers, Melons, Leeks,
Onions, and Garlic which they had had In Egypt
in abundance. This was interesting to us as
showing that vegetables were cultivated in quantities
in those early days. We occasionally heard of disputes
now upon the same subject, and he generally found
they were caused by the want of proper structures for
growing vegetables In the dark days of winter and in
the early part of the spring. To keep up a good supply

at those times a large quantity must be grown
because growth is slow under such unnatural
conditions. The following kinds might be had
throughout the year if proper facilities were
given for their cultivation :— French Beans, Broc-
coli and Cauliflowers, Cabbages, Carrots, Cucumbers,
Mushrooms, Onions, Potatos, Spinach, Tomatos,
Turnips ; and for salad. Lettuces, Mustard and Cress.
Where means were available for retarding roots, this
list might be extended to include Asparagus, Seakale,
and Rhubarb. It was possible even now to purchase
roots of Seikale in a retarded state, but they were
expensive, but he looked forward to the time when a
suitable retarding-house would be available in all good
establishments. He then referred to a few structures
without which it was impossible to have a continuous
supply of choice vegetables during the cold period of
the year. The chief place must be given to forcing-
houses. These houses need not be large, but the
number and size of them must depend upon the
quantity of vegetables required. Ic was especially
important tint they should be as large as pos-
sible, in order to catch all the sunshine, and they
must be well heated. Lean-to or hip-houses running
east and west were the best. For early Potatos,
Carrots, Radishes, Lettuces, Beet, Asparagus, and
succession crops of French Beans and Peas, brick pits
with movable lights, 6 feet by 4 feet, were quite
sufficient. These must have a hot- water pipe all round
with valves for adjusting the heat. Instead of brick
pits, frames made of 3-inch deal planks might be used ;
they had the advantage of portability and could have
extra coverings in severe weather. A good Mushroom-
house was also necessary. This need not be an ex-
pensive structure, but owing to the moist atmosphere
necessary for Mushrooms it must be built of sub-
stantial materials. For growing Mushrooms through-
out the summer a cool cellar is necessary. Store-rooms
were necessary for Onions, seed Polatos, and a supply
of all roots in frosty weather. A cold storage room
should also be provided in all good gardens.

But the chief aid to a good supply of vegetables was a
good kitchen-garden. The site chosen for this should
have a deep soil that could be dug or otherwise
operated upon in showery weather. He had found
Northamptonshire red sand to be the best of all. It
was easily worked to three feet in depth, and wet
weather interfered with it but very little. The chief
advantage perhaps was the fact of its requiring such a
small amount of manure. Tbe only vegetable that did
not succeed well was the Turnip, and probably that
would have done better if the means of applying super-
phosphate or a similar manure had been allowed. It
was a mistake to select a position for a garden on an
unsuitable soil, and imagine that cultivation would
compensate for that disadvantage. If the ground
sloped gently to the south it would be warmer aud
better drained, or a gentle slope to the east or west
would be better than a dead level ; but ground sloping
to the north must be avoided. Shelter was extremely
valuable in the kitchen-garden. It had been usual to
surround kitchen-gardens with walls 10 to 12 feet or
more in height.

A suggestion was made some years ago to build glass-
houses around the kitchen-garden in place of walls,
but he was not aware of its having been carried into
practice. Hedges had the disadvantage that the roots
travelling into the garden robbed the vegetables. For
the same reason large forest trees should never be
grown within 100 yards of the cropping-ground. The
shape of the garden had an important bearing on the
supply of vegetables. He much preferred an oblong
shape if the largest diameter was from east to west,
because it gave a greater extent of warm borders, i.e.,
those with a south aspect; and conversely, cool
borders with a north aspect. These were two impor-
tant items in extending the supply of various vege-
tables. The size of the kitchen-garden must depend
upon the number of persons to be supplied. It was
not always possible to follow a strict rule as to the
rotation of crops, but a few broad principles must be
adhered to. Two crops of the same kind should not
follow each other. Leguminous crops did not require
so much added nitrogen as green crops. They were
therefore followed by Cabbages, Brussels-9prouts, ard
such things which required a larger amount of
nitrogen, and more soda, lime, and sulphurlo
acid than Peas and Beans. The chief mineral
constituent of Potatos was potash, and this vegetable
should therefore follow a green crop, such as Cabbages,
which did not require so much of it. Carrots, Parsnips,
and Heet formed badly-shaped roots if fresh manure
was dug In shortly before sowing the seeds, and they

also required ground that had been moved to a good
depth when digging. By sowing them on ground
previously occupied by Celery, all these conditions
were secured, as the ground always contained a
quantity of fertilising material which bad not been
appropriated by the Celery. It was of the utmost
importance that the seed should be properly rlpene*
aud of a true strain. It was important to thin early
and thus let the young plants have a chance to grow
vigorously from the first. For a private family, size
was not the chief point to be considered. Quality
stood first, and next a continuous supply. Show-
vegetables were not appreciated by the consumer.
Moderate-sized produce which could be cooked with-
out slicing would always be of the best flavour.
Green vegetables were easily spoiled by an excess
of manure. Many soils would grow these vegi-
tables without fresh manure being applied, and
if a dry period intervened and tbe grower was
not satisfied with the progress made it was an easy
matter lo give 3 oz. of superphosphate and 1 oz. of
nitrate of soda per square yard, and hoe it in at once
or rake the surface with a coarse iron rake. Where a
large supply was required, he found it best to rely on
varieties that had been thoroughly tested. He must
here complain a,little about the nurserymen . There were
too many so-called varieties of many of our vegetables,
and every nurseryman seemed anxious to add his
name to all of them. For instance, a few months back
he had the old International Potato sent to him with
the name of a firm of seedsmen attached to it. All thi*
was really absurd. It made no difference to the variety
whether Dick, Tom, or Harry affixed their name to it,
but it was confusing to some of the growers. Again,
a selection was sent out under a new name at an ad-
vanced price. He quite admitted that extra work in
seed saving should be paid for, but he objected to buying
an old thing under a new name, and to find afterwards
that he had abundince of the same thing elsewhere.
The remainder of the paper dealt at considerable
length with the different varieties of vegetables, with
suggestions as to their proper cultivation.

Mr. Nicholas R. Page, of Clacton-on-Sea, asked if
Mr. Divers had had much experience with super-
phosphates as an artificial manure

Mr. Divehs replied that for twenty years he had use*
it in the proportion he had stated in his paper witfe
beneficial c ffects.

Mr. Page : Do you find bone-meal any good ?

Mr. Divehs : Bone-meal is not so readily available
as superphosphate. I have used bone-meal.
( To be continued )

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

October 6, 7.— The first exhibition of the National
Chrysanthemum Society this season was opened ic
tbe Crystal Palace on Tuesday last. The exhibits were
arranged in the central transept, opposite to the large
organ. Owing in some measure to the untoward
character of tbe season, and possibly also to Uie en-
forced transference of the exhibition from tbe o'J
Aquarium, there was much less competition than
usual, the competitive classes being but indifferently
filled, while the large non-competltlveexhibits of Dahlia*
and Michaelmas Daisies from tbe trade were quite out
of proportion to tbe Chrysanthemums exhibited. Tbe
whole display made a good show, lint Chrysanthemum*
were not tbe coospicuou? feature they should have
been, a result that will strengthen tbe opinion of many
members who think the Society should have di:
continued the October exhibition. The weather on the
opening day was very wet, and there were few visitors.
The arrangements were in the experienced hands of
the Secretary, Mr. R. Dean

The Floral Committee assembled at 1 p «.. -no
recommended one Certificate only to the variety which
follows :—

Japaneie variety Jtem'e.— The three blooms shown were
of large size, very full, tbe florets wide, reflexed, bu .
incurving a little at tbe tips, colour very pale lilac with
shade of pink Shown by Mr. T. BOLLimokk, Canou'd
Park Gardens, Edgware.

There were two exhibits in the elsss for a group of
Chrysanthemums and ornamental foliage plants i»
pots, the better one being from Messrs. J . Peed & Sons,
nurserymen, West Norwood ; and, Mr. Koukht b'oit
sier, Nunhead Cemetery.

CUT BLOOMS.
The biggest class In the Cut Uloom section was fe-
twenty-four blooms of Japanese, In not fewer lhao
eighteen varieties. There were three exhibits, and the
besteame from Mr. Jas. Brookes, gr. to W. J. Mkuh.in
Esq., Tottertdge Park, Tottertdge, Most of the varie-
ties staged were welI-known"sorts, and M. L. Renijc,
Mrs. R. Darby, J. R. Upton, Mrs. H. Emerton. and Mr*.
T. W. Poekett were among those shown In best eon

262

THE GARB ENER 8 ' CHR ONI CL E.

[October 10, 1903.

dition. 2nd, Mr. W. Ring, gr. to J. Warren, Esq.,
Capel House, Waltham Cross; and 3rd, Mr. Henry
Perkins, gr. to the Hon. W. H. Smith, Esq., M.P.,
Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames.

The best exhibit of twelve blooms ot Japanese
varieties, distinct, came from Mr. G. Boakes, gr. to- J.
Dixon, Esq., Edenhurst, Sevenoaks, and he had staged
the following varieties : Madame R. Ray, General
Buller, Miss Elsie Fulton, Mrs. White Popiiam, Chas.
Longley. Mrs. C. H. Payne, Marquis V.Venusta, Elthorne
Beauty, Mrs. Greenfield, Madame Gustave Henry, Soleil
d'Octobre, and Marjorie. 2nd, Mr. Jaa. Brookes, gr.
to W. J. Neuman, Esq., Totteridge; Ird, Mr. Mark
Rayment, gr. to W. Beech, Esq., North Ockendon,
Romford.

The best six blooms included the following varieties :
—Mrs. G. Mileham, General Hutton, Harman Payne,
Miss E. Fulton, Lily Mountford, and Madame Gustave
Henry. This exhibit was staged by Mr. A. Mackay, gr.
to F. H. Bouden Smith, Esq., Danesbury, Hertford;
2nd, Mr. J. Kirkwood.

The best collection of twelve Japanese blooms, shown
by an amateur in Section A, was from Mr. Mark Ray-
ment, gr. to W. Beech, Esq., North Ockendon, Romford.
The varieties Madame Gustave Henry and Mrs. Mile-
ham were the best specimens.

A collection of six Japanese blooms, distinct
(amateurs), that gained 1st prize for Mr. W. H. Chalk,
281, High Street, Slough, were the varieties Mrs. White
Popham, Madame Gustave Henry, Godfrey's Master-
piece, Mons. L. Remy, Godfrey's Triumph, and Miss A.
Byron.

The only exhibit ot twelve bunches of early flowering
Chrysanthemums was shown by Mr. E. F. Such, and
was awarded the 1st prize.

The only exhibit of twelve bunches of early flowering
Pompons, in not fewer than eight varieties, was from
Mr. E. F. Such, but not one variety was distinguished
by a label.

In a classfor six bunches of early-flowering Chrysan-
themums, distinct, there were four exhibits, the 1st
prize being won by Mr. D. B. Crane, with the following
varieties : Ivy Stark, Harvest Home, Horace Martin,
Orange Mine. Massee, Crimson Mme. Marie Massee'
and Goacher's Crimsou. There was much more
crimson colour in the variety last named than in
Crimson Mme. Marie Massee. 2nd, Mr. Jas. Brookes
gr. to W. J. Neuman, Esq., Totteridge Park, Totteridge'

The 1st prize for twelve bunches of early-flowering
Pompons (amateurs) was won by Mr. D. li. Crane
4, Woodview Terrace, Archway Road, Highgate; and
Mr. A. Taylor, 6, Vernon Terrace, East Finchley,
was 2nd.

In the class for six bunches, Mr. Crane was beaten
by Mr. Eric F. Such, Nurseryman, Maidenhead.
FLOWERS IN VASES.

The vases containing large blooms were the most
important feature of this show. The best exhibit of
two vases containing twelve blooms came from Mr. J.
Kirkwood, gr. to E. Wohmald, Esq., Grass Park House!
Finchley, and the blooms were certainly large in size
and of good quality; 2nd, Mr. Jas. Brookes, gr to
W. J. Neuman, Esq., Totteridge ; 3nd, Mr. G. Boakes
gr. to J. Dixon, Esq., Edenhurst, Sevenoaks.

Mr. Kirkwood won 1st prize in a class for a single
vase, there being no other exhibit.

The beBt yellow Japanese variety shown in a vase
containing six blooms was Mrs. T. W. Pockett from
Mr. W. Ring, gr. to J. Wabren, Esq., Capel House
Waltham Cross. Mr. H. Perkins, gr. to the Hon'
W. F. D. Smith, M.P., Greenlands, Henleyon Thames!
who showed the variety Hon. Mrs. A. Acland, was 2nd'

The variety Mrs. Barkley won 1st prize in a similar
class for any variety not yellow or white. It was
exhibited by Mr. J. Kirkwood. The variety Mrs. R
Darby, shown fairly well by Mr. Perkins, was awarded
the 2nd prize.

There were three exhibits of one vase of early-flower-
ing Pompons, and the one which gained 1st prize was
shown by Mr. Eric F. Such.

Miss C. B. Cole, the Vineyards, Feltham, had 1st
prize for three cpergnes of Chrysanthemums, the
colours used being yellow and bronze. Miss C. B. Cole
had aleo the best basket of Chrysanthemum blooms,
having selected for this purpose a bright yellow variety
exclusively. The same exhibitor, with a collection of
Michaelmas Daisies, won 1st prize for the best basket of
garden flowers, and in another class the 1st prize for a
basket of autumn foliage and berries.

Mr. D. B. Cbane had 1st prize for one epcrgne of
Chrysanthemum blooms.

Mr. E. F. Such had a pretty exhibit of Ro*es ar-
ranged with variously coloured foliage in a basket
which gained 1st prize. '

NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS.
Messrs. Wm. Cuibush & Son, Highgate, London. N
and Barnet, Herts, showed Dahlias and a mixed collec-
tion of hardy flowers, including Michaelmas Iiaisics
The most attractive feature from Messrs. Cutbush was
a group of plants in pots of Lobelia tenuior The
plants were from 1 foot to 2 feet in height, and were
covered abundantly with their rich blue showy flowers
an inch across. Cut flowers of choice varieties of
Carnations completed Messrs. Cutbusha exhibit (Gold
Medal).

Mr. H. J. Jones, Ryecroft Nursery, Hither Green,
Lewisham, S.E., exhibited a very attractive exhibit of
Michaelmas Daisies, inclusive of about 140 varieties.
The specimens were exceedingly fresh and nicely deve-
loped, and represented the choicest varieties obtainable
(Gold Medal).

Mr. Thos. S. Ware (1902), Ltd., exhibited a great
stand of Cactus Dahlias, arranged with much taste.
Conspicuous in this was a Bamboo-stand furnished
with blooms of Kriemhilda, a variety with rose-coloured
outer petals and a white centre (Gold Medal).

Mr. Norman Davis, Chrysanthemum Nursery, Fram-
field, Sussex, exhibited a stand of large - flowered
Chrysanthemums, in which a dozen blooms of the
variety Madame Paolo Radselli were noticeable for
their large size. Other sorts included Lady Pearce (a
white seedling Japanese), Mrs. A. R. Knight, Mafeking
Hero, J. R. Upton, &c. (Crystal Palace Company's Gold
Medal).

Some single and double flowers of seedling varieties
of tuberous Begonias, shown by T. S. Ware, Ltd , were
remarkable. The collection was a very large one, the
flowers excellent, and only bore sufliolent blemishes
to indicate they were obtained from the open field
But owing to the rough weather it was stated most of
the blooms had been cleansed by immersion in water.

Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfleld Nurseries,
Crawley, exhibited a quantity of Cactus, Pompon, and
single Dahlias, arranged in correct exhibition fashion
(Gold Medal).

Messrs. S. Spooner & Sons, Hounslow Nurseries,
Middlesex, showed a collection of Apples (Gold Medal).

The new variety of Chrysanthemum maximum, known
ae "King Edward," was shown by Mr. WM. Angus,
Peuicuick Gardens, N.B., who had twenty-four vases of
blooms.

Messrs. n. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, had a
group of Cannas in pots, apparently as large, certainly
as showy and attractive as recent exhibits of the kind
from Swanley.

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons had also about twenty
bunches of early-flowering Chrysanthemums, amongst
which several newer ones were included, such as
Maggie McLeod, bronzy-red, small Japanese blooms;
Murillo, a very attractive Japanese flower, tinted pink ;
Safeguard, a very free-flowering variety, growing about
2 feet high, Japanese, colour rosy lilac ; White Quintus,
Ryecroft Gold, and Gladys Grey, a yellow Pompon with
forked florets (Gold Medal).

Messrs. J. Peed & Sons, Nurserymen, West Norwood,
S.E., exhibited very large groups of Begonia Mrs.'
Leopold de Rothschild and B. Turnford Hall, also a
few dishes of Apples (Gold Medal.)

Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham, Norfolk, made a very
extensive display of Dahlias, and showed lesser col-
lections of cut Roses andearly out-of-door-grown Chrys-
anthemums. Some arches at the back of the exhibit
were festooned with varieties of Michaelmas Daisies
(Gold Medal).

Mr. Eric F. Such, Maidenhead, exhibited a few
hardy flowers, including early flowering Chrysanthe-
mums (Silver Medal).

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park Nursery
Enfield, N., exhibited two Fig-trees bearing ripe fruits!
in pots ; also a collection of Apples and Pears (Silver-
ilt Uedal).

Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth Nurseries, Devon,
showed Chrysanthemum blooms of several good border
varieties, including Harry Gover, Yellow Prince
Britannia, &c, varieties of Carnations in pots, a pretty
crimson Fuchsia named '"Mary "(Crystal Palace Com-
pany's Gold Medal).

Tomato Hanwell Victory is a very heavy cropping
variety of the Perfection type, shown by Mr. W
Sewabd, The Firs, Hanwell, W.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OP
ENGLAND ORCHID.

October 2 — The members of the Committee present
on this occasion were Messrs. Leeman, Cypher, Holme?
Upjohn, Williamson, Cowan, Rogers, Keeling, and'
Weathers (Hon. Sec).

There was a moderate display of plants, the best
coming from E. Rogerson, Esq , Oakdene, Didsbury
(gr., Mr. Blomeley). The group included many first-
rate plants, both in regard to species, varieties, and
hybrids. The following plants were selected for
award : -Cypripedium Charlesworthii "Oakdene var. "
a very richly- coloured and large form, First-class
Certificate; Odontoglossum crispum var. xantho-
glossum, a fine large flower of good substance, with a
chrome-coloured lip and a few pale-yellow spots on the
segments, First-class Certificate ; Cattleya x •' Fernand
Dennis," a hybrid between Cattleya Aclandiae x C.
gigas also received a First-class Certificate; the
parentage of C. Aclandirc was not evident in any way.
Cattleya x "Mrs. Pitt" received a First-class Certifi-
cate; Lselio Cattleya x Galatea received an Award of
Merit; similar awards going to Cypripedium x Oak-
dene, Sophro-Ltelia x heatonensis, Cypripedium x
•Eos," and C. x Mrs. Preston. A Gold Medal was
voted to the group.

T. Miller Crook, Esq., Stanley Grange, near Pres.
ton (gr., Mr. Perks), obtained an Award of Merit for
Cypripedium x " Kitty," a cross between C. x T. B.
Haywood and C. Swinburnei; the flower is large and
bold, and suggestive of a mammoth form Of CxCrossia-
num. Cattleya Gaskelliana, Stanley Grange var., and
Cattleya x Iris came from the same collection (Vote of
Thanks).

Mr. W. B. Upjohn, Worsley, exhibited a splendidly-
grown plant of Miltonia vexillaria (Vote of Thanks).

J. E. Williamson, Esq., The Grange, Stretford (gr.,
Mr. Jones), staged a small miscellaneous group (Vote
of Thanks).

J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, exhibited a nice
group, containing some bright pieces of Dendrobium
pliakenopsis var. Schroderiana, Cypripedes, Odon,to-
glo3sums, &c. (Silver Medal).

Mr. A. J. Keeling, Bingley, Yorks, exhibited Lrelio-
Cattleya x German ia and Masdevallia x "Booking
hybrid " (Vote of Thanks).

Messrs. Cowan & Co., Gateacre, received a Silver
Medal for a good group of Odontoglossum grande.

T Statter, Esq., Whitefield (gr., Mr. Johnson),
exhibited a fewgood Cypripedes (Vote of Thanks). P. W.

LIVERPOOL NATIONAL AMATEUR
GARDENERS ASSOCIATION.

A Successful meeting of members and friends of
the Association was held in the Common Hal.l, Dale
Street, Liverpool, on October 1. Mr. R. Pinnington
was the lecturer, his subject being "Round About
the Flower Shows."

In a few introductory remarks the lecturer stated
that it was his intention to give a few lessons which
might be of benefit to his hearers. He dealt with the
new varieties of Sweet Peas, Dahlias, and Roses, and
some other matters calculated to interest his audience.
Dwelling for some time on the subject of table decora-
tions, he said how delighted he was to observe at many
shows an increase in the number of classes for vases
of Dahlias and Roses, which afford scope for pleasiDg
arrangements of the flowers. The description of the
Shrewsbury visit was much appreciated, the main
features being touched upon in a practical manner.

©bituar^.

Frederick Law Olmsted.— The American
horticultural journals have recently recorded the
death of the famous landscape gardener, Mr.
F. L. Olmsted, in Waverley, Mass. Born in 1822,
deceased first studied civil engineering and
afterwards science at the Yale College. Next he
studied agriculture, and worked for seven years
as a farmer and agriculturist upon his own land.
From 1850 to 1857 he devoted himself to literary
work, and travelled in Europe in 1850. In 1853
and 1854, in order to obtain details of the
economical condition of the Slave States, de-
ceased travelled more than 4,000 miles on horse-
back in those States. In 1856, visiting Europe
again, he made a special study of the parks,
pleasure grounds, public forests, zoological and
botanical gardens, and the plans and manner of
enlargement of towns and suburbs. In 1857 he
was appointed superintendent of the preparatory
work of the projected Central Park of New York,
and in the following winter, in association with
the late Calvert Vaux, he devised a plan for this
park which was selected from thirty-three others.
The designers were empowered to carry out the
work, and for political reasons had to proceed
rapidly. At one time they employed nearly 4,000
men. At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1801,
Mr. Olmsted was appointed by the President a
member of the National Sanitary Commission,
and was given the work of organising and
managing its executive business.

In 1864 he resided on the Pacific slope and
there served as Chairman of the Californian State
Commission, taking the custody of the Yosemite
and Mariposa reservations, ceded to the State by
Congress as public parks. In 1865 he returned
to New York, and entered into partnership with
Mr. Calvert Vaux and Mr. F. C. Withers as
landscape gardeners. In 1S73 this partnership
was dissolved, and Mr. Olmsted served as presi-
dent, treasurer, and afterwards as landscape
architect to the Park Commission of New York.
He moved to Boston in 1878, and in 1884 took his
son into partnership. Mr. Olmsted had been

October 10, 1903.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

263

employed upon upwards of eighty public recrea-
tion grounds, and had also a very large practice
in the laying-out of the grounds of public insti-
tutions and private estates. He designed the
grounds of the Capitol at Washington, including
the marble terrace and other structures exterior
to the main building, also in association with Mr.
Vaux, of the Saleine, now being carried out by
the State of New York for the preservation of the
natural scenery of Niagara Falls. Mr. Olmsted
was A.M. of Amherst College, and A.M. and
LL.D. of the Universities of Harvard and Yale.
He was the author of several well-known works,
and at one time was an associate-editor of Put-
man's Magazine. He retired from business in
1895 in feeble health. It was the deceased,
states The Florists' Exchange, "who may be said to
have created the title of landscape architect, now
so worthily borne by many younger men, as
opposed to the old title of landscape gardener or
landscape engineer."

Vegetables. — Average Wholesale Prices.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, October 8.
Out Flowers, &c. — Average Wholesale Friges.

t.d. t.d.
Asters, per dozen

bunches 2 0-40

Bouvardias, bunch 0 6-08
C alias, per dozen. 4 0-50
Carnations, per

bunch
Chrysanthemums,

doz. bunches 4 0-10 0

— specimen
blooms, doz. 10-30

Coreopsis, dozen

bunches
Dahlias, per doz.

bunches
Eucharis, per doz.
Ferns, Asparagus,
per bunch ...

— French, per
doz. bunches 0 4-06

— Maidenhair,

doz. bunches 4 0-60
Gaillardia, per

doz

Gardenias, box ...

Gladiolus Brench-

leyensis, bunch

— various, bnch
Gypsophila, per

bunch

Heather, Scotch,

per bunch ...
Honesty, bunch .
Liliums, longi-

florum, per

bunch

— lancifolium,
per bunch ...

Lilium auratum,

per bunch
Lily of the Valley,

p. doz. bunches 4 0-80
Lobelia cardinalis,

doz. bunches 3 0-40
Mignonette, doz. 2 o- 3 o

t.d. t.d.

10-20

10-20

3 0-40
16-20

10-2

10-30
10-16

1 0-
0 4-

0 3-04

0 9-

1 0

1 0

3 0-40
16-20

2 0-30

Lupins, per doz.

bunches
Marguerites, yel-
low, doz. bunch. 10-20
Michaelmas
Daisies, doz.
bunches
Montbretias, per

dozen bunches 4 0-60
Orchids : Cattleya,
dozen blooms...

— Odontoglos-
sums, dozen
blooms

Pelargoniums,

zonal, d. bun. 4 0-60
Phlox, per dozen

bunches
Physalis, per doz.

bunches
Poppies, Iceland,

p. doz. bunches 0 6-10
Pyrethrums, doz.

bunches

Roses, Mermet.

per doz.

— various, bun.

— red, labnebs.

— white, bunch

— pink, bunoh
Scabiosacaueasica,

doz. bunches 4 0
Smilax, per doz.

trails

Solidago, dozen

bunches
Stephanotis, doz.
Sun Flower, doz.

bunches
Tuberoses, strong,

per bunch ... 0 9-10

— per dozen ... n a- n 3
Violets, doz. bun. 10-16

— Parma, bunch 10-20

3 0-40

3 0-40

6 0-12 0

16-26

3 0-40
6 0-80

16-20

10-20
0 6-16
4 0-60
0 6-20
0 4-18

■ 0 0
16-26

3 0-40
16-30

16-30

Plants in Pots, &c. — Average Wholesale Prices.

Adiantums, doz.
Aral i as, per doz.
Arbor Vitse, doz.
Aspidistras, doz.
Asters, per doz.
Aucubas. per doz.
Begonia Gloirc tie

Lorraine, doz.
Chrysanthemum,

per dozen ...
Coleuses, per doz
Crotons, per doz.
Cyperus, per doz.
Draecenas, variety,

dozen

Ericas, per dozen
Euonymus, vara.,

per dozen
Ferns in var., doz
Fruit.—

Apples, home-
grown, cookers,
per bushel
per half bushel
barrels

— Dessert, halt
Bananas, bunch..

— loose, dozen .
Blackberries, per

peck

■ — per sieve
Cobnuts, per lb.
Cranberries, per

case

Figs, per dozen...
Filberts, per lb.
Grapes, Alicante,
ber lb.

— uros Maroc,
per lb

t.d. t.d.

4 0-80

4 0-80

9 0-18 0

18 0-36 0

3 0-40

4 0-80

8 0-24 0

3 0-10 0

4 0-60

12 0-24 0

4 0 —

12 0-48 C

10 0-12 0

4 0-60

4 0-30 0

Ficus elastica.doz.

Lilium longl-

florum.perdoz.

— lancifolium,
per dozen ...

Lycopodiums, p.

dozen

Marguerites, doz.
Orange-trees, each
Palms, var., each
Pelargoniums,
scarlet, dozen
Primulas, per doz.
Pteris tremula,
dozen

— Wimsettl, per
dozen

— major, dozen
Solanums, dozen

Average Wholesale Prices.
t.d. t.d.

t.d. t.d.
9 0-24 0

6 0-12 0

6 0-12 0

3 0-40
6 0-12 0
3 6-10 6

3 0-20 0

6 0 —

4 0 —

4 0-80

4 0- R 0

4 0-60
4 0-60

4 0-70

2 6 3 6
14 0-1S 0

3 0-40
7 0-12 0
10-16

2 6 —
50 -
0 6-0 5J

14 6 —
10-16
0 5 —

0 6-10

0 8-10

Grapes, Hamburgh
per lb. ... 0

— Muscats, A.,

per lb. ... 3

B., per lb. 0

Canon Hall,

A., per lb. 4

B., per lb. 2

Lemons, per case 26
Melons, each ... 0
Oranges, per case 12
Peaches, A., doz. 8
Pears, half bush. 4

— stewing, half 4
Pines, each ... 3
P'ums. per sieve 6
Walnuts, Gre-
noble, bag ... 8

— French, per
bag 15

t.d. t.d

0-4 0
8-13

0-5 0
0-3 0
0 —
9-2 0
0-11 0
0-16 0
0-6 0
H- 5 0
0- 4 0
0-6 0

0-8 0

0-16 0

Artichokes, Globe
per dozen ...

— Jerusalem, p.
sieve

Beans, dwarf, per
sieve

— Scarlet Run-
ners, p. bushel

Beetroots, bushel
Brussels Sprouts,

per sieve
Cabbages, tally ...
Carrots, doz. bun.

— per bag
Cauliflowers, doz.
Celery, per dozen

bundles

Cress, per dozen
punnets

Cucumbers, doz.

Endive, per doz.

Garlic, per lb. ...

Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch

Leeks, per dozen
bunches

Lettuces, Cabbage,
per dozen

Lettuces, Cos, per
score

t.a. B.a.

t.d.

t.d.
Mint, per dozen
2 0-26 bunches ... 1 0

Mushrooms, house,

16— per lb 1 o-

Onions, per case . 4 0-50
16-20 — per bag ... 30-46
— green, per doz. 2 0-

1 6

l o-

1 6-

16-20
3 0-40

13 —

2 0-36

111 -
0 3 —

picklers, sieve

Parsley, per doz.

bunches ...

— sieve

Parsnips, per bag

1 0- 2 0 i Peas, per bushel .

2 0-36; Potatos,perton

0 9-16, Radishes, per
dozen bunches
10 0-16 0 Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz....
Spinach, pr. sieve
Tomatos, Channel
Islands, per lb.

— English, per
12 1b

1 6 Turnips, per doz.
bunches

— per bag
Vegetable - Mar-
rows, per tally .

Watercress, per
dozen bunches.

3 0-40

10-16
0 9-10
2 6-30
10-30
70 0-90 0

0 6-09

13 —

0 9-10

1 3-

10-16
0 4- 0 6 |

1 6-

2 6-

2 n

3 0

0 6- 1 0 |

3 0-50
0 4-06

Remarks.— Californian fruits. Plums, 10s. to 13s. per
case ; Pears, 7s. to 14s. do. ; Quinces, lis. do. ; Jamaica
Mangoes, 2s. 6d. to is. per dozen ; Grapes, 16s. to 18s.
per case; Corn Cobs, is. per dozen. Apples in barrels
are very good, these are Ribston Pippin, Gravenstein,
•Sic. Most of the English Plums now coming are
Victoria and Egg. Cucumbers are improved in price.

Potatos.
Home-grown, 60s. to 90s. per ton.
Wellington Street, Covent Qarden.

John Bath. 32 & 34,

THE WEATHER.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick,
London, for th£ period Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, 1903.
Height above sea-lerel 24 feet.

Temfera-

Z

Temperature

TUREOFTHE

o

i

a

of the Air.

SoiLat9A.M.

a

-h

z

a

1 1

K

O

Z
O

H
O

At9A.M. H g

^ 1 **

I

Z

3

P.
V

o

P,

*3

4

a .
Ej
ag

3*8

8

.Q Si

3 3 »

^

«S

a

PH « 2

+3

49

4-3

Is

W O

cn

- P i w

o

«!

<

<l

l-l

.

M

v e> i <u — <u i 4) o 0)
"Cl , "d 1 'd ' .H : T3 *cl -d "d

•d

Sun. 27

S.E.

57-2

56'8 66-4 49-3 0 '21 59-0.59-0 67 '4 42 '7

MON.28

S.E.

60-;

59-3 89-2 65-5;0'17i59-0 59 0 57'6 47-9

TUES.29

S.E.

W9

•530 tJ7-0 59-8 0-39

JO-3 59-0 57'6 53-7

Wed. 30

8.W.

63"?

59-2 69-2]&3-0

80-3:59-3 57-7,44-8

Thu. 1

S.8.W.

58-7

58-2 5-6!47-9

0-06

59-0 59-3 577 430

FHT. 2

S.W.

57-7

M'l 84*4 50*1

0-02

58-8

69'0 57"7 45*2

Sat. 3

S.W.

61-4

•50-0 66-0 57-6

0-20

59-3

59-0 57-7&2'9

I

Tot

Means

...

60-5

58-7 69-S53-4 I '05 59*4
1 1 1 1

59-1 57-647-0

Remarks. — The weather has been for the most part
cloudy and dull, with a considerable quantity of wind
at times. Rain fell on six days.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The following Summary Record of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
Oct. 3, is furniBhed from the Meteorological Office :—

•' The weather was very cloudy or dull as a whole, with
a close atmosphere and rain almost daily, and occa
Bionally in some quantity. Thunder occurred at
Ochtertyre on Wednesday, and lightning at some more
southern stations later in the week.

"The temperature continued above the mean, the
excess ranging from 3* in the Channel Islands to as
much as 5° or 6" in almost all other parts of the king-
dom. The highest of the maxima were registered
between Monday and Thursday, and ranged from 72° in
England, E., and 70° in England, 8., to 65° in Scotland,
W., and to 65° or 64° in Ireland. The lowest of the
minima, which were recorded either at the beginning
or end of the period, varied from 39° in England, N.E ,
40' in Scotland. E., and 41 in Scotland, N.. to 48° in
England. S , and Ireland, S., 49° in Ireland, N , and to
5i° in the Channel Islands.

"The rainfall exceeded the mean in all districts ex-
cepting Scotland, N. The excess was not very large
generally, but was very considerable In Scotland, W,,
and at some isolated stations in England and Ireland.

•'The bright sunshine was deficient over the kingdon
as a whole, but exceeded the normal amount in Ire-
land. N. The percentages of the possible duration
ranged from 3x in the district just mentioned, to 25 in
Scotland, N., and to 23 in England, N.W."

THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS.
Still warm and very wet.— The warm spell which began
on September 19 has now lasted eighteen days. During
that period there has occurred but one day which has
been in any way unseasonably cold, and not a single
cold night. On most of the nights the lowest readings
were from 8° to 12° higher than the average. The
ground has also been unusually warm ; indeed it is
very seldom in October that the temperature either at
1 or 2 feet deep is as high as it has been on several
days during the past week. The last fortnight has
been a very wet one. Rain fell on all but two days,
and to the aggregate depth of nearly 2 inches, which
is equivalent to a watering on each square yard
in my garden of over nine gallons. The dryness of
the days as compared with the nights was rather
remarkable. For instance, eight days during the
fortnight in question were perfectly dry, while on the
other hand there occurred but three dry nights. Then
again during the daytime the total measurement
amounted to less than J inch against 1J inch during
the night. On each day during the week there has
been free percolation through the bare-soil gauge, but
two days ago that through the gauge on which short
grass is growing for one day entirely ceased. The sun
shone on an average during the week for rather more
than four hours a day, or for about half an hour a day
longer than is usual. Since the beginning of the month
the winds have been high, and have come exclusively
Iron some point of the compass between south and
west. The amount of humidity in the atmosphere has
been, on the whole, about seasonable.

September.

A month of changeable but, on the whole, seasonable
weather. The mean temperature of the month was
about average. The first few days, and also the last ten,
days proved warm, but during the intervening fort-
night the weather remained persistently cold. The
only really hot days were the first two of the month,
when the temperature in the shade rose to 79 and 81°.
During the cold period the exposed thermometer indi-
cated on three nights slight frosts, but on no night wa?
the cold in any way exceptional. Rain fell more fre-
quently than usual, but the total measurement, 2J ins.,
is, if anything, rather below the average quantity for
the month. In recent years there appear to have been
a long series of dry Septembers. In fact, during the
last eighteen years there has occurred only one Sep-
tember in which the rainfall has been in excess
of the mean. This was rather a sunny month
than otherwise, the average duration of bright sun-
shine being about ten minutes a day longer than
usual. Rough winds occurred on several days, but
calms and light airs mostly prevailed. Taking the whole
month the amount of moisture in the air in the middle
of the day was only about 2 per cent, in excess of the
average, but during the last ten days the air was
often extremely damp for the time of year.

The summer rainfall. — With September ends the
summer half of the drainage year. In all but two
months, the first and last of that period (April and
September) the rainfall exceeded the average, and more
particularly was this the case in June, July, and
August. The total excess for the six months amounted
to 5 Inches, which is equivalent to a watering of
23.', gallons on each square yard of surface in my
garden. E. M., Bcrkhamsted, October 6, 1903.

ENQUIRY.

»

Kitchen Garden Crops under Glass. — A
correspondent, "J. D.," writing from Christ-
church, requires information on this subject. He
says : "It is my intention to devote 2 acres to
the extensive cultivation of vegetables — Lettuce,
Cabbage, Radishes, and Celery— under irrigation.
I might set out 250,000 plants in all, in succes-
sion, in the year. To start them under heat until
ready to put in the coolhouse, what would be
most economical, pits heated by hot water, or
an even span-house ? and what amount of space
am I likely to need to carry out the above ? For
the coolhouse would pits by the side of an even
span-house be best? The size of houses I am
likely to need or the number of frames is what I
want an idea of. For such a purpose what piping
should I need 'i Also, can you recommend me a
sterilising apparatus ? " "J. D." would be great!]
obliged if some of our readers would help him
with the above information.

264

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 10, 1903.

Apples in Ireland : F. G. B. The soil and
climate are very favourable for the cultivation
of Apples, and the varieties you mention would
succeed there. Much of the country is treeless,
and orchards require shelter, which, however,
ean soon be afforded by planting quick-growing
Conifers, Poplars, Willows, common Acacia,
Sycamore, Crabs, Damsons, and something as
undergrowth. Number of trees per Irish acre,
at 24 feet apart, 123; and at 30 feet apart,
39 trees.

Black Patches on Lawn : Isis. These arise
probably from some lichen. The land may
stand in need of draining with pipe or rubble
drains, wet land favouring the growth of this
plant. Let the soil be dug out from the black
patches, and made good with stiff loam, on
which suitable turf may be laid.

Book op Carpet-bed and other Designs :
W. F. O. The sort of book required is published
by Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanley Junction,
Kent.

Carnations, Souvenir de la Malmaison :
T. R. P., Poole Harl>our. The roots are infested
with Eelworms. No cure. Throw them into
the garden furnace. When using pasture loam
for Carnations, Cucumbers, Melons, Gardenias,
Ac, sterilise it by heating it on hot plates, or
use no loam which has been less than one year
in stack.

Celery : H. C. The leaves are attacked by the
Celery fly. We are afraid there is no other
remedy than to burn the plants, and that
quickly.

Cherry - tree Trained against a Wall and
Dead : Q. Impell. We find no fungus or trace of
boring caterpillars, and are unable to account
for the destruction of the plant. It would
seem to point to something deleterious being
poured over the roots.

Communication Concerning Eoses : Rosa Igno-
ramus. If you will send your full name and
address we will answer your question in our
columns. We always require these particulars
before replying to unknown correspondents,
not necessarily for publication, but as an
earnest of good faith.

Correction : In our report of the Vegetable
Exhibition, Chiswick, we stated in error under
his portrait that Mr. B. A. Horspool is gardener
to Eichard Myddleton, Esq., at Chirk Castle,
whereas he is the tenant of a garden at that
place, in which he cultivates market produce.
Mr. J. A. Jones is the head gardener at Chirk
Castle.

Jield as Allotment Holding : Hortus. In the
absence of agreement, the land would be held
on a yearly tenancy, with a three months' no-
tice to quit, expiring at the date of entry on
the same. If there are plants on the land that
would be injured by removal at that time, the
customary respite of the county must be allowed
the tenants.

Tlower Pots : E. H. C. We doubt the impossi-
bility of making the pots as desired (1) because
onr Colonial correspondent found that the
Americans can and do manufacture such pots,
and have secured his trade in consequence—
not a small item either ; (2) because we have
ourselves seen within the last few weeks in
France a very large number of such pots.

&EBMAN Gardener : Will " E. B.," who was
answered in last week's issue, kindly forward
his name and address to the Editor, Gardeners'
Chronicle.

Grapeb : E. W. R. The two crushed berries
received are insufficient material for examina-
tion.

Insect : W. R., Kensington. The grub is that of
the Goat Moth, Co3sus ligniperda. Hook
them out with a curved wire. Inject tobacco
smoke freely into the holes made by the insect.

Laburnum : H. P. There are many instances
this season in which the Laburnum has flowered
twice ; but usually the racemes are at the ends
of long shoots, not on spurs, as in your case
puny and weak, showing that the tree lias been
induced to attempt more than it could do suc-
cessfully. We have on our table two Pears,
3 inches long, that have been developed from
a second crop of flowers.

Margaret Carnations : Omega. The plants
being but G inches high at this date, they must
have been raised from seeds sown in the summer
monfhs, and should be afforded only a small
shift so as to carry them through the winter.
Small 48's will be large enough, or 32's if three
plants be put into a pot. Use as potting soil
turfy loam three-quarters, leaf-mould one-
quarter, and a small quantity of sand and
mortar rubble, broken very small. You may
stop the growths once after the plants have got
established ; but being naturally of a bushy
habit, not much stopping will be needed. Afford
them another shift early in the spring, if you
want extra strong plants, otherwise apply at
that season some weak manure-water. Keep
cool and dryish during the winter, without
causing suffering from drought. It is a good
practice to sow seeds in a temperature of 58°
to 60° in February.

Names of Fruits : J. T. H. Pear Autumn
Colmar ; Apples, 1, Betty Geeson ; 2, Winter
Greening ; and 3, Yorkshire Beauty. — T. H. H.
Apple Court Pendu Plat. — J. M. Apples, 1,
Warner's King; and 2, Bess Pool.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
Cactus. We cannot undertake to name varieties
of Dahlia. — G. H. Vanda coerulea. — /. S.
Picea orientalis. — M. B. We cannot name
your Salvia ; it is not S. nilotica. — C. A. H. 1,
Sidalcea Candida apparently — very poor speci-
men ; 2, Aster (Chrysocoma) linosyris ; 3, Soli-
dago multiradiata ; 4, Veronica spicata probably
— no flower left ; 5, Aster acris ; 6, Sidalcea
malvaeflora. — Wye, Hereford. The double form
of Clarkia pulchella. There is no English name
for it that we know of. — Fred Isle. 1, Vanda
coerulea ; 2, Epidendrum vitellinum. — Foster.
1, Ccelia Baueriana ; 2, Epidendrum x O'Brien-
ianum ; 3, Masdevallia triangularis ; 4, Eestre-
pia antennifera; 5, Oncidium excavatum ; 6,
Pinguicula caudata. — X. T. Z. We cannot
name Carnations. — W. B. Spiraea Douglasii. —
W. D. Erica vagans. — F. 8. 1, Sanguisorba
officinalis ; 2, Hieracium aurantiacum ; 3, Po-
tentilla fruticosa ; 4, Veronica gentianoides. —
H. R., Aylesford. Varieties of Chrysanthemum
coronarium. The Fern is known as Phegopteris
trichodes. — A. B. 1, Sedum carneum variega-
tum — tender ; 2, Chrysanthemum frutescens. —
G. Paul. Spiraea Fortunei, alios S. callosa. —
G. R. 8. Your plant appears to be a species of
Melia. We do not think it would be of any
use for the purpose you mention. — J. C. S. The
Eetinospora stage of Cupressus funebris. —
A.T.C. 1, Veronica glauco-ccerulea ; 2, Juniperus
sinensis variegata ; 3, Juniperus variegated
form ; 4, Ononis arvensis ; 5, Lonicera Lede-
bourii; G, Euonymus radicans variegata. — J. C.

1, Fittonia Pearcei ; 2, Cyrtodeira fulgida ; 3,
Ophiopogon Jaburan variegatum. — E. W. 1,
Nerine Fothergilli; 2, Hoffmannia Ghies-
breghtii variegata ; 3, Maranta Massangeana. —
J. 8. U. Polygala chamaebuxus, purple variety.
W. S. F. 1, Asplenium trichomanes incisum ;

2, Sedum Sieboldii. Dull weather and too
much water have probably caused the decay of
the Pelargonium. — X. T. Z. 1, Crataegus mexi-
cana ; 2, Amelanchier vulgaris ; 3, one of the
forms of Quercus Hex; 4, Eobinia pseudacacia ;
5, Ulmus campestris ; 6, Quercus pedunculata.
— K. Anthemis tinctoria.

Notice to Quit Service : H. G. G. You are
right in your contention, and can recover the
three weeks' wages due to you, unless charges of
gross misconduct or dereliction of duty be proved
against you.

Oak Leaves Spotted on the Undersides :
H. Cowley. " Oak Spangles," caused by a mite.

Pear Beurre Hardy : W. H. C. The second
flowering of the Pear is not uncommon, but it

is rarely that half a crop is thus formed. The
fruits sent were about half size, therefore not
likely to attain full size so late in the season.
Peat-moss from the Stables : D. E. Excellent
manure for garden or farm crops if the pre-
caution be taken to ferment it in large heaps,
which are turned and mixed once a week, till
the rank ammoniacal fumes have passed off
and decay set in generally.

Propagation : Olof Hardanger. Clematis Jack-
mani is increased generally by early winter
grafting on stocks of C. vitalba (Traveller's
Joy) at or just below the ground-level, and
employing the cleft method, and using grafting-
wax to exclude moisture. Common white Lilac
is increased by means of rooted suckers, cut-
tings, budding, and grafting. Lavender may
be grown from cuttings of mature wood taken
in October, and inserted in very sandy loam
under hand-lights out-of-doors in a warm
situation. They will be well rOoted by the
following month of May and may then be lifted,
each with a ball of soil, and planted in nurse-
beds, where they may remain for a year.

Sciadopitys : Haywards Heath. The" presence
of lichen on your tree is an indication of a
moist atmosphere. So long as the lichen is
confined to the old bark it is not likely to do
any material harm ; but if, which is hardly
likely, it invades the young shoots and foliage,
then it will become harmful, and should be
carefully removed. The soil, if water-logged,
should not be allowed to remain so.

Situation in a good Seed Warehouse: A. B.
Sean our advertisement columns, or insert an
advertisement.

Tomato : Miss M. E. F. We cannot name the
variety, except that it is an excellent form of
the " Perfection " type, with almost round,
perfectly smooth fruits. It is very likely, as
your gardener informed you, the variety has
never been catalogued. In selecting seed for
propagation use only the best-formed fruits, of
medium size ; and if you want a change of seed,
send some to a friend a distance away, and in a
season or two exchange again.

Twenty Varieties of Dessert Pears : New
Reader. In your county, the soil being gene-
rally of a heavy nature, Pears on walls should
be budded on the Quince, or as many of them
as succeed on that stock, and as the double
cordon is to be employed, the trees can be kept
easily to that form by occasional lifting and
replanting, and carrying out a moderate
amount of summer pinching of the shoots. We
append a select list of varieties, most of which
have been long in cultivation in this country,
and are likely to succeed on a wall facing east.
Single cordons cost from Is. to Is. 6d\ each if
one year old ; if of fruiting size, 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d\
Eipeaing in August: *Beurre Gifford and
♦Jargonelle ; September : *Beurre d'Amanlis,
•William's Bonne Chretien and Fertility ;
October: * Louise Bonne of Jersey, *Michaelmas
Nelis, Seckel, 'Beurrc Bosc, B. Diel, *B. Fouque-
ray, *B. Superfin, and B. Hardy. The season of
some of the October Pears extends into Novem-
ber ; November : *Beurre de Jonghe, *B. Alex-
andre Lucas, *B. d'Anjou, 'Doyenne du Cornice,
Directeur Hardy ; December and January, and
later : * Doyenne d'Aleneon, Duchesse d'An-
gouleme, *Nouvelle Fulvie, *Easter Beurre.
Those marked with an asterisk are of the finest
flavour.

Vine-roots Diseased : T. R. P., Poole Harbour.
These are suffering from the same cause as
the Carnations, and whether it is possible to
get rid of the eelworms or not will depend
upon the extent of the infection. If the Vines
are young and the root area is small, taking
them up, removing the worst infested parts,
and planting in entirely eelworm-free soil, the
Vines might recover ; otherwise matters will
go from bad to worse.

Communications Received —Mark Webster. —Miss
Dyer- J. A R — O. T — B. S W.— H. T. K.— W. C. B.—
A. E S.-J. S.C-B. H.C.— A. B.-G. W— W. H.— T. H.
— T. B — R. D.-A. G. J— F. J- J. B— M E. F.-B. J —
Palisburv— F. V.— Dr. Bonavia— Pritchard & 9on—
G H.— E. W. D — T. H H — J M.— H. R -S. C— W. D.
—A. D -C. 8. F.— W. P. R.— J. K.— A. H.— R. B.-E. C.
— B. H.-J. C.-P. W. V.

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle.'

Xli OTTAXA SANDKK.K : FLOWERS ROSE COLOURED.

October 17, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

2G5

THE

No. 877.— SATURDAY, OCT. 17, 1903.

CONTENTS,

Aster Thomsoni

Boiler, a good tubular

-Books, notices of—

Book of the Peach...

Botanical Magazine

Dictionnaire Icono-

grapbiquedes Or-

chidees

Flora of the Presi-
dency of Bombay .
Gardening in India.
Home Floriculture .

■Canterbury Bell, the .

Chrysanthemum Show
at Kome

Dublin, Lord Ardi-
laun's garden near .

Fruit tree girdles ...

Fungus, a grand
edible

Gardeners' dinner, the

Grapes at Shrewsbury

Grass and Clover seed
crops, the foreign ...

Hall's, Mr. A. D., lec-
ture at Chelsea Phy-
sic Garden

Historic Cedars

Humeas and Peach-
trees

Kew Bridge market
extensions

Marigolds in pots ...

266

S70
273
272

267

273

269

271

276
276

Ml

Nepenthes Xorthiana

pulchra

Onions, an extraordi-
nary crop of

Orchid notes and
gleanings

Potato Evergood

Potato Northern Star
273,

Raspberries and Straw-
berries, autumn-
fruiting

Rose garden in Octo-
ber, the

Sbiplake Court, Hen-
ley-on-Thames

Societies-
Horticultural Club
Royal Horticultural

Stock-taking

Transplanting at night

Vegetables and fruit,
Parisian

Vegetables, exhibiting

Vegetables for exhibi-
tion, Mr. Beckett's
leciure on

Vegetables from
Georgia

Week's work, the

Wisley Garden, the ...

Woburn Experimental
Fruit Farm

272

276

266
273
272,
275

These are the stories— the concrete fact,
the tree, remains ; and there is no railway
near it !

Asa Gray demolished some of the fig-
ments attaching to the tree in a letter in
our columns on April 29, 1882, where he
says : — " I suppose it is well known that
Bernard de Jussieu never went to the Holy
Land, and that most readers of the Gar-
deners' Chronicle would know that no rail-
way has as yet invaded the Jardin des
Plantes, or that in such a case it would
be likely to cross the steep knoll upon
which still stands the Cedar of Lebanon
which as a seedling De Jussieu is said to

279
277
273
273

269
16S

272

270
272

272

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Canterbury Bell with a coloured calyx 267

Cedar, the historic, in Jardin des Plantes 265

Pumpkin Nicaise 269

Runner Butter Bean it?

Shiplake Court, Henley-on-Thames (Supplement).

Squash Mirepoix Musk £69

Turnip White Round Epernay 269

Vegetables, Mr. Beckett's exhibit of, at the

Chiswick show 27~>

HISTORIC CEDAES.

OUK illustration (fig. 112) represents,
though, it must be admitted, im-
perfectly, one of the historic trees of
Europe. Legends have grown up around it —
legends which doubtless have a nucleus of
truth surrounded by a thick crust of fanciful
perversions.

It is stated that Bernard de Jussieu
brought a seedling plant from the Holy
Land. On the journey disaster befell the
vessel. The quantity of water allowed to
the ciewand passengers was strictly limited.
De Jussieu shared what little he got with
his cherished Cedar. Arrived at Marseilles,
further trouble arose with the Custom-House
officials, but at length £he Cedar was safely
deposited in the Jardin des Plantes. Thi^
story was put forth in Sharp's London
Magazine, according to an extract from that
publication published in our columns on
November 18, 1847, p. 751. In this, how-
ever, the name of Bernard de Jussieu is not
•given, but in a style that would now be con-
sidered " gushing," the removal of the tree
in order to make a railway is announced.

A variant from the story just given is
quoted in the Conifer Conference Report,
p. 410, wherein the credit of the introduc-
tion under these adverse circumstances is
assigned to the elder De Candolle ! The
narrative of De Jussieu's alleged adventures
was, according to Asa Gray, repeated in the
'Edinburgh Review for October, 1864, with the
additional statement, ;ilso given in the
London Magazine, that the tree was cut
down in 1837 in the course of making a
railway, and "the hissing steam-engine
passes over the place where it stood."

Another story is that a seedling plant
was brought in his hat from England in
1734 by Bernard do Jussieu.

girth. In 1812 it measured 5 feet 11 inches
in girth at 6 inches (sic) above the ground.
In 1864 the girth at 3 feet from the ground
was 10 feet 8 inches. In 1867 the measure-
ments are given as 11 feet 3 inches in girth
at 5 feet above the soil. In 1882, at 6 feet
above the soil, the girth was 13 feet 2 inches,
and the height 52 feet 9 inches. It is not
unlikely that the last measurement was
made by M. Henry de Vilmorin himself.
The dimensions above given do not coincide
with those mentioned by Loudon, and must
be taken with due reserve. Carriere, Traite
des Conifires, ed. ii., 1867, p. 378, gives 1736
as the date at which the Paris tree was

Fig. 112.— the historic cedar in jardin des tlantes.

have brought over from England in the
crown of his hat, said hat the while probably
covering the honoured head of the founder
of the Natural System." Asa Gray goes on
to say that the story of the voyage from the
Levant to Marseilles seems to be an adapta-
tion of one about three Coffee-plants which
Antoine de Jussieu is said to have despatched
from the Jardin des Plantes in 1720 to
Martinique, in a vessel commanded by
Captain Declieux, one of which was kept
alive by the devotion of the Captain under
circumstances similar to those of that part
of the preceding story.

According to some data furnished to the
late Andrew Murray by the lamented Henry
de Vilmorin, and published in the Pirn turn
Britannicum, the Paris tree measured in 1786,
at 5 feet above the ground, 4 feet 9 inches in

planted, and further says that in 1854, at
1 m. 50 from the soil (4 feet 10 inches) it
measured 3 m. 40 in circumference (11 feet
4 inches). Carriere, as an official of the Jar-
din des Planter and an expert in the matter
of Conifers i>. of coatee, a highly competent
witness.

In any case the Paris tree is by no
means equal in size or beauty to many
that have been recorded and figured in these
pages.

Before we pass from the alleged connection
of the Cedar with De Jussieu we may ment ion
that, in the (iantewrs Chronicle for May 20,
1882, M. Corrcvon' alludes to two line speci-
mens existing at Bcaulieu, near Geneva,
which were also stated to have been planted
by De Jussieu himself in 1735. " Bernard de
Jussieu," we are here told, brought seed (not

2G6

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 17, 1903.

seedlings) from England in 1735, and from
this were derived the Cedar in the garden
at Paris, the two at Beaulieu (Geneva), and
another at Montigny (Seine-et-Oise), France
(see also Ca/rriere, l.'c). It is further stated
that the Cedars at Geneva produce seed so
freely that were it not for the scythe of the
mower the tree would form forests on the
shores of Lake Leman. We ourselves
noticed some years ago the profusion of
seedling plants coming up at Bayfordbury,
Herts, in the flower-beds and even in the
gravel paths near the fine Cedars in that
garden ; and Miller, in the Gardeners' Dic-
tionary, mentions a similar circumstance.
While speaking of these early-planted Cedars
we may recall the fact that four Cedars
were planted in the Chelsea Garden in 1683,
when about 2 feet high. In 1766 Miller says
they (or one of them) had a girth of 12 feet
and upwards at 2 feet from the ground
(Miller's Gardeners' Dictionary, 8th edition,
under " Larix.") Two of these were living
within our recollection, then one succumbed,
and now only the skeleton of one is still
standing. The late Thomas Moore, who was
for many years curator of the garden, had a
wardrobe made of the wood of the tree that
was taken down in his time.

The Enfield Cedar, planted by Dr. Uvedale,
is still in existence, and is claimed to be
the first introduced into England. A photo-
graph of it, kindly furnished by Mr. Amos
Perry, was given in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
July 19, 1902.

Professor Boulger gives some interesting
details relating to the Enfield tree in the
Journal of Botany, 1891, vol. xxix., pp. 14, 15 ;
but he has not been able to verify the state-
ment that the Enfield tree dates from 1670,
thirteen years before the Chelsea trees are
known to have been planted.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

CATTLEYA TEIAN^I VARIETIES.
At the present time there are flowering for the
first time in Captain Stringer's Orchid house,
Park Hill, Kenilworth (gr., Mr. Holland), on
newly imported plants, two very fine varieties of
Cattleya Trianaei, long in advance of their season,
so dissimilar in form and colour as to cause doubt
as to their being of the same species. C. Trianaei
is the most variable of the C. labiata section, and
flowers of the same character have appeared
before. The larger of the two is of the C. T.
Eboracensis type, a finely formed flower having
rosy-lilac sepals and petals and broad labellum,
which is of a rosy-crimson colour in the front,
and furnished with a chrome-yellow disc. The
other and smaller flower is near one known as
C. T. Normani — sepals and petals purplish-rose ;
lip of a claret-purple tint with some yellow on
the disc. C. Trianaei is one of the best of
Cattleyas where the flowers can be properly
expanded. In towns the fogs often destroy them
or cause them to develop imperfectly.

Cattleya amethystoglossa.
A photograph sent by Messrs. Hooley Bros.,
Bitterne Park, Southampton, represents a finely
flowered plant of this pretty Brazilian species,
which flowered out of their recent importation.
The plant has two spikes of twenty-four and
eighteen flowers respectively, each spike being a
bouquet in itself. Like Cattleya Leopoldi, it
has been placed by some authorities under C.
guttata, bearing the varietal name Prinzii; but
there are as good botanical features to render
both C. amethystoglossa and C. Leopoldi worthy

of specific rank, as there are in the case of most
other species of that section of Cattleyas. It was
first introduced from Bahia about 1850, but has
seldom been plentiful in gardens. Its large pale
rose-pink flowers often suffused with yellowish-
white, and spotted with amethyst, and the lip richly
coloured with purple, makes it a showy plant.

Diction naire Iconographique des Orchid ees.

The issue for August, lately received, gives
good coloured illustrations of thirteen subjects,
most of which are well known in gardens. They
comprise : —

Akrides odoratum.— The pretty white and rose-
coloured fragrant species, on which the genus was
founded and which was introduced to the Royal
Gardens, Kew, from China, in 1800. Since that time
importations nave been made from various parts of
India, and for many years the plant formed one of our
leading exhibition Orchids. A plant is reported to
have been flowered by the father of Capt. G. L. Holford,
of Westonbirt, which bore more than thirty flower-
spikes ; and another by Mrs. Lawrence, Sir Trevor
Lawrence's mother, with a like number.

Abbides soavissimum.— A more slender species,
allied to A. odoratum, found in Malacca, Penang. and
other places. It, requires more heat than O. odoratum.

Angr.txum Chailluanum. — Flowers white in
racemes, with long, greenish spurs. Native of West
Africa.

Cattleya Warnehi, var. alba— The fine white
summer -flowering C. labiata, which wa9 so much
admired when shown by M. A. A. Peeters, of Brussels,
at the Holland House Show this year. First flowered
by C. G. Roebling, Esq., Trenton, New Jersey, U.S.A.
(gr., Mr. Clinkaberry), in 1898.

Ctpripedium superbiens (Veitchianum).— The fine
species first imported in 1855, and later collected for
Messrs. Veitch by Thomas Lobb on Mount Ophir.

Dendrobium Farmeri.— Discovered in lsi7 and sent
to Mr. Farmer, of Nonsuch Park, Cheam, who has a
good collection of Orchids of the D. densiflorum
section. Flowers white tinged with rose; lip yellow.
Native of the Himalaya, &c.

Epidendrum Pentotis. — Allied to E. fragrans.
Sepals and petals cream-white, lip white striped with
purple. Habitat, Minas Geraes.

Ionopsis paniculata.— A slender South American
species, always considered by cultivators as being
difficult to grow. Flower-spikes branched; flowers
blush-white, with slight rose marking on the lip.

L.TiLIA X CINNABROSA (cINNABARINA X TENEBHOSA).—

Segments narrow; sepals and petals yellow tinged
with brown ; lip whitish veined with purple.

L/KLIO-CATTLEYA x Bletchleyensis (L. tenebbosa
x C. Warscewiczii).— Originally raised by Mr. Hislop,
gr. to H. S. Leon, Esq , Bletchley Park. Sepals and
petals yellowish-bronze tinged with purple; lip rose-
purple.

Odontoglossum crispum Madame Valcke.— Flower
of fine form ; segments fringed ; white with large
brownish-red blotches. Flowered by M. A A. Peeters,
Brussels.

Odontoglossum crispum Stanley.— From an im
portation by Messrs. Stanley, Ashton & Co., Southgate
Figured from the collection of M. A. A. Peeters.
Flowers white, densely blotched with chestnut-red;
petals fringed.

SELENIPEDIUM X SEDENI CANDIDUI.UM (SCHLIMII

album x longifolium).— One of the earliest of the
Veitchian set of hybrid Selenipediums, now no longer
favourites in gardens, notwithstanding their beauty
and easy-growing qualities.

EXHIBITING VEGETABLES.

Those who have had opportunities of observ-
ing numerous exhibits of vegetables in com-
petitions will admit that the competitors do
not always display their produce to the greatest
advantage. The commonest fault with exhibitors
is crowding the space allotted to them. The
answer some of them make is that the authori-
ties do not afford sufficient table space to
enable an exhibitor to arrange his productions
in a satisfactory manner. The best reply I can
make to such an objector is : Inspect carefully
the methods adopted by the leading exhibitors at
Shrewsbury and other big shows. Hardly ever
do we see their exhibits crowded into a space too
small to hold them. Granted that a 3-feet-wide
table does not afford much space when that is all
that is given, exhibitors of experience then adopt a
system of elevating; the vegetables, and thus add
as it were to the area of the table. As all have

not an opportunity of observing staging in the-
most approved fashion, a few hints and remarks-
on this subject may be of much service to
intending exhibitors.

What is meant by elevating some of the vege-
tables is to have a few small stages or shelves
arranged at the back of the exhibition tables.
For instanpe, a thin piece of deal is made into a
shelf 8 inches wide and as much in height, and
on this are arranged the Cauliflowers, the stem>
portion going under a similar shelf at the back,
the heads simply being exposed at the front. In
a like manner Cabbages are arranged in the
centre of the group. This system of elevating-
the central dishes admits of bold groups of such
subjects as Leeks, Celery and Cardoons on each
side. In no way do Celery or Leeks show to such
advantage as they do when standing almost
upright with just an inclination towards the
back of the staging. In such a position, not only
good points can be readily observed, but also the-
bad ones.

In the case of Onions, some varieties of which
are growji to a huge size (3 lb. a bulb)', instead
of half burying them on the table in moss or
Parsley, or arranging them on one of the elevated
shelves previously alluded to, exposing one por-
tion only to view — the root end, for example — it
is thought to be a better plan (where all sides are-
of equal importance none can be hidden with
advantage) to have for each bulb a crinoline-like
wire support resting on the table, thus showing:
the base, depth, breadth, and top of each bulb.

I need hardly say these supports may be easily
hidden from view with Parsley, which at the
same time provides a pleasing foundation and*
contrast. Instead of arranging half the bulbs,
Cauliflowers or Potatos on each side of a central
dish, as is so frequently observed in collections,
it is better to mass all of one kind of vegetable
together, not only for effect, but for convenience
in judging. Carrots should be arranged in a-
pile, so to speak, with the points directed towards-
the front of the table, and with a gentle slope.
Potatos should be spread singly on the table, not
in long lines along the front, but in a square or
mass together. The heaping system spoils their
appearance, one hiding the outline of the other.
If all will not bear exposure, they have no business
to be there. A similar remark applies to Tomatos.
Placed in a square, stalk downwards, on a white-
case of either wood-wool or paper, a better effect
is obtained than when Parsley is used. In select-
ing these, uniformity of size, even of colouring,
and that deep red, and the smallest "eye"
possible, are the salient points. I need hardly say
that each should be thoroughly ripened to the stalk,
and free from discoloration. Let no exhibitor
be deluded into thinking that the judges do not
scrutinise that portion as well as the surface.
Peas require careful handling to obtain the best
effect, and to obtain the " bloom," which is a point
to be observed. Each pod should be so arranged
that its full size is visible to the spectator.
Varieties differ in their requirements in this
respect, though as a general rule they should be-
arranged in half-moon fashion, each one being;
fully displayed, all the stalks pointing in one
direction. Runner Beans are more easily dealt
with, and are seen best when exposed singly to-
view, laying them all in one direction, selecting
them as evenly as possible in length, breadth,
age, and colour.

I might continue with examples some time
yet, but fear I have already taken up too-
much space. A brief summary would be :
First select all the items of each vegetable as
perfect as possible in its own way, then arrange
them as prominently as possible, avoiding all-
overcrowding, but leaving no space unoccupied.
Every dish should be correctly and plainly
named, not only for effect, but also for educa-
tional purposes.

OCTOBEE 17, 1903.J

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

267

One point I would strongly impress upon the
tieginner in staging vegetables, viz., the import-
anceof having a previously thought-outplan, know-
ing how mueh space each dish is to occupy ; and
at the show to carry out the plan to the letter, any
slight advantage to be gained by an alteration being
■easily secured afterwards. This system avoids the
necessity of having several sorts of vegetables in
hand at once, which are not improved by frequent
handling and exposure to the air. The moment
the back dishes are placed in position, cover
■each over with a sheet or two of thin clean
paper, first sprinkling the vegetables with clean
water to freshen the skin of Carrots or Onions —
this also causes the paper to adhere more closely
and prevents it being blown off. When the whole
is arranged, place the names in position at the
fcase in front of each dish, remove the whole of the
paper from the exhibit when the moment arrives
for clearing the tent, and above all never be
late in staging, remembering that a tardy
exhibitor adds difficulty to the judges in com-
pleting their awards at the proper time. Many
mistakes in adjudicating have been caused by
want of time, which was stolen, as it were, from
the judges by negligent exhibitors. E. Molyneux.

KEW BRIDGE MARKET
EXTENSIONS.

The Brentford District Council has adopted a
scheme for the extension of the Kew Bridge
Fruit and Vegetable Market which it con-
siders will facilitate its uses. Opened ten years
ago by the then Lord Mayor of London, Alder-
man Sir Stuart Knill, it has for many years
yielded a profit of 2d. in the £ to the rates of the
Brentford Urban District, and to keep pace with
the requirements of the stall-holders and buyers
it has received many additions, but there are still
applications for shops and stands that cannot be
satisfied because, though the Markets Committee
has bought surrounding land as opportunities
presented themselves, it has not been developed
■or laid-out. The scheme proposes the utilisation
•of this space and combining it with the existing
market.

A portion of the land, 165 feet by 350 feet, is to
toe covered in in three long spans, to be divided
into three avenues respectively, a, b, and c, and
intersected by a central nave. The height of
the roof will be 36 feet, and the total ground-
space brought under cover will exceed 1 acre and
1 rood. On either side of the avenues there are
to be forty-two ordinary stands, and a like number
■of waggon-stands. Against the flank sides of
avenues A and c there will be lock-up shops to
the number of thirty-three, each having 15 feet
frontage and 13 feet depth, and provided with
selling stand places in front 15 feet by 10 feet.
There will be cellars, and an office over each.
Avenue b will be reserved for waggon-stands.
The present frontage to Chiswick High Road is
to remain, and the gates are to be used as means of
■egress and ingress, but the new portion is to be set
back 90 feet, and there will be fourteen shop spaces
in the frontage, ranging on either side of a 30-foot
roadway, which is to give access to the covered
avenues. The Potato-warehouse, as existing, is
to be untouched, but it is to have an extra storey
attached and shops let into the ground-floor. A
refreshment and dining-room are to be provided,
stabling is to be constructed for seventy-five
horses, there will be five auction spaces each
430 feet by 56 feet, and the superintendent's and
•collector's offices are to be extended. In all
fifty-two extra shops, forty-two stands, and
forty-two waggon-stands will be added. All
these improvements will take place without in-
terfering in any way with the use of the present
market. In addition there will still remain
2J acres of land in hand for future extensions
and for the construction of a railway-siding, as to
which negotiations with the North and South-
western Junction Railway are almost completed.

THE CANTERBURY BELL.

(See fig. 113.)
There are few more desirable plants in the
herbaceous border than the Canterbury Bell
(Campanula Medium), and few that are better
suited for pot - culture and greenhouse deco-
ration. The plant is naturally a biennial.
If the seeds are sown in spring (under
glass) or autumn, and the seedlings protected
during the winter, they will make a fine show
the following year. The variety most in favour

SEED TRADE.

THE

FOREIGN GRASS AND CLOVER SEED
CROPS.
At this period of the year reports come to hand
as to the actual yield in the case of some subjects
and the probable yield of others of such natural
Grasses as supply a large and important industry.
It is gratifying to be able to record, as a set-off
against the indifferent crops in this country, that

Fig. 113.— a Canterbury bell with a coloured calyx.

just now is that called by us Calycantheuia, from
the fact that the calyx is distended inta a peta-
loid cup outside the true corolla, on which account
the plant is also sometimes spoken of as the Cup-
and-saucer Campanula. Sticklers for grammatical
propriety may bepuzzled to know why "Medium"
is spelt with a capital, and why it is not made to
agree in gender with the generic name. These
things are very puzzling to the uninformed, but
the botanist knows that there was once a separate
genus called Medium, traces of which are found in
the present specific name. By what grammarians
call " apposition," wo can use neuter names in
combination with feminine appellations.

the harvest of l.rass seeds is distinctly better than
that of last year.

Of the Bent Grasses, the Creeping Bent or
Fiorin (agrostis stolonifera) and the Fine Bent
Grass (A. vulgaris) have yielded distinctly good
crops in the United States, though the German
crops are not so good — the drought in the latter
country caused indifferent yields. " Fiorin "
appears to be a term of Irish origin, and it is a
Grass which is better adapted for the climate of
Ireland than for this part of the United
Kingdom.

The Waved Hair Grass (Aira flexuosa) has
been harvested plentifully in Germany, but

268

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[OCTOBEB 17, 1903.

qualities of sample are varied ; the great bulk of
the seed became discoloured during heavy and
continuous rains, and there is a great deal of
chaff among some of the samples, which adds to
the expense of cleaning, but there is likely to be
a fall rather than a rise in prices. This Grass
grows naturally on heathy soils, and it is recom-
mended for sowing on such, but as its chief pro-
duce consists of culms or stems, with very little
foliage and few joints, and, further, as cattle do
not seem to relish the stems, it is a Grass but
little grown in this country, and scarcely deserv-
ing of culture, except perhaps in small quantities
in a mixture for sowing on moor - sides. The
Tufty Hair Grass (Aira coespitosa) is an average
crop, and prices will rule about as last year. This
is a common species in moist meadows and woods,
and on hillside pastures where the ground is wet
and spongy.

Less of Meadow Foxtail Grass (Alopecurus
pratensis) has been harvested this season in
Germany, but the quality is generally better than
for some years past. In some districts rain-
storms affected the quality of the seeds, and
prices are advancing. Meadow Foxtail is one of
the best and earliest of pasture grasses, but it is
not so well adapted for hay as it produces but few
stalks, and they but sparingly furnished with
leaves.

Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)
has yielded a better crop than that of last year,
the quality of the seed is good, and prices are
expected to rule lower than those of last season.
The Sweet Vernal Grass is esteemed as giving
out a pleasant smell during the process of drying,
it yet supplies but a scanty portion of herbage,
and it is this scantiness which militates so much
against its value as an economical grass ; it yields
little to the scythe, while in permanent pastures
it occupies the place of other grasses more
nutritious and better liked by cattle generally.

Tall Oat Grass (Avena elatior) It is a little
difficult at present to form a definite opinion as
to the extent of the crop of seed ; very little has
been saved in Germany, while the most pro-
ductive districts in France report a good average
crop, better than in late years. It was anticipated
that prices would fall, but it is found farmers are
unwilling to sell at those of last year, and are
asking for higher terms. It is anticipated that
the farmers will moderate their demands. The
Yellow Oat Grass (Avena flavescens) shows a
yield equal to that of last year, both in quantity
and quality, and prices will rule about the same.
There is a short crop of Bromus inermis, but
the quality is good. The Meadow Brome Grass
(B. pratensis) is deficient in quantity, and prices
are expected to be as high as those of last season.
It is a grass which varies much in the height to
which it grows, according to the situation in
which it is found. Crested Dogstail Grass
(Cynosurus cristatus) promised well early in the
season, but owing to the tempestuous weather
which prevailed as the harvest time approached,
expectations were doomed to disappointment;
and with the exception of some stocks received
before the bad weather set in, the seeds are
discoloured, but yet plump and vital ; the best
samples are certain to secure high prices.

The crop of New Zealand Cocksfoot Grass
(Dactylis glomerata) is reported to be a plentiful
one, but only the earlier harvested crops show a
good colour ; later ones are inferior in quality and
light in weight, and this is true of the majority
of the bulks. The United States report a crop
much below the average, and prices there are
naturally higher. There is a heavy demand for
New Zealand seed from all parts of Europe, and
large purchases are being made by the United
States, it is, therefore, not surprising prices are
steadily advancing. It is anticipated there will
be a steady clearing of bright and heavy samples
at high prices. It is not to be wondered at ; this
is a popular grass, it is valuable in cultivation

on account of the great quantity of produce it
yields, and the rapidity with which its leaves
grow after being cut. Sheep are remarkably
fond of it, and should be put out to graze
from it early in spring, before the fibre becomes
coarse.

Tall Fescue Grass (Festuca elatior) has produced
only about one-third of last year's crop, and there
is much difference in the quality of the seed. It
is advised that orders be placed early. The high
prices asked by some farmers will doubtless be
reduced. It is a rather coarse grass, it yields an
abundant crop, and, despite its coarseness, it is
relished by cattle generally. Hard Fescue (F.
duriuscula) and Sheep Fescue (F. ovina) have
both produced excellent crops of good quality,
and prices will be lower than those of last year.
What is known as F. ovina tenuifolia (fine or
narrow-leaved Fescue) is also a good crop. F.
ovina is found to vary ; some London seed houses
prefer a small-leaved form, but one with larger
seeds is also obtainable. The various-leaved
Fescue is F. heterophylla ; this has yielded but a
very small crop; but the Eed Fescue ( F. rubra)
has been harvested abundantly, and prices are
moderate. The crop of Hard Fescue F. pratensis
is reported to be slightly inferior to that of last
year ; the markets opened with moderate prices,
but as the supply is very small they are ad-
vancing.

The reed-like Canary grass (Phalaris arundin-
acea) has ripened a much smaller crop than last
year, and it is anticipated prices will rule high.
Coarse as this grass is, and therefore generally
refused by cattle when in the green state, it yet
contains much nutritious matter, and cattle will
eat it when cut up and mixed with chaff. It is a
grass which yields a vast bulk of hay, and is found
very convenient for littering purposes.

Most of the new seed of the Wood Meadow
Grass (Poa nemoralis) is large in quantity and
fine in quality ; the price will this year rule
much lower than in 1902. This grass, which is
naturally found in shady woods, is therefore well
adapted for growing under trees, but it will also
thrive on exposed situations and even on inferior
light soils. There is no grass better adapted for
pleasure grounds, particularly under trees, as it
will not only grow in such places, but form a
good sward where few of the other fine grasses
can exist. From the closeness of its habit of
growth it is found to displace annual and biennial
weeds, and also those of more permanent duration,
provided it be allowed to run to seed. Smooth-
stalked Meadow Grass (P. pratensis) is better
than last year, but as very little stock indeed
was carried over from last season, prices will
remain about the same as in 1902. Bough-
stalked Meadow grass (P. trivialis) has been
harvested in very small quantities, and advanced
prices are sure to rule. Timothy-grass (Phleum
pratensis) promises a good crop, and prices are
already declining. According to past experi-
ments, Timothy-grass possesses the advantage of
affording double the quantity of nutriment when
its seeds are ripe than it does if cut when in
flower ; hence it presents an increased stimulus
to its cultivation from its seeds being procured
without its being lessened in value as a hay
crop.

In regard to Clovers, the Crimson has proved a
plentiful crop, and the same can be said of Tre-
foil and White Clover, though prices of the
latter, which appeared to decline for a short time,
now show an upward tendency. The crop of
Lucerne is by no means a favourable one ; con-
tinuous rain prevented the formation of many
seed - pods, the flowers having prematurely
dropped. Of common Eed Clover Italy reports
a comparatively small crop ; France and Austria
have an average one. Sainfoin has also yielded
an average crop ; qualities vary, and prices are
slowly advancing. Fisum.

THE ROSARY.

THE EOSE GAEDEN IN OCTOBEE.

By the beginning of October, as a general rule.,
most Eoses have ceased to make growth ; but
there are some varieties whose flowers still
gladden our gaze. Conspicuous among these are
the hybrid Teas and certain effective and fragrant
hybrid Perpetuals, which may be regarded as
closely allted to these. Among the latter is that
notable new variety entitled Frau Karl Druschki.,
from which what we usually term perpetuality
might have been expeoted, seeing that it is de-
rived from such fine Eoses as Caroline Testout
and Merveille de Lyon. But I am free to confess
that in this direction it has surpassed my highest
anticipations. In my own garden it is as flori-
ferous in October as it was in July ; and,
what is more marvellous, the flowers, which
have a texture resembling that of white satin,
are quite as large. Nor is this beautiful
Eose easily in j ured by rain ; in this respect
offering a great contrast to that parent from
which it has chiefly derived its complexion-
— viz., Merveille de Lyon, whose colour,, after a.
heavy shower, turns to an objectionable roseate
hue, thus indicating its relationship to Baroness
Eothschild, the scentless originator of a nu-
merous offspring. For all these reasons Frau Karl
Druschki may be regarded as one of the finest of
recent acquisitions. It is in all probability the
largest and purest white Eose in existence. The
nearest approximations to this so-called " Hybrid
Perpetual" — one of whose parents, as I have
indicated, was a Hybrid Tea— are Margaret
Dickson, Clio, and Gloire Lyonnaise. Clio has not
achieved much this autumn, having manifestly
exhausted its floral resources during the summer-
months ; it is nevertheless one of the finest Eoses
that have come to us from Messrs. Pauls' nur-
series at Waltham Cross. Its resemblance to
Margaret Dickson is often very striking, a fact
that has not escaped the notice of its raisers ; but
the latter is the more perpetual of the two, and
therefore at this special season the more valuable.

Almost as much may be affirmed of the merits
and capabilities of Gloire Lyonnaise as an autumnal
bloomer, but it has no claim to be regarded as a
yellow Hybrid Perpetual. A Eose that approaches
much nearer to this description, though even its
colour is palest primrose, is Kaiserin Augusta
Victoria, which during this late autumn is
flowering splendidly, notwithstanding the un-
favourable nature of the weather. When placed
in a bouquet among crimson Eoses, this German
variety has a fine artistic effect. I have it before-
me in this exquisite floral association as I write,
and nothing could come nearer to absolute per-
fection. Another lovely companion in this group
of autumnal beauties is the fragrant Caroline
Testout, half-blown. This Eose is finer than La
France in October ; it is more inevitable (if I may
be permitted to use such an expression) in its
perfect floral evolution ; it retains its colour-
better, is of larger size, and opens more readily.
I have not yet seen Alice Lindsell or Mildred
Grant, though I hope to add them to my collec-
tion towards the end of this month ; but I am
assured by rosarians whose opinions may be
trusted that the latter is an invaluable variety
from every point of view. If it have the fragrance
and floriferousness of Viscountess Folkestone,
with more compactness in the central petals, it
will be precious indeed.

Among autumnal Eoses few are more richly-
effusive than Papa Gontier, Clara Watson, and
Madame Pernet Ducher, which flower almost
without intermission till winter has come. Of
hybrid perpetuals the most valuable is Captain
Hayward, which, if it has not the admirable-
fulness, has more of the perpetual character than
Horace Vernet, or even the luminous A. K. Wil-
liams. Such crimson Eoses as Duke of Edin-

October 17, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

2G£

burgh, Charles Lefebvre, and Duke of Wellington,
whose summer bloom comes usually somewhat
late and is greatly prolonged, do not at this
season accomplish much, though Cheshunt Scarlet
and Marquis of Salisbury, which are only semi-
double, may be regarded as exceptions to the
rule.

Our gardens in October must always be attrac-
tive so long as they possess such beauties as
these. David R. Williamson.

NEW PARISIAN VEGETABLES
AND FKUIT.

(Concluded from p. 258.)
Turnip White Round Epeknat. — The illus-
tration (fig. 114) shows this variety to have
globular, regularly-shaped roots. The flesh is
described as white, firm and sweet. The roots
mature early and keep for a long period.

Squash Mibepoix Musk (fig. 115).

This variety of Squash has very handsome
fruits, oval or slightly Pear-shaped, dark-red,
striped yellow, and dotted with light -green

FlO. 114.— TURNIP WHITE BOUND EPEKNAT.

colour. The flesh is thick, of a bright orange-
colour, and very sweet. Squashes are used to
some extent in France, when quite ripe, for
making into preserve and for pies, but in this
country they are seldom cultivated, and then
usually for ornament only.

Butter Bean (fig. 116).

• This is a white-seeded sport from the well-
known Saint-Fiacre Pole Bean, having long,
straight pods, which are produced in great
abundance and keep tender until maturity. They
are without strings, and possess an excellent
nutty flavour. The seed, being white, may be
eaten separate, either fresh, or dry as Haricots,
an advantage of importance, since the same
variety may thus supply several different dishes.

Pump-kin Nicaise (fig. 117).

A valuable variety, with small, much-netted
fruits, consequently the plants are capable of
carrying three or four fruits each.

The illustrations, which are copyright, have
been lent to us on the occasion of the Vegetable
Conference by Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux et Cie.

^%^»

Fig. 115.— squash mirepoix musk.

DUBLIN.

(Concluded from page 252.)

St. Anne's, Clontarf. — Lord Ardilaun's estate
on Dublin Bay is always worth visiting, but on a
fine autumn day it is particularly so, especially
when you can get his Lordship's gardener, Mr.
Campbell, to show you round this beautiful
garden.

The glass-houses contain the usual stuff grown
for a nobleman's place. The frames were filled
at the time of our visit with a fine batch of

Cyclamens, some eight hundred plants. Aboufc
eleven months from seed the plants were un-
usually large and the corms proportionately
small, with plenty of bloom just about to open..
In the vinery is a plant of the Strawberry Crape.
It fills the whole house with a sweet pleasing
smell like Mignonette. The taste is somewhat
peculiar. In this house too is a small batch
of Guavas, both the red and the yellow fruited
varieties.

Of interesting tender plants out-of-doors, there?
are many. Tricuspidaria hexapetala was in flower
and fruit in several parts of the garden. Against
the walls, or rather wooden supports, some pretty
climbers and half climbers have been planted,,
such as the Australian Blue Bell Creeper (Sollya.-
heterophylla) and Stauntonia.

In the grounds Mr. Campbell pointed out a.
Bose, " Ashford Pink," which he found in an.
Irish garden growing up a tower to a height of
40 feet, and flowering at Christmas. The Bos&
pergola at St. Anne's is a very good feature ; the
Boses flower remarkably well. The herbaceous,
border is quite renowned, it is indeed a fine sight.
Sparaxis pendula (Dierama ensifolium) was still
flowering (end of September). Bupleurumfruti-
cosum, with its sea-green foliage, was also im
evidence.

Pw.

116.— rfnneb butter bean, tall,

without membbane.

Fig. 117 —pumpkin nicaise.

There is a nice piece of rockery. Daphne-
Blagayana looked very flourishing, and when the
shrubs round about it are cut away it should go-
ahead. Topiary- work is indulged in close to the
mansion. The flaming beds of Lobelia fulgens
however take one's eye. The varieties " St.
Anne's " and " Lord Ardilaun " are used exten-
sively, and go on flowering to the end of the year.
Descending to the lake, one gets glimpses of the
sea and the Hill of Howth at the entrance to the
bay. At one end of the lake is a majestic clump-
of Gunnera manicata, each leaf measuring 8 feet
and more across. Kingfishers disport themselves
about here, and Lord Ardilaun, we are told, takes
great interest in their movements.

A visit is not complete without drinking the
water of St. Anne's Well, from which the place
takes its name. This supplies the mansion with
water at the rate of 3G gallons an hour.

Facing Lord Ardilaun's demesne is a piece of"
land called the North Bull Island, and if one is;
botanically inclined, it is worth rambling over.
Quite a number of maritime plants grow here.
Species of Armeria, Aster, Eryngium, Erythrtea,
Salsola, Salicornia, Statice, Sureda, can all be
found. On the seaward side of the island th»
Sea Matweed, Psamma arenaria, binds the loose
sand of the sand-hills. • A Kamtschatkan plant,
Artemisia stellata, grows or used to grow on this,
little island. Leo Farmar.

270

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 17, 1903.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

The Flora of the Presidency of Bombay.
By Theodore Cooke, CLE., LL.D., &c, for-
merly Principal of the College of Science,
Poona, and Director of the Botanical Survey
of Western India. Part III., Caesalpinese to
Rubiacese. (London : Taylor it Francis ;
pp. 409 to 626, 8vo.

By the publication of the third part of Dr.
Cooke's Flora of the Bombay Presidency, the first
volume of that excellent work has been com-
pleted. Within the short period of two years
the author has thus accomplished half his task.
But in spite of the rapidity with which it has
been put through the press, Dr. Cooke's work
bears no trace of haste or slovenliness. This
new part ends with the large and difficult Natural
■Order Rubiaceae, of which there are eighty
indigenous species distributed amongst no less
than thirty-four genera. As has been stated in
the reviews of the first and second parts which
have appeared in these columns, Dr. Cooke's de-
scriptions are drawn up after the manner of Mr.
Bentham. Excellent keys are provided for all the
genera containing more than a single species, and
the pages are not overburdened with synonymy.
Besides descriptions of all species indigenous to
the Presidency, brief but lucid notices are given
of all the more important exotics cultivated in
fields and gardens within its limits. The book is
•easy to work with, and it ought to prove of the
highest use to all who have any interest, scientific
•or economic, in the vegetation of that part of the
Indian Empire. As regards typography, Dr.
•Cooke's book is practically uniform with Sir
Joseph Hooker's Flora of British India, the size of
its pages being, however, somewhat larger.

The scheme of providing separate Floras for
the various political divisions of the Indian
Empire is being carried out at a rapid pace
•indeed! In the early part of the current year
there appeared Mr. Kanji Lai's useful Forest
Flora of the sub-Himalayan Tract of the North-
West Provinces and Oudh. This was quickly
followed by the lamented General Sir
Henry Collett's Flora of Simla (the summer
-capital of the Supreme Government) and of
its neighbourhood. A few weeks ago the first
■volume of Mr. J. F. Duthie's Flora of the
Upper Gangetic Plain was given to the public,
-and Major D. Prain's Plants of Bengal will
about this time be in course of issue in Cal-
cutta. During the same period, moreover, there
has also appeared a greatly enlarged edition of
Mr. Gamble's well - known Manual of Indian
Timbers — a book which, in addition to a vast
store of economic material, contains much excel-
lent botany.

This is indeed a wonderful record for twelve
months, and it is one which proves that the
science of systematic botany is still vigorously
pursued in British India. G. King.

The Book of the Peach. By H. W. Ward,
F.R.H.S. The Walter Scott Publishing Co.,
Ltd., London & Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1903.

This is a well-written handbook on Peach and
Nectarine cultivation indoors and outdoors, by a
practitioner of many years' experience. The book
contains much valuable matter useful to the
novice and to the amateur. At the same time it
is evident that the author's experience has been
.jgained chiefly where the subsoil was amply
drained naturally, for were we all to follow the
ihis directions as regards drainage, the results
would be most disastrous, as the maturation of
the shoots could not be perfected.

There is comparatively nothing said about that
important matter of lifting the roots so a3 to keep
the feeders near to the surface, but, without an

abundance of these, Peach-growing on a heavy
clay soil is not likely to be much of a success.

In lifting or for transplanting a tree, we are
told " to take out a trench 15 to 30 inches from
the stem." Now we consider the trench should
be at least double that diameter or distance, even
for the youngest trees, unless the roots are of no
consequence. The roots in a well - managed
Peach-tree should in every case be found growing
horizontally. We are also told " in planting
to arrange the roots with a slight inclination
downwards " ; but it is our regular practice to
give the roots a slightly upward inclination, and
the success attending this method warrants and
justifies such a recommendation to others. Bud-
dropping is also attributed to want of water at
the roots ; but we contend that a much more
frequent cause is looseness of the soil and absence
of lime.

The selection of varieties is excellent, and cul-
tural details, with the above exceptions, are all
sound and practical. It is quite feasible that
with warm soils early varieties may be ripened as
bushes or half-standards outdoors by frequent
root-lifting and judicious mulchings.

FRUIT REGISTER.

AUTUMN - FRUITING VARIETIES OF
STRAWBERRIES.
Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather
of late, I have gathered several dishes of autumn
Strawberries, the flavour of which, when the lack
of sunshine and too abundant rain are considered,
is fairly passable. I have a small plantation
hereof three varieties on trial — viz., Jeanne d'Arc,
S. AntoinedePadoue.andLe Coristante Feconde [? ],
all of which grow and bear freely, and the fruits
of middle size. These varieties, grown either in
cold frames in the ground or in pots, should be
given a trial. Ripe Strawberries in the dessert
at this season are much appreciated, and their
cultivation is most interesting. F: W., Frensham
Hall Gardens, Haslemere.

The Week's Work.

THE FLOWER GARDEN".

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Millee MtjNDY.Esq ,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Planting. — The constant heavy rainfall has
obliged gardeners in many parts of the country
to postpone planting operations excepting as
regards trees and shrubs. A return to dry
weather should see most of the spring- flowering
plants set out in the beds, these succeeding better
if planted in the present month rather than in
November. In preparing the soil it is well to
bear in mind the character of these plants as
well as that of those which will succeed them.
Most plants that bloom in the spring need a well-
manured soil ; but if manuring be carried on
in too generous a fashion the beds will be spoiled
for Zonal Pelargoniums and others which produce
the most flowers in less rich soil. On the other
hand, if Begonias, scarlet-flowered Lobelias, or
Fuchsias will be the summer occupants, manure
may be applied freely. In planting, a beginning
may be made with the perennial plants which
were split up and planted in the reserve-garden
in early summer, following these with bunch
Primroses, Silene, Myosotis, Wallflowers (these
latter in poorish soil), and Saponaria. Bulbs
such as early-flowering Tulips and Hyacinths
may be left till last, as a few days earlier or
later in planting them will make very little dif-
ference to the date of flowering. Ranunculuses and
Anemones should be among those earlier planted.
Both require a good deal of manure, which should
be put below the tubers, and a small quantity of
sand or road grit put around each tuber. If Dacty lis
glomerata form an edging to any of the beds, let
it be taken up and divided, as if the clumps are
allowed to get too large it is apt to die out or
become shabby-looking.

Biennial Stocks. — East Lothian, Brompton, and i
other varieties of Stocks, seeds of which were
sown in the month of August, may be potted in small
pots, some mortar-rubble being used in the soil.
When potted, stand in a cold frame as a protec-
tion against rain. During the winter treat in a
similar manner to Carnations in pots — i.e., keep
them dry overhead, cool and well ventilated, and
apply water at the roots but seldom.

Summer Bedders. — The cutting-boxes of Zonal
Pelargoniums should be frequently examined,
and the plants divested of dead and dying leaves,
leaving the leaf-stalks to be picked off later.
Verbena-cuttings will be probably developing
mildew, which must be checked forthwith by
applying flowers-of-sulphur. To make up for the
scarcity of any of the various subjects, let some
plants be lifted from the beds and potted or boxed.
Zonal Pelargoniums treated in this manner may
have their tops taken and employed as cuttings,
striking them singly in small pots in a warm, dry
house.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead. .

Planting Fruit Trees. — In continuation of my
remarks on the above subject in forming a new
orchard from land under cultivation, undoubtedly
the best kind of trees to plant are bush and
pyramidal Apple and Pear-trees, the former on
the Paradise and the latter on the Quince stock.
Trees of this description should be planted 12
feet apart, and they soon give a return on the .
outlay incurred. Bush fruits may also be grown
for a few years between the lines of standard trees.
As to varieties, the grower will do well to find out
what varieties succeed in his neighbourhood, and
plant accordingly those that succeed there ; other
varieties can be added when desired. A portion
of the ground- should be reserved for Plums as
dwarf standards ; some of the better culinary •
varieties, such as Victoria, Pond's Seedling, and
Diamond, do better in this form. It will be well,
if the land be deficient in lime> to afford the area
to be occupied by Plum-trees a good dressing of
lime or, what is better, mortar-rubble broken up
finely.

Peach and Nectarine Trees. — October and No-
vember afford the best time for lifting and root-
pruning these trees. This year, owing to the
excessive amount of rain, young trees have made
very strong growth, and to lift them will give a
useful check and assist in maturing the shoots.
In lifting unfasten the tree from the wall, and
dig out a trench beyond the point to which the
roots have extended, digging out the soil
from among the roots with a fork, and
injuring them as little as possible till the
foot of the wall is reached, then lift the entire
mass out of the hole if necessary, and cut back
most of the very strong - growing roots ; then
syringe the roots with water, and cover with a
mat or two until the station is made ready for
replanting the tree. It is good practice to add
a wheelbarrowful or two of fresh turfy-loam and
a sprinkling of lime-rubble, so as to induce the
roots to make a start before winter sets in. Old
trees will be benefited by having the leaves
lightly brushed off with a new besom, taking
care to draw it in the same direction as the
shoots run.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Make Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Plants for Forcing, such as Hoteia (Spirsea)
japonica, Deutzia gracilis and D. Lemoinei, Sta-
phylea colchica, Rhododendrons, hardy Azaleas,
&c., which have been planted for a year and a
half in order to recover from the weakening
effects of forcing, being now fit for further forc-
ing, may be potted and stood in a cool house
or pit, full ventilation afforded, and not allowed
to suffer for want of water. These plants should
not be put into a forcing-house till the end of
December ; those standing in pots should be
plunged in new leaves or coal-ashes out-of-doors
until required. Many of those named flower more
or less each year, but much better results are
obtained if they are afforded rest for one year
and the flowers removed. For late spring deco-

•

.

October 17, 1903.]

THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CLE.

271

ration few plants are more admired than Dielytra
spectabilis, but it requires to be brought along
gently.

Calceolarias. — These should be potted, using
pots of 3 or 4 inches in diameter, and a soil con-
sisting of loam, leaf-mould, and sand. The leaves
are very easily damaged, and require much care
in the handling. After potting, stand them in a
cold frame, affording but little air for a few
days, and keep the leaves moist with the syringe
after the plants have been once watered with the
rose-can. When making roots freely, afford more
water to the soil. Calceolarias revel in abun-
dance of fresh air when weather permits. I
have tried to grow them in unheated pits
throughout the winter; but the plants were so
laden with moisture during wet and foggy
weather that the leaves decayed more or less, so
that I was obliged to remove them to airy shelves
in a vinery from the end of the month of No-
vember till early in March. Let the plants be
fumigated on the first sign of green-fly.

Humea elegans. — Shift these plants before they
get pot-bound, stand them on a shelf in a cool
house, and apply water carefully or they may go
wrong at the root. They thrive in a soil similar
to that used for Calceolarias, with the addition
of a small quantity of lime-rubble or pounded
charcoal, and in a like position in the houses.

Canterbury Bells. — These make an agreeable
change for the greenhouse before the plants in
the borders flower, which they will do if kept
gently growing and protected from hard frosts.
Lifted with good balls of soil and placed in 8-inch
pots during this month, little or no check will be
given them. Afford water after potting and
plunge in coal ashes, covering them with a frame
when frost sets in, but affording abundance of air
when the weather is fine by removing the lights.

Aquilegias. — No plants are more admired when
flowered under glass than choice hybrids of the
Columbine, and to have the plants in flower in
the spring pot strong crowns at the present time
and treat like Canterbury Bells, assisting them
with manure-water when the plants make a new
start in the spring.

THE OECHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holfobd, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Cattleyas. — On inspecting the occupants of the
Cattleya house, I was surprised to observe signs
of the most satisfactory progress in the plants,
although the season had been apparently so in-
imical to growth. Some of this good may be due
to the fine weather experienced during the early
part of the autumn. To keep Cattleyas in a
close atmosphere, as is sometimes done, is a bad
practice. Some cultivators of Orchids fear to
make any use of the upper ventilators in the
house. Now at Westonbirt, air has been ad-
mitted more freely this season than ever before,
and with very satisfactory results. I left these
ventilators open a little at night whenever the
weather permitted, and by so doing the air of the
houses was maintained in a fresh, healthy state,
and less shading was needed in the early morning
and afternoon. The new growths made under
I this kind of treatment became thoroughly
| matured, and we may expect flower-spikes of fine
quality.

Applying Water. — The days having shortened
1 considerably much less water will be required
i by the plants, and by those growing in leaf -soil but
I little indeed. I cannot recommend the use of
leaf-mould alone, although I admit that healthy-
I looking plants are readily obtained by its
i| use, but the quality of the flowers is not
good. Some of the first to complete their
, season's growth are C. labiata, C. Bowring-
}iana, C. Martini, C. Mrs. J. W. Whiteley, and
j other species and hybrids that flower in the
autumn. Many of these plants have the flower-
spikes already visible in the sheaths. Such forward
plants should be kept moist at the roots. The
spring-flowering species and hybrids, viz., C.
'Triaatc, C. Mossiie, C. Mendeli, C. Schrodene, L.
i;purpurata, L.-C. Hyeana, L.-C. fascinator, L.-C.
i callistoglossa, L. - C. Aphrodite, C. Skinner,
&c, now completing their growth, should be
encouraged to mature it. With such Cattleyas

as are now resting, among which are C. gigas
and C. aurea, I would point out the mistake,
often made, of affording frequent applications
of water to the surface of the compost, whilst
leaving the material at the bottom of the pot
almost dry. Healthy plants with plenty of roots
soon cause the materials to become dry, thus far
they should be frequently examined as to the
state of the same in regard to moisture, and when
water is afforded it should be sufficient to moisten
the whole of the materials.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Late Melons. — In the absence of sunshine much
artificial heat will be required to ripen the fruits.
At the present time plants growing in beds and
borders require to be afforded water with much
care, the loss by evaporation being very much
less than during the summer. Plants growing in
pots plunged in a hotbed or in a corner of the
Pine-stove will require frequent supplies, and till
the fruits reach full size should have liquid-
manure whenever moisture is needed. The bine
should be so regulated that each leaf may feel
the full benefit of sunlight. Afford a night tem-
perature of 70°, 75" to SO" by artificial heat by day,
or 90° by suaheat, applying air whenever the
weather is favourable for so doing. Syringe the
plants only in the afternoons of fine days, and
maintain a humid state of the air by damping
paths, walls, etc., and if red-spider appears on
any of the leaves remove it by syringing the
latter with tepid water. Ripening fruit must be
afforded a dry atmosphere, free ventilation, and
water at the roots sufficient to prevent flagging.
When quite ripe remove to a cool, dry room.
Ripe Melons will keep in good condition for
several days at this season.

Cucumbers. — Heat, light, and a'moist atmosphere
are three essentials for the successful fruiting of
the Cucumber at this season, and if these can be
provided in low span-roofed houses having bottom
heat beds on each side, no difficulty will be expe-
rienced in providing Cucumbers. Plants raised
early in the month of August are now com-
mencing to produce fruits, the numbers of which
must be limited to one to a joint, and this only
when the bine is robust. Remove male flowers
and all tendrils, and stop the growths at one joint
beyond a fruit. Frequent light, rich, top-dressings
are beneficial, and should be applied as soon as
the roots appear at the surface of the soil, and an
occasional sprinkling of Clay's fertiliser, followed
by an application of tepid water, will also produce
good results. Pinch out the points of later-
planted Cucumbers as soon as the plants are half-
way up the trellis, and stop the resulting shoots
at the first joint beyond a fruit, but if the growth
be allowed to more fully occupy the trellis-wires
before cropping commences, the after results will
be more satisfactory. Afford a night temperature
of 65° to 70°, the former figure on very cold
nights, and by day 75° by artificial means, or
with sunheat 80° to 85°, with ventilation when-
ever practicable, closing the house early. Syringe
the plants in the afternoon if the day is bright,
and at other times maintain the air in a moist
condition by the usual means.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Part, Slough.

Celery. — Take advantage of a dryish condition
of the soil to mould up the later successions,
making sure that the plants are not dry at the
root, and that all suckers and deformed leaves
are removed. Begin by placing a small quantity
of fine soil round each, then tie a bit of bast or
twist a length of soft cord round the stalks just
under the leaves, and make fast to a stake at each
end of the row. Later Celery may not need mould-
ing up before the last week in the month.

Digging and Trenching. — This sort of work
should be pushed forward in favourable weather,
but seeing that a good deal depends upon the
locality and nature of tho land, no certain rule
can be laid dawn for the guidance of the gar-
dener. Retentive soils are the better for being
dug or trenched in February or March. Light
loams may be dug or trenched in late autumn and
early winter, and very light land just before

sowing and planting. Unless trenched every few
years no description of soil will produce high-
class vegetables. In trenching very heavy land
having a clayey subsoil let the bottom spit be kept
at the bottom, but dig into it a quantity of strawy
manure and rough vegetable refuse in a state of
partial decay, and it will in time be suitable if
brought up in small quantities to grow good crops.
Mortar-rubble and wood- ashes are very suitable
material for putting at the bottom of the trenches-
in such land, aerating it and permitting the
escape of moisture to lower levels, and in that
way making the cultivable soil dryer and warmer.
Other manures may consist of the contents of
hotbeds and Mushroom-beds, of litter, leaf-mould,,
pig-dung, rotten stable litter, the clearings of dove-
cotes, and ordinary farmyard-manure ; and more
especially that from the sheds in which oxen are
kept. Cow-dung is poor stuff, still, when decayed,
it is very suitable for crops that do not require-
high feeding.

Endive. — It has been difficult of late to blanch
Endive owing to the rain, therefore some full-
grown plants should be placed every week in the
Mushroom-house or in some other suitable place
to blanch. If the place is quite dark the Endive-
will not need to be covered. Place later succes-
sion plants in cold frames, late orchard-houses, or
where protection of some kind can be afforded in
the event of frost occurring. A good ball of soil
must be taken with lifted plants, and the latter
afforded abundance of air in fine weather. Afford!
them as much space as possible.

Lettuce should also be afforded glass protection,
but crowding together should be avoided or decay
will cause the loss of many plants. If slugs abound
put a ring of quicklime or dry sawdust round the-
frame, and keep these substances dry and loose,
so that the slugs will find a difficulty in getting
over them. Seeds of Mustard and Cress should!
be sown once a week under glass.

General remarlcs. — Make all tender crops safe-
against frost. Apply weed-killer to weedy walks,
taking great care that the killer, if there are Box-
edgings or Grass-verges, does not reach the roots.

THE APIARY.

By Expert.
Work in the Apiary. — In those hives which are-
to be cleaned out, shallow frames and sections-
should be placed on the hive in the evening, as-
the bees will not be so upset as would be the case-
in the daytime. The roof should be securely
placed, and the entrance closed up as previously
stated. When the frames and sections are
cleaned out, tie brown-paper round them so as to-
keep dust from them and apply a sprinkling of
naphthaline or powdered borax. Dirty sections-
should be destroyed, being very cheap, and old
sections often spoil the sale of the honey. Let
the bees be well covered after taking away the
sections or frames ; and at the same time make-
note of the condition of hives, the number of
frames and how much store honey exists, so that a
little later feeding may be carried out accordingly.
When a stock is noticed to be weak, feed rapidly
before bad weather comes on, but do not disturb-
the bees more than can be avoided, and take
care that no scraps of candy or honey be-
left about near the bees, a sure instigation to-
robbing. Each hive should be numbered and
painted as soon as possible, and necessary repairs
carried out. Skep or bar-frame hives should not
be placed too near the ground on account of
damp, but be raised from 1 foot to 18 inches off
the ground. The bee-keeper must be guided in
this matter by the position of his hives, as from,
some aspects the winds are rougher than from,
others. When the stock of hives in the apiary is
to be increased, let the ground be levelled where-
they will stand ; tilt the hives slightly forward
and place them on bricks, with a small piece of
timber resting on the brickwork. All honey in
sections should be sold as soon as good prices can
be realised ; but if the honey must be kept for a
time, keep it (also run honoy) in a warm place in
order to prevent them getting in a candying
state. In the case of run honey, if it be candied,
place the jars in a vessel containing warm water,
which wili soon cause it to liquefy, whereas with
honey in sections it is impossible to get it to
return to its original state.

272

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 17, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement.

{Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.
Communications should be written on one bide only of
the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations. — The Editor will thankfully receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, /lowers, trees, &c. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

MONDAY,

Oct

H

National Chrysanthemum So-
ciety's Executive and Floral
Committees meets.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY. Oct. 19-

At Stevens' Booms, Bulbs, Palms. Azaleas, Spiraeas,
&c— Useful Nursery Stock at the Part Nursery,
Stanmore. by Protheroe & Morris, at 11 o'clock.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT—

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by
Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30 A M.

TUE9DAY. OCT. 20—

Rhododendrons, Roses, &c , at the Nurseries, Sun-
ningdale, Berks, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30.

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 21—

At Stevens' Rooms. Bulbs, Lily of the Valley
crowns, Spirceas, Azaleas. Palms, &c— 20,000 Fruit
Trees and Bushes at the Nurseries, Robert«bridge,
Sussex, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 o'clock-
Palms. Plants. Azaleas. &o., at 67 and 68, Cheap-
side. E.C.. by Protheroe & Morris, at 4 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY, Oct. 21, 22. 23-
General Nursery Stock at the Nurseries, Ashvale,
Ald«rshot, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 each day.

■FRIDAY, Oct. 23-

Orchids in variety, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C.,
by Protheroe & Monis, at 12.30 o'clock.

{For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Ayerage Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
fiom observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
—19 5
Actual Temperatures :-

London. -Oct 14 (6 p.m.) : Max. 59°; Min.47'.

Oct. 15 (10 a.m.) : 55°.
Provinces.— Oct. 14 (6 p.m.): Max. 58% Exeter;
Min. 48% Galway.

Now that the holiday season
The position , , ,. _ ,, ' ...

of the Royal nas passed, the Fellows of the
Horticultural Koyal Horticultural Society
Society. mav noi unnaturally feel some
•curiosity as to the present condition and
prospects of the Society, They know that
never in its chequered history has the
Society been so flourishing as it is now.
They know too that among the contributory
causes to this state of affairs the foremost
place must be accorded to the energy, zeal,
and judgment of the Secretary. But in
regard to the future they look for some
more definite statement of policy than
has yet been made public. All that they
know at present is that the new Hall is in
progress, that the money required for its
completion, not to mention its endowment,
"falls considerably short of what is required.
They know also that, thanks to the en-
lightened munificence of Sir Thomas Han-
bury, the Society (or, what is better, certain
trustees on behalf of the Society) will be, if
•they are not already, put into possession of
the garden at Wisley, near Weybridge, made
famous by its founder the late G. F. Wilson.
To render Wisley suitable for the purposes
of the Society, a large expenditure will be
necessary. Doubtless it will be judged ex-
pedient to leave the original garden pretty
much as Mr. Wilson left it. But the sur-
rounding acres must be drained and trenched
to render them suitable for the collections
of fruit-trees, Vines, and vegetables which

it is to be presumed will be grown there,
and for the formation of trial-grounds for
the verification of the nomenclature and
the estimation of the quality of the various
subjects sent for trial. Houses and pits
must be built and heating apparatus pro-
vided. Shelter-belts will probably be re-
quired. A small laboratory should be erected
and placed under the charge of a competent
botanist acting under the direction of the
Scientific Committee. It is not necessary,
at any rate at first, that any very ela-
borate or extensive establishment of this
kind should be constructed, nor at first
need the equipment be costly. A modest
building would suffice to obtain answers
to some at least of the numerous scientific
questions bearing directly on practical hor-
ticulture which turn up at such frequent
intervals. This part of the Society's busi-
ness has always been thoughtlessly, but
none the less grievously, neglected.

We do not intend to pursue this par-
ticular subject at present, we simply allude
to it as one, if not really the most, important
thing that the Society, having regard for
horticultural progress, has to do in the
future. We mention it now to show that
not only will the Hall need a substantial
endowment, but the garden also.

It is not surprising therefore that the
Fellows of the Society, or that numerically
small but potentially most important pro-
portion of them that really care for the
development of horticulture, should feel
some uneasiness as to the future financial
position of the Society, and look to the
Council for some guidance, or at least for
some explanation of their policy.

We have not been told, for instance, defi-
nitely when Chiswick is to be abandoned,
nor what sum, if any, is to be expected
for the surrender of the lease. In any
case the amount received will probably not
more than cover the expenses of removal,
and will go but a very little way towards
rebuilding at Wisley, and equipping the
garden there with the necessary houses
and other requirements to which we have
alluded.

To outsiders it would seem as if the better
course would be to complete the Hall as
speedily and satisfactorily as possible ; to
retain Chiswick as it is for the present, and
not to expend much money either there or
at Wisley till the Hall is completed and
free from debt.

" The Botanical Magazine." — In the
October number of this old-established publica-
tion, in the editorship of which Mr. W. B. Hems-
let is now associated with Sir Joseph Hooker,
we find figures and descriptions of the following
plants : —

Areca ? Micholitzii, t. 7917, Hort. Sander. — A
handsome Palm with pinnately-cut leaves and
branching inflorescence. It is a native of New
Guinea, but as no fruit has been yet produced its
generic position is still uncertain. Flowered at
Kew.

Cotyledon pulvinata, Hook. /., t. 7918. — Differs
from most of the Echeverias in its branching
habit, scattered leaves densely covered with
whitish, silky hairs. A native of Mexico; flowered
at Kew in 1903.

Lysimachia crispidens, Hemsley, t. 7919. — A
native of Central China. The plant is a glabrous
perennial herb, loosely branched, with oblong
leaves tapering into a rather broad stalk and
with a pink margin. The small lilac flowers are

n loose spikes. Seeds were sent home by Mr.
Wilson, and there seems every probability that
the plant will improve under cultivation.

Tulipa praistans, t. 7920. -7- See Gardeners'
Chronicle, 1903, vol. i., p. 32-1, fig. 126.

Lissochilus purpuratus, Lindley, t. 7921. —
Flowers lilac, in loose spikes, lip deeper in colour
and plicated. Tropical Africa.

Wob'urn Experimental Fruit Farm. — The
third report of this interesting and valuable
establishment has been published by the Duke of
Bedford and Mr. Spencer Pickering (Eire &
Spottiswoode). It is almost entirely taken up
with the discussion of the injurious effects produced
by growing grass close up to the stems of the fruit
trees. No ill-treatment of any kind is so harmful to
the trees as growing grass around them. The ex-
perimenters have not hitherto been successful in
ascertaining the cause of these deleterious effects.
The suggestions that naturally occur as probable
will not, it appears, bear examination. Neither
interference with the supply of food, water, nor
of air to the roots has been proved .to have any
direct effect in this connection. The facts as
seen at Woburn are beyond dispute. On the
other hand we must remember that the greater
portion of the Kentish orchards are grassed over,
and that sheep are grazed in them. The manure
so obtained may probably compensate for the
injury effected by the grass. In the newer
plantations the trees are almost invariably grown
in open soil.

The Northern Star.— Mr. G. Benstead,
of Holbeach, writing to a Lincolnshire paper
recently, relative to the Northern Star, gives
the following interesting result : — " I have to-day
been digging the produce of four Star Potatos,
1 lb. in all, and I find that I have 9 st. of Potatos
from the 1 lb. I have more to dig, and I am
expecting them to yield better."

"From 2 lb. of Northern Star seed

Potatos," writes a Surrey correspondent, " I have
obtained a crop weighing nearly 5 cwt."

Nepenthes Northiana pulchra.— From

M. Jarrt Desloges, Chateau de Eemilly, Ar-
dennes, France, we have received a magnificent
pitcher of this species. It does not differ mate-
rially from the type, as figured in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, Dec. 3, 1881, in form, but the crimson
or carmine colouration is extraordinarily rich.
The pitcher from base to tip (not including the
lid) measures about 26 cent. (10 inches) ; the
margin is boldly recurved, irregularly toothed,
finely striated, and of a rich golden-brown striped '
with crimson. From this the brilliant coloura-
tion of the pitcher may be understood. The
plant, we are informed, is very robust.

Vegetables from Georgia (U.S.) for the
ENGLISH MARKET. — A correspondent informs us
that it is well known Sir T. Lipton has pur-
chased some 10,000 acres of land in the State of
Georgia for the purpose of growing vegetables
for home markets and for the feeding of cattle to
be sent to the English market in competition
with the Chicago hog ring. Fruits will no doubt
be cultivated there in great variety.

" Home Floriculture."— Under this title,
Mr. Eben. Eexford has prepared and Messrs.
Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., have
published a handy little book intended as "a
practical guide to the treatment of flowering and
other ornamental plants in the house and garden."
The author has endeavoured to supply " plain,
practical, easily understood information, which
will enable those who love flowers, but know
very little about them to grow them successfully."
Some fifty short chapters deal with the generalities
of plant culture and with the special requirements
of particular plants. The directions are plain
and practical. Some of them are obviously

I

October 17, 1905.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

273

adapted to different climatal conditions to those
we enjoy (?), but if read with intelligence, and
modified according to circumstances, they will be
found very serviceable. The book is one of the
■best of its class.

Chrysanthemum Show at Rome. — The

Florists' and Gardeners' Mutual Society of Rome
•has just issued a 20 - page schedule of its
autumn exhibition of Chrysanthemums and orna-
mental foliage plants to be held in the Palace of
the Fine Arts from November 11 to 22 next.
The rules and regulations are fully set out, and
then follow the list of classes, forty-seven of
which are reserved for the Chrysanthemum. The
several classes are grouped into sections, such as
novelties, Italian varieties, general collection,
large flowers, &c, provision being made both for
■cut blooms and plants in pots. The remainder
■of the schedule, comprising thirty - five more
•classes, is devoted to ornamental plants, chiefly
suitable for apartments. The prizes will consist
•of Diplomas of Honour, Silver-gilt, Silver, and
Bronze Medals, and Honourable Mentions.

"Gardening in India."— We ought long ere
"this to have noticed the publication of a third
and revised edition of Mr. G. Marshall Wood-
bow's work under the above title. It has been
added to by a supplement and numerous ad-
ditional illustrations. It was originally issued
•lor the use of the soldiers in India, but is equally
■well adapted for those generally who cultivate
plants for pleasure or profit in the tropics. It is
-encyclopaedic in its character, and contains much
information on points of detail that will be useful
•in the home country also, and valuable for refer-
ence for those who desire to know something of
"the climatal and other conditions under which
■certain plants grow. A few misprints are ob-
servable, but they do not detract from the value
•of the book, which is indispensable for those
■addicted to gardening pursuits in India. It is
provided with a good index. It is published by
Thacker & Co., of Bombay.

Transplanting at night. — According to
'the Monileur d' Horticulture, M. Boualt has been
making experiments in the removal of trees in
full leaf in the summer months, during the
•hours between 9 in the evening and 2 in the
morning. His success, according to the corrobo-
rative testimony of several witnesses, has been
unequivocal. This is another of those experi-
ments that could easily have been repeated at
•Chiswick, without waiting for the formation of
.an experimental station at Wisley.

Hardy Fruit at the Chiswick Show.—
In our report of the large combined show of
fruits and vegetables at Chiswick, our reporters
inadvertently omitted to Remark upon an exhibit
■of thirty dishes of hardy fruits shown by Major
Powell Cotton, Quex Park Gardens, Kent (gr.,
Mr. Jas. Cornford). In addition to Apples and
Pears, which were exhibited in very fine con-
dition, there were Plums, Peaches, Damsons,
Figs, Mulberries, &c. This collection was awarded
1st prize, including the Hogg Medal ; and the
.2nd prize went also to Kent, being awarded to
T. L. Boyd, Esq., Tonbridge.

The Dulwich Chrysanthemum Society
•(Affiliated with the National Chrysanthemum
Society). — We are informed by Mr. C. A. Young,
hon. sec, that a lecture on " Chrysanthemums "
will be given by Mr. Edwin Moltneix on the
21st instant. The chair will be taken by Mr.
Curtis at 8 "p.m., and admission is free.

Stock-taking : September.— To-day every-
body is taking stock, not only of our own trade
and commerce but of that connected with all the
•Colonies and of every foreign country with which
we have business connections ; it is figures and
the echo of numbers, turn wherever we may. To
•our own figurea and their lessons there has ever

been approval, and those for the past month,
issued by the Board of Trade, are, as regards
imports, very satisfactory. In exports there is a
small decline as compared with the condition of
things in September, 1902. The value of the
imports of last month is ,£45,451,181, against
.£41,764,491 for September, 1902 — a gain of
.£3,086,693. The great mass of the gain here
is in what is peculiarly termed " the food of the
people " — grain, flour, and all kinds of provisions
from all parts of the globe. The following con-
densed " summary " table is always of use : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Articles of food
and drink— duty
free

£

8,797,572

£

10,331,032

£

+1,533,460

Articles of food
& drink— dutiable

9,7i0,033

11,190,567

+ 1,470,534

All other Imports...

23,246,886

53,929,585

+682,699

Imports of timber are of considerable interest to
many of our readers ; it will be still more so
when land in the Sister Isle comes to be properly
handled under the Land Act of this year. The
total imports from the colonies and foreign
countries amounted last month to £3,812,929,
against £3,287,176, an increase of £525,753 over
the same period in 1902. By the way, it may be
stated here that the timber used in the Canary
Islands for the manufacture of Banana, Tomato,
and Potato cases comes from Scandinavian and
Canadian sources. At the present juncture, when
we learn to know the value of fruit, our figures
relating to the imports of fruit, roots, and vege-
tables, will be found very interesting : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Fruits, raw-

Cwt.

Cwt.

Cwt.

Apples

235,212

482,148

+246,936

Apricots and Peaches
Bauanas ... bunches

190
331,444

217

330,761

+27
—683

Cherries

...

73

-73

Currants

81

45

-36

Gooseberries ...

2

—2

Grapes

...

120.C84

144,529

+24,445

Lemons

31,476

43.551

+12,075

Nuts— Almonds

14,159

16,919

+2,760

Others used as fruit

42,5»S

42,847

+259

Oranges.

Pears

7.368.
188.807

10,917
93,642

+ 3,549
—95,165

Plums

...

141,540

337,042

+ 195,502

Unenumerated

131,396

127,389

-4,007

Vegetables, raw-
Onions

bush.

888,040

938,099

+50,059

Potatos

cwt.

215,051

356,699

+ 141,518

Tomatos

„

79.896

100,700

+20,804

Vegetables, raw,
enumerated ...

un-
value

£30,469

£16,554

—£3,915

"Plums are Plums" nowadays. In the street
the other day we noticed good samples selling at
from 5d. to 8d. per lb. — that is to say, in many
cases they cost Id. per fruit. Some " dumpers "
are making money at the Cape, and in sundry
sections of South Africa growers appear to be
girding their loins for Plum-growing ; and in
Canada cultivators in both Quebec and Ontario
are bestiring themselves in the same field. The
Bureau in Ottawa has just issued a little but
complete brochure on the subject, treating on
everything from sites and varieties to vermin and
their extinction. Stress is laid on the value of farm-
yard-manure in connection with stone fruit, such
as the Plum ; but if all farm work is to be done
by steam, and haulage falls to the lot of the
motor, the chemist will have to look to it.
Foreign visitors complain of the absence of fruit
syrups in our places of refreshment. Canada
promised to help in this matter some years
since. Temperance people in all fruit-growing
countries should give heed to this subject —
it will pay. The Banana in the Canaries does

not suffer at all by the subsidised competition
of the growers in the West Indies ; most of the
fruits come to market, and quality leads the way
here as in most things. The value of imports for
the past nine months of 1903 amount to
£394,237,501, against £388,871,037 for the same
period last year, an increase of £5,306,524 — a very
creditable result. The figures for —

Exports
are not so favourable as in our last record ; un-
rest, mistrust, actual war, "cornering," are at
the root of the misfortune, and more may come ;
but the loss for the month is only £480,350, the
figures being for last month £23,315,751, as
against £23,790,101 for September of last year.
The principal offenders are to be found in cotton,
ships built for foreigners, and in coals. There
are ups and downs in the other sections of exports,
but we need not note them at length. The
figures for the past nine months are £217,378,805,
against some £209,500,671 for the corresponding
period in last year — showing an increase in 1903
of £7,878,134.

Presentation.— On Saturday evening, Octo-
ber 3, a large number of the inhabitants of Bwlch
and district assembled in the Keading-room,
Bwlch, for the purpose of making a presentation
to Mr. J. Dinwoodie, who has resigned his posi-
tion as head gardener at Buckland to take a
similar appointment under Mr. J. Cory, The
Duffryn, Cardiff. The chair was taken by Mr.
Francis Evans, The Vine. Mr. Dinwoodie was
presented with a very fine silver English (centre
seconds) lever watch, a gold albert chain and
locket, and a gold scarf pin with cluster of pearls
and sapphire. Upon the watch was inscribed,
"Presented to Mr. J. Dinwoodie by the Buck-
land employes and others, as a token of the
respect and esteem in which he is held in the
neighbourhood. September, 1903." To Mrs. Din-
woodie was given a gold bangle, their young
daughter Jeane also receiving a small silver
bracelet, the gift of Mr. J. Hando, jeweller,
Brecon, who supplied the several articles. The
presentations were respectively made by Mr. T.
Thomas, the eldest employe in the gardens, Mr.
E. Fitton, and Master Tommy Cross.

Mr. Robert Sydenham.— Our readers will
be interested in hearing that Mr. Sydenham has
enjoyed his trip to South Africa, and has been
greatly interested in his visits to various gardens
in the Cape, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange
Biver Colony. He was to sail from Cape Town
on the Saxon on the 14th of this month, and to
return to this country at the end of this month.

THE POTATO BOOM. — From the Lincolnshire
Free Press we understand that for some time past
considerable interest has been excited by the
high prices which have been obtained in the
Spalding district for various new varieties of
Potatos. Differences of opinion naturally pre-
vailed as to which was the best Potato, and a
good deal of discussion has taken place in agri-
cultural and market-garden circles as to the
relative merits of certain new varieties. A crisis
was reached on September 22, when three separate
challenges were made — the Potatos concerned
being the Northern Star, King Edward VII., and
the Evergood. The only challenge accepted,
however, was that of Mr. W. J. Atkinson, who
declared for the " Evergood." Mr. Atkinson
states, in the Lincolnshire paper referred to,
that —

" With the Northern Star Potato at a high price, and
only a small stock to grow from, it will bo impossible
for it to be t lie Potato for the acres for a season or two.
We have in the Evergood a tremendous cropping
Potato ; but the important question with Potato-
growers at the present time Is—' What Potato will
resist blight best?' I say it is the Evergood; and to
confirm what I say I have to day placed in tho hands of
the Editor of this paper a cheque for W0 for competi-
tion. The competitor to place £"> in the hands of the

274

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE-

[Octobek 17, 1903.

Editor, and in return he [-he competitor] will be
allowed to go into a field of Ivergood Pomios of my
growing, and for each Si deposited he will be per-
mitted to dig for two liours (or he can have a sub-
stitute to dig for him), receiving in return £1 per lb.
for each pound of b ights found. After any deposit,
arrangement? will be made to carry out the compe-
tition as promptly as possible. Should the £10 be
consumed the competit-on will terminate, but should
there be over that amouuc at the fiui-h I will take
half of it, and hiind 'he ot.ier L.alf over to the Johnson
Hospitjl, Spalding."

This challenge was promptly accepted by Mr.
R. Kent, of Spalding, as representing Messrs.
Sinclair & Son, New York, BostoD, whodeposited
£5 in the hands of our contemporary. On
the appointed day, therefore, an interested
company met on Mr. Atkinson's farm at Pinch-
beck, those present including Mr. G. Masset, of
Spalding, who acted as referee ; Messrs. C. Tow-
nell aid W. Leggatt, who represented Messrs.
Sinclair; and Mr. W.J. Atkinson. Instead of
one man digging for two hours, it was mutually
agreed that two men should dig for an hour in a
field of the Evergood ; and so sanguine was Mr.
Atkinson that he allowed two men to dig, two
men and two boys to pick, and Messrs. Townell
and Leggatt and the referee carefully to in-
spect every tuber that was dug. The issue
was not long in doubt. The first balf-hour's
work left no room for question. When the
hour had elapsed, the referee declared the
following extraordinary result — llj cwt. of
Potatos dug ; only fifteen small tubers, weighing
11 lb. 14^ oz., were blighted ; and the weight of
crop proved to average IS tons per acre. The test
was in every respect a most rigid and searching
one, and Mr. Atkinson and the Evergood won,
hands down.

Liverpool Horticultural Society.— The

above Society is unable to secure St. George's
Hall for its annual Chrysanthemum Show, and
has decided to hold it in the Drill Hall of the
4th Liverpool Volunteer Artillery. The Drill
Hall is situated opposite the Botanic Gardens,
and is a large and commodious building, in every
respect suitable for a floral display, within easy
distance from all the tram routes and Edge Hill
Station. Numerous entries are already regis-
tered, and there is every prospect of having a
grand show of the Autumn Queen.

Fruit -Tree Girdles.— The useful sticky
girdle or band for trapping the winter moth
and many other enemies of our Plum and
Apple trees is now well known to and employed
generally by cultivators. Recently an improve-
ment on these traps has been brought out, which
consists of strips of cn-rugated card! oird having
a plain smooth outer surface. The bands are laid
round the stem of the tree and stronger branches
with the corrugated side touching the bark,
early in the autumn, and removed in early spring
and the captured larva; and chrysalids destroyed.
The band is left open at the bottom and tied
close to the bark at the top. Over this girdle
the usual sticky band may be secured, thus
making twooorts of traps instead of one, as is the
case with sticky girdle in common use. Illustrirte
Flora.

University of London: South-Eastern
Agricultural College— County Councils
of Kent and Surrey.— The College authorities
furnish the following account of the number
of students in residence, and the additions
made to the equipment of the College: — 'The
South - Eastern Agiicultural College, Wye,
commenced its tenth session < n September 25.
Seventy-seven students are in residence, this
number being an increase of twenty - two
on the number at the commencement of
last session. The equipment of the College
has been improved by the addition of a car-
penter's shop and of an ironwork shop fitted with
lathe and three hearths for farriery and other

forge work. A Forestry department is also in
course of establishment, additional land having
been taken for the purpose. The College Hop-
garden fortunately escaped the full severity of
the recent gales, and gave a yield of 13 cwt. per
acre of very fair quality Hops. Through the
instrumentality of Mr. Edwin Ellis, one of the
Surrey Governors of the College, a Southdown
flock has been established, thirty-three ewes and
a ram having been presented by the following
well-known breeders : the Dukes of Devonshire
and Northumberland, the Hon. H. Cubitt,
Messrs. Brasset, Cosmo Bonsor, Coleman,
Czarnikow, E. Ellis, Plumptre ; whilst Mr.
Ellis has also lent a ram from his successful
flock. The thanks of the College and all con-
nected with it are awarded to all these donors
for their generosity and public spirit. It is
intended to maintain the Kent flock as well,
and to carry out experiments on cross-breeding.
The equipment of the farm has also been im-
proved by the erection of a range of breeding-
styes for housing ten sows of different breeds,
whilst bullocks of different breeds are being fed
this winter, all these trials being carried on for
the information and benefit of the students."

Lectures by Mr. A. D. Hall. — Mr. A. D.

Hall, M.A , Director of the Rothamsted Experi-
ment Station, delivered the first of a course of
lectures on " The relation of the composition of
the plant to the soil on which it grows," at the
Chelsea Physic Garden, on October 13. The
lectures form part of a postgraduate course on
advanced botany of the University of London,
and will be continued every Tuesday until
December 8, at 3 p.m., at the Physic Garden. Mr.
Hall began by explaining that though he was
dealing with such matters as the quality and even
the market price of articles like Wheat, Barley,
and Potatos, it should not be supposed that
such studies were unworthy of the notice of a
University audience. The market possesses a
perception of small differences, which would go
unnoticed by the scientific man, but which often
afford clues to the interpretation of the larger
problems of science. In this way the study of the
factors constituting "quality" in vegetable pro-
ducts opened up at the real complexity of the
problems connected with the nutrition of plants.
Mr. Hall then proceeded to give examples of
the differences in value that prevailed, as indica-
tion of differences in composition brought about
largely by variations in soil conditions. While
the best English Wheat is only costing the
miller 28s. 6(2. at his door, he is also paying
32s. 6d. to 35s. for Wheats like Russian, Kansas,
or Northern Duluth. Malting Barley will fetch
27s. to 34s., whereas the same kind of seed from
an adjoining farm may only be worth 20s. to 25s.
for feeding purposes. Potatos grown on the red
soils of Dunbar often sell at nearly twice the
price of the same variety grown on the fen and
other black soils. Taking a series of analyses of
typical crops, the part played by the soil in sup-
plying the elements of these crops was then
discussed. The direct supply of plant-food by
the soil was however shown to play a compara-
tively unimportant part in influencing quality
as compared with such factors as water-supply
and temperature, climate and season. This was
illustrated by a comparison of the composition of
the Wheat grown at Rothamsted, showing dif-
ferences from season to season that are much
larger than the differences from plot to plot,
despite the great variation in the manuring
to which the plots are subject. The general rela-
tions of soils to water supply and temperature
were then discussed, such as the variations in the
amount of water retained by different soils, the
effect of drainage in warming the land, and the
differences in the ground temperatures which
could be induced by altering the colour of the
surface or sheltering it from evaporation. Lastly,

these factors were shown to interact and affect
one another, and also to produce variations in the-
rate at which the soil would yield its nutriment
to crops in virtue of such bacterial changes as-
nitrification. Examples were drawn from the-
Rotbamsted data of the very different effects of
the same manures according as the season is wet
and cold or hot and dry. The next lecture will
deal with the general course of plant nutrition,
growth and maturation, and the comparative-
effect upon it of light and heavy soils.

DICTAMNU8 Fraxinella— The Editor has to
acknowledge, with many thanks, the kindness of
numerous correspondents who have favoured him.
with seeds of this plant for trial.

Festivities at Messrs. Cheals' Nursery.

— On Saturday the 3rd ult. Messrs. Cheal & Son,.
of Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley, entertained alb
their employes, with their wives and families, in
honour of the "home-coming of Mr. Ernest Cheal.
with his bride, also as a welcome to Mr. and Mrs.
Annett on their return from Ceylon, where they
were married last March ; Mrs. Annett being,
the eldest daughter and Mr. Ernest Cheal the
eldest son of Mr. J. Cheal, the senior member of?-
the firm.

SHIPLAKE COURT, HENLEY-ON-
THAMES,

[See Supplementary Illustration]
The property of R. H. C. Harrison, Esq.,.
some 470 acres in extent, situated on the most
picturesque portion of the river Thames, has
natural beauties which have induced its owner to-
leave a large proportion of it as a natural garden,
that part of the grounds having the turf beneath,
the trees and shrubs planted with Daffodils, Snow-
drops, Crocuses, Primroses, and other hardy bulbs
and plants, which, especially in the spring-time
and early summer, make this one of the most
interesting and showy parts of the garden.

The fine dwelling-house, though of recent date,
is built after the manner of one of the solid-looking
comfortable residences of olden time, and the
garden surrounding it has been well developed
by Mr. J. A. Hall, the gardener at Shiplake»
Court, during the thirteen years of his tenure
of office up to the present time, the desired end
of making the garden proper harmonise with the^
natural garden beyond, and shelving down to the
river, having been cleverly attained.

. At the entrance is the gardener's house, con-
veniently situated between the extensive kitchen,,
and fruit gardens on the one side, and the
pleasure grounds on the other, the mansion,,
situated on high ground, being approached by a,
carriage-drive bordered by shrubberies, in front
of which the sweet-scented Lavender and the
yellow Broom are attractive features. On the
west side of the house is a Dutch-garden, with
trellis- work covered with Vines at the end, the
beds in the centre having two of them filled with.
Rose Laurette Messimy, which had been and/
still were very fine. The other beds are filled with,
showy Salpiglossis and other summer flowers, and
the border at the side had a mass of bloom in the
Little White Pet Rose and other flowers. The
view from this point extends over a portion off
the county of Berkshire, the foreground of aged
Walnut-trees in the garden itself, and the bend
in the river below imparting to the scene its-
finest effects. Beyond and above the Dutch-
garden and in harmony with it is a small orchard
of dwarf and standard Apple-trees, the grass-
covered surface being planted with flowering
bulbs and bordered by Roses and other fragrant-
flowers ; at the end being an ancient cottage,
Vine, Rose, and Ivy-clad, and in all its rustic
beauty of 200 years ago, when it was part of the
monastic property then occupying the site. At
this part of the grounds Shiplake Church, where
Lord Tennyson was married, adjoins-
(To be continued.)

October 17, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

275

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

ASTER THOMSONI. — This is one of the most
•charming among the dwarf section of Michaelmas
Daisies, and should be grown by all who value
.autumn-flowering hardy plants. It differs in
various points from most of the Asters, being
•distinct in leafage and habit, the stems branching
•from the base into numerous flowering shoots,
which carry flowers continuously from mid-
August to the end of October if the weather
iremains open so long. The flowers individually

NORTHERN STAR POTATO. — My experience
with Northern Star exactly coincides with all
that "R. H. P." stated on p. 235, but having
propagated some Ever-goods by single eyes and
by cuttings, I am doubtful as to whether all
varieties will succeed under such treatment.
Judging from a few roots already lifted, Northern
Star will average 3 lb. per root ; but the E ver-
goods have only averaged j lb. per root, and they
are growing on the same ground and in similar
conditions. In the latter portion of " E. H. P 's "
article one is led to believe that any variety
would succeed if so treated. The haulm of Ever-

varieties so far as increasing the stock is con-
cerned ; but the question of " yield " after the
employment of any method is dependent upon
the cropping qualities and vigour possessed by
the varieties themselves, which may, and often
do, vary infinitely. Ed. J

PEACHES AT THE CHISWICK SHOW.— 1 was
interested in the editorial remarks on p. 250.
A friend as well as myself could not understand
why no prize had been awarded the excellent
fruits staged by Mr. Woodward and Mr. Mclndoe
respectively ; one was given to very much smaller

Photo, bi/ "I
J. liregnioj.\

FlG. 118. — FIRST PRIZE EXHIBIT OF VEGETABLES ARRANGED ON A SPACE OF 50 SQUARE FEET AT THE CHISWICK SHOW
ON SEPTEMBER 29 BY MR. E. BECKETT, GARDENER TO LORD ALDENHAM, ALDENHAM HOUSE, ELSTREE.

(For further particulars see our Report in the issue for October 3, p. 21J, and p. 277 )

'Mr. Ed. BcrMta

Covi/riokt.

are large, rather like those of A. Amellus, though
slightly paler in colour and not so heavy in
build, the petals being narrow and well divided,
giving the flowers a lighter and more graceful
appearance. It grows to about 15 inches high,
• and each plant will, if allowed space to develop,
.grow into a perfectly shaped specimen well
branched all round. For the front row in a
border of herbaceous perennials, or even as a
bedding plant, it would be excellent owing to the
length of its flowering season, a feature that
-cannot be claimed by many Asters. I have seen
it stated that A. Thomsoni is suited for the
rockery rather than for the border, but this is
inot my experience, as I find it quite able to take
.care of itself if not allowed to get overgrown with
things .of coarser growth. J. C. Tallack.

good only grew 18 inches high, and then ripened
off. Northern Star haulm is still green, and
measures 0 feet, and there is not a trace of
disease in the tubers, although there have been
and are several varieties of Potatos growing in
close proximity to them that have got the disease.
In Burbidge's Cultivated Plants I find that the
record is held by Mr. Pink, then of Faversham,
who dug li-t" lb. from 1 lb. of seed of the variety
Eureka, and 372J lb. from a like amount of
Snowflak», both those varieties being of American
origin. The above crop3 were grown in 1N75, so
that in the culture of Potatos we have not made
such advance as is sometimes believed. F. K. D ,
Cheshire, Oct. 0. The various methods by which
it was stated on p. 235 the Northern Star Potato
had been increased are applicable to all other

fruits, and it was some little time before an on-
looker turned over the card that we found written
on the back, " Disqualified ; not outdoor-grown
fruit." A bystander said he could see well that
those fine fruits of Sea Eagle and Princess of
Wales were not grown on an outside wall. I
replied that I have very similar fruits growing
on an east wall in Devon ; but this man evidently
concluded tho fruits shown wore grown under
glass. There was a vnst difference iu the two
dishes of Sea Eagle shown as regards size and
finish, and I should say quality as well. Devonian.

HUMEA8 AND PEACH TREES.— IVrmit me t.i
say, iu reply to Mr. Miller's rein irk, that our
Humetks were probably grown with Bjbundanoe of
air, top and bottom, is iucorreot, for as a matter of

276

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

[OCTOBEB 17, 1903.

fact the plants were moved into the Peach-house
early in March, when the leaves were tender and,
according to bis opinion, more susceptible to the
" supposed " influence of the Humeas. Here they
remained until the first week in September. Mr.
Bastin informs me that Humeas have invariably
been cultivated in the Peach-houses since he first
took charge here, and he has never found any
injury to result from their presence in the houses.
On p. 236 I find another correspondent who has
grown the two together in the same house without
disaster. Again on p. 232 someone inquires as to
Coleus affecting other plants. Surely gardeners
have enough troubles to contend with without
manufacturing them, and I heartily agree with
the answer to that correspondent. H. Smith,
Foreman, Buscot Park Gardens.

foreign versus English firms. — Itisamatter
for regret that your correspondent "J. S. C,"
in last week's issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle,
p. 259, does not give us his experience regard-
ing the quality of the bulbs which are offered
in the catalogues of Continental firms at prices so
much lower than those of English dealers. It is
an easy matter to compare the catalogued prices
of bulbs offered by different firms, but that is not
enough, we must go further. The relative value
of bulbs bought at such varying prices can
only be ascertained by a comparison of the
results obtained. If the cheap bulbs do not
produce more than half the number of flowers
that the more expensive ones do, where does the
economy come in in purchasing them? They re-
quire the same care and attention, take up the
same amount of space, and altogether the cost of
flowering them is just the same as for first-rate
bulbs, yet we may only get half the results. My
experience with some of the Continental and also
some of the cheap English firms has satisfied me
that in many cases the so-called cheap bulbs are
the dearest in the end ; and I would strongly
recommend those who have to show good returns
to buy from reliable firms, regardless of the
tempting offers made by some foreign firms of
supplying cheap bulbs, and at the same time
giving five or ten per cent, commission [much
more in one instance brought under our notice
last year] . That we can grow bulbs in the British
Isles equal to any of the Dutch produce has been
amply demonstrated. S. P.

THE RECENT GARDENERS' DINNER.— Many
who were present on the enjoyable evening of
the 29th ult. have expressed the wish that the
dinner should become an annual one. I would
go a step further than this, and suggest that an
Association of Head Gardeners of the United
Kingdom be formed, to meet at least once a year
for the discussion of various matters connected
with the profession, with a view of raising it
from the confused state into which it is
drifting. In making this proposal I have no
wish to introduce any trade unionism into our
ranks ; but I think much good might be done
socially, professionally, and from an educational
point of view if the present Committee would
take up the matter and make arrangements for
instituting such an association. Most of the pro-
fessions and trades are now united in some way,
why should gardening remain in such a disor-
ganised state ? I may be told that we have
various societies connected with the profession,
but I fail to see how any of them could take up
additional work. The Royal Horticultural Society
has too many other subjects claiming its atten-
tion, and were it not so there are reasons why it
cannot do anything in this way. I think there
remains no remedy but to set bravely to work and
help ourselves. W. B. Divers, The Gardens, Belvoir
Castle, Grantham.

MR. WOODWARD'S PEACH E8.— Having read
that Mr. Woodward's Peaches were disqualified
at the Chiswick Show and Conference, I am
writing to say that the week before I was in the
Barham Court Gardens, and observed some
very handsome fruits of Sea Eagle, Princess of
Wales, and others on a south wall. I am sure
some of the fruits of the first two named must
have weighed 9 ozs. apiece. The trees were not
protected in any way. The same varieties were
also observed in a Peach-case that was open in
the front, but the fruits with the highest colour

were on trees on the open wall. Alf. T. Goodwin.
[We are gratified to know that the mistake was
corrected before the end of the first day, a fact
that was notified in these pages. Ed.]

AN EXTRAORDINARY CROP OF ONION8. —
Mr. James Hex, gr. to Miss Carwithen, of Spring-
field, Newton Abbot, Devon, sowed last March on
a square perch of land 1 ounce of Rousham Park
Onion, and he has just lifted the crop, which
consisted of 460 lb. of good, sound, saleable
bulbs ! A. Hope.

A GRAND EDIBLE FUNGUS. — A friend and
mycophagist in Hampshire has recently afforded
me great pleasure by sending half a dozen fresh
and healthy specimens of a large and excellent
edible fungus which I have not seen for the
past ten or fifteen years, and never had the
pleasure of eating until now : indeed, I only
saw it once before, and then it was highly
commended to me by the late Dr. Bull, of Here-
ford. It is known to science as Amanita strobi-
liformis, and is near of kin to the poisonous
Amanita muscaria. The pileus or cap in the
largest specimen was 7 inches in diameter, but it
sometimes reaches 8 or 9 inches. It is convex,
dirty-white with a faint tinge of ochre, sprinkled
with large persistent warts, the margin even,
and at first fringed with the remains of the torn
veil, which is singularly soft and pulpy, so that
it adheres to the fingers like paste. The cuticle
peels off freely in large flakes, and the flesh is
firm, thick, and beautifully white, as also are
the gills. The stem usually 6 to 7 inches long
and about 1J inch thick, solid, and externally
squamose with small acute scales, pointed down-
wards, but vanishing with age. The ring rather
large, and torn at the margin. The bulbous base
of the stem rooting and obconical, furnished with
concentric marginate channels of a dingy ochrey-
white colour, contrasting with the snowy white-
ness of the rest of the stem. Gills rather close
and broad, rounded behind and free from the
stem. Certainly a noble specie1? in appearance,
to which the best figures extant fail to do justice.
It has been recorded for the South of Europe,
especially Italy, and is known in France, and
Paulet records it as pleasant in odour and flavour,
and delicious to eat. My correspondent says :
" We find them excellent eating, and this year
specimens have been abundant. The method of
cooking with us is to peel the top as one does the
ordinary Mushroom, cut in thickish slices, stew
slowly in milk, with a piece of butter, and
serve on toast. My daughter thinks it the best
thing we get, but I prefer the large puff ball," &c.
Our own experiment included two of the largest
specimens cooked in the oven in the usual way,
with butter, and covered down, so as to retain all
the aroma until ready for the table. The residue
were sliced and stewed in milk and butter, as
recommended above, and served on toast. Three
persons partook of the dishes, and pronounced
them satisfactory. This fungus cannot be
compared with the ordinary Mushroom, as
it has its own special flavour, which is
mild and delicate, reminding one of the
white or pale forms of Amanilopsis vagi-
nata, or the similarly-flavoured Hygrophorus
coccineus. Those fungus-eaters whose taste lies
in the direction of such strongly-flavoured species
as Agaricus arvensis would doubtless condemn
the present species as " namby-pamby," whilst
there are others who would appreciate its greater
mildness and delicacy, and vote in its favour.
Personally, we prefer the " parasol " Mushroom,
and "blewits," but tastes may be permitted to
differ. Any way, Agaricus strobiliformis is a
good and thoroughly harmless edible fungus,
remarkably tender, and eminently digestible.
What more can be desired ? M. C. C.

A GOOD TUBULAR BOILER. — There is such a
marked economy in using a Vertical Tubular
Boiler over a Return Saddle boiler that I venture
to mention the matter in my fellow - amateurs'
interest. R. G. Fletcher.

THE SHREWSBURY CHAMPION GRAPE COM-
PETITION.— It is difficult to understand what
Mr. Goodacre is driving at in his communi-
cation on the above subject in a recent
issue. One thing is clear. He wants a shot

at someone. Evidently that some one is the-
[firm of] Messrs. Buchanan. He has, however,
from behind the boulder of his " more friendly
opponents," shot the judges — poor souls ! Acci-
dentally shot! Your correspondent cites the
case of a man who stages culinary Apples and.'
cattle Cabbages, and then complaints because
he did net get the prize, though he had the
heaviest and biggest exhibits. What on earth,
has this to do with the case ? Who advocates,
that the biggest and heaviest should win ? Who
has made complaint at not getting the prize?
No one that I have heard of. Does not your corre-
spondent himself at the very beginning of his
remarks state "that it was admitted by all,includ-
ingMessrs. Buchanan themselves, that thepointing
was correctly and fairly done, and the judges' final
decision a just one." No — your correspondent's
illustration is quite irrelevant. There is little
fear of large, coarse, unfinished " cattle Cabbage "
sorts of Grapes receiving more than their just
deserts from the hands of the gentlemen
appointed by the Shrewsbury management to
act as judges, as Mr. Goodacre knows from ex-
perience, and which I shall show presently.
From the number of maximums given at Shrews-
bury this year Mr. Goodacre argues that this-
goes to prove " how seldom it is possible to-
obtain the better class varieties in the best con-
dition." Let us see. There have now been four
champion contests at Shrewsbury. In all over 300-
bunches have been staged in these contests alone.
Out of this number 19 bunches have received
the full maximum of points. Of these nineteen,,
eight were not of Muscat flavour, and eleven
varieties were Muscat flavoured. Does this prove-
that out of 300 bunches examined by the judges,
" how seldom it is possible to obtain the better
class varieties in the best condition"? To my
own and the judges' way of thinking it proves the
reverse. Mr. Goodacre is of the opinion that the
judges had some difficulty in transferring their
vision from an elephant to a thoroughbred horse-
and assess each at its proper value, meaning, I
assume, the 2nd and 3rd prize exhibits and his
own. It suits Mr. Goodacre's purpose just
now to sit on the back of his thoroughbred
and turn up his nose at the poor passing
elephant. What ingratitude ! How unkind to-
old friends that have assisted him to victory in
many a contest in the past ! How many " ele-
phants "had he to employ to assist in drawing
off the Crystal Palace Champion Cup ? I saw
some of the contests for this Cup, and Mr. Good-
acre had in his winning stands both "elephant"
and "cattle Cabbage" sorts, and would not
have won the Cup without them. Truly, as your
correspondent says, " we ought to speak favour-
ably of the bridge that carries us safely over the-
stream." I have seen every contest for the
championship at Shrewsbury since it was inaugu-
rated in 1899. The biggest " elephants " that
have been staged by any exhibitor in these con-
tests were staged by Mr. Goodacre himself, in the
form of two Barbarossas, which received 7 and 7J
points respectively, the latter being the highest
points awarded to any bunch in his exhibit that
year. Other two bunches — not elephants, how-
ever, as regards size, but decidedly " cattle Cab-
bage " varieties (Gros Marocs)— received 5J points
each out of a possible 9. After this experience I
am not surprised at Mr. Goodacre's feeling such
disgust at these varieties ; but surely it is-
lowering the standard of a great Grape-grower to
try to belittle other growers who have been
more successful than he with these varieties ! I
look upon Mr. Goodacre as the foremost Grape-
exhibitor in England, and the most successful
over a longer period of years than any other that
I can call to mind. I certainly expected from
his great experience a contribution on this sub-
ject of a very different sort. We are all proud of
Shrewsbury ; every horticulturist ought to be..
Shrewsbury has done much for our profession,
and can yet do more. Let us all endeavour, espe-
cially the competitors who have taken part in
the Champion Grape class, to place practical and
unbiassed suggestions before the management of
that great show, so that this important Grape'
competition may be placed on a just and fair
footing to every Grape that is grown, and every
competitor who wishes to exhibit. The point
values ought to be so arranged and balanced that

October 17, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

277

the small grower, with perhaps but one vinery,
who cannot turn out twelve bunches, all Muscats,
but could show a mixed lot, all showing great
skill and high cultivation — I say this gardener
ought to have the same chance as his big
brother of winning the Cup, which is not the
case under the present point values. Supe-
rior cultivation ought to come out at the
top, for, after all, is this not the aim and
object of societies' giving prizes at all ? There are
certainly some rather confused notions in many
quarters as to what is cultural skill in connection
with Grape - growing. To my mind, as much
cultural skill can be shown in growing a collec-
tion of vegetables as a collection of Grapes. As
much can be shown in growing Black Alicante or
Alnwick Seedling as Madresfield Court or Black
Hamburgh Grapes. In the same way as much
skill is required to breed and rear to perfection a
Clydesdale or Shire horse as a thoroughbred.
One breed might be called ornamental, the other
useful. Both have their uses ; the thoroughbred
could no more do the work of the cart-horse than
the Muscat - flavoured varieties of Grapes we
now possess could fill the place of the other
varieties. Both have their uses. It is from
such non - Muscat-flavoured Grapes as Colmar,
Alicante, Lady Downes, and the like that
we draw our supplies from for about six months
of the year, after the Muscats sorts are practically
over, this not only for the supply of my Lord's
table, but on a very much larger scale, of the
British public. I placed before your readers what
in my opinion was a fair basis of point values to
work from. This, while giving due precedence to
all Muscat-flavoured Grapes, and including Black
Hamburgh (a point I have always advocated),
does not exclude other varieties from the compe-
tition. I invite Mr. Goodacre to place before
your readers the grounds of his objections to my
suggestions, and to state what varieties of Grapes
and what class of exhibitors would be penalised if
such were adopted. This, 1 think, would be more
profitable to all than shooting at varieties and
judges. One point more I wish to notice. Your
correspondent says it is amusing ts find the
Messrs. Buchanan comparing some of the Shrews-
bury exhibits to what can be seen at our village
shows. I did nothing of the sort. Far from it.
What I said was that if the competition was
restricted to Muscat sorts, it would in my opinion
result in the exhibits dwindling down to the
level of ordinary 2-lb. bunches, which can be
seen at any local show in the country. I cannot
remember a show of any importance where
Grapes were exhibited to any extent during the
last twenty-five years where perfectly finished
bunches of several Muscat - flavoured varieties
of about 2 lb. in weight could not be met
with ; but only once in all that time can I
remember Alicantes or Alnwick Seedlings that
could compare with the samples shown by Mr.
Shingler in his 1st prize stand last year.
As a set-off against a likely falling off of exhi-
bitors through the alteration in conditions, Mr.
Goodacre gives the names t>f three new com-
petitors who are coming out next year. I hope
he will not be disappointed, but unless they are
made of different stuff from other exhibitors, I
" doot the'll no ken yet." Until Mr. Goodacre
convinces me that it is easier to stage twelve
bunches all Muscat varieties than a mixed lot, I
shall stick to my opinion that the number of
competitors will drop off, and the interest and
keen rivalry will grow less in this the greatest
and most worthy ({rape contest we have yet seen.
D. Buchanan, September 2G, 1903. [We hope future
correspondents on this subject, if they desire
timely publication, will severely prune their re-
j marks before sending them. Our space is far too
II limited for long communications. Ed.]

B MARIGOLDS IN POTS.— This may appear an
unusual method of culture, but I have in my
cold-house at the present time a plant of dark
11 orange African Marigold, one of a bright golden
I yellow, and one of the gold striped French, all
representing pedigree stock, which are the admi-
I ration of all who see them, they are laden with
IJblossoms of fine size and rich colours. They are
lin medium-sized pots, which they have filled with
'roots, and they are treated twice a week to a
slight sprinkling of Clay's fertiliser on the sur-
, face. They will go on flowering for a consider-

able time longer than the plants in the open air.
The blossoms of the latter are saturated by mois-
ture and stained by winds, but under glass the
flowers are brilliant in the extreme. R. D.

SOCIETIES.

BOYAL HORTICULTURAL.

The Chiswick Conference,
vegetables for exhibition.

(.Continued from p. 174.)

Mr. E. BECKETT.gardenertoLordAldenham.EIstree,
Berts, next read a paper on " Vegetables for Exhi-
bition." He said evidence was not wanting that a
keener interest was being manifested in the cultivation
of vegetables for exhibition than bad been the case for
some years past. There was little doubt that the
representation of high-class produce at the leading
exhibitions throughout the country was mainly
responsible for the change, and one need only observe
the interest taken in the different competitions by
visitors to the shows to be convinced of the good work
that was going on.

A change for the better had taken place, and in this
connection it was interesting to note that the old ideas
regarding size had been superseded by a knowledge of
what was best in the different subjects, in which quality
was now rightly considered of first importance, while
thOEe thoughts were now generally regarded as the
embodiment of all that was correct, there must not be
a too hasty decision in determining the merits of the
different subjects in so far as size itself was considered.
High quality in any vegetables was not determined by
mere size, yet there were those which undoubtedly
demanded that essential as of first importance. It was
much to be regretted that opinions varied so much on
the question, and until a generallyrecognised standard
had been set up it seemed hopeless even to expect
that satisfactory progress would be made. The
Royal Horticultural Society, as became its exalted
position, was the one authority to take this matter
in hand, and among its large and comprehensive
list of experts in vegetable culture, it should be
an easy task to call into existence a Committee
capable of settling the question once for all, so that a
uniform standard of quality might be recognised.

He was surprised to find that there were many under
the impression that vegetables grown for exhibition
purposes were of little use for the table, and to dispel
such ideas a definition of what is quality or excellence
in vegetables seemed to be necessary. The different
subjects varied so much in character that each one
should be clearly and unmistakably defined. By
some such method it should be possible to arrive at
conclusions most helpful to those who desired to culti-
vate vegetables at their best, and by these means also
settle a much vexed question. It was mo9t unfortunate
that for some time pa3t experienced cultivators had
held views so diverse, because by this unsatis-
factory state of affairs positions had often been
reversed when an exhibitor had shown in two
distinct parts of the country, and that was an
effect which every thoughtful person must deplore.
They had now arrived at a very important period In the
history of the cultivation of vegetables for exhibition,
and the present occasion appeared to be a fitting oppor-
tunity for ascertaining what should be done to attain
ends which all truly interested must heartily desire.
When once proper lines were laid down, all the judges
should see that the adjudication of vegetables pos-
sessing high quality should be a simpler matter than it
is to-day. Uniformity in judging was absolutely
essential if success was to be achieved, and the best
quality in different subjects was also to be represented.
At the present time the point they wanted to discuss
was bow tar size should govern quality. It wag an easy
matter to go to the extreme in both directions, and
this again emphasised the need there wa9 for a full and
proper consideration of the point of quality in each
individual subject. There was little merit in de-
veloping very large and coarse specimens of
any vegetable, and badly finished ones offered the
same objection. The standard which he bad always
set himself to follow was the production of vegetables
that were equally well adapted for table use and for
exhibition purposes, and in the attainment of his ideal
he maintained that high quality could not fail to be
achieved. He bad never advocated the production of
vegetables that were not suitable for table use, and

whenever he had been called upon to adjudicate, pre-
ference had always been given by him to exhibits in
which excellence of culture and high quality bad been
represented. As an instance, take two of our common
vegetables— the Potato and the Cabbage. When staged
large and coarse, neither of them was so good or profit-
able as medium-sized well-finished specimens, no matter
whether they be regarded from the point of view of
home use or for commercial purposes. He always held
that in making awards the varieties staged should most
certainly be taken into consideration. His reason for
this recognition of the different sorts in this way was
that maDy of the most handsome varieties had little or
no value when cooked, and all must a->ree that such
varieties should be discouraged. This action was
the more important when adjudicating upon the
relative merits of such subjects as Potaos, Tomatosr,
Peas, and Turnips, in which a pleasing appearance
was often misleading. While he deprecate i coarseness
in size there was a limited number of vegetables which
represented the highest culture when extended to
their utmost, but in such instances finish of the "very
be3t" must also be attained. As an instance, take the
Onion. Large, heavy, well-ripened bulbs, perfect in every
respect, in which the best varieties were displayed in
typical form and condition, were invaluable for many
purposes in the kitchen, and these were certainly ex-
amples of high culture and equally high quality. Peas of
the large podded kind were infinitely to be preferred
to the smaller varieties, as they were usually wei;-
filled, clean, and of good colour. Their flavour too
was invariably better. The same remarks apply with
equal force to French and Runner Beans, each of
which now showed wonderful advancement over the
old small-podded varieties, the leading varieties at
to-day eclipsing those which found favour in earlier
days. He was firmly CDnvinced that Celery of high
quality could not be grown too large, no matter
whether it be for eating in the raw state or for culinary
purposes. Well-grown, properly blanched, perfectly
clean examples partook of the flavour, which was not
nearly so pronounced in the smaller kinds.

As regarded Potatos, clean and even tubers of
medium size were a great desideratum, and the varie
ties should be of the best cooking quality. Diverse
opinions were held as to the quality of the Cauliflower.
At all seasons of the year that fine vegetable should be
represented by heads of medium size, firm and perfect
in shape, and remarkable for purity of colour. Large
and coarse heads should be rigidly discouraged, as tbeir
want of quality rendered them of little value for table
use. Cabbages and Savoys came within the same rule.

Root crops should be represented by specimens of
medium size and colour. Beetroot of large size was
useless for exhibition and worthless for cooking pur-
poses. The same might be said of Carrots aud Parsnips,
colour in the first being an essential consideration.
Their chief points lay in shape and colour. Clean,
tender Turnips of medium size represented the
best quality. As to Leeks, he considered that
a typical Leek should have a circumference of about
6 inches, and be blanched to the extent of 13 inches,
more or less. There should be no sign of bulbing
apparent, and they should be even throughout-
Cucumbers were frequently exhibited far too large. A
good grower would select fruit of a medium size, fresh,
and well finished, and the variety should be one
having a good reputation. These remarks applied
with equal force to Vegetable Marrows. Avoid the
large coarse kinds, giving preference to those of newer
and improved forms, which were much the best for
table use. Toinatos were an invaluable unit in all
collections ot vegetables.

The general feeling regarding them was that tbey
should be of medium size, but much depended upon
the variety. Perfectly finished specimens were to be
preferred to all others, and as a rule their flesh and
flavour were much better. Smooth-skinned sorts of
good colour were excellent tor exhibition, and repre-
sented the highest quality. Mushrooms in a repre-
sentative collection were telling, and they should be
absolutely fresh, even, and of medium size. Te
achieve results of the kind described the highest
culture was absolutely necessary. It was seldom
possible to produce vegetables of high quality unless
the ground had been properly prepared, and much
careful thought and attention given to the details of
the work beforehand. Premier awards in the leading
competitions were not gained with garden produce
grown in hapha/.ird fashion. It was imperative that
no plot of ground should be cropped two years In sue
cession with the same subject. Onions excepted. A
change of soil was necessary. As to the treatment

278

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 17, 1903.

of the ground, he had no sympathy with those who
simply dug their ground in the ordinary manner.
Trenching was essential to success, and in its ob-
servance deep culture followed as a consequence.
In the cultivation of vegetables for exhibition, deep
culture was one of the chief factors in achieving suc-
cess, and for that reason the work should be done in a
thorough manner. Mr. Beckett advocated bringing the
bottom spit to the surface. Trenching should be done
to the depth of 2\ or 3 feet, and the bottom should be
well broken. Root crops, such as Carrots, Turnips,
Beetroots, and Salsify, should follow in ground pre-
viously occupied by Celery. Even In those instances
he emphasised the need of trenching. Assuming that
they had cultivated their vegetables satisfactorily, the
question of the best specimens required a great amount
of patience an d overlooking of different crops. He then
entered into details as to the treatment of different
classes of vegetables for exhibition purposes, the pack-
ing and sta ing and general arrangement of the ex-
hibits. He offered a number of suggestions as to the
method of arrangement, emphasising the importance
of uniformity. It was important that the number of
specimens should be distinctly specified. In that way
the work of adjudication was simplified, and the ex-
hibitors were placed on an equal footing. In addition
to Cauliflowers and Broccoli, which should be included
in all collections, there should be Potatos, Carrots,
Tomatoa, and Onions ; and, when in season, there
should be included Peas, Artichokes, Brussels-Sprouts,
Celery, Leeks, French and Runner Beans, Turnips,
Asparagus, Beetroot, Cucumbers, and Vegetable
Marrows. Mr. Beckett concluded by giving details as
to the best types of the respective subjects.

Mr. Page inquired whether Mr. Beckett advocated
the double trenching of the ground every year >

Mr. Beckett: I do, wherever possible. It is not
possible in many cases, as time will not allow of the
trenching of the whole of the ground; but so far as
possible I do advise it.

Replying to another question, Mr. Beckett said
there were means of arresting the ravages of, if not of
exterminating altogether, wireworms. He had found
burnt garden refuse mixed with soot one of the best
remedies.

Octobee 13.— A meeting of the Committees was held
on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, James Street, Buck-
ingham Gate, Westminster, four weeks after the last
meeting in the same Hall.

There were more Orchids exhibited than there have
been recently, and an Award of Merit was recom-
mended to a novelty.

The Floral Committee recommended but one
award, this being a First-class Certificate to a Nephro-
lepis from Mr. H. B. May. There were large exhibits
of Dahlias, Michaelmas Daisies, and Roses. Chrys-
anthemums are becoming more numerous at each
meeting. Among indoor plants Begonias were shown
largely.

The Feuit and Vegetable Committee recommended
Awards of Merit to a new Apple from Messrs. James
Veitch & Sons, and to an excellent seedling Melon from
Bearwood, the garden of A. F. Waltee, Esq. Lady
Tate exhibited some splendid Grapes from her garden
at Streatham, and Messrs. W. Pall & Son showed very
satisfactory Apple trees in pots.
At the afternoon meeting there were sixty-four new

Fellows elected to the privileges of the Society ; and
there was a paper read on " Autumnal Raspberries and
Strawberries;" but the arrangements made for the

comfort of the Chairman and of the audience left
much to be desired.

Floral Committee.

Present: W. Marshall, Esq., Chairman; and H. B,
May, Chas. T. Druery, Geo. Nicholson, R. Dean, Jas
Walker, A. Perry, Jno. Green, J. F. McLeod, W. Howe
G. Reuthe, Jno. Jennings, Chas. Dixon, J. A- Nix, Chas
Jeffries, C. J. Salter, W. Cuthbertson, C. E. Pearson
R. C. Notcutt, Chas. E. Shea, W. P. Thomson, E. H
Jenkins, Chas. Blick, Ed. Manley, and Geo. Paul.

Messrs. W. Bull & Sons, New and Rare Plant Estab
llshment, King's Road, Chelsea, were awarded a Cul
tural Commendation for a dozen plants of Draccena
Victoria, a variety of the Lindeni type, with broad,

arching leaves, variegated with deep yellow colour. It
is described as being an excellent "grower,"and colours
quite naturally without special treatment.

Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Road Nursery, Upper Edmon-
ton, London, N., showed a group of flowering plants
containing well-flowered Bouvardias in variety, Bego-
nias of the Gloire de Lorraine type, hybrid Veronicas,
&c. Of the Veronicas, Reine de3 Blanches (white), and
J Hainan t (crimson) were excellent.

Messrs. Crane & Clabke, Hillside Nursery, March,
exhibited Tree-Carnation Enchantress, alarge American
variety of the type of Daybreak ; and Lord Rosebery,
deep crimson.

Mr. J. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey, ex-
hibited a considerable number of plants of Aucuba
vera, carrying a fine lot of berries, and suitable for
autumn and winter decorations.

BEGONIAS, Etc.
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nurseries,
King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited a display of their
winter-flowering Begonia hybrids, and other plants
that were full of bloom and exceedingly bright. B.
Agatha, a variety a little similar to Gloire de Lorraine,
but growing less tall: and Agatha compacta, a neat
little plant 5 inches high, exceedingly free, with rich
pink flowers borne erect above the foliage are very
beautiful. Of the larger-flowered varieties there were
Ideal, rosy crimson ; and Mrs. Heal, still as good as
any of these semi-tuberous, semi-fibrous rooted varie-
ties. Messrs. Veitch had also a fine display of winter-
flowering zonal Pelargoniums in pots, a group of
plants in flower of Dsedalacanthus parvus, and half a
dozen fine plants of Gesnera (Najgelia) exoniensis, a
plant with thick, velvety, ovate leaves, bronze-
coloured themselves, but quite covered with abundant
short reddish hairs. In general effect it is similar to
a Coleus (Silver gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. Ambrose & Son, Cheshunt, Herts, exhibited
miscellaneous flowering plants in pots, such as Be-
gonia Gloire de Lorraine and Turnford Hall, Lilies of
the Valley, Astilbe japonica, and other species ; also
samples of the new black Grape Melton Constable
Seedling, &c. (Bronze Flora Medal).

A group of Begonias from Frank Lloyd, E9q.,
Coombe House, Croydon (gr., Mr. M. E. Mills), was
composed of rather small, abundantly flowered plants
of Begonia Caledonia, and of a pink flowered sport
from this, evidently possessing the same habit as
Caledonia.

Messrs. J. Peed & Sons showed a quantity of well-
flowered plants of Begonias Gloire de Lorraine, Turn-
ford Hall, and Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild: also cut
flowers of tuberous-rooted Begonias, Gloxinias, &c.
These filled the table, stretching across the hall im-
mediately upon entering.

Mr. A. H. Gwillim, Cambria Nursery, New Eltham,
exhibited a small group of Begonias of the tuberous-
rooted section, and alarge quantity of gathered blooms
of single and double varieties.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.
Messrs. Jno. Peed & Son, Roupell Park Nurseries,
West Norwood, London, exhibited a bold group of
Chrysanthemums in pots. Some of the plants carried
large heavy blooms, especially the varieties Soleil
d'Octobre, Mrs. Greenfield, Mrs. T. W. Pockett, &c. The
Chrysanthemums were interspersed with ornamental
foliage plants (Silver Flora Medal).

Messrs. W. Wells &. Co., Ltd., Earlswood Nurseries,
Redhlll, again exhibited a bright lot of Chrysanthe-
mums from the open border, including such good
varieties as Rosie (brownish shade of red), Carrie
(yellow), Blush Beauty, Reggie (straw-coloured Pompon)
Polly, Orange Pet, &c. There were also blooms of some
of the large bloom section grown indoors, as Mrs.T. W.
Pockett and Merstham Yellow, a promising Japaneee
exhibition or decorative variety (Bronze Banksian
Medal).

Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth Nurseries, Devon,
exhibited blooms of some of his novelties in Japanese
Chrysanthemums introduced last season, and blooms
of some good border decorative varieties, as Pink
Beauty, Harry Gover.Kitty Crew (bronzy-yellow colour),
Miss Blake (red), <&c. ; also some winter-flowering Car-
nations (Bronze Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, exhibited a fine
bold group of Chrysanthemums in pots. This was com-
posed of well-grown plants bearing generally one large
bloom. There were numerous varieties represented,
including some novelties and the best of exhibition
sorts. Donald McLeod, a flower suggestive of that of
Lord Ludlow, at the front of the group, was very
attractive.

MICHAELMAS DAISIES AND OTHER HARDY

FLOWERS.
Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N.
and Barnet, Herts, exhibited an attractive and some-
what unusual exhibit of Michaelmas Daisies, mostly of
the small-flowered sorts, as Osprey, Enchantress, the
new " King Edward VII.," &c. Osprey and Enchantress
were shown as plants 2 to 4 feet high in pots, and pretty
objects they were, quite suitable for placing in vases in
dwelling rooms. For this purpose the cuttings should
Ije struck in spring, and grown without stopping. The
variety King Edward VII. is very similar to En-
chantress, but the flowers have a little more of the
same colour. In addition to the plants in pots, there
were half pyramids of cut flowers arranged in vases on
shelves, and bold arrangements of cut sprays irl tall
Bamboo stands (Silver Banksian Medal).

Exhibits of bright Dahlia-flowers, still uninjured by
frosts, were shown by Messrs. Thos. S. Ware (1902),
Ltd., Feltham (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal) ; Messrs. J.
Cheal & Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley (Silver
Flora Medal); and Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham, Norfolk
(Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Jekferies & Sons, Cirencester, exhibited a
collection of cut Roses (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Geo. Bcnyard & Co., Maidstone, exhibited a
group of hardy flowers, in which a large number of the
best Michaelmas Daisies were shown, and representa-
tives of a number of other species that are still In flower.

Mr. E. Potten, Camden Nurseries, Cranbrook, Kent,
exhibited a group of hardy flowers.

Mr. Amos Perry, Winchmore Hill, London, N., exhi-
bited a fine batch of bloom of Polygonum molle, a very
effective species, also varieties of Michaelmas Daisies,
amongst which were some richly-coloured seedlings of
Aster Amellus, &c. The orange flowers of Geum Hel-
dreichii superba were attractive.

First-class Certificate.

A First-class Certificate was awarded to Nephrolepis.

Mayii, a much-crested variety, with erect fronds,

plumose pinn:e 2 inches or more long, twisted spirally,

anderistatedln various ways. Shown by Mr. H.B.May.

Orchid Committee.

Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair; and
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), De- B. Crawshay,
W. Cobb, H. M. Pollett, H. Ballantine, J. Colman,
F. Wellesley, J. Douglas, W. A. Bilney, G. F. Moore,
A. A. McBean, F. W. Ashton, E. Hill, M. Gleeson, W. H.
White, W. H. Young, H. A. Tracy, J. W. Potter, and
H. Little.

There was a very good show of Orchids, several good
groups and many interesting exhibits being staged.
The finest group, to which was awarded a Silver-gilt
Flora Medal, was staged by Messrs. Sander & Sons, of
St. Albans and Bruges, and in which the best novelties
were Cattleya x Gautheriana (Schroderse x Leopoldi),
a very pretty hybrid with blush-white flowers slightly
marked with purple, and broad rosy-lilac front to the
lip; Cypripedium x Lamonteanum (Calypso Oakwood
var. x Rothschildianum), very distinct from other
crosses of its section; a fine blotched Odontoglossum
crispum, the clustered markings being yellowish-
brown ; and an improved form of Miltonia vexillaria
Leopoldi with large maroon -coloured mask on the
lip. and rose-purple veined petals. Also in the group
were fine sets of Lfelio-Cattleya x Bletchleyensis, L.-C.
x Luminosa, the finely -coloured L.-C. x Normani
superba, L.-C. x Gottoiana, L.-C. x Rubens, L.-C. X Hy.
Greenwood, Cattleya x Pheidona, C. Gaskelliana Helen,
a pretty blush-white form ; various good C. labiata, a
fine Vanda cierulea, a strong specimen of Cypripedium
ineigne, Harefield Hall, good C. X Leander, C. x Argo-
Rothschlldianum, C. X Miss Louisa Fowler, Odonto-
glossum cristatum, &a.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, were awarded
a Silver Flora Medal for a fine group, the one part of
which was composed of thirty-five excellently well-
flowered and good forms of Cattleya labiata, the other
part containing good varieties of Lselio-Cattleya x
Bletchleyensis, L.-C. x Nysa, L.-C. x Wellsiana, L.-C.
Haroldiana, L.-C. x Empress Frederick var. Leonatafa
very perfect and handsome flower), L.-C. x Aphrodite,
Cattleya x Mantini varieties. C. x Mrs. J. W. Whiteley,
C. X Wendlandiana, C. x Enid, and Loelia Mrs. M.
Gratrix.

H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr.
Thurgood), staged a fine group which secured for him
a Silver Flora Medal. It included Oncidium ornitho-
rhyncum and its white variety, good Odontoglossum
crispum, O.luteo-purpureum.O. Harryanum.O.grande.
Vanda Kimballiana, Sophro-Cattleya x eximia, Licllo-
Cattleya x Adolphus superba, a fine plant of Cattleya

OCTOBER 17, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

279

x Mrs. Pitt with two spikes of nine flowers, C. x Mrs.
J. W. Whiteley with a similar number, Cypripediuin
Rothschildianum hybrids, Cattleya aurea, many fine
C. labiata, the handsome C. x Plttiana, various Mil-
tonias, Dendrobium Victoria Regina, D. bigibbum,
Maxlllaria picta, Nanodes Matthewsii, Eiclia prre-
stans, &c.

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, received
a Silver Banksian Medal for a good group made up of
a finely coloured Cattleya x Martini, good C. x
Maroni, C. labiata, C. Gaskelliana albens, Lycaste
Skinneri alba, Pilumna fragrans, Lselia pumila, Lselio-
Cattleya < intermedio-flava, Dendrobium formosum,
and a well-flowered plant of the pretty little Masde-
vallia Laucheana, white with some slight purple lines,
and with recurved, orange-coloured tails to the three
divisions of the perianth, shown as Masdevallia
Crookii.

Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr.,
Mr. W. Hopkins), showed Lrelia x juvenilis superba
(Peronia x pumila), with two flowers of a bright
purplish-rose, with maroon lip.

M. E. Zollinger-Jenny, Zurich, sent a strong plant
of a singular hybrid between Cypripedium Victoria
Marias and Spicerianum, the habit and form of the
flower being nearest to C. Victoria Mariie, greenish
with a conspicuous white upper portion to the dorsal
sepal, the back of which had a downy purple line.

De B. Cbawshay, Esq., RoseOeld, Sevenoaks (gr., Mr.
Stables), showed the plant of Odontoglossum (crispum
x Wilckeanum) remarked on by him in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, October 10, p. 263. As there stated, the
resultant plant showed none of the colouring or
spotting of O. x Wilckeanum, but was a good typical
white O crispum. Mr. Ceawshay also showed a good
plant of O. crispum growing well in an ordinary glazed
earthenware table -salt jir without a hole in the
bottom.

J. Foestee Alcock, Esq., Northchurch, showed a
fine example of Odontoglossum grande.

Awards.
Awabd of Merit
To Lxlio-CattleiiaxJUorba superba (C. Mosaice x L. xan-
thina), from Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea.— A
pretty hybrid with canary-coloured sepals, primrose
petals, and chrome-yellow lip, the front lobe of which
is of a soft rosy-lilac.

Cultural Commendation
To Mr. E. Hill, gr. to The Right Hon. Lord Roth-
schild, Tring Park, for a magnificent specimen of
Lselio-Cattleya x Nysa superba, with eleven fully
expanded, large, crimson-lipped flowers and three
buds. The plant had also borne a seed pod.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Geo. Bunyard, Esq. (Chairman) ; and Messrs.
Jas. Cheal, H. Esllngs, W. Bates, S. Mortimer, A. Dean,
Ed. Beckett, H. J. Wright, J. Jacques, G. Reynolds,
C. J. A. Nix, F. Q. Lane, J. Willard, Geo. Norman, Geo.
Wythes, A. H. PearsoD, O. Thomas, and G. H. Maycock.

Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross Nurseries,
Herts, exhibited a group of Apple trees in pots, remai k-
able alike for their healthy appearance and the weight
of crop they bore. Especially 'good were Cox's Pomona,
Emperor Alexander, Royal Jubilee, Gascoigne's Scar-
let Seedling, Lane's Prince Albert, Blenheim Orange,
and Cellini Pippin (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal).

Some excellent Grapes were shown by Lady Tate,
Streatham Common, London (gr., Mr. W. Howe).
There were twelve exquisitely coloured bunches of
Black Alicante, weighing together 46 lb., and they
were cut from a Vine that has carried 100 bunches
annually for the last twenty-five years. Eight good
bunches of Muscat of Alexandria were shown, some of
Gros Colmar, and two bunches of Chasselas Napoleon
in characteristic condition (Silver - gilt Knightian
Medal).

E. A. Hambeo, Esq., Hayes Place, Kent (gr., Mr. W.
Beales), showed ten bunches of Black Hamburgh
Grapes, the bunches large, and berries of middle size,
colour and bloom excellent. They were the produce
of Vines afforded cold Peach-house treatment, and
were excellent specimens— a fact appropriately marked
by the Committee's awarding the exhibitor a Silver
Knightian Medal.

Mrs. Sophia Miller, Maybeen, Marlow, showed
Elderberry syrup, apparently a very nice liqueur. Two
table-spoonfuls added to a tumbler of water makes an
excellent drink for persons suffering from coughs and
colds. The manufacture of the article seemed perfect.
Elderberries are very abundant in the hedge-rows
about Marlow, and Mrs. Miller is endeavouring to

interest the countryfolk in their conversion into wine
and syrups for sale. The profitable and thrifty
practices of our forefathers in making fruit-wines are
losing ground without anything more wholesome
taking their places.

Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, N.B., showed
Dobbie's large Red Shallot from bulbs planted in
February. They were an excellent sample in shape
and colour, not to be distinguished from those figured
in the Gardeners' Chronicle last week. The firm likewise
showed Dobbie's Dwarf Blood-red Cabbage, a small,
spherical-headed variety of good colour throughout.

The so-called Strawberry-Raspberry, which is no
hybrid but a distinct species (Rubus rosfefolius), a
bright-red fruit 1 inch long and | inch in diameter,
was shown by Mrs. Gleadow, 38, Ladbrooke Grove, W.

Strawberry St. Joseph was shown by Mr. Harris, gr.,
Bucklebury Place, gathered from plants grown in the
open border without protection.

Fruits of the Gordon Castle Plum was shown by Mr.
C. Webster, gr., Gordon Castle, it is an excellent
variety for northern latitudes.

Awards.

Apple Middle Green— -The parentage of this new Apple
is described by Mr. Seden as being Frogmore Prolific
x Blenheim Orange. The fruits shown were scarcely
so large as well-grown specimens of Cox's Orange
Pippin, nearly round in shape, slightly higher on one
side. The skin is very smooth and yellow in colour,
except upon one side, which is streaked with red, in
much the same manner as the colour appears on Cox's
Orange Pippin. The eye is closed, or nearly so, and
inserted in very slight depression channelled on one
side ; segments small. The stem is rather less than an
inch long, inserted in a deep and wide basin-like
cavity, the interior of which is bright green colour.
The flesh is soft, and the variety may prove to be of
good quality for dessert purposes. Shown by Messrs.
James Veitch <i Sons (Award of Merit).

Melon Barnes' laical Problem.— We were very favour-
ably impressed with this new seedling Melon exhibited
by A. F. Walter, Esq., Bearwood, Wokingham (gr.,
Mr. W. Barnes). The fruits were of average size, nearly
round, exterior yellow in colour, and much netted.
The fle9h is scarlet in colour and of good depth, juicy,
and of rich flavour. Rarely have we tasted a better
Melon in the middle of October than this one; but we
protest against the inappropriateness of the name,
failing to see any connection whatever between the
" Fiscal" question and the enjoyment of a good Melon
(Award of Merit).

MISCELLANEOUS.

The Lubrose Paint Co. (C. T. Druery, Manager),

Moorgate' Station Chambers, London, EC, showed

paints ot colour suitable for horticultural woik, for

which no priming is needed.

Autumn-fruiting Raspberries and
Strawberries.

At the afternoon meeting a paper on this subject was
read by Mr. A. H. Pearson, in the absence through
illness of the writer, Mr. Jas. Hudson, Gunnersbury
House Gardens.

There was a remarkable absence of ceremony at this
meeting, Mr. Pearson having officiated as secretary,
chairman, and lecturer. Such neglect of their functions
by members of the Council and others is not likely to
increase the importance of the lectures in the eyes of
the audience, and it is certainly most uncomplimentary
to the gentlemen invited to contribute papers.

Mentioning Raspberries first, Mr. Hudson said that
they should be planted in as open a spot as possible,
where every ray of autumn sunshine may reach them,
as in an aspect which faces the south or south-west.
The soil should not be too heavy and retentive in
character. Let the rows be planted at distances of
6 feet apart, and stretch from north to south, and Hie
stools be 1 feet distant from each other In the row.
At the end of the autumn the ground is mulched
with farmyard manure, which is subsequently forked
in. On particular soils where it may seem de-
sirable, every alternate year a dressing of lime might
be a Horded in place of the manure. At the time of
forking over the ground the suckers should be removed
from the Raspberries. The necessary pruning consists
in cutting the canes down nearly to the ground level,
and this should be done in the middle of March. Itwas
well to replant the canes every second or third year,
or treat a third part of the stock each year, thoroughly
trenching the soil and addiug what manure is neceE
sary before planting new stools. Mr. Hudson pro-

ceeded to explain his method of training the canes to
a light trellis made of Bamboos. Not more canes
should be tied in than there is ample room for, it being
necessary that the fruits should be exposed to the
sun's rays. The first fruits should ripen early in Sep-
tember, and the supply might be expected to last until
the end of October.

In 1902 Mr. Hudson gathered fruits as late as the
middle of November. If birds were troublesome it was
recommended that the entire ground should be
covered with netting having a 1 inch square mesh,
which was superior for the purpose than old fish
netting. An extra net thrown over the first one would
protect the fruits from frosts that would otherwise
prove hurtful.

The presentsupplyot autumn STHAWBEEEiES.saidMr.
Hudson, was furnished by the alpine varieties, the so-
called perpetual fruiting varieties, e g., St. Joseph, and
by plants of ordinary varieties which were forced early
in the year and then planted out-of-doors to yield
a second crop several months later. The lecturer's
principal point about the alpine Strawberries was that
they should not be propagated by runners, but by
sowing seeds every spring after the middle of March.
His practice was to sow the seeds in shallow boxes
filled with alight and friable compost. They were put
into a house or pit in which the atmospheric tempe-
rature was about 55" to 65°. When large enough the
seedlings were pricked off into similar boxes, but care
was taken to plant them thinly, so that subsequently
each plant might be lifted with a considerable " ball "
of roots attached. In July they were planted into a
warm border, and removed in October to a position in
which they were to fruit the following year. They
should be planted firmly, and in the event of severe
frosts any that become loosened .should be made firm.
The following season early flowers might be removed
until the third week in July, when half of those ap-
pearing should be permitted to bear fruit At Gunners-
bury about 1,000 plants were raised each year.

The perpetual-fruiting varieties should be planted on
a warm border, and the early flowers should be picked
off. These varieties are grown in pots as well as in the
open ground at Gunnersbury in order to prolong the
supply.

The forced plants that were planted out at Gunners-
bury this season commenced to ripen their second
crop in August. Mr. Hudson exhibited fruits at the
tirat August meeting of the Society's Committees.
Such plants were obtained from the batch growing in
5 inch pots, and that ripened their first crop in the
middle of April. The practice of utilising these early-
forced plants was well worth the trouble ; and if, for
some reason, they should fail to fruit that autumn,
they would bear a heavy crop the following season.

New Vegetables and Fruits at Chiswick.

Awards of Merit were recommended by the Fruit
and Vegetable Committee to the following varieties of
vegetables and fruits shown recently at Chiswick :—

Lettuce Lord Kitchener.— A solid Cabbage variety of the
All-the-Year-Round type.

Lettuce Staghorn.—A. very pretty cut-leaved variety
with a solid heart. Both from Messrs. Dickson &
Robinson, Manchester.

Strawberry The Eoydon — From Major-General Ander-
son, Camberley, Surrey. A late-fruiting variety of
deep crimson colour, of fine flavour and large size.

Melon UacquU Favourite- — From Mr. Metcalfe,
Burghley. A handsome roundish-oval fruit of pale
colour, well netted, and very deep whitish flesh of
excellent flavour.

Carrot Veitchs' Intermediate.— From Messrs. R. Veitch
& Son, Exeter. A very fine form of this popular
variety.

Celery Pink Plume— A pink form of White Plume.
From Messrs. R. Veitch & Son.

THE HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

Octoheb 13.— The usual monthly meetings of this
Club at the Hotel Windsor on the above date were
resumed after the customary vacation interval, and
subsequently to the house dinner, under the presidency
oi Mr. Harry J. Veitch, a most interesting lecturowas
given by Mr. Charles E. Pearson, entitled " Hlrd9 -
nesting in Russian Lapland." The lecture was illus-
trated by a large nunjber of beautiful lantern slides
prepared from photographs of birds' nests, of eggs of
many kinds tikon in situ, and views of the scenery
within the Arctic Circle, plus a number of natlvo plants
and tlowers. Clutches of eggs of a great number of
birds were shown exactly as they wore found, the pho-
tographs being taken from above, thus affording a full

280

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Qctobeb 17, 1903.

view, and it was really marvellous to note in many
rases how the seemingly capricious blotchlngs and
markings of the eggs masked them from prying eyes
owing to their consequent close imitation of their sur-
roundings. In some cases, too, it was difficult to dispel
the idea that Ihe birds had not also selected a site amid
rounded pebbles of similar outline and colour to the
eggs in order to aid this masking, so exactly did
they resemble each other. Eggs and neats— the
latter in many cases being practically nonexistent,
the eggs lying among bare stones — were shown
of the Buzzard, Redwing, Eagle, Gulls, Eider Duck,
wild Swan, Oyster-catcher, Dotterel, and many others,
each being accompanied by a vivid description of the
habits of the birds and the various adventures which
attended the discovery of the carefully hidden eggs.
Hours of motionless waitiDg accompanied by myriads
of industrious mosquitoes working their sweet will on
every exposed portion of the skin were sometimes
needed ere the disturei mother-bird would settle down
on the otherwise undiscoverable nest. Long leagues
of difficult travel over several feet of treacherous snow
preluded many of the discoveries, and in this latter
connection a laughable description was given of
the difficulty of bargaining with a rapacious Jehu by
the mediation first of an interpreter who translated
the English into Norwegian, then another who did the
Norsk into Finnish, and finally a Finn who knew
some Russian, no little speculation resulting as to the
form in which the original remarks reached their
destination. Some of the photographs gave a clear
idea of the marvellous rapidity of arctic vegetaiiou
during the brief summer ; a dense and robust mass of
Caltha palustris, the Marsh Marigold, was for instance
shown in full flower on a spot which three weeks pre-
viously was deep in snow, and only fifteen days before
had been observed as just evidencing growth. Barley
is stated to be ripe within thirteen weeks of sowing.
This the lecturer imputed to the long and continuous
daylight; and a relative photograph showed the
midnight sun fairly high in the sky.

Some lovely specimens of Myosotis alpestris, Silene
acaulis, Bog cotton, and other flowers and plants
evidenced also the beauty of the Arctic flora as well as
its rapidity of development.

TRADE NOTICE.

Hardacre & Palmer, Limited. — The above-
named company has been registered with a
capital of .£2,000 in £1 shares. Object, to adopt
an agreement with G. H. Hardacre and E. Palmer
to acquire the business carried on at Manchester
as Hardacre & Palmer, and to carry on the
business of bulb merchants and growers, vege-
table, garden, flower and agricultural seed mer-
chants and growers, cultivators of and dealers in
plants, herbs, roots, shrubs, trees, &c. No initial
public issue. The first directors (to number not
less than two nor more than seven) are G. H.
Hardacre, E. Palmer and J. P. Mallalieu. Regis-
tered office : 6, John Dalton Street, Manchester.

1NSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Abnormal Growth on Hollyhock : R.N. I can-
not explain abnormal development on the Holly-
hock ; can find no trace of insects or fungus.
Certainly not the same as the " Potato tumour,"
as the latter has a distinct development, with
spores, &c. " Potato tumour " has appeared
recently in several localities. M. C. C. [We
believe the mass to consist of adventitious
buds. Ed.]

Beechbark : J. Browett. Not a fungus but an
insect — the common Adelges fagi. H the tree
is of small size paraffine or petroleum emulsion
might be used to destroy the insects.

Beetle on Vine Roots : W. V. S. The grubs
are those of a weevil, which is very destructive.
Trap them with slices of Carrot or Potato, and
go into the house at night with a lantern and
immolate the grubs and the beetles.

Begonia : F. W. The disfigurement is due to
the work of mites (Tarsonymus).but is known
commonly as " Bust." Dust the underside of
the leaves with tobacco powder, or dip the
plants into weak tobacco-water, say A a pint of
it in 1 gallon of rain-water.

Begonia : R. T. We are unable to name the
variety ; it is evidently a good one.

Chrysanthemum Mrs. J. Wood : J. W. The
specimens received are not good ones, being
much faded, but they are of exhibition size and
have broad florets, and the colour is attractive.

Coning of Deodar : Correspondent. This is cer-
tainly an uncommon occurrence, but we have
seen a cone on one of the Kew trees, and one from
Dropmore was figured in our columns, October
10, 1891, p. 423.

Correction: "Victoria Eegia," p. 257, Gar-
deners' Chronicle, Oct. 10, for Sept. 30 read
Sept. 20.

Cyclamens : W. F. H. The grubs are those of a
weevil. Trap them with slices of Carrot.

Fig : M. E. F. On examination, we find the
flowers are entirely stamen-bearing, or male.
You have, in fact, a barren Eig-tree. The
female Figs may ripen even though they do not
produce fertile seeds. Sometimes in a pro-
pitious season the male Fig may produce female
blossoms also.

Fungus : Omega. Not a Lichen but a fungus
called Stereum purpureum. The puff ball is
Lycoperdon perlatum.

Insects Swarming on Willow : E. W. D.
Melanoxanthus salicis (Linn.) is the name of
the insect. It is one of the largest of the
plant - lice, but apparently a local species.
These insects live upon the juices of the plants
which they pump or suck up through their
long rostrums, thereby causing injury to the
tree. The flies that you saw frequenting the
same tree were evidently attracted by the
honey-dew secreted by the aphides.

Kitchen Garden of Heavy Clatey Soil : A. A.
The best mode of setting to work would be to
double dig the land, burying the top spit be-
neath that which forms the lower one. Having
done this start fires with small coals and wood,
and when well alight, place 2 or 3 inches of the
soil mixed with small coal gradually over the
heaps till these reach a height of 4 to 5 feet,
with a base of 6 feet. These heaps may stand
12 to 15 feet apart. They should smoulder for
several weeks, and will need attention from
time to time so as to let combustion go on
gradually and without causing the flaming of
the material. The object is to char the clay,
not to burn it. The contents of the heaps may be
intimately incorporated with the staple, which
they will lighten and render more workable
than hitherto. The original upper stratum,
containing as it does certain elements of fertility,
should not be charred.

Letter : /. Morris. Your letter has been sent to
the address, as desired.

Michaelmas Daisies : Salisbury, and A. F. We
cannot undertake to name varieties of Michael-
mas Daisies.

Names of Fruits : F. Bennett. 1, New Haw-
thornden ; 2, Baldwin ; 3, Cox's Pomona. —
P. S. 1, Grange's Pearmain; 2, not recog-
nised.— F. J. 1, Summer Golden Pippin; 2,
Koyal Red Streak.— T. W. 1, Golden Noble; 2,
Cullen.— J. C.Wheeler. 1, Jolly Beggar ; 2, Cox's
Pomona. — 07. E. H. C. Worcester Pearmain.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
A. G. I. 1, Datura Stramonium, poisonous ; 2,
Andromeda calyculata ; 3, Cotoneaster Simonsi ;
4, Tradescantia virginica ; 5, Spiraea callosa,
white variety ; 6, Curculigo recurvata. — S. J.
6, a variety of the common Laurel Cherry,
Prunus Lauro-cerasus. We cannot undertake
to name the varieties of Michaelmas Daisy. —
F.J. 3, Escallonia rubra ; 4, a garden form of Po-
tentilla. See Apples under " Names of Fruits."
— J. B. 1, an Asclepiad or Apocynad, we
cannot tell from the leaf only ; 2, Salvia
splendens. — Avenue. Stachys lanata, quite
hardy in Britain.— IF. B. K. 1, practically a
pale form of Cypripedium x Dauthieri; 2,
Cypripedium x selligerum (barbatum x philip-
pinense) ; 3. Cassia corymbosa. — E. C. C. D.
Phytolacca decandra. It is good as food for
pheasants, but not for human consumption. —
~W. H. 1 appears to be Doodia blechnoides.
The dry, imperfect fronds of the others are in-
sufficient for us to venture to name. — F. C. L.
1, send when in flower ; 2, Dendrobium lingua?-
forme (Australian) ; 3, Bulbophyllum exi-
guum ; if Australian there are no flowers.

There are several Indian species of similar
growth. If known to be Indian send when in
flower ; 4, Niphobolus rupestris, commonly
included under Polypodium.— Oclont. M. P. \t !
Maxillaria pieta ; 2, Cymbidium giganteum;

3, Odontoglossum crispum, a very fine form j

4, Kochia scoparia— F. E. G. 1, Nephrolepis
pectinata ; 2, Blechnum polypodioides ; 3, Da-
vallia Tyermanni ; 4, D. canariensis ; 5, D.
Mariesi. The two last are imperfect speci-
mens. The last-named is the Japanese form of
D. bullata, used in making the Fern-balls and
other objects sent from Japan. — Thqs. A. 1, Es-
callonia rubra ; 2, Erica carnea ; 3, Pyrethrum
serotinum. We have not before seen Impatiens
Sultani of this particular shade of rose. It is
very pretty.

Privet and Sheep: J. C. We should regard
the plant as suspicious, but have no positive
knowledge in regard to its poisonous properties.
The juice of the berries, it is said, has been used
for colouring port-wine of a poor colour, and
some birds eat them with impunity. The
leaves contain tannin. Are theie Yew-trees
within reach of the sheep, or is Colchicum
growing in the field, or in that from which hay
may have been cut ?

Roses: G.H. We can find no disease. Probable
result of the climatic conditions.

Tacsonia : F. W. This is truly a case of " found
dead." There is nothing whatever in the
specimens sent to indicate cause of death, but.
we may say there is no evidence of fungoid
disease. The loss may be due to errors in
affording water, or in the use of manures.

Thladiantha dubia : F. L. It is a Cucurbit,
native of China. The specific name has refer-
ence to theunisexual character of the flower. It:
is probably best to treat it as an annual, sowing,
the seeds in heat in January, and affording the
plants the same kind of treatment as Melons;.
The fruit is dull red in colour. See fig. iBj
Gardeners' Chronicle for October 13, 1900.

Tradescantia with Pale Green Grounb
Colour and Snow - white Variegation's
W. D. T. vittata alba.

Transport of Married Gardener, Family^
and Furniture : Inquirer. It is customary
for the employer to pay a part or the whole of
the cost of transport to the place.

Vegetables, Pointing of Four Kinds : Hew
thorp. The following are the point value
attached by the Royal Horticultural Society tp-
the kinds which you name, viz.: — Onions, 7*
Beetroot, 7 ; Carrots, 5 ; Parsnips, 5 ; Potatos,
7 ; Globe Artichokes, 5 ; Jerusalem ditto, 4. A
better seasonable list would be Onions, Potatoft
Cauliflowers or Broccoli, 7; Celery, 7; Leeks,
6 ; that is four dishes, if Leeks be knocked out,
of 28 total points, against 26 points in the list;
which you give.

Vine Sboots Diseased: J. E. The diseased
appearance of the twigs does not at present
appear to be serious, but sulphur is of no use.
Try spraying with Bordeaux-mixture. Probably
only an immature state of a fungus of the
Phoma kind, but at present there are no
spores. Please send again later on when it is
more developed, unless it goes off. M. C. C.

Communications Received.— E. K. Budde. Ulrecht-
Herbert Slater-E. B.-G. T.-W. C. W.-D. R. W.-
R. W. H.— J. C. &Co.— W. N. & Co.— West, Newman <S
Co.— E. V. B— J. A. H.— A. W. G., next week -A. D. H ,
48 received for Gardeners' Orphan Fund witn
thanks— H. A. I., next week— Leslie Powell & Rogers
— D. B.. it was delayed on account of its length—
J. E., Ceylon— W. R. & Son-J. C. & Co.— Ladv B.-
A W Q _ T. W. C— E. B., Erfurt— J. J. W.— F. C— .
a! B., La Mortola-F. C. H, Erfurt— A. C. Sewajd-
A Scalarandis, Turin.— Secretary of Ipswich and E.
of England Horticultural Society-J. C— G. Stagg-
W W — F. E. G.— T. B.— W. G. D.— Constant Reader-
J ' G. B.— A. B. R.— R. W.-G. Shawyer— F. M'C. C.
(thanks, donation to R. G. O. F.)-R. P.— R. L.-Z. A.
—G. H. S.— J. H. W.-W.A C— Rev.S. W.M.-F. W.M.
— R J -G. F. -A. J. H.— Gardener— O. Werner— J. e.
— S. Popplewell-S. W. F.— J O'B.— A Fellow-J. K.-
C. S. F.-R. N.-Dr. E B.-W.P.R.-F. E. W.-H. J.C.
-G. Woodward-R. P.— J. P.-F. W. C.-E. Webb A
Sons-A. W. J. (4s. received for R. G. O. F., nextwee*).

(For Markets and Weather, see p. x.)

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle."

Views in the Gardens, Siuplake Court, Oxon.

firadhuty, Afnrto A- C»„ I-d . fh-mten, / mdon and Tvnhrtdp

October 24, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE.

281

THE

(Smtmers' dptrmtick

No. 87S.— SATURDAY, OCT. 24, 1903.

CONT

Arauearia imbricata
bearing ripe cones...

Arum, the white, and
its cultivation

Bamboos, flowering ...

Bog or marsh garden
atCastle Saunderson

Book notices—
A Short Treatise on
Carnation Grow-
ing for Profit
Official Catalogue of
National Chrysan-
themum Society...
Vegetablesfor Profit

(several)

Publications re-
ceived

Bystock, Devonshire .

Botanical laboratory
at Jamaica

Cabbages and Celery,
raising

Campanula persici-
folia, indigenous ...

•Chrysant hemums,
border

Clubbing in Brassicas

College, the new Lady
Warwick

Coriarias

Cucumbers, crop of
seeding

Bictamnus, seeds of...

Gardeners' Dinner,
the recent

Humphreys testimo-
nial, the

.Kew Hand-lists, the...

Kew notes

Law note

Market notes

Nerii es

Nursery notes—
Ladhams, Ltd.,
Southampton

Obituary—
Faib, Kudolph
Hansen, Prof. Karl
Lyon, John

Odontoglossums, re-
version in seedling

Orchid notes and
gleanings

£92

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292

289

290

290
289

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292

287
293

289

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293

289
28 J

283

293

289
21-8
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295
284
292

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290

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281

ENTS.

Pinus Pinea, over-
throw of a fine

Plant in relation to
the soil, lecture on
the, by Mr. A. D.Hall

Potato Northern Star

Potato Sutton's Disco-
very

Powderham, Devon-
shire

Reseatch work in hor-
ticulture

Rhabdothamnus So-
landri

Salvia azurea grandl-
flora

Sedum spectabile

Shiplake Court, Hen-
ley-on-Thames

Societies —

Bristol Gardeners'...

Beckenham Gar-
deners'

Dutch Horticultural

Liverpool Grain,
Root, and Fruit ...

Manchester Gar-
deners'

Royal Horticultural

Reading Gardeners'.

Yorkshire Natu-
ralists'

Strawberries, autumn
fruiting

Toad - Flax, white-
flowered

Truffle growing, scien-
tific

Turin Horticultural
exhibition

Vegetables for market

Vegetables for profit...

Versailles

Viola papilio

Vries. Prof. Hugo de .

Week's Work, the—
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

Wisley garden, the ...

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283

291
28a
283
285

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Apple Middle Green

Coriarlaterminalis. leaf and fruits of

Crop of seeding Cucumbers

Pinus Pinea, 61 feet high, overturned by a gale ...
View of the Terrace Slops at Ship.ake Court
(Supplement).

YEKSAILLES

IS in a degree a town of horticulture and
a centre of horticulturists. Here, too, is
situated the National School of Horticulture,
which, with its large, well-ordered garden, its
staff of learned professors and distinguished
practitioners, is calculated to throw the
English visitor into the depths of humilia-
tion. We can see here what Chiswick
should have been, what it is to be feared
Wisley never will be. But then this is a
Government establishment, so that the com-
parison is not a fair one; but however odious
the comparison may be, the sense of humi-
liation does not disappear. The garden is
large— as large, we suppose, as Chiswick
used to be in the old times before it was
curtailed. There are vineries and Peach-
houses, and Strawberry-houses. Palm-houses,
pits and conservatories, every appliance for
studying and for teaching every department
of horticulture, including what we might
■easily have had at Chiswick, and what we
may still hope for at Wisley — alabm-atoirr de
rrcltfrchi * Imrlifiilis. A Frenchman would say
that we made a great mistake in saying that
arboriculture is not practised here ; for with
hi in arboriculture is mainly the culture of f nut-
trees, and h<<re they arc in profusion, pyramids,
espaliers, cordons oblique, cordons erect

cordons simple, cordons branched; indeed
the garden contains, or seems to contain, all
the infinite variety of training which the
ingenuity of French gardeners has devised.
Beautiful specimens of their art indeed they
are ; but it is questionable whether either
the quantity or the quality of the fruit pro-
duced is commensurate with the amount of
skilled labour expended on the trees. That
is a question we should like to see dis-
cussed. We have an idea that our less
elaborate systems are for practical purposes
equally efficacious. This year, as in
England, fruit is very scarce; Pears were
scarcely to be seen ; but there was a small
crop of noble Apples, noble in size and
colouring.

Amongst the Roses, Zephirine Drouhin
amply justifies the eulogiums lately passed
on it in our columns. We cannot, of course,
attempt to give a detailed account of this
garden, which is truly a model one, and i3
in excellent order so far as a hasty inspec-
tion permitted us to judge.

Its object is to train young men in the
practice of horticulture, and to fit them
to occupy hereafter situations as chiefs
of botanic gardens, colonial experiment
stations, nurseries, or private establish-
ments, foremen, seedsmen, landscape gar-
deners, stewards, &c. ; and to this end a
practical training extending over three years
is associated with instruction in those
branches of science which are* of primary
importance to horticulture and agriculture.

Some of the nurserymen to whom we
spoke seemed to think that too much
attention was paid to scientific or, as they
called it, theoretical matters ; but then they
not unnaturally looked upon the matter
from the point of view of pure routine — an
excellent standpoint, no doubt, so far as
existing circumstances and requirements
are concerned, but which, in the interests of
future progress and advancement, demands
to be widely extended and varied, so as to
secure the benefits which ordered knowledge
is capable of affording. The Rambler, Sept. 21.

KEW NOTES.

Lonicera etrusca superba. — In the Hima-
layan wing of the Temperate House at Kew
there is a very vigorous-growing, free-flowering
Honeysuckle, which all through the summer and
autumn for the last three years has been a great
attraction. It grows very rapidly, forming shoots
6 to 10 feet long in the season, and these become
ropes of yellow flowers. It is one of the very best
summer-flowering climbers for a cool house that
I know, and as it is easily propagated from
cuttings it should become as common in green-
houses as Bougainvillea is in stoves. When this
plant first revealed its full beauty we were dis-
posed to question the accuracy of its name, L.
etrusca being an old botanic garden plant with no
particular claims to beauty. " Flowers orange-
yellow, capitate ; heads pedunculate ; upper
leaves connate, young ones hairy. A native
of the South of Europe, flowering in May,
though not so freely as some." This was
Hemsley's description of L. etrusca, thirty
years ago. Hut the plant under notice has
axillary clusters of flowers extending as much as
8 feet along a shoot, and, as has already been
stated, it is in flower at Kew fully half the year.
This prolonged season of flowering is probably duo
to the glasshouse conditions, as a second plant
in the open air at Kew does not flower freely,
although it grows well. The first record I have

found of this Lonieera is in the Revue Horticole,
1882, p. 558, where it is described as L. gigantea.
It was subsequently distributed by Continental
nurserymen as L. gigantea superba and Capri-
folium giganteum. I have also heard of its being
called L. Charlotti. Botanically it cannot be
separated from L. etrusca, but for garden purposes
it is certainly much better than what is known
by that name. The Kew plant is planted out in
a border of soil suitable for Rhododendrons.
Although only about four years old it has a stem
fully 2 inches in diameter.

Dtschoriste Hildebrandtii.
This little free-flowering shrub belongs to a
genus little known in gardens, although there are
some sixty species known in tropical countries.
It is related to Lankesteria elegans of Botanical
Magazine, t. 5533, a favourite still among the few
cultivators interested in tropical Acanthaceae.
I). Hildebrandtii has recently been introduced to
Kew from British Central Africa, the home of
Coleus thyrsoideus ; and it is now represented by
a little group of pot-shrubs a foot high, clothed
with silvery, hairy, elliptic leaves an inch long,
and axillary purple-blue flowers as long as the
leaves. The plant is distinat and pleasing to the
eye, but its most noteworthy characteristic is its
penetrating odour, suggesting a mixture of
Patchouly and fox. Some would no doubt call it
disagreeable, as I do Patchouly, but others like
it. The plant is worth a place among autumn
and winter-flowering warm-house shrubs.

A Japanese Curio.
An interesting dwarfed specimen of Trachelo-
spermum jasminoides, better known as Rhyncho-
spermum, has been presented to Kew by H.S.H.
Prince Louis of Battenburg, Director of the
Naval Intelligence Department, to whom it was
presented as a special mark of favour by a
Japanese admiral. It is said to be 200 years old,
and the stem certainly looks about that age.
We have still to learn the process by which a
plant of this character, which naturally makes
long thin shoots, can be kept in a cramped,
stunted condition, never making a shoot 3 inches
long, whilst every leaf has the appearance of
having been " cribbed, cabined, and confined."
The plant may be seen in the T Kange, by the
side of three very fine examples of dwarfed
Japanese Cupressus obtusa. W. W.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

CATTLEYA x MRS. J. W. WKITELEY.
We have in this handsome hybrid variety a
cross between C. Bowringiana and C. x Hardy-
ana Massaiana, and similarly to others of the
section to which it belongs, it varies considerably
in the colour and the quality of the flowers.
Several have bloomed lately which show little
difference from C. x Mantinii, and occasionally one
will appear in which the yellow marking on the
lip is not very pronounced. Probably the finest
specimen and finest variety which has as yet ap-
peared is now at the present time in flower at
Clare Lawn, East Sheen. The plant bears ten
large flowers, whose sepals and petals are of a
rosy-purple tint, with broad labellum and disc of
a rich orange colour, and the front of a ruby-
purple, of velvety texture. It is one of the
finest of the autumn-flowering C. Bowringiana
section.

Dendrobium Ccelootne.

A flower and growth of this singular Dendro-
bium, which is occasionally classed with Bulbo-
phyllum in gardens, is sent by Mr. John Co w.-m,
Gateacro Nurseries, near Liverpool. The growth
of the plant, with its ovate slightly angled pseudo-
bulbs bearing two leathery leaves notched at the
apex, much resembles some of the Cudogynes, and

282

THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE.

[October 24, 1903.

the flowers produced from the tops of the pseudo-
bulbs also are suggestive of that genus. In
colour they are greenish - yellow, spotted and
striped with dull purple, the front of the lip

Odontoglossum x crispo-Harryanum

BRUGENSIS.

A flower of a beautiful new variety of this
name has been sent for our inspection from their

Fig. 119. — coeiaria teeminalis : fruits rale yellow.

more nearly the best type of spotted O. crispum,
with the large size, firm substance, and broad
shield-shaped lip of the other parent. In the
rich colouring of the flower, however, lies the
chief attraction. The flower is 4J inches across,
cream-white tinged with rose-purple, especially
on the reverse side. The sepals have broad bands
and blotches of dark rose-purple, and the petals
are nearly covered with similar markings arranged
in a cluster in the centre of each, with a marginal
band of a redder tint. The crest is yellow, the
blade of the lip white decorated with some large
purple blotches, and innumerable smaller ones on
the basal half. Among the larger blotches are
occasional clusters of reddish-violet spots, and the
base of the lip and back of the column has a few
red markings. In this case the fine qualities of
the parents are well seen in the offspring. Jamet.
O'Brien.

being blackish-purple. It is a native of Burma,
and thrives well in a cool intermediate house,
grown like Co:logyne cristata. It was illustrated
in the Gardeners' Chronicle, November 27, 1897,
page 387.

Bruges nursery by Messrs. Sander & Sons. The
parents of the cross were the best procurable
Odontoglossum Harryanum, and a finely spotted
O. crispum heavily tinged with purple. The
result is very satisfactory, the flower resembling

CORIARIAS.

Half-a-dozen species belonging to this genus
appear to have been at one time or another
introduced to this country. The genus is widely
spread, and cultivated species have come from,
such widely separate regions as South Europe,
Peru, the Indo-Chinese region, and New Zealand.
They are mostly shrubby or semi-herbaceous in
habit, and are chiefly remarkable for their fruits,
which are red, yellow, or black. A curious-
feature is the persistence of the petals, which
become fleshy, and ultimately enclose the seed-
vessels. It is, indeed, these thick coloured petals
that one alludes to in speaking of the beauty of
Coriaria "fruits." They are well shown in the
illustration at fig. 119.

C. terminalis. — For many years this species was
confounded with Coriaria nepalensis, and it was
not until 1894 that Mr. W. B. Hemsley noted its
distinctness and described it under the above
name in the /cones Plantarum, t. 2220. It appears-
to have first been collected by Sir Joseph Hooker
in Sikkim during his famous Himalayan travels,
but more recently it has been received from West
Szechuen in China. It is a herbaceous plant 2:
to 3 feet high, with ovate leaves 1 to 3 inches
long and usually seven-nerved. The flowers are
borne on a terminal raceme about 6 inches long,
and this character distinguishes it from all other
Coriarias (which have axillary racemes). The
flowers are yellow, but the plant is more orna-
mental in the fruiting state, as may be judged
from the illustration at fig. 1 19, the fruits being
a pale clear yellow. Our figure was prepared
from specimens sent to the Drill Hall by Messrs.
R. Veitch & Son, of Exeter. It flowers and fruits
at Kew on the rockery, and so far has proved
quite hardy there. I believe the species was first
cultivated in Europe by Mr. Max Leichtlin at
Baden-Baden, and was distributed by him about
1897.

C. japoniea was introduced to Kew about eleven
years ago from Japan through the agency of Pro-
fessor Sargent. Since then it has been culti-
vated in various English gardens, notably in that
of Canon Ellacombe at Bitton, where, in 189G, it
fruited, and was figured in the Botanical Maga-
zine, t. 7509. It is a low shrub, apt to be cut
back in severe winters, but still hardy. Its leaves
are 3-nerved, narrow-ovate and pointed, and 2
inches or more long. The fruits are bright coral-
red, and when crowded on the short racemes at
each node all along the stems, it becomes one of
the prettiest and most striking of our dwarf
shrubs. As the species can be increased by cut-
tings as well as by seeds, there is no reason why
it should not become more common than it is at
present.

C. myrtifolia. — This is the commonest and best
known of Coriarias, and has, indeed, been culti-
vated for upwards of 300 years. So far as I have
seen, however, it has little to commend it except

OCTOBEK 24, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE.

283

the pleasant glaucous-green of its leaves, and its
.graceful habit. It is a South European plant-
and in some of the countries bordering the Medi-
terranean is more of a weed than anything else.
In hard winters it is killed near London. At
Kew it becomes 4 feet or so high, and towards
the end of the summer grows luxuriantly, and is
then a handsome plant ; but it is frequently late
in starting into growth. I have not seen it in
fruit.

C. nepalensis is a shrub, and, trained on one of
the pillars in the Himalayan-house at Kew, is
12 feet high. It makes sturdy shoots each year,
2 feet or 3 feet long, and besides its shrubby
habit, its three-nerved leaves readily distinguish
it from C. terminalis. The flowers appear on
racemes in the leaf-axils, and are followed by

A HOUSE OF FINE CUCUMBEES.

We have afforded our readers illustrations of
Cucumber-plants bearing fruits in prodigious
numbers before this, but those which we now
illustrate (fig. 120) exceed all previous ones in
the abundance of the crop. The variety in the
present instance is named by the growers (Messrs.
A. A. Walters & Son, of the Kensington Nur-
series, Bath) a selection of the well-proved Tele-
graph. It may be stated that the Cucumbers are
grown for seeding purposes, the firm selling to
one or two wholesale houses ; hence the enormous
number of fruits observed on the plants.

The photograph from which our illustration
was prepared was taken by an amateur artist, and
is a creditable specimen of his work.

what will be needed to make Wisley into a
real garden. Some .£3000 should be spent in
erecting superintendent's, foreman's, labourers',
and students' residences, stabling, sheds, stores,
fences, including walls, &c. Another ,£3,000 is
needed to be spent in the erection of good glass-
houses, pits, frames, and in all the concomitants
of house-culture. To that sum later another
.£2,000 will have probably to be added. On wind-
ward and cold sides tree shelters must be planted.
Also improved approaches must be made. Good
gravel roads and footpaths must be formed ;
trees, bushes, and plants in general must be
obtained to furnish the gardens, and as a
preliminary the whole area outside the wild
garden needs to be deeply worked, trenched,
and manured so as to fit it at the outset for the

Fig. 120. — crop of seeding ctjcombers in the Kensington nubsekies, bath.

black fruits. It is fairly hardy in the London
district, but does not reach the dimensions out-
of-doors that it does when protected from frost.

C. thymifolia. — This rarely-seen South Ameri-
can species has little or no horticultural value.
It is of interest, however, from an economical
point of view, as yielding an ink which remains
legible after immersion in sea-water. It is a
dwarf plant with small leaves, and requires to
be kept in a cool greenhouse.

There is no difficulty in cultivating any of
the Coriarias, provided the temperature is suit-
able. They all thrive in a moist, loamy soil.
W. J. B.

The Use of Colza Oil Against the
Turnip Flea. — A correspondent of Vie Garten-
welt recommends the practice of smearing colza-
oil on dinner plates as a means of catching the
Turnip flea. In a trial that he had made a
considerable number of the insects were caught
and held fast.

THE WISLEY GAKDEN.

The statement of the Secretary of the Royal
Horticultural Society that the development of
the estate at Wisley, now largely a bare field,
must be done through outside aid, as not a
penny of the Society's invested capital would be
touched for such a purpose, rather leads to the
inference that the Council is not so jubilant
over the possession of the garden as would seem
on the surface to be the case. In appealing for
.£5,000 to enable provision to be made at Wisley
for the Society's requirements, no mention was
made of the iS.OoO it was assumed would be
paid to the Society when the lease of Chiswick
gardens was given up. Is that sum still to be
paid, and if so, how is it to be disposed of ?
If that sum and another .£3,000, raised in
some way, be expended on Wisley, some-
thing may be done towards making the
open field there a garden worthy of the
Royal Horticultural Society. But the Council
may as well face the fact at once that
the sum of £10,000 will do but little of

purpose for which it was given to the Society,
and for which the Council presumably purposes
to apply it, or otherwise it would hardly have
accepted it. Suppose this much-needed volun-
tary contribution of .£5,000 be not forthcoming,
nor the .£15,000 still wanted for the new Hall,
how is the new garden to be furnished at all
to make it what it should be ? And if this
cannot be done, then the garden will be an
incumbrance. Does the Council propose to con-
tinue the admission of students at Wisley as at
Chiswick, and if so, how arc they to be housed, and
what provision of a scientific nature is to be fur-
nished ? All these requirements would absorb pro-
bably another £1,000. If the Council are trusting
to get outside help in the shape of students' grants,
or securing any technical co-operation from public
bodies, all pleasant enough no doubt to think
upon, but most uncertain for reliance, that would
to souk- extent entail a sort of dual control
which would soon liocome intolerable, or might
lead to speedy dissolution.
Obviously, if the gardens are to be those of the

284

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 24, 190?.

Society, they must be under the complete control
of the Council. Equally obviously, if the gar-
dens are to be worthy of the Eoyal Horticultural
Society, they must be furnished throughout to
the fullest requirements, by which not only prac-
tical horticulture in the widest sense can be both
taught and practised, but also there must be
ample provision for instruction and for research
and investigation in those scientific elements
which are essentially allied to horticulture.
Wisley lies remote from populous places, and
at present is difficult as well as costly of access.
It should be the aim of the Council to secure for
its Fellows or visitors to Wisley cheaper con-
veyance, and seek to present in its gardens such
first-class features that they should attract those
Fellows and visitors by thousands. A poor garden
will be worthless. A Fellow.

NURSERY NOTES.

MESSRS. LADHAMS, SOUTHAMPTON.

Those who have attended the various shows
held in the South will have had their attention
arrested by the exhibits of hardy flowers staged
at exhibitions by Messrs. Ladhams, Ltd., of the
Shirley Nurseries, Southampton. The nursery is
situated at Rownhams, two miles distant from
the Shirley tram terminus, and occupies about
90 acres, a little over one-third of this area being
devoted entirely to herbaceous and hardy flower-
ing plants, and much of the remainder to general
nursery stock, including several acres of Roses, a
large proportion budded this season. The soil is
a strong stony loam resting on a bed of blue
clay of great thickness, so thick that a well sunk
to a depth of 150 feet failed to pierce it.

On approaching the nursery the visitor is struck
by the large masses of bloom, and more especially
(for this time of year) the beds of Pinks in full
bloom. About an acre or so is occupied by these
plants, comprising between thirty and forty varie-
ties, mostly raised at this nursery. Mr. Lad-
hams, sen., whose interest in Pinks is well
known, is now giving much attention to the new
perpetual-flowering varieties. Of the newer ones,
Marion most took my attention ; a large bed of
these were a sight worth seeing, so thickly placed
were the flowers and buds, reminding one of
June rather than of September. The colour is a
deep pink without markings, and the plants are
very robust. Amongst other perpetuals I noticed
Florence, a superb white flower with a maroon
centre ; Mrs. Mouland, a smaller flower, but in
many cases having five to six perfect blooms on a
stalk, the calyx of which does not split. The
colour is a warm pink with clear chocolate centre.
Evelyn is another shapely white laced with pink,
and said to be a " good doer."

Gaillardias are largely grown here, and nearly
the whole of the 5,000 plants I saw in bloom have
been raised at the nursery. The race is an
improvement on the old grandiflora varieties, free
from the coarse straggling habit, and having a great
length of wiry upright flower-stalk, mostly with
a second row of petals, and the distinctive bril-
liant centre of which Rownhams Queen is a type.
Amongst the best my choice would be Sulphur
Queen, certificated last year, having no zone;
Shirley, a particularly good variety for cutting;
B. Ladhams, and Yellow Gem, a pure golden-
yellow.

Hybrids of Lobelia syphilitica and L. cardinalis
are a speciality here. Amongst many hundreds in
flower the following seemed desirable : Andrew
Barton, rich purple ; Purple King (Award of Merit
last year) ; Magnificent, rich scarlet flowers; Elsie,
pink ; Royal Blue, Multiflora, salmon-red, with at
least twenty spikes to a plant, and Crimson Velvet,
richest colour of all, showing to advantage with
its pale-green leaves. The whole strain is hardy,

some of the first crosses being six or seven years
old, and never injured by frost.

Pentstemons are grown here in large masses, a
very fine scarlet with clear white throat, yet
unnamed, being particularly conspicuous, and I
should think will prove a decided acquisition.

Phloxes, as in most places this season, were
particularly showy, the large drifts showing up
conspicuously even at considerable distance.
Some seedling plants of Helenium striatum were
interesting and varied. Anemone japonica Queen
Elizabeth and Monte Ro3a made a fine display ;
many new ones are here on trial. Aster Amellus
i?, of course, largely cultivated here; amongst
others, Shirley seems a deeper and richer flower
than the type.

Heliopsis are seen here in large masses, much
the finest of the group being B. Ladhams, a very
decided advance on H. major, which secured an
Award of Merit for Mr. Ladhams last year.

Montbretias are also seen in very large masses,
bed after bed in full bloom being passed.

Amongst a number of somewhat uncommon
and striking plants I noticed Hibiscus palustris,
the flowers being 4 to 5 inches across, clear
glistening white, with distinct brilliant carmine
centre ; it was surprising to see such a number
together when so few gardens contain this plant
at all.

Specimens of the beautiful white Tree Lupin
Snow Queen, raised by Mr. Ladhams, still had
fine trusses, very sweetly scented, standing over
its masses of foliage. Coreopsis, Polygonums,
Rudbeckias, Helianthus, and some forty varieties
of Michaelmas Daisies are grown in quantity,
besides Alpine and rock plants and other
interesting subjects. C. S. F.

THE WHITE AEUM AND ITS
CULTIVATION.

Until recently Richardias (or as they are some-
times called, Callas or Arum Lilies) were generally
believed to be entirely free from any disease,
but along with some of the Californian products
came a scourge which upset many a promising
batch. Different growers have their own peculiar
ideas regarding the treatment of the plant, and
it survives and flourishes under all of them.
Some insist that a period of rest during the
summer is an absolute necessity; others argue
that, to ensure success, the plants must be planted
outside in a damp and well-manured spot, and
kept growing freely all summer. There are still
others who aver that success can be attained
only by shaking out the plants when their season
of flowering is past, and repotting them imme-
diately into clean pots, in fresh soil. They leave
them outdoors all summer to take care of them-
selves, and by the fall the pots are full of roots
again, and ready for a hard winter's work.

We have tried all these methods, and have
even grown the plants in water all the summer,
and so far we have been unable to decide which
one of the various plans is the most successful.

If the bulbs (or, properly speaking, the rhi-
zomes) be in a weak debilitated condition the
planting-out process is to be recommended, other-
wise either plan may be adopted, and success
attained, provided other conditions are equally
favourable.

If the rhizomes have not been attended to this
season the sooner they are now looked to the
better.

Each crown should be examined, and the
numerous small buds that surround it should be
rubbed out. If left alone they will gradually
mature as individual crowns, and even this
present season would produce leaves and, in
many cases, small flowers. The principle of dis-
budding here is identical with that pursued upon
other plants — it concentrates the energy in the
main crown and larger flowers result.

If it is desired to increase the stock, or if lots
of small leaves are needed for mixing with the
cut flowers a few may be left untouched. The
flowers will be more numerous, but not quite as
large.

If the rhizomes have not been potted up yet,
no time should be lost ; or, if they were potted
up in smadl pots some time ago, they will now be
greatly benefited by a larger shift. Many people
still prefer to pot up three or four large crowns
in an 8 or 10-inch pot. To this there is no objec-
tion, but if potted up singly in 0-inch pots they
are much more convenient to handle, and further-
more, if there should be a bench — or part of a
bench — in the Rise or Carnation-house that is
too dark for either of those, Richardias may be
planted in it, and good results obtained.

A rich soil is necessary ; one composed of
about three, parts of good loam to one of well-
rotted manure will suit, and wheii growth is
active liberal supplies of liquid fertilizer should
be given. The plants are gross feeders in the
strictest sense.

As to temperature, from 45° to 55° will be
about right, but if flowers are nee'ded at any
particular time a few degrees more will do no>
harm. The plants will thrive in a house fully
exposed to the sun. but if you have a house — or-
part of a house — that does not get all the sun ir>
winter that you wish for, they will also be quite
at home there.

Once the plant is fully started never let it get
dry ; keep the drainage in good order, and there
will be no fear of over-watering. Thrips, red-
spider and green-fly are likely to attack the*
plants, but if they get a good syringing overhead
every day, and the atmosphere is kept moist (as
it should be), there will be no trouble from,
either.

Little Gem is a dwarf white which, in our
opinion, is misnamed — at least we have been>
unable to find any gem-like qualities in it. There
are always enough Little Gem sizes among the
general collection; more than are wished for in
most cases.

The spotted-leaved variety (albo-maeulata)>
does well as a house or conservatory plant, and
also does nicely around the edge of a pond or
fountain, but does not flower so freely as the type.
The yellow Richardias are too expensive to be
popular as yet, and we question if they will ever
fill the place that the white ones have done.
They are very beautiful just the same, and the
yellow is so pronounced as to show its distinctive
colour even under artificial light. They need a
slightly higher temperature.

A recently-introduced plant, a hybrid from the
yellow Calla, R. EUiottiana, and the last-named,
was raised in New England, and was fully
described in American Gardening for July 19,
1902, by Mr. Orpet. We have not grown it, but
understand it is hardy and a fine flowerer, the
spatches being a pale yellow. J. T. Scott, American
Gardening, September 12, 1903.

MARKET NOTES.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.
It is usual to hear growers complain of dull
trade, but I think that during the past few weeks
the "grumble" has been quite justified. At
closing time a few mornings ago many of the
stands were still filled with pot plants, and cut
flowers were as plentiful. Among pot plants
Chrysanthemums were those most in demand. It
is remarkable that really good stuff should be
confined to so few stands. One grower, who does
Soleil d'Octobre well, was making from 2s. Gel. to
3s. GtJ. each for his best plants ; 12s. to 18s. per
dozen for useful plants appeared to be the
average prices ; of course there was a good deal
of ordinary stuff sold at considerably less.

OCTOBEB 24, 1903. J

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

285

somewhat low. In this way a dry winter is often,
followed by a heavy Wheat crop, which depends
very much on obtaining a good foundation of
root. Again, the later stages of development
demand less water, maturation is brought about
by a lessened water supply and changes of tem-
perature, as may be seen in the way a gardener
manages an orchard-house.

Light and heavy soils were then compared ;
the former were shown to be earlier and warmer
hy reason of their lower retentive power for water,
but because of the comparatively violent fluctua-
tions of temperature to which they are subject
and their tendency to dry up, their produce
often lacks quality and is soft and susceptible to
disease. The higher water content of strong
soils renders them less subject to change under
the varying atmospheric conditions ; growth is
slower, more equable and more prolonged, gene-
rally with the result of higher quality, both in
flowers and fruit. The next lecture will deal with
the part played by the various mineral con-
stituents drawn from the soil which are found in
the ash of the plant, and the bearing of these
results on the manuring of the plant.

Fig. 131. — pinus pinea, 61 feet high, blown down
by gale in september.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine on several stands,
some of the finest plants I have seen, were making
18s. per dozen ; but it is yet too early for this to
go freely; 8s. to 10s. per dozen was asked for
good plants in 48's, but there was a good many
remaining unsold. Of Heaths, gracilis is the only
variety yet in in quantity. Cyclamen and
Primulas are coming in, but they do not appear
to be much in demand. The same may be said of
Bouvardias and Marguerites. There will be
little improvement in the plant trade until frost
has cleared off outdoor flowers.

In cut flowers Chrysanthemums are the most
conspicuous, and there has been a fair trade for
these ; the blooms of middle size command the
greatest amount of attention. The early va-
rieties that were disbudded made good prices.
One grower, Mr. Shawyer, who has been sending
about 300 dozen blooms to market daily, tells me
that they have made from Is. to 2s. 6d. per dozen
blooms. I may mention that these were chiefly
new varieties of his own raising. Elaine is still
a favourite with the growers fcr market, and
though generally coming in later, some good
blooms have already been bn sale. Goacher'.-!
Crimson seems likely to take the first place in its
class; and Horace Martin is one of the best of
the yellows. A. Hemsley.

In all cases the quality of the plant product is
bound up with the degree of maturation obtained,
and this is largely determined by the supply of
water to the plant. The water required by a
plant during growth was then considered. From
the results obtained by various observers it was
shown that the plant passes through its leaves
from 250 to 400 lbs. of water for each pound of
dry matter produced, an amount equivalent to
4 to 10 inches of rain for the ordinary crop3.

Experiments were adduced to show that plants
make their best growth when the proportion of
water in the soil is about half that required
for complete saturation, but in the earlier stages
of its growth a plant will make a better root-
development if the water content of the soil be

THE OVERTHROW OF A FINE
STONE PINE TEEE.
In the gale on Thursday night, September 10,
a fine specimen of Pinus Pinea (Stone Pine), in
our Red Lodge Nursery here, was blown down.
The total height was (51 feet ; the diameter of
the head 30 feet ; the circumference of the trunk
at 3 feet from the ground measured 8 feet 7 inches,
and the trunk was clear of branches for 25 feet
from the ground. The tree was about 75 yeara
old. It was not in a particularly sheltered
position, and was in a thoroughly healthy condi-
tion. W. H. Rogers SfSon, Ltd., Red Lodge Nursery,
Southampton. [The illustrations, figs. 121 and
122, show a ponderous round-headed tree with,
a clear bole resembling that of a Scots 1'ine.
The average height of the tree in this country
is 35 feet, with a spreading head in old speci-
mens, but the tree depicted differed in build
from those usually found in this country, in
that the trunk was destitute of branches for so
great a distance. Either as a young or mature
specimen this species of Pine is distinctly orna-

LECTURES AT THE CHELSEA
PHYSIO GAKDEN.

(Continued from p. 274.)
Mr. A. D. Hall's second lecture on " The Com-
position of the Plant in Eelation to the Soil,"
delivered on Tuesday last, dealt with the general
development of the plant. During its first stage
the plant is drawing nutriment from the soil, the
leaves are assimilating the carbonic acid of the
atmosphere, and storing carbohydrates in stem or
root ; then in the second stage the material pre-
viously stored is moved to the seed and other
parts of the plant which serve for reproduction.
In annuals the two stages are continuous ; nutri-
tion from the soil ceases first, but assimilation
goes on almost up to the end of the migration
process and the setting in of maturation. In
other plants, e.g., biennials and many bulbous
plants, there is an intervening resting stage.

FlC. \2'2. — PINUS TINEA OVERTURNED by gale in the
RED LODGE NURSERY, SOUTHAMPTON.

286

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[October 24, 1903.

mental and well adapted for planting in gardens
in such positions as those in which the round-
headed Acacia inermis and A. Bessoniana are
most suitable. The tree is of slow growth. Ed.]

SHIPLAKE COUET, HENLEY-ON-
THAMES.

[See Supplementary Illustration.]
(Conclude i from p. 274.)

From the terrace in front of the house a view
of Reading and the surrounding country is
obtained ; and the nearer views in the garden
appear beautiful and varied, though throughout
all the same free and natural treatment of the
subjects used is evident. Thus the many climbing
plants used on the terrace, beneath it, and in
other parts of the garden are not closely trained,
but allowed to grow naturally and in a manner
which admits of their displaying themselves best.
Climbing Roses, Honeysuckles, Clematis and
other showy climbers abound, and in the clumps
of flowering shrubs the white and coloured varie-
ties of Rosa rugosa and other single or semi-
•double species of Rose, Buddleia globosa sup-
porting purple Clematis, and other combinations
of shrub and climber are fine objects.

Flower gardening with what are called " bed-
ding plants " is restricted almost to the vanish-
ing-point, only one small design, used for spring
bulbs earlier in the season and now showy with
Pelargoniums, being arranged. But good use is
made of the best varieties of Ivy-leafed Pelargo-
niums by planting tubs and vases with them,
and arranging them on the terraces and at
salient points, where they are the showiest things
in the garden.

Roses are the favourite flowers at Shiplake
•Court, especially Tea and climbing Roses, with
which the rosary is mainly planted. There
they gave up till quite lately a good display,
although for flowers generally it has been a very
bad season. Nevertheless Mr. Hall says that the
Souvenir de la Malmaison Rose, which forms the
principal feature on one side of the rosary, has
■been the most satisfactory of all ; for notwith-
standing that the flowers suffer much from wet
weather, they made a splendid show for the
month before the bad weather set in, have had a
Tfair lot of blooms since, and are making up large
heads of flowers for later flowering. La France
and most of the Tea and hybrid Teas have also
•done well, and are still making a good show ; and
on the trellises, W. Allen Richardson, Lamarck,
Gloire de Dijon, the different varieties of
Banksian, Macartney, Crimson Rambler, and
others of like nature, have been good.

Irish Yews, both green and golden, are effec-
tively used on the terraces ; and in several parts
of the garden are clumps or long rows of
Lavender, which, like the large clumps of Gloriosa
plicata, thrive admirably on the chalk, the depth
of which is indicated by the cliff rising above a
nook on the edge of the estate, and which with a
little cost might be made a very charming retreat,
•especially in hot weather.

The Kitchen Garden.

If Mr. Hall has any partiality for one section
of charge more than for another it is for the
kitchen-garden and plant-growing department, in
which he has attained the highest proficiency.
Truly all the crops are of the best possible quality,
and if there is not much poetry or artistic beauty
in large beds of enormous Onions or hard-hearted
Cabbages, there is much utility, and the labour
and skill used in their production are well bestowed.

The kitchen garden is of great extent, the
walks intersecting it being planted with showy
perennials and Rose arches turned over them in
places. One of these arches covered with Ainu'e
Vibert was a magnificent sight earlier in the
season, when its massive head was thickly set with
clusters of pretty white flowers.

Sitisfactory results have been attained with
most of the main crops of vegetables, though the
frequent rains have rendered it difficult to get on
with the work at times. The fruit-trees are in
splendid condition, and it is a rare thing to see
them with fine smooth clean bark, as is the case
with all kinds of fruit trees in this garden. About
the fruit crop the tale here is the same as in
many other gardens — none worth speaking about
when the large number of trees of all kinds are
considered. Of Pears and Apples there are some,
a few Plums also, but nothing worth calling a crop.

In a dry, chalky garden like this, however, as
in many other places, the excessive wet and
" fallow " year is not all loss. In the matter of
trees and shrubs, which were suffering for years
from insufficiency of water, the present wet
season has been salvation.

The Glasshouses
consist of ranges of vineries, Peach and Nectarine,
Melon and Cucumber houses, all of which bear
evidence in the useful produce still to be seen
that they have been skilfully handled. The
other houses are used for growing flowers. Mr.
Hall is an expert at Mignonette culture, his
Freesias in pots were a sight worth seeing earlier
in the year, and each of the other florists' flowers
undertaken are excellently well grown. One
house is a fine sight with tall spikes of white
and blue Campanula pyramidalis, scarlet Be-
gonias, Ivy Pelargoniums, &c. Another has a
large batch of Carnation Belle Rose, which is
said to be one of the most profuse autumn and
winter bloomers, just commencing to flower.
The frame-ground has a large stock of winter-
blooming plants, and a splendid collection of
Chrysanthemums. The whole estate comprises
about 401 acres. Our illustrations are from
photographs by Mr. Mason Good.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Strawberries. — The time has arrived when Straw-
berries intended for forcing should be placed under
cover, the best for the purpose being shallow pits
and cold frames from which frost can be excluded
by artificial heat. If these appliances do net
exist let the pots be plunged to the rims in fine
coal-ashes or tree-leaves in garden-frames, afford-
ing a covering of mats, bracken, or straw in very
severe weather. When it is wet or frosty the
lights should be removed in the daytime. In the
absence of cold frames lay the pots on their sides
facing outwards in layers with leaf -mould or coal-
ashes between, piling them up in sloping banks
in the front of a south wall. Protect the plants
in hard weather with litter, &c, as if the soil gets
frozen many of the pots will burst. A drawback
to this method is that water cannot be readily
afforded, but it is scarcely ever necessary before
the spring. Towards the middle of November
some of the plants of Vicomtesse H. de Thury or
Keen's Seedling, which have been the longest
potted, may be started on a slight hotbed made
of tree-leaves, plunging them wholly or partially.
The warmth of the pit should not exceed 50°,
with plenty of ventilation. Before plunging the
pots clear off dead leaves and loosen the surface
slightly. The plants should come up to within
15 inches of the lights and receive no water
before the flowers appear, the moisture from the
leaf-bed usually sufficing. The bottom-heat may
not exceed 70°.

The Early Black Hamburgh Vinery. — The foliage
being quite ripe, the Vines may be pruned
towards the end of the month of November or
early in the next. Prune back the lateral- shoots
to a strong plump bud within two or three joints
of the main rod if possible ; and if the Vines do
not reach to the top of the vinery shorten them
to within 2 feet of the point to which they were
pruned last year, for if Vines are left of a greater
length the lower buds do not always break
satisfactorily in early vineries. Thoroughly
cleanse the sashes, rafters, hot-water-pipes, walls,

and do not forget to scrape off much of the old
lime-wash previous to affording a new coat. If
insects did not infest the Vines this year, merely
remove the rougher parts of the bark and wash
them with an insecticide ; but if red-spider,
thrips, mealy-bug, or scale have given trouble,
let the rods be scraped, not injuring the inner
bark or the buds, and cleanse all probable hiding-
places, then wash the rods with the following solu-
tion. Dissolve 1 lb. of caustic-soda in a pan of
water, then add J lb. of carbonate of potash and
stir until dissolved, add to this 10 ozs. soft-soap
dissolved in a little boiling water; dilute with
10 gallons of rain-water and thoroughly stir the
mixture. This will be found a most effective
winter dressing for all kinds of fruit-trees and
Vines under glass. In cleansing the Vines
employ a partly- worn-out paint-brush, and work it
well into the crevices found about the spurs. Be
careful not to let the caustic solution come in
contact with the hands or clothes. The rods
being cleansed tie them in position, except in the
case of young Vines, which if tied in a horizontal
position or with the ends, of the rods depressed
will induce an even break. If the borders have
not been already over-hauled, treat them exactly
as I advised in the Calendar for August 22.
Afford full ventilation until such time as the
Vines are started.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS. ,

By J. Matne. Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Francoa ramosa. — -Transfer seedling plants to
pots 5J inches in diameter, using a mixture of
loam and leaf-soil with a small quantity of sifted
horse-droppings and sand. Plunge the plants in
cold pits or frames facing south, and apply
scarcely any water at the root. The lights should
be pulled back for a few hours in fine weather,
and a mat thrown over the lights in severe weather.
Caterpillars sometimes molest Francoas, and
these must be searched for and caught at night
with the aid of a lantern.

Mignonette. — If standing in • 4j and 5|-inch
pots, a shift into 7-inch and 8-inch respectively
should be afforded, taking care not to break the
ball. A mixture similar to that advised for
Francoas, with the addition of a small quantity
of soot and pounded mortar-rubble, is very suit-
able for this plant. Place four neat stakes at the
sides of the pot to carry a strip of raffia, or put
one to each plant. This matter should be attended
to betimes, or the plants will bend or snap off in
getting them into position. Part of the stock of
plants may have the points of the main shoots
stopped so as to form more bushy plants, and
these will form a succession to those allowed to
grow on unchecked. A cool, airy shelf is the
best place for Mignonette in the winter, and a
warm stuffy atmosphere is fatal to the plant, as
also a sodden state of the soil, so that the appli-
cation of water should be carried out very care-
fully, never affording any unless it be wanted,
and never using a rose on the spout.

Amaryllis. — Plants of A. aulica are now afford-
ing nice spikes ; these will be followed by the
earliest of the garden hybrid varieties, many of
which are throwing up strong spikes even now
under quite cool treatment. Where there exists
a large stock of bulbs it is a simple matter to
have Amaryllis in bloom from this date till the
end of the month of May by frequently examin-
ing the collection of bulbs, and when the point
of a flower-spike is observed to be pushing up,
place that bulb in a pit having a warmth at
night of 60° (less rather than more), and in a few
days later shake out and repot the bulb if that was
not done last season. In potting, employ pasture-
loam, some leaf-soil and a small quantity of bone-
meal, together with a moderate amount of sharp
sand and small bits of charcoal. Avoid affording
much water till the bulbs have made plenty of roots.
Bulbs of A. aulica usually carry two flower-trusses,
and being strong growers, they throw up numerous
offsets. The old bulbs should be repotted
annually, which I do immediately they pass
out of flower, and they are not rested nearly as
much as the hybrids. The offsets, if carefully
detached, make flowering bulbs in three or four
years, but I find the better the variety the less
inclined it is to increase in this manner. Bulbs

OCTOBBE 24, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

287

which are resting should be afforded a light
position, and any bulb that is inclined to shrivel
afforded a small quantity of water. Seedlings of
this year should be kept moist at the root
throughout the winter, or many will perish.

The Plant Stove.— Where plants of AUamandas
or Clerodendron Balfouriana are used to adorn
the roof, these should have a general thinning of
the shoots, so as to admit light to the plants
below, but deferring the final pruning till the
new year. The night temperature should be
lowered to 65°, and a small amount of air
admitted when a temperature of 75° with stvn
heat is reached.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G L
Holfoed, Westonbirt, Tetbury.
Phalmnopsis. — Many of these having finished
their growth should be afforded much less moisture
at the root from this time onwards. It is ad-
visable at this season to allow the potting mate-
rials to become quite dry before affording water.
Should the sphagnum have grown to a great length
during the summer months, as it will have done in
some cases, trim it neatly. For sphagnum, if left
in an untrimmed state, harbours more moisture
round the collar of the plant than is good for the
latter, and decay may set in ; it is likewise not an
easy matter to ascertain the state of the mate-
rials below. All blinds and shadings may now be
dispensed with, and the glass made clear and
bright, so that the newly-made leaves may
acquire that solidity of texture necessary to
enable the plants to pass safely through the
winter.

Vanda ccerulea. — This is now to be seen in flower
in Cattleya-houses. The plant seldom grows
satisfactorily for many years in succession, watery
spots appearing on the leaves, which afterwards
turn black. This malady has been apparent this
season, more especially when wet chilly weather
has followed the application of water to the roots
of the plants. The only method by which this
spot maybe prevented is to give air in abundance
whenever the weather conditions are favourable,
and to refrain from over-head syringing, &c, in
dull or wet weather. After flowering is past the
plants should remain in the Cattleya-house, and be
afforded a very small amount of moisture. Other
Vandas and Aeridos, and Saccolabiums now need
much less water at the roots, especially if a leaf-
soil compost be employed. They should not, how-
ever, be kept quite dry during the winter, as this
would cause shrivelling of the pseudo-bulbs ; but
the plants are all the better for a thorough
drying out of the compost before water is applied.

Trichopiliafragrans is now in flower, and care will
be needed to prevent slugs and snails devouring
the flowers, for which they have a strong liking.
Let the plants stand clear of all others, on
flower-pots inverted in saucers filled with water.
It is a plant that needs a long rest in the cool
intermediate house after flowering, and to be
afforded water but very seldom.

Miltonia spectabilis.—A charming, attractive
species, of which M. s. Moreliana and M. s. atro-
rubens afford fine purple-coloured flowers during
the autumn. After the growth is finished the
pseudo-bulbs and leaves assume a peculiar yellow
.tint, which not even leaf-soil can alter, it being
natural to the plants. Keep the materials on the
dry side from now till growth becomes active in
the new year.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Flemino, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart
Wexham Park, Slough.

Asparagus.— The stems of the plants being
, mature should now be cut down to the level of
7 the beds and the latter hoed and weeds and
I rubbish raked off and burned. Then afford the
beds a thick coat of half - decayed farmyard-
manure. At this date the forcing of Asparagus
may be commenced, the first thing to be done
being the building of a hotbed for forcing the
roots. This should consist of tree-leaves three
parts, and long stable-litter one part. A hotbed
maybe placed above the ground level, also in a hole
dug out big enough to hold a one, two, or three-
light frame, or in an ordinary brick pit furnished

with hot-water-pipes for top-heat. When the
heat declines to about SO° the roots should be
lifted, the strongest crowns selected, and conveyed
immediately to the frame, where they should be
packed close together, and covered 4 or 5 inches
deep with soil or leaf-mould, and afforded tepid
water. AVhen the heads appear syringe the frame
morning and afternoon. A temperature ranging
from 60° to 70" is a suitable one. In mild
weather air should be admitted. The warmth of
a bed of fermenting leaves is liable to vary with
the conditions of the weather, and should the
bottom-heat thermometer indicate a degree of
warmth exceeding 80°, holes should be bored in
the bed with a pointed stake to afford a means of
egress for the heat, these being closed when it
has declined. Frames will require linings of warm
materials, but not so hot-water pits. As a means
of conserving the heat by night the frames
should be covered with mats, &c. Let the glass
be kept clear and bright-looking.

Parsley that was planted as advised in frames
being now well established, the lights should be
kept off whenever the weather permits. Late-sown
Parsley in the open should have some kind of
temporary framework erected over it so that
it may be covered with mats in the event of very
hard frosts.

French Beant in pits and frames. — Plants that are
commencing to pod should'be afforded freely liquid-
manure and some amount of ventilation whenever
the weather is favourable. Gather the pods when
just large enough, and do not exhaust the plants
by letting seeds form in them. Late sowings
keep well syringed with tepid water and as near
the glass as possible, which latter keep very
clean. Make another sowing in well-drained
8 -inch pots, using a light, rich, loamy compost.

Cauliflowers. — Those planted in cold pits and
frames should be freely aired, the lights*being drawn
off them whenever it does not rain or freeze. Early
sowings are in a very forward condition owing to
the mild weather, and the chief concern of the
gardener will be to keep them stocky and strong,
so as the better to withstand the winter. Cauli-
flowers in the open quarters showing heads should
have the leaves drawn loosely together and tied
together at the tips as a protection against rain
and frost. Those large enough for table use
should be stored in a frost-proof shed or cellar,
where if kept damp they will keep in good con-
dition for some time longer.

Globe Artichokes. — Take off suckers from the
old stools and pot them in 8-inch pots in a com-
post of two parts light loam, one part leaf-soil,
and the remaining part of coarse sand. Place in
cold frames or plunge at the foot of a south wall
in tree leaves or coal ashes, protecting them with
litter from sharp frosts. The best variety is the
large green one that is almost destitute of prickles.
The purple variety is also very good, but not
quite large enough for some persons. Seedling
Artichokes can never be relied upon to come true
to character.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

The Winter Moth. — Where this pest (Cheima-
tobia brumata) of the Apple-tree is common,
grease bands underlaid with a band of Willesden
waterproof paper 0 inches in width, should be
fixed on the stems at about 4 feet from the
ground level and tied tightly above. There are
several sorts of grease or composition used for
this purpose. These grease bands should be
examined at frequent intervals, and the captured
moths killed. The grease on the bands must be
renewed when it has lost its stickiness, as it will
do after being much exposed to heavy rain. Much
would be done towards ridding orchards of this
pest if this plan were followed up, as every female
is capable of depositing about 300 eggs.

The Raspberry. — In forming new plantations
there is no necessity to wait till all the leaves
have fallen before beginning, as in a season
like the present, especially on light soils, plant-
ing could be carried out at once. If the
ground has been duly trenched as advised in
a former Calendar, it will now be in a suitable
state for planting. The rows of canes should run

from north to south if possible. For the varie-
ties Semper Fidelis, Ked and Yellow Antwerp,
and Carter's Prolific, a space 5 feet between the
rows and 18 inches from stool to stool should be
afforded ; but stronger growers, such as Super-
lative, should be planted at a greater distance —
say 1 foot and 6 inches respectively. Postpone all
planting whilst the land is wet, and in the event
of finer weather setting in, let the plot of ground
be pointed over with a digging fork, and collect
a good quantity of leaf-soil, charred earth, and
potting-bench refuse, and place in a dry place.
These substances, when mixed together, form a
good covering for the roots. The canes should
be shortened to about 2 feet in length after
planting, as if left of full length they are apt to
get loosened by the action of the wind. Posts
and wires for training the canes can be attended
to later on when the ground is in a settled
condition.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miixeh MuNDY.Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Lifting Dahlias,tfe. — Excepting in very favoured
localities, where the plants have not been
blackened by frost, it will be advisable now to-
lift all such Dahlia-roots as are to be stored,
choosing a dry day for the work. In setting to-
work, first cut down the stems to within S inches
of the tubers ; then raise the latter so as not to
break them, and place in a dry shed, the tubers-
uppermost, leaving them thus for a day or two in
order to let the water collected in the hollow
stems run out ; then store in a dry, cool place
which frost cannot enter. Marvel of Peru will
in the warmer counties pass the winter in the
open ground, but in other parts it is better to lift
and treat them similarly to Dahlias.

Cannas were very slow in growth this year, and
as long as no sharp frost occurs they may remain,
in the ground. After frost let them be lifted
forthwith, and carefully dry the clumps before-
storing them in a somewhat warmer place than,
that in which the Dahlias are stored.

Tuberous-rooted Begonias. — The flower - stems
will drop away from the tubers with the first
frost of any degree of severity, and the tubers-
may then be lifted and stored in single layers in
shallow boxes or on a shelf, leaving a little soil
attached to them, and drying this before putting;
them into the store-room.

Montbretias. — At this season Montbretias may
be lifted and the bigger bulbs sorted out, replant-
ing them 2 inches apart in good soil, which, if
deficient in sand, may have a handful incor-
porated with the staple near the bulbs. These
tine decorative plants are often neglected and
starved by being grown in the same spot year
after year, the result being very few flowers and a
great quantity of puny growths. I do not sug-
gest that it is necessary to lift and divide them
every year, though better results are generally
obtained by this method, but certainly not more
than two years should elapse without replanting.
If the bulbs are not to be removed this year the
top-growth should not be cut away, as this forms
a protection from cutting winds when the new
growth is pushing up in the spring. The rather
new M. Germania will be found an excellent
variety to add to the choicest collection.

Liliums. — Tiny bulbils form on the stems of
many species of Liliums, which, if collected and
planted in the open or nursed for the first year in
boxes filled with sandy soil in a cold frame, will
repay for the trouble, as they will form the
nucleus of a healthy stock of bulbs, which soon
grows to flowering size.

Botanical Laboratory at Jamaica. —
We are very glad to hear of the establishment of
a botanical research station in Jamaica, where
the circumstances are propitious for such an
undertaking. But it is not altogether satis-
factory that this establishment should have been
inaugurated by our cousins from New York.
Surely we were competent to do it for ourselves,
and to extend every possible hospitality to
American and other botanists.

2S8

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[October 24, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement. The Editor does not held himself re-
sponsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents.

Letters lor Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
41. Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be written on one side only of
thb paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations. — The Editor will be giad to receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, <ic. ; but he
cannot le responsible for loss or injury.

Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK.

MONDAY,

TUESDAY,

( National Chrysanthemum So-
Oct. 26- ciety's Floral Committee

( meets.

I Royal Horticultural Society's
Oct. 27 'J Committees meet. Lecture

( on " Pruning Roses."
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 28— Royal Botanical Society meets.

/"Torquay Gardeners' Associa-
Tnncgniv n™. mJ tlon's Chrysanthemum Show.
liiUKSLiAY, OCT. w Irish Gardener9. Association

I. meets.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT-

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside. E.C.. by
Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30 A n.— Bulbs, Spiraeas,
Azaleas. Lilacs, Bamboos, Palms, and Decoraiive
Plants, at Stevens' Rooms, at 12 30.

MONDAY, Oct. 26-

Clearance Sale of Nursery Stock at Hatlon Hill
Nursery, Windlesham, Surrey, by Protheroe &
Morris, at 12 o'clock.

TUESDAY, Oct. 27—

Forest Trees. Shrubs, &c , at the Nursery, West
Street, Bromley, Kent, by Protheroe & Morris, at
12 o'clock.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, Oct. 27 and 28-

Nursery Stock at Windlesham Nurseries. Bagshot,
Surrey, by order of Messrs. Fromow & Sou, at
12 o'clock, by Protheroe & Morris.

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 28-

Azaleas, Rhododendrons, &0., at 67 and 68, Cheap-
side, E.C., by Protheroe & Mori is. at 4 o'clock.—
Bulbs, Azaleas, Lilacs, Bamboos, Palms, &c, at
Stevens' Rooms, at 12.J0.

THURSDAY and FRIDAY, Oct. 29. 30-

Trees, Shrubs, &c, at Hollamby's Nurseries,
Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, by Protheroe &
Morris, at 12 o'clock.

FRIDAY, Oct. 30—

14,000 Odontoglossum crispum at 67 and 68, Cheap-
side. E.C.. by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY. Nov. 4, and following day-
Sale of duplicate Orchids at Harefleld Hall, Wilm-
slow, Cheshire, by Mr. John Cowan, of the Gateacre
Nurseries, near Liverpool.
(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
trfui observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswn k
-4S-9.
Actual Temperatures :—

London. - Oct 21 (6 p.m ) : Max. 56°: Min. 50'.

Oct. 22 (noon) : 53°; overcast, rainy.
Provinces. -Oct. 21 (6 p.m.): Max. 51% Exeter;
Min. 49', Ely.

According to some documents
o'rowTng forwarded to us by M. E.mile
Boulanger, that gentleman
lately exhibited, before the French Societe
Mycologique, some Truffles raised after two
years' cultivation by scientific methods ana-
logous to those by which Mushroom-growers
are now able to raise pure spawn from the
spores. M. Boulanger reports that in
fifteen hectares (rather more than thirty
acres) of wood near Etampes, he started
numerous Truffle-beds by the following pro-
cesses:—1. Germination of the " ascospore,"
or reproductive body contained in a special
cell or "ascus" of the Truffle by "aseptic"
seeding of fragments from the inside of the
tuber in tubes of ordinary water, sterilised

so as to prevent the access or growth of
other fungi. 2. Growth of the mycelium or
spawn so obtained on slices of cooked Carrot,
with the addition of calcareous soil. Under
these conditions " conidial " forms were pro-
duced (spores formed on the outside of special
threads). 3. Preparation of a mineral manure
containing six per thousand of sulphate of
potash and an equal quantity of superphos-
phate of lime. 'J he mixture of the conidia
with this manure was then applied to raw
Carrots, which were buried at the foot of
Oaks. The soil was sprinkled with the pre-
cipitated manure in the form of powder.
From the ground so prepared, M. Bou-
langer last winter obtained Truffles varying
in size from that of a Hazelnut to that of a
Walnut ; the smallest were well formed and
showed typical ascospores, having, further,
the perfume of the ordinary Truffles, such
as are found by the aid of dogs.

M. Matruchot has also succeeded in
cultivating in an isolated and pure condition
the spawn of Tuber melanosporum (Peri-
gord Truffle) and of T. uncinatum (Bur-
gundy Truffle). As there is some difference
of opinion as to certain details between these
two gentlemen, it is .desirable to keep an
open mind on the subject, but of the main
facts of the case there can, it seems, be no
room for doubt, and scientific Truffle-culture
will in the not distant future become a
recognised branch of the cultivator's art.

So long ago as 1878, in a com-

The Kew munication on the nomencla-
Hand-Luts.

ture of garden plants read

before the Scientific Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society, we had occa-
sion to comment on the necessity for an
authoritative catalogue of garden plants
which should take the place of the old
Hortus Kewensis. Since that time great
things have been accomplished. The monu-
mental Genera Plantarum has been com-
pleted, the colossal Index Kewensis has been
brought down to 1886, and progress has been
made with the first Supplement, which will
bring that work down to 1895. Further Sup-
plements are also in course of preparation,
which will render the work close up to date.
These books, which are inestimable boons
to botanists and students, contain a great
deal which is not required by the cultivator
of plants. Their size and cost also preclude
their use bjT gardeners in general. For
them Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening is
more suitable ; but that again is in five
volumes. Something more concise and less
expensive was needed, and that has been
supplied in the series of admirable Hand-
Lists which have been prepared at and
issued from the Royal Gardens, Kew. These
have been compiled with great care, and
checked and verified by reference to the
herbarium and library of that establish-
ment. Moreover, the Lists have been pre-
pared sectionally, so that those interested in
Ferns or in Orchids, we will say, can pro-
cure the catalogues relating to those orders
without the necessity of purchasing the
entire series.

In these Lists, as in other recent Kew
publications, the spelling of the names in
some particular instances differs from that
used in the Index Kewensis. For instance,
we find Passiflora Hahnii written with a
capital H, whilst the very next entry is
written P. herbertiana. The rule followed,

therefore, is to use a capital letter when the
personal name is employed as a substantive,
but to prefix a small letter when the personal
name is used as an adjective. "Hahnii" is
the genitive case of a noun; "herbertiana''
is the adjective formed from the name
Herbert. It is not necessary here to express
any opinion upon this practice, because,
according to the revised Lois de Nomencla-
ture, it was left open to botanists to follow
whichever plan they preferred. A similar
remark applies to names derived from
geographical localities.

There are other cases where a capital
name is employed for the name of a species,
to the great puzzlement of gardeners — for
instance, Ilex Perado. We presume in
this case that "Perado" is a native or
vernacular name which has been adopted as
a specific appellation. Ilex Dahoon and I.
Cassine are in like case. But the most
frequent instances of this kind are those in
which the adopted specific name is .the name
of an Old genus now disused, as. in Hibiscus
Sabdariffa. These cases, especially when a
neuter specific name is, as it often is, "ap-
posed " to a feminine generic appellation,
are bewildering to inexperienced botanists,
who are apt to think that some mistake has .
been committed. They illustrate a point
to which we have often referred in these
columns, that as a general rule a name should
be a name and nothiog else. Except in rare
instances, a name should as a general
principle signify nothing. Once it becomes
descriptive, or once it is made to involve
some point of history, the door is opened to
endless confusion and difficulties innumer-
able. Description, synonymy, history, should
each have a place apart and not be mixed up
with the name.

We allude now to these matters because
one of our correspondents lately attributed
"carelessness" to the compilers of one of
the Kew Hand-Lists, when as a matter of
fact there was no carelessness, but there
was, as was pointed out at the time by Sir
William Thiselton Dyer himself, and by
the Rev. C. Wolley-Dod, a well-thought-out
plan systematically and consistently carried
out.

Royal Horticultural Society.— The next
meeting of the Fruit and Floral Committees of
the Royal Horticultural Society will be held on
Tuesday, October 27, in the Drill Hall, Bucking-
ham Gate, Westminster, from 1 to 4 p.m. A paper
on " Pruning Roses," by Mons. Viviand Morel,
will be read at 3 o'clock.

■ • At a General Meeting of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society held on Tuesday, October 13,
sixty-five new Fellows were elected, making a
total of 1,206 elected since the beginning of the
present year.

Examinations in Horticulture, 1904. —

1. General Examination. — The Society's annual
examination in the principles and practice of
horticulture will be held on Wednesday, April 20,
1904. The examination will be held simulta-
neously in as many different centres in Great
Britain and Ireland as circumstances may
demand, the Society being willing to hold an
examination wherever a magistrate, clergyman,
schoolmaster, or other responsible person accus-
tomed to examinations will consent to supervise
on the Society's behalf. A copy of the syllabus
may be obtained by sending a stamped and
directed envelope to the Secretary, Royal Horti-
cultural Society, 117, Victoria Street, London,
S.W. Intending candidates should send in their

October 24, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

289

names not later than March 1. Copies of the
questions set at the examinations 1893 — 1902 can
be obtained at the Royal Horticultural Society's
office, price Is.

2. School Teachers' Examination. — The Society
will also hold an examination in Cottage Garden-
ing on Tuesday, June 21, 1904. The examination
is intended for, and will be confined to, elementary
echool teachers. It has been undertaken in view
of the increasing demand in country districts
that the schoolmaster shall be competent to
teach the elements of cottage gardening, and
of the absence of any test whatever of such
competence. The general conduct of this exam-
ination will be on similar lines to that of the
more general examination, save in obvious points
on which they would not apply. Full particulars
will be issued on and after January 1, 1904.

Turin Horticultural Exhibition.— The
1904 International Horticultural Exhibition in
Turin will be one of the most important of the
coming year. The show is promoted by the
Eeale Societa Orto-Agricola del Piedmont, and is
to be held under the patronage of the Dowager
Queen Margherita, His Koyal Highness the
Duke of Aosta being Honorary President. This
exhibition will be held in the Valentino Park in
May, 1904. This park is one of the most beau-
tiful in Europe, and the show ground is a very'
picturesque one. The plants and flowers will be
staged in the gallery, where last year were shown
some of the finest works of painting and sculpture.
The view of the river and of the mountains will
give a natural and picturesque frame for the
flowers and plants. According to the programme
giving the number of the sections and the awards
•offered, the exhibition will be a large one. On
the " Honorary Committee " I notice a few Eng-
lish names, as those of Mr. T. Bevan, of the
National Chrysanthemum Society ; Dr. Maxwell
T. Masters, of the Gardeners' Chronicle; Mr.
Harman C. Payne, of the National Chrysanthe-
mum Society ; and Lord Redesdale. These
indications, and the kind reception offered by the
Italian Society to foreign visitors, should attract
snany to this show. A. Scalarandis, jun., Royal
Gardens, Stupinigi, Italy.

Dictamnus Seeds.— We have already ex-
pressed our acknowledgments to the numerous
readers who have kindly furnished us with seeds,
in order that we might test the observations
recorded at p. 259. After a great number
of trials we have been unable to confirm the
statement made. Our observations coincide with
those of several of our correspondents, among
them those of Mr. Divers, whose letter we sub-
join : — "I send both dry and freshly-cut seed-
pods of Dictamnus Fraxin6lla. It is quite true
that they [the seeds] adhere to the point of a
knife ; but this is not due to magnetism or elec-
tricity, as your correspondent would have proved
for himself if he had tried them with a quill,
toothpick, a lead-pencil, or a pointed stick, to all
. of which they also adhere. By pressing the seed
on the finger a small amount of moisture may be
found, which is, I believe, slightly adhesive, and
in this resembles the green stems and capsules of
the plant. An interesting effect may sometimes
be obtained, when this plant is in flower, by
applying a lighted match to the stem, immedi-
ately under the flowers ; the whole plant will
flare up quickly, and on examining it afterwards
no trace of injury will be found. A warm
•evening, about the time of sunset, when the air is
perfectly calm, is the best time for this experi-
ment, which I have repeated on many occasions.
A strong perfume is given off by the resinous
secretion when it is burning."

Professor Karl Hansen.— The well-known
teacher in the Agricultural High School in
Copenhagen died at the end of the month of Sep-
tember last, hie body having been found on the

25th in the Oeresund. He was for twenty-five years
Professor of Horticulture at the above-named
school, and he would have retired on a pension on
November 1. Professor Hansen was an occa-
sional contributor to our columns, and was the
author of the useful compilation entitled the
" Pinetum Danicum " in the Report of the Conifer
Conference.

Professor Hugo de Vries— The author of
the Theory of Mutation celebrated on Thursday,
October 15, the day on which, twenty-five years
ago, he was appointed Professor in the Amsterdam
University and Director of the Botanical Garden.
Numerous Dutchmen have subscribed a large
sum of money to enable him to undertake
research on a more extensive scale.

NEPENTHES. — Last week we had occasion to
mention the very brilliant variety of Nepenthes
Northiana, which had been obtained by M.
Jarrt-Desloges, of Remilly, Ardennes, France.
That gentleman informs us that the variety is
now in flower with him, but that only the male
flowers are produced. He has sought in vain
among French horticulturists for a female flower
for purposes of fertilisation. If any of our
readers having the female flower open would
communicate with M. Jarry-Desloges at the
above address, he would willingly send some
• pollen on condition that some of the resultant
seeds were sent to him.

Campanula persicifolia. — In the Sep-
tember number of the Journal of Botany, Mr.
Claridge Druce gives reasons for the belief that
this plant is really indigenous. Where found it
has generally been considered as a vagrant from
gardens, but in a locality in Gloucestershire it
has, it seems, better claims to be considered
a true native.

The New Lady Warwick College.— The
lease of the Lady Warwick Hostel, Reading,
having expired, the success of the work there
accomplished has proved so great that the
founder feels herself justified in removing her
establishment to larger quarters. These are
found in the new Agricultural College for Women
at Studley Castle, Warwickshire, 15 miles from
Birmingham. Studley Park is 340 acres in
extent, is beautifully wooded, and includes some
fine and scarce trees. The castle is a handsome
building, about seventy years old, and contains
all the accommodation at present required. We
need not here go into details concerning Lady
Warwick's work ; suffice it that it is that of
training educated women in horticulture and the
lighter branches of agriculture. Since the be-
ginning of the scheme in 1897 or 1898, great
advances have been made, and the founder has
every reason to be proud of the 225 students who
have passed through the Hostel during these last
five years. We note that "there is a growing
demand for trained women who can organise the
business of small co-operative societies, which are
springing up in connection with the work of the
Agricultural Organisation Society." We wish
increasing success to the founder and followers of
this useful undertaking, now starting afresh in a
larger and more advantageous situation.

Vegetables for Profit. — Four books have
reached us: The Profitable Farm and Garden
Handbooks, edited by Mr. T. W. Sanders, and
published by W. H. & L. Collingridge, lis,
Aldersgate Street, E.C Of these books No. 1 is
entitled, "Green Crops and Herbs for Profit: a
Practical Treatise on the cultivation of Borecole,
Broccoli, Brussels- Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower,
Coleworts, Savoys, Spinach, and Herbs for Market,
including the best Methods of Packing and
Marketing the Crops." No. 2 is devoted to Roots,
Bulbs, and Tubers for Profit, including Beet,
Carrots, Celeriac, Garlic, Horse-Radish, Jerosa] em
Artichokes, Kohl Rabi, Leeks, Onions, Parsnips,

Potatos, Salsify, Scorzonera, Shallots, and Turnips,
with descriptions of the pests that attack such
crops. No. 3 deals with Asparagus, Beans, Peas,
Celery, Cardoons, Globe Artichokes, Rhubarb,
Ridge Cucumbers, Seakale, and Vegetable
Marrows ; and No. 4 with Mushrooms, Corn-salad,
Chicory, Cucumbers, Dandelion, Endive, Lettuce,
and other Salad plants. The object of these
books is " to meet the requirements of small and
large holders who desire thoroughly practical and
up-to-date information on the culture of market
garden crops . . . and to help those who are
anxious to try their skill in growing profitably
and to make the most of their holdings." The
series has been written by experience! growers,
and the work of Mr. Sanders may also be de-
pended upon. The books are plainly written,
illustrated, and issued at a price that brings
them within the reach of all, so that they should
well fulfil the purpose for which they are intended.

A Newspaper Printed on Paper made
from Wood-pulp in less than Three
Hours. — A recent number of Le Moniteur de
V Horticulture gives an amusing description of
the publication, at 10 o'clock, of a journal, the
paper of which was made from a tree ^'towing in
the forest at half -past 7 the same morning — that
is to say, two hours and a half previously. The
feat was performed at Elsenthal, and began by
the felling of three trees, and their removal to
the factory, where the trunks were sawn into logs,
and these barked and split. The wood thus pre-
pared was then reduced to pulp, and this pulp
transferred to the paper-making machine. At
about half -past 9 the first sheet of paper was
completed, and soon this and other pages were
sent to the printing-office, about 2 miles off. At
10 o'clock a completed newspaper was published.

A Fruit-wrapping Machine.— The Mari-
time Merchant of August 13 has the following
note : — " A machine for wrapping Oranges and
other fruits with paper has recently been per-
fected, and is being installed in some of the large
orchards and packing-sheds of California and
Florida. The machine is run either by hand or
power, and has a capacity of 25,000 to 40,000
Oranges per day. The paper is fed from the
endless roll, and the machine will wrap fruit from
the size of marbles upwards, and will handle
eggs without breaking them. With such a
machine the cost of wrapping is much reduced."
Agricultural News, W.I.

The Thomas Humphreys Testimonial.—
Mr. Richard Dean, the Secretary of the Testi-
monial Fund, reports that the sum of .£43 lis.
was subscribed by seventy-four persons in sums
varying from 2s. OJ. to one guinea j the sum of
£1 15s. iji'. was spent for printing, stationery,
postages, &c, and the remainder, viz., .£41 15s. tid.,
was expended in preparing the illuminated
address and in purchasing the cabinet of cutlery
and tea service presented with the address. A
letter has been received from Mr. Humphreys
expressive of his deep thankfulness, anil of his
appreciation of the excellent " send off" on the
occasion of his leaving Chiswick for Edgbaston.

Castle Saunderson. — Mr. Burbidge writes:
" At Castle Saunderson there is by far the most
extensive and beautiful bog or marsh garden I
have ever seen. Several acres of pools and canals
running amongst islands and peninsulas of bog
earth capped with Ghent and other Azaleas now
turning crimson and gold, torch Lilies (Kniphofia),
Arundo, Pampas, Rhus, Euonymus, Berberis,
and many other shrubs and herbaceous plants.
The dark pools, their margins fringed with red and
yellow carpets of sphagnum-moss, the black peaty
sides contrasted with silver-barked Birch and
blue-leaved Pines, and the whole mass of colour and
sunshine shut in by sheltering woods and planta-
tions, form a sight I have never seen the like of

290

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

[OCTOBEB 2-1, 1903.

before. lb is a delightful bit of natural garden-
ing, of which Mrs. Saunderson may well feel
proud of having made amid such beautiful sur-
roundings. The paths are soft and springy, like
Persian rugs, and there are simple seats and
shelters, reached by little log bridges, from which
a survey of the whole expanse can be made. Here
and there sheltered bits and mossy nooks are
jewelled or enamelled with Shortias, Sarracenias
and other bog-loving rarities, while along a soft
and moist woodpath under trees in the vicinity
the dainty little Sibthorpia europiea spreads
itself happily over a considerable area. There is
a lake in front of the Castle, formed by the Finn
river and connected with Lough Erne, and the
grounds are noted for their noble trees."

Grafting as a Means of Modifying the
Habits of Plants. — M. Lucien Daniel's
researches concerning the modifications that can
be induced in the habits of plants by grafting,
and that have been communicated to the Comptes
Rendus for May 11, 1903, are thus summed up : —
1. Grafting the annual parts of perennial plants
upon suitable perennials modifies the existence of
these annual parts and prolongs their blooming
season (Composites). 2. Grafting perennials on
annuals in some climates may render the stock
persistent (Giant Tobacco). 3. The nature of the
plants and the swelling of the graft are of great
importance as regards the extent of these pheno-
mena. 4. Grafting does not in all cases ensure
the unmodified preservation of the characteristics
of the graft or of the stock ; it sometimes consi-
derably alters these characteristics. C. Bonnier, in
" Botanisches Centralblatt," No. 36, 1903.

VlOLA PAPILIO. — Under this name we came
across, at Messrs. Truffaut's Nurseries at Ver-
sailles, a pretty Viola for beds or borders, with
rather deep blue flowers and much divided foliage.
It had something the look of V. pedata, but com-
parison was not possible at the time. Anyway
we recommend " Viola papilio " to the notice of
lovers of hardy plants, as this particular variety
we were assured flowers throughout the season.

RUDOLF Falb.— The popular meteorologist
died on September 30 at Schoneberg, near Berlin.
Falb was born on April 13, 1838, in the little
town of Obdach, in Styria, studied theology and
became a Catholic parish priest, but afterwards
went over to the Protestant persuasion. Although
Falb's theories are opposed in scientific circles,
the folk swear by his " Critical Days."

The Annual Dinner of the United Horti-
cultural Benefit and Provident Society, it will be
remembered, is to take place on Tuesday next at
the Holborn Restaurant, when Mr. Peter Barr
will preside. Tickets may be obtained of the
Secretary at 9, Martindale Road, Balham, S.W.

Official Catalogue of the National

CHRY8ANTHEMUM SOCIETY.— A Supplement has
just been issued (price Is.) to the Official Jubilee
Edition of the Catalogue issued in 1896. The
Supplement contains forty-three pages, neatly
and distinctly printed. Selections have been
made and are included in the following thirteen
groups: — Incurved, Japanese, Japanese In-
curved, Hairy, Beflexed, Large Anemones,
Japanese Anemones, Pompons, Pompon Anemones^
Single (large and small flowering), Early Flower-
ing varieties, Spidery - plumed, Feathery and
Fantastic varieties, and Market and Decorative
varieties. Following these sections an alpha-
betical list is given of new Chrysanthemums
raised or sent out since 1896. In the sections
the adjective or Christian name is printed first, as
"Dorothy Pywell " and "Tam O'Shanter," but in
the general list the noun or surname, as the case
may be, appears first, as " Pywell, Dorothy," and
" O'Shanter, Tarn," thus furnishing cross-refer-

ences. A number of varieties that appear in the
selections are not included in the general list,
instances being Winter Queen, Orange Marie
Masse, and Framfield Pink. Presumably all
those included in the selections have been " raised
or sent out since 1896," and should be in the
general list. The pages gain nothing in appear-
ance from the inclusion of a large number of in-
appropriate head and tail-pieces ; at the same
time this supplement is a well-got-up pamphlet,
and is indispensable to exhibitors of Chrys-
anthemums.

The Guernsey Gardeners' Mutual Im-
provement ASSOCIATION are offering a Silver
Challenge Cup, value £10, under the following
conditions : Twenty - four blooms of Japanese
Chrysanthemums, not less than twelve distinct
varieties, to be won any three times, and to be
open to all comers, to be competed for in Class 29
at the Boyal Guernsey Horticultural and Agri-
cultural Society's show, on November 11 and 12,
in the new Market Halls, Guernsey. The Hon.
Secretary is Mr. Frank E. Watson, 16, Haviland
Street, Guernsey.

SALVIA AZUREA.— Mr. Perry, of the Winch-
more Hill Nurseries, has sent us specimens of a
very strong-growing variety of this blue-flowered
species, that perhaps may be grown with greater
ease than the type. It is called grandiflora.

Research Work in Horticulture. — At the
annual meeting of the Society of American Florists
and Ornamental Horticulturists (sic), at Milwau-
kee, on September 20, Mr. William Scott, of Buf-
falo, read a resolution, which was adopted, asking
the Department of Agriculture at Washington to
build greenhouses, as some of its experimental
work, and to attempt to solve the problems of
the florists in plant nutrition, propagation, and
culture, as it did the farmers' problem. The
Agricultural Department has greenhouses and
makes a superb floral display in its home grounds,
but it might well go much further. If it be
suggested that the element of utility is lacking,
because flowers are not edibles, we reply that all
things which minister to the love of beauty, all
things that refine and elevate the mind, are
useful. There is practical utility in any and all
agencies for improving the race. The aesthetic
sense may quite as properly receive the attention
of the Department of Agriculture as the appetite
for hog and hominy. An art which develops one
of the most beautiful flowers from a common
pasture weed is not to be lightly esteemed,
Washington Post.

Publications Received. — Beautiful Flowering

Trees and Shrubs, by John Weathers. London : Simp-
kin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd.— Culture of
Hardy Tree and Bush Fruits. By E. K. Toogood, Too,
good & Sons, Southampton, price 6d.— Nature Notes-
October. —Bird Notes and News, October. — Annual Re-
port of the Government Botanic Gardens a?id Parks, the
Nilgiris, July. Details much good work and improve-
ments made. Many experiments were made with
rubber-yieldiDg plants, and with a view to the improve-
ment of the Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana).—
The Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Victoria,
July. Contents : Introductory Note to the Year's
Forage Experiments, Sir W. Wallace ; Cooperative
Forage Experiments in Southern Victoria, F. J. Howell ;
Agricultural Society as an Educational Medium, H.
Pye; Variety Tests of Wheat, D. Mi- Alpine; Victorian
Fruit in London, F. M. Sinclair, &a.— The Agricultural
Gazette of New South Wales, August. Contents : Diseases
of Plants, N. A. Cobb; Strawberries and Potash Salts;
Crops from Experimental Seeds, Haywood Bros. ; So-
called Native Fodder Plants not always Edible, .1. H.
Maiden, *tc— Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa, Canada,
Plum-culture, W. T. Maeoun.— The Queensland Agricul-
tural Journal, August. Conlents : Soighum Poisoning,
Desirable Improvements in the Cultivation of Maize,
Utility of Motor Cars and Light Tramways for Agricul-
tural Districts, Science and Fruit Culture, and various
other articles on crops and stock.— Twenty-eighth Annual
Report of the City of Boiton Department of Parks, to
January 31, 1903. Mentions various additions to and
enlargements of open spaces, and gives illustrations of
some of the successful plantations.

BOOK NOTICE.

A Short Treatise on Carnation Growing

FOR PLEA8URE AND PROFIT. By R. F.
Felton, F.R.H.S. Price 6d. Published by
Robinson, Pickering & Hunt, St. Dunstan's
Hill, E.C.
Though Mr. Felton writes his treatise on Car-
nation-growing as a source of pleasure as well as
profit, it was scarcely necessary for him to " touch
somewhat severely " on the culture of the flakes
and bizarres for exhibition purposes, seeing that
these types of Carnations have a great fascination
for a large number of persons, and especially for
those of the artizan classes who have small
gardens with the means of protecting the plants
during winter. Mr. Felton may not be aware of
the fact that the demand for named exhibition
Carnations is a very large one, and that the
production of such plants is really an important
industry. He is, however, bound to admit "that
Carnation lovers of all classes owe a great debt
of gratitude to this type of growers, as but for
their early efforts we should never have had our
lovely Carnations of to-day." To write of the
Malmaison Carnation as of " general inutility "
savours of prejudice ; nor is it correct to state
that it is " a flower for the richer classes
only," as many amateurs with small gardens-
cultivate it successfully. To large numbers, the-
size of the blooms of the Malmaison Carnation is-
one of its chief recommendations ; and it has been,
andean be employed with marked success in floral
decorations. One sign of the estimation in
which the type is held is the remarkable growth
in the number of new varieties of late years. If it
be true that in order to get the best results a house
must be devoted entirely to the cultivation of
the Malmaison Carnation, that "they will not
even do with Tree Carnations, as the successful
wintering of ' Trees ' would be fatal to your Mal-
maisons ; add to the fact that a good man must
be employed to grow them, as an ordinary all-
round gardener knows nothing whatever about
them," these are by no means evils; they
afford employment to many specialists, and add
considerably to the volume of trade done in.
flowers. One might object to the cultivation of
Orchids on similar grounds. Mr. Felton atones
for his depreciation of the Malmaison by furnish-
ing some useful suggestions for the successful,
culture of the type, and furnishes a list of the
most saleable and profitable kinds to grow. And
he supplies the following suggestive statistics,
supplied by one of his growers, of a year's v.ork
in a house 36 feet by 15 feet 6 inches with no
artificial heat, and within 5i miles of St. Paul's
Cathedral, which he states will speak for them-
selves as to the possibility of growing Malmaisons
for profit : —

"January to February, house only opened
twice ; March, commenced careful watering, and
plants began to move; June 26 to July 19, cut-
over £50 worth of blooms ; September, sold
nearly £30 of rooted layers in 60 pots, and pro-
pagated enough to fill another house 30 feet by
9 feet."

In the face of such statistics, it is as words-
spoken in haste to assert that the Malmaison is a
flower of general inutility ; it is actually one of
considerable commercial importance. Mr. Felton
praises highly the border and fancy Carnations,
which give pleasure to rich and poor alike, and
he acknowledges the valuable work done by Mr.
Martin R. Smith in furnishing so many fascinat-
ing improvements. His highest praise is given
to the Tree-Carnations, and that mainly because
of their commercial value. That there has been
an immense development in the culture of long-
stemmed Carnations for decorative purposes in
late years is undeniable. Certain varieties,
adapted for the purpose, such as Mrs. Leopold de-
Rothschild, Royalty, Madame Melba, Day Dream,.

Mrs. T. W. Lawson, La Beaute, Innocence, &c,
are grown in immense quantities, many of them in
small pots, ■with one or two main steins of blos-
soms. This method of culture is carried out in
large establishments ; it is the quantity produced
•which makes the business remunerative. The
•point is to grow certain sorts which produce their
Wooms on long stems — stems from 2J to 3i feet
in length. What exquisite vases of long-stemmed
•Carnations Mr. Dutton and others have produced
at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural
Society ! But they are the products of special
•culture, quite beyond the means of the private
gardener.

Mr. Felton points out the advantages derived
<from growing Tree Carnations ; they flower from
April till November without any heat whatever,
and given a minimum temperature of 40°, a
rgentle succession of flowers can be looked for
during the winter months. Flowers are popular
or otherwise according to the fluctuations of
fashionable preferences, but the garden Carna-
•tion, which is found in beds and borders, will ever
"be a source of delight to those who cultivate
. -them ; and there is reason to be grateful for
■every addition which makes for the increased
popularity of the flower.

DEVONSHIRE GARDENS.

Powderham. — Within an area of some 10 or 15
amies as the crow flies, and forming points of an
irregular triangle, cut through on its western side
toy the broad estuary of the river Exe, which at this
point is about a mile and a half wide, but widening
still more as it flows into the open sea at Ex-
onouth, are three notable estates, each situated in
the midst of the most beautiful scenery for which
(Devon is famed. The three estates are those of
Powderham, Nutwell Court, and Bystock.

The most notable and interesting, whether con-
sidered historically, topographically, or on account
•of the many noble trees with which the park
abounds, is Powderham, the ancient seat of the
.Earls of Devon ; and though in these days, when
misfortune has fallen upon the old castle with its
park and pleasure-grounds, its unique position,
history, and fine trees will ever make it a place
•of note and a place to see.

The situation of Powderham is in every way
beautiful, occupying as it does the whole of an
•extensive range of hilly ground, rising from the
toanks of the river, along the edge of which, how-
-ever, the Great Western Railway runs on its way
from Exeter to Starcross, Dawlish, and Teign-
mouth. The nearest point of access to Powder-
ham by rail is the first-named station, which is
■within a few hundred yards of one of the lodges.
From Exinouthitis also easy pf access by a steam-
launch, which runs at stated times between
Exmouth and Starcross. It is a long drive from
"this lodge to the castle, through some pretty
parts of the park, with fine clumps of evergreen
Oaks dispersed here and there, and many well-
grown individual trees of Sequoia gigantea, Copper
.Beech, and many others somewhat more common,
but all equally flourishing.

From a distance the castle has the usual air of
solidity and grim antiquity so closely associated
with the ancestral homes of those whose names
are as keystones to English history. Built about
1300, the building has had many vicissitudes,
and has suffered, perhaps, more at the hands of
would-be reformers and restorers than at the
hands of time itself. The oldest part of the
building is the north-west tower, and perhaps the
most modern, as a whole, the dining-hall, the
interior of which is more pleasing than the
;exterior. It was built about 183" or 1838, and
the style of architecture and decoration adopted
is Perpendicular. Portraits of the Courtenay
family through several generations adorn the
■walls of most of the rooms.

We might linger over the treasures to be
found in other parts of the castle, such as the
library, with its old and valuable collection of
books, or upon the building itself ; but our visit
was more especially to the park and grounds, for
of gardens there is none in the ordinary accept-
ance of the term as applied to the surroundings
of the ancestral houses of the English nobility, as
the castle has not been inhabited by any member
of the Devon family for some years. The present
Earl, who at the time of writing is celebrating
his ninety-third year, is Rector of Powderham,
and lives at the rectory, the whole of the estate
being let to a private tenant.

Leaving the castle by the great door on the ri ver
front we have immediately before us, across the

■45 feet high, with a number of thick, almost
horizontal branches, both trunk and branches
being thickly clothed with cork of very fantastic
formation, in some places with deep furrows, and
in others with thick overlapping plates. Close
by is an enormous Pinus excelsa, full of its long
tassel-like cones, and an equally fine Cryptomeria
japonica. Thuyopsis dolabrata is well repre-
sented by a number of trees, some of which are
very large and perfectly shaped. Of these the
highest is 30 feet 4 inches, the diameter of the
branches 24 feet 8 inches, girth of trunk at 3 feet
from the ground 2 feet 8 inches. At Penjerrick,
in the adjoining county, there is, I am told, a
tree that is 40 feet in height. Thuya occidentalis
also forms a fine tree. A specimeu some 45 feet

Fig. 123. — new apple middle green (frogmore prolific x blenheim orange).

Raised by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, and fully described on p. 279 of our last issue.

broad expanse of water, a view of Lympstone ; on
the left a view of Nutwell Court, the seat of Lady
Eliott Drake ; and on the right a view of Exmouth.
On this front is a splendid Oleander of considerable
height, which produces abundance of flowers, and
of which it is said the late Earl of Devon was
very proud. Close to it, and covering a large
expanse of the front up to a considerable
height, are some old and magnificent plants of
Magnolia grandiflora of the Exmouth variety :
at the time of my visit these plants were full of
flower-buds.

In the grounds contiguous to the castle are
many remarkably fine growths in the way of
trees and shrubs, and the ground being broken
up by a series of steep hills and deep dells and
numerous undulations, every tree can be seen to
full advantage, either from below or above, such,
for instance, as a fine spreading Cork Oak, about

high of Picea Smithiana (Morinda) is remarkable
for its symmetrical form and the regularity of its
graceful branches, many of them being overO feet
in length. The largest Wellingtonia (Sequoia
gigantea) unfortunately lost its leader in a gale
several years ago, added to which some of the
branches have become misshapen ; it has grown,
however, to a height of some 75 feet, and has an
enormous diameter of trunk.

In the American garden, where Rhododendrons
and Camellias abound, are two very large bushes,
which might be better describe 1 as trees, the red
flowers of which are produced in thousands every
season. These plants were said to have been
brought home by Sir Joseph B.mks. la this part
of the grounds is a very remarkable tron of KiK'a-
lyptus eoccifera, about 90 feet high, with
numerous wide-spreading branches, the whole of
which covers a very large area. The tree U

292

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 24, 190&

readily distinguished from the surrounding trees
even at a distance by its smooth pale buff-coloured
bark, as well as by its narrow leaves and abun-
dance of flowers and fruits with which it is clothed
every year, though it does not ripen seed. The
tree was figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle on
p. 789, December 24, 1887. Eucalyptus globulus,
"f course, flourishes and makes a growth of about
6 i feet in ten yeara.

It would take too long to give even a list of all
the fine trees and shrubs which luxuriate in
these favoured grounds, once so well kept, but
now neglected and given over to rabbits
and other "wild fowl." We cannot leave the
grounds, however, without referring to the mag-
nificent view obtained from the top of the Belve-
dere, a square tower built in 1795 on the highest
point of land on the whole estate. The tower
itself is some 150 feet high, and is a prominent
object for miles round. Not only is the distant
view extensive and varied, both inland and
seaward, but the woodland beneath, comprising
the whole of the Powderham estate of some
6,000 acres, forms a charming picture in the
sinking sun of a summer evening.

Btstock.

On the opposite side of the estuary from
Powderham, and about 2 miles north-east of
Exmouth and 4 miles north-west of Budleigh
Salterton, stands Bystock, an estate of some
800 acres, belonging to the family of the late
J. P. Bryce, Esq. Though very beautifully situ-
ated, with glimpses of the distant sea, the river
Exe, and the Haldon Hills on the opposite shore
of the river, the general contour of the whole
place is somewhat flat in comparison with the
country generally in this part of Devon; the
flatnesB is, however, more imaginary than real,
for the whole of the grounds, including those of
the contiguous Marley House, from which Bystock
is separated only by a road, and which belongs to
he same owners, are on the slope of a hill the whole
way from Exmouth, and the mass of trees and
shrubs which forms the background of the man-
sion as seen from the surrounding country is very
picturesque. Bystock however is a modern
estate, and as such lacks much of the interest
that is always associated with those possessing
antiquarian lore. But it has its points of interest
that are not possessed by many other estates of
much greater note. We allude to its remarkable
rockery, which was erected about 1S80 by Messrs.
R. Veitch & Sons, of Exeter, and which was fully
described at pp. 471 and 475 of the Garcl. Chron. for
April 9, 1881. It is probably one of the largest
works ever attempted in the way of cascades,
waterfalls, caverns and suchlike adjuncts to a
rockery. The rustic nature of the surroundings
are carried out even to the extent of a commo-
dious summer-house, built of rough cork in the
form of a huge tree- trunk, or, again, a rustic
bridge spanning a piece of water, the bridge
itself being covered with Clematis, which was in
full flower at the time of my visit.

In a work of this nature and extent the lapse
of years might have been expected to give tone
and reality to the whole ; to a certain extent this
is the case so far as the stones themselves are
concerned, but the want of proper care and atten-
tion to the whole structure, including the water
supply, and particularly the plants which go to
make such a structure a success, is painfully
apparent ; for evil days have fallen upon Bystock,
and the place having been shut up for some years,
and since let, the expense of the upkeep of the
garden department has been much curtailed, with,
of course, the inevitable result of decay and
neglect. Notwithstanding this, the rockery, even
in its present condition, is the chief attraction
of Bystock; but there are other features which
make it a place worth seeing — such, for
instance, as a curved pergola, some 3C0 feet

long, covered entirely with healthy young Horn-
beams, the bright green of the early summer
leaves breaking the power of the sun's rays into
a pleasant subdued light, and imparting a cool
temperature. Another pergola covered a walk
leading to the house, various plants being used to
cover it, the chief of which were different varie-
ties of climbing Roses. In the ornamental ponds
we noticed, besides the usual Bulrushes and
Water-Lilies, several plants in flower of Richardia
africana, which had stood out all through the
winter and had braved the severe frosts of Easter
week. Over the stone balustrade, extending the
entire length of the terraced flower-garden, Vitis
inconstans (Ampelopsis Veitchii) was growing, the
deep red tint of the leaves having a very pleasing
effect in the sun, especially when looking along
the whole length of the terrace.

Though some portions of the estate are prettily
wooded, there are but few individual trees upon
which to comment, except a remarkably fine
Pinus insignis which stands on one side of the
lawn, covering a very wide area with its spreading
branches. The view from this terrace over the
town of Exmouth to the sea, and along the coast
towards Berry Head, lends a charm to this part
of the garden not to be obtained in far inland
places. John R. Jackson, Claremont, Lympstone,
Devon.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

FLOWERING BAMBOOS.— Considerable interest
has evidently been aroused among the gardening
fraternity this year owing to the flowering of
Arundinarias all over England ; and I have read
with interest the articles and notes on the
subject that have appeared in the pages of the
Gardeners' Chronicle. One of your correspondents
remarks on the similarity of the seed of Arundi-
naria to Oats. It will possibly be of interest to
him and others to hear the use that the seed of
Arundinarias is put to in Ceylon, where there
are several varieties found. The seed is gathered
by the natives and prepared for eating just as
they do their native paddy or Rice; and the
Bamboo seed is considered rather a treat or
luxury. The name for the seed in Singalese is
"oona haal," which, being interpreted, means
" Bamboo Rice." So that in likening the seed to
Oats your correspondent was not far out. The
great clumps of Bamboos here present a grand
appearance, growing alongside the streams and
overhanging the rivers ; and the giant Bamboos
by the water at the Peradeniya Botanic Gardens
are something to be seen. The tenacity to life
of the Bamboo must be considerable; Bamboo
poles and rods used in our garden as trellis-work
or supports for Allamanda, Stephanotis, &c, are
sprouting into leaf at the joints, though the rods
looked quite dried and dead when put in the
ground. A small length of Bamboo, pretty
large in circumference, split longitudinally,
makes a capital receptacle for hanging plants,
and looks well ; they are largely used out here in
Ceylon. I. Etherington, Colombo, Ceylon.

SCARCITY OF MUSHROOMS — There has been
a very remarkable scarcity of Mushrooms in all
parts of this county and on the downs this year.
Would some of your correspondents kindly explain
the matter 'i F. W. Cartwright, Aynho, Banbury.

BORDER CHRYSANTHEMUMS. — I have sent
you some early-flowering Chrysanthemums for
inspection, which have been raised in Cranford
especially for market-growers. The named va-
rieties were put into commerce last year, and
those unnamed have been cut from seedlings
raised last year and during the present season.
All the plants are growing in the ground (the
whites and yellows only are protected with lights),
thus showing their hardiness and ability to stand
even the present bad weather (October 13). G.
Shawyer, Hounslow. [We are surprised to see
such good quality in flowers grown out-of-doors
in the present wet season. Many of them are
5 and C inches across, and of bright colours. Some
of the named ones are Yellow Prince, Rev. A. H.

Wright, bronze and red colours ; Nelly Blake, a
very nice reflexed flower of bright-red colour ;
Black Prince, a crimson flower with buff reverse-,
and others. But these are not better than several
of the seedlings yet unnamed, and the collection
is one that illustrates what a good plant the
Chrysanthemum now is for decorating the open
garden in October. They are hardier and will
flower later than Dahlias. Ed.]

RHABDOTHAMNUS 80LANDRI. — Messrs. Le-
moine are now offering plants of the above-
named curious and also apparently beautiful
shrubby Gesnerad, which is fully described by
Sir Joseph Hooker on p. 221 of his Handbook of
the Flora of New Zealand, where he says it; is a
native of the northern island, and is a slender
hispid and pubescent shrub, with opposite leaves-
and flowers solitary or in pairs, which are light
orange in colour, longitudinally striped with,
brown, and somewhat resembling in shape those
of a Tydaea. In its native country it grows to a
height of from 2 to 4 feet. This should, I think,
prove quite an acquisition to our gardens, and
may, as so many New Zealand plants have done,
prove hardy enough to live out through the winter
in mild localities. Even should it not prove
hardy, it ought to be worth room in a greenhouse.
W. E. Gumbleton.

NERINES. — I have now coming into beautiful.-
bloom in my greenhouse Nerine ingeus hort.
Leichtlin, which I think quite the largest pip and
the deepest shade of carmine I have ever seen in
this beautiful genus. I have three spikes in my
pot. The pure white form, N. flexuosa alba, is
also coming into flower for the second time with1
me, but much earlier than usual, as last year it
did not come in till mid-November. I also hope
to bloom early in the new year two new varieties
of Nerine — one, Lucida, which evidently belongs
to a different section of the family, as its foliage
is still green; and another not yet named or
identified at Kew, which has only quite recently,
gone to rest. W. E. Gumbleton.

REVERSION IN SEEDLING ODONTOGLOS8UMS.
— I read with great interest the communication
from Mr. De B. Crawshay in your issue of the
10th inst. re " Odontoglossum seedlings," but on
carefully considering it I am somewhat puzzled
to know exactly what he is trying to prove,
inasmuch as the first half of his letter tells us we-
must not expect seedlings from blotched parents
to give us anything but a plain progeny, whilst
the second portion of the same seems to insist
with great emphasis that it is when the seed-
bearing parent is an unspotted O. crispum the
seedlings all prove their great prepotency to
revert to plain forms, notwithstanding the pollen-
parent being blotched. May I ask him to say
which he is anxious to prove ? Is it that spotted
parents on both sides do not reproduce themselves,,
or that if one parent is an unspotted O. crispum
they show the tendency so strongly to reversion
to this type only? The answer to above will
much oblige. Richard Ashworth.

CONING OF ARAUCARIA IMBRICATA.— I have
lately gathered fertile seeds from a tree growing,
in the Pinetum here. Is this not somewhat un-
usual for such a season as the present one ? I
enclose three seeds. It may interest some of
your readers to know that the famous Araucaria
still stands ; very few branches have fallen up to-
the present time, though it is exposed to south-
westerly winds, of which we have had our share
recently. About 100 yards away is growing an- <
other tree of this kind, which bids fair to rival
the old one in point of size. It is also a very
symmetrical tree. C. Page, Dropmore Gardens.
[The female cone was formed last year, and.
ripened this. Ed.]

kew HAND-LISTS. — I have not seen the
Gardeners' Chronicle since August, but I am told
that displeasure is felt at my suggestion (in
the case of a few specific names) of the possi-
bility of "carelessness in proof-reading or in
compilation " in the new Kew Hand-Lists. I,
in common with every gardener, owe a debt of
gratitude for the issue of these much - needed
Lists, and if I have said aught concerning'
them that has offended the authorities IJ am.
sorry. H. M. Batson, October 20, 1903.

October 24, 1903.]$

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

293

THE NEW POTATO, SUTTONS' DI8COVERY.—

The new Potato, Discovery, sent out last spring,
has proved here to be an exceptionally heavy
cropping variety. While all others were badly
infested with disease, Discovery stood out promi-
nently. From 1 lb. of seed, each tuber was cut
into eyes, I have just lifted 115 lb. of good sound
tubers. It is a Potato that I can confidently recom-
mend to all market and large growers of Potatos.
H. Welch, The Gardens, Rowdeford House, Devizes.

My Discovery Potatos are doing well. A

tenant of mine, who got 6 lb., has raised 6 cwt.
2 qr. 10 lb. He says he saw no sign of blight.
W. F. Atkinson, Dunsby.

THE PROPAGATION OF NORTHERN STAR. —

Nothing but praise and that of the very highest
is forthcoming for this admirable Potato. Whether
or not it will retain the high character formed of
it is doubtful when we consider the means taken
to propagate it. Many tons will be sold this
season, which will be the produce of propagation
by cuttings, and although probably the crop so
produced will give satisfaction to the grower this
season, I maintain and from experience state
that this system is wrong, and can only have one
ending — rapid degeneracy. Referring to this
method Mr. Findlay says :— " That everything
possible should be done to put a stop to this
pernicious innovation." Surely a warning like
this from such an expert will doubtless decide
many purchasers to ask for a guarantee, when
procuring seeds of this fine variety, that the
crop was grown from tubers and not from
cuttings. C. E. C.

THE WHITE- FLOWERED TOAD - FLAX.— This
dainty form of the ordinary purple-flowered type
is very beautiful as seen dangling from old walls
or rocks on which it delights to grow. Some
weeks ago at Warwick I found the soft yellow
sandstone walls of the old east gate most beauti-
fully draped with the white variety, which, apart
from its flowers, is of a lighter green colour, and
produces an effect quite distinct to that of the
purple type. The latter is very abundant just at
present on the old brick walls at Hampton Court.
As is well known, its presence on old brickwork
shrines in Italy has earned for it the name of
"Erba della Madonna," and I have heard it called
" Kenil worth Ivy," but did not see it on the ruins
there. Linaria cymbalaria var. alba is a dainty
but by no means an uncommon plant in gardens,
but I have never seen it so luxuriant and effective
in its beauty as it was on the old gate at War-
wick, and it would be interesting to know how it
became established so beautifully there. F. W.'
Burbidge.

SEDUM SPECTABILE. — I am sending you a
few flowers of Sedum spectabile atropurpureum,
with flowers of the common variety for com-
parison. When growing beside Sedum specta-
bile, it makes it look quite a worthless plant. It
is not new, but is remarkably scarce. Amos Perry.

RAI8ING CABBAGES AND CELERY.— In reply
to " J. D." in a recent Oardeners' Chronicle,! fail
to see why he wants to build glasshouses to grow
Cabbage and Celery. Christchurch is situate in
what may be termed sunny England, and the
climate admits of the growing of Cabbage and
Celery, the former the entire year, the latter for
for fully five months. A pit with a flow and return
pipe, making a slight hotbei at one end to raise
the Celery-plants and prick them out, would
suffice. The number required— Lettuces. Endive,
Radishes, Mustard and Cress, Mushrooms,
Spinach, Globe Beet, early Turnips, early
Marrows, and also Strawberries for second early
use— could be grown much better in pits heated
with flow-and-return pipes along the front. No
cool house would be needed for any of the above.
Low span houses would be needed for Tomatos,
Cucumbers, or Melons. The houses most suitable
for the above might be constructed 18 feet
in width and 100 feet in length, with four rows
of 4-inch pipes for Tomato - growing, and six
rows for Cucumber, Melon, and Grape-culture.
Peaches could be grown successfully in houses
similar to those recommended for Tomatos.
Strawberries in pots could be grown on shelves
in the houses, as also thousands of bedding-

plants. I should strongly recommend " J. D." to
erect his houses in one block, and have one frame
erected against the last house, and erect the pits
in rows, with sufficient room between them
for wheel or hand-barrows to pass each other.
They should be G feet wide, with flow and return
along the front. There are several good appa-
ratus on the market ; the tubular-saddle or Robin
Hood I can strongly recommend. If " J. D." has
only 2 acres at his command, I should strongly
advise him to put glass on 1 acre, and keep the
other for summer vegetables and as preparatory
ground. If "J. D." requires any other infor-
mation I shall be very pleased to give it. R. Poole,
Blackstones, Redhill, Surrey.

AUTUMN-FRUITING STRAWBERRIES. — A few

days after the reading of Mr. Jas. Hudson's
paper at the Drill Hall on these fruits I was at
Gunnersbury House gardens and saw how very
strong they were and how freely many of the
plants were fruiting on a narrow south border.
That was on October 17 ; but I noticed that all
the then most fruitful plants were covered with
large bell-glasses standing on three or four
pieces of brick. This form of protection may
not be essential in ordinary autumns, but seemed
to be called for this wet season. The protection
might also be useful in keeping birds from
molesting the fruits. But it would not be
possible for bell-glasses of this kind, both costly
and fragile, to be provided by all classes of
growers, however easy it is to obtain and to
grow the plants ; and I could but think that it
would be cheaper and better, assuming that the
plants remain on the border till the third year, that
at the end of August they should be lifted with
plenty of soil attached, and be blocked fairly close
together into temporary wood-frames, so that the
leafage come* close to the glass. In that way
fairly cheap protection could be furnished, and
when the fruiting was over the plants could be
thrown away ; whilst the frame, having some
short manure added to the soil, could be effec-
tively used for cultivating Endive, and after
that was over be tilled with Cabbage, Cauli-
flower and Lettuce plants raised under glass for
planting in March or April outside. When the
Strawberry plants were put into the frames they
need not be covered with lights for a few weeks,
as the primary object should be to keep them
long or late in fruit. The varieties which I saw
at Gunnersbury House under the bell-glasses
were St. Joseph, St. Antojne and Oregon. By
growing these varieties and affording ordinary
methods of culture, late autumn Strawberries
should not be difficult to obtain. A. D.

THE RECENT GARDENERS' DINNER.— I trust
next week, after my committee have again met, to
furnish your readers, so many of whom I know
are anxious to learn how the accounts stand,
the balance in hand, and its disposal. In the
meantime, in reply to Mr. Divers' recent letter
to you, and similar ones that have come to me from
other gardeners, I would say that the committee
have not contemplated remaining en perma-
nence, but have felt that with the settlement of
the accounts their labours were over. Whether
as a committee they may next Tuesday care to
consider Mr. Divers' suggestion or not I do not
know. But it must be admitted that one cause
of the success of the recent dinner as a great
gathering of gardeners was the comparative
rarity of the event. Were such gatherings to be
held annually I fear they would soon lack
interest, and would be voted commonplace. 1
should however like to see such a gathering, pre-
ceded on the day by a gardeners' conference on
subjects of special interest, held once in three
years; but such gatherings should be for gar-
deners alone. A. Dean.

CLUBBING IN BRASSICAS.— In your reply to a
correspondent in the Gardeners' Chronicle of
September 19, there are extracts from a previous
communication of Mr. Massce. It is stated that
the germs of the fungus are hungered out if the
soil is kept free from Crucifers for four years.
This is directly opposed to my experience, for the
worst case of clubbing that has come under my
notice occurred this year in a piece of ground
that for twenty years had been planted with
Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, and once with Potatos.

Separated from it by a walk is another piece that
has been cropped with late Cauliflowers and
Broad Beans alternately, excepting twice with
Celery, and there is nothing to complain of. I
conclude Mr. Massee has not had severe cases to
deal with. The lime preventive is an old one and
sounds very well in theory, but does not work out in
practice. Some years ago a farmer told me that
he had a field with a roadway through it, and his
Cabbages clubbed on one side and not the other.
He had applied fresh slaked lime and gas-lime
with no benefit. Some years ago I cleared some
Raspberries, dug the soil deeply, and manured it,
and planted it with Savoys, and they all clubbed.
I trenched and planted it again with the same
the following year. I threw out shallow trenches
and covered the surface of every alternate one
with fresh slaked lime, and forked it in, and was
rewarded by seeing all clubbing, so I planted it
with Black Currant trees and Rhubarb. The
Brassica family do well after Rhubarb, also after
Strawberries. I have not been able to prevail on
my employer to try gas-lime, but a committee of
the Lancashire County Council experimented with
it and fresh slaked lime and a number of other
substances on a piece of badly-infested land neir
Ormskirk. The crops were Cauliflowers, early
and late Brussels-Sprouts, early and late Cab-
bage, and Swedes. All details may be spared by
stating that not one of the dressings achieved a
cure. Every plant examined was clubbed, and
the general yield miserably poor. W. P. R ,
Preston.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

The Chiswick Conference.

vegetables for market.

(Concluded from p. 278.)
Mr. W. Lobjoit, of Twickenham, followed with a
paper on " Vegetables for Market " (tn place of Mr.
Poupart). He said it would not be questioned that the
supply of fresh vegetable food was an important
factor in maintaining healthy life in large cities. Yet
scarcely anyone would deny that the methods for dis-
tributing vegetables among our population are ludi-
crously inefficient, failing most where cheap and rapid
distribution was most needed — namely, when the
supply was abundant and cheap, interposing between
the consumer and the grower unnecessary changes of
hands, and sometimes re-carriage over the same road.
London, in area and in population, had outgrown the
system that served to dispose of the limited sup-
plies that came in on the carts and barrows of the
market gardeners who tilled the fertile lands of
Stepney, Bermondsey, Vauxhall, Chelsea, Fulham.and
Battersca, and were sufficient to meet the needs of the
small population when the Georges reigned. It was
hardly possible to-day to conceive of the state of tilings
when Vauxhall Bridge was bordered by market-gar-
dens, when Stamford Street was a walk through flower-
gardens, and when there was no oversea supply. Now
there was scarcely a market-garden left within 10 miles
of Covent Garden, and very soon the radius would be
20 miles ; and cultivators as far south as the Antipodes,
as far west as San Francisco, and as far east as Japan
were looking to England, and above all to London, as
the chief market for their produce. Yet the market
area of London had not appreciably enlarged. Green-
grocers from the suburbs drive their vans in to take
hick producewhich a few hours previously was carried
along the roads, perhaps passing their own doors. It
was still the greengrocer's policy to sell a limited
quantity at high profit. Would not the draper do the same
if he had to fetch his goods in his own conveyance from a
market 5 or 6 miles away, and be up in the early hours to
do it? Who has not heard that certain vegetables were
very dear or not procurable, while the same kinds
had been shot out upon the stones at the market for
the scavenger to cleir— unsaleable ? The coster-
mongers performed an invaluable service to the
Metropolis by bringing supplies of vegetables that
were abundant at cheap pricos within reach of the
dwellers in thickly .populated areas, and even to
suburban streets their voice has i 'cnetiatcd, much to the
chagrin of the highly-rated greengrocer. It was to be
hoped that in those metropolitan districts whore tho
coster quostion wa9 acuto the authorities would bear
In mind the highly importaut part tho coster played
In supplying fresh and wholesome vegetable food at

294

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[OCTOBBB 24, 1903.

cheap prices to the masses, and while making a proper
regulation o! the highways, would provide the
coster with ample facilities for carrying on his calling.
Who that had seen the dried, drooping, melancholy
specimens of vegetables exposed for sale in the
shop of some small suburban greengrocer had not
wished for some means for bringing an end to this
libel upon the market vegetable ? There was as much
difference between shoe-leal her and Cabbage as there
was between this stale outcast of the Brassica tribe
and the succulent Cabbage cut fresh from the garden.
Could they wonder that the English were not the vege-
table-eatiDg people they should be ? The system of
direct delivery to the shop of the retailer was slowly
growing. Perhaps with the extension of motor traction
it might become easier. The increase of local mnnicipal
markets like that at Brentford would be a great help.
They would lessen the distance between grower and
buyer, and this nearness would induce retailers to
attend the market oftener, instead of getting a two
days' supply in one. What he had said applied to
London, but a number of Northern and Midland towDs
were even worse supplied with fresh vegetables than
London. Two tendencies might be noticed as having
been at work in recent years among cultivators of
market vegetables, each possibly an effect of the same
economic cause. The one was the cheapening
of the methods of the cultivator ; the other the
tendency to increase the variety of crops grown. At
the same time the forcing of some crops had been
almost entirely discontinued, and others had in some
cases increased enormously. A change was coming
over the methods of packing vegetables and sending
them to market. In this connection he said that the
genius who would invent a machine for washing
Radishes, which would reduce the cost by the fraction
of a penny, wouli deserve honour even though he did
not make money. The growers of market vegetables
might \ edivided into two classes— those who alternated
vegetable crops with corn and agricultural roots, and
those who practised intensive cultivation, and devoted
themselves exclusively to market garden crops. In
thinking of market vegetables, their thoughts naturally
ran to that fearful and wonderful production, the
seedsman's catalogue. How many nightmares had it
been guilty of inflicting upon bewildered market gar-
deners when it arrived at the opening of the year with
its "novelties," "select strains," and "proved speci-
alities" flanked by superlative testimonials and sup-
ported by lifelike photographs ! In a catalogue before
him there were 116 different sorts of Peas named, 29
sorts of Beet, 60 sorts ot Lettuce, excluding subdivi-
sions. Of course, like the hotel list of wines, all were
distinct sorts, all were in stock, and no fortifying was
resorted to.

It was a peculiar thing that certain varieties of vege-
table would sell on one market and not upon another.
As an instance, Maltese Cabbage - Lettuce was a
favourite in the Midlands, but in London that variety
was unsaleable, being regarded as too coarse. The
smaller and more compact varieties were preferred by
the dainty appetites to be catered for iu the Metro-
polis. A word might be said about the inordinate
rage for size. Why, for instance, a gross, coarse, giant
head of Celery, with leaf-stems that eat like rope yarn,
should be preferred to the crisp, nutty, fine-flavoured
but small one, was difficult to understand ; or why a
Parsnip which must be cut before being cooked
should be selected for its size, which must
often mean coarseness, was also a mystery
Yet "best "in the market terminology always meant
" largest." The Londoner did seem to know that a big
Radish was pithy. Iu nothing among vegetables was
the rage for size more remarkable than in the Cos
Lettuce. Large Cos Lettuce this summer had been
selling at is. 6d. a dozen, when smaller ones could with
difficulty be disposed of at M. per score of twenty-two.
And yet who ever saw a Cos Lettuce sent to table
whole ? In the case of the Tomato the demand for fruit
of a moderate size came not from the consumer, but
from the retailer, who found that with large Tomatos
it was so difficult to get the exact pound weight,
that he frequently had to give over - weight — the
practice not yet being in vogue of charging for the
additional ounces as it was among the butchers. There
were some vegetables which would probably never
obtain a permanent place in the list of English
market vegetables, owing to the precarious nature of
our climate . He instanced Corn Cobs of Maize, and the
fruit of the Purple Egg-plant, called by the French "Au.
bergines." In the matter of Endive the English growers
never seemed to be able to keep pace with their Conti-
nental competitors.

While enterprise, skill, and study had done much
both to improve the character, increase the variety,
and develop upon right lines the cultivation of
vegetables, much more remained to be done. Some
that were acceptable upon our tables but would
not stand the rigours of our climate might yet, by
careful selection and judicious crossing, be led to
develop the necessary hardihood and vigour. The
industry was without doubt an important one, both
from the point of view of the public health and of the
large amount of labour it employed, to say nothing of
the increased rent land used for market gardening was
privileged to earn for its owner. With the continual
growth of the population, home-grown vegetables
could not recede in importance, whether the whirligig
of politics brings us a change in fiscal policy or not.
Yet the market gardener remained the agricultural
pariah. The Central Chambers of Agriculture had
no time to devote to such insignificant items as
fruit and vegetable growing. The Department of Agri-
culture had not made up its mind whether " market
gardener "is a term which represents a distinct calling.
This was not to be wondered at when a great Society,
which should be nameless, failed to provide a single
class in its schedule where in any of its shows the
market gardeners could compete among themselves,
and some demonstration be afforded the public of how
the fruits and vegetables which they got were sent to
market. Doubtless the same public was more inte-
rested in the manner in which the fruit and vegetable
world supplied the quota to the menu of the millionaire
and the aristocrat. Reverting to the market accommo-
dation, the grower who sent his goods to any London
market and sold them himself had still, like bis
predecessors centuries ago, to sell his goods upon un-
covered stands, exposed to all weathers. He could
have no security in his market tenancy, nor any good-
will ; and while obliged to transact his business in the
small hours of the morning, he must put up with what
apology for light he could get.

On the motion of the Chairman a vote of thanks was
accorded to the readers of the papers. It was stated
that other papers on the cooking of vegetables, by Dr.
Bonavia and Mr. James Hudson, would not be read,
but would be printed in the official record of the pro-
ceedings.

Scientific Committee.

October 13.— Present : Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S. (in
the Chair); Messrs. Saunders, Worsdell, Massee,
Gordon, and Holmes; Drs. Rendle and Cooke; Revs.
W. Wilks and G. Henslow (Hon. Sec).

Male Figs— Dr. Masters observed that he had several
instances of Figs sent to him that failed to ripen.
They were remarkable for containing entirely male
flowers; ordinary Figs being entirely female, but
ripening without fertilisation, except in the case of the
Smyrna Figs, which require " caprification."

Potato Disease.— Dr. Cooke replied to enquiries as to
the transmission of the mycelium from the leaves
down the stem being the only means of reaching the
tuber. His opinion was that the disease may be com-
municated direct to the tubers while young and with a
delicate skin, or when bruised or wounded.

Clematis Parasite.— Re also reported on a new disease
which Mr. Chittenden named Ovularia clematidis and
exhibited at the last meeting. Dr. Cooke supplied a
technical description of the fungus, and adds : " No
experiments have been made to check this parasite.
If it should establish itself, it would be well to try
flowers-of-BUlphur at first, and if this be not successful
to use Bordeaux-mixture."

Vegetable Monstrosities.— Mr. Wobsdell exhibited a
spray ol Pelargonium with foliaceous bracts at the base
of the umbel, and a fasciated peduncle ; also flower-
heads of Scabiosa purpurea with proliferous axis. Mr.
Wilks observed that this is particularly common on
German plants.

Lilae injured by insects.— Mr. Gorhon showed branches
attacked by some insect, on which Mr. Saunders had
reported as follows :— " The Lilac-leaves were injured
by the caterpillars of a small moth, one of the Tineina.
The caterpillars had taken their departure from the
leaves, and had no doubt buried themselves in the
ground beneath the bush and become chrysalides
within a couple of inches of the surface. I should
recommend that a good dressing of kainit should be
given, and that it should be chopped in with a hoe ;
this would probably kill a number of them. When the
leaves are opening in the spring another dressing
would be useful to prevent the moths making their
way to the surface."

Warty disease o/ Potatos.—Mr. Gordon also exhibited
Potatos badly attacked by Chrysophlyctis endobiotica

(see Gardeners' Chronicle, 1903, p. 187, fig. 81). This
fungus was introduced from the Continent, and first
appeared in Cheshire. It has completely destroyed
crops in allotments this year in Nottinghamshire.

Wound parasite of Apple-trees. — Dr. Cooke also re-
ported upon some examples brought by Mr. Chittenden.
The fungus is Hydnum Schiedermayeri. It formed a
strip of about i feet in length growing through the
bark. This fungus is said to be very destructive to
Apple-trees, the spores entering through a wound in
the bark.

Tomentum on Vine-leaves.— Dr. Bonavia sent leaves to
show how closely natural woolliness, or tomentum,
resembled the red-spider's web, and that it was im-
possible to distinguish between them by the naked
eye. Mr. Saunders observes — "I should not think it
could be possible for anyone to distinguish between
the tomentum on the leaves and the web spun by the
red spiders with the naked eye, unless the webs only
covered parts of the leaves, in which case the under-
sides of the leaves would have a patchy appearance ;
but the similarity between the web and the tomentum
is so great, that otherwise no ordinary eye could detect
the difference. Under the microscope the threads of
the tomentum are twisted, and do not lie so straight as
the threads of the webs."

YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS' UNION
FUNGUS FORAY.

Sept. S6 to Oct. 1.— The annual Foray was held at
Helmsley on the above date. The weather on the whole
was favourable for collecting, and, owing to the cli-
matic conditions that have prevailed throughout the
year, fungi were abundant. Not only in the fine old
Beech and other woods, but also in pastures— a feature
of somewhat rare occurrence— fungi were very much to
the fore ; in fact I think it may be stated without fear
of contradiction that never before, during the many
years on which forays have been held in Yorkshire,
has such a number of. interesting and unusual species
been noticed, save at that exceptionally rich locality
near Whitby called Mulgrave Woods, where, inde-
pendent of the nature of the season, a plentiful harvest
of rare and interesting specie* can be relied upon.

Even a very rainy season does not suit all fungi, as
the dark-spored kinds were practically absent. The
genera containing the largest number of species were
Hygrophorus, Cortinarius, and Clavaria. Pholiota
squarrosa was quite a feature of the district, occurring
everywhere in dense clusters of magnificent specimens
round the roots of old Ash-trees, to which it practically
confined its attention. Such Ash-trees are, we are
afraid, doomed to perish in the near future. Armillaria
mucida and Bulgaria inquinans were also observed on
some of the fine old Beech trees in Duncombe Park.
The short grass on the beautiful terrace overlooking
the stately ruins of Raveaulx Abbey actually bristled
with specimens of Mitrula viride and M. olivacea.
Species of Geoglossum and of Helvella were not
uncommon.

Considerably over four hundred species were re-
corded for the district. Among rarities may be enu-
merated Hygrophorus melizeus and Marasmius lago-
plnus, both new to Britain. A beautiful large indigo-
blue species of Entoloma, thought at the time to be E.
ardosiacum, proves on careful examination to be an
undescribed species. It differs from allies E. Badhami,
E. madidum and E. ardosiacum, among other cha-
racters in having smooth elliptical spores. It will be
called Entoloma Farrahi, after its discoverer, Mr. J.
Farrah, F.L.S., of Harrogate.

Just how many of the species observed may prove to
be new to the Yorkshire Flora is not yet known, but,
as usual, there will be many. While on this topic, it
may be well to mention that The Fungus Flora of York-
shire is in course of publication, and it is expected that
the work will be completed during the forthcoming
year. This work, the first independent county Flora of
its nature, will not be a bald list, but is founded on a
biological basis, hosts, habitats, parasitic or sapro-
phytic nature, and other features being indicated.

During the foray the Society was honoured by the *
presence of Professor F. G. Atkinson, of Cornell Uni
versity, U S.A. Professor Atkinson is one of the fore-
most among mycologists in the United States, and
those who know his valuable book on Fungi, illus-
trated by numerous admirable photographs and
coloured plates, can readily understand that whatever
his social position at home may be, at the foray we
only detected the true student who for the time was
equally amiable to all, rich and poor alike, who were
present with a common object in view. What a pity we
cannot say this of everyone professing to a liking for
the study of fungi !

An encouraging feature of the Yorkshire Society is
the fact that young and enthusiastic recruits are con-
stantly joining the ranks; and the papers submitted
by some of the younger members suggest iu unmistak-
able terms that the older members will at no distant
date be surpassed. This is as it should be.

As showing the exceptionally good season for fungi,
it may be mentioned in conclusion that two of the

October 24, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

295

Yorkshire members, C. Crossland, F.L.S., Halifax, and
A. Clarke, Huddersfield, came up to London to attend
the Fungus Show organised by the Koyal Horticultural
Society, and spent a very pleasant and instructive day

n Epping Forest, accompanied by the writer of this
note. Fungi were exceedingly abundant, and Mr.
Clarke was fortunate in collecting a very fine tuft of
Collybia planipes, a species new to Britain. Geo. Massee.

DUTCH HORTICULTURAL AND
BOTANICAL.

September 30.- On the occasion of the meeting of
the Floral Committee on the above date First-class
Certificates were awarded to Dahlias Baron G. de
Grancy, Glory of Baarn, Queen Wilhelmina. and Prince
Henry, as new plants ; a new race of single Cactus
Dahlias of great circumference, a splendid novelty of
Dutch origin, from Mr. H. Hobnsyeld, at Baarn ; to
Clematis Jackmani rubra (syn. CI. Gloire de l'Exposi-
tion 1900), as a new plant, from Messrs. Wentink & Co.,
Boskoop ; to Cactus Dahlia Minnie Wert, as a new
plant, from Messrs. van Nameh Beothees, at Zwijnd-
recht; E. H. Keelage & Son, at Haarlem, and G. F.
Hemerik, at Leiden; to Cactus Dahlia Coronation; to
C. D. Mr. Seagrave ; to C. D. Etna, as new plants, from
Messrs. E. H. Keelage & Son, at Haarlem ; G. F.
Hemerik, at Leiden ; and J. G. Bunge, at Heemstede ;
to C. D. Hir, as a new plant, from Mr. G. F. Hemeeik,
at Leiden. Certificates of Merit were granted to C. D.
Eva, as a new plant, from P. J. G. Fijimebmans, at
Vegstgeert, andG. F. Hemeeik, at Leiden; to CD. N. F.
Robertson, as a new plant, from P. J. G. Fimmebmans,
at Vegstgeert; G. F. Hemeeik, and E. H. Keelage &
Son, at Haarlem ; to C. D. Prince of Orange, as a new
plant, from G. F. Hemeeik, at Leiden ; and E. H. Kee-
lage & Son, at Haarlem; to Musa Arnoldiana and
fifteen Musar eligiosa, as newly imported plants, from
the Rijks Tuinbouw School at Wageningen ; to Boltonia
lravigata, as a newly imported plant, from Messrs.
Wezelenburg & Haepen, at Leiden.

READING & DISTRICT GARDENERS'
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.

Octobee 12.— The fortnightly meeting was held on
the foregoing date, Mr. Leonard Sutton in the Chair.
Mr. G. Wythes, V.M.H., gr., Syon House, Brentford,
gave a lecture on Strawberries and their culture. As
the lecturer is well known to most of those present as
an authority on Strawberry cultivation and as an ex-
tensive grower, much was expected by the members,
and it was a source of gratification to all present that
the expectations formed were more than realised. The
subject was treated exhaustively and in a plain and
thorough manner. The points touched upon were— the
preparing of plants for forcing, varieties for forcing,
the routine of cultivation, Strawberries in the open
ground, prolonging the season, culture alter planting
out, alpine and other small-fruited kinds, and lastly
Strawberries as annual or yearling plants.

A discussion followed ; those taking part in it were
the President and Messrs. Fry, Powell, Judd, Exler,
Hinton, Turnham, Townsend, Gibson, and Tunbridge.
On account of the prevailing rough weather, the
exhibits were less numerous than usual.

A Certificate of Cultural Merit was awarded to four
especially fine fruits of Sutton's Koyal Jubilee Melon,
staged by Mr. G. Herridge, gr.. St. Peter's Hill,
Caversham. Mr. Durrant, gr., Preston, exhibited a
plant of Begonia witli yellow flowers. There were
about eighty members present, and seven new
members were elected.

LIVERPOOL.

GRAIN, ROOT, AND FRUIT SHOW.

The fourteenth annual show of the above Society,
held near the North Hay-market, was very successful.
The seventy - six classes comprising the schedule
brought a great competition, and the show of Potatos
was excellent.

Potatos.

The best white early kidney was Sir J. Llewellyn,
from Mr. B. Ashton; and white early round, Sutton's
A. 1, from Mr. George Ashley. The best second early
kidney was Crocus, from Mr. J. Eccles ; and second
early round Windsor Castle, from Mr. E. Davies.

The display of Early Regent, Lord of the Isle,
Reading Giant, Abundance, Maincrop, and Reliance,
will long be remembered, there being not a faulty dish
staged.

There was a class for Up-to-date, General Roberts,
or Scottish Triumph, and no fewer than twenty-five
dishes were exhibited. Mr. E. Axons taking honours
with a grand dish of Up-to-date. The best late kidney
was Bank of England, from Mr. J. Parker; and the
best late round, Industry, from Mr. E. Davies.

The best coloured early or second early kidney and
round were Reading Russet and Peerleis Rose, from
Messrs. E. Alty and J. Haycox ; and the best late
kidney and round varieties were Edgecote Purple and
Adirondach, from Messrs. T. Reason and J. R. Carter.

The heaviest six tubers were Beading Giant, weighing
15-ib. 4oz, staged by Mr. J. Nbedham.

New Varieties.

Early or second kidney or round. Messrs. B. Ashton
and J. Johnson, with Webbs' Guardian, and Lord
Curzon. The best late kidney and round varieties
were Cramond Blossom and Evergood.

Messrs. Suttons' prizes created much interest, Mr. T.
Reason winning for three dishes with Satisfaction,
Abundance, and Favourite. The best single dish was
one of Satisfaction, from Mr. Davies.

For Messrs. E. Webb's prizes, the best dishes of early
kidney and round varieties were from Messrs. B.
Ashton and J. Johnson, being Wordsley Pride and
Renown (Webbs'). The best late kidney and late
round varieties being Motor and Goldfinder from
Messrs. J. Parker and J. Haycox.

Fruit was not shown so extensively or so well as in
previous seasons.

Trade Exhibits.

Messrs. Dicksons, Ltd., Chester, had fifty dishes of
Potatos. Very conspicuous were Pioneer, an extra
fine late kidney ; The Dickson, a clear mid-season
kidney variety; New Century, and a capital dish of
the noted Northern Star.

Messrs. Webb it Sons, Wordsley, showed Windsor
Forest, and Standup Wheat and Malting Barley; and
Messrs. Gaeton, of Warrington their Pearl Wheat,
Abundance Oats, and Excelsior Black Oats. Orchid.

HORTICULTURAL MUTUAL
IMPROVEMENT SOCIETIES.

Beckenham Horticultural.— This Society opened
its Winter Session on the 16th inst. There was a good
attendance, and a lecture was given by Mr. Cecil
Hooper on the " Spraying of Fruit Trees, and Apple
Packing as Practised in Canada."

In the course of his lecture, Mr. Hooper said that
winter was the best time to treat badly infected trees,
because a much stronger solution of insecticide may
then be used with safety. The operation should be
done several times, the last time being just before the
buds expand. Mr. Hooper recommends caustic soda
8 to 10 lb., with 1 lb. of soft soap to 50 gallons of water;
also carbonate of potash 6 lb., with 4 lb. soft soap to 60
gallons of water. For summer spraying Paris-Green
was a very effectual remedy against hibernating cater-
pillars, Codliu-moth, aphis and the like. For fungoid
diseases the Bordeaux-mixture was a good remedy. It
consisted of copper sulphate 2 to 4 lb., to 40 gallons of
water, with 3 or 4 lb. of lime. Mr. Hooper gave some
interesting details of how Apples were packed in Nova
Scotia.

Manchester.— The annual meeting of this flourish-
ing society was held on the 9th inst., when there was a
large attendance. Mr. James Brown was re-elected
President, and the following gentlemen Vice-Presi-
dents ;— Alderman Gibson, and Messrs. W. W. Kirk-
man, A. Stansfield, T. Berry, R. Tait, F. Robinson,
P. Weathers. W. B. Upjohn, W. Elkin, S. Gratrix, and
E. W. Hughes, the two last being newly elected ; Mr. R.
Tait, Hon. Treasurer; and Mr. Charles Paul, Hon.
Secretary.-

After the meetiDg sixty of the members dined at the
Grosvenor Hotel, Mr. Jas. Brown presiding, who. after
the usual loyal toasts, proposed "Prosperity to the
Society." The horticulturists of Manchester and the
district, he said, were still striding forward, despite all
drawbacks. He had to congratulate them on the
continued and increasing prosperity of the society.

Mr. A. Stansfield, senior Vice - President, in re-
sponding, said that as one who had been in at the
birth of the society, and had assisted, along with one
or two other survivors there present, in rocking the
cradle of the infant that had now attained to a lusty
manhood, he had always taken, and should continue
to take, the liveliest interest in its welfare. Their
society, inaugurated wellnigh a quarter of a century
back, had now not only turned the corner, but had
arrived at a state of prosperity that must be gratifying
to all of them.

Mr. R. Tait, Hon. Treasurer, gave a most interesting
account of tie financial vicissitudes of the society
during the period of its existence. He stood indebted
to the society, as their treasurer, in quite a substantial
sum.

Mr. F. Robinson also spoke at some length.

Bristol and District.— The opening meeting of
the Winter Session was held at St. John's Rooms,
Redlaud, on the 15th inst. A lecture was given by
Mr. J. C. House, of Coombe Nurseries, Westbury-on-
Trym, on " Hardy Perennials." He gave au exhaustive
list of the favourite species and varieties, with cultural
directions for each.

A special feature of the evening was a magnificent
collection of fifty varieties of perennial flowers grown
at Messrs. Isaac House & Sons, Coombe Nurseries,
which, notwithstanding the inclement weather, were
remarkable. The Society unanimously awarded a
Certificate of special Merit for this display.

Prizes for six bunches of Perennials were awarded to
A. Baker, Esq. (gr., Mr. Orchard); Lady Cave (gr.,
Mr. Poole), ana J. C. Aiken, Esq. (gr., Mr. Clarke).

For a basket of autumn foliage and berries, the
prizes went to Mr. R. AMBROSE, Mr. Caby. and Mr.
R. Poole.

©bttuarp.

JOHN Lyon.— The death of Mr. John Lyon,
steward to W. E. Denison, Esq., Ossington Hall,
Newark, is recorded in the Newark Advertiser.
Deceased was appointed gardener at Ossington in
1868, filling the position until 18S9, when he was
appointed steward upon the same estate. Mr.
Lyon, who was a native of County Down, was
spending a short holiday in Ireland, when he was
overtaken with a fit of apoplexy, which he sur-
vived only twenty - three hours. Deceased was
greatly respected, and during the time he was
gardener at Ossington showed himself to be a
first-rate cultivator.

LAW NOTES.

BE JAMES SMITH, NURSERYMAN, PALM
HILL, OXTON.

The above-named debtor appeared for his
public examination at the Birkenhead Bank-
ruptcy Court before the Registrar. A statement
of affairs filed by the debtor showed .£690 of
debts and .£1,393 of assets, or a surplus in his
favour of .£789. Replying to Mr. Williams
(Assistant Official Receiver), the debtor said
his statement showed contingent liabilities
in addition to the .£604 amounting to .£2,349,
which were debts belonging to the firm of
Smith & Matthews, in which he was a partner.
He had been in business about twenty-seven
years. Up to a very recent period his business
was quite successful, and it was only within the
last five or six years that he had any difficulties.
He attributed the falling off in the business in
recent years in large measure to the competition
in the cut flower trade, greengrocers and hawkers
taking it up, which made a considerable reduction
in the returns from the sale of cutflowers. Thelarge
importation of plants and flowers from Belgium
sent many people into the retail trade, damaging
the profits very much.

ENQUIRY.

Celluloid as a Covering for Plorists'-
Flowers' and Flower-beds. — Will some of our
readers kindly inform A. McL. where he may
obtain large sheets of celluloid for purposes as
above stated ?

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Asparagus Sprengeri: Alan. As a foliage plant.

Book on Beneficial Insects : J. G. Blakey.
There is no collective work on beneficial
insects ; but you will find useful information in
Miall's (L. C.) Injurious and Useful Insects
(G. Bell & Sons, 1902), and also in Agricultural
Zoology, by F. V. Theobald (Wm. Blackwood &
Sons, 1899).

Books : X. T. You should obtain our Cottage
Garden Calendar, price 3d., or The Book of
Vegetables, by Gr. Wythes, together with
chapters on the History and Cookery of
Vegetables, published by J. Lane, The Bodley
Head, London. Price 2s. 6d. net.

Buttercups on Paddock : O. H. S. Heavy
dressings of manure will benefit the grass at
the expense of the weed. Spudding out the
roots is necessary if the plant is very plentiful.

Carnations i A. B. The appearance of the
leaves is consistent with the presence of minute
eel-worms. Sterilise the soil by baking it
before use.

Celery Leaf-spot s A. W. G. The rusty spots
on the leaves are caused by Septoria petro-
selini, the mischief being confined to the
leaves. Spraying with Bordeaux-mixture may
prove beneficial. There is no trace of fungus
disease in the root-stock. On some leaves we
also found the scattered perithecia of what
appeared to be a minute Phoma, but I failed to
discover any conidi'u. M. C. C.

Chrysanthemum Sport : A. J. B. This rich
golden-coloured, slightly hirsute variety may
be worth keeping. We know of no hirsute
flowor of the same shade of colour. Before

296

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE,

[Octqbbk 24, 1903.

this can be proved it is necessary to see better
cultivated blooms. The next meeting of the
Floral Committee of the National Chrysanthe-
mum Society will be held in the Essex Hall,
Essex Street, Strand, W.C., on Monday next,
October 20.

Cineraria Wilt: S. McC. The leaves furnish
no clue to the disease. There is no fungus
present, and we can only suggest that it
should be watched and studied on the spot,
and with all its surroundings. No part of the
plant contains any fungus mycelium, and we
fail to find any traoe of bacteria, which latter
cause the condition of the plants appears most
of all to suggest. M. C. C.

Climbers for a Window: W. W. Varieties of
Clematis, such as calycina, Jackmani, and
flammula ; Lonicera japonica aureo-reticulata
variegata ; the smaller-growing Ivies, either
variegated or green-leaved ; Passiflora ccerulea ;
Rose W. A. Richardson, Jaune Desprez, Devoni-
ensis, and Zephyrine Drouhin ; Cobcea scandens,
and many summer-flowering annual plants.
Better plant in the spring unless it is your
intention to grow them in pots or tubs, in which
case plant forthwith.

Correction. Mr. Walter's estate in Berkshire
should be written as " Bear Wood," and never
" Bearwood."

Cypripedium : B. A. A. The column bears on
each side an anther with pollen. Beyond these
anthers the column divides into a staminode,
which is sometimes prolonged at the base on
each side into a curved process which you call a
spur. Beneath and in front of the staminode is
the stigma, usually three-lobed or three-sided.
The upper surface of this is viscid. You should
remove the pollen from the anthers by means
of a camel-hair pencil, and place it (the pollen)
on the upper viscid surface of the stigma, and
await results.

Disfigured Gloxinia and Begonia-lea ves :
S. McC. The injury to the various leaves is
due to a mite, which can be destroyed by
dipping in or syringing them with moderately
strong Tobacco-water. It is prudent to examine
the foliage of Begonias and Gloxinias weekly
from the earliest stages, taking measures to
arrest the injury as soon as it is noticed, and
not leaving the matter till browning has
occurred.
Garden Refuse and Stable Litter : J. B.
.If you will mix the strawy litter intimately
with vegetable trimmings and green garden
refuse, making flat heaps of -4 feet high or more,
fermentation will be set up in a mild degree,
followed by partial or complete decay, ac-
cording to the time the heap is allowed to
remain undisturbed. An application of liquid
manure would hasten fermentation. Let the
heap be turned and the contents mixed to-
gether in about six weeks of making it as
before. It should be ready for use in January.
The contents of the heap might be screened or
sorted over and the grosser undecayed parts
taken out and put into another heap to decay
still further, or they may go into the bottom
of trenches in double digging or trenching the
land. The artificial manures suggested would
be beneficial, so would quicklime strewed over
the half-decayed manure. Blood and fish
manure, the so - called guanos, potash, soot,
are all of them good. Spent Mushroom bed
dung does very well for dressing flower beds, as
a mulch, as a manure for early Potatos, salad
plants, pot-herbs, grass-land, &c.

Grapes : Gardener. The Grapes are in a bad
state, but are too far gone to diagnose the
original disease. At present the berries are
covered with the common blue mould, which is
not a parasite, but which, by its mycelium and
conidia, covers and masks any previous disease.
The Grapes, being quite ripe and pulpy, assist
in concealing the primary cause. Alter all, there
is no trace left of any other fungus, and the
cause may be quite of another kind. M. C. C.

Grape -Vines and Red -spider: T. P. T. The
spider is quite capable of doing the damage to
the Vines of which you write. A dry state of
the air always favours the increase of red-
spider out-of-doors and under glass. When

first observed on the Vines every affected leaf
should be sponged with soapy water, and the
foliage examined afterwards every few days.
The vinery must be kept moist in reason and
the leaves syringed daily, but not wetting the
bunches. Let the walls and hot-water pipes
be well cleansed first and then lime-washed,
mixing flowers-of-sulphur in the lime-wash.
Two coats would be better than one. Take
out the top soil of the border and replace it
with fresh loam and stable-manure. If the
vinery remain empty in the winter, open the
ventilators day and night, except in the severest
weather. The hot-water apparatus should be
emptied of water, otherwise slightly warmed
on frosty nights.

Holly : C. E. J. We find a fungus on the bark
(Nectria), similar to that which causes canker
in Apple-trees ; but we cannot be sure that it
is the primary cause of death. Probably the
roots have got down into something unsuitable
to them.

Injury to the Skin by Rhus Toxicodendron :
Lady R. Brown. This plant is capable of
causing intense itching accompanied by a
slight rash on the skin of some persons ; but if
the skin be not rubbed or scratched, but goulard-
water used instead, the symptoms abate in a
few hours. The effects of contact with the
leaves are usually greater if the person is
perspiring freely.

Lawn : Constant Reader. If the lawn is not
mossy or rushy, it may be assumed that in
regard to drainage the soil is all right. If moss
exists in the shade and nowhere else it will
suffice to dress it with loam two-thirds, wood-
ashes made from green wood or trimmings of
trees and shrubs and fresh lime together, one-
third. If it be very poor and the grasses weak
employ a dressing of decayed stable-dung and
lime, with less loam, scratching the worst places
with an iron rake and sowing grass seeds forth-
with. Let the manure lay on the grass till
early in March, then rake off and roll well.

Lawn Grass : C. B. if. E. Unless you send
some of the turf for our inspection we are
unable to diagnose the case.

Mangosteen : S. K. D. See Treasury of Botany,
vol. i., p. 519 ; Botanical Magazine, tab. 4897.

Market Tally and Bundle or Celery :
W. J. The number in a tally is 06, and in a
bundle of Celery twelve heads.

Names of Fruits : Geo. Stagg. The large-
berried bunch is Gros Colmar, and the other
Gros Maroc. We can discover no peculiar
flavour in the latter berries, which are perfectly
natural. — J. if. Walker. 1, Lord Lennox ; 2,
Beauty of Kent ; 3, Radford Beauty ; 4,
Muffit's Seedling. — R. J. Motteux Seedling or
Beachemwell is quite correct ; the other Apple
is Wellington.— G. S. 1, Moore's Seedling ; 2,
Hoary Morning ; 3, not recognised ; 4, Stirling
Castle. — Rev. F. W. Mason. Miller's Glory is
correct ; a very fine fruit, heavy and of excel-
lent quality ; Cellini. — W. H. Seek no farther ;
this is quite distinct from King of the Pippins.
— J. B. 1, Potts' Seedling; 2, Warner's King;
3, Northern Spy ; 4, Bedfordshire Foundling ;
6, Tower of Glamis ; 7, Hollandbury ; S, Pear
Beurre Diel.
Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
Julia 8. Bode. Hippophae rhamnoides. — R. L.,
Rugeley. 1 and 2, both Amelanchier canadensis,
of which there are many forms.— Z. A. (Mrs. N.).
1, Cladrastis tinctoria (" tree ") ; 2, Punica
granatum (Pomegranate), the so-called berry
is a flower-bud ; 3, Ceanothus azureus. —
W. A. J. Amelanchier canadensis. — A. J. H.
The name of the Starry Puff-ball is Geaster
fornicatus ; you will see drawings in colour of
all the British Geasters in the Public Gallery
(Botany) at the British Museum (Natural His-
tory), Cromwell Road. — R. J. 1, Oncidium
Lanceanum ; the climbing plant is Ampelopsis
Veitchi, and the Thorn Crataegus coccinea.
On another occasion please do not pack plants
and fruits together, but send them in sepa-
rate packages. — if. W. Eucomis punctata
It flowers in summer and autumn. — Ash

Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles. — Erica. Calluna
vulgaris, white variety. — G. H. S. Cypripedium
Spicerianum. — U. 8. 1, Restrepia antennifera ;
2, Colax jugosus; 3, Ly caste leucantha; 4, On-
cidium candidum, often called Palumbina Can-
dida; 5, O. microchilum. It is often imported
with the handsome O. splendidum, which it
much resembles in growth ; 6, Odontoglossum
Wallisii.'— F. J., Barnet. Odontoglossum tri-
pudians. — W . T., Cardiff. Phyllanthus nivosus
var. roseo-pictus ; Juglans, French or large-
fruited. — G. H. 8. 1, Dracocephalum vir-
ginieum ; 2, Astrantia major -, 3, Silphium
laciniatum ; 4, Polygonum sp. ; 6, Polygala sp.,
no flower left ; 8, Callicarpa purpurea. — A. M.,
Darlington. 1, not found ; 2, Lastrsea filix-mas
polydactyla; 3, Polystichum angulare pro-
liferum ; 4, Lastrsea aristata ; 5, Genista
sagittalis ; C, Ilex Aquifolium latifolia. — T. E.
O. P. 1, Ophiopogon Jaburan variegatum ; 2,
Curculigo recurvata ; 3, Farfugium grande ; 4,
Hymenocallis or Pancratium fragrans. The
leaf seems to have been attacked by red-spider.
J. M. 1, Phygelius capensis; 2, Nephrolepis
tuberosa; 3, Asparagus procumbens; 4, Cu-
pressus funebris ; 5, Euonymus radians varie-
gata ; 6, Pellsea (Platyloma) rotundifolia. —
J. B. 1, perhaps Catalpa bignonioides ; 2,
Platanus acerifolia.— P. J. L. Spiraea Aruncus.

Root Fungi : A. W. G. The roots of Anemone
japonica are thoroughly infested with the white
mycelium of " root-mould." Probably this has
been derived from some old buried stumps
which pervade the soil, and the fungus be-
coming parasitic, attaches itself to the roots of
living plants. It has been called " white root
rot," and attacks all sorts of plants indiscrimi-
nately. The soil must be thoroughly cleansed
and disinfected, all rotten wood and roots care-
fully removed, and nothing planted on the spot
until the soil has been cleared of all trace of
the white mycelium. M. C. C.

Roses Suitable for Cutting for Sale Pur-
poses : W. G. Bray. All of those which you
named are beautiful varieties of good form and
colour and vigorous growth, and being H.P.'s,
they will bloom in the autumn as well as the
summer. We would add Madame Victor
Verdier, Marie Baumann and Senateur Vaisse.
If there are too many, delete General Jacqui-
minot and Fisher Holmes.

Seaweed as a Manure for Asparagus : F. M.
Half a bushel would not be over much for
1 square yard.

Streptosolen Jamesoni : A. TV. H. If the
shoots are much crowded, thin out the weaker
ones and shorten to half their length those left.
It is a plant not easily kept in trim order, nor
is this necessary. Leading shoots should be
trained in the directions it is desired they
should go, and the older shoots made fast to
the wall or trellis.

Tomato Disease : J. H. Your plants are affected
by a fungus (Cladosporium fulvum). Burn
those that are affected most, and spray the rest
with the Bordeaux-mixture.

Vine-roots Decayed: J. K. W., Ascog,Bute.
The roots exhibit no sign of fungus or insect,
but of an ill-drained, sodden state of the soil.
At the first the roots produced were healthy
and numerous ; but the nature of the soil has
altered, and they are now in a state of decay.
You should closely examine the border as to its
drainage and general condition.

Communications Received.— A. Wagg— W. B.— F. G.—
C. B. 8 — W. Home— H. H.. Cromarty, many thanks—
G P Bexley— W. K., Aberdeen— J. A. H.— S. N.—
Sir G. K — S. W. F., with thanks, will be used later on
— S K D— J. G. V.— W. Heinemann- Justus Cor-
deroy-L. C. E.— J. R. J.— Rivoire Fere et Fils. Lyon—
J. S. C.-A. A. W.-Ernst Benary— F. C. Heinemann—
Eriurt-R. M.-Sutton & Sons— A. H.. we shall pro-
bably use the photograph, many thanks.— secretary
Croydon Chrysanthemum Society, Secretary Ascot
Chrysanthemum Society (will be included in list of
tixtures for November in next issue)— N. D.—J. Gutt-
rldge -Secretary Royal Southampton Horlicultural
Society-H L E. G.— H. W., Braintree-J. H.-.I. L.—
J McG.-V. M. H.-J. J. C.-H. M.-W. K— If. J.—
Editor, City Press-M. E. M.- J. F. M.-W. S.-T. O. W. ,
-Dr. Bonavia-Expert-A. H— G. A., junr -E. M.—
J H. G.-J. D. G.-E. C.-R. D.-W. R. F.-T. D. O. P. .
—J. C- J. K.— H. H. H. R. A.

(For Markets and Weather, see p. x.)

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle."

The Terrace Steps, Shiplake Court, Oxox.

Bradbury, Aftvw * C*. Ld; frmUts, London and Tcnbrtdp.

October 31, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

291

THE

totem' (fjjftrmtkl*

No. 879 — SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 1903.

CONTENTS.

"Bierbacb, Herr Oscar

305

Orchard and garden

Blackberries

308

pests

299

Chicory, storing and

Orchid notes and

forcing

299

gleanings

297

Dahlias, Collerette ...

304

Peach-bud dropping...

307

XJardeners' Dinner,

Pears, notes on some

the recent

308

varieties of

300

Hippeastrum •'Hil-

Potatos in Midlothian

298

denley"

298

Rainf'.U, the

3CH

Hutneas and Peaches

3U8

Rose Etoile de France

293

Hall, Mr. A. D, lec-

Seeds, transport of ...

306

ture by

304

Societies—

Latham, Mr. W. B. ...

3u7

Epping Forest Fun-

Mushrooms, scarcity

gus Foray

310

of

308

National Chrysan-

Nursery notes—

themum

310

Veitch &Sons, Ltd.,

Royal Horticultural

308

James

301

United Horticultural

Obituary—

Benefit and Provi-

Beale, W

3:8

dent

311

Jackson, Emily

street planting

304

Reader

3f8

" The Orchid "

30li

Xinden, Madame ...

30 i

Tomatos, culture of ...

29S

Van Houtte, Mdlle.

Vines, sportiveness of

305

Leonie

306

Week's work, the

3 2

Odontoglossums, re-

Wellfield

297

version in

SOS

Wilson. Mr. Geo , pre-

■Orchis hirciua

ILLU

3J8
8TR

sentation to

AT ION a.

304

Ovularia clerratidis on Clei

natis

299

Pear Beurre Perran ..

300

Pear Beurre Alexander Luc

as

3C0

Pear Charles Ernest ..

301

Pear Michaelmas Nells

307

Pear The Conference..

306

Pinus sylvestris showing the tufts of leaves in

whorls 298

View in the Chiswick great vinery, from a photo-
graph taken during the Fruit Exhibition ... 305

WELLFIELD.

THE Origin of the Steam Mowing-
Machine. — Wellfield is the residence
of J. StaDning, Esq., J. P., Leyland, near
Preston. The grounds have recently been
remodelled and enlarged, having been in the
hands of Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for
two years. I visited the place when I could
almost throw a stone across the lawn ; now
the mowing is done by a 24-inch steam-
mower, a 24-ineh pony-machine, and two
12-inch machines. It may be noted in
passing that Leyland is the birth-place of
the steam lawn-mower. Mr. Sumner, a
local mechanic, applied steam to his bicycle,
and was summoned for driving a steam
vehicle without the orthodox red flag. Mr.
Stanning was on the Bench, and he remarked
that as the law stood they were obliged to
convict Mr. Sumner, but he could continue to
ride his steam bicycle, provided a person
went in front of him with a red flag. Mr.
Frisby, who was then gardener at Worden
Hall, Leyland, suggested to Mr. Sumner
that he should apply his arrangement to
lawn-mowers, and a cast-off machine was
provided; and the first trial took place on
the lawn at Worden Hall in the presence of
a gathering of gardeners and others inter-
ested ; and some ludicrous incidents oc-
curred as one visitor after another tried to
guide the machine— one beiog rushed into
the shrubbery, another toppling over the
grassy slopes, machine and all. Everyone
admitted that the invention was practicable,
and Mr. Stanning was the first purchaser of
a motor machine. Large works have been
erected, with Mr. Sumner as manager, and
he now rushes about in his motor-car with-
out a reg flag in front of him.

The lawn which adorned the front of Wellfield
till lately had a gentle slope to the south down to
a stream, but beyond that, where extension has
taken place, the land was quite level ; but the
flatness has disappeared, and mounds and banks
have been formed and planted in a most natural
manner with a variety of shrubs, the formation
of a new reservoir supplying plenty of material
for the purpose. Some variegated Hollies, 10 to
15 feet high, of perfect form, were moved in the
dead of winter from the shrubbery and planted on
the raised ground, and all but one survived. They
are not of the original size now, as they were
much reduced at time of planting. The orthodox
time of moving these and other large evergreen
shrubs is in the spring, or just as they are about
to start growing ; but in order to proceed with
laying the new lawn and forming walks, their
removal was compulsory at that time.

There is not the usual bedding-out arrange-
ment at Wellfield, but there are numbers of beds
of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Eoses, &c., many of
them being of one variety only. On the south
side of the lawn, on the way to the kitchen-
garden, there used to be a swamp with numerous
springs, the home of every plant that sought
such conditions, and instead of attempting to
drain it in the usual way, it has been converted
into a most delightful spot by forming six
ravines G feet wide at the top, narrowing to 3 feet
at the bottom, and 0 feet deep, each GO feet long,
the sides being supported with stone walls laid
in as irregular a manner as was consistent with
stability. The spaces between are 4 feet wide,
18 inches grass in the centre, with border on
either side planted close to the stones with
Alstromerias, Gypsophilas, Ericas of sorts, Saxi-
fragas, Cotoneasters, Chrysanthenram maximum,
Geraniums (Crane's-bill), Statice of sorts, Chelone
barbata, Iris, White Broom, Berberis, Iberis,
Alyssum saxatile and compactum, Picea excelsa
pygimea and elegans, alpine Rhododendrons, and
many other plants. Other plants grow amongst
the stones to the bottom, which is covered with
splendid Water-Cress. There is always a gentle
stream of water flowing over it in each of the
ravines, which ultimately finds its way into the
reservoirs lying south and west.

In the west corner of the ground near the
mansion there are vineries, Peach-houses, span-
roofed houses in which to cultivate decorative
stove plants, and a few Orchids, including a fine
lot of Calanthe Veitchi. These houses are heated
with waste steam from the adjoining works, which
are going night and day except Sunday ; but
there is a boiler in a room for use in heating from
Saturday noon till G a.m. on Monday. In the
room there is a cylinder containing pipes, into
which the steam enters, heats the water, which
circulates through the pipes in the bouses in the
usual way, and heats to any reasonable degree ;
and the night watchman can regulate the tem-
perature. What an elysium for young men who
dislike ever so little stoking !

The Kitchen Garden.

Passing by the ravines, the kitchen-garden is
entered, which is on slightly higher ground. It
is in all about 3 acres, in three divisions, each
section surrounded by Beech - hedges. There
are excellent crops, and Mr. Ivirkman (the gar-
dener) will score at some of the local shows. Last
year he took the first prize at the Eoyal Lanca-
shire Agricultural Show, held at Preston, for the
best arrangement of fruit, flowers and vegetables,
beating such a formidable exhibitor as Mr. Ashton,
gardener at Lathom Uouse, Ormskirk.

More than twenty years ago Mr. Stanning
planted an orchard of Apples, Pears, and Plums
of all varieties likely to succeed in Lancashire,
and many that were not likely. After a few
years, weeding-out commenced, and was followed
up to about half-a-dozen years ago ; and some of

the worthless ones were re-grafted with approved
sorts, or those that had proved the more trust-
worthy. The trees are grown bush-fashion, and
the fruits thinned ; but this year, unfortunately,
there are not any to thin.

The sheds, Mushroom-house, and fruit-room
form an oblong square, 78 by 36 feet, on the
south side of one of the kitchen gardens. There
was a bed of splendid Mushrooms (rather an un-
usual sight in July) indoors. The bed-spaces are
formed with brick arches resting on T-irons in-
verted, and these rest on neat round pillars,
formed with two bull-nosed hard-burnt Stafford-
shire bricks in each course. The bottom of the
beds are made even with concrete.

The fruit-room is built of 14-inch cavity walls,
with double doors opening into another room, and
there is 3-inch space behind the lath-and-plaster
facing. Against the back of the sheds on the
south side there are six bays formed with walls
extending at right angles.

Peach-trees are planted on walls facing south ;
Apricots on the west, and Plums on the east
walls. In one of the kitchen-garden divisions
there are houses forCucumbers and Melons, onefor
Chrysanthemums, 21 by 120 ft., in two divisions,
of which 600 are grown for exhibition bloom
mainly, Mr. Kirkman being a successful exhi-
bitor at Eccles, Bolton, Chorley, and Blackburn.
One of these compartments was filled with Pears,
Plums, &c, in pots, but they are only scantily
, cropped this year. The other compartment con-
tained miscellaneous flowering greenhouse plants.
Suspended from the cross-rods forming part of
the support for the roof were three dozen 6-inch
pots of Campanula trailing down 2 feet, and
clothed with blue flowers ; and underneath Cam-
panula pyramidalis. In two vineries recently
planted were some excellent pot Vines carrying
good crops and standing between the permanent
Vines.

There is an efficient staff of men at Wellfield,
and the place is a model of neatness.

Near the village Mr. Stanning has formed one
of the smartest cricket grounds and bowling
greens in the county, the surroundings being
most delightful. On the south side there is
woodland, and on the north a narrow belt of
trees flanked with a wide border of choice shrubs
and flowering plants. W. P. R., Preston.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

MONSTEOTJS CYPEIPEDIUM.
Me. J. Coupland sends a scape of Cypripedium
insigne bearing a 'leaf, and two flowers, the
stalks of which are adnate for some distance.
The two lower sepals are separate, so that there
are three sepals, two petals, and a lip ; whilst
the staminode is deeply divided into two branches.

Cattleta labiata autumnalis.

In the Orchid-houses of E. A. Atkinson, Esq.,
Aigburth, is to be seen one of the finest collections
extant of this beautiful species, and upwards of
150 flowers are now expanded, with many more to
follow. Most of the flower-spikes carry four
flowers each, which average 7 inches in diameter.
They vary considerably in colour.

In other houses Cattleya Bowringianaand Den-
drobium Phalrenopsis were observed to be showing
for bloom. J. S.

An Orchid Picture-sheet.
From Mr. Otto Beyrodt, Orchid Nurseryman,
Marienfelde, near Berlin, there comes a well-exe-
cuted coloured pictureof Orchids, published for the
same purpose as the coloured illustrations, with
a calendar, sent out by nurserymen in this
country as a reminder to their customers and
others. In this case only the name of the firm

298

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[OCTOBfeH 31, 1903.

is given, and the names of the flowers enume-
rated ; they are — Cattleya Mossiae, C. labiata
autumnalis, C. aurea, C. Trianae, C. Harrisoniana,
Cypripedium insigne, C. Lawrenceanum, C.
Charlesworthi, C. callosum, C. villosum, Onoidium
tigrinutn, O. Forbesi, O. varicosum Eogersi, Odon-
toglossum grande, O. crispum, and Vanda ccerulea.
All are well drawn, and coloured as closely to
nature as possible, and should help to spread a
liking for Orchids.

HIPPEASTRUM " HILDENLEY."

From Sir Chas. W. Strickland, Bart., Hil-
denley, Malton, Yorks, comes a flower of a hand-
some late -flowering Amaryllis or Hippeastrum>
of which he says : — " I am sending you a flower of
a hybrid Hippeastrum, H. Ackermanni pulcherri-
mum crossed with H. reticulatum. The scape is
only G inches high and bore five flowers." The
perianth, which is funnel-shaped as in H. reticu-
latum, has the segments free nearly to the base,
each segment being over 5 inches in length and
1J inch in width, the lower one rather the
narrower. The base of the flower, or tubular
part, is of greenish tint spotted with red; the
blades of the segments white, tinged and veined
with bright magenta-rose, the upper ones being
the darkest. From the base of each segment
there runs a white band bordered in the lower
part by purplish-rose veining. Anther filaments
and style of a reddish-rose tint; anthers whitish.
It is one of the best of the late-flowering hybrids
of H. reticulatum.

The Hippeastrum used is the Amaryllis reticu-
lata of gardens, the evergreen warm-house species
with short, dark-green leaves, having a broad
white band down the middle, and fragrant white,
rose-tinted and veined flowers. Botanically it is
a singular plant, and in many of its characters
comes near to the true Amaryllis Belladonna ;
its seeds, for example, being thicker and very
sparingly winged when compared with other
species. I used it for crossing thirty years ago,
and since, and have noted some of its peculiarities.
Used in crossing flowers of very different form
and colour it invariably imparts its main
characteristics and colour on the progeny. The
greatest success I had with it was in crossing the,
now probably extinct, finely-formed, salmon-rose
spotted Hippeastrum pardinum, which appeared
in the importation of the less beautiful purple
spotted H. pardinum imported from Peru by
Messrs. Veitch about 18G6. This fine form
refused to seed when self-pollinated or crossed
with any other until I tried it with the seemingly
hopeless H. reticulatum, when it produced fertile
seeds, from which was raised H. O'Brieni and
which closely maintained the fine form of H.
pardinum, and its rose-coloured spotting, together
with the veining and the white striped leaves of
H. reticulatum. I also set with pollen of H.
reticulatum a seed or two on the Blue Amaryllis.
H. procerum, a plant of an entirely different
section, but never reared a plant. With the
exception of H. O'Brieni, there has been a strong
family likeness between all the hybrids of H.
reticulatumn and that now flowered by Sir Chas.
Strickland is the best departure in colour, though
not nearly so much so as the parentage of the
rich scarlet H. Ackermanni pulcherrimum would
lead one to expect. These crosses are, however,
a gain in being late-flowering, and it is probably
on account of their little variation in colour
and form which has prevented their being more
worked.

In this section, too, with the strong tendency
to be evergreen in H. reticulatum when crossed
with deciduous species, or species which require a
long, dry rest, in the progeny there a continual
conflict between the two natures. The same
applies to crosses with Hippeastrums of the thick-

leaved Aulicum section, which resent vigorous
drying off when crossed with deciduous species.
While the bulbs are young and while the vigour
can be maintained, the trouble is not very evi-
dent, but when they get any reverse they are not
easily brought round again. This friction between
the tendency to grow inherited from one side,
and the desire to rest from the other, results in
many Hippeastrums "slipping through the fin-
gers " apparently in an unaccountable manner.
With the strictly florists' varieties, crossed in
and in for many years, however, something like
immunity from this trouble is attained. James
O'Brien.

FlO. 121.— PINUS SYLVESTRIS (SCOTS TINE).

Showing the tufts of leaves in whorls.

THE SCOTS PINE.

The common Scots Fir (Pinus sylvestris), like
all Conifers grown for timber or forestry pur-
poses, is almost universally produced from seed,
and as one of the consequences the seedlings
vary enormously in size, habit, length and colour
of leafage ; but I can find no record of the occur-
rence of sub-verticillate-leaved forms of which I
now enclose a branch, along with one of what I
take to be the normal or type form. In the
latter case the twin leaves are crowded together
in a spiral manner on the twigs, while in
the other the leaves are arranged in a
whorl - like or rayed manner at the swollen
nodes only, the internodal region of the shoot or
stem being quite bare of leafage for spaces of an
inch or more between each node. The accom-
panying sketch will make what I mean more
clear than words, and I shall be very grateful
to any practical observer who can put me on the
track of a solution of what is to me a very in-
teresting problem. The so-called Japanese Yew

orJCephalotaxus now and then exhibits a similar
kind of aberration, and a similar clustering of the
needle-like leaves into whorls is characteristic of
the so-called Umbrella Pine of Japan (Sciadopitys-
verticillata) . Can this peculiar verticillate arrange-
ment of the leaves now and then in the case of
Pinus sylvestris be a phase of atavism, or the
lingering of ancestral characteristics, or to
what other cause, or for what other reason can
this peculiar variation in the leaf arrangement
be due ? In the examples sent the whorl-leaved
example has slightly shorter and more blue or
glaucous-tinted leaves than those of what I take
to be the densely-leaved typical Scots Pine of our
woods and plantations. Some observers of the
Scots Pine in Ireland have felt inclined to con-
sider it as different in aspect to the Scots Pine in
Scotland and England, the leaves being of a
much more glaucous or blue - green . colour.
Climate and rainfall may have something to d©
with this distinct facial aspect, but there must,
as I imagine, be a deeper cause for the very dis-
tinct leaf arrangement, as shown by the sketch.
and enclosed actual specimens. The latter, I may
add, were gathered from Scots Tine-trees in the
beautiful demesne of Eossannagh, near Eathnew,
co. Wicklow, by permission of Colonel Tighe.
F. W. Burbidge.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

TOMATOS.
If fruits are required as early as the month of
May, seeds should be sown during October or
early in November of Chemm Eouge, which
never fails to bear abundantly. Tomato plants
in winter require a light, warm position, and not
to be over-potted or afforded too much water at
the root. The plants will grow to a good size in
small pots at this season. Sow the seed in well-
drained pans filled to within J inch of the rim
with a light sandy compost, which press rather
firmly. Cover with a sheet of glass and place in
a warm house. Scarcely any water will be re-
quired till the seedlings appear. When large
enough to handle readily, pot them in a light
sort of soil. Place the pots on a shelf near the
glass, slightly shading them from the sun .for a
few days. Afford the plants plenty of space in
order to avoid a spindle growth, and repot when-
necessary. When shifted into the fruiting pots
afford space for a top-dressing, which may be
applied after some of the first fruits have set, and
water. All lateral shoots should be removed, and
the foliage slightly thinned at intervals if the
plants should grow too gross. A suitable tem-
perature during the winter is one of about 60°,
R. Markham, gr., Wrotham Park.

POT AT OS IN MIDLOTHIAN.

We extract the following remarks from a long'
article in the North British Agriculturist of
October 14 : —

" On Saturday, October 10, on the invitation of Mr.
T. A. Scarlett, a numerous company of representative
agriculturists and others interested in Potato growing
had an opportunity of inspecting that gentleman's-
stocks of seed Potatos growing in the Hawthornden.
and Roslin district. Mr. Scarlett had previously also
had the work of inspection greatly simplified by having
the names of the different lots (there were twenty-five
varieties altogether) tabulated on sheets of paper, with
particulars as to the habit of Potato, whether late or
early, shape of bulb, formation of eye, date of plant-
ing, and so on. There were also particulars as to-
manuring and dates of spraying. These sheets were
circulated amongst the company, and were found very
useful. All the varieties were treated alike manurially.
In addition to a good dressing of farmyard manure,
they got 4 cwt. kainit, 2 cwt. sulphate of ammonia^
li cwt. superphosphate, \ cwt. sulphate of potash, and
I cwt. muriate of potash per acre. One or two of the
lots had also got 5 cwt. of ground lime per acre two
weeks before planting. Planting varied from April 25
to May 20, and spraying from August 8 to September ]]•
In some cases spraying had been done twice, and

October 31, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

299

whether this was the cause of it or not, disease was
very little in evidence during the day.

" Following Mr. Scarlett and Mr. Plenderlelth, the
tenant of the farm, the visitors first proceeded to a
patch of the Crofter, an attractive-looking second early
of flat shape. It was planted on April 20, and the
6 yards yielded 8Jj lb. of Potatos, 103 being big, 26
-seconds, and 33 chats. Three chats in this class were
found diseased, but the sample all over showed profit-
able quantity. Next came lot No. 1, Dalmeny Beauty.
This variety had 13 shaws to the 6 yards, as against 12
in the case of the Crofter, and the yield was— big
Potatos, 111; seconds, 21; and chats, 10; the total
number being 142, weighing 31J lb. After Dalmeny
Beauty came another Dalmeny variety, Dalmeny Hero.
This is also a late variety, but of the round form, the
other being oval in shape. The planting date of this
was also April 20, and the yield for the 6 yards, there
being 16 shaws, was 32} lb., the big Potatos numbering
126, the seconds 59, and the chats 23. This was the
largest yield yet reached, and although the quality was
irougher than some of the others, there was absolutely
no disease. Better still was the result obtained in the
case of the next ' sampling,' which was of The Factor,
a new variety which has been coming to the front very
much of late. In this case, although there were two
-diseased, the total yield was the very satisfactory one
of 36J lb. for the 6 yards, bigs yielding 125, seconds 32,
and chats only 3. The Factor is a late variety, but
was much thought of. Growing alongside was a new
unnamed variety of much merit, which also yielded
-36J lb. over the 6 yards. This was an oval-shaped
Potato of great uniformity and attractiveness from a
market point of view, the large Potatos numbering no
[fewer than 134, and the seconds and chats only is and
10 respectively.

" PassiDg through the policy gate of White Hill, the
farmers of the party had a distinct object-lesson in the
value of spraying for Charlock destruction. A field of
Barley had been almost choked out with Charlock,
<until it was suggested that it should be sprayed with a
dressing of the sulphate of copper mixture. This was
done at a cost of about 7s. per acre, with the result
■that there was hardly a head of the yellow weed to be
seen. The crop certainly was thinner than it would no
doubt have been had it not been choked in its early
growth by Charlock, but it was wonderfully good in
the circumstances. In this neighbourhood also the
visitors were entertained to a practical demonstration
of the working of the new Potato-sorter, recently
invented by Mr. D. Wilson, Eiecarton, Linlithgow.
The sorter was fitted with bagging apparatus, and
vunder the supervision of the inventor, \\ ho was present,
gave an excellent account of itself, the work done
being unanimously voted excellent.

41 At Mr. Fisher's farm the same routine was gone
through as at Rosewell Mains. On this farm where it
may be said the land was sandier and more gravelly
than at Rosewell Mains, the best result was got from
No. 12, Charles Fidler, which came out at the splendid
yield of 45 lb. for the « yards, this being the second-
best yield of any variety of the day; and there was
absolutely no disease, the crop being beautifully fresh
and sound. Another good yield here was that of
Beauty of Bute, a variety of German origin, which
svould no doubt be more largely grown but for its
.pinkish-coloured eye. This variety came out with'
39§ lb. over the 6 yards, the large Potatos numbering
R22, the seconds 4», and the chats 33. In the case of
Charles Fidler, the large Potatos numbered lid, the
seconds 24, and the thirds £6.

11 A number of samples of other varieties grown on
other farms werealso inspected with interest. Amongst
[these was found the heaviest cropper of the day,
namely Goodfellow, a late oval variety, which yielded
no less than 46 lb. to the 6 yards, largest counting 187,
seconds 24, and chats 65. The results of three shaws
of Northern Star variety were also examined with
much interest. With 27-inch drill, 32 inches apart, the
yield was 14 lb. 12 oz.— 30 big Potatos, 50 seconds, and
57 ehats. With 48 inch drills, 21 inches apart, ?i> big,
*\2 seconds, and 43 chats was the result, weighing 14 lb.
4 oz. All over the crops of Potatos were looking ex-
ceedingly well. As a iule, the yields, so far as com-
parison could be made, were fully better than last year,
crops of up to 13 and 14 tons per acre, and occasionally
a little over, on the basis of the 6 yards' yields, being
pretty frequent. In this connection it may be men-
tioned that Mr. Scarlett stated that he never counted
on getting more than two-thirds of the calculated
yield of the crop in saleable Potatos; that was, if the
crop was estimated at 12 tons, about 8 tons only would
»>e saleable. This was corroborated by Mr. Harry Hope,
who said he always allowed 27 to 30 per cent, from the
calculated yield for shrinkage.

"After a most interesting afternoon, the party re-
turned to Rosewell, where they were entertained to
high tea, a feature also being the handing round of
>boiled samples of several of the leading new varieties,
including Northern Star. This variety was voted rich
in flavour, but wauling somewhat in dryness and
mealiness. With many the honours of this side of the
test passed to Langworthy, which, in addition to being
magnificently rich and full in flavour, was very dry
and mealy. Dalmeny Beauty, Crofter, and Factor also
came well through the cooking test, both colour and
flavour in each case being declared excellent.'1

ORCHARD AND GARDEN

PESTS.
Veky recently a large, fleshy fungus, called
Hyclnum Schiedermayeri, has been developed on
an old Apple-tree at Maldon, Essex, bursting
through the bark in a long strip, extending for
3 or 4 feet in an irregular mass. It has a nodu-
lose appearance, of an oohrey-yellow or flesh-
colour. The nodules produce long spines, which
are covered by the hymenium producing the
spores. It was forwarded from the Chelms-
ford Technical Laboratories to the Scientific
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society by
Mr. Fred. J. Chittenden, and seems to be the first
record of the occurrence of this species in
Britain. There is a woodcut in Massee's Plant
Diseases (fig. 39). According to Thumen, this
fungus is very frequently destructive to Apple-
trees, and is presumably a wound-fungus, the
spores entering through a wound or fissure of the
bark, and soon becoming developed. An allied

THE ROSARY.

C ARP C H RgjJ u^— ^

Fig. 125.— oyulabia clematidis on clematis.

a, Section of petal with mycelium and conidiophores.
6, Conidiophore with conidium.
c, Conidium germinating.
•I, Conidia.

species was found in Epping Forest a few years
ago on a Beech-trunk, named Hydnum diversi-
dens, so that both of these destructive species
may now be regarded as British.

From the same source and at the same time,
the flowers of Clematis (Jaekmanni?) were sent,
infested with a white mould, which has been
named Ovularia Clematidis (Chittenden), forming
whitish patches on the upper surface of the
petals, and may thus be described : Spots epi-
phyllous, white, conspicuous, circular or sub-
circular, from 2 to 4 centimetres in diameter.
Mycelium colourless, branched, creeping. Fertile
hyphte erect, simple, 40 — GO a x 7 p., two or three
times septate. Conidia hyaline, solitary, or
mostly so, cylindrical, with rounded ends, 28 — 12
■ 14 — 10 ii, smooth.

This species occurred at Chelmsford, September,
1903, and differs from all described British
species in the large conidia, which sometimes
give indications of being shortly catenulate.
M. C. C.

ROSE ETOILE DE FRANCE.
Tout vient a qui sait attendre. We rosarians
have been patiently but diligently waiting for
the red ever-blooming Rose which we could put
side by side with Hon. Edith Gifford, Kaiserin
Augusta Victoria, Madame Ravary, Killarney,
and so forth, and to us it has come in M. Pernet
Ducher's new Etoile de France. First of all it is
bright, brilliant red — as red as Fisher Holmes ;
and, secondly, it is even more fragrant than La
France, which, partly for this abounding and
delicious quality, we suspect is one of its parents.
It has, too, on its petals a bloom which at once
suggests Victor Hugo. Are these two Roses then
its actual parents ? We had better not pry
further into M. Pernet Ducher's secret, but
be content with thanking him for one more
of the many benefactions his skill has bestowed
upon our gardens. Looked at critically, it has
little, if any, yellow in its composition ; while, on
the other hand, there is just that suggestion of
blue which marks La France. This is its only
weak point, for it comes to us warranted by its
raiser to be at once hardy, vigorous, and con-
tinuously in bloom. Arthurus.

KITCHEN GARDENING.

STORING- AND FORCING CHICORY

(ClCHORIUM INTYBTJS).

The cultivation of Chicory as a winter salading
plant has received more attention in recent than
in previous years, and the cultivation of the plant
has been extended, more especially by gardeners
who have to furnish materials in quantity for
salads during winter and early spring. Seeds of
the plant should be sown in shallow drills in
soil of average fertility in April or May, and the
seedlings thinned to about 9 inches apart. The
plants will have grown this year to a large,
and the roots to Parsnip size. As soon as the
leaves of the plants die down naturally, the
crowns should have a small quantity of wood-
ashes sprinkled round and over them previously
to covering a short length of half-a-dozen or
more rows with rough wooden troughs about
10 inches deep, 9 inches wide, and S feet long,
the ends being about 1 inch higher than the
sides, so as to hold a board of the same length
and width of the trough in position when placed
thereon ; and over this place a quantity of clean
and slightly fermenting leaves to the thickness
of 2 feet. Thus treated, good, well - blanched
Chicory may be cut in about a fortnight or three
weeks. In order to maintain the supply three
dozen troughs, more or fewer according to circum-
stances, will be necessary, these (twelve at a time)
being placed over the half-dozen rows at intervals
of a week or ten days, beginning at the end
nearest to the path as a matter of course. By
forcing a given length of six or more rows
together at one time, a better and more even
degree of heat is secured from the leaf-bed, and
warmth is imparted to the soil, thereby tending
to the production of solid, well-blanched heads.
As the season advances the depth of the bed may
be reduced, and during the months of February
and March a covering sufficient to exclude light
will suffice. I have practised the method advised
for many years, with very satisfactory results in
the saving of time and labour, the roots not
having been disturbed until they are removed to
the rubbish-heap, prior to the ground so occupied
being manured and dug in preparation for other
crops.

Where it is not convenient to follow this
method, successive batches of roots may be taken
up with the assistance of a digging-fork, and
placed 3 or t inches apart in shallow boxes or in
large pots, packing light mould moderately firm

300

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Octoseb 31, 1903.

Fig. 126.— beurre Alexander lucas.

about the roots, and placed in a Mushroom-house,
cellar, or shed from which air, daylight and frost
can he excluded. The crowns placed in pots
should be covered with inverted pots of the same
size, as also should those in boxes be covered by
inverted boxes of not less than 8 inches in depth,
so as to admit of fair-sized heads of blanched
leaves being developed in due time. However,
the produce thus obtained will not compare with
that secured from roots covered and forced in
their summer quarters, i.e., where they are grow-
ing in the manner described above. H. W. Ward,
Bayleigh, October 10.

NOTES ON SOME VAEIETIES OF
PEARS.

Some time ago I promised to write my experi-
ence of some of the less known Pears, not neces-
sarily new varieties, but sorts that are seldom
seen in gardens. Amongst those mentioned
below it will be noticed that some of them ripen
about the same time as Beurre Hardy and
Doyenne du Cornice, two of the finest Pears we
have. These two sorts have failed here this
season. I have not a fruit of Beurre Hardy, and
not more than four dozen fruits of Doyenne du
Cornice. I mention this circumstance to show
how necessary it is to plant a considerable number
of varieties in order to obtain fruits in a bad
season, such as this has been. The sorts that
cropped heavily last season are almost a failure
this year ; but, having planted all the best kinds, I
can now show a very nice lot of fruits of at least
thirty varieties.

Triomphe de Tienne is a very fine, large fruit, of
handsome appearance. It succeeds well on the
Pear or Quince stocks. The fruits make a really
handsome dish for the dining-room in September.

Marguerite Marillat. — Another very fine Pear
of grand flavour, succeeding well here on the
Pear stock. It is a good grower, and would
probably make an excellent espalier tree for the
open quarter.

Beurre Alexander Lucas. — The fruits are very
green whilst growing, but they gradually change
to a beautiful straw colour, and acquire a delicious
flavour. The tree is a good grower and the
variety is a most desirable one, ripening in
November (fig. 126).

Beurri d'Avalon. — Partakes much of the char-
acter of Beurre Hardy, although at present 1 do
not consider it to be so good as that variety. At
the same time it ought to be grown in every
collection.

Beurre Dubuisson. — A very fine-flavoured fruit,
ripening in the early part of December. In this
garden the tree is a very slow grower.

Beurre Fouqueray. — Much resembles Beurre
Bachelier, but in this garden is much better in
every respect.

Beurre Jean van Qeert. — A very beautiful fruit.
Even this season it is exceedingly handsome, and
possesses moderate flavour.

Beurre Mortillet. — A very handsome early Pear
of large size. The fruits should be gathered
before they become coloured, otherwise they are
flavourless.

Beurre Fcrren.— Not a very large fruit, but of.'
excellent flavour ; in season during January and
February (fig. 127).

Charles Ernest.— This is a grand fruit of hand-
some appearance and excellent flavour. The tree
is a good grower and crops well (fig. 128, p. 301).

Conference, — After Doyenne du Cornice, I con-
sider this Pear the best flavoured sort we grow.
This season with us it is most luscious and of
exquisite flavour and beautiful appearance. I
know some object to thi3 variety, because the'
fruits decay at the core, but indication of this,
defect can generally be detected by gentle pressure
with both hands (fig. 130, p. 306).

Fondante Thirriot is a heavy cropper, and
requires to be thinned severely ; it then become©
of useful size and good flavour. It is a desirable
Pear.

Le Brun. — This is a long yellow fruit of fine
grain ; a good cropper and grower. Certainly a
good Pear to plant.

Le Lectier grows well as a tree, but I have not
been able to ripen the fruits perfectly. .

Michaelmas Nelis. — This is a very fine Pear, of
delicious flavour, a good cropper and free grower.
It is the best in its season for general use. Where,
early Pears are in demand this variety should be
largely planted. If the trees be looked over every
day and the forward fruits gathered, the season/
can be prolonged for a month or more. The
fruits are of rather small size (fig. 131, p. 307).

St. Edmund's. — This variety has not succeeded
in this garden at present.

Directeur Hardy is a very useful variety, but a
bad grower.

Lady Clapp. — This is a good grower, and the
fruits are of moderate quality, but here it is not
quite so good as Clapp's Favourite, which it much
resembles. However, it ripens a fortnight later

Fig. 127. — pear beurre perren.

October 31, 1903. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

301

than Favourite, and may be useful for exhibition
purposes.

Magnate. — A fine large fruit of moderate
flavour, and the tree crops freely.

Passe Crassane. — This is the very best late fruit
we have, requiring a south or west wall and very
generous treatment. Plenty of stimulants and
water in abundance are necessary to bring this
fine Pear to perfection. I have exhibited fruits
at the Drill Hall, and they were considered to be

NURSERY NOTES.

MESSRS. JAMES VEITCH & SONS, LTD.

To attain perfection in quality and cultivation
of the immense number of species and varieties
cultivated has always been the object of this firm.
In the matter of hybrid Orchids they were the
pioneers. Their collectors have sent from all
parts of the world new and rare plants, their last

department is now removed ; and Coombe Wood,
where hardy trees and shrubs are grown. The-
fine blocks of houses at Chelsea have been
renewed or rebuilt, and in them now none bub
the perfection of the large stock of plants find
place. Generally the flowering subjects do not
arrive there until set for bloom. In order to do-
this with safety at all seasons, large vans, heated
when necessary, are used. These are loaded in
enclosed buildings at the branch nurseries, and!
unloaded in a similar structure, to which the-

^H ^ -^S9f

H

"A

p

A

w

2i—

J^

^^^ ^^—""

i

-•*^- -""

FlG. 128. — PEAR CHARLES ERNEST. (SEE V. 300.)

a new sort, because the specimens were so large
and possessed superb flavour. The fruits of this
variety were still on the trees (October 9), tied on
with paper collars to keep the birds away, and
although we are having showers almost every
day, I am giving all late ripening Pears copious
supplies of manure-water about three times each
week. This I have found to be absolutely neces-
sary for the growth and finish of all late Pears.
Late kinds with me do not commence really to
put on flesh and quality till late in the season.
O. Woodward, Gardener, Barham Court Estate,
Maidstone.

venture, with a view of introducing new hardy
and half-hardy shrubs and flowers, taking their
representative into the highlands of Central
China. In fruits and florists' flowers they have
also zealously worked. But as the years passed,
and buildings, with the consequent fogs, en-
croached, it became more and more difficult to
maintain the standard desired. Some years
ago the cultivation of all the important
classes of plants was undertaken at the various
country branches, as at Feltham, where the
hybridising and raising of new plants Ore
carried on ; Langley, where the hybrid Orchid

glasshouses adjoin, at Chelsea. Thus the central
establishment is made the show ground for al)
the best things grown in all the other branches.
The wisdom of such an arrangement is very
evident, for at no time has the nursery been
seen with so much flower and promise of flower of
excellent quality in all its departments. The
change has been brought about without difficulty,
as the old chiefs of departments remain at
Chelsea ; and Mr. John Heal keeps in touch with
the specialties which Messrs. Veitch have de-
veloped under his care, by passing part of his
time at Chelsea and part at Feltham.

302

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Octobub 31, 1903.

The Orchids
have still a large number of houses devoted to
"them. The first we entered contained a very fine

show of autumn-flowering Cattleya labiata. On
the central stage was a large quantity of all the
showy Cattleyas, Trianse, Mossia?, Schroderae,
Ac, all furnished with flower-sheaths and all in
splendid condition. At the end of the house is
■a representative collection of Yandas, including a

stout specimen of V. (Arachnanthe) Lowii,
Laalia Digbyana in sheath, L. anceps in spike, and
L. autumnalis atro-rubens suspended overhead.

In the corridor joining the ends of the next
block of houses are in flower varieties of Odonto-
glossum crispum, O. grande, Oncidium Porbesii,
O. varicosum, and many of the other Oncidiums
of that class; also Maxillaria picta, and some
hybrid Masdevallias. The next large span-roofed
house has a fine show of Cattleyas in flower, prin-
cipally good forms of C. labiata and C. Dowiana
aurea. Some hybrids were also in flower here, in-
cluding the showy Ltelio-Cattleya x Dominiana,
■varieties of L.-C. x Nysa, L.-C. x Haroldiana, L.-C.

x Bletchleyensis, and the late-flowering hybrids
of Cattleya Bowringiana, together with good ex-
amples of the species itself. Cattleya Skinneri,
Lselia tenebrosa, L. purpurata, and others were
observed well furnished with flower - sheaths.
The next house had at the entrance a small lot of
sturdy plants of Vanda ccerulea sending up
spikes ; so also were all the showy Cymbidiums,
such as Tracyanum, giganteum, eburneum, and
hybrids. Others noted either in flower or bud
were Vanda Kimballiana, V. Amesiana, Cattleya
velutina, La?lia pumila, Lycaste Skinneri, Ornitho-
•cephalus grandiflorus, Houlletia Brocklehurstiana,
and some' of the species and hybrids of Cattleyas.
The tank-house, in which is a large collection
■of Nympha?as, has suspended overhead a fine lot
of Dendrobiums, the front being occupied by the
hybrids raised by Messrs. Veitch ; Dendrobium
Phala-nopsis Schroderianum and D. formosum
giganteum give the greatest show of flowers.
The smaller span-house has a collection of the
rare forms of showy Cattleyas and La?lias, and
-also representatives of most of the best hybrids,
together with a collection of Cypripediums, some
•of which are in flower, the best being C. x Baron
Schroder. In one of the houses is a small collec-
tion of Phalaenopsis, P. x John Seden and P.
■antennifera with eleven spikes being noted.
Other houses contain representatives of most of
the showy Orchids.

The greenhouse Rhododendron-houses have not
•been without some flowers on the specimens in them
for years. The end of the principal house now has
a fair show made up of R. jasminiflorum and R.
javanicum, the two species which produced the
bulk of the fine things raised at Chelsea, and
which were developed by the introduction of R.
multicolor and R. Teysmanni. The best of those
mow in flower are Mrs. Heal, white ; Rose Per-
fection, rose colour ; Lord Wolseley, copper-orange;
Hercules, yellow; King Edward VII., clear
butter-cup yellow; Thetis, nankeen yellow;
Taylori, pink with white tube; Jasminiflorum
•carminatum, carmine ; Dido, Indian red ; Virgil,
.yellow, and three differently coloured varieties of
the double-flowered R. balsaminiuorum. It is not
so well known as it should be that these green-
house Rhododendrons, including Veitchii and
others of that section, are among the best plants
to grow in the warm, rather dry conservatories
often adjoining dwelling-houses. These- Rhodo-
dendrons have been known to thrive admirably
where most other plants failed to be other than
shabby and unsatisfactory.

The Nepenthes
are displayed both in the rockery show-house and
in their own commodious quarters. N. Curtisii
varieties, N. Northiana, N. ventricosa, N. bical-„
carata, N. mixta, N. sanguinea, and the still

finer hybrid N. Mastersiana x and most of the
other species and hybrids are producing a fine
show of " pitchers." A large number of the
Veitchian hybrids are also present, and all beauti-
ful, some of the newer ones obtained from N.
mixta superba being very handsome in form and
colouring. Of the best noted were N. :■; Tiveyi,
a very fine green pitcher with the dark purple
blotches displayed in lines ; N. picturata, N. Sir
W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, and N. Balfoureana, all
of the large and showy class.

In a cold house is a collection of the green-
house " pitcher plants," Sarracenias, both species
and hybrids, and some Droseras and other in-
sectivorous plants.

The main blocks of houses running up to the
Fulham Road have all been renewed and made
level with the central walk, instead of being on a
lower level, as formerly. In them are small
batches of a very varied collection of plants,
many of which have been sacrificed elsewhere
in order to make room for quantities of a few
easily- grown things, not in some cases equal
in beauty to those whose places they usurp.

The winter-flowering Begonias give the greatest
show at the present time ; the houses devoted to
them being literally masses of colour given by
the batches of B. Agatha and B. A. compacta,
two fine improvements on the floriferous B.
Gloire de Lorraine; B. Mrs. Heal, the best dark
crimson ; and B. John Heal, a smaller crimson ;
B. l'ldeale, a fine semi-double ; B. Winter Cheer,
B. Winter Perfection, and the others which have
been frequently shown from Chelsea. So much
do these winter - flowering Begonias take the
fancy of growers that at Feltham two houses,
each 100 feet long, are filled with them. B. Frce-
belii incomparabilis, B. socotrana, and other
species are also in bloom.

The showy Veitchian strains of Streptocarpus
command like attention, and there is great
demand both for plants and seeds.

Among the other fine batches noted were a
house of grand bulbs of the new strain of Hip-
peastrum or Amaryllis, with A. Autumn Beauty,
a showy late-flowering hybrid of A. reticulata in
bloom ; a fine show of the best and newest
Chrysanthemums, a good display of zonal Pelar-
goniums, winter - flowering Heaths, Carnations,
Gardenias, Lapagerias, Cannas, Camellias,
iEschynanthus, the blue Dredalacanthus parvus,
scarlet Salvias, and other winter flowers ; and in
the warmer houses a good collection of Perns,
Codiaeums, Dracaenas, and other decorative plants.

The Week's Work.

THE OHCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexandeb, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holfoed, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Cleansing the Houses. — The cultivator, being now
busily engaged in repotting many of his plants,
should devote his attention to cleansing stages,
walls, glass, &c. ; and the more thoroughly these
operations are carried out the better will the
plants be enabled to pass the winter. If con-
venient, a house should be cleared of its occupants
before the work is begun. The roofs should be
cleansed at the least once a year, and more often
in foggy, smoky districts and towns. After a
house is cleansed the ventilators should be opened
wide for several hours.

Cleansing the Plants. — Newly-potted plants will
require more than ordinary care in carrying out
the work, being more easily loosened in the mate-
rials than those which have not been disturbed.
There are some plants whose leaves, if roughly
handled, get cracked and broken, and sometimes
the central leaf of a growth is pulled out. Where
these things occur the plants are made unsightly.
Every plant, when the house is re-arranged,
should have a position in which it will have a fail-
amount of sunlight, and hanging plants should
be placed out of the reach of cold air admitted by
the upper ventilators. Some remarks on cleans-
ing and cognate matters will be found in my
Calendar for January 10 this year.

Yellow and Black Thrips. — In order to keep
Thrips from increasing employ a vaporiser and a
safe compound at regular intervals of two to four
weeks, damping down the house, closing it early
in the day, and allowing the temperature to rise
considerably. If this be done the Thrip3 are
induced to come out of such hiding-places as the
vapour cannot readily reach. It will be found
that two mild applications, with an interval of a
few hours between, are safer than one of greater
strength.

Other Pests. — Slugs, snails, woodlice, &c, must
be sought for diligently, and baits of Lettuce
leaves, saucers filled with bran, and pieces of
Bean-stalk placed about among the plants. Fresh
soot placed in the ventilators helps to keep out
of the house slugs and snails. Cockroaches are
very destructive and must be trapped and other-
wise destroyed.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.-

By T. H. C.

Pot Vines. — Where the earliest Grapes are
obtained from pot Vines, the latter should now
be prepared for starting by shortening the canes,
if this has not been done, to the desired length,
usually 7 to 10 feet, according to the strength of
the rods and the height of the house they will
occupy. Dress the cut portions with styptic, and
a3 a precaution dress the Vines with an insecti-
cide. The pots will contain a mass of roots, but
if the upper 3 inches of soil be removed from
among them a rich top-dressing can be applied,
which may consist of good turfy-loam, to each
wheelbarrow-load of which a C-inch potful of Le
Fruitier or Thomson's Vine Manure, and a small
quantity of fine broken mortar-rubble and char-
coal, may be added. A low span-roofed house,
having a chamber or bed running round the sides
with hot-water-pipes to augment the bottom-heat
afforded by a hot-bed of tree-leaves and stable-
litter, and sufficient piping to maintain a stove
heat, is a suitable structure for forcing Vines.
Thoroughly cleanse the house, then place the
Vines 2| to 3 ft. apart, standing them upon a brick
base or upon inverted flower-pots, and fill in the
chamber with equal parts stable-litter and Oak or
Beech-leaves, packing the material firmly about the
pots, but taking care the heat therefrom does not
exceed 65° or 70° for a start. Let the canes be
coiled round a few stakes, in order to induce an
even break, afterwards tying them to the trellis.
In order to have ripe Grapes early in the month
of April, the Vines sho.ild be started the first
week in November, with a mean temperature of
50°, a moist condition of the air, and spraying the
canes with tepid water twice a day. Three good
early varieties are Black Hamburgh, Foster's
Seedling, and Grizzly Frontignan. Vhen prun-
ing the Vines, select the well-ripened strong
laterals for furnishing eyes for raising pot-Vines,
these being preferable to those from later Vines.
Heel-in these shoots in a sheltered border out-of-
doors until required.

Ripe Grapes. — Ripe Grapes hanging on the
Vines must be afforded a dry atmosphere, con-
stant ventilation and, with the exception of
Muscat of Alexandria, very little artificial heat,
excepting in wet or dull weather and at night.
Remove all berries which show the least sign of
decay, as any neglect in this matter will cause
much loss of fruit. Do not allow the Vine
borders to become dry, but afford water on a fine,
dry morning when it is required, removing the
hay or other dry mulch, and returning it immedi-
ately after the water is applied. If the vineries
are filled with Chrysanthemums or other plants
in pots, the Grapes, if perfectly ripe, are the
better for being cut and placed in bottles in the
Grape-room, and the lateral shoots shortened to
half their length so as to admit the light.

Early Vineries. — Outside borders should be
covered with tree-leaves to the depth of !■§ feet,
and over all a straw thatch, made secure with
tarred string. Wooden or corrugated - iron
shutters or feather-edge boards make this cover-
ing still warmer.

Young Vines. — Growth being finished, let the
laterals and leading growths be shortened to half
their length. If the wood is not quite ripened
afford artificial warmth, together with free
ventilation.

OCTOBEH 31, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

503

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Pot-herbs. — If green pot-herbs are required in
quantity in the winter, a heated brick pit or part
of one should be set aside for the purpose. The
top growth of Spearmint should be cut off close
down to the ground with a pair of shears, and the
roots lifted with a fork, the soil shaken from
them, and then be laid close together on a bed of
leaves over which a layer of leaf-soil has been
placed, and covered to the depth of 2 inches with
leaf-mould, and tepid water copiously afforded
once when the shoots appear. Afford plenty of
air in fine weather, so as to prevent spindling.
Tarragon and Sorrel may be lifted in clumps
each with a good mass of earth attached, and be
placed in the same pit ; but these will need more
soil over them than Spearmint, and it should be
of a heavier nature. Chives should be lifted
and cut over, and the clumps placed side by side.
Marjoram should be grown in pots, and ample
space allowed between the plants, and be
aired freely, or the plants will quickly damp
off. Chervil may also be lifted and placed
in the same pit, and the last sowing made in
a frame or under a south wall. Sweet Basil is a
very tender herb, and should be grown in 6-inch
pots and kept near the glass in gentle heat. The
perennial herbs growing in the herb-border
should be cleaned and top-dressed with spent
Mushroom-bed manure.

Chicory may be left in the ground till required,
but some roots should .be taken up and stored in
fine coal-ashes before hard frosts occur. To
force the roots place them in large pots or boxes
and bring on as required in the Mushroom-
house, keeping it close and dark. Dandelion
roots should be similarly treated.

Cabbage. — Look carefully over the beds and
make good any blanks with strong plants from
the reserve bed, making the plants quite firm in
the soil. Earth up the earlier plants, and keep
a sharp lookout for grubs at the root. Should
the weather remain open another lot may yet be
planted in a sheltered part of the garden, and
these may come through a severe winter much
better than the earlier plantings, which this
season have made unusually strong and soft
growth.

Salsify and Scorzonera. — Lift and store] the
roots in sufficient quantity in sand or fine coal-
ashes, leaving most of the crop of roots in the
ground to be lifted as occasion may require.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rollb,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Hydrangeas. — It is advisable to protect these
plants from much frost, or the flower-heads now
formed may get crippled, plunging the pots to
the rims in fine coal-ashes if wintered in cold
frames or pits ; but a greenhouse, from which
frost is merely kept out, and near the light, is a
more suitable place.

Roses. — The plants intended for flowering
during January and February should receive the
necessary pruning and thinning of the shoots,
and if they are not in need of repotting this
year the inert soil should be picked away with a
pointed stick to the depth of 1J inch, and a top-
dressing of good loam and a small quantity of
bone-meal substituted for it after putting the
drainage into good order. Tea Roses are better
for early flowering than H.P.'s.and they do not re-
quire hard pruning, but merely to have the weaker
shoots cut back to a strong bud, or removed
altogether if the head is likely to get crowded.
H.P.'s require closer pruning — that is, down to
the second or third bud, according to the vigour
of the plant. Stand the pots in a cold-house, and
afford full ventilation, and do not keep them wet
at the root until they are introduced to heat
early in the month of December. The plants in
the Rose-house proper should be afforded a like
treatment, and the lights merely put on to the
roof to ward off heavy rain. Roses in pots for
starting early in the new year should bo plunged
in fine coal-ashes, or long litter should bo packed
tightly around the pots if glass protection-cnnnot
be. afforded.

Cinerarias.— Plants from late sowings may still
be repotted, and the whole of the stock should be
removed from pits and frames to staging erected
in a fruit-house, if not required, or to the cooler
end of a greenhouse. Let early-sown plants, if
the pots are well filled with roots, be afforded
weak manure-water once a week, and examine
all the plants for the leaf-miner and for a small
green caterpillar, both troublesome pests, and
fumigate lightly twice a week.

General reminders. — Tuberous-rooted Begonias,
Fuchsias, Cassia corymbosa, Cannas, Erythrina
crista galli, and Asclepias Curassavica, should be
stored out of the reach of frost, but the soil
should not be allowed to become dust dry, more
especially that in which Fuchsias are kept.
Plants of Campanula pyramidalis should be
plunged in fine coal ashes, and a glass light put
over them in very severe weather. Rhododen-
drons, Mollis and Ghent Azaleas, Myrtles, Deut-
zias, Lilacs, &c, not required before the new
year, should also have their pots protected with
litter or leaves, and as the earlier-flowered Chrys-
anthemums go out of bloom and are cut down,
place them in unheated pits or frames till the
time comes for taking cuttings. Afford but little
water, and ventilate freely in mild weather.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller MUNDY.Ksq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Calochorti. — Established clumps should have
their crowns covered with fine coal-ashes as a
protection against severe frost. In late spring
this covering should be removed, and some Spruce
branches, bracken, or similar material employed
instead to protect the growths. These beautiful
bulbous plants are much neglected by gardeners,
or, if grown at all, it is in flower-pots, under
which conditions they are not observed at their
best. Though rather tender, the plants are
worthy of a little trouble being taken with their
cultivation. They succeed on a raised sunny
border, such as one adjoining a building if
possible, the soil being well drained, and rendered
porous by the addition of sand or grit, in which
the bulbs may be planted at a depth of about
4 inches. C. pulchellus, C. amcenus and one or
two others require shade, and are successfully
grown in the wild garden or near the paths in
woodlands.

Schizostylis coccinea. — Where this plant is grown
in quantity for cut- flowers, a skeleton frame should
be placed over the bed or plot, and mats, garden-
framelights,orboth,maybeplacedontheformeron
frosty nights. Under these conditions the plants
will, if strong and well-grown, throw abundance
of flower-spikes throughout the early months of
winter.

Early Chrysanthemums. — In order to grow these
varieties to perfection, cuttings should be struck
in the spring, the old stools in the open breaking
strongly after severe winters. A sufficient
number of plants should be cut back, lifted at
this season, and either put into pots or boxes in
order to provide the cuttings in the spring. For
the present the plants may stand in cold frames,
but later they should be put into a cool, airy
fruit-house, the new growths being liable to
damp off in frosty weather if kept in cold frames .

Lobelia cardinalis. — The old stools should be
lifted and placed in boxes, treating them simi-
larly to the Chrysanthemums for a time. The
plants must be protected from drip and afforded
air in fine weather, and but little water at the
root during the winter. The seedlings raised
under glass as I recommended being done some
months ago should be pricked out in shallow-
boxes and wintered in a house or frame with a
minimum temperature of 50°, so as to keep them
in a growing state. There is no question as to
the superiority of seedlings over divided old
plants.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fohtescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Planting Fruit Trees and Bushes. — This kind of
work should be undertaken forthwith on fairly
light soils and those of medium texture, but in
view of the excessive rainfall planting on heavy
soils should be deferred till they are less charged

with moisture. The gardener should pay a visit
to some good fruit-tree nursery and select his
trees, instead of merely giving his order by post,
as he will then get precisely that which he desires.
In planting standards of the Apple, Pear, and
Plum, I prefer trees three years from the bud or
graft to older trees that have been transplanted
in the nursery for a year or two. Doubtless such
trees may carry a few fruits the year after being
planted, but in a few years the younger and
more vigorous trees will have outstripped them.
Before planting orchards with standards the
ground should be trenched, the stations to be-
occupied by the trees should be marked with a
stout stake driven firmly into the soil. In the
garden, unless large areas are to be planted it
suffices to take out holes 6 to 8 feet wide and
2} feet deep. The planting should be done
carefully, as much depends on a tree getting
a good start. In trenched ground holes about
2 to 3 feet in diameter and 1 foot deep are large
enough, and some of the finer surface-soil should
be placed in the bottom. Then let the roots be
spread out regularly around the stem, very
strong ones being slightly shortened, or when
bruised or much injured by digging out, short-
ened to a sound tissue. Do not bury the stem
more than an inch below the surface, which is
sufficiently deep at the time. Having filled in
the hole and made the soil firm, put a stout
stake or stakes to the tree so as to prevent the-
wind waving. Some gardeners prefer to use
three stakes to a tree placed at an oblique angle
with the tree-stem between them, but not touch-
ing any one of them, which is readily done with
strawband fastenings.

Hints on Work in General. — The fruits of Apples
Wellington, Norfolk Beaufin, Yorkshire Greening,
Sturmer Pippin, and Winter Queening, being,
now mature, should be gathered, as sharp frosts
may occur at any time after this date. Let the
fruits be stored in as cool a place as possible, or
they may shrivel. The fruits of Pears Duchess
de Bordeaux, Olivier de Serres, and Winter
Nelis should be gathered. These varieties will,
in many parts of the country, be of poor quality ;
still, they may be of use for culinary purposes.
Take advantage of fine days to clear betimes
weeds from the plantations of small fruit.

THE APIARY.

By Expert.
Seasonable Notes. — Feeding should be continued
with driven bees and weak stocks, and not dis-
continued till eight or ten frames are sealed over.
Where fully sealed frames can be taken from
strong stocks, they should be given to the weaker
colony ; but in no case should there be fewer than
eight frames in a hive for the bees to winter on,
and each colony should also be supplied with a
cake or two of candy mixed with a little honey
in the making from the following receipt : —

Bee Candy. — Into a clean pan placed on the fire
put half-a-pint of water to every 3 lb. of crys-
tallised cane sugar ; and begin stirring at once till
dissolved to prevent it burning. Allow the syrup
to boil for a few seconds, then cease stirring and
let a drop or two fall on a plate ; if it sets at once
so that it does not stick to the finger it will do, but
if sticky it contains too much water, and boiling
must be continued to drive off the excess of liquid.
The right condition being reached, remove it
from the fire and set the pan in cold water to
hasten cooling, stirring briskly all the time until
the mixture begins to turn white or granulate-
and becomes rather stiff, when it may be pi
into any convenient mould suitable for the pur-
pose and lined with paper for easy removal and to-
prevent sticking to the quilts. The crates should
be removed and the candy placed over the centre
of the brood, and several wrappings of felt, cloth,
or flannel placed nicely over to prevent the bees
crawling up; over this place several layers of
brown-paper, which will not only hold the warmth,
but can easily be removed when wet and replaced,
thus keeping the quilts dry. Hives in exposed
places should be secured by driving a stake
firmly into the ground each side of tbo hive and a
stout cord tied to them and paved over the
centre of the hive. For double security two
additional stakes can be placed in the front anil
bade ;ind secured in the same manner.

304

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[0CT0BER.31, 1903.

Appointments for November.

TUESDAY, Nov. 3

•WEDNESDAY, NOT. 4

THURSDAY, Not. S

FRIDAY, Not.

■SATURDAY, Not.

f Chrysanthemum and Fruit
Shows at Croydon (2 days),
Southampton (2 days), Brigh-
ton (2 days), Devizes. Barns-
ley, 'Plymouth, and Bourne-
mouth (2 days).
Chrysanthemum and Fruit
Shows at Hereford (2 days),
Blackheath (2 day*), Alexan-
dra Palace, London (2 days).
Cardiff (2 days), Dulwich ii
days); Cambridge (2 days).
Hanley (2 days), Ascot, Surrey
(2 d.i, Stoke Newington (2 d ).
I Linnean Society meets, Chrys-
.=>-! antheiaum Shows at Exeter (2
(. days), and Colchester (2 days).
i Chrysanthemum Congress at
6-' Lille, France (3 days), Show

( at Waterford.
, t Soc. Franc. d'Hort. de Londres
' f ,

TUESDAY, Not. 10

WEDNESDAY, NOT. 11

meet.
Royal Horticultural Society's
Committees meet. Lecture on
" Merits and Evils of Size ; "
National Chrysanthemum So-
ciety's Exhibition at Crystal
Palace (3 days), Chrysanthe-
mum Shows at Birmingham
(3 days), Ipswich (2 days), and
Oxford.
Chrysanthemum Shows at Ches-
ter (2 days). Buxton. Winches-
ter, Liverpool (2 days), Read-
ing. Canterbury (i days),
Guernsey (2 days), and Rome,
Italy(ll days); Rugby (3days),
Corn Exchange, London (2
days).

Tnnciniv Ko^ 10 ) Chrysanthemum Shows at Put-
ihuksmy, rNO\.l2( ney (2 days) and Jersey.

/ Chrysanthemum Shows at
I Blackburn (2 days), Bradford
I (2 days), Eccles (2 days),
Not. 13 < Leicester (3 days). Stockport
1 (2 days), Shetheld (2 days),
f Nottingham, and Maccles-
\ field i i days).

11— Royal Botanic Society meet.
t Chrysanthemum Shows at Bel-

17-' fast (2 days) and West Hartle-
( pool.
I'York Chrysanthemum Exhibi-

1FRIDAY,

SATURDAY, Not.
TUESDAY, Nov,

'WEDNESDAY, Not. 18-

tion (3 days). Hull Chrysan-
i themum Exhibition (2 days),
(. Bristol (2 days).
iLinnean Society meets.
I Scottish Horticultural So-
ciety's Chrysanihemum Show
) at Edinburgh (3 days), Nor-
THURSDAY, Not. 19"| wich Chrysanthemum Show
(3 days). Rosal Botanic and
Horticultural Society of Man-
chester's Chrysanthemum
Show (3 days).
10— Bolton Chrysanthemum Show.
r, t National Chrysanthemum Com-
\ mittees meet.
( Royal Horticultural Society's
24 -J Committees meet. Lecture
( on " Pomology as a Study."
/"Royal Botanical Society meets.
25 { South Shields Chrysanthe-
mum Society's Show (2 days).

FRIDAY, Nov

MONDAY, Not

TUE3DAY, Not.

WEDNESDAY, Not
THURSDAY, Nov

n

ifl

( Irish Gardeners' Association

'( Meeting

8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT-

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by
Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30.

MONDAY, Nov. 2—

Useful Shrubs. Trees, Roses, <$ic, at the Nurseries,
Burnt Ash Hill, Lee. S.E., by Protheroe & Morris,
at 12 o'clock.— 280 cases Japanese Lilies, Dutch
Bulbs, Spirseas, &«.. at Stevens' Rooms.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, Nov. 3 and 4 -

Shrubs, Ornamental Trees, <fcc, at Shortlands Nur-
sery, Shortlands, Kent, by Protheroe & Morris, at

11 o'clock each day.
"WEDNESDAY, Nov. 4—

Palms, Azaleas, Roses, &0., at 67 and 68, Cheap-
side, E.C.. by Protheroe & Morris, at 1 o'clock.—
Japanese Liliums, Palm Seeds, etc.. at 67 and 68,
Cheapside, E.C .by Protheroe & Morris, at 5 o'clock.
—Dutch Bulbs. Lily of the Valley Clumps, Spiraeas,
&c. at Stevens' Rooms.

■WEDNESDAY, Nov. 4, and following day-
Sale of duplicate Orchids at Hareneld Hall, Wilm-
slow, Cheshire, by Mr. John Cowan, of the Gateacre
Nurseries, near Liverpool.

THURSDAY, Nov. 5—

General Nursery Stock, at The Nurseries, Cooks-
bridge, Lewes, Sussex, by Protheroe & Morris, at

12 o'clock.
FRIDAY, Nov. 6-

Roses, Shrubs, Fruit Trees, &c, at The Nurseries,
Skipton, Yorks, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 o'clock.
— OrchidB in variety, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C,
by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30 o'clock.
f For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswic k
-45-8\
Actual Temperatures :—

London.— Oct 28 (6 p.m.) : Max. 56°; Min. 49°.

Oct. 29 (noon) : 51°; sunny, calm.
Provinces.— Oct. is (6 p.m.) : Max. 53°, Dorchester;
Min. 44°, Cape Clear.

To all those who have to do

Planting. with the transplanting of trees
and shrubs of large size, and
particularly to those to whose care is en-
trusted the planting of trees in our streets
and highways, we commend a little book
written by the head gardener of the city of
Paris,* and which is, therefore, in spite of
its small compass, a work of authority. It
is written in French, but those to whom
that circumstance would offer some obstacle,
may yet derive much instruction from the
illustrations.

The methods of transplanting, the ma-
chinery employed, the care to be given after
removal, the cost, and other particulars are
briefly and clearly described.

We notice, however, that M. Luquet, like
everyone else, adopts the plan of putting a
grating (grille) close up to the base of the
tree for the admission of air and water to
the roots; but that is just the place where
such an arrangement is least required. The
grating should be fixed at some considerable
distance from the trunk, so as to admit air
and water to the feeding roots. These, as
everyone knows, are at a distance from the
trunk. A similar mistake is often made in
applying manure close round the base of
the tree instead of at a distance. Two or
three large gratings at intervals between
each tree and its neighbour would be better
than the present system ; better still would
it be wherever possible to have an open
border all the way along from tree to tree.

Now that street-planting on an extensive
scale will soon be carried out in the new
streets in course of construction in London,
these details should be attended to. May
we also suggest that there are other trees
besides the Plane, notably some of the
Poplars, and various Maples, which would
succeed in London streets, as we have often
pointed out. In any case we strongly com-
mend to the notice of our County Council
authorities this valuable little treatise.

Linnean SOCIETY.— The papers to be read at
the first meeting of the session 1903 — 1904, on
Thursday, November 5, at 8 p.m., will be the follow-
ing:— Mr. L. A. Boodle, F.L.S., on the " Struc-
ture of the leaves of the Bracken, Pteris aquilina,
in relation to environment." Mr. E. P. Stebbing,
F.L.S., F.E.S., on the " Life-history of a new
Monoplebus from India, with a note on that of a
Vedalia predaceous upon it, with remarks on the
Monophlebinaj of the Indian region." Exhibi-
tions:—(1) Dr. W. G. Eidewood, F.L.S., "The
frontal bones of a horse, showing a pair of
rudimentary horns." (2) Prof. F. E. Weiss,
B.Sc, F.L.S., " Preparations and slides illus-
trating the occurrence of Mycorhiza in Coal-
measure plants." (3) Mr. B. H. Bentlet, F.L.S.,
" Photographs illustrating the Pollination of
Flowers."

University of London: Lectures in Ad-
vanced botany.— In his 3rd lecture at the Chelsea
Physic Garden on Tuesday last, Mr. A. D. Hall
dealt with the functions of the various elements
taken by the plant from the soil. Nitrogen is chiefly
concerned in the vegetative development of the
plant, the production of leaf and shoot. Excess
of nitrogen results in prolonged growth and
retarded maturity, and an over-production of
dark-green and soft foliage. Phosphoric acid, on
the contrary, is associated with the reproductive
processes and maturation : at Eothamsted, for

* Transplantation en Motte (Transplanting Trees and
Shrubs with a ball).— By M. J. Luquet. Paris : 8lbis,
Rue de Grcnelle.

example, the Barley on the plots receiving no
phosphoric acid shows green, upright ears, when
they have turned down and are yellowing for har-
vest on the other plots. Potash is necessary for
the production of carbohydrates. When Barley
is starved as regards nitrogen or phosphoric
acid, the few grains of Corn produced are almost
normal in size ; »when the starvation comes from
the absence of potash, the grain is more stunted
than the rest of the plant. At Eothamsted the
Mangolds on the plots receiving potash grow
three times more sugar per acre than in the
absence of potash. Potash manures are rarely
required except for the crops making large
amounts of carbohydrate, such as the starch in
Potatos, sugar in Mangolds and Beet and in fruit.
The other elements normally present in the ash of
the plant were then dealt with, and reference was
made to the rarer elements of which traces some-
times occur, and may have a physiological action.
Turning to the soil, a series of chemical analyses
of typical soils was given so as to show the
quantity normally present in the soil of ' the
various elements essential to the nutrition of "the
plant. These quantities are enormous, even the
top 9 inches of most soils contain sufficient mate-
rial for the development of a hundred full crops.
The continuous .growth of Wheat at Eothamsted
without manure for more than sixty years is
further evidence of the enormous reserves of
plant-food in the soil. As, however, the land will
not continue to give good crops without manure,
amounting to a quite insignificant addition to the
stores already in the soil, a distinction must be
drawn between dormant and active plant-food.
Cultivation is the chief agency in rendering the
dormant material in the soil available for the use
of the plant. Lastly the entry of the nutrient
materials was discussed, in view of the fact that
the plant appears to exert a selective action,
taking the various materials in very different
proportions from those in which they are present
in the soil. The next lecture will deal with the
relations between the composition of the plant
and of the soil, and the various theories of
manuring which have been based upon the
analysis of the plant.

PRESENTATION. — Mr. George Wilson, who
for the past fourteen years has held the position
of head gardener to Sir James Eeckitt, Bart.,
Swanland Manor, Brough, East Yorks., and is
about to resign with the best wishes of his em-
ployer, was made the recipient, at the annual
meeting of the Swanland Horticultural Society, of
a handsome present from members of the Society
and other friends, in the shape of a purse of gold
and aMalacca-cane suitably inscribed. The garden
staff at Swanland Manor presented him with a
travelling - bag as a mark of the good feeling
which had always existed between them. Mr.
Wilson is well known in the North as a successful
exhibitor at horticultural shows, and his services
as a judge were much valued by the authorities
of many of the best local societies. During his
charge of the Manor gardens he has almost
remodelled the pleasure-grounds, and during the
last two years he has made a new kitchen-garden.
Mr. Wilson's many gardening friends hope to
see him promoted to the charge of some good
garden commensurate with his abilities.

The Collerette Dahlia.— The finest va-
riety of this type was President Viger, an illus-
tration of which we published in our issue for
Sept. 13, 1902, p. 190. Then there appeared
Joseph Goujon ; and now Messrs. Eivoire, Pere
et Fils, of Lyon, have sent us flowers of a number
of varieties which show the same modification in
their structure. Unfortunately the specimens
arrived here in poor condition, but they are
sufficiently fresh to show that the type is now
represented by varieties of various colours, and
more progress may be anticipated.

October 81, 1903. ]

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE*

305

Sport iveness of Vines.— A fortnight ago
<a correspondent reports that he saw a number
-of instances of " sportiveness " in Vines, but
■could discover no circumstances to account for
this unusual tendency to bud variation. The
plants were growing in the vineries of Mr. Al-
mond, a cultivator of Grapes for market, at
Byfleet, in Surrey, who has 703 feet of wide,
3pan-roofed vineries. In a house containing the
variety Muscat of Alexandria there were several
instances. On one plant the fruit produced by
•a particular branch was indistinguishable in
-•appearance from a bunch of the variety Canon

and time will show if the variations are really
" sports" that can be fixed. But whether or not,
the facts are interesting, especially in view of
the little tendency cultivated Vines have shown
to bud - variation. In looking through Mr.
Barron's book Vines and Vine Culture, we find
descriptions given of 109 varieties. "Where it
was possible the author gave particulars of the
history of each variety, and it is certainly
remarkable that in only two instances does
he suggest the varieties may have arisen
from sports, one of these being the Parsley-
leaved Sweetwater known as Ciotat. It is

that in one or two of the instances mentioned
above the sports have occurred on the highest
shoots of the Vine, but the Muscat sport is nearly
at the base. Mr. Almond has no knowledge of
any grafting or budding having been done.

HERR OSCAR Bierbach, who has for many
years held the post of Inspector at the Botanic
Garden of Belgrade, has resigned his appoint-
ment and has established himself in Belgrade as
a nurseryman and exporter of rare plants. Herr
Bierbach is well known as a botanical traveller,
and to him is due the introduction of Eamondia

Fig. 129. — fruit and vegetable exhibition at the royal horticultural society's gardens, ciiiswick,
september 29, 30, and october 1. frvit in the big vinery.

(From a photograph by Mr. Gregory. See ante, p. 241 )

ViallMuscat, and other bunches, though less dis-
tinct, appeared to be more or less similar to that,
.'being larger and more rounded than the usual
berries of Muscat of Alexandria. In another house
Black Alicante Vines bore several variations, one
of which, should it prove constant, would perhaps
be a welcome variety for market-growers. The
berries were larger than those of Black Alicante
and nearly round, being therefore more like
those of Gros Colmar. But in the same house
Gros Colmar on its own roots fails to finish well,
whereas this bunch was coloured equally with
those of Black Alicante, which have perfect bloom
upon them. The sport therefore might prove to be
a sort of Gros Colmar that would colour as easily
JV3 Black Alicante. We believe that cuttings from
some of the shoots bearing sports have been rooted.

admitted that in respect of a large number
of varieties of Grapes now in cultivation,
nothing is known of their origin, except that they
were first discovered at such and such a place.
In some of these cases the varieties may have
originated as sports, but the fact remains that
so far as is known not one first-class Grape has
been obtained from bud variation, butall from seed.
Experience with many other plants under culti-
vation is of quite an opposite character, and it
would be interesting to learn if our readers have
noticed any tendency to " sport " in the Vines
under their immediate observation. If the Vino
should afford bud variations anywhere, it would
naturally be most likely to oocur in the large
market nurseries, where they are grown in such
great and increasing quantities. It may be added

serbica, R. Nathalie, Saxifraga Grisebachii, Pinu?
Laricio pindica, and other Alpine plants. Wo
wish our correspondent success in his new venture.

The Recent Gardeners' Dinner.— Mr. A.
Dean writes : — " Kindly permit me to trouble you
just once more under the above heading, and at
the same time warmly to thank you for so many
past favours. At a meeting of the Dinner Com-
mittee, held on Tuesday last, the full statement
of accounts was presented, showing the income to
have been .£121 . 15s., and the expenditure
j£109 10s. 1.?. That left in the Treasurer's hands
the sum of £12 Is. lid. That sum it was resolved
should be given as donations to the Gardeners*
Benevolent Institution 8 gs., and to the Orphan
Fund SA, the Committee making up the balance.

30G

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October ■31, 190a

Every service rendered by officials was purely
voluntary. Very cordial votes of thanks were
given to the Horticultural Club for kindly afford-
ing accommodation, to Leopold de Rothschild,
Esq., for his munificent liberality, to Viscount
Duncannon for presiding at the dinner, to
Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons for their splendid
tal le decorations, to the Horticultural Press, and
to the officers. A sample picture of the dinner,
taken by flash-light by Messrs. Fradelle & Young,
was shown, and was by all regarded as presenting
an excellent pictorial memento of a most interest-
ing and unique event."

Chrysanthemums in Liverpool. —The
Liverpool district has been famed for the cultiva-
tion of Chrysanthemums for many years past, and

"Journal of Botany": Change of Ad-
dress.— The address of the Editor is now 41,
Boston Eoad, Brentford, W.

"The Orchid."— The opening of the new
Gaiety Theatre was celebrated by the perform-
ance of a piece under this name. Mr. Aubrey
Chestekton — not the Orchid collector of that
name ! — who is got up to simulate a very well-
known Orchid-grower and ex-Minister, makes a
bet with M. Belcasse that he will produce a
second specimen of a rare Orchid, which the
latter thinks unique. Mr. " Chesterton " suc-
ceeds through the mediation of a gardener at a
ladies' horticultural' college and a professional
Orchid hunter. We cannot enter into all the
details, but chronicle the event as probably the

Fig. 130.— pear, the conference, (see p. 300.)

from a notice appearing in the Liverpool Mercury
t is evident that the collection of plants now in
bloom in the Botanic Gardens there is as good or
better than usual. The house containing most of
the plants is 110 feet long, and in addition to
500 plants of the large-flowered varieties there
are 700 single-flowered plants arranged on the
thelves around the sides. In other houses there
are 40O plants of decorative varieties. The collec-
tion is representative of the best varieties, and
the cultivation has been excellent. The Curator
is Mr. Jaues Guttridge, who left Kew some
thirteen years ago.

The Rainfall. — The rain it raineth every
day — and all night too. At present near London
we have already had 33'10 inches, more thin fell
in 1879. The total deficiency to be made up,
however, is 3968 inches, so that we have a good
deal to come yet to balance the account over a
series of years.

first occasion in which the " Orchid " and Orchid-
growers have been brought before the public in
this way.

New Park for Glasgow.— Mr. Cameron
Corbett, M.P. for the Tradeston Division of
Glasgow, has decided to present to the Corporation
of Glasgow, to be used for a public park for the
citizens for all time coming, the better half of the
estate of Thornliebank, andalso the mansion-house,
at present his residence, to be used for public
purposes within the discretion of the Corporation.
Mr. Corbett stipulates that no license shall be
granted on the estate. Thornliebank estate lies
about 4 miles from the centre of Glasgow, and
about 1J mile from the present terminus of the
tramways at the Bound Toll, Pollokshaws.
Thornliebank was originally part of the Eglinton
estate, but for many generations it has been in
the possession of the Crum family, the property
having been acquired by Mr. Walter Crum,

F.R.S., of Thornliebank, the founder of the famous-
firm of calico-printers, and also of the thriving:
model village which has grownup around their
works. The whole estate is fenced by tall spreading,
trees, and its amenities are practically secure. It
embodies the lands of Boufcen, Davieland, and the
Wood Farm, and extends to about 350 acres. The
part which has been purchased by Mr. Cameron:
Corbett as a public park covers 136 acres or
thereby, and has cost .£24,000, independent of the
mansion-house, which cost .£30,000. The balance
of the estate is better suited for feuing-than for
the purposes of a public park, and it has been
acquired by the Hutcheson Trust for the former
purpose. The total cost of the estate to be-
purehased by Mr. Cameron Corbett for the
park, and by the Hutcheson Trustees for feuing
purposes, is .£46,000. Of this Mr. Corbett will
pay .£24,000. for the park land, not reckoning the
,£30,000 spent on the mansion -house, and the
Hutcheson Trust will pay the balance of .£22,000-
for the land for feuing.

"The Great Masters."— Mr. HEiNEM-ANNi,
20, Bedford Street, London, has sent -us a speci-
men of the publication he is bringing out under
this title. It consists of a series of large-sized
illustrations in photogravure of some of the most
remarkable pictures in various galleries, public
and private. There can, we think, be no question
that these are for the price asked the finest
reproductions ever seen. The lights and shades
and the general tone are so excellently rendered
that the illustrations will be a source of joy to-
lovers of art and to others who make no pretence
to do more than admire what they see. In future
numbers it would add to the value of the text if
some indications were given of the colour-scheme-
of the originals. As a matter of detail with
which we are concerned we may add that the
very beautiful landscape by Jan Hackaert,
entitled " The Ash-tree Avenue," seems to re-
present White Poplars rather than Ash-trees.

Transport of Seeds. — From a recent
number of the Revue Horticole we learn that the-
French agricultural authorities have been recently
experimenting with a view to ascertain the best
methods of introducing seeds from Ceylon to
Madagascar. The seeds were those of a Kubber-
tree, Hevea brasiliensis. The seeds were strati-
fied (1) in Cocoanut-fibre, or (2) in the same-
material roughly povdered; (3) in powdered
charcoal ; (4) sown in Ward's cases. The seeds
were a month in transit, and on arrival it was
found that (1) were in good condition, so that
about 80 per cent, germinated. In (2) the per-
centage was not more than 65. In (3) no seeds
had germinated on the voyage, and at the end*
of the year not more than 53 per cent, had
germinated. In (4) Ward's cases, all the seeds
germinated, and the plants arrived in good con-
dition. Packing in powdered charcoal was in all
ways the least satisfactory.

Mademoiselle Leonie Van Houtte.—

We learn from the Bulletins d' Arboriculture, for
the information has singularly not reached us
from any other source, of the death of this lady, '
who will be remembered by our older readers as
having taken a very prominent part in the»
administration of the famous nurseries founded
and conducted by her father. Mdlle. Leonie van
Houtte died at Ghentbrugge on September 18,.
at the age of 02, regretted and beloved by all who
knew her.

Madame Linden.— We regret to have to
announce the death, on October 13, in her eighty-
fourth year, after a long illness, of Madame
Linden, the widow of the late Jean Linden, the
famous botanical traveller and horticulturist..
Madame Linden was well known to many of our-
older readers, wh:> will sympathise with the
bereaved relatives.

.October 81, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

307

National Fruit and Cider Institute.—

The Managing Committee of the National Fruit
and Cider Institute met at Long Ashton on the
24th inst., to inspect the new buildings and to
arrange for planting a part of the land. The
Superintendent pro tern of the Fruit Department,
IMr. John Ettle, was instructed to mark off
stations for Apple and Pear-trees in the field
intended for an orchard of the most popular va-
rieties of vintage fruits, and also to make pre-
parations for planting them. One-half of the
Apple-trees will be grown on what is known as
■the Hereford system, i.e., ready-grafted with the
variety they have to bear ; and the others on the
■Somerset system, i.e., trees of strong-growing va-
rieties, such as Morgan Sweet, Ecklinville, &c,
rto be regrafted in a year or two after planting.

abilities as a gardener-botanist, and referred to
his unvarying courtesy and readiness to help
forward any movement having for its object the
advancement of horticulture in Birmingham,
which city he had been closely identified with
for a period of about thirty-five years. He had
taken an active part in the management of the
local Chrysanthemum society, of which he was
chairman, for thirty years. He had also been
chairman of the Gardeners' Mutual Improvement
Society since its inception seventeen years ago ;
and for nearly the same time acted in a similar
capacity to the Birmingham spring flower shows.
The first two societies are still in a flourishing
condition, but the last-named, owing to lack of
funds, came to an end several years ago. Mr.
Martineau expressed the wish that their old

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

PEACH BUD DROPPING. — The reviewer of

The Bool; of the Peach remarks with respect to
Peach - bud dropping that looseness of soil,
absence of lime, and want of water at the roots,
are the primary causes of bud-dropping. As
I have obtained another solution of the
problem, it may be of benefit to others. During
the fifteen years I was at Avery Hill there
was, up to the eighth, an annual occurrence
of bud-dropping. The three points above men-
tioned as causes could not refer to my case,
as the soil was heavy, with abundance of lime,
a lime concrete bottom, the whole firm, and
dryness never allowed. Of many suggestions
and remedies tried all proved a failure, there-
fore some other cause had to be looked for,

WHILES

0

FlG. 131. — PEAR, MICHAELMAS XELIS. (SEE P. 300.)

A plot of land was selected to be prepared for a
plantation of standard, bush and other trees of
^all kinds of fruits as well as Apples. Another
part of the field will be used as a nursery. It
was also decided to advertise for a man capable
■ of taking charge, under supervision, of the Fruit
Department, preference to be given to one with a
.practical knowledge of cider-making.

Complimentary Dinner to Mr. W. B.

'LATHAM. — About sixty horticultural and other
friends, resident in and near Birmingham, enter-
"tained Mr. W. B. Latham at dinner at the Colon-
nade Hotel, New Street, Birmingham, on the
22nd inst., for the purpose of presenting him with
an illuminated address and a purse of gold on his
■ retirement from the curatorship of the Botanical
■Gardens, Edgbaston. The chair was occupied by
Mr. Owen Thomas, V.M.H., of London, an old and
esteemed friend of Mr. Latham. Mr. Councillor
Maktineau, in makingthe presentation, referred to
.Mr. Latham's long and honourable connection with
*he Birmingham Botanical Society, eulogised his

friend might live long to enjoy the rest he so
richly deserved. On behalf of the Midland Car-
nation and Picotee Society, Mr. Parton, Vice-
President, acknowledged in graceful terms the
Society's indebtedness to Mr. Latham for advice
and assistance rendered on the occasion of the
Society's annual display of flowers in the
Edgbaston Botanical Gardens. He asked Mr.
Latham to accept a large photograph of the
principal growers and exhibitors of Carnations in
the Midlands. Mr. Latham, who was much
affected by the warmth of feeling, akin almost to
affection, thanked them most sincerely for their
kindness.

PLANT PORTRAITS.

Cai.listesion laxceolatum.— Rente del'Sotti
Beige, October. Hard-wooded greenhouse piaut uoiu
New South Wales; leaves lanceolate; dowers lu
crimson spikes.

COLVTEDON MACKANI'IIA llOBT. (NON HAWORTB) —

Revue Jlorticole, October.

Pear Le Brun.— A large Pear, ripe in Septemtx r
and October; flavour pleasant. Garten F.ora, Ootobei .

a id a remedy wat found by removing some
overgrown fan-trained trees to an outsido wall
about the eighth year, wit 1 the result that tbise
remove 1 outside retained every bud the first
year anl after, and those left inside dropped their
buds as usual; so that I came to the eoncluoion
that tue cause of the bud-dropping was the prema-
ture development of the buds caused by the neces-
sary closing of the ventilators on account of plants
being put in when the Peach-house should have
been kept cool and open. The situation of the
Peach-house, too. was such as to receive an extra
amount of sunshine, it being above tho level of a
long range of fruit-houses, and the west end
receiving sun up to 8 p.m. and after, that end
being wide, high, and deep, whiih caused the
house to get excessively hot. Isa remedy, the
end of the house was whitewashed, properly
ventilated, especially after the fruit was all
gathered, and no plants kept in it, thus reducing
the temperature to a normal state, with the
result that from the ninth year to 1808 no
more buds dropped; and the trees that were
removed outside were taken inside again (not
in the same house, but in exactly tie suae
soil and border), and no buds dropped, A

308

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Octobbb 31, 1903.

friend of mine, too, in the same neighbourhood
had similar trouble, and I found his house in a
position to receive the sun until it went down,
always excessively hot and insufficiently venti-
lated ; but, as my remedy was not prac-
tised, it only gives one side to the question.
In my case the remedy was proof enough of
its cause, and I may add that up to the eighth
year at least 80 per cent, of the buds dropped, we
nevertheless had a fair crop ; and after the
remedy of bud-dropping, those trees left in being
veritable giant orchard standards, had to be
secured with a network of wires to the roof to
support the loads of fruit. The system of
standards I venture to state is not practised
enough, as they have many advantages over those
fan-trained on trellis, and few disadvantages, ex-
cepting one, that the inside fruit does not colour
so well. Whatever houses 1 have to plant in the
future I should adopt this system, and employ no
fan-trained trees. Have the trees grown for the
house and the house built for the system ; span-
roofed running north to south, not, as in the old,
east to west. G. Abbey, junr., 2, Ivinghoe Villa,
Portland Crescent, Mottingham.

humfas AND PEACHES.— Upon reading the
remarts of your correspondents in the recent
issues of the Gardeners' Chronicle concerning the
injury caused to Peach-trees by Humea elegans,
I must confess to feeling somewhat surprised and
sceptical on the matter after my own experience
of growing them in Peach-houses in both past
and present seasons without observing the
slightest ill-effect. During the early months of
the present year I placed in a Peach-house a
batch of about three dozen plants of Humeas,
which were staged under the Peach-trees, occu-
pying the front part of the house ; they re-
mained there for several weeks during the period
the trees were in active growth — a time when
perhaps the foliage is more susceptible to injury
such as that described than at any other period ;
yet at the time the Humeas were removed there
was not a shoot or leaf but what appeared in
excellent health, and without a sign of the injury
as noticed by Mr. Fyfe and others. I may men-
tion that the house in question is not one in
which the trees are forced, and is therefore not a
closely confined one, but was at that time venti-
lated and closed according to the state of external
conditions — sometimes closed for a period long
enough, as described by your correspondents, to
cause the injury. The Humeas when removed
were within 2 or 3 inches of touching the foliage
of the Peaches. After this it is difficult for me
to understand why the experience of others in
growing both subjects together should be entirely
opposite to my own, and that of "Foreman's" as
published in last week's issue, unless it is in
the governing conditions of the atmosphere in
the house in which they are grown in being more
closely confined in one instance than another,
and thereby causing a greater density of the
emanations in whatever form they may be from
the Humeas, and resulting in the assumed injury.
It is a peculiar fact, and perhaps a matter for
reflection, that after the number of years the
Humea has been grown in gardens, and without
doubt in Peach-houses, that this matter should
only just come to light and be discussed in the
pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle. It would be
highly interesting to have the experiences of
others on this subject, as doubtless there are
many who have grown both together for a number
of years with experience either one way or the
other. R. Barton.

BLACKBERRIES. — Rubus laciniatus and its
varieties are not nearly so extensively grown
as their merits deserve, and I am confident that
where R. laciniatus is once introduced into a
garden and given a fair trial it would quickly
establish for itself a foremost position amongst
the minor varieties of garden fruits. Being in
the vicinity of Forest Hill a few days ago, 1 had
the pleasure of inspecting the garden of H. G.
Smyth, "the raiser of Mary Morris and Jim
Smyth Carnations." I found that he had made a
special feature of the cultivation of the Black-
berry, and despite the lateness of the season, the
sight presented was one that could not fail to
please even the most fastidious. The growths
were trained hoiizontally over a row of 12 feet
canes, which latter was interlaced in from eight

to ten rows with stout wire, and formed an espa-
lier which was clothed from top to bottom with
sprays of lovely fruit, averaging from fifty to
sixty berries on each, nearly all as large as the
finest Raspberry. Mr. Smyth told me that he
had gathered between 60 and 70 lb. of fruit in
ten days from a row 25 yards in length. I
measured some of the longest canes of this
season's growth, and found several upwards of
27 feet in length. George Parrant, Bexley, Kent.

ORCHIS HIRCINA. — On the same date that Mr.
G. Druce records the finding of the Lizard Orchis
in Kent, I found a remarkably fine specimen in
the far north-east of Norfolk — quite a new station,
I believe. As the spike was nearly eaten through
at the base there seemed to be no chance of seed-
ing it, and I therefore took the spike, which is
about 18 inches high. After many hours' search-
ing I failed to find another specimen. The
species being so nearly extinct, it would be in-
teresting to know what steps are being taken to
prevent the total loss of such an interesting
flower. F. J. Cole.

SCARCITY OF MUSHROOMS.— A correspondent,
on p. 292 of the Gardeners' Chronicle, requires an
explanation as to why Mushrooms have been so
scarce this year. Is not the cold, wet, sunless
year the cause of the failure ? Here we have only
been able to gather about a dozen dishes ; last
year the harvest was almost as bad, also, as I
contend, on account of the wet, cold weather. In
previous years the crop has been enormous here.
In 1901, which was very hot, we could have
gathered during the Mushroom season a bushel
per day on a very small area of ground forming a
part of the park, and not including those scattered
about all over the park, cricket and tennis grounds.
Curiously enough in one spot several clusters
come up yearly in one of the carriage-drives, and
these appeared as usual this year. A. Jefferies,
Gardener, Moor Hall, Harlow, Essex.

REVERSION IN ODONTOGLOSSUMS — After a
careful perusal of Mr. R. Ashworth's note (p. 292),
I have come to the conclusion that he has not
properly understood my article to which he
refers. It clearly states two results, both obtained
from unspotted crispums, crossed by a heavily
" blotched crispum " in the first case, and a
natural hybrid in the second. Considering as I
do that a " blotched crispum " is a hybrid or the
result of hybrid origin and not a true crispum,
I contend that the unspotted mother plant has
proved her prepotency whereby the resulting
seedlings have reverted to the unspotted form,
and are trying to perpetuate the original crispum
by the elimination of the marks of hybridity. I
have not yet bloomed a seedling from two hybrid
parents, but when these flower I fully expect
them to show reversion, though perhaps in a less
marked manner. Likewise I anticipate that two
" blotched crispums " will not even produce a
progeny all of whom contain blotches as do the
parents, and I think I can even go further, and
expect that when a " blotched crispum " is
fertilised with its own pollen, the law of reversion
will still be evident. Since I wrote the article in
question, an additional interesting result has
appeared in Odontoglossum crispo-Harryanum
brugense (Gardeners' Chronicle, October 24, 1903,
p. 282), a bloom of which Mr. Fritz Sander
showed me. It was raised upon O. Harryanum
crossed by O. crispum Bonnyanum roseum. The
areas in Harryanum's sepals which correspond to
the position of Bonnyanum's blotches, are almost
solid brown, yet the same area in the hybrid
contains almost the least blotching of the sepal.
Reversion again. De B. Crawsliay, October 20, 1903.

THE RECENT GARDENERS' DINNER.— I agree

with Mr. Bean that to make this an annual event
would be to court failure as regards the numbers
attending, as it is most unlikely that such an array
of the profession as attended last September
could be prevailed upon to be present at such
an event every year, especially those residing at
a great distance from London, like myself. I
think it would be more likely to catch on if held
every third year, and not confined solely to the
autumn fruit show, but held alternately in con-
junction with the Temple Show held at the end
of May. I consider the latter to be more of an
educational exhibition than those held at the
Palace during the last few years, because at the

May show, fruit, flowers, plants, and vegetables
are in all cases staged in good condition, whereas
at the Palace nothing but fruit could be exhi-
bited. It would be well to have the opinions of
country gardeners generally before anything
definite is determined by the committee who-
arranged the recent festival. James Mayne, Bicton..

©bttuarp.

W. BEALE. — We regret to record the death, on
Sunday last, of Mr. W. Beale, gr. to .E. A.
Hambro, Esq., Hayes Place, Kent. It will be-
remembered that Mr. Beale exhibited some capital
Grapes at the Drill Hall meeting on October 13
(see p. 279, Gardeners' Chronicle, October 17),.
when he was apparently in his usual health.
Subsequently he developed pneumonia, and was.
ill only a few days.

Emily Reader Jackson.— On the 27th inst.,.
at Claremont, Lympstone, Devon, after a long,
and painful illness, Emily, the beloved wife of-
John Reader Jackson, late of the Museums,
Royal Gardens, Kew. The sympathy of Mr.
Jackson's numerous friends will be extended tc-
him in his distress.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Oct. S7.— The usual fortnightly meeting of the Com-
mittees toot place on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall„
Buckingham Gate, Westminster. There was a better
display than could have been expected at this season.,
the hall being conveniently full of plants and cut
flowers.

The show of Orchids was unusually large, there-
being several large groups of plants. This Committee
recommended as awards to novelties three First class
Certificates, one Botanical Certificate, and three-
Awards of Merit.

The Floral Committee had a large number of
groups for inspection, and awarded as many as twelve
medals. There were novelties in ornamental-leaved.'
Begonias, Ferns, Chrysanthemums, and other plants,
and in seven instances Awards of Merit were recom-
mended.

The Fruit and Vegetable Committee alone had
little to do, the exhibits comprised merely a few roots-
of Celeriac, a dish or two of Apples, and a peculiar-
Marrow.

In the af lernoon a Lecture upon " Pruning Roses.''
by Mr. Viviand Morel, was read by the Rev. W. Wilks,
M.A. , secretary. The attendance was good throughout
the day, and a considerable number of new Fellows-
were elected previous to the reading of the lecture.

Floral Committee.

Present : W. Marshall, Esq., Chairman ; and Messrs.
C. T. Druery, H. B. May, Jas. Walker, R. Dean, Johc
Green, J. F. McLeod, John Jennings, W. Howe, C. R.
Fielder, Charles Dixon, J. A. Nix, Charles Jeffries, R.
C. Notcutt, H. J. Cutbush, C. E. Pearson, W. Cuthbert-
son, H. J. Jones, E. H. Jenkins, M. J. James, C. E.
Shea, George Nicholson, Edward Mawley, B. W.Wallace
and E. T. Cook.

Begonias of the Gloire de Lorraine type were shown
by Mr. G. Lanoe, Hampton, Middlesex, who had a
group of well grown plants of ths type and a group of
Gloire de Lorraine alba, a variety that appeared to be
very similar to the Turnford Hall. The flowers of the
variety shown by Mr. Lancie were of large size, but
they are tinted rather than pure white (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Dahlias still formed a part of the exhibition. Messrs.
Thos. 8. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middlesex, had quite a
large collection of blooms of Show, Cactus, Pompon, and
single varieties. Five Bamboo stands were decorated,
with as many varieties of a type that has been called
"single Cactus," and so used they had a very pretty
effect. Alice Lee, pink colour, and Queen Mary,.white,
were the best (Silver Flora Medal).

Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper
Edmonton, had a large exhibit of Cordylines (Drac:enas>
arranged on the floor of the hall. These plants were
pretty little specimens in Mnch and e-inch pots, and
included some of the choicest and best varieties (Silver
Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Wm. Bull & Sons, New Plant Nursery, King's
Boad, Chelsea, exhibited some choice foliage plants,
Dracaena Goldieana, Davidsonia puuriens, and some very
pretty varieties of ornamental-leaved Begonias.

Messrs. W. Cutbush A Sons, Highgate, London, N„
and Barnet, Herts, showed a collection of hardy

October 31, 1903.J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

509

flowers, including border Chrysanthemums, Pent-
stemons, Spiraea Anthony Waterer, Pernettyas, Skiin-
mias, and other berried plants, shrubs, &c. The
pretty little orange-coloured Tritoma MacOsvani was
included. Messrs. W. Cut-bush & Son, Highgate, had
also an exhibit of indoor ornamental foliage plants,
including Aralia, Codiaeums, Dracaena Doucettii, D.
Massangeana, &c. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Mr. John Russell. The Richmond Nurseries, Rich-
mond, Surrey, showed a small but an interesting group
of shrubs grown in pots. These consisted of well-berried
shrubs of Skimmia japonica var. Formani, Aucuba vera,
equally bright-looking but having larger bunches and
fruits ; Cotoneaster horizontalis, in a minor degree in
fruit ; numerous bush or tree Ivies in green and varie-
gated varieties ; Ligustrum japonicum tricolor, leaves
rosy-pint, creamy-white and green : L. ovalifolium
aureum, Eurya latifolia variegata, Olearia nitida, O.
stellulata; a few species of Vitis and Ampelopsis,
Bambusa stricta aurea, a dwarf yellow variegated
specie?, Eleagnus in variety, and many others (Silver
Banksian Medal).

Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Upper Holloway and
Finchley, exhibited a mixed group of stove plants,
among which we noted Dracaena Vandendielii, a plant
of robust growth, the leaves of a great breadth and of
dark-green tint, the younger ones of cream colour
tinted with pink, the leaf-stalks pinkish on the wings ;
D. Bruanti, with dark -green leaves; D. Desmetiana, a
plant resembling Vandendeeli, except in having nar-
rower leavers ; D. Lindeni in excellent form, and a
small number of varieties of Codiaeums, including the
gorgeous Emperor Napoleon III. ; warm-house Aralias,
Begonias, Cypripediums, Ljcopodium, Oncidium vari-
cosum, &c.

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park Nursery,
Enfield, showed two dozen plants of winter-flowering
Carnations, growing in 48-pots, all very bright and
pretty; a white flowered variety with fimbriated petal
is Norway ; also Queen Louise with a smooth edge to
the petal ; Crossbrook, a cerise pink - coloured full
flower; Ethel Crocker, a similar bloom ; and Floriana,
bright pink.

Messrs. J. Veitch <fc Sons, Chelsea, showed winter-
flowering varieties of Begonia. We noted the new
Julius, a semi-double flower of a soft pink tint; Ideale,
very dwarf, and an enduring bloomer; Agatha, a very
dwarf form of the Gloire de Lorraine type, a cross
from B. socotrana and B. Moonlight; Agatha com-
pacta, dwarfer than the other (B. socotrana and B.
natalense); B. Mrs. Heal, still one of the brightest va-
rieties ; Diedalacanthus parvus.very prof usely- furnished
with its deep purple-coloured flowers ; and Salvia
Pitcheri. This firm likewise showed a number of
choice varieties of Zonal Pelargoniums having shapely
trusses, both double and single- flowered (Silver Flora
Medal).

Begonia Mrs. Mary Guthrie, a very large, rose-
coloured single variety, was shown by D. C. Guthrie,
Esq., East Haddon Hall, Northampton (gr., Mr. H.
Trueman). It was described as a sport from Gloire de
Lorraine, but it was thought by growers that some
accidental mistake must have been made.

Carnation Sylvia, a large 'flower, white flaked with
red colour, was shown by A. James, Esq , Coton House
Rugby (gr., Mr. A. Chandler).

Begonia manicata variegata cristatawas exhibited by
Messrs. Sandeh & Co., St. Albans. The plant had
grown very strongly, and by reason of the crested
leaves had an effect when seen at a little distance
similar to some of the ornamental Kales.

A group of Roses in pots interspersed with Lllium
auratum, Lilies of the Valley, &c , from retarded bulbs
and crowns, was shown by Mr. J. Ambrose, The Nur-
series, Cheshunt, Herts (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. B. Ladhams, Ltd.. Shirley Nurseries, South-
ampton, exhibited a number of hybrid Lobelias ob-
tained from crossing L. cardinalis with L. syphilitica.
These hybrids now afford considerable variation in
colour.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Mr. Norman Davies, Framfleld Nurseries, Uckfield
Sussex, made an imposing exhibit of cut blooms, some
of which were disposed in high trumpet - shaped
glasses, and others in handsome vases and on boards,
to. In the trumpet glasses were very large blooms of
Madame Carnot, Mrs. Mease, F. S. Vallis, Miss Mildred
Ware, and others. The yellow Japanese. F. S. Vallis
(Calvat), was shown very large, and the quality of the
blooms generally was very high. There were several
seedlings also that we have not observed before. Such
was Mrs. Charles Davis, rich guld coloured Japanese,
with broad, twisted florets, ve-y deep flower. It was

obtained from a cross between the varieties Duchess of
Sutherland and J. R. Upton. Several others promise
well. We noticed a grand bloom of Mrs. F. W. Vallis, a
crimson Japanese (Silsbury), which is certainly a fine
contrast and excellent companion for the yellow F. S.
Vallis. There were some of the best decorative va-
rieties also, and the exhibit generally was staged in
capital taste (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, exhibited cut
blooms of Chrysanthemums andof zonal Pelargoniums.
Among the new Japanese Chrysanthemums were Al-
friston (Australian), crimson with bronze reverse, very
broad florets ; Camden (Australian), flash-tinted mauve
colour ; and Jean Calvat, bronze and yellow-coloured
Japanese, raised by M. Calvat. There were several
other Japanese varieties and a few pretty single flowers,
as Progress, brownish-red with yellow centre; White
Duchess, and Marguerite, an informal stellate flower.
The collection of zonal Pelargoniums included about
forty varieties, and the flowers were of the large size
and brilliant colours Messrs. Cansell have frequently
presented for exhibition (Silver Flora Medal).

Mr. H.J. Jones, Ryecroft Nurseries, Hither Green,
Lewisham, S.E., exhibited a collection of Chrysanthe-
mum blooms, and one of perennial Asters. The varie-
ties of Aster were of the later blooming sorts, and were
very pretty in spite of the deluge. The Chrysanthe-
mum blooms were arranged tastefully in handsome
vases of different sizes, and on boards, &c. Among the
more noticeable blooms were the varieties Miss
Mildred Ware, Lady Acland, Henry Perkins, Lady
Hopetoun, Philippe du Cros, Lady M. IConyers, F. S.
Vallis, etc. Some of the best decorative varieties were
shown in company with the collection of exhibition
sorts (Silver Flora Medal).

Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth Nurseries, Devonshire,
exhibited an interesting lot of Chrysanthemum blooms,
being awarded a Silver Banksian Medal. Some of his
previous novelties were shown in excellent condition,
as Exmouth Rival (fine crimson colour), Mafeking
Hero, Sensation, Queen Alexandra, and others. There
were also novelties of the present season, as Colonel
Weatherall, Yellow Japanese, H. E. Hayman, and
others.

Mr. Geo. Carpenter, The Hollies Gardens, Wey-
bridge, sent some pretty seedling varieties ol Chrysan-
themums.

Messrs. W. Wells & Co., Ltd., Earlswood, Redhill,
Surrey, arranged a large semi-circular group on the
floor near the entrance from James Street. The group
contained single, double-flowered, decorative, Japan-
ese, and other sections into which the Chrysanthemum
is now divided. Of the important large-flowered
Japanese there were many cut floners, and small
plants exhibiting heads of enormous size so admired by
many of the public. The colours of these monsters are,
in many instances, pleasing, harmonious, and refined,
and we may here name such as pleased us most, viz ,
Mrs. E. G. Fox, crimson, with centre florets of an old
gold tint; Lord Alverstone, a deep crimson flower with
florets here and there that turn up, revealing a yellow
tip; Lord Overstone, which has the same peculiarity
only increased ; ReginaldGodfrey, a flower with almost
a shade of scarlet; Matthew Smith, orange coloured,
with incurving florets ; Mrs. Allen, with rosy-purple
drooping florets showing a white reverse; Clare-
mont, with very broad incurving florets of a blood-
red tint showing the reverse side of many which
is golden - yellow ; Mrs. S. McKinley, a globular
bloom of "old gold"; S. T. Wright, with straight out-
standing florets of a crimson tint ; Miss Elaine Fulton
is a beautiful white with florets that incurve ; Mrs. T.
W. Pockett, a canary-yellow variety; Mr. T. Carrington,
rosy-purple, the reverse lilac; Meynell is a fine large
crimson-coloured bloom, with the reverse of the florets
old gold; Mrs. W. Duckham has a confused-looking
globular head of a bright yellow tint; Mary Inglis, an
immense light-copper-coloured flower; President
Nonin, &c. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal).

Awards.
Begonia x His Majetty.— Th is hybrid and the one which
follows have been raised by Messrs. Sander & Sons,
from crosses between B. Rex variety and B. Bowring-
iana, a species obtained by Dr. Henry in China. In
each of the handsome seedlings there is strong evidence
of the prepotency of the female parent. "His Majesty"
was from a cross in which B. Rex var. was the seed
bearer, and it has oblique leaves that nearly resemble
ia form t!iose of B. Rex. In colour there is a mixture of
reddish tint and silvery white, both obtained from B.
Rex, but in the centre of the leaf is some velvety-brown
colour chiefly around the veins. This colour Is that
of B. Bowringiana.

B. x Our Queen.— B. Bowringiana being the seed
bearer in this case, the leaves are much more acumi-
nate. The prevailing colour is velvety-brown, but at
about 1 inch from the margin there is a zone or band
of bright green colour, thickly spotted with reddish
spots. Both hybrids are very attractive, and particu-
larly this one.— From F. Sander & Co.

Chrysanthemum F. S. Vallis.— This is a Ivery smooth
Japanese fljwer of large size and considerable depth ;
colour yellow. The flower is similar in build to those
of the Mme Carnot section.— Shown by Mr. W. J.
Godfrey, Mr. Norman Davies, and Mr. H. J. Jones
(Award of Merit).

Chrysanthemum Maude du Cros.— A large pale yellow-
coloured Japanese with long twisting florets of mode-
rate breadth. Shown by Mr. Bullimore, gr. to Du Cros,
Esq., Canons Park.

Chrysanlhemum Miss E. Holding.— This is a promising
incurved flower of silvery-mauve colour. Shown by
Mr. W. Seward, Hanwell.

Erica gracilis nivalis.— A. white or very palely tinted
variety of this well-known Heath. Shown by Messrs.
Gregory & Evans, Longlands Park Nursery, Sidcup.
Kent

Nephrolepis Weiloni —This is a prettily crested va-
riety, differing from N. Mayi in that the pinnae alone
have crests. The end of the frond is plain. Shown by
Messrs. Gragg, Harrison & Gragg. Merrivale Nur-
series, Heston, Middlesex.

Orchid Committee.

Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Chair) ; and
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), J. Gurney Fowler,
H. Little, J. Wilson Potter, W. H. White, W. H. Young,
W. Boxall, J. W. Odell, F. J. Thorne, M. Gleeson, G. F.
Moore, F. W. Ashton, A. A. McBean, F. Wellesley,
E. Hill, J. Douglas, J. Colman, Norman C. Cookson,
H. M. Pollett, H. Ballantine, W. Cobb, and W. A. Bilney.
There was the finest show of Orchids seen at the
Drill Hall for a long time.

Sir Henry Schroder, The Dell, Egham (gr., Mr.
Ballantine), wai awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal
for a very fine group, which included the handsomely-
blotched Odoutoglossum crispum Sanderianum, one in
the front rank of spotted Odontoglossums; the pure
white Dendrobium Phaheoopsis hololeucum, and the
fine original form of D. Phalaenopsis Schroderianum ;
Cattleya x Fabia, The Dell variety, a grand dark ruby-
crimson form with mottled petals ; Cattleya Bow-
riogiana, the original variety sent out as C. autum-
nalis ; good La^lio-Cattleya x Haroldiana, L.-C. x
Maroni, fine forms of Cattleya labiata, including one
white variety ; C. Dowiana aurea, Dendrobium for-
j i j o - 1 1 in giganteum, and other showy species and
hybrids, one of the best of the Cypripediums being C. x
Baron Schroder, with a fine white dorsal sepal beauti-
fully marked with purple.

Captain G. L. Holiord, Westonbirt (gr., Mr. Alex-
ander), received a Silver Flora Medal for a very select
group containing finely-coloured Cattleya x Mrs. J. W.
Whitely, with fifteen (lowers; C. x Mantinli nobilior,
sixteen blooms; some good forms of C. labiata and C.
aurea ; C. X Fernand Denis ; L:elio-Cattleya x Sunray,
with eighteen orange-scarlet and crimson flowers on
one spike; two Vanda cterulea, Odontoglossum x
crispo-llarryanum, Oncidium Forbesii, Zygo Colax x
Wiganianus superbus, Cypripcdium x Euryale Cle-
verly's var., very handsome; C. x Memoria Moensil.
C. X Tityus superbus, C. x triumphans, C. x Schroderae
candidulum, the fine C. x Niohe magnificum, C. x
Chas. Rlchman, C. x Sir Redvers Buller, and several
pretty unnamed hybrids. A neat - flowered cross
between Cattleya Luddemannlana and Lrella glauca
named Ltelio-Cattleya x Milton, with rosy-lilac flowers
much like C. Luddemanniana, but with thicker texture,
and Hie fragrance of L. glauca, was also shown for the
first time.

Jeremiah Colman, Esq , Gatton Park (gr , Mr. W. P.
Bound), was awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a
jarge and well -arranged group of finely - flowered
Orchids, set up with Asparagus Sprengeri. In it was
observed a fine selection of richly coloured forms of
Cattleja labiata, including three plants of the variety
Master J. Colman, one of the largest and best of
coloured labiatas; besides these there were C. 1. Em-
peror, with a very finely-coloured lip; C. 1. venoBa,
lighter In colour and with a purple veintng ; and C. 1.
cirrulea. Other plants noted were Masdevallia Davlsli,
with ten yellow Uowers; M. cuculla'a, nearly black;
Lycaste Skiuneri alba, a fine set of varieties of LteU*
pumila, Odontoglossum madrense, O. mulus, O. Pesca-
torel, Cattleya Bowringiana lilacina, C. aurea. dko,

J. lliiADsiiAW, ES'i , The < .range, Southgate (gr , Mr.
0, O. \\ nltclegge). secured a Silver gilt Flora Medal lor

310

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[October 31, 1903.

a good group rich in forms of Cattleya labiata, the
best white petalled fonia being C. 1. G. G. Whitelegge
and C. 1. Penelope, and the largest coloured one C. 1.
Her Ladyship. The back of the group was tastefully
arranged witli Oncidium uaricosum, O. Forbesii, and
similar species, among which the most remarkable
were the clear yellow O. Forbesii Bradshawiie, and
the finely-coloured C Mantinii superba. Other good
plants noted were a fine Lycaste hybrida with five
flowers, Cattleya Loddigcsii alba, C. x Mantinii, Lielio-
Cattleya xluminosa, L.C. x Ingrami, and the magnifi-
cent L.-C. x Haroldiana John Bradshaw (see "Awards").
J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Wood-
ford (gr., Mr. Davis), was awarded a Silver Banksian
Medal for a floral arrangement of five splendid droop-
ing spikes of Arachnanthe Lowii, arranged to hang
over Asparagus Sprengeri. The spikes, which well
displayed the yellow basal flowers, so dissimilar from
the remainder of the racemes, were taken from one
plant.

Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, sent a fine
pan of the singular Dendrobium amplum with many
Of its large chocolate -purple -lipped flowers; Cat-
tleya x Ella, C. x Mrs. Endieott, L.-C. x Gottoiana
regalis (see " Awards "), and a singular and probably
new Gomesa.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch &. Sons, Chelsea, were awarded
a Silver gilt Flora Medal for a splendid group of Catt-
leya labiata and hybrid Orchids, the former being
represented by about fifty finely -coloured, large-
flowered specimens. Among the hybrids were Lajlio-
Cattleya x bletchleyensis, L.-C. x Decia, L.-C. x Lady
Rothschild, L.C. X Bryan, L.-C. x Nysa, two fine Ltelia
Digbyano-purpurata, Cattleya x Chloe, C. x Mantinii,
C. x Bactia, C. >: Hermes, Sophro-Cattleya x eximia,
and others. The finest of the Cypripediums was C. :
Little Gem (Harrisiauum superbum x Baron Schroder),
the dorsal sepal of which is handsomely tinted with
rose purple, the same hue suffusing the other parts of
the llower more slightly.

Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford,
received a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a fine group,
Chiefly of showy hybrid Orchids. Among them were
handsome forms of Lajlio-Cattleya x luminosa, L.-C. x
Haroldiana, and other L;clio-Cattleyas ; Cattleya x
Iris, one of which had gold coloured sepals and petals ;
C. x Fernand Denis, C. x Lottie, C. x Mrs. J. W.
Whiteley, C. x Nestor, Cypripedium x Hitchensia, and
other good Cypripediums ; Lrelia x Digbyano-purpu-
rata White Queen, a pretty white form with a slight
lilac tint on the fringed labellum. Among the singular
and rare species were Cycnoches maeulatum, with its
racemose sets of singular white flowers blotched with
dark purple; Brassia Lawrenceana longissima, with
many spikes of slender orange-and-brown flowers ; two
distinct forms of Odontoglossum tripudians, &c.

Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a
Silver Flora Medal for a good group, having for a
grounc-ifork elegant Palms and good varieties of
Cattleya labiata. The leading specimens noted were
Angracum sesquipedale, a tine specimen with five
flowers ; Cyper-orchiselegaus.withafineinfiorescence;
'/.ygo Colax x Veitchii, Cypripedium x triumphans, C.
x Leeanum varieties and other Cypripediums, Laelio-
Cattleya x luminosa, L.-C. x Aeis (tenebrosa x Men-
del ii) and other Lffilio-Cattleyas, &c.

Mr. J. Cypher, Exotic Nurseries, Cheltenham, staged
a very fine group in his usual effective manner, and for
which a Silver Flora Medal was awarded. A fine selec-
tion of Cypripediums, including the yellow forms of
C. insigne, were represented, C. insigne Sander.c being
unrivalled in point of beauty of its clear yellow flowers.
Varieties of C. x Leeanum and other hybrids were in
profusion; good Cattleya labiata, Dendrobium Phalte-
nopsis, and most of the other showy Orchids of the
season.

H. S. Goodson, Esq , Fairlawn, West Hill, Putney,
was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a very pretty
group of showy Cattleyas, Oncidiums, Cypripediums,
&e. A pan of C. Spicerianum and a fine specimen of C.
x Morganire were specially noteworthy.

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.. Bush Hill Park, received a
Silver Flora Medal for a group, in the centre of which
were a number of well-floweied Pbalrenopsis x, plants
which are not shown so often as Cattleyas, &c.
Cattleyas and other showy Orchids composed the rest
of the group, one of the finest being Cattleya Bowring-
iana, Low's variety, good in colour and a large flower.
Mrs. T Fielden, Grimston Park, Tadcaster (gr., Mr.
H. J. Clayton), showed a fine plant of Cattleya labiata
Fieldenii with many large richly-coloured flower?.

H. J. Elwes, Esq., F.R.S., Colesborne Park, Chel-
tenham, showed a fine specimen of Arundina chinensis

with many Bamboo like growths, bearing at the tops
pretty lilac flowers, with reddish - rose labellums.
Flowers of A. bambuscefolia were sent for comparison.
Also a spike of Calanthe x (veratrifolia x Stevensii),
a singular hybrid between the evergreen and the deci-
duous section, and with white flowers apparently
intermediate. The plant was said to resemble C. vera-
trifolia in habit. Mr. Elwes also showed fine spikes of
Habenaria carnea, taken from the plant which had pre-
viously secured a Medal, and which had eight spikes
this year.

G. F. Moore, Esq , Chard war, Bourton-on-the-Water,
showed Cypripedium insigne montanum magnificum
and The Queen, both good large flowers. Also his
remarkable Phaio-Cymbidium x chardwarense (see
Awards).

Messrs. B. S. Williams & Sons, Holloway, staged a
group of Cypripediums and other Orchids and foliage
plants.

Mr. H. A. Tracy, Twickenham, showed Cattleya
labiata II. Eider Haggard, a fine richly-coloured flower.

M. A. A. Peeters, Brussels, showed Cattleya x Portia,
Peeters variety, in which the flowers were nearly as
large as C. labiata, C. x Fabia Peetersi, yery tine in
colour, and two other hybrids. See Awards.

Awards.

First-class Certificates.

Lalio-CattUya x Gottoiana regalis, from Sir Trevor
Lawrence, Bart, (gr., Mr. W. H. White). By far the
finest and richest coloured form yet shown, sepals and
petals purplish-rose; lip, dark claret-crimson.

Lxlio-CatlUya x Haroldiana John Bradshaw (L. tene-
brosa x C. x Hardyana), from J. Bradshaw, Esq., The
Grange, Southgate (gr., Mr. Whitelegge). A grand
hybrid with finely formed flowers; sepals, Indian-
yellow slightly tinged rose ; petals broad, rose purple,
the yellow ground colour showing a beautiful veiniDg
over the whole surface ; lip dark purplish - ruby-
crimson, with gold veining at the base.

Phaio-Cymbidiniu x chardwarense (Phaius grandifolius
x Cymbidium giganteum), from G. F. Moore, Esq.,
Chardwar.Bourton-on-the-Water. This singular hybrid,
about the parentage of which there is no doubt in the
mind of the raiser, resembles a strong growing Phaius,
but with a decided inclination to elongate the pseudo-
bulbs. The stout spikes weie over a yard in length,
and furnished with heads of flowers larger than those
of Phaius Wallichii ; sepals and petals clear yellow,
tinged with copper colour; lip, large, crimped at the
edge, reddish-brown with yellow veining. A fine and
distinct hybrid.

Award of Merit.

Cattleya x Gautieriana (Leopoldii x Schrodera;). from
Sir Henry Schroder. Bart, (gr., Mr. H. Ballantine).
A delicately tinted hybrid with cream-white flowers,
slightly tinged with rose, and pink front lobe to the lip.

Cattleya X Fabia, Mary de Wavrin (Labiata alba x
Dowiana aurca), from M. A. A. Peeters. Brussels.
Sepals and petals nearly white, lip light rose with
gold veining at the base.

Cattleya x F. W. Wigan, Peeters var. (Schilleriana x
Dowiana aurea), from M. A. A. Peeters. Sepals and
petals rose coloured ; lip broad and finely displayed,
marked with purplish rose in front and tinged with
orange and reddish-brown in the centre.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Geo. Bunyard, Esq. (Chairman) ; andMcssrs.
Jas. Cheal, Geo. Woodward, W. Bates, S. Mortimer,
Alex. Dean, H. Eslings, George Keif, H. J. Wright,
G. T. Miles, C. G. A. Nix, J. Jaques, Geo. Reynolds,
F. Q. Lane, J. Willard, G. Norman, G. Wythes, and
A. H. Pearson.

Some roots of Celeriac were shown by S. Heil-
bot, Esq , The Lodge, Holyport, near Maidenhead (gr.,
Mr. Chamberlain) (Cultural Commendation).

Two large lemon-shaped Marrows with deep olive-
green exterior were shown by Mr. J. Pritchard,
Weatgate Street, Gloucester. They were of singular
appearance, but we do not know if they possess any
superior value for kitchen purposes.

Mrs. Cutler, Tulse Hill, S.W., showed a few good
Apples as an instance of Apple cultivation within
4 miles of Charing Cross.

Mr. J. Ambrose again exhibited very large-berried
bunches of the new black Grape, Melton Constable, of
firm texture and bold appearance.

Lecture on Pruning Roses.

A lecture on "Pruning Roses," by M. Viviand Morel,
was read by Rev. W. Wilks, Secretary. The Lecturer
gave instruction for pruning most types of Roses

according to the system of training, whether dwarf,
standards, cordons, weeping, or for arbours or walls.
The details were especially those referring to the
French climate, and, as Mr. Geo. Bunyard pointed out
it was assumed that the Roses to be treated were
growing upon their own roots.

CROYDON AND DISTRICT HORTI-
CULTURAL. MUTUAL IMPROVE-
MENT.

October 20.— At their rooms, Sunflower Temperance
Hotel, George Street, the members on Tuesday last, Mr.
W. J. Simpson in the chair, listened to an excellent
discourse on " A Year's Work in the Vinery," by Mr. W.
Taylor, gardener, Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill. To
illustrate his paper Mr. Taylor brought a collection of
Grapes, including those which he considered to be the
best twelve varieties grown. A discussion by some of
the members followed, and to questions asked Mr.
Taylor replied fully.

The next meeting of the Society will be held on
Friday, November 6, when Mr. R. B. Leech, gardener.
Wood Hall, Dulwich, will give a lecture a'ud demonstra-
tion on 'Bottling Fruit," and to this lecture the lady
friends of members are invited.

EPPING FOREST FUNGUS FORAY

October 2t.— The annual foray of the Essex Field
Club took place in Epping Forest on the foregoing
date, when the weather was rather favourable, con-
sidering the season. Unfortunately the time selected
was quite a month too late, and the notices of the
meeting were only issued at the beginning of the
week, hence the attendance was the smallest recorded
of any previous foray.

The number of species collected during the day did
not exceed seventy, yet these included some interesting
species. Pleurotus columbinus (which may be a form
of Pleurotus ostreatus), Clitopilus cancrinus, Hypho
loma el codes, and Russula densifolia, were new to the
Forest flora, and amongst rare species there were
Russula lac tea, Pholiota adiposa, Tricholoma carneum,
and Hygrophorus turundus, with a small specimen of
Amanita spissa, and one of Clitocybe catinus.

After tea a paper was read by Dr. M. C. Cooke on
"Edible Fungi," in which he urged that, instead of
attempting to discriminate a large number, about six
or seven good and common species should be selected
characterised by popular names, and the members
invited to inspect and learn to know them thoroughly
so that it would increase their interest to search for a
limited number of species which they would dis-
tinguish readily, instead of scrambling about all day
in order to ascertain who could fill the biggest basket
with miscellaneous fungi.

Afterwards, Mr. Geo. Massee read a very instruc-
tive and interesting paper on " Some Points in the
Life-history of a Parasitic Fungus," illustrated by a
series of diagrams. The parasite selected was Fus-
arium solani, its progenitors and successors, which
aroused considerable interest in a small but appre-
ciative audience. Daring the evening it was strongly
urged that in so many cases these forays are arranged
to take place at too late a period of the year, contrary
to the advice of those who are supposed to possess the
greatest knowledge and experience. A month earlier
two or three individuals in the Forest for two hours
were able to find and record no fewer than 150 species,
and amongst them one species which had never before
been recognised in this country. This was the period
at whicli the annual foray should have been fixed.
M. C. 0.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

October 26.— A goodly number of novelties were
submitted for the consideration of the Floral Com-
mittee on this occasion ; the large glass roof to the
small Essex Hall in Essex Street, Strand, admitted of
the flowers being seen to the best advantage, though
the day was dull.

First class Certificates of Merit were awarded to :—

Incurved Mrs. J. P. Bryce, a large white broad-petalled
variety, in the way of Duchess of Fife, that received a
unanimous vote.— From Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Nursery-
liiau. Exmouth.

Japanese Maude da Cros, pale yellow, with sulphur-
white reverse, having long fairly broad curling florets;
a full deep flower. Six blooms were shown.— From
Mr. T. Bullimore, The Gardens, Canons Pk., Edgware.

Incurved Miss E. Molding, having a pale rosy-purple
base with a silvery reverse, but little of the basal
colour being seen; good petal and shape. A very
promising variety.— From Mr. W. Seward, The Firs
Hanwell.

Mr. Godfrey also had some richly-coloured blooms
of Exmouth Rival which was commended ; he also had
Col. Weatherall, a deep bright golden-yellow broad-
petalled Japanese of considerable promise.

Incurved Devonshire Hero, a bright deep yellow in-
curved which the Committee wished to see again, and

OCTOBER 31, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

311

Wilfred H. Godfrey, bright orange-chestnut with
amber reverse.

From Mr. Thomas Mudd, Thorneywood Gardens,
Northampton, came Thorneywood, a promising Jap ,
pink, suffused with delicate lilac, having broad petals
incurving at the points, which the Committee wished
to see again.

The usual monthly meeting of the Executive Com-
mittee was held at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, on the
above date, Mr. Thomas Bevan in the Chair. An
interim financial statement was submitted, showing a
balance at the bank of £129 15s. lid. Mr. C. Harman
Payne, Foreign Corresponding Secretary, announced
the publication of the new official Catalogue, and said
there was a good demand for copies ; also that a
deputation from the National Chrysanthemum Society
would visit the Chrysanthemum exhibition at Lille
early next month. He also stated that the National
Chrysanthemum Society of France had issued an illus-
trated chart, setting forth the diseases to which the
Chrysanthemum is subject, and also the insects which
infest the plants ; a copy of this had been received,
and he suggested that a copy of it be mounted and
exhibited at the Crystal Palace on the occasion of the
November show. It was also agreed that the various
Foreign Medals, &c, which had been awarded to the
Society from time to time be exhibited with it.
Stewards were appointed for the coming exhibition at
the Crystal Palace; and it was announced that the
Floral Committee would meet at 1 p m., the Classifica-
tion Committee at 1.30, and the Arbitration Committee
in the evening, to consider any protests which might
be made against the awards of the judges. Mr. Payne
produced the Diploma granted two years ago by the
French National Chrysanthemum Society, on the'
occasion of an exhibit of blooms being sent by the
Society to France, and it was resolved that it be
framed and exhibited on all suitable occasion. A
number of new members were elected.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT
AND PROVIDENT.

ANNUAL DINNER.

October 27.— The seventeenth Annual Dinner of this
Benefit Society was held at the Holborn Restaurant
on Tuesday evening last. Mr. Peter Barr, V.M.H.,
presided, and there was a company of ill present.

When the Royal toasts had been honoured, the
Chairman proposed the toast of the evening, and at
once congratulated the members of the Society upon
the good management that had placed them in the
satisfactory financial position the Society now occu-
pied. The present number of benefit members, said
Mr. Barr, was 1,010. Think what work will be
necessary when the number has become ten thousand !
He could imagine the Society possessing in the future
a building in the City and a staff of clerks. But there
has to be much done before that happens, and so Mr.
Barr, ever practical, had been very carefully through
the rules, had " heckled " the good-humoured secretary,
and had come to the conclusion that some of them
were a little obscure. For instance, he as a seedsman-
gardener was entitled to become a benefit member,
but he had never known this was the case. In order to
obtain recruits he suggested to the society that
circulars should be drawn up appealing separately to
seedsmen and their employes, nurserymen and their
young men, young gardeners in bolhies, and the gar-
deners employed in the public parks and gardens.
Mr. Barr had also analysed the list of benefit
members, and found them to be living as
follows :-9lS in England, 18 in Wales, 17 in Scot-
ia in Ireland, 4 in America, 1 in South Africa

land,

and one in Germany. He thought that they should'
turn greater attention to Scotland. He was aware of
the strong national feeling in that country; Scots-
men like to possess things themselves, but if the
missionary work of their Society in Scotland should
result eventually in the formation of a separate but
similar society in Scotland, they would have done
much good. He had found no benefit society ex-
clusively for gardeners in America, Australia, or South
Africa. Mr. Barr, like all after-dinner speakers in
these days, referred to the lady gardeners, and
suggested that the Society had better make provision
for accepting them as members, oi they would probably
form a society for themselves.

The toast was responded to by Mr. Jas. Hudson,
V.M.H., who has been treasurer to the Society so long
and whom all were very pleased to meet again after his
recent illness. He at once travorsed the suggestion
made by the Chairman that Scotsmen may form a
similar society for themselves, and said they were too
"canny" to do that ; they would be more likely to join
■a society that possesses funds; and Mr. Hudson re-
moved all ground for doubt by declaring that they are
joining in increasing numbers. The good ship
•' United " was launched in 1865. It had now a reserve
of £.'2,ooo. Its officers wero attending to their work in
navigating the ship, and it was making good progress—
a fact largely due to help a Horded by ihe Press.

Tfio next toast, "The Honorary and Life Members,'
was proposed by Mr. A. J. Brown (School of Handi-

crafts), Chertsey, who said he had joined the Society in
1871, and was very pleased that he had done so. He
appealed to members to attend the annual meetings, and
show the interest in the Society they all felt. Mr. Brown
referred especially to the excellent Convalescent Fund
inaugurated by Mr. N. N. Sherwood. Mr. Thomas Cox
replied to the toast.

"The Chairman " was proposed by Mr. C. H. Curtis,
who eulogised the services Mr. Barr had rendered to
horticulture, spoke of his wonderful travels during
the past five years, and his unabated spirit now. In
reply Mr. Barr said that he hoped to visit Khartoum,
Egypt, and Greece, and every important garden in
Britain ! This was a remarkable speech for a man
approaching eighty years of age.

Mr. W. Woods proposed the toast of " The Visitors,"
and Mr. T. Bevan responded in a very sympathetic
speech. His own travels upon the Continent had made
him wish that he could always be " a visitor."

The toast of "The Press," proposed by Mr. Thomas
Winter, was responded to by Mr. R. Hooper Pearson,
who said that the principle of self-help advocated by
the Society had its justification in the fact that no
member of the community had the right to become
dependent upon others, unless he had failed after
doing his utmost to provide for himself.

It was announced that Messrs. Barr & Sons had
become life members, Mr. Peter Barr had given
5 guineas to the Convalescent Fund, and that Mr.
Turner (Chiswick) had become a honorary member.

THE WEATHER.

— *

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick,
London, for the period Oct. IS to Oct. 24, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet

a a

e h
o o

Temperature
of the air.

Tempera-
ture ofthe

gOILat9A.M

H

►J

At 9 A.M.

*

w

<

-<s

a

■A

J2 J3

3 3

t»

M «

>• u

Suo

&

a £

a

o
hi

SUN. 18
MON.l'.i

TUES.20

Wed. 21

THU. 22
'FBI. 23

Sat. 2t

W.N.W.

S.E.

S.S.E.

W.N.W.

s.s.w.
w.s.w.

S.E.

•a

«»'S
50-8

.",3*7

L
51-6

13'7

Means

50'1

bo bo bo «' bo&Obo bo
««iOQ««a>o
TS'dj'O].-, 13|"'3|T3 "T3

46-'i-">2'l 13*80-11 52-2,5.V0 56'334'N

19'7 •"■6'0 45'8 0'04 52'35*'7 56-1 40-.-S

5l'« 56'9 ■"•0'6 0 '03 53'3 54'5 58"0 46 'S

52'5 .o-o. 'O'2,0' 25 53-6 54'7 55'8 42".".

50-fl 59-l 42'2 0'23 52-3 54'j 55-6 34-0

45-8 52-s|41 -0 ... Bt*7W4'>w5'S38'8

I2'J 55-6 :)5-0 0'17 50'."'53'7 55-3 27-">

Tot
48'5 55-3 44-0 0 '83 53 "2 54'5 55'8 37"1

Remarks.— There is no change, simply a continuation
of the dull, wet weather we have been recording for
several weeks past.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The following Summary Record of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
Oct. 2i, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :—

"The weather during this week was again dull and
rainy throughout Great Britain, and rainy, but less
dull, over Ireland. Thunder and lightning were
experienced in several parts of England on Thursday.

"The temperature continued above the mean, the
exeess varying from 1 or 2 over the country as a
whole, to 8° in England. S.W. The highest of the
maxima occurred about the middle of the week, and
ranged from 61 in England, S. and Ireland. S., and
60' or 59 in most other districts, to 57 in Scotland, N.
The lowest of the minima, registered as a rule at the
end of the period, were below 35 generally, and as low
as 31" and 30" respectively in the Midland Counties and
England, S. : in the Channel Islands, however, the
thermometer fell no lower than 43 .

"The rainfall was acain more than the mean in most
districts, but was a Utile less in England, N.E. and the
Midland Counties, and ju.^t equal to the normal in
Scotland, E and Ireland. S. In Englaud, S. and Scot-
land. W. the excess was large, and rather largo in the
Channel Islands.

" The bright yu/ithinr was ncain very deficient, except
in Ireland' The percentage oi the possible duration
ranged from 32 In Ireland. B.. 30 in Ireland, N, and
37 in the Channel Islands, to 17 in Scotland. N , and to
!> in England. N'.E. and the Midland Counties."

THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS.

No phi ■vim a Record oi such continuous Run.

Tuk presont virtually unbroken spell of mno
weather has now lasted nearly six weeks. During that
time tho exposed thermometer has on no night regis-

tered more than 63 of frost. Owing to the scanty
record of sunshine and continued rain, the tempera"
ture of the ground both at 1 and 2 feet deep is now
only about seasonable. Rain has fallen on all but live
of the last thirty-five days. I have searched my records,
but can find no wet period as long, with as few rain-
less days, during the eighteen years over which they
extend. Dirring the last thirty-three days there have
been only four days on which no rain fell, which is still
more exceptional. The total fall for the thirty-five
days has been 6| inches— equivalent to a watering of
31A gallons on each square yard of surface in my
garden. Of that amount 2D gallons have come through
the 2J feet of soil in the percolation-gauge covered
with short grass, and 28 gallons through the bare soil
percolation-gauge. Between 9 and 10 p.m. on the 25th,
during a thunderstorm, about half an inch of rain fel
in half an hour. For five minutes during that period
it descended at the rate of 2j inches an hour, and for
IS minutes at the rate of U inch an hour, showing how
exceptionally heavy this downpour was. The last nine
days have been very gloomy, the average record of sun-
shine amounting to scarcely more than an hour a day.
The winds have been at times high during the past
week, but as a rule they were only of moderate strength.
The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. was
10 per cent, in excess of the average. E. 31., BeriTuansted,
October 27, 1903.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, October 29.

[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered 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]

Plants in Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

B. ./. 8. ■'.

e.d. t.d.

Adiantums, doz

4 0-80

Ferns in var.,doz

. 4 O-MU U

Aralias, per doz.

4 0-80

Ficusclastica.doz

. 9 0-21 0

Arbor Vitie, doz.

9 0-18 0

Lilium longi-

Aspidistras, doz.

18 0-36 0

florum. per doz.

6 0-12 0

Asters, per doz.

3 0-40

— laueifiilium,

Aucubas, per doz.

4 0-80

per dozen ...

6 0-12 0

Begonia, per doz.

8 0-10 0

Lycopodiums, p.

— Gloirede Lor-

dozen

3 0-40

raine, per doz

8 0-24 0

Marguerites, doz.

6 0-12 0

Chrysanthemum,

i ii ange-trecs, eac]

l 3 6-10 6

per dozen ...

3 0-30 0

Palms, var., each

3 0-20 0

Coleuses.perdoz.

4 0-50

Pclargon luuis.

Crotons, per doz.

12 u-21 (i

Bcariet, dozen

fl 0 —

Cyclamens, dnz.

in 0-13 o

Primulas, perdoz

4 0 —

Cyperus, per doz.

4 0 —

Pierie tremula,

Dracamas, variety

dozen

4 0-80

dozen

12 0-48 C

— Wimsetti.doz.

4 0-80

Ericas, per dozen

10 0-12 0

— major, dozen

4 0-60

Euonymus, vars.,

Solanums, dozen

4 0-60

per dozen

4 0-60

Verbenas, doz. ...

4 0-60

Cut Flowers,

&c. : Average Wholesale Prices.

t.d. s (I.

s d. s.d.

Bouvardias, per

Lobelia cardinally

,

bunch

0 6-08

doz bunches

3 0-40

Callas.pcr dozen.

4 0-50

Marguerites, yel-

Carnations, per

low, doz. hunch.

10-30

bunch

0 6-30

Michaelmas

Chrysanthemums

Daisies, doz.

doz. bunches

4 0-10 0

bunches

3 0-40

— specimen

Mignonette, doz.

2 0-30

blooms, doz.

10-30

Mimosa (Acacia),

Corcop-ds, dozen

per doz. bunch

6 0-90

bunches

10-20

Montbretias, per

Dahlias, per doz.

dozen bunches

4 0-60

bunches

3 0-40

Orchids :Cattleya,

Eueharis.perdoz.

16-20

dozen blooms...

6 0-13 0

Ferns, Asparagus,

— Odontoglos-

per bunch ...

10-26

suins, dozen

— French, per

blooms

16-26

doz. bunches

0 4-06

— Cypripeiliiiin

— Maidenhair.

iusignc, dz.

2 0-30

doz. bunches

4 0-60

Pels rgo n in m s.

idia, p. doz.

10-20

mal ■! bun.

4 0-60

Gardenias, box ...

10-16

Physaiis. per doz.

Qypsopbila, per

bunches

6 0-80

bunch

0 3-04

ROieS, MerillCt.

Heather, Scotch,

I'll- it'/..

10-20

per buneh ...

0 9-10

— various, bun.

0 6-16

Honesty, hunch .

1 0 —

— red. 12 bnchs,

4 0-60

Lilac (French),

— whne, bunoh

0 6-20

BT iii

:, 0 — '

nk, bunch

0 4-16

Liliums,

v, per doz.

iloriini, per

trails

1 ti- 2 H

bunch

2 6-40

tgo.doz.buu.

8 0-40

— lit net h ■

doz.

16-30

per bunch

16-20

— auratiun. per

lUllGtl ...

0 9- 1 n

bunch

3 0-30

perdozeo ...

0 2- 11 .7

I Uy of tho Volley,

bun.

1 ii 1 *

p. doz. 1 i

6 0-80

10-20

;

312

THE GARDENERS" CHRONICLE.

[October 31, 1903.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

s d. s.d.

s.d. s.d.

Apples, home-

Grapes, in barrel

L2 0-18 0

grown, cooker?.

•

— Gros Iflaroc,

per bushel

3 0-80

per lb.

0 8-10

per half bushel

a 0- 5 0

— Muscats, A.,

'mi id

14 C-23 0

per lb. ...

3 0-40

— American, iu

B., per lb.

0 6-10

cases

7 0-10 6

Canon Hall

— Dessert, half

3 f- 5 0

A , per 11).

3 0-50

Bananas, bunch..

7 0-13 0

B., per lb.

l 6- a 6

— loose, dozen .

11-16

Lemons, per case

15 0 —

Blackberries, per

Lychees, box ...

1 2 —

peck

2 6-30

Melons, each

0 9-20

— per sieve

50 -

Oranges, per case

5 6-12 0

Chestnuts, bag ...

9 0-20 n

Pears, per case...

5 1-16 0

Cobnuts, per lb.

0 7s- 0 9

— stewing, halt

5 0-66

Cranberries, case

12 U-13 6

Pines, each

2 6-40

Figs, per dozen

Walnuts, Gre-

box

0 9-10

noble, bag ...

5 6-66

Grapes, Alicante,

— French, per

per lb.

0 6-10

bag

14 C-15 0

each : Filberts, 8tf. per lb. : Grapes. English. Is. 6d. to
28. 6<Z. per lb. : ao. foreign, 6d to 8d. do. : Pines,
foreign, 4s. to «s. each; Mushrooms, Is. per lb. Mr-
kenhead :— Potatos, 8d to Is. per peck; Cucumbers;
2d. to id. each ; Grapes. English. Is. to 3s per lb. :
do. foreign, id. to 8d. do.: Tomatos. English, 6d.
to 8d do.: Mushrooms. French, Sd. to 18. do :
Filberts. 8d. do. The prices of Apples at the market
this week averaged : for Canadian, its. to 24s. per
barrel ; and for Americans, lis. to 26s. do.

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

Artichokes.Globe,
per dozen ...

— Jerusalem, p.
sieve

Asparagus, Sprue,
bundle

— Paris Green ..
Beans, dwarf, lb.

— Scarlet Run-
ners, p. bush.

Beetroots, bushel

Erussels Sprouts,
per sieve

Cabbages, tally ...

Carrots, per doz.
bunches
- per bag

Caujillowers, doz.

( elery, doz. bun.

i. less, per dozen
punnets

Cucumbers, doz.

Endive, per doz

Harlio, per lb. ...

Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch

leeks, per dozen
bunclies

Lettuces, Cabbage,
per dozen

s.d. s.d.

2 0 —

16-20

0 10 —
5 6 —
0 4 —

1
1

1 3-

2 0-

2 0
2 0

13-20
2 ?- 4 0
0 9-16
8 1-15 0

1 3

2 6-
10-

0 2-03

4 6

13-16
10-16
0 4-06

s.d. s.d.
Lettuces, Cos, per

score 0 6-10

Mushrooms, house,

per lb 0 4-08

Onions, per case. 5 0-56

— per bag ... 3 0-46

— green, per
dozen

— picklers, per
sieve

Parsley, per doz.
bunclies

— sieve

Parsnips, per bag
Potatos. per ton 80 0-120 0
Radishes, per

dozen bunches 0 6-09

Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz ...

Spinach, p. bush.

Tomatos, Channel
Islands, per lb.

— Canary Deeps 4 0

— English, per

12 1b 4 6-56

Turnips, per doz.
bunches ... 16-20

— per bag ... 2 0-26
Watercress, per

dozen bunches

2 0 —

3 0-40

10-16
0 8-10
2 6-30

13 —

0 9-10

0 4 —
4 6

0 4-06
in the

Remarks. —There is general depression
market. Grape fruit per case, 12s. ; Mangoes, per doz.,
3s. to 5s ; and Avocado Pears, do.. 2s. to 4s. ; Medlars,
per sieve, 4s. ; Persimmpns, per box, Is. (d. to 2s. ;
Californian Plums, per case, 10s. to 12s. ; Mandarin
Oranges, per box of 25, 2s 3d. ; Cardoons fetch 2*. each ;
Salsify, per doz , 4s ; and Corn Cobs, per doz. Is. The
Californian Pears are Duchess d'Angouleme, Doyenne
du Cornice, Glout Morceau, and Belle Magnimiue.
American Apples are arriving in fine condition.

Potatos.
Home-grown, 80s. to 12os. per ton ; foreign, 70s. to 90s.
do. ; Dunbars. 12Cs to 13os. do. John Haiti, 32 <B 34,
Wellington Street, Covent Garden.

CORN.

Average Prices of British Corn (per Imperial qr.),
f jr the week ending October 21. 1903, and for the corre-
sponding period of 1902, together with the difference
in the quotations. These figures are based on the
official Weekly Return :—

Description.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Wheat «. „
Barley ~ „.
Oats

«. d.

24 11
26 4
17 0

«. d.

25 10

23 7
15 8

f. d.

+ 0 11

— 2 9

— 1 4

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

Glasgow, October m — The following are the averages
of the prices during the past week:— Apples, Canadian,
1 is. to 24s. per barrel ; American, 14s. to 25s. do. ; Plums,
Victoria (Scotch), 3d. to 5d. per lb. ; Lemons, 12s. 6d.
to 18s. per box, and 18s. to 25s. per case ; Grapes,
English, lOd. to Is. 6d. per lb. ; do., Almeria, 8s. to 16s.
per barrel : do., Guernsey, 4d. to 6d. per lb. ; Pears, 6s.
to 14s. per box ; Tomatos, 5d. to 7d. per lb. ; Melons
(yellow), 10s. to 14s. 6rt. per box ; do., bronze, lis. to
16s. do. ; Onions, Valencia, 4s. to as. per case ; Mush-
rooms, la. 6d. per lb. ; Cucumbers, 2s. to 3s. per dozen.

Liverpool, October 28. — Wholesale Vegetable Market
(North Hay).-The following are the average of the
current prices during the past week— prices varying
according to supply : — Potatos, per cwt.. Main Crop,
4s. 9d. to 5s. 3d. ; British Queen, 38. tid. to 4s. ; Up-toDatf ,
3s. 6s. to 4s. ; Bruce, 3s. 9d. to 4s. 3d. Turnips, 6d. to 8d.
per dozen bunches ; Swedes, is. 6d. to Is. 9d. per cwt. ;
Carrots, 6d. to 8d. per dozen bunches, and 4s. to 4s. 3d.
per cwt. ; Onions, foreign, 3s. to 3s. 6d. per bag ;
Parsley, 4d. to 6d. per dozen bunches ; Cucumbers, is.
to 2s. per dozen ; Cauliflowers, 6d. to Is. do. ; Cabbages,
sd. to Is. 6d. do. ; Celery, 9d. to Is. 6d. do. St. John's.—
Potatos : lOd. to Is. per peck ; Cucumbers, 3d. to 6d.

itorrcjpondcnfol^gl^

A Market Nursery Foreman : Pro bono
publico. A man who is well up in the growing
of Cucumbers, Tomatos, Chrysantheniutns and
Richardias under glass for market, and who is
competent to supervise and make the most of
the labour allowed, viz., six men, should be
paid 30s. per week, in addition to a cottage
rent free and coal, and a commission of ten per
cent, on profits. This commission will serve as
an additional inducement to work the nursery
as profitably and economically as possible, to
the mutual advantage of both master and man.
To grant a percentage on the annual turnover
is both unusual and undesirable, the profits
being the proper basis on which to allow a per-
centage. In arriving at the above-mentioned
conclusions, we assume, as a matter of course,
the foreman to have the entire management of
Pro bono publico's market nursery. Perhaps we
may be excused for saying that glasshouses
100 feet by 25 feet, provided with four rows of
(we assume 4-inch) hot- water-pipes, while suit-
able enough for growing Tomatos, Chrysanthe-
mums, Kichardia aithiopica, Vines or Peaches,
are quite unsuitable for the cultivation of
Cucumbers, being at least 10 feet too wide ;
houses from 12 to 15 feet in width are invariably
erected for the production of Cucumbers.

Bougainvillea glabra in Flower : J. Fraser
Smith. It is a very remarkable occurrence to
have this plant flowering out-of-doors at this
date, more especially so far North as Banff-
shire. The flowers are of fair size and colour.

Chrysanthemum Leaves Browned : Clifton.
No fungus. The injury was caused by an over-
dose of artificial manure, or over fumigation,
or spraying with insecticide.

Evergreen Flowering Plants : Isabel H. S.
The loam of the border being light and sandy,
it would grow all kinds of hardy Rhododen-
drons of ponticum, catawbiense, and cauca-
sicum species and hybrids ; Andromedas, Ar-
butus, Berberis Darwini, B. dulcis, Broom
Yellow, White, Portugal and Spanish ; Coton-
easters, Escallonias, Eurya latifolia, Kalmias,
Laurustinus, Mahonia Aquifolium, and Os-
manthus.

Gas - lime and the Boots or Fruit - trees :
E. Reed. In cases where gas-lime is used as a
remedy for clubbing in Cabbages, &c, it would
be safer not to place any on the ground in
which fruit-trees of any kind are planted ; or
if a small quantity be applied it should be left
for some months on the surface before turning
it in. This applies to all land under crop as
well unless it is trenched.

Grapes Diseased : F. J. Affected with the
" Spot " fungus, often alluded to in these
columns. The disease can only be stamped out
by gathering all affected fruits and at once
burning them. Scrape off the surface soil and
bury it deeply at a distance from the vinery.
Afford the usual winter dressing and apply the
Bordeaux-mixture soon after the vines break,
and once in three weeks afterwards till July.

Himalayan Rhododendrons with Large
Trusses : A. J. B. Wightii,* K. Shepherdii,*
K. niveum fulvum, R. Maddeni,* R. grande,*
R. Hookeri, R. Dalhousioe.* Those with an
asterisk have the larger flowers. In the
warmer counties these species may be grown in
sheltered situations out-of-doors j but, the
growth being made early in the spring, it is
advisable to retard this by covering the plants
with mats, canvas, &c, or to cover it securely
at night after it is made. Most of the species

will succeed in peat alone, or mixed with turfy
light loam. A considerable amount of stil
should be mixed with the soil. In the colder
parts of the country these species shculd b>
grown under glass.

Horse - Chestnut : J. H. Primarily the grey
patches aye due to a lichen, but the consi icu ms
white marginal band is the result of innumer-
able fine webs secreted by a species of mite
(Tetranychus), allied to the so-called red-
spider. The mites evidently feed upon the
lichen or the green protococcus which accom-
panies it. The caustic soda-wash frequently
recommended in the Gardeners' Chronicle would
kill both the lichen and the mites, but it should
be well brushed into the grey patches.

Ombu : Correspondent. We believe this to be, as
you suggest, Phytolacca dioica.

Pelargoniums : W. J. B. Your flowers are semi-
double, with linear petals of varying hues.
They arrived in such a condition that we can
only say they look as if they might have been
pretty and distinct.

Names of Fruits : Hugh Woodthorpe. Apple,
Harvey's Reinette— H. L. E. G. 1, Welling-
ton ; 2, Cockle Pippin ; 3, Radford' Beauty ; 4,
Stirling Castle ; Pear, Nouvelle Poiteau.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the following number. —
W. R. Fryer. Origanum LMctanmus. — C. E. J.
Bomarea ('{ sp ). — V. V. S. Oncidium bar-
batum, one of the most widely distributed and
variable of the Brazilian Oncids, especially in
the form of the lip, that of your specimen
being the smallest, and distinguished by
Lindley as O. barbatum verum. — W. T. G. 1,
a fine variety of Cattleya Dowiana aurea; 2,
Cattleya labiata. — C. 8., Hemel. Sarcanthus
paniculatus. — E. T., Manchester. Epidendrum
osmanthum. — J. M. 1, Polypodium pustu-
latum ; 2, Asplenium lucid um ; 3, Asplenium
trichomanes ; 4, Pteris crenata ; 5, Doodia cau-
data ; 0, Niphobolus Lingua. — V. M. 1, Epi-
dendrum virens ; 2, Epidendrum inversum ; 3,
Epidendrum cochleatum. — E. P. C. Nerine un-
dulata, often called Nerine crispa in gardens. —
Cor. 1, Crinum Moorei ; 2, Hsmanthus
Katherinae ; 3, Nerine FothergiUi. — R. T. H.,
Woburn. 1, Choisya ternata; 2, Gaultheria
Shallon ; 3, Rhus Cotinus ; 4, Leycesteria for-
mosa ; 5, Magnolia acuminata ; G, Deutzia cre-
nata flore-pleno. — G. H. Tropseolum Lobbi-
anum variety. — W. M. Juniperus communis. —
A. B. C. 1, Rhus Cotinus ; 2, Ginkgo biloba,
Maidenhair tree ; 3,Weigela; 4, Spiraea. We
cannot tell from the leaves only. — T. H. 0. P.
1, Lonicera Ledebouri ; 2, Escallonia rubra ; 3,
apparently the white form of Escallonia rubra ;
4, perhaps Magnolia Lennei ; 5, Hypericum
Androsajmum.

Pernettya mucronata : W. B. C. This plant is
a native of Magellan, and if four 1 in Yorkshire
in a semi-wild pasture it has probably grown
from seeds voided by birds, which have been
obtained from some garden in the neighbour-
hood. The plant bears seeds (berries) abund-
antly. There are several varieties of the plant,
distinguished by fruits of various colours. It
belongs, like Andromeda, as you suggest, to the
Natural Order Ericaceae.

The Goat Moth : W. R. It is stated that the
caterpillar of this splendid moth does not bore
into sound trees, and that therefore it is not so
injurious as it seems. We should be glad to
think so, but it would be contrary to our
experience.

Tomato : M. L. P. A Tomato was figured in
our columns on April 2(5, 1902, weighing
1 lb. 10 oz., so that your specimen is a long
way behind. There is no advantage in such
huge specimens.

Violet : S. We cannot find fungus or insect.
Have they been " scalded " ?

Communications Received —IS. Campbell —J. R. J.-
Jas. Godseff-L. L— P. W.— Dr. Plowright— E. K.-
E. D.— A. B.— J. H.Goodacre-C. E.I.— R. B— B.&Co
-T. B. H. E— W. H.-E L.— J. W.— M. F.— G. M..
Hulsewood-J E —J Hughes— E. H.— A. M — A. Hop
-A D. W— H. V.-A. H -J. O'B.— W. F. B — E. C-
C. H. P.— J. S. C— L. S. W.— P. C. H. J.— H. J. E.-
W. C. & Son— R. L.

November 7, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

513

THE

No. 880.— SATURDAY, November 7, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Agave Komanii X ... T25
Apospory, a Dew ca&e

Of 325

Boilers, tubular ... 324
Books, Dotices of —
A Guide to tne Bo-
tanic Gardens,

Sydney 323

Beautiful Flowering

Trees and Shrubs . 331
Garden Pests ... 327
Maladies et Parasites

du Chrysantteme 313
The Book of Heros . 327
The Book of the

Peach 324

Carnations 3i6

Cattleya labiata »u-

tumnalis 335

Cherries, sweet ... 325
Chrysanthemum shows,

foreign 322

Chrysanthemums at

Ashstead Park ... 311
Chrysanthemums, judg-
ing 313

Cotoneaster frigida ... 318
Cypripedium potted

in leaf-mould ... 324
Dilsseldorf, an inter-
national exhibition

at 322

Echinocactus de Laeti 325
Exhibition, proposed
international, at

Edinburgh 330

Fruit, a German

culinary 326

Gardeners' Associi-

tlon, a 334

Gardeners' dinner, the 324
Gardeners' Koyal Be-
nevolent Institution 321
Uabenariacarnea ... 323
Hall, Mr. A. D., lecture

by 321

Hypocalymma robus-

tum 325

Kew notes 316

lewis, Mr. Thomas ...

Lily season of 1903 ...

Nertera depressa

Nursery notes—
Clibran & Son, W. ...

Obituary—
Jurgens, Herr F.
J. C

Plant portraits

Plants, do cultivated,
wear out ?

Potato Northern Star.

Potatos. judging

PotwashiDg machine.

Rosary, the

School of Horticulture,
Essex County

Science and horticul-
ture

Societies-
Chester Society of

Natural Science ...
Devon and Exeter

Gardeners'

Manchester Orchid.
Reading Gardeners'
Koyal Horticultural

Strawberries, a few
good varieties of ...

Tobacco, manufac-
tured

Tree-ties, Beckett's ...

Vegetable world, some
curiosities of the ...

Versailles nurseries,
some

Vine the Cumberland
Lodge

Vines, sportivenessof

Volvaria Loveana

Week's Work, the—
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

331
316
325

327

■m

325
325
325
332
316

321

326

327
326
326
321.

326

3S7

321
327

334

317

322
325

318

319
318
319
318
319
319

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Celosias growirg in Messrs. Clibran 's nursery ... 315
Habenana carnea, a remarkable tpecimen of ... 323
Holly, varieties of, from Messrs. Clibran's nursery 314,

317, 322

Tree-tie, a new 327

Vine, the great, at Cumberland Lodge (Supplement)

SCIENCE AND HORTICULTURE,

UP to a comparatively recent date the
scientific man and the practical horti-
culturist stood far apart, the former, in his
capacity as botanist, confining himself
rigorously to the study of normal plants in
the way of classification by systematic
determination of their characters, while
the practical horticulturist depended fcr
successful culture largely on tradition and
rule - of - thumb dogmas, plus his own
personal experience. Gradually, however,
the purview of both widened — the botanist
began to perceive that much was to be
learnt from abnormal types as regards the
underlying laws which determined their
appearance, the researches of the biologist
resulted in discoveries which were of
obvious value to the cultivator, while the
chemist demonstrated that the old-fashioned
system of manuring could be revolutionised
by the study of the relations existing
between the constituents of the plants
themselves and those existing in, or capable
of being supplied to, the soil in which they
grew. Hence, in course of time the scientist
and the cultivator joined hands, and the
latter, instead of regarding the former as a
mere theorist, a poker and pryer into secrets
too recondite to be of practical use, came to
recognise his debt and to profit by the know-

ledge thus gained. In Great Britain, however,
the benefit of this association, speaking gene-
rally, does not seem to have been so rapidly
recognised as it is abroad ; and even now, to
those who can study foreign literature for
themselves, it appears that systematic in-
vestigation of newly-presented phenomena
is not followed up so seriously by Britons as
it is elsewhere. It is true that we have our
noble scientific societies, such as the Royal
and the Linnean, as centres of scientific
research and record ; but neither of these
constitutes that joint centre of research and
practical application which is a vital neces-
sity ; and it is precisely here that the Koyal
Horticultural Society should constitute the
vital link.

We hear, for instance, in a more or less
desultory way in the Horticultural Press
and the Society's invaluable Journal (largely
by means of abstracts from foreign sources),
of experiments made here, there, and yonder
in connection with the effect of electricity
and electrical lighting on plant-growth, the
effect of etherisation as a stimulus, the effect
of frigid conditions as a retarding influence,
and the effects of variously-coloured glass in
both capacities. In another direction we
hear a good deal of symbiotic influence,
both of bacteria in the soil and even between
plants themselves ; and in yet another we
have the eternal fight against fungoid
diseases and vermin, which a deeper know-
ledge of the life-histories of the plant-foes
would largely enable us to" modify or even
terminate. The Scientific Committee of the
Royal Horticultural Society does all it can
do to aid the Fellows in these respects;
various specialists who constitute it study
the material put before them as best
they may, and report accordingly ; but
this is not enough. What is really wanted
is a regular laboratory [under a scientific
director] and the necessary appurtenances
in which all these important questions
could be solved by actual and continued
experiment on systematic lines, the re-
cords of which should appear from time to
time in the Journal of the Society. All this,
we are fully aware, means money ; but ex-
perience teaches us that whenever a reallv
practical scheme for such research is formu-
lated and recognised, endowment follows;
and it is therefore devoutly to be hoped that
the Society may avail itself of the oppor-
tunity now afforded by the Wisley gift in
the direction indicated. The Jodrell Labo-
ratory at Kew might possibly serve as a
suggestive model. With some such instal-
lation the Scientific Committee would have a
backbone as it were, and would not be con-
fined, as it now is, to the necessarily brief
investigations made by its members, who,
though fully competent to advise lines of
research, have naturally other business to
occupy them, and cannot possibly devote
that long-continued observation which is
generally essential to research of the kind
indicated.

At present, of course, owing to the con-
currence of the Wisley gift with the erection
of the new Hall, the Royal Horticultural
Society's Council has its hands very full ;
but it is devoutly to be hoped that when the
Wisley plans are under consideration, this
important question of practical experiments
in connection with the burning questions of
the day in horticultural circles will occupy
the forefront of the agenda. Chan. T. Druiry,
F.L.S.. Y.M.I I.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Maladies et Parasites du Chrysantheme,
par J. Chifflot. — This handy little treatise by
Dr. J. Chifflot, of Lyons, has recently been
published under the auspices of the French
National Chrysanthemum Society, and is published
by the Librairie Horticole, 84bis, rue de Crenelle,,
Paris. Although merely a small paper-covered
pamphlet of about fifty-six pages, it is a useful
addition to the literature of the Chrysanthemum.
Illustrations are given of the various insects and
diseases that attack the Chrysanthemum, and
remedies suggested for the help of the grower.

Issued simultaneously with the book is a large
coloured plate to which we wish to draw particu-
lar attention. It measures 21J inches by 14, and
if mounted and hung up in a handy place would
help many a grower in the time of trouble and
doubt. Infected leaves and insect pests enlarged
and in natural colour are shown, the names given,
and the remedies briefly supplied.

The following is what appears on this sheet : —
Phytomyza geniculata, Grapholita minutana,
Aphrophora alni, Oidium chrysanthemi, Puccinia
chrysanthemi, with telentospore and uredospore ;
Calocoris chenopodii, Cleonus marmoratus, Sep-
toria chrysanthemi, Aphelenchus alesistus, and
Heterodera radicicola.

Dr. Chifflot is a well-known authority on such
matters, and has several times read papers on
these troubles at the annual gatherings of the
French National Chrysanthemum Society. We
understand that it is proposed ere long to issue a
catalogue of every known variety of the Chrysan-
themum grown in France. C. H. P.

Judging Chrysanthemums.

I am not a believer in the comparison method
of judging as practised by some judges of the
present day. Such judge or judges commence
their duties by examining the stands in the
leading class ; they select one that appears to be
the best; they scan this carefully over, noting
the best features, and pass on to the next best,
endeavouring to compare the collections with
each other in their " mind's eye," as it were, and
perhaps they decide that No. 2 stand is superior
to that they selected first. This is repeated
perhaps several times before they conclude the
class, which may contain as many as twenty col-
lections. To make certain, they carry the sup-
posed best stand of blooms around the show,
placing it in front of others which at a glance
appear equal in point of merit, or, to get a better
view of the whole, they place the two supposed
best stands on the floor, so that they can see
down upon the blooms, and thus form a better
opinion of their individual merits. They say
No. 1 bloom in stand A is superior to that in
stand B, while the next flower in order-
pulls back that advantage perhaps. At the
finish A stand may lead B stand by one
or two points. Now if the varieties in both
stands were the same, and in order that a com-
parison of two blooms of the same variety could
be made, then this system of comparison judging
would be feasible, but when can two competing
stands be found containing the same varieties
and in the same order of arrangement? I
venture to say never. Again, how can any judge
carry the points of superiority in his " mind's
eye " of a stand containing forty-eight varieties
so accurately as to appraise correctly their full
value, and at the same time give a reason for a
decision if asked for one f Prizes are offered for a
stipulated number of blooms ; each of these
should be appraised and its value recorded.
Apart from the want of accuracy, much valuable
time is spent in wandering to and fro from stand
to stand.

Some judges when in a dilliculty in respect to
two stands, find a relief in awarding equal prizes.
This, in my opinion, is a weakness. It is abso-

314

THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E.

[November 7, 1903.

lutely impossible to find two stands equal in
point of merit. There is a difference in the
blooms, and that difference should be found and
expressed. There is no such thing as equal
prizes when a challenge cup is hanging in the
balance ; this prize cannot be divided like two
cash prizes lumped together and shared.

So much for the comparison method of judging
cut blooms. The only correct way of arriving at
a satisfactory decision, and one by which a true

My plan when commencing to judge the blooms
at any show is to take a stroll round the com-
peting stands, mentally noting the finest speci-
mens. In this way the " key " so to speak is
obtained as to how the "pointing" should pro-
ceed. In commencing, judges will sometimes
point a trifle high, and when an extra good bloom
is met with later on, this necessitates a nearer
approach to the maximum than perhaps is
w^rtantable. Seldom indeed are blooms met

Fig. 132. — ilex aquifolium var. laurifolia, 8 feet high, from
messrs. clibran's nursery. (see p. 316.)

explanation can be given as to the merits of one
stand and the demerits of another, is by the
allocation of points to individual blooms according
to merit. Point judging too is much quicker
than any other system, and one which bears the
test of time. It does not follow that point
judging should be adopted throughout a show.
Common sense must be exercised in this matter.
In many classes the distinctions between the
competing stands are manifest at a glance, and
it would be a waste of time to examine the
blooms individually ; but where the competition
is at all close, the value of each bloom should be
noted down and the added numbers will be the
verdict.

with that are entitled to a maximum number of
points.

Six points are generally allowed for a perfect
bloom, although some judges adopt the higher
scale of eight. I usually employ the former, and
I am a staunch believer in half points, as in many
instances a bloom does not receive justice with
four points, whereas five would be too many. I do
not hold with the three points maximum of some
judges ; the slightly differing gradations in
merit cannot be so well expressed when three
points only are employed. Six points provide
an abundant range for gradation.

Experienced judges quickly find out the best
method of 'pointing" the blooms. Take for

example a collection of forty-eight. Some judges
examine the blooms from left to right, noting
down the value of each. Although this is
an accurate method of arriving at a deci-
sion, in practice it is found to require too much
time. A better plan is to take the three rows
of blooms at once from bottom to top. For
instance, that in the front row is worthy of 3J
points, that in the middle 4, and the back bloom
5J ; thus a total of 13 points is obtained. This
number is noted by one of the judges. Each row
is dealt with in the same way until all have been
appraised ; the result then is quickly summed- up,
the other judge checking the figures. Where
several stands in one class have to be pointed,
the exhibitor's number is carefully noted at the
head of the point column, or a private number
is entered on one of the name cards at the left-
hand end of the collection for future reference ;
this saves hunting for the exhibitor's number,
and is equally accurate in the result. E. Molyneuz.

The Collection at Ashstead Park, Epsom.
There are few growers of Chrysanthemums for
exhibition who stand higher than Mr. George
Hunt, gardener to Pantia Ealli, Esq., Ashtead
Park, Surrey, who for several years has been
gradually working his way up. We looked in
upon him and his flowers during the wet after-
noon of the 31st ult. prior to a flower being
cut. What a superb lot of blooms greeted us!
Probably some 3,000 at least, mostly Japanese,
but some incurved also, for Mr. Hunt always
grows these well, and this year so fine and good
are they that he has but one formidable rival
with that section to dread, and that is Mr. Higgs*
his neighbour at Fetcham Park, who is indeed
Al as a grower of incurved blooms. The huge
mass of plants is stored in some half - dozen
early Vine and Peach houses, where just now, the
flowers being within 12 inches of the glass, they
get ample light. In spite of the weather there
was not a speck of damp to be seen anywhere.
Very fine indeed amongst hundreds were Mrs.
C. Crook, Duchess of Fife, Lady Isabel, Pantia
Kalli (new buff) Globe d'Or, Lord Alcester.
Empress of India, C. H. Curtis, Kobt. Petfield,
Alfred Salter, Miss M. Hunt, John Lyne, Han-
well Glory, Miss Nellie Southam, Dome d'Or.
Mons. Bruaut, W. G. Egan, and Miss E. Seward,
fine golden yellow. It will thus be seen that
whilst some of the old favourites are Btill grown,
new ones are well represented.

The Japanese are truly a magnificent lot,
Generally they are grouped in the various
houses according to their stages of development ;
but Mr. Hunt said that he could easily cut
200 blooms then of first-class order. During the
first week in November he purposed exhibiting at
Croydon, Portsmouth, Southampton, and the
Alexandra Palace— a pretty large order— and at
the National and a dozen other shows during
the succeeding weeks. Very fine indeed of the
Japanese were Mr. A. E. Knight, Miss Olive
Miller, Lady Conyers, both reflexed and in-
curved ; Miss Mildred Ware, colour of C. Davis ;
Bessie Godfrey, Nellie Pockett, G. Penford, which
should supersede E.Molyneux ; Ben Wells, blush-
white, very fine ; F. S. Vallis, grand yellow ;
Madame P. Kadaelli, soft peach ; Mafeking Hero,
very fine ; Madame Waldeck Kosseau, chocolate-
crimson ; Godfrey's Pride, Eimberley, Henry
Stowe, M. Smith, Mrs. Greenfield, George Mile-
ham, Mrs. Mileham, Lord Ludlow, Mr. T. Car-
rington, Mrs. T. W. Pockett, S. T. Wright, fine
crimson; Duchess of Sutherland, orange-yellow ;
Mr. H. Emerton, Godfrey's King, reddish-
crimson; and Marquis de Venosta, reddish-
purple. These are but a few, but each one
indicates fully-developed and singularly fine
flowers. Very marked in the collection are
numerous rich - coloured flowers which wiH
greatly strengthen Mr. Hunt's exhibits.

November 7, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

315

NURSERY NOTES.

MESSRS.

"W. CLIBRAN & SON'S NEW
INDOOR NURSERY.

On visiting Messrs. W. Clibran k Son a few
weeks ago, an opportunity was afforded us of
inspecting the new glasshouses, offices and pack-
ing-shed that have been erected at Bank Hall,
Hale. At the time of our previous visit, the
headquarters of the business were at the Old-
field Nurseries, Altrincham, but owing to the
expiration of the lease or similar circumstance,
the ground at Altrincham upon which the glass-
houses stood has been surrendered, and a new

We found that the indoor nursery now com-
prises about thirty-three span-roofed houses, all
of which are 18U feet in length, and most of
them 11 feet in width; but some that are used
for housing pot-Vines, Roses, Chrysanthemums,
and other big plants, have a width of 21 feet.
Preparations were being made for the erection of
a corridor into which one end of every house will
open, thus connecting all with each other and
with the packing-shed. Much thought has been
given with a view of providing every means pos-
sible to save labour. Sunken iron rails have
been laid along the pathway in each house, and
by the use of the turn-tables it will be possible to
run the trolleys through the houses along the

in much waste of time and in rapid deterioration
in the hose itself, owing to the twists that occur
when moving it about. But we have held that
the practice of affording water to pot plants
directly from a hose-pipe is dangerous, and except
it be done by an experienced and careful man.
much injury may result.

The packing-shed is an immense building, that
at first sight appears to be unnecessarily capa-
cious, but not so when it is remembered that
Messrs. Clibran do a large business in trees and
shrubs, many of which have to be packed for
transit when they have grown to a considerable
height. Such packing requires a great deal of
space, and all this work will now be done under

Fig. 133. — collection of one thousand celosias, from a photograph taken
in the hale nurseries in august. (see i'. 316.)

indoor nursery and offices are now nearing
completion at Hale. For the information of
"any future visitors it may be well to state
that, proceeding from Manchester, Hale is the
next station to Altrincham, on the Cheshire Lines
Railway. Hale, and not Altrincham, is the sta-
tion at which future visitors should alight, and
the nursery is scarcely a mile distant. There
is little doubt but the removal will be attended
by certain advantages that will compensate for
the trouble and outlay it has involved. Among
these must be reckoned that of being a greater
distance from the smoke area of the city of
Manchester, and also the opportunity the firm
has acquired of building exactly the stamp
of house and building that previous expe-
rience and observation have proved to be the
best for the purpose of cultivating and packing
the various plants that constitute the nursery
stock.

corridor and into the packing-shed. This alone
will save quite half the trouble consequent upon
the removal of plants from one position to
another in the same house, from one house to
another, or to the potting or packing-sheds.

Another effort in labour - saving, and one
perhaps which will be thought by some readers
to be a little dangerous, has reference to the
affording of water to plants. Water-pipes have
been placed beneath the stages, and there is a
tap at every ten feet distance. Except for the
watering of specially tender plants and young
seedlings, the water-can will not be used. A
short piece of hose-piping is affixed to the tap,
and by this means the water is applied to the
plants. The provision of so many taps has cost
considerable monoy, but it is thought that this
will be more than balanced by the save effected
in labour and in hose-piping, it being well known
that the use of long stretches of pipe results

cover, the large double doorways providing ample
space for the vans to be brought into the build-
ing. A part of the shed has been enclosed and
provided with means of heating, and in this
division the tender plants will be packed without
suffering a check. The total length of the shed
is about 7*j yards, and the width 35 yards.

Some Plants in the Houses.
We do not intend to inflict the reader by
attempting to enumerate the species of plants
contained in the glasshouses, but will refer to a
few only that attracted our attention at the end
of August. And first place may be given to a
batch of Celosia pyramidalis that was very re-
markable for excellent strain. On one side of tin-
path were the red-coloured varieties, and opposite
to them the yellow and orange shades. There
were infinite shades in both groups, and the plants
were of moderate height, sturdy, and bora

31 G

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

November 7. l'J03.

splendid plumes. The collection was unusually
free from the seedy, weedy varieties that are
frequently seen. At our request Messrs. Clibran
obtained a photograph of the one thousand or so
plants, and it is reproduced in fig. 133, p. 315.

We were favourably impressed with the
appearance of the pot Vines ; 1,000 were contained
in one of the larger houses, the canes 10 to 12 feet
long, and of good strength. The collection in-
cluded the little-known varieties as Lady Hutt,
Diamond Jubilee, Ferdinand de Lesseps, &c.

Pot Roses are cultivated in great numbers ;
one house contained 1,400 plants of climbing
varieties, among which was a considerable stock
of the new Dorothy Perkins. Climbing varieties
overflowed into other houses, and in addition to
these were some 1,500 dwarf Eoses also in pots.

Another large house contained varieties of Tea
Eoses planted in borders. There were also 2,500
plants of Ampelopsis Veitchii in pots, and an
enormous stock of Clematises, of which perhaps
the most popular variety at the present time is
Ville de Lyon. Ferns and Palms fill a number
of houses, the varieties being those most
commonly cultivated. The tuberous Begonias
were making a fine display, and included a good
representation of the strain producing crested
flowers. Cyclamens form another large feature
of the indoor collection of flowering plants.

Greenhouse climbers appear to be given much
attention, and the collection is very extensive.
There was a large stock of young plants half-a-
foot high of Acacia pubescens, which trade pro-
pagators will recognise as a most difficult plant
to increase. There were plenty of good Camellia
plants, and in the stoves a nice collection of orna-
mental foliage species of plants, as well as of those
that are'cultivated for their flowers. Ixoras and
Clerodendron fallax were good, and the stock of
Codiseums (Crotons) was well cultivated and pos-
sessed good colour. Dracrena Doucettii was repre-
sented by (two or three dozen excellent plants in
7-inch pots. Several houses contained Carnations,
and some of these were being layered at the time.

In other houses were noticed zonal Pelargo-
nium Henry Jacoby with variegated foliage, a
large stock of Abutilon vitifolium, the handsome
Honeysuckle Lonicera Hildebrandtii, quantities
of Berberis Freemontii as tiny seedlings with two
or three leaves only, Eetinospora Sanderi, just
grafted, Embothrium coccineum ; but, as we have
already stated, it is not our purpose to enumerate
the comprehensive collection of species.

The Out-of-doors Nursery.
Earely does Manchester experience wetter
weather than there was on the day we went to
Hale, and for that reason we were not able to
inspect closely the stock of trees and shrubs, her-
baceous plants, &c, in the outside nursery. But
we have seen them on other occasions, and know
that the 300 or so acres of land is well cultivated,
and the stock consequently is of a high order
of merit. Trees and shrubs are frequently trans-
planted in order.to get them to produce numerous
fibrous roots, and they then suffer very little
check after being despatched to customers. Only
by such means can similar specimens to the
Hollies we now illustrate from Messrs. Clibran's
nursery be produced. Fig. 135, p. 322, represents
a plant of Ilex Aquifolium var. altaclarensis (Shep-
herdii), a very hardy variety, having large, oval,
thick leaves, and succeeds in the midst of a town,
being little injured by smoke. The plant illus-
trated is 10 feet "high. I. Aquifolium var. Hod-
ginsii, 7£ feet high, in fig. 13G, p. 322, is well
known to be one' of the best broad-leaved varie-
ties. In fig. 132, p. 314, I. A. var. laurifolia is
shown 8 feet high. It has ovate leaves, and is
nearly destitute of spines ; and being one of the
very hardiest is also a good town plant. I, A.
var. maderensis, shown in fig. 134, p. 317, is an

erect grower, and has broadly ovate spiny leaves.

The specimen illustrated is 10 feet high.

KEW NOTES.

Orchids at Kew. — Among the numerous plants
now or recently in bloom, Stenoglottis longiflora
and Habenaria carnea are very attractive, whilst
for lovers of botanical curiosities Phymatidium
tillandsioides is a gem, as also is Masdevallia
Laucheana with its white flowers and orange-
tinted awns. A flower of Cypripedium concolaure
X is remarkable for having its two side petals
bag-shaped like lips.

PlTCAIRNIA FERRUGINEA,

which is just going out of bloom in the Palm
house at Kew, is a very striking plant. It is
several feet in height, Yucca-like in habit, with
dense tufts of glaucous, recurved, linear strap-
like leaves with spiny margins. The flowers are
borne in large loose panicles 5 or G feet long.
Each flower is 3 or 4 inches long, linear, curved
like a claw, the outer segments covered with rust-
coloured down, the petals white, ultimately
twisted. The Puya grandiflora of the Botanical
Magazine, t. 5234, is considered synonymous.

Kleinia Galpini,
now in flower, is a very striking greenhouse
plant, a foot or more high, with somewhat fleshy-
white oblong leaves and orange-coloured flower-
heads. It is a native of the Transvaal, and was
figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7239.

Potentilla davurica.

A very curious dwarf, shrubby species under
this name may be seen in the rock-garden. The
branches are woody, more or less contorted,
and bent downwards, so that they resemble the
curiously distorted trees beloved of the Japanese,
which have become fashionable here also. Podo-
carpus alpina, also to be seen on the rockery, has
a similar habit.

Shrubby Veronicas.
The introduction of various species from New
Zealand has constituted a new and very interest-
ing addition to our gardens. The plants are
suitable for borders, rockeries, or as pot plants
on balconies and similar situations. There is a
very interesting collection of them on the bank
at the head of the herbaceous ground, near to
the Cumberland Gate.

Hippophae rhahnoides.
When this shrub is covered with its orange-
coloured berries it is indeed a very striking
object. There is such a specimen near one end
of the Palm-house. The plant is dioecious, so
that it is necessary to have the plants of the
two sexes in proximity, or, better still, to graft a
male branch on to a female bush. Unfor-
tunately, when the shrub is out of flower it is
not possible to recognise the sex, so that nursery-
men should be careful to mark the sex of their
plants when in bloom. Visitor.

Camoensia maxima.
This extremely beautiful but unfortunately
shy-flowering plant is once again flowering at
Kew, it being five years since it last flowered.
The Kew plant is about thirty years old,
and is planted out in a border in a stove, the
shoots being trained up the roof. It is certainly
one of the most gorgeous flowering plants in
the great order Leguminosai, and it is said to
be one of the largest. The plant now in flower
carries only one raceme of ten flowers, and
each flower is about 8 inches long, the standard
measuring 4' inches across. It is creamy-white
in colour, the petals being beautifully fringed
with a border of golden-yellow, and is sweetly
scented. It is a native of Western Africa, and
was figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7572
[and in the Gardeners' Chronicle, November 14,
189G. Ed.]. If plants are grown in pots in a
stove during spring and early summer, and then

about August removed to an intermediate tem-
perature, and the shoots tied close to the glass
where they will get full sunshine, I think this
species will give more satisfaction than it has
done hitherto. JET. W.

THE ROSARY.

SEASONABLE NOTES ON EOSES, &c.
Standard and dwarf Briars budded during;
the summer can new be pruned back to four or
five eyes from the inserted bud. In the Manetti.
and seedling Briar they can be shortened back to
three eyes from the axil of the growth. If any
suckers appear at the base of the plant, cut them
off as low down and as near the stem as possible.
It is now time to prepare and pot up Briar and
Manetti stocks for grafting in the months of
December and onwards. The Briar and multi-
flora stocks are the best for Noisettes and
Hybrid Teas; and the Manetti stock fox the
Hybrid Perpetual class. Grafting is usually
commenced hy the trade growers in November,
but the stocks would be potted up late in the
spring, and being now thoroughly established, a
start can be made much earlier and with a
greater certainty of success than can be said of
the stocks more recently potted up, and as a rule,
go away without a check. With the Editor's
permission I will make a few further remarks on.
this subject next month. J. D. G.

THE LILY SEASON OF 1903.

It cannot be said that the atmospheric
influences which have prevailed during the-
past season have been altogether unfavourable-
to the success of those Lilies to which our
gardens owe so much of their attractiveness.
Many of them, such for example as Lilium
Henryi and Lilium Szovitzianum, have reached
an almost abnormal growth, and flowered luxuri-
antly. One remarkable specimen of Lilium
auratum, growing in my own garden, pro-
duced three powerful fasciated stems (the
result of hypertrophy), bearing at least 120
flower-buds, which, in order to ensure larger
blooms, I greatly reduced, the result being at
once highly gratifying and extremely effective.
To all involuntary cultivators of fasciated Lilies.
I recommend this course. No Lily is improved
in artistic appearance by being permitted to-
develop a multitude of flowers of half the usual
size. In such instances as I have indicated,
severe disbudding is absolutely imperative, other-
wise what may be termed abortion is inevitable:
Lilium Krameri and L. Browni were the only two-
Lilies of any importance for garden decoration
that did not succeed well in South-Western.
Scotland this year. But on the whole they were
not greatly missed, for they have always been
extremely frugal in the production of their
flowers, not seldom strictly confining themselves
to one solitary bloom. A much more reliable
Lily is Lilium Henryi, a native of China, which,
sometimes produces, as it did this season, as
many as twenty.one flowers of a glowing Apricot
colour on a single stem. For this reason it is
preferable even to that invariably hardy and
very beautiful Chinese introduction, L. tigrinum
splendens.

The storm which swept over our gardens in
July was, even in sheltered regions, exceedingly
destructive, its influence being especially experi-
enced at Logan House in this peninsular parish,
where many noble specimens of the great Lily of
the Himalayas, Lilium giganteum, 11 feet high,
were utterly destroyed, their loss being much
regretted by Mrs. McDouall, who was justly
proud of having grown so successfully, up to that
crucial period, such splendid plants as these.
Contemporaneously there were shattered in my

November 7, 1903.]

THE GARD ENER S ' CIIR ONI CL E.

317

garden three white Foxgloves, 8 feet high, which
I lamented quite as much ; but I had many con-
solations in other directions, though Lilium
giganteum could not easily be replaced.

Lilium rubellum, one of the latest of Eastern
introductions, is, I greatly fear, not enduring,
for it has entirely died out with me. This humid
climate manifestly does not agree with its deli-
cate nature, which somewhat resembles that of
Lilium Krameri. With a drier, warmer atmo-
sphere and better drainage than I am able to
give them, those Japanese Lilies might possibly
succeed ; but under the influence of our Scottish
winters, with their frequent floods of rain, they
rapidly deteriorate and utterly decay.

Of a widely different character is Lilium
pardalinum and its almost similarly - coloured
derivative, L. Burbankix, which, like L. mona-
delphum (var. Szovitzianum) and L. chalcedoni-
cum, seem to grow stronger and more florally
impressive year by year. Nothing, indeed, has
given me greater gratification this season than
the success of the Californian Lilies, of which,
for a long period, I had almost despaired ; though
that veritable gem, Lilium Washingtonianum, in
one situation at least, has always flowered well.
Lilium Humboldtii I find much more arduous of
cultivation, unless in a rarely congenial soil.

I have no fault to find with Lilium auratum
this year ; it has in most instances, as I have
already indicated, grown with vigour arid
flowered freely. Lilium auratum platyphyllum,
though greatly eulogised' by the majority of
cultivators by reason of its majestic height and
wonderful durability, I do not greatly admire ; its
complexion is much too pale to be effective; it
has not the rich colouring of the original type.
For my own part I greatly prefer that much more
evanescent variety, entitled rubro - vittatum,
which, though not so vigorous in growth, has a
much more attractive appearance and greater dis-
tinctiveness. But it has this very serious limita-
tion, that it does not endure. Of all my Lilies,
by far the most lasting and one of the most
beautiful is Lilium speciosum rubrum. It should
be found in every garden where such treasures
are grown. David R. Williamson.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

SOME VEESAILLES NURSERIES.
A visit to a nursery is always interesting in
some way or another. Not to speak of persons,
sometimes it is the plants themselves that con-
stitute the chief attraction, sometimes it is the
evidence they afford of the taste and of the
requirements of the clients, always it is the culti-
vation. A visit to two or three of the principal
Versailles nurseries serves to illustrate these
remarks. For instance, at

M. Trhffaut's
famous establishment, in addition to Palms and
other furnishing plants, a speciality is made of
Crotons (Codiaeum). The plants are robust in
habit, finely grown and richly coloured. Cuttings
are struck in early spring and afterwards planted
out in low pits, where they are pretty close to the
glass, and where food and warmth for the roots
are provided by a thick layer of dung beneath the
surface soil, while a pipe supplies the means of
increasing the heat when necessary. By autumn
the plants have obtained a good useful size, and
are potted up and grown on in rather small pots,
for these plants do not object to be pot-bound.

The sun and air of Versailles and the skill of
the cultivator produce excellent results, so that
Crotons bid fair to supersede, in part at least, the
Dracaenas, which, it is said, succumb more or less
to disease. Croton Reidi is one of the sorts most
sought after by reason of its bold foliage and
rich crimson colorations ; C. Thomsoni, Puccini-

anus, Mme. Viger, and Baroness A. de Rothschild,
are also favourites.

Large quantities of Palms are grown, such as
Cocos Weddelliana, the Kentias, Phoenix canari-
ensis, for which there is a large demand in the
South of France. Linospadix Petrickiana is a
handsome Palm, but said to be difficult to grow ;
Martinezia caryotifolia, Areca Verschaffelti, may
also be mentioned as noteworthy.

Thunbergiana and S. Van Houttei for forcing in.
the winter.

Out-of-doors, Indian Azaleas from cuttings^
thrive well in peaty soil, and make as nice, com-
pact plants, with healthy foliage, as they do in.
Ghent. Many of these Azaleas are grown in pits,
which can be slightly heated in very cold weather.
Hydrangeas of various kinds, such as Otaksa.
(very robust), Thomas Hogg, Hydrangea Hor-

FlG. 134. — ILEX AQUIFOLITJM VAR. MAHERENSIS, 10 FEET HIGH, FROM
MESSRS. CLIBRAN'S NURSERIES. (SEE F. 310.)

Kubus reflexus (or moluccanus), which was
one of the plants of the year at Ghent this
spring, is here grown largely, and is making its
way steadily into public favour. Turnford Hall
Begonias, as well as Gloire de Lorraine, are grown
in immense quantities for the florists ; whilst
Cypripedium insignp, for affording flowers at
Christmas, is planted out in leaf -mould on
benches. Incidentally it may be mentioned that
these benches are so contrived that they can be
raised or lowered at will. Dracaena Sanderiana
and D. Godseffiana are both largely grown, as
well as large quantities of such plants as Spiraea

tensia rosea, with flowers of a lovely rose tint,
are extensively cultivated. When planted in a
slaty soil obtained from Angers and forced, they
produce blue flowers in February.

Streptosolen Jamesoni here forms- a big bush
in the open air, and in September was covered
with its orange- coloured blossoms. Bougain-
villea Sandera? is conspicuous here in the open
ground for its dwarf habit and richly-coloured
flowers. It is grown in pots on a bed of dung,
kept rather dry all the winter, and flowers from.
March all through the summer.

Indoors, Begonia Arthur Mulet deserves noti

318

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 7, 1903.

for its beautiful foliage of the same colour, or
nearly so, as that of Strobilanthes Dyerianus.

Various species of Haemanthus from the Congo
are very beautiful when in flower, but are
difficult to propagate, as they do not produce
offsets.

Orchids of the most useful kinds for decoration
or for cutting are seen in profusion, mostly in
leaf-mould, of which more anon.

M. Duval.
In this nursery in particular the requirements
of times and seasons are fulfilled by retarding or
forcing as the case may be. The Saints' days and
festivals of the Church are numerous throughout
the year, and birthdays are commemorated by
gifts of plants and flowers. Bromeliads, for
the hybridisation and cultivation of which M.
Duval has a European reputation, are here in
thousands, for they are as popular on the Conti-
nent as they are neglected in England. Some of
them are, nevertheless, attractive in foliage and
very beautiful when in flower, as in the case of
Bilbergia rhodocyanea. The coloured bracts of
the inflorescence are often very conspicuous, and
in hybridising M. Duval's object is to get a
branched spike instead of a simple one, and
highly-coloured bracts instead of green or colour-
less scales. Ferns, such as Pteris semipinnata
and Victorise, Lomaria gibba, Doryopteris pal-
mata, and others, are a specialty here. Cypripe-
dium insigne is grown on benches planted out
in leaf-soil. Cattleyas and Odontoglossums are
also met with in abundance grown in leaf-
mould. This terreau de feuilles varies a good
■deal in character, according to the state
of decomposition it is in ; it may be merely dried
leaves in flakes, or it may be reduced to a com-
post, which, with a little sand, is pretty much
the same as ordinary potting soil of peat and
sand. This variation in the character of the leaf-
mould may account for the diversity of opinion
expressed by different cultivators as to its value ;
but though the character of the soil may go for
something, for much even, it is after all the care
and attention bestowed by the cultivator which
are of the greatest importance. The great
advantage of the employment of this particular
terreau consists in the economy of labour. Water
is afforded at intervals of fourteen days only !
This was a sufficiently striking statement, but it
was often repeated to us, and plants were turned
out of the pots to show us the living sphagnum
above, then the upper layers of moist soil for
about halfway down, the remainder being rela-
tively dry. All this is very surprising, but there
can be no question as to the health and vigour
of the plants, and it is quite certain that if this
method of cultivation were not advantageous it
would not be adopted by so keen a cultivator as
M. Duval.

Among Dracaenas, D. Massangeana is preferred
to D. Lindeni. A hybrid between D. cannaefolia
and D. indivisa is good for market purposes, as
the leaves do not so readily get broken.

As to the Marantas, the Caladiums, and the
hosts of other plants grown here, we can say no
more than the cultivation is excellent and so
contrived as to secure that the plants shall be
*' up to time " when required. If not they would
be returned to the grower and a season would be
lost. M. Duval is much too eapert a business
man for any such calamity to happen to him.

Just as we were leaving, our attention was
attracted to a Kose of the Polyantha section,
called Schneewitchen, bearing, at the end of Sep-
tember, a profusion of moderate-sized flowers in
bunches and of a snow-white colour shackled with
orange. We were told that the plants had been
in flower all the summer ; and with the mention of
this beautiful Eose must end our scanty notes of
a most interesting establishment. The Rambler.
(To be continued.)

VOLVARIA LOVEANA, Berkeley.

After some thirty-eight years' search it was
my good fortune to meet with this species on
October 2G. My friend Mr. W. G. Smith had the
good fortune to see specimens many years ago
and secured typical examples for figuring, but
among my other mycological friends I do not re-
call one who has been equally fortunate. Possibly
it may occur in other localities during the present
season, so I would advise those interested in the
study of fungi to keep a look-out for it. Berke-
ley's figure in the Outlines, t. 7, fig. 2, is rather
misleading. So is that given by Knapp under the
name Agaricus surrectus on p. 38fi, Journal of
a Naturalist, fourth edition, 1838, inasmuch as
they show the Agaric (A. nebularis), upon which
it is parasitic, in a very robust condition. In my
specimen the host (A. nebularis) was quite
sodden and collapsed so as to be practically un-
recognisable unless one had known what species
to expect. Personally I have always expected to
find the Volvaria upon much less dilapidated
hosts. In fact A. nebularis generally becomes
destroyed by larvae before it gets into the sodden
state in which it bears the Volvaria. Of the
Volvaria, Knapp's figure is the best, it being
larger and more erect than the figure in the
Outlines indicates. Charles B. Flowright,M.D.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

COTONEASTEE FRIGIDA.
Though introduced from Nepaul about three-
quarters of a century ago this small-growing
tree has hardly received the attention that its
merits entitle it to. For exposed situations and
cold, stiff soils, it has few equals, while the
growth is rapid and the habit close and shelter-
giving. Some of the largest specimens I have
seen are growing in Regent's Park, London,
several having attained to a height of fully
50 feet, while the fact of their growing and
forming beautiful specimens on almost pure clay
is a recommendation that should not be lost sight
of by intending planters. The flowers, which are
in creamy-white corymbs, are succeeded by a
wealth of scarlet berries that render the tree of
particular interest from September onwards.
A. D. Webster.

The Week's Work.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN".

By John Flemino, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Seakale. — Where the demand for Seakale is
great, brick pits capable of being afforded top
and bottom heat should be employed, the bottom
heat being afforded by beds of fresh Oak or
Beech-leaves 2 to 3 feet thick. After the leaves
have been made firm and the fermentation has
begun a thin bed of leaf-soil should be placed
over the leaves and made level, and on this the
crowns should be stood in straight lines at
4 inches apart and 2 inches from plant to plant.
As the young shoots must be made in complete
darkness, the light must be excluded with close-
fitting shutters or other suitable covering. If
only a limited quantity is required the Seakale
crowns may be forced in the Mushroom-house in
big plant-pots or boxes. The former form the
more convenient receptacle, as a similar sized
pot may be used as a cover, taking care to
prevent light from entering the holes in the
bottom.

Rhubarb. — Let a sufficient number of strong
roots oE the early varieties to meet the demand,
be forced similarly to Seakale.

Turnips. — Pull and store in sand or finely-
screened coal ashes all bulbs of suitable size
before they are injured by frost. The bulbs
may be stored in a shed or pitted in the open
and covered with bracken or straw, and in the

course of a few days place soil to" the depth of
3 inches over them, leaving a few ventilating
holes along the ridge of the heap for vapour
to escape. The small roots left in the ground can
be readily protected by drawing earth up to them
with a hoe, in the same manner as Potatos are
earthed up.

Carrots. — The August sowing should be made
secure against frost by placing garden-frames
over the beds, or using bracken or stable-litter.
There is no necessity to cover the beds before
sharp frosty weather set3 in, and the covering
should be removed in mild weather, at the least
by day. Sow Early Horn in frames on a hot-bed
or in heated pits. Earlier sowings in pits when
well established should be well aired in mild
weather.

General Remarks. — The continuous rains have
been a great hindrance to the tree planter ; but
the time has arrived when the gardener must
make an effort to finish planting, which should
not be very difficult if a spell of dry weather
ensues. Even when owing to the wet state of the
soil actual planting cannot be pushed forward,
trenching and digging the land can be under-
taken, as also that of land intended for early
crops. In frosty weather, when the land is hard,
manure may be wheeled on to vacant pieces of
ground before the sun gets warm. The compost
heaps should be kept in a tidy state, rubbish-
heaps turned and squared up, hard rubbish
burned and the ashes preserved for use. The
collection of tree leaves should receive attention ;
Globe Artichokes being protected with some of
them and a little straw, and some clods placed on
them to keep them in place. Care should be taken in
doing this not to smother the heart leaves. Take
up strong suckers, pot them and place in a cold
pit from which the frost must be kept out.
Cauliflowers and early Broccolis should be lifted
entire or the heads only saved, and stored in a cool
cellar. Heads getting forward should have the
leaves broken down, so as to form a protection to
the head. Slugs abound this autumn, and war
must be waged against them unceasingly, or
much injury to winter crops will result. I know
of nothing better than fiaely-sifted coal-ashes.
Soot and quick-lime are of little value as pre-
ventatives during showery weather.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.
By T. H. C.

Figs in Pots.— Fig - trees for producing the
earliest fruit should now be repotted or top-
dressed, as the state of the soil and the plants
seem to demand (see Calendar for September 26).
For April or May fruiting, let the trees be started
towards the middle of the present month, affording
a bed of stable-manure and Oak-leaves with which
to surround the pots, which should rest upon
pedestals of bricks. Let the house be well cleansed
in every part, lime-wash the walls, and wash the
trees with an insecticide. Having previously done
what little pruning that is necessary, merely
thin out the shoots to leave the head of the
tree evenly furnished with fruitful wood. As a
commencement, apply bottom heat not exceeding
00° to 65°, increasing the amount as growth pro-
ceeds. If the house be put in readiness at about
this date, it may be closed during the first few
days without artificial heat, and at the end of
that time a night temperature of 503, and by day
of 10° more, may be afforded. Maintain a moist
atmosphere by damping the floors, paths, &c, and
syringe the trees twice daily with tepid water.

Succession-houses. — The present affords a suit-
able season for root-pruning over-vigorous, un-
fruitful trees, and if the roots are not restricted
to small brick-built chambers, it will repay to
have this work attended to at this season.
The earliest-planted-out trees may be pruned
as soon as the foliage falls, and the house
prepared for starting in December. If the pinch-
ing of the shoots was practised during the
summer, it will be necessary only to thin out
the shoots, so that when tied to the trellis at
6 inches apart, those on the lower parts of the
trees are encouraged, and the middle kept well
supplied with bearing wood. As the Fig pro-
duces its first crop of fruit on the growth made
this season, there should be no shortening of the
shoots. If a tree is destitute of fruiting-wood,

November 7, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

319

except at the extremities of the branches, the
latter may be pruned hard back, when numerous
shoots will start in the spring, from which a selec-
tion may be made for forming a well-balanced
tree. The cleansing of the house and trees
being finished, scrape off the surface-soil of the
borders, and point them over with a fork ; and to
trees in need of it apply a top-dressing of turfy-
loam and an eighth part of the whole of mortar-
rubble and charred garden refuse. To aged
fruitful trees apply a good sprinkling of bone-
meal in the loam. A mulch of decayed farmyard
or spent Mushroom-bed manure should be laid on
the border after the house is started, previously
affording the border tepid water copiously.
Afford trees in later houses artificial heat, with
full ventilation and a dry atmosphere in order to
ripen the shoots.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Matne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bictem, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Early-Flowering Bulbs. — Several of those potted
in the month of August may be taken out of the
bed of coal-ashes, such as paper-white Narcissus,
Roman Hyacinths, and Jonquils. Plunge them
to the rim in coal-ashes under frame-lights if
the roots are freely forming, but a few of the
stronger may be placed near to the roof-glass
in a house having a temperature of 58° or 60°.
Jonquils do not respond to hard forcing, and
are more satisfactory for flowering in late spring,

' although they are among the first to start
into growth. The Due van Thol Tulips force
well ; but they possess very short stems, a dis-
advantage which may be minimised by placing
inverted flower-pots over them for a short time.
Weak applications of manure-water may be
afforded once or twice a week to those bulbs
pushing up flower-spikes. Lily of the Valley
crowns may be lifted from the open ground and
potted or boxed up, plunging them in ashes for a
few weeks before subjecting them to heat. Re-
tarded crowns will give the best results at present.
These should be potted very lightly, and a little
fresh moss or sphagnum placed over the crowns.

• Let them stand in the greenhouse for a week,
and do not water them until they are removed to
a temperature of 55° to 00°.

Camellias growing in pots or tubs, and upon
which the flower-buds are swelling, should be
afforded weak manure-water or a sprinkling of
some approved chemical manure once in eight or
ten days. Let the heat be as little as possible,
and afford free ventilation in favourable weather.
Camellias require considerable attention or the
white scale infests them and covers the stems arid
foliage with a black deposit, which no syringe or
hose is capable of removing with clear water.
If any of the plants in the beds or in tubs are
in this condition, scrub the hard wood, using
soapy water, and syringe the foliage with an
insecticide such as"Abol" or " Dixlor," in the
afternoon, then use the'hose upon them with full
force next morning; this will remove much of
the filth, but the sponge may be required to
thoroughly cleanse the leaves. "We use the hose
upon our trees each morning until the flowers
begin to expand, and leave a little ventilation
open at night unless frost or cold winds threaten.
.We have just finished tying-in the longest
growths, and though early spring, when the
trees have just flowered, is usually the time when
the pruning is done, we are not bound by this
rule, but freely thin out at this season any shoots
that have no flower-buds, as trees grow very
.much stronger when planted out.

Liliums. — L. speciosum (lancifolium), auratum,
tigrinum, &c, which make new roots quite early
in the autumn, should be taken out of the pots
and shaken clear of the exhausted soil ; then
repot them, and plunge the pots to their rims in
coal-ashes or cocoa-nut-fibre refuse, placing a
couple of inches of the latter over the bulbs.
The compost should consist of loam three-fourths,
and peat, leaf-soil, a little small charcoal and
sharp-sand together one-fourth. The pots, which
may be 8 to 12 inches in diameter, should be
clean, and sufficiently provided with drainage
material. From four to eight bulbs may be
put into each pot according to the size of the
bulbs, leaving space for a top-dressing when a

little growth has been made. Unless the compost
is very dry, do not apply water until growth has
commenced. Imported bulbs may be potted up
at any time until the month of March, and they
will form a succession to those indicated above.
Early-potted bulbs of L. Harrisii that are growing
may be afforded a temperature of 55° to 60° at
night. Fumigate or dust the leaves and stems with
tobacco-powder on the first sign of green-fly.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fobtescce, Esq.
Dropniore, Maidenhead.

Damsons and Bullaces. — These plants may be
economically planted as garden hedges, alone or
mixed, with or without stiffeners such as Holly,
Hornbeam, &c, or as part of an orchard; the
windier sides may be planted with them. When
planting a wind screen or hedge in the vicinity of
a garden, the trees may stand 20 feet apart.
Holes should be dug out in the desired direction
about 2 feet wide. If the staple consists of fairly
good loam, some of it may be retained for filling
in the holes, but it is better practice to afford the
trees a wheelbarrowful of fresh soil, or that which
has carried Melons or Cucumbers. Let the trees
be staked after planting with loose ligatures,
to allow of the trees sinking together with
the soil. If the winter is likely to be severe,
keep frost out of the land with a mulch of some
kind. The Farleigh or Crittlenden is a good
variety for this method of culture, the fruits
small but of nice flavour. The Hereford Prune
Damson is a much larger fruit, and is a good
variety. The White Damson bears oval, orange-
coloured fruits, which make a good preserve.
Bullaces are of similar habit to the Damson, but
the fruit should be allowed to. hang as late as
possible in reason on the trees, and is then excel-
lent for culinary use. For planting in exposed
places, standards and half-standards are the best,
and these should be budded or grafted. The
crowns should be well thinned out, or every few
years very dense heads will form, and the trees
in the course of time become unfruitful.

The Mirabelle Plum. — A few trees of the Mira-
belle Plum, or Cherry Plum, should be planted.
They often fail to fruit owing to blossoming
so early, although in sheltered positions in the
south and west they fruit well, and I have seen
heavy crops in Essex. Of the two kinds, I think
the yellow-fruited variety is the hardier.

The Blackberry. — The fruit this year has been
of poor flavour, owing to the lack of sunshine.
Any shoots that have borne fruit, and: small
growths, should be removed entirely, selecting
those for next season's fruiting, and fastening
them to a fence or trellis.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Milleb MuNDY.Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Planting Roses. — Open weather with scarcely any
frost is keeping Roses in a growing condition, Teas
being especially active. The present is, however,
the best possible season for planting, and pro-
vided a little extra care is taken to keep the bark
plump between the time of lifting and replanting,
the benefit will more than outbalance any injury
caused by lifting the plants while the shoots are
still unripe. New root-action will soon be set up,
and the plants will become well established
before winter. It is possible that plants which
have to be bought in from nurseries may come to
hand in a slightly shrivelled condition, in which
case it will be advisable to bury or cover them
wholly with damp soil for a day or two before
planting. Few plants like a rich larder and deep
soil better than do Roses. Trench the soil, and
place at least two good layers of stock-yard
manure between the bottom spits, low enough
down to escape actual contact with the mutilated
roots, but close enough to be within reach of new
roots as soon as these have been made. A sprink-
ling of crushed bones throughout the upper layer
of soil will be helpful. In planting dwarf Roses,
it is advisable to bury the roots rather deeply, so
that the point of junction between the stock and
the scion is below the surface of the soil, so
that new roots may be formed from the acion

itself. Tender varieties thus planted are safe
during a sharp winter. Plant firmly, and tread
the soil well-in round the plants if it is in a con-
dition to bear treading without becoming pasty.
H not in this condition, it may be well closed
round the roots by affording water freely.

Rhododendrons are among the least impatient
of removal, and any planting operations may be
done now ; indeed, any buds that have set for
flowers generally open best on autumn-planted
bushes. Should the soil be heavy, the addition
of decayed leaf -mould will be found of great help,
and where chalk is near the surface it will be
advisable to make a big and deep hole for each
plant, and fill up round the roots with soil quite
free from chalk.

Azaleas may be planted in woodland clearings,
choosing for the purpose the old-fashioned Ghent
varieties in preference to the more modern hybrid
forms, which are not universally hardy.

Climbers. — -Deciduous climbers having now lost
most of their leaves, may be relieved of the
smaller spray growths, which would be useless
for flowering next year, and be neatly tied or
nailed to their supports. Any unfinished planting
operations, any planting of climbers that has still
to be done, especially of Clematis, should be
finished soon, and the stems tied to the supports
loosely to allow for the settlement of the soil.

The Frame Ground. — The continued ram and
-mildness is inducing cuttings of Violas, Antir-
rhinums, Pentstemons, and Calceolarias to push
growth, which should be checked by affording
them full ventilation, as though all, excepting
Calceolarias, are hardy, new growth made at this
time of the year usually gets nipped by frost
unless it be well matured and hardened.

Lawns. — Sweeping up leaves will be an almost
constant job for the present, that is, till the trees
are quite bare, and mowing being at an end, the
machines, both hand and horse, should be cleaned
and oiled, and if repairs are necessary these
should be carried out as soon as may be. It is
seldom advisable to defer these things till the
winter is over, there being always delays to
reckon with.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Axexandeb, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holpobd, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Dendrobiums Phalwnopsis Schroderianum, Stat-
terianum, biggibum, and/ormosum giganteum. — The
flowering season of these species is approaching
its close. The plants should remain in a dor-
mant state for about five months, and during
this period of time they should be afforded a
temperature of 60' to G5°, admitting air whenever
it is advisable so to do, and as much sunlight as
possible. Very little moisture at the root or
in the air is needed. Thrips infest these plants
at the time of flowering. Fumigation is then
not permissible for fear of disfiguring the blooms,
but the flowering over let the plants be thoroughly
cleansed before putting them into their resting
quarters.

Dendrobiums Dalhousieanum, moschatum, and
fimbriatum. — The plants of these species are late
in finishing their growth, and a liberal treat-
ment should be afforded till the terminal leaf is
visible, afterwards reducing the quantity of water
at the root until the flower-spikes begin to push,
in the month of April. During this period the
plants should be kept in the same house which
they occupied during the growing season.

Dendrobium Brymerianum. — This is likewise a
plant that is sometimes late in starting into
growth, rendering it very uncertain when the
growth of the pseudo-bulbe will be finished ; and
until this stage is reached the plants should
remain in their growing quarters. For resting the
plants should be placed in a Cattleya-house, as if
kept too warm aerial growths soon push from the
points where the flowers should appear. This
species should not bo dried off, like many deciduous
species of Dendrobes.

Dendrobium Dearei— This species should be
placed in the warmest house, in a light position.
The plant is nearly always either growing or
flowering, and needs a liberal supply of water at
the roots and in the air at all seasons.

320

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 7, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

•

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself re-
sponsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondent's.

A*Ctter« lor Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
4i, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.
Communications should be wbittkn on onb bids ohly or
thb papsb, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Illustrations. — The Editor will be glad to receive and selec-
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dec. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

• —

SATURDAY, Nov 7-! 3oc- Franc- d'Hort. de Londres
t meet.

Royal Horticultural Society's
Committees meet. Lecture on
" Merits and Evils of Size : "
National Cnrysanthemum So-
ciety's Exhibition at Crystal
Palace (3 days). Chrysanthe-
mum Shows at Birmingham
(3 days), Ipswich (2 days), and
Oxford.

Chrysanthemum Shows at Ches-
ter (2 days). Buxton. Winches-
ter, Liverpool (2 days), Read-
ing. Canterbury (j days),
Guernsey (a days), and Rome,
Italy (1 1 daj s) ; Rugby (a days).
Corn Exchange, London (2
days).

TUESDAY,

Not. 10

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11

THURSDAY Knv 12 I Chrysanthemum Shows at Put-
xauKSUAr, J.OV. 13( ney (a days) and Jersey.

/Chrysanthemum Shows at
Blackburn (2 days), Bradford

, (2 dajs), Eccles (2 days),
FRIDAY, Nov. 13 { Leicester (a days) Stockport

(a days), Sheffield (a days),
Nottingham, and Maccles-
field (2 days).

SATURDAY, Nov. 14— Royal Botanic Society meet.

8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT-

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapslde, E.C., by
Protheroe A Morris, at 10.3,).

MONDAY, Nov. 9-

Bulba. Roses, Lilacs. <ic , at Stevens' Rooms at 12 30.

TUESDAY, Nov. 10-

Sale of Nnrsery Stock at the Bury Road Nurseries,

GosDort, by Protheroe & Morris, at 13 o'clock.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 11—

Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Palms. Roses. Hardy
Border and Herbaceous Plants, at 57 and 68. Cheap-
side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris at 1 o'clock.—
—Bulbs, Spiraeas, Roses, Azaleas, ic, at Sievens'
Rooms.

FRIDAY, Nov. 13-

Orchids in variety, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 and
68, Cheapside. E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 1 1 30.
IFcrfvrthtr particulars see our Advertisement columns./

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswic k
— 43'3*.
Actual Temperatubes :—

London.— Nov 4 (6 p.m.) : Max. 53°; Mln. 40\

Nov. 5 (noon) : 49°; misty, calm.
Provinces. -.Yoi' 4 (6 P.M.) : Max. 52*. Llandudno :
Min. 4b*, Orkney.

The Royal The members of the " Eoyal
Caledonian Caledonian " have decided to

H0Socie1ttUral hold an Intemational Horticul-
tural Exhibition in September,
1905, at Edinburgh. They give as their reasons
for doing so the substantial benefits conferred
on horticultural interests throughout the
country by the five international horticul-
tural exhibitions previously held in Edin-
burgh. Considering the vastly increased
developments of horticultural interests' in
the fourteen years since the last one was
held, they are of opinion that the time
has come for another great exposition
to show the progress made in the in-
terval. Interested readers of this retro-
spective and prospective statement will
consider whether there has been decided

advancement along the line from the first of
these extraordinary exhibitions, and whether
these international exhibitions have been
helpful to the advancement of horticulture.
Looking back to the first of these (1865) we
see in it the first great departure from
the usual autumn show, in which a large
number of stands of Hollyhock spikes and
immense Dahlia blooms constituted the main
purpose for which the flower show existed.
The cultivation of large specimen foliage
and flowering plants was mostly confined
previously to the neighbourhood of London.
Hothouse fruit began now to be exhibited
of much finer quality and size, and there
was a marked improvement in staging it.
Kivers' system of growing fruit in pots in
orchard-houses was now well spread through
the country, with the result that there were
much finer exhibits of hardy fruit at the
show. The late Mr. William Thomson, who
revolutionised the cultivation of the Grape-
vine and produced heavy crops of splendidly-
finished Grapes, attained a European repu-
tation about this time by taking some ten
varieties of Grapes to Paris and getting the
first prize at a great horticultural exhi-
bition there. His brother, Mr. David
Thomson, brought to the 1865 Edinburgh
show very much finer Pine-apples from
plants eighteen months old than were pro-
duced formerly from plants three years old.
The same exhibitor, and some others in the
East Lothian district, brought Muscat Grapes
to this show better than any that had been
seen before.

And then sprang into existence a great
desire to build hothouses of improved size,
construction, and heating, with the result
that the International Exhibition of 1869
brought forth exhibits of fruit and plants
grown under glass which again showed a
marked advance on any previously exhibited.
The Earl of Stair had built a "number of
new glasshouses in his Castle Kennedy
Gardens, and his gardener, Mr. Fowler,
brought to this exhibition a large number of
bunches of Grapes, collectively surpassing
any Grapes shown before. In the year
following the first of the large mercantile
fruit - growing establishments appeared,
namely, that of Wm. Thomson & Sons, Cloven-
fords, in making which venture some of his
contemporaries thought he had taken leave
of his senses.

The International Exhibition of 1875
brought to a climax the production of bunches
of Grapes for size and weight, Mr. Currer,
Eskbank, and Mr. Dixon, Dumfries, each
brought a bunch of White Nice, about
26 lb. weight, the Eskbank one the
heavier; and Mr. Hunter, Lambton Castle,
brought a bunch of Black Hamburgh four-
teen pounds in weight.

The very fine exhibits of plants and fruits,
particularly the latter, at the two previous
International Shows had given a wonderful
impetus to the erection of hot-houses all
over the United Kingdom, and there was a
marked improvement in the cultivation of
plants and fruit, so that at the 1875 Ex-
hibition, marvellous productions, particu-
larly of Grapes, were brought from many
parts of England, Scotland, and Ireland,
Scotland still keeping the lead in Grapes,
the Earl of Strathmore and Mr. Johnston,
his gardener, carrying off the chief prizes.
The years immediately preceding and suc-
ceeding this were signalised by the holding

of horticultural exhibitions at Carlisle,
Belfast, Liverpool, and London, all of which
were satisfactory exhibitions of skill in
horticulture.

The improvement that has taken place in
the exhibiting of vegetables dates from
about this time, and has resulted in bringing
vegetables to(the high degree of perfection
they possess at the present day. About
this time a further development took place,
as observed in the huge establishments for
growing hothouse fruit for the million be-
longing to Messrs. Kochford, Mr. Peter
Kay, and others.

The International Exhibitions of 1882 and
1891 no longer existed for the sole privilege
of the gardeners to squires and noblemen.
Cheap hothouses were now within the reach
of the working man, who used them for a
pastime. The grafting of Apple-trees on to
dwarfing stocks and the double grafting of
certain varieties of Pears gave the pos-
sessors of very small gardens the privilege
of growing very fine fruits in the second
year after planting. One very marked ad-
vance in horticulture was seen at these
two last International Exhibitions in the
immense number of exhibits of hardy
fruits ; and unquestionably these exhibits
resulted in a very large quantity of fruit-
trees being planted in the North, and in
creating an unprecedented interest in the
growing of hardy fruits. Yearly exhibitions
of hardy fruit at the Crystal Palace gave a
similar impetus in the South ; and the
exhibitions of Apples and Pears in Novem-
ber for years past at Belfast have caused a
great deal of land in Ireland suited to fruit-
production to be planted with fruit-trees.
The splendid collections of Apples and Pears
and of fruit generally at the Cork Exhibition
last year, was a revelation to most of those
who visited it.

It is claimed then that these great horti-
cultural exhibitions, amongst which the In-
ternational Horticultural Exhibitions held
in Edinburgh have taken a leading part,
have each had a direct influence in pro-
moting the enormously extended advance-
ment of horticulture in these countries.

The proposed International Exhibition in
1905 will be held fourteen years after the
last, and in that time gardening has under-
gone important changes and improvements.
The pleasure and ornamental gardens are
no longer confined to a very limited for-
malism, but extend into the home woods,
and at the same time great numbers
of ornamental trees and shrubs and flower-
ing plants have been laid under contribu-
tion, making every portion of a long walk or
drive in the woodland, or by river or pond,
a never-failing enjoyment.

The flower and kitchen gardens are
strictly for utility, for the production of
the best and most suitable objects for
decorating apartments, etc., and for the
delectation ot the dinner-table.

Owners of gardens, commercial gardeners,
and professional gardeners, it is hoped, will
feel that the time has come when another
big effort should be made to bring together
at an international exhibition in theWaver-
ley Market, Edinburgh, in the autumn of
1905, the best of everything up-to-date in
horticulture.

The Royal Caledonian Horticultural So-
ciety, in order to make this effort a complete
success, propose to offer a large number of

November 7, 1003.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

321

■valuable prizes in all the varied sections con-
nected with horticulture, including a very-
handsome prize from His Majesty the King.
"The Council think that at least fifteen
hundred pounds will be required for prizes
■to carry out their aim, and they make there-
fore an earnest national appeal to ladies
and gentlemen, possessors of gardens, gar-
deners, and all interested in gardening, for
-subscriptions to the prize fund, payable to
Mr. P. Murray Thomson, Treasurer, 5, York
Place, Edinburgh ; or Union Bank of Scot-
land. Acknowledgment will be made by the
Treasurer.

Royal Horticultural Society.— The next
-meeting will be held on Tuesday next, No-
vember 10, in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate,
"Westminster. A !ecture on " The Advantages
and Evils of Size in Flowers, Fruits, and Vege-
tables " will be given by Mr. E. T. Cook at
'3 o'clock.

At a general meeting of the Eoyal Horti-
cultural Society held on Tuesday, October 27,
thirty new Fellows were elected, making a total
-of 1,23G elected since the beginning of the present
.year.

The following dates have been provision-
ally fixed by the Society for 1904, but are liable to
alteration on account of the uncertainty of the
\aew Hall opening and other contingencies : Jan. 5,
26 ; February 9, 23 ; March 8, 22 ; April 5, 19
^(National Auricula and Primula Society's Show) ;
May 3,17 (Eoyal National Tulip Society's Show) ;
Temple Show, May 31, June 1, 2 ; June 14, 28 ;
Holland House Show, July 12, 13; July 26
.(National Carnation and Picotee Society's Show) ;
August 9, 23 ; September 6 (National Dahlia
Society's Show), September 20 (National Eose
.Society's Show) ; Fruit Show, October 4, 5, 6 ;
October 18 ; November 1, 15, 29 ; December 13.

University of London: Lectures in Ad-
vanced BOTANY.— Mr. A. D. Hall, Director of
"the Eothamsted Experimental Station, gave his
fourth lecture on *' The Eelation of the Composi-
tion of the Plant to the Soil," at the Chelsea
Physic Garden on November 3. The lecture
•dealt with the theories of manuring which have
teen based upon the composition of the plant.
It was first of all shown that the plant appears
to exercise a selective action upon the soluble
•materials contained in the soil, since these are
.not present in the plant in the same proportions
as are found in the soil. This selection depends
upon the fact that although everything enters
the plant by solution, the living cells utilise
some but not all of the substances ; whereupon
the non-withdrawal of the latter from solution in
•the sap prevents their further entry from the
soil. The first scientific theory of manuring is
due to Liebig, who laid down two principles —
that the growth of a crop will be determined by
the amount of any one necessary constituent
which falls below the minimum necessary for full
development ; that a full crop can be grown by
supplying the soil with the same materials as are
normally contained in the ash of such a crop.
The latter statement aroused a prolonged con-
troversy as to the necessity or otherwise of
nitrogenous manuring. Mainly through the
Eothamsted experiments, it was demonstrated
that our ordinary plants are dependent on
supplies of combined nitrogen in the shape
of manures, and are unable to fix and utilise the
free nitrogen gas of the atmosphere. Later it
was shown that the leguminous plants afford a
(partial exception to this general law. Even
taking into account the nitrogen, the composition
of the plant is of little service as a guide to its
manuring, because there are peculiarities in the
habit of growth of each plant which may render
it specially dependent on a large supply of one

constituent, or, on the other hand, able to satisfy
its needs from the great reserves always present
in the soil. Taking Wheat as an example, the
crop is found by experience to be chiefly bene-
fited by nitrogenous manures, although the quan-
tity of nitrogen withdrawn from the soil is not
large. On the other hand, the analysis of Turnips
would indicate that the manure should be markedly
nitrogenous and potassic; whereas it is now
well known that they chiefly require phosphatic
manures. Indeed, the constituent that is sparingly
present in the plant is often the one which the
plant finds a special difficulty in obtaining, and
most requires to be furnished as manure. Ex-
periments alone can decide upon the most suit-
able manuring for each plant; but the fallacy
of supposing that the proper method consists in
adding to the soil just those things which the plant
takes away, though long since abandoned for
farm crops, is still rife in horticulture, because of
the absence of systematic experiments on the
manurial requirements of garden crops. To a
certain extent the composition of the ash of a
plant will vary with the composition of the soil in
which it grows, so that it has been suggested that
a better idea can be obtained of the special defi-
ciencies or richness of a soil by analysing typical
plants grown upon it rather than by analysing
the soil itself. Mr. Hall proceeded to compare
the analyses of the ash of the Wheat grown upon
certain of the Eothamsted Wheat plots with the
manuring and with the corresponding analyses of
the soil. The Wheat-grain possesses a very con-
stant composition, but the straw shows variations
which reflect the known history and composition
of the plots. However, the fluctuations due to
manuring are more palpable in the soil analyses
than in the ash analyses. Similar analyses were
given of Oats grown in pots containing different
soils, but again the soil analysis would afford a
better guide to the treatment of the soil than
could be obtained from the analysis of the ash of
the plants grown in it. A comparison, however,
of the ash of Mangels grown at Eothamsted with
the soil of each plot would seem to indicate that
they form a more suitable test-plant, and that the
variations in the potash content of Mangolds gives
a better index of the requirements of the soil as re-
gards potash manures than does a soil analysis. By
selecting suitable test plants it may be possible to
use the plant to analyse the soil, but Oats, which
have been chiefly tried hitherto, are not well
adapted to the purpose, showing too little varia-
tion in the composition of their ash. There will
be no lecture on November 10 ; the next, on
November 17, will deal with the Wheat-crop, and
discuss the factors upon which depend high
quality in Wheat.

Mr. Thomas Lewis —The many friends of
Mr. Lewis, representative in South Wales for
the firm of Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd.,
Bagshot, and who was formerly with Messrs. W.
Clibran & Son, will learn with deep sympathy
of the .bereavement he has sustained in the death
of his wife. Mrs. Lewis had been married little
more than a year, and died on October 29, at
Fair Oak House, Eoath Park, Cardiff. Her
remains were interred at Ealing on Monday last.

Beautiful Flowering Trees and Shrubs.
— Just as gardeners and amateurs will be think-
ing of forming new or adding to old shrubberies,
Mr. John Weathers has issued a handy little
book which will be of service to them. It is
published by Simi'kin, Marshall, Hamilton.
Kent & Co. It contains details concerning soil
and situation, planting in various situations, and
other cultural directions. An alphabetical list is
then given of the more beautiful and interesting
trees and shrubs. This list seems compiled
with care and judgment, is "up-to-date," and
is supplemented by an Index. There are over
thirty coloured plates, some of which are very

good, as for instance the representation of the
heaths and of the autumnal foliage of Amelan-
chier canadensis, whilst others are not so success-
ful and are somewhat incongruous in colouring,
as plate 21, and in the association of plants of
widely different character on the same plate as
on plate 32. In such a book it is of course
necessary to exercise rigid selection, and each
person's selection would be more or less different
from that of his fellow. For instance, for various
reasons we should have inserted Colletia spinosa
and Citrus trifoliata. Making all allowances for
differences of taste, we can [cordially commend
this little book to the notice of amateurs.

Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu-
tion.— A grand concert in aid of the above Insti-
tution will be held in the Constitutional Hall,
Chertsey, on Thursday, November 12, 1903.
Tickets : Eeserved and numbered, 3s. ; un-
numbered, 2s. ; back seats, Is. Doors open at
7 p.m. Commence at 7.30. Carriages at 9.45.
Early door, tickets only, 6.45. Cheques may be
made payable at the Chertsey Old Bank, and
tickets obtained of the Hon. Secretary, A. J.
Brown, F.E.H.S., Jessamine Cottage, Chertsey.

Chrysanthemums at Regent's Park.—
The Eoyal Botanic Society has a collection of
Chrysanthemums now in bloom in the large
conservatory, and invites an inspection of the
flowers.

Essex County Council School of Hor-
ticulture. — The prospectus of the County
School of Horticulture of ,the Education Com-
mittee of the Essex County Council for 1903 — 4
describes in the following terms the objects of
the work undertaken :— " The aim of the County
School of Horticulture]; at .Chelmsford is to
impart sound elementary instruction in the best
methods of cultural treatment, based upon a
knowledge of the structure [and physiology of
plants. The school is organised to give courses
of systematic laboratory and garden instructions
to two kinds of pupils. 1. To pupils who are
unable to attend the school for more than three
or four weeks at a time ; and 2. To pupils de-
sirous of obtaining a [full year's course of con-
tinuous instruction. The classes meet daily for
lectures, demonstrations, and practice."

St. Barnabas, Sutton, Surrey, and
District Horticultural Society.— Mr. J.
W. Barr, of jthe Ditton Nurseries, Surbiton, and
King Street, Covent Garden, gave an interesting
lecture on "Hardy Perennials, and Borders in
which to Grow them," at a meeting of the
members held on Tuesday, October 27. The
reading of the paper was listened to with much
interest, Mr. Barr furnishing hints and sugges-
tions on the grouping and blending of the colour
of flowers and foliage of varying tints and forms.
He advised, in the course of his remarks, that
every gardener and gardening amateur should
keep a notebook, in wnich to record his observa-
tions of the habits of each of the plants grown
in his borders, size, shape and shades of colour
of flowers and foliage, time of flowering, &o.

Manufactured Tobacco. — There are
various methods of finishing off tobacco for the
market— the " Bird's-eye " owing its peculiar
appearance to the application of a weak solution
of sulphuric acid ; another means is by the use of
liquorice. We learn from Palermo that Sicily
produces wild liquorice to the extent of about
1000 tons annually, a quantity that is not suffi-
cient for the requirements of the juice manu-
facturers, who import the roots from Turkey and
Greece — last year to the extent of 4000 tons. One
ton of juice is made from 6 tons of roots— the juioe
being employed in the manufacture of tobacco ; but
for thid purpose the more bitter root bom \ -i I
Minor appears to have advantage over the Sicilian,
which appears to affect the koeping quality of the

322

THE G A R D ENER S ' C1IR ONI CL E.

[NOVEMBER. 7, VMS.

tobacco. Catania, the principal seat of the
liquorice trade, exports juice to the amount of
between 300 and 500, and Messina from 100 to
150 tons annually. And all of this comes finally
into the market in manufactured tobacco !

A Guide to the Botanic Gardens, Syd-
ney.— This is the first Guide to these gardens
that has been issued, and it is drawn up by Mr.
J. H. Maiden, Director and Goverment Botanist.
We read that " only labelled plants are referred
to, as the inclusion of others would be inconve-
nient to the public. Extensive alterations are
pending or in progress, necessitating the removal
and addition of plants. Endeavour has been
made to strike the mean between a discursive
guide, with an absence of details, and a mere
catalogue of plants." The author's purpose
appears to be satisfactorily accomplished, and
his book is increased in value for the visitor by
the addition of a plan of the gardens. It will
not be forgotten that our old correspondent, Mr.
Charles Moore, was long connected with the
Sydney Botanic Gardens, where his best work
was done, before Mr. Maiden succeeded to his
position.

DuSSELDORF. — A large international horticul-
tural and agricultural exhibition is being
organised at Diisseldorf, the garden city on the
Rhine. The exhibition will be opened in May
next, and is ' under the patronage of the Crown
Prince of Germany, who will perform the
opening ceremony. The Ministers1 of Trade,
Public Instruction, Agriculture, and Finance, will
hold the post of Presidents. The exhibition will
be one of the most complete of its kind ever held,
and every effort is being made to render it
thoroughly 'representative. A notable feature
will be the arrangement of the various groups of
plants, fruit, and vegetables, showing, in connec-
tion, their respective methods of cultivation and
treatment, and the progress of scientific know-
ledge. The social and educational aspects of
horticulture will not be overlooked, and there will
be a section devoted to specimen gardens for
workmen and children. A very important trad«
and industrial section will also be included,
which will comprise exhibits of all the imple-
ments, tools, [and utensils necessary ( for the
carrying on of agriculture, &c. It may be
remembered that an important trade and art
exhibition was held at Diisseldorf last year, and
was a great success. The city is admirably
adapted for the purposes of an exhibition. The
beautiful grounds, situated on the banks of the
Rhine, rising in terraces, are peculiarly well
adapted for the purpose of an horticultural and
agricultural exhibition. Anyone interested in
the exhibition may obtain full particulars of Herr
Hess, 10, Wilhelmsplatz, Diisseldorf, Germany.

Pot-washing Machine.— Among the nu-
merous contrivances exhibited at the Milwaukee
Convention ofjAmerican Florists was a pot-washer,
exhibited by C. E. Finlet, of Joliet. This is
described as a most efficient and non-expensive
machine. We trust we may soon see it in
operation here.

Foreign Chrysanthemum Shows. —The
ever-popular favourite seems to be making rapid
progress on the Continent. The French National
Chrysanthemum Society will hold its annual
show and conference at Lille on November 6.
The National Horticultural Society of France
held one in the large green-houses, Cours la
Reme, Paris, on the 4th. Others are announced
to be held at Fontainbleau, Bordeaux, Troyes,
Orleans, Toulouse, Blois, Chaumont, Valenciennes,
Pau, Strasbourg, Geneva, and Cologne.

Publications Received. -Report on the Xatai

Botanic Gardens and Colonial Herbarium. From July 1
1902, to June 30, 1903. By J. Medley Wood. Curator.
Reports a fairly favourable ,'eason; tbe winter pro-
mises to be a severe one. Seeds of the Victoria regia,

Rice in U.S.A., Story of the Papaw.— The Queensland
Agricultural, Journal. July. Full, as usual, of notes
and short papers on crops, dairying, orchard work ,
horticulture, and tropical industries.— Thirty-fourth
Annual '.Report of the Fruit Growers' Association of To-
ronto. 1902. "Speaking generally, distinct advances
have been made." During the spring many organisa-
tions were formed throughout the Province under the-
name of Local Fruit 'Growers' Associations. To these
Associations were sent experts, who gave instruction
in orchard management. The results were very satis -
factory. The Report includes some useful papers on.
horticultural matters.

FlG. 135 —ILEX AlJCIFOLIUM VAR. ALTACLAHENSIS. FROM
MESSRS. CL1BRANS NURSERY. (SEE. P. 31B )

received from Kew, germinated and flowered. An
illustration of the new Herbarium Is appended to this
report, and various useful notes on certain plants cul-
tivated in the Gardens. — Journal of the Department of
Agriculture of Western Australia. August. Contents :
Insect and Fungoid Pests (continued), by A. Despeissis ;
Report on Maize and Potatos grown at Hamel, S.W.
Railway; Zamia Plant. Garden Notes, &a.— Bulletin of
the Department of Agriculture, Jamaica. Edited by Mr.
W. Fawcett. August. Contents : Cocoa, III. ; Soil Tem-
perature, Cane Varieties, Insect Pest of Sweet Potatos,

FlO. 136 — HODGINS' HOLLY (I. AQUIFOL1UM VAR.

HODGINS11), FROM MESSRS. C'LIBUAN'S NURSERY.

(SHE P. 310 )

THE CUMBEELAND LODGE VINE,

[See Supjri 'ementary Illustration.^
When a huge Vine, literally one of the largest
in the kingdom, and planted 125 years ago, gets
to be over 100 years old, it is no matter for sur-
prise if it should show considerable evidences of
degeneration. That in its day the grand old
. Vine at Cumberland Lodge, Windsor Great Park,
has been immensely productive, and carried
splendid crops of bunches of the true old Hamp-
' ton Court Black Hamburgh variety, there can be
no doubt. A few years since it had so far dete-
riorated that its bunches, though very numerous,
ranged in weight from but G ounces to 8 ounces
each, the berries being small also. It is there-
fore all the more surprising that in its great age-
it should have been found capable of renova-
tion ; yet such has proved to be the case, as-
anyone visiting the Vine can see for himself,
Not only does the Vine show in its wood and
leafage great recuperative force, but of its some-
750 bunches not one is below a pound in weight,
whilst many reach to a pound and a half, or
heavier, the berries large and finely coloured,
and showing fruit fit to place on any gentle-
man's table. So much for what effort at reno-
vation can accomplish. Those who have a copy of
Mr. A. F. Barron's book, entitled Vines and Vine
Culture, new edition, will find at p. 50 the repro-
duction of an illustration of the Vine as it also
appeared previously in our columns, October 21,
1874. On comparing the pictures it will be-
seen that the brick flues in the earlier illustra-
tion have disappeared, and have been replaced
by hot-water-pipes, which run quadruply along
the front of the house. The removal of these-
flues has thus left the floor of the vinery at liberty
for treatment. The stem in its picturesque
form still stands out from the front of the house
now, as it did when the earlier portrait was
taken. The vinery however is of the same-
dimensions, viz., 138 feet by 20 feet, giving a roof
'area of over 2,800 feet, which is, by-the-bye, some
300 feet in excess of the roof area of the famous-
Hampton Court vinery ; and the Windsor Vine
is no doubt the largest with vertically trained
rods in the kingdom. Pictures unfortunately
quite fail to do justice to such a grand old Vine-
as this one is and the splendid crop of fruit on<
it; they especially fail to give an adequate idea of
the great length of the house. Because it is not
desired to check the recuperation which has now-
been so well begun the crop of bunches is as yet
a moderately thin one. Once the full vigour is- '
restored the number of bunches may be greatly
exceeded, although it will always be the aim o£
the Frogmore authorities under whose control
it is, to secure first-class quality rather than a.
distressing quantity.

That the main roots of the Vine are far out
of reach for treatment there can be no doubt. For
that reason an effort is devoted to the develop-
ment of new and fibrous roots close home. Inside,
where a good coating of turfy-loam with bone-
dust has been added, after some of the surface-
soil had been removed, new roots have been
formed in great abundance ; even quite close to
the huge main stems new roots are found. To
this dressing in part, as well as to the free use of
the saw and knife, by which a somewhat severe-
thinning was given to the Vine, the process o£

NOVEMBER 7, 1903.}

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE:

323

renovation and of improvement now so evident,
is due. The result shows that, properly treated,
even the oldest of Vines may be found capable of
restoration to vigour and cropping.

In the front wall, for a length of some 40 feet,
-apertures have been made and filled with turf-

week, probably not more than ten see the far finer
one at Windsor. The better known Vine would no
doubt, equally with its offspring at Windsor, re-
spond to suitable treatment.. Not only should the
flagstone floor of the vinery be removed, so that
practically a new border might be made, but

HABENARIA CAENEA.

The beautiful specimen of this terrestrial
Orchid, shown in fig. 137, has been cultivated in
Mr. H.J. Elwes' garden at Colesbourne, near Chel-
tenham. It was shown at a meeting of the Royal

Fig. 137.

-REMARKABLE SPECIMEN OF HABENARIA CARNEA, CULTIVATED IN
MR. ELWES' GARDEN AT COLESBOURNE

■sods. In time a new] border will be built up
•close to these openings, and new roots formed
outside as well as within. Were this Cumber-
land Lodge Vine as accessible to the public as is
the older one at Hampton Court, no doubt we
should see many paragraphs in the general papers
■devoted to its praise. But whilst at Hampton
Court 10,000 persons may see the old Vine in a

something might also be done to|assist in the for-
mation of new roots outside. Then, with ample
pruning and attention and the enlargement of the
houses so that the public could see the Vine from
a corridor with a glass partition (as the bunches
now get smothered with dust) there is no reason
why this grand old favourite may not enter upon a
new lease of vigour and productiveness.

Horticultural Society last year, and was given a
Cultural Commendation by the Orchid Committee.
At that time the plant bore three flower-spikes,
but this year, as the photograph shows, there
were eight extra stroDg spikes ! This species was
first illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle .
December 19, 1891, from a plant which flowered
at Kew. It is a native of Singapore, and there]

324

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 7, 1903,

fore requires a warm atmosphere. Not only are
the white flowers very attractive, hut the foliage
is covered with small white spots, and is very
effective. Both qualities are well pourtrayed in
the lovely specimen now illustrated.

PLANT PORTRAITS.

Coleus thybsoidecs —Revue Borticole. October 16.
See Gardeners' Chronicle, January 19, 19jl, pp. 39 and 40.

Strawhebry Sensation— A medium early variety,
distributed by Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux & Co.
Fruit3 oblong truocale: of gord quality and easily
propagated. Bulletins d' Arboriculture. <i-c., October.

Rose Mdlle. Jean Philippe Tea, and Alisteb
Stella Gbay Noisette.— Journal det Roses, August.

Peach Rouge de Mai.— A variety that ripens in the
Southern United States in May, but in our latitudes
not till July; a free stone variety. Bulletin d' Arboricul-
ture, die, September.

Hippeastrum iguapense, Wagner (neah H. BBEVI-
flobum). — Leaves 20 cent., oblong acute, tapering to a
Jong stalk ; flowers three or four to an umbel, pen-
dulous, funnel-shaoed, white with reddish-lilac stripes.
Jllustrierte Qarten Zcitung, August, 1903.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

A GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. — When the
Gardeners' Dinner Committee met on the 27th
ult. it was then thought the ultimate gathering
was taking place. But after the required busi-
ness had been transacted, I was authorised to
read to the committee a letter written by that
estimable gardener, Mr. W. H. Divers, of Belvoir
Castle, who in it urged the committee, prior to
disbanding, to consider the desirability of forming
for the United Kingdom a Gardeners' Association.
The letter was based on the one Mr. Divers had
previously sent you, and which was published in
the Gardeners' Chronicle of the 17th ult. It in-
vited the consideration of the subject named by
the Dinner Committee, with a view to the ulti-
mate formation of such an association. The
Dinner Committee regarded an expression
of opinion coming from so excellent and
well - known a gardener as Mr. Divers as
worthy of serious consideration and discus-
sion, and therefore instructed me to con-
vene the members for such consideration on
the 15th of next month. In the meantime, I
have invited Mr. Divers kindly to set out in a
series of suggestions his views as to the objects
of such a gardeners' association, and the kind of
work it might be expected to undertake. It has
been specially stated that nothing in the least
antagonistic to any body or person is in view.
Bather, as I gather, the primary object is to
help to raise, socially if possible, the status of the
gardener, and to put the vocation on a higher
plane in public esteem than it now enjoys. That
is very good. But other gardeners than Mr.
Divers have views also, and I shall be very glad
if aDy desirous of doing so would kindly embody
those views as to the desirability of forming a
gardeners' association in clear-cut, crisp sug-
gestions, brief and well defined, and send them
to me, so that it may be possible to place them in
compact form before the Committee when the meet-
ing takes place. From one direction orally have
come suggestions to this effect, that the time has
arrived when all young gardeners whilst serving
under " heads " should subject themselves to the
German system of having duly prepared creden-
tials, which should have entered on them by
respective head-gardeners the times of service
under them, departments, labour, character, and
general efficiency. Such credentials, entered and
certified by each " head " served, should prove to be
first-class passports to other positions, and finally
ti headships. That is in any case one suggestion
which may be worthy of consideration. I may
state that whilst the Dinner Committee will
readily accede to the wishes of those who desire
to see a gardeners' association formed, so far
a3 relates to putting the matter in training, yet
that body realises that it holds no mandate
from the Gardening community to deal with
the subject. It will, I can have no doubt,
having considered the various suggestions put
forth, determine whether they are sufficient to
■justify further action. If so resolved, then the
next course no doubt would be to convene a
gathering of gardeners at some not remote date,

when the rough draft of a scheme could be sub-
mitted, and if agreed to the association should
be by vote definitely formed, and officers and com-
mittee elected. Then the matter would be in
the hands of the members of the association, and
no one else. I do not know how far all the mem-
bers of the Dinner Committee may care to be
associated with the object aimed at, although I
think most of them would ; but I am sure they
would not arrogate to themselves any special
authority, and I may even venture to say that,
with a view to obtain the best possible advice and
assistance, that should any gardeners specially
desire to attend the committee meeting on
December 15, they would be heartily welcomed.
The time and place of meeting shall be later
published. A. Dean, Secretary.

"THE BOOK OF THE PEACH."— As the author
of The Book of the Peach, as well as a con-
tributor of articles on practical gardening, <fec,
to the Gardeners' Chronicle during the last thirty
years, I ask permission to point out that the
remarks made by t"e writer of the thirty-eight-
line notice of The Boole of the Peach which ap-
peared in the issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle
for October 17, p. 270, are incorrect, inasmuch
as there is nothing to be found in the method
of procedure advocated in the 113 pages con-
stituting the book to justify the remarks made
by the writer of the notice in question. More-
over, appearing in such an influential paper
as the Gardeners' Chronicle, they are calculated,
if allowed to pass unnoticed, to damage the
sale of The Book of the Peach, as well as to in j ure
the reputation of the author (in the minds of
new readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle) as a
practical and successful fruit-grower, as was
amply demonstrated year after year on the exhi-
bition tables at the Crystal Palace and leading
provincial fruit-shows during the twenty-five
years that he had the honour to preside over Long-
ford Castle gardens. The words in the review
complained of are (after the assertion that " the
work is well written and contains much valu-
able matter ") — " At the same time it is evident
that the author's experience has been gained
chiefly where the subsoil was amply drained natu-
rally " (this assumption is quite wrong, seeing
that the author had to provide good drainage for
Peach and other fruit-trees planted by him in
LoDgford Castle gardens) ; adding, " for were we
all to follow his directions as regards drainage,
the results would be most disastrous, as the
maturation of the shoots could not be perfected."
I invite the reviewer to quote passages from
The Book of the Peach in justification of his asser-
tion, and to give chapter and verse — that is,
paragraph and page — in doing so. The reviewer's
remarks regarding " the arrangement of the
roots of trees with a slight inclination down-
wards in planting," as advocated by me at p. 54,
are inconsistent with his own remarks made a
few lines higher up in the same paragraph. He
quotes a sentence without giving the context.
There is no use in making a statement unless
the writer is prepared to justify it when called
upon to do so. Iu the case of a reviewer it is
incumbent on him to quote the passages there
and then which in his opinion call for and
justify his criticism. The Book of the Peach, I
may be allowed to say, has been most favourably
reviewed by the leading " dailies " and
" weeklies " in England, Ireland, and Scotland.
It is customary in reviewing a book to state the
number of pages which the book contains, whether
it is illustrated or not, to quote a passage here
and there, giving the pages from which the
passages are quoted, in order to give the reader
an idea of the contents of the work under notice,
commenting thereon if necessary, but always
giving the context and not isolated sentences.
The writer of the notice of The Book of the Peach
has ignored all the above-mentioned points. In
conclusion, I may be allowed to say, by way of
showing that no essential point in the cultiva-
tion of the Peach has been overlooked in The
Book of the Peach, that among other things it
contains chapters on the shape, size, and aspect
of Peach-houses, and on their construction and
heating, on ventilation, suitable composts, making
the borders (including drainage for the trees, and
which is referred to at pages 32, 34, 35, and 93),
planting, training, and pruning of the trees, in

the first, second, and subsequent years ; atmo-
spheric moisture, atmospherictemperature, setting-
the blossoms (on early forced trees), watering the
borders (indoors and outdoors), disbudding, thin-
ning the crops, packing Peaches for market and
otherwise, Peach-trees in pots, Peach-growing for
market, Peaches on the open walls, Peaches (early-
varieties) as half-standards and bushes in sheltered
positions out-of-doors, diseases, insects, &c. I
should like also to say that The Book of the Peach
is freely illustrated, and that the roots of trees-
treated as described therein will not "require
being lifted so as to keep the feeders near to the
surface." The above-mentioned particulars the
reviewer might have supplied. I do not wish to
review my own book, but simply to correct "what
I consider to be erroneous statements. H. W. Ward,

THE RECENT GARDENERS' DINNER.— To the
Committee that carried through so satisfactorily
that great and successful gathering, the best
thanks of everyone who was present are, I feel
sure, sincerely and heartily accorded. Not the
least satisfactory result of the voluntary labours
of the Committee is that the balance of accounts-
is on the right side, and the information that the-
Committee have given the residue to two such,
excellent Institutions, will meet with general
approval. It is sometimes said that in this life
there is no pleasure without a tinge of disap-
pointment and sorrow. In this instance the-
tinge, and the only tinge that I am aware of, was
occasioned by the absence of those two great
friends and supporters of gardeners and garden-
ing, Mr. Leopold de Rothschild and the Very Kev.
Dean Hole ; and also of those two old and highly-
esteemed friends, Mr. J. Hudson and Mr. J. Smith
(both of whom had served on the Committee), the-
former through illness, and the latter by the-
ruthless hand of death. T. Challis, The Gardens,,
Wilton House, Oct. 30.

CYPRIPEDIUM POTTED IN LEAF-MOULD. —
About four months ago I potted a plant of Cypri-
pedium, the result of a cross between insigne-
Chantini x selligerum rubrum, in a compost
consisting of ordinary leaf-mould, two-thirds,,
and silver-sand, one -third, and crocked the pot as-
I would a pot for any kind of greenhouse plant,
bringing the potting materials to within 1 inch of
the rim, and filled that space with heads of
sphagnum-moss. No more water was afforded
than would keep the moss alive. This plant has-
made rapid growth, and is at the present time a
good example. J. Herdman, Scampston HaW
Gardens, Malton.

TUBULAR BOILERS. — "Will Mr. R. C. Fletcher-
kindly say what is the number of feet of 4-inch
pipe heated ? I have always understood that these-
upright tubular boilers, though very economical^
were only suited for quantities of 4-inch piping,
exceeding, say, 400 feet. E. D'Olier.

SOME CURIOSITIES OF THE VEGETABLE
WORLD. — I beg to enclose some curiosities of the-
vegetable world. The strange features of these-
freaks are the cores and pips in the fruits that
have not previously had a flower bud in the-
ordinary way. [We find no core in the adven-
titious fruit. Ed.] I have not seen anything like-
them before, so shall be glad to know if they
really are so uncommon as we suppose they are. [No.]
The Nectarine growths are also unusual to pro-
duce fruits so freely on the unripe present season's-
growth. We also have Plums flowering and fruit-
ing in the same way. Victorias have flowers and
green and ripe fruit on the same trees, which was
the case a few years ago. I suppose the unusual
sunless, wet weather is solely responsible for-
these strange irregularities. J. H. Goodacre,
[Mr. Goodacre sends us some Pears in which a
secondary fruit is growing from the stalk of the
first-formed Pear. The first Pear is normal, but
the secondary ones are mere outgrowths from the
stalk and present no trace of floral organs,
eye, core or seed. The appearance is very
peculiar, but as it is well known that the outer
edible part of a Pear or Apple is not the
fruit at all, but only a dilatation of the stalk
or branch, the fact of its sub-division is not so-
extraordinary after all. The true fruit, in a
botanical sense, is the core, which becomes em-
bedded in the swollen stalk. The formation of

November 7, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

325

Nectarhaes on the young wood is an attempt to
anticipate matters. Curiously enough the fruits,
though on the young wood, are nevertheless borne
on short spurs. Ed.].

8PORTIVENE8S OF GRAPE VINE8. — The
mystery that surrounds the origin of many of
our best Grapes leads one to suppose that
sports may have played their part in the matter.
You say, p. 305, that " as far as is known not
one first-class Grape has been obtained from
bud variation," and it would be interesting to
know how far this is borne out in fact. We
have several distinct varieties of Black Ham-
burgh, all with precisely the same flavour,
but in which form of berry and of bunch vary
greatly, arid these would appear to be fixed
sports. The same thing has occurred with White
Muscats. A parallel to Mr. Almond's case, as
recorded last week, occurred with me many years
ago. I am positive that no grafting or budding
had been done. The facts are these : I bought
and planted Muscat of Alexandria vines, sufficient
to fill a house at Livermere Park. After making
the first season's growth, I cut these down to
within 1 foot of the border. The second year I
pruned to the bottom wire, 5 feet from the
border, and two leading stems were taken up
from each vine at this poitt. In the case of one
vine, one stem produced normal Muscat of Alex-
andria Grapes, fairly free-setting, and with
typical berries ; the other stem developed into
Canon Hall Muscat, with all that variety's
characteristics as regards bad setting, form of
bunch and of berry — in fact. Canon Hall pure
and simple. This continued year after year
without fail, and as far as I know still continues.
Many gardeners and others saw the Vines during
this period and could bear me out as to the facts
if necessary. A similar occurrence took place
here this year. A Vine of Black Hamburgh gave
us one bunch with berries double the normal size
and different in form to all the rest on the Vine.
The spur which produced this carried two laterals,
each of which bore a bunch, one being absolutely
normal, i.e., similar to all others on the Vine,
except the one noted. No one seeing these on
the Vines could possibly doubt that the one
lateral had sported, and I shall watch with
interest whether a rod run up from this
lateral will continue the sport. Nothing was
done, nor could be done, to aid this particular
bunch in any way beyond what the others also
received in the way of attention, and the only
explanation must be tha*; of sportiveness in the
Vine. J. C. Tallack, Shipley Hall Gardens, Derby.
[The above remarks seem to confirm our opinion
that Canon Hall Muscat originated as a sport,
and not, as suggested in Fines and Vine Culture,
as a seedling. Ed.].

HEAVY CROPPING OF NORTHERN STAR
POTATO.— We hear so much now about the
famous Northern Star Potato that it may inte-
rest some of your readers to know that at Wool-
mer Green, a little village in Hertfordshire, I
have grown these Potatos for the last two seasons,
and this year dug one root having 130 tubers,
which weighed just over 10 lb. R. C. V.

AGAVE ROMAN MX. —This very distinct plant
is but very little known, as there were only half-a-
dozen of them in the first place when distributed
many years ago. It was raised by the late
M. Louis de Smet as a cross from A. filifera and
A. xalapensis. It is dwarf and stubby, the
leaves dark-green with a broad margin of brown
on the edges, and with one sharp spine at the
end. I have only seen one specimen of it, but I
consider it a very beautiful variety. J. C, Didcot.

SWEET CHERRIES.— Those who intend to
plant Cherries this autumn should plant some or
all of the following varieties, viz., Early Rivers,
a good flavoured, blaok-fruited, early variety,
and heavy bearer ; Knight's Early Black, Black
Tartarian, cn9 of the best, which comes into use
rather late, the fruits large, in colour black, flesh
firm, therefore a good traveller ; Kentish Bigar-
reau and Napoleon Bigarreau, these two being very
sure and heavy croppers ; Elton Heart, Governor
Wood, the latter valuable for its earliness ;
Florence, late fruiting ; Frogmore Early Bigar-
reau. very early, a valuable sweet fruit, but the
flesh too soft to travel well. Of the Dukes — May
Duke, Late Duke and Archduke — one or two

trees of each planted on a south wall afford early
fruits, but for most purposes a west aspect is
more suitable. The distance to plant wall-trees
is 18 feet apart. If planted closer than this the
roots must be shortened if growth be too vigor-
ous. H. Markham, gr., Wrotham. Park, Barnet.

CATTLEYA LABIATA AUTUMNALIS. — At Bur-
leigh House, Epping, there is at present a fine
collection of the above beautiful species in bloom,
and I recently counted 255 blooms fully expanded
on the various plants. Some of the scapes carry
four flowers each, and all are of good size, sub-
stance, and colour. W. J. M., gr., November 2.

exhibiting POTATOS. — One of the chief
difficulties which now necessarily follows on
judging collections of Potatos is found in the
comparative sameness of the tubers set up for
competition. So much is this the case that if
tubers of but one variety were put up under six
diverse names, the judges could not determine
whether these were distinct or not. In the old
days of the International Potato Exhibition
Potatos had greater individual character than
they now have ; hence experts found no difficulty
in determining whether a variety was true to
name or not. It is worth considering on the
part of raisers of Pototos whether it is not
possible to produce varieties that have distinc-
tiveness. In that respect colour is so helpful,
because it is then easy to determine whether the
varieties are true to name and character or not.
For that reason a collection of twelve varieties
should always include four coloured, four round,
and four long or kidney - shaped ; then it
would be pretty easy to determine their correctness
or otherwise. There is ofttimes too much dislike
of coloured Potatos, although the colour extends
only to the skins, the flesh being^indistinguish-
able from that of white-skin varieties. It is
doubtful whether any whites have better table
quality than Readiog Russett or The Dean.
There are now plenty of good rounds, too, and
some of these should be grown to produce bond-
fide form. The general tendency to intercross
solely to obtain size of tuber and heavy crops is
all very well, but in Potato-production mere size
or crop does not Bum up all the needs or merits of
a good table Potato. When Discovery, Tim Gray
and Northern Star get abundant, as they now
will do, ea;h one roundish in form and having cha-
racter, some help in the direction desired will be
furnished. Any good break from the production
of long, flattish tubers so much alike will be
eagerly welcomed. We may well hope to see
Potatos more widely shown when next the Royal
. Horticultural Society holds a great vegetable
exhibition. A.

NERTERA DEPRESSA. — There was, a good few
years ago, a nice patch of this plant growing over
the bottom pockets of some rock- work at Culver,
Exeter, facing north and much sheltered ; and
since then I have seen established plants growing
in small pots with Mr. Divers at Belvoir, who bad
it placed at the north end of some brick pits,
where sunshine scarcely reached them. At The
Grove, Stanmore, Mr. OJell has a fine lot of
Nertera well established in the grass margins at
the foot of a rockery bank, in which is planted a
very fine collection of British Ferns collected at
different times by Mr. Odell. The Nertera seems
quite happy under the shade afforded by some
tall trees at the back of the rock-bank, it being
covered with its pretty orange-coloured berries.
I am sure Mr. Fitzherbert will be interested to
know that it does really exist in some gardens,
as he mentioned, on p. 101 of the Gardeners'
Chronicle, that he had failed to meet with it in
gardens up to the present. C. J. Ellis, Warren
House Gardens, Stanmore.

A NEW CASE OF APOSPORY.— Some time ago
Dr. Stansfield, of Keading, reported that having
layered a portion of the very comminuted crests of
Polypodium vulgare var. grandiceps (Parker), he
observed that aposporous prothalli were produced
from the tips. The culture, however, unfortu-
nately went wrong, and a further investigation and
report could consequently not be made. Early in
July in this year, however, I noticed in a pan of
mixed varieties a very young seedling of the same
species, the fronds of which were somewhat trans-
lucent at their tips, indicating a tendency to

that different cellular structure which distin-
guishes the prothallus from the sporebearing
frond, while the rest of the seedlings in its
company were, in this respect, normal. On
July 19 I examined it again, and found that by
subsequent growth translucent cordate terminals
had formed closely resembling prothalli, but
without the additional evidence of root-hairs or
of antheridia or archegonia. The primary frond
nearer the soil had attached itself freely
thereto, and on carefully freeing it I found not
only abundance of root -hairs but also anthe-
ridia well in evidence, thus establishing beyond
all doubt spontaneous apospory in Polypodium
vulgare. This consequently adds another British
species to the list of aposporous Ferns. From the
appearance of the young plant I do not take it to
be the same variety above cited, upon which
Dr. Stansfield induced apospory ; and it is worthy
of remark that in this case it has not been induced
by close culture, as the pot has been uncovered
the whole of the season, though under the glass
of the fernery roof. What variety it is remains to
be seen, as also whether this aposporous character
will survive the infantile stage, although the
third and fourth fronds present every indication
of further development on the same lines. Our
British Ferns have now afforded fourteen exampb s
of aposporous growth and reproduction, viz ,
Athyrium filix-fcemina (4), Polystichum angu-
lare (5), Lastraea pseudo-mas (2), Scolopendrium
vulgare (1), and Polypodium vulgare (2), as
against Pteris aquilina (1), and a species of
Trichomanes (1). Amongst the vastly greater
number of exotics I include P. aquilina in this
latter list, as the discovery was made by Prof.
Farlow in the United States. Cias. T. Druery,
F.L.S., V.M.H.

DO VARIETIES OF CULTIVATED PLANTS WEAR
OUT ? — With reference to this subject mentioned
in Gardeners' Chronicle, the issue of September 20,
I send you herewith two specimens of the Ribston
Pippin Apple and two of the Golden Pippin. The
trees that bore them are two old trees which I
found here, and which I was told were called by
those names. The Golden Pippin tree is, I should
say, at least fifty years old, and has a girth of
3 feet 2 inches 1 foot from the ground. It
has borne an abundant crop every year but
this last, when it bore none. An old resident
here said it was the only time he had known it
to fail. The Apples are green, not golden ; but
perhaps that is so because they are not allowed to
remain long enough on the tree to turn yellow.
This is a wind-swept place, and on the night of
September 10 the heavy S.W. gale blew down a
wheelbarrowful of these Apples, as well as an-
other barrowful of other kinds. The Ribston Pip-
pin tree is perhaps forty years old, and has a
girth of 2 feet 1 foot from the ground. It is can-
kered all over. This year there was not a Plum and
scarcely a Pear. Emile d'Heyst is the only one ;
it bore about a dozen fruits. But the estab-
lished Apple-trees have borne their best crop
during the last six years, to be almost all blown
down in that gale. Last year was a bad fruit
year ; this year has been worse. What profit oan
accrue to a fruit grower in the open, on a large
scale, under such circumstances, is not easy to
make out ! E. Bonavia, M.I). [The Ribston
Pippins were large, well-developed fruits. Ed.]

ECHINOCACTUS DE LAET:. — Having a plant
under the above name, I am much interested in
its character, which to me is somewhat different
to any other Echinocactus I have yet seen. I
never saw one produce its flowers down the side
of the plant before this, but always on the
crown in the newest growth ; and the flower is
distinct also, the tube being very scale-like, and
the flower never appeared to open fully, as in
other kinds, but what I should call half open
although it was of long duration, lasting quite a
fortnight or more. I should consider it to belong
to another genus, as it is sc unlike any other I
have known, and I have -;een many kinds in years
gone by. J. C.

HYPOCALYMMA ROBUSTUMt (The Larger
Peach Myrtle). — It may interest those of your
readers who admire beautiful greenhous" shrubs
to hear that plants of the above-named protty
and most free-flowering New Holland shrub are

32G

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[November 7, 1903,

now being offered for sale by Messrs. Lemoine, of
Nancy, in France. This graceful and pretty plant
is a native of the Swan River and other parts of
Western Australia, and was figured by Dr. Lindley
so far back as 1843, in the 29th volume of
Edwards' Botanical Register on plate 8, Its
flowers are of a rosy-purple and much resemble
in appearance those of the low-growing Amyg-
dalus nana. It was first bloomed in this country
by Messrs. Lucombe & Pince, of Exeter. Its
leaves when bruised smell very agreeably of
lemon. It thrives best in a compost consisting
of loam and heath mould, with a little silver-
sand. W. E. Gumbleton.

A GERMAN CULINARY FRUIT.— Bound Wies-
baden, and in the higher parts, especially Cron-
berg-Konigstein, &c, we used to have stewed a
very delicious wild Pear, which seemed to be to
the Pear what the Crab is to the Apple. They
stewed it whole, unpeeled, and with a delicate
little thin stem attached to it. It was deep in
colour and very delicious. I never saw the tree
that bore the fruits, and, not speaking German,
could learn nothing about it. Would some of
your correspondents, from this meagre descrip-
tion, kindly tell me through these columns the
name of that Pear-tree ? I am just planting anew
garden, and should very much like to send for
trees if I had an idea what to ask for. Old
Subscriber.

CARNATIONS. — In reference to the review of
A Short Treatise on Carnation Growing for Plea-
sure and Profit in the Gardeners' Chronicle of
October 24, I agree with his criticism of the
border and Malmaison, but I was surprised at the
writer — who is evidently an expert in border Car-
nations — commenting on the Tree Carnation,
when he is so oblivious of their habits as to say
" they are grown in immense quantities, many of
them in small pots with one or two main stems
of blossoms " ; and " that the vases of bloom
exhibited by Mr. Dutton were the products of
special culture, and quite beyond the means of a
private gardener." Being one of the largest
Tree Carnation specialists, I must inform your
readers that I have thousands of young plants
with four to eight long - stemmed buds fully
developed on plants from this year's cuttings,
which will be followed by a like number in the
course of six to twelve weeks. As for the blooms
being the product of special culture, it is no
such thing; and of the Carnations I have exhi-
bited at the shows this year, none were grown
specially for them, being only good samples of
the bloom I supply Covent Garden with through-
out the year. It is a great pity to be prejudiced
against the new type of Carnation which is now
so popular and useful, and which can so easily be
grown to perfection by gardener or amateur with
very mean accommodation, and under only a low
temperature. A. F. Dutton.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

October 27.— Present: Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S. (in
t!ie chair); Prof. Church; Messrs. Odell, Saunders,
Massee, Baker, and Wors dell ; Drs. Rendle and Cooke ;
Revs. W. Wilks and Q. Henslow, Hon. Sec.

Cratsula Aitoni. — Mr. Odell showed specimens of
this Karroo plant of South Africa, remarkable for
bearing in lieu of flowers, leaf buds, each consisting of
two pairs of minute leaves.

Begonia bisexual —Mr. Wobsdell showed malformed
flowers with abortive ovaries, bearing a tuft of stamens
issuing from the base of the style.

Spinach failing.— lira. Killick sent plants which
were sown in August, and for three years consecutively
at first came up well, but subsequently turned yellow.
Spring-sown Spinach never failed. It was suggested
that if any grubs were present lime and soot should be
used before sowing. Other growers had experienced
the same thing. A deficiency of mid-day sunlight ap-
peared to affect Spinach, as a whole bed was a total
failure in an enclosed place where the sun only shone
upon it late in the day.

Jasmijie root hyperlrophied.— Dr. Mastebs showed a
specimen of root hypertrophied forming a large mass.

but no trace of insect or fungus was present. Mr.
Massee observed that ants will produce a very similar
result on various plants ; and frost has been known to
be concerned in the production of similar outgrowths.

Pariley-leaf Uiner.—lir. Wilks showed leaves infested
by some grub, upon which Mr. Saunders reports as
follows : " The Parsley leaves are attacked by the grubs
of a fly, probably by those of the ' Celery fly ' (Tephritis
onopordinis), which they very much resemble ; but the
grubs of flies belonging to the same genus are often so
much alike that it is impossible to distinguish between
them. I have not heard of these grubs attacking
Parsley before, but, as both Celery and Parsnips are
injured by them, it is quite likely that Parsley may
also be attacked, all these being umbellifers. The
chrysalides are no doubt formed in the soil. If a crop
has been badly injured by these grubs it should be
pulled up, and the ground well dressed with gas-lime."

Injurious Insects.— Miss Cope, F.R.H.S., inquired for
information how to destroy certain insects. Mr.
Saunders' report is adjoined: "The so called insect
sent by Miss Cope is one of the ' Centipedes ' (Seophilus
longicornis). I cannot say positively whether it is in-
jurious to plants or not, my own view being that it is
not, as it belongs to a carnivorous family, and is pro-
vided with a large pair of poison-fangp, which would
not be of any use to a creature feeding on vegetable sub-
stances. When found at the roots of plants, as they
often are, I believe, they have gone there to feed on
insects which have been attacking the roots ; but they
have been so often accused of injuring plants, and
have been found under very suspicious circumstances,
that I do not feel justified in giving a definite verdict.
It is possible that when their ordinary food becomes
scarce they may take to a vegetarian diet. The ordinary
quick-running centipede is undoubtedly of much ser-
vice in gardens in killing small insects, slugs, &c. The
green insect spoken of is probably one of the Cer-
copidEe, the family to which the common froghopper
belongs ; but without seeing a specimen it is impossible
to say positively. The best means of destroying this
pest, if I am right, is to shake the plants over a sheet
of pasteboard or tin which has been newly painted or
tarred, so as to catch the insects when they jump off
the plants."

Science at Wisley.— Dr. Masters drew attention to the
desirability of the Society utilising the Wisley Garden
for scientific investigations bearing on gardening in
addition to the requirements of practical horticulture.
He invited suggestions from members of the Com-
mittee. It was recalled that recommendations had
already been laid before the Council, but they had
not seen their way at the time to consider the pro-
posals favourably. Mr. Wohsdell suggested communi-
cations with foreign horticultural institutions to
gather Lints of their methods, which might be turned
to account. He would maintain that the scientific
director should be a broad-minded man, and not
merely a specialist; one who had a good knowledge
of botany and practical horticulture. Prof. Chuech
thought a start should be made in a humble way,
only such instruments being obtained as the need
arose for them. Mr. Massee mentioned the following
examples of objeets worthy of further investigation,
which should be undertaken : the Silver-leaf disease,
the gumming of Hyacinth-bulbs, as well as the investi-
gation of the causes which render some sorts of Potatos
immune from the disease, &c.

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OP
ENGLAND ORCHID.

Octobeb 16.— The first autumn meeting was highly
successful, the room being crowded with exhibits, the
quality of which was above the average.

Groups were staged by The Stoke Orchid Company,
consisting of Odontoglossum crispum and O. grande
(Silver Medal) ; Messrs J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham,
who had a good miscellaneous exhibit, including some
line forms of Dendrobium Phalamopsis var. Schroder-
ianum (Silver Medal); Messrs. Chahleswobth & Co.,
Bradford, who had a magnificent display, principally
of Cattleya and LcelioCattleya hybrids of their own
production (9ilver-gilt Medal); W. Duckworth, Esq.,
Flixton, who showed a nice group, the main feature of
which was Cattleya aurea, and the rare La»lia Perrini
var alba (Silver Medal); O. O. Wrigley, Esq., Bury
who staged a few nice plants, including two good speci-
mens of Odontoglossum grande var. aurea, and a
finely grown plant of Dendrobium Phalsenopsis var.
Schroderiana alba (Silver Medal); E. Rogebson,
Esq , Didsbury, who had a fine collection of hybrid
and other Orchids (Silver-gilt Medal); 8. Gratrix,
Esq., Whalley Range, who included in a very choice
collection of plants Cattleya Dowiana var. Rosita, this

being a fine form of the type, having petals and sepals
of a peculiar brick red hue, while the lip was intensely
dark, with the lines of gold running through; this
plant, in addition to a First-class Certificate, was voted
a Silver Medal. Messrs. Keeling, Bingley, Yorks,
obtained a Bronze Medal for a small but interesting
exhibit. Messrs. Cowan & Co., Gateacre; and Mr. 8.
Allen, Sale, received Votes of Thanks for groups.

First-class Certificates.

Brasso-Cattleya Schroderse-Digbyana x, exhibited by
E. Rogerson, Esq.

Cattleya Dowiana var. Rosita, exhibited by S. Gratrix,
Esq.

Awards or Merit.

Loelio-Cattleya Lottie (AclandiaexTrianre Backhousei-
ana), exhibited by S. Gratrix, Esq.;

LcelioCattleya Adolphus (cinnabarina x. Aclandice),
Cypripedium Memnon inversum, Odontoglossum cris-
pum var. Ed. Rogerson, exhibited by E. Rogerson, Esq.

Dendrobium Phahenopsis var. highburyensis, exhi-
bited by J. Cypher & Sons.

Cypripedium Daphne (Exul X Charlesworthii). C.
Hitchensse var. delicata, exhibited by A. J. Keeling &
Sons.

Cattleya x Euphrasia var. inversa, exhibited by John
Cowan it Co., Ltd.

T. Statter, Esq., Whitefleld, exhibited the original
plant of Cattleya x Hardyana, which has been in the
Stand collection for twenty years. P. W.

THE THIRTY - SECOND ANNUAL
CONVERSAZIONE of the CHESTER
SOCIETY of NATURAL SCIENCE.

AWARD OF THE KINGSLEY MEMORIAL MEDAL
AND OTHER PRIZES.

On Thursday, October 22, Mr. G. P. Miln, F.R.H.8.,
was the recipient of the Kingsley Memorial Medal, Her
Grace the Duchess of Westminster honouring the occa-
sion by graciously presenting the medal. The medal
is a trust, which is awarded annually by the Chester
Society of Natural Science (founded by Charles
Kingsley, 1871), to some person resident in the Society's
district "for having contributed materially to some
branch or department of natural science." For the
last twenty years Mr. Miln has been a diligent
and enthusiastic student of a branch of botanical
science in the study of those important plants— the
grasses and the cereals. By his collections and his
practical activity he has contributed not only to our
knowledge of the grasses of the district, but has also
contributed very largely to that wonderful improve-
ment in the cultivation of the new cereals which has
been taking place with great rapidity during the last
few year9. This constituted, in the opinion of the
Committee, Mr. Miln's first claim to the Kingsley
Memorial Medal, few recipients having done more in
the Society's district and in the county at large to
extend our knowledge of natural science in one of its
important branches.

Mr. Miln was also one of the originators of the
Chester Paxton Society, and for several years has
acted as their joint Secretary and Treasurer. This
Society has done much in Chester and the district to
encourage among gardeners and fruit-growers a more
enlightened study and a better and more practical
means of the cultivation of fruits and flowers.

Mr. Miln has also acted as Hon. Secretary to the
Chester Society of Natural Science for a number of
years, and as the membership of this Society now
numbers considerably over 1 000, it may be readily seen
what an active career Mr. Miln has had, and how much
valuable time he has ungrudgingly given to the pro-
motion of Natural Science, Horticulture, and Agri-
culture. By profession Mr. Miln occupies the respon-
sible position as Director of Garton's, Limited,
Warrington, a firm which has for the last few years
produced by cross-fertilisation many new and improved
kinds of cereals and roots.

In addition to the above-named award, prizes were
also given for the best collection of Dicotyledonous
plants of the district; and junior prizes (1) for the
beat collection of dried and mounted specimens of
British Grasses ; (2) for the best descriptive list of
insects which are injurious to plants in the district in
which the competitor lives ; (3) for the best essay on
the life-history and habits of the common house-
sparrow; (4) for the best essay descriptive of the
physical geography and natural features of the district
in which the competitor resides.

READING & DISTRICT GARDENERS'
MUTUAL IMPaOVEMENT.

Octouer 26.— The last fortnightly meeting of the
above Association was held on the above date, and
upwards of 100 members were present. The occasion
was the visit of a representative from the Bristol
Gardeners' Mutual. Mr. J. H. Vallance was the member
selected, and he chose for his subject " The Renovation
of Old Vines." His paper was full of interest and of
original ideas In the carrying out of the work. Minute

November 7, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

327

details were given as to the lifting of the trees, re-
planting, soil, manures, treatment of the young canes,
&e. Some of the methods ot procedure met with
adverse but friendly criticisms, and a lively and
animated discussion followed.

A hearty Vote of Thanks was accorded to Mr. Val-
lance for his excellent paper.

In replying Mr. Vallance, and Mr. Groves, the hon.
sec. of the Bristol Society, both expressed the wish
that the interchanging of lecturers between the two
associations would last for many years. There were
two or three fine exhibits, honorary, of fruit, staged by
Mr. E. Fry, gr., Greenlands ; and three plants of well-
grown Clerodendron fallax raised from seed by Mr. T.
W. Exler, gr., East Thorpe.

DEVON & EXETER GARDENERS'.

Octobeb 27.— The annual business meeting of the
Devon and Exeter Gardeners' Association was held on
the above date in the Exeter Guildhall. The Right
Worshipful the Mayor of Exeter presided, and he was
supported by Mr. P. C. M. Veitch.

The Secretary (Mr. A. Hope) real the annual report,
detailing the work of the Society and setting forth its
position.

In proposing the re-election of the President, Mr.
Hope said the Association remembered with gratitude
and affection how keen Mr. Sanders's interest had been
in the Association, and in how many ways he had
shown it. It was the unanimous decision of the Com-
mittee to ask Mr. Sanders to bB re-elected, to which he
had consented.

Mr. W. Charley seconded, and the proposition was
carried with acclamation.

Mr. Mackay, in proposing the election of Mr. William
Charley as hon. secretary in succession to Mr. A. Hope,
who has resigned, expressed regret at the loss the-
Association had sustaioed by (he resignation of Mr.
Hope. The Committee felt that they were losing their
best man.

BRISTOL & DISTHICT GARDENERS'
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.

Octobee 29.— "Hardy Fruit Culture, Past and
Present " was the subject of a lecture given before the
Bristol Gardeners' Association on the above date, the
lecturer being Mr. J. Basham, Jan., representing the
Newport Gardeners' Society. A good number of the
Bristol gardening fraternity availed themselves of the
opportunity to hear such an authority on hardy fruits
He gave a list of Apples, Pears and Plums which were
in cultivation three hundred years ago. as also a
selection of the best of the present day. Mr. Basham,
sen., occupied a seat on the platform, and was cordially
welcomed by his fellow-gardeners of Bristol.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Garden Pests. By Phcebe Allen (London:
Wells Gardner, Darton & Co., 3, Paternoster
Buildings).
We have here an account of insect and other
pests affecting garden plants, and they are
described as being brought tol judgment at
certain " Grand Assizes," with Lord Salisbury
(Rose) in the chair; the proceedings being
observed by Jean Crapaud (the toad), the aged.
The writer expresses the hope that it may
"not merely awaken interest among amateur
gardeners in the characteristics and nature of
some well - known enemies of the vegetable
kingdom, but may also convey sufficient infor-
mation to help the plant-lover to distinguish
between friend and foe." She has done her best
to verify the information given by reference to
standard works, but it remains to be seen if any
readers will enjoy the remarks of Mr. Anthomyia
Ceparum, Lady Ichneumon, Mr. Bruchus Pisi,
and other characters who pose as prisoners,'
•witnesses, and so on according to their natures!
If this pleasantry is meant for the benefit of
young people we can hardly think the same of
the appendix, which treats of various artificial
remedies for plant pests, most of which are
quite unfit for children to prepare and use.
We admire the illustrations, which are many
and made from nature by Dr. H. F. Bassano,
though it is a pity that the comparative size of
the creatures shown is not always mentioned.
Thus, it is small help towards identifying the
specimens to find the egg of the Cabbage-
butterfly shown half the length of the creature's
body, and the Potato infested with wireworms

about the size of the earwig with wings expanded.
We remember that the author has written other
books, so we hope that those who have appreciated
her former volumes will welcome this addition to
them, and not object to the mixture of fiction and
facts, which to some tastes is irritating.

planned the Horticultural Exhibition that was
held at Hamburg in 1869, and by his laying-out
of the Zoological Gardens of that city he in-
augurated an entirely new style of German
horticultural art.

THE BOOK OF HERBS. By Lady Rosalind
Northcote. (John Lane : The Bodley Head,
London and New York.)

The herb-garden has always seemed to be
woman's special province, and the mere mention
of it suggests old-time traditions and practices.
Our authoress deals daintily with her tempting
subject, stringing her facts together neatly, and
putting in many a pretty half-forgotten legend
in prose and verse. Her chapters are devoted to :
The Chief Herbs used in the present time, Herbs
chiefly used in the past, Herbs used in Decora-
tions, in Heraldry, and for Ornament and Per-
fumes ; the Growing of Herbs, Herbs in Medicine
and in Magic.

This arrangement and a full index render the
information easily accessible. There are plenty
of illustrations from drawings and photographs,
one of the latter showing the Chelsea Physic
Garden. For frontispiece we see the picture of
the Parkinson statue at Sefton Park, Liverpool,
previously illustrated in our columns.

The book as a whole is pleasing, and should be
interesting for reference purposes and occasional

NEW INVENTIONS.

BECKETT'S TREE-TIES.
In fig. 138 is illustrated an invention by Mr.
Ed. Beckett for tying trees to stakes. The strap
is shown at the top of the figure, and is made of
cloth and twine. When properly affixed the
strap should form a figure of 8 round the tree
and support. The instructions for their use are
as follows : — Take the tree tie, the buckle out-
wards, and towards the stake. 1st, Pass the end
between the stake and the tree, and round the
latter, a ; 2nd, Pass the end through the loop
and between the tree and the stake, b; 3rd,
PuU tight round the tree and buckle firmly
round the stake, c ; 4th, Cut off the surplus
end, d. - It is claimed that by the use of
these tree-ties no friction is possible ; there are
no loose parts, each is complete in itself ; much
time and labour are saved ; a curved stem can be
gradually straightened ; they cannot injure the
bark, but will fit any sized tree or stake. They
are manufactured by Mr. E. C. Lawson, 32, Ashley
Road, Hornsey Rise, London, N.

c

IB

no

FlG. 138.— A NEW TREE-TIE.

reading ;' clear type and good paper help to make
it acceptable. As regards the title. Lady Rosa-
lind Northcote disarms criticism by her imme-
diate avowal of the difficulty in defining a herb,
but for culinary purposes we agree that it is " safe
to say, generally, that a herb is a plant, green
and aromatic and fit to eat ; but it is impossible to
deny that there are several undoubted herbs that
are not aromatic, a few more grey than green,
and many unpalatable if not unwholesome."

FRUIT REGISTER.

©bttuars.

HERR F. J. C. JuRGENS. — The death is
announced (Moller's Deutsche Oartner-Zeitung, of
October 24), of Herr F. J. C. Jiirgens, one of the
most notable of German landscape gardeners. Herr
Jiirgens was born on August 23, 1825, at Liibeck,
and served an apprenticeship in a merchant's
office at St. Petersburg with great success. Cir-
cumstances, however, necessitated his return to
Liibeck in 1841, and there he entered, as pupil, the
business of a nurseryman and horticulturist. In
1845 he went to Hamburg, where he found
ample scope for his talents. In order the better
to carry out his ideas concerning landscape
gardening, he purchased in 1847 an old-estab-
lished nursery business near Altona. This
enabled him to make various experiments respect-
ing the effeots of weather and the acclimatisation
of plants in general. There are many parks and
gardens in Denmark, Germany, and especially in
the neighbourhood of Hamburg, that boar wit-
ness to the originality of Herr Jiirgens. He

A FEW GOOD VARIETIES OF STRAW-
BERRIES.
Varieties of Strawberries, like many of the
so-called new Potatos, are becoming, like quack
doctors and their nostrums, far too common,
many Strawberries and Potatos being new only
as regards their names. It is refreshing in a
season like the present to know that many of
the old standard varieties still hold their own
for, as a gentleman said to me the other day,
" You hardly know which Strawberry to select,
good and bad are so puffed up," and in many
cases the new ones are not worth cultivation. Of
the well-tried varieties, the first and best are La
Grosse Sucree, good for forcing and growing in
the open. The much-grown and lauded Royal
Sovereign is no favourite of mine either as a
forcer or for fruiting in beds. This is the only
variety which as a pot-plant has mildewed at
Albury ; its foliage is of just the stamp for falling
a prey to mildew. This year the so-called Im-
proved Sir Joseph Paxton mildewed out-of-doors,
and the fruit rotted on the ground whilst still
only half matured; while Sir J. Paxton proper
and Vicomtesse H. do Thury gave grand crops,
fine in the matter of flavour, and in colour
all that could be desired, while for a late variety
Eleanor and Waterloo were superb ; fruits of
Waterloo weighing from 2 to 3 oz. each, and
the crop abundant till the end of the month of
July. These two varieties are the finest of all
as late fruiters, and much bettor and far ahoad.of

328

THE G A RDENERS* C II RON I CL E.

[November

1903.

Latest-of-all, which by-the-bye is wrongly named.
Frogmore Late Pine is a grand Strawberry of a
robust nature, but in a year like the present it has
been only second-rate. This variety needs plenty
of sunshine, and like all late ones should not be
grown on a north border, for the fad of growing
late Strawberries on north borders is a mistake.
They should be afforded all the sun that they
can get.

Givon's Late Prolific is a variety that bears
quicker on maiden plants than Waterloo, but as
regards flavour, appearance, and cropping, it does
not equal Waterloo. Maiden plants of Royal
Sovereign bloom very early outside with me, but
have to be protected from frost, while young
plants of Paxton and Vicomtesse Hericart de
Thury escape late frosts ; but two-year-old plants
are better, as they have ample foliage to protect
the blossom, and the fruit is of the finest. I have
tried many of the newer varieties, but in most
cases they were not equal to those which I have
mentioned above. W. C. Leach.

TRADE NOTICE.

Messes. William Bull & Sons, New Plant, Seed,
and Bulb Merchants, of King's Road, Chelsea,
have appointed Mr. George H. Sage, late head
gardener to the Most Hon. Marquess Camden,
Hay ham Abbey, Lamberhurst, as one of their
representatives.

to
Lormpondenfa

%• Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
literary department, and all plants to be named,
should be directed to the Editor. The two
departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

Anthurium Warocqueanum and Philodendron
Andreanum : F. L. and 0. P. The Philoden-
dron is a climber and the other is not.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine Foliage Dis-
figured: E. B. Some error in cultivation
probably, or an irritant substance or liquid has
come into contact with the leaves.

Begonias : A. C. W. We think the disfigure-
ment of the leaves in both instances is due to
the punctures of mites, and recommend you to
dip the plants in tobacco-water. It should
not be necessary to destroy the stock, but if
you have another house that you think would
be more suitable to the plants by all means
cultivate them there next season.

Cactus Dahlia King Edward VII. J. A. A
pretty variety of rich pink colour, with lemon
ring round centre.

Carnation Diseased: R. B. The plant is affected
with the lungus Helrninthosporium echinu-
latum, for which there is no known cure.
Burn the affected plants, and start with others
obtained fromafiesh source, and plant these
in fresh soil. The spores are readily carried
about by dew, rain, &c.

Chrysanthemum . U.Sf S. We cannot undertake
to name varieties of Chrysanthemums or other
florists' flowers.

Chrysanthemum Rust : 67. S. You may not
hear so much about this malady as formerly,
because gardeners are better acquainted with

the best means of combating its ravages. One
of them is to spray the plants when making
their growth with sulphide of potassium (liver-
of -sulphur), £-oz. dissolved in one gallon of
water. The fungus was described by Mr. G.
Massee, and figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle,
October 8, 1898, p. 269.

Cinerarias : J. W. P. We can find no evidence
of disease. The stem is partly decayed imme-
diately below the soil level, and this is pro-
bably due to excessive applications of water or
the use of stimulants.

Cucumber Leaf-spot : J. M. We are not sure if
the Bordeaux-mixture can be purchased ready
for use. All your other questions were answered
fully and categorically on p. 184 in the Gar-
deners' Chronicle for September 5, which please
see.

Dahlia glabrata: R. McL. Is considered sy-
nonymous with D. Merckii. It is figured in
Botanical Magazine, 3878, and in Nicholson's
Dictionary of Gardening, vol. i., 433.

Daisies on a Lawn and Cricket Ground :
Exning. If the plants quite overrun the grass-
land nothing you can do will eradicate them
short of digging the land one good spade in
depth, and sowing it with a perfectly clean
mixture of fine grasses. Another mode is
to select the cleanest turf, skimming the bad
turf off 2 inches thick and relaying the whole
with the new turf. Where Daisies are not so
numerous, feeding the grasses with lawn
sand, fish manure, or any manure which will
make the grasses grow abundantly and
smother the Daisies and other weeds is usually
quite satisfactory. Close mowing with ma-
chines is responsible for the dissemination of
Daisies, as the plants thereby grow dwarfer
every year and accommodate themselves to cir-
cumstances, with the result that the machine
fails to nip off the flowers, and these set and
form seeds, and so the process extends. Having
once got a clean lawn by sowing grass seeds or
laying clean turf, let it be kept free of weeds
by spudding and manuring, and letting the
grass grow 3 or 4 inches, and then mowing it
with the scythe several times in high summer.
If there is dirty land near the lawn or cricket
ground the grass should be frequently mown
or sheep kept on it, otherwise seeds of all sorts
of weeds will be introduced to the former.

Glasshouse Construction : M. B. Question 1.
21-oz. glass means that 1 square foot weighs
21 oz. Question 2. For glazing an exposed
house roof, the panes should not have a greater
width than 1 foot ; the length is not of much
matter, excepting in the cost of repairs ; 2 feet
is a suitable length. Question 3. Any of the
more important dealers in horticultural glass
might be depended on to supply glass of
British make, if that sort were specially asked
for. Scan our advertisement columns. Ques-
tion 4. Most of the big horticultural builders
supply wooden and iron framing for roofs and
ends of houses, door-frames, &c. Question 5.
We do not know who is the maker of the Patent
Gear Ventilator mentioned.

Hardy Foliage Plants for a North Border :
8. P. T., Tewkesbury. Acanthus lusitanicus,
Arundinaria falcata, Arundo conspicua, A.
donax, A. d. variegata, Iris foetidissima varie-
gata, Phormium tenax, Yucca aloifolia, Y.
gloriosa, Y. filamentosa, Y. flaccida and others,
Farfugium grande, Plumbago Larpenta?, silver
and golden variegated Hollies, also green and
variegated Ivies ; Golden Privet, and Olearia
Haasti. Of flowering plants we may name
Pansies, Violas, spring - flowering bulbs as
Crocus, Tulips, Narcissus, and perhaps Hya-
cinths ; shrubby Phloxes, prostrate Phloxes,
Campanulas, Cineraria maritima, Arabis lu-
cida variegata, Myosotis/.Mimulus in variety,
and Pentstemons. Some species of annuals
might succeed, such as Bidens atro-sanguinea,
Tagetes pumila, &c. The land should be
lightened and warmed by digging-in leaf-
mould, strawy stable- litter, coarse sand and
charred soil. The Bamboos you suggest plant-
ing are not likely to succeed, but strong-growing
species of Ferns, Crambe cordifolia, Heracleum
giganteum, and Gunneras probably would do so.

Insect ? : C. R. What you send as an insect is a
centipede (Julus), very common in decaying
vegetable matter. See under Scientific Com-
mittee, p. 326.

Leaf-Mould : C. E. J. No living creature was
found in the leaf-mould.

Names of Fruits : 67. Jennings. Calville Rouge
D'Automne. — A Subscriber. Yes. Golden Pip-
pin, one pi the best and most delicious dessert
Apples in commerce. — M. F. Ribston Pippin.
— W. H., Surrey. Williams' Victoria. — E. La-
zenby. 1, Herefordshire Beefing; 2, Gipsy
King ; 3, Frogmore Nonpareil ; 4, Court of
Wick ; 5, Wyken Pippin. — Sussex. 1," Ribston
Pippin ; 2, Sam Young ; 3, Beauty of Kent ; 4,
Flower of Kent ; 6, Court Pendu Plat. — John
White. Pear, Doyenne du Cornice. The best
Pear ; will do well either as a pyramid or
espalier.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so
good as to consult the ■ following- number. —
E. K. Panicum plicatum. — F. P. Phaseolus
Caracalla. — A. Butcher. Pittosporum Tobira.
Greenhouse and warm walls in the. South. —
— T. H. 1, Cupressus, perhaps macrocarpa, but
without cones ; 2, Tsuga canadensis ; Thuya
gigantea ; 4, Griselinia littoralis ;' 5, Lycium
sinense. — T. A. 1, not found ; 2, Abies Pin-
sapo ; 3, Cedrus deodara ; 4, Pinus excelsa ;
5, Thuya nootkaensis; 6, Sequoia gigantea
Wellingtonia ; 7, Picea excelsa, dwarf variety.
These are conjectural determinations, for with-
out cones it is not always possible to name
fragments. — W. R. Why send to the Publisher
in such a case ? It is the true Service Tree,
Pyrus Sorbus. J. McLeod. Viscaria oculata.

Pernettya mucronata : W. B. C. The plant
was introduced in 1828 from Magellan, and is
to be found in many gardens in Great Britain
and Ireland. It needs peat or a light sort of
loam to grow it well. Mr. Davies, of Hills-
borough, Co. Down, has raised numerous
varieties.

Poinsettia : H. W. The bracts appear to have
been injured by mites similar to those which
attack Begonias. Dip the points in weak
Tobacco-water, and if you fumigate tbem it
must be done very moderately. The Tobacco-
smoke has probably caused the bracts to fall.

Poles for supporting the Net across a
Lawn Tennis Court: J. E. The distance the
poles should stand is 3 feet over the sides of ■
the court. The width of a court is, for two
persons, 27 feet, and 36 feet for four persons.

Thorn-trees Planted One Year not Starting
into Growth : G. O. The roots were probably
much mutilated on being lifted, and although
the plants have been kept alive, perhaps by
reason of the rainy summer and autumn, they
were incapable of bursting into leaf. They
will probably do so next spring. Apply a
mulch of half-decayed tree-leaves or bracken
round each about a yard in diameter.

Turf : C. B. H. The sample sent consists of one
species of grass, and that a poor grower. We
would recommend you to dig the lawn all over,
applying some small quantity of decayed
stable- dung at the same time. It is now
rather late for this to be done, and it would
be better to wait till March before sowing.
The more shady places should be sown with
some strong-growing species, and the rest with
a good mixture of lawn-grasses and the finer-
growing Clovers.

Communications Received— H. W. W.- J. W.— J. G.—
The Director, Royal Gardens. Kew-C. Butters. Port
Elizabeth— A. O. W.-Hans SchiDZ. Zurich-C. E.P.—
R. McL — W J. B —J. D -Old Subscriber.— J. McL.—
C. S — A. C. F— F. H— A. C. Forbes, acknowledgment
overlooked —J R.— J. B., Berlin— E. D., Brussels—
A. G. S.— J. Pitts— David C— J. E —8. G.— F. P.—
W. C. L.-A. H.— 8. W. F— W. B.-R. P.B.— A. Mayes-
S. C— M. E. M- J. F. M.— J. O'B — T. O. W.-G. Massee
— H. W. W -W. F— H. R. W— J. W.-H. V —A Wors-
ley— F. J. H— C. E. F.— A Constant Reader— H. F.—
A L. D.— Improver- Claremont—H. T. B.— W. H.—
Mrs. R.— F. E. C— W. J G. (the other exhibitors
named had specimens in the hall).— T. T.—T. J.— J. U.
— T. H.— W. H.— D. B.— E. S. G.

(For Markets and Weather, see p. x.)

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November 14, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

329

THE

(Sardeitm' djjltrmticfe

No. 881.— SATURDAY, November 14, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Apple James Grieve ... 239
JlegoniaGloire de Lor-

laine 339

Botanical Magazine ... J37
Campanula Yidali in

the open 330

Carnation Madame
Franco, and other

varieties 332

Chrysantl. emums ... 332
Clerodendron fallax... ?39
CoventGarden Market 331
Dianthuscaryophyllus

var. La Ravine ... F38
Dictamnus albus ... 3j8
Foreign correspond-
ence-
Some Versailles nur-

Eerles 338

Fruits, wild 339

Garden, a gasworks... 332
Grape-Vines, sporlive-

ness of 338

Hall, the new horti-
cultural 336

Starters depressa ... 339
Nursery notes—
Charlesworth & Cc,

Bradford 330

Obituary—
■Osborne, William ... 341

Summers, E 344

Orchid notes and

gleanings 33)

Pear, a German culi-
nary 338

Pear, Doyenne du
Cornice 338

Plant portrait?
Potato society, a
Protection In France.
Publications received
Radium and plants ...
Reminiscence, a

Societies—

Birmingham and
Midland Counties

Exeter Gardeners'...

French National
Ciysanthemum ...

Linnean

Liverpool Horticul-
tural

Manchester Orchid

National Chrysan-
themum ... 336,

Royal Horticultural
Salter, John, some

letters from

Sidak-ei hybrida Rosy

Gem

Siebert, M. A

Smith, Mr. Worthing-

ton G

Stock-taking

Torquay garden, a ...
Vertailles, the great

terrace at

Week's Work, the—
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

3 is
317
337
3)7
337
339

311
387

343
337

337
343

311

339

332

339
337

336
337
329

335
335
1 35
331
3 '4
331

331
333
333

ILLUSTRAT IONS.

Campanula Vldali growing at the foot of a wall ...

Campanula Vldali, showing the floiters, natural
size

Garden at Koxeth, near Harrow

Pear Doyenne du Cornice

View from Hie great terrace of Versailles (Supple-
mentary Illustration)

A TORQUAY GARDEN.

DUNCAN HOUSE, the charming residence
of Dr. E. Hamilton Ramsay, is situated
close to the beautiful town of Torquay, and
is about 170 feet above the sea level. It
has been in his possession since 1865.
The garden, which has been entirely laid
out and planted by Dr. Ramsay during
his occupancy, and is now not only one
•of the most beautiful in the neighbour-
hood, but is also one of the richest in the
South of England as regards the quantity of
rare exotic plants Which grow and nourish
out-of-doors in this much favoured climate.
The garden slopes in terraces from the
house, lies south-west, and is well sheltered
all round by a broad belt of fine old trees,
rendering it a veritable sun-trap. It is all
arranged with such skill that it conveys the
impression of being much larger than it is
an reality. Altogether it is not more than
nn acre and a quarter in extent, including
house and kitchen garden.

We were recently privileged to make a
tour of inspection of this fine garden, and
wore greatly surprised to see so many com-
paratively tender plants growing so luxuri-

antly out-of-doors summer and winter, most
of which require the protection of a covering
of glass in less favoured districts. A few of
the more important plants observed may be
mentioned. Beginning at the house, the
walls of which are covered with such plants
as Heliotrope — an old plant was in full
flower; this was planted in its present
position thirty-seven years ago. Solanum
jasminoides was covered with blossom, as
was a Myrtle 20 feet high ; Abutilon Boule
de Neige, 10 feet in height, was very attrac-
tive with its large, white blossoms ; Clian-
thus puniceus, Stauntonia latifolia, Habro-
thamnus fascicularis, Wistaria sinensis,
interspersed with Roses, were the chief
plants covering the walls.

Amongst Roses, Marechal Niel was 30 feet
high ; Louis Philippe, an old Rose, was very
effective. Others were Sunset, Marie van Houtte,
Mrs. Bosanquet, Souvenir d'un Ami, and Cra-
moisie Superieure, one of the finest of China
Koses, which here grows 16 feet high, and for ten
months in the year has blooms on it. In a narrow
border in front of the house were growing Con-
volvulus cneorum, a shrub 4 feet high, a native
of the South of Europe, in full flower; Calliste-
mon rigidus, from Australia ; Kestio subverticil-
latus, from the Cape of Good Hope ; Alojsia ci-
triodora in large bushes j Melianthus major, and
large clumps in full flower of Crinum MacOwanii,
and Amaryllis Belladonna.

At the east end of the house was a fine old
plant of Abutilon Due de Malakoff, about 30 feet
high, covered with large re I tilossoms; this
was planted out twenty years ago. Here were
also Fuchsias, single and double-flowered va-
rieties ; one red double-flowered plant was 20 feet
high. Covering the end of an adjoining wall was
a remarkable plant of Sophora tetraptera, from
Chili, which flowers and fruits freely, and is
about 30 feet high. Here also was a fine plant
of Corynocarpus laevigata, a tree from New
Zealand, having large shining foliage; and the
Exmouth variety of Magnolia grandiflora.

On a terrace immediately below the house is a
row of fifteen plants of Cordyline australis,
varying from 15 to 20 feet in height, each
breaking out into several heads at the top, indi-
cating that they had flowered previously; they
were in perfect health, and gave a fine, pictu-
resque appearance to the garden.

A little lower down on this terrace, in front of
the west corner of the house, is a group of the
most remarkable trees probably ever seen
growing out-of-doors in this country — viz , a
group of Palms, several of them being in flower
or fruit. The group consisted of half-a-dozen
trees of Trachycarpus excelsus (Chamjerops ex-
celsa, figured in Gardeners' Chronicle, Dec. 10, 1898),
from 14 to 20 feet high. The ground underneath
was covered with self-sown seedlings ; hundreds
of young Palms were springing up all around.
Other Palms in this group were Chamierops
humilis, about 4 feet high. Phoanix canariensis,
5 feet 2 inches, and a small plant of Corypha
australis. Near at hand were growing Citron
and Orange, Hedychium Gardnerianum, Desfon-
tainea spino3a in flower, Cordyline Banksii in
flower and fruit (figured in the Gardeners'
Chronicle some time ago), Camellias of sorts,
Eucomis, and huge clumps of Canna Indies,
12 feet in diameter.

Lower down in the garden we came across
Colletia horrida, 7 or 8 feet high, having its
sweet-scented white flowers freely produced, and
curious spiny stems ; Miscanthus japonicus
(Eulalia) and Arundo conspicua were most
effective with their feathery plume-like flowers.
The Macartney Rose had a bed to itself, and was
about 4 feet in diameter, simply covered with
its large single white blossoms. A fine tree of

Benthamia (Cornus) fragifera, about 30 feet high,
was laden with its peculiar Strawberry-like fruit ;
Prunus divaricata (Pissardi), a handsome quick-
grow. ng tree, was about 26 feet high, its purple
foliage having an exceedingly fine effect, and
looked at a distance like copper-coloured Beech.

About the centre of the garden are placed two
cement tanks for aquatics, in which several spe-
cies of Nymphsea were luxuriating. Around these
tanks, in a wet piece of ground, Phormium tenax,
New Zealand Flax, was growing vigorously, form-
ing immense clumps 12 ft. through. P. tenax
variegatum was nearly as large and in splendid
health ; P. Cookianum (Colensoi) was the largest
of the group, being no fewer than 14 feet by
8 feet. Several Bamboos were in a very thriving
condition here ; the best were Arundinaria falcata
(Thamnocalamus Falconeri), Arundinaria Simoni,
Bambusa gracilis. Arundinaria japonica (B.
Metake) has been banished from the garden
proper to the shrubbery border on the outskirts,
as it was inclined to overrun and smother every-
thing else in its way. A great mass of Saxifraga
peltata was growing here having leaves nearly
3 feet high, not unlike parasols in appearance ;
Rodgersia podophylla made a fine companion to
this giant Saxifrage. Near at hand was an
enormous plant of Aralia Sieboldi, no fewer than
30 feet wide [now blooming profusely], and Hy-
drangea hortensia 25 yards wide, which produces
blue and pink coloured blossoms on the same
plant. A small bed of Eupatorium odoratum,
3 feet high, was exceedingly pretty.

At the lower end of the garden several Conifers
were very conspicuous. Among the best were
Cupressus macrocarpa, 60 or 70 feet high ; C.
Lawsoniana, 50 feet high ; C. Nootkaensis, 4U feet
high ; Thuya gigantea, 50 feet high ; Podocarpus
andina a small bush, but growing freely, and a
very remarkable Juniper (Juniperus communis
compressa), about twenty years old, and still not
over 7 inches in height, although in perfect
health. Several species of Pittosporum were very
fine, P. Mayii being 40 feet high, P. Tobira,
10 feet ; P. undulatum, P. eugenioides, and others
were present, mostly small plants raised from
seed procured from New Zealand. There were
several large bushes of Choisya ternata, one
being 12 feet in diameter. Fuchsias corallina
and the old F. Riccartonii were abundant, and
Clerodendron trichotomum made a great display.
A large number of New Zealand shrubby Vero-
nicas were planted in a group and flourishing
well; V. Cookiana, 5 feet through, was covered with
flowers, and seedlings were growing up all around.
Amongst others were V. Balfouriana, V. Gird-
woodiana, V. macrocarpa, V. Lewisii, V. Hectori,
&c. Dr. Ramsay drew my attention to several
Dahlias in flower, that had remained out in the
ground for several winters, never having been
lifted. Euonymus japonicus variegatus was used
as a hedge plant, and so treated made a beautiful
object. All around the protection borders were,
here and there, trees of Laurus nobilis. Sweet
Bay, 30 feet high many of them, and covered with
fruit ; self-sown seedlings of Sweet Bay were
springing up abundantly everywhere.

Many distinguished personages have at various
times visited this garden. Queen Alexandra,
when Frincess of Wales, accompanied by the
Duchess of Sutherland and the Countess of Cro-
martie, honoured Dr. Ramsay by paying a visit
to his fine garden in the year 1S87 (Jubilee
year).

Dr. Ramsay is an enthusiastic gardener, and
takes a great interest in everything connected
with the welfare of gardeners. He has recently
been elected President of the Torquay and Dis-
trict Gardeners' Association for the tenth year in
succession. There is ample evidence everywhere
present of the loving care and devotion which ho
has bestowed on his garden during the intervals
of a busy professional life. Robert Lindsay.

330

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 14, 1903.

CAMPANULA VIDALI IN THE
OPEN.

I lately contributed a short note on the subject
of the accompanying illustration. The specimen
was planted out from a pot in the spring of last
year in front of a wall, and flowered fairly well
during the summer. As an experiment it was
left entirely unprotected throughout the whole
winter, which it passed through without the
slightest harm. In the spring it began to make
strong growth and eventually threw up thirty-
three flower-spikes, the tallest reaching a height
of 35 inches from the ground and carrying
eighteen blossoms ; while in all the plant, at the
time I photographed it, was [carrying about 400
blooms. Its main stem, from the top of which
the flower-shoots are thrown out, is woody,

very waxy and substantial in texture, and stand
out from the flower-stems on foot-stalks about
2 inches in length, some of which carry three or
more blooms, giving the plant a distinct character.
Campanula Vidali was introduced into this
country in 1851, and has for years been a fairly
common occupant of the conservatory, where it is
useful for summer decoration. 8. TV. Fitzhcrbert,
Kingswear, South Devon.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

Messes. Hooley Bros , of Southampton, send
us a Cattleya bloom in which two flowers are
united Siamese-twin fashion. There are five
sepal?, three petals (two lateral and one posterior),'

Fig. 139.— campanula vidali growing at the foot of a wall.

9 inches in height and 4 inches in circumference.
It was at its best at the end of July, but, curiously
enough, it has since produced a second crop of
flowers, and is now (November 7) again in bloom.
This time it ha3 thrown up ten flower-shoots, the
largest one far exceeding any of the summer
flower-shoots in size, and bearing thirty-four
blossoms. Unfortunately every growth made this
year has developed into a flowering one, and I
therefore greatly doubt the plant's surviving the
coming winter. I have never met with this
Campanula permanently planted out in the open,
though it is quite possible that there may be
other instances besides that of the plant here
illustrated. I have, however, several times met
with it flowering in the open, but this was where
the pots were plunged in the border and were
removed to glass protection in the winter. As
may be seen, a good specimen of this native of
the Azores is an attractive sight when in full
flower, the long, white, drooping bells, which are

two lip3 and two olumn3, in all twelve parts
instead of fourteen. The two parts that have
been thus crowded out are one sepal and one
petal.

ODONTOGLOSSUM GRANDE.

This, the largest- flowered and perhaps showiest
Odontoglossum, has been more plentifully repre-
sented in gardens this season than it has ever
been since its discovery by Mr. G. Ure Skinner in
the shady ravines near the city of Guatemala in
1830. For many years it was steadily destroyed
in hothouses, and even since it has been known
that it wants cool treatment it has not been so
successfully grown in the cold-house as O. cris-
pum and others of that cla3s, because it requires
a rather drier atmosphere, especially during the
flowering season. Usually it does best in a cool
intermediate- house with Lycastes, &c.

A very fine show of this rich yellow-and-brown
Odontoglossum has been in the nurseries of
Messrs. Stanley, Ashton & Co. at Southgate.

For the latter part of the time the show of O.
grande has been rivalled by the Cattleya labiata,
of which over a thousand blooms expanded last
week. Miltonias and other Brazilian Orchids are-
also well represented.

Odontoglossum crispum.
Plants of this species to the number of 14,000s
newly-imported pieces were offered for sale at
Messrs. Protheroe & Morris' rooms on Friday
30th ult., and buyers evidently expected some-
good things to be among them. In the early part
of the sale the prices varied, some making 5s-
each, and others much less, and I think a few
made more money. I did not follow the sale-
through, there being upwards of 3,000 lots, but
from the attendance and the interest shown it
must have been a good sale. I gathered from
one well able to judge that-it was expected that
the whole of the lots would be disposed of.

Cypripedium insigne.
Improved and hybrid varieties of this useful
Orchid were in demand at this sale. A few good
varieties made high prices. One plant, sold as
Cypripedium insigne variety, without any dis-
tinctive name, started at a low price, and was
eventually knocked down for CO guineas. C. in-
signe Harefield Hall, a plant not in flower made-
15 gs., and one with one bloom 26 gs. ; small
pieces of C. insigne Sanders made from 5i to-
OJ gs. each ; a plant of C. Pollettianum magni-
ficum 9J gs., C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum with,
two growths 44 gs., C. Mandise 15 gs., and C.
Harrisonianum superbum x concolor, 12 gs-.
Other varieties sold equally well.

New Hybrid Cattleya.
A new hybrid Cattleya imported by L'Horticul-
ture Coloniale (Brussels), and recently shown
before the Soeiete Nationale d'Horticulture de
France, is described by M. Grignan in the Revue
Horticole, as follows : — " Cattleya Duchesnei X "
This plant, exhibited to the Society by M. E.
Duchesne, Managing Director of the Society
known as " L'Horticulture Coloniale " of Brussels,
is of great interest. It was received in an im-
portation of C. Harrisonia?, and at once attracted1
attention by its different habit, similar to that of
C. bicolor. When it flowered for the first time
in early October it became evident that it was a-
natural hybrid between these two species. ■ The
flowers, as large as those of C. Harrisonise, have
petals with wavy edges, broader than those of C.
bicolor, as are the sepals, and like them of a-
brownish wine red colour which is quite a blend
of the tints of its two parents. The lip resembles
C. bicolor most in form and Harrisonia? in colour -T
the tube is sulphury- white, as is the disc ; the
anterior lobe shows one clear crimson spot. This-
novelty is the more interesting for the fact that
C. bicolor and C. Harrisonia; have not been
artificially crossed under cultivation."

NURSERY NOTES.

MESSES. CHARLESWORTH & CO.'S,
BRADFORD.

One of the few horticultural firms in this country
devoting its attention exclusively to Orchid-
culture is that of Messrs. Charlesworth. To those
who know the small efforts made in the neigh-
bourhood of Bradford at Orchid- culture a few
years back, and compare the extensive premises
now devoted by the firm under notice, not only
to the cultivation of orchidaceous plants in
general, but to one of the most comprehensive-
collections of hybrids raised in this country, such
a large trade establishment will come as an
agreeable surprise.

The hybrids in themselves are very numerous>
in size ranging from the minute germinating

November 14, 1903.]

THE GARD ENER S ' CUR ONI CL E.

331

plant to thousands of others showing their
flower-sheaths for the first time. In addition
to these, there are large batches of hybrids,
■especially of Cattleyas, on every hand. In one
■division I noted scores of plants of Laelio-Cattleya
x Gottoiana, L.-C. x G. S. Ball, L.-C. x Charles-
worthii, L.-C. x Baden-Powell, L.-C. x Bletch-
leyensis, Laelia Mary Gratrix, with its attractive
coloured flowers ; and just about to burst into
flower were extensive and varied collections of
hybrids derived from plants which have Cattleya
Bowringiana as one of the parents. What a
striking addition to the winter-flowering Cat-
tleyas these in their varied forms make ! How
they contrast with the more recently introduced
varieties raised from C. granulosa ! The most
striking of these in flower at the present time
are C. iris (C. bicolor x C. aurea) and
C. marginata. Here the yellow has blended
with the green, and the offspring has a desir-
able bronzy tint in the petals. The colour in
the lips of the different varieties in flower
showed much contrast. C. x Chamberlainiana
(Dowiana aurea :■: Leopoldii) is well represented ;
it is a striking new hybrid, derived by crossing
<3. Schilleriana and C. Triana3. The habit and
general characteristics are intermediate between
these two ; the sepals and petals are of deep rosy-
Ulac tint; the lip of a crimson-purple tint,
suffused with yellow at the base.

Several fine plants of C. Dowiana aurea were
expanding, and among them a most striking
variety of C. x Hardyana, a natural hybrid,
in which the sepals and petals are feathered and
veined with rosy-purple. A plant just coming
into flower of C. Dowiana rosita, which caused so
much sensation when placed before the Orchid
Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society a
season or two since, is in the finest possible con-
dition. Named varieties of typical Cattleyas of
great excellence are a specialty, more particularly
the albinos, such as C. Gaskelliana alba, C.
Harrisons alba, C. Skinneri alba, the white
varieties of C. Mossiie and C. labiata being in
good, healthy, flowering condition.

Vandas, Aerides, Angroecunis, and other in-
mates of the warmer houses, are represented by
well-grown plants. Particularly noticeable were
the natural hybrid Vandas, including V. Mooreii,
V. Charlesworthii, and V. amcena Lauchiana.
The Aerides in flower comprised well-grown plants ■
•of A. Lawrences, and the rare Angraeeum Eich-
lerianum. Suspended from the roofs were bota-
nical curios such as Bulbophyllum, Cirrhopetalum,
Catasetum, &e. An extensive collection in fine
■condition of Ana;ctochilus and its allied genera
such as is rarely met with in collections.

Until the last year or two the cultivation of
Phalaenopsis suffered much from neglect. To
•observe such a large number of plants as is here
brought together cannot but help to illustrate
the desirable qualities of their flowers and to
■once more bring them into general cultivation.
Thousands of plants of P. Schilleriana and other
species are in the fiuest condition, and will
furnish a grand display by-and-by.

Cypripediuuis are another specialty, and the
■collection comprises practically all the recent
introductions and the rarest species and hybrids
in cultivation. The most prominent among them
are C. x Venus, Oakwood var. (insigne Sandera1
x niveum), which was so finely illustrated in the
Gardeners' Chronicle at tbe time that it received
a First-class Certificate at the Royal Horticul-
tural Society early last year. Mr. Burkinshaw's
variety of C. Godfroya) leucochilum, so much
admired at the first show at Holland House ; C.
Baron Schroder (Pairieanum x cenanthum su-
perbum), some remarkably large specimen plants
■of C. Niobe, C. Helen II., C. Dora Crawshaw, and
a representative collection of the bellatulum
.section of hybrid Cypripediums ; C. triumphans
among the darker-tinted hybrids. The varied

characteristics of the C. Charlesworthii x C.
insigne hybrids are displayed in a large batch of
plants. An importation of C. Spicerianum struck
me as containing several distinct forms, many of
the seed-pods being produced on scapes which are
upwards of 18 inches in length, and the leaves
are likewise very distinct.
^Mexican Oneidiums, which are will repre-

course of opening, including the rare variety O.
g. aureum. This plant has been imported largely
the last few years, and there is no reason to sup-
pose it will not be grown in quantity. Suspended
from the roofs were plants of Sophronitis and
nearly a complete collection of the Sophro-
Cattleya hybrids, many of them in bud^or with
flowers about to expand.

FlCi. 140.— CAMPANULA VIDALI

NATURAL SIZE.
(SEE P. 330.)

FLOWERS PORCELAIN- WHITE.

sented, showed some attractive natural hybrids
in flower. Oneidiums of the O. macranthum and
O. superbien3 sections are grown in great quantity,
and are developing flower-scapes freely.

In one of the cool Orchid- houses an extensive
batch of rare and interesting Masdevallias is
growing, as also a well-nigh complete collection
of hybrids. It is a great pity the quaint charac-
teristics of this genus do not appeal to present-
day cultivators. In an adjoining division there
were some hundreds of Odontoglossum grande in

The Odontoglossums present a fine appearance,
and several varieties of O. crispum were in flower.
A large batch of 0. cirrosum showed a forest of
flower-spikes that will make a good display in due
course. 0. Edwardi thrives here, and the various
species were well, represented. O. crispum was
represented in immense quantities, ranging from
imported plants to some of the finest imaginable
spe omens. The choice varieties include O. c.
Luciani, 0. c. Princess Maude, one of the finest
of the punetatissimum section ; O. c. Starlight,

332

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 14, 190X

O. c. hololeucum, O. c. Queen-Empress, O. c.
virginale, and others. Varieties such as O.
Laelio-purpureum Vuyl$tekianum, O. Pescatorei
Oharlesworthii (which latter received a First-elass
Certificate at the Temple Show a year ago), were
noted. The natural and garden hybrids are speci-
alities, and an extensive collection of 0. x Adrianae
was showing flower-scapes ; O. x Hallio-crispum
and O. Harryano-crispum have flower-scapes in
a forward state ; and just about to expand their
flowers were plants of the home-raised O. Harry-
ano-triumphans, the most attractive of its sec-
tion. As with others engaged in hybridizing
Orchids, the Odontoglossums receive Mr. Charles-
worth's special attention, and judging from the
number of crosses nude, the results can scarcely
fail to bring satisfactory results. Mr. Charlesworth
may be trusted not to make haphazard crosses.
The undowered Orchid-hybrids fill six houses,
each some 150 feet or more in length. This will
convey to readers an idea of the extent of the
establishment. H. J. C.

South Hirrow, there is a row of large Laurels,
with their leaves almost touching the gas-holders,
and quite near to them the Hawthorns bloom well
in their season. In the little greenhouse Maiden-
hair Ferns, Fuchsias, and other flowering plants
are perfect in foliage and flower ; and the Tomatos
are fruiting. The fact is that not all that is said
about the injurious effect on vegetation by gas-
works and factories is true. In dwelling-houses
and other confined places gas quickly causes
damage, but in the open air the injury often
pointed out as the effect of gas or odour from
chemical works is generally the consequence of
curtailed water supply, causing drought, and the
injury more often than not comes from the root.
In the neighbourhood of London and other large
places where building developments have spread
over what used to be agricultural land, evidence
of this is given in the trees, which remain either
dying wholly or in part year after year. Those
trees have been raised by an existing water-
supply, and when the new drainage systems take

Fig. 141. — a garden at roxet(j, near harrow.

A GAS-WORKS GARDEN.

Our illustration (fig. 141), taken from a photo-
graph, represents a part of the pretty little
garden of Mr. Chas. Chambers, Assistant Manager
to the Harrow and Stanmore Gas Company, and
whose garden beside his house is under one of
the gas-holders, a part of which may be seen in
the illustration. Even although this has been a
bad year for gardens, and the small one alluded
to has been much finer in previous years, it has
notwithstanding had a very fine show of flowers,
the old crimson Clove Carnations, which occupy a
considerable part of the rockery borders, having
had a large supply of flowers, especially on the
higher one, which has also been showy with
Columbines, &c. At present some of the Carna-
tions are still in bloom ; and Asters, Pelargoniums,
Fuchsias, Mignonette, and other flowers, for
brightness and good quality compare favour-
ably with those in other gardens. Mr. J. L.
Chapman, the clever engineer and secretary of
the Company, is also a great lover of flowers, and
favours the keeping of shrubs, flowers, &c, about
the works. Consequently, at the entrance in

a large proportion of that supply away the trees
cannot maintain their dimensions, and have to
die back to a size which the water supply can
nourish.

FLORISTS' FLOWERS.

MADAME FRANCO CARNATION.
This variety still holds its own amongst our
winter-flowering Carnations. At Penrhyn Castle
it is decidedly a long way ahead of all other
varieties. Its perfect tree form, habit, the
lovely deep colour and fragrance of bloom,
render it all that can be desired. It is very
liable to burst its calyx, but that is easy to
remedy by means of a small elastic band. We
have had in a small span-roofed house about
400 of this variety in bloom in 7-ineh pots,
and several hundred blooms which, when fully
expanded, measured 4 inches in diameter,
with hundreds of buds at all stages to fol-
low. Last year I cut almost daily, and on
Christmas morning I counted 400 perfectly ex-

panded blooms.^. Daybreak is another good variety,
but smaller and lighter in colour. Mrs. J. W. Law-
son with'us is only moderately good, and quite
third-class as compared with Franco. Winter
Cheer^is one of our favourite scarlets ; W. Robin-
son is also excellent, but rather shy ; J. P. Rugus
is also good, and I intend to grow more of it j
Mrs. J. Brooks, perhaps the best white in culti-
vation, is also noteworthy. Now, a great number
of varieties which are classed as winter-bloomers
disappoint one, for after giving a few blooms in.
the autumn they fail to produce any more till the
spring, which means very little return for a,
season's attention.

There are also a few varieties — take Duchess of
Devonshire for instance — which with us will not.
stand open-air treatment in summer. Certainly
the rainfall is rather heavy during the early part
of the autumn ; but the ' plant never seems
vigorous at any time. Next year it is my inten-
tion to give this and other delicate growers the
protection of some frame-lights ; this will incur a.
little extra work ; and indeed it is only the*
grower himself who knows the amount of time
these winter favourites require. John Kneller.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

(Continued from p. 3'4 )

Some Letters from John Salter. — At this
season of the year, when the attention of large
numbers of our gardening friends is turned
towards the Chrysanthemum, an article by
M. Felix Sahut bearing the above title cornea
with peculiar appropriateness. The article in
question appears in Le Chrysantlume, the official
organ of the French National Chrysanthemum
Society, and was called forth by some remarks-
that appeared in a paper written by Mr. Harman
Payne, and read at the Bordeaux Conference o?
the French National Chrysanthemum Society two-
years ago. The late John Salter died at least a.
generation ago, and there are few of the present-
day growers in England or France who can claim
to have known him personally.

Following the article to which we have referred',
a request was made to M. Felix Sahut to look
up his correspondence with the eminent English
grower, with the result that M. Sahut has con-
tributed an article of extracts from letters and
personal recollections extending from 185G to
1SC5, and which occupies seven pages of inter-
esting reminiscences.

Salter, as we know, left England in 1838 and!
went to Versailles, where he started a nursery in.
the Avenue de la Picardie. It would be inter-
esting to know whether this establishment exists
still. In 1848, owing to political changes, Salter
returned to England and established himself at
Hammersmith, in a place which he called the
Versailles Nursery. It is evident that he kept
in constant communication with many of his
French colleagues, exchanging novelties with
them, as some of our importers do nowadays,
and in purchasing seed of them, and thus con-
tinuing in so remarkable and successful a way
here in England the work that he had previously
done in France.

Evidently Mr. Salter, in exchange for seed
furnished by M. Sahut, \ised to forward him a.
selection of plants, some of which he had raised
from the seed thus received. In the list of
varieties sent to M. Sahut in 1S61 we notice-
Golden Christine, Golden Queen of England,
Alfred Salter, and Little Harry. The last-named
we have not seen for years, but it was a lovely
orange-amber incurved that used to make a
charming specimen plant. In this type, at any
rate, we have made no progress of late, for many
of the so-called modern incurved are coarse,
ungainly, mongrel-bred varieties, whose only
claim is size.

November 14, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

333

M. Sahut is emphatic on the excellent relations
that have always existed between French and
English Chrysanthemum growers, a condition of
things which has now become traditional.

Mr. Salter, in the last letter quoted, says : — " I
am in the course of publishing a little work,
illustrated with engravings, on the history and
cultivation of this flower, and shall have much
pleasure in offering you a copy." The modesty
of the man in calling his book " a little work " is
characteristic, for no one who knows it would
speak of it in that way. This courteous, modest
and genial character was evidently one of the
secrets of John Salter's success, and seems
especially to have endeared him to men like
M. Felix Sahut. C. H. P.

Some Calvat Novelties.

At the time of writing these notes it was rather
early to prophesy, but there are already numerous
indications that some of the new seedlings of
M. Ernest Calvat will be quite up to his average.
In looking round one of the trade displays I
noticed very fine examples of Madame L. Chev-
rant, Princesse Bassaraba de Brancovan, Madame
Paolo Radaelli, Madame Waldeck Rousseau, Ma-
dame C. Nagelnackers — these, of course, are not
new, but by comparison we were able to judge of
the present year's set.

Souvenir de Calvat pere is a long-petalled
Japanese, rather broad, a big promising flower, in
colour rosy-white, tinted rose and yellow. Phedre,
which was pronounced to be the best of the Calvat
set of this year, was so early that it was over and
done with by the third week in October. Emile
Loubet is a grand pure white, very deep in build,
and having florets of great length. Jean Calvat,
a monster globular Japanese ; the florets are of
medium width, pointed at the tips, the colour
deep golden yellow, tinted chestnut. Lohen-
grin is a Japanese having large drooping
florets, very deep in build, fine orange-yellow,
tinted deep carmine. Mile. Marthe Morel is of
a peculiarly delicate shade of colour, being flesh-
white, slightly tinted mauve ; this too is a very
large Japanese. Henri IE., a flower deep and
globular; a Japanese incurved, colour crimson
and gold with florets pointed at the tips. Some-
what different in form is M. H. Martignier, which
can be best described as a close, compact, deeply-
built reflexed Japanese, in colour golden-yellow,
shaded pale chestnut. Mme. Henri Douillet is a
big solid Japanese incurved, a lovely shade of
rosy amaranth ; florets very broad, reverse
silvery. Mile. Alb. Bertrand ; in size this is
immense — a Japanese, very deep in build, and the
colour pale lilac-mauve. Last to be noted is
Etienne Bonnefond, which is quite up to Cal vat's
standard ; this is a Japanese incurved, with very
deeply - grooved florets, globular in form and
close in build ; fine deep golden-yellow tinted
purple. C. H. P.

Japanese Culture of Chrysanthemums.

At the recent Paris Chrysanthemum Show,
held in the large greenhouses on the Cours la
Reine, and which formed the Palace of Horti-
culture during the great International Exhibition
of 1900, Mr. W. Hata, a Japanese gardener, ex-
hibited four curiously trained plants in large
square wooden tubs or boxes. The plants were
struck in February last, and were the following
varieties : Eda Prass, Calvat's Australian Gold,
Viviand Morel, and Mme. Gustave Henry.

The system adopted was the same as that
shown in 190(1 by Mr. Foukouba, gardener to the
Emperor of Japan. By means of wire supports
and a lattice-work of wood the branches were
trained into large, square-shaped pyramids, the
blooms all arranged at regular intervals, and
numbering about 130 on each plant. They are
very curious monuments of human ingenuity and
patience. C. H. P.

Cbrtsanthemums at Swanlet.

The ever-extended invitation to " Come and
see " induced me to pay a recent visit to the
" Home of Flowers," Messrs. Cannell's well-
known establishment at Swanley, the chief object
at this season being to view the show of Chrys-
anthemums.

Mr. Cannell, sen., has loog been connected with
the growth of this favourite autumn flower, and,
in fact, he may be said to have been instrumental
in bringing the now popular Japanese into public
recognition.

About the year 1861, when a few of the first
introduced varieties of Japanese that had been
brought over by Mr. Fortune were exhibited (I
believe by Messrs. Veitch & Sons), the florists
and Chrysanthemum fanciers of that day looked
coldly upon the loose and ragged-looking flowers,
much preferring the incurved varieties. In a con-
versation with Mr. H. Cannell. he mentioned that

are therefore valuable on that account. They
are no good for small specimen plants, as their
habit is rather long, and they require to be-
treated similar to the cut bloom varieties, that is.
to say, to let the plant grow upright. They
require good cultivation. A few of these mixed
with Azaleas and other greenhouse shrubs in
mid-winter have a grand appearance, and wilL
excite the curiosity and admiration of everyone,
for their colours are very striking, resembling
some vhat the plumage of tropical birds ; and
others have the appearance of tassels made up of
various kinds of beautiful coloured silk, and others
of narrow strips of paper. If damp is kept from
the ii they will continue in bloom a long time."

The cultivation of the Japanese Chrysanthe-
mum still goes on actively at Swanley, and in
quantity naturally now much beyond that of any
other class, although the singles are receiving due
attention as being likely to become more popular

Fl3. 142. — PEAK DOYENNE DU COMICE. (SEE I'. 3-'!-!.)

he well remembered the first Japanese exhibited in
18G1. In the centre of the stand was a bloom of
the bronze-red incurved variety John Salter ;
this was much admired, but the Japanese gained
but scant admiration. Mr. Cannell, however,
thought rightly there was a future for this class,
and at once took up their cultivation. Looking
back into one of his early catalogues (18G9),
I find the following varieties enumerated i —
Aurantium, Comet, Leopard, Red Dragon,
Robert Fortune, Tarantula, The Daimio, and
Wizard; and in the 1871 catalogue Meg Merri-
lies, Dr. Masters, grandiflora, and James Salter,
are among others mentioned. These latter were
introduced by John Salter and are still in culti-
vation, and the white sport from James Salter
(Lady Selborne) is yet grown in considerable
quantity for market. It may be of interest
to quote the following from the 1809 cata-
logue above mentioned: — "These (Japanese)
are certainly very novel in appearance, and are
distinct from the ordinary kinds of Chrysanthe-
mums. Most of the varieties do not fully
develop their flowers until about Christmas, and

in the neir future. I found the large show house>
filled with plants carrying for the most part
blooms of exhibition quality. One of the first to
attract attention was Red Carnot, an Australian-
raised variety of dwarf habit ; Madame Paolo
Radaelli, a large white tinged with pink ; Lord
Hopetoun, like an improved E. Molyneux ; Ethel
Fitzroy, bronze with yellow stripes; Josephine
Rhu, rich plum colour ; General Hutton, very
fine, broad petalled, yellow ; Beauty of Sussex j
Colonel Wetherall, bronze incurving florets ; Ex-
mouth Rival, fine rich glowing red, one of the
best in this class; Commonwealth, large creamy-
white ; T. Humphreys, chestnut ; Lady Hope-
toun, rose. Among many others the fine whites
Mrs. J. Lewis and Mutual Friend were also con-
spicuous. The whole of the plants were of some-
what dwarf dimensions, the blooms were extra,
fine, and no plants 'of undue height, some in 32's
with single stems carrying magnificent blooms.

Among singles the following were good : Sun-
beam, Mirguerite, George Forbes, Mrs. II. J.
Bitten, Horatio, Mrs. A. Briscoe, besides many
unnamed seedlings. The original golden-yellow

334

THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE.

[November 14, 1903.

C. indicum is also here grown under temporary
frame and mat shelters j many thousands of
plants were growing for the furnishing of late
cut flowers, and an abundance of healthy cuttings
for future stock and distribution. Among other
noteworthy subjects noticed were the large collec-
tions of flowering zonals j and of Begonias the
variety Gloire de Lorraine was in splendid
condition. C. H.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.

Chrysanthemums are now coming in in over-
whelming quantities. Pot-plants are over-plen-
tiful, but growers do not seem inclined to part
with good stuff under 12s. per dozen ; some make
more, and ordinary stuff goes out at much less,
and a good many remained unsold. Erica hye-
malis is now in, well-flowered plants making 12s.
per dozen. E. gracilis and E. Caffra are also
plentiful at 9s. to 12s. per dozen. Begonia Gloire
■de Lorraine and the Turnford Hall variety, the
latter, splendid plants, at 18s. per dozen. Ver-
bena Miss Willmott is still to be seen in very
good condition. Bouvardias in flower are plen-
tiful and cheap. Lily of the Valley in pots from
18s. to 30s. per dozen.

Perns are still over-plentiful ; really good stuff of
■ordinary sorts goes very slowly, even when offered
as low as 4s. per dozen. Maidenhairs are perhaps
■a little short just now, except in small sizes.
Immense quantities of small Ferns of ordinary
sorts remain on the market. Hardy shrubs are
now coming in in large quantities, but they do
not go freely at present, and there seems very
little demand for Palms. Good Kentias may be
had at much below usual prices. Some good
Crotons are in ; but when we see these going out
■on the hawkers' barrows it indicates bad trade.
Aspidistras, green and variegated, also Dracama
Bruanti, are plentiful ; the variegated Aspidistras
of course keep up to a good price.

Cut Flowers.— The trade may be a little better
than for pot plants, but with these there is a super-
abundance of most things. Chrysanthemums are
■on every side. It would be misleading to give
prices, for they vary so much. Some of°the best
sell fairly well, but buyers have things pretty
much their own way, and there must be large
quantities left unsold. Lilium longiflorum,
L. auratum, and L. lancifolium rubrum are all
very plentiful ; also Callas. Poses are very
plentiful, but there are not many of the larger
blooms just now. English Violets are now
■coming in, and Parmas are plentiful and good.
Azalea mollis from retarded plants, Orchid
bloom, especially Cattleyas and Cypripediuin?,
Tuberoses on stems, Bouvardias, and a variety of
other useful cut bloom. The weather prevents
buyers from taking more than is actually wanted.
If we could only get a spell of bright fine
weather it would help the flower trade con-
siderably. November 5.

There is little that is fresh to be seen in the
market this week. It is still overburdened with
Chrysanthemums. Among those in pots Caprice
du Printemps, a very pretty deep pink, is a
favourite. Some useful small plants are now
selling at Gs. per dozen, but the larger ones still
keep up to 12s. per dozen. If anyone can find a
good white to do as well as Eyecroft Glory, they
would do a great service and make money. From
what I saw of a small batch of plants in a nur-
sery a few days ago, I think Souvenir de Petite
Amie is worth more attention than it gets. Dis-
budded, it makes good blooms, and is dwarf.
Well-berried Solanums are now coming in plenti-
fully, and make from Gs. to, 10s. per dozen. Of
Begonias, the Turnford Hall variety goes out
freely, but there are too many Gloire de Lorraine
for the demand just now. Those who can keep
them until December will do well. Continental-

grown Aspidistras and Dracaena Bruanti are now
plentiful, also Palms ; but trade for these might
be much better. Shrubs in pots sell better, and
there seems a little better trade for Ferns, but
there is much room for still further improve-
ment. Growers generally complain of bad trade,
and many are suffering from flooded stoke-holds.

In cut flowers buyers can still have things
pretty much their own way ; Carnations are
plentiful, the long-stemmed American varieties
make about 3s. per dozen blooms. Gardenias
make only about Is. to Is. 6d. per dozen ; Eucharis
are cheap ; Stephanotis is making a little better
price; Orchid-blooms seem plentiful. At the
close of the market there were plenty of Odonto-
glossum crispum, Cattleya labiata, Cypripedium
insigne, and Odontoglossum grande to be seen on
the stands. Narcissus yellow Soleil is already in.
Lily of the Valley is plentiful, Lilium auratum in
large quantities. This may be useful for large
decorations, but for ordinary florist's work there
can be but little demand. There is still a plentiful
supply of Arums and Lilium longiflorum. Roses
Catherine Mermet is very plentiful, also Perle de
Jardins, very good blooms ; out-door Eoses are
small and begin to look much weather-beaten.
Dahlias still continue to come in, but, except
bright scarlet, they are little wanted now that
'•'Mums" are so plentiful. All kinds of cut
foliage is abundant; the hardy autumn-tinted
foliage makes fair prices where it is bright and
clean. Among this I noticed some very brightly-
coloured leaves of Spiraea Lindleyana. The
Golden Privet is now a favourite for cut foliage.
Bronzy and red-tinted Oak is also used plentifully.
A. H. November 12.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle
Bictou, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire. '

Azaleas. — A few plants with prominent flower-
buds of the Fielder's white, Narcissiflora and
Deutsche Perle may be introduced into a house
having a temperature at night of 60°. Water at
the root should be applied with care, and the
plants afforded weak soot-water, which is one of
the best manures ; and though less water is
required at the root, it should not be assumed
that the soil may become dry as dust before
water is afforded. These latter remarks are
applicable to all hard-wooded plants now under
g'ass. Azileas should have their growths eo
trained that by the time they flower in sprin"
each bloom will be shown to the best advantage."

Freesias. — It is hardly safe to leave these bulbs
in cold frames after this date, and the best places
for them are light shelves about 2 feet distant
from the roif in the greenhouse. Any attempt to
force these bulbs is sure to end in failure, however
strong and promising they may have appeared
previously. Place another band of raffia around
the supports to prevent the bending of the
foliage, and afford a small quantity of weak
guano-water at weekly intervals.

Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia). — Maintain
a drier atmosphere overhead when the bracts are
forming, and apply mild manure-water occasion-
ally, but avoid having the soil very moist. A
night temperature of G0° to 65° will be suitable
at the present time. When the tops have to be
cut for house decoration, sever them a few hours
previously, and place the butt-ends in very hot
water, where they should remain till required for
use, thus closing to a certain extent the sap-
vessels, and preventing the bracts and leaves from
drooping.

Gardenias. — In many establishments Gardenia
flowers are required throughout the year, and for
the winter supply the plants should be specially
grown, and afforded a rest in early summer.
When started to flower they should receive a
temperature of 75° or 80°, with abundant
syringing. In order to carry out this treatment
properly a house should be set apart for them,

and even then it is not an easy matter to obtain a
large quantity of flowers during the next two
months. Better results follow when the plants
are rested till the new year, and increased heat
and moisture afforded as the days lengthen. Very
little water at the root will be necessary with a
night temperature of 58° to 60°, which will be a
suitable one ; and if mealy-bug infest the plants,
the latter should be frequently laid on their sides
and syringed with a mixture of petroleum in
quantity one wineglassful to every 3| gallons of
soapy water at 112° of warmth. This should be
washed off ten minutes afterwards with the
syringe and clear water at the same tempera-
ture. Gardenias planted-out in beds should be
cleansed with a sponge, using a small brush for
cleansing the points of the shoots.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to-Capt. Q. L.
Holfohd, Westonbirt. Tetbury.

Deciduous Dendrobiums. — Most of these species
having completed their growth should be placed
all together in a house having a warmth, of 55° to
rest, being afforded plenty of fresh air and sun-
shine. In severe weather the temperature of the
house may be permitted to drop to 50°. Water
should be applied very moderately for a few
months, more especially if leaf-soil be used in the
compost. The growths of such species as densi-
florum, thyrsiflorum, Farmeri, chrysotoxum, and
suavissimum having now developed, the plants
may be rested with the above and afforded the
warmer part of the house. Only a moderate
amount of water will be needed whilst the plants
are resting, just enough in fact as will prevent the
shrivelling of the pseudo-bulbs and keep them
healthy.

Lcelia anceps. — The varieties of this useful
short-bulbed species have their flower-spikes well
advanced at the present date, and these should be
slungup neatly to stakes, and occasionally afforded
a cleansing with a wet sponge drawn up them so
as to remove the sticky substance that accumu-
lates at the tops of the spikes. This obviates the
sticking of the upper bracts to the flower-buds,
and allows the flowers to open more freely. Till
flowering is passed, a moderate supply of water
at the roots should be afforded, and afterwards
the plants should have a long rest, and water
very sparingly applied. A position should be found
for these plants when in flower on the stage in
the Cattleya-house, in a light position, and where
fresh air can reach them. Plants of choice
varieties which have formed weakly pseudo-
bulbs should have their flower-spikes removed
forthwith.

L. autumnalis, L. Goldiana, L. albida. — These
plants, like the foregoing, are developing their
flower-spikes, and should have similar treatment
afforded. After flowering is over and the bulbs
are matured, a long rest should be afforded in a
cool, airy house, suspending the plants from
roof in full light. Water should be applied
long intervals of time, i.e , when the pseudo-bulbs
show signs of shrivelling.

L. harpophylla is a species that flowers iu the
spring, and the growths are now developing
rapidly, and a moderate supply of moisture is
needed at the root. L. harpophylla affords very
satisfactory results if grown iu ajpeat and leaf-soil
compost like that recommended for Cattleyas.
The plant should be given at all times a light
position at the cooler end of the intermediate-
house.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Flemino, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

The Mushroom - house. — Continue to collect
materials, and spread them in an open shed,
turning them frequently to dissipate some of the
rank ammonia fumes and promote sweetness. Beds
in full bearing, as the soil becomes dry, may be
afforded weak farmyard or stable liquid manure,
mixing it with hot water before applying it.
Bain-water is the best for use on Mushroom-
beds. The heat which arises from the fresh
materials employed in forming new beds usually
gives off sufficient heat to the house till hard
weather ensues, and is mere beneficial to the

November H, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

335

growth of Mushrooms than fire-heat. The tem-
perature of the house should range from 55° to
CO", and the paths be damped down once or twice
daily as may be required. Remove the litter
from off the outside beds once in three weeks,
substituting for it a good thickness of fresh litter.

Celery. — When the weather is fine and the soil
in a dry state let the late crop be moulded up as
fast as it becomes sufficiently advanced in growth.
The Celery-fly (Nephritis) is very prevalent among
Celery crops this season ; in fact, on all Celery
plants that have come under my notice this
troublesome pest has been observed at work on a
large scale. In the generality of years the
numbers of the fly may be kept in check by the
timely removal of the infested leaves or parts of
leaves, and applying fresh soot or some suitable
insecticide ; but not so this season, for the growth
of the plants has been checked by rain and
low temperatures, and the spread of the pest
favoured. If hard frost appears imminent the
Celery-ridges should be covered with long, dry
litter or bracken, removing this on change of
the weather.

Parsnips. — These roots should be left in the
ground till January, but covering a sufficient
quantity of them with litter for temporary needs
in the event of frost sealing the ground.

Jerusalem Artichokes.— Let the stems be cut off
within 1 foot of the ground, and a portion of the
crop covered with straw or lifted and stored.

Broccoli. — Gardeners adopt various methods in
protecting these plants from frost. If the heeling-
in method be carefully carried out in gardens
where Broccolis cannot be wintered with success
unprotected in some manner, the greater portion
of a crop will pass through a severe winter almost
uninjured. In heeling-in open a trench about
15 inches in width at the northern side of the
plantation, and gently push over the plants back-
ward with their heads pointing to that side,
disturbing by so doing the roots as little as
possible. The soil should then be broken up
finely and worked carefully and very firmly round
the stems, only leaving the heads of leaves above
the ground level, the soft stems being kept just
below the soil. If frosts are unusually severe, a
light covering of straw or bracken placed over
them will afford great protection and preserve
them in the most severe winters. Plants now
turning-in should, when sharp frosts set in, be
taken up, each with a good ball of earth, and
planted in a frame or open shed.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By /. C. Taliack, Gardener to E. Miller Mundy.Esu ,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Clearing up and Planting. — Slight frosts have
brought the flowering season almost to an
end. Dahlias and tender subjects in general
have been blackened, and even Asters, Pentste-
mons, Chrysanthemums, and other "plants upon
which we depend for a late display have scarcely
sufficient left on them to warrant their remaining
in the beds and borders. To those who intend to
replant a part or the whole of their herbaceous
borders, the change will be a welcome one, for,
provided the weather remains fairly open, any
such replanting may be expedited forthwith, in-
stead of being postponed until the spring. Most
of the rubbish from this general cutting over
should be burnt forthwith, but some bundles of
Michaelmas Daisy stems should be tied up and
stood on end in a dry place for future use as
protective material for tender young plants as
they push through the soil— a use to which its
slight slender stems are well adapted.

Gunneras.— Except in very mild parts of tho
country these must be afforded ample protection,
and it is not too soon to apply it. Bracken
forms one of the best materials for this purpose,
but it should not be laid flat on to the crowns, but
a few stakes should first be bent over the latter,
of sufficient strength to hold up the bracken, a
lacing of tarred twine being applied to prevent
it from being blown away.

__ Kniphofias. — On the first dry day draw the
leaves of the plant straight up to a point, and
give the bundle a fairly tight twist, then

tie it in an upright position to a stake. If the
leafage is plentiful this will form quite sufficient
protection for the crowns, but it is also advisable
to place a small heap of fine coal-ashes close
round the base of the plants, or, if preferred, to
draw up some of the adjacent soil. Soil is not
quite so good a protection in a sharp winter as
ashes, but it generally serves the purpose whero
ashes are objected to.

Crocuses, Lfc. — Pheasants and field-mice have a
great liking for these corm3, and may be ex-
pected at this season to begin to feed on them.
Where corms and bulbs are planted in clumps
the best means of protecting them is to cut
squares of galvanised netting of suitable sizes and
peg these down flat upon the soil above the bulbs,
which is effective and cheap, and a good use to
which to put old netting.

Gladioli. — These bulbs may be lifted and
slightly dried before being stored away. It is
advisable to leave some few inches of the
stems attached and to hang them at the first in
handfuls, the cleaning being done when the stems
have become quite dry. Being fairly hardy
and not liable to re-commence rooting in the
autumn, I like to leave the lifting to this date.
Tropseolum tuberosum may also be lifted and
stored like Potatos.

Tulips and Hyacinths. — The planting of Dutch
Tulips and Hyacinths should be completed as
soon as possible and the beds made tidy by
edging them neatly, and smoothing the
surface with a moderately fine-toothed rake.
Where appearances are studied a coating of
Cocoanut - fibre refuse may be applied to the
surface.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq ,
Dropniore, Maidenhead.

The Peach and Nectarines. — Owing to the late
excessive rainfall and comparatively mildness the
foliage is holding on very tenaciously, and it will
be prudent to let the young wood loose from the
wall, especially where trees are secured with nails
and shreds. By this means the immature shoots
will get the utmost amount of light and air.
Where new or old walls have to be furnished
with trees and borders made the work should be
taken in hand forthwith, beginning first with the
drainage if the land is heavy. A Peach-border
should be not less than 5 feet wide to start with,
and unless the soil be very heavy the top spit
may be mixed with the fresh soil in forming the
border. When commencing, mark out the width
of the border to be taken out, and place it in heaps
along the front of the wall and far enough away
so as to permit the workmen space to get between
with wheelbarrows : then dig out and wheel away
the bottom spit if found to be unsuitable. If
drainage is a necessity, lay in a G-ineh layer of
brickbats, chalk, sandstone, &c.,| and at 12 or
15 feet apart lay down 1-inch drain-pipes, or,
better still, V-shaped rubble drains, leading from
the wall, and connected with the main drains in
the garden. A suitable soil for forming a Peach-
border is sound turfy loam, if not of too heavy a
nature, charred soil, and mortar-rubble, the
latter two in the proportion of 2 bushels of each
to each cartload (cubic yard) of loam. The whole
should be mixed twice or thrice together, and
then be wheeled on to the bnrder, and the top soil
that was put aside mixed with it as the work
proceeds. Proper care should be taken that the
drain-pipes do not get shifted while the work is
proceeding, and turves, the grassy side down-
wards, should be laid over them. The roughest
parts of the soil should be placed over the brick-
bats, the border being raised about G inches above
the surrounding level to allow for it settling.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Pine Stoves. — During the present and two
following months Pineapples require to be
accommodated in houses or pits having tempera-
tures adapted to the different stages of growth
and the weather conditions prevailing. Except-
ing for plants carrying ripening fruit a much

lower temperature than heretofore should be
afforded them, and consequently less water at
the root, just affording as much as will keep the
soil slightly moist, and from parting from the
sides of the pots. Afford plants now swelling
off their fruits a night temperature of 65° to 70°,
the lower figure being afforded in very cold
weather ; by day 75° to 85°, in accord with the
weather ; bottom-heat of 85°, and a moderately
dry atmosphere. Discontinue overhead syring-
ing of the plants, and merely damp the paths and
other surfaces during fine weather. Keep these
plants continually moist at the roots till the-
fruit3 bagin to change colour; with the approach
of ripeness withhold it altogether.

Succession Pine Stove. — Spring fruiters should
now be resting iu a temperature by night of
60° and by day of 65° to 70°, the bottom-heat
being 70°. Scarcely any water will be needed at
the root until starting time at the beginning of
the new year, but it is advisable to have the
plunging material in a moist condition, which to-
a great extent counteracts the evils of a too dry
state of the soil. It is necessary that these
plants, preferably Queens, should have their
fruiting - pots well filled with roots, otherwise
they will not be in a fit state to produce fruit of
the first size and quality. Younger plants and the-
suckers that were potted last September should
be grown in dwarf pits close up to the glass, and
although the soil in the pots should be kept on
the dry side, the roots should not suffer ; and
let sufficient tepid water be applied as will
thoroughly moisten the whole ball of soil.
Keep the glass clean, so as to admit every
ray of sunlight. A covering of mats, if blinds-
are not available, will help to conserve the heat
during frosty weather.

Planting Peaches and Nectarines. — If the plant-
ing of a Peach - house be contemplated, the
present is a suitable season. In most gardens-
some tree3 are grown to a large size against
outside south walls, for the purpose of being
planted later under glass, and such trees, if lifted
with as much soil as will hang to the roots, and
planted with care in a prepared border, they will
produce a moderate crop of fruit the next year. If
aged trees have been cleared out of a Peach-house,,
a border of about G feet in width should be made
of fresh compost, and enclosed with a brick wall
set in cement, or the old border may be entirely
cleared out and a 6-feet-wide border made, en-
closing it with a brick wall or a wall made of fresh
turves, which can be moved forward as the trees-
grow. This method is preferable to at once
planting trees in large borders, the soil of which,
may become stale and compact before the roots
have taken possession of it. A border need not be
deeper than '2S feet, with an additional 9 inches-
of rough drainage over a concrete bottom, having
proper outlets 18 feet apart, leading into a drain
for carrying off the superfluous water. Upon,
the drainage place fresh turves, grassy side
downwards, and over these a compost con-
sisting of roughly-chopped fresh loam, to>
every cartload of which add a bushel of old
mortar-rubble and burnt garden refuse or char-
coal, and a good sprinkling of half bones. Avoid
deep planting, and spread the roots out evenly
in layers of varying depths in the upper foot of
soil. Trample the soil firmly about the roots,
and finish off with a thorough soaking of water
and a 3-inch-thick mulch of decayed manure.
In order to obtain a succession of fruits from the
same house, early, mid, and late season varieties
should be planted, but for the earliest forcing
house select only those of the first early section,
whereby a considerable time is saved in tho pro-
duction of ripe fruit. The following are six good
Nectarines, ripening in the order named — Early
Kivers, Cardinal, Lord Napier, Humboldt, Elruge,
and Pineapple ; and six good Peaches are — Hale's.
Early, Amsden June, Early Louise, Noblesse,
Stirling Castle, and Gladstone.

PLANT. PORTRAITS.

Solanum I'HUTOM- A Brazilian species, with spiny
steins and clusters of globose or somewhat flattened*
berries the size of small 1'lums, and of a rich shining
orange-red cofour. Jiceite Uorticole, November 1.

Choton (Codi.i-.um) Dovivieri.— A narrow leaved
form, brilliautly mottled with carmine. SWIM do
I'Boritcrdture Beige, November.

336

THE GA RDENER S> CHE ONI CLE.

[November H, 1903,

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher,
Special Notice to Correspondents. - -The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself re •
sponsible for any opinions expressed by kis correspondents.
Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

TUESDAY,

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 18

1 Chrysanthemum Shows at Bel-
Nov. 17-' fast (2 days) and West Hartle-
( pool.

("York Chrysanthemum Exhibi-
tion (3 days). Hull Chrysan-

THURSDAY, Nov. 19

FRIDAY,

I themum Exhibition (2 days),
I Bristol (2 days).

/ I.iunean Society meets.

Scottish Horticultural So-
ciety's Chrysanthemum Show
J at Edinburgh (3 days), Nor-
wich Chrysanthemum Show
(3 days), Royal Botanic and
Horticultural Society of Man-
chester's Chrysanthemum

• Show (3 days).

Nov. £0— Bolton Chrysanthemum Show.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT—

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by
Protheroe & Morris, at 10. 3D.

MONDAY, Nov. 16-

700 cases of Japanese Lilies, Roses, Azalea", &c , at
Stevens' Rooms, at 3.30.

TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY, Nov. 17. IS —

Sale of Ornamental Trees, Fruit Trees, and Shrubs,
at Cart House Lane Nursery, Woking, Surrey, by
Protheroe & Morris, at 12.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 18-

Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Perennials, &c , at 67 and
68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris at 1.—
Japanese Liliums, Palm Seeds, at 67 and 68, Cheap-
side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 5 —Flowering
Bulbs, Hardy Perennials, Roses, Azaleas, &a., at
Stevens' Rooms, at 12.30.

FRIDAY. Nov. 20-

Orchids in variety, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C ,
by Protheroe & Morris, at 1 J 30.

f For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswic k
-111'.
Actual Temperatures :—

LoNDON.-A'of 11 (6 p.m.) : Max. 53'; Mln. 45°.

Nov. 12 (noon) : 63"; sky overcast.
Provinces. -iVoi>. n (6 p.m.): Max. 51% off Cape
Clear; Min. 44°, Aberdeen.

Chrysanthemum exhibitions

National linder the auspices of the
Chrysanthe- „ ,. . _., L * _

•mum society. National Chrysanthemum So-
ciety have so far survived the
old Royal Aquarium at Westminster, with
its unsavoury associations, that a satisfactory
show was held at the Crystal Palace, Syden-
ham, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
of the present week. We say satisfactory,
but it must not be concluded that the
display was so large as recent November
exhibitions have been. This could hardly
fiiave been expected, and for several
reasons. The transfer in itself (although,
as we think, a fortunate circumstance),
was attended with a considerable degree
of uncertainty that lasted a long time,
and this was calculated to act prejudicially
upon the exhibitions this season. It is
urged by some also that an adverse influence
was exerted by the fact that the Palace at
Sydenham is further from the centre of
London, and less convenient to the general
body of exhibitors. But probably this effect
is over-estimated, and as there is just the
possibility that the shows next season may
be held in the new Horticultural Hall at
Westminster, such influence may not be
permanent.

Another alleged reason is the new system
of charging entrance-fees to all exhibitors.
This innovation, though perhaps necessary

to counterbalance the loss sustained by
the discontinuance of the large amount
of financial aid that was formerly afforded
by the Royal Aquarium Company, has
not been accepted by all exhibitors in
the gracious spirit that could have been
wished. They think that as members of
the Society they should be given the
opportunity to exhibit in any of the com-
petitive classes they may choose, without
payment of any sort. In view of these
circumstances, therefore, the Show was
certainly satisfactory, though the entries
were less numerous. The most important
falling off was noticeable in the class for
sixty Japanese blooms shown in twelve
vases. There were only two exhibits in
place of four or five last year, a serious
curtailment of an important feature.

The arrangement of the Show by Mr.
Richard Dean and Mr. Caselton in the
western nave of the Palace was as good as
could be. The vases of blooms were placed
on the centre tables, and prevented an
appearance of flatness that would otherwise
have been noticeable.

The Japanese varieties again predomi-
nated, and there were some good flowers,
but the season having been so wet, certain
varieties, especially those of the Madame
Carnot type, were not so fine as usual.

Incurveds were better than we had ex-
pected to find them. The other types
appear to be less well represented even in
degree than recently, and the system of
putting several varieties of Anemone blooms
into one vase is not calculated to improve
their position in the favour of growers who
are guided by what they see at these exhi-
bitions. The Single flowers were mag-
nificent. Quite a show could be made of
these lovely and brightly-coloured varieties
alone. But the specimen plants have nearly
gone. Those shown this week were but poor
representatives of semi-bush plants ; there
was not a " trained '' specimen there !

The fortunes of exhibitors showed the
usual amount of fluctuation. Mr. Vallis,
the young grower who has had such phe-
nomenal success for several years, did not
exhibit in any of the large classes, owing, it
was said, to damage sustained by his plants
from severe gales.

The leading class for Japanese blooms
shown on boards was won by Mr. Mease,
gr. to A. Tate, Esq., of Leatherhead ; and
Mr. Mease's return to the front rank will be
gladly hailed by many of his rivals of ten
years agD. Mr. W. Higgs, of Fetcham Park
Gardens, again showed superiority in the
culture of Incurved flowers, and, as usual,
won the first prize in the class for thirty-
six blooms of this type. The exhibit of
Japanese blooms in vases by Mr. C. Beckett,
gr. to Sir W. G. Pearce, Bart., was deserving
of all praise. In the class for a floral
display of Chrysanthemums, Mr. Norman
Davies, who has won so many times at the
Aquarium, was easily first.

The Floral Committee awarded Certifi-
cates to six new varieties of Chrysanthe-
mums, including two Japanese, three In-
curveds, and one Single.

In the eastern nave there was a great
show of poultry, and, according to some of
the exhibitors, the noise made in the early
morning by the feathered inhabitants was
less endurable than anything that had taken
place in the old Aquarium !

Our Supplementary Illustration show
the view from the great terrace at Versailler,
mentioned in a previous issue (p. 233). In the
space of a few square inches it is manifestly
impossible to convey any adequate idea of the
grandiose proportions of the park, nor of the
extraordinary profusion of bronze and marble
statuary to be seen in it. Much of this is of
very high artistic merit, but much of it also
is out of place in the open air. The effects of
exposure to the weather produce as depressing
an impression on the spectator as the Lord
Mayor's Show on a rainy day in November. What
should inspire admiration is provocative rather
of ridicule. This applies to the statues rather
than to the vases and fountain basins, of which
there are very many, and of noble proportions and
fine design. One of these is shown in the accom-
panying figure and represents Latona, the mother
of Apollo and Diana, surrounded by a ring
of gilded frogs. According to the myth,
the Lycian peasants behaved very ■ rudely
and inhospitably to her, for which * breach
of manners they were changed by. Jupiter
into frogs and tortoises; and are they not
here to this day — and do they not on occasion
spout water high into the air, to the delight of
the Parisians and in commemoration of the classic
myth ? It may serve to give some idea of the
magnitude of the park when we say that the
strip of green turf seen beyond the fountain, and
known as the tapis vert, measures 335 metres in
length by 01 in width.

The Hall. — It is expected that the new Hall
in course of erection for the Eoyal Horticultural
Society will be ready for use in the course of
next summer, and th->t the offices and library on
the upper floors will be ready for occupation at
the end of next year. In the meantime much
depends on the funds which are provided. The
advocates for the Hall have hitherto not ade-
quately supported their earnestly expressed
opinions by corresponding contributions to the
building fund. It is to be hoped that they will
lose no time in realising their responsibilities.
The funds at the disposal of the Trustees of the
Lindley Library are also at a very low ebb. An
income of less than £50 does not go far in support
of so fine a library. The Trustees would be
thankful for financial assistance.

Mr. Worthington G. Smith.— As an ex-
ception to the rule that a prophet has no honour
in his own country, we have special pleasure in
making the following announcement. Our
readers will know how, for considerably more
than a quarter of a century, Mr. "Worthington
Smith has laboured in these columns for their
benefit, and has secured their warm appreciation.
Whilst Mr. Worthington Smith receives no
more than his due, it will be freely conceded that
the inhabitants of Dunstable have done them-
selves honour in this matter : —

"BOROUGH OF DUNSTABLE.
"Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act, 1885.
"A Special Meeting of the Council was held in the
Town Hall, on Monday the 9th day of November, 1903,
when the following resolution was passed : —

"That in pursuance of the said 'Honorary Freedom
of Boroughs Act, 1885,' the Honorary Freedom of
the Borough of Dunstable in the County of Bed-
ford be and the same is hereby conferred upon
Worthington George Smith, Esq , Local Secre-
tary for Bedfordshire, Society of Antiquaries of
London, in appreciition of the eminent services
he has rendered to his Country in connection
with his profession and his munificent gifts to
the Corporation of Duostable.

"And thereupon to confer upon Mr. W. G. Smith
t le Houorary Freedom of the Borough.

C. CRICHTOX S. BENNING,

Town Clerk."

November 1-1, 1903.

THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E.

337

LlNNEAN SOCIETY. — An evening meeting will
"be held on Thursday, November 19, 1903, at
8 p.m., when the following papers will be read : —
I. "A General View of the Genus Pinus," by Dr.
Maxwell T. Masters, F.R.S., F.L.S.; II. "Con-
tributions to the Embryology of the Amenti-
ierse," Part IX, Carpinus Betulus, Linn., by Miss
Margaret Benson, D.Sc, and Miss Elizabeth
Sanday, B.Sc.

United Horticultural Benefit and
'Provident Society.— The monthly Committee
raneeting of this Society was held at the Caledo-
nian Hotel, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, on Monday
■evening last, Mr. C. H. Curtis in the chair.
Three new members were elected, making a total
of eighty this year to date. Seven members
•were reported on the sick-fund. The amount of
.sick-pay for the month amounted to £21 12s.

M. A. SlEBERT. — On October 10, as we learn
tfrom the Revue de V Horticulture Beige, this gen-
tleman celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of
ids appointment as Director of the famous Palm
.Garden at Frankfort.

"The Botanical Magazine." — In the
editorship of this, the senior of all horticultural
periodicals, Sir Joseph Hooker is, as we have
already stated, now felicitously associated with
Mr. W. B. Hemsley. Mr. Hemsley's well-tried
-ability, long experience, and unrivalled oppor-
■tunities are the best possible guarantees for the
continued success of the Magazine. la the
November number are figured the following
plants : —

Clerodendron cephalanlhum,0\iveT (see Gardeners'
■Chronicle, 1888, vol. i., p. (552), tab. 7922.— A very
•beautiful stove climber from Zanzibar. It has
stalked, oblong, acuminate leaves, and heads of
.long, white flowers each about 3 to 4 inches long,
<with a very narrow tube and a short reflexed,
■five-parted limb. The calyx -lobes are much
shorter than the corolla and of a rosy-pink colour.
The protruding stamens are also pink. Kew.

Impatiens falcifer, Hooker fil., tab. 7923. — A
-SSikkim species with yellow flowers speckled with
.red spots.

Fendlera rupicola, Engelmann & Gray, tab. 7921.
— A native of the arid districts of Texas, Ari-
zona, &c. It is a beautiful shrub, putting forth
•a profusion of large white or rose - coloured
-flowers, which give it the aspect of a small
Peach-tree. At Kew it grows against a wall, but
•does not do well in the open.

Sphwrocodon obtusifolium, Bentham, tab. 7925.
— A climbing or erect Asclepiad from tropical
Africa. Leaves oblong, ovate ; flowers small,
■campanulate, with a reflexed five-lobed red limb.
Kew.

Iris gracilipes, A. Gray, tab. 792G. — A Japanese
•species with narrow linear leaves. The violet-
■coloured flowers are about 2 inches in diameter ;
the sepals are crested. Cambridge Botanic
Hrarden.

Radium and Plants. — In the current
■number of Nature Dr. Henry Dixon relates the
•results of some experiments that he has made
with a view of determining the effect of the
•radiations from radium on plants. The result
showed a slight degree of retardation in the
process of germination, but no other material
■change.

A Potato Society. — An endeavour is being
■made to establish yet another special society. If
for commercial purposes it is desirable to have
(Potato exhibitions there can be no objection
■raised, but a " society " which exists for no other
ipurpose than to get up trade exhibitions is surely
not wanted. The Potato Conference held at the
Aquarium some years ago amply justified its
■existence ; the work done was of a high order,
.and if the proposed society will work on similar
Aines it will deserve well of the community.

Stocktaking : October.— Two satisfactory
items characterise the Trade . and Navigation
Returns for the past month. The first relates to
an increase in the value and volume of the
imports; and the second, relating to exports,
is like thereunto as volume and value are on
the upward scale, and so between the pair of
records we come to the conclusion that not yet
are we stared in the face by ruin. The imports
for October amounted to £47,758,188 against
£16,854,330 for the same term in the previous
year, a gain of £903,858. Both classes of food
and drink show an increase, but the following
table will suffice to explain i —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Articles of food
and drink— duty
free

£

9.828,510

£

10,245.167

£

4416,627

Articles of food
& drink— dutiable

10.877,350

11,402,859

+525,509

All other Imports...

£6,118 410

26,110,163

—38,278

As usual we note, concerning timber imports,
an increase of £224,319, that is to say for last
month, £3,246,440 against £3,020,121 for October,
1902. We come now to our fruit record, which
is as follows : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Fruits, raw-

Cwt.

Cwt.

Cwt.

Apples

610.7)9

932,6."..'.

+291,916

Apricots and Peaches

441

46

-395

Bananas ... bunches

315.278

» 264,757

-50.521

Grapes

322,981

263,486

—59.495

Lemons

52.871

83.350

+30.479

Nuts— Almonds

32,702

34.564

+ 1,862

Others used as fruit

87.853

110,933

+S3.0S0

Oranges

116,431

78.579

—37,855

Pears

122 211

52,2^3

—70,031

Plums

91,079

38,487

-62,593

Unenumerated

47 131

7l\5"S

+ 23,111

Vegetables, raw-

Onions bush.

914,754

934,546

+ 19.793

Potatos cwt.

505,956

1,113,661

+607,708

Tomatos ,

40 513

43,' 50

+ 1.837

Vegetables, raw, un-
enumerated ...value

£19,980

£16,697

—£3,283

Here it will be seen that Apples, Lemons, Nuts,
and "unenumerated" (wholesale these are), show
increase — the rest are on the descending scale.
The great " plus " in Potatos will be noted, as
also that in Onions and Ton_atos. A Canadian
authority says, respecting the Apple crop in
Nova Scotia, that the crop for the present year
is undoubtedly the largest on record ; and there
is every probability that the export will exceed
by at least 100,000 barrels the great year of 1896,
when 409,773 barrels were exported. The figures
relating to the imports of the ten months are as
follows :— 1902, £435,709,350; 1903, £441,904,658
— a gain for the present year of £6,195,308.

Exports
next claim a brief space. Their value last month
was £25,861,180, as compared with £25,134,831
for October, 1902 — a gain for the past month of
£726,34?. It ought always to be remembered
that the volume of the exported goods is con-
siderably increased by the ability to purchase
cheaply in a well-supplied market ; but this and
other items we cannot refer to here. The value
for the past ten months is just £243,239,985,
against £234,635,502 for the same period in 1902
—or a gain of £8,604,483.

The Edinburgh Seed Trade Assistants'
Dinner. — The Ninth Annual Dinner of the Seed
Trade Assistants of Edinburgh will be held, under
the presidency of Mr. David W. Thomson, at
Ferguson & Forrester's, 129, Prince's Street,
on Friday, December 4. Chair to be taken at

7.30 p.m. prompt. Gentlemen who intend being
present are respectfully requested to secure their
tickets, which may be had from any of the mem-
bers of the committee, before Tuesday, Dec. 1,
4s. each.

Liverpool Horticultural Association.

— On Saturday evening the 7th inst., the first
paper of the session, in connection with the
above Society, was read by Mr. E. F. Hazelton,
Gardener, Knowsley. The subject, " Culture of
Pot-Roses," was listened to with interest by a
crowded audience ; and Mr. Hazelton touched
upon the various methods of propagation, potting,
forcing, &c. A good discussion followed and
much information given on several points which
the essayist touched upon but slightly. A vote
of thanks was accorded to Mr. Hazelton and to
Mr. Foster for presiding.

Protection in France.— It appears from a
note in the Chronique Orchide'enne, attached to
the excellent Dictionnaire Iconographique, of M.
Coqniaux, that the introduction of Richards'
XL- All into France is now prohibited. An
imitation of the English product does not give
such good results, nor does the insecticide known
in France as the Foudroyant equal the true
XL-All. It is, however, better and cheaper than
the imitation, and is likely to be largely employed.

Municipal Honours.— Mr. Robert Wal-
lace has been elected member of the Town
Council for the borough of Colchester.

Exeter Gardeners'.— Mr. Coutts, gr. to
Sir Thomas Acland, at Killerton, gave a lecture
on the 4th inst before the members of the
Gardeners' Association. The subject was " Stove
and Greenhouse Climbers." The selection to be
made and the method of treating the plants were
appropriately described.

"Gardening for All." — We have received
a copy of the third edition of this little work on
practical gardening. The author is Mr. James
TJdale, Chief Horticultural Instructor for
Worcestershire, and Gardening for All is suitable
for use as a manual by amateurs, farmers, and
cottagers. The book has been revised and en-
larged, and the letterpress is usefully illustrated.
The chapter on Drying Fruits and Vegetables,
we hope, may be more useful next season, and as
the author has had practical experience in the
various processes his directions may be followed
with confidence. The printing is good, and the
type large and easily read. We note that under
"Errata" it is said " Felicite perpetue should be
Felicite perpetue " ; but, as was explained in
Gardeners' Chronicle, April 19, 1902, p. 260, the
name of this Rose is composed of the names of
two Christian martyrs, but in ordinary usage the
connecting particle " et " is omitted, and the
words are therefore nouns in apposition, and
should be written " Felicite Perpetue," or, better
still, " Felicite- Perpetue." The initial letter of the
second word should be a capital, and the accent
in the second word should be placed over the
second "e." The book is published by Mark &
Moody, County Express Offices, Stourbridge ;
pp. 1—177 ; price Is
Publications Received. -Annual Report on the

government Cinchona Plantation and Factory in Bengal /or
the year 1901—1902, from Major D. Prain. Satisfactory as
showing progross.— Annual Report a) the Royal Botanic
Garden, Calcutta, for the year 1902— 1903, from Major Praln.
•' The serviceable area of the garden lias been consider-
ably increased. The weather during the year was
favourable to vegetation, and the show of Orchids was
particularly good. — Sotei »ur f/lnrticul'nre tn .4 »>.>«,
L An. Lcroy. An Interesting account of the horti-
cultural history of the city and of the Horticultural
Society therein.— The Midland ReafforuHng AuoetaUon,
Koportof an Association founded last Fobruary. with
the object of rcailoresting waste grounds In the Mid-
lands, particularly In the parts of Stallordshlre and
Worcestershire known as the Black Country. This
was once forost laud, and, if planted Intelligently, may
again bo made beautiful, healthful, aud profitable.
The area under discussion Is, roughly, 10,000 acres.

338

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 14, 1903,

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

SOME VERSAILLES NURSERIES.
(Concluded from p. 318.)
M. Mosek. — Of a very different but equally
interesting character to those already mentioned
are the nurseries of M. Moser. They are of large
extent and are densely filled with interesting-
plants. Here it is the Rhododendrons in their
thousands wh:ch catch the eye first ; but as ifc
was not th9 season for Rhododendrons at the
time of our visit, we may pass them over with
the remark that they are of all sizes and
shapes. Trees and shrubs of the most varied
character and interest are here to be seen. Our
visit was necessarily a hurried one, so that not a
twentieth part of the striking plants we saw can
be enumerated, and those that we do mention
must be set down in the order that we find them
in our hurriedly-made notes, rather than in more
orderly fashion. The brilliantly-coloured species
of Cornus are most attractive, especially C.
Spaethii, C. elegans, and Goucholi, the latter
with brilliantly coloured yellow foliage. Robinia
inermis, with variegated leaves, was attractive.
Specially remarkable was a very large pyramidal
Tulip-tree, a fastigiate variety we have not seen
el3?wh3ie. An Elder (Sambucus) with a similar
habit and very deep green foliage is also notice-
able. jEidilus sinensis forms a fine tree, markedly
different from the common ^Horse- Chestnut. Per-
nettyas, for some reason or other, do not produce
their fruit well here. In a large bed there were
but two or three plants forming their prettily
coloured fruits ; considering how freely fruit
ripen3 in England, this sterility is somewhat
remarkable. Perhaps it may be attributable to
the absence, at the right moment, of the right
kind of insect to effect fertilisation. Clerodendron
trichotomum, which we are accustomed to see as
a bush, forms here a small standard tree densely
Cove rtd with its richly- coloured, flowers (calyces),
which are followed by blue berries. Caryopteris
Mastaehanthus forms fine bushes of lavender-
coloured flowers, and is not yet so well known in
England as it deserves to be on account of its
unusual colouration.

Among Roses, Zi'phyrine Drouhin was still very
cor spicuous ; in addition to the beauty and
fragrance of its flowers it has the merit of being
almost absolutely spineless. A Rose better
known in England is Anna Marie de Montravel,
Covered with trusses of small white flowers.

Lovers of Conifers will revel among M. Moser's
wel'-stoeked nurseries. Abies arizonica is the
white, corky-barked species introduced by M.
Henkel, of Darmstadt. There is a stock of
young plants here too young for their merits to
be properly estimated. Cedrus atlantica glauca
and Abies concolor glauca are both very beau-
tiful, but as the latter vary much from seed the
would-be purchaser should^select his plant in the
nursery de visu. A pendulous form of concolor is
very handsome. Abies nobilis glauca i3 another
fine Silver Fir, and; .Cupressus arizonica is a
novelty of which we must see more before we
can decide either upon its identity or its merits j
Pinus parviflora is represented by a short-leaved
variety (var. brevifolia), and P. Strobus by a
thin-leaved form called gracilis viridis. Sequoia
gigantea (Welliugtonia) attains large dimensions
here, as at other places neat Versailles. When
it does well, the objectionsimade to its somewhat
formal appearance are compensated for by its
ititeliness and tho density of its foliage. The
trunk, too, with its red fibrous bark, is very
striking.

Among the trees is a good-sized specimen of a
variety of Laricio of dwarf, very compact habit,
and dense bright-green foliage. It is, we believe,
not yet in commerce, but when it is it will be
sought after by those who appreciate effective

trees, and have a feeling for plants that offer
special interest and variety.

In our journey from Versailles to Paris we had
to pass through this nursery and its annexes,
and we were again impressed by the extent and
the variety of the establishment, and by the
mere fragment of it that we were enabled to see.
The Rambler, September 21.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

PEAR DOYENNE DU COMICE. — At this time of
year, when many are about to order and plant more
fruit trees, I would suggest to amateurs — head
gardeners do not need reminding — that they should
include this exquisite variety. It is — as many nur-
serymen catalogue it — the finest flavoured Pear yet
introduced (fig. 142, p. 333). Fruit large, pyri-
form or obovate, juicy, melting, rich, and sweet.
If grown against a south wall in the South of
England, and in a season with a little more sun-
shine than this has had, or if grown as standards
or pyramids in various aspects, the fruit may be had
in season from the middle of October till January
when kept in a suitable fruit-room. And although
this Pear will mature fairly satisfactorily if grown
as a standard or pyramid, yet to grow it to per-
fection it should be grown against a south wall,
preferably as cordons. Wall trees will not only
grow large fruits, but they will develop an ex-
ceedingly handsome skin. I have just weighed
six fruits of Doyenne du Cornice, which turn the
scale at 4 lb., and I have at the moment of writing
a Doyenne du Cornice upon my desk which weighs
13 ozs. These Pears are from upright cordons
planted two years ago against a south wall.
Trees may be planted from 15 inches to 18 inches
apart as diagonal cordons when the wall is any-
thing under 10 feet or 12 feet high, which will give
a longer space in which to train the trees than
if grown upright, and until the trees have reached
the top of the wall the side shoots should during
the summer be periodically pinched back to three
leaves, which will induce the growth of fruit-
spurs, and the leader in winter cut-back to a third
or less, according to the strength of its growth,
and when the trees have formed spurs to the
height of the wall the summer pruning should be
discontinued, or shoots will grow instead of fruit-
buds. II. R. Whitelaw, (jr., Bedgebury Park, Kent.

"THE BOOK OF THE PEACH." — I will repeat
my own words, and endeavour to substantiate
the remarks the author objects to, as follows : —
" It is evident that the author's experience
has been gained chiefly where the subsoil
was amply drained naturally, for were we to
follow his directions as regards drainage, the
results would be disastrous, as the maturation of
the shoots could not be perfected." It will be
observed that the distinction and the difference
lie between the words natural subsoil drainage,
or artificial subsoil drainage, and as, on re-
perusing the book, I cannot find any advice
upon any artificial subsoil draining, I was justi-
fied in assuming the author had naturally drained
subsoil. On the other hand, there are some
directions (p. 33) for draining the concrete
borders above with gutter bricks (which, by the
way, I do not consider the best articles to use,
either for efficiency or economy). This cannot
be termed draining the subsoil, which is
really the fundamental principle upon which
all effective draining is done, the effects
of which are calculated to aerate, dry
and warm these non-porous unhealthy sub-
soils, and consequently the prepared borders
lying above. It is needless to say such a system
of draining is not required where the subsoils are
porous, and thereby naturally drained. So much
for borders of forcing-houses. At p. 93, " Peach-
growing on walls," it says: "Excavate the pre-
scribed space to depth of 2J feet, put 6 inches of
brickbats or clinkers [we consider the latter most
objectionable] in the bottom of each hole, break-
ing these fairly fine for drainage." Now as there
is nothing mentioned about any artificial drain in
existence, the only conclusion is that the subsoil
is amply naturally drained. This kind of pre-
paration for planting in our case, and in hundreds
of others, would result in the holes filling with

water which would remain there for an indefinite
time, completely souring and making unhealthy
the prepared soil for the roots. . It is our
practice, warranted by long experience, to rum
a pipe and rubble drain or drains through'
the subsoil benea th all borders, and carried to a.
proper outlet, th ereby preventing an intensely
cold, wet, clammy dampness holding possession
of the bottom 'part of the borders, causing late-
growth and consequent unripeness and rotting of
such roots as are to be found there. Even in
sol idly- concreted borders this objectionable coldi
dampness arises, and is held there by capillary
attraction when the subsoil is waterlogged. The
other matters referred to (p. 324) could be just
as easily explained ; but enough h as been said to-
justify my honest and unprejud iced criticisms.
I much regret that the author has not accepted
them in the same spirit as that in which they were-
offered. Tour Reviewer.

A VARIEGATED DOUGL4S FIR. — I send a
specimen bunch of one of several variegated
Douglas Firs growing in a belt or screen at Long-
leat. They are about fifteen years of age,, andi
from the out-of-the-way position in which. they
stood were evidently planted as ordinary speci-
mens, with a number of others, about the same
date. I am not aware that a variegated form has
been sent out by nurserymen, and it would be-
interesting to know if there are many other
specimens in existence. There is or was a speci-
men at Castle Kennedy. At the first glance the
trees give one the impression of having been,
scalded or frost-bitten, and the variegation is-
certainly more singular than ornamental. A. C-
Forbes.

DICTAMNUS ALBUS (FRAXINELLA).— I have-
cut many seeds with a knife, but never found they
adhered to the blade more than do other seeds.
One very interesting fact is, however, that I
have cultivated plants of this species for upwards-
of twenty years, and every year they produce-
abundance of seeds, which I sow regularly imme-
diately after ripening, but never a single seed
germinates. The derivation of the word " Dic-
tamnus" is absolutely unknown. M.B..Middelburg,.
Holland.

DIANTH US CARYOPHYLLUS VAR. LA RAVINE.
— From a friend in Germany I received a small/
plant of a variety of Dianthus Caryophyllus with,
very dark-red flowers and an intense odour of
Cloves. I have asked several nursery firms in
Germany, Holland, and France, but no one knows
this variety. Lately I received a note from a friend
in France saying that he knows a gentleman who
possesses this variety, which he calls La Ravine,
but he has only a single specimen, which he does
not wish to sell or to exchange. Do any of your
readers know anything about this plant? M. B.,
Middelburg.

A GERMAN CULINARY FRUIT. — The fruit "Old'
Subscriber" mentions is that of Pyrus domestica
(syn. Sorbus domestica), the true Service-tree, in
Germany called " Speierling." It is at home in,
Great Britain as well, and may be had from any
of the leading nurserymen. In both countries it
is found in single specimens only ; in Germany,,
especially in the higher parts of the Rhine valley,
chiefly in vineyards. In an unripe state the fruit
is very austere and unfit for food, causing painful
irritation in the throat ; by keeping it or ex-
posing it to frcst it turns brown and soft, and
has a taste like that of a Medlar. As far as I
know, it does not agree with everybody, and this-
rnay be the reason why it is not commonly met
with. G. D., Horsell Grange, Woking.

8PORTIVENESS OF GRAPE-VINES. — Several
year3 ago what promised to be a fine sport from.
Muscat of Alexandria Grape appeared on an old
Vine in the big vinery at Chiswick. The sport
was -just like that of Canon Hall Muscat, but
seemed to defy efforts to propagate it for any
useful purpose. In relation to a precisely similar
sport at Livermore Park, Mr. Tallack does not
tell us whether he attempted to propagate it or
not. Sports, however, have been common. It is
some time since a very fine berried form broke
out on, I believe, Alicante at Broxbourne, and at
the time it was thought likely to make a re-
markable market Grape. I do not hear, however..

November 14, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

339

■ol its haviHg been put into commerce. But
there is one instance in any case of a Muscat
sport being fixed and propagated ; that occurred
in one of the vineries of Mr. William Cole, of
Feltham, a veteran Grape grower, several years
since. He propagated it successfully, and now
has numerous fruiting Vines, the bunches being
large, as are the berries, bat, unlike Canon Hall,
■it is a capital setter. It is evidence of the appear-
ance and quality of the variety that it ripens
•earlier and obtains a higher price in the market
'than do the best " Alexandrias." A. D.

NERTERA DEPRESSA. — I was very interested
in reading Mr. C. J. Ellis's note on the above
iplant, p. 325, and am glad to find that it is grown
in the open in other gardens besides my own. At
■Stanmore, where Mr. Ellis says there is a fine lot
■established at the foot of a rockery bank, I
-imagine it must be fairly cold in the winter com-
pared with South Devon ; and if it luxuriates in
the climate of Middlesex, there seems no reason
Tvhy this charming little plant should not be
grown in all gardens in the South of England.
My clump has been bright with its orange-
coloured berries for fully four months, and even
now it still retains a dozen or so. I should have
imade an exception when I wrote that I had
-failed to meet with it in gardens in the open, for,
about thirty years ago, 1 saw it growing finely in
m Somersetshire vicarage garden, but since then
2 have never met with it. >S\ W. Fitzherbert, South
Devon.

SIDALCEA HYBRIDA ROSY GEM.— At a recent
aneeting of the Eoyal Horticultural Society the
.Floral Committee had before it an exhibit bear-
ing the name " Sidalcea Candida Eosy Gem," a
somewhat curious title to say the least. I ex-
pressed the opinion at the time that the plant
■was probably a cross-breed between S. Candida and
£>. malvseflora, and this indeed would appear to
be the case. Since the plant received the Award
of Merit to which it was justly entitled, I have
had an opportunity of seeing the original plant
•and of comparing its varied leafage side by side
with that of S. Candida and of S. malvaeflora in
Messrs. T. S. Ware's, Ltd., Feltham Nurseries.
The large flowers and the habit of flowering are
<£hose of S. Candida, the leaf-growth and the basal
leaves more particularly showing unmistakable
traces of the influence of S. malvaeflora. The
greater leaning is to S. Candida, and the new-
comer has not only large flowers of this, but the
-free branching manner of production. The plant
■occurred as a chance seedling, and is among the
anost meritorious of this ' season's novelties.
Indeed, if we except the fringed - petalled S.
■histeri, also a good plant too little known,
we have little of the colour of the new "Eosy
•Gem" in lata summer and autumn-flowering
plants. It is a plant that growers of choice
.perennials should make a note of. E. Jenkins,
Hampton Hill.

CLERODENDRON FALLAX.— A feature of interest
••at King's Eide, Ascot, on the occasion of a recent
visit, was a batch of this fine old garden plant. The

brilliant colour of the flowers, together with the

bold character of the leaf when well grown (pre-
ferably from seed sown in early spring, as in this

case) make this plant worthy of being grown for

decoration in the autumn. W. F.

WILD FRUITS.— The remarkable scarcity of
fruit, which, from the reports published in the
■Gardeners' Chronicle, appears to be general, is
also as marked among the wild fruits of our
woods and hedgerows as in the cultivated varie-
ties ; consequently tho outlook for winter's food
--among the fruit and seed-eating birds must be
rather a sorry one. Haws, Acorns, Dog-Eose
berries, nuts, Yew-berries, and Beech-mast are
•very short crops ; and there are no Sloes. Several
iRowans growing close by, that are usually so
laden with their bunches of bright orange berries
that the branches become quite pendulous from
'their weight, have had their scanty crop of a few
•scattered bunches cleared off a long time ago by
the thrushes and blackbirds before the berries
were fairly coloured ; and the Elder-berries have
also disappeared in like manner. Blackberries
flowered profusely, and are slowly ripening a
good quantity of small-sized fruit ; but this seems
to be the one exception among the wild fruit of
this district. J. P., East Gloucestershire.

BEGONIA GLOIRE DE LORRAINE.— This popular
autumn and winter-flowering Begonia was repre-
sented at King's Eide, Ascot, in considerable num-
bers, and the light and graceful manner in which
the plants were trained by Mr. Lane was in
pleasing contrast to the bushy form so often
adopted with this plant. W. Fyfe.

APPLE JAMES GRIEVE.— Those who have not
added this fine Apple to their collection could
not do better than make room for it now. I
have just gathered fruit from cordons on a
south wall, and no one eould wish to store finer
Apples. Its appearance is of a beautiful yellow,
and worthy of all praise ; and its flavour is first-
rate. We have also some trees in bush form
which have given highly-finished fruit. All our
tree3 are well set with fruit-buds, and indicate a
fine display of blossom next year. Other sorts
which have done well here were — Cox's Orange
Pippin, Cox's Pomona, Devonshire Quarrenden,
Gascoygne's Scarlet, Irish Peach, Lady Sudeley,
Lane's Prince Albert, Eibston Pippin, The Queen,
Worcester Pearmain, Blenheim Orange, Ecklin-
ville Seedling, Peasgood's Nonsuch, Stirling
Castle, and Warner's King. I am glad to say,
as few gardeners can do, unfortunately, that our
fruit-room is better stocked than I have seen it
for some years Henry Henderson, Cromarty House
Gardens, Cromarty, N.B.

A REMINISCENCE. — I am venturing to put
on paper a few thoughts of my visit to the
Chiswick Show and the Gardeners' Dinner. Not
having journeyed South for some years my
motives in going were, like those of most humans,
of a mixed character. I was wishful to have a
good look at the Chiswick Gardens, having only
done this once in nearly forty-eight years' garden
experience. The conclusion I* came to was that
as a head- quarters for the Eoyal Horticultural
Society there was something wanting ; no doubt
that something is mainly caused by the local
environment. While there was evidence of good
culture and care all round, I saw only one thing
that "stood out" beyond what may be seen in
any well-managed large garden, that one thing
being the Vines in the large vinery. Being planted
outside the house they had evidently enjoyed the
copious rains of the past season. To my mind it
was conclusive that the Council of the Eoyal Hor-
ticultural Society are doing the right thing in
making the most of their declining tenure and
leaving Chiswick. Not knowing anything of
the .possibilities of Wisley my opinion on this
part of the subject is of no use. All the same,
I am strongly of opinion that if the Society is to
continuously hold its own, it is absolutely neces-
sary it should have a well - managed garden
somewhere as a permanent object-lesson for its
subscribers and horticulturists in general.
Whether this Mecca is close to a railway station
or not, most of the faithful will find their way
there from time to time. The Hall is a necessary
adjunct to its real work, but no more. What
about the library and offices ? Ed.] The show was
a revelation to me from two standpoints. First,
as to vegetables. They were excellent, both
in quality and in the way they were exhibited.
Without going into details I must add that the ex-
hibits of Messrs. Beckett, Gibson, and Bowerman
were far beyond anything I had seen or imagined.
Hardy fruits, too, were very fine considering
the wet dull season. The pot-trees, Peaches,
Plums, Apples, and Pears, I thought afforded the
best bit of cultural skill in this department. It
may here be added that the writer has not
seen an autumn fruit show in London since 1868.
Indoor fruit, while of a good general quality,
did not come up to my expectations. As to
the dinner, my friends tell me I am somewhat
of a moody man, which may be true. Anyhow,
during the winter evenings especially I occa-
sionally have a sort of mental cinematograph in
front of the dying fire. Tho pictures are of those
whom I have met in my gardening career, and of
those whom I have read about in the horticul-
tural press. The latter I make up for the occa-
sion. As the gardeners' dinner was to give me
the opportunity of seeing some of both in the
flesh, I looked forward to it with much interest,
and was not wholly disappointed. It was a
pleasure to grip once again the hands of several
whom I had not seen for fully thirty years; tho
pleasure was not less to be introduced to a few

whom I had not personally known, and to have
pointed out to me other horticultural celebrities.
When in the reception-hall I could not help re-
marking to one of, if not the leading gentleman
connected with the horticultural trade, that no
other trade or profession where the workers were
drawn from the same strata in life could present
such a body of intelligent, well-conducted men.
The next time a similar function is brought about,
I venture to suggest that, with the exception of
the chairman, all the speakers should be limited
to a certain time, in no case to be exceeded.
Most men on occasions like this could easily
condense their thoughts if they really tried to
do so, and yet achieve the purpose in view.
Yorkshire Gardener.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HOETICULTUEAL.

November 10.— On the above occision the floral
display was much in advance, as regards the number
aud quality of the exhibits, of the usual November
meetings. The mild weather tempted the cultivators
of Orchids to send of their treasures, and Chrysan-
themums, Tea Roses, zonal Pelargoniums, Begonias,
were shown in plenty. As the day wore on the cumber
of visitors increased. The Fruit Committee had an
exceedingly light task in adjudicating upon the
exhibits that came under its cognisance.

Floral Committee.

Present: In the chair, H. B. May, E9q.; and Messrs,
G. Nicholson, C. T. Druery, J. Walker, Amos Perry. J.
Jennings, W. Howe, G. Reuthe, C. R. Fielder, C. Dixon,
C. Jeffrie?, H. Cutbusb, C. Pearson, C. E. Shea, W. p,
Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, J. W. Barr, Rev.

F. Page Roberts, Ed. Mawley, and R. W. Wallace.

Mr. F. W. Smith, The Hollies, Weybridge, exhibiled
a remarkable collection of cut blooms of single
flowered Chrysanthemums set up in small vases oi
varied height, and bigger ones tilled with autumn
'oliage of Beech, fronds of dry bracken, Privet in
berry. Grasses, &c. The top of the table was covered
with the foliage of Ampelopsls Veltchil, berried shoots
of Arbulus, fungi, and prettily coloured leaves of the
G rape Vine. Arranged round the large vases were ) 1 iced
mounds of ornamental gourds, and round the smaller
ones a ring of gourds only (Silver Banksian Medal).
Miss Adamson, South Villa, Regent's Park (gr., Mr.

G. Keif), showed an extensive group, containing some
tine plants of Japanese Chrysanthemums (mentioned
fully elsewhere in the report), likewise numerous
plants of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, Euphorbia pul-
cherrima, CoSireums, Dieffenbachias, Dracenas, large
and small Palms, Maidenhair Ferns, and edged with
small plants of Iiegonia Gloire de Lorraine. It was
effective, but more efficient groupiog of colours seemed
desirable (Sliver Flora Medal).

Mr. T. S. Ware, Nurseries, Feltham, exhibited a
group of hardy flowering plants in season, such as
perennial Asters, Pectstemons in good condition,
Arundo donax, Schizostylis coccinea, very bright and
good, as is the case generally in moist years ; Nerines,
Sidalcea Candida Rosy Gem, Tritoma Burchelli, Suorlia
galacifolia just showing buds, Linaria trionithophora,
an old inhabitant of the garden.

Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowo od, Crawley, exhibited
coloured foliage, consisting of Japanesa Acers, 'iaerous
coccinea, Ribes, Liquidambcr, Berberis Thuubergi.
Azalea mollis, Prunus Pissardl, Rhus Cotiuus, R.
typhina, <&c.

Messrs. W. Bull it Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, showed
a group of interesting and new plants, including Cero-
pegia Woodi, showing its small curious (lowers an!
speckled leaves; several Marantas, viz , M. insignis, M,
picta, and M tigTina; some 1 anisome Selaginellas
including Wallichii; Lampro-'occus Weilbachil, with a
scarlet shaft and bracts, and purplish floreers not yet
expanded ; Polypodium iri jldes ramo cristatum, Aralia
eleganlissima, and two species of Deuucnorops.

Messrs. J. Vkitch Ji Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery.
Chelsea, S.W., showed leaves of several new species of
Vitls from Central China; these wore remarkable in
the case of the larger leaves for strikingcolouring, and
differed from anything we have previously observed
among Vitis.

Mr. 0. Reuthe, Hardy Plant Kursery, Koston, Kent,
9howcd variotles of Nertncs, some of which were Cer-
tificated at tho Royal Horticultural Society's meetings
five or six years ago. The object of the raiser wna
stated to be the obtaining of late flowering varieties.

340

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 14, 190?.

E. Augustus Bowles, Esq., showed Crocus casplcus,
flowers white ; C c . var. lilacinus, and C. Cambessedesii,
pale lilac.

Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons. Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea,, displayed a great number of
healthy, vigorous plants of zonal Pelargoniums, con-
sisting of the finest varieties in cultivation of these
useful winter flowers (Silver Banksian Medal).

Mr. G. Prince, Longworth, Berks, exhibited a group
of beautiful Tea and hybrid Tei Roses ; many of the
buds and half-opened flowers were the perfection of
form (Silver Banks i in Medal).

Messrs. J. Hill & Son, Barrowfield Nurseries, Lower
Edmonton, staged a considerable number of specimen
Ferns— an interesting exhibit of various species. We
remarked a large number of the Bird's-nest Fern in
great vigour, and of Acrostichum of various species,
including aureum, sorbifolium, scandens, and crinitum
(Silver Flora Medal).

Messrs. W. CurnusH A Son, Nurseries, Highgate and
Barnet, showed perennial Asters, autumn Croci, Me-
conopsis, Sarracenias, Skimmias, Tritoma Ovariai
Pernettya mucronata, and other autumn berry-bearing
and flowering hardy plants.

John Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Richmond,
Surrey, had a considerable exhibit of hardy berried
evergreens, Hedera, &c, such as he has showed on
ceveral occasions of late (Silver Banksian Medal).

Awards of Merit.

To Messrs. Wells & Co., Earlswood, Redhill, for
Japanese Chrysanthemum, W. A. Etherington, a
massive flower of a silvery-mauve lint; and single-
flowered Chrysanthemum, Kitty Bourne, a free-
flowering bright yellow, useful for cutting.

J. T. EENNETT-Pt E. Esq., exhibited Nerlres, viz.,
alrorubens cf a bright scarlet tint, corymb tall, and
above the usual size; Miss Woolward, of a pink colour,
having a stripe of a deeper tint running up the seg-
ments; Miss Moore, a flower of deep crimson, the
corymb close and compact.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Messrs. Wells & Co , Earlswood, made a large display
of Chrysanthemums, including representatives of all
the various sections. The singles and other decorative
sorts were very effective, and in the large Japanese were
some very fine blooms. Of these Lord Hopetoun, rich
crimson, gold tipped; W. Duckham, pink; Donald
MXeod, jellow ; Leila Filkins, pink, and Gen. Hutton,
yellow, were very good. Of incurved?, Mrs. J. Seward,
yellow; Miss Mildred Lyne, bronzy-yellow; Mrs. F.
Judson, vihite; Cecil Cutts, deep jellow, and Pearl
Palace, blush, were all good. In Ihe decorative varie-
ties Market Red was worth notice. The single varieties
were chiefly unnamed seedlings, but included some
very pretty things.

Two new incurved varieties, T. C. Brock, and Bern-
hard Hankey (red), may prove valuable additions to
this section, which is now much favoured by exhi-
bitors. A distinct Anemone flowered variety, Mrs.
Harry Ela.nl. deep pink, with a mauve shade, large,
well formed flowers, should be useful (Silver Flora
Medal).

In the group set up by Mr. G. Keif, gr. to Miss Adam-
son, South Villa, Regent's Park, some handsome
flowers of Chrysanthemums were shown ; among the
other plants we observed the varieties S. Carrington,
Mrs. White Popham, and Mutual Friend.

A big table group of Chrysanthemums, mostly of the
Japanese section, was shown by Lady Plowden, Aston
Rowant House, Ascot (gr., Mr. W. H. Clarke). Many of
the flowers were of freat size, and others were single
flowered, or consisted of decorative varieties. A
creamy-whitesport from Nellie Pockett.a nice, pleasiog
tint, with the form of the parent. The flowers were in
no case " dressed " nor in any way "improved" by the
hand of the cultivator, and the whole exhibit was
exceedingly creditable to the exhibitor.

Orchid Committee.

Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair; aDd
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), E. Ashworth, W. H.
White, W. H. Young, W. Boxall. H. J. Chapman, T. W.
Bond, J. Charlcsworth, A. A. McBean, F. W. Ashton,
J. Colman, G. F. Moore, F. Wellesley, W. Cobb, H.
Ballantine, and W. A. Bilney.

As at the last meetiDg there was again a very large
show of Orchic s.

Jehemiah Colman, Esq., Gatton Park (gr., Mr. W. P.
Bound), showed an extensive and well-arranged group,
for which a Silver Flora Medal was awarded. In the
centre was a floe specimen of Cymbidium Traceyanum,
with two spikes, each of sixteen flowers.

J. Bradshaw, Esq , The Grange, Southgate (gr.,Mr.
Whitelegge). whose collection is famed for its fine set
of white varieties of Cattleya labiata, staged a group
for which he was voted a Silver Flora Medal, which
was largely made up of fine varieties of Cattleya
labiata. The finest of the coloured forms possessed a
singularly • developed ruby-purple lip, looking much
like L.-C. x Pallas. Others noted were line forms of
C. x Mrs. J W. Whiteley, C. x Mantini; and among
the Lycastes the large and delicately-tinted L. Skin-
neri Enchantress, a very handsome variety.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, secured a
Silver Flora Medal for a fine group, at one end of which
was a small batch of the yellow Cypripedium insigne
Sanderce and a plant of the large C. i. llarefield Hall.
Among the hybrids of interest was a set of the hybrids
of Lselia Perrlnii raised by Messrs. Veitch, and many
others.

Messrs. Chahlesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford,
were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an excellent
group of their hybrid Orchids.

Messrs Sandeb & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a
Silver Flora lie jal for a good group, in which were a
fine collection of Cypripediums, many of them bu5
little known. The novelties were C. x Cassandra
(callosum x superbiens), a very pretly Mower; C. x
Dido (insigne Bohnhollianum ' x villosum), a large
yellowish flower with a distinct dorsal sepal; C. X
Louis Sander, a finely-formed distinct hybrid ; and C.
insigne Cygnet, very good in the nitens class ; and a
well - flowered plant of the singular Zygopetalum
Torisianum.

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, received a Silver
Flora Medal for a good group, in which the forms of
Cattleya labiata, which included the white C. 1. Amesi-
ana ard the blue-tinted C. 1. glauca, were of excellent
quality. A novelty in the group was a small plant of
C. bicolor Mrs. M. A. Gratrix, with greenish sepals and
petals, and a pale slate-blue lip.

H. L. Bischofksheim, Esq., The Warren House,
Slanmore (gr., Mr. C. J. Ellis), was awarded a Silver
Banksian Medal for a group consisting of Cattleya
labiata, C. aurea.Odonto^lossums, Cypripedium Spicer-
ianuui, Oncidium varicosum, Ac. A curious Odonto-
glossum, said to be a natural hybrid of O. Wallisii, was
shown as O. x Mrr. Bischoffsheim.

G. Clayton, Esq., Wylam Hal', Wylam-on-Tyne (gr.,
Mr. J. Bean), was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal and
Cultural Commendation for three marvellously well-
grown Calanthes x, two C. x Kennelh, and one C.
x Wm. Murray, sent as examples of his stock of them
Tte plants had enormous bulbs, large perfect leaves,
and very strong spikes of good flowers, and were
certainly the finest examples of the kind yet shown.

Mr. A. A. Peeters, Brussels, staged a group of
distinct hybrids, for three of which see "Awards."
The others were Cattleya x Rembrandt (labiata x
elongata), with terminal heads of rose coloured blooms,
better than those of C. elongata (Alexandra;); C. x
Fabia, Peeters' variety, rich in colour ; C. x Fabia Mary
de Wavrin, for which lie received an Award of Merit at
the last meeting ; four plants of Cattleya x Goossensiana,
and C. x G. inversa, the former having the lip shaped
like C. Schilleriana, and the latter like C. labiata; the
finely-coloured C. x Peetersi (labiata x Hardyana),
and a seedling (L.-C. x elegans x C. Hardyana), with a
finely-formed prettily-marked flower. C. x Imperator
(granulosa :■; labiata Peetersii) was also shown.

Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr, Mr.
H. J. Chapman), sent Odontoglossum crispum Elainii,
a well formed, not large, but finely spotted flower, with
a slight indication of O. x Adrians;.

W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone, Stafford-
shire (gr., Mr. W. Stevens), showed his fine Odonto-
glossum x Waltonense (polyxanthum x crispum), for
which he had already been awarded a First-class Certi-
ficate. Its large yellow flowers with fine red brown
blotches on the sepal and lip were even better than
when first shown ; also O. x loochristiense tenebrosa,
home raised, densely blotched with chocolate.

Elijah Ashworth, Esq., Harefield Hall (gr , Mr.
Holbrook), showed Cypripedium x Mrs. A. W. Sutton
(niveum x Chamberlainianum,

Messrs. Fisher, Son, & Sibrav, Handsworth, Shef-
field, sent Cypripedium x Munition (Charlesworthii x
Spicerianum), a very pretty hybrid, with the greater
part of the dorsal sepal white.

Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, showed
Cypripedium x Violetta (Charlesworthii and ? venus-
tum), with a large rose-pink dorsal sepal.

Franc is Wellesley, Esq , Westfield, Woking, showed
two good yellow forms of Cypripedium insigne, and C. X
Ville de Paris (see Awards).

G. F. Moore, Esq., Eourtonon-the-Water, stoweor
Cypiipedium insigne var. bisepala in which t\e enlarged'
lower sspals were partly white, as in the dorsal sepal.

Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart. Clare Lawn, East'
Sheen (gr , Mr. W. H. Young), showed Cypripedium x
Muriel Hollington, and Cattleya labiata Amesiana.

' Awards.

First-class Certificate.

Lmlio-Cattleya x Bletchleyensis Ruby King, from Sir H.
Schrodeb, Bart., The Dell, Egham (gr., Mr H. Ballan-
tine).—A noble flower with light purple sepals and/
petals, the former delicately tinged with golden-yellow.
Lip large and finely crimped, ruby-purple at the base ,
lighter towards the front.

Cattleya x Hardyana albens, Peeters' var, from Mr..
A. A. Peeters, Brussels. —A beautiful flower, with
white sepals and petals very slightly tinged with
lavender colour. Lip crimson with gold veining at the*
base and two light patches on the disc. Near to C. x.
Leopold II., figured in Lindenia.

Awards of Merit.

Cymbidium x Wiganianum (eburneum x Traeyanum). .
—From Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart, (gr., Mr, W. H_
Young). Flowers as large as those of C. Traeyanum,
and with a distinct resemblance to that species in the*
large hairy labellum ; cream-white with slight dotted1
lines of purple on the sepals and petals, and heaviei-
red brown markings on the lip.

Cypripedium x Vile de Paris (PC. x Sallieri x C.
insigne Harefield Hall), from Francis Wellesley,
Esq , Westfield (gr , Mr. Hopkins) —A massive flower,
in relation to C. x Sallieri aureum as C. insigne Hare-
field Hall variety is to C. insigne. Flowers yellow witlv
a polished surface, and profusely marked with,
purplish-chocolate. Upper part of the dorsal sepal,
white.

C. x Fulihawense (Boxalli x insigne Harefield Hall),
from Elijah Ashworth, Esq., Harefield Hall, Wilms -
low (gr , Mr. Holbrook).— A fine hybrid, with a distant-
resemblance to C. insigne Harefield Hall. Dorsal sepali
large and well formed, greenish at the base, closely
spotted with dark purple ; upper portion white.

Ijelio-Cattleya x Wrigleyi (L. anceps X C. Bowling -
iana), from M. A. A. Peeters and Messrs. Veitch.
Flowers like those of L. anceps but larger and witl*.
tracea of the more tubular form of the lip as In C.
Bowringiana; bright purplish-rose witli dark reddish-
purple lip, the variety shown by Messrs. Veitch having
a white base.

Cattleya x St. Gilles (Patrocini x aurea), from.
M. A. A. Peeters, Brussels. A very bright ancV
distinct hybrid with rose crimson flowers, with golden
veining on the lip, the front of which is very bright.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Mr. G. Bunyard, Chairman ; and Messrs. J..
Cheal, H. Esling, S. Mortimer, A. Dean, J. Mclndoe, G.
Keif, H. Markham, G. Reynolds, G. Wythes, F. Q Lane-;
J. Willard, J. H Veitch, G. Norman, and W. Poupart,

Mr. A. Chapman, gr. to Captain Holford, Weston-
birt, sent a middling sized oval, whitish but handsome
Melon named Westonbirt Seedling. The flesh was
green, excessively luscious, and deliciously flavoured-
Parentage could not be stated as it had been grown
three or four years. For November the variety was.
one of the richest-flavoured Melons any of the Com-
mittee present had tasted. Award of Merit unanimous^

Mr. W. Allan, gr. to Col. Habbord, Gunton Fa-k„
Norfolk, sent nice fruits of his fine Apple, Norfolk.
Beauty, previously certificated.

Mr. R. Jordan, Lanway House, Godalming, had a-
seedling Apple Robert Jordan somewhat resembling?
Cockle Pippin, but much less good.

Mr. S. Moody, Charlton, Salisbury, sent a seedling
Potato unnamed; tubers white, long, flatfish, and*
of fairly good appearance. It was requested that/
tubers be sent for growing at the new Chiswick Gardec
next spring.

Mr. E. Potten, Camden Gardens, Kent, sent a couple--
of small Apples for name. The variety was thought to-
be Baron Ward.

From Mr. G. Ambbosb, of Cheshunt, again came
bunches of the new Grape Melton Constable. One
bunch grown on a strong Vine had very large berries
like those of Gros Colmar, lacking colour, but being'
less watery and more pleasant eating. It does not.,
however, seem that the Grape is a late keeper, as is the
ease with Alicante. The Committee wish to have a-
Vine planted with Gros Colmar and Black Alicante at
the new Chiswick for trial.

Messrs. Coopeb, Tabob & Co., Southwark Street,,
S.E., had samples of a long white Radish for winter

November 14, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

341

use, sliced with sala-firg. from JapaD. Some roots
not unlike t' ose o the loag rooted Turnip were 8 to
9 inches long.

The Lecture.

THE ADVANTAGE3 AND EVILS OF SIZE.

In the afternoon a paper by Mr. E. T. Cook was, in
the absence of that gentleman, read by Mr. A. Dean.
The Council on this occasion was well represented by
the President, Sir Trevor Lawrer.ce, Bart, Rev. W.
Wilks, Mr. Harry Veitch, and Mr. George Bunyard.
When the new Hall is completed wo trust the acoustic
properties may be found superior to those of the Drill
Hall, and that more pains will be taken to ensure the
comfort of the lecturer and of his auditory. The gist of
Mr. Cook's paper wis that in all things quality should
be considered before size, in which opinion Mr. Cook is
not likely to be alone !

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 10, 11, 12.

, H R Y 3 A N T H E M U M S were in full
bloom this season before the
Dahlias and other flowers in tie
open borders have been cut down
by frost. Consequently as market
flowers the Chrysanthemums were
of less value than usual. The
following is a report of the exhi-
bition of the National Chr/sanlhemum Society, held
at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham. Our general remarks
will be found on p. 336, the more detailed report
follows : -

AWARD3 BY THE FLORAL COMMITTEE.

The Committee met at 1 o'clock p.m. on Tue-day,
when the following awards were made : —

Incurved, Mrs. Barnard Hankey. — k very large and full
bloom, with good florets, reddish on upper surface and
buff or bronze underneath, which alone is seen. Shown
by Mr. W. Higgs (First class Certificate).

Incu-vel, Miss A. Dighton.—A. full-sized liloom of pile
yellow colour. Shown by Mr. W. Higgs (First-class
Certificate).

Japanese J. II. Silsbury.— This is a re Idish- coloured
variety with bright buff reverse; the florets are broad
and spoon-3haped at the tip. Shown by Mr. Silsbohy.
Providejcs Place, Shanklia (First class Certificate).

Incurved W. Pdtcoi.—A large, rather loosely-built
flower, with blunt • pointed florets, colour silvery-
rose, ilojn by Mr. £uilimore, gr., Canons Park,
Edgware (First class Certificate).

Japanese Mrs. J. Sunn —A milk white flower, faintly
tinted with cream in the centre, in build very similar to
F. S. Vallis. Shown by Mr. H. J. Jones (First-class
Certificate).

Single flowered Miss Jessie Dean— Of moderate size,
co'our bright rose, witi white zone round disc. Shown
by Mr. H. J. Jones (First class Certificate).

Single flowered Pink B-auly. — A large -sized pink-
coloured flower. Shown by Mr. H. Redden, Manor
douse Gardens, West Wlcklum (Commended).

Competitive Classes.

FLORAL DISPLAY.
In the old Aquarium the 11 jral displays were made
around the large fountains, and some of the exhibits
that were there made were very imposing. At the Palice
exhibition the flrst class was for a display of Chrysan-
themums and suitable foliage plants in pots, also cut
blooms and cut foliage, to be arranged on the floor In
a circular space of 3.0 superficial fee;. There were
only two sue1! groups shown, one b/ Mr. Norman
Davies, Framfield Nurseries, Uckiield, Sussex, and one
by Messrs. J. Peed & Sons, Roupell Park Nurseries,
West Norwood. Mr. Davies won 1st prize easily.
His arrangement included acone-shaped group of Chrys-
anthemums and other plants, in the centre crowned by
a plant of Cocos Weddelliana. Around this was a
broad band-like group not more than 2.1 feet high, con-
sisting of Ferns and fine foliage plants, through which
were s'.arred" large cut specimens cl' first-rate
Chrysanthemums. Opposite to each other at the ex-
treme margin were placed great two trumpet-glasses,
several feet high, containing Chrysanthemum blooms,
and midway bttween these, also at the margin,
two very large and handsome vases, containing blooms.
The etlect was good. Among the varieties of Chrysan-
themums that were most prominent were Bessie God-
frey, Calvals Sun, Madame P. Radaelli, Mrs. A. R.
"Knight, Maria Brunsing, Miss Stopford, F. S. Vallis,
Ucneral Hutton, &c. Among the novelticj was a very

fine yellow-coloured Japanese, with large, spreading,
but refined florets haviDg spoon shaped tips; Mrs.
A. H. Lewis, a vinous, purple-coloured Japanese, &c.
Messrs. Peed & Sons arranged their group as a good
pyramid.

CLASS FOR SOCIETIES.
This affords an opportunity for the affiliated societies
to compete with each other in sbowiDg the best collec-
tion of forty-eight blooms, consisting of twenty-four
Incurveds and twenty four Japanese, distinct. There
was only one exhibit in this class, which formerly
proved of considerab'.e interest, and which brought
together several societies in friendly rivalry. It is
permissible lor several members of anyone society to
unite for the purpose of making a collective exhibit,
but on this occasion the blooms shown by the Epsom
and District Chrysanthemum Society were all
grown by Pantia Palli, Esq., Ashslead Park, Leather-
head (gr., Mr. G. J. Hust). There was little to choose
between the Japinese and Incurved blooms ; etch type
was represented in good style, some of the Japanese, like
F. P. Vallis, Mrs. E. Hummel. Ben Wells, Madame
Carnot, Godfrey's Pride, and Mrs. Birkley, beiog so
large that, a visitor's remark, " The boards are not
sufficiently large to disp'ay the blooms perfectly,"
seemed appropria'e. The best of the incurveds were
C. H. Curtis, Mrs. C. Crookes, Iilene, Hanwell Glory,
Robt. Petfield, Lady Isabel, Mi-.s N. Threlfall, ifce.

CUT BLOOM3 EXHIBITED IN VASE3.
Twelve vases of five Blooms each.— la this class for
exhibits of twelve vase3 each containing i\ve blooms of
a Japanese variety of Chrysanthemum, disticct, there
were only two exhibitors, stowing a eonslderab'e
falling off in a class that for several years past has
held tee greatest degree of popularity. The 1st prize,
consisting of ten guineaj aad the Sir Ed. Saunders'
Memorial, was awarded to Mr Cha9. Beckett, gr. to Sir
W. G. Pearce, Birt .Chilton Lodge, Hungerford, and his
collection, together with that which won the 2nd prize,
afforded the best effjet in the show. The varieties in
Mr. Becketi's exhibit were General Huttoo, Mrs. J.
Bryant, Mrs, W. Mease, Mrs. F. W. Vallis (excellent),
Mr. F. W. Vallis (also very good), Mrs Berkeley, Mrs.
A. R. Knight, W. R. Church, Madame C. Nagelnackers
(a very good white variety), J. R. Upton, George Pen-
ford, and Madame Pao'o Radaelli. The il nvers gene-
rally were exceeding y gool. 2od, Mr. R. Kenyon, gr.
to J. R. Xwjbnti man, Esq , Monkhams, Woodford
Green. The varieties Duchess of Sutherland, Mrs.
Barkley, Kimberley, and Australie were amoog those
shown.

Six Vases of Incut ve i Blooms.— This was a special class,
in which the priz, ;s were offered by Messrs. Mackenzie
& Moncur, the firm of horticultural bui'ders and engi-
neers, and called (or six vases of incurved blooms,
each vise to contiin live blooms of a distinct viriety.
There were three exhibits, and Mr. W. Higgs took the
1st prize, showing good specimens of the following
variotles, Duchess of Fife, Hanwell Glory, Lady Isabel,
C.H. Curtis, Nellie Southam.andMrs. Barnard Hankey,
a new variety, mentioned under Awards. The 2nd and
3rd prize-winners were Mr.G.HusTand Mr. W.L. Bastin.

Thirty blooms of ten varieties —The prizes in this class
were presented by Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth Nur-
series, Devonshire. Mr. R. Kenton won 1st prize, and
all the varieties staged were introductions from Mr.
Godfrey's nurseries at Exmouth, since and including
the year 19C0. There were three varieties in a vase,
and the effect therefore, in our mind, was not so
agreeable as in the other " vase classes." The exhibits
served well to illustrate the great merit of many of
these excellent English seedlings raised by Mr. God-
frey, such as Kimberley, Godfrey's Pride, Exmouth
Riva', Sensation, Queen Alexandra, Wilfred H. Godfrey,
Mafeking Hero, Bessie Godfrey, Godfrey's King, &c.
2nd, Mr. A. Jefferies, gr. to John Balfour, Esq., Moor
Hall, Harlow, Essex.

Six Joptnese blooms, white.— The best white Japanese
variety shown in vases containing six specimens was
that of The Princess, exhibited by Mr. W. G. Pruddens-
Clabk, York Road.Hitchin ; -'jd, Nellie Pockett, shown
by Mr. G. A. King; and 3rd, Guy Hamilton, by Mr.
George Wilson, gr. to E. T. Powell, E-q, Rose Dene,
Christchurch Avenue, EroLdesbury Park, London.

S<x Japanese blooms, yellow —The 1st pi izewas awarded
to the variety J. R. Upton, thelnd prizj to that of F. S.
Vallis, and the :ird prize to that of Mrs. Mea=.e.

Six Japanese blioms of ore vuiety, any other colour thin
while or yellow. — 1st, the variety Mrs. G Milcham ; 2nd,
the same variety; 3rd, Edwin Molyneux ; and vh, Miss
Mildred Ware.

CUT BLOOMS SHOWS ON BOARD 3.

Japanese.
Forty-sign Blooms, dittinet. — There were three ex-
hibitors in this exacting clas°, and the 1st honouis
were won by Mr. W. Mease, gr. to A. Tate, Esq.. Djwu-
s*'de, Leatherhead, who until a few yr ars ago was well
known as one of the very foremost exhibitors of
Japanese Chrysanthemums. His collection on this oc-
casion was good, and it contained b'ooms of most
colours, several of the rich crimson flowers adding
considerably to the effjet. His varieties wore as fol-
lows :-Baek row: F. 9. Vallis, the large tew yellow
variety, shown very finely in this instance; Mr?. J. C.
Neville, Edwin Molyneux, J R. Upton, George Law-
rence, Capt. Percy Scott (rich yellow), Mafeking Hero,
Guy Hamilton, Lady M. Conyers, Le Grand Dragon,
Countess of Arran, Mrs. W. Meise. Gen. HuttoD, Miss
Mildred Ware, Australie, Lord Ludlow, very large, but
not so highly developed from the s'andpoint of colour
as we have seen it. Second row : Godfrey's Pride,
very attractive; Miss Lucy Evans. Mine G Debrie (an
incurved Japanese that would almost have been as
much in place in a class for incurveds), Mrs. F. S.
Vallis (i very beautiful variety of deep red colour,
relieved pleasantly by the bronze revjrse\ Lily Mount-
ford, Dorothy Pywell, Mrs. G Mileham, Viscount
Beaumont, Bessie Godfrey. Mrs. J. Bryant, Mme. C.
Nagelnacher, Alfreton, quite of the tjpe of Edwin
Molyneux, brighter if anything; Mrs. F. Grimwad",
Mermaid, Lord Salisbury, and Mr. T. Carriogton.
Front row : Mme. P. Radaelli, Mrs. E. Thirkell, Mrs.
Barkley, Mme. Carnot, Matthew Smith, Silver Q'leen.
Duchess of Sutherland (good yellow bloom with broad
incurving fljrets), Henry Stowe, Mrs. H. Weeks, Sir H.
Kitchener, Godfrey's King, M L. Remy, Mme.
Herrewege, Miss O. Miller, and Miss N. Pockett. The
2nd prize collection was little behind in quality to
that from Mr. Mease, and it was shown I y Mr. R.
Kenyon.gr. to J. R. Twentvman, Esq , Monkhams, Wood-
ford Green, Essex. Tnere were no blooms of excessiva
size, but many of them were more than ordinarily well
coloured and possessed considerable refinement. Re-
markable colour was afforded by the flowers of Henry
Perkins, Exmouth Rival, Henry Weeks, George Penford,
and W. R. Church Henry Perkins ecllpsingall theothers
for good effict. Other attractive flowers included the
Duchess of Sutherland with its magnificently broad
florets of chrome yellow colour, Godfrey's King, Kim-
berley, Rev. Wiiks, Secretaire Fierens, &c. ; Sri, Mr.
A. Jelljries, gr. to John Balijur, E;q , Moor Hall,
Harlow. Essex.

Twenty Jour blooms dittinet.— The 1st prize oi 5 guineas
in this class was presented by the President. Mr. Chas.
E. Shea. The best collection was shown by Mr. A.
Jefferies, gr. to John Balfour, Esq , Mocr Hall,
Harlow, Essex, and amongst some excellent blooms
those fo'.lowing were m:st noteworthy : Mme. Carnoi,
Mrs. Barkley, J. R. Upton, Lord Ludlo.v, Bessie
Godfrey, Godfrey's Pride, Calvil's Sun (an extra-
ordinarily wide bloooa of a rich yellow colcur), Edwin
Molyneux. M. Chenon ds Lech,: Sensation, Elsie
Fulton (white), and W. R. Church. 2nd, Mr. Jas.
Preccs, gr. to Miss Wii.lmott, Warley Place Brentwood.
This exhibit contained an enormous bloom of Marquis
V. Venosta, and other fine specimens. 3rd, Mr. Ja=
Lock, gr. to Hon. Mr. Justice Ewini en-Eady, OatUnds
Lodge. Weybridge. ith, Mr. W. Mease. There were
many competitors in this class.

Twelve blooms, dittinet.— There were nine exhibits in
this class, and the 1st pr:'zj was won by Mr. George
Hewitt, gr. to Charls s E. Green, Esq , Tbeydon
Grove, Epping. His varieties were Rev. W. Wilks (an
enormous flower, with extremely wide tlorets. colour
light rich purple with silver reverse', Matthew Smith,
Mrs. G. Mileham, Kimberley. Centre row : Florence
Molyneux, Marquis V. Venosta, Lord Ludlow and Mrs.
J. Bryant. Front row : Sensation, Bessie Godfrey, Mrs.
11. Weeks and Mary Inglis. 2nd. Mr. George Halsey,
tr. to Jeremiah Lyon, Esq , Riddings Court, Catcrham
Valley; 3rd, Mr. H. Smith, gr. to Colonel Bowles,
MP , Forty Hall, Enfield.

INCURVEDS.

The blooms in the classes for Incurveds were of good
average merit.

Thirty six incure, I Mjoma rfiVi'nW.-The largest class
is one for thlrly-iix Ulooxs. The 1st prize was won by
that invincible grower Mr. W. Higgs, gr. to J. H
iiankky, Esq., Fetcliam Park, near l.eathcrhead, and
his collection contained many large well built and
finished booms His varieties were as follows Back
row.—C. Bllck, Pantta Ralll, CouolOSI cl Warwick,
Mrs. F. Judsou (aa excellent white (lower of unusually

342

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 14, 1903.

large proportion), Nellie Southaro, C. H. Curtis
Mrs. Barnard Hackey (new), Lady Isabel (a pleasing
flower of delicate tint and very broad florets), Frank
Hammond, Ialeoe. Hanwell Glory, and Duchess
otFife: Centre row.— Miss "A. Dig'iton (a very pretty
yellow bloom), Ralph Ualton, J. Agate, Mildred Lyne,
Madame Ferlat, G. W. Matthew, Mrs. H. J. Jones,
'Egyptian, Miss A. Hills, Major Bonnaffon, Ma Perfection,
and George Lock. Front row: Mrs. R. C. Kingston,
Louise Giles (a very distinct-looking yellow flower),
C. B. Whltnall, Mile. Lucie Faure, W. Higgs, Topaze
Orientate, Geo. Haigh, Comtesse d'Estoile, Miss E.
Sevard, Mrs. C. Crooks, Robt. Petfleld, and Mrs.
Tanner, one of the richest yellow coloured incurveds ;
2nd, Mr. Mease, whose flowers were not nearly so
good ; 3rd, Mr. G. HnNT ; and 4th, Mr. W. L. Bastin, gr.
to Sir Alexander Henderson, Bart., Buscot Park,
Faringdon.

Twelve Blooms, distinct.— The 1st prize was won by Mr.
W. L. Bastin, and he had good blooms of the following
/arieties : -Mrs. H. J. Jones, Hanwell Glory, J. Ljne,
Duchess of Fife, C. II. Curtis, J. Agate, Ialene, Countess
of Warwick, Edith Hughes, Lady Isabel, W. Nevill, and
.Nellie Southaru ; 2nd, Mr. C. Lane, gr. to E. H. Coles,
Esq, Brentford; and 3rd, Mr. R. J. Jolifj e, Fern
Bank, Bonchureh, Isle of Wight.

Six Blooms of one Variety- Mr. C. Lane, gr. to E. H.
Coles, Esq., won 1st prize for half-a-dozen good blooms
of the variety C. H. Curtis. We could not ascertain who
took the 2nd prize, but the 3rd prize was awarded to
the variety Lady Isabel (white), and the 4th prize to
that of Mdlle. E. Roger, a greenish variety, introduced
some ye ars ago.

OTHER TYPE3 IN VASES.
Twtlvc large floivcred reflcxed blooms.— Mr. Chas. BrowD,
gr. to R. Henty, Esq , Langley House, Abbot's Langley,
Herts, was 1st for these old-fashioned but neat-looking
reflexed blooms, showing the following varieties :— Dr.
Sharpc, Clara Jeal, Peach Christine, White Christine,
Cullingtordi, Miss Alice Robertson, Pink Christine,
Cloth of Gold, Mr. B.Hoake (?); 2nd, Mr. J. Barrance.gr.
to G. W. Taylor, Esq., Hadley Bourne, Barnet. These
exhibits were very pretty and brightly coloured
"posies."

Twenty four large Anemone blooms, Japanese excluded.—
Mr. Chas. Brown, gr. to R. Henty, Esq., Langley House
Abbots Langley. Herts, was 1st in this class; Mr. J
Barrance, 2nd ; and Mr. A. E. Horton, gr. to H. H.
Platten, Esq., Harwood Hall, Upminster, Essex, 3rd.

Twelve targe flowerei Anemone blooms, Japanese excluded.
—There were three varieties shown in each of four
vases, and the prize3 were awarded to Mr. J. Barrance,
gr. to G. W. Taylor, Esq , and Mr. Chas. Brown, in
the order named.

Twelve large flowered Japanese Anemone blooms.— The
1st prize was won by Mr. A. E. Horton, gr. to H. H.
Platten, Esq , Harwood Hall, Upminster, Essex, and
the 2nd prize by Mr. Chas. Brown.

Nine Pompons distinct.— These were shown in vases,
six bunches of a variety iu each vase. The exhibits
were very attractive ; Mr. Chas. Brown was awarded
the 1st prize, and he staged the following varieties ;
William We3tlake (yellow), Prince of Orange Pygma-
lion, Black Douglas, Mile Elsie Dordon (still the
prettiest of all Pompon Chrysanthemums), Osiris,
Harry Hick". Comte de Morney, and Mme. Martha ;
2nd, Mr. T. Caryer, gr. to A. G. Meissemer, Esq.,
Aldenbolme, Weybridge; 3rd, Mr. Geo. A. King, gr. to
K. Jones, Esq., Knightons, East Finehley.

Six Anemone Pompons, dittinct. — Mr. Chas. Brown
staged the following varieties— Magenta King, Emily
Plowbottoro, Antoniana, Mme. Montet, Mr. Astie, and
Miss NightiDga'.e, and was awarded 1st prize.
, Six varieties of tingle flowered, six blooms of each.— These
made a glorious show. The 1st prize collection came
from Mr. A. Dear, gr. to W. Jordan, Esq., Hill House,
Palmer's Green, he had Admiral Sir T. Symonds,
yellow; Elsie Neville, deep red; AnDie Farrant, rich
crimson; Edith, lilac pink with white ring round disc;
Earlswood Beauty, white; and Crown Jewel, terra-
cotta or bronze. 2nd, Mr. H. Redden, gr. to G. W.
Bird, Esq , Manor House, West Wickham, whose'
varieties were rather different and the flowers less
regular; 3rd, Mr. W. C. Paoram, who had a very
effective red-coloured variety in Elsie Neville.

FLORAL DECORATIONS.
There were four classes in this section, but the
exhibits had not much novelty. In the class for three
epergnes of Chrysanthemum blooms with appropriate
foliage the 1st prize was won by Miss C. B. Cole, The
Vineyards, Feltham, who used yellow Pompons and

very few yellow decorative blooms, with Asparagus
sprays and Codi.eum leaves, &c. ; 2nd, Mr. D. B. Crane.

The best exhibit of two vases of Pompon or Anemone
Pompons was from Mr. A. Robertson, gr. to F. J.
Yarrow, Esq., Mitford House, 18, Abbey Road, St.
John's Wood; and Mr. W. C. Pagram, gr. to J. Cour-
tenay, Esq , The Whim, Weybridge, 2nd.

In a class for one vase of six blooms of any Japanese
Chrysanthemum arranged with any foliage for decora-
tive effect, Mr. W. Barrel], gr. to Mrs. R. Thornton,
The Hoo, Sydenham Hill, showed good blooms of the
variety Mrs. Barkley relieved with Nephrolepis fronds ;
2nd, Mr. G. A. King with Le Grand Dragon.

For the best hand basket of Chrysanthemums for table
arranged with foliage, Miss Anstey, 4, Knight's Hill
Road, West Norwood, was 1st ; and Miss C. B. Cole, 2nd.

FRUIT.
Some good Grapes were exhibited in the three
classes provided for them. Mr. W. Taylor, gr. to
C. Bayer, Esq , Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill, was
1st for three bunches of Muscat of Alexandria, showing
large and highly - coloured clusters ; 2nd, Mr. W.
Lintott, ir. to Walpole Greenwell, Esq., Marden
Park, Caterham Valley.

The exhibitor first named was also 1st for three
bunches of Gros Colmar, with very large, well-coloured
bunches.

For any other black Grape Mr. Lintott was 1st, with
large clu ters of Alicante.

Three exhibitors staged six dishes of dessert Apples,
the 1st prize going to Mr. W. Stowers, gr. to G. H.
Dean, Esq., Whitehall, Sittingbourne. He had very
fine fruits of Cox's Orange, King of the Pippins,
Ribston, Blenheim Orange, Gascoigne's Scarlet and
AlliDgton Pippin ; 2nd, Mr. Crane, Cheveney, Maid-
stone.

Mr. Stowers was also 1st for six cooking varieties,
with large handsome fruits of Peasgood's Nonsuch,
Bismarck and Bramley's Seedling, &c. Mr. Crane was
again 2nd.
No exhibit of Pears was forthcoming.

VEGETABLES.

For the special prizes offered by Messrs. Webb £
Sons for nine distinct kinds, Mr. A. Basile, gr. to Rev.
T. McMurdie, Woburn Park, Weybridge, was a good
1st, his Onions, Leeks, and Celery were his best dishes.
2nd, Mr. Bastin, gr. to Sir Alexander Henderson,
M.P., Buscot Park, Faringdon, Berks.

Mr. Robt. Sydenham, Tenby Street, Birmingham,
offered a series of prizes for single dishes and a col-
lection. For the latter, that of eight dishes, Mr. R.
Mairs, gr. to Sir John Shelley, Bt, Crediton, Devon,
was 1st; Mr. Brown, gr. to R. Henty, Esq , Langley
House, Abbots Langley, 2nd. Four competitors staged,
the produce being excellent throughout.

In the single dish classes, Mr. H. Folkes, gr. to the
Rt. Hon. F. Halsey, M.P., Gaddesden Place, Hemel
Hempsted, was 1st for Cauliflowers, and Mr. Mairs for
Savoys; Mr. Basile for Brussels Sprouts, Mr. Folkes
for Celery, Mr. Basile for Carrots, Parsnips, and
Beets. Mr. Mairs had very fine Leeks, and was easily
1st. as also for Onions of Ailsa Craig variety.

For two varieties of Potatos, Mr. R. A. Hobspool,
The Gardens, Llangollen Road, Ruabon, was 1st, and
Mr, Folees had 1st prize for handsome white stone
Turnips.

Amateur Section.

In this section the term "Amateur" embraces two
classes ; first, those who mainly if not entirely person-
ally cultivate their Chrysanthemums, and employ but
one assistant regularly and who do not grow for sale,
.also including " single-handed" gardeners ; 2nd, those
who employ no paid assistance whatever, and are the
bond-fide growers of their plants and blooms. la Class 3.',
that for eighteen Japanese blooms distinct, there were
but two exhibitors, the 1st prize being exsily won by
Mr. C. Bellis, gr. to Mrs. G. M. Factkner, Fonthill
Lodge, Forest Hill. Among the best blooms were Mr.
F. S. Vallis, Duchess of Sutherland, General Hutton,
and Miss A. Byron. 2nd, Mr. A. W. Seabrook, gr. to W.
Willes, Esq., Ellerslie, Buckhurst Hill, Essex.

Five competitors staged (Section A) collections of
twelve Japanese blooms, the 1st prize being won by Mr.
A. Osmond, gr. to A. Kempt, Esq , 15, Ross Road, South
Norwood; 2nd, Mr. L. Gooch.gr. to J. Wickham Jones,
Esq., Trocester Lodge, South Norwood.

For a similar number of incurved blooms Mr. Sea-
brook gained the leading position; Duchess of Fife,
Hanwell Glory, and C. H. Curtis were good blooms.
2nd, Mr. H. W. Culham, gr. to D. Birt, Esq , Shooter's
Hill Road, BlaokheUh.

For twelve incurved blooms in six varieties (Sec-
tion B) Mr. A. R Knight 63, Hardinge Road, Ashford,
the only exhibitor, was awarded the 1st prize.

There were five exhibitors in the class for six
Japanese blooms, distinct (Section A), the 1st prize ■
going to Mr. H. Pestell, gr. to F. S. Wigram, Esq.,
Elstow. Bedford, who had very good flowers ; 2nd, Mr.
J. G. Mills, Hazel Dell, Anerley.

The best collection of six blooms of one variety was
from Mr. Seabrook, who had blooms of Mrs. G. Mile-
ham, and was easily 1st.

Four exhibitors staged in the following class, for six
incurveds distiuc'., Mr. Seabrook again taking the
leading position ; 2nd, Mr. Robertson, gr. to F. Narrow,
Esq , Mitford House, St. John's Wood.

Mr. Seabrook was easily 1st for six incurveds of one
varieiy, staging very fine blooms of C. H. Curlis ; Mr.
Osmond was 2nd. Bunches of Pompons were but
poorly shown by one exhibitor.

In Section B, seven exhibitors staged collections of
six Japanese blooms, the 1st prize going to Mr. H. C.
Hawkins, Nithsdale, Blackheat'h; and for the same
number in three, varieties, Mr. F. Wells, 181, Albert
Road, South Norwood, was eaiily 1st among eight
competitors.

For competition among amateurs in Section B,
Percy Watebep, Esq., gave a special Silver. Challenge
Cup and a Silver-gilt Medal in addition to the 1st prize
for the best display of cut blooms of decorative Chrys-
anthemums arranged on a table space of 6 feet x 3 feet
and judgedfor finish of bloom, Chrysanthemum foliage
only to be used. Four exhibitors staged on separate
tables, the 1st prize going to Mr. D. B. Crane, 4, Wood-
view Terrace, Archway Road, Highgate. His exhibit
was set up in vases, each of one distinct variety, small
incurved, Japanese, singles, Pompons (such as Snow-
drop), Anemones and Anemone Pompons, the whole
forming a light and pretty exhibit ; Mr. P. L. Johnson,
Northgate, Bishop's Stortford, was a good 2nd.

A Silver Challenge Cup was also offered by Mr.
Waterer for a somewhat similar display made by lady
exhibitors, but allowing any kind of foliage to be used.
Three very nice exhibits were set up, the 1st prize
going to Miss M. Anstey, 4, Knight's Hill Road, West
Norwood. The colours used were yellow and bronze,
with trails of Asparagus and Ampelopsis Veitchii,
light vases and wire arches being used; 2nd, Mrs.
D. B. Cbane, Woodview Terrace, Archway Road,
Highgate.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS.
For two hand-bouquets composed entirely of Chrys-
anthemums, Mrs. F. L. Brewster, 12, St. Peter's Street,
Canterbury, was 1st; 2nd, Mr. Oliver.

The competition was poor in the class for one vase
containing blooms of one variety. Mr. H. Pestell, gr.
to F S. Wigbam, Esq., Bedford, was 1st.

For a basket of autumn foliage and berries, Mr. A.
Taylor, Vernon Terrace, East Finehley, was 1st.

MAIDEN CLaSSES.

These were for those who had never before won a
prize at the National Chrysanthemum Society's Shows.

Mr. F. Stiles, Forty Hill, Enfield, was well 1st both
for Japanese and incurved blooms.

NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS.
Avery imposing group was that shown by Mr. H. JJ
Jones, Ryecroft Nurseries, Lewisham. It comprised
twenty or more large vases in tiers each containing from
fifteen to twenty specimen Chrysanthemum blooms,
with other vase3 of a less size intermixed, the whole
being backed by Palms and Bamboos, and other
smaller foliage plants and ornamental grasses, &c,
gracefully intermixed. A double row of specimen
blooms in low vases made a finish to the front, which
.was draped with Isolepis and other graysei. The
.variety Duchessof Sutherland, a deep yellow Japanese,
.was conspicuous ; also Mrs. J. Dunn and the Hon. Mrs.
Acland (Large Gold Medal).

^ Messrs. T. Rochtord & Son, Turnford Hall Nur-
series, Broxbourne, contributed a bank of Azalea
mollis, Liliums in several varieties, Spinea japonica
and S. astilboides, and a large mass of Lily of the
Valley, all from retarded roots (Gold Medal).

Hobbies. Ltd., Dereham, filled some 100 or more feet
of tabling with Chrysanthemums in variety, Roses, and
double Pelargonium blooms (Gold Medal). <

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, and Eynsford,
staged a magnificent collection of fruits, comprising
250 varieties, the majority of the Apples being very
highly coloured. A large collection of Onions was also
shown with the fruit. Messrs. Cannell & Sons had
also exhibits of Chrysanthemum blooms, sprays ot
zonal Pelargonium blooms, and a group of Cannas in

November 14, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

343

pots. The Chrysanthemum blooms included several
novelties, among them being W. W. Mann, a deerer
coloured sport from the variety C. H. Curtis ; also
Daniel Lambert, Ac. (Large Gold Medal).

Messrs. Geobge Boyes & Co., Aylestone Nurseries,
Leicester, exhibited a fine lot of winter flowering
Carnations in pots and as cut blooms (Silver-gilt
Medal).

Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate Nurseries,
London, N., showed Lilies forced into bloom from
retarded bulbs, also other plants of similar nature, 'and
greenhouse flowering plants, Carnations, Ac. (Gold
Medal).

Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth Nurseries, Devon-
shire was awarded a Gold Medal for a display of
Chrysanthemum blooms, Ac, in which most of his own
seedlings during the past few years were represented
by first-class blooms.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Koyal Exo*ic Nurseries,
Chelsea, made a huge exhibit of their new hybrid
winter -flowering Begonias, amongst which the variety
Mrs. Heal was still the most effective (Gold Medal).

Messrs. J. Peed A Sons showed a group of Begonias
Turnford Hall and Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild, also
a collection of Apples (Silver-gilt Medal).

Mr. J. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey, exhi-
bited a small collection of Apples and Fears, and an
attractive group of Ivies, Hollies, and other shrubs
(Silver -gilt Medal).

Messrs. Gregory & Evans, Sidcup, exhibited flower-
ing Heaths, including Erica gracilis nivalis, with
white flowers (Silver Medal).

Messrs. J. Cheal A Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, near
Crawley, showed a collection of Apples (Silver-gilt
Medal).

Messrs. J. Ambrose A Son, Cheshunt, were awarded
a Silver Medal for Grapes, and for Roses in pots.

OF

MANCHESTER AND NORTH
ENGLAND ORCHID.

November 6.— Notwithstanding bad weather there
was a good display of plants on this occasion. Several
very good groups were shown, the best coming from
E. Rogerson, Esq , Didsbury, whose group included
many good things, a Silver-gilt Medal being awarded to
it. In this group were Cattleya labiata var. alba.
Cattleya Hardyana var. alba, Cypripedium x Edith, a
hybrid between C. Rothschildianum x C. Boxallii var.
atratum (Award of Merit), Cypripedium x Corona
(Award of Merit), and Cypripedium x Tityus.

T. Statter, Esq , Stand Hall, Whitefield (gr.. Mr.
Johnson), exhibited a few nice plants, of which Cypri-
pedium x Madame Jules Hye and C. x calloso-Veitchii
received Awards of Merit. A good form of Cattleya X
Mantini var. superba was also shown.

Mrs. Ardew, Hazel Mount, Stockport (gr , Mr.'
Morris), staged a nice group of plants. Cypripedium x
niveo callosum, Lielio Cattleya xluminosa, and Cattleya
x Clarkire were voted Awards of Merit. Vote of Thanks
for group.

Messrs. Jas Cypher* Sons, Cheltenham, received a
Silver Medal for a nice bright group of plants, the best
thing in the group being a fine form of Lielio-Cattleya
x Statteriana var. superba (First-class Certificate)

Walter Lavehton, Esq., Victoria Park, Manchester
(gr., Mr. Smith), made his dibxH as an exhibitor, and
put up quite a nice group of Cypripediums, Ac C. x
William Matthews var. superbum, supposed to be a
hybrid between C. Lawrenceanum X C. Mastersianum,
received an Award of Merit.

Jas. Williamson, Esq., Stretford, exhibited Lselio-
Cattleya x Portia, acid a hybrid Cypripedium, the
parents of which were unknown.

Messrs. Keeling A 8ons, Westgate Hill, Bradford,
staged a group of interesting plants, and were awarded
a Bronze Medal. Noticeable in the group were several
good forms of Cattleya granulosa, one of which, called
C. granulosa var. lutea, received an Award of Merit.

Mr. S. Allen, Sale, received an Award of Merit for a
well coloured form of Cattleya labiata called C. labiata
var. splendens. P. W.

FRENCH NATIONAL CHRYSAN-
THEMUM.

November 8-11. -The eighth annual conference and
show of the above society was held in the Palais
Rameau at Lille on the above dates. There was a very
fine display of pot plants and cut b'ooms. and the
show was arranged in a very artistic style, there being
no tables used as at English exhibitions. On the con-
trary, all the plants and cut blooms were staged in
beds raised slightly above the ground level and edged
with turf.

-The schedule provided for thirty six classes inclusive
Oi ornamental foliage plants and other lloial composi-
tions, such as vatos, baskets, table decorations, Ac. A

deputation from the English National Chrysanthemum
Society visited the show, consisting of Messrs. T.
Bevan, Witty, Harman Payne, and Runchman, and
was heartily welcomed. These gentlemen, assisted by
several of the French members, judged the cut blooms.
Most of the exhibitors were local growers, but among
others Messrs. Ernest Calvat and Nonin exhibited
new seedlings in great variety and in good form.

The well-known firm of Messrs. Vilmorin, Andrieux
et Cie. made a grand display of plants in pots, show-
ing three immense groups of beautifully -flowered
plants of all the well known varieties. These groups
were arranged in a very artistic style, there being first
a fringe of a pretty little yellow Pompon, Gerbe d'Or,
then a wider band of a bright rosy decorative Japanese
called Baronne de Vinols, and next the pots of plants
containing the main part of the exhibit Messrs.
Vilmorin's exhibits were cosmopolitan in their origin,
comprising varieties from every known source.

Of the many other groups it is almost impossible to
speak, the exhibitors being so numerous. Among
them however were some valuable contributions from
Messrs. Van den Heede, Leloup, Grimoux, Dagniaux,
who set up a most charming exhibit, which was
awarded a Gold Medal. This consisted of a display of
immense cut flowers arranged with Maidenhair Ferns.
and at intervals large vases full of big blooms of
various varieties of the Chrysanthemum.

A very similar group, carrying the same award, was
staged by M. Dengremont, who had Mrs. White
Popham, Miss Alice Byron, Lord Ludlow, F. S. Vallis,
which is one of the very largest and best yellow novel-
ties of the season ; Charles Langley, Henry Barnes,
Ralph Hutton, and Leocadie Qenties, in as fine form
as we ever remember to have seen them.

A Gold Medal was also awarded to M. Montigny,
who showed novelties of the past two seasons, these
comprising French, English, and Italian varieties.

M. Mulnard staged a handsome group of Palms,
foliage plants, and Chrysanthemums in pots, as also
did Messrs. Willot & Co.

Vases of Chrysanthemums, baskets, various floral
compositions were all represented in goodly numbers,
suitable awards being made in each case. There were
also interesting miscellaneous exhibits of Begonia
Gloire de Lorraine, Lilies, Carnations, and the like.

In the afternoon the first meeting of the Conference
was held. M. Viger presided, and among those
present we noticed MM. Abel Chatenay, Philippe Rivoire,
Mery Montigny, Mulnard Galesloot, Bruant of Poitiers,
Ernest Fierens, Ernest Calvat, Aug. Nonin, Chabanne,
Choulet.Cochet, LucienChautc.Cordonnier, the English
deputation, and many other well known Chrysanthe-
mum admirers.

Papers were read on matters relating to insect-pests
and maladies that affect the Chrysanthemum, and dis-
cussion ensued. The text of these papers will appear
in a subsequent issue of the Society's Journal.

In the evening of the opening day a banquet was
held ; M. Viger presided, and all the members of the
jury were invited. Complimentary speeches followed ;
several gentlemen who had assisted in organising the
show were decorated with the Order of the Mdrite
Agricole, and the thanks of the meetingwere presented
to the foreign members of the jury. Mr. Harman
Payne responded for the Belgian, Dutch, and English
visitors.

BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND COUN-
TIES CHRYSANTHEMUM, FRUIT,
AND HORTICULTURAL.

November 10, II, 12— This Society held its forty-
third annual display of Chrysanthemums, fruit, and
vegetables in Bingley Hall, Birmingham, on the above
dates. The exhibition as a whole was satisfactory, being
considered to be quite equal to the best of its prede-
cessors. Chrysanthemums, as pot plants and cut
blooms, were shown extensively. The Japanese varie-
ties were much superior to the Incurveds.

We were informed that upwards of 700 entries were
received from eighty-fiva exhibitors, and about
1,700 feet run of 4-foot tabling was necessary for the
accommodation of fruit, out flowers, and small deco-
rative plants, in addition to a veiy large amount of
space for groups on the ground. As may be imagined,
hardy fruits were not largely represented ; but some of
the Apples were remarkable for their sizs and colour.

Vegetables stood out prominently, and rarely has the
Birmingham public had a better object lesson in the
high-class cultivation of vegetables than on this
occasion.

We feel constrained to refer to the way in which the
classes were broken up. In exhibitions of great
magnitude and importance it would be well if the
organisers endeavoured to simplify matters by keeping
the classes in, or nearly in consecutive order, and
separating them as little as possible. Stout class cards,
will the number of the class printed in bold black
type, would greatly assist visitors and exhibitors alike
in finding any particular class of Interest to them.
Messrs. Hughes A Son (joint secretaries) deserve credit

for the way in which the general arrangements were
carried out. Mr. Robert Sydenham was present, having
returned from South Africa.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

Group of Plants arranged for effect.— The 1st prize iu
this class, a Silver Coronation Challenge Cup and £10,
was won by G. H. Kenrick, Esq , Edgbaston (gr., Mr.
J. V. Macdonald), with a tastefully arranged group in
which Japanese varieties were arranged almost ex-
clusively; 2nd, J. Whitfield, Esq., Moseley (gr., Mr.
W. Thomson); 3rd, J. A. Kenbick, Esq., Edgbaston
(gr., Mr. A. Cryer).

For a similar but smaller group, G. Cadbury, Esq.,
Northfield, Birmingham (gr., Mr. J. Maldrem), was
placed 1st; A. H. Griffiths, Esq., Edgbaston (gr., Mr.
C. Kelland), 2nd.

SPECIMEN PLANTS.
Kine Large Flowering Varieties (Japanese excluded),
dissimilar varieties.— 1st, E. Martineau, Esq., Edgbas-
ton (gr., Mr. O. Brassier), with Alfred Salter, Madame
Ferlat, Prince Alfred, Golden Madamo Ferlat, Mr.
Bunn, John Doughty, White Beverley, Lord Alcester,
and C. II. Curtis ; 2nd, G. Cadbury, Esq.

Six Large Flowering Varieties (Japanese excluded), die-
similar varieties.— 1st, G. Cadbury, Esq.

Six Japanese, dissimilar varieties —1st, E. MabtineAu,
Esq. (gr., Mr. O. Brassier) ; 2nd, J. A. Kenrick, Esq.

CUT BLOOMS (JAPANESE).
Eight distinct varieties (five blooms of each, the flower -
stems to be not less than 18 inches long).— 1st, Colonel
Beech, Coventry (gr„ Mr. E. J. Brooks), with W. R.
Church, Ethel Fitzroy, F. S. Vallis, Guy Hamilton,
Mrs. <i. Mileham, Miss Mildred Ware, Bessie Godfrey,
and Mrs. Barkley ; 2nd, the Leamington Nurserymen
and Florists, Leamington.

Six distinct varieties.— Colonel Beech was again 1st;
2nd, F. E. Muntz, Esq., Umberslade (gr , Mr. I. Prit-
chard).

Twelve blooms of Japanese Incurved.— lit, C. A. Smith
Ryland, Esq., Barford (gr., Mr R. Jones); 2nd, W.
Manning, Esq., Dudley.

Incurveds.
Eighteen blooms, distinct.— 1st, Col. BEECn ; 2nd, The
Dowager Lady Hindlip (gr., Mr. C. Crooks).

Twelve varieties.— 1st, the Dowager Lady Hindlit.
Droitwich ; 2nd, Sir A. Henderson, M.P., Faringdon
(gr., Mr. W. L. Bastin).

Eighteen blooms.— 1st, Earl of Harrington, Elvaslon
Castle, Derby ; 2nd, Sir A. Henderson, M.P. (gr., Mr
W. L. Bastin).

PLANTS AND FLOWERS (OPEN).

The best collection of twelve Chinese Prlmula9,
single varieties, was shown by J. A. Kenrick, Esq. ;
2nd, E. MABTINEAU, ESq.

J. A. Kenrick. Esq., was 1st also for twelve Cycla
mens ; and the Dowager Lady Hindlip, 2nd.

The best exhibit of a dinner-t»ble, 8 feet by 4 feet,
decorated with Chrysanthemums, Ferns, Ac, brought
nine competitors, and Mr. H. Wooi.man, Acocks
Green, Birmingham, secured the leading award; 2nd,
The Leamington Nurserymen AFLORisTS.Leamington.

FRUIT.

Collection of British grown fruit to occupy a space
not exceeding 40 square feet. In this class was1 offered
the Veitch Memorial Medal and £ 0, as 1st prize, which
was won by the Earl of Harrington, who had good
Muscat of Alexandria, Barbarossa, and Uios Colraar
Grapes; also Melons, Apples, Pears, Ac. ; 3rd (no 2nd
awarded), Earl of Carnarvon, Bretley Park, burton
on Trent (gr., Mr. J. Read).

A class for two bunches of Muscat of Alexandria
Grapes brought three competitors, and Mrs. F. Need,
Malvern (gr., Mr. J. Jones), gained 1st prize with Lady
Hutt; 2nd, G. H. Hadfield, Esq., Ross (gr., Mr. J.
Rick), with White Nice.

Six bunches of Grapes in not fewer than three varieties.—
1st, Earl of Harrington, with shapely bunches of
Muscat of Alexandria, Barbarossa, and Black Alicante;
3rd, Mrs. F. Nebd.

The best culinary Apple9 were exhibited by the
Dowager Lady Hindlip, and the best dessort Apples
by G. H. Hadfield, Esq. (gr., Mr. J. Rick), who had
also the only exhibit of four dishes of Pears.

VEGETABLES.

Collection of nine distinct kinds, pri/.js offered by
Messrs. Sutton A Sons, Roadiug. Five competitors,
1st prize, Col. O. R. Middikton, Ross (gr , Mr. Leith) .
2nd Mrs. DBNNisoN,,Ltttle Gaddesdon (gr., Mr. A. Q.
Gentle).

Collection of eight distinct kinds, prizes offcrod by
Messrs Webb A Sons, Stourbridge, sevou competitors,
1st. Lord Aldkniiam, Elstreo (jr., Mr. E. Heikett),
2nd, P. Soutiiiiy, Esq , Bampton (gr , Mr. G. Neal).

Nine distinct kinds, prim offered by Messrs. K.
Smith A Co , Worcoster, two oompetltort. 1st. Lord
Ai.denham; 2nd, Mr R A. HOBiPOOl Kiil.on.

344

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 11, 1903.

STx distinct kinds, prizes offered by Messrs. Thomson
& Co., Spark Hill, eight competitors, 1st, Lord Alden-
ham ; and, M. Firth, Esq., Leicester (gr., Mr. T. J.
Claikson),

Nine distinct kinds, prizasoffered by Messrs. Hewitt
& Co , Solihull, seven competitors, 1st, Lord Alden-
ham ; 2nd. W. E. Alston, Esq , Elmdon Hall (gr., Mr.
C. Haynes*.

The £15 Silver Challenge Cup and a money priza
offered by Mr. Robt. Sydenham to the exhibitor who
secured the greatest number of points in certain
classes was won by Mr. R. A. Horspool, Old Chirk
Gardens, Ruabon; 2nd, Hon. T. F. Halsey. Hemel
Hempstead ; 3rd, Earl of Carnarvon (gr., Mr. J. Read).

NON-COMPETITIVE GROUPS.

A Gold Medal was worthily awarded to the Right
Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, MP., Highbury, Moor
Green, Birmingham (gr., Mr. J. Deacon), for an exten-
sive and beautifully-arranged group of indoor flowering
and foliage plants. Particularly good were the Bego-
nias, Acalypha hispida, Bouvardias, Carnations, zonal
Pelargoniums and Lilies of the Valley.

Messrs. R. Smith &Cc, Worcester, sent a group of
hardy shrubs composed of the less common species
suitable for pleasure grounds, also Apples, Pears, and
Potat08 (Gold Medal).

Another Gold Medal collection of hardy shrubs came
from Messrs. John Waterer& Sons, Bagshot, Surrey.
It consisted of cleanly grown Juniperus, Japanese
Osmanthuses, Seiadopitys verticillata (Umbrella Pine),
Cedrusatlanticaglauca.Thuiopsisdolabrata (originally
cultivated as a stove shrub), Retinosporas, and red
and yellow berried forms of Hollies borne in great
profusion.

Messrs. Thomson & Sons, Spark Hill, Birmingham,
filled a space of 100 square feet with a miscellaneous
collection of B'goniaGloire de Lorraine, Salvia splen-
dens grand) flora, Bouvardias, Chinese Primulas, single
Chrysanthemums, and profusely flowered Ericas.

Messrs. W. Clibran & Son, Altrincham, sent a very
fine strain of Celosia pyramidalis with led and yellow
coloured plumes, some of which measured about a foot
in length. Messrs. Clibran also had a selection of
the various forms of Chrysanthemums (Silver Medal).

Messrs. Child & Herbert showed hardy shrubs
(Silver Medal).

A Silver Medal was awarded to Mr. J. H. White,
Worcester, for a group of hardy shrubs aid Primula
obconica and other flowering plants.

A collection of Cacti and succulent plants came from
Mr. J. G. Thompson, Handsworth (Silver Medal).

Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Rolle Street, Exmouth, sent a
small group of cut Chrysanthemums, zonal Pelargo-
niums and Carnations (Silver Medal).

An extensive group of outdoor Chrysanthemums
came from The Vineries, Ltd., Acock's Green, Bir-
mingham (Gold Medal).

Messrs. Hewitt & Co , Solihull, contributed a group
of Conifers and Carnations (Silver Medal).

Messrs. Wells & Co., Earlswood, Redhill, put up a
stand of Chrysanthemums (Bronze Medal).

Mr. J. Austin, Sparkhill, a working factory hand,
sent a very creditable group of Chrysanthemums in
pots (Silver Medal).

Messrs. E. Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stourbridge,
received a Gold Medal for an extensive collection of
Potatos, Begonia uloire de Lorraine and its white
variety.

Messrs. Pewtress Bros., Tillington, Hereford, re-
ceived a Silver Medal for sixty dishes of fruit.

Messrs. Yates & Sons, Old Square, Birmingham,
showed vegetables (Gold Medal).

The King's Acre Nurseries, Hereford, and Mr. J.
Basham, Bassaleg, Newport, were represented by col-
lections of Apples and Pears, the latter exhibitor being
awarded a Gold Medal.

From the Worcestershire County Experimental.
Garden. Droitwich (supt, Mr. J. Udale), came a collec-
t on of hardy fruits and vegetables, bottled and dried
fruits (Gold Medal).

Mr. Deveuill, Banbury, had an exhibit of zonal
Pelargoniums and large Onions.

Gold Medals were also awarded to Messrs. Perkins &
Eons, Coventry, and Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Olton,
Birmingham, for floral decorations.

©bttuarp.

William Osborne.— I greatly regret to have
to report the death of my friend Mr. Osborne.
Two years ago he felt compelled, through ill-
health, to relinquish his charge of the famous
gardens at Fota Island, Cork, the seat of A. H.
Smith-Barry, Esq (now Lord Barrymore), which
he had held for forty years. During this time
he made great and important alterations and im-
provements in the gardens there. Amongst
other works an extensive tract of land was re-
claimed from the sea and planted with collections
of Eucalyptus, Bamboos, &c. Mr. Osborne was

also sent to Algiers by his employer to lay out a
garden and estate there. It was under his charge
at Fota that the most beautiful Magnolia Camp-
belli first flowered in our islands. Mr. Osborne
had a remarkable knowledge of hardy trees and
shrubs, especially of Bamboos, Eucalypti and
Aquatics, and, like all great gardeners, was ever
ready and willing to open his storehouse of know-
ledge to the enquirer.

Upon his retirement, Mr. Osborne settled down
for an all too brief a period of rest near Wade-
bridge, in North Cornwall, the home of his wife.
Here he took a pleasant house surrounded by a
nice garden, in which he had just planted a
representative collection of Apples and Pears,
Roses, and many herbaceous plants. Lately he
had suffered greatly, and on Friday, October 30,
he died, leaving a widow to mourn his loss.
A. C. B.

E. Summers — On the 31st ult., at Stoke
Gifford, in his eighty -fourth year, through being
knocked down by a cyolist, Mr. E. Summers, who
for upwards of forty-six years was foreman of the
Stoke Gifford Nurseries of the late Messrs. Wm.
Maule & Sons, Bristol.

ENQU IRY.

Where can I get seeds of Glycyrrhisa echi-
nata ? M. B., Mildelburj.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Black and Bed Currants and Gooseberry
Bushes : Rose. If the bushes are young, and
they are removed with the utmost care, a light
crop might be taken next year, but aged
bushes would not get over removal in any case
in less than two years.

Box Edging : Rose. This may be laid in mild
weather throughout the winter, but the better
season is March to April. If the plants are
young and need but little trimming of the
roots or tops there should be no losses following
winter planting.

Carnations, Striking of Pipings : W. N. Given
established plants on the move, more especially
of the Perpetual or Tree varieties, pipings may
be struck in sandy loam surfaced with sand,
in pots, pans, or beds over bottom-heat of 75°
or 80°, and kept close till rooted. A more suit-
able season is the month of January, the
mother plants being slightly forced for a fort-
night before the pipings are taken.

Cattle ya Growths Eaten : A. L. D. The
specimens sent are injured by what is known as
Cattleya-fly (Isosoma orchidearum), and which
has been illustrated several times in the Gar-
deners' Chronicle. Ruthlessly cut off every
portion affected, and burn the pieces. Remove
every part affected as soon as discovered ;
watch for and destroy the fly. Fumigation,
carefully done when the flies are known to be
present, also assists.

Fern Fronds Damaged : C. M. Excessive
moisture in too low a temperature would cause
damage such as is shown on the specimens
sent. Injudicious fumigation might cause
similar damage. Some forms of Pteris are
specially addicted to turning brown in that
way, and in prolonged dull weather it is next
to impossible to prevent them doing so, even
when properly cultivated. Being in London,
fogs might have contributed to the trouble.

Figs : E. 8. G. The result of the declining tem-
perature. See note on the cultivation of Figs
on p. 318.

Fungus: C. S. The fungus is called an Earth
Star, and is Geaster Michelianus, a kind of
puffball with a thick outer tunic, which splits
into conical segments, and is rolled back to
show the inner globose puffball. Not at all
common. If. C. C.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so good
as to consult the following number. — F. J. H.
The bulb is most probably Amaryllis Bella-
donna. It has the silky tunics of an African
species. When sending a leafless and flowerless
bulb of that kind for naming, you should at
least say what you know about it. — Constant
Reader. Oncidium Forbesii. Vitis. 1, Catt-
leya O'Brieniana; 2, Oncidium dasytyle; 3,
Epidendrum nocturnum ; 4, Oncidium excav-
atum ; 5, Oncidium flexuosum ; 6, Masdevallia
racemosa. — C. E. F., Bristol. Stanhopea ocu-
lata. — H. F. Zygopetalum intermedium. —
Claremont. Miltonia spectabilis Moreliana. —
Improver. 1, Codisum (Croton) Johannis ; 2,
Polypodium aureum ; 3, Adia ntutn tenerum, or
one of the garden - raised forms of it ; 4,
Davallia solida ; 5, Davallia hirta cris-
tata (Microlepia) ; 6, Selaginella denticu-
lata. — D. B. 1, Quercus cerres, variety
laciniata ; 2, An Abies, of which we should
like to know the source ; 3, Phillyrea media ;
4, Euonymus europasus. — H. C. Ruscus hypo-
glossum, Polypodium vnlgare. — A. M. ■ 1, not
determinable ; 2, a species of Bromus,- like B.
giganteus ; but the specimens are inadequate. —
A. B. C. 1, Arbutus Unedo (Strawberry-tree) ;
2, Ilex Aquifolium myrtifolium ; 3, Fuchsia
Riccartonii, quite hardy in many districts. —
J. G. C. Sequoia gigantea, more often called
Wellingtonia. — Volv^x. 1, Bulbophyllum
hirtum ; 2, B. auricomum ; 3, Cirropetalum re-
fractum ; 4, Stelis ophioglossoides ; 5, Restrepia
trichoglossa. — R. A. The flat stem is Cocco-
loba platyclada, the other probably Panax
elegans.— E. W., Dolgelly. The form of Cat-
tleya Loddigesii, usually called C. Harrisoniana.
This particular variety often opens quite white
and changes to pale lilac. — E. W. W. The Fern
is known in gardens as Pteris hastata macro-
phylla. The Calceolarias seem to be — 1, Crim-
son King; 2, Camden Hero.— IT. L. 1 and 4,
Lastrcea filix-mas ; 2 and G, Athyrium filix-
foemina, the difference in the colour of the
stem gives no botanical separation ; 3, Lastraea
dilatata ; 5, Osmunda regalis. — V. M. 1, Maxil-
laria picta ; 2, M. punctata ; 3, Masdevallia
triangularis.

Narcissus for Forcing : A. F. The bulbs
should have been potted at the end of August
or early in September, and plunged in coal-
ashes in a sunny place. Unless the pots are
filled by the end of the present month with
roots it will be useless to attempt to force the
bulbs into flower by Christmas-tide.

Pea Carter's Michaelmas : R. B. Fine, dark-
green, and sugary Peas ; pods well filled.
Nothing better could be desired.

Sterilising Soil used for Greenhouse Plants :
J. D. We are not acquainted with any special
methods employed in the United States of
America. Thera are some creatures that are
injurious to the roots of plants, which can be
destroyed by baking the soil over iron plates,
although this process dissipates some of the
useful properties found in the soil and destroys
others. Baked soil, before being used, should be
put into sacks and buried for several months,
so as to acquire the necessary moisture. It is
usually sufficient in the case of a soil infested
with weevil grubs, centipedes, wire-worms,
slug-worms, ants, and leather-jackets, to expose
it in a thin layer on a hard cinder or gravel-
path, or tile or stone pavement, and pen some
chicken on it by day for a week, stirring it
occasionally. The application of boiling water
(another method) usually destroys all such
creatures. All pasture loams can be cleared of
insect life by putting the former into compact
heaps for an entire year, keeping these free
from all vegetation during that time.

Names of Fruits ; J. R. Ye?, Ribston Pi

ppm.

Communications Received.— Chaloner Shenton (with
thanks)— W. R. H— S. T. W.-La Mortola-C. T. D —
L. C-H. T. B— W. B.— T. T.— F. E. Clifford-Mrs.
Roper— P. H.— Paper — J. E. — Caladium (all rext
week).-T. Flannagan.— A. D. R.— R D. — H. F.— F. R.
— T. W.— E. M— A H— P. W. Voet.-F. J G— A. M.—
— W. P.— J. Pitts.-F. P.-J. F. M.- E. B. (photograph,
with thank*).— H. F.— F. E.— G. F .— A J. C— J. McL.
—J. B — H. T.— T. J.— H. H.-Gmb.-Excert- J. J. G.
—A.— Experience.— T. C— E. J.— C. P. R.— W. C. L.—
R. P. B.-B. A.— H. W. W.

(For Markets and Weather, see p. x.)

November 21, 1903.1

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

145

THE

No. SS2.— SATURDAY, November 21, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Agave, a hardy ... 349
Arbutus uuedo ... 351

Bocks, notices of—
A Gloucestershire
Wild Garden ... 350

Natal Plants 350

Campanula calycan-
thema growing on a

wall 351

Carnations, tree-, spe-
cial culture of ... 357
Chrysanthemums at
Dover House, Roe-

hampton 352

Chrysanthemums in

France J50

Chrysanthemums

sporting 358

Club-root ... 351, 357

Clelhra arborea ... 351
Conifers, the diseases

of seedling 347

Ciinum •, amanteura 345
Bietamnus albus ... 351
Emplojers and ex-
soldiers 355

Flowers, untimely ... 358
Fruit, models of ... 355
Glasgow public parks £55
Gourds at the Drill

Hall 357

Grape Melton Con-
stable 35S

Grape, the Strawberry 34S
Hall, Mr. A. I)., lec-
ture by 354

Horticultural Hall,

the new 358

Law note 363

Leguminous plants as

fertilisers 355

miliaria eymbalaria

alba 358

Magnolii Campbelli... 356
Mill Bank House, War-
rington. Oiohids at 317
Nursery notes-
Bull, William, & Son 316
Obituary—

Nesell. A 358

Odontoglossums, re-
version in 356

Orchid notes and

gleanings 343

Paris, allotment gar-
dens in 348

Pear Dojenne du
Cornice 357

Peacli and Nectarine-
trees at Orleans
House

Peach, the Book of the

Potentilla nepalensis

Potatos, disease - re-
sisting

Potatos, new, at Christ-
mas

Potatos, newer va-
rieties of the

Rainfall, the, and the
land

Renantliera, the spe-
cies of

Rose grafting, notes on

St. Louis, formation of
an old - fashioned
English garden at ...

Souieties—
Cardiff Chrysanthe-
mum

Devon and Exeter

Horticultural
Dutch Horticultural

and Botanical
Hereford Fruit and
Chrysanthemum...
Horticultural Club
Ghent Chambre Syn-
dicate i

Plymouth Chrysan-
themum

Reading Chrysan-
themum

Royal Horticultural

Putney and Wands-
worth Chrj santhe-

li.iuii

Sou1 liampt on Chrys-
anthemum

Kingston Chrysan-
themum

Surveyors' Institu-
tion

Torquay Gardeners

Various 35E-

Seasonable hints
Strawberry St. Joseph
Trianon. Versailles,
our supplementary
illustration of
Vines, sportivenessin
Violets in pits and

frames

Weeks Work, the 353,
Williamson, Rev D.W.

349
356
351

358

355

357

315

346
350

355

339

360

358

36Q
361

353

339"

361
Sol.

358

362

359

362

355
339
-3.2
354
356

354
35?

f53
353
355

351
317
349

347

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Campanula growing on a wall

Oiange-rust on Birch-leaves

Peach-house, view of, at Orleans House

fcnamhera Storiei with 2lu flowers opeD. growing

in Singapore

Spruce seedling showing appearance of " Pine-

brancli twist " (Melampsora piiiilorqual

View in (he Paik of Hi« Little Trianon, Versailles
■ (Supplementary Illustration).

THE RAINFALL AND THE LAND.

ALTHOUGH the excessive rainfall of the
present year has done much service in
replenishing springs which in many places
had become exhausted, yet a heavy penalty
has been paid for the assistance in that
direction by the disastrous effects upon the
land under either garden or farm cultiva-
tion. Work of all kinds has been delayed
or in some cases, on the heavier soils,
rendered quite impossible, with the result
that there are heavy arrears to overtake,
and at present the prospect of doing this is
rather remote.

In this part of Bedfordshire the rainfall is
usually low, as the average for the past
thirty years, recorded by E. E. Dymond,
Esq., of Aspley Guise, only amounts to
24-11 inches for the twelve months; and in
four out of the past seven years the annual
total was from 2:;9 inches (1898) to 422 inches
(1902) below t lie average, or a total deficiency
for the four years of 13-45 inches. When,
.however, the shortage of such a period is

made up in about eight months it is not
surprising that the effects in many directions
become very serious.

Upon heavy soils the chief evil has been
the interference with the ordinary routine
of land preparation and with the cleansing
which the persistent growth of weeds has
rendered such a heavy task. Taking the
months March to June, which cover a most
critical period in gardens, the rainfall in
this district has been 1294 inches for 1903,
whereas for the same months the average of
thirty years' records is 676 inches, showing
an excess of 618 inches. From March to
July the total was 10 45 inches, or an excess
cf 7-18 inches ; and although the first two
months of the year were practically normal,
the total from January to August equalled
23 53 inches, or 8 60 inches in excess of the
average. September's record was slightly
below the average, though it was a damp
and sunless month ; but October brought
the total for the ten months of 1903 up to
an exceptional figure — i.e., 31-83 inches,
showing an excess of 1210 inches. If the
six months with the heaviest rainfall are
taken, namely, March, May, June, July,
August, and October, the total is 25-05 inches,
or 1257 inches above the average, indicating
that double the usual amount had been
registered.

With reduced evaporation due to the long
sunless periods, the result has been that all
land except where the soil is very porous,
has been in a state of saturation during the
greater part of the year. Weeds have been
rampant everywhere, and many gardeners
or farmers have found their ordinary labour
quite incapable of dealing with land-
cleaning in an adequate manner; while in
some cases it has either been impossible to
attempt such work, or a large part of the
expenditure has been wasted.

There is another important respect in
which the results of the large rainfall re-
quire consideration, and that is the loss of
soluble substances which has been caused
by the .enormous drainage. The Eotham-
sted records of rainfall, drainage, and soil
loss, supply many interesting facts, from
which we can obtain some idea of the loss
in the present year. It appears from 20 years'
average at the experimental station in ques-
tion that the loss per acre of nitrogen, cal-
culated as nitrate of soda, has varied from
138 lb. in January to •') 4 lb. in April and May
for each inch of rainfall in the respective
months. From these data it can be esti-
mated that in this district the total loss of
nitrogen for the past ten months has been
equivalent to 22971 lb. of nitrate of soda per
acre. It must, however, be remembered
that the Rothamsted observations refer to
bare soil of a rather heavy character, and
it is probable the loss would be still greater
in more porous land. On the other hand,
where the ground has been occupied with
crops (or even with weeds) the loss would be
reduced. As regards weeds that are not in
seed, or which have not perennial or creep-
ing roots, no doubt digging them into the
soil will be more beneficial than hoeing or
removing them — in fact, it is the only
practicable method available now in many
district?.

The small amount of fertilising substances
restored to tlie soil by rain can scarcely
weigh against the impoverishing influence
of such a long-continued washing out o

valuable salts. It is probable that the satu-
rated condition of the soil, the diminished
aeration, and the lower temperature caused
by constant evaporation may have reduced
nitrification below the average, and that in
consequence a smaller proportion of sub-
stances would be present in a soluble form
than is usual. It would require careful
experiments and accurate observation to
determine how far the various causes and
conditions have checked or increased soil
losses this year, but several facts have come
under my notice which tend to 'prove that
the loss is a substantial one. In preparing
land for another season cultivators will lie
wise to bear the matter in mind, or they
may experience disappointments in crop
results that might to some extent at least
be avoided. JR. Lewis Castle, Rtdgmont, Beds.

NEW HYBRID AMARYLLIDS.

HYBRID CRINUM AMA.NTEUM.

In October, 1900, I impregnated C. giganteum
with pollen of C. amabile. The fruit contained
ten seeds, but only two grew. In April, and
again twice in October, 1903, these bulbs flowered.

C. giganteum has an obscurely porroid (Onion-
shaped) bulb, spreading foliage and campanulate
white flowers, with wide segments and con-
tiguous stamens.

C. amabile has a strictly cepoid (Leek-shaped)
bulb, erect, leathery, dark-green foliage and star-
shaped flowers, with narrow purple-red segments
and spreading stamens.

The hybrid which I have raised between these
very dissimilar parents is of great interest, al-
though the flowers are not so beautiful as those
of either. The foliage of the hybrid is noble and
very distinct, resembling most closely the male,
but it has obscure spots upon the lower parts of
the leaves which neither parent nor any member
of the genus possesses. The bulbs also most
resemble the male, but in the offsets show much
variability. The inflorescence takes after the
female in all respects but two — the narrower seg-
ments, and the tinge of pink colour which suffuses
the outer extremities.

The plants are vigorous. Herbert thought that
amabile was a natural hybrid, because of its
sterility — which I have verified— and because he
detected some malformation in the pollen. At
any rate, in this instance the pollen has proved

virile.

Description.

Bulb. — 7 inches high by 3J basal diameter.

Leai-es narrow, thirteen (eleven fully grown),
deep green, glabrous, edges flexuose, 2 to 3 feet
long by 34 inches maximum width.

Scape tall, stiffly erect, deep brigr -green,
carrying an umbel of four to nine flowers high
above the foliage.

Flowers. — Nearest to Botanical Magazine t. C483
(podophyllum) but more erect, on shorter
pedicels, and not at all campanulate. Regular,
not widely expanded, faintly flushed pink ex-
teriorly, especially in the bud stage; fragrant,
nearly sessile, 2J inches span.

Segments. — The three inner much wider than
the outer, measuring from over J of an inch to
-J inch in maximum width.

Tiide almost straight, 2\ to 3 inches long.

Limb 2 to 2\ inches.

Stamens shorter than limb.

Style longer.

Anthers and polltA as in giganteum.

Ovules few. A. Worsley, Isleworih.
(To be continued.)

346

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 21. 19031

THE SPECIES OF RENANTHEEA.

There are few Orchids in the tropics more
easy of cultivation and more floriferous than
the Renantheras, commonly known as Spider or
Scorpion Orchids, and no tropical garden can be
considered at all complete without them. There
are eleven species known, all natives of the Malay
and Chinese regions. The plants have woody,
terete stems usually about as thick as a pencil,
emitting long, grey, terete roots from the joints,
and attaining a length of 20 or 30 feet, or even
more. The leaves are leathery, oblong, distichous,
rather far apart, and the flowers are produced in
large panicles of several branches, usually spread-
ing horizontally and covered with flowers, often
of large size and brilliant colour.

The Renantheras are propagated by cuttings
which grow readily when merely stuck in the
ground. To grow them it is best to dig a round
bed, in which is put leaf-mould mixed with broken
crocks and charcoal, and fairly stout poles, 7 to
10 feet tall are put in the beds, up which the
Renantheras will grow. The beds are made in
full sun, and from time to time a little cut grass
should be thrown on the base of the plants. Grown
in this manner most of the Renantheras will thrive
and flower several times a year.

The Vandas, V. teres and V. Hookeriana, and
the hybrid V. Miss Joaquim, are best grown in
the same way as Renantheras, and in good damp
soil are very floriferous. Renantheras may also
be grown on trees, but as they do not flower till
they get to the light this is rather a slow method.
Light being what these plants require, cultivation
in Europe has not been very successful on the
whole, though several species have flowered in
hothouses. Renantheras are seldom attacked by
any pests, but I have seen tbem injured by the
small black Orchid weevil in Penang.

The following species have been cultivated in
Singapore : —

R. arachnites, Lindley ( Arachnanthe moschifera).
The Scorpion Orchid, native of Perak.

R. Maingayi, Ridley. Native of the Malay
Peninsula.

R. alba, Ridley. Native of the Peninsula and
Borneo.

R. matutina, Lindley. Native of Borneo and
Malay Peninsula.

R. micrantha, Lindley. Native of the Peninsula.

R. Storiei, Reiehenbach f. Native of the Philip-
pines.

R. coccinea, Loureiro. Native of Cochin China
and China.

R. Imschootiana, Rolfe. Native of Assam^
The only others are R. bilinguis, Reiehen-
bach, of Borneo; R. sulingi, of Java, and R.
trichoglottis, Ridley, of Borneo.

The plant commonly called Renanthera Lowii
does n< t really belong to this genus.

R. arachnites is the largest and strongest
grower, and a very regular flowerer. The flower-
sprays are large and the flowers 3 inches across,
the largest in the genus ; the sepals and petals
are green with blotches of brown, the lip white.

From its curved lateral sepals and straight
upper one, it has obtained the name of Scorpion
Orchid, as it vaguely recalls the appearance of that
creature. It has a strong scent of Musk emitted
from the tip of the upper sepal, which is curved
back. It flowers twice or oftener a year, January
and July, and occasionally fruits.

R. Maingayi, Hooker fil., is nearly as big a plant,
but the leaves are more flaccid. The panicles are
usually large and loose, and the flowers distant,
quite scentless, of a similar shape to those of the
previous species, and nearly as large, the ground
colour white or pinkish-white, with numerous
blotches of shrimp-pink. In some forms the
flowers are almost suffused entirely with dark

pink. It is a very beautiful species, but a much
shyer flowerer. Very fine sprays, however, are
often to be seen in Singapore gardens.

R. alba was first met with by myself climb-
ing over bushes in hot, open sandy country
in Pahang. It occurs in many places in the
Peninsula, especially near the sea ; I have seen it
in immense abundance climbing over low trees in
an island near Singapore, and emitting so many
of its long roots that they formed a curtain that
had to be cut through before one could get through
the bushes. It is rather shorter in the stem than
the preceding species, and somewhat brittle.
The leaves are more fleshy and rigid, and often
minutely toothed at the base, especially in plants

FlG. 143. — A PLANT OF RKNANTHERA STORIEI WITH
210 1'LOWEHS OPEN, GROWING IN THE OPEN IN
MR. ST. V. B. DOWN'S GARDEN, " BELVEDERE,"

SINGAPORE.

grown in full sun. The flowers are smaller than
those of R. Maingayi, in a loose panicle, or a spike
in small plants. They are white.

J?, matutina is a plant of much lower habit,
1 or 2 feet high with speckled stems and
narrow ligulate leaves, rather stiff. The sprays
about 8 or 9 inches long, the flowers about twenty,
scattered, rather narrow, red or orange spotted
with darker colour, the lip white with a central
red spot. It grows usually on rocks, and does not
seem to be a very easy plant to cultivate. It
appears to be rare in the Peninsula, but has been
found by Wray in Perak, and by myself also on
rocks in forest on Bujong Malacca. It seems to
be commoner in Borneo.

R. micrantha is often to be found on rocks
overhanging the sea, all over the Peninsula.
The stems are tolerably stout, about 10 or 12 feet
long, the leaves short and broad, usually blotched

with red ; the flower-sprays are about a foot or
more long, with horizontal branches densely
covered with very small deep red flowers all
arranged on one side. Though the flowers are the
smallest of any in the genus, only | inch long„
their abundance makes.this a very charming plant.
It is easily grown and flowers often. The plant
itself, however, appears to be comparatively
short-lived.

R. coccinti is a stout plant, but appears here
at least to be a much shorter and more com-
pact plant than R. moschifera or Maingayi, how-
ever it runs to 12 feet or even more in length.
It is one of ^the most beautiful in the genus-.
The panicles are large and much branched,~and
bear innumerable deep scarlet flowers mottled
with darker colour, they are about 2 inches across,
with the lower sepals broader, oblong, spatulate.
It does does well in the Straits, and very fine
sprays may be often seen at our flower shows.

R. Storiei(6g. 143) is the^finest species in the
genus. It has much the habit of R. coccinea, a
stout plant with rather broad, dark-green leaves.
The panicle is often very large, one plant about
6 feet tall had an inflorescence of 70Q flowers.
It was flowered by Mr. St. V. B. Down, in Singa-
pore, in June, 1903, and was certainly a magnifi-
cent sight. A plant in the Botanic Gardens, though
only about; 4 feet high, flowered at every one of
the upper joints. But I have seen plants grow
for a long time before they showed any signs of
flowering, although grown in full sun. It is
better certainly that the plant should not be
allowed to flower till it is robust, as the flower-
sprays are usually small, and it is a considerable
strain on the plant. It is a native of the Philip-
pines, and is said to be abundant there.

R. Imschootiana is a short plant with the habit
rather of a Vanda, and flowers like those of
Storiei, but smaller and fewer. It is rather too
small to grow on posts like the other species, and
pot culture seems to suit it best. Imported plants
were flowered in the Botanic Gardens last year,
but this climate is probably too wet for it, as it
does not seem to thrive. The Agricultural Bulletin
of the Straits and Federated Malay States.

NURSERY NOTES.

Messrs. WILLIAM BULL & SON'S NURSERY'.

At this well-known nursery in the King's-
Road, Chelsea, the fine winter- garden, which is
one of the distinguishing features of the place,.
retains its usual character, the tall Palms, Cycads,
Tree Ferns, and ornamental plants so familiar to>
the visitor having quite a tropical effect. In the
nursery itself the usual varied stock is to be
found, the Orchids taking prominence, and for
them new quarters are being arranged. The first
new house finished is intended for Odontoglos-
sums and other cool-house Orchids, and at the
time of our visit the new accommodation was
being made use of, a part of the cool-house plants
having been moved into it. Among those in>
bloom in the group arranged at the entrance were
some excellent specimens of Odontoglossum cris-
pum and other Odontoglossums, including the--
rare O. blepharicanthum, a cinnamon - brown,
spotted form of the O. crocidipterum class ; a
selection of Brazilian Oncidiums, Lycaste Deppei,
and L. Skinneri, Cymbidium Tracyanum, &c.

The house itself is admirably constructed and
fitted with all the best proved app'iances, the.
whole of the central staging having beneath it a
very deep rain-water tank. A smaller and.
slightly warmer compartment at the end provides-
for the section requiring more heat, and for the
hybrid Odontoglossums, now in the process of
raising, when large enough. Raising hybridi
Orchids has also entailed the providing of new
quarters specially built for the purpose, and the-
accommodation made has proved very satisfactory.

November 21, 190?.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

347

although the time which has elapsed since the
commencement of this new branch has not been
sufficient to have proved many of the seedlings
raised. The course pursued in sowing is to
follow the old plan of sowing the seeds on the
surface of the material around growing plants of
a similar nature. This plan has been found to be
very satisfactory, even the Odontoglossums, of
which there are a goodly number of the recently
germinated class and a few already with leaves,
coming up well in that way. In the seedling-
house were many good crosses, including hybrids
of Cypripedium callosum Sanderse, C. Lawrence-
anum Hyeanum, C. x Mandias, and C. bellatulum
album, as well as Laelias and Cattleyas, all still
in the early 6tage of growth. In the same house
is a collection of Aneectochili, Hsemarias, Good-
yeras, Habenaria carnea, and other colour-leaved
Orchids, and all thriving.

The old cool Orchid houses have a good selec-
tion of showy species and varieties, with some
O. crispum and other Odontoglossums, Oncidium
concolor, O. Forbesii, O. crispum, O. tigrinum, O.
incurvum, and various Masdevallias in flower,
Among which M. Hincksiana with two kinds of
flowers appeared, the one being white with a
slight pink tint, and the other yellow. Among
some plants of Zygopetalum (Promenaea) citrina)
was one of a very peculiar habit, the bulbs being
more distant, and the flower-scapes much longer
than in ordinary forms.

The Cattleya house had a good show of bloom
on Cattleya labiata, C. aurea, C. Loddigesii,
Zygopetalum maxillare, Lajlia pumila, &c. In
this house, among other named varieties of the
Cattleya labiata section, two plants of the white
C. Mendelii Souvenir de William Bull were noted.

In one of the house3 was a batch of the Natal
Stenoglottis longifolia with many spikes of
pretty rosy-lilac flowers ; these had been in
bloom for several weeks, and were still in good
condition. It is a good decorative plant, and
one which we have seen thriving under the most
dissimilar treatment, sometimes in a warm, and
in other gardens in a cool house. With it were
arranged Gomesa planifolia, Vanda Kimballiana,
V. Amesiana, and other pretty species.

In another house the specimens of Laalia pur-
purata were well furnished with flower-sheaths,
and Cattleya Dowiana aurea and some Dendro-
bium Phalaenopsis Schroderianum were in bloom,
and a small lot of Phaltenopsis in good condition.

The Cypripedium house had a number of good
specimens of C. x Arthurianum and varieties of
C. x Harrisianum in bloom ; also C. x Chas.
Canham, C. x oenanthum superbum, C. purpu-
ratum, C. Lawrenceanum, C. tonsum, varieties of
C. x Leeanum, and a singular form of Cattleya
Warscewiczii named denticulatum, on account of
it large, finely - coloured, frilled and fringed
labellum. Also remarked in flower were a good
number of Miltonias.

One of the low span-roofed houses contained a
quantity of Odontoglossum crispum recently
imported. The general collection of plants in
the other houses show many fine old species and
garden plants not now usually seen in cultiva-
tion, together with selections of the best of the
more recently introduced.

from the same nursery to the effe.t that, realis-
ing the danger of an epidemic spreading rapidly
over an unbroken area of Larch seedlings, the
method of sowing alternately seeds of Larch and

DISEASES of SEEDLING CONIFERS

Four years ago a considerable number of
Larch seedlings were observed to be suffering
I rum some disease. The epidemic was described
as first appearing on one side of the plot, and
from thence gradually extended until all the
seedlings were either killed outright or more or
less injured. Examination showed the disease
"to be- caused by a parasitic fungus called
Melampsora laricis.

The matter rested at this point until the
present season, when information was received

Fig. H4.— orange rust on birch leaves : one stage

OF " LARCH LEAF RUST," MELAMPSpiiA LAHICIS.

(Natural tize )

Birch was adopted. Alas ! the idea, good so far
as it went, did not answer the desired end, and,
sad to state, both Larches and Birches are now
suffering from the same fungus disease, and the
last end is much worse than the first. Further-

periods of its life on two different plants, namely
on the Birch and on the Larch. Now, when the
question came to be fully investigated, it turns
out that the first wave of disease was due to the
presence of a fringe of Birches bounding one
side of the nursery — the side where the disease
first showed itself on the Larches. From these
Birches the disease passed on to the Larches.
The proprietor, not knowing that the disease
spent one portion of its life on the Birch, actually
sowed alternating rows of Birch and Larch, the
two host plants of the fungus, in the hope of
checking the disease.

The fungus grows on Birch-leaves under the
form of numerous small orange pustules, which
eventually change to a brown colour (fig. 144).
These remain on the fallen leaves throughout the
winter, and in the following spring the spores ger-
minate and infect the young leaves of the Larch.
Soon after infection the Larch leaves turn yellow,
then brown, and finally they fall. This early de-
foliation usually proves fatal to seedlings, and
acts injuriously on older plants.

A fungus very similar in general appearance
to the one on Birch leaves is exceedingly common
on Poplar leaves, and is known as Melampsora
pinitorqua. This fungus passes the second stage
of its existence on seedling Spruces, causing the
disease commonly known as " Pine branch twist,"
owing to the young shoots becoming variously con-
torted and curved and denuded of leaves (Sg. 145).

Moral : Bo not form a nursery of Conifers in a
locality where Birches or Poplars abound. Geo.
Massee.

FlO. 14P. — TOP OF YOUNG SPRUCE SEEDLING SHOWING
APPEARANCE OF "PINE BRANCH TWIST," CAUSED
BY MELAMPSORA PINITOHJUA. {Xuturul ii:e.)

more, the owner, somewhat hastily, as will be
shown later, denounced mixed planting as a
delusion and a snare.

To understand the point that led up to the
disasters enumerated above, it is important to
know that Melamrsora laricis grows at different

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

ORCHIDS AT MILL BANK HOUSE,
WARRINGTON.
About the extensive collection of Orchids
which Alderman William Bolton, the newly-
elected Mayor of Warrington, has got together in
such a short time there are several very remarkable
features, the most evident of which are the house
filled entirely with yellow varieties of Cypri-
pedium insigne, and among which all the best
forms are in quantity, that queen of all yellow
Cypripediums, C. insigne Sanderoe, being repre-
sented by over 300 plants, many of which are in
bloom. Another noteworthy circumstance is that
in the large blocks of houses devoted entirely to
Odontoglossums there are about 100,000 Odonto-
glossum crispum of recent importation. None
of them having as yet flowered in this country,
a fair show of the valuable spotted forms is
expected, some having already appeared among
those which Jensen collected for Mr. Bolton.

Throughout the whole collection the vigour and
cleanness of all the plants, and especially of the
Odontoglossums and Cypripediums, which form
the bulk of the collection, are remarkable, and will
compare favourably with the best in the country.
This is all the more praiseworthy because the
plant-houses are in a somewhat confined space,
and in close proximity to the busy manufacturing
town. The Manchester Ship Canal, on wh'ch the
large ocean steamships from America and other
countries are continually passing, runs within a
few yards of the Orchid-houses, and may have a
salutary effect on the plants.

The whole of the large expanse of glasshouses
is kept at a uniform temperature, the heating
apparatus being of an unusual character, the
three boilers being very large ones of the kind
generally used in factories, and in some cases soiuu
available 8-inch pipis have been utilised.

Leaf-soil in moderate proportions, with peat
and sphagnum-moss, is used for almost all the
plants, and with excellent results.

In the first house entered were quantities of
Miltonia vexillaria, M. Roezlii and M. l'lmhi •-
nopsis, about whose partiality for almost pure

348

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 21. I&03.

decayed leave3 there is no doubt. In grand
order and flowering especially well were several
specimens of M. vexillaria Leopoldii and a
batch of white M. Roezlii. A batch of Cypri-
pedium Charleswortbii in flower has some of
the best forms, with dorsal sepals nearly
4 inches across; C. bellatulum, niveum, concolor
and Godefroya; and their hybrids are equally
fine ; and in flower, together with some good
unnamed hybrids, were C. x Creon superbum,
C. x Chas. Richman, C. x Niobe magniflcuin,
C. x conco-Lawre, C. :< Annie Measures, C. x
McNabianum, C. x Memoria Moensii, C. x.
Kothschildianum and some hybrids of it.

In the next house, as before alluded to, were,
among other yellow Cypripediums, over three
hundred C. insigne Sanderte. Farther on were a
collection of fine forms of C. insigne, among those
in flower being some good specimens of C. insigne
Harefield Hall variety. Respecting this, Mr.
Bolton has discovered an infallible means of re-
cognition, the broad leaves showing slightly
grooved lines which readily catch the eye when
the leaves are glanced along. This peculiarity,
he says, no other insigne has, and so far as
we tested it we believe he is right. C. i. Wil-
derspool variety is also fine; and with the C.
insigne are a good set of C. nitens, C. x Mons. de
Curte, and other hybrids in flower.

In another house was a fine batch of Cypri-
pedium Chamberlainianum, which is almost per-
petual flowering. The plants are so vigorous that
some of the leaves measure 4 inches across —
broader than in any imported plant of it yet in-
troduced. Throughout the other Oypripedium-
houses there were in flower good batches of the
best forms of C. : Leeanum, C. x Arthurianum, C.
X Prospero, C. Lathamianum, C. ■: Haynaldo-
Chamberlainianum and many other hybrids, and
nearing maturity were some promising crosses.

Then follow ten long houses of Odontoglossum
crispum, all in magnificent condition, the pro-
gressive vigour shown by the older flowering
specimens giving a good guarantee that the
freshly imported ones have a good prospect. Other
cool houses were passed through, in some of them
being noted Odontoglossums, in others Onci-
dium macranthum, Odontoglossum Edwardii,
O. Porbesii, O. Marshallianum , O. varicosum, &c,
in flower.

. Long ranges of houses have Cattleyas, Laelias,
and hybrid Cattleyas, La?lias and Laelio-Catt-
leyas suspended close together near the glass of
the roof, for in that way both Mr. Bolton and
his Orchid- grower, Mr. Cain, consider they thrive
best. Cattleya labiata is giving a good show of
bloom, and there are some of the hybrids and
others in flower also. There are large quantities
of all the forms of Cattleya labiata, and especially
of C. Mendelii, and even very small plants are
furnished with flower-sheaths. In each section
also the albinos are represented. One house is
nearly filled with Dendrobium atro-violaceum, a
quantity which few Orchid-growers would expect
to find on one place. In another is a fine show
of Odontoglossum grande. In another is a large
quantity of Cattleya aurea, with a few C. x Har-
dyana, some being in bloom. A batch of Vandas,
a quantity of Cypripedium Spicerianum in
flower, a set of the hybrids of La^lia Perrini, a
number of La?lia Digbyana crosses, and some
interesting hybrids in the seedling department
are also objects which appeal to the Orchid
lover. Among the last-named are a few very
wide crosses, one noted being Thunia Mar-
shalliana x Cattleya Mossiae.

Flowers of ordinary plants are sent to market,
and surplus stock is sold ■ but Mr. Bolton care-
fully preserves his own select things, and never
loses an opportunity of adding to his collection.

His other hobby, which we were privileged to
inspect, consists of a very extensive and valuable
collection of coins, medals, cameos, curios in gold

and silver, of great interest and value ; and
beyond these Mr. Bolton shows interest in
diamonds and pictures.

MaSDEVALLIA HiCKURA MAXIMA.

In the complete collection of Masdevallias
belonging to the Hon. Walter Rothschild, MP.,
at Tring Park, a gigantic form of Masdevallia
macrura is in flower, and which is probably the
same as that which Mr. F. C. Lehmann one 3
reported as having had brought in to him, but of
which he never obtained plants.

From the tip of the upper tail to that of the
lower is 11 inches, and the basal part of the
perianth is one-third wider than in the ordinary
form and the colour much darker. The perianth
is strongly ribbed, white at the base, spotted
with purple, and yellow on the free portions
spotted with chocolate-purple. The tails are
bright yellow, and the whole flower is a striking
and showy object.

Cattleya x Iris, Tring Park variety.

In the Right Hon. Lord Rothschild's garden at
Tring Park (gr., Mr. E. Hill), a most beautifully-
formed and highly-coloured variety of this showy
hybrid between Cattleya Dowiana aurea and C
bicolor is in bloom, so far superior to the ordi-
nary forms as to merit distinction. The sepals
and petals are nearly as large as those of C.
aurea and thicker in substance, of an indescrib-
able tint of golden-yellow, slightly tinged with
reddish-orange, the margins of the petals being
chrome-yellow. The column is white, slightly
tinged with purple, and contrasts well with
the elongated isthmus of the lip beneath it,
which is of a dark-ruby tint, its colour gradually
getting more purple as it approaches the ex-
panded, serrated front portion, which has a
narrow white margin. It is a beautiful flower,
and of such productions the hybridist should
be proud. J. 0'£.

PARIS.

ALLOTMENT GARDENS.

Workmen's gardens have been quite a feature
in France for the last fifteen years, and are also
known in Belgium, Germany, and the United
States. The establishment of this philanthropic
institution was started by the "Ligue de Coin de
Terre et du Foyer," under the presidency of the
Abbe Lemire, under whose auspices a successful
Conference dealing with the work has recently
been held in Paris. This congress was opened,
October 24, at the Hotel de3 Societes Savantes,
the meetings being presided over by M. Aynard,
Deputy.

According to the general report, read by M.
Riviere, there are in France G,167 gardens cover-
ing 391 hectares (about 720 acres), and affording
employment to 43,109 persons. The Conference
passed resolutions with the objects that : — 1, The
law should permit the syndicates of workmen's
gardens to become the proprietors of their gardens,
as this would greatly encourage their improve-
ment ; 2, That the bureaux de bienfaisan.ee should
devote some of their resources to the formation
of gardens; 3, That lands belonging to the
Minister of War in fortified towns, and on which
no buildings may be erected, might be put at the
disposal of charitable societies who would form
gardens thereon. Further, the Congress advised
that workmen should be encouraged to till their
gardens on Sundays. *' It is far better," said the
Bishop of Chalons, " to see a workman pulling up
weeds in his garden on Sunday than to see him
getting drunk or beating his wife" [but we
may hope these are not indispensable alterna-
tives ! Ed.]. G. T. Grignan.

THE STRAWBERRY GRAPE.

Last year I was told that the reason why
market gardeners and nurserymen did not take-
up the cultivation of this fine-flavoured Grape-
was that the people did not like it. This year Ii
thought it would be worth while to test the value
of that statement, and the following is the result-
In August was held the cottagers' exhibition of
fruit, flowers, and vegetables, &c, under the*
auspices of the West Tarring Horticultural
Society.

I there exhibited a basket of the Scrawberry
Grape, of course not for competition. My object
was to make this Grape known, and I asked the.
Secretary to present it with its contents, after
the first day's show, to the President of that
Society. This is what the latter wrote : " The*
Grapes were delicious, and we much enjoyed
them." Later on, I gave a basket of these Grapes,
to a fruiterer, and asked him to try if -he could)
sell them at 6d. per lb. Four pounds were sold,
and the rest were sent to customers to see if they
liked them. Next day I gave a similar lot to
another fruiterer, and asked him to try to sell
them at the same price. He sold the basketful —
some 5 or 0 pounds — the same day, and, curiously
enough, two of the purchasers returned to the-
shop the following day and asked the man if he-
had any more of those Grapes. What was more-
significant ? The fruiterer told me, " If you have-
any more I should like to buy some," but I had
no more, as I had been giving them away right
and left.

So I think we might now safely dispense with
that interesting legend which related that " even
boys would not take them as a gift," and that
somebody said that this Grape was like a " scented
slug " ! I gave this Grape to a number of
persons. The majority liked it, and some said
they liked it very much. One boy in particular
said, "Remember that I like this Grape," which)
evidently was a hint to send him some more.
One girl in a fruiterer's shop to whom I gave-
a bunch would not taste them, and said, " I don't
like Grapes of any sort." I have never before-
met with a palate phenomenon of this extreme-
nature, though a few did not like this Grape. As-
to the statement that "people do not like it," all
those to whom I have given it said that " they
have never heard of it " ; so that they have had
no opportunity of either liking or disliking it up-
to the time that I made it known to them. Even
a Professor of Botany told me that he had never-
heard of it.

The fact seems this : horticulturists have beers
so engrossed with the pursuit of large and fine-
looking berries, irrespective of their flavour, and»
have been so stimulated by prospects of certifi-
cates, medals, and prizes, that all other varieties,
of this fruit, however excellent their other:
qualities, have been utterly forgotten.

There must be scores of good varieties all over
the world which wealthy amateurs might take up.
and rescue from oblivion. Market gardeners,
will take up only those varieties which are knowrtt
and will sell immediately. They work for profit,
and therefore cannot occupy their space and time-
with things that may not have an immediate-
value, or spend their money on experiments.
But wealthy amateurs with expert gardeners and
all necessary appliances are differently situated.
When market-gardeners and nurserymen say
that "people do not like it," we must take this,
statement in a very limited sense, something like-
that of the girl who said 'she does not like-
Grapes of any sort."

When a number of people say they like a thing
it is reasonable to infer that there is good in it.
There cannot be much doubt that some persons
in objecting to any particular fruit often con-
found two very distinct features, viz , the flavour,
and the look and sizi of it. They may also

November 21, 11)03.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

349

occupy their mind with antiquated notions which
may have nothing to do with the thing before
them.

There are many national horticultural societies
for the improvement of this and that— some of
which, it must be owned, occupy their energies
with some trivialities— why could not a "National
Grape Society" be got up for exploring the wealth
of Grape varieties that exist all over the world,
and for testing their value, with the view of
introducing the good and scarcely known ones
into the British fruit trade? M. Etienne

PEACH AND NECTARINE TREES
AT ORLEANS HOUSE.

The illustration, fig. 146, shows a view in the
extensive Peach and Nectarine-houses at Orleans
House, Twickenham, the residence of W. Cunard,
Esq. This notable residence has been much
improved in late years, and additional beds and
borders have recently been made on the charming
lawns facing the Thames.

This was the residence of more than one member
of the French Royal Family some years ago, hence

rines grown are Early Rivers, Cardinal, Lord
Napier, Pineapple, Early Rivers being preferred
to Cardinal on account of being a fine fruit, and
only a week behind Cardinal.

Some very perfect trees were in evidence of
Pineapple, and covered with beautiful fruit of
very excellent flavour. Some large trees shifted
as late as November, December, and January
bore testimony to careful culture.

The Peach-trees, like the Nectarines, were in
lovely robust health. Varieties observed con-
sisted of Dymond, Violette Hative, Gros Mignonne,

Fig. 14C — view of a teach house, okleans house, when the trees were in* uloom.

Salomon, the viticulturist of Thomery (Seine-
iet - Marne), has a large collection of all sorts
of varieties, but he has not all those that are
in existence.

In this connection, about a month ago, 1 bought
>in one of the larger stores in London some Gros
Colmar Grapes, to see if I could like them better
than on former occasions. They charged me
three shillings a pound. When I got home I
tried them, and found them sour ! I suppose
people buy them at that store. Fancy giving
3s. a lb. for sour Grapes! Even foxes would know
> setter! E. Bonavia, M D.

its name, and later still the famous All England
Cricket Matches were played on its famous
grounds, which adjoin the Marble Hill estate
recently purchased for the public use.

Peaches and Nectarines are grown largely by
Mr. Cunard, and Mr. Alsopp, his gardener,
knows how to cultivate them successfully, for the
trees are perfect examples of good culture.
Some of the trees are as much as 300 to 400
feet square, and laden each year with fine fruits,
and the picture of health. Some of the Peach-
houses are 130 feet long by 20 feet wide, and a
proportionate height. The varieties of Necta-

Barrington, Sea Eagle, Princess of Wales, which
last finds much favour here. Very fine trees of
Barrington and Nectarine Peaches were remoi e 1
from one house to another in January last, and
both were carrying fine crops of fruit. I may
remark that no other plants are grown with the
Peaches and Nectarines. W. A. Cook.

A Hardy Agave. — The QarUnwe'.t for
October 31 gives aji illustration of Agave Parryi.
which has proved hardy in Southern Germany,
where it has been unhurt by a temperature i f
15° C.

350

THE GARB ENER S ' CIIR ONI CL E.

[November 21, 1908,

CHRYSANTHEMUMS
FRANCE.

IN

Having just returned from the Paris and Lille
Exhibitions of Chrysanthemums, where a large
number of new seedlings have been shown and cer-
tificated, it may be useful to give some slight indica-
tion of them. Most of these novelties will in all
probability be put on the market next year. Nearly
eighty First-class Certificates were awarded at
the Paris Show, the principal recipients being
MM. Nonin, Calvat, Vilmorin, Andrieux et Cie.,
le Marquis de Pins, Chantrier, Heraud, de Rey-
dellet, and others.

In form and size most of them are all that can
be desired from the show-board standpoint ;
some, however, will not be appreciated by the
English cultivator, and I will point out merely
those that are likely to be.

Of Calvat's novelties, Marguerite de Mons is a
very large, deeply-built Japanese flower of good
form ; the colour is pale-blush. Madame Emile
Rosette is another monster Japanese, having long
flat florets, pointed at the tips ; colour pale-lilac
or heliotrope, with silvery reverse. Jos. Paquet,
a Japanese, with very long twisted, flat florets ;
colour deep golden-yellow. Shakers, a Japanese
flower, very large, full, and double ; colour dull
chestnut-red with golden reverse. Vercinge-
torix is a grand specimen of a Japanese flower ;
colour deep golden-yellow flushed rich reddish-
chestnut. Souvenir de Victorine Calvat, another
monster with rather broad florets, very full and
double ; colour a very pretty shade of delicate
rosy-pink. Chrysanthemiste Kemy, Japanese, with
long flat florets, pointed, and tips of a peculiar
shade of rosy reddish-carmine ; golden reverse
and centre. Comtesse de Grailly, fine Japanese,
with long drooping florets ; white, tinted lilac-
mauve. Marquise Visconti Venosta, an immense
bloom, Japanese, with very long drooping florets,
forming a big, solid-looking flower of great size
and substance ; pure white. Maurice Eivoire, a
fine Japanese incurved, with broad grooved
florets ; pale rosy-chestnut, reverse old gold.
Alliance, another monster yellow Japanese; the
florets are long and deeply grooved ; it will form
an exhibition bloom of great service. Femina, a
Japanese flower ; colour lilac - mauve, tipped
yellow ; a big, solid, and compact bloom. Blon-
dinette, Japanese, very large and solid florets,
grooved ; colour deep primrose-yellow.

M. Alfred Chantrier is a raiser but little
known in England, although his big white
Japanese incurved Duchesse d'Orleans is just the
type of bloom we require. The best of his varie-
ties is Lac d'Estena, a Japanese of fine form, big
in size and deep in build ; colour pale yellow.

The veteran raiser, M. De Reydellet, also
showed at Paris a nice little lot, but he does not
present them in our exhibition form, and it is
therefore rather difficult to gauge their merits.

Quite a new grower is M. le Marquis de Pins.
In his lot there were Poupoule, a Japanese of
immense size, rivalling anything in the Paris
show ; it has deeply - grooved florets of rosy-
mauve colour. Madame de Castelboyne, Japanese,
a very pretty shade of soft salmon-rose ; Souvenir
de Montbrun, a Japanese, very striking and
effective, colour deep ochre -yellow tinted car-
mine ; Madame Magne, Japanese, deep and
solid, colour carmine - amaranth with golden
reverse.

To M. Bigot a certificate was awarded for the
variety Madame Louis Bigot, a Japanese with
very long twisted and curling florets ; colour
pale yellow.

The well-known firm of Messrs. Vilmorin, An-
drieux & Co. also presented a large number of
striking novelties, but we were unfortunate in
not being able to discover the special novelties

for next year in their very large contribution to
the show.

M. Aug. Nonin, like Calvat, showed seedlings
both at Paris and at Lille. Of these we were
most impressed with M. Antonin Marmontel, a
very full, deep, and double Japanese, with long,
drooping florets ; the colour a charming shade of
rich purple-amaranth, paler towards the centre,
and the petals tipped white ; Professor Gilliet
(Japanese), with medium-sized florets, colour crim-
son-red with gold reverse ; Secretaire Mulnard, a
monster bloom of the Australie style, and not
unlike it in colour; La Gracieuse, incurved
Japanese with grooved florets, colour pale pearly-
white tinted with flesh colour ; Aug. Henri, a
large Japanese with flat florets, pretty shade of
bright, rosy, dark amaranth with silver reverse.

A few others may prove equally good : Amateur
Marchand, a dark crimson ; Perle des Roses,
pretty pink ; Fleur d'Automne, golden-bronze ;
Albert Maumene, purple, silvery-pink reverse ;
M. Jean Page ; Lamartine, a yellow sport from
Mme. Gab. Debrie, &c.

THE ROSARY.

NOTES ON ROSE GRAFTING.

In my paper published in your issue of the 7th
inst. in regard to grafting Roses under glass, I
believe I made myself quite clear as to the kind
of stocks employed and their preparation before
being brought into use. Wholesale growers
usually make a start about the third week in
November on established stocks. The scions used
are taken from the dormant well-ripened wood
and with one or two buds, and consist of the new
and choicest English and French varieties. A
close frame with movable lights should be pro-
vided inside the forcing-house, and the height at
the back should not be less than 15 inches from
off the front stage in the house, and in the
lightest part of it, and immediately over the hot-
water-pipes. The stage should be provided with
a slate bottom covered with fine ashes, so that
the heat can pass readily through into the frame.
The temperature to start with should be from
55° to 60°, gradually increasing up to 05° as the
maximum, unless with solar heat. It will be
found necessary to open the sashes a few hours
each morning to dry the air and dissipate the
excessive moisture that gathers round the plants.
It is usual to finish up with dormant grafting on
or about the turn of the year, when the herba-
ceous or soft-wooded grafting takes its place
during February, March, and April. The wood
or scions used for these is taken from early-forced
plants grown on in gentle heat during the winter
when they have assumed a certain degree of
hardness ; later batches are taken from the soft
wood produced from the dormant grafts worked
in November, which by this time will have made
growths nearly 1 foot high. As the autumn
grafts are taken out of the frames and stood on
the stage in the house they will be replaced by
the spring or herbaceous grafts, so that with
ample supplies of Briar and other stocks in
reserve a successional stock of plants can, in the
hands of a good man, be worked up which would
carry the season well on into five months.

As the grafts are taken out of the frame they
may be placed on the stage near the glass inside
the house to harden a little for a week or so, when
they can be potted up into 5-inch pots ; and if the
union of scion and stock is kept well down in the
soil the plant will soon be virtually on its own
roots. After potting they must be grown on in
gentle heat till well established, and when har-
dened off they can be either grown and plunged
outside in the pots during the summer or be
planted out. The French are very successful in
this kind of business. Twenty or more years ago

I was under a very clever propagator at Versaillea.
For bottom-heat in the house a bed of well-fer-
mented tan was used, and two copper pipes for
top-heat. Instead of inside frames, cloches or very
large bell-glasses were used that would cover six:
or seven grafted plants plunged on the tan bed.,
thus giving the utmost maximum of light ; and I
may say that out of the many thousands put on
not more than about 5 per cent, failures were?
recorded. J.tD. G.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

A Gloucestershire Wild Garden (Elliot
Stock).

The time is approaching when to many it wilJ
be more comfortable to read of the wild gardern
than to lounge in it. And so, if we are rather-
late in welcoming this newcomer, at least we are-
opportune in recommending the perusal of this
interesting volume now, when circumstances are-
more propitious for indoor employment than for-
outdoor work. The author tells us of his1 dreams-
and aspirations when in India, and of the ulti-
mate realisation of his ideas in Gloucestershire-
Moreover, he tells us how he achieved success-
Shelter, sunshine, and an abundant supply of
water — these are the secrets, according to the
author. But in turning over his pages it is.
quite evident that the predominant factor is-
sympathy — sympathy with the work and the
workers, sympathy with the plants. Without
these a mechanical success may be obtained,
but for full vital fruition the divine gift of
sympathy, with all that it implies, is essential.

The description of the several departments of
the garden and their contents is replete with
interest. " Bamboos, as a rule, never flower in.
the English climate ; and happily for us that it-
is so, for when they flower they die." Now this.
is a statement which, when the Curator, the
Padre, and the Professor, who figure so promi-
nently in this book, next meet, may well form the
subject of a discussion. Certainly this year it
has not been rare to see Bamboos flowering, and
they do not all die in the sequel (see Mr. Bean's
notes in our columns, September 5, 1903, p. 169)-
The Hedychium flowering in the open air, the
Chusan Palms, the Lilies, and hosts of other plants,
are descanted upon by the author, who not only
knows but feels what he is talking about; and this
renders his work very pleasant reading. Whether
the " some extraneous matter " which is inter-
spersed throughout the book will meet with the
same amount of approval is open to question ; and
the anti-vivisectionists and the adherents of par-
ticular theological dogmas may not see eye to-
eye with the writer ; but in any case the ultimate
objective is the truth, and many readers may
respect the author's motives while they dis-
approve of his methods.

Natal Plants, Vol. 4, Part I.
The first part of the fourth volume of this
excellent and well-illustrated work by J. Medley
Wood, A.L.S., Curator of the Natal Botanic
Gardens, Durban, and the Natal Government
Herbarium, is just to hand. The subjects illus-
trated are Cynanchum ( Vincetoxicum) natalitium>,
Sehlechter ; Euphorbia natalensis, Bernhardi ;
Bowiea volubilis, Harvey ; Drimiopsis maculata,
Lindley ; Kniphofia natalensis, Baker ; K. fibrosa,
Baker ; Scilla megaphylla, Baker ; Sclerocarya
caffra, Sonder ; Dais cotinifolia, Linn. ; Dalbergia.
obovata, E. Meyer; Amarantus spinosus, Linn. ;.
Richardsonia pilosa, H. B. and K. ; Loranthus
Dregei, Ercklon and Zeyher ; Pavetta obovata,
E.Meyer; Sideroxylon inerme, Linn. ; Niebuhria.
rosminoides, Sonder ; Plectranthus tomentosus,
Bentham. ; Dioscorei malifolia, Baker ; Trium.-
fetta pilosa, Roth. ; Hibiscus physaloides, GuiV-

November 21, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

351

lemin and Perrottet ; Kalanchoe longifolia,
Schlechter ; Plectronia spiaosa, Klotzsch ; Cras-
sula pallida, Baker ; Laggera alata, Sohulz
Bip. ; and Ocimum suave, Willdenow. With
each plant illustrated a scientific description is
given, followed by records of habitats, and any
information available respecting the economic
value and the native name and uses of the plant.
Under Bowiea volubilis the following note appears :
"The juice of the bulb has irritant properties,
but is not vesicant ; the natives use it for rubbing
on the skin in cases of sickness, and they take
a portion of the bulb, boil it, and then strain
off the water and use it as a lotion for sore eyes ;
and in the early days when an ' impi ' or ' com-
mando ' was going out to war, the native doctors
used to sprinkle the warriors with a decoction of
the bulb, which was said to have the effect of
making their enemies flee before them. The
native name is ' Gibisila.' " The plant, with its
greenish bulb and slender, twining growth and
small, greenish, six-parted flowers, is of the order
Liliacese, and is often seen in gardens.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

CLETHRA ARBOREA.

This evergreen flowering shrub, often called
the Lily of the Valley Tree, is a native of
Madeira, and was introduced into this country
in 1784. Occasionally fine specimens are to be
met with in conservatories, either planted out or
in tubs ; but notwithstanding the great beauty of
its flowers it is far from common. Complaint is
sometimes made that it will not flower in a small
state, but I have seen bushes laden with bloom
that did not exceed 5 feet in height. These were
placed in the open in May, and removed under
glass shelter before the flowers expanded. The
usual time of flowering is during the month of
August, but specimens may sometimes be seen
carrying bloom as late as October. In mild
spots in the south-west this Clethra is hardy,
and I know of several large shrubs growing in
the open in Cornwall. In the Isles of Scilly it
succeeds to perfection, and bears a profusion of
flowers. During the past month I saw two
plants growing in front of a house about five
miles from Plymouth, both of which were in
flower. These had been planted barely three
years, but were fine bushy specimens 5 feet in
height. The branching racemes carry drooping
white flowers, very similar in contour and size to
those of the Lily of the Valley, twelve or more
sometimes being on the leading branch of the
raceme, these blossoms having the additional
merit of being delightfully perfumed. Many
years ago there was, I believe, a fine tree of this
Clethra about 30 feet in height growing in the
open on Valentia Island, Ireland, which was un-
fortunately blown down in a gale. In its native
land Clethra arborea exceeds this height, and
there its branches are used to furnish hammock-
poles. When flowering well, this Clethra far
exceeds in beauty the American deciduous species ;
but these, being hardy, are available for gardens
where C. arborea could not be expected to exist
in the open. 8. W. Fitzherbert, South Devon.

Arbutus Unbdo.
This shrub is unusually free in fruiting this
season, and is one of the most ornamental objects
in the pleasure gardens at the present season,
its scarlet-coloured fruits hanging in great pro-
fusion. Arbutus Unedo is an evergreen shrub,
which reaches a height of 10 to 20 feet (there
are some bushes here of that height). The
flowers appear in early autumn and are yel-
lowish-white, and individually of about the size
of Lily of the Valley. W. A. Cook, gr., Shirley
Paj-k, Croydon.

CAMPANULA CALYCANTHEMA,
CUP-AND-SAUCER VARIETY, GROW-
ING ON A WALL.

I enclose a photograph of a plant of the cup-
and-saucer variety of the common Canterbury
Bell, growing on a brick wall. A seed must have
been accidentally dropped between two bricks,
and the plant has grown and flourished as I have
never seen it do in the border. By cutting off
the spent flowers it was in bloom nearly the
whole summer and autumn, though the roots have
only the mortar of the wall to feed upon.

The photograph (fig. 147) was taken on
October 24, and the plant looks little the worse
to-day (November 1). No doubt the wet summer
has a good deal to do with its flourishing con-
dition, but still it is clearly a plant well adapted
to rockery and wall culture. Alfred 0. Walker.

Fit). 147.— CUP-AND-SAUCER VARIETY OF THE COMMON
CANTERBURY BELL GROWING ON A BRICK WALL.

PLANT NOTES.

•

POTENTILLA NEPALENSIS.

It is unfortunate that the introduction of the
double Potentillas of hybrid origin has militated
against the more extended cultivation of the
single species and their forms, as many of these
are of great beauty, and admirably adapted for
cultivation in borders or in rock-gardens. This
remark is not intended to depreciate the beauty
and serviceableness of the double Potentillas,
many of which are very beautiful flowers, but as
a reminder that the single-flowered species and
varieties are frequently of great beauty as well,
and that their merits entitle them to a proportion
of the favour shown by many to the double ones.
Among the most pleasing of the single-flowered
Cinquefoils we may place Potentilla nepalensis.

It is a plant which for a considerable period
after its introduction in 1822 received a large
amount of attention, and it was one of the species
which was largely used for hybridising about
that time. Nowadays it is less widely grown in
proportion to the increased taste for flowers.

The figure'given in Maund's Botanic Garden is
a very good one, so far as it goes, although it only
shows the upper portion of one of the forks of the
flower-stem, with a couple of open flowers and
some buds, together with an outline of the leaf.
The colouring is, however, remarkably good, and
gives a true idea of the colour of the type — a hue
called " cherry " by some writers, though one can-
hardly accept it as a true definition of the tint,
which has also a touch of purple or magenta, but
not of an obtrusive character. In Mr. George
Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening, we are told
that this species is like P. argyrophylla atrosan»
guinea, but with quinate, radical leaves. It is
not so in colour, however, and the Botanic Garden
colourist has hit the shade wonderfully well. It
is apparent, however, that there is some confu-
sion existing in connection with this specie3, aud-
it is possible that it may be more variable than
has been supposed. It is, according to the Index
Keiuensis and other authorities, synonymous with
both P. formosa and P. Mayana. From seeds of
P. " formosa " received by a correspondent of
mine from the native habitats of the species,
there are plants not only with the colour of the
flower figured by Maund, but some with coppery-
coloured flowers. I have one of the latter in my
own garden. Then, from the garden of M. de Vil-
morin, I have as P. Mayana, a plant which, one
would say, belongs to a distinct species, each leaf
having three instead of five leaflets. The flower3
are nearer the colour of such Potentillas as the
darkest of the double hybrids — almost as dark, in
fact, as the blooms of the one called Hamlet.
These flowers are considerably smaller than and
not so open as those of P. nepalensis, as figured,
and as I have known it for years.

As a rock plant P. nepalensis is seen at its best,
as its general character and its semi-prostrate-
habit make it more suitable for rockwork than
for the border. It does not look well with the
flower-stems tied to a stake, as might be done in
the latter, while its habit makes it less desirable
for the front of the border, seeing that the flowers
are at the ends of somewhat long forked stems.
It likes, also, a rather dry and sunny position-
and excessive moisture at the root in winter is
sometimes fatal to it. It is readily raised from
seeds, and a little pegging down of the flowering-
stems will induce them to form roots. Fortu-
nately, however, its habit of sending out runners
is not so developed as is the case with such plant's
as our native P. reptans, whose 'single or double
form becomes such a pest in any garden whose
owner introduces it in an incautious moment.
The main defect of this'Potentilla— if it can be
said to have one — lies in its somewhat "spraw-
ling" habit, a defect not so pronounced as to
deprive it of its value and beauty. S. Arnott,
Carsethorn-by-Dumfrics, N.B.

CLUB-ROOT.

Just one more attempt to make clear my
position in regard to this subject, which up to the
present has not been grasped by anyone, pre-
sumably owing to my lack of lucidity. The prin-
cipal point to remember is that cruciferous plants
can only be attacked by the organism causing
club-root during the seedling stage. When a
plant is six weeks old it may for all practical
purposes be considered to be immune against
the attacks of club-root, even if planted in soil
containing the germs of the disease.

Now those correspondents who from time to-
time have stated that, after treating the land
with gas-lime, Cabbages, &&, planted in such
ground were severely attacked, did not realise
that they planted Cabbages already infected with
the disease ; and perhaps they will not believe it
now. However, such must have been the case;
and granting that a Cabbage could grow in pure

352

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 21, 1903.

gas-lime, even that drastic' treatment would "not
check the progress of the disease if the Cabbage
was infected when planted.

If Cabbage-plants are grown in seed-beds abso-
lutely free from disease they will remain healthy
so far as club-root is concerned. In some instances
seedlings show symptoms of the disease under
the form of knots on the root when very young ;
others again, although diseased, do not show any
external indications when old enough to plant
out. Finally, are people generally careful not to
plant obviously diseased plants ? I think not.
During the past season I saw large numbers of
such plants with knotted roots used, and was in-
formed that the disease would die out if the
plants grew quickly. This may be so sometimes,
but it is not the rule. It is not an uncommon
thing to see bundles of infected Cabbage-plants
offered for sale in public markets.

When a crop is ruined by club-root, how do
people generally act ? Leave the plants to rot on
the ground, make a manure-heap of the remains,
or collect the diseased plants and burn them ?
In future, grow seedlings in soil that is free from
disease, choosing a dry, airy situation ; and do
not plant-out in infected ground for some few
years. Geo. Massee.

CHEYSANTHEMUMS AT DOVER
HOUSE, ROEHAMPTON.

On a recent visit to the gardens of Mr. J.
Pierpont Morgan, at Dover House, we found that
Chrysanthemums have again been cultivated
with the same care and enthusiasm as ever. The
season has not been one of the best for varieties
that require hot sunshine in order that the
growths and buds may become properly ripened,
but upon the whole the collection has been as
good or better than ever, the only varieties failing
to give first-class flowers being those of the
Madame Carnot section. Mr. J. F. McLeod, gr.
to Mr. Morgan, does little or no exhibiting, and
his collection of varieties therefore is not decided
from that point of view. Whilst every new
variety is obtained so soon as its value can be
ascertained, the best of the old ones are retained
also ; consequently the collection is as good as it
■can be made. The varieties Mutual Friend and
Viviand Morel are given the same prominence as
such newer ones as Mrs. Greenfield, Nellie Pockett,
Iiord Ludlow, Godfrey's Triumph, and Mrs.
Barkley. During most of the time the Chrysan-
themums are in bloom an exceedingly bright
display is made in another house with Salvia
splendens grandiflora, which, in common with all
plants in this garden, is cultivated to the best
■degree possible. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine is
very beautiful at the present time.

CULTURAL MEMORANDA.

VIOLETS IN PITS AND FRAMES.
Some remarks on Violets growing under glass
may not be out of place at this ungenial season
when Violets are in great request in gardens large
and small. In order to have Violets in plenty
the cultivator must be thoughtful and careful,
more especially must he be careful in the use of
the watering-can, which vessel for the present he
bad better put out of sight ; and, on the other
hand, he must be most assiduous in the matter
of affording air to his frames, for if he keeps
them too close the plants will become drawn
and soft — the latter point especially, or they
will not have enough strength to withstand
severe frosts without undue coddling. On every
fine day the frame-lights should be removed
entirely in the morning, replacing them about
4 p.m.j also leaving an opening by night when
the weather is not very wet, rough, or frosty.

In order to lessen the risks of damping- off let
each plant be examined carefully, picking off
decaying parts, then with a small handfork
loosen the surface-soil, and place thereon a layer
of about 1 inch of small split shingle or clean
white granite chips ; this will prevent the soil
from getting impervious to the air, and will dispel
much of the surface moisture, which is injurious
to the plant at this season. It is surprising to
find how quickly on the admission of air in the
morning the shingle referred to dries up, and in
the event of sunshine occurring it holds the
warmth and presents at all times a nice clean
surface whereon the flowers can develop to per-
fection. Let there be no trampling of the soil
between the rows when picking the flowers, but
reach them from the sides and ends of the frames.
If at any time the beds require water, apply it, if
possible, on a sunshiny morning, so that the
leaves may become dry before evening. H. Hum-
phrey, Kyson, Woodbridge.

The Week's Work.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Asparagus. — The preparation of the ground for
beds or simple plantations should now be taken
in hand, although the planting must not be carried
out till the spring. The site should be open, yet
sheltered from the rougher winds, and where the
soil is of a good depth. If the land is light and
friable, only ordinary trenching and manuring
will be necessary ; but if heavy, some lightening
materials should be trenched into it, the soil
rendered warmer by deep drainage, and by trench-
ing it 3 feet deep, the bottom spit being turned
and well loosened without bringing it to the
surfac3. Any such materials as mortar-rubbish,
wood-a?hes, road-scrapings, half-decayed garden-
riibbish, rough litter, &c, may be dug into the
bottom of the trenches, and over this a layer of
manure may be placed ; and on the top of the
second spit some shorter manure. The soil should
be left rough till the spring, when a heavy dress-
ing of coarse sand should be forked into it before
proceeding to plant. Although Asparagus plants
will produce excellent heads for many years, the
best results are obtained from such as are not more
than six years old, and plants of this age are also
the best for forcing. Where a regular supply of
Asparagus is required in the winter, batches of
roots should be put into heat weekly or at
intervals of ten days. The forcing may be done
in hot-water pits on beds of tree-leave3, or in
ordinary frames set on hot-beds made chiefly of
leaves and stable-dung, with an outside wall of
stible-litter only. The temperature of the bed
need not rise higher than 75°, and that of the
frames 55° to 60°.

Salads. — In some places the gardener must
supply a salad every day — an easy enough mattei
in the warm season, but not so in winter and
early spring. At the present season Lettuces in
frames should be afforded abundance of air in mild
weather, and protection against frost. Should
the spring supply of Lettuces threaten to be
unequal to the probable demand, sow seeds of the
forcing varieties in shallow boxes and place these
in heat of about 50°, and when the seedlings are
large enough to handle prick them out into
boxes filled with rich light soil at 3 inches apart,
and keep near to the glass. Carter's Harbinger
and Veitch's Golden Queen are two excellent
Lettuces for present sowing. Endive should be
blanched in numbers according to the demand,
and Onions may be sown thickly in boxes for
drawing young.

Peas. — The once common practice of sowing
Peas out-of-doors in the present month has
nearly fallen into abeyance, and I cannot recom-
mend it, as the risk of losing much of the seed
or the plants before the winter is passed is too
great. If it be decided to sow at this season
a south border should be chosen for the crop, and
the seeds previously damped and rolled in red-lead
before they are sown. Where warm pits or frames

are at command, good results may be obtained by
sowing early dwarf varieties. A good compost
should be prepared in which to grow them, and
only sufficient head room allowed for the haulm
to attain its full height without actually coming
into contact with the glass. Afford abundance of
air at all times. Carter's Daisy, Sutton's De-
fiance, and Veitch's Chelsea Gem are all valuable
dwarf Peas for present sowing.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Foetescue, Esq.,
Dropmore. Maidenhead.

The Peach and Nectarine. — In continuation of
my remarks on the forming of a border for
planting these fruits, it may be stated that the
gardener will be guided by the height of the
wall as to what kind of trees will be best suited
for covering it quickly. The usual height of
garden walls is from 12 to 15 feet, and for a
wall more than 10 feet high plant dwarf, fan-
formed trees at 20 to 24 feet apart, and between
each two of these plant a standard or. so-called
rider, which will sooner cover the upper part of
the wa?l than dwarf trees. Walls of 10 feet in
height may be planted solely with fan-trained
trees. A good selection of Peaches for outdoor
cultivation will consist of Amsden June, Alexander
Early, Bellegarde, Early Silver, Grosse Mig-
nonne. Noblesse, Violette Hative, Nectarine
Peach, Sea Eagle, Late Devonian (large, hand-
some, and fine flavour), and Walburton Admir-
able, a variety excellent for culinary purposes in
October, and in a fine, warm autumn good for
the dessert. Of Nectarines, choose Elruge, Early
Kivers, Downton, Humboldt, Lord Napier, Pine-
apple, and Victoria. Where the soil is favourable
for these varieties, the White Nectarine and
Rivers' White may be planted, for although the
trees are rather tender, the fruits are delicious.

Pruning the Pear. — Now that the leaves have
fallen, the pruning of Pear-trees should be forth-
with commenced. In pruning these trees it is
necessary that the knifeman know something of
the habit of growth of the different varieties.
Such varieties as Josephine de Malines, Winter
Nelis, Marie Louise, Jargonelle, and other weak
growers, form many fruit-buds at the ends of
the current season's shoots, and if these shoots
are not of too great a length, they may be
left to bear fruit, and afterwards shortened or
removed. Should any fruit-buds form at the
ends of the shoots required for extending the
tree, they should be rubbed off, or the shoot
cut back to a wood-bud. Shoots which were
pinched at the points at the summer pruning
should be shortened to two buds ; and in the
case of aged trees, whose fruit-spurs are long,
remove a certain proportion of them to within
an inch of the branch with the pruning-saw,
smoothing the wound with a knife or chisel.
Remove all old and weak fastenings, and put
them into the garden-furnace, and secure the
main branches with tarred string or wythes,
and the ends of the branches with shreds and
nails, taking care, in the case of young and
vigorous trees, that the ligatures are loose. Newly-
planted trees should be lightly fastened to the
wall, and the final nailing left until the ground
has settled.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Winter-Jruiting Cucumber plants. — Do not over-
crop the plants, but thin the fruits so as not to
leave more than one to a joint ; and as soon as a
fruit attains to a usable size, remove it and
place it stem downwards in a saucer containing
water in a cool place. Pinch off all the male
flowers, tendrils, and spent leaves, and stop the
shoots at a joint beyond a show of fruit. As
soon as the roots show at the surface of the last
top-dressing, apply another of about, an inch in
thickness, letting this consist of equal parts
good loam and stable-manure. Water must be
applied to the roots with much discretion,
affording it copiously when necessary. Rain-
water in a tepid state is the best. Avoid
driblets that keep the surface-soil wet without
penetrating to the bottom of the border, where
the soil is apt to become dry through its
proximity to the hot-water-pipe3. Very sel-
dom will ventilation be feasible at this season.

November 21, 1!)03.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

353

but advantage should be taken of a bright, mild
day to afford ventilation in a small degree at the
top of the house about midday, but closing soon
afterwards. Cold draughts should be carefully
avoided, or mildew will be sure to appear. Main-
tain a night temperature of OS" to 70% and by
day of 75° to 80° ; do not syringe the plants except
early in the afternoons of fine days, but keep the
air in a humid state at all times. Let a sharp
lookout be kept for red-spider and other insect
pests, also mildew ; and take prompt measures
against them on appearance. In very frosty
weather put mats over the roof at night, and
thus avoid having unduly to heat the hot-water
apparatus in trying to keep up the right degree
of warmth.

Winter Tomatos. — The opening flowers should
be fertilised daily. The July-raised plants will
now be carrying a nice crop of fruit, but in the
absence of sunshine the ripening process will be
very slow. When the points of the plants grown
in pots become thin and weak it is usually a sign
of exhaustion, and that a top-dressing, consisting
of equal parts of good loam and spent Mushroom-
bed manure, a 6-inch potful of Clay's Fertiliser
to a wheelbarrowful of soil, is called for. Thin
out the foliage so as to admit sunshine to the
fruit, doing this gradually. Maintain a night
temperature of 58° to 60°, with a rise of 10° by
day, with free ventilation when the weather is
favourable, and at all times keep the air in a dry
condition.

Early summer-raised Tomatos, if still carrying
ripe fruit, may be continued in fruit by allowing
the points of the stems to extend ; or they may
be turned back and layered in the soil of the
border, and afterwards treated as young plants.
To raise plants that will succeed those
now fruiting, seeds may be sown at this date
of Ruby Gem, Ham Green, Frogmore Se-
lected, or other early-fruiting varieties, placing
the seed-pans in the stove; and as soon as the
seedlings appear place them upon a shelf close up
to the roof, and when two or three rough leaves
have been made pot them singly in thumbs and
return to the stove.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigu Salterton, Devonshire.

Holanums. — The berries are generally slow in
colouring this season, and plants with fruits im-
perfectly coloured should be afforded a small
amount of fire-heat and abundant ventilation,
with applications of weak manure-water occasion-
ally. Pinch out all new shoots, and fumigate the
plants occasionally.

Cytissus. — These plants should be allowed to
come along gradually in a greenhouse and not
forced in heat, the display being then much finer
and more prolonged. Established plants may
be afforded weak manure-water once a week, not
oftener, as the roots are easily damaged. Similar
remarks apply to Coronilla glauca as regards
water at the root. These plants are in full flower
just now, and they will flower again freely in the
spring ; in fact, these plants bloom continuously
from September till early in the month of May.

Salvias. — S. splendens and S. rutilans are now
in full beauty, and should be assisted with weak
guano or soot-water, otherwise the foliage may
turn of a yellow tint. The latter variety will
become showy again towards March if kept clean
and free from red-spider, which is apt to infest
the plant when kept in warm houses. Plants of
S. Pitcheri or azurea grandiSora should be cut
down as they pass out of flower, and be plunged
in coal-ashes in a cold pit or frame, or stood in a
cold vinery or Peach-house. The two varieties
S. Heeri and S. gesnerseflora should be kept as
cool as possible until the flowers are well ex-
panded, which in the latter case will not be until
March, but S. Heeri flowers early in the new year.

Carnations. — The autumn was one of the worst
for these plants, so much rain and dull weather
being all against them, especially the Souvenir
de la Malmaison varieties, which readily fall a
prey to the horrid "rust." During such adverse
weather a free circulation, fair night and day,
with sufficient fire-heat to dispel damp from the
house, should be maintained, although in Devon
for the past ten days the air has beon much drier

and buoyant, and fire-heat has not been needed.
Pick off any affected leaves immediately they are
discerned, burniDg them forthwith, and then
sprinkle the plants with flowers- of-sulphur or
powdered lime.

General remarks. — Advantage should now be
taken thoroughly to cleanse the plants in the
stove and other warm houses with a sponge and
warm soapsuds, as they are sure to be more or
less dirty or insect-infested. To do this will
brighten up the leaves of Codiceums, Dracaenas,
Pandanus, Acalypha, Aspidistras, Palms, and
other decorative plants. Having cleansed the
plants, freshen up the soil and make the pots and
tubs clean. A good stock of loam, peat, leaf-soil,
&c, should be placed in the potting-shed in
readiness for use ; also cart in loam, obtaining it
as turf 2 — 3 inches thick, and stacking it the
grassy side downwards ; and should it be of poor
quality, afford a good layer of cow or oxen-
manure between the layers of turf.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Lcelia Cowani is a handsome species, which
blooms in the spring, and which might be grown
with L. Goldiana, L. autumnalis, and others
mentioned in my last Calendar, requiring similar
treatment, and now in the middle of its growth
should be afforded plenty of light, and of
moisture at the root at all time, so as to impart
robustness to the pseudo-bulbs. When at rest,
much less water at the root will suffice ; but, like
all of the thin-bulbed Lselias, the plant should
not be rested quite so dry at the root as those
having thicker pseudo-bulbs. »

Epidendrum fragrans. — An attractive species
now in flower in the Cattleya-house. The flowers
are of small size, and fragrant. It succeeds when
planted in shallow pans hung from the rafters in
the warmer part of the Cattleya-house. A mix-
ture of equal parts of peat and sphagnum is suit-
able as a rooting medium. Whilst growing,
plenty of water is needed at the root ; but from
the present time the plant should be resting, anc
a very small quantity of moisture will be needed.

Calanthes. — Most of the foliage having ripened
and fallen from the plants, and the flower-spikes
attained a height when it is very necessary to
afford them support, but a very small quantity
of water is required at the root, just as much
as will forward the development of the flower-
spikes. If the plants occupy a house to them-
selves it must be kept rather drier than moist,
more especially when the flowers begin to open,
or there will be losses from damping-off.

Degrees of Warm ih.— Early in October I advised
the lowering of the temperatures a few degrees,
in order to prepare the plants for winter, and we
have now to make use of the hot- water-pipes for
the maintenance of the desired degree of warmth
in the various houses. The following figures will
serve the tyro as a guide, these being kept to as
nearly as circumstances will allow, viz., the stove
or East India-house, by day 74°, and by night 68°,
in the morning 6-1° ; Cattleya-house, by day 68°,
at night 64°, in the morning 60° ; Intermediate-
house', by day 62°, by night 58°, in the morning
55° ; Cool or Odontoglossum-house, by day 58°, by
night 54°, in the morning 50°. These readings
will vary slightly according to the state of the
weather, especially during the day, but with the
use of artificial heat they should be kept to as
nearly as possible, which can only be done with
careful stoking.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller MuNDY.Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Rockeries. — Where there are deciduous trees in
the neighbourhood of a rockery or Alpine garden,
the pockets containing small-growing or delicate
plants should be examined at this season, and
the accumulations of tree-leaves removed, other-
wise many plants will be smothered and killed.
By tho time that these notes appear in print tho
fall of the leaf will be at an end, and a thorough
clearing up may be undertaken. At the same
time it will bo advisable to root-out or curtail the
growth of many strong-growing plants, which

would otherwise overgrow weaker subjects. One
of the most aggressive plants which I have intro-
duced to the rockeries at Shipley is the new
double-flowered Arabis albida. Strong-growing
naturally, and assisted by a mild and wet season,
this plant has grown out of all bounds. After
relieving the plant - pockets and recesses of
leaves and weeds, afford top-dressings suitable to-
their requirements. In most cases this may con-
sist of charred soil from the rubbish-yard mixed
with leaf - mould. Ordinary road - grit, too, is
another useful substance for many species of
plants, notably Saxifrages and Sedums, whilst
Gentians are improved by granite, and Litho-
spermums with a sandy mixture, to induce the
formation of stem-roots. The mossy Saxifrages
should be pressed in the centre firmly down to
the soil, either by the hand or foot.

Rock Plants in Frames. — Some weeks ago I
advised the removal of side shoots of many kinds
of rock plants of which the stock is limited, and
inserting them as cuttings in pots or boxes.
These will now be occupying a cold frame in a
light position, and must be well guarded from,
drip, though exposed to the air on all favourable
occasions. If the pots stand on a moist bottom,
there will scarcely be any necessity for applying
water before the return of spring.

Dwarf Evergreens. — Where these are used for
furnishing the beds during the winter they may
now be planted.

Alterations. — The present somewhat slack season,
affords opportunities of dealing with minor
alterations and repairs to paths, drives, and turf.
Good paths are a very necessary adjunct to a.
garden, and attention is often required to the
levels and watercourses, gratings and runnels, so
that pools may not form even in the wettest of
weather, or the water gather in volume and tear
up the gravel paths or run over on to the turf.
Ivy which has grown unwieldy and out of bounds
may have most of the surplus growth removed
and the fastenings seen to; the bushy growths-
cut out will, if put in a heap outdoors, keep fresh
for Christmas decorations.

THE APIARY.

By Expert.
Removing Bees. — Much difficulty seems to be
experienced in the removing of bees by road or
rail, but if ordinary care be exercised very little
difficulty need occur. In the first place the bees
should be removed, if possible, in cold, frosty
weather, and the hives properly secured at the
entrance either by closing it altogether and
screwing the slides to the body - box, or by
placing a piece of perforated zinc plate over the
entrance ; and the latter is better if the bees
have to travel a long distance. The zinc should
be secured by using small screws instead of
nails, as the jarring in using a hammer is certain
to disturb the bees. The floor-board should be
securely screwed to the body-box, and a small
strip of wood tacked from leg to leg to strengthen
them. The outer cover of the body-box should
also be fastened to the inner case, and the roof
screwed to the body - box as well ; the whole
should then have a stout cord passed over the
hive from back to front and running also from,
side to side, and be carefully lifted inde-
pendent of the cord. The wire, where possible,
should be removed first, as the hive will
not be so high for lifting, or take up so-
much space either. A small strip of wood
about 2 inches wide and about '; or j of an inch
thick, and the same length as the body - box,
should be placed over the ends of the frames
on each side, and screwed down to the body box.
This will prevent the frames from moving about,
and is not so likely to shake the bees. The
escapes in the roof should also bo blocked up, as
bees getting through from below and escaping is
likely to cause annoyance, and oftentimos serious
trouble. The escapes can be opened the next
day to release any bees in the roof, after they are
placed in their new quarters already prepared for
them.

Candy cake should be given to stocks where-
necessary without disturbing tho bees, and now
quilts and coverings given to hives which have
not one.

354

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 21, 1903.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK.

MONDAY Nov '3.' National Chrysanthemum Com-
1 * I 11.1t tees meet.

1 Royal Horticultural Society's
TUESDAY, Nov. 24-j Committees meet. Lecture

( on " Pomology as a Study."

I Royal Botanical Society meets.
South Shields Chryeantt e
mum Society's Show (2 days).
Nat. Chrys. Society's Annual
Dinner.

ffHURSDAY, Nov £6.' Irj?h .Gardeners' Association
1 t Meeting.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY to FRIDAY NEXT—

Dutch Bulbs, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by
Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30.

MONDAY, Nov 23-

Buibs Rosec Azaleas, &c , at Stevens' Rooms, at 12 30.

fUESDAY, Nov. 24-

Clearance Sale of Greenhouses, Pits. Piping, Cartp,
&c, also Solanums, Roses, &c. at Cuckoo Hah
Nursery, Cuckoo Hall Lane, Lower Edmonton, by
Protheroe & Morris, at 12.

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 55-

100,000 Fruit Trees, at Perry Hill Cliffe, near
Rochester, by order of Messrs. Home & Sons, by
Protheroe & Morris at 12.— Palms. Azaleas, Roses,
Herbaceous Plants, &c, at 67 and 68, Cheapside. E.C..
by Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30.— Bulbs, Roses,
KhododendroEs, Azileas, &3„ at Stevens', at 12.30.

JTSIDAY, Nov. 27—

1,5.0 Dendrobium Phakenopsis and other Orchids,
by Protheroe & Morris, at 07 and 68. Cheapside, EC,
at 12.30
(tor farther particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced

from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswii k

- 415 .
Actual Temperatures :—

London. -Nov 18 (6 p.m.) : Max. 44"; Mln. 37".

Provinces. -Nov 18(6 p.m.) : Max. 44°, South Coast ;
Min. 36°, South of Ireland.

We have now come to the end

SeHi°ntsbl6 of a wet and sunless summer.
Astronomers tell us there have
been many spots on the sun, and our rain-
gauges inform us that an abnormal amount
of rain has fallen. As a consequence
all kinds of vegetables, including weeds,
have been extra vigorous, and shrubs and
trees have put on much coarse growth. Now
the short autumn days have come we cannot
hope for this growth to ripen, and eo we
may expect the first severe frost to play
havoc with our fruit-trees and all tendi r
shrubs, but more certainly with those of
exotic origin.

The careful cultivator, be he gardener or
amateur, will perhaps be glad of a few prac-
tical hints how best to protect such subjects
that he knows to be tender in the borders
or the shrubberies he has charge of. The
■only sure way with some of them is to lift
them and provide them shelter in some
glass structure ; but all do not possess such
conveniences, and where they have they
find them inconveniently crowded with
plants already, so something must be de-
vised to afford protection to such shrubs in
the open as will be likely to suffer from a
severe winter.

Where expense is no object, bast-mats and
Frigi-domo can be used; but many can ill
afford these, and so recourse must be had to
such protective material as can be cut from
the plantation or from the common. The
branches of Spruce and other Firs, the
common Gorse or Furze, are very suitable
for this purpose, and, as a rule, may be had
6imply for the trouble of cutting, while from
the same source may be obtained bracken
(Pteris aquilina), which, cut when almost
mature, tied in bundles loosely and dried,
will form admirable protective material for
Roses and tender trees and shrubs. This is
preferable to mats, as it is not unsightly and
•it does not coddle the plants, etc., protected.

Standard Roses are sufficiently sheltered
by tying bundles of bracken loosely into

their heads, and if this be supplemented by
a thick mulching of strawy stable-dung,
they will be safe even in severe frosts.
Dwarf Roses may be treated in like manner;
but if the bracken be cut long, and the
lower part of the stiff rachis be bedded in
the soil and the apex of the fronds drawn
together into a point above the Rose,
security is almost certain, and the v»ind will
have little chance of removing the sheltering
materials.

Young specimens of choice but tender
Conifers, as Fitzroya, Juniperus sinensis
aurea, Abies bracteata and nobilis glauca,
Arc., or the small Umbrella Fine (i:ciadopitys),
may be protected in like manner, as, indeed,
may any tender subject that has an erect,
pyramidal habit of growth. Some care is
requisite to prevent the sheltering material
from injuring or bruising the leaders,
especially in late-growing Conifers, like
Finus insignis and others.

Shrubs that are generally recognised as
tender are nailed against walls or wooden
fences, where the least additional protection
is called for. This may be cheaply furnished
by branches of any common evergreen
conifer, or gorse. In this section may be
included the very handsome variegated
Eurya, and the Indian Daphne, which latter,
flowering in the very early spring, is too
often crippled by late frosts ; but, singular
to say, its white form is hardier than the
type, a very unusual circumstance, as most
albinos are tender.

In the north and east the neat Azara
microphylla and the noble scarlet-flowering
Desfontainea spinosa are too tender for the
open, but with a little care they do well
on a fence or wall. In favourable positions
the Chilian Fire-bush, Embothrium, does well
in the open; but this is safer on a wall,
where it also flowers more freely, and needs
but little protection, as it grows early, and
matures its wood before the frosts come.
Hardly less handsome are the Escallonias,
which form such admirable seaside plants.
Though fairly hardy in the south and west,
they need protection in the midlands and
in the north; the best are E. macrantba
and E. Philippiana. The true Bay, Laurus
nobilis, and the various Laurustinus, are
tender in the same degree as the last, but
the fine Laurustinus hirsutus is worthy the
shelter of a fence at any time ; on the Con-
tinent this species is grown in pots and
tubs for conservatory decoration.

The noble Magnolias must by no means
be forgotten, and while the deciduous kinds
may be left to take care of themselves, the
Exmouth variety of grandiflora, the finest of
all flowering evergreens, deserves all the
care that can be lavished on it. A thin St.
Petersburg mat or some like protection is
safest in this case, but let it be fixed at least
a foot from the wall, or the leaves will be
bruised and spotted through contact with
the mat.

The handsome Chinese Privet is frequently
injured by frost, and its elegant bloom-
spikes destroyed; but a little bracken or
gorse placed in front of and above it will
give it all the shelter it needs; and the same
may be said of the delightfully - fragrant
Osmanthus ilicifolius and the Japanese
Skimmias, whose habit is to flower before
our late frosts have gone, and so we rarely
get any of their coral-red berries. The noble
Photinia serrulata is better for some pro-

tection, as it grows late; but its near rela-
tive, the Raphiolepis, with its dark coria-
ceous leaves, is well able to stand our
severest winters.

Finally, the New Zealand Veronicas, V.
Andersoni and its variegated form, and
others, are very deserving of a little care
at this season, and if planted in the open
may be conveniently screened by branches
of gorse, or long stable-manure may be placed
round them, and cleared away or dug in
when all danger of frost has passed.

Our Supplementary Illustration this
week may be taken as a contrast to the one given
in our last issue. There, all was formal and
geometric ; here; a more natural style prevails.
The buildings were erected at the instigation of
Marie Antoinette, who in the midst of her
state loved to play the dairy-maid at Trianon.
This part of Versailles is laid out as an English
pleasure-ground, and in its surroundings forcibly
calls to mind the pleasure-ground at Kew, with
the Queen's Cottage. (See also p. 254.)

Royal Horticultural Society. — The
next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 24,
in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, West-
minster. A lecture on " Pomology as a Study "
will be given by Mr. Lewis Castle at 3 o'clock.

At a general meeting held on Nov. 10

forty-five new Fellows were elected, making a
total of 1,281 elected since the beginning of the
present year.

London University : Lectures in Ad-
vanced Botany.— Mr. A. D. Hall's fifth lec-
ture was given at the Chelsea Physic Garden on
November 17, and dealt with the development of
the Wheat plant and the quality of the grain.
The stages in the growth of the crop were dis-
cussed. The winter stage consists mainly in the
formation of roots, which is stimulated by a com-
paratively dry condition of the soil. At Eotham-
sted the crops following dry winters have been,
on the average, larger than those following winters
of more than average rainfall. After the winter,
nutrition from the soil becomes active, as also
does assimilation when the leaves develop. Nu-
trition ceases comparatively early, before the
bloom begins ; but assimilation continues, though
by the time the grain is beginning to form it is
only able to balance the losses by respiration, so
that the gross weight of the crop does not
increase. During the formation of the grain
the chief change going on is a migration of the
previously elaborated material from the straw
and leaves to the grain. Finally, maturation is
accompanied by a slight loss of weight through
respiration, no longer balanced by assimilation.
Various analyses of the Wheat crop at suc-
cessive stages of its growth were given to
illustrate the above points. The question of
quality in the grain was then dealt with ;
certain foreign Wheats command a much higher
price than English corn because they possess
" strength " — roughly, the power of making
larger loaves. Strength is associated with a
higher nitrogen-content in the grain, and seems
to be dependent on a comparatively forced
ripening. For example, it is greater with Wheats
of a short period of growth, and is generally in-
creased by spring sowing and by cutting the grain
before it is ripe. Though Continental climates
are the main factors in producing strong Wheats,
" strength " to a certain extent is a character
varying with the variety, and therefore capable
of improvement by cross-breeding and selection.
Finally the influence of soil on the quality of
wheat was discussed, in view of the fact that the
best and largest crops are grown on the strong
soils. The next lecture will be given on Tues-
day, November 24, at 3 p.m., and will deal with
Barley and the Boot Crops.

November 21, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

355

PROFE8SOR HUGO DE VRIES.— On October 25,
"the twenty-fifth anniversary of the appointment
•of Hugo de Vries as Professor in the University
of Amsterdam, Professor Went, on behalf of his
Dutch friends, presented him with the sum of
4,250 gulden (rather more than .£350). The
•request was made that this fund should be de-
voted to the furtherance of future investigations
into the theory of Mutation.

Models of Fruit at the Royal Horti-
cultural SOCIETY.— No doubt it would be very
desirable to have a good representative collec-
tion of models, but unless some officer were spe-
cially told off to take care of them, we fear the
•result would ultimately be the same as that which
accrued to the once fine collection of models
possessed by the Society. We retain a vivid
■recollection of broken cases and smashed models
in the arcades of South Kensington. Such a
■collection should be placed in some Government
establishment, where a greater degree of per-
manence could be relied on.

Employers and Ex-soldiers. — We are

requested to publish the following communi-
cation : —

"As Chairman of the National Association for the
Employment of Reserve and Discharged Soldiers, I
should be grateful if you can find room for the
'following appeal : —

For over eighteen years employers of labour hare
■been most patriotic and generous in offering situations
ic civil life to ex-soldiers, especially at the close of the
late war; indeed, thanks to them, of the 34,0(0 men
registered, 18,000 men have been given permanent
•employment during the last eighteen months, through
•the head office and ninety-six branches of the National
Association, in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
Of late, applications for men have been very scarce,
owing largely to depression in trade, bad weather, &c.,
and perhaps to a vanishing interest in the soldier now
•that the war is over.

Candidates for registration are daily increasing
owing to the present service of three years with the
•colours instead of seven years as heretofore. The
winter is upon us, and 1 earnestly beg employers, and
■especially the County and Borough Councils, to con-
tinue to show their sympathy to these men, who
deserve well of their country. We specially need work
for coachmen, grooms, carmen, timekeepers, doormen,
warehousemen, porters, packers, labourers, &o.

I will not deny that, notwithstanding the fact that
we only take men of 'exemplary,' 'very good' and
good' character, and keep all references up-to-date,
certain men have proved themselves unfitted for the .
situations given them— such failures are not confined
to ex-soldiers alone -but, on the other hand, the
majority have done exceedingly well in the employ-
ment procured for them.

I need not mention how important it is for the
advancement of recruiting, that men who have secured
-a good character while serving with the colours should
not be left out in the cold cm return to civil life, but I
would also point out to busy employers by telephoning
('367 Westminster). telegraphing ('Employons
London'), or writing to the Secretary of the Associa-
tion, they can at once be supplied with respectable
•men, accustomed to discipline, to fit any vacancy
•without the expense of advertising, or the trouble of
■dealing with the letters and references of possible
hundreds of applicants. Trusting that my appeal may
meet with a ready response. Fred Green-Wilkinson,
Aieul.-Qeneral, 119, Victoria Street, S.W."

AN OLD-FA8HIONED GARDEN AT ST. LOUIS.

— An old English garden is to be reproduced at
^he World's Fair in St. Louis by Mr. T. W.
■Brown, recently landscape architect to the Sultan
of Morocco, who has arrived in St. Louis to super-
vise the transformation of the grounds surround-
rog Great Britain's building at the Exposition
into an English country-seat garden of 2UO years
ago. The plans of the garden were partly worked
out before Mr. Brown departed from England.
The British building, now nearing completion, is
a replica of the famous Orangery in the grounds
of Kensington Palace, the birthplace and home of
the late Queen Victoria. This structure was built
by Sir Christopher Wren in 1704, under the
direct orders and the critical eye of Queen Anne.
-The orangery, which fronts on Skinkcr Road, is
171 feet long ; it has a width of 32 feet, exclusive
•of the two wings, which extend back toward the

Administration building. The grounds sur-
rounding this structure are subject to Mr.
Brown's landscape treatment. " In the garden
which we shall create here," says Mr. Brown,
"there will be no paling fences and no Geranium
beds, such as I observe in the American gardens.
Hedges will be a predominant feature at the very
borders of the garden, giving it a distinctly
English motif ; and instead of the blossoms chiefly
featured in present-day landscape treatment, we
shall have the old-fashioned flowers as our chief
aids to colour value." If any garden of the
present time may be cited as a model for the one
that is being created, the famous grounds at
Hampton Court may stand in that position. The
gardens surrounding Hampton Court were created
simultaneously with the Queen's Orangery, being
begun in the same year, and brought to their
highest elegance seven years later, in 1711. Lord
Bacon took occasion to protest against the
clipping and shaping of the Juniper, the Yew,
and other shrubs, into the forms of birds and
animals, saying that he disapproved of that style
of evergreen architecture ; but notwithstanding
this protest from high authority the landscapes
of the country seats persisted in applying this
idea in the treatment of their evergreens. In
many English parks and gardens there are yet to
be seen the shapes of peacocks, lions, and other
birds and animals, in growing shrubs, deftly
pruned each season to retain the intended form.
Mr. Brown intends in the garden at the World's
Fair to introduce some of these odd figures. One
who has not made a pilgrimage tceome of the old
country places of the English shires can scarcely
appreciate the wonderful results obtained by the
landscapist in the growing of evergreens in such
forms. But perhaps the most English of any of
the features of this old garden will be the
"pleached alley" extending along one side of the
Orangery tract. Rows of Poplars or other hand-
some trees, planted in parallel, will form the side
walls of the alley. Their branches, so trained as
to meet and cross each other overhead, will form
a roof of shade, through which will flicker just
enough sunshine to afford the proper degree of
light. American Gardening.

The Surveyors' Institution.— The session
was opened with an address by the President,
which, in Mr. Buck's absence through illness,
was read by the Secretary. A vote of thanks was
unanimously passed to the President for his
address. The next ordinary general meeting will
be held on Monday, November 23, 1903, when a
paper will be read by Mr. Herbert T. Scoble
(Professional Associate), entitled, " Industrial
Decentralisation, an Important Factor in the
Solution of the Housing Problem." The chair
will be taken at 8 o'clock.

The Rev. David R. Williamson, of Kirk-
maiden, N.B., author of Poems of Nature and Life,
and Fellow of the National College of Music, and
a frequent writer in this Journal upon Roses,
Lilies, &c, has been elected President of the
British Guild of Musicians.

The Annual Dinner of the National
Chrysanthemum Society.— The New Presi-
dent, Mr. C. E. Shea, will preside at this event
on Wednesday evening next at the Holborn
Restaurant. The Committee hope there will be
a large attendance. Time 6.15 p.m.

Reading and District Gardeners' Mu-
tual Improvement Association.— The mem-
bers assembled at their last fortnightly meeting,
under the Chairmanship of Mr. G. Stanton,
when Mr. Townsend, gr., Sandhurst Lodge, read
a paper on " Water and Bog Plants." Methods of
cultivation were given, and receptacles indicated
in which aquatics could be cultivated. Varioties
were then given, and the depth of water most
suitable to flower them freely. The plants touched

upon included Aponogeton distachyon, Hottonia
palustris, Anagallis, Villarsia nymphaeoides, Ra-
nunculus aquaticus, Richardias, Pontederia eor-
data, Thalias, Sagittarias, Cyperus, Mimuluses,
Calthas, Fuchsias, Hydrangeas, Erythrina, Iris
Kaempferi, Lobelia cardinalis, Gunnera manicata,
herbaceous Spirasas, Senecio japonica, Daffodils,
Wood Anemones, &c. The lecture was illustrated
by a number of lantern-slides.

The Public Parks at Glasgow. — Mr.

James Whitton, the Parks' Superintendent,
gave a very interesting lecture on this subject on
Friday evening last in the Berkeley Hall, under
the auspices of the Glasgow Corporation. Coun-
cillor Bilsland occupied the chair, and was
accompanied by several other members of the
Town Council. The Chairman, in introducing
Mr. Whitton to a large gathering, intimated
that he was making his debut as a lecturer. Mr.
Whitton prefaced his remarks by giving a brief
record of the history of Glasgow Green, situated
on the north bank of the Clyde, and which, fifty
years ago, was the only open space in the city.
Since then numerous beautiful parks have been
bought or presented to the Corporation, including-
the Botanic Garden ; and a description of these
was given, accompanied by tables showing the
original cost, annual up-keep, and other interest-
ing facts and figures. From time to time the
lecture was illustrated by a large number of lime-
light views of the various parks and open spaces,
specially photographed ; which were recog-
nised and heartily applauded. A number of
photographs were also shown of Glasgow's latest
acquisition, viz., Thornliebank Park, the munifi-
cent gift of Mr. A. Cameron Corbett, M.P.,
which however will not come into possession of
the citizens for about two years. In conclusion,
the lecturer said his friends accused him of
having the "land-hunger"; but he thought,
however true this might be, it was his duty to
the community to be a " land-grabber in the first
degree." During the lecture, which occupied
nearly two hours, the audience closely followed
the subject, and at the close accorded Mr.
Whitton a cordial vote of thanks.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

LEGUMINOUS plants as fertilisers of
the SOIL — I should be very much obliged to
anyone who would inform me of his experience as
to what extent (if any) he has found varieties of
the Leguminous family enrich the soil. Pliny
tells us that in his day (i e., before a.d. 80), that
it was the belief that the bean "fertilises the
ground in which it has been sown as well as any
manure." "It is universally agreed by aU
writers that there is nothing more beneficial
than to turn - in a crop of Lupins before they
have podded with either the plough or the fork,
or else to cut them and bury them in heaps at
the roots of trees and Vines." Again, " So far is
it from standing in need of manure, that the
Lupins will act upon it as well as the very best."
"It cattle have eaten it off while in leaf, as
a matter of necessity it should be ploughed in as
soon as possible." " The Vetch, too, enriches the
soil, and its cultivation entails no labour on the
agriculturist." Of course, Pliny knew nothing of
nitrification or symbiosis j but experience appears
to have proved that it was not only an advan-
tage to plough in the entire plant in lieu of
manure, but that the plant actually enriched the
soil by growing in it. How far is this latter
advantage recognised to-day ? George Henslow.

NEW POTATOS AT CHRISTMAS. — It may ap-
pear rather unseasonable to some gardeners, if not
to a great many, to speak of being able to send to
thedinner-tableadishof new Potatos on Christmas
Day, which everyone knows would be a novelty
certain of appreciation ; but, considering the
ease with which this can be done, it is a
wonder that we have not heard more abaut it.
As an instance of this, I dug some tubers of

356

THE G A R D ENER S ' CUR 0 NI CL E.

[November 21, 1903.

Duke of York and Sutton's Ringleader on June 9,
and put them straightway in air-tight boxes,
buried Ihern undergiound 2 feet deep, and there
they will remain till wanted for use. We send
them into the kitchen on special occasions,
taking as many as required from the box and
burj ing it again, for if left exposed to the air for a
great length of time the Potatos are not so good
and the skins become " set." My employer is well
pleased with them, as they form a dainty dish at
a time of the year when choice things are scarce.
C. Fogden, gr., West Broyle.

magnolia CAMPBELLl. — In the obituary
notice appearing in your last issue of that good
gardener and most estimable man, the late
William Osborne, for so many years in charge of
the fine arboretum and pinetum at Fota Island,
Queenstown, it is stated by the writer that this
splendid shrub bloomed for the first time in
Europe under his care. I think this is a mistake,
as, unless I am greatly mistaken, this honour
belonged undoubtedly to my friend the late Wil-
liam H. Crawford, of Lakelands, near Cork, who
got one of the first plants of it imported into this
country, and bloomed it several years before it
flowered at Fota, though I never saw anything
like the same abundance of flowers at Lakelands
as were produced by the Fota tree in the year
1900. W. E. Gumbleton.

DICTAMNUS ALBUS. — Unlike your corre-
spondent'M. B. " (see p. 338), I find that the
seeds of this plant germinate freely, but instead
of sowing them as soon as ripe, I keep them till
March, and then sow in a seed-pan which is
placed in a cold pit. The seedlings are not dis-
turbed till the following year, when they are
transplanted to the open border. Only a portion
of the seed of the white-flowered variety pro-
duces white flowers. In Nicholson's Dictionary of
Gardening it is stated that the name is " derived
from 'Diktainno?,' the old Greek name used by
Hippocrates ; " while Johnson's Dictionary says,
" a name adopted from Virgil." Possibly " M. B."
has not referred to these books, the first-named of
which should be in the possession of every plant
cultivator. The Keio Hand-List mentions three
varieties in addition to purpureus. I do not
understand why albus is given as the specific
name ; the fact of seed of the white variety
sporting so freely to the purple form, while the
latter conies true to colour, points to the purple
as being the type. W. H. Divers.

ST. JOSEPH STRAWBERRY FOR POT-CULTURE.
— Upon visiting the gardens of Sir Edwin Durn-
ing Lawrence, Bart., M.P., King's Eide, Ascot, I
was particularly struck with the abundant supply
of fine dessert fruit of this variety. In this
instance the plants were in fine condition, and
the fruits were of unusual size, colour, and good
flavour. The plants thrown aside even, as having
finished profitable fruiting, continued to set fruits
in Peach-houses and cold vineries. Those who
may not yet have given this autumnal-fruiting
variety a trial would do well to pot up at this
season a number of runners, which are made in
fair quantity, into 60's, transferring them to 5 or
0-inch pots in May or June next. The date at
which the plants are wanted in fruit can be regu-
lated in great measure by the removal of or the re-
tention of the flowers as the case may be. This
variety hasthe peculiarity of continuingalong time
in flower, and is unquestionably the most per-
petual-flowering and freest setter among alpine
varieties.

REVERSION IN ODONTOGLOSSUM8. — As-
suming that a spotted or blotched crispum is the
result of hybridity between a crispum and
another species of Odontoglossum, and that when
this plant is fertilised by the pollen of another
such hybrid its progeny shows reversion, how
is it tbat it does not revert to the other
parent as well as to the O. crispum f We know
that when certain species are hybridised together
their progeny shows the form and markings of
both parents, proofs of which we have in O. excel-
lens (triumphans x Pescatorei), Loochristyense
(crispum x triumphans), &c. ; and supposing
that these hybrids were crossed with others
having the same parents, and that this process
was continued with their offspring, we should,
after passing through the laws of reversion, be

able to produce plants which would prove to be
pure species and show no signs of hybridity at
all. Assuming, then, that we could do the same
with blotched crispums, we ought to produce not
only pure crispums but pure forms of the other
species, which is supposed to be the other parent
of the blotched crispum. Also that as reversion
is a natural state of things, and continually going
on, we ought by this time to have discovered a
species which would show some signs of being the
other parent ; but it is difficult to imagine a
flower having such characteristics as would, when
hybridised with an O. crispum, produce progeny
whose only difference is in the blotching of the
segments, and without in any way altering the
crest or shape of the petals. Gurney Wilson,
Glenthornc, Raywards Heath.

THE BOOK OF THE PEACH.— In the last issue
of the Gardeners' Chronicle (p. 338) the reviewer
of The Book of the Peach makes an attempt to
justify the remarks which he thought proper to
make in his notice of the book in question in a
previous number of the Gardeners' Chronicle
(October 17, p. 270). The most erroneous of
these remarks the reviewer has repeated in last
week's issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle. He
says ; — " It will be observed that the distinction
and the difference lie between the words natural
subsoil drainage or artificial subsoil drainage,"
adding, "and as, on re-perusing the book, I
cannot find any advice upon any artificial sub-
soil draining, I was justified in assuming the
author had naturally-drained subsoil." Continu-
ing, the reviewer says : — " On the other hand,
there are some directions (p. 33) for draining the
concrete borders above with gutter - bricks,"
which, he adds, "cannot be termed draining the
subsoil." Here, as in the notice complained of
(p. 270), the reviewer evinces a disposition to
deal unfairly with The Book of the Peach. Please
let the book speak for itself : — " Unless the sub-
soil (p. 31) consists of chalk or limestone, it will
lie advisable to bottom the borders or holes with
from four to six inches of concrete or chalk well
pounded, so as to prevent the roots of the trees
from pushing down into a wet, poor, cold, un-
congenial subsoil, and at the same time confine
the roots in the prepared soil." Continuing the
subject (p. 32), after referring to the dimensions
of the border and the advantages resulting from
trees growing in somewhat narrow, shallow
borders, as compared with those obtained from
trees growing in borders of greater depth and
width, it says : — " The depths given above include
four or five inches of brickbats or clinkers, broken
somewhat fine on top for drainage, adding stones
with a little gravel put on top to fill the chinks,
would answer the purpose equally well. The
drainage should be covered with turfs, grassy
side down, to prevent the soil from getting into and
choking the drainage. A gutter-brick embedded in
and level with the concrete or chalk surface,
covered by another placed upside down, and con-
nected with a drain, as a means of carrying away
any superfluous water that might otherwise accu-
mulate at the roots of the trees at an undesirable
time of year. The same precautionary measure
should be observed in borders of ' lean-to '
houses where deemed necessary. A border of the
dimensions indicated above (10 to 12 feet wide,
2 feet 3 inches deep immediately inside the front
wall, and sloping to a depth of 18 inches at the
northern limits of the border inside a ' lean-to '
house), well-filled with fibry roots, is preferable
to a border of twice the depth and width given,
and but sparsely furnished with roots, as expe-
rience teaches us such borders invariably are.
What the cultivator should aim at in the initial
and every stage of Peach-growing is to secure a
network of roots in his Peach-borders, and then to
feed them well by giving frequent surface-dress-
ings of some approved artificial manure during
the period the trees are swelling their crops,
immediately before applying water. This very
desirable state of things is sure to be attained by
making the borders as advised above" (pp. 31, 32,
and 33). At p. 31 occur the following remarks :
■ — " The foregoing remarks on the making of
Peach-borders only refer to cases where there is
no choice of sites to erect Peach-houses, but land
totally unfit for healthy and satisfactory fruit-
tree growth — land where the subsoil is such as to
necessitate provision for keeping the roots of the

trees in the prepared composts, and the placing:
of drainage on the bottom of concrete or pounded
chalk base in order to prevent the soil becoming
water-logged at any time.'' The reviewer (with-
out mentioning the facts recorded above) says -.
— "This cannot be termed draining the subsoil."
I agree with him. The term " draining the sub-
soil " is introduced by himself. It is simply and
effectively draining the borders, which is advised
at p. 13 — " that the base of the border being;
made should be above the ascertained water-level,
so as to prevent the possibility of the roots" of the-
trees being submerged at any time." I wonder-
where the relevancy of the reviewer's remarks-
on the foregoing cultural details comes in ? In
reference to the chapter on I'each-growing on the-
open walls (p. 93), wherein it is advised to put
6 inches of brickbats or clinkers in the bottom of
each hole, breaking these fairly fine for drainage-
prior to covering with turfs, grassy-side down, &c,
the reviewer says, within brackets, " [We consider-
the latter (clinkers) most objectionable] ". Will
he kindly state for the benefit of horticulturists
like myself in which way the clinkers so used are-
" most objectionable " ? I have used and advised
the use of clinkers as drainage, that isj to admit
of any superabundance of water passing through
the prepared or natural soil (where good enough,
for tree growth) and turf-covered drainage into-
the soil below. They are not used as plant food,
but simply as drainage ; and it does not matter,
in the least whether the roots of the trees come
in contact with the clinkers or not. No eviL
results need be apprehended by their doing so.
Should they find their way down to the clinker-
and not receive a cordial reception, all the better,
as the cultivator has no wish for the roots to-
leave the soil prepared for them. The reviewer
says that there "is nothing mentioned in my
book about any artificial drain being in exist-
ence." I suppose he means under the border in
which wall-trees are growing out of-doors. If so,.
he is right in this one instance. I never knew
any Peach - border out-of-doors at the foot of.
walls being provided with a pipe and rubble-
drain; neither do I see the slightest necessity
for such where the cultural instructions given in>
The Book of the Peach are carried out as there-
advised. Trees growing in holes (prepared as
described at p. 93) at the foot of walls outdoors-
emphatically require no " pipe and rubble-
drain." The foundation affords ample drainage
for any water passing the prepared soil into the
subsoil ; and, moreover, the sloping surface of the-
borders carries a large quantity — much too large
a quantity — of rain-water away from the pre-
scribed root space of the individual trees. The
reviewer says, " It is our practice, warranted by a
long experience, to run pipe and rubble-drains-
through the subsoil beneath all borders" — does-
he mean borders in front of Peach-walls out-of-
doors ? The reviewer thinks that I ought to have-
accepted his remarks in the spirit in which they
were meant, on the ground that " his criticisms-
were honest and unprejudiced." Assuming this-
to be the case, it by no means follows that his
criticisms were just and practical. A perusal of
The Book of the Peach will prove to the mind of
any sound fruit-grower contributor to the Gar-
deners' Chronicle that they are the reverse. I
trust that the usefulness and opportuneness of
the foregoing remarks may be accepted as an.
excuse for the length of this letter, in addition to-
the fact of being called upon to defend certain,
aspersions on my latest modest work on fruit-
culture. H. W. Ward, November 14. [Mr. Ward'
having now exercised his right of reply we must
decline to insert any further communications on.
the subject. We have only to add that the
reviewer, like Mr. Ward himself, is a most
successful cultivator. Ed.]

THE NEW HORTICULTURAL HALL. — It is a-
curious indication of the lack of effort which
pervades so many persons that at the Drill Hall'
one is constantly asked, "How is the new Hall
getting on ? " and yet there is the building
within four minutes' walk, and hardly anyone
takes the trouble to go and see it for them-
selves. I should like to see not only the re-
spective Committees, but as many Fellows as.
possible, taking advantage of the Drill Hall
meeting on Tuesday next, to walk to Vincent
Square and see the progress made for them-

November 21, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

357

selves. If they do so they will see the walls
of both front offices and Hall some 30 feet
in height. They can, too, now fully estimate
the area of the latter as compared with the Drill
Hall ; and also the nature of the front offices and
their height, breadth, and aspect when com-
pleted. My own opinion is that all unbiassed
persons who see the buildings — and it is
tolly now to cavil over their erection —
will find that they present a really splendid
appearance. The paper plans and elevations, so
much criticised when issued, seem to have con-
veyed a most indifferent idea of the appearance
the structure will present when complete. The
entire erection so far is very massive and sub-
stantial ; and when it is remembered that a large
sum had to be expended in putting in deep solid
foundations, I think many persons will be disposed
-to wonder whether the sum of .£40,000 can pay
■for it. Having in view the onerous responsi-
bilities in relation to the new Hall and offices
which the Council, at the bidding of the Fellows,
have accepted, it is discouraging to learn that a
large sum is still needed to complete the amount
required to pay for the buildings. It is to be
hoped that not so much in big amounts, but in
sums of .£5 or £10, the thousands of Fellows who
have not yet subscribed will do so, and thus
•complete the needful £40,000. It is not merely
a show Hall that is being built ; it is to be, all
will trust, a Home for National Horticulture for
all time. A. D. [A great effort should be made
to secure the necessary funds, particularly among
"those who derive the greatest benefit from the
shows. Ed."]

sportiveness in vines —It was said on
f>. 305, that several instances of Vine sports had
been seen at Byfleet, Surrey. Whilst admitting
that a black bunch of Grapes growing on Muscat
•of Alexandria Vine, or a yellow or white bunch
produced on black Alicante Vine, would be
sports indeed, if these so-called sports at By-
fleet only differ in size or shape of berry or
bunch, then I say these are not sports, and
■should not be called so. There are far too many
"so-called sports" put on the market now, and
to all who buy such I say, "Fools and their
money are soon parted." Many of these so-called
sports are put before Fruit Committees, given
Awards of Merit, when there is only the ven-
dor's experience to recommend them, and sent
out as first-class new fruits. I could give
many instances of gardeners buying Vines
sent out with new names, which after being
grown were new only in name. Difference in
the shape and size of berries is often seen, parti-
cularly in Muscats, Alicantes, and Lady Downe's
Seedling. I have a Vine of the variety last- ■
-named which produces stout, stocky bunches,
with round, very large berries, in all respects
different from the type, and which has many
times been taken for a new Grape. Then, again.
I ask what is the difference between Gros Maroc
and Cooper's Black Grapes ? Grapes differ much
after they have been grafted. Muscat Grapes, if
grafted on Black Hamburgh Vines, will ripen
•much earlier than if grown on their own roots,
.yet will not keep so late as the Muscats grown on
their own roots. Alnwick Seedling grafted on
Black Hamburgh sets its fruit quite equal
to the Hamburgh, but does not keep so
well, and the berries are more round in shape
than when on its own roots Muscat Hamburgh,
grafted on Syrian or Gros Maroc, is much
stronger in growth, and produces such fine Grapes
that one would not believe it to be the same
•Grape. The late Mr. Barron did not believe in
Vines "sporting," neither do I; after thirty
years' experience I have never seen any so-called
sports change their jackets. W. C. Leach gr.,
Albury Park, Guildford. [If a Vine or part
of a Vine constantly produces fruits that differ
in form and size from those of the type under
similar cultivation and without grafting, this
is proof in itself that the variation is a " sport " ;
and if the variety is not a seedling, then it
is a vegetative sport. A variation may occur
without changing the colour of the skin of the
fruit, which is one of the most constant characters
in Grapes. If a bunch of Grapes similar to that
of Muscat of Alexandria, for instance, was pro-
duced by a Vine of the variety Foster's Seedling,
it would be a very decided sport, although the

white skin had not become black. But all sports
are not valuable commercially or culturally, and
whether the variations that were observed at
Byfleet may prove to be useful sports was, on
p. 305, left an open question for future experience
to decide. Ed.]

SPECIAL CULTURE OF TREE-CARNATIONS —
Mr. A. F. Dutton, on p. 326, takes exception to
the statement that his Carnations, as exhibited,
are " the product of special culture." Now, Mr.
Dutton's Carnations are either the product of a
special culture, or they are produced in the only
other, i.e., natural, way. I have seen Mr. Dutton's
Carnations in the market and at the Temple, and
Drill Hall exhibitions, and without the least
hesitation should agree with the reviewer of the
book on Carnation Growing, when, at p. 291 of the
Gardeners' Chronicle, it is stated "they are the
products of special culture quite beyond the
means of the private gardener." Not only must
Mr. Dutton stop his plants with systematic pre-
cision, he also must be equally rigid and severe
in his system of disbudding. Here, then, is
ample proof of a " special culture," for every stem
shown had been divested of all save the top or
crown bud. If we take the variety Mrs.
T. W. Lawson, for instance, a good stem
will carry half-a-dozen buds, the half of
which may be of quite good size. In pro-
portionate degree this is true of other kinds;
and while Mr. Dutton by these special means of
stopping and disbudding obtains plants with from
four to eight long stems, other growers who adopt
a more natural way obtain a couple of dozen
blooms on plants of this year's propagation and
growth. How and why all this is " quite beyond
the means of the private gardener," Mr. Dutton
fully explains by his "thousands of young plants."
Mr. Dutton, as a Carnation specialist, overlooks
the very simple fact that it is extteniely rare for
a private gardener to be able to devote even a
30-feet long house to these tree Carnations, and
seeing the gardener is often expected from such a
house to produce a more or less constant supply,
these solitary-flowered stems would stand him in
poor stead. There is also a further side to the
question, and while these long-stemmed Carna-
tions are very fine and beautiful to look upon,
they are notwithstanding somewhat misleading
to the uninitiated. All the world by this time
knows that the huge flowers of Chrysanthemums
seen at every exhibition are the product of special
culture and rigid disbudding, but the admirers of
the Carnation are as yet not educated up to the
same point as it concerns the latter flower.
Many seeing these fine Carnations not only
purchase them, but expect the gardener, with
his mixed array of plants and his multitu-
dinous duties, to produce the same results as the
Carnation specialist, with his mind and his time
wholly concentrated on his thousands of plants.
There is nothing more simple than growing
" thousands " of a plant, and the private gardener
would find it just as easy as the specialist, could
he but command houses and men to carry on the
needful work. This is where it is "beyond his
means." These long -stemmed Carnations are
coming to us chiefly if not entirely from America,
the varieties being noted also for a greater vigour
of constitution than that found usually in those
of British or French origin. No one disputes
their superiority or their greater suitability for
vase-decoration ; and when gardeners and em-
ployers alike realise that by a process of quick
growth and the rigid enforcement of details some
four or six of these tall-stemmed flowers are ob-
tainable with less trouble than it now take3 to
secure large exhibition blooms of Chrysanthe-
mums, special houses and special men will be
set up to grow this deservedly popular flower.
Some of the best-suited kinds for this method of
cultivation are Mrs. T. W. Lawson, Koyalty,
America, Daybreak, &c. Tree-Carnations are
quite popular now in Britain ; it is a moot-point,
however, whether this popularity is to merge
into a craze, as in America. E. H. Jenkins.

CLUBBING in BRAS8ICAS. — I have been very
interested in notes by Mr. Massee and other
correspondents on clubbing in Brassicas. I was
seriously troubled wjth this until three years
ago, when I tried Veltha, which has proved a
great success. It is important that whatever

remedy is tried the seed-bed should not be
neglected. I think perhaps that neglecting the
seed-bed may have been the reason why applica-
tions of gas-lime have not always been successful.
I apply Veltha before or at the time of sowing
the seeds, and when the plants are put in their
permanent quarters I sprinkle a little round each
plant. V.

NOTES ON SOME OF THE NEWiR VARIETIES
OF POTATOS.— The merits and demerits of some
of the newer varieties of l'otato3 have been
freely discussed of late, and whilst not desiring to
enter into any controversy I should like to give a
few particulars as to how some of them have done
with me. Amongst others I purchased last
spring were Northern Star, Webb's Table King,
Webb's New Guardian, and Sutton's Discovery,
which, along with nearly fifty other varieties,
were planted towards the end of April on a
piece of well-preparei ground in drills 1 yard
apart and 15 inches from set to set. No arti-
ficial manure of any kind was used, but a good
layer of well-rotted farmyard-manure was placed
in each trench; over this a good coating of leaf-
mould and wood - ashes, and the sets planted
thereon. From 1 lb. of Northern Star we had
thirty sets or single eyes. The produce of these
was lifted on October 28, and the result was
110 lb. of tubers, quite two-thirds of which are
of marketable size; about a score of the tubers
were slightly diseased, but the disease was only
just skin-deep. It is only fair to say that I
lifted nearly half the roots of Northern Star to
get a dish for the big show at Chiswick, but
finding them rather too small and growing very
fast, I planted each root back again. This I
found at lifting-time had made a very great
difference to the weight of produce ; the roots
that had been lifted at the en I of August
[? Septemberj not producing anything like the
weight of tubers produced by those which had not
been disturbed. The flavour of Northern Star is
very good, but the tuber lacks that floury char-
acter one looks for in a first-class Potato. It
is certainly a wonderful cropper. Sutton's Dis-
covery, from about the same quantity of sets, gave
a little over 50 lb. of tubers, with very few small
ones, and no signs of disease. Its table quality is
very similar to that of Northern Star. The draw-
back to this latter variety is its rather deep-set
eye3. Table King gave about the same weight of
produce as Discovery, and is in all respects very
similar to that variety ; no disease, and very few-
small tubers. New Guardian is a very productive
Kidney variety, of good table quality, free from
disease, and fine for exhibition. The Sirdar is
another strong-growing, productive kind, of fairly
good table quality, freer from disease, but alto-
gether too rough and too deep in the eye for an ex-
hibition Potato. Daniel's Distinction, of which I
had a few tubers sent me for trial, produced some
wonderfully fine tubers, but a great number of
them were badly diseased, although it was grown
on a border a considerable distance from any
other Potatos. I have not tested its table quali-
ties. The finest early Kidney of recent intro-
duction is Sir John Llewellyn. It is dwarf in
growth, a splendid cropper, of good table quality,
as early as any variety that I have grown, and a
grand exhibition kind. Disease in this district
has been very rife, and most of the above-named
varieties were grown, as already stated, side by
side with many badly-diseased ones, which is
high testimony to their disease-resisting proper-
ties. B. Ashton, Lalhom Souse Gardens, Ormskirk.

PEAR DOYENNE DU COMICE.— Your corre-
spondent, on p. 33S of the Gardeners' Chronicle,
does well to draw attention to this delicious Pear.
It is an old inmate of our garden, and is still
regarded as one of the be3t. I have grown the
variety on south, west, and east, and tried it on
north-west walls, with a fair amount of success,
but have obtained the best- flavoured fruits from
trees grown on south and west walls. It is apt
to be regarded as too large when grown to itj
full size, and finds most favour when the fruit <
are not severely thinned, although the largest
and best-coloured fruits ate always the finest in
flavour. W. A. Cook, gr., Shirlty Park.

GOURDS AT THE DRILL HALL. — Amongst the
many excellent groups of Chrysanthemum flowers
shown at the last meeting of the Koyal HorticuW

358

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 21, 1 90S.

tural Society, that staged by Mr. F. W. Smith, gr.,
The Hollies, Weybridge, was conspicuous for the
unusual sort of material used to " set off " the
flowers, Gourds, Fungi, Berries, and autumnal
foliage being freely employed with pleasing effects.
After such a summer as the last it was somewhat
of a surprise to see Gourds of such high colour.
Weybridge must have been favoured with more
than the average amount of sunshine. Mr. Smith
staged as many as fifty-six distinct species and
varieties of Gourds, amongst them being nearly
all the known varieties of Cucurbita Pepo, C. P.
verrucosa, and C. maxima, as well as the species
C. ficifolia and C. perennis. By careful selection
and crossing Mr. Smith has succeeded in pro-
ducing a strain of Gourds useful for decoration,
being varied in form and colour and not too large.
John W. Odell, gr., The Grove, Stanmore.

MELTON CONSTABLE GRAPE.— I note in last
week's Gardeners' Chronicle report of the Royal
Horticultural Society's Fruit Committee meeting
of Tuesday 10th inst., that the Committee wish
to have the Vine for trial at Chiswick, to be
grown alongside Gros Colmar. I think it only
right to point out that I have received no such
notification from the Secretary, his remarks
being as follows : — " The Fruit Committee would
like to see the Grape Melton Constable again next
year with Gros Colmar, and with foliage of both
varieties." Without wishing to dictate in the
least, 1 would respectfully point out that,
on the suggestion of Mr. Wright and other
specialists in Grapes at the Chiswick Show, Mr.
Shingler, at my request, hurried the Grape on in
order that it should be ready for November 10,
the date suggested for its being submitted to the
Committee for certificate. I have Mr. Shingler's
authority for saying that it is the latest of all
Grapes, and will hang until the end of February
without shrivelling. Had it been treated in the
ordinary way the berries would not have been
ripe until Christmas. As I have advertised it as
being a very late Grape, I feel it is due to me
that you should give me the opportunity of
making this explanation. Jabes Ambrose.

LINARIA CYMBALARIA ALBA.— It may interest
your readers to know that this plant is growing
freely and plentifully on an old wall near Cam-
forth, Lancashire ; and whilst the ordinary form
is on almost all old walls in this district, on this
particular bit of wall only the white form is
found. I have also in my garden a plant of the
same found near Preston, Lanes. ; and I have
heard of it at Tealand near here, but have not yet
located it myself, T. 0- Walker,

UNTIMELY FLOWERS.— I send for your inspec-
tion (1) a bunch of Primroses — nothing very un-
usual, of course ; but it is rather early to gather
so many, and there are plenty more. (2) A few
sprays of Apple Irish Peach. This is not an
instance of the not uncommon occurrence of a
tree flowering a second time in the autumn ; but
this tree was apparently killed by the sharp frost
that did so much damage in April, and, after re-
maining until now in a state of suspended ani-
mation, it is now putting forth its usual spring
growth of leaves and flowers — I think a curious
circumstance. (3) A spike of Polyanthus Nar-
cissus, I think Mont Cenis. This seems to me
most extraordinary, for it is not a very early
variety, and is not from a bulb forced last year.
Several others are very forward in their growth,
as are all bulbs. R. W. R., UsJc, Monmouthshire,
Nov. 16. [The Violets shall be examined. See
" Notices to Correspondents " in next issue. Ed ]

8PORTINQ CHRYSANTHEMUMS. — About two
and a half years ago I received a batch of rooted
cuttings of Chrysanthemums of various colours
from North Britain. These were planted out in
my garden at Flixton, and produced the usual
mauve, yellow and white heads of flowers. Cut-
tings (suckers) were taken from these and again
planted out in the open at the beginning of this
season. Out of this batch one of the plants
with mauve flowers attracted my attention, for
as the mauve - coloured flowers began to lose
their attractiveness, another set of flower-heads,
borne on a branch taking its origin at a point
about 2 inches from the base of the main shoot,
commenced to open. These were of a bright
sulphur-yellow colour. It is well known that

these highly and long-cultivated plants not un-
commonly produce sports ; but I am not aware of
any plant having previously produced flowers,
distinct in colouring, of the colours named above.
I should therefore be pleased to hear if any
parallel instance has been known to occur.
Harold Murray.

DISEASE-RESISTING POTATOS — Being in the
neighbourhood of Bishop's Down, Tunbridge
Wells, a week ago, I called upon Mr. Coleman,
tenant of the Swiss Cottage dairy farm and a
market gardener. The name of Coleman will
be familiar to many of the older readers of the
Gardeners' Chronicle as the exhibitor of fine col-
lections of plants at Manchester shows in years
gone by, Mr. Coleman having been a Manley
Hall man when Sam Mendel, Esq., was keeping
everything in such a high state of cultivation at
that place. For some years Mr. Coleman has
been trying to raise a Potato having two special
characteristics, viz., a constitution strong enough
to resist disease under any conditions of weather,
and, secondly, having great solidity of flesh, so
as to ensure long keeping without starting into
growth until late in the season. Four years ago
Mr. Coleman crossed Windsor Castle Potato with
Up-to-Date, and succeeded in raising a Potato
that I am sure will take the first place as a
disease-resisting variety, and will prove to be one
of the best, if not actually the best, Potato in
cultivation for late spring use. Mr. Coleman
informed me no diseased tubers had ever been
found among the tubers of this variety. This
year he has grown nearly half an acre with a
rainfall this year of 32 inches. The weather test
this season has been a severe one, and any Potato
which has escaped disease may be looked upon as
having a constitution strong enough to resist it.
The day that I visited the Swiss Cottage farm,
Mr. Coleman's men were finishing the lifting of
this crop. I made a careful examination of the
ground and crop, but did not find a single tuber
that was diseased. The raiser proposes to plant
all of his available ground next spring, and in
1905 to put it in commerce. It is a good cropper,
of fine quality, the haulm dwarf and of a strong
branching habit ; tubers of middle size, with
very shallow eyes. When sent out I understand
it will be under the name of Queen Alexandra.
W. F. Bowman. [The variety should be sent for
trial to the Eoyal Horticultural Society's garden.
Ed.]

SOCIETIES.

Gbituar?.

Abraham Newell. — The death of .this well-
known Surrey gardener took place at his resi-
dence, Fairlawn Cottage, Victoria Road, Wim-
bledon Common, on the 11th inst., at the age of
52 years. Mr. Newell had been in weak health
for some time, and his illness eventually took a
serious form and resulted in his death. He leaves
a widow and one son.

A native of Norfolk, he, in early life, showed
a liking for gardening, and on one occasion he
exhibited, at one of the exhibitions of the Stow
Horticultural Society, a model garden. This
attracted the attention of Lady Hare, and led to
Newell going into the gardens of Stow Hall,
under Mr. Orr. Here he remained for a num-
ber of years, rising to the position of foreman,
when he came to Wimbledon as gardener
to the late Sir Edwin Saunders, of Fairlawn.
Sir Edwin had some years previously bought a
piece of waste ground, on which he erected a
mansion and laid out a garden and grounds of a
few acres from plans furnished by Marnock, and
there Mr. Newell remained until his death. He
grew Chrysanthemums largely and well, Be-
gonias, Chinese Primulas, Zonal Pelargoniums,
and many other subjects at all seasons of the year,
furnishing the conservatory with flowering plants
in considerable variety. Berried plants were
among his favourite plants. He was a frequent
exhibitor at the Wimbledon Horticultural So-
ciety's shows, as well as a hard-working member
of its Committee, and he exhibited occasionally
at Richmond, Putney, &c, the Royal Horticultural
and Royal Botanic Societies. He had been for
many years an active member of the Committee
of the National Chrysanthemum Society, and
showed pretty tables of flowering and berried
plants at its late exhibition. R. D.

BOTAL HORTICULTURAL.
Scientific Committee.

November 10.— Preterit : Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S., ic»
the chair; Messrs. Odell, Veitch, Saunders, Worsde]l„
Massee, Chittenden, Bowles, Holmes, and Baker; Dr.
M. C. Cooke, Professor Boulger; Revs. W. Wilks, andV
G. Uenslow, Hon. Sec.

Scientific Investigations at Witley. — In reply to Dr.
Masters' request for suggestions, Mr. F. J.1 Bakfi
wrote to say that in his opinion the botanical director
should have a sound practical knowledge of general
science (including biology, chemistry, and physics),,
and a sutli nently good knowledge of gardening to-
enable him to apply facts to such intricate problems
as arise in connection with horticulture. He should
be able to distinguish between the requirements ol'
artistic, scientific, and economic gardening. Mri
Baker also made suggestions of a pecuniary natures
Dr. Rendle in his communication discusses the ques-
tion of expense and necessary appliances for the
Director, e.g., microscope, apparatus, <Sc.

Potntos and Millipedes. —Mr. Chittenoen showed1
Potatos badly attacked by these creatures. It was-
thought that an excess of manure and a deficiency ofi
lime favoured their presence.

Croci new to Cultivation.— Mr. Bowles exhibited some ■
growing plants of interesting species as follows:— C.
Cambessedesii, Gay, introduced to cultivation by Mr.
G. Maw, but subsequently lost. It is now re-introduced'
from Port Mahon in Minorca. It only occurs in
Majorca and Minorca. C. casplus, Fischer and Meyer.
This species is new to c;ltivation. It was collected in
Russian Talych at an elevation of 1.C00 feet. C.c. var .
liliaceus has llowers of a pale rosy-lilac colour; the
throat, as of the type, is of a bright yellow colour. A
unanimous vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Veitcb
and seconded by Mr. Holmes, was given to Mr. Bowles,
with a Botanical Certificate for the new species-
exhibited.

Pears malformed —Some curious specimens were re-
ceived from Mr. Goodacre, Elvaston, Prof. Henslov,'
examined them and reported as follows ':— " The stalk of;
the fruit had made a preliminary effort to form a Pear,
but only on one side of it. thereby producing a curved-;,
somewhat pointed, wen-like excrescence, due to thes
hypertrophy of the cortical tissues. This caused a.
curvature in the stalk ; from out of this depression .
the stalk continues its growth, finally terminating in
an elongated Pear. The core or carpels, when present, .
for they were in some instances suppressed, were=
situated very close to the terminal depression which*
contained the calyx and other remnants of the flower.

Fraxinella capides.— Dr. Masters showed specimens,
illustrating the peculiar way the endocarp separates
from the outer wall of each follicle. Then, by twisting,
it jerks the seeds out. It was again remarked that the
seeds must not be allowed to dry lest they fail to-
germinate. [See note on p.356,"Dictamnusalbus." Ed.; ,

DUTCH HORTICULTURAL AND
BOTANICAL.

On the occasion of the meeting of the Floral Com-
mittee on October 28, 1903, the Committee awarded^
First-class Certificates to Chrysanthemum Lady Con-
yers and Chrysanthemum Godfrey's King, as new->
varieties from Mr. G. J. Bier, Nieuwerkerk, a/o Ysel.
To Oncidium Mantini, as a rare plant, from Mr. C. J;
Kikkert, Haarlem. To Cactus Dahlia Mabel Needs,
and to Cactus Dahlia Mary Farmworth, both as new-
imported plants, from Messrs. E. H. Krelaue & Son,
Haarlem.

Certificates of Merit were granted to Cactus Dahlia.
Gunther, Monsieur L. Tessier, and Prince;s, as new
imported plants, from Messrs. E. H. Krelage & Son»
Haarlem. To Chrysanthemum nipponicum, as a new-1
imported plant, from Mr. W. van Veen, Leyden. To-
Aekea japonica, as a new imported plant, from Mr;
W. v. Veen and Messrs. Wezelenbubg & Harsen*
Ley den.

And a Botanical Certificate was granted to Odonto-
glossum Hennissii, as a rare plant, from Mr. C. J*
Kikkert, Haarlem.

CROYDON MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.'

November 6.— On the foregoing date the subject
before the meeting being that of 'Fruit Bottling," the-
members brought their lady friends to the meeting..
The various details in the process of preserving fruit,
in bottles were described by the lecturer for the even-
ing, Mr R. B Leech, of Wood Hall Gardens, Dulwich,
and the audience were interested and instructed.

November 21, 1903.]

THE GARD ENER 8 ' CHE ONI CL E.

359

TORQUAY DISTRICT GARDENERS.

October 29.— This body of gardeners held their
annual Chrysanthemum Show on the above date, in
the large hall of the Bath Saloons. The Association
being, fortunately, in a better financial position than
was the case last year, when circumstances caused
the awards to be honorary instead of monetary,
were able to offer good prizes in all the classes,
with the result that the exhibits presented a very
attrac'ive display. The Committee was also in
luck in the matter of weather, a bright, sunny after-
noon tempting such crowds to the hall that the
Association should carry forward a good balance.

The exhibits included cut bloomsof Japanese varieties
in classes for twenty four and twelve blooms, Japanese
incurved to the number of twelve, cpergnes of cut
blooms of Chrysanthemums, vases of Chrysanthemums,
table decoration, groups of Chrysanthemums, groups
of miscellaneous plants, trained Chrysanthemums,
Ferns and Begonias. Besides these there were ex-
hibits of vegetables in collections, hardy fruits, and
black and white Grapes.

Messr3. R. Veitch & SON, Exeter, exhibited an in-
teresting stand of hardy and greenhouse flowering
plants and shrubs, alpines, and variegated Conifers.

The Devon Rosert Company sho »ed a good collection
of Chrysanthemums, Tree Carnations, Heaths, Acacias,
Begonias, Palms, Ferns, Aralias, and Pandanus ; while
their Fruit Farm displayed an excellent assortment of
Apples, Pear?, Tomatos, Mushroom?, Cucumbers, Figs,
and Grapes ; together with punnets of Royal Sovereign
Strawberry and ripe Raspberries from the open, show-
ing the vagaries of the present season. The stand was
brightened by countless Violets and cut blooms of Iris
stylosa.

Mr. H. B. Smale, Torquay, showed Chrysanthemums.
Camus, Bouvardias, Pelargoniums, Cinerarias, and
other flowering and foliage plants.

Mr. W. H. Alward's stand was bright with Salvia
splendens, Begonias, Primu'as, and Cy tisus racemosus ;
and Mr. J. Heath, Kingskerswell, staged a collection of
Violets.

GHENT CHAMBBE SYNDIC ALE.

November 2.— At the meeting on the foregoing date
the following awards were made : — Certificates of
Merit for fifty cut blooms of Chrysanthemum (par
acclamation et avec felicitation} du Jury) ; for Chrysan-
themum Jeannette Lens, Chrysanthemums Queen
Alexandra. Mdlle. Marguerite Designolle, Charles
Schwartz (par acclamation). Marquise Chanaleilles
(par acclamation). Lord Ludlow (por acclamation),
Madame Em. Fierens {par acclamation), and Master C.
Seymour (a VunanimiU) — these being cut specimens
and all from M. E. Fxerens. A similar distinction was
accorded for Salvia alba, from M. Alph Gallet ; and
for Araucaria gracilis, from M. J. P. Hartmann. The
latter exhibitor also secured a Certificate for Cultiva-
tion for Araucaria species, and M. Em. Fierens an
Honourable Mention for a cut flower of Chrysanthe-
mum Madame Paul Aubry.

In the second section the following Certificates of
Merit were allotted: for Lselio- Cattleya Baron C.
Goffine; (hyb. 1896 L. elegans Turneri x C. aurea), from
M. J. de B]£vre, of the Royal Gardens, Laeken ; Catt-
leya Hardyana var., from M. Th. Pauwels ; a collection
of Cattleya labiata, from the Marquis de Wavhin (par ,
acclamation et avec Solicitations du Jury) ; for C. labiata
var., from the same exhibitor, who was also successful
with C. Perrini alba var. M. Em. Fierens (par acclami-
. lion et par rappel) ; C. labiata alba MadameL.de llemp-
tinne (a VunanimiU), C. labiata alba Prlncesse Clemen-
tine (a VunanimiU el par rappel), C. labiata alba Princess
of Wales (a VunanimiU'), C. labiata alba Miss Kate Brazier
(par acclamation et avec felicitations duJury), C. labiata
alba Marie Henriette de Wavrin (par acclamation et par
rappel), Lcelia prsestans Queen Alexandra (par acclama-
tion et par rappel), and with L. Perrini var. The follow-
ing plants received similar awards : Cattleya labiata
carminea, C. labiata radiata (« VunanimiU), C. labiata
Orion— these from Messrs. Sander & Son, of Bruges ;
Cymbidium (hyb. Mastersl x glganteum, seedling 1899)]
from the Comte J. de Hemptinne; a collection of
Cattleya labiata, from M. M. Verdoncle ; Sophro-Catt-
leya eximia (C. Bowringiana x Sophronltis grand i-
flora), from M. A. Peetehs, of Brussels (n lunanimitf) ;
Cattleya labiata alba (par acclamation et avec felicitations
du Jury), C. labiata Cooksoniie (par acclamation et avec
felicitations du Jury). C. aurea superba (n VunanimiU)—
all these also from M. A. Pesters; and Cattleya Hardy-
ana alba var. Madame L. de Hemptinne, also from the
same exhibitor. Honourable Mention was awarded for
Cypripedium seedling Charlesworthi x Moensi, from
M. Maes-Bhaeckman; and a Mention for Flowering
for Cattleya labiata, from M. Th. Pauwels.

triplets of Japanese varieties set up in vases, for which
the Victoria Memorial Challenge Trophy, together
with a money prize of £7, were offered as 1st prize. The
competitors numbered five, the standi making a fine
display. For the third time in succession Mr. G. Hall,
gr. to the Dowager Lady Ashburton, Melchet Court,
Komsey, took the leading prize with a stand in which
of especial merit were the varieties Madame P. Radaelli,
Bessie Godfrey, VV. R. Church, F. S. Vallis, Mrs. G.
Mileham, and Calval's Sun. Mr. Diwes, gr. to Mrs.
Ooilyie, Hamb'edon, Cosham, was 2nd; Mr. Hunt, gr.
to PASTii Ralli, Esq , Ashstead Park, Ep3om, 3rd.

White- flowered varieties of Japanese were well
staged in the class set apart for three blooms in two
varieties Mr. B. Henley, Woolston, was the winner
with Gustavo Henry and Mutual Friend ; and Mr.
Dawes was 2nd.

The best eighteen Japanese blooms, not more than
three of any one variety being shown, were from
Mr. Pearce, gr. to Mrs. Tragett, Aubridge Danes,
Romsey ; 2nd, Mr. A. J. Marsh, gr. to M. Hodgson, Esq.,
Thorton House, Kiugswortby, Winchester.

Mr. J. Lov«!, Park Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, was
the successful exhibitor in the leading class for
amateurs.

Single flowered varieties were well staged by Mr.
Ellwood in the class for two vases having the flowers
arranged for fine effect.

A class was set apart for Japanese incurved flowers,
and Mr. G. Hail was l3t with blooms of much finer
quality than those usually set up in this section. The
blooms of Mrs. Weekes and T. Cariington were con-
spicuous for fine form and finish.

Plants were shown fairly well, and the finer group
came from Mr. C. Hosey, gr. to J. D. Esteye, Esq ,
Elmfield, Southampton, whose plants were dwarf
and bloom3 good; Mr. Hosey had also the finest
" decorative" plants, these being dwarf and excellently
11 owcred.

Mr Dymott was 1st with plants trained in bush form
—most djsirab'.e plants. Mr. Wills had the nicest-
arranged group of miscellaneous plants ; and Miss
Wills, Anglesea Place, Southampton, was 1st for ball
and bridal bouquets.

Fruit was good for the season ; Mr. W. Mitchell, gr.
to J. Willis Fleming, Esq.. Chilworth Manor, RomBey,
was 1st for three bunches of Grapes, distinct varieties,
with neat examples of Mrs. Pince, Muscat of Alexan-
dria, and Black Alicante.

Vegetable/ were, as they are always here, a strong
feature. Mr. Best, gr. to F. D. Leyland, Esq , The
Vyne, Basingstoke was 1st for eight kinds; and Mr.
Ellwood for six. The competition in this section was
keen, and the productions very fine.

SOUTHAMPTON.

November 3.— The show of the Chrysanthemum
Society of this town was held in the Victoria Hall on
the above date. As a show of the Chrysanthemum it
was in many particulars much in advance of lis I re-
decessors of late years, and the public were present in
gratifying numbers.

The entries of cut flowers were numerous and of
great merit. The leading competition was for twelve

PLYMOUTH CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 3.— The West of England Chrysanthemum
Society's annual exhibition was opened on the above
date in the Guildhall, Plymouth. Prizes were offered
on the usual liberal scale, and a fine and attractive
show was the result, though the entries, as was to be
expected after the past disastrous season, did not quite
reach the record established in 19.'2. Cut blooms were
very good considering the damping-off occasioned by
the continuous rainfall, Mr. F. 8. Vallis's 1st prize
stand in the big class teing of high merit, though
scarcely attaining the faultless perfection reached by
his stani that carried off the premier honours of last
year.

Forty eight Japanese lllooms.— 1st prize Mr. F. S. Vallis.
In this stand the following blooms were superb, Mrs.
J. Lewis, W. R. Church, Brightness, Bessie Godfrey,
F. S. Vallis. Madame Henewege, Sensation, and Elsie
Fulton. There was a close coutest for 2adpiize, the
judges being obliged to point the individual blooms
twice over before arriving at a decision. Eventually
the prize was awarded to Mr. G. W. Drake, Cardiff, for
a stand of very fresh but not particularly large blooms,
of which Mildred Ware, Mafeking Hero, and Mrs. G.
Mileham were especially good.

Twenty-four Japanese Bloom'. — 1st prize, Mr. F. S.
Vallis, in whose stand Mrs. F. W. Vallis, Bessie God-
frey, and Sensation were excellent ; 2nd prize, Mr. J. R.
Gulson.

Tw lo! Japanese Blooms— 1st prize. Mr. G. Foster,
whose Madame P. Radaelli, Wonderful, and General
Hutton were especially noteworthy; 2nd prize, Mr.
J. R. Gulson.

Twelve Classes for Cut Blooms were allotted to residents
within IS miles of Plymouth, the 1st prize in the
premierclasa, for twenty four Japanese, being won by
Mr. T Martin with an excellent stand that would
have done well in the open competition.

For a group of Chrynntkemums, 1st prize was won by
Mrs. Cottrell Dormer with plants bearing large
blooms and having good foliage; 2nd prize, Dr. Aldous.

Messrs. Robert Veitch & Son, Exeter, and Mr. W. J.
Godfrey, Exmouth. had on their staods collections of
cut Chrysanthemum blooms in variety. Miscellaneous
plants addei much to the attractions of the hall, some
of the groups being very tastefully arranged Orchids,
Begonias. Pelargoniums, and other flowering plants
were also well shown; and fruit and vegetables made
a creditable display.

DEVIZES CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW.

November 3 —This show is held in connection with a
bazaar in aid of the fund3 of the Devizes Benevolent
Society. One-half of the Corn Exchange is filled with
Chrysanthemums, the other half with gaily-decorated
sails. The event is always a highly popular one in
the town. The Chrysanthemum shoi» was admirably
arranged by Mr. W. Kino, of the Castle Gardens.

The best circular group of Chrysanthemums arranged
with foliaged plants came from Mr. C. E. Colston, M. P.,
Roundway Park (H. Clack, gr), there being both good
flowers and tasteful an angement. Miss Niyen, Devizes,
came 2nd.

la the cut bloom classes the leading class was for
twenly-four Japanese and twenty four Incurved, the 1st
prize falling lo the lot of Mr. J. B. Hankey, Fetcham
Patk, Leatherhead (gr., W. HiggsV Very fine blooms
were shown ; the Iacurved blooms were well finished
for the season, and the Japanese were very fine.

There was an excellent competition with twenty-four
Japanese. Mr. F. S. Vallis, Bromham, Chippenham,
was 1st with some very fine flowers, Edwin Molyneux
being very fine indeed; also Sensauon, Brightness, a
highly-promising new variety ; the same may be said of
Valerie Greenham and others. Mrs. Haywood, Wood-
hatch, Reigate (gr., C. J. Salter), was 2nd ; he had W. R.
Church in its best character.

With twelve blooms of Japanese incurved, H.H.
Prince Hatzfelt, Dracott, Chippenham (gr., F. Bible),
was 1st, showing some good representative blooms;
and Mr. F. S. Vallis was 2nd.

With twelve blooms of Japanese, six white and six
yellow, Mr. H. Wright, Beckett Gardens, shrivenham,
was 1st; he had six each of F. 8. Vallis and Miss A.
Byron ; Mr. Vallis, who came 2nd, had three blooms
each ot four varieties— yellow, Bessie Godfrey and F. S.
Vallis ; white, Mrs. J. Lewis and Madame Herrewege.

The best twelve Japanese from growers in Wilts came
from Mr. H. Click.

There were some pretty Cpergnes of Chrysanthe-
mums. One very popular feature was the exhibits of
baskets of autumn foliage and berries, and from the
number and bright character of tne foliage employed,
there appears to be no lack of it this teison. Miss
Vallis took the 1st prize in a very keen competition.

BINFIELD & DISTRICT HORTICUL-
TURAL MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT
ASSOCIATION.

The above Society made a very succeseful start this
session with an admirable paper from Mr. Swans-
iiououGH, of Warfleld Hall Gardens, on '• Winter Deco-
rative Plants for the Greenhouse and Conservatory."

The paper was listened to with great interest, and a
good discussion followed on the cultivation of Poin-
oettias. Primulas, Cyclamens, and Chrysanthemums.
A fortnight later Miss Cooper, of Binfield, gave some
experiences of her life in Brazil, in a paper entitled
•• Hedgerows and Gardens of Brazil." The third paper
of the session was given on November 3, by Mr. Baze-
ley, of the N urseries, T^yford, on " Orchids."

CARDIFF CHRYSANTHEMDM.

November 4, 5 —The sixteenth aiitumn exhibition of
this Society took place in the Park Hall, and was a
distinct improvement upon any show previously held.
The offering of increased prizes stimulated cultivators
to try and retain the leading awards in the neighbour-
hood, and this they succeeded in doing.

The principal class for cut blooms was for eight
lapanese varieties, three blooms of each being staged
in vases with Chrysanthemum foliage. Five competed
for the handsome Challenge Cup and money prize. The
premier award went to Mr. G. W. Drake, 41, Cathays
Terrace, Cardiff, for remarkably well-grown blooms of
the following varieties-Mrs. Mileham, Duchess of
Sutherland, Madame Paolo Radaelli, Madame Herre-
wege W. R Church, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Barkley, and
Charles Davis. Mr. J. Duff, gr. to Mrs Williams,
Newport, was 2nd; Mr. G. Williams, Manor House
Nurseries, Cardiff, 3rd. ....,„

For twelve Japanese blooms distinct, Mr. Drake
again secured the leading award with handsome blooms
of F W. Vallis, Mrs. Mileham, George Lawrence, C. J.
Salter, W. R. Church, Mrs. Lewis, and Bessie Godfrey,
as the most noteworthy. Mr. H. Townsend, gr. to H.
Pitt, Esq , Abergavenny, was 2nd.

lucuived blooms were not shown numerously, but
their quality w»s good. For twenly-four blooms In
not fewer than twelve varieties there were two com-
petitors. Mr. Drake won easily wilu high class blooms,
and Mr. Townsend followed.

The classes set apart for amateurs and gentlemen s
gardeners were a strong featnic For twenty-forr
Japane«e blooms, for which the "Comtis" Challenge-
Cup was offered as 1st prize with a cash prize also,
there was keen competition. Mr. E. A. Parsons, gr. to
Mrs J. D. Gt nn, Carditl, won with capital represen-
tative blooms of W. A. Church, Madame I'aolo Radaelli,
Mrs Lewis, F. S Vallis. Bessie Gojfrey, and Miss
Mildred Ware; Mr. John Dunn, gr. to Mrs. Williams,
Bryn-Glas, Newport, 2nd.

360

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[NOVEMBEE 21, 1903.

Seven cuiercd the lists for twelve Japanese blooms.
Mr. A F. Hill, Cardiff, won with grand examples of
F. B. V.illia (premier bloom of the show), Mrs. Mile-
) am. M. Louis Kcimy, &c. ; Mr. Edwards, Severn Road,
Cardiff, 2nd.

Mr. E A. PAHSOKS won the premier award for twelve
iiicurveds.

For six Japanese blooms of aDy white • flowered
variety, Mr. IIatiikkdale, Manor Cottage, Cardiff, won
with typical examples of Mrs. Lewis; Mr. Edwards,
with Madame Carnot, and. For any other colour, Mr.
Allen won with very tine examples of Mrs. Mileham ;
while the variety Mrs. Mease won for Mr. Edwards
Hie Snd prize.

Single 1 lowered vaiieties were well staged. For six
lunches, Mr. T. Bindon, gr. to Dr. T. Wallace, Cardiff,
won quite easily. He also had the best arranged vase
of single flowered varieties. There viere few plants,
tvit they were of good quality.

Mr. W. Treseder, Cardiff, bad the finest group of
Chrysanthemums, in which were really good blooms.
It, was effectively displayed in the centre of the hall.
Mr. TEEsEDKnalso staged the best bush-grown plants.
lir, Bindon won for trained specimens.

Wreaths, crosses, bouquets, &c, are always well
diown Mr. TrtESEDER, Mr. Crossling, and Messrs.
Ellis & Son, shared the prizes for magnificent cut
examples of Uoral art.

Non-Competitive Exhibits
were numerous and good. Gold Medals were awarded
10 Mr. John Basham, Bassaleg, Newport, for a magni-
ficent display of Apples, Pears, &c. To Messrs. J.
< 'iPHER & Son, Cheltenham, for Orchids; and to Mr.
W. Tressder for Dahlias and Roses.

HEREFORDSHIRE FRUIT AND
CHR"2 SANTHED1UM.

Novemiiek l, 5.— In very favourable weather this
Society held its annual show in the Shire Hall, Here-
ford. There have been seen at Hereford Apples and
Tears (for which the county is famous) of better quality
than was the case on this occasion, but the falling oil'
was scarcely perceivable, and the quality and quantity
of fruit staged surprised many. Not only was the
spacious hall quite filled, but its adjacent corridors
und rooms also. Grapes were exhibited of excellent
quality, also Chrysanthemums in groups and as cut
flowers arranged in vases, for which several classes
were provided, and they attracted much attention and
greatly beautified the appearance of the hall.

Fruit.

Twenty (our dishesof Pears. Mr.Humphries.gr. to

the Earl of Cuestiorfield, Holm Lacey, was the only

( xhibitor in this class, bat the high quality of his fruit

deservedly secured for him the 1st prize.

The class for twelve dishes was again confined to one
exhibitor, viz , Mrs. Bashill, Bridge Sollars, who had
splendid fruits.

Mr. Jones, gr. to H. L. Lutwyche, Esq , was the only
exhibitor in a class for eight dishes.

Apples— The best of three exhibits of collections of
fifty dishes, dessert and culinary, was from Mr.
Watkins, Pomona Farm, Withington, Hereford, who
had a splendid collection of large, highly-coloured
fruits containing the choicest varieties, amongst
which the following were noted :-Lady Waldron,
Allingtou Pippin, Boston Russet, Mannington Pear-
n ain, Colville Rouge Pre^oce, Tom Putt, Cox's Orange
1'ippin, Court Pendu Plat, Warnei's King, Severn Bank,
Mere do Menage, Alfriston, &e. The 2nd prjzs collec-
tion was brought from Cheshire by Mr. Lee, of Bebing-
ton. The fruits were generally large in size- but
deficient in colour. Messrs. Pewtres.s Bros , Tllliog-
ton Nurseries, Hereford, were 3rd.

Mr. WOOTTON, of Byford, Hereford, was the only
exhibitor of thirty dishes, and staged clean, well-
coloured fruits.

For twenty four dishes, iucluding twelve dessert and
Iwelve culinary, there were five competitors. Mr.
Jones, gr to C. W. Hazlehurst, Esq., Morton Court,
took the lead, having as his best dishes Stirling Castle,
Court Pendu Plat, Worcester Pearmain, Gascoigne's
Seedling, Cox's Orange, Blenheim Orange. Maltster,
Wealthy, Golden Noble, Emperor Alexander, and
Bedfordshire Foundling. The 2nd place was taken by
Mrs. Basuill,

The class for twelve dishes of kitchen varieties was
also a strong one, and Mrs. Bashill won 1st prize. Mr.
Jones was placed 2nd ; and Mrs. Woodhouse, liurghill
Court (gr.. Mr. Nunn), 3rd.

A class (or eight dishes of dessert kinds brought Mr.
Jones again to (tie front, with highly coloured, clean
fruits , Mrs. Bashill was 2nd.

A special prize was offered by Mr. Watkins for the
I est dish of Lord Hindlip Apple, and this was won by
Mr. Wootton. Mrs. Woodhodse secured a similar
prize offered by the King's Acre Nursery Co. for a dish
of King's Acre Pippin.

The prize offered for the best dtfh of Grapes, Mr.
GRiNDRcm won with Muscat of Alexandria.

The Apple packing contests for market purposes
caused great interest. In a class for a barrel or hamper
containing not less than 40 lb., or more than 66 lb.,

Messrs. Pewtress Bbos. were placed 1st, and Mr. Frog-
gatt, gr. to D. L. Walker, Esq.. Belmont, Hereford. 2nd.

For a box of not fewer than 24 lb., or more than 281b.,
Mr. Froggatt was 1st and Mr. Parry 2nd. In this
competition the exhibitors in each case used the
variety Court Pendu Plat, and notwithstanding that
the packing was considered by the judges to have been
well done, in their opinion it would have been better
if the fruit had been made more firm.

There were many classes devoted to tenant farmers
and cottagers, and a fine lot of fruit was brought by
them— in fact, in these classes very little, if any, differ-
ence in point of quality was observable from that found
in the Open or Amateur classes.

For a collection of six dishes of fruit, only two
entries were made. Mr. Grindrod easily secured 1st
honours ; Mr. Froggatt was 2nd.

Mr. Froggatt was 1st for three bunches of Gros Col-
mar Grapes, and Mr. Grindrod led for three bunches
of white Grapes with good full bunches of Muscat of
Alexandria. He was also 1st for any other b'ack variety
except Gros Colmar, with fine bunches of Gros Marcc.

C hrysanthemdms.

There was close and splendid competition in the
class for twenty-four Japanese blooms, the examples
throughout being good. Mr. Samson.gr. to Mrs. Hope,
Whitney Court, was 1st amongst four exhibitors; Mr.
Hammond, gr. to H. Godsell, Esq., Stroud, was 2nd;
and Mr. Grindrod, 3rd. Mr. Samson was again
leading in a class for twelve Japanese with equally
good duplicate blooms ; followed by Mr. Smith, gr. to
Sir J. Rankin, Brynwyn, Hereford.

There were three classes provided for blooms with
long stems arranged in vases, and these exhibits were
deservedly admired by the visitors to the show. A class
for six vases, each to contain a distinct, undisbudded
variety, was won by Mr. Humphries, gr. to the Earl of
Chesterfield, Holm Lacey ; Mr. Grindrod was 2nd.

The exhibits for the best four vases of distinct varie-
ties, three blooms in each vase, brought Mr. Samson
again to the front ; Mr. Whiting, White Cross Nursery,
Hereford, 2nd.

For the best single vase filled with any kind of Chrys-
anthemum blooms mixed with any kind of foliage,
there was a beautiful display, Mr. Talbot, gr. to SirG.
Cornwall, Mcccas Court, being placed 1st.

Groups.— Two entries only were made for a group of
Chrysanthemums arranged on a space of 12 feet by
7 feet. The leading one, which came from Mr. Whit-
ing, White Cross Nursery, gained 1st prize; Mr. Jones,
gr. to T. Stanwarne, Esq., Ayleston Hill, was 2nd.

For a group of miscellaneous plants in a space
10 feet by 7 feet, Mr. Hammond won with a beautiful
display of Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Begonias, and
ordinary decorative ornamental foliage plants ; Mr.
Grindrod was 2nd.

Non-com petitive Exhibits.

The King's Acre Nursery Company had a grand lot
of Apples and Pears ; also bouquet and floral wreaths,
&c, together with a background of choice decorative
plants.

Mr. Wilson. Commercial Street, Hereford, arranged
a large side table with beautiful bouquets, wreaths,
crosses and other designs.

Mr. Watkins, Pomona Farm, exhibited Cactus
L hlias.

WEYBEIDGE.

November 5.— The annual show was held in the
village Hall. For twelve Japanese blooms, distinct,
aDd eighteen blooms, distinct, Mr. J. Lock, gr. to Sir
Swinfen Eady, won with large handsome blooms of
popular varieties. Mr. T. Stevenson, gr. to E. Mo-
catta, Esq , Addlestone, was 2nd in both classes. Mr.
Lock also had the best incurved varieties, staging
twelve distinct varieties in medium - sized, fresh-
lookiug examples; Mr. H. Buckmaster, gr. to F. W.
Smith. Esq., Oatlands Park, 2nd.

Reflexed varieties were well represented, Mr. Caryer
having the best specimens, as he had also of Pompons.
Mr. Pagram, gr. to — Codrtenay, Esq., Weybridge, had
a charming collection of single flowered varieties.

Japanese varieties, to be shown in twelve vases con-
taining three blooms each, were well staged by Mr. W.
Johns, gr. to A. D. Cobbett, Esq, Weybridge; Mr.
Buckmaster, 2nd.

Groups of Chrysanthemums were satisfactory. Mr.
Paoram won 1st prize with a pleasing arrangement of
Japanese, single-flosered, and Pompon varieties; Mr.
W. Shute, 2nd. Mr. C Beal, gr. to J. Anderson, Esq..
was 1st for a smaller group.

of eighteen varieties, arranged in'a circle 10 feet in
diameter. The blooms and foliage were clean, fresh
and bright. Mr. W. Brock, Parkerswell (gr., Mr. W.
Rowland), was 2nd.

In the smaller group, 8 feet in diameter, Mr. C. M.
Collingwood, Institution for the Blind, was 1st; and
Mr. Brock, 2nd.

For a miscellaneous group of plants in an oval space
11 ft. by 8 ft., Mr. Brock was 1st with a well-arranged
group, including several good Orchids ; Mr. W, B.
Heberden, C B., Elmfield (gr., Mr. E. Cole), 2nd.

The Cyclamens staged by Mr. T. Kekewich, Peamore
(gr., Mr J. Abrain), were very good ; as were the table
plants shown by Mr. Heberden.

Cut Blocms.

These formed the best feature of the Show, and the
1st prize exhibit of thirty-six Japanese in twenty-four
varieties, staged by Mr. F. S. Vallis, Chippenham, were
as fine as any ever seen at this Show. Among his best
were two seedlings first grown by Mr. Martin Silsbury,
Shanklin— Valerie Greeobam, a pinkish-purple; and
Brightness, a reddish-purple, with rather broad llorets
beautifully curled at the tips. Mr. G. Foster, Teign-
mouth, was a good 2nd.

Fruit.

An unusually strong competition took place in
Grapes. Mr. G. Matthews, Exmouth, was 1st for
Black Alicante; the Rev. A. H. Hamilton- Gell,
Winslade, for Muscat of Alexandria; Mr. J. F. G.
Bannatyne, President of the Society (gr., Mr. T.
Ellicott), was 1st in the "any other" class, with
three very fine bunches of Mrs. Pince; and in the
class for three distinct varieties was again 1st with
Mrs. Pince, Muscat of Alexandria, and Black Alicante,
the latter very good.

For six dishes of fruit, Mr. Bannatyne was 1st with
Black Alicante and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, King
of the Pippins Apples, Hero of Lockinge Melon,
Duchesse D'Angouleme Pears, and Negro Largo Figs.

In the class for the large collection of Apples, in-
cluding thirty varieties, fifteen dessert, fifteen culinary,
Sir John Shelley, Shobrooke (gr., Mr. R. Mairs), was
1st; and Sir John F. Davie, Creedy Park (gr., Mr. W.
Seward), 2nd.

Mr. Heberden showed some very highly coloured
but small fruits of American Mother, Blenheim Orange,
and King of the Pippins, and won the 1st prize in a
class for six dessert Apples.

For Pears, Sir John Shelley was 1st, and Sir J. F.
Davie 2nd, in the largest class, each showing good
fruits. In the Dojenre du Cornice class Mr. Kekewich
staged very fine fruits, superb in colour and quality, and
large in size, Doyenne du Cornice, shown by Sir J.
Shelley', took 1st prize for flavour; while in "any
other" dessert class, Sir J. Davie was 1st with the
variety Charles Ernest. In the " any other " culinary
class, Sir J. Shelley was 1st, with Black Pear of
Worcester.

The trade exhibitors included Messrs. Robert
Veitch it Son, Exeter ; Curtis, San ford & Co , Tor-
quay ; Sutton & Sons, Reading; and among the
honorary exhibitors were Lord Poltimore (gr., Mr.
T. Slade), who showed Grapes; Mr. J. F. G. Bannatyne,
Haldon House; and Mr. C. Marks, Heavitree.

DEVON AND EXETER HORTI-
CULTURAL.

November 5, 6.— The number of entries was some-
what less, although there were about as many exhi-
bitors as last year. There was no falling off in the
quality of cut-blooms, but in the single dishes of fruit
the disastrous tffeot of the past season was especially
manifest.

Chrysanthemums in Groups.

An exhibitor who entered the lists for the first
time, Mr. James Townsend, Exeter (gr., Mr. E.
Phillips), took premier honours with a very fine group

BRADFORD AND DISTRICT
CHRYSANTHEMUM.

Nov. 13 — The 17th annual exhibition was held in St
George's Hall, Bradford. The exhibition comprised
some of the mostbrilliant examples of Chrysanthemum
blooms ever seen in Bradford. Last year the Society
offered increased money-prizes, in addition to cup
trophies, in the hope of attracting the best cultivators
of the Chrysanthemum in the country. This year the
number of competitors wasmuchlargerthan has usually
been the case. Exhibits were included from Rugby, Pen-
rith, Chippenham (Wiltshire), Ripon, Chester, Liver-
poo), Leicester, Cardiff, Hull, and other places remote
from Bradford. In one of the open classes, in addition
to a Silver Challenge Cup, valued at 10 guineas, money-
prizes, amounting altogether to £.'8 10e., were offered
for twenty-four blooms of the Japanese varieties. The
number of competitors for this coveted prize was eight.

Excellent qualities were present in the collection
shown by Mr. A. Chandler, of Rugby, who took 1st
prize and the Challenge Cup, a feat which he accom-
plished at the Bradford exhibition of last year. The
followiog is a list of Mr. Chandler's prfnclpal flowers :

F. S. Vallis, Marquis V. Venosta, Bessie Godfrey,
Australie, Duchess of Sutherland, Mrs. Weeks, Sensa-
tion, Mafeking Hero, George Hamilton, Henry Stowe,
Mrs. Barkley, Miss Mildred Ware, Fred Cadbury, Mrs.

G. Mileham, W. R. Church, Lord Ludlow, Ethel Fitzroy
and Mrs. J. Bryant.

Mr. Chandler was also successful in carrying off the
pri.'s for the champion Chrysanthemum bloom in the
exhibition, a specimen of the variety named F. S.
Vallis. This flower was 8| inches in height, the circum-
ference not being so extraordinarily- large. Mr. F. J.
Clark, of Leicester, was 2nd; and the 3rd prize was
awarded to Mr. F. S. Vallis. of Chippenham, Wiltshire,
who is one of the most successful cultivators of the
Chrysanthemum in England.

In the Incurved section, Mr. Emanuel Ellis, of
Haswell, Cheshire, was 1st, with the following beau-

November 21, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

361

tiful flowers :-Madame Ferlat, F. Hammond, C. H.
Curtis, G. Symonds, Perfection, Duchess of File, Peail
Dauphinois, Edith Hughes, V. Foster, J. Seward, Fred
Palmer, Lady Isabel, Ralph HattoD, Pearl Palace, G.
liruant, Mrs. W. G. Jones and Xellie Southam. Mr.
Ellis was also the winner of the 1st prize in this class
last year, and his exhibit this year included very
remarkable specimens.

The local classes for cut Chrysanthemums were also
well filled, the winners of the principal prize being
Messrs. H. Clark & Son, of Rodley ; with Mr. John
Thornton, of Drighllngton, 2nd ; and Mr. John
Brooke, of Heaton 3rd.

The competition for groups of Chrysanthemums in
pots was limited to two growers— Mr L. Sharman, of
Undercliffe Cemetery, and Dr. H. Smith, of Frizinghall,
who were placed 1st and 2nd respectively.

The groups of miscellaneous plants numbered three,
and formed a highly decoralive feature in the hall.
The 1st prize was deservedly taken by Mr. R. Eichel,
of Eldwlck.

The following contributed exhibits "not for compe-
tition ":— Messrs. W. Wells & Co, florists, Redhill,
Surrey, group of Chrysanthemums ; and Mr. Arthur
Edwards, florist, Arnold, Notts, "Edwardian" table
and room decorations.

The following were the judges :— Mr Wilson, Swan-
land Manor, near Hull ; Mr Lbadbetter, Tranby
Court, Hull ; Mr. Ireland, Sedgwick House, Kendal ;
and Mr. M. Midgley, Bingley.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROOT, FRUIT,
AND CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 9.— The fortieth annual show in connec-
tion with the above Society was held in the Shire Hall,
Gloucester. There were increased entries in most of
the [classes, and the quality of the exhibits generally
was excellent. There was a record entry for field crops.
The County Cup, valued £20, was won by Mr. Jeffery
Matthews, of Winterbourne.

The Chrysanthemums formed one of the great attrac-
tions of the show, and the various groups of cut blooms
included some magnificent specimens.

In the Fruit classes, for collections of Apples and
Pears, the 1st prizes were awarded to Mr. D Phelps,
Tibberton, for fifteen distinct varieties; Mr. J. B.
Bennett, Chaxhill (Apples and Pears staged in a space
not exceeding 50 square feet) ; Mr. J. H. Wootton,
Byeford, Hereford (dessert Apples) ; Mr. D. Phelps,
Tibberton (culinary Apples); and Mr. W. Gordon
Canning, Hartpury (dessert Pears).

In the Chrysanthemum classes Sir WM. Weddebisurn,
Bart., secured the 1st prize for a group of Chrysanthe-
mums in pots ; the Misses Dames, Sionehouse, carried
off the premier award for twelve incurved cut blooms ;
Mr. T. Dyer Edwardes, Prinknash Park, won the 1st
prize for eighteen Japanese cut blooms ; and Miss L. B.
Hale secured the 1st prize for twelve Japanese cut
blooms.

The champion prize of 6 guineas, given by Mr. H.
Terrell, K C, for the highest number of points, was .
won by Mr. A. \V. G. Wright, of Newent, with a total
of 30 points.

THE HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

November 10.— The usual monthly dinner of this
Club took place on the above date, under the presi-
dency of Mr. Harry J. Veitcb, and was well attended, a
paper having been announced on " Vegetable Curios,"
by Mr. G. S. Saunders, F.L.S., as the special attraction
on this occasion.

The branch of this extensive thene with which the
lecturer specially dealt was that of malformations in
flowers and fruit rather than the more general one of
" sports " proper ; and the paper was rendered the
more interesting by the exhibition of a large number
of beautifully executed drawings of specimens which
had come under Mr. Saunders' personal notice. Acon-
siderable number of these represented curious diver-
gences from the normal structure of Cyprlpedium
flowers, which appear peculiarly prone to their pro-
duction, the various parts of the flower appearing
abnormally changed in form, or even duplicated or
reversed, although in the large majority of cases the
modifications can be traced as mere change of form of
normal parts, and rarely as actual additions. In these
cases of simple malformation, as in most of the others
described and exhibited, such as double fruits, foli-
aceous flowers, and fasciation, the peculiarity was
almost invariably cod fined to the individual plant, or
even the individual flower; and although recurrent
cases were cited, they seemed, as a rule, incapable of
reproduction through the seed. It was also pointed
out that similar eccentricity was much rarer in leaves
than in flowers, due presumably to the Mgher special-
isation of the parts of the latter, many abnormal forms
of which were obviously due to more or less reversion
to the primary leaf-type.

The cause of such aberration appears to be entirely a
myBtery, as it is with "sports" proper. In the sub-
sequent discussion, in which the Rev. Mr. Henslow,
Mr. Harry Veitcb, Mr. Walker. Mr Druery, Mr. Cbas.
Pearson, and Dr. Cooke took part, Mr. Henslow cited a

number of abnormalities on similar lines to those

mentioned by the lecturer, and gave some explanations
regarding the particular modifications of the floral
organs, etc., involved. Double flowers were also alluded
to, very opposite opinions being expressed as to the
reason why they appeared, starvation being adduced as
one reason; while Mr. Harry Veitch cited the very
apposite though opposite case of double Rhododen-
drons raised by his firm by fertilisation from apparently
accidental petaloid stamens where the highest culture
prevailed throughout. Mr. Walker mentioned several
cases, and said he could cite many more, of Narcissus
sports or reversions occurring in his cultures, which
he felt inclined to refer to sudden change of treatment.
Mr. Druery referred to the innumerable curios which
had originated among Ferns in which modifications
of the leaf equivalents or fronds were singularly
marked as well as numerous. He also pointed out the
strong resemblance and yet essential difference be-
tween fasciation and the cresting to which most Fern
species seemed subject, though amoDg flowering plants
no definite instance could be cited. Finally he strongly
deprecated the classing of symmetrical sports capable
of true reproduction through spore or seed with what
had been previously described as Barnum-like " freaks,"
which he maintained belonged, like the malformations
cited by the lecturer, to a different category altogether.
A hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer concluded the
proceedings.

CHELTENHAM ROOT, PRUIT, AND
CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 4 —The annual show of the Cheltenham
Root, Fruit, and Chrysanthemum Society was held
in the Winter Garden, and extended over Thurs-
day. Speaking in general terms the exhibition was,
from many points of view, superior to that of the
preceding year, and in only one instance (fruit) was
there any falling away in either the number of entries
or the quality of the exhibits.

In the flower and fruit section the entries amounted to
250-a few in advance of last year. Fruit showed a big
falling off, excepting Grapes, which formed a wonderful
collection, some very fine specimens beiDg shown.
With reference to flowers, as already stated, there was a
considerable increase in the number and quality of the
entries, especially in Chrysanthemum . The cut
blooms afforded an opportunity for the Committee to
strike out in a new direction, the blooms being placed
with long stems in vases, a very pretty effect resulting.

The Corporation Cup for Chrysanthemums was won
by Mr. W. Moorman, who also took the Baron de
Ferrleres's Bpecial prize of 10s. tki. for the best Chrysan-
themum-plant in the show. Mr. J. Horlick, Cowley
Manor, secured Mr. Hicks-Beach's Cup for the best
group of Chrysanthemum-plants for the third year in
succession, so that it now becomes his absolute
property. Mr. Horlick also succeeded in retaining
the Silver Cup (which he won for the first time last
year) offered by Col. B. Rogers for a group of Chrysan-
themums aDd foliage. F. I'amphilon.

READING CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 11.— Reading always provides a very fine
Chrysanthemum show, but it has to be divided between
two halls, the old and the new Town Halls, the city not
appearing to have a hall of sufficient capacity to hold
an undivided display. The classes were generally well
filled, but there was a falling off In the cue of the
Apples and Pears, which are generally so tine at Bead-
ing ; but some good Grapes compensated for their loss.

In the old Town Hall were the various groups. In
addition to the 1st prize in money offered for a large
group, there was also a massive Challenge Cup, the con-
dition of becoming the ultimate possessor of it being
that it be won three times in immediate succession.
This was accomplished by the late President, Charles
E. Keyser, Esq., of Aldermaston House, and it was
won for the third time in 1902 by Mr. Gait, his gardener.
Mr. Keyser generously gave another Challenge Cup of
equal value, which Mr. Gait again essayed to win for
his employer, but had to sustain defeat at the bands
of A. F. Walter, Esq . Bearwood, Wokingham (gr ,
Mr. BarneB), who put up a massive group of well-grown
plants carrying large blooms. Mr. C. Keyser came a
close 2nd.

Another class required a group of plants to include
at least three sections of Chrysanthemums arranged
with foliage plants. The 1st prize was won by Lady
Cooke, East Thorpe, Beading (gr , Mr. Exlerl There
were other groups arranged on definite table spaces to
illustrate the decorative value of the Chrysanthemum,
and these were well tilled' and some pretty effects were
secured. Specimen plants were only sparingly dSown.

Cut blooms were in fine character ; the twenty-four
Japanese from Mr. C. T. D. Crews, Biliingbear Park,
Reading, included some of Mr. Godfrey's novelties in
excellent character; and Sir Chas. Russell, Bart.,
Svallowfield Park (gr., Mr. Cole), was a close 2nd.
There was a good competition with twelve varieties
also.

With twenty four varieties of incurved blooms H. H.
Prince Hatzieldt, Drayeott, Chippenham (gr., Mr.
Bible), was the only exhibitor, and showed very good
blooms. C. E. Kevseb, Esq., was 1st witli twelve
varieties.

The best six incurveds of one variety were C. H.
Curtis, in perfect character, from the Marquis of
Downsiiire, Easthampstead Park (gr., Mr. Bimms);
Sir C. Russell came 2nd with excellent blooms of
Ialine.

Six vases of specimen blooms of Japanese varieties,
three blooms of each, brought several competitor',
A. F. Walter, Esq., again taking the 1st prize; Sir C.
Russell was 2nd. Single varieties were shown in
twelve bunches, and made a very pretty feature.

Very good Alicante and Lady Downes Grapes were
staged. The best two bunches of the former came
from D E. Taylor. Esq., Marshfield, Chippenham (gr.,
Mr. Coote) ; and of Lady Downes from G. C. Raphael,
Esq., Englefield Green (§r., Mr. Brown). The best two-
bunches of Muscat of Alexandria were from Mr.
Nicolls, gr. , Strathfieldsaye.

Of miscellaneous exhibits, Mr. Phiptfn, Court
Florist, ReadiDg, had a collec'ion of floral designs ;
and Mr. Geo. Prince, nurseryman, Oxford, exhibited
autumn Roses.

A word of praise is due to Mr. W. L. Walker, the
secretary, and his assistant, Mr. Woodford, for their
excellent arrangements, which greatly facilitated the-
work of the judges.

BROMLEY CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 11, 12— The twenty-second annual show
of the above Society, held at the Grand Hall, was one oi
the best shows the Society has had.

In the class for a group of Chrysanthemums in pots
there were five entries. Mr. E. Dove was ist with a
well displayed group, the plants carrying large flowers
and good foliage.

In the competition for the Challenge Cap, which was
offered for twenty-four Japanese and twenty four ir-
incurved blooms, there were three entries, Mr. J. F.
Poole taking 1st with an even, well-finished lot of
blooms.

In the class for vases (nine varieties, three blooms in
each vase), Mr. C. Blick was 1st with grand blooms;
the varieties were :-Mrs. Weeks. Elsie Fulton, General
Hutton, Mrs. F. S. Vallis, Mr. F. S. Vallis, Mafeking
Hero, Mrs. Barkley, Austraiie, and Mrs. Mease.

In the class for twelve incurveds and tnelve Japanese
blooms there were five entries, Mr. Blick taking 1st
prize.

For twelve in curved blooms there were six entries,
Mr. J. King taking 1st with well-finished blooms.

For twelve Japanese blooms there were seven entries.
Mr. Buck was 1st with very large blooms.

There was a fine display of single varieties. In the
class for six varieties, five blooms of each, ^bown in
vases, there were five entries ; Mr. H. Redden taking
1st, with some very pretty blooms.

In the Ladies' Class for table deeorationH (Chrysan
themums and foliage), Miss Agnes Wheatiby was 1st
with a pretty arrangement in pink ; Mis9 Nellie
Smith 2nd, with crimson and bronze.

For a group of miscellaneous plants there were
three good exhibits, Mr. J. Links beiog 1st with a
very choice arrangement; Mr. King was a good 2nd.
There were good exhibits of fruits and vegetables.

Messrs. Bond & Co., local florists, exhibited floral
arrangements and pot plants, and decorated the stage.
Messrs. J. J. Chamderhin exhibited floral tributes.

WINCHESTER CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 11, 12 -The annual exhibition was held
in the Guildhall. In the cut bloom section the entries
were fewer than usual, but the quality wan good.
Plants were good as usual. Fruit and Grapes especially
were capital. The arrangements were under the skilful
supervision of Mr. Cdai.oner Shenton, the Hon.
Secretary.

Groups of Chrysanthemums were arranged around
the sides of the ball. Mr. Piltman, gr. to Mrs. II.
Curtis, Oakwood, Otterbourne, easily wen ist prizo,
with high-class blooms, especi ally the incurved varieties
Mr. Pearce, gr. to H. Johnson, Esq , Northgatc Place,
Winchester, 2nd.

For nine dwarf plints suitable for conservatory
decoration in pots, of not more than 9 inches in dia-
meter, Mr. G. Adams, gr. to Col. DukiN", Edgehill
Winchester, was the mostsuecessful , Mr. H. Gig? gr to
Rev R. M. Moobsom, llolywood, Winchester, was 2nd.

The iame exhibitors occupied the same plaeen for
nine plants, any white or yellow varieties Very fine-
were the plants of C. II. Curtis. Mrs. Judson, and Mrs.
Greenfield in the winning exhibit.

Miscellaneous plants arranged in group-* for effect
made -a good show. Mr. E. Long, gr. to F. C. BuncH,
Esq . Winchester, was easily 1st.

For twelve Primulas Mr. Long won with double-
flowered forms, exceedingly free and of large lis*.

Cut Blooms.

There was but one exhibitor in the leading elass-
that for forty-eight, distinct, half Japanese and thrt
remainder lneurved-Mr. Neville, gr. to F. W. Pi i h I .
Esq , Twyford, Winchester, who was awarded the 1st
prize for an admirable set in both sectieus.

For thirty-six Japineso, in not fowor than twenty
four varieties, Mr. Wasley, gr. to J. B. Tavior, Esq ,
Shcrlleld Manor, BaMngstoke, wou wilb largt

362

THE G A R D ENER S ' CIIRO NI CL E.

[November 21, 1903.

coloured example) of leading varieties; Mr. Neville,
2od.

Twelve distinct Jipanese were best staged by Mr.
DaweB, gr. to Mrs. Ohilvie, Hambledon.

Classes for llowers shown in vases were few. For
nine variolic s. three blooms of each, Mr. Waslet won
the premier award with handsome examples of F. 8.
Valli°, Godfrey's Kior, W R Church, and Mme. Paolo
Radaelli; Mr. Nevilie 2nd. Mr. A. J. Marsh, gr. to
M. Hodgson, Esq , Morton House, won for six triplets,
distinct.

Amateurs were well represented. Mr. Yarrow, Win-
chester, won for twelve Japanese with handsome
blooms.

Grapes were fine. Mr. W. Mitchell, gr. to J. Willis
Fleming, Esq, Chilworth, Romsey, won for three
distinct varieties; and Mr. Wasley for two bunches of
any variety.

Mr. T. Hall, gr. to Sir Samuel Montague, Bart,
South Stoneham House, had the best At pies and Pears.

Miscellaneous.

Several classes were open to ladies only. For a stand
of floaters for table decoration Miss AvroN, Cornstiles,
Twyford, Winchester, was the most successful. Mrs.
E. Ladhams, Shirley, Southampton, wou the premier
award for a table decoration of flowers, foliage, &c. —
a pretty arrangement of pink Roses.

A Gold Medal was awarded to Messrs. E. Hillier &
Son for a display of Apples.

Mr. Ellwood, gr. to W. H. Myers, Esq , M P., Swan-
more House, Bishops Waltham, staged a pretty group
of Crotons.

Messrs. Toogood, Southampton, Potatos, Onions, <tc.

CANTERBURY GARDENERS'.

November 11, 12— The twenty sixth annual show of
Chrysanthemums, vegetables, and fruit was held in the
Corn Exchange, Ihe weather fortunately proving fine for
the occat ion, and a large number of people patronised
the show on both days. The number of exhibits this
year was not quite so large as is usually the case, but
the quality was truly surprising. Toe vegetables and
flowers generally were really of great merit ; whilst the
fruit, which suffered most severely from the season,
was under the circumstances good.

Mr. D Faibweather, with a wonderful collection of
Chrysanthemums and foliage arranged for effect, with
a " D " shaped front, was, for the second time, the winnc r
of the Challenge Cup. Mr. Slopek had also arranged a
very striking group of Chryaanihemums, which gained
2nd prize. Messrs. Taylor Bros, and Mr. W. R. Pierce
very kindly exhibited flowers, fruit, and vegetables ;
whilst Mr. Faibweather displayed seedlings grown
this year, some of which were named Sir George
Collard, Lady Collard, Mr. Henniker Heaton, Mrs.
Henniker Heaton, and after other distinguished local
personages.

The arrangements for the show were in every way
admirable, and Mr. Hollman (the Chairman), Mr.
Topliss (the Secretary), and their able Committee are
io be congratulated upon the success which attended
their efforts.

KINGSTON CH BYSANTHEMUM.

November 11, 1?.— Held again in St. James' Hall on
the above dates, the twenty-seventh annual exhibition
of this old Society stowed in cut b'ooms quite won-
derful excellence, those in the leading classes sur-
pas sing pi evious examples.

Groups.

Among groups of miscellaneous plants, of which
there were four, that which gained the 1st prize was
one of singular beauty and merit, and came from
tie gardens of E. W. Robinson, Esq, Brockleigh,
Usher (gr., Mr. J. Nodda). The chief features consisted
Of Calanthes in quantity, prettily arranged with other
flowering and foliage p'ants. Malcolm S. Cooke,
Esq , Kingston Hill (gr., Mr. Buekell), came 2nd.

There were five compact Chrysanthemum groups, the
best coming from C. Lawes Smith, Esq., Ditton Hill
(;r., Mr. Plowman), who was 1st; G. W. Wabdelef,
Esq , Long Ditton (gr , Mr. Burfoot), 2nd.

Cut Flowers.

Of Jnpanetc, very fine blooms were staged in the
Open class for twenty-four. The 1st place was taken
by James Drew, E'q., Staines (gr , Mr. W. Jinkes\
who had in superb form Godfrey's Pride, Genenl
Hutton, Mafeking Hero, Mrs. Greenfield, Mrs. H.
Weekes, Kimberley, and o'hers. Mr. Justice Swinfen
Eady, of Wejbridge (gr , Mr J. Locke), was 2nd. With
twelve blooms Mr. Locke was 1st; G. J. Miller, Esq ,
Leatherhead («r., Mr. Mileham), was 2rcl

A new c ass for twelve blooms set up in a large vase
brought some wonderful floweis, Mr. Read coming 1st
with giant example) of Mrs. Mileham and General
Huf.on ; Mr. Ji&KEs2nd with a noble lot.

Incurve! b'ooms.- Mr. G. Hunt, gr. to Pantia Ralli,
Esq.. Athstead Pai k, Lealherhead, had the best twelve
blooms, and included Duchess of Fife, Ralph Hatton.
Ialeiie, C. H. Curtis, Ada Owen, Mrs. E Seward, W,
Hlggs, Mrs W. E. Egan, Mrs. Jas. Eadie, Hanwell
Glory, Miss M Threllall, and Edith Hughes. F. Bbauy,
Esq., Teddington (gr , Mr. Fiizwater), was 2nd.

There were numerous flowers shown in the local
amateurs' and cottagers' classes, competition in all
cases being keen.

Plant.).

A remarkable feature were the many plants of Be-
gonia Gloire de Lorraine. The best half-dozen came
from Mr. Bleucombe, who had close competitors in
Mr. Mileham and Mr. S. Pead.

With six Anthuriums, diverse, .Mr. Locke was 1st for
flowering plants ; Mr. Mileham coming 2nd with
Bouvardias and zonal Pelargoniums. Mr. Fitzwatek
was 1st with six double Primula?, and Mr. Pead wi h
singles.

Table Plants
were numerous and good, a singular equality runnirg
through the whole collection.

Fruit.
The representation of this section of the show was
unusually small, telling forcibly of the nature of the
season. Mr. Hunt had the best collection ; Mr. Locke
was 2od. In the class for four dishes of Apples, Mr. H.
Eggleton was 1st; Messrs. Bleucomre and Taylor
coming 2nd and 3rd. Mr. Plowman was an easy lit
with a basket of very fine vegetables.

RUGBF CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 11, la.— Io spite of the many difficulties
with which it has had to contend, the Rugby and Dis-
trict Chrysanthemum Society still exists, and year by
year promotes a capital show. The annual exhibition
was held at the Town Hall on the above dates, and
though, owing to the excessively wet season, there was
a falling oil in the vegetab'e produce staged, other
sections of the show were well filled, and in the Chrys-
anthemum classes many tlooms of great merit were
exhibited.

Sir Albert Muntz's twenty four Japanese blooms
that won 1st prize were the finest ever seen at this
show. The collections of twe ve blooms were also
excellent. Apart from the Grapes, which were of high
quality, there were only Apples in the open fruit
classes, and in the open vegetable classes there were
two collections only-by Miss Mansei.l, of Sulby Hal',
and Sir Albert Muniz, Bart., M.P.

There was only one group of plants in the Open class,
and this, shown by Mr. E. A. Scott, of The Lawn, North
Street, was awarded the 1st prize. The Primulas and
Csclamens were pretty, and the prize-winning Be-
gonias, shown by Mr. Arthur; James, were marvels of
pefection.

Mr. R. Fenley, Pennington Street, was the only
exhibitor in the Amateurs' and Cottagers' class for
groups He showed a beautiful lot of plants, and was
awaided 1st prize.

Messrs. E. C. Badham. High Street, and J. Newman,
Market Place, showed flowers, Ac, not forcompetition.

As usual, there was a stall on which was offered for
sale fruit and flowers for the benefit of the Royal
Gardeners' Orphan Fund. This was managed bv Miss
Bryant (daughter of the Society's secretary). Up'to the
present t i me this Society has forwarded £8 j to the Fund,
and it is hoped that it will now be possible to mike up
the amount to £10P.

PUTNEY AND WANDSWORTH
CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 12, 13,— One of the most vigorous and
prosperous of the suburban societies, the Putney and
Wandsworth Chrysanthemum, is supported zealously
by loth of the townships represented in its title. The
composite nature of the Society has been recognised
by the policy adopted by the committee of transferring
the exhibition from one township to the other every
season. The system has its disadvantages, because,
whilst Wandsworth possesses a spacious and beautifui
room in its Town Hall available for the purposes of the
exhibition, at Putney the only suitable place is the
Assembly Rooms, which do not provide nearly the
amount of space that is necessary for the exhibits.

For this reason the twenty-sixth annual exhibition
held at Putney on the above dates, though superior in
general quality to most, if not all previous shows, had
a less good effect than that held at Wandsworth in 1902.

But admitting that the plants and flowers were
crowded together, and there was not sufficient space
for the visitors to move about conveniently, the exhibi-
tion was nevertheless one of which any similar society
might well be proud.

In the class for a collection of Chrysanthemums, in
not fewer than twenty varieties arranged on a semi-
circular space of 40 superficial feet, the exhibits were
very praiseworthy; for although the amount of space
was not sufficient for attempting any o. her method of
arrangement than of forming half a pyramid, the
plants and flowers contained in them were extremely
good, the 2nd prize exhibit lacking nothing in quality
of bloom, although the "finish " of Ihe group was less
perfect. The 1st pr ze was gained by Mr. R. Bradford,
gr. to E. H. Brown, Esq., Highwood, Roehampton;
and the 2nd prize by Mr. A. Smith, gr. to Mine. Stuart,
Convent Gardens, Roehampton.

Several pretty little groups of miscellaneous plants
arranged for effect were shown, and the best was from

Mr. Chas. Bentley, gr. to Col. W. J. Bosworth, Cedar
Court, Roehampton.

In the Cut Bloom classes, the best dozsa incurveds,
which were very good flowers, came from Mr. J. Pren-
tice, gr. to J. D. Chabbington, Esq , Gifford House,
Putney Heath : 2nd, Mr. J. A. Fry, gr. to W. Lambert,
Esq., Northumberland Avenue, Putney.

The best collection of twenty-four Japanese blooms
was shown by Mr. J. Dirk, gr. to Jas. Hooker, Esq.,
Lomond House, Putney ; Mr. A Smith, 2nd ; but in the
class for twelve blooms these exhibitors had reversed
positions.

The principal class for blooms shown in vases was
won by Mr. A Smith, who showed eight varieties, three
blooms of each, in fine stjle.

There were numerous classes for cut blooms, Chrys-
anthemum plants, Primulas, £olanums, Begonias
fruits, and vegetables ; and the show, consisting as it
did exclusively of produce from the neigbbourhood, it
is evident that Chrysanthemum-culture in and about
Putney is on the increase. The honorary secretary is
Mr. J. F. McLeod, and the acting secretary Mr. W. J.
Reynolds. The annual dinner will be held on Dec. 31.

LEEK SHOW AND COMPETITION
AT KELSO.

It is not only as flower growers that the .enterpris-
ing firm of nurserymen and seedsmen, Messrs. Laing
& Mather (incorporated with Stuart it Mein), have
achieved a wide and high reputation, but they have
also attained to considerable fame as the vendors of
high-class field and garden seeds. The firm's annual
open Lyon Leek Competition, which took place within
their premises here on Friday the 13th inst., was again
an unqualified success. There were nine prizes offered,
and the conditions were that each exhibit should com-
prise three Leeks, grown from seed purchased from
the firm. As showing the widespread interest taken in
the competition, it may be mentioned that exhibits
were sent in from all parts of the country, even from
as far south as Devonshire and Cornwall. In all there
were thirty-six lots shown, and they made a very
attractive display, the quality and size of most of the
exhibits testifying to the superiority of the Lyon
variely.

The 1st prizj lot, shown by Mr. Hood, Dryburgb,
contained three remaikably good and evenly -grown
Leeks, the blanched portions of which were nearly
18 inches in length, being at the same time close and
fine in texture. The 2nd prize lot, belonging to Mr. A.
J. Harrison, Lauder, although not so evenly drawn as
the 1st, were also very fine, and one of;the three, which
had fully 18 Ins. of stem blanched attracted considerable
attention. In the Eslington Park exhibit, which gained
4th prize, there was one monster Leek, remarkable for
its girth and generally good proportions. Friday being
market day in the town, a large number of farmers and
others interested visited the show. Extract from h'tlso
Mail, November 11, 1903.

LEEDS PAXTON.

November 13, U.— The annual show of Chrysanthe-
mums under the auspices of the Leeds Paxton Society
was held in the Town Hall, Leeds, on the above dates.
The show compared favourably with previous exhi-
bitions, but it was noticed that some of the cut blooms
were not so bright in colour owing to the sunless
autumn, and therefore lack of light, especially in such
northern districts as Leeds. A feature that attracted
much attention, and one that was much admired at
this show, was a class for naturally-grown Chrysan-
themum flowers, which were shown iu vases, the
sprays having been cut with stems 18 inches long.

The two Silver Challenge Cups were won by J. Boyle,
Esq, Askit Hill, Roundhiy (gr., Mr. Cha?. Shaw), for
exhibits of thirty six Chrysanthemum blooms (open),
including eighteen Japanese and eighteen incurveds,
and twelve Japanese and twelve incurved (local class).

In addition to the classes for cut blooms there were
others for groups of plants, and for stove and green-
house plants, as well as fruit. We have a complete
pi ize list appearing in the Yorkshire Post kindly sent by
the secretary, Mr. Fred Yeadon, but have not space to
reproduce the details.

BURTON AND SHOBNALL
CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 14— The eighteenth annual exhibition
was held in the' Town Hall ou the above date. In the
Open classes the entries exceeded in number those of
any previous year. Mr. R. Nesbit, gr. to Lieut. Bass,
was deservedly placed 1st in this section for twenty-
four Japanese blooms in not fewer than eighteen
varieties. He showed some very nice specimens of the
Princess Alice de Monaco and Mafeking Hero, whilst
his Miss L. Evans was a well-cultivated bloom. The
same grower was also placed 1st for twelve Incurved
blooms. This exhibitor was again successful with
twelve distinct Japanese blooms; Mr. Josiah Wood
being a very good 2nd.

Coming to classes for gentlemen employing gar-
deners, professional and market gardeners, and nur-

November 21, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

363

serymen, Mr. F. Green was awarded premier honours
with a dozen fresh Japanese, his bloom of the viriety
W. R. Church being considered by the judges the best
bloom in the whole of this class.

A new departure for the Society was the class Ear six
Japanese blooms, distinct, intermingled with foliage
or foliage plants ; and althon ;h only two exhibits were
staged the Committee look forward in confidence to
greater competition in the future. The 1st prize was
awarded to Mr. S. Durose, gr. to the Mayor, forapretly
although rather too crowded exhibit; and Mr. H.
Sutton was 2nd.

A feature - and a very attractive one withil— was the
groups of Chrysanthemums shown in connection with
the Members' classes. RaEged along the side of the
wall, these excite! considerable interest Each of the
four groups were set out in semi circular form, and
was judged for quality and effect. Mr. E. J. Upton
followed up his successes of the past five years by again
securing 1st prize with a really splendid collection.
The other flowers in this sec lion were well up to the
average, and the adjudicators had at times some diffi-
culty in selecting the winners.

The florists' exhibits were again a feature of the
exhibition.

THE WEATHER.

LAW NOTES.

AN INTERESTING LAWSUIT.

In the Court of Session, Edinburgh, on the
6th inst., Lord Kincairney, one of the Outer
House Judges, gave his decision in an action
which has much interest for all concerned with
landed property. In this action the complainer,
Mr. Neilson, the owner of the estate of Cross-
basket, in Lanarkshire, craved the Court to have
the proprietor of the neighbouring estate of
Calderwood Castle, interdicted from cutting
growing timber on that estate, on the ground
that he was thereby depreciating the value of
the estate, and injuriously affecting the security
for a bond of .£18,500, which Mr. Neilson held
over the property. The complainer further
alleged that what had been done was not in
accordance with good management, that the
trees which had been cut were amongst the most
valuable on the estate, and that the cutting had
been done for the sole purpose of making money.
On behalf of the respondent, Mr. McNab, it was
contended that such cutting as had been done
was for the benefit of the estate ; that the trees
removed were decayed, blow n, and overmatnred,
and their removal was necessary for the welfare
of the others; and that he had no intention of
denuding the estate of its timber, or of making
money by such means. The proof lasted two
days, the witnesses on both sides including a
number of land valuators and forestry experts.

In giving judgment, Lord Kincairney stated
that the case was of a kind which was of rare
occurrence. It was a case where a heritable'
creditor sought to control a proprietor whose title
was unlimited in the management of his estate,
but his lordship clearly indicated that so long as
the proprietor cjnfined himself to legitimate
management the court would not interfere. A
study of the proof in this case had led his lord-
ship to the conclusion that the complainer had
wholly failed to establish a case entitling him to
jnvoke the interference of the court. There was
an ample margin of security (at least .£14,000),
and his lordship thought that the very small sum
actually realised for the cut timber forbade the
idea that there was no other object than to make
money. Further, his lordship saw no reason to
suppose that the respondent had any intention of
cutting timber to any undue extent or so as to
depreciate the value of the estate in any way, or
that " he would do so unwise or short-sighted an
act as to destroy the ornament to the estate
which the old woods afforded, and without which
it would lose all its charm, and doubtless not a
little of its market value." His lordship there-
fore refused to interdict, with expenses against
the complainer.

TRADE NOTICE.

The firms of John Bussell, Richmond, and John
Russell, Brentwood, will now trade independently
of each other. The group of trees and Ehrubs
shown at the recent Chrysanthemum exhibition
at the Crystal Palace was contributed by John
Russell, Brentwood.

METEOROL03ICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick,
London, for the period Nov. 8 to Nov. 14, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet.

Tempera-

Temperature

ture ofthe

O

s

a

of the Air.

SOILat9A.M.

a

as

3

O

2
O

gj

o

At9A.M.

&

H

a

hi

i

P.
•o

+3

6.

0)

-a

5|

00 ^J

Oh 5

So

Son

I °

B

5

jD

3

H

3

m

m

0TJ

o

a

&

* &

&

<

■«

<

A

a

& 1 w

►J

M

ei

bo ti

bo bo ' bo bo

o

<D

a

o o o o

•a

•o

"O

■a

'd 1 ''■J 'ti *<J

SUN. 8

S.S.E.

45-7

434

52-3

35-3

0T5

l7'2;50-7 53-3 26 5

MON. 9

s.w.

51'6

5V8

55-8

33-7

0 0446'9|50-3 53-l 260

TUES.10

s.w.

44'9

13-4

55'3

37 '8

...

48*9 50'1 52*9 28-5

Wed. u

W.N.W.

51-7

M-l

53'3

44'7

0 02j48'4 50-0 52'7 41 '8

THU. 12

W.S.W.

48'0

47-1

S3-3

423

0-05i49'0 50'3 52'532-2

Fat. 13

w.s.w.

5J-7

51 m2

53'8

48\

0 01

l9'9'50-553-3 48 3

SAT. 14

S.E.

51-7

>()•(■

5'S

■8'2

0 05

o0*2

50 8 52-3 38 9

Tot

Means

...

49 S

48-1

54-1

H-3

0 2,

18*4

50-4 52 7 34 6

Remarks.— Damp, misty weather has been the feature
of the past week, with small quantities of rain on six
days.

THE WEATHER IN WE5T HERTS.
The last two diys have been moderately cold ; but
should this cold weather not continue, the warm
period which set in nearly nine weeks ago may be said
to still hold. On four days during £he past week the
highest temperature in the thermometer screen ex-
ceeded 51°, and on two nights the exposed thermo-
meter never fell lower than 45°. On the coldest night
the same thermometer at no time registered more than
4 of frost. The ground ha9 become colder the last two
days, and is at the present time at about an average
temperature at 2 feet deep, but 2° colder than is season-
able at 1 foot deep. Raio fell on four days during the
week, but the amounts were insignificant; in fact, the
total fall since the month began is less than half an-
inch, or only about a third of the usual quantity for
the first half of November. Although three consecu-
ive days during the week were altogether sunless, the
mean daily record for the week was slightly in excess
of the average. The winds were, as a rule of about
seasonable strength. The amount of moisture in the
air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon was 1 per cent, in
excess of the November mean. E. M., Berkham.ted,
November 17, 1903.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, November 10.

Cut Flowers.

Arbutus, bunch
Kouvardlas, per

bunch

Callas, per dozen.

Carnations.bnch.

Chrysanthemums.

doz. bunches

— specimen
blooms, doz.

Eucharis, per doz.

Ferns, Asparagus,

per bunch ...

— French, per
doz bunches

— Maidenhair,
doz. bunches

Gardenias, box ...
Honesty (seed

vessels), bunch
Lilac (French),

per bunch

I. Minim. longi-

florum, er
bunch

— lancifolium,
per bunch ...

— auratum, per
bunch

Lily of the Valley,
p. doz. bunches

Marguerites, yel-
low, doz bunch.

s.d.
0 6

Average Wholesale Prices.
id.

Mignonette, per

dozen

O.f-06 Mimosa (Acacia),
per doz. bunch
Narcissus, dozen
bunches
2 0-601 Orchids :Cattleya,
dozen blooms...

— Odontoglos-
sums, dozen
blooms

— Cypripedium
insiene. dz.

0 4-06| Pelargoniums,
zonal, dozen
bunches
PoiDsettias.bnch.
Roman Hyacinths.

perbureh
Roses, Mermet,
per doz.

— various, bun.

— white, bunch

— pink, bunch
Smilax, per doz.

trails

Stephanotis. doz.
10-20 Tuberoses, strong,
per bunch ...

— per dozen ...
Violets, doz. bun.

10-20 — Parma, buuch

sd. s.d.
2 0-30

3 o- « 0
U 6- 3 0

0 9-20
3 0 4 0

10-26

4O-60
10-18

10-30
5 0 —

2 0 4 0
16-30

6 0-12 0

6 0-12 0

16-26
10-20

3 0-4"
0 1C-1 0

0 6-10

3 0 4 0

0 6-18
16-20
10-20

10-18
16-30

0 8-10
0 i- 0 3
10-16
10-20

P-ants in Pots,

Adiantums, per
dozen

Aralias, per doz.

Arbor Vitae, doz.

Aspidistras, doz.

Aucubas, per doz.

Begonia, per doz.
— Gloire de Lor-
raine, per doz.

Chrysanthemum,
per dozen ...

Coleuses.perdoz.

Crotons, per doz.

Cyclamens, doz.

Cyperus, per doz.

Dracaenas, variety,
dozen

Ericas, per dozen

Euonymus, vars.,
per dozen

&c : Average Wholesale Pr
s.d. s.d. I

I Ferns in var.,per

4 0-801 dozen 4

4 0-80 Ficuselastica.per

9 0-18 0 dozen 9

18 0-36 0 Lilium longi-

4 0-80 florum.perdoz. 8
8 0-18 0 — lancifolium,

per dozen ... 6
8 0-24 0 Lycopodiums, p.

dozen 3

3 0-30 0 Marguerites, doz. 6

4 0-60 Orange-trees, each 3
12 0 24 0 I Palms, var., each 3
10 0-12 0 ; Poinsettias. doz 10

3 0- 4 0 i Primulas, perdoz. 4

Pieris tremula,

12 0-48 0 dozen 4

8 0-12 0 — Wimsetti.doz. 4

— major, dozen 4

4 0- 6 0 i Solanums, dozen 4

ICES.
d. s.d.

0-24 0
0-12 0

0-4 0
O-la 0
6-10 6
0-20 P
0-12 0
0 —

0-8 0

0-8 0
0-6 0
0-6 0

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

Artichokes, Globe,
per dozen ...

— Jerusalem, p.
sieve

Asparagus.Sprue,
bundle

— Paris Green ..
Beans, dwarf, lb.

— Madeira, per
basket

Beetroots, bushel

Brussels Sprouts,
per sieve

Cabbages, tally ...

Carrots, per doz.
bunches
- per bag

Cauliflowers, per
dozen

Celery, doz. bun.

Cress, doz pun.

Cucumbers, doz.

Endive, per doz

Garlic, per lb. ...

Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch

Leeks, per dozen
bunches

Lettuces, Cabbage,
per dozen

s.d. s.d.
2 0-26

10-11
4 0-56
0 8-0 10

16-20
16-20

13 19
2 0-36

13-20

2 6-36

10-20
8 0-12 0
0 9-10
2 6-46
10 —
0 2-03

13-16

s.d. S.d.
Mushrooms, house,

per lb 0 10 —

Onions, per case. 5 0-56

— per bag ... 4 0-50

— picklers, per

sieve 2 6-40

— English, per

cwt. » 5 0-56

Parsley, per doz.

bunches ... 10-16

— sieve 0 6-10

Parsnips, per bag 2 0-26
Potatos. per ton 75 O-130 0
Radishes, per

dozen bunches 0 9 —
Sa'ad, small, pun-
nets, per doz ... 0 9-10
Seakole. per doz. 16 o-2l o
Shallots, lb. ... 0 H-0 2
Spinach, p. bush. 3 0 —
Tomatos, Channel
Islands, per lb. 0 3 —

— Canai y Deeps 3 0-66

— English, per

121b 3 C- 5 6

Turnips, per doz.
bunches ... 10-16

— per bag ... 2 0-26
Watercress, per

dozen bunches 0 4-06

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

Apples, home-
grown, cookers,
per bushel
per half bushel
barrel

— American, in

rases
Bananas, bunch .

— loose, dozen .
Blackberries, per

peek

Chestnuts, bag ...
Cobnuts, p?r lb.
Cranberries, per

case
Figs, per box ...0 10
Grapes, Alicante,

per lb. ... 0 7

s.d. s.d.

3 0-10 0

2 0-50

12 C-18 0

8 0-10 0
7 0-12 0

1 C- 1 6

2 6 —
6 9-14 0

0 7J- 0 8

15 0

3 0-40
0 9-16

3 0-50
16-26

16 0-JO 0
13 —
10-30

4 6-13 0
8 0-15 0
6 0 —

1 0 Pines, each ... 16-4 0-

1 3 noble, bag ... 6 6

Remkrks —Spinach has improved in price, but other
productions are as last week; Salsify is per doz 3/. ;
Blackberries ara praclir vlly over, only a few coming to
hand. Some excellent ifrench Onions have arrived, as
was the case at the corresponding da'e last year.
Brussels Sprouts are fetching 9d. to Is. per sieve; Cob-
nuts were per lb. 4rt. ; and Pineapples were low in
pricj.

POTATOS.

Home-grown, 75». to 110*. per ton ; foreign, 65«. ta 95!.
do. ; Dunbars, 12 > to 130s. do. John Bain, 32 at 34,
Wellington Street, Covert Harden.

Grapes, in barrel

— Gros lfaror,
per lb.

— Muscats, A.,
per lb. ...

B., per lb.

Canon Hall

A , per lb.

IS., per lb.

Lemons, per case
Lycuees, box ...
Melons, each
Oranges, per case
Pears, per case...

— stewing
Pines, each
Walnuts. Gre-
noble, bag ...

s.d. s.d.
10 0-18 U

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Apple- pips : G. W. Sow at the present time in
pans or boxes filled with sandy loam, and keep
merely moist in a cjld pit, protecting them
from mice and rats. When germinated in the
spring stand them ont-of-doors.

Azalea indka Flowerino at this Season: J. P.
Ordinarily Azalea indica, when not foioed,
flowers in April and Inter, although the fact
that plants which are forced into growth after
having flowered early the previous year will
put forth flowers at an early part of the
spring is well known. The weather has
been greatly against the early ripening of
the wood and foimation of flower-buds, more
especially on plantB put out-of-doors when
their growth had been made. The applications
of Peruvian Guano may hive been the cause, as
you suggett.

Begonia Packed in a Chiab-box. The plant,
apparently one of B. Gloire de Lorraine, has

364

THE GAR DENER S ' CHE OKI CL E.

[November 21, 1903.

become stunted and almost flowerless by
haying been grown too cool and moist. There
is no disease, fungus or insect observed on the
leaves, &c.

Book Oh Table Decorations : W. B. None
obtainable, excepting at the old book-shops.

Bordea^-mixtore ; J.N. For obvious reasons
we decline, unless there is some special reason
to the contrary, to mention the name of dealers,
"even though they be advertisers"; but as
this seems to be a special case we may tell you
that the Executors of Robert Campbell, Water
Street, Manchester, supply Bordeaux-mixture
in 15 lb. parcels. You should refer to them.

Box.- edging Flowering : W. B. Not unusual
when aged.

Caladium prom Ceylon : Caladium. We cannot
name from blade of leaf only, and that with
nearly tho whole of the colouring matter dis-
appeared. All that we can say is that it
resembles C. argjrites, as you suggest.

Carnation L eaves Diseased : P. W. The roots
are infested with eelworms, for which malady
there is no cure short of pulling up the plants
and burning them forthwith, and not planting
on the same soil for some years.

Carnation Flant Diseased : H. T. The plant
is attacked by the so-called Rust, often men-
tioned iu these columns. There is no known
cure, and your best course is carefully to take
up the roots and burn the whole plant forth-
with.

Carnation Going Off in a wholesale
Manner: Paper. We cannot tell you the cause
unless specimens be sent.

Caterpillar: X. V. Z. Zeuzera a-sculi — very
destructive.

Chrysanthemum : F. R. We cannot undertake
to name varieties of florists' flowers.

Correction : Lady Plowden. We regret to have
omitted, quite inadvertently, from the report
the fact that Mr. Clarke was awarded a Silver
Banksian Medal for his exhibit at the last Drill
Hall meeting. The notice of the exhibit came
under the sub-section " Chrysanthemums," as
being the more appropriate. No question of
unfairness could arise.

Correction : Groupof Gourds at Royal Horti-
cultural Society's Meeting, November 10.
Owing to somo mistake by the gardener, his
name got inserted on the ticket as the exhibitor,
instead of that of his employer, G. Ferguson,
Esq., The Hollies, Weybridge.

Creepers on a North Wall with Buildings
near . T. Bines. Aristolochia Sipho, Ampelop-
sis Veitchii, Irish palmate green or variegated,
or Regner's Ivies. No flowering plants are
calculated to produce flowers in such a position
and aspect, and the most that you can hope for
is plenty of healthy foliage.

Datura & Brugmansia : A. A. The latter name
is kept up only for two or three unimportant
species, the rest of the species being included
in Datura, the prior name, and among them D.
suaveolens ; vide Index Kewensis.

Dendrobium Leaves Injured: T.R. The leaves
show that the plants are suffering from " spot,"
as it is often called. The cause is difficult to
suggest unless by an examination of the house,
and tho manner in which the plants are grown.
In Dendrobes itof ten appears on plants which are
kept in too high a temperature after the growths
are completed, and especially on the evergreen
species, which are very often kept in a high
temperature after the deciduous ones, which
show by their decaying leaves that resting-
time has arrived, have been removed. The
evergreeu Bpecies also require a rest, and if it
be not given " spot " often results.

Fig : Grub. The Fig-tree has the fungus disease
( Cercospora Bolleana), figured in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, July 7, 1000, p. 5.

Florist : E.F. G. Continue to advertise, and to
sem'our advertisement columns; or come up
to town for a day or two and look round among
1 he best West find, City, and Covent Garden
Market florists. We are unable to recommend
t uiplojcrs.

GaS-LIME AND SuLPHATE OF AMMONIA: C. F.

The gas-lime is what i3 required for killing or

driving away the snake millipedes, and when
used at the rate of 2 quarts per yard and
weathered for three or more months, it may be
dug-in, and it will then act on the subsequent
crops as a fertiliser. Sulphate of ammonia is a
bye-product of gas-making, and consists of
carbonate of lime and ammonia sulphate,
obtained in cleansing the gas. It is not dear
at the rate of 14s. per cwt , 2 oz. per square yard
per time being as large an amount as may be
used. It is a powerful manure, and too expen-
sive to be used against millipedes.
Greenhouse with a vert Damp Back Wall :
Damp Course. We would suggest covering the
wall with Portland Cement, from the founda-
tion upwards, or under-pinning and putting in
a damp course of slates and gas tar.

Lavender ; Amateur, Scarborough. It is now too
late to put in cuttings this year. At the end
of March place a handlight, cloche, or a little
box fitted with a close glass top ; into this put
in some coarse brick-dust 3 inches deep, having
excavated the interior 9 inches deep; over this
place a layer of moss or Cocoa-nut fibre refuse,
then fill up with sandy loam, and cover with a
layer of clean sand ; apply water, and leave it
to settle. Obtain cuttings, or, better still, short
slips with a heel to each and about 4 inches

Kig. 143.— malformation in peas.

long ; strip off the leaves with a pair of scissors,
nip off the tops, and dibble them into the sand
at an inch apart ; apply water lightly, and in
about an hour put on the glass top. Keep
close, but afford air when it is noticed that the
air is too full of humidity, leaving off the glass
on a dry day for half an hour. When the sand-
bed is getting dry apply water with a rose-can.
In two months the slips will be rooted, and
should be afforded plenty of air. Plant out in
a nursery bed in May, and grow them there for
a year or two. In order to save trouble in
shading, strike the cuttings in an eastern
aspect.

Making a Dutch Garden : Enquirer. That
which we understand by the term " a Dutch
garden " is the style introduced from Holland
200 years ago — not the Dutch garden of to-day.
The beds were formed on the level, or below it
(panels), and on sloping banks. Usually the
beds were edged with Box, which was allowed
to grow a foot in height, and these edgings
were clipped with flat sides and top. Gravel
of one or various colours, sand, &c, formed
the paths. The beds were often of grotesque
forms, or they were of geometrical shapes put
together to form a harmonious whole. Box
was much used in filling in the beds, and this
was kept low, as low as the bordering of Box.
Other plants might consist of Dutch bulbs of
all kinds of low growth, and nowadays, when
garden plants have so much increased in num-
bers, the choice is very extensive. Such a
garden may be planted in early autumn with

bulbs and a variety of flowering plants of low
growth and bright-coloured flowers. These
again could be cleared out, and their places
tilled with summer flowers. The main idea is
to have everything dwarf, and just visible
above the Box edging. Such gardens do not
harmonise with the free style of laying out a
garden preferred at the present day, and are
better if shut off by a formally-trimmed hedge
of Thuia siberica, Euonymus, Escallonia, &c,
or a shrubbery. Topiary-work goes well with
this style of garden.

Mandevilla Pods : Urbs intacta. These pro-
ductions have no commercial value.

Monstrous Pears ; H. R. Your fruit is an
example of the condition shown in fig. 14S. The
edible portion of a Pear is not the fruit at all,
but the dilated end of the flower-stalk, in which
the true fruit or core is embedded. In these
proliferous Pears, for some reason or other, the
swollen branch, after temporary arrest, has
started into growth and produced other swollen
shoots, with leaves proceeding from them.

Names op Fruit: H. T. B. ' Monarch".— T. T.,
Newcastle. 1, not recognised ; 2, Reinette
Franche; 3, Sweet Lading; 4, Brownlee's
Russet ; 5, Court of Wick. Pear Verrdam. —
F. E. Clifford. Hambledon deux Ans? — Mrs.
Roper. Striped Beefing. — P. H. Chaumontel.
—A. J. C. Evargil.— H. Elliot. 1, Stanstead
Russet; 2, French Crab; 3, not recognised ; 4,
Ashmead's Kernel.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so good
as to consult the following number. — G. 8.
Euonymus europams, Spindle-tree. — E. L. H.
Yes, certainly, your Pine is the Mexican P.
Ayacahuite. It is rare to see it in cone, though
we have seen it at Cheshunt, and have very
fine specimens from the Isle of Man. — Sittring-
ton. Maxillaria picta. It is singular in that
the showy purple markings are on the outside
of the flowers and not on the face.— Cornubian.
Maxillaria Camaridii syn. Camaridium ochro-
leucum. — V. M. 1, Ada aurantiaca ; 2, Tricho-
pilia (Pilumna fragrans) ; 3, Odbntoglossuni
con strict urn ; 4, Bulbophyllum striatum. —
Contributor, Kerry. 1, Lastraea lepida ; 2,
Pteris tremula ; 3, Polystichum angulare ; 4,
Lomaria spicant ; 5, Adiantum hispidulum. —
H. 8. One of the forms of Begonia incarnata.

Potato : Welwyn . The tuber was introduced in
1585 or 1586 from Virginia, by Thomas Her-
riott, a companion of Sir W. Raleigh. Which
of the six tuber-bearing species out of the 700
existing Solanums Herriott's Potato belonged
to, we, at_this time of day, have no means of
knowing.

Ryton Muscat Grape : G. S. We know of no
Such variety, either at home or abroad.

Situation as Gardener : T. Flanaghan. We
believe that persons advertising for situations
in the Gardeners' Chronicle generally meet with
suitable situations, provided their testimonials
are satisfactory.

Six Hardy Climbers : J. E. You could select
from the following, viz. : — Clematis montana,
C. balearica in variety (calycina), or any of
the hybrids ; Jasminum officinalis, J. revolu-
tum, Passiflora coerulea, Lonicera caprifolium,
Tecoma radicans, Wistaria chinensis.

" The Flowers they Love " : B. We thank
you for the suggestion, but we do not think it a
matter of interest to the public to know what
particular people, who are not specially gar-
deners, happen to like in the way of flowers.
Moreover, to publish such private details
savours of impertinence.

Tomatos : P. C. So far as can be ascertained by
an examination of the leaves only, the injury
appears to have been caused by the punctures
of mites. If the fruits show evidences of
disease you may send us some.

Communications Received — Cooper, Taber & Co.
(shortly)— J. P. Renaail (wilh thanks)-F. W. B.—
C. P^naert — F. W. 8. — A. R. Langwith. Habana, Cuba
—J. P.— J. H W— A J C— E. K.— T. A— A. M., Scone
— W. S — Sir .Us Biyth-Attwood & Binsted, Ltd.—
J. R. P. & Sons— R E — T. B -F. J. G-W. E.— T. W>—
G. W.-C. T D -R. D.-A. C. B -A. H.— W. C. L.—
T. C — E. C— W. Peters.- J. A.— H. W. W— J. W.—
Constant Reader.

November 28, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

365

THE

(lanUiwrs' dprromtle

No. 883— SATURDAY, November 28, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Akebialobata 376

Apples from Canada... Hi
Begonia Gloire de Lor-

rtine 376

Begonias 372

-Chrysanthemum

Guide, a 373

Chrysanthemums and

charity 373

Cierodendron nutans 376
Commons and Foot-
paths Preservation

Society 371

Dean. Mr. A., presen-
tation to 371

■Gardens, old fashionei 371
Ginkgo as a to«?n tree 374
Forestry—
Tree-growth on ths
chalk downs ... 366
Gardeners,' Bo,al
Benevolent Institu-
tion 373

Gardens of theQulri-

nal, the 373

Hall, Mr. A. D., lec-
ture by 37i

Horticultural science,

Society for 371

HjrmenocallisxErn.tii 36j

il'ea illcifolia 374

.K illerton, Devonshire t65
Lilium auratum in

Scotland 3."6

X,inaria cymbalaria in

Switzerland 370

:Liriodendrou chinen-

sis 370

Manures and the rain 375
Marigolds, persistence

of 375

Mushroom culture ... 373

Mealv - bug, how to

eradicate

Obituary—
Cossar, William ...

Crozy, M

Ward, John

Orchids at Southgate
Orchids at Willow

Wood

Potatos, trials of
Publications received
Raspberries on Nov.15
Roses on light land,

cultivation of
Roses, winter-grafting
Societies-
Bristol Chysanthe-

IJI1IU

Linnean

Liverpool Horticul-
tural

London Corn Ex-
change Chrysan-
themum

National Chrysan-
themum (Annual

Dinner)

Royal Horticultural
Scottish Horticul-
tural

Ulster Horticultural
Wimbledon Chrys-
anthemum

TuHp-tree, the Chin-
ese

Week's work-
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

366

371
37.1
374
167

370
376
374
376

365
376

3 8
378

379
378

S79
378

3:0

371
371
f 71

371
370
370

3'9
368
375

ILLUSTRATIONS

Begonias, His Majesty and Our Queen

Begonia laciniata

Ilea ilicilolia

K illerton, Devonshire, the seat of Sir T. D. Acland,

Bart. (Supplementary Illustration).
Ward, the late John, portrait of

KILLEKTON.

THIS extensive and beautiful place, the
Devonshire seat of Sir T. D. Acland,
Bart., is situated about midway between
Exeter and Tiverton, on .the Great Western
Railway, the nearest station being that of
Silverton, from which it is distant a little
•over a mile.

The situation of the estate is in a district
full of rural charms, sarrounded by lovely
•near and distant views, extending on the
one hand to the country about Sidmouth
(twelve miles in a direct line), while further
■south the heights of Woodbury Common
and Black Hill are prominent in the far
•distance, with Exmouth about fourteen
miles as the crow flies, and more to the
<west Dartmoor ; while away to the north-
east the view stretches into Somersetshire,
almost, if not quite, reaching Sir Thomas
Acland's other estate in that county.

At the time of my visit, early in August,
I had the good fortune to meet Sir Thomas,
•from whom I gathered the following facts
■regarding the early history of the mansion,
which is a plain, capacious building, with-
out any pretensions to architectural style.
'The estate came into the possession of the
tfifth Baronet (Sir Hugh Acland) by pur-

chase in 1072. A stone under a small bay
window on the east side, of the house bears
date 16*0. The window above this probably
in former days lighted a spiral staircase.
The chief entrance was originally on the
south front, but this has been thrown into
the drawing-room and a new entrance made
on the east side to which the carriage drive
has been diverted. The flower garden on
the south front of the house is on a terrace
raised some 2 feet from the level of the park,
and from this terrace some of the finest and
most extensive views of the surrounding
country are to be obtained, while in the
foreground is an open expanse of park with
a splendid greensward, with clumps and
belts of trees and single specimens standing
out in fine relief. On the west side of the
house stands a fine specimen of the North
American Tulip-tree (Liriodendron Tulipi-
fera), which is shown in the Supplementary
Illustration (since the photograph was taken
the tree has been sadly injured in the great
gale of September 10, when it lost nearly
half its branches), many other fine examples
of which are to be seen in other parts of
the grounds. These trees flower freely during
the season.

The terrace flower garden in front of the
house extends for some distance beyond the
west wTall. This garden is really a Rose
garden. The Rose is a favourite flower
of Lady Acland's, the beds are therefore
planted with such varieties as Gustave
Nabonnand, Anna Olivier, Dr. Grill, Marie
van Houtte, <fcc, with an undergrowth of
Violas, and the beds are edged with rough
stones covered with mossy Saxifrages.

In this garden are placed two large vases
of graceful design and surrounded by
classic figures. The makers' name "Coade
and Sealy, Lambeth, 1805,'' is very distinct
upon each of them. As they were in a
somewhat imperfect condition when Sir
Thomas Acland came into possession of
them, and as he was desirous of having them
repaired by replacing such details as lost
handles, &c, they were submitted to Messrs.
Doulton & Co., of Lambeth, who valued
them at a high price and undertook the
work of reparation, at the same time ac-
knowledging that the secret of the composi-
tion of which they were made is lost ; and
though they have now beon repaired at
the Lambeth potteries with very great care,
the new work is of a creamy-white colour as
compared with that of the original. The
extreme hardness and smoothness of the
cement, together with the sharpness of the
figures, are very distinctive characters of
these interesting vases, and Sir Thomas
Acland is anxious to know whether others
of a similar nature by the same makers are
existing in any other garden. One of these
vases is shown in the view of the house.

Extending for some distance from the
west side of the house is a broad border of
mixed flowering herbaceous plants, and
though this border has not been formed
more than two years it already contains
some fine-grown specimens of Salvia patens,
Buddleia variabilis, with its long spikes of
pale blue or lilac flowers covering a busli
some 4 feet high, and Gaura Lindheimeri,a!l
of which are hardy here and flower freely.
Fine masses of the brilliant red flowers of
Tropreolum speciosum, spreading amongst
other plants, give touches of brilliancy, mix-
ing with surrounding shrubs, and forming

natural festoons of flowers. At the back of
this broad border and running parallel
with it, is a straight grass walk about 150 ft.
long, on one side of which is planted a row
of Lavender bushes, about 2 feet high, and
very uniform growth, the long line of blue
flowers having a fine effect, and imparting
a delicious perfume. The spaces between
the plants were occupied by Lilies.

Trained against the west side of the house
is a very large and spreading Judas-tree,
which was not in flower at the time of my
visit; but it was described as being a very
attractive object when in full bloom. On
the wide and extensive lawn on this side of
the house, jotted about in the soft velvet-
like turf, of a bright - green colour and
remarkably free from weeds, we noticed,
among a heap of other interesting and well-
grown plants, the following : — Retinospora
ericoides, in its summer garb of bright
glaucous-green, which in winter gives place
t a a rich purple ; Cistus ladaniferus, with its
sticky, gummy branches— one of the sources
of the gum known as Ladanum— and the re-
mains of what had been a magnificent show
of flowers ; Abutilon vitifolium, a bush of
which, planted about three years ago,
is now about 10 feet high, and flowers
freely every spring. Here also is a
fine well-grown tree, some 45 feet high,
of Thujopsis dolabrata, which I under-
stood wa3 raised from cuttings of the
original plant, companions of which are
at Dropmore and at Frogmore. Cordyline
australis is represented by several plants in
different parts of the grounds, but two well-
grown plants are noticeable here, both on
account of their height, some 15 or 20 feet,
and from the fact that the stems are com-
pletely hidden by a thick mass of the lower
leaves, which in dying have dropped into a
position parallel with the stems, but have
remained attached. Here also among other
things we noted fine healthy growths of
Comptonia asplenifolia, Hydrangea panicu-
lata, Spiroea aritefolia, Kalmia latifolia,
Azalea pontica, Eucryphia pinnatifolia, its
splendid white flowers make it a most
valuable flowering shrub. Here also is a
fine Holly-like bush of Desfontainea spinosa
covered with its beautiful, drooping, scarlet
and orange - coloured flowers ; and a big
Drimys aromatica, forming a compact and
attractive Ehrub by reason of the dark-red
stems, which are brilliant in the sun. Close
by is a shrub of the Loquat (Eriobotrya
japonica), also Halesia tetraptera, and on
the rising ground behind are groups of Fox-
gloves and the yellow-flowered Verbascum
pannosum, backed up on the still higher
ground with Libocedrus decurrens (over
70 feet high), Cupressus funebris and Abies
cephalonica. John 1!. Jackson.

(To be continued.)

THE ROSARY.

THE CULTIVATION OF ROSES ON LIGHT
LA.ND BY THE AID OF LIQUID-
MANURE.
It was at one time the belief of gardeners that
Roses could not be grown of the best quality on
soils other than heavy loams. Very few growers
would nowadays go to the trouble and expense of
incorporating heavy loam or clayey soil with the
staple ; yet this was once a common practice in
many gardens. That Rose cultivation is far less
troublesome on strong adhesive soils few will

366

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 28, 1903.

dispute, but that the plants will produce blooms
of the finest quality on the most diverse soils is
now well known and acted upon.

Some of the finest flowers I have observed
were cut from plants growing in a few inches of
soil overlaying chalk. But mulching and liquid-
manuring were in this instance carried to an
extent that would be impossible for the culti-
vators of thousands of plants.

The Kose is a gross feeder, yet it has been
amply demonstrated that it is possible to obtain
fine flowers without the use of heavy dressings
of farmyard-manure, as so frequently advised.
Dressings of superphosphate and kainit, three
parts of the former to one of the latter, applied
after pruning in spring at the rate of 4 or 5 oz.
per square yard, will impart vigour to the growth
and beauty of the blossoms, and on poor land the
application of 1 oz. of nitrate of soda per square
yard will, after the plants have commenced grow-
ing, considerably enhance the effects of the super-
phosphate and kainit. That the mixture may be
used with advantage twice or thrice during the
growing season has been abundantly proved.

None of these fertilisers is expensive or trouble-
some in the application, either mixed together or
alone. A simple and inexpensive method of im-
parting vigour to weak plants is to afford farm-
yard or stable-drainings, applying the liquid
around the plants in the months of January or
February. I mention this because some Roses
belonging to a friend were in a miserably weak
condition last season, and these plants have im-
proved almost beyond recognition owing to the
use of liquid-manure at the season named. Some-
times a liquid-manure is very strong and has to
be used in a diluted state, and care is at all times
requisite when applying it. J. W.

NEW HYBEID AMARYLLIDS.

HYMENOCALLIS EENSTII.
( Concluded from p. 3J5.)

In April, 1901, I impregnated a polypetalled
flower of Hymenocallis filamentosa (an ally or
sub-species of H. speciosa) with the pollen of
Hymenocallis Moritziana. The fruit contained
nine seeds, of which seven grew ; and in February,
1903, the first one flowered, others in April and
following months.

This interesting and very vigorous hybrid,
fairly equipoised between either parent, was
named after my friend, the late Dr. Ernst, of the
University of Caracas, to whom, during my visit
to Venezuela in 1894, 1 was indebted for assistance
in obtaining the male parent of this hybrid.
As in the case of my Crinum hy. amanteum, it
was the male parent whose characteristics
governed the foliage, and the female the in-
florescence. I do not consider that Hymenocallis
Ernstii is superior in beauty to either parent, but
it possesses a robustness greater than either, and
flowers freely.

Description.

Bulb. — Proliferous, with a distinct neck 2 inches
long, formed by the bases of the enveloping
leaf-stems.

Leaves. — Not so strictly distichous as those of
the male parent, and of a light yellowish-green
colour. About ten in number (eight fully grown).
Blade 8 to 14 inches long by 4 to 5 inches wide.

Leaf-stems. — Deeply channelled, under a foot
long by | to j inch wide adjoining the blade.

Scape. — Central, glaucous, sharply two-edged,
carrying an umbel of three to eight sessile flowers
well above the foliage. Over- all height 1J to
2 feet. Span of inflorescence 1 foot.

Spathe. — Deciduous.

Flowers. — Yellowish in the bud but white when
open, which occurs in succession. Very close to
H. Moritziana (in Gardeners' Chronicle, Feb-
ruary 10, 1900, which figure was made in this
garden from the identical plant used as male

parent), but the cup in H. Ernstii appears
larger and more protruded, and the segments
more drooping towards their apices, and some-
what twisted spirally. Span of flower 5 to 6 ins.

Tube. — Bright deep green, radiating (rarely
erect or ascending), 4 inches long.

Segments. — Reflexed, twisted, drooping, the
outer three slightly narrower, 4 inches long
(or less) by £ inch maximum width.

Cup. — Funnel-shaped, regularly one-toothed,
1 inch (or less) wide and high.

Stamens. — Bright green above, white below.
Free ends 1J inch long.

Pollen. — Orange.

Style. — Projected horizontally, as long as the
segments.

Stigma. — Capitate.

Nectary. — Full to overflowing of sweet liquid.

Ovules. — In some cases normal, in others two
to four in an erect bunch from the centre of the
placenta.

Note. — It is interesting to consider what was
gained by selecting a 12-segmental flower to
pollinate. Firstly, I obtained seven virile seeds
against an average of less than two in each of six
fruits belonging to the parent species in previous
cases. Secondly, I have obtained a multi-ovular
offspring, which, if not sterile, will probably in
turn carry more than the normal amount of
seeds. Thirdly, extraordinary precocity. My
hybrid flowered in eighteen months from the date
of germination, in comparison with about fifty
months in previous cases in this genus. A.
Worsley, Isleworth, November, 1903.

HOW TO ERADICATE MEALY-BUG
(COCCUS ADONIDUM).

A line or two on the best means to employ to
eradicate this very objectionable-looking creature
and one most difficult pest to dislodge, once it
has established itself on Vines or other fruit-trees
growing under glass, will now be opportune, as
the time for preparing Vines and vineries for
produsing next year's crop is close at hand.

The first step to be taken with a view of
ridding their Vines and vineries of the dreaded
pest is, as soon as the Vines are pruned, to rub
off all loose bark from the individual rods
(especially about the spurs) with the hands ;
then thoroughly to wash the woodwork and glass,
as well as the ironwork, including hot-water
pipes and trellis, with a solution consisting
of half a pound of soft-soap dissolved in a
gallon of boiling water and two wineglassfuls
of petroleum, the mixture being frequently
stirred in the process of washing to keep the
petroleum well mixed with the soapy-water. Any
brick-and-plaster work in the vinery should also
be well washed with the same mixture, applying
the emulsion as hot as possible with an ordinary
garden syringe with force into any nooks and
crannies between the brickwork and wall-plants,
or in the plaster-work, which cannot be effectively
reached with the ordinary scrubbing-brush. The
brickwork should be washed thoroughly with hot
liquid lime preparatory to re-pointing the joints
and making good brick and plaster work where
necessary with compo. consisting of two parts
sharp-sand and one of cement. This done, the
Vines should be well washed with the composition
indicated, but reduced in strength to the extent
of 4 oz. soft-soap and one measure of petroleum
to the gallon of water. The Vines should also be
painted over with a stiffish paint-brush, dabbing
the emulsion into every crack and fissure about
the spurs, being particular thoroughly to wash
every particle of the individual rods, but taking
care not to damage the buds or " eyes."

The next step to be taken in the process of
exterminating the enemy is to paint the Vines
with a mixture of coal-tar and clay, using one

part of the former to nine parts of the latter.
The clay should be dried and powdered, so that
i may be passed through a fine sieve. Then»
easure the clay into a vessel (a large flower-pot
with a lump of stiff clay put into the hole in the
bottom will answer the purpose), using a 3-inch.
or G-inch flower-pot, according to the number of
Vines to be dressed, as a measure, and putting
the allowance of coal-tar into the vessel after the
specified quantity of clay has been deposited
therein. Then work the mixture well together
with the hands, and afterwards add sufficient boil-
ing water to give it the consistency of stiffish paint.
Apply the mixture with a stubbly paint-brush to
every portion of the affected Vines, being especi-
ally careful that every nook and cranny about the
spurs are smeared over with the mixture, the-
latter being kept well stirred in the meantime.
Afterwards suspend the Vines loosely to the
wires, after the wood and iron -work has been,
given one or two good coats of white or stone-
coloured paint. Then, as a finishing touch,
remove the surface-soil from the Vine-border to>
the depth of 6 or 7 inches (treating the brickwork
thus exposed to view as advised above): Burn
the soil, replacing it with a like quantity of the
best loam obtainable, and add to every cartload o£'
loam one barrowful of horse-droppings and one of
old mortar-rubble or wood-ashes, the whole being:
turned over once before being wheeled on to the
Vine - border, following this with a surface-
dressing of horse-droppings to the depth of 2 or
3 inches ; afterwards keeping the vinery so-
treated cool, and allowing the Vines to break of
their own accord — that is, to push into growth
naturally in early spring. If the treatment
described above be carried out in every detail
the remedy will be complete, and prove to be as.
effective as it is simple. H. W. W.

FORESTRY.

TREE-GROWTH ON THE CHALK DOWNS,
Few greater contrasts exist in English land-
scape than those found between the chalk downs-
of the South of England and the fertile vales of
the older geological formations which adjoin and
in some parts intersect them. This contrast is-
especially marked on the northern edge of the
chalk country, where the narrow strips of green-
sward which crop out in an almost unbroken
line from beneath it, is quickly replaced by
the heavier soils of the greensand or similar
formations. The reason for such a marked differ-
ence in the scenery of the chalk districts from,
that of many other formations is quickly disco-
vered by an observing traveller. The latter is
largely made up of trees and hedges, and the
former practically possesses neither of them. It-
would not be far from the truth to say that
within the last thirty or forty years the down,
districts were one unbroken stretch of unfenced
and treeless country. Every village and every
farmhouse had its trees and enclosures, but these
were merely oases in the desert, and afforded
little relief to the monotonous aspect which is-
presented to the traveller after the first burst of
enthusiasm which a new country temporarily
evokes has died out. Such districts have pleas-
ing characteristics of their own it is true, and the
patchwork tints of various crops on the culti-
vated portions please the eye to which they are
still a novelty. But such attractions are very
small compared with those afforded by a thickly
wooded country, in which samples of natural land-
scape gardening are met with at every turn.

The question must often have occurred to those
interested in forestry matters — Is the compara-
tively treeless condition of the downs due to-
accident, design, or natural causes ? As regards
accident, we have to take into consideration the
fact that these districts at one tima occupied

November 2?, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

367

much the same position in the national or indus-
trial economy of England as the Black Country
does at the present day. When flocks and corn
constituted the principal basis of national wealt h
the ancient Briton seems to have selected the
•downs as the most suitable country for agricul-
tural purposes. The natural herbage was grass
instead of heather ; the soil required no drain-
ing, and we may assume that it was destitute of
that dense mass of forest-growth which covered
the heavy soils of the lowlands until compara-
tively recent times. Eocky districts the early
agriculturist could not cultivate ; gravel or sands
were too poor, and grew heather instead of
grass ; while the rich loams and clays we now
value so highly were then covered with a tangle
of forest, and useless for cultivation for
want of drains. The thin but fertile loam
of the downs, free from large stones, and
equally adapted for agriculture or grazing,
would naturally be selected in preference to any
■other soils which required more skill and labour
to turn to account, while the facilities they
offered for purposes of defence were not lost sight
of by warlike tribes. In such circumstances, it
is not unreasonable to assume that an accidental
■combination of conditions favourable to early
grazing and cultivation resulted in the downs
being the first portions of the country to become
thickly populated, and to be devoted to agricul-
ture. Whatever forest vegetation existed upon
them would then gradually disappear, and fresh
growth would be out of the question on ground
continuously grazed.

That the downs are treeless through any
•definite design of early or modern men, we have
no reason to suppose. The human race gene-
rally treats trees with indifference. Where they
already exist they are allowed to remain, unless
some special reason is found for their removal.
Where they do not exist no effort is mac'e to
produce them, except by that small circle of
arboriculturists which the last two or three
centuries have brought into existence.

When we come to deal with the effect of
natural causes, we have to face a combination of
facts and theories over which it is difficult to pick
one's way without stumbling. We have the fact3
in the few trees which exist to-day, the majority
of which are of artificial origin. The sum-'
mits of many chalk hills and iidges show
■excrescences which, at a distance, the eye of the
inexperienced might take for anything between a
baystack or a block of buildings. Closer inspec-
tion proves them to be clumps of trees, and in
most cases consisting of Beech or Scots Fir. The
planters of these clumps evidently intended to
improve the landscape, on the same principle as
the builders of towers and monuments on similar
heights adopted, viz., that of going to the
maximum of trouble and expense to produce an
object which none could admire or make use of.
These clumps have, however, served one good
purpose; and by demonstrating the fact that
such situations will only produce dwarfed and
stunted crops of trees, have saved landowners
from throwing money away in extensive planting
operations on surrounding land. An examination
of these clumps will convince any practical
forester that trees will exist on bare chalk, but
that they will not grow at a rate which will repay
the cost of fencing and planting with interest.
The production of a crop of poles containing
about 1,000 feet of timber per acre, and worth,
at an expert's valuation, about .£10 in eighty or
one hundred years, is not a result which appeals
strongly to the landowner's pocket. We know a
small clump of Beech growing on pure chalk, and
not particularly exposed, which has produced trees
with an average diameter, 5 feet up, of about
.5] inches in forty-five years. Such examples of
Jjoth Beech and Scots Fir are not uncommon
no bare chalk, and if it will not pay to grow these

species, it is doubtful if it will pay to grow any.
Corsican Pine will grow perhaps faster than
Scots Fir for a time, but for how long remains to
be seen. Austrian Pine grows better than either,
but is practically useless for timber. Larch will
grow into sheep-stakes or hop-poles, and then
stops, while the heart is affected with rot. In
fact, the great feature with all of them is their
slow growth after the first twenty years or so,
unless they happen to stand on those small
patches of better land which occur here and there
on all down land.

No doubt more than one reason exists for the
small size and slow growth of trees in the chalk
downs, but the principal ones are the chemical
and mechanical nature of the chalk rock or sub-
soil, and the exposure to which the trees are
subjected. The surface of the down land, con-
sisting of thin turf and loam below it, is all right
so far as it goes, which is about six inches ; but
below this surface lies the more or less solid
chalk, consisting, as everyone knows, of almost
pure carbonate of lime. To the majority of trees
and plants generally, this substance is not an
attractive food, being deficient in the three most
important elements upon which plant growth
depends. But in addition to this defect, its me-
chanical condition is usually unfavourable to the
free passage of roots. Close in texture and
practically free from those open joints, cracks,
and beds into which many harder rocks are split
up near the surface, chalk offers little inducement
to tree roots to enter it, and little food to nourish
them if tbey did. Trees plaated on it con-
sequently turn their attention first to the loam
which lies on the surface, and when they have
exhausted that, mark time for the remainder of
their existence.

Exposure to every wind that blows is also
another hindrance to growth, especially in small
clumps. The highest chalk hill in England is
not more than 1,000 feet above sea level, an
altitude which ought not to affect the growth of
hardy trees to any great extent. But the height
of the hills and ridges above the surrounding
ground exposes them to the full force of any
wind, and this renders rough or harsh winds more
injurious than they would be to trees standing
on higher ground, but sheltered by still higher
land above it.

It is possible, of course, to find considerable
areas on the chalk which will grow timber as
well as any soil, and produce profitable planta-
tions. But such areas are rarely found on
typical down land, but on the soils which cover
the pure chalk to a depth of 2 or 3 feet, and
occupy the valleys and lower slopes of the hills.
But even in these days of agricultural depression
the land in the valleys is usually too good to
plant extensively, and is invariably wanted to
level up the rent of the poorer land above. The
owner of chalk downland usually prefers an
average rent of 5s. per acre, which, in many
cases, does little more than pay the tithe, to
spending money in planting it on a large scale
for his successors. What little planting is done
has either ornament or shelter in view. The
latter is usually effected by belts round the farm
buildings, or strips along the exposed parts.
When once established these are allowed to
stand until they blow down. Purely ornamental
plantations are few and far between, probably
because they are difficult to form on a small,
and are too expensive on a large scale. The
absurd appearance of the older specimens has
demonstrated the futility of attempting to im-
prove the landscape by small circular clumps on
the tops of the highest hills ; and the tendency of
late years has been to plant the sides of the
hills, or the "coombos" with which they are
scored, and to give the plantations more irregular
shapes. Probably the facilities they offer for
the nesting of partridges or for the shelter of

hares have led to the formation of most of them ;
and if they serve that purpose their planters are
satisfied. But it is very doubtful if the day will
ever come which will see the downs as richly
clothed with wood as the land which surrounds
them, although it is quite possible that they were
fairly well wooded in prehistoric times, as the
remains of natural forests exist to this day where
the soil has lent its aid in retaining them.
A. C. Forbes.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

ORCHIDS AT SOUTHGATE.

At Southgate House, the residence of C. H.
Feiling, Esq , the houses have a fine show of
Orchids, especially of Cattleya labiata, one side of
the main Cattleya-house consisting of a mass of
bloom from end to end. The plants are all well-
grown and profusely flowered, many of the larger
specimens possessing from twelve to seventeen
blooms each. With them were Laslio-Cattleya x
Pisandra, Cattleya x Portia, C. x Mantini, and
other hybrids in flower, and on a shelf a number
of well-grown Calanthes, suspended overhead
being a good number of forms of Laelia anceps
with flower-spikes. The Cattleyas, Laslias, and
Cypripediums thrive in a satisfactory manner
under the care of Mr. Stocking, the gardener,
who is also engaged in carrying out some experi-
ments in hybridisation.

In the Cypripedium-houses a number of varieties
of C. insigne were in bloom, including that best-of -
all yellow form C. i. Sanderae. Among those noted
in bloom were C. x Mme. de Curte, a very fine
flower. Among the many specimens of C. Spieeri-
anum, two distinct forms, the one named roseum,
and the other having yellow sepals and petals;
C. >: Ledouxiae, C. x triumphans superbum, C. x
Leeanum giganteum, Ball's variety, and other
fine forms of C. Leeanum, C. x Adonis, C. x
Constance, C. x Prospero, C. x Arcturus, C. insigne,
Harefield Hall, C. x Euryada, C. x Pallas, C. x
Bruno, and a number of hybrids flowering for
the first time. Laelia pumila varieties were
suspended overhead. Other Cypripediums were
in a heated frame, and the bulk of the stock of
C. insigne in an ordinary greenhouse, on one side
of which were numbers of plants of Oncidium
tigrinum, O. Forbesii, Laelia autumnalis, &c, in
bloom.

The Odontoglossums are in vigorous condition,
but only a few of them were in flower. In a
lean-to house they occupy the front stage, a
collection of good Cymbidiums being placed
behind them, the wall being partly covered with
Senecio macroglossus, a plant not often seen in
an Orchid-house. It grows most luxuriantly,
clothing the wall like Ivy, but does not produce
its yellow flowers so freely as in a drier house.

The collection of Dendrobiums which made
such a fine show earlier in the year has now a
number of the favourite Dendrobium Phaltenopsis
Schroderianum, and a few D. formosum gigan-
teum in bloom, the former having among them a
nice plant of the pure white D. Phalaenopsis
hololeucum, which has not flowered this year.

The Granoe, Southgate.

At this place, owned by John Bradshaw, Esq.
(gr., Mr. Whitelegge), is a collection famous for
its white forms of Cattleya labiata ; and here are
remarkably well-grown Odontoglossums, and a
large number of rare species. The fine specimens
of Cattleya labiata exhibit much variation in
colour and some .differences in form, one very
handsomo dark-coloured variety having an elon-

kted, frillod dark purple lip, which gives the
flower much the same appearance as a Lu>lio-
Cattleya X Pallas. The best of the white
varieties are C. 1. alba, a very pure white ; C. 1.
Amesiana, white with pink labellum ; and C. 1.

368

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 28, 1903.

Q. G. Whitelegge, a clear white with a fine W. Whiteley, C. x Lord Rothschild, &c. Sus- few were still in bloom, and two of them, viz., Li
purple blotch on the lip. Among the light- pended from the roof is a good collection of Lselio- Skinneri Enchantress and L. x hybrida being
coloured varieties, C. 1. glauca, white tinged with Cattleyas, Cattleyas, &c, and at one end a good handsome varieties. The Cymbidiums occupy

Fig. 149.— begonia laciniata (bowringiana), parent of those shown on p. 369. (see p. 372.)

lavender and with a slate-blue lip, is very con- group of the yellow Oncidium varicosum, O. the centre of the house. Odontoglossums are

spicuous. Other attractive plants were fine Marshallianum, and O. Forbesii. grown at their best, and many examples are to be

specimens of Cattleya :•: Mantini nobilior, and In an intermediate-house are Lycastes, which found of the benefits arising from dividing the

smaller ones of C. x J. Bagaley, C. x Mrs. J- also form a special feature of the collection, and a plants given some time ago in the Gardener*"

November 28, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

369

_ HI_5 MAJESTY j

OUR, QUEEN

Fir. 150.— two new "foliage'" begonias, (see p. 37:?.)

370

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 28, 1903.

Chronicle. By following that advice most of the
finest Odontoglossums in the collection have been
propagated, the best example probably being the
fine Odontoglossum x Bradshawse (Harryanum
X Andersonianum), for which Mr. Bradshaw
received a First-class Certificate at the Eoyal
Horticultural Society this year. After flowering
had ceased the rhizomes were severed in two
places, and now the plant has three strong
breaks, and is on the road to forming three sepa-
rate plants. All the best varieties are being
multiplied in this manner. When the plants are
vigorously grown, as they are at The Grange,
there is no risk in dividing them.

A small, low span-roofed house is used for
raising hybrid Orchids, and young plants of many
promising crosses are there in various stages. In
raising the seedlings but little difficulty is
found, although, as in other places, a large
proportion of those which come up do not reach
maturity.

An Inspection of Oechids at Willow Wood.
By the kindness of Drewett 0. Drewett, Esq.,
of Willow Wood, Eiding-Mill-on-Tyne, several
■of the gardeners in the district of Corbridge,
Stocksfield, and Wylam, were invited to inspect,
on Saturday, November 21, a fine display of
Cypripedium insigne and other Cypripediums
now in the above-mentioned gentleman's garden.
The visitors (about twenty in number) were
personally conducted by Mr. Drewett and his
gardener, Mr. J. Benwick. The various dis-
tinctions and characteristics of the different
species and hybrids were pointed out, and the
instruction thus afforded was much appreciated
by the visitors. After a walk through gardens,
tea wa3 served in the dining-room, the table
being decorated principally with Cypripedium
insigne. After justice had been done to the
good things provided, Mr. Drewett drew atten-
tion to the many advantages derived from the
cultivation of the cool-house section of Cypri-
pediums, and urged those present to induce their
employers to take up the cultivation of these
species more generally. Mr. H. J. Chapman,
gardener at Oakwood, and Mr. Cameron, of
Bythorn, took part in the discussion. The
visitors were highly delighted with what they
saw, and their kind reception by Mr. Drewett. C.

THE CHINESE TULIP-TREE.*

In the Gardeners' Chronicle, 3rd series, vi.
<1889), p. 718, I gave as full an account as
materials permitted of the Chinese Tulip-tree, and
came to the conclusion that it was not specifically
different from the North American L. Tulipifera.
I even went so far as to say that I could not
differentiate it as a variety, chiefly owing to
the fact that both the American and Chinese trees
seemed to present the same degree and kind of
variation in the leaves, and that the somewhat
imperfect dried flowers appeared to differ only in
size. Since that date the herbarium specimens at
Kew have been richly supplemented both by Dr.
A. Henry and Mr. E. H. Wilson, collector for
Messrs. James Veitch & Sons ; and I was induced,
from some remarks by my friend, Mr. G. Nicholson,
to re-examine all the specimens. This I have
partially done, and I have discovered characters
which I consider are of specific value. Dr. A.
Henry, to whom I pointed them out, agrees with
me. Indeed, he was previously of the opinion
that they were specifically different, having seen
both growing ; but the differences are not so very
obvious, and they are to some extent over-
shadowed by the great variability in the shape of
the leaves of both species.

Long before the existence of a Tulip-tree in
China was known or suspected, the names hetero-
phylla, integrifolia, obtusiloba, truncatifolia, and

* Liriodendron chinensis. Hemsl. (L. Tulipifera, Linn.'
var. ?chinensis, Hemsl.. inJou™.£iroi.lSo<.\,xxiii.,p.25).

others, had been given to cultivated |varieties of
Tulip-tree. The names sufficiently indicate the
kind of variation exhibited, and it is very great ;
but they have been generally accepted as varieties
of L. Tulipifera, not as distinct species. As
already stated, the Chinese Tulip-tree is also very
variable in foliage, but the variation is upon lines
not easily expressed in words, though, on the whole,
different from those of the American species.

With regard to the differences between the
two, the flowers of the Chinese species are invari-
ably smaller, and the narrower petals are more
spreading in the perfect stage, so that the shape
of the flower is not that of a Tulip. Another
obvious difference is in the pistil or column of
carpels. In the American species the carpels are
free from each other in a relatively early stage,
and when ripe they have recurved, acute tips.
In the Chinese species the carpels are so consoli-
dated and agglutinated, until they are half-grown
at least, as to have the appearance of a solid
column, and the ripe carpels are obtuse.

I will not enter into further particulars
here, but merely add that it is intended to figure
and describe the species in detail in Hooker's
Icones Plantarum. W. Botting Hemsley.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

LINAEIA CYMBALAKIA IN SWITZERLAND.
In reference to Linaria cymbalaria var. alba I
am sending you a few particulars. I have grown
the plant a few years here at the botanic gar-
dens from seeds obtained in the neighbourhood of
Zurich from a plant of this variety growing wild
on a wall. It always came true from seed, is pure
white, but the leaves are quite green, and on
our plants do not get that beautiful purple colour
that the typical plant does, so that it is hardly
worth growing except perhaps as a curiosity.
I have met with it in several gardens ; and Mr.
Correvon, of Geneva, offers it in his catalogue, so
that it is by no means a rarity. It is as easily
grown as the common form ; in fact, I had a
great deal to do to get rid of it, as it sowed
itself between some pot plants and proved some-
what troublesome. Henry Frank, Bead Gardener,
Botani: Gardens, Zurich, Switzerland.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Mayne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Richardias. — If the pots are well filled with
roots let frequent applications of manure-water
be made ; and unless the spathes are required at
a certain date do not subject the plants to much
artificial heat, as to do so renders the former thin
and of short duration. The night temperature
should not exceed 45° to 50°. Aphis must be
kept in check by fumigation, or the beauty of the
spathes will be quickly spoiled. There can be no
doubt of the earliness of the Godfreys Eichardia
over E. oethiopica, flowering as it does from early
October onwards. Where a good stock of the
lovely yellow E. Elliottiana exists, a few of the
stronger rhizomes may be repotted and placed in
a night temperature of 58° to 60°, and afforded
but little water until growth has become active.

Begonias. — Those of the Gloire de Lorraine type
make a bright display when arranged in a batch to
themselves, weak soot-water (clarified) being af-
forded once a week. Maintain a dryish atmosphere,
and do not allow the temperature to fall much below
00° during the night, or the colour of the flowers
will get washy ; and though the variety Mrs.
N. de Rothschild has larger flowers they have not
the brightness of the older variety, but the
foliage keeps of a better tint. Such varieties as
B. socotrana, John Heal, &c, being of herbaceous
growth, require a fairly moist atmosphere and a
light position during the next few months.

Coleus thyrsoideus is a pretty flowering plant of
recent introduction, the lovely bright blue spikes

showing to advantage on plants from 3 to 4 feet
high, and these are no w expanding and will continue
till the spring if afforded the same treatment as
Begonia Gloire de Lorraine. They are of use in
indoors decorations, and last fairly well on being
cut.

Epiphyllum truncatum. — Plants coming into
bloom require to be kept dry overhead, and Hot
afforded much water. A night temperature of
55° to 60° will keep them decorative subjects for
some weeks longer. They make nice dinner-table
plants when grown as small standards. The
variety E. Gaertneri flowers in spring, and
should be kept at rest for some time longer ; the
flowers are of a very bright scarlet.

Clivias. — Though these usually flower during
spring, I have had several quite small plants
in bloom of late. Clivias, if in bloom, will
have to be kept rather moist at the root for the
present, and the general stock of plants'kept cool
and comparatively dry at the root until February.
Seedlings of less than two years old should be
kept growing, and as the foliage is liable to get
dirty or dusty, it should be carefully sponged with
soapy water once or twice a year. The flowers
come of a better colour when the plants are
subjected to a slight degree of heat, and afforded
weak liquid-manure occasionally ; otherwise they
thrive best in a temperature of 45° to 50°, with
the usual advance by day.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. L.
Holfoed, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Damping-down, Ventilating, and Affording Water.
— With the lowered temperatures of the season
the matters named above will need careful atten-
tion. I advise readers of this Calendar to turn
to the Calendar for January of the present year,
and closely to follow the directions there given.

Fogs. — The destruction of Orchid-flowers caused
by fog at this season is well known to cidtivators,
and especially by those in smoky districts, and
causes much disappointment to owners and their
gardeners. In the rural districts away from
manufacturing centres the ill-effects of fog are
not much felt. Where fogs are dangerous to
Orchids let the temperature be kept low and as
regular as possible, all ventilators closed, and
only as much moisture distributed about the
house as wiU prevent the atmosphere from
becoming parched, whilst application of water is
best deferred till such time as the fogs clear away,
after which, if the plants are left in a very dirty
condition and time permits, they should be
sponged with soft water.

Vanda teres. — The past damp season has been
unfavourable for this plant, and the growth is
softer than usual. An examination reveals the
end of the season of growth. Similar conditions
and temperature to those previously advised for
Dendrobium Phalaenopsis will be suitable for
Vanda teres whilst at rest, overhead syringing
being discontinued, and only as much water
afforded at the roots as will prevent the stems
shrivelling badly.

Cattleyas. — The display of flower in the Catt-
leya-house at the present time is the chief attrac-
tion. It is not so many years ago that gardeners
had to depend almost entirely upon the species C.
labiata, C. Bowringiana, C.aurea, L. Perrinii, &c,
for late autumn and early winter display. Now,
however, we have the handsome hybrids, as C.
Mantini, C. Mrs. W. H. Whiteley, C. Ariel, C.
Portia, C. Iris, C. Wendlandiana, and others too
numerous to mention, affording a great variety of
colour and form. All those above-mentioned are
of much use to the cultivator who has to supply
large numbers of choice cut flowers, more especi-
ally as most of them endure from three to six
weeks after being severed from the plants — i.e., if
the plants are afforded suitable treatment when
in flower. Where the gardener has two Cattleya-
houses at his command, one should be set apart
for the resting and flowering plants, in which the
conditions are cooler and drier than in the other,
where the plants are still making growth.

Cutting the Flowers. — It sometimes happens that
after a flower-spike is removed decay at the apex

November 28, 1903.]

TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

371

of a pseudo-bulb will set in, which may cause the
loss of the pseudo-bulb, a mishap to which a plant
growing in wet materials or in a house that is
close and stuffy is more than usually liable. My
method is to cut the flower-sheaths halfway
through, sufliciently to sever the stem and allow
the flower-spike to be easily drawn out from the
top and the sheath to remain, into which a small
quantity of powdered charcoal is placed, so as to
dry up the moisture ; and subsequently, when the
conditions are favourable, the sheath may be re-
moved, and the plant trimmed neatly and placed
in resting- quarters, treating it as previously
advised for Orchids at rest.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq ,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

The Morello Cherry. — The pruning and training
of the wall trees should now be undertaken, the
weather being mild and the work in consequence
less disagreeable than when the days are frosty ;
it is also more rapidly finished off. If the summer
pruning and stopping received proper attention,
not much pruning will be called for at the present
time. The Morello Cherry fruits on the shoots of
the preceding year and on young spurs, therefore
these shoots may be laid-in at about 3 inches apart ;
and where the large main branches radiate from
the centre of the tree, a few shoots should be tied
over the old wood, so that all parts of the tree
may be clad with foliage. A Morello Cherry,
properly trained is a pleasant object in a garden,
and one for the gardener to feel pride in. After
the training of a tree is finished wash it with a
solution of quassia - extract, using a powerful
syringe or the garden engine, choosing a mild
day for doing the work. The border will have
been trampled hard and will need to be loosened
with a fork, or better have the surface skimmed
off 3 inches deep, replacing it with fresh loam
and a sprinkle of lime-rubble. The soil in which
Chrysanthemums have been growing is good for
this purpose.

Strawberry Plantations. — An effort should now
be made to rid the beds of surface weeds, the
stronger being pulled up and taken to the
smother-fire, and the spaces between the lines
lightly pricked up with a fork. Then take ad-
vantage of a frosty morning to wheel on to the
beds a dressing of farmyard manure. Plants
which were planted last August should have the
crowns freed from the soil drawn over them
by constant hoeing and washed on to them by the
rain. If the land is in good heart no manurial
dressing will be needed by these young planta-
tions. Ground that it is intended to plant next
March should be trenched forthwith — a remark
that applies more particularly to heavy soils.
The young plants intended for this planting, if
growing in pots, should be plunged in a bed of
coal-ashes to the rims.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pioott, Bart.,
Wexliam Park, Slough.

Broad Beans. — The practice of sowing seeds of
Broad Beans during the autumn is not much
followed nowadays, the results being scarcely
ever commensurate with the labour incurred. It
is better to sow in 8-inch pots five seeds, raising
the plants in a cold pit or frame, and as soon as
the seedlings appear affording abundance of air
at all times, removing the lights entirely when-
ever the weather will permit, a strong, sturdy
growth being the aim of the gardener. Treated
ii this manner, and planted - out in a warm,
sheltered, sunny border early in the spring, the
produce is more abundant and earlier tban from
sowings made in the open border. The long-
podded Beans are the best for present sowing.

Horseradish. — Let a part of the bed of Horse-
radish bo lifted yearly, and store the roots in
sand or fine coal-ashes. In preparing ground for
a new bed trench deeply three spits, incorpo-
rating good, rich manure in quantity with the
soil at the bottom of the trenches and with the
second spit. Young straight roots having a
crown, and from 8 to 12 inches long, should
be selected and planted in. rows at 1 foot

apart, burying them from 8 to 10 inches below
the surface. That portion of last year's crop
which is not lifted should receive an abundant
dressing of spent Mushroom-bed manure.

Rhubarb. — Owing to the scarcity of Apples
Rhubarb will be more in demand than usual, and
larger quantities of roots should be put into the
Mushroom-house or forcing-pit at intervals of
ten days. Now that the roots have been afforded
a rest forcing will be more satisfactory and a
finer growth may be expected. A quantity of
roots may now be dug up and heeled-in where they
can be protected from frost and brought forward
as may be required. The ground for fresh plan-
tations being selected it may be heavily manured
and deeply trenched. Ehubarb may be planted
at any time in spring or autumn, but except on
very light dry land planting is better for being
deferred till the end of the month of February or
a little later. Boots which are not to be lifted
should be afforded a dressing of half-decayed
stable- manure.

Seakale. — Let batches of a sufficient number of
crowns be placed in the Mushroom-house or other
dark warm place about once in ten days ; make
provision for growing the shoots in total dark-
ness. These crowns will furnish the thongs for
making the future sets. These consist of the
clean straight roots taken from the main roots
and cut into lengths of 5 or 6 inches, being cut
square across at the upper end, and diagonally at
the opposite end. Tie these in small bundles, the
thicker ends uppermost, and bury them in fine soil.
They will push forth roots and leaves in the spring,
and should then be planted. The crowns intended
for being forced should be bedded-in thickly in
rows and just covered with soil, and protected in
frosty weather with bracken or long litter.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

The Earliest Pot-Tines. — Those that were
started at the beginning of this month, will have
their buds on the move at the present date, and
may be afforded a night temperature of 55° to 60°,
increasing these figures by fire-heat 5° by day.
Let the bottom-heat stand at about 70°, and if
necessary turn over and add to the materials for
keeping up the desired bottom-heat. Eoot-action
being now apparent, there should be careful
attention paid to affording water, never allowing
the soil to become dry, and always making use
of water of the same temperature as the air
of the house. When the laterals are increased
to 3 inches in length, apply weak liquid-manure
alternately with pure water. Syringe the canes
twice daily, and maintain the air in a moist
condition by damping paths, &c.

Early Black Hamburgh-house. — The Vines having
been pruned and cleansed, and the house pre-
pared for a start, it may be closed on December 1,
if ripe Grapes are required in the month of May.
For the first ten days let no artificial heat be
employed, unless it be to keep out frost, but
afterwards afford a night warmth of 45° to 50°,
and 10° higher by day. If the roots are partly
outside and partly inside, see that the former are
covered 18 inches deep with tree-leaves. Just
previously to the buds bursting, vaporise the
vinery with XL-All, more particularly if thrips
were troublesome the previous year. Afford the
interior border tepid water copiously before closing
the vinery.

Succession Vines. — Prune these Vines as soon
as the leaves have fallen, and in order to prevent
bleeding in young Vines, dress all wounds with
a styptic. Where border extensions are neces-
sary, let the work be carried out without delay.
Good compost, at the least 2 feet in thickness,
should be added after the bottom has been con-
creted, and ample drainage provided. If the
Vine roots have not taken full possession of the
last addition of soil, prick up the surface, and
apply a top-dressing of good turfy-loam, a small
quantity of charred refuse, mortar-rubble, and a
liberal sprinkling of Thomson's Vine-manure.

Ripe Grapes. — With the exception of (Jros
Colmar and tho latest Lady Downes' Seedling,
the bunches of other varieties, more especially if
the Vines have lost their leaves, may be placed

in bottles, where, if perfectly ripened, they will
keep just as well as on the Vines, besides being;
more easily examined, and out of the reach of
rats and mice, which in many gardens are very
troublesome in the winter. When cutting the
bunches remove them with about 1 to 1J ft. of
lateral between the bunch and the rod, and
place rain-water in the bottles as well as a.
lump of charcoal. Take care not to rub off the
bloom, and carry the bunches from the vineries
to the Grape-room without laying them upon
their sides. Maintain a temperature of 45°
in the room, and keep the air dry ; and while
admitting a little fresh air occasionally in mild
weather, avoid cold draughts. Look over the
bunches at least once a week, removing berries-
that show decay, if ever so little. The air of
vineries where Grapes are still hanging should)
be kept dry ; but the roots should not lack water
at this season.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miixeb MuNDY.Esq.,.
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Lily of the Valley. — The present affords a con-
venient season for breaking up and replanting the
clumps, the stronger crowns being selected for
planting in pots, and the residue of one and two-
year-old crowns in beds and lines. Where the
systematic breaking-up and replanting every
third year is followed out the general cultivation-
of the plants is improved, provided the clumps
are not broken up too severely. The beds, &c,
should be well enriched with decayed manure
and leaf-soil, together with sharp sand if the
natural soil be deficient in this ingredient. The
crowns should be sorted according to age, the
youngest being those found the more distant
from the mother-plant, and also the smaller^
Plant individuals of each age by themselves in
rows 9 inches apart and 3 — 4 inches in the rows.
These plots should not be disturbed for at least
three years ; and by lifting and planting a
portion of the three-year-old plants a constant
supply of good flowering crowns can be kept up.

Solomon's Seal. — This, a near relative of the
foregoing, is equally useful for forcing, and may
be treated now in the same manner, excepting
that it requires considerably more space. For
planting in the wild- garden, and especially near-
water, this is an excellent, graceful, and quaint,
though rather neglected plant, with a charm of
its own.

Gaillardias. — Where named varieties only are
cultivated the supply of plants should be kept up-
by propagation from cuttings, which may be
found at this season springing up sucker-fashion
near the stools, or by cuttings of the roots ; and-
the present is a good season for securing them.
They may be rooted under glass in boxes filled
with light soil. As old stools often succumb to-
wet winters, annual propagation is necessary in
some gardens. Seedlings raised and treated as
biennials are easy to grow, but many of these
produce crooked stems and are otherwise un-
satisfactory and are not to be compared with
named varieties.

Box Edgings. — Where these have, for want of
attention to close clipping during the summer,
been allowed to get ragged and tall, they may
now be lifted, split up into pieces about G inches-
long, and relaid, making them very firm in the
soil? Only a sufficient number for the day's
planting should be lifted at one time, and this
only when the weather is mild.

Trees and Rabbits.— We may at any time expect
a fall of snow, and the occurrence is generally
followed by attacks of rabbits on the bark of
young trees. In order to prevent injury to trees,
guards of galvanised netting or some other
means of protection should be used. I find that
racked strips of old herring nets wound round
the^eins to the height of 2 feet an effective
protection.

Lawns. — The leaves having fallen from most
kinds of trees, top-dressing of charred earth,
bench sittings, decayed manure, basic slag, lime,
loam, &e., may now be applied. Ordinary ohemi-
cal quick-acting manures should not bo applied)
till the spring.

372

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 28, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editor does no
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself re-
sponsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents.

Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plant*
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.
Communications should be weittek on one side only or
thb paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Appointments for December.

WEDNESDAY, Dec,

I National Chrysanthemum So-
2-? ciety's Exhibition at Crystal
I Palace (i days).

THURSDAY, DEC. 3{

SATURDAY, Dec. 5

( Linnean Society's meeting.
I Putney Chrysanthemum So-
| ciety's Annual Dinner (not
(. December 31).

Socie c Franchise

d'Horticul-
ture de Loudres meeting.

]0 f National Rose Society's Annual
\ General Meeting and Dinr.er.

MONDAY,

Dec

THURSDAY, Dec

SATURDAY, Dec 12 -Royal Botanic Society's meeting

i National Chrysanthemum So-
H< ciety's Executive and Floral
I Committees' meeting.

../Royal Horticultural Society's
1 Committees' meeting.
17-Linnean Society's meeting.

33— Royal Botanie Society's meeting.

25 -Christmas Day.

£6— Bank and General Holiday.

TUESDAY, Dec
THURSDAY, Dec.
WEDNE3DAY, Dec.
FRIDAY, Dec.

SATURDAY, Dec.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY, Nov. 30-

Bulbs. American Fruits, Iris, Lilies, &c, at 67 and
68, Cheapside, E.C.. by Protheroe & Morris, at 11.—
At Stevens', at 12 30, Roses, Azaleas, Lilacs, Palms,
Bulbs. &c.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 2—

Bulbs, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Roses. Perennials,
&c, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe &
Morris, at 11.— Consignment of Japanese Liliums.
at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E C, by Protheroe & Morris,
at 5.— At Stevens', at 12.30, Bulbs, Palms, Roses,
Azaleas, &o.

FRIDAY, Dec. 4—

Bulbs, Asters, Hollyhocks, American Fruits, Ac.
at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E C. by Protheroe &
Morris-, at 11.— Orchids in variety, at 67 and 68,
Cheapside, E.C , by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30.
( F or further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswic k
-41T.
Actual Temperatures :—

London.— Nov 2b (6 p.m.) : Mai. 47°: Min. 33°.

Nov . 26 (noon) : 41" ; sunny at times, calm.
Provinces.— Nov. 25 (6 p.m.) : Max. 48", Bath ;
Min.3l°, off Aberdeen.

Perhaps no changes in plant
(seep6* 368*369). I0rm are more remarkable than

those that have been effected
by gardeners in the case of the Begonias. All
these have been effected in the course of little
more than a quarter of a century. The
genus itself is a very large one, and very
widely dispersed. Naturally, it is very di-
verse in its characteristics, and now that the
hybridists have worked tneir will in it they
have succeeded in inducing such additional
changes that, j udging from the flowers alone,
the student might well doubt if the flowers
put before him were Begonias at all. They
look as much like Camellias or Balsams or
Carnations as Begonias. Whether it is good
taste to make a flower resemble anything but
itself is a matter that need not be discussed,
as no finality could be arrived at. It is
•enough that our gardens have been enriched
to a wonderful extent by the introduction
and development of different types of
Begonias, and that even in the dull months

of winter it is possible to have a brilliant
display of colour. The genus, as we have
said, is very large, and the botanists have
been at much pains to divide it into con-
venient, easily recognisable, sections. For
garden purposes, however, the botanical
subdivisions are of little moment, it is more
convenient to classify (hem into subdivi-
sions according to habit and the use to
which they may be put — stemless or with a
long stem, fibrous rooted, or provided with
tubers, Begonias grown mainly for their
ornamental foliage, others for their flowers,
winter- flowering Begonias, bedding Bego-
nias, the offspring of B. semperflorens, and
so on.

The foliage Begonias are in many cases
derivatives from B. rex, a plant described
by Putzeys in the Flore des Serres, t. 1255,
and figured also in the Botanical Magazine,
t. 5105. According to Mr. C. B. Clarke, in
Hooker's Flora of British India (1879), vol. 2,
p. 647, this is a native of Assam and
Mishmee, and numerous specimens are
quoted as being in the Kew herbarium.

Another species native of India, from
Nepal to Burmah, and found also in
Southern China, is B. laciniata, with which
B. Bowringiana is considered synonymous
(Clirke, loe. cit), Botanical Magazine, 5021,
5182. Our illustration (fig. 149, p. 368) of
this plant has been prepared by Mr. Worth-
ington Smith from living specimens fur-
nished by Messrs. Sander A- Son, of St.
Albans. This species has dark-green leaves,
with median pale silvery-green band gradu-
ated into the darker parts. The margin is
red, and the veins blood-red. The back of
the leaf is crimson and very hairy, as also
are the stems.

From these two, B. rex and B. laciniata,
crossed reciprocally, were produced by
Messrs. Sander the two fine varieties exhi-
bited by them and called respectively His
Majesty and Our Queen (p. 369). The in-
fluence of the female parent is, we are told,
very marked in the case of the various
crosses that have been made.

His Majesty is the result of a cross from
Bowringiana out of B. rex, and Our Queen
is from Kex out of Bowringiana, alias
laciniata. The form of the foliage may be
seen in Mr. Worthington Smith's illustra-
tions taken from the living plants (fig.
150, p. 369). The prevailing colour in His
Majesty is a rosy-lilac, but in the centre of
the leaf is some olive-green, approaching
brown colour, concentrated around the
principal ribs and nerves. In Our Queen
tbe leaves have a centre or disc of dark
velvety, olive-green, nearly brown, bordered
with a stripe of light-green between the
centre and the margin, the whole spotted
with small pink spots. The merits of both
plants were recognised by the Floral
Committee.

The history of the tuberous Begonias has
often been given in our columns,, and the
varieties induced by the gardener have
ousted the original species, which are now
rarely, if ever, seen even in Botanic gardens.
Of one of these varieties we have lately had
occasion to speak, not indeed as new, but as
particularly brilliant and effective in the
flower-beds at Versailles. It approaches in
form the original B. boliviensis, from which
no doubt it is descended ; see p. 254.

The tuberous Begonias are mostly of
Andean origin ; they have been crossed with

one another and with South African species,
so that geographical remoteness does not
interfere at all with inter-crossing. Very
striking in this connection is the Socotran
spacies, B. socotrana, introduced by Prof.
Bayley Balfour. This, crossed with B.
Dregei from the Cape has given us the
popular Glojre de Lorraine. The whole
series of beautiful winter-flowering hybrids
which have been raised for Messrs. Veitch
by Mr. Heal, have also B. socotrana
as one of their parents. Fibrous-rooted
varieties have been crossed with tuberous
forms, and the Assamese B. rex has been
crossed with B. socotraDa, so that the distinc-
tions, whethergeographical or morphological,
between them are broken down. As to the
flowers the plants are usually " rnona'cious"
— that is, the male flowers, though separate
from the female, are borne on the same
plant, generally in the same inflorescence ;
but some of the hybrids, like Gloire de
Lorraine, are mostly "dicecious." Female
flowers and ripe seeds are, indeed, only very
occasionally produced on this variety. The
same phenomenon is witnessed in the variety
called John Heal, but, as the plants are most
easily propagated by cuttings or leaf-buds,
the absence of seed is of no great importance.
The female flowers have usually an " in-
ferior'' ovary, but it is not uncommon to see
it " superior,'' whilst hermaphrodite blossoms
are now and again met with. These divaga-
tions are rather troublesome from one point
of view, but from another they are of great
interest as showing how arbitrary are the
distinctions on which we rely, and also as
furnishing the botanist with some clue to
the real ancestry and relationships of the
genus.

Before quitting the subject we may call
the attention of our readers conversant with
the French language to a little book lately
published by M. O. Doin, of Paris, and com-
piled by M. A. Van den Heele. This gives
in small compass the history of the genus,
the methods of cultivation and propagation,
and very full lists of the varieties. It is an
excellent little treatise ; but its utility
would be much enhanced if, in addition to
the sectional lists, a comprehensive alpha-
betical index to the whole book were
provided.

University of London : Lectures on Ad-
vanced Botany. — Mr. A. D. Hall, Director of
the Eotham3ted Experimental Station, gave his
sixth lecture at the Chelsea Physic Garden on
November 24. The lecture first dealt with the
Barley-crop, and contrasted the manurial re-
quirements of Barley and Wheat. Barley is less
dependent on nitrogenous manuring than Wheat,
b ut requires more phosphoricacid. The difference
may be put down to the comparatively shallow
root-system of Barley, and its growth during a
warmer season of the year. For the same reasons
Birley is more suited to lighter soils than Wheat
prefers. High quality in Barley is associated
with a high proportion of starch and a low
nitrogenous content, the reverse of what is
desired in Wheat. The effect of manures upon
the quality of the Barley grown on the Kothamsted
plots was then discussed ; it was shown that the
qiality of Barley was more affected by mannring
than was the case with Wheat. Superphosphate,
by accelerating the ripening, and ammonia salts
as sources of nitrogen, were favourable to the
quality ; potash increased the size of the " berry,"
but did not improve the quality in the same
proportion. Lastly the influence of cultiva-
tion upon the quality of Barley was discussed.

November 28, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

373.

and it was shown that Birley grown after roots
wa? rarely so good as Barley after a previous
straw crop, also that early sowing and a long
period of growth were great factors in producing
high quality. Mangolds were then taken as an
example of a root crop. Their manurial require-
ments were shown to be mainly nitrogen and
potash. Nitrate of soda was also far more effec-
tive than ammonia salts. This was attributed to
the deep-rooted habit of Mangolds ; the ;freely-
soluble nitrate increases the range of the roots,
whereas ammonia salts remain near the surface.
In consequence, Mangolds grown with ammonia
salts ripen off earlier than those grown with
nitrate of soda. Mangolds are essentially a crop
for strong land, though the habitat of the wild
Beet, from which they are derived, would indicate
a sandy soil as most suited to the plant. The
natural habitat of a plant is often the place to
which it has been driven to escape competition
rather than the place in which it will grow best.
The lecturer then gave results of the analysis of
Mangolds at various stages in their growth, and
as grown with different manures at Eothamsted.
The effect of manuring on the composition was
not great, and is in the main indirect, acting by
shifting the time at which the roots mature.
With excess of nitrogen, and especially when
potash is deficient, the plants become very suscep-
tible, the leaves being rapidly destroyed by
fungoid attacks. The next lecture will be given
at 3 p.m. on December 1, and will deal with the
effects of manures on the botanical character of
the herbage of grass land.

Linnean Society.— On the occasion of the
■evening meeting to be held on Thursday,
December 3, 1903, at 8 p.m., the following papers
will be read : — 1. " On the Littoral Polychsta
from the Cape of Good Hope." By Dr. Arthur
Willey, F.R.S., &c. 2. "Notes on Myriactis
Areschougii and Coilodesme californica." By
Miss May Kathbone.

The Gardens of the Quirinal.— The recent
visit to England of the King and Queen of
Italy has revived our interest in Italian horti-
culture, and the following notes about the gardens
of the Quirinal are particularly acceptable. They
are derived from a recent issue of the Journal de
•la Bociete Nationale a" Horticulture de la France.
The gardens of the Quirinal were laid out, during
the pontificate of Paul V., on the summit and
■slopes of the hill, anciently the Collis Salutaris.
The upper part of the gardens is quite level, and
somewhat formally laid out with avenues of
■Quercus Ilex, and Buxus sempervirens, which
■form clipped hedges ; and there are borders
geometric in form, interspersed with flower-beds
and fine shrub3. The lower portions of the
grounds are more pictural, and the water from
the terraces above is here turned to account for
plants which need coolness and moisture. Here
also is a hydraulic organ which, until some few
years ago, had played for centuries. The gardens
■•contain some fine Palms, the Phoenix being
particularly beautiful. Numerous fountains and
ihandsome statuary are found herein, and these
and the gardens generally are kept in excellent
condition. The King and Queen of Italy pass
a considerable part of their leisure in the Quirinal
gardens, the King being interested in trees and
the Queen in flowers.

M. CROZY. — We regret to announce the
death, at the age of seventy-two, of M. Pierre
Crozy, of Lyons, which took place lately at
Hyeres (Var) while he was on a visit to his
daughter. M. Crozy wa3 widely known for his
-cultivation of Cannas. In the year 1897 he gave
the following account of his experiments in
Moller's Deutsche Qiirtner-Zeitung, from which
we take what follows : — "I have," said M.
Crozy, *' undertaken for the first time cross-
fertilisation between Canna Warscewiczii and

Canna nepalensis, a species with large, pale
yellow flowers and a strong, creeping rhizome.
The first results of my hybridisation bore the
names Bonete and Plantieri, of which the latter
had green leaves and orange-coloured flowers,
while the former more resembled Canna "War-
scewiczii, and had purplish-brown leaves and
fairly large flowers. In addition to this,
it bloomed freely, and for a considerable time
met with much favour. After that I obtained
hybrids of Canna aureo - pictata with yellow-
spotted flowers, which from year to year gra-
duilly became larger and more rounded in shape.
I then occupied myself in trying to obtain
earlier-blooming sorts. By a careful choice of
the seedbBarer, I gained a hybrid that is very
free-blooming and has no creeping rhizome. I
long continued thus to discard all defective
plants. I am not able to reckon exactly the number
of forms that I have produced, but without exag-
gerating it is between 180 and 200. These have
all showed gradual development and improve-
ment. Am ong my novelties that are not yet placed
on the market are some of very brilliant colour,
and having flowers of from 4£ to 6 inches in width,
these are set in great numbers in very strong
panicles."

Mushroom Culture.— We are glad to see,
by a note in the Weekly Florists' Review
(American) for October 15, that, following the
advice of Prof. B. M. Duggar, of Columbia, Mo.,
Mr. Swanson, one of the leading Mushroom-culti-
vators in Chicago, is adopting a comparative "pure-
culture " method of preparing the spawn. The
spawn is grown direct from the best Mushrooms,
either from the spores or tissue, in* glass tubes in
sterilised manure. It grows rapidly and is very
vigorous, and although it had not yet been tried
on a large scale, Mr. Swanson was so well
pleased with his first trial that he decided to
adopt it exclusively for this season's business.
An illustration of the first crop on a bed of
100 square feet grown from this spawn shows
the yield to have been satisfactory. Descrip-
tions of the " pure-culture " methods that have
been practised in laboratories in France were
published in the Gardeners' Chronicle for
August 19, 1893, p. 214, and December 11, 1897,
p. 416, and many times subsequently.

Kent and Surrey Committee, Commons
and Footpaths Preservation Society. —
The Kent and Surrey Committee of this lone-
named Society send us their Report for the year
1902 — 3. It is a record of valuable work, and the
members are to be congratulated upon their
success. Among the noteworthy cases dealt with
during the season is that concerning the Ham
and Petersham Commons, and the river-front
from Richmond to Kingston, now secure from
building. By this the long famous view from
Eichmond Hill is preserved from disfigurement,
and a considerable expanse of open space is left
free for the enjoyment of residents in and visitors
to the neighbourhood.

Canadian Apple Shipments. — According
to the British Canadian Review, shipments of
Apples from Canada to Great Britain this year
have been unusually large, but prices for good
qualities continue to be very fair. For the week
ending October 24, the number of barrels which
left the port of Montreal was 59,324, of which
24,2G5 went to Liverpool. All the others went to
British or Scotch ports, except a few to Antwerp.
Most of these came from Ontario, where the
crop, while not so large as that of la9t year,
is astonishingly good for an "off " year. The
Nova Scotia crop fit for export is estimated at
500,000 barrels, of which about 155,000 have
already gone, and it is calculated that the amount
of cash which fruit-growers will receive is not
far short of a million and a half dollars.

Eltham and District Gardeners' Mu-
tual Improvement Association.— The first
general meeting of the above Association was
held on Wednesday evening, the 18th inst., at
eight o'clock, in the Institute, High Street,
Eltham. Considering the short period of time
the Society has been formed, the numbers present
augured well for the future success of the Asso-
ciation. At eight o'clock the Secretary, Mr. J.
D. Robertson (to whom the Society owes its
inception), read a letter from Mr. Rossetti, of
" Merlewood," expressing regret at being unable
to attend. In his absence Mr. Stafford, one of
the Vice-Presidents, was voted to the Chair. The
prizes oftered were keenly contested.

CHERT8EY GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT
INSTITUTION.— Mr. A. J. Brown's fifth annual
concert in aid of the funds of the Gardeners'
Royal Benevolent Institution has become a recog-
nised and welcome event, and may justly be
regarded as the musical event of the year so far
as Chertsey is concerned. This year the fixture,
in point of the quality of the programme and the
support accorded by the public, was fully equal
to what it has been in the past. The hall was
prettily decorated with choice Chrysanthemums
from the School of Handicrafts, and numbers of
Ferns, Palms, and foliage plants were lent by Mr.
L. J. Baker and Mr. P. Waterlow. The piano
was kindly lent by Messrs. Waterer & Sons.

Society for Horticultural Science. —

The Society for Horticultural Science was success-
fully organised at Boston, U.S.A., Sept. 9. There
was a good attendance at the meeting, and the
discussion of the project was general. The need
for strengthening the scientific side of horti-
cultural work was deeply felt, and sentiment
was strongly in favour of a concerted movement
to this end. Hence the Society. Membership in
the Society is open to any person engaged in the
teaching of scientific horticulture or in investi-
gating problems bearing upon it under certain
conditions. These are (1) recommendation of a
member, (2) a two-thirds vote of the Council, (3)
payment of the membership-fee of two dollars.
President L. H. Bailey has called the first
meeting with programme to be held in St. Louis
this next Convocation Week in connection with
the meeting of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science. A more detailed
announcement on this point will be made later.
The central feature of the programme is to be a
discussion of the principles underlying the
practice of tillage, together with the use of cover
crops in orchards. Two other general subjects
are also to be taken up: (1) A discussion of the
shading of plants from the physiological stand-
point, (2) accounts of recent progress in scientific
horticulture in some of the foreign countries.
These features are in addition to the reports of
original investigations. 8. A. Beach, Secretary-
Treasurer, Geneva, N.T., October 31, 1903. The
Editor of this Journal has been elected an
Honorary Member.

Chrysanthemums and Charity. — For a
fortnight in November the private collection of
Chrysanthemums belonging to H. Grant, Esq.,
Sodbury House, Great Clacton, has been open
for the inspection of visitors, who were invited to
contribute to a collection for the Clacton Cottage
Hospital. The amount thus secured for the hos-
pital was jE13 12s. Gd. Although the glasshouses
and gardens generally were thrown open, the
Chrysanthemums were the chief attraction, the
gardener, Mr. F. J. Toms, being a first-class
cultivator.

"Chrysanthemum Guide." — We have re-
ceived a copy of Mr, H. J. Jones's Chrysanthemum
Guide, and have no hesitation in recommending
it to all exhibitors of this flower, and to culti-
vators generally. The alphabetical list for
stopping and timing the principal varieties has

374

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 28, 1003.

been brought up to date as far as was possible,
and in itself is a useful aid to the cultivator.
There are chapters on " Japanese Chrysanthe-
mums for Exhibition," " Culture of the Incurved
Chrysanthemum," " Incurved Chrysanthemums
for Exhibition," '* How to Grow Large Blooms on
Plants in (j-inch and 7-inch pots," "Calendar for
the Year," &c. The price in paper covers is 6cJ.,
but the pamphlet may also be obtained in cloth
bindings.

The Gingko as a Town Tree.— We have
repeatedly advocated the use of this tree for
street planting, the principal drawback being the
scanty supply. An illustration in American Gar-
dening for October 31 shows what a fine avenue
of this tree exist3 in the City of Washington.
The trees are about thirty years of age, and
average 50 feet in height.

The Weeds of Ontario.— The Bulletin of
the Ontario Agricultural College for August,
1903, contains descriptions and illustrations of
the commoner weeds, together with representa-
tions of their seeds. To a large extent the weeds
are the same as those which are the pests of
cultivated land here, and the means of destroying
them are the same. The pamphlet published by
the Ontario Department of Agriculture is likely
to be very serviceable.

The Belgian Year - Book of Horti-
culture, and of the industries pertaining to it
will appear in January, 1904. This Year-book
will be divided into three parts : 1, Administra-
tive part ; 2, complete list of the addresses of
nurserymen and cultivators ; 3, advertisements.
The publishing office of the Year-book is Ghent,
Coupure 15.

Presentation to Mr. Alex. Dean. — On
Tuesday evening last, 24th inst., the members
forming the executive committee of the recent
gardeners' dinner and reception entertained
the honorary secretary, Mr. A. Dean, at
dinner at the Holborn Restaurant. Mr. Owen
Thomas, V.M.H., who has>bly and courteously
acted as chairman of committee during the
months preceding and subsequent to the dinner
on September 29 last, presided. The 'chairman,
in a few well-chosen remarks, asked- Mr. Dean's
acceptance of a silver salver suitably engraved,
and an address. Mr. Dean] gratefully acknow-
ledged the gifts, and in an excellent speech
recounted some of his earlier, experiences in
gardening, much to the interest and instruction
of th<S3 present. With the exception of Mr.
Hudson the members forming the late committee
were all present. The address was as follows :—

"To Mr. Alex. Dean,— We, the Committee of the
above, have much pleasure in asking jour acceptance
of this Address as a S ouvanir of the occasion and as a
slight token of their appreciation of the valuable
services rendered by yju as Hon. Secretary in bringing
about the great success the tunction proved to be.
The Committee are mindful that to your initiative is
due the conception of a great national social gathering
of British gardeners in London in association with the
last of the great Fruit and Vegetable Shows held at
Chiswick Gardens under the auspices of the Royal
Horticultural Society; but above and beyond this the
Committee feel that the unparalleled success of this
great gathering of close upon 500 horticulturists who
met in the King's Hall at the Holborn Restaurant on
this occasion, uuder the Chairmanship of Viscount
Dbncannon, in the unavoidable absence of Leopold
de Rothschild, Esq., is due to the untiring labour of
love you so freely gave to the organising of the move-
ment, and to the long sustained devotion you rendered
to every item of work, so long as work remained to be
done.

"You will require nothing to remind you of the
pleasant time we had together in working for the
success of the Banquet; it will, we are sure, be en-
graven on your memory as a red-letter day, and not
the least pleasurable part will be the satisfaction of
knowing that it proved a financial success, and that
the balance left over was handed to the garden charities

'As a slight Souvenir and a token of esteem and
regard we a k your acceptance of this Address and
piece of Silver, with our sincere good wishes for good
health and all possible happiness for many years to
come." J. F. McL.

Argentine Fruit, etc — We are informed
that arrangements are now completed for the
carriage of fruit and vegetables from Argentine
to this country. As we have already stated,
Peaches will be the more important of the fruits
sent out, and Tomatos and Asparagus will repre-
sent the vegetables. Two steamers are quite
ready for the coming season.

©bituain?.

JOHN Ward. — This famous gardener and
worthy man entered into his rest after a short
illness, although he had not been in the best of
health for several years. About ten days ago he
had a paralytic seizure, but was fully conscious,
lingering a week or so, and passing away pain-
lessly on Thursday the 19th inst. He was
buried at St. Peter's, Forest Eise, Walthamstow,
on the 24th inst.

Mr. Ward was born on January 29, 1831, in
the days when there were no school attendance

The Late JOHN" WARD.

officers, and boys had to work early and late for
very small wages, those who had the least cod-
dling seemingly doing the best. My good friend
started work at eleven years of age in the garden
of the E9V. N. Watson, of Loughton ; thence
he went to Chigwell, under Mr. Jos. Protheroe.
After some experience at Chigwell he obtained a
position in Lord Petre's garden at Thorndon
Hall, Brentwood, and subsequently he went to
Earl Denbigh's, Newnham Paddock, Leicester-
shire. After seventeen years' experience in these
various gardens, he had a turn in the nursery of
Messrs. John & James Fraser, of the Lea Bridge
Koad. At that time this nursery was noted for
the growth of specimen stove and greenhouse
plants, with which they carried off the leading
prizes at the chief London exhibitions.
Here the young gardener had an oppor-
tunity of getting acquainted with all the
details of this class of work, and his
future success, wherein the pupil surpassed
the master, showing what good use he had made
of his opportunities. The late F. G. Wilkins,
Esq., of The Poplars, Leyton, applied to Messrs.
Fraser for a gardener, and selected Mr. Ward,
who began his career as head gardener there
in 1858, at the age of twenty-seven. It was

a small garden, but Mr. Ward set to work to-
do the best with the existing material. Mr.
Wilkins encouraged his young gardener, and1
showed his appreciation of his work by purchasing
new plants and building glasshouses for their-
cultivation. I saw Mr. Ward's work frequently
during the seventeen years he was engaged im
these gardens, and can truly say that he never
failed in anything that he undertook. He eame-
out decidedly first in stove and greenhouse
flowering and foliage plants, growing them as-
they had never been observed previously. His-
specimen plants of Anthurium Scheraerianum-
var. Wardi (named after the raiser) were truly
magnificent. Mr. Wilkins next fancied Orchids^
and his gardener threw his heart into theirr
culture, and, as with other things, he met witb
great success. The Orchids were sold, after the
sudden death of Mr. Wilkins in 1875, at?
Stevens's Rooms, King Street, Co vent .Garden.
The prices obtained were very high, owing to the-
rarity of some and the excellent condition of all.
The name of John Ward is not known to
the younger generation of gardeners, as - it is-
twenty-eight years since he exhibited .his last
collection of plants ; but it is fresh in the memory
of those of us who did our best work in the*
seventh and eighth decades of the last century.
After the death of Mr. Wilkins the establishment
was broken up, and Ward bought an acre ofr
ground at Leytonstone, built a house or two, and
grew Cucumbers, Grapes, and " market-stuff."
Here he was equally successful, and the entire
acre was soon covered witb glass. I am not
inclined to philosophise ; the master is gone, and)
has left his record behind. To his sons, who-
will carry on the work, I wish every success.
Ward had not a chance to obtain a good educa-
tion ; a boy who his to start work at the age o£'
eleven cannot be well educated, but is cast on his-
own resources, and this circumstance puts life and
mettle into a boy. I read of a desire to form " a
National Association of Gardeners." I hope
such an association may be formed ; I wish it
every success. But garden boys and young gar-
deners will obtain little or scarcely any help-
from such an association. The only help is the
kind which Mr. Ward and I had — self-help.
Head gardeners can help their young men by
advice and encouragement in their attempts to
advance in their calling, and discourage every-
thing that is likely to prove a hindrance, such ass.
cigarette-smoking, drinking, and frivolous amuse-
ments of all kinds. May every head gardener feel
that he is responsible in a great degree for the
welfare of the boys and men under his care, and
that example is more than precept ! He may do-
much to help them by his advice in choosing the-
books and papers they should read. Jas. Douglas.

WILLIAM COSSAR, head Gardener to Earl
Mansfield, at Caen Wood, Hampstead, died on
Saturday morning, November 21 ; he was seventy-
seven years of age, and had been gardener at Caen.
Wood for the last thirty-seven years.

Publications Received. — From the imperials

Department of Agriculture for the West Indies,
come papers on Ground Nuts in the West Indies, by
William G. Freeman, and Seedling and other Canes at
Barbados.— Proceedings and Journal of the Agricultural
and Horticultural Society of India, for April— June, 1903,.
includes various appropriate notes, and an illustration
of foliage Anthuriums.— Proceedings of the A gri horticul-
tural Society of Madras, April to June, 19:3. It is pro-
posed to sec aside a room as a Museum, where samples
of fibres, resins, &?., can be displayed.— The Queensland-
Agricultural Journal, September. This reports upon
and illustrates the distinct exhibits at the Exhibition-
at Bowen Park, includes notes on Wheat, Flax, and.
other economic plants, and deals with matters con-
nected with Dairying, Poultry, Stock. &c.—The Journal'
of Agriculture of Victoria, September. This furnishes a
review of the work of the past year, remarkable as
beiDg that of the severest drought ever experienced,
since the country north of the dividing range has-
been brought into cultivation. At no time have the.

November 28, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

375

advantges of irrigation been so clearly demonstrated in
the State. In the vineyards Phylloxera gave much
trouble, and resistent vine nurseries have been founded.
In spite of these adverse conditions, the reports are
.generally favourable.

ITEA ILICIFOLIA.

The genus I tea was, until recently, represented
in English gardens by I. virginica, a spreading
shrub 3 or 4 feet high, suckering freely, and
flowering profusely in August. It has ovate, dark
dull green leaves 2 or 3 inches long, and slender
terminal cylindrical spikes 3 inches long of small
■white flowers. It is represents i by good ex-
amples in the arbaretum at Kew. I. ilicifo!ia

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

THE PERSISTENCE OF THE MARIGOLDS. —

The African and French Marigolds have held on
for a long time this season, but the frost has now
terminated their floral service, except in sheltered
positions. At Gunnersbury Park, Mr. Reynolds
has (early in November) on the border of his long
Peach-case, which faces south, a number of plants
of yellow Chrysanthemums, occupying about one-
third of its length ; the remaining t wo- thirds is filled
with orange African Marigolds. The Chrysanthe-
mums have a sorry appearance, but the Marigolds
are brilliant in the extreme, laden with large, full,
symmetrical blossoms. They were untouched by
the 6' of frost experienced at Gunnersbury Park
on the 17th, and should the weather become mild,

or Mr. J. J. Willis, of Rothamsted, give to your
readers the benefit of their knowledge and ex-
perience. There is undoubtedly a practical
benefit to all who cultivate soil to be derived from
an authoritative statement concerning this matter.
If the rains have deprived the soil of plant-
foods, as is inferred, heavier manure-dressings will
next year be needed. If no such harm has been
done, then manuring may be as usual. It
is, however, difficult to assume that no depletion
of manure has taken place. All manures, -and
chemical ones especially, are much more rapidly
rendered soluble in a wet season than in a dry
one ; indeed, we have had seasons so dry that
these manures have undergone little change.
That being so, it is natural to assume that
manures being thus rendered soluble have been
much more largely utilised than is the case when

«

p?

Fig. 152. — itea ii.iciioi.ia: grown at kew.

•(fig. 152) has lately been added by Messrs. Veitch

■& Sons, through their collector, Mr. Wilson, who

sent home seeds of it from Iebang, where it was

•originally discovered by Dr. Henry, in 188G,

"' growing in rocky places on the tops and sides of

-cliffs, forming a shrub 3 or 4- feet high." There

is, in the temperate house at Kew. a good example

•of it, whioh flowered last September. It forms a

■3hapely evergreen bush with holly-like leaves,

and spikes 4 inches long of white flowers.

Possibly it will prove hardy at Kew, but so far as

I know its hardiness has not been tested. It is a

plant that should interest gardeners in the South

and West. The Iteas are related to the Escal-

lonias. I.spinosa of Andrews' Botanical Repository,

t. 314, is now referred to Bursaria spinosa, and I.

-<'yrilla of Sweet is Cyrilla racoraiflora, tho

" I-eitherwood " of the South United States.

W. W.

with a little sunshine, the Marigolds seem as if
they would go on for some time to come. In my
cold house I have a plant of a striped French
Marigold, growing in a medium-sized pot, with
fully fifty expanded blooms on it, and they are
very slow to fade. The value of the African and
French Marigolds, when grown in pots for con-
servatory decoration in the closing months of the
year, is not nearly so much appreciated as it
should be. R. D.

MANURES AND THE RAIN. — It has been said,
but with what degree of truth it is not easy to
ascertain, that the heavy rains of the year, reach-
ing up to the end of October, a greater quantity
than has fallen in any whole year since 1872, have
largely tended to deplete tho soil of manurial
properties, literally washing them away out of
reach of crops. It would be very interesting as
well as helpful in determining the truth or other-
wise of this suggestion, did either Mr. A. I). Hall

seasons are dry. But then again, with perhaps
the exception of grass and weeds, we have seen
no special evidence of unusual exuberance of
growth on the part of ordinary crops, and that
naturally leads to the assumption that the pro-
portion of manures when soluble washed out of
the cultivated soil by the constant and heavy
rains was as large as that utilised by the crops,
and perhaps more so. Of course, it can be shown
that average crop growth was largely discounted
by the abnormal coldness of the soil and the
atmosphere, due to the relative absence of
sunshine. Those were undoubtedly things
which did greatly check growth, and are
mentioned as showing that whilst abundant
rains did greatly assist innnures to be soluble
and capable of ready utilisation as plant-
food, other causes operated to 'hock orop growth
rather than to assist it. It would alBO, seeing
how important is said to be the part played by
bacteria in the conversion of manures to plant-

376

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 28. 1903..

foods, how far a cold and excessively wet season
may have affected the operations of that wonder-
fully minute and marvellous section of micro-
scopic gardeners. I presume that there is not
at present, whatsoever there may be in the future
at Wisley, any British station where subjects of
cultural as well as scientific interest can be
answered so well as at Rothamsted, where at least
it is always understood that pure science is fore-
most and commercial interests are incidental only.
Mr. Hall has made soil his special protege', and
will, lam sure, readily reply to my queries if he
thinks they merit attention. A. Dean.

clerodendron NUTANS. — In the issue of
the Gardeners' Chronicle for November 14, there
appeared a short notice of the beauty and value
of Clerodendron fallax, as a decorative plant,
which everyone will fully endorse, but I would
say a word of praise on behalf of the still more
useful Clerodendron nutans. We have here just
now some eighteen or twenty plants in 6 and 7
inch pots, each carrying twenty-five to thirty
panicles of white flowers. These plants have
much decorative value in the dwelling. 1 enclose
some panicles for your inspection. J. Cocker,
ChesterSj Humshaugh-on-Tyne.

RASPBERRIES ON NOVEMBER 15.— I am send-
ing some Raspberries of a variety from which
I have gathered about two quarts a week for the
last month; they always give a good supply of
late fruits, and I should like to know the name of
them. J. Balcombe, Grenehurst Gardens, Capel,
Surrey, November 15. [The autumnal Raspberry
much resembles Semper Fidelis. It is remark-
able that these varieties have done exceptionally
well this autumn, even the ordinary varieties have
produced fairly good crops in Kent this autumn,
although they have been given no special treat-
ment. Your variety seems to be a heavy cropper
and a vigorous grower. It would be wise another
season to despatch fiuiting branches to the Royal
Horticultural Society's Fruit Committee. Ed]

BEGONIA GLOIRE DE LORRAINE ON BALLOON
TRELLISES. — I would like to add one word or two
to the remarks of Mr. Fyfe upon the above
popular plant. I have trained some of ours this
year over wires in the form of a narrow balloon
about 16 inches in height above the pot, which
have been greatly admired ; and such plants
present a graceful appearance. The wires should
be painted green. /. S-, Farnley, OtUy.

OLD-FASHIONED GARDEN8. — Your excerpt
(p. 355) from American Gardening, in which men-
tion is made of Lord Bacon's protest against the
barbarous practice of clipping trees, reminds one of
Addison's famous satire in The Guardian : — " Adam
and Eve in Yew; Adam a little shattered by the fall
of the tree of knowledge in the great storm ; Eve
and the serpent very flourishing. The Tower of
Babel not yet finished. St. George in Box, his
arm scarce long enough, but will be in condition
to strike the dragon by next April. A Queen
Elizabeth in ' Phyljisa/ a little inclined to the
green sickness, but full of growth. An old maid-
of-honour — in Wormwood. Divers eminent poets
in Bays, somewhat blighted, to be disposed of— a
pennyworth. A quickset hog, shot up into a
porcupine by its being forgot a week in rainy
weather," &c. A. C. Bartlett.

lilium auratum in Scotland. — Enclosed
is a photograph of a plant of Lilium auratum
growing in Mr. Galloway's garden, Viewbank,
Kinnoul, Perth. It has grown from a single
bulb planted in the open border in the spring of
1896, and has gradually increased in size till
this year it had eleven stems with 144 blooms.
The soil of the border is a light rich loam resting
on a dry, open subsoil. The treatment has con-
sisted merely in giving the bulbs protection from
frost during winter by covering the surface with
moss litter, and feeding with a little artificial
manure during the spring and summer months.
A. Maclcinnon, Scone Palace Gardens, Perth, N.B.
[An excellent plant, but a similar, even larger,
one growing at Dunoon, in Perthshire, was
illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, May 13
1899, p. 303. Ed.]

WINTER-GRAFTING R08E8.— In his excellent
notes on " Rose Grafting," your correspondent,
J. D. G., states, " It will be found necessary to

open the sashes a few hoars each morning to dry
the air and dissipate the excessive moisture that
gathers round the plants." Your correspondent
is speaking of freshly grafted plants, but if any of
your readers act on this advice they will probably
find it injurious. From personal experience I know
that for the first week the grafted Roses (and the
same applies to all hard-wooded indoor grafting)
cannot be kept too close ; half an hour each
morning is the longest time permissible, and after
this it can be gradually increased to an hour.
J. D. G. says, " The French are very successful in
this kind of business ; " well, and so are the
English, but not if they take too literally the
advice I have mentioned. C. E. F. Allen. [Our
correspondent will have noticed the fact that
the grafting frame is placed inside the propa-
gating house, thus tempering the influence of
the air upon the Rose grafts. These would for
two or three weeks possess no leaves. Ed.].

INTERESTING TRIAL OF POTATOS IN WEST
LOTHIAN.— Mr. A. S. R. Learmonth, Balderston
Farm, near Linlithgow, made a special trial of
twenty-nine varieties of Potatos this season.
Every precaution was adopted to ensure that
each variety should obtain identical treatment.
The land was ploughed in autumn after 20 tons
of dung per acre had been spread on the stubble.
When planting, a dressing of artificial manure
was applied in the drills at the rate of 7J cwt. per
acre. The land is suitable for Potatos, being a
medium alluvial loam. Mr. Learmonth's crops
always run from 10 to 16 tons per acre, according
to the variety. Twenty running jards of each
variety were planted, with sixty whole sets speci-
ally selected, and weighing about 2 oz. each. To
thoroughly test the disease-resisting qualities,
lifting was deferred until the beginning of No-
vember. The produce of each variety was
dressed and weighed in the presence of a repre-
sentative of the Edinburgh and East of Scotland
College of Agriculture and a representative of
Messrs. Dobbie & Co. Appended are particulars
of the ten varieties which were most satisfactory :

SOCIETIES.

Variety.

Ware.

Seconds

Chats.

Diseased.

a *s

a **

a «s

a ~ .

o s

tZ

o g

u

a 6

1-

p B C

H a

&

h o

-

H o

o*

How

Evergood

10 5

0

2 13

2

0 13

2

Farmer's Glory.

9 3

0

1 12

(l

1 3

0

10 0

The Factor ...

9 3

0

1 1

■2

0 13

2

13 0

British Queen .

7 12

0

1 9

0

0 13

2

1 7 2

Up-to-Date

8 6

0

1 4

2

1 1

2

0 7 2

Abuodaoce

(Sutton's)

7 9

0

1 15

tl

0 7

2

17 2

Market Fa-

vourite

7 12

0

1 4

2

0 12

0

1 9 0

Main Crop

8 3

0

1 9

0

0 12

0

0 3 0

Royal Kidney...

6 18

0

1 7

2

1 1

2

0 1 2

Dobbie's Im-

proved Kidney

7 9

0

0 10

a

0 10

a

0 7 2

The other varieties which were tested, and which
did not give such good results as the above, were
the following : — Bountiful, Britannia, Cigarette,
Daniel's Special, Dobbie's Favourite, Duke of
Rothesay, Jeannie Deans, Satisfaction, Scottish
Triumph, Springfield, Snowflake, The Crofter,
The Sirdar, White Elephant, Windsor Castle,
Cramond Blossom, Pride of Enfield and Forty-
fold. One of the surprises of the trial was the
position taken by Main Crop. Mr. Learmonth
believes the splendid crop afforded by this variety
to be largely due to the entire change of seed.
Evergood was an easy first. In some districts
this fine variety is " sprained," i.e., black in parts
inside when cut across. It is to be hoped this
trouble is only local. Scotia.

AKEBIA LOBATA.— Mr. Smith, of Newry, has
just sent me a fruit and foliage of Akebia lobata
(Decaisne), ripened in Nottinghamshire. The
fruit is oblong and fleshy, 3J to 4 inches long
by 1J inch broad, and of a smooth bright
purple or puce colour ; the leaflets are larger and
more ovoid than in A. quinata, and appear to be
ternate only. If it fruits at all freely it must be
a very handsome thing. It appears to be Japanese,
whereas A. quinata is Chinese. F. W. Burbidqe.

ENQUIRY.

Where can I obtain plants of Monanthes
polyphylla and Petrophyes agriostaphis. Perhaps
they exist under some other name. J. C.

KOYAL HORTICULTURAL.

November 24— The usual fortnightly meeting of the-
Committees was held on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall;
Buckingham .Gate, Westminster, when there was an
interesting display for the season, although few note-
worthy novelties were shown. Orchids were as
numerous as could have been expected, and the Com-
mittee recommended Awards including three Awards
of Merit.

The Floral Committee made no Awards to novelties
other than Chrysanthemums, which obtained three
Awards of Merit. Messrs. Veitch's Begonias were
again greatly admired, and Chrysanthemums from
Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, W. Wells & Co., Mr. H. J.
Jones, Mr. W. J. Godfrey, and the excellent cultivator
to Mr. Hankey, of Leatherhead (Mr. Higgs), made a
good floral display. There were sprays of zonal Pelar-
goniums, groups of Ferns, Carnations, shrubs in pots,
Poinsettias, &e.

The Fruit and Vegetable Committee recommended
a Silver gilt Knightian Medal for an exhibit of ripe-
Grapes, but made no Award to a novelty.

At the afternoon meeting a number of new Fellows
was elected, and it was announced that owing to-
family bereavement, Mr. K. Lewis Castle was unable to
give his lecture upon "Pomology as a Study," which
was postponed.

Floral Committee.

Present : H. B. May, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs.
Geo. Nicholson, C. T. Druery, James Walker, A. Perry,
Jno. Jennings, W. Howe, G. Reuthe, C. R. Fielder,
Chas. Dixon, C. J. Salter, R. C. Notcutt. Cbas. Jeffriesv
H. J. Cutbusb, Chas. E. Pearson, C. E. Shea, H. J.
Jones, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James,
Chas. Blick, Ed. Mawley, E. T. Cook, and R. W.
Wallace.

Messrs. J. Hill & Son, Barrowfleld Nurseries,
Lower Edmonton, made a large exhibit of Ferns, the*
plants shown on this occasion being large specimens
that were appropriately arranged on the floor of the
hall. There were particularly good specimens of
Davallia Sjiensis major and D. f elegans, Dicksonia
antarctica, D. culcita, Davallia solida, Polypodium
glaucum, P. Mayi, Gleichenia semivestita, Dicksonia
Schiedei, Davallia Moorean a, &c— (Silver gilt Banksian
Medal).

Mr. John Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey,
exhibited a group of small shrubs in pots suitable for
putting into small beds or into window-boxes. The
Aucubas were extremely well " berried," and the deco-
rative-leaved species were excellent little plants.
These included also Eleagnus glabra aurea, a beautiful
variegated Ivy, Hedera Helix" maderlensis variega'a,.
H. maculata aurea, Garrya elliptica, Ligustrum tri-
color, many varieties of Holly, Euonymus " Silver
King "—(Silver Flora Medal).

Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic
Nurseries, King's Road, Chelsea, made a very brilliant
show with their winter-flowering Begonias, hybrids
from B socotrana and tuberous-rooted varieties. B.
socotrana was shown, and most of the hybrids, includ-
ing Winter Perfection, Ensign, Winter Cheer (one of
the best), Agatha and Agatha compacta. These Bego-
nias last in good condition a considerable time, and it
is noteworthy that some of these same plants were-
exhibited in bloom a fortnight ago at the Crystal
Palace— (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons exhibited cut blooms ot
Chrysanthemums. Amongst the numerous varieties
were good blooms of Bessie Godfrey (yellow), Mrs.F. S,
Vallis, Queen Alexandra. General Hutton, Mme. P.
Radaelli, Mytileae (a deep yellow incurved Japanese;
Messrs. Cannell had also a very fine exhibit of sprays-
of zonal Pelargonium blooms, the flowers of which
were as large and as brightly coloured aa they coulct
be in the summer season. Another exhibit from the
Swanley Nurseries consisted of remarkably good plants.
of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, in 7 and 8 inch pots.
The plants were quite masses of flowers; and a speci-
men of the variety Turnford Hall was just as well
flowered— (Silver gilt Banksian Medal).

Messrs. W. Wells & Co., Earlsnood Nurseries, Red-
hill, had a magnificent display of Chrysanthemums.
There were fine exhibition blooms of Donald McLeod,
Mary Inglis, Miss Violet, Leila Filkins, S. T. Wright,
Cheltoni, Mrs. E. Thirkell, and a great number of
choice novelties— (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Cutbush <Jt Sons, Highgate, London, N, and
Barnet, Herts, showed a collection of alpine and.

November 28, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

377

bulbou9 plants, among which were to be observed
Cheiranthus Allioni. a yellow, dwarf-growing Wall-
flower with orange-coloured b'ooms ; Chrysogonum
virginicum, Saxlfraga cymbalaria, Solidago virga-
aurea-prostrata, Primula acaulis rubra plena, now
almost bursting into bloom ; a bright lilac-coloured
Veronica named Mont Rose, V. diosmacfolia, Crocus
ochroleucus, a species having very slender white
flowers; Campanula muralis major, 4 inches in total
height, with flowers of a shilling size and in colour
blue; Meconopsis nepalensis, wi'li leaves of a light
green tint, with a white woolly tomentum on both
sides; Eupatorium Weinmannianum, said to be hardy
in this country; several Spirreas, Pernettyas in variety,
Ericas, Shortia galacifolia, Galax apbylla, Tritoma9, &c.
(Silver Banksian Medal). They also staged a collect'on
of cut blooms of choice Carnations, amongst which
the splendid white flowers of the variety Mrs. S. J.
Brookes were conspicuous.

Thos. Cripps & Son, nurserymen, Tuubridge Wells,
showed a floor group of about forty plants of Euphorbia
pulcherrima, consisting of clean, vigorous plants well
furnished with leaves and surmounted with a good-
sized head of bracts (Silver Banksian Medal).

Messrs. Bare & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden,
showed a few spikes of Iris slylosa, Schizostylis
coccinea, Nerine aurea, N. undulata, and N. flexuosa
alba; and a panful of plants of Solarium jasminoides
in flower, measuring lj foot high. Tbey had been
s'ruck this autumn from cuttings, a capital method of.
cultivating this pretty white-flowered species.

Messrs. W. Bull & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea,
showed a group of plants in bloom of Epiphyllum
delicatum, a delicately tinted flower which has been
described already.

Incurved Chrysanthemums were shown in really
excellent condition by J. B. Hankey, Esq., Fetcham
Park, Leatherhead fgr., Mr. W. Higgs) He had sixty
blooms, which for siza, form and general development
surpassed most exhibits of the Chinese type that are
seen. Mr. Higjs is quits the champion cultivator of
incurveds— (Silver Flora Meda').

AWABDS OF MEBIT.

Chrysanthemum) Mrs. J. Dunn.— A first-class Japanese
variety somewhat of the build of F. S. Vallis, colour
pure white. Shown by Mr. H. J. Jones, Ryeeroft Nur-
sery, Hither Green, Lewisham, who had a few other
novelties.

Chrysanthemum Dorothy Pywcll.—A large white Japi-
nese, with long narrow flore's; colour white, with
suffusion of sulphur-yellow in the centre. Shown by
Mr. Sewakd, The Firs, Hanwell.

Chrysanthemum Lady Cranston.— Described as a sport
from Mrs. Barkley. which it resembles greatly, though
the florets appear longer; colour, white, with pink-
blush on the younger floret?. Shown by Mr. R. C.
Murray, Blackford House, Edinburgh.

Orchid Committee.

Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Cbair) ; and
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), de B. Crawshay,
H. M. Pollett, H. Ballantine, Norman C. Cookson, J.
Douglas, F. Wellesley, F. A. Rehder, A. Hislop, G.F.
Moore, F. J. Thorne, J. W. Odell, W. Boxall, W. H.
Young, M. Gleeson, H. Little, W. A. Bilney, W. H.
White, and J. W. Potter.

Captain G. L. Hoi ford, CLE., Westonbirt, Tetbury
(gr., Mr. H. Alexander), was awarded a Si.ver-gilt Flora
Medal for a group of finely-grown Orchids, for three of
which he secured awards (see list). The specimens
shown consisted of the beautUul Cypripedium x
Leeanum, Holford's variety, a plant with thirteen
blossoms ; C. insigne Harefleld Hall, with eight large
flowers; C. insigne Sanderoe, the one with six and the
other with seven flowers; three fine forms of Cypri-
pedium x Euryades, raised at Westonbirt, aureum
and Westonbirt variety being handsome and distinct,
and C. x Charlesianum superbum.

Messrs. Sandeb & Sons. St. Albany reeured a Silver-
gilt Flora Medal for a fine group, in the centre of
which was Cattleya labiata KtDg Edward VII., a form
with very la'ge and well shaped flowers of a bright
magenta rose tint; the frilled lip massive, and of a
ruby-crimson lint with a lighter coloured margin— a
superb variety. The group contained among oilier
hybrid Cypripediums C. x Evelyn Amea, C. x sigas
magniflcum, C. x Memoria Motnsil, C. x Hitcbinalre,
Cvx Masters insigne, a distinct cross between C. Mas-
tersianum and C. insigne, the prevailing colour being
greenish primrose marked with cliocola'o purple, and
with a creamy-white tip to the dorsal lepal. Of sin-

gular and rare plants there were the pretty rose and
white Waluewa pulchella, Bifrenaria racemosa, and
Angrsecum distichum, and a good blue Vanda carulea,
Zygocolax x Veitchii, and various Odontoglossums,
one spotted O. crispum having very fine flowers.

Mr. J. Cypher, Queen's Road Nursery, Cheltenham,
was awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a very fine
group of Cypripeiiums, the forms of C. x Leeanum
and C. insigne, including the greater part of the best
forms; a large number of varieties of the latter, from
the beautiful yellow C. i. Sanderae and the numerous
other yellow forms to the large and dark coloured C. i.
giganleum, and C. i. Harefleld Hall, forming quite a
study. There were also shown plants of C. x Leonire
and other hybrid?, capitally grown and well staged.

F. A. Rehder, Esq., The Avenue, Gipsy Hill (gr., Mr.
Norris). was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a good
representative group of Cypripediums, including his
handsome dark coloured C. x Ernesto (villosum x
oenanthum superbum), C. x Mrs. Rehder (Argus x
Rothschildianum), a very beiutiful and distirct hybrid,
C. insigne Baron Schroder, a large flower approaching
Harefleld Hall, but with purple blotches beneath the
white of the dorsal sepal. Olhers noted were C. x
Bruno, C. x ex Ianthe (exul x Ianthe) and several dis-
similar forms ; C. Sanderianum, C. x Minos, C. x
Arthurianum, and other hybrids, be sides several yellow-
flowered varieties of C. insigne.

Messrs. Chablesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford,
secured a Silver Flora Medal for an excellent group,
the most prominent plants in which were Ltc'io Cat-
tleya x luminosa aurifera, with yellow sepals acd
petals, and purple and rose lip; L-C. x Irene (C.
Bowringiana x L. tenebrosa), ashowy rosy lilac flower,
and Cypripedium x Qreenof Italy (see Awards). The
forms shown of Laelia x Dig'oyano purpurata, L.-C.
x Bletchleyensis, L.-C. x Wilhelmina £L -C. x etegans
x C. labiata), Cattleya . Enid, Sophro - Cattleya x
eximia, Cypripedium x Thalia, C. x Leeanum magni-
flcum, Miltonia vexillarla Leopoldi, varieties of
Odontogiossum crispum, O. x Harryano crispum, and
O. x Hallio crispum, Lycaste x Tunstilli, L. x Ballii,
&c , were likewise remarked.

Messrs. HuiiH low & Co , Enfield, showed an effective
group for which a Sih-ar Banksian Medil was awarded,
which included Cypripedium insigne Sandete, C. i.
Laura Kimball, C. i. Statterianum, C. x Leeanum mag-
niflcum, C. x Tityus superbum, C. x Niobe, C. x Pol-
lettianum magniflcum, C. x Memoria Moensii, C. x
Prewetti, C. x Muriel Hollington, C. x Swinburnel
magniflcum, Epidendrum osmanthum, Odontogiossum
X Harryano crispum, and a flower of Lselio Cattleya
X Decla alba.

Mr. H. Whateley, Kenilwortb, secured a Silver
. Banksian Medal for a group of Cypripediums, a very
fine one being C. x Amy Robsart (villosum x nitens), a
large yellowish flower of the C. x Sallieri class, marked
and spotted with chocolate purple and having a white
band on the dorsal sepal; also found in the group
were fine varieties of C. x Leeanum, C. x Mint Jules
Hye, C. insigne Harefleld Hall, C. i. Sandeuc, Ac.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch it Sons, Chelsea, staged a
group of hybrid", including several forms of Lrelio-
Cattleya x Decla, L.-C. x Terentia, L. C. x Hione,
Cattleya x Portia, C. . Elviaa, C. x Apollo, the
siogular-looking Lte'ia x Omen (purpurata x anceps),
and the beautiful Cypripedium x Thalia (Baron
Schroder x insigne Chantinii).

Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, WokiDg (gr.,
Mr. Hopkins), sent Cypripedium insigne, West held
variety, good in form and dark in colour; and the
citron yellow tinted C. insigne citrinum.

R. I. Measures, Esq., Camberwell (?r., Mr. Smith),
showed Cypripedium insigne Etermanni Sandei ;r, like
a rather small form of C. insigne Sanderse.

J. Wilson Potter, Esq , Croydon (gr., Mr. Young),
showed Zygopetalum Murrayanum.

H. S. Leon, Esq , Bletchlcy Park (gr., Mr. Hislop),
sent Cattleya x Comet var. Audry ( Warneri x Dowiana
aurea), sepals and petals greenish - primrose, lip
purple, changing to rose at the apex ; acd Cattleya x
Preciosa Hislopi (Lawrenceana x Luddemannlana).

Awards.
Awards or Merit.

Ltelio-Cattleya x Cnssiopr, Wetlonbirl var. (L pumila X
L.-C. X exonlcnsis), from Captain G I. Hoi , Wes-
tonbirt.—A fine flower; sepals and petals bright rosy-
lilac; lip finely expanded, dark claret purple, with a
lighter base, on which are aome fine purple lines.

Cypripedium x Leeanum Stofforditnmm, from Captain
G. L. Holiord.— A fine form, equal to the best C. L.
magnlflcuin in size, and of a rich dark colour; upper

sepal emerald-green at the base, with purple lines and
dark median band; apical half pure white ; petals and
lip yellow tinged and marked with red brown, the
surface very glossy.

Cypripedium x Queen of Italy (insigne Sanderse x Gode-
frojie leucochilum), from Messrs. Charleswobth &
Co., Heaton, Bradford. — A beautiful hybrid, very
similar to the fine C. x Venus illustrated in the
Gardeners' Chronicle, February 8, 1932. Foliage greyish-
green, slightly tesselated ; flowers larger than those of
C. Godefroyse; primrose colour, with minute purple
dots on the petals and dorsal sepal. A very delicately-
tinted and pretty hybrid.

Cultural Commendation.
To Mr. H. Alexander, Orchid-grower to Captain G.
L. Holfobd, for a magnificent specimen of Cypri-
pedium insigne, Harefleld Hall variety, with eight
flowers, grown from a small plant.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present: Geo. Bunyard, Esq. (Chairman) ; and Messrs.
W. Bates, S. Mortimer, Jos. Cheal, Alex. Dean, W. Fyfe,
Owen Thomas, Geo. Reynolds. J. Jacques, J. Willard,
G. Norman, J. Mcludoe, A. H. Pearson, George Wythes,
and H. Markham.

A collection of 16 butches of fine Grapes was shown
by Sir Chas. Russell, Bt., Swallowfield Paik, Reading
(gr., Mr. F. Cole). The varieties were Coopers Black,
Muscat of Alexandria, Blai k Alicante, and Mrs. Pince.
The last named variety was not well coloured, but all
the rest were very good— (3ilver-giit Knightian Medal).

Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Victoria and Paradise
Nurseries, Upper Holloway, N, exhibited heads of
Savoy, Williams' Conical, having nice close hearts of
conical shape.

Mr. Jabiz Ambrose, Cheshunt, again exhibited the
new Black Grape "Melton Constable," aLd for com-
parison a rather inferior sample of Gros Colmar.

Mr. J. Crook, Forde Abbey Gardens, Chard, showed
some nice fruits of Apple Crimson King, rather flat-
shaped fruits, highly coloured, hard, and a good
keeper.

THE LONDON COBN EXCHANGE
CHRYSANTHEMUM.

Novemiieb 11.— This 9how, held in aid of the funds of
the Corn Exchange Benevolent Society, was held on the
above date, and as regards the quality of the blooms
exhibited, was the best yet held under the auspices of
the Society. The judge, Pebcy Watereb, Esq., of the
Stock Exchange, bad a very difficult task in allotting
the prize for both the Silver Bowl and the Silver Cup,
as the winner of the 2nd prize in each case ran the
premier very closely.

W. R. Clabke, Esq., and F. W. Smith, Esq., took
all the prizes in the classes for the members of the
Corn Exchange, while Sir Swinfen Eady took fonr
1st, but missed the Cup, which fell to Claud Cayley,
Esq, for non-members (amateurs). At 3 40 p.m. tbe
blooms were put up for auction, R. Godwin, Esq.,
of Mincing Lane, again acting as auctioneer. The
sale realised tbe handsome sum of £13 la. 6d. The
thanks of the Committee of the Benevolent Society
are due, and are tendeied, to all the exhibitors who
so kindly gave their flowers, and to N. Sherwood,
Esq., D. M Grlmsdale, Esq , Charles Denny, Esq., Mr.
M. Longman, of 72, Mark Lane; Messr? Thos. Tlffen &
Co., Cannon Street, Madame Butchart, of St. Swithin's
Lane, who also gave flowers; Messrs. Tilley Bros., of
Brighton, who gave several parcels of bulbs ; and E. N.
Watts, Esq., who gave Grapea. The boxc3 of Orchids
from D. M. Ubimsdale. Esq., were very lovely, as also
was the basket of Orchids and other flowers sent by
Madame Butchart. The attendance at the show was
larger than usual, and especially was this tbe case at
the auc ion, the result no doubt of the splendid adver-
tisement that was displayed on the clock of the Old
Corn Exchange, for which the thanks of the Society are
tendered to the Directors of the Corn Exchange Com-
pany. The sale was a marked success, thanks to the
auctioneer, Mr. Goodwin, who has kindly given his
services for several years past. The Secretary, J. H.
Mitchener, Esq., Is to be congratulated on tbe success
of the show. London Corn Circular, November 19.

LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL.

November 11, 12— Tills association held Its twenty-
fifth annual show in the Drill Hall, Botanio Road, on
the dates given. The principal attraction was the
Challenge Cup class for twenty-four each Japanese and
incurved, distinct varieties, six stands bolog staged.
Tbe premier stand came from Mr. E. Ellis, of Kivervlow,
Heawall, a gentleman who some few yoars ago com
menccd their cultivation as a hobby rather than with
the Intention of exhibiting. Tbe stand was, for colour,
freshness, and quality, as good aa could be desired;

378

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 28, 1903.

Mr. S. G. Williamson (gr., F. Young), Otterspool
House, was a very tine 2nd.

For eighteen blooms of Japanese varieties the com-
petition was keen, and flowers of great merit were
shown by Mr. E. Clarke (gr., A. Clarke), Aigburth,
who was 1st with very fine blooms; 2nd, Col. T. Gee
<gr„ P. Greene), Allerton. For eighteen incurved
varieties the latter gentleman gained an easy victory.

In the classes for twelve Japanese and twelve In-
curveds.Mr. Clarke waslst with high-class blooms; in
each case being followed by Dr. Cooke (gr., G. Osborne),
Tit- Brook House.

Reflexed varieties were not striking, but Pompons
made a capital display, Mrs. FiNDLAY(gr., W.Wharton),
Sefton Park, taking each class.

There was a strong competition for the six vases of
three blooms each, Mr. C. J. Procter (gr, J. Williams),
Hoscobel Noctorum, leading with magnificent blooms,
and Mrs. Fisdlay was a good 2nd.

Mr. Procter had also the 1st prize basket, a charm-
ing combination of yellow Bingle and reflexed varie-
ties, interspersed with light yellow and green-leaved
Crotons, and Smilax, and Asparagus.

Table decorations formed a large item, Mrs Vlasto
taking 1st prize, and, as some thought, improperly.

Plants.

Trained and staked plants have decidedly improved,
Mrs. Kitchen (gr., J. Rose), West Derby, having four
fine large -llowered plants; and Mr. H. Cunningham
was 1st for Pompons. The best six naturally trained
plants came from Mrs. Findlat.

The miscellaneous plants were very numerous— viz ,
Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, Cyclamen and Orchid),
Euphorbia pulcherrima more than a foot high, furnished
with six bracts, was in superb condition, from Mr.
Hitchman; while the Fruit classes, excepting those
for hardy fruits, were numerously filled with exhibits
of high quality.

WIMBLEDON CHRYSANTHEMUM,

November 17, 18.— One of the latest Metropolitan
shows, this was held in the Wimbledon Drill Hall on
the above dates, plants of very excellent quality being
staged.

Groups were, for so late in the month, very good ; the
one arranged by Mr. C. Pullen, gr. to P. B. Fores, Esq.,
Raynes Paik, having capital blooms and well-foliaged
plants ; Mr. A. Smith, gr. to Madame Stuart, The Con-
vent, Roehampton, was 2nd.

Of miscellaneous groups a very nice arrangement
was that set up by Mr. R. Bradford, gr. to E. H.
Brown, Esq., Roehampton ; Mr. Thornton was 2nd.

In the section for cut blooms the finest display was
made by a class for twenty-four Japanese set up in
vases in trebles. There were six collections, the best
coming from an old grower, Mr. J. Gibson, gr to J.
Wormald, Esq , Morden Park. Mr. Gibson was again
a good 1st with twenty-four incurveds, also set up in
vases in trebles.

Baskets of Chrysanthemums were a great feature,
there being three classes, and numerous competitors]
The best came from Mr. A. H. Burgess, Wimbledon.

Winter Begonias were in strong force; the best-
tlowered plants, although rather too dwarf, came from
Mr. J. Everitt, gr. to J. F. Schwann, Esq., Wimbledon ■
Mr. Bradford comiDg2nd.

Mr. F. Goddard, gr. to W. J. Lancaster, Esq , Putney
Hill, had the best six of numerous table plants ; Mr.
Gill showed the best berried Solanunis, and Mr. C.
Jones put up the best six Chinese Primroses.

Fruit was not shown largely. There were numerous
baskets of excellent vegetables.

Messrs. D. S. Thompson & Sons, Wimbledon, had
very effectually dressed the platform with decorative
plants, and Mr. J. Nash, florist, put up a charming
group of flowering and foliage plants.

ULSTER HORTICULTURAL.

November 17, 18.— This comparatively young but
enterprising Society takes rank, as far as its antumn
exhibition is concerned, with the leading Societies of
the country. It is gratifying to see how, through the
energy of the Committee, consisting of a few experi-
enced horticulturists and shrewd business men. the
show has been raised to so great a pitch of usefulness
The show is held in the St. George's covered market,
Belfast, which affords an ample area for the exhibits'
and for visitors to promenade in large numb ;rs The
Society is popular with all classes in Belfast and its
influence is apparent in the increasing critical interest
which the public display each year in Chrysanthe-
mums, hardy and hothouse fruit, butter, and farm and
garden produce generally.

A finer stand of twenty vases Japanese Chrysanthe-
mum blooms, in three blooms of twenty varieties has
never been seen in Belfast than that exhibited by Capt
A. Stirling Kcir. Dunblane (gr., Mr. T. Lunt) • nor
have finer displays of fruits been observed than those
staged by the two nurseiy firms of Duksons

There were also magnificent floral displays set up by
Mr. F. E. Smith & Co., and Messrs. Alexander Dick-
son & Sons ; whilst the very choicest of groups,
arranged in the most artistic manner by Mr. Huch
Dickson's son, and softly lighted by small coloured
electric lamps, attracted a crowd at all times— nothing
to equal it bad ever been placed before the admiring
public in Belfast, The arrangement and blending of
the colours of the Orchids, the Lilies, Begonias and
foliage were beyond all praise.

Perhaps in no department of work has the Society
done more useful work than in bringing into the
notice of the public the superior and more productive
varieties of Apples. The possibilities of Ulster as a
fruit-growing country are being proved more strikingly
every year. It is safe to say that the Irish fruit exhi-
bited at this show would hold its own against the
products of any part of the three kingdoms, and it is a
pity Irish growers cannot be persuaded to bring their
produce to the great autumn show of the Boyal Horti-
cultural Society at Cliiswick. The twenty four dishes
of culinary Apples and six dishes of Pears shown by
Mr. Harding, gr. to Lieut.-Gen Pakenham, would
require some beating.

Decorated tables of fruit were good, the best going to
the Marquis of Downshire (gr., Mr. Bradshaw), and
the 2nd to Lieut -Sen. Pakenham.

TheFarmers' classes for Apples showed great improve-
ment, and fruit-growing is evidently progressing in the
Emerald Isle. Roots were a great feature, both for
large size and good quality. Potatos as shown were
clean and good, although a good many tubers in some
collections erred on the side of coarseness.

Butter is an important exhibit at the shows, many
of the leading creameries of the country, as well as
the local butter-makers, sending exhibits. W. C.

BRISTOL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 18, 19.— This one of the oldest Chysanthe-
nram Societies in the kingdom, held its fortieth Ehow
in the Colston Hall, and proved to be in every way a
successful one. The groups and blooms were of a very
high order of merit and the classes for the latter
especially were particularly well filled. The leading
group of Chrysanthemums arranged by Mr. McCul-
lock, and that also of Chrysanthemums combined
with ornamental foliage plants, which was set up by
Mr. Bannister, were excellent from every point of
view, while Mr. Vallis's thirty-six blooms of Japanese
varieties, which secured for him the Society's Vase, of
the value of 12 guineas, and amongst which a grand one
of F. S. Vallis won the National Chrysanthemum
Society's Silver Medal, as the best bloom in the show,
were equal to his best efforts.

Grapes and other fruits were largely staged, but
collectively they were scarcely up to the usual quality
observed at Bristol. A centre table, reaching nearly to
the length of the Hall, filled with fine specimens of
Palms, ornamental fo'iage plants, Ferns, &c , for which
classes were provided, made an imposing feature.

Groups of Chrysanthemums, arranged in a space of
50 tq.feet.— Mr. J. McCullock was 1st, amongst three
exhibitors with tastefully arranged and finely grown
plants, edged with Maidenhair Fern ; Mr. Harford, gr. to
V.Barnard. Esq , was 2nd; and Mr. Parrett, gr. to W. H.
Butler, Esq , with good dwarf plants, was 3rd.

Chrysanthemums arranged with foliaged plants in the
mine amount of (pace. The leading exhibit consisted
of suitable plants shown by Mr. Bannister, and Mr.
H. T. Curtis was 2nd.

Miscellaneous plants in 31 to. feet.— Five fine groups
were set up in this class, and Mr. Curtis, who was 1st,
made free use of Dendrobium Pha'eenopsis Schroderi-
auum, Cattleyas, Salvia splendens, and Callas, com-
bined with suitable ornamental foliaged plants, edged
with Begonia Gloire de Lorraine and variegated
Eulalia; and Mr. McCullock, was a good 2nd.

Plants.— There were three classes devoted to Chrysan.
themums, and each was filled with p]ants of middle-
sizs. The winner of the 1st prize for three varieties
being Mr. S. Cole, gr. to Sir Chas. Cave, who staged
C. H Curtis, Mr. T. Carrington, and Simplicity; Mr.
West was placed 1st both for a large-flowered and a
Japanese variety.

Blooms, thirty six Japanese, not fewer than twenty-four
varieties. — Here, as has been stated, Mr. Vallis, of
Chippenham, was 1st, showing a meritorious number
of brightly-coloured blooms of F. S. Vallis (which was
selected as the best bloom in the show), Mons. Eemy,
Mrs. Vallis, Mme. Herrewete, Mr. T. Carrington]
General Hutton, <&e. ; 2nd, Mr. May, gr. to H. o]
Lord, Esq.

Twelve blooms, Japanese.— This was also a good class
and there were six entries. Of these Mr. G. H. Baker,
gr. to Dr. Cor-PER, was 1st with W. R. Church, J. r]
Upton, Mae P. Radaelli; 2nd, Mr. A. E. Reaka gr to
W. A. F. Powell, Esq.

Twenty (our bloomf, Incurved varieties.— Here there
were only two exhibitors, and of these Mr. Drake, the
well known Cardiff grower, was a capital 1st, with beau-

>r

tifully finished flowers of Frank Hammond, Perfection,
Nellie Southam, Miss Nellie Tlirelfall, &c; Mr. G.
Runnacles was placed 2nd with good blooms.

Twelve blooms, Incurved.— Of the eight competitors in
this class, Mr. Baker was 1st with fresh blooms of
Mrs. F. Judson, C. H. Curtis, Countess of Warwick,
Miss Nellie S,outham, &c. ; 2nd, Mr. E. A. PARSONS.

Anemone, twelve blooms.— Mr. G. W. E. Hack, gr. to
Mrs. Pethick, was 1st, and staged Mr. P. Dann, W.
Astor, Owen's Perfection, Le Chalonais, Delaware, and
Mrs. H. Gardener; 2nd, Mr. Hobb. T. C.

[The crowded state of our colums does not-admit of
the smaller classes of Chrysanthemums, of Orchids,
Fruit, Vegetables, or of Trade Exhibits being reported.
Reports from many of the smaller Societies are also
crowded out. Ed.]

LINNEAN.

November 19.— Prof. 8. II. Vines, F.R.S., President,
in the Chair.

The Rev. R. Ashington Bulden, F.L.S., -brought for
exhibition an albino mole, from a farm near Bagshot ;
it was wholly of a light-fawn colour, and no similar
specimen had been seen for at least twenty years,
though many moles had been trapped on the same
farm.

Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S., F L.S., gave an abstract of
his paper, " A General View of the genus Pinus," which
was illustrated by specimens of cones, and lantern-
slides. He stated that the object of the paper was to
ducuss the nature and value of the characters made
use of in discriminating the various species of Pinus,
and to supply additional points of distinction derived
from the anatomical structure of the leaf and other
sources. Reference was made to the tegumentary,
mechanical, and other leaf-tissues, to the position of
the resin ciuals, the number of cells in the endoderm-
layer, the shape of the central half-cylinder or " men-
stele," the simple or branched condition of the fibro-
vascular bundle, &i. A comparison was made in many
cases between the perfected structure of the adult
foliage and the imperfectly developed arrangement in
the cotyledons and in the primordial leaves.

By the aid of the "characters" above mentioned,
together with those derived from the bud-scales, the
number of leaves in the fascicle, the conformation of the
male flowers, and of thecones and cone-scales, the author
has framed an analytical table of the species, which,
although mainly artificial, may be of assistance here-
after in facilitating the determination of the species,
and in arranging them in more natural groups. The
two main divisions adopted are the thin-scaled Pines
or Tenuisquamte, and the thick scaled Pines or Crassi-
squamic, according to the relative thickness of the
cone-scales. With these are associated so many other
differences that the groups in question appear to be
natural. Further subdivisions are founded on the
points of distinction previously mentioned. Notes are
supplied relating to each of the seventy or more
species, and intended to be complementary to the de-
scriptions already published. Bibliographical details
and references to figures are given when deemed
de irable

In the discussion which followed, Mr. A. C. Seward,
Dr. D. H. Scott, Mr. W. C. Worsdell, Dr. A. B. Rendle,
Dr. A. Henry, and the President took part, Dr.
Masters replying to the various questions which had
been put.

The second paper was by Miss Margaret Benson,
D.Sc, and Miss ELiziBETH Sanday, b.Sc. entitled,
" Contributions to the Embryology of the Amentifene,
Part II., Carpinus Betulus," which was communicated
by Professor F. W. Oliver, D.Sc, F.L.S., and in the
absence of the authors was read by him. The material
was collected during the first half of July, 1902, and
the authors had the advantage of consulting Miss
Sargent as to the best methods of fixing and embed-
ding. Above 500 accurately orientated, stained and
mounted series of sections were obtained through
ovules containing the earlier stages in the develop-
ment of the numerous embryo sacs, until the segmen-
tation of the definite nucleus and of the egg occurred.
Former observations (see Part I., in Trans. Linn. Soc.,~
Ser. 2, Bat. iii. (1891). pp. 409-124) were confirmed, and
the following new facts obtained. The polar nuclei
meet at the neck of the caecum, descend together,
and ultimately fuEe near its base. The pollen-tube
enters the sac in their vicinity, and provides some
means of exit for one male gamete which seems to be
emitted into the ctccuoi and makes its way to the
definitive nucleus. Meanwhile the other male gamete
is carried up by the tube and emitted into the sub-
stance of the egg, with which it fuses after a short
delay. A wall is now formed round the egg, and when
a considerable amount of endosperm is present, seg-
mentation of the egg commences.

The authors discuss Mr. Frye's work on Casuarins,
and point out that in the present condition of our
knowledge the two genera are shown to be very nearly
allied, and the Cohort Verlicillatse in Engler's Syllabus
der Pflamenfamilien, 1903, might be subordinated to the
family Betulacete as a subfamily Casuarinese.

A short discussion followed, in which Mr. A. C.
Seward and Dr. D. H. Scott joined, and Professor
Oliver replied.

November 28, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

379

SCOTTISH HORTICTTLTUBAL.

November 19, 20, 21.— This important exhibition was
held in the Wavarle? Market, Edinburgh, which, though
somewhat less well filled with exhibits than it has been
in some more favourable years, contained nevertheless
a show that was highly satisfactory to all concerned.
Cut blooms were the strongest feature of the show, and
these were all staged withlong stems, in vases, three in
each. Many of the flowers were young, and might well
have remained a week or ten days loiiger in the privacy
of their respective homes before making their debut
in public, but it was a fault easy to overlook.

The class in which the City of Edinburgh Queen
Victoria Memorial Prize is offered, retains the place of
honour. It is open to all, and calls for twenty vases of
Japanese blooms in twenty varieties, three blooms of
each ; 1 st prize, plate of the value of £20 with £10 in money
added, presented by the municipal authorities ; 2nd,
£20 ; 3rd, £15 ; 4th, £10 ; 5th, £5. Five exhibitors staged,
and for the first time since these prizes were offered,
Mr. Lunt, of Keir Gardens, was defeated by an old
opponent, Mr. D. Nichol, gr. to J. W. Bell, Esq , Eossie
House, Forgandenny, Perth; Mr. Thos. Lunt, gr. fo
Captain Maxwell-Stirling, Keir House, Dunblane,
being 2nd. Mr. Nichol's blooms were characterised
byevenness and high quality throughout. In Mr. Hum's
were some better blooms, but they were less equal.
The 1st prize collection comprised these : Back row : H.
Stowe, F. S. Vallis (extra good), Mme. Paola de Radaelli
(extra good), Mrs. K. Carberry, Mrs. F. S. Vallis (extra
good). Middle row : Duchess of Sutherland (very weak),
Miss Olive Miller, Miss A. Byron (extra good), Lady
Conyer, Bessie Godfrey (very fine). Mrs. Barkley, and a
really fine E. Shrimpton. Front row : Mme. Gustave
Henry, Mrs. Geo. Mileham, Lord Ludlow, Nellie Pocket,
Mrs. Bryant, Geo. Lawrence, and J. K. Upton.

In Mr. Lunt's exhibit were extra fine examples of
Miss E. Fulton, M Louis Remy, Mrs. Barkley, Bessie
Godfrey, Exmouth Crimson, Australie, and Mrs. E.
Hummel ; with a lot of weighty and fresh blooms, Mr.
Beisant, Castle Huntly, was 3rd ; Mr. Martin, Corn-
dean Hall, Winchcombe, Gloucester, 4th; and Mr. R.
Kenton, Monkham, Essex, 5th.

Class 2 is a novel one, inasmuch as it is " confined to
growers within the municipal boundaries of Edinburgh
and Leith." It is called the "Scottish Horticultural
Association Queen Alexandra Prize," and is offered for
twelve vases of Japanese Chrysanthemums, three
blooms of each ; 1st prize, £15 ; 2nd, £10 ; 3rd, £7 10«. ;
4th, £t. There were four entries, and considering the
flowers were the produce of plants grown within the
city, they proved the adaptability of the Chrysanthe-
mum as a town plant. Mr. Cavanagh, St. Edward's,
Murray field, secured 1st prize; Mr. J. Fraseb, Kil-
rarock, 2nd; Mr. W. Lamond, Brightlea, Colinton
Road, 3rd; and Mr. Murray, Blackford House,
Murrayfield, 4th.

Class 3 was confined to Scottish growers, "The
Scottish Challenge Cup," for twelve vases of Japanese
Chrysanthemums in twelve varieties, three blooms of
each; 1st prize, Cup and £10; 2nd, £3; 3rd, £7; 4th, £5;
5th, £3. There were only three competitors, the 1st
prize being awarded to Mr. Nicholson, gr. to G. A.
Whitelaw, Esq., Strathallan Cistle, Perthshire, for
a good lot of blooms, of which the more noteworthy
were J. R. Upton, Miss O. Miller, Florence Molyneux,
Kimberley, Princess Brancovan, and Mafeking King;
2nd, Mr. Cumming. Grantully Castle ; and 3rd, Mr.
Norman, gr. to Earl of Mar and Kellie, Alloa House,
Alloa.

In Class 4 for six vases of six Japanese varieties,
three blooms of each, there was a keen competition,
nine staging capital collections. A Silver Medal with
£1 was the 1st prize, and this was secured by Mr.
Beisant; 2nd, Mr. Lunt; 3rd, Mr. Nicoll; and 4th,
Mr. Norman.

In Class 5, for two vases containing six Japanese
blooms, one variety, three in each, for which thirteen
staged, Mr. Simpson, Wemyss Castle Gardens, was 1st
with Bessie Godfrey, fine ; 2nd, Mr. Kidd, gr. to Lord
Elphinstone, Carbery Tower, Musselburgh, with Miss
E. Mileham; 3rd, Mr. Kenyon, with Mme. C de LOche.

There were twelve exhibits of collections of four
vases containing twelve Japanese blooms, distinct
varieties, three blooms of each, Mr. Nicholson being
a good 1st with Bessie Godfrey, Australie, Ethel Filz-
roy, Mafeking Hero, J R. Upton, Kimberley, Mme. P.
Radaelli, Princess Brancovan, F. Molyneux, Mrs. Geo.
Mileham, Mr. J. Bryant, and Miss o. Miller. 2nd, Mr'
Nichol; 3rd, Mr. Cumming.

From the three classes immediately following, com-
petitors in the preceding ones were excluded. There
were nineteen exhibitors in a class for four vases of
Japanese in four varieties, three blooms of each. 1st,
Mr. Lumley, Broomhal], Dunfermline; 2nd, Mr.'
Bruck, Seafield, Ardrossan ; 3rd, Mr. K. Mackenzie',
Cambus, Alloa.

In the following class,; for two vases of Japanese
blooms, distinct, there were twenty-four exhibitors.
Mr. R. Bruce won 1st prize ; Mr. J. Waldie, Dollarbeg]
Dollar, and prize; and Mr. T. Baird, Arnsbrae!
Cambus, 3rd prize.

The best six blooms of a Japanese variety were shown
by Mr. Hall, Williamwood, Thornliebank ; and the
best six blooms of an incurved variety by Mr. John
Busher, Aikenhead, Cathcart, with fair blooms of
James Agate.

Class 13 was for two vases of incurved blooms, dis-
tinct varieties, three blooms of each. 1st, Mr. Martin.

In Class 14 the prizes were presented by Mr. Godfrey,
Exmouth, for four vases containing not fewer than
six varieties of Japanese, three blooms in each vase,
novelties introduced from Exmouth, Mr. Lunt ac-
quiring 1st prize; and Mr. Murray, the only other
exhibitor, 2nd. The Silver Medal for the best Japanese
bloom in the above classes was won by Mr. Lunt ; in
the amateur section by Mr. Stewart, Alloa ; and for
incurved by Mr. Martin, Corndean Hall. Mr. Murray,
Blackford House, secured 1st prize for the best variety
not in commerce; Mr. Wells, Earlswood, Surrey,
being 2nd in the same class.

Pot Plants.

In this section there was a very superior lot of
trained plants, attributable, as it was said, largely to
the fact that competitors are now restricted to growing
one plant only in each pot. The most successful
grower was Mr. Pullman, gr. to D. Huie, Esq , Colinton
Road, Edinburgh, who secured 1st for respectively six
Japanese, six not disbudded, one white, one yellow,
one single, and a Medal for the best plant in the show.
Other successful growers were Mr. D Cavanagh, Mr.
Holmes, Winton Castle, and Mr. Michie, gr, to Sir I.
Steel, Broughfield. In addition to these, £10, £7, and
£5 prizes were offered for groups 20 feet by 10 feet,
arranged on the floor. The prizes were awarded, but no
tickets had been attached late in theafternoon, though
it was understood that Mr. Wool), Canaan Lane, was a
prizewinner. Zonal Pelargoniums were remarkably
well shown in 6-inch pots, Mr. Macgregor securing 1st
for six plants, also Gloire de Lorraine Begonias ; Mr.
Hughes, King's Meadows, Peebles, securing 1st for six
plants.

Fruit.

The best fruit shown was in the fairly large exhibits
of Grapes. Mr. Leslie, Pitcullen Hoffse, Perth, show-
ing in the four-bunch class fine examples of the varie-
ties Diamond Jubilee, Alicante, Muscat of Alexandria,
and Alnwick Seedling. Gros Colmar an d other varie-
ties were also well shown in classes for two bunches,
Messrs. Lunt, Kidd, Leslie, and Buchanan, Bargany,
being the chief contributors. Only one collection of
eight dishes was shown, that being fiom Mr. Kidd, to
whom the 1st prize was awarded. Of Apples there
was a small display, and of Pears very few.

Vegetables

were as usual well shown. Mr. Waldie, Dollarbeg
Dollar, securing 1st prize both for ten and eight kinds
with very good produce. Other successful exhibitors
Included Mr. Harper, Tulliebolton, Perth; Mr.
Waldie, The Whins, Alloa ; Mr, Rae, Sunlaws, Kelso ;
Mr. Prrr.'Eccles; Mr. Stewart, Thirlstane Castle, &e.

Miscellaneous Exhibits.

As usual there was a very large and representative
gathering of nurserymen, each with his speciality. A
specially attractive group of cut Chrysanthemums
from Mr. Godfrey, Exmouth, secured a Silver Medal.
Mr. Wells, Earlswood, Surrey, had a like award for a
smaller but no less interesting collection.

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, ReadiDg, had an attrac-
tively arranged table, mainly of vegetables, in which
sixty-five varieties of Potatos formed the outstanding
feature, the novelties Discovery and Northern Star
being both shown. A Gold Medal was awarded.

Messrs. R. B. Laird & Sons, Pinkhill, setup one of
their well-known groups of tall spreading Palms and
smaller-flowering plants effectively arranged (Silver
Medal).

Certificates of Merit were awarded respectively to
Mr. Cuthbertson, Rothesay, for Chrysanthemums and
herbaceous plants ; to Mr. Forbes, Hawick, for Bego-
nias and other flowers ; to Mr. Downie. Murrayfield,
for a grand show of Begonias in variety; to Messrs.
Ambrose & Son, Cheshunt, for Lilinms, Carnations,
and Melton Constable late Black Grapes ; and to Mrs.
Boyes, Leicester, for Carnations.

The following exhibits are also deserving of notice :—
A collection of sixty-five sorts of Apples and Pears of
excellent merit, from Messrs. G. Bunyard & Sons,
Maidstone ; a large collection of Apples and Pears,
with Grapes and Pineapples, from Mr. Whytock. Dal-
keith Gardens ; Messrs. Davie & Co, Haddington,
Potato novelties; Messrs. LaingiS: Mather, Kelso, some
grand samples of the Lyon Leek and Potato Northern
Star; and Messrs. Todd d Co., florists, a variety of
novel applications of flowers in cushions, crosses,
nosegays, and an animated grandfather clock in
Chrysanthemums, Roses and Violets. The £20 offered
for these was certainly well won.

Mr. Todd as usual had a stall in which flowers, &c,
wero sold for the benefit of Tho Gardeners' Orphan
Fund.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

FLORAL COMMITTEE.

November 23.— This was the last of the meetings
arranged to be held at the Essex Hall, and there was a
fair number of novelties staged.

First class Certificates of Merit were awarded to—

Japanese, Lady Cranston.— A very fine, full, large,
broad-petalled white variety, but having a distinct
flush of rosy-pink in the centre. It originated as a
sport from Mrs. Barkley with Mr. E. E.N.Murray,
Blackford House, Edinburgh, and will be distributed
by Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth.

Japanese, Dorothy Pywell.—A large, full, deep, well-
proportioned flower; white with a suffusion of delicate
sulphur-yellow in the centre, long, narrow florets.
From Mr. Wm. Seward, The Firs, llanwell.

Single, Pink Pet— This was shown under the name of
Little Pet, but the Committee, having classified it by
placing it among the large flowered singles, altered the
name to Pink Pet. It is bright pink in oolour, with a
narrow band of white round a yellow disc. From
Messrs. J. Peed & Sons, West Norwood.

The next meeting of the Floral Committee will be in
connection with the Late Show at the Crystal Palace,
Ssdenham, on December 8.

A meeting of the Executive Committee was held at
Carr's Restaurant, Strand, at 7 pm. on the 23rd inst..
Mr. Thos. Bevan in the chair. The secretary reported
that Miss Anstey, West Norwood, who was awarded
the Waterer Challenge Cup in Class 58. called upon him
on the Saturday morning following the show to say
she had discovered she was not an amateur, as re-
quired in Division B. ; that she had entered without
having read with sufficient care the conditions attach-
ing to the competition, and having discovered her
error, she was anxious to acknowledge it, and to leave
herself in the hands of the committee. The secretary
further stated that the entry form contained no indi-
cation that Miss Anstey was not qualified to exhibit in
that class; nor had he any knowledge of her being a
professional florist. He had submitted the matter to
the Finance Committee, and they recommended that
the Cup should be awarded to Mrs. Crane, who had been
placed 2nd; and in consideration of Mies Anstey s
action in making the error known, that a small silver
medal be awarded to her table of blooms. This was
agreed to unanimously.

The prize-money awarded at the November show
was £188 5s. 6d., with medals to the value of £.9 17.'. 6rt ,
making a total of £118 3s. An interim financial state-
ment was submitted, showing a balance at the bank of
£181 3s,, and this was supplemented by a further
statement up to the end of November, showing that when
the payment of £10 due from the Crystal Palace is
received and certain special prizes, and when all lia-
bilities are cleared off, there would be a balance in
hand of something like £80, which was considered
highly satisfactory.

Mr. C. H. Payne, together with Messrs. Bevan and
Withy, who formed a deputation from the Society to
the recent exhibition of the French National Chrysan-
themum Society at Lille, made brief statements in
relation to their visit, and Mr. Payne laid upon the
table a massive Silver gilt Medal awarded to the
National Chrysanthemum Society by the French
National Chrysanthemum Society.

It was resolved that the November show in 1901 take
place on November 2, 3, and 4, the general opinion
favouring an early date. The officers were appointed as
a deputation to wait upon the directors of the Crystal
Palace Co. as to arrangements in 19J-I. It was also
resolved that three meetings of the Floral Committee
be held at the Essex Hall in IBM, the members of the
Floral Committee speaking in the highest terms of the
suitability of the place, the dates of the meetings to be
Mondays, Sept. 19, Oct. 24, and Nov. 21 ; the meetings
of the Executive Committee to be Sept. 19, Oct. 24,
Nov. 21, Dec. 13, and Jan. 16, 1905.

Some criticism of the new Catalogue was made by the
representative of the Dulwich Society and it was
resolved that the question be referred to the Classili
cation and Catalogue Sub committee, with a view to
the preparation of a supplemental list of varieties
omitted, which could be published in the next Annual
Report. Eighteen new members were elected.

ANNUAL DINNER.

November 25.— The annual dinner of the National
Chrysanthemum Society took place, on Wednesday
evening last, at the Holborn Restaurant, Loudon, when
a very large company gathered. Tho new President,
Chas. E. Shea, Esq., presided, and was supported by
Mr. Haywood, Woodhatch Lodge, Rclgato, and most of
the leading members of tho Society, accompanied in
some instances by ladles and visitors.

After the Royal toasts had been honoured tho
Chairman proposed the toast of the National Chrys-
anthemum Society. He recalled insticoes in the
history of the Society that ho thought ought
to be remombered on such occasions. It was in 18U
that a little knot of men met in the Amhurst Arms,
Stoke Nowiugton. when Robert James, I he ploccor, and

380

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[November 28, 1903.

others, es'ablisted a Chrysantletnum Society. It wa9
next to impossible dining the following years to
stage a collection of twenty-four varieties, and in a
class for as many blooms eight duplicates were
allowed. In 18d2 and 1864 things appeared to be
getting critical, laid Mr. Shea, for the Committee
commenced to present testimonials to its officeri.
The Society, however, survived and flourished, and
other societies arose and imitated it. la 1874 the
title became the Stoke Newington and Hackney Chrys-
anthemum, and in the following year was alteiel to
that of the Borough of Hackcey Chrysanthemum.
The next important event wai that Mr. K. Bal-
lantyne became a member of the Society, and he
was present that night. The first show in the Royal
Aquarium was held in 1877. In the following year Mr.
Holmes became the Society's secretary, and a most
valuable servant he was. The next event worth re-
calling, said the Chairman, was perhaps the most
important event of all, namely, that of calling the
Society the National Chrysanthemum Society, in 1881.
This was done, said Mr. Shea, on the proposition of Mr
Henry Canneli, and the idea was a stroke of genius.
Since that time the influence of the Society upon the
Chrysanthemum had]been most marked. It had spread
to Australia, to other colonies, and over the wor.'d,
especially in France, Germany, and America. Mr.
Harman Payne joined the Society in 1884, and subse-
quently a Catalogue was published; and the first
President, Lord Brooke, was appointed, who was sutse
quently succeeded by Sir Edwin Saunders. Then came
the death of Mr. Holmes, which at the time appeared
to be an irreparable loss; but events proved again
ihat no individual is indispensable, and Mr. Richard
Dean has filled the place with distinction After
a time there was the Jubilee celebration. Last
year, owing to the purchase of the Royal Aqua-
rium by the Wesleyans, the Society became homeless,
and the Crystal Palace was its refuge this year. Mr.
Shea thought it to be a crying shame that there is no
large hall in London that would hold such a show.
The new Ball of the Royal Horticultural Society, he
said, will obviously be too small for their show and the
visitors thereto. Then Mr. Shea proceeded to refer to
the question of " size," and said that in a horticultural
journal recently there apieired over well-known
initials, the statement that " Chrysanthemums have
depraved public taste! " But, said Mr. Shea, is size a
crime, even when accompanied by beauty and refine-
ment? However, size, said Mr. Shea, must not be an
excuse for coarseness.

Mr. Henry Cannell responded, and gave some very
interesting remin'sjences of Chrysanthemum history
since 1850. Coming to modern times, Mr. Cannell
welcomed the chaoge from the Aquarium to the
Crystal Palace, and (-aid there was such a field between
Dartford and Putney in which to recruit exhibitors,
he had no doubt but belter shows would be held at the
Palace than any yet held.

The toast of the " President, Vice-Presidents, Officers,
Committee," 4c, was proposed by A. Brtans, Esq ,
who having known Mr. Shea, the President, for
twenty-five years, was able to give the company some
personal testimony to his excellent qualities and
successful Chrysanthemum culture. The President in
reply cordially thanked the Society for unanimously
electing him to the highest office. He related some of
his experiences as an exhibitor, and from these details
it was obvious that in Mr. Shea, the Society his a
President that knows and has carried outwith his own
hands every detail in the cultivation of Chrysanthe-
mums from striking the cutting to taking 1st prize for
a collection of forty eight blooms at the Aquarium. In
1891, his lastyearof exhibiting, Mr. Shea grew 286plan's,
including representatives of every section. With these
plants he won 1st prize for forty-eight blooms at the
Aquarium, 1st prize for eighteen blooms at the Crystal
Palace, and prizes at Watford and other places.

Mr. Thomas Bevan. Chairman of Executive Com-
mittee, also responded, and stated that in 1835 he ex-
hlbi ed at the Aquarium 333 varieties of Chrysanthe-
mums representing every section. The next toast was
"The Donors of Special Prizes.'jproposed by Mr. Taylor,
Treasuicr, and responded to by Mr. D.McCorquodale,
of Messrs. McKeuzie 4 Moncur. Ltd.

Mr. J. H. Witty, proposed " The Affiliated Societies,''
ana alter making tome opportune remarks upon the
subject, gave the company some particulars of the
show the deputation had recently visited at Lille and
in Paris The response was by Mr. C. Hoi-kins, Chair-
man or the East Ham Chrysanthemum Society

Mr. C. Harman Payne proposed ' The Chairman "
and the Chairman proposed ' The Visitors," to which
toast Mr. Geo. Schneider, President of the Societe
Nationale a Horticulture de Londres, replied. The
concluding toast of " The Press " was proposed by Mr
J. Mckerchab, and responded to by Mr. R. Hooi'ei;
Peabson.

An interesting ceremony was the presentation of
tn? trophies, cups, &c .that were won at the recent
exlubrtion :-The Challeoge Shield to Mr. Dcwar who
received 1 , on behalf uf the Epsom and District Chrys-
anthemum Society, whicn has won the Shield for
the second jen- in succession; the Holmes Memorial
Cups to Mr. Iliggs, gr. to J B. Hankey, Esq., Fetcham
Rectory ; and oar Mease, gr. to A. Tare. Esq , Down-
side, Leathei head ; and a silver Tea Service presented
I y Messrs. Mc Kerizie & Moncur, in a class ior incurvi d
blooms shown 1 j vases, won by Mr. Higgs. There were
several other special prizes and medais. but the exi-
gences of time and space forbid further details

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

%* Editor and Publisher. — Our correspon-
dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers
to their communications, and save us much time
and trouble, if they would kindly observe the
notice printed weekly to the effect that all
communications relating to financial matters
and to advertisements should be addressed to
the Publisher ; and that all communications
intended for publication, or referring to the
literary department, and all plants to be named,
should be directed to the Editor. The two
departments, publishing and editorial, are
quite distinct, and much unnecessary delay
and confusion arise when letters are mis-
directed.

Ballast-Making : W. C, Saxmundham. Let
fires be started at 30 feet apart, with plenty of
wood and small coal, and when well alight
gradually make the heaps bigger by adding
clay or clayey loam and coal, the latter in just
sufficient quantity to keep up combustion. The
heaps may be made 6 to 8 feet high. The
winter is usually the season chosen for the job.

Carnation : H. Elliott. The flower which you
send for our inspection is well formed, full,
large in size, the tint the same as " The Church-
warden," and very fragrant. The calyx is
apparently not liable to burst. Altogether a
very desirable winter-flowering variety.

Carnations i D. H. R. There is no disease, but
the plants have been very badly cultivated, and
the growth is attenuated and weak. The small
black-headed " worms " we will name for you
if you will send fresh ones. Those put into an
envelope came in a flattened condition through
the post. Please put the others in a small box.
Carnations should be grown cold, fire-heat being
used only when frost is very severe or when it
is seen that they are suffering from damp.
The tree varieties are rather more delicate, and
if wanted in bloom early, they may be afforded
a temperature a few degrees higher than that
of the greenhouse. Do not apply water before
the soil has got very dry.

Kew Hand-Lists: A. R., Havana, Cuba. Hand-
List of Trees and Shrubs grown in Arboretum
(excluding Coniferm), 2nd ed., 1902, Is. 3d ,
by foreign and colonial post Is. lOd. Part II.
(1st ed.), Gamopetalw to Monocotyledons, 1896,
by post Is. 2Jd. Hand-List of Conifers, 2ad
ed , 1903, by post 4£d. List of Ferns and Fern
Allies, 1895, 6d., by post 7\d. Herbaceous
Plants, 2nd ed , 1902, by foreign and colonial
post 2s. 6Jd., or with cloth boards 3s. 3|d. List
of Tender Monocotyledons, 1897, 9d , by post Hid.
List of Tender Dicotyledons, 1899, by foreign
and colonial post, 2s. lid., or with cloth
boards, 3s. 5d. In addition, The Hand-List of
Trees and Shrubs (2nd ed.) and Hand-List of
Coniferw (2nd ed.), may be had in one volume
with cloth boards, by foreign and colonial
post, 2s. 7i<Z. Also the Hand-List of Orchids
and Hand-List of Tender Monocotyledons may be
had in one volume with cloth boards, by post
2s. 4Jd. These are most carefully drawn up
and are very useful to gardeners. The Index
Kewensis is of special use to botanists ; it was
published by The Clarendon Press, Oxford (agent
for London, Mr. Frowde, Amen Coiner, E.C.).
There are four volumes, and three supplemen-
tal parts have been issued in Belgium. Write
to Mr. Frowde. Such details encroach con-
siderably upon our space, but we are anxious
to assist one so far removed from the source of
information.

Mealy Bug in Vinery: Correspondent The
remedy that you s and us is as good as most, but
a single application would not be of much use,
but the remedies must be followed up from
time to time during the warm weather, and
constant watchfulness exercised, touching soli-
tary specimens of the insect with a camePs-hair
pencil dipped in methylated spirits. There
must likewise be a cleansing of the Vines in
the month of December or January, the rougher
portions of the bark being rubbed off and all
crannies scraped clean, following this work
with a dressing of Gishurst Compound Soap, at
the strength of 3 oz. to one gallon of water.
The adventitious roots should be cut off and no

stove plants grown ia the house during the
forcing period, if the vinery can be thrown
open during the winter, emptying the hot-water
pipes to prevent the water from freezing or
failing that making the water lukewarm. See
present issue of Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 366.

Moss on A Lawn : T. E. F. If the land is wet
it may need draining, if that is its normal
condition, otherwise wood - ashes and loam
finely sifted,>one of the first to eight or ten of
the second, sprinkled on the surface till but
little of the herbage is visible will destroy the
growth of moss and cause a more abundant
growth of the grasses. If very little grass is
found on the lawn, it will be advisable to" dig
it up after affording manure, and re-sow. If it
be merely top - dressed, as much moss as
possible should first be removed with an iron
rake.

Names of Fruit : J. H. Walker. Blenheim Orange
Pippin. — Constant Reader. 1, Withington Fill-
basket ; 2, Striped Beefing ; 3, Herefordshire
Beefing.

Names op Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so good
as to consult the following number. — C. T..8{ Co.
Artemisia Dracunculus. — A. R. P. 1, Send in
flower ; 2, Euellia Portellae ; 3, Asclepias curas-
savica; 4, Lasiandra macrantha. — A.' H., St.
Clere. Peperomia Saundersi and Asparagus
decumbens. — T. Blet chingley . Begonia fuchsi-
oides, or one of the garden forms near it. —
E. A. T. Oncidium praetextum. — V. A. Onci-
dium ornithorhynchum ; 2, O. excavatum ; 3,
Epidendrum osmanthum, also called sometimes
in gardens E. Godseffianum and E. Caparti-
aiiiira ; 4, Maxrllaria punctata. — J. B. 1,
Panax Victorise ; 2, Anthericum lineare varie-
gatum ; 3, Saxifraga trifurcata ; 4, Festuca
ovina glauca. — W. M., Melrose. Epidendrum
cochleatum. — J. W. The arborescent form of
Hedera Helix aurea. — W. S. C. T. Fatsia
japonica ; the others next week.

Qualifications of County Council Lecturer
on Horticulture : Hortor. It is essential to
possess a wide practical and theoretical know-
ledge of gardening, and the power of exposition
in simple language, and of talking for an hour
or longer at a time. Photographs or coloured
diagrams of a variety of gardening operations,
of a simple nature, are of great usefulness to
men and boys who have to begin at the very
beginning, having scarcely any knowledge of
gardening, excepting of the most elementary
kind. Such students can more easily compre-
hend that which appeals to them through the
eye. As regards such a post as that which you
desire, you should advertise in some county
journals or watch the advertisement columns of
such, or get into communication with some
influential councillor or parks committee-man.

Photograph of Autumn Foliage and Berries
in the Shape of a Man's Face : F. B. We
do not think that it would be suitable for our
pages.

Roses : H. P. To give you the list you require
would occupy too much of our not too abundant
space. Secureacitaloguefromsomenurseryman.

Eothamsted Bulletins : R. B. We advise you to
apply to the Laboratory, Rothamsted,Harpenden.

Sterilising Soil : J. D. In a book entitled
The American Carnation, reviewed in these
columns, p. 16, June 11, of the present year,
the methods pursued in American nurseries is
fully explained.

Violets : R. W. R. No trace of fungus disease
on either set of leaves. Cause of the disco-
loration uncertain ; evidence of thrips on some
leaves. All seem to have a healthy appearance
except the spotting.

Communications Received.— F. C. H. (your suggestion
will be considered)-H. B.-G. W.— D. R. W.—W. Q. 8.
J. G.-J. D.— Dr. Kiiiozlin. Berlin— Culea— J. C—
G. B D.— J. B. C. The report was received by us
earlier from another correspondent— F. M. Good—
Urbi intacta, the Bport is pretty; take cuttings— T.
Humphreys (next week)— C. F. C. (very poor speci-
mens ; we will see what can be done)— N. 8. C. P.—
W. B. H.— A. S.— R. H. D. P —Constant Reader- J. L.
—A.J. 8.— Miss Gallon-E. H.C.— H. P.-E. L.— J.C.—
H. Neal— C. H. W.— H. H.— E. J.— E M.— A. F. D.—
H. W W.-T. A— R. E.-F. J. G.— W. E.— W. P.—
G. F. T.— W. A. C.-J. O'B— A. D.— W. E. L.— O. 8.—
W. D. E.-Nettleton-S. A.— F. A.— J. B. C— F. J.—
3. P.

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December 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

381

THE

No. 884.— SATURDAY, December 5, 1903.

CONTENTS.

abington

381 |

Orchids, germination

Agave, a hardy

393

of

390

Agricultural returrs.

389

Plants, new or note-

Book notes-

worthy—

farming

384

Schomburgkla cam-

Flora of Derbyshire

391

pecheana

381

Journal of the Royal

Plum Rivers' Monarch

Horticultural So-

at The Poles, Ware..

392

ciety

389

Potato Society, a na-

"Various ... 390

391

tional

384

Botany of the Darling

Potato trials

394

Eiver

390

Presentations to Mr.

Campanula punctata

392

Samuel Hearn and

Campanula Vidali ...

394

Mr. Morter

391

■Carnations, Souvenir

Propagation by cut-

de la Malmaison ...

394

tings, loss of vigour

Castlewellan

389

through

384

Chrysanthemum, Mrs.

Rosary, the—

J. Sunn

384

Rose Z^phyrine

•Cistus ladaniferus ...

392

Drouhin

383

Cypripedium in glass

Seasonable notes ...

382

pot

383

Roses, grafted

392

•Dahlia Society, the

Slugs on Celery

392

National

fS8

Smith, Mr. J., retire-

Dictamnus Fraxinella

393

ment of

883

iSardeners' Associa-

Societies-

tion, the proposed

Aberdeen Chrysan-

390

392

themum

395

Gardeners, the out-

Chelmsford Chrys-

look for

392

anthemum

394

<Grape, Gros Colmar...

394

National Dahlia ...

395

•Hall.Mr. A. D, lecture

National Rose

389

by

391

Manchester Botanical 398

Horticultural College

Chester Paxton

398

at Wisley

390

Royal

£89

Horticultural educa-

Royal Horticultural

394

tion in Prussia

388

Surveyors'

389

Iris stylosa, increase

York Chrysanthe-

of

392

mum

395

Kew notes

382

Sterculia diversifolia

390

■Killerton

386

Sweet Peas, pollina-

Market gardening

tion of

393

notes

381

Week's work-

Market Heaths

391

Flower-garden, the

387

Mealy-bug on Vines

Fruits under glass...

31-7

38S

,393

Hardy fruit garden

f87

Narcissus cyclamineus 393

Kitchen garden, the

3S8

■Nursery notes-

Orchid-houses, the .

£87

Service, J. & Sons ...

382

Plants under glass .

3.6

Obituary—

West Indies, the hur-

Keteleer, M

3S9

ricane in the

389

Orchid notes and glean-

Window gardening in

ings

382

East London

390

and are surrounded by a section of the
garden ground devoted equally to flowers
and vegetal >les. The main vegetable garden
is entirely isolated.

Passing on, we reach the site of the former
mansion, which was a noble pile of red
freestone in the castellated style of archi-
tecture, but was unfortunately destroyed by
fire some years ago. Starting here, a new
avenue about a mile in length leads us,
after crossing the public road and Gouar
Water, to Glen Gouar House, which is finely
situated in the beautiful and romantic Glen
of Gouar. The layiDg-out of the surround-
ings is not yet completed, as the operations
are mostly carried on during Sir Edward
Colebrooke's absence ; but when all the pro-
jected ideas have been finished there will be
few more charming residences in Scotland.

ILLUSTRATIONS

Abington, the "Athenian ' gate at 3S1

Chrysanthemum Mrs. J. Duon 385

Cypripedium roots in a glass pot :-83

Heath culture at Messrs. B. Mailer & Sons. Lee ... 391

Plum, Rivers' Monaieb, growing against a wall ... 393

ABINGTON.
OITUATED as it is within a short distance
■^ of the lead-mining district of Wanlock-
head, in Lanarkshire, the great altitude
prevents vegetation in the shape of trees
attaining those stately dimensions usually
associated with a landed gentleman's place ;
yet there are few places that can compare
with Abington in the peculiar beauty and
■charm of the whole district.

On alighting at Abington station, which is
on the Caledonian main line, the visitor is
at once struck with the general air of neat-
ness and order that prevails on every hand,
■evidence at once of taste and expenditure
•on the part of the proprietor. The river
Clyde flows close beside the railway here,
And is spanned by a handsome bridge, from
which a fine view is obtained.

Proceeding a few yards further on, we
reach the gardener's house, and one of the
various entrances to that portion of the
•estate with which we are more directly
interested — that is, the gardens and pleasure
grounds. The glasshouses are just about a
stone's- throw from the gardener's habitation,

Fig 153 -the "Athenian" gate at abington.

In a sheltered nook of the flower-garden
there is a weather-house of large dimensions,
which is known as Lady Colebrooke's work-
shop. The interior must be seen to be
appreciated, for it is a perfect exhibition.
Her ladyship is an expert carver in wood,
and has a good collection of tools and
electrically-driven machinery for the prac-
tice of her hobby. Nor is she selfish with
her splendid gift, for while in residence
at Abington she holds classes regularly,
which are well attended, and each year in
August the result of her teaching is seen in
her pupils' work, which is exhibited in com-
petition at the local flower-show, the prizes
being presented by her ladyship.

Returning to the gardens, the previously
referred to bridge across the public road is
passed. I had, however, the pleasure of
photographing a very interesting garden-
gate brought from Athens by Sir Edward
(fig. 158). An inspection of this will prove
that the art of working in iron is as old as
the hills, and also how great must have been

the labour to work out all those intricacies
in cold iron. The gate is in an excellent
state of preservation.

The difficulties attendant on high-class
out-door gardening at this height of 1,280 feet
above the sea-level are great, so that the
excellent stuff, both in flowers and vege-
tables, which is annually produced reflects
great credit on the gardener, Mr. McMurtrie.
Too much space would be taken up in
enumerating everything in detail. I will
therefore confine my remarks to a few things
specially worthy of note. Malmaison Car-
nations are so well grown that anyone who
has hitherto been unsuccessful with this
troublesome class of plants would find both
pleasure arjd profit in a visit to Abington
gardens. It is not possible to see better
flowers anywhere, and the health of the
plants is all that could be desired. Carna-
tion-growers will appreciate the significance
of this desirable combination, as it is the
exception rather than the rule to find de-
lightful flowers on rudely healthy plants.
On another occasion I may go into the
details of the cultural method practised by
Mr. McMurtrie.

The zonal Pelargonium here receives the
attention it deserves, having long been a
favourite at Abington, and its cultivation
has been brought to a high state of per-
fection. The collection embraces all the
notable examples of recent introduction,
and may be seen at its best during the
month of August, when a magnificent dis-
play is made.

Violas or tufted Pansies are another
feature, and are so numerously cultivated
that these gardens might be aptly termed
the home for Violas. Mr. McMurtrie was
at one time a strong exhibitor, clearing the
boards at Edinburgh and other shows for
years in succession.

In the Black Hamburgh vinery at the
time of my visit there was as fine a crop of
Grapes as it has been my lot to see. The
other vineries contained young Vines just
beginning to bear.

My notes must, however, on this occasion
draw to a close, although much more might
be written without exhausting the objects of
interest in and around Abington, whose in-
habitants hail with delight the yearly advent
of Sir Edward Arthur and Lady Colebrooke-
With scarcely less delight, I am certain,
must Sir Edward and his consort anticipate
their annual visit to their charming Scottish
home. Ardnahu.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

— ♦
SCHOMBURGKIA CAMPECHEANA.*
Three flowers of a spike of this plant were
obtained by Mr. Diercks, captain of a Bremen
vessel bound for Laguna de Terminos, the most

» Schomburgkia campecheana, Kranzlin, n. «p.— Sepalo
dorsall petalisque linearibus apice paulum dilatatls,
sepalis lateralibus toto ambitu oblongo -lanceolatis
omnibus obtusis margine quam maxim) undulatis,
seoalis lateralibus apice paulum deBexis ; labelli lobis
lateralibus latissimis trlangulis apice rotundatis, lobo
intermedlo obcordato antico profunde bilobo margino
labelli vix v. non undulato. disco lineis paulum prosi-
lientibus 5 apicem versus evanidls instructo; gyno-
stemio apicem versus dilatato, filamento satis longo,
anthera oblonga manifesto bicornuta Floros pur-
purea?) labehum certe pallidius, 6-7 cm. (21 poll.)
dlam., labellum.2-5 cm. (1 poll.) longum et latum
Est species afflnii simul Schomburgkiie undulatw,
Liodl., et Sen. Thomsoniann'. Rctab. f.

America centr. Laguna de Terminos, ubl invenit
X. Diercks, navarclius Bremensis.

382

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Decembee 5, 1903k

southern inlet of the Gulf of Campeche. The
flowers combine the characters of the old Schom-
burgkia undulata, Lindley, and those of S.
Thomsoniana, Rchb. f., a species of more recent
introduction ; but they differ from both in the
lateral sepals being broader than the very narrow
petals, and by the odd sepal. All these five
segments of the flower have the margin waved as
in S. undulata. The lip is exactly the same as in
S. Thomsoniana, Rchb. f. ; the margin is perhaps
not so much waved, but the difference, if there is
any, is a very slight one ; the column is rather
slender for a Schomburgkia. The anther has
two very prominent divergent horns, the eight
pollinia are quite like those of other plants of the
genera. We imagine the colours of the flowers
to be a perfect combination of those of the two
species mentioned before, so that perhaps we have
to deal with a natural hybrid. S. undulata,
Lindl., is a native of Central America ; S.
Thomsoniana has been for the first time found
in the Cayman Islands, and will probably be
found afterwards on the continent of Central
America as the plants of the swampy shores of the
Gulf of Campeche become better known by us
than now. I do not wish to avoid the difficulties
offered by varying species by declaring them to
be hybrids between two or more supposed species,
but in this case we have the true and scarcely
varied characters of two distinct species combined
in one plant, therefore we may acknowledge it to
be a natural hybrid. F. Kranzlin, Berlin.

THE ROSARY.

ZEPHYEINE DROUHIN.

M. Otto Ballif contributes to the Journal des
Roses for October some interesting notes about
the Eose Zt'phyrine Drouhin, his remarks being
called forth by the recent correspondence in the
Gardeners' Chronicle with regard to this variety.
M. Ballif describes the Eose as being remarkably
hardy, being cultivated at high elevations among
the Alps and Jura mountains ; and he also notes
that it is a thornless variety. The foliage is sub-
persistent, and the variety strong-growing, flori-
ferous, and an excellent climber. Its pretty and
scented blossoms are semi-double, of a tender rose
colour, and open in succession from May to late
autumn. This Eose does well as a bush, or as a
climber on trellises and walls. It is easily grown
from cuttings of the ripened wood.

The variety is known by many different names
in different localities ; but its only and true
name is Zcphyrine Drouhin. It was raised and
sent out in 1873 by M. Bizot, of Dijon, who dedi-
cated it to Madame Zephyrine Drouhin, wife of
a horticulturist of Semur, in the Cote d'Or. A
sport of the variety bearing white blooms has
been observed, but unfortunately no steps were
taken to propagate this form.

Seasonable Notes.
During favourable weather all arrears in
planting Briar stocks should be attended to, a
mulch of half-spent manure being spread over
the ground. Ground that has been trenched and
manured earlier in the season will now be in good
condition for planting all kinds of Eose trees.
For the China and Tea-scented class, if the soil is
adhesive, afford charred garden refuse, leaf-
mould, and sharp sand, which will improve its
texture. Standard Eoses should be securely
staked as soon as planted, for if blown about
injury is done to the roots, and a check is inflicted
on growth. If through stress of work seedling
Briars and Manetti stocks for budding next season
cannot be planted now, the work may be delayed
without serious ill effects, but, weather permitting,
they are the better for being got in before
February is out. Established Eoses in pots may
now be pruned and placed in cold frames, taking

off the upper crust of soil down to the roots,
and replacing it with good turfy loam, mixed
with some |-inch bones, making this quite firm.
The drainage should also have attention. At the
turn of the year these will be ready for gentle
forcing if placed in a well-lighted glasshouse.
It is not too late to pot up a second batch in
6-inch pots for succession, using the same kind of
compost as for the established plants, with the
addition of a small quantity of decayed manure,
and potting firmly. Plunge the pots outside in
coal-ashes or cocoanut-fibre refuse till March,
when they can be pruned and placed in the cold
frame ; and as the earliest plants begin to grow,
pass them on into gentle heat in a light house in
a temperature of 55°. Cuttings of Manetti and
Briar stocks may still be put in, using ripened
wood only, which cut up into 9-inch lengths,
severing them at a bottom joint, and taking out
all the buds excepting about four at the top of the
cutting. Well mulch the surface of the bed with
cocoanut-fibre refuse. J. D. G.

KEW NOTES.

Neobenthamia gracilis, Uolfe — Although
this charming Orchid has been in cultivation for
nearly twenty years, it has not yet received the
attention it deserves. Neobenthamia is a re-
markably distinct genus, the Orchid most resem-
bling it in general habit and growth being
Arundina bambussfolia, although the growth of
Arundina is less flexible. Neobenthamia gracilis
is a very free and vigorous grower, and may be
easily propagated from the numerous secondary
branches developed upon the main stem, each
having atrial roots at the point of junction with
the parent stem. The specimens now flowering
in the warm Orchid-house at Kew are from
4 to 5 feet high, having a diameter of about
18 inches. The flowers are produced on dense
terminal racemes, and as the first flowers fade
the raceme elongates and develops fresh flowers
for quite six weeks. The ovaries of the old
flowers are much longer than those of the
younger ones, which gives to the inflorescence a
globose form. The individual flowers are about
| inch across, are white in colour, except that the
lip has a yellow stripe down the centre, and is
also marked with numerous violet spots. An
average infloresence carries about thirty flowers.
Although not a gorgeous plant when in flower,
yet its free-flowering habit and delicate beauty
should make it a favourite, and when out of
bloom this evergreen species is a presentable
object, which some popular Orchids are not. The
species was sent to Kew by Sir John Kirk from
Zanzibar in 1884, and flowered for the first time
in 1890. It was figured and described by Mr.
Eolfe in the Gardeners' Chronicle for September 5,
1891, fig. 33, also in Botanical Magazine, t. 7221.
It should be grown with the tropical Orchids,
giving it a good light position, where the growths
will ripen well, thus insuring a good show of
flowers. Similar treatment to that afforded
Sobralias will suit the plant admirably. H. W.

NURSERY NOTES.

CHRYSANTHEMUMS at Messrs. J. SEEVICE
AND SONS, DUMFRIES.
With a view to assist in the establishment of
the Chrysanthemum show at Dumfries, under
the auspices of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway
Horticultural Society, of which Mr. E. Service is
the Chairman of Directors, Messrs. Jas. Service &
Sons have grown a number of Chrysanthemums
for large blooms at their Corberry Hill Nur-
series, Maxwelltown, Dumfries. These are un-
usually well grown for a trade establishment in
the provinces, and the large conservatory in
which they are disposed has been visited by a

great number of admirers of Chrysanthemums.
About 300 well-grown plants are displayed. The
least successful are those of the Carnot family.
One may remark upon the splendid blooms of
Mrs. Lewis (not usually so good), Lady Esther
Smith, Matthew Smith, Lily Mountford, Miss
Elsie Fulton, W. E. Church (grand flowers from,
the third bud), Charles Davis (very fine), Viviand
Morel (good generally in the district), Princess,.
Ethel Fitzroy, Millicent Eichardson, Madame G..
Henry, Mrs. E. Darby, Edwin Molyneux, Nellie.
Bean, and Mrs. J. J. Thorneycroft. J. R. Upton,
had been very good, but is now past. A number
of other varieties are grown, but the above will
give a good idea of those which have been the
best in the district in a season of excessive
rainfall and high winds, which last have been
very injurious to Chrysanthemums. A number
of others are grown for cut blooms for the florist
trade of the firm; which is an extensive on.e. A.

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

CATTLEYA LODDIGESII. ■
A photograph of a compact and finely-grown
plant of this Cattleya, in a comparatively small
pot, represents one of the most beautiful examples-
of it which we have seen, and is specially interest-
ing as it is "grown in the old material — sphag-
num and peat." The plant, which bears seventeen,
blooms, flowered in the garden of Mrs. E. Roy,.
Craigclowan, Perth, who kindly sends the photo-
graph. Very large quantities of this fine old
species have been imported from Brazil during
the last three years, and many of the plants have
found their way into gardens in which a collection,
of Orchids is not attempted, but only a few
worthy subjects grown with the rest of the stove-
plants. The market-growers also cultivate it.
largely for cut flowers. O'B.

Cattleya labiata.
AVe have just cut the list flowers of a fine lot
of Cattleya labiata, the chief of which was a
batch of fifty-five plants imported in April of last
year. They have produced 193 blossoms this-
season, which, omitting a few that did not flower-
gives an average of four to a plant. The largest
number cut from one plant was ten, and several,
had as many as six and seven, all good flowers of
lirge size. The strain is a fine one. H. Dovey^
Broom Hill, Spratton.

White Cattletas at Somerghem.

The Marquis de Wavrin's collection of Orchids
at Somerghem, near Ghent, is noted for the ex-
cellence of culture, and more particularly for the-
complete set of " albinos " it contains. The
various white forms of Cattleya Mossia? shown by
him at the Temple Show were much admired,
and more recently a fine set of albino large-
flowered Cattleyas was included in a group shown
at the last Ghent Quinquennial Exhibition.

At present there is a fine show of Orchids in>
his collection, the white forms of Cattleya labiata-
and some hybrids forming the chief attraction,
there being thirty-four flowers on the various-
white forms of that species, some of the least
known of these being worth recording. These,
are C. labiata Kate Brazier, with snow-white-
sepals and petals, and with a rich purple-crimson
blotch on the broad, white-margined lip. Four-
flowers on one spike.

C. 1. Mme. de Hemptinne, a grand flower, with-
adeep yellow throat and some rose colour on the lip.
There are fourteen flowers of this fine variety
expanded.

princess Clementine, deep golden yellow in the
throat, the colour expanding far into the front
lobe of the lip.

Princess of Wales, a beautiful flower, with pale
lilac lip, very broad and finely fringed.

Dbcembee 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

383

Mile. Marie de Wavrin, white with a pale rose
lip, which is beautifully frilled and fringed.

Of others finely in flower were the best pure
white Laelia Perrini alba; the handsome white
■C. X Hardyana albens, shown lately by M. A. A.
Peeters at the Eoyal Horticultural Society, when
it secured a First-class Certificate j Laelia pumila
<Jueen Alexandra, pure white, and with segments
■nearly 2 inches wide.

The Orchid-house in which the coloured forms
•of Cattleya labiata are arranged is very showy,
most of the plants being selected for the rich
•colouring of the flowers. Visitor.

Dendeobium Falconeri.

This pretty Orchid is not so much grown as its
toeauty would seem to merit, for it is really one of
the prettiest of the genus. I noticed some time
ago well-flowered plants in the collection of Sir
F. Wigan, Bart., at East Sheen. It is usually
■very small and weakly till the flowers appear ;
"then one really is surprised at the size and
foeauty of the latter. The plant requires a warm
house, and succeeds when fixed to a raft, or placed
in a wooden basket. I observed a good batGh at
Mr. Tracey's nursery at Twickenham j but these
plants were not so well flowered as those at Clare
Lawn, on one of which I counted about a hundred'
flowers. W. A. Cook.

RETIREMENT of Mb. JAMES SMITH

Many who are acquainted with Mr. James
.'Smith, the head gardener to the Marquis of
.Linlithgow at Hopetoun House, will regrtt to
hear that he has been compelled to resign his
■appointment on account of ill-health, his resigna-
tion taking effect on November 28.

A few notes on his professional career may be
of interest to those who know something of him.
A native of Ayrshire, Mr. Smith soon showed
iiimself possessed of the qualities which make for
.-success in gardening. After filling minor posi-
tions, he received an appointment as foreman at
Brechin Castle, leaving there to occupy a similar
position at Oxenfofd Castle; and subsequently
he became head gardener on a Perthshire pro-
perty, followed by a similar appointment at
Jngleston House, Batho. Thence he went to the
more important position of head gardener at
Moredun House, near Edinburgh, which was
followed by his obtaining the position of head
..gardener at Hopetoun House, the seat of the
Earl of Hopetoun, a title now merged in that of
Marquis of Linlithgow.

This was sixteen years ago, and since that time
Mr. Smith has enjoyed the unlimited confidence
-of his employer and the esteem of the many
■friends he has made in his successful horticul-
tural career. It is impossible to tell in a few words
-of his work as a gardener or of the skill which
found full scope in the important charge at Hope-
<toun House. No department was neglected, and it
is difficult to single out any without appearing to
depreciate others equally well done. Yet pos-
sibly Mr. Smith himself will admit that hardy
fruits were among the subjects in which he most
•delighted. Apples in particular engaged his
notice, but I am not prepared to say whether the
one which bears his name was raised by him
-or not.

As befitted his position in Scottish gardening,
Mr. Smith took an active interest in the horticul-
tural societies of the capital, and was an active
and valued member of the Council of the Eoyal
■Calodonian Horticultural Society. His services
were also in frequent requisition as a judge at
"the leading shows.

. For some time Mr. Smith has been a great
-mffurer' from a sciatic complaint, and has there-
fore beon compelled to face the question of his

retirement. When this was felt to be necessary>
it is almost needless to say that the generosity
of his employer was a pleasant evidence of
the esteem in which he held a faithful
employ^. It is to be hoped that Mr. Smith's
retirement to the pleasant village of Bonnyrigg,
near Lasswade, will not only prolong his days,
but will help to restore his health. He is
succeeded by Mr. T. Hay, who has been foreman
at Hopetoun House for some time.

MARKET GARDENING NOTES.

CYPRIPEDIUM IN GLASS POT.

The accompanying interesting illustration is
taken from a photograph kindly sent by Captain
G. W. Law-Schofield, New-Hall-Hey, Eawtenstall,
Manchester. The illustration tells its own tale,

■II

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A*

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. ^^=

332

FlO. 151. — CYPRIPEDIUM EOOTS IK A GLASS POT.

but may, however, be supplemented by Captain
Schofield's own remarks.

"I enclose a photograph which I have just
taken of the roots made by a Cypripedium potted
in a glass pot. After hearing that Mr. De B.
Crawshay had exhibited an Odontoglossum grown
in a similar pot, I decided to see what Cattleyas,
Cypripediums, and Odontoglossums would do in
glass. The Cypripedium, which has been in the
pot about six months, has made good leaves, but
has not flowered since potting. One Odonto-
glossum has grown an exceptionally fine bulb
with very long leaves, which grow erect and very
stiff and strong. We have quite given up tree-
leaves for Cypripediums, as we found that the
flowers were so much inferior when leaves were
used to those potted in the old way. The material
in the glass pot is composed of peat, sphagnum-
moss, and fibrous loam. We flowered two plants
of Cypripedium nitens, Ball's variety, one potted
in leaves and the other in loam, &c, and found
that the flowers of the one in the latter were
altogether superior to those of that in leaves.
We seldom find any root action in the plants we
get from the Continent potted in leaf-mould, so
for the , Cypripediums we have used the old
material for a jear back, and with very great
advantage."

GEAPE CLEANSING.

This, the market gardener's term for the cut-
ting out of all shanked and spoiled berries, is an
operation very imperfectly carried out in some
places. With respect to Muscat Grape cleans-
ing is generally performed when the crop is cut
for market, which is bad practice ; nothing adds
more to the expedition with which cutting and
packing for market can be performed than to
have every bunch ready for placing in the
baskets.

Gros Colmar, in so far as regards the latest
crops, are late indeed. This, of course, is due to
the season, and points to the desirability of
starting the Vines earlier. If there are very
small faulty bunches on the Vines these should
be sold first, if at all fit for sale, for it is better
to sell them for a small price now than to keep
them. Gros Colmar Grapes which have to hang
only till Christmas suffer much from the lack of
cleansing, the market grower thinking he can
carry it out as he continues to cut the bunches,
but it is not a desirable practice. Stephen Castle.

Covent Garden.

Nov. 21. — I find most growers report a slight im-
provement in trade ; during the past week there has
been more demand for cut bloom, especially that
of better quality, and now that the outside supply
is over, there will not be a glut of any kind of
flowers. Still, there is an abundant supply of
almost all that is wanted. It begins to look more
like winter trade now that plants of Euphorbia
(Poinsettia) pulcherrima are already on sale,
certainly not of the highest quality, but fairly
good, both in pots and as cut heads. I learned
that during the past week one grower had
supplied eighty dozen (cut) to one firm for
the decorations in connection with the recent
Eoyal festivities. Other growers also report good
orders. Of course, this kind of florists' work only
affects a certain number of growers, yet in one
way and another it makes trade in general a
little brisker. The cold weather of the past few
days has caused market growers to send in
lesser quantity, but there was a decidedly greater
tendency to clear out. It would not be safe to
give any definite prices, for while much may go
out at fairly remunerative prices, the surplus has
to be cleared out at what it will make.

I am aware that there are many country
growers who send their goods to be sold on com-
mission, and in many instances it is when the
supply much exceeds the demand that these
extra consignments reach the commission men,
and when returns are made the senders are sur-
prised at their smallness ; but, as one of the large
commission men explained to me the other morn-
ing, they are obliged to look after those who send
every day through the year first, and though con-
signments from casual senders may be good, they
of necessity get left over until all the best trade
is supplied. The commission-iuan's position is
not altogether a pleasant one, for though he may
conduct his business on the strictest and most
careful lines, he finds it impossible to satisfy all
concerned. Yet I am sure that the grumblers
would not do better if they acted as their own
salesmen. A. II.

Ferns.

Nephrolepis Westoni. — This is a very pretty
crested variety of N. ensifolia. The type is re-
markable for the thick, leathery substance of its
fronds ; the variety partakes of this quality, and
should make a useful market Fern. At first sight
it somewhat resembles N. davallioides furcans,
but the branching crests from each pinnule are
shorter, and all the fronds on the plants shown
were fertile, whL'e in N. d. furcans it is rarely
that fertile fronds are produced. The symmetrical
habit and good substance of the fronds should

384

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 5, 190.%

i neure its becoming a useful market Fern, and the
Award of Merit was well deserved.

Nephrolepis Hestoni. — This is a distinct variety
from the same batch of seedlings; it is inter-
mediate between N. ensifolia and N. rufescens
(or Zollingeriana) ; it has the brown, woolly
rachis, but the pinnules are narrower, deeply
lobed and rather long. It is erect in growth, and
the fronds about 2 feet in length. This also pro-
duces spores freely, and the sporelings that have
been raised have come true to character. In
each of the above the original plants and a seed-
ling plant from each were shown at a recent
meeting of the Eoyal Horticultural Society by
Messrs. Craig, Harrison & Craig.

Erica gracilis nivalis.

This is a decided improvement on E. gracilis
alba, whose flowers are apt to have a shading of
pink on them, which is quite absent in those
of E. g. nivalis. The value of E. gracilis is well-
known, and this new white variety should prove
a great acquisition. Before seeing it at the Drill
Hall, I had an opportunity of comparing it with
a plant of E. alba in the market, and there is no
doubt that it is a much better white Erica. It
received an Award of Merit when shown on
Thursday, October 27, by Messrs. Gregory &
Evans, of Sidcup. A. H.

BOOK NOTICE.

Farming. By W. M. Tod, M.A. J. M. Dent &
Co., Bedford Street. (7s. 6d.)

This is one of the " Haddon Hall Series," and
is written by a gentleman connected with the
Agricultural Department of the University of
Cambridge. A more fortunate combination could
hardly be wished, for the author is not only a
practical farmer, but he wields his pen with the
grace and ease of a practised writer. He is over-
flowing with sympathy with his subject, knows it
practically, is well versed in the science of agri-
culture, and is, as we have said, a pleasant writer.
What wonder, then, that his book is a delightful
one, which even those not specially interested in
agriculture may read with interest and profit !
For ourselves, we have read the book from be-
ginning to end, and found it far more enter-
taining than any novel ; but that may be a
subjective phenomenon only !

The book treats of soils, manuring, crops of
various kinds, live stock, horses, and cattle. It
ends with a chapter discussing the weighty
question, " Will it pay ? " In this chapter the
author shows that the successful farmers of the
present day are those who have known how to
adapt their practice to the great changes that
have of late come over agriculture. The most
successful farmer is he who is able to sell the
most from his farm. Such farms, says the
author, are invariably clean, well tilled, and in
good condition, so that the fertility of the soil is
maintained. " It costs the farmer very much
more to keep his land clean than to manure it."
" In my travels," says the author, " I have come
across farmers who farm upon this system. They
breed large numbers of horses, cattle, sheep,and
pigs, buying calves at times ; they grow a large
variety of green crops, planned to come in at all
times of the year ; they always have something
to sell, and, considering the numbers of stock
turned out, their expenditure on foods is exceed-
ingly small." Present-day farming must be freed
from ancient customs and restrictions suitable
for conditions that have completely changed.

For Potatos the author says the land should be
thoroughly and deeply cultivated, and then
thrown into ridges or drills with the double-
breasted plough, the manure being placed in the
furrows so formed. The most economical dressing

is a mixture of farmyard manure and artificials.
About 12 loads of dung per acre should be spread
in the furrows, and a mixture of 3 cwt. of super-
phosphate, 2 cwt. of kainite, and 1 of sulphate of
ammonia, should then be distributed broadcast
over the whole. Spraying with Bordeaux-mixture
in July is productive of great benefit. Not only
does it largely prevent disease, but it also pro-
longs the life of the tops ; and as the tops have
to manufacture the starch for the tubers, the
longer these tops are green and active the larger
will be the crop.

We need only add that the book has some
pretty illustrations, is well printed, and has an
index.

A NATIONAL POTATO SOCIETY.

When it is stated, as a few days since was the
case, that Potato- culture has in this country
declined to the extent of 10,000 acres, it is but
natural that some sense of alarm as to the future
of our home Potato supply should be created. In
the returns furnished as to agricultural crops it
is not probable that the areas of Potatos found
in gardens and allotments — certainly in the bulk
a very great area — are included. But whilst
these small breadths hardly send their produce
into the market, yet the greater their produce
the less is the demand made upon the market
stocks. When, as this year, we find that of
breadths planted, almost universally growth on
one-half was so poor that the resultant crop of
tubers is hardly one-third of a normal crop ; and
when, still further, it is found that disease has
affected the reduced produce materially, it is evi-
dent that our ordinary or home-grown Potato
crop is a very limited one, and when it is added
that the breadths of agriculturally grown Potatos
have been reduced to the extent of no less than
10,000 acres it is no matter for surprise if some
feeling of alarm be created as to the future of
the Potato as a crop and as an important article
of food. It is further surmised that, arising out
of the comparatively poor crop of this year, the
area planted next year may be still farther
lessened. Should that be so, then are we indeed
in presence of a possible danger and calamity.
This may seem to partake of pessimism, but we
have had of late, in spite of the great efforts
put forth by raisers, a good deal in relation to
our Potato supply to arouse feelings of anxiety.
Certainly if there be one product more than an-
other which enters into our daily diet that we
should produce here in ample abundance, it is the
Potato. What better reasons can be found than
these considerations furnish for the promotion of
a national society devoted absolutely to the im-
provement and culture of the Potato as an
element of food and of commerce ? It was recently
urged in these pages that, if such a society were
formed, it should have in it no trade aims or
interests. With that desire I cordially agree.
Still further, I feel assured that the promoters of
the proposed society have no such aims. Their
objects evidently are to promote the culture and
improvement of the Potato as a food - product,
apart from all mere trading or pecuniary interests
[which may be left to take care of themselves].

There seem to be so many ways in which aid to
Potato- culture can be given. Even now there is
much associated with it that is faulty and needs
amendment. Much may be done to help arouse
interest in wider and better culture by exhi-
bitions. Even more can be done through
the aid of trials conducted with impar-
tiality and judgment in diverse parts of
the kingdom, especially of new or little-
known varieties, and particularly in relation
to methods of culture, of storing seed-tubers
in winter, in times of planting, in general treat-
ment, and not least in the application of disease
remedies so far as may be practicable. At p. 357,

a first-class grower, Mr. B. Ashton, details some
of the results of his present year's trials of many
varieties, but the report is incomplete and has
less value than it would have had his trial beett
repeated in several other parts of the kingdom
and in diverse ooils.

His results, in relation to certain new varieties
differ materially from those obtained elsewhere
one more proof, if proof were needed, that single
trials of Potatos are not reliable ^tests for the
whole kingdom. Another writer on the next pageis
permitted to laud a seedling variety to the skies.
Lucky man ! Lucky Potato ! But there are some-
readers who have been long familiar with these
praises where garden products are concerned.
Were this wonder tested at various stations in
the kingdom simultaneously, a true notion of
its merits would be obtained. That is a result
for the proposed Potato Society to secure. A. D.

CHRYSANTHEMUM 'MRS. J. DUNN/

The new Japanese Chrysanthemum illustrated1
in fig. 155, p. 385, is one of the best novelties of
the present season. It is pure white, and in the
disposition of the florets and general build of the
flower is somewhat similar to F. S. Vallis. Tie-
flower is of large size, and very full. The variety
will be distributed by Mr. H. J. Jones, Eyecroft
Nurseries, Hither Green, Lewisham, and will add!
yet another to the number of first-class Chrysan-
themums distributed from these nurseries.

THE LOSS OF VIGOUR IN
PLANTS THROUGH PROPAGATION
BY CUTTINGS.

As a propagator of plants I have paid mueb
attention to the question raised by your corre-
spondent on p. 217. I think there is little doubt
that some species of plants do deteriorate with
age. I will take Carnations as the first example.
While many varieties will retain their vigour for
an almost indefinite time, others only last for a
comparatively short period. The yellow varieties
appear to me to lose some of their vitality sooner
than any others. I remember when first handling-
Pride of Penshurst that I propagated several-
thousands, and they all made bushy, healthy
plants — in fact, I never knew any variety of Car-
nation do better ; yet the following season 1
could not succeed so well, and year by year the
stock got worse, until I had to give it up alto-
gether; but before doing so I obtained a stock
from another grower. I had a similar experience
with Andalusia, a winter-flowering Carnation, a.
great favourite twenty years ago, which is hardly
ever seen now. Some other varieties have also-
dropped out of cultivation, but there is none
better to take their places. My experience was-
gained in establishments where plants were
grown for sale, and it may be that owing to the-
strongest and best plants always being sold, and.
cuttings and layers from weak plants were made
use of, the stock deteriorated more quickly than.
it otherwise would have done.

I will now take Begonia Gloire de Lorraine,
which has always proved abortive ; in fact, it
rarely produces female flowers ; and this variety,
instead of deteriorating, appears to gain iu
strength from year to year. There seems little
doubt that all plants which fail to mature seeds
may be propagated from cuttings and a. healthy
stock kept up for a much longer period than can-
be done with such plants as seed freely ; and yet
it is possible to grow many of the seed-bearing
plants for an indefinite period without ill effects,
being apparent. I have often referred to the
necessity of propagating from strong, healthy
stock and I have noticed that with some species

December 5 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

385

Fig. 165.— NEW Japanese chrysanthemum ' mrs. j. dunn:" tire white.

(see r. 3s I.)

386

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 5, 1903.

a long time is required to make good plants from
weak cuttings, and in some instances it is im-
possible to do so. Take Erica hyemalis, a species
which must have been in cultivation for at
least half a century ; it has always been raised
from cuttings, and as grown at the present time it
is more robust than it was twenty-five years ago ;
.and the same may be said of other Ericas. I will
refer to one other subject, viz., Asparagus plu-
mosus. I have found that all seedlings will grow
•vigorously if potted on as they require it, and
-otherwise treated liberally; but grown in poor
^soil and after being divided several times
the growth gradually becomes weaker, till at last
the variety " nanus " is evolved. It is much the
same with Aralia Veitchi and A. gracillima,
which are usually cultivated in light peaty soil ;
■but potted in rich loam and afforded good treat-
ment they grow quite out of character. It is not
"difficult to get these into the vigorous growth,
but it takes some time ere the plants get back to
the thin graceful habit.

There is one more point I may refer to, viz.,
the propagation of plants which produce terminal
inflorescences, such as Euphorbia pulcherrima
^Poinsettia),the plants raised from early cuttings
of which grow at the least 3 feet in height before
they come into flower j but the tops may be taken
■off and rooted, and if treated properly large heads
of bracts may be obtained on stems not more than
S inches or a foot high. There are other plants
which may be treated similarly, but it would not
be safe to trust to these late propagated plants
for the next season's stock. There is much more
lin the choice of stock plants and in the selection
■of suitable cuttings than is generally supposed.
A. Hemsley.

KILLEBTON.

(Concluded from p. 258.)

Though at the time of my visit I was
much too late for bulbs or other spring
•flowers, I was told that the whole of these
•slopes were thickly planted with Narcissi
and other bulbous plants, and the natural
growth of Primroses formed a veritable floral
•carpet. Amongst other plants that do well
and flower freely in this and other parts of
the grounds are Komneya Coulteri, Grisel-
inia littoralis, and Carpenteria californica.
About halfway up this green slope, upon
which so many interesting shrubs and trees
are planted, was a beautifully level turfed
walk, from which not only the plants them-
selves can be seen to great perfection, but
glorious views of the far distant country.
But before leaving this spot 1 may mention
that Mr.' Coutts, who has had charge of the
gardens for the last two years, drew my
attention to a plant of Arundinaria Simoni,
which had been planted within the period
mentioned, and which at the time of my
visit was bearing quantities of apparently
ripe seeds. The plants in the clump at
Killerton, as well as the seeds, were similar
in appearance to those which have already
•been described in the Gardeners' Chronicle by
Mr. Burbidge and others. Another fact to
which Mr. Coutts referred was that in the
Deodar-glen at Killerton, which runs east
and west, the Deodars planted on the side
•facing south grow luxuriantly, while those
■on the opposite side always die out after
attaining some size.

The time at my disposal at Killerton was
•not sufficient for noting all that was to be
seen, nor is the space at my command
sufficient for describing all that I did see.
The work that Mr. Coutts and his staff have
effected in the course of the two years he
has been there, is an indication that the big

work he has in hand in the construction of
a rock-garden and various other improve-
ments andadditions will make Killerton even
more attractive in the future than it now is.

With regard to the rock garden (see
Supplement, taken from a photograph by
W. Barrett, Exeter), it may be said that
the site selected offers facilities for a very
successful result, being part of an old
quarry. Much of the material is at hand,
and being on the side of a hill of some con-
siderable height a fine effect will be pro-
duced when the plants are established. A
small beginning, however, has only yet been
made, but among the plants already in
position we noted the following: — Calceo-
laria mexicana, Bhododendron kamtscha-
ticum, the pretty little Gaultheria antipoda
(usually referred to as a greenhouse plant,
but placed out-of-doors here), Leptospermum
barbatum, and others. A view of the
rockery, taken from about half-way up and
looking down upon the quaint tea-house,
and giving some distant views on the right
and left, is shown. In that part of the
grounds contiguous to the rockery is the
Fern-dell, which is being considerably im-
proved by careful planting, and by the
introduction of quantities of Cyclamen and
Anemone appenina amongst the Ferns. It
is crossed by a rustic wooden bridge, and is
a charmingly secluded spot.

But I must conclude these notes with a
reference to the names only of some of the
most conspicuous plants passed somewhat
hurriedly in making my way back to the
railway station on the conclusion of an
interesting and pleasant visit, made the
more pleasant by the courtesy of Sir Thomas
Acland and the attention of Mr. Coutts,
who, it may be said, is an old Kew man.
The plants referred to are Leueothoe axil-
laris, Lupinus arboreus, Convolvulus Cne-
orum, Fitzroya patagonica, 30 to 40 feet
high ; Cryptomeria elegans, 35 to 40 feet ;
Abies Menziesii, about SO feet; Araucaria
Cunninghami, about r,0 feet; Cupressus
Lawsoniana, Thuja gigantea, a remarkably
fine plant of Colletia horrida, covered with
its beautiful white flowers ; also a noble
group of Cork-Oaks ; besides the fine trees
of Lucombe Oak, which have been so re-
cently the subject of some discussion in the
Gardeners' Chronicle.

In the kitchen garden it may be as well to
say that Apples, Pears, Peaches, Nectarines,
Apricots, and Figs are all grown in quantity
out-of-dOors, and do well in ordinary
seasons. The evil effects of the present bad
summer have, however, been felt here, as in
other places.

Killerton is a climatological station, from
which a monthly report is furnished by Mr.
Coutts to the Royal Meteorological Society.
John R. Jackson.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Maine, Gardener to the Hon. Mark ROLta,
Bictou, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire.

Tuberoses. ■ — When in flower these are very
useful for making bouquets, and their delicious
perfume pervades a whole house, even if there be
but a few plants. I prefer the Pearl and American
varieties, though the African bulbs, which arrive
in September, are the first to flower. With the
three kinds of bulbs it is possible to have them
more or less in flower nearly the whole year. The
bulbs may either be potted singly in 4-inch pots
and potted-on afterwards, or three may be put

in a 6-inch pot, using a light, rich soil and
potting firmly ; place a little sand under each
bulb, and rub off with a label all side-growths,
as they rob the central spike if allowed to grow
unchecked. Plunge the pots in a slight bottom-
heat in a temperature of 00°, affording no water
until growth has commenced. To ensure a suc-
cession it is neoessary to pot up a batch of bulbs
every few weeks.

Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum multiflorum). —
This is a useful plant when forced into flower
early. Select the stoutest rhizomes obtainable,
and place three or four in a 5J-inch pot, and
treat them similarly to tuberoses. The smaller
pieces may be planted in rich soil out-of-doors,
and after a couple of years they will be in a
condition for forcing.

Spiroeas. — S. astilboides floribunda is decidedly
the best for culture in pots, and assuming that
the clumps were potted in October, as was sug-
gested, a few of these may be introduced to a
temperature of 60°, and afforded gentle bottom-
heat. Cover the crowns with damp moss, and
keep the soil fairly moist, increasing the amount
of water afforded as growth advances. A new
variety named Lord Salisbury is reeommen.ded for
forcing, but I have not seen it in flower except
late in the spring, when it makes a fine show.

Pot Roses. — Established plants that have made
a year's growth or more in pots may be introduced
into a temperature at night of 50°, advancing by
day to 55° or 60°, according to the weather. If a
house cannot be set apart for Roses, the plants
may be put in an early Peach-house or vinery.
Syringe them overhead lightly once or twice
daily, and afford water sparingly to the roots
until considerable growth has been made. Keep
a sharp look-out for the rose maggot, which may
be found in curled leaves or in the flower-bud.
Aphis must be dislodged by fumigating with
XL-All; and mildew is best got rid of by using
Campbell's patent sulphur vaporiser, a safe and
effectual cure for this disease, providing the
instructions are carried out which are sent with
each vaporiser. Pot up a stock of plants for
forcing next year, and plunge them in long litter
or coal-ashes in a sheltered corner out-of-doors.
Many of the hybrid Teas are very suitable for
early forcing.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Flemino, Gardener to Sir C. Pioott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Froic7v Beans. — When French Beans are re-
quired regularly during the winter, sowings
should be made at fortnightly intervals, these
being made either in large 60's or in the pots in
which the plants are to bear their pods. Sow
six to eight Beans, and thin the plants to four in a
pot in either case. If the latter method be
adopted, crock the pots efficiently with big
crocks, covering these with turfy bits of the
compost, and on these place as much soil as will
half fill the pot ; press moderately firmly, and
squeeze in the seeds an inch deep, and cover
lightly, but do not press the soil. When sowing
small pots use no crocks; fill the pots within an
inch of the rim, press the soil, then sow the
seeds, and fill the pot lightly, and make level.
The soil should contain enough moisture as will
induce the germination of the seed without the
necessity of affording water previously. Place
the pots in a brisk, moist heat, afford water
after a few leaves have formed, or before, if it be
really needed ; syringe the leaves in the morning
if the weather be bright. Apply tepid manure-
water alternately with clear water to plants in
bearing. Let the pods be gathered whilst still
young and tender. Varieties for present sowing,
although not the earliest croppers, are Canadian
Wonder and Sutton's Magnum Bonum.

Digging and, Trenching. — ■ These operations
should be undertaken whenever the soil is not
too pasty, but not trenching-in snow or earth
deeply frozen. In frosty weather wheel manure
or other materials on to the quarters, leaving it in
heaps in readiness for future digging, or spread-
ing it when the object is to keep the land from
being frozen. A plan of the cropping for the
ensuing year should be drawn up, manuring and
digging accordingly. The Pea quarter should be
trenched, and a liberal dressing of manure

December 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

387

afforded [nitrogenous manures are not needed.
Ed.] ; the Cauliflower and Cabbage quarters being
heavily manured with decayed stable or farm-
yard dung. There are certain crops which may
merely need a dressing, large or small, of charred
garden refuse, leaf mould and the like.

Hints on work in general. — When hard frosts
prevail and the spade cannot be got into the
ground, let spent hot-beds, Vegetable-Marrow
ridges and refuse-heaps be turned and thrown
together, sorting out such of the materials as are
fit for use, and putting that which is undecayed
by itself. Keep a smouldering fire going, on
which place prunings, weeds, &,c, the ashes being
useful as dressings for all sorts of vegetables.
Ground infested with wire - worm should be
afforded a dressing of gas-lime spread evenly
over the surface and left for two or three weeks
before digging it in. Let no vegetables be
gathered in a frozen state if it can be avoided.
A store of vegetables should be placed in a
shed to meet immediate requirements. Broccoli
should be lifted when the heads are fit for use,
and stored in cold frames, turf pits, or sheds.
The crop of Carrots left in the ground should be
preserved from harm by being covered with a
2-inch layer of half- decayed leaf-soil; and the
land containing Asparagus roots which will be
forced should be covered thickly with stable-
litter. Where the dressing of the Asparagus-
beds with rotten dung has not yet been carried
out no time should now be lost in getting this
done when the weather is dry or the land frozen.
Parsley wintering in cold frames should be cleansed-
occasionally, and abundance of air afforded it in
mild weather.

FRUITS

UNDER

By T. H. C.

GLASS.

Strawberries in Pots. — It is time that the plants
were removed to their winter quarters if the opera-
tion has been delayed so long. Plants that were
started on a bed of tree-leaves in a pit towards
the middle of last month may be removed to the
shelves of the Strawberry-house, or to a similar
position in fruit-houses that were started last
month, which have a minimum temperature
of 50°. The present is a good time to start a
batch of plants to produce ripe fruits early in
March, but unless the crowns are well developed
and the pots filled with roots, forcing at this date
will not be attended with the best results. Let
these plants be put iu the place of those just
removed from the pit of tree-leaves, the mild
bottom-heat of which will cause sufficient growth
at present, harder forcing at this stage being most
injurious. Eemove all decayed leaves from the
plants, and stir the surface soil, working-in a
light sprinkling of an approved fertiliser. Admit
air freely in fine weather when the temperature
approaches 50°.

Peaches and Nectarines. — Assuming that prepa-
rations for starting early Peach-houses have been
made, as were advised in the Calendar for Oct. 3,
the house containing trees to produce ripe fruits
in May may now be closed. Do not use any arti-
ficial heat during the first ten days, unless it be
to keep out frost. After this period afford a night
temperature of -45° to 50', which may rise from
5° to 10° during the day. Make sure that the
borders are thoroughly moist down to the
drainage, and without syringing the trees until
the hot-water pipes are used, maintain a moist
condition of the atmosphere by damping the
paths and other surfaces in the house. Trees
started in the middle of November may now be
afforded a night temperature of 50°, with an
equal rise during the day. Avoid high tempera-
tures until the fruit is set, as excessive
heat has a weakening effect upon the flowers.
Syringe the trees lightly twice daily in fine
weather until the flower-buds open, and just
before the trees reach this stage vaporise the
house with XL- All ; this will keep the trees free
from aphides until some time after the fruit is set.

Succession-house. — Proceed as fast as possible
with the pruning and cleansing of trees in suc-
cession-houses, and let the measures taken for
securing clean, healthy trees be as thorough as the
circumstances require. Good cultivation is better
than all insecticides, so to speak, therefore see that
everything which tends to promote a heulthy, free-

growing, and fruitful tree is done at this season.
Imperfect root - action is the cause of more
failures in Peach cultivation than anything 1
know of, and where the roots are not under the
gardener's control in properly made and well-
drained borders, steps should be taken without loss
of time to remedy matters by lifting and replant-
ing the trees in prepared borders, as recom-
mended in a recent Calendar. Restriction of the
roots in the case of young trees induces early
fruitfulness ; but where the root3 are allowed an
unlimited run, the resultant growth is usually
gross, and it matures imperfectly. The roots in
such cases should be pruned, and the growth
next year will be less vigorous but more fruitful.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Milleb MuNDY.Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Ground Work. — Vacant beds and borders which
will remain unoccupied by plants until the spring
should be dug or bastard-trenched, and the surface
left rough for the frost to act upon it. The
amount and the nature of the manure to be dug- in
should be ruled by the species of plants intended
to be grown, which, to a certain extent, will
also decide the depth to which the soil should be
stirred, though deep digging nearly always pays
for itself in the saving of labour in affording
water, and the plants suffer scarcely at all. New
beds and borders may be prepared at this time of
the year, and if the top fertile soil is not suffi-
ciently deep, say, less than 2 feet, the subsoil
should be removed so as to afford this depth,
and soil from a cultivated area substituted for it.

Manuring Shrubs. — Flowering shrubs are all the
better for annual or biennial manurial dressings
pointed-in with a garden fork and applied far
enough away from each plant to prevent injury
to the main roots, but well within reach of the
feeding roots, the loss of a few of which by the
fork is soon made good again. These will do
much good to such things as Hydrangea panicu-
lata and others which enjoy a rich larder. Mulches
of manure are apt to be scratched about by the
birds and their good effects lost.

Liliums. — Imported bulbs of hardy Liliums
should be planted as soon as received, if the
ground be in a fit condition ; for storing them till
the spring, even under the best conditions, ex-
hausts them and delays root-action. Bury the
bulbs from 4 inches to 6 inches deep according to
size, and surround each with a handful or two of
sandy soil.

Water-Lilies. — Where Nympha^as are grown in
tubs some v. inter protection is required, and the
best sort of protection is to sink the tubs perma-
nently in the soil and cover each in frosty weather
with a skeleton framework of narrow slats of
wood thickly covered with bracken or straw, but
removing these coverings in mild weather.

Christmas Roses (Hellelores). — Where these are
grown in beds, ordinary garden-frames may be
placed over them in order to protect the flowers
from dirt, and to hasten the flowering. Single
clumps may be covered with hand-glasses, which
should be elevated a little above the ground, for
if air be totally excluded the flowers will come
tinged with green.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Paoe. Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Red Currants. — The winter pruning of these
fruits can now be undertaken. The red variety
fruits on the young and the old wood, and also on
spurs. If summer pruning was carried out as
advised in a former Calendar, the work needing
to be done now is merely to shorten the leading
shoots to various lengths as befits their position,
and to cut back the lateral and weaker ones to
1 or 2 inches. Care should be taken in the case
of young bushes that have not attained to their
full size to cut the leading shoots to a strong bud
pointing outwards. Keep the centre of the bush
fairly open, so that the sun may reach the fruits.

The Black Currant. — The weaker shoots should
be left untouched or removed down to the ground
level, as may best suit the case ; and in the case

of aged bushes, some of the main branches should!
be removed each year, and young vigorous shoots-
left to take their places. Young bushes should
be pruned hard the first and second year. I fear that-
that pest of the Black Currant, the Currant-bud
mite, is now pretty well established in all parts of
the country, and no remedy that I am aware of has
been found that will rid the plantations of the
pest, or even check its ravages. A grower in this
locality spent much time and money last season in
hand-picking, but the result is failure ; for this
winter the bushes are as bad or worse than last
year, and very little fruit was picked. I would'
strongly advise all cultivators who are troubled
with the mite to uproot and burn their stock of
bushes forthwith, and dress the ground with un-
slaked lime at the rate of 1 bushel to 3 square-
yards ; or, better still, the upper layer 6 inches-
deep may be charred. Young stock should be>
obtained from a clean source, and planted as far
as possible from that part of the garden where-
the infected bushes grew. If it be considered
desirable to raise young Currant-bushes, cuttings-
should now be selected, choosing well-ripened
shoots about 1 foot long, removing the buds from,
the lower two-thirds in the case of red and white
varieties, cutting the base square across, re-
moving the tips, so that about four or five strong-
buds will show aboveground when they are
planted. Let them be tied in bundles of fifty,
labelled, and lay them in deeply where they will
be sheltered from cold winds. They can be set-
out in beds in March next.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. G. 1*
Holfoed, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Cypripediums. — These form a useful and accom-
modating class of plants, but little injured by
fogs that affect almost all other Orchid flowers^
As a florist's flower, their popularity increases-
yearly, the varieties of colour being more
numerous than in past years, when the old,
well-known C. insigne was the only one that
could be grown in quantity. For easy cul-
ture and floriferousness the autumn and
winter-flowering Cypripediums have no equals, to
say nothing of the lasting qualities of the blooms.
I have had specimen plants at Westonbirt carry-
ing their flowers in good condition for quite-
three months, and cut blooms last in an ordi-
nary apartment for a month. When required,
a well-flowered plant may be taken into the
dwelling for a short period without taking any
harm whatever. Amongst the varieties in>
flower at the present season are C. Milo, C.
Tityus, C. oenanthum superbum, C. triumphans-
and C. Harrisianum. C. Polletianum and the
many different varieties of C. Euryades are
among the best and most richly-coloured hy-
brids; while a large variety of delicate shades
will be found amongst the numerous forms of
C. Leeanum, one of the best as a cut flower
being C. Leeanum giganteum. Then the old
species, C. insigne, which has played such a-
prominent part as a parent, still remains a great
favourite, and has numerous varieties, differing in
shades of colour from delicate yellow to those-
with deop purple-coloured spots and markings.

Winter Treatment. — Cypripediums are never
inactive at any season, and to allow them to-
remain dry at the roots for any length of time is-
an injurious practice ; on the other hand, a
liberal application of moisture during the
winter is not advisable, especially when a
plant is flowering. Experience has taught
me that a cool intermediate house is the
proper one for all the above-mentioned plants, as>
in such the propor colours of the flowers are pro-
duced. It is essential that a moist atmosphere
be always maintained, but even this must not bo
excessive in the winter. The cultivator should
avoid a saturated state of the air of the house,
especially during the night, when there is a.
lowering of the temperature ; and before affording
water always allow the plants to become mode-
rately dry at the root. Do not afford water in
driblets, but always in moderately copious quan-
tities. If everything be done to keep the plants
clean, healthy, and sturdy, they will grow freely,
and produce a good crop of flowers at the proper
season.

388

THE GARDENERS' CIIR 0 NI CL E.

[December 5, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

Letters lor Publication, as well as specimens and plant*
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
4i» Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.
Communications should be written o.v one side only of
the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and rfu'y
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

(Illustrations. - -77 i* Editor uill be glad to receive and seleit
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproductiop t of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

(Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to
t7i€ Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of
interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable
to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK.

SATURDAY, DEC. ■ { ^JE^1*gg**t

I National Chrysanthemum En-
C e'y's Exhibition at Crystal
8 \ Palace (1 daysi.

/"National Sweet Pea Society's
Annuil Meeting at Hotel

1 Windsor, at 2 30 p.m.

TUESDAY. Dsc

THURSDAY Den in ( National Rose Society's ADnual
ihuksday, dec. 10, General Meeting and Dinner.

SATURDAY, Dec. 12 -Royal Botanic Society's meeting.

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY, Dec. 7-

Bulbs Roses, Pareunia's. Azileis, 4c. , at 67 and 6?,

cheapslde, E.C., by Protueroe 4 Morris, at 1 1 —At

Stevens' Rooms, at 12 30, Bulbs, Japanese Lilies

Rose?. Palms. &c.
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9-

Palms. Plants Azaleas, Roses. Herbaceous Plants.

&c, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protberoe 4.

Morris, at 11.— At Stevens', Bulbs, Roses, Palms,

Azaleas, Lilacs, 4 •.
FRIDAY, Dec. 11-

Orchidi in variety at f 7 and us, Cheapside, E C, by

Protheroe & Morris, at la.3>.

t For furthir particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations oi Forty-three Years at Chiswic k
-40'9.
Actual Temperatures :—

London. -Dec 2(6 p.m ) : Max. 40 "^ Mtn.3r.
Die. 3 (noon) : 37" ; overcast, calm.
Provinces. —Dec 2 (R p.m.): Max. 45% off Achil
Head; Min. 26, off Aberdeen.

We are informed that the

The National Koyal Horticultural Society,

DahhaSociely. , ,. , , ' J'

■when applied to in reference

to holding the Dahlia Show in the new Hall,
now halfway towards completion, set forth
terms and restrictions which the Committee
of the Dahlia Society considered prohibi-
tive, and that in consequence the exhibition
•of these tine autumn flowers will be held
next autumn at the Crystal Palace. We are
not aware what reasons the Council of the
Royal Horticultural Society may have for
their decision, but, in ihe absence of such
•information, it seems a most injudicious
and suicidal proceeding practically to debar
the Dahlia Society from exhibiting in the
new Hall.

One main object in erecting this building
•was to afford, as far as space and other
■circumstances permitted, opportunity for
the special societies to hold their displays,
and thus to lessen the objection that some
feel to the multiplication of special societies.
If the Society wants to retain her " colonies,"
and knit more firmly the bonds between
them and the parent Society, this proceed-
ing is rather calculated to have the reverse
■effect, and to perpetuate the objectionably
narrow limitations inseparable from special
societies, but which co-operation would tend
to break down. We trust before it is too
late that wiser counsels may prevail, or at

least that substantial reasons may be made
public for the course the Council is reported
to have adopted.

Amongst such reasons it may be found
that the Fellows of the Eoyal Horticultural
Society, and especially the regular exhibitors
at the Drill Hall, have felt some inconveni-
ence on occasions when special societies
have held exhibitions concurrently with the
Koyal horticultural Society's meetings. If
the Dahlia or Auricula Society was to hold
its exhibition on a day when no meeting of
the Boyal Horticultural Society was to take
place, we do not know how the Fellows of
the Koyal Horticultural Society could com-
plain, but until now this has not been the
case. The shows have been held on a Tues-
day, and not only have the Council found
themselves sometimes unable to invite ex-
hibits, other than novelties submitted for
certificates, but the Committees have been
obliged to sit upstairs in the canteen, and
the new plants, flowers, &c, have been
placed about in all sorts of unsuitable
places because it was not possible to make
better provision for them under such cir-
cumstances, whilst the crush in the Hall
throughout the day has been inconvenient.

Horticultural The following details, taken
Education from Moller's Deutsche Gartner-
in Prussia. Zeitung, will be read with
interest after what has been recently said
about Versailles, and also in connection
with the new garden of the Koyal Horti-
cultural Society at Wisley. The circum-
stances at the latter garden are not so
propitious for lesearch or for educational
work as they were, or might have been,
at Chiswick. The proximity to Kew alone
gave advantages which cannot be expected
at Wisley. Nevertheless, it is well to see
what is being done in other countries, and
to do the best we can ourselves under
different conditions.

The Eoyal Gardeners' College at Dahlem, near
Steglitz, is an institute intended for the educa-
tion of gardeners and the furtherance of horti-
culture in Prussia. It was formally opened by
the Ministerial Director, Dr. Hugo Thtel, Presi-
dent of the " Curatorium," on October G last, in
the presence of the representatives of the State
authorities and of various horticultural societies,
corporations, patrons and friends. The build-
ings, as the President told his hearers, are not yet
completed — a state of things not uncommon with
all such buildings, as they are seldom quite
finished on the openiog day. No better means
existed of hastening their completion than to fix
a date for the opening, and in spite of all hin-
drances to abide firmly by it. The grounds and
garden, on the contrary, are nearing completion.

The Institute was founded in 1823, on the
proposition of the famous landscape gardener
Lenne, in conjunction with the Horticultural
Society of the Prussian States, which had been
founded in the previous year.

In the carrying out his designs, Lenne had
to deplore above everything the lack of sufficiently
educated gardeners, and the necessary materials
for planting an extensive new garden. The one
was helped by the founding of a School of Horti-
culture, and the other by establishing at the same
time a nursery.

This was first laid out in the Potsdam game
plantation, subsequently (in 1844) transferred to
Alt Geltow, and in 189 1 given up entirely,
because all the requirements could be sufficiently
met by the private nurseries. The Institute has
changed its domicile and extent several times.
One section existed on land rented in 1853 from

the Eoyal Botanical Gardens at Schoneberg, and
another remained in close connection with the
Eoyal Gardens at Potsdam, and at the present time
it is closely associated with the neighbouring
newly-formed Botanicil Garden; and from this
connection great advantages are hoped for in the
education and training of garden-botanists.
Many changes have taken place in the methods
of instruction and the arrangement of demonstra-
tions and studies in landscape gardening and
fruit and vegetable cultivation ; these being
carried on in the Eoyal Gardens, monetary
assistance being afforded the Institute by. the
Hofmarschall Office, and it is hoped that this
assistance will not be withdrawn. The Court-
Garden Director took over the management of
the Institute in 1800, and retained it till 1891,
when he was succeeded by the Court-Garden
Director Vetter from 1891 to 1890, Vetter being
followed by Walter, from 1896 to 1898. To him
succeeded Court-Garden Director Fintelmann,
the present holder of the office. Since the
foundation eighty years ago 1,000 students have
passed through the school, and the majority of
them have made themselves eminent in "official
posts, or as gardeners in private establishments.
The students at the present time number sixty.

Although local conditions and the personality of
the first directors of the Institute naturally made
practical gardening a matter of the first moment,
other branches of horticulture were not neglected ;
and the first statute of the Institute had for its
aim the training of landscape-gardeners, pomo-
logists, flower-gardeners, and hybridists. To
these aims it has always been constant, and the
chief object in the establishment of the school at
Dahlern has been the production of the best
possible cultivators, for it was felt that in
garden-practice a scientific foundation was re-
quired and needed, but which could not be
afforded by the old arrangements and con-
trivances at Potsdam, more especially as a great
number of schools of gardening had been estab-
lished elsewhere which were better furnished
on the scientific and practical sides.

Thanks to the monetary assistance liberally
afforded by the Prussian Government, an institu-
tion will be formed which will meet all the require-
ments of an advanced horticultural education.
For all students alike the first year's course must
be spent in acquiring the essential foundations
of their craft. The scientific side is dominated
before all by botany, more especially by the study
of plant-life and the physiology of plants, con-
currently with chemistry and physics. Then
follows a course of mathematics, drawing, and
instruction in the cultivation of fruit, &c. Even
for those students who do not go through the
entire course, a good theoretical foundation will
be afforded calculated to be of great value to the
future gardener.

Speeches were made on the occasion of the
opening by H. Gustave Fintelmann, Director
of the Eoyal Gardeners' School, Potsdam, by his
Excellency Freiherr von Cramm Burgdorf,
Director of the Prussian Horticultural Society,
Eegierungsrath ; Professor Dr. A. Engler, and
the Eoyal Horticultural Director, Th. Echter-
meter. The plan of the Institute buildings
given in the Deutsche Gtirtner-Zeitung, shows an
oblong plain building, abundantly lighted with
round-headed windows, and having partly under-
ground rooms, with porter's lodging, heating
apparatus, &c, a ground floor, and two stories
over it.

The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In-
stitution.— We are pleased to announce that
the annual festival dinner in aid of the funds of
this Institution will be held at the Hotel Metro-
pole, London, in June next, when, we understand,
Harry J. Veitch, Esq., the Treasurer, will
preside. The exact date will be announced later.

December 5, 1903.]

THE GARD ENER #' CHR ONI CL E.

389

*#* OUR ALMANAC— According to our usual
practice, we shall shortly issue a Gardeners'
Chronicle Almanac for the year 1901. In order
io make it as complete as possible, we shall be
obliged if Secretaries of Horticultural, Botanical,
and allied Societies, or any of our correspondents,
■willsend us IMMEDIATE INTIMATION of all fixtures
for the coming year.

Castlewellan.— It has often been our good
"fortune to notice or illustrate some of the choice
trees and shrubs which have been collected with
so much taste and judgment by the Earl Annesley
at Castlewellan, Co. Down. Fellows of the Eoyal
Horticultural Society will also remember the
valuable paper contributed to the Journal of the
Royal Horticultural Society by Lord Annesley,
and many of them, as well as arboriculturists in
general, will be interested to know that, under
the title Beautiful and Rare Trees and Plants, his
lordship has increased our obligations to him.
The work is illustrated with seventy reproduc-
tions of photographs taken by himself, and is
published at the office of Country Life. For the
moment we must content ourselves with the mere
announcement of the publication, but we shall
-shortly give a more extended notice of the book.

National Rose Society. — The annual
■meeting will be held in the rooms of the Horti-
cultural Club, on Thursday, December 10, at 3.30:
The annual dinner will be held on the same day
at the Windsor Hotel, Victoria Street, West-
minster, at 5.30 p.m., H. V. Machin, Esq., in the
Chair.

ROYAL SOCIETY.— At the annual meeting
■held on November 30, Sir Archibald Geikie
was elected Secretary in place of Sir Michael
Foster, resigned. The meeting was unusually
largely attended, as it was thought by many that
the new Secretary should be, like his two im-
jnediate predecessors, a biologist. This view did
■not obtain with the majority, and a geologist was
.appointed. Much of the President's address was
taken up with the discussion of the relations of
'the parent Society to its offshoots, the special
•Societies. When published it will be interesting
in relation to our own special Societies to observe
the line of action recommended by the President
•of the Eoyal Society, the oldest and most illus-
trious of all similar bodies in this country.

The Surveyors' Institution.— The next
ordinary general meeting will be held on Mon-
-day, December 7, 1903, when a paper will be read
*7 Mr. Edward Thomas Scammell, F.E.G.S.,
•entitled "The Preservation of Timber, with
special reference to its protection from Dry Eot
and the increase of its usefulness for Estate
Fencing and other purposes." The chair will be
itaken at four o'clock, this being one of two ordi-
nary general meetings held for the convenience
of country members in the afternoon instead of
in the evening. With a view of encouraging
the reading of papers at the ordinary general
-meetings, the Council have decided to award a
■Gold Medal for the best paper, if of sufficient
anerit, read by a member of the Institution during
.the Session.

The Hurricane in the West Indies.— We
<are glad to hear from a correspondent in Jamaica,
that the vegetation in that island has again
shown how wonderfully fertile is the soil there.
Since the devastating hurricane that visited
Jamaica on August 11 last, vegetation has
recovered itself to a surprising degree, and now
that people have survived the shock which the
scenes described in our pages on September 19,
occasioned, and the fallen trees and other vege-
tation have been removed, it is felt that the
•island has not suffered so much permanent loss
as was feared at the time.

Methods of Destroying Mealy-bug on
Vines. — Several gardeners have written calling
attention to the danger of the use of petroleum on
Grape- Vines as the winter dressing. We think
that if used in the proportion of one wineglassful
to one gallon of soapy water, the whole being
constantly well stirred with a stick or agitated
with a syringe, it is both safe and efficient. We
remark that Mr. H. W. Ward, in his article in
the Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 366, advises two wine-
glassfuls. This may have been a slip of the
pen, and we should prefer to use only one
glassful.

M. KETELEER. — From the French papers we
learn of the death, on the 12th ult., of M.
Keteleer, in his 91st year. M. Keteleer was
as well known and as highly appreciated among
a select circle in this country as he was by his
own countrymen. In connection with his asso-
ciate Thibaut, his firm took a very high place in
the introduction and cultivation of new and rare
plants. His name will be perpetuated in the
genus Keteleeria, formerly considered as a section
of the genus Abies, but more full information
has amply confirmed the justice of M. Carriere's
determination of the plant as constituting a new
genus.

"The Journal of the Royal Horticul-
tural SOCIETY." — Among the most striking
features consequent on the regeneration of the
Eoyal Horticultural Society has certainly been
the great improvement in the Journal of the
Society. The Secretary, being a busy man, has
found time to edit the periodical, and to get
around him a willing band of helpers, by
whose joint efforts the Journal has been so
improved that each Fellow gets much more
than his guinea's worth. The part before us,
dated October, 1903, contains a very valuable
article on the pests of the orchard and fruit-
garden, illustrated with coloured plates, by
Dr. Cooke, an article which we hope will, with
others, be hereafter published separately. M. Le-
moine's paper on the forcing of shrubs by means
of ether vapour will be read with great interest,
as it is a matter which concerns the professional
florist quite as much as the botanist. Anything
from the pen of Mr. Nicholson will be read with
respect ; his notes on little - known trees and
shrubs form no exception to the rule, but rather
lead us to ask for more. As a forecast of the
fine things which we may expect from Central
China, Mr. James H. Veitch's article will be
keenly read, especially by those who saw the
wonderful collection of dried specimens collected
by Mr. E. H. Wilson, and exhibited last spring
at the Eoyal Horticultural Society by Messrs.
Veitch. Many of these are already in cultiva-
tion at Coombe Wood, and afford an answer to
those who think the supply of " new " plants is ex-
hausted. Of several of these plants photographic
illustrations are given, but process blocks are
not in all cases suitable for the illustration of
plants. This paper will form a valuable record,
to which gardeners and botanists alike will be
glad to refer in the future. Professor Hens-
low's paper, entitled "Natural Selection versus
Adaptation " seems somewhat of a misnomer
if the two epithets be, as we suppose, for,
practical purposes, synonymous. Mr. Hudson's
paper on " Blue Nymphoeas and their Culture "
will appeal to most cultivators of these lovely
plants. Mr. Hudson has succeeded, as many
of our readers know, in raising a seedling
variety of N. gigantea, which surpasses the
typical form in size and depth of colour. Miss
Bradley's communication on bottling fruit will
appeal more strongly to those concerned, another
season, when we may hope to have more fruit to
bottle. The note on *' The Peculiarities of the
Cape Flora," by Prof. Henslow, should be stu-
died attentively by cultivators, not so much

with a view to imitation of conditions which
can only be partially effected, but for the
purpose of ascertaining how and by what
means Cape plants can be made to adapt them-
selves to cultivation under altered circumstances.
Cucumber growers and Tomato cultivators will
do well to study Mr. Massee's paper and follow
his directions. Another paper showing original
observation is that of Mr. Bartholomew on the
development of the roots of the Daffodil, a paper
we should like, did space allow, to condense, but
it is best to call the attention of cultivators to
it and let them make their own abstract. In
addition to papers read before the Society,
others communicated to the Horticultural Club
are included, so that to that extent the Club
and the Society are amalgamated. Eeports
on the various subjects submitted for trial at
Chiswick are added, but some further details
seem to be needed — as, for instance, in the case
of Irises, little help is given to the gardener in
distinguishing the several sections into which
the genus is here divided ; and a similar remark
applies to Peas and Beans. Among the common-
place notes, we endorse the urgent appeal for
funds to complete the new Hall and endow the
new garden, and if the extremely meagre funds
at the disposal of the Trustees of the Lindley
Library were increased by even modest contribu-
tions from the Fellows more could be done than
is now possible with the exiguous income pos-
sessed by the Trustees. The abstracts from cur-
rent periodicals continue to be published, and a
very valuable feature they constitute. The little
note headed "Advertisements" on p. cvi. is
surely hardly in good taste. It reminds us
of the advertisements of quack medicines or
patent foods, and of the means taken by a great
journal to push the sale of a book in which it is
interested. When periodicals of the highest
repute adopt such questionable methods, we cannot
expect the dignity and independence of the Press
to be upheld by journals of lesser standing, and
so the Press will become vulgarised and lowered
in the readers' estimation, without any compen-
satory advantage. This is, however, a small
matter in comparison with the general excellence
of the number, which we hail with satisfaction as
showing the progress the Society is making — pro-
gress due in very large measure to the judgment,
zeal and industry of the Secretary.

POTATOS. — High prices, says Mr. Malden,
do not make good Potatos ; but good Potato3
make high prices.

Agricultural Returns.— The Board of
Agriculture has just issued a very valuable series
of returns showing the acreage under various
crops, and the number of horses and other animals
in each county of Great Britain, <fcc. It may be
had for 0d. from Eyre & Spottiswoode, East
Harding Street, Fleet Street. It demands the
serious attention of landowners and cultivators.
Most of the details are beyond our province, but
we may mention that, according to the figures
here given, the quantity of land withdrawn from
arable cultivation during the year amounts
to 172,000 acres; so that now, on the
whole, there are 3,000,000 acres fewer under
arable culture than there were thirty years ago.
The reduction was greatest in Essex, 12,000 acres ;
Wiltshire, 9,000 acres ; and Gloucestershire, 8,000
acres. In Scotland a corresponding reduction
has not taken place. The marked decline in
Wheat culture is attributed to the unfavourable
sowing time. The decrease by nearly 10,000
acres of the area under Potato culture is also attri-
buted in part to the same cause as that opera-
ting in the case of Wheat. In Scotland and Lin-
colnshire there was, however, a slight increase of
the acreage devoted to Potato culture. Turning
to the entry " small fruits," we find a slight
increase in 1903 ; thus in 1903 the total acreage

390

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 5, 1903-

devoted to this culture is given as 81,273,
against 80,385 acres in the preceding year. The
great decline in arable culture is not wholly un-
compensated. The increased area of market-
garden culture, and especially of cultivation
under glass, is not mentioned, though it is obvious
enough to anyone passing through the outskirts
of London and other large towns. The gardener
with his relatively few acres obtains an amount
of produce in Grapes, Tomatos, Cucumbers,
flowers, that would excite the astonishment of
a faiine.". At the same time the number of
workmen employed is relatively much larger
than is the case in purely agricultural pursuits.
The free introduction of Baltic timber and Bel-
gian glass has much to do with the prosperity of
the grower for market, and is one of the innu-
merable items which should occupy the attention
of those concerned in fiscal reform.

STERCULIA DIVERSIFOLIA.— The seeds of this
Australian tree contain, according to Mr. Turner
(in the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New
South Wales, June, 1903), 1'8 per cent, of caffeine.
Mr. Turner also says that after roasting the
seeds in a similar way to Coffee, he made a
"capital beverage." The leaves also are eaten
by stock.

"ICONES SELECT/E Horti Thenensis."—
Two parts of this important publication are before
us. They appeal more particularly to garden-
botan'sts, being full of valuable critical notes
and beautifully illustrated by lithographic plates.
The plants are selected from those growing in
the garden of M. van den Bossche at Tirlemont,
and the botanical details are supplied by M. de
Wildeman, of Ihe Brussels Botanic Garden.
Among the plant s figured in the fourth volume,
tab. cxxxix., is Schaueria calycotricha, a yellow-
flowered, Justicia-like plant, frequently cultivated
in our hothouses.

Royal Tradesmen. — We learn from the
Irish Times, of November 28, that Messrs. Charles
Ramsay and Son, the Royal Nurseries, Ball's
Bridge, have been appointed florists to His
Majesty in Ireland.

W. Horne & Son's Fruit-tree Sale.— This
firm of nurserymen at Perry Hill, Cliffe, near
Rochester, write: "We are just sending you a
line to tell you we had a very successful fruit-tree
sale. There was a good demand for Apples
especially ; Plums rather better than last year ;
Pears good, and Gooseberries much advanced in
the last six weeks. The two new varieties of
Potatos, Northern Star and Sir John Llewellyn,
are very much higher in price."

The Germination of Orchids.— M. Noel
Bernard has lately been experimenting upon
and studying the germination of species of
Cattleyaand La?lia,and communicates the results
of his work to a recent number of the Comptes
Sendus of the French Academy of Science.
Cattleya and La;lia seeds, or that of their hybrids,
were selected because these germinate most freely
under glass, and are usually sown in damp
sawdust. After a fortnight the embryos produce
small "spherules" or globular bodies, con-
spicuous by their green colour. They remain for
some time at this stage— sometimes they do not
develop further, and the seed sooner or later
dies from the attack of a parasitic mould ; other-
wise, after a varying period, which may be as
much as one or two months, growth is started
and proceeds. Germination is always slow and
irregular; often after four or five months the
most advanced plants are not higher than 5 mm.
These little plants are then top-shaped, widened
at th e peg, where the terminal bud is formed. They
are always more or less covered at their tip, to
which the suspensor is attached, by a filamentous
fungu3. M. Bernard's experiments have shown

that the penetration of this fungus is an essential
condition in the germination of Orchid seeds.
This has been previously suggested, but the
proofs now offered have not hitherto been
obtained. If the fungus is present germination
succeeds, if its presence is prevented then the
embryo ceases to develop. Without following
M. Bernard into all his details, we confine
ourselves to saying that, according to him, the
embryo Orchid will no more develop into a
perfect plant without the assistance of the
fungus than an egg can go through its evolution
if it has not been fertilised. It will be remem-
bered that a similar " symbiosis " has been
pointed out in the germination of seedling Oaks
and other plants.

PRESENTATION. — On Friday evening, No-
vember 27, the members of the Bowhill Horticul-
tural Association presented their secretary and
treasurer, Mr. John C. Lunt, gardener to His
Grace the Duke of Buccleuch, with a handsome
gold Albert chain, in consideration of the success
with which he had carried out their annual show,
and the faithful manner in which he had dis-
charged his other duties. Mr. Lunt thanked the
members for their handsome gift.

The "Gardener's Assistant" is now to
be had from the Gresham Publishing Company,
34, Southampton Street, Strand, for a preliminary
payment of 4s., to be followed by eleven monthly
payments of the same amount. This affords an
excellent opportunity to young gardeners and
others to secure the standard book on practical
gardening, edited by Mr. Watson, of Kew, on
easy terms. For further particulars see our
advertising columns.

The Proposed Gardeners' As30ciation.
— Mr. A. Dean writes: "Kindly permit me to
state in your columns that, with the sanction of
the Horticultural Club, a meeting of head gar-
deners, inclusive of the recent Dinner Committee,
will be held, at the Club Room, Hotel Windsor, at
2 p.m., on Tuesday, December 15, for the purpose
of taking the proposals in favour of such an asso-
ciation into consideration. Attendance will bind
no one to any particular scheme ; what is desired is
the full expression of opinion in relation to these
proposals. If there be a real desire to form such
an association, and I observe the approval of so
estimable a man as Mr. James Douglas is given
to the suggestion, then the association will be
formed. If there be no such desire, then there is
an end of it. Head gardeners desirous of being
present will be welcomed, so also will their
opinions in writing." [The scheme requires to
be very carefully considered as to its objects, and
the best way of carrying them out. No proposal
can be entertained in the absence of a definitely-
thought-out and properly formulated programme.]

Botany of the Darling River, New South
Wales.— Mr. Turner has contributed to the
Proceedings of the Linnean Society of N. S. Wales
an interesting paper on the botany of the area
drained by the Darling River. Ihe country
consists of immense treeless plains, separated here
and there by large belts of timber. The mean
temperature is about 69'7°, the highest tempera-
ture in the shade 127°, and the lowest 28°. The
rainfall varies from 9| inches in the west to 19|
inches in the east. Eucalyptus microtheca is
mentioned as a very beautiful tree when in
flower, and several of the Cruciferai have com-
paratively large flowers, and are worth garden
culture. Capparis Mitchelli produces its showy
flowers in the driest season, and never fails to
attract attention. Clianthus Dampieri is one of
the most attractive plants of this region, and is
well known in cultivation ; so are various species
of "Everlasting [Flowers" (Helichrysum, &c).
Many of the species of Eremophila are worth the
attention of horticulturists for their ornamental

appearance and for the profusion of their charm-
ing flowers. A similar remark applies to the
species of Trichinium, of which one species, T.
Manglesii, is an ornament of our greenhouses.
Two Conifers, presumably Frenela robusta and'
F. Endlicheri, occupy immense areas, and would
properly treated, prove a valuable asset. The
pseudo-bulbs of Cymbidium canaliculatum, th&
only Orchid mentioned, contain a small quantity
of starch, and are eaten by the natives. One-
species of Crinum and two of Calostemma make
a magnificent display which would astonish any
botanist or horticulturist. Mr. Turner tells us-
that he has cultivated them successfully near
Sydney. Altogether Mr. Turner enumerates
760 species, belonging to 314 genera.

Presentations to Mr. Samuel Hearn
AND Mr. Morter. — The men employed in the
parks and open spaces under the Birmingham.
Corporation met at the " White Swan " Hotel,.
Birmingham, on November 23, for the pur-
pose of presenting Mr. S. Hearn with a gold
watch, suitably inscribed. Mr. Hearn has.
recently retired from the management of the
parks and open spaces on a pension, after a period*
of service of about thirty years. Mi. Long,.
keeper of the Aston Park, who made the pre-
sentation, was supported by Alderman Johnson,.
Mr. Cox (Secretary to the Parks and Baths Com-
mittee), and Mr. W. H. Morter. Mr. Morter,
the newly-appointed successor to Mr. Hearn, has-
removed from High Elms, Farnborough, Kent,,
and before leaving was presented with a case of
silver and cutlery, subscribed for by the employe's*
of Lord Avebury and a few friends.

The National Chrysanthemum Society's
last exhibition for the present season will take-
place at the Crystal Palace, on Tuesday and
Wednesday next. Our announcement last week
for December 2 was incorrect, as the dates were-
altered since the publication of our AlmaEac.

A Horticultural College at Wisley.—
The Surrey Education Committee have, according:
to a paragraph in the Standard, under their ;
consideration a Memorandum, prepared by Mr.
J. R. Dunstan, Principal of the South-Eastern
Agricultural College at Wye, and Mr. H. Mason,.
Secretary to the Committee, on the question of the
desirability of establishing a horticultural college-
at Wisley, Surrey, in close proximity to the gar-
dens there recently presented to the Royal Horti-
cultural Society. The suggested college would-
be regarded as a branch of Wye College, which-
is maintained by the counties of Surrey and-:
Kent ; and it is believed that the Royal Horti-
cultural Society would bo willing to co-operate in.
the matter, and be prepared to give facilities for-
students receiving scientific tuition, in the-
college to have practical instruction in horticul-
ture in the Society's gardens. It is suggested that
a forestry station, financed by the Board of Agri-
culture, might also be established in connection
with the college. Information as to the Society's^
intention in connection with the new gardens at-
Wisley is awaited before a definite proposal is
put before the Education Committee and the-
County Council. We may remark that this-
proposal has special reference to the education of"
students. What the Scientific Committee is-
urging on the consideration of the Council is a
department for investigation and experiment on
matters directly connected with practical horti-
culture. The two proposals are different, but by.
no means antagonistic.

Window-Gardening in East London.— We-
have pleasure in publishing the following letter
from the Rev. Richard Free : — " Will you
allow me to appeal to the generosity of those of
your readers who are interested in window-gar-
dening among the poor and have resources at
hand ? They can help us very materially by-
sending us at once bulbs of Tulips, Daffodils, and

December 5, 190'3.]

TITE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

391

■Crocuses of the best and brightest colours. We
•do not want later in the season gardeners' leav-
ings, which nobody can use. That is not the idea.
If the dreariness of the East End is to be
brightened at all it should be brightened by the
best. Our Window-Gardening Society has done
•wonders for the West Ferry Road, but it ought
"to do a great deal more. The freshness, fragrance,
and beauty of the country could easily be brought
home to the dwellers among these sordid sur-
roundings if only our friends would do their best
to help us. And if contributions in kind are not
forthcoming we are in no wise averse to accepting
money, for the expenses of a venture of this kind
;are heavy, and are apt to prove an unusual drain
-upon the church funds.— Richard Free, St. Cuthbert's
.Lodge, Millwa.ll, London, E., November 26, 1903."

University of London: Lectures in Ad-
vanced Botany.— Mr. Hall's seventh lecture
dealt almost wholly with the grass-plots at
Rothamsted, using them as illustrations of how a
particular flora is formed by competition among
species more or less adapted to their environment.
The aspect of any meadow represents the result
-of severe competition among the various species
represented; the dominant ones are those most
suited by the amount and nature of the plant -
food in the soil, the water supply, texture and
■ other faetors. If any of these factors be altered,
as they are in the Rothamsted plots by manuring
an different ways, the original equilibrium between
*he contending species., is disturbed ; some are
favoured and increase at the expense of the
• others, until a new equilibrium is obtained and
the general character of the herbage, from a
■botanical point of view, is completely altered.
Thus the Rothamsted grass-plots, which have
'been under treatment for. forty-eight years, show
-entirely different classes of vegetation. On some
plots, where no nitrogen is used, Clovers predomi-
nate, in some seasons CO per cent, of the herbage
^consisting of leguminous plants. With nitro-
genous manuring the grasses predominate, Clovers
and weeds being almost entirely crowded out.
^Further, the species chiefly in evidence depend on
whether the nitrogen is supplied as nitrate of
soda or sulphate of ammonia, the latter favouring
-shallow and the former deep-rooted grasses. The
-effects of phosphates or potash, of lime and
■organie manures was also discussed, both as
regards the crop and the botanical composition of
•the herbage. The next lecture, the last of this
series, will be given at the Physio Garden,
•Chelsea, at 3 p.m., on December 8, and will deal
•with the association generally of particular floras
;ind crops with special types of soil.

■"The Book of Garden Furniture."— By

•Charles Thonger. (John Lane : The Bodley
Head, London and New York.) Among garden
structures dealt with in this book are summer-
houses, arbours, pergolas, bridges, and fencing of
-various descriptions — all included for conveni-
ence under the general title of furniture. Mr.
Thonger speaks first of seats, and we fully
share his disapproval of so-called "rustic"
benches covered with real or sham Fir-cones
that were once popular, though many " artistic "
seats are, in their way, scarcely more orna-
jnental. Garden and summer-houses are next
mentioned, and hero also a plea is entered for
useful and sensible erections suited to their
situation. To bridges in gardens the author has
a reasonable objection, unless their introduction
is necessary for the connection of lands of
■ • different levels, or for a passage over deep water.
Statuary, too, of all descriptions Mr. Thonoer
-can only recommend under special circumstances
where it is in keeping with its environment. In
the choice of garden furniture it is probable that
individual taste will still be exercised, and shell
-borderings and pretentious stone-work will con-
tinue to offend the trained eye. Our author has at

least done his best in support of more appropriate
articles, and we must also mention the many
illustrations with which his bosk is furnished.

"Pictorial Practical Bulb Growing."
By Walter P.'Wright and Horace JTWright.
(Cassell & Co., Ltd., London, Paris, New York,
and Melbourne). — This is described as being " a
coricise_ guide to the culture~of~all the most
important bulbous, tuberous, andlillied plants,"
and so is of .wide scope. _" Technicallyralthough
a Hyacinth is a bulb, a Begonia is not . . . We
have included all the favourite flowers which a
broad view associates with bulbs, and left out
some minor plants which really are bulbs as not
deserving space in a small handbook." The~book
has a diagram which many amateurs will appre-
ciate, as it shows them plainly at what depths to
plant their bulbs and tubers. The right situa-
tions for different subjects are also considered.

lack of time and of workers to investigate them,
have had to be omitted from the present volume.
Since the work was first entered upon nearly
every parish has been visited and searched,
either by the author or by helpers co-operating
with him." The first part of the Flora, deals with
the county rainfall, with climate, and soils and
species, the bulk of the volume being taken up
with a list of plants and brief description of the
habitat, &c, of each. The total number of
flowering plants in the county amounts to 1,031
species, representing 187 genera and 41 orders.
Of the above number of plants 878 come under
the headings of natives, colonists and denizens ;
74 of the remainder being aliens, and 49 casuals,
Two maps are appended, one showing the divi-
sions of the county, the other is a geological
chart. The central position and varied elevation
and soil give the county exceptional interest, so
that botanists will cordially welcome the work of

Fig. 156. — heath-culture at Messrs. b. maller and sons, lee, kent.

Bulbs in pots, glasses, bowls, &c, are treated of —
in fact, outdoor and indoor cultivation generally.
The authors then deal with bulbous plants in
alphabetical order, from Aehimenes to Tulips,
giving, as said before, a wide significance to the
word " bulb." The directions are practical and
to the point, and the illustrations are very
pleasing. Altogether, the volume should be use-
ful to many. The book is uniform with others of
the " Pictorial Practical " series, several of which
have already appeared.

"Flora of Derbyshire:" Flowering
Plants, Higher Cryptogams, Mosses, Hepatics, and
Characese, by Villiam Richardson Linton,
Vicar of Shirley, Derbyshire. (London: Bem-
rose & Sons, Ltd., 4, Snow Hill, E.C.) The
preface of this book gives a good account of its
progress and aim. We read that " the project
of producing a Flora of Derbyshire, announced in
the Journal of Botany in 1890, is so far accom-
plished that it seems desirable at length to
publish results. The present work cannot be
regarded_as much more than a stage forward
towards a complete account of the botany of the
county. It is to be regretted that some depart-
ments, as Fungi, Lichens, and Algio, owing to the

an experienced worker. The bonk is carefully
drawn up and forms a valuable addition to our
county Floras.

MARKET PLANTS.

Heaths.— In going the round of the autumn
auction - sales of pot - plants, one gets a good
idea of what is being done in the trade. It
has been suggested that Heaths are not likely to
be so much in demand as formerly; but from
what I could gather at the sales there is not
much falling off at present. In all the big Heath-
growing nurseries the stock appeared in the best
of condition ; in some instances the plants may
not be set with flower quite so well as when wo
get brighter weather, yet many were fully equal
to anything I have seen in former years. And
though they were sold at moderate prices, it was
evident that there is. still a large trade for this
class of plants. Erica hyomalis is grown in the
largest quantities, E. gracilis comes next ; E.
persoluta alba, E. candidissima, E. Wilmoreana,
and K. Caffra are all grown extensively; and
E. Cavendishi is a favourite, and when well in
flower commands good prices. E. ventticosa mag-

392

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 5. 1903.

nifica is another of the choicer sorts which the
market growers now find valuable. Considering
the time it takes to make well-finished plants, it
is surprising that growers continue their culture
of it — at the prices they now make, there can be
little margin left — but it is chiefly owing to the
fact that they come in at a time when there is
little else to fill the market stands.

Culture. — The cuttings are put in during
August and September. It is from the plants
that have been under glass that the best cuttings
are obtained. In the preparation of the cutting-
pots plenty of clean crocks are used, peat and
sand in equal parts sifted through a fine sieve,
and pressed into the pots firmly with a surfacing
of sand. If the sand is inclined to "cake" it is
thoroughly washed before being used. The
system of covering each pot with a bell-glass is
still adhered to by some, but some growers do
them in close frames. They remain in the
cutting-pots until early in the year, when they
are potted off singly^into small thumbs, and later
on they are repotted into 60-size pots and go out
into frames. They have to be stopped several
times during the season. The time for potting
on into the flowering-pots varies with different
growers from January until March, or I have
known them potted even later than this. After
potting they remain in pits until the end of May
or early in June, when they are placed in the
open. The Heath-ground is always well prepared
with plenty of ashes. After they are in the ground
there is little to be done except to attend to water-
ing ; but this is no mean task, for it is one of the
most important points in the successful culture
of Heaths to give careful attention to this matter.
Manure is used to some extent, and soot- water is
much favoured by some growers. The plants are
left in the open as late as possible, except those
which have set their bloom early, and these are
taken in to get them on into flower as early as
possible. For though the early trade is not so
good as it may be later on, the aim to be " first " in
the market with any subject is always a domi-
nant feature with our Covent Garden growers.

It will be seen that it is a little over two years
from the time of putting in the cuttings to the
time of being able to market the plants, and it is
therefore only by growing in very large quantities
and on the most economic lines that success can be
attained. Most of the Heath growers grow con-
siderably more than they can take under glass in
the autumn, and at the sales large quantities are
disposed of to others who have the room to finish
them off for market.

I may add that most growers believe in a
change of stock, and they buy from each other.
This system of exchange of stock may be of
interest, since the question of "wearing out" or
" deterioration " has been raised in the columns
of the Gardeners' Chronicle. A. Hemsley. [At
fig. 15G is shown a view of the Heaths growing
out-of-doors in August in the nurseries of Messrs.
B. Mailer & Sons, Lee, Kent. Ed ]

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

EIVEES' MONAKCH PLUM.

Our illustration (fig. 157, p. 393), from a photo-
graph, of the Monarch Plum affords an idea of the
free-fruiting property of this variety, the more
especially in a season like that of this year. The
tree is seven years old, is growing r-n a wall
with a west aspect, and has never failed to afford
abundant crops, that of this year being 65 lb.
Two maiden trees of the same variety planted in
the autumn of 1902 against a north wall gave
respectively 12 to 14 lb. of fruit this year. The
variety Monarch is therefore well worthy of a
place in every garden, and being a very large,
showy fruit, makes a profitable market variety.
F. W. Church. [The fruits of this fine, abundant-
cropping culinary variety ripen in September, and
they do not, like many others, crack with heavy
rain. Messrs. Rivers, in raising Monarch and
The Czar Plums, have lengthened the Plum season
by six weeks. Ed.]

SLUGS ON celery. — Before we cook the hare,
we must catch him ! The same remark applies to
slugs. We must trap them before we can kill them.
We often hear people say, " I cannot keep the slugs
off this or that plant." For my part, I don't try
to keep them off, but rather like to get them on,
and then prevent them getting off. To do this,
I give them something they like better than
what I want to save from them. This something
is found in fresh bran ; they prefer this for a
change before most things. To trap them I
sprinkle it along the tops of the rows of Celery
(on the soil) ; this brings them to the surface,
and having sampled this dainty morsel, they
want more, and will seek for it. This bran must
stay on two or three nights, to give them all a
chance to taste it, and on the night selected for
execution let a light sprinkling of bran be given
again, about sunset, and if the atmosphere be
dry instead of humid, a sprinkle of water through
a rose-watering-pot on the tops of the leaves,
sufficient to carry a little moisture down in the
Celery, will further induce them to come out.
Then, about 8 or 9 o'clock p.M., when they are
busy at their feast, give them a good dusting with
freshly slaked powdery lime, and in the morning
you may count them by the hundred or thousand.
But if it should be likely to rain within two or
three hours after the liming should be done,
defer the operation till another night. G. F. T.

POLLINATION OF SWEET PEA8.— I append an
extract from the American Florist for October 24
last, p. 474. Mr. L. L. Morse is the largest grower
of Sweet Peas in America, and has raised the best
of the new varieties that have been sent out in
that country : —

" Street Peas are never pollinated by bees. There are
rarely any bees found among Sweet Peas, excepting
bumblebees, and they only take to full-grown blos-
soms. Sweet Peas are usually pollinated when (mite
young in the bud, and to cross them artificially it is
necessary to take a very young bud. If the Sweet Peas
were allowed to go to seed before any blossoms were
gathered the seed would be all right, but the seed is
rarely good when the first blossoms are gathered, and
only the last and inferior blossoms allowed to go to

S. B. Dicks, 90, Southwark Street, S.E.

DICTAMNUS FRAXINELLA — On p. 338 (No-
vember 14), " M. B., Middleburg, Holland," said,
" The derivation of the word ' Dictamnus ' is
absolutely unknown." May I remark that this
is not so. The word is from Dictamnus, a city in
Crete, on whose mountains the plant is indi-
genous. Thus says Dr. Robt. Hooper in his
Lexicon Me&icum of the 1831 edition. G. Paul,
Meteorological Office, Harrogate.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF QARDENER8. —

The Royal Horticultural Society is the most
natural medium through which such an associa-
tion might reasonably be expected to have birth
and flourish. The influence of the Royal Horticul-
tural Society is very great, permeating as it does
through most provincial associations which have
become affiliated, and have adopted the system of
medals, which act as a decided incentive to com-
petitive members who value horticultural certi-
tificates. An announcement of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's countenance to the proposed
project could not but advance the formation of
such an excellent association as forms the subject
of these notes. At least its recognised ad-
hesion to the principle of a National Association
of Gardeners seems desirable. Albert F. Upstone,
Rotherham.

INCREASE OF IRIS STYL08A — From the
notes that appear from time to time upon this
Algerian Iris, some correspondents evidently ex-
perience difficulty in growing and flowering it
satisfactorily. In the south-west it succeeds
admirably, and increases very rapidly. Of the
rapidity of this increase I have just had evidence.
Seven years ago I gave six small roots to a nur-
sery, and to-day, on visiting the grounds, found a
sloping bed 15 yards in length and 3 yards in
breadth entirely filled with fine clumps that had all
been raised from my six roots. Considerably over

a hundred plants had also been sold. The bed)
was quite blue with flowers, for in the south-west
these Irises commence to bloom about mid-Octo-
ber, and are crowded with blossom towards the-
end of November, while they continue to flower
until the end of April unless checked by excep-
tionally severe weather. As cut flowers they are
invaluable at this season of the year, as they
possess a delicious fragrance in addition to their
delicate colouring. S. W. Fitzherbert, South Devon,

CAMPANULA PUNCTATA.— This Campanula ie
but seldom met with, yet it is an attractive
border plant with its drooping white flowers
3 inches in length. It grows to a height of
2 feet, and blooms freely in the summer ; while
secondary shoots often flower well into the
autumn. I have to-day cut a short flower-spike
bearing two perfect flowers. The individual-
blossoms are well worthy of -more than a passing
glance ; the long trumpets, with their deeply-cut
mouths, being profusely spotted in the interior
with minute crimson dots. Being a native of
Siberia, the plant is perfectly hardy, and.succeeds-
well in any ordinary garden soil, though where
this is light and shallow, and the summer is hot
and parching, its growth compares unfavourably
with the dimensions it will attain in rich, deep
soil with ample moisture. S. W. F., S. Devon.

CI8TUS LADANIFERUS. — The species referred
to at Killerton is probably C. cyprius, which is
very often sold under the name ladaniferus. The
species properly so called is rare in cultivation.
S. Devon.

grafted ROSES. — In reply to your corre-
spondent, " C. E. F. Allen," the treatment given-
in my last paper, to some points of which he
takes exception, was the outcome of " personal"
experience" gained in a large West of England"
Rose nursery, also at an old-established nursery
near London, besides the French establishment
referred to, all of which were specially strong;,
in Roses, and some thousands of new, scarce,
and popular varieties were annually grafted and
dealt with, besides Conifers, Rhododendrons,
Camellias, Clematis, &c. ; so I may fairly claim to
know something about it. After the first week it
was the usual thing to open the sashes in the
morning (or with the French the cloches), in-
creasing the length of time from one hour to-
several hours within a few weeks ; and I maintain
that half an hour or an hour (I refer now strictly
to dormant grafts of Roses only), when the graft
begins to push, is insufficient to dry up the ex-
cessive and condensed moisture always present
under double glass j and I say further, if the hour
limit is insisted upon, there will be more losses
by damping than from leaving the sashes open
some time longer; and, as you rightly observe,
the slight lowering of the temperature, at the
most 3° or 4°, would make no appreciable differ-
ence to the plants underneath ; and, to sum up-
the matter, I think this treatment was more than
justified by the successful take of the grafts.
J. D. G.

THE OUTLOOK FOR GARDENERS.— The num-
ber of applications received in answer to adver-
tisements of vacant gardeners' situations tends-
to show that there are many men of capability
and undoubted integrity who are obliged to-
work for a guinea a week, because they are
unable to find an appointment at a salary con-
sistent with their ability and the amount of
experience they have dearly gained. Such a
state of things is very hard ; but it is ren-
dered more so by the fact that there are also
many men employed as gardeners whose only
qualification (?) is that of being able to push a.
wheelbarrow, but who seldom, if ever, think of
reading a gardening periodical. These men, or at
least some of them, it is much to be regretted,
sometimes gain good situations through the in-
fluence of charitably-disposed persons who have-
been misled. I have noticed in many advertise-
ments for men required to fill public gardening
appointments the words, "canvassing members
will disqualify " ; but I venture to say this is-
often done in an indirect manner, and outsiders
think it is an open competition. I am not writing
as a disappointed candidate for any public garden-
ing appointment, but I do think the-best all-round

December 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

393

gardener should have a better chance of gaining
a good situation than an incompetent man who is
fortunate enough to have influence behind him.
The scarcity of private situations is largely
accounted for by the fact that gardeners who
are in any respect comfortable are, wisely
enough, loth to leave ; landowners have not
the money to expend on keeping up extensive
gardens and pleasure-grounds, and undoubtedly
have great difficulties to contend with, parti-
cularly if their income is derived from agricul-
tural tenants in a season such as we have just
experienced ; and lastly, but not least, gardening
in private situations is more or less of a hobby
dependent on the whims of people, who, perhaps
liberal in other respects, are apt to say, without
taking into consideration the pleasure derived,
" What do I expend on the garden yearly ? Why,
the produce I require could be bought at half
the cost." What remedy can be suggested for
the welfare of competent gardeners under such
circumstances ? Co-operation is useless unless
carried out on very up-to-date lines, and by
gardeners for gardeners. F. James, 27, Warwick
Road, Sutton, Surrey.

HYDROCYANIC ACID GAS FOR THE DESTRUC-
TION OF MEALY-BUG. — On page 36G of the
current issue of your valuable paper, I notice an
article ©n " How to Eradicate Mealy-bug," over
the initials of your esteemed correspondent,
" H. W. W." I quite agree with him as to the •
thorough and effective nature of the treatment
recommended, having myself carried out the work
in a similar manner in the past. The method
is perfectly simple, but on working out it entails
a considerable amount of labour, which, in these
days of economy, must be considered by em-
ployers of labour, whether in private gardens,
nurseries, or market - growing establishments.
It is not my intention to criticise the method
recommended by "H. W. W.," but rather to
emphasise again the urgent need for scientific
methods in the working of our gardens if we wish
to secure the best results. I am aware that
various experiments have been tried with hydro-
cyanic gas or vapour in various parts of this
country for the destruction of " mealy-bug " and
other insect-pests, and that a certain amount of
success has been claimed. In some instamces,
however, the damage to infested plants seems
nearly equal to that incurred by the pest.
Whether the fault exists in either the materials
used, the methods employed, or an insufficient
knowledge of both, has yet to be proved.
The materials necessary are of a highly poisonous
nature, and the amount of care required for
" cyaniding " has perhaps been more or less a
drawback to its becoming more generally used.
The destructive nature of this vapour has long
been recognised both at home and abroad. And
provided the methods of application can be
simplified so as to ensure safety to the plants and
to the persons making use of the poison, there
seems to be but few reasons why the remedy
should not be generally adopted for the de-
struction of this injurious insect. On the
side of economy it has at present, I believe, no
rival, nor in the shortness of time required
for completing its work. For the purpose
of thoroughly testing the efficiency of this
gas as a means of destroying insect pests, a
series of experiments is now being carried out
in the gardens and glasshouses of the Koyal
Botanic Society, Regent's Park. What is claimed
by its inventor as "a new and simplified process"
is being given a thorough test. And of its safety,
with proper care, efficiency and economy in destroy-
ing the above pest, I have not the slightest doubt.
Its effect on the eggs of insects has yet to be
proved, and also on dormant plants, as Vines;
but considering the fact that tender foliage has
not suffered, this gas can scarcely be expected to
damage protected buds. In addition to this, ex-
periments are being conducted on the above and
other insects in the soil, which, if found satis-
factory, will certainly prove a great boon. Elder-
bert F. Hawes.

A HARDY AGAVE.— I have grown a few of
these plants in my day. I saw Agave Parryi was
stated to be hardy, but I do not know it, and
perhaps it might interest me if I did; but I
have one that I consider a very hardy little

plant, at least with me, viz., A. utahensis. It
is grown in a pot in a cold pit along with
Auriculas and other plants, and has been there
for many years, nearly or quite thirty ; and there
it is now, to all appearances healthy and strong
for such a small plant ; the leaves more like iron,
thick and stiff. It has never had any fire-heat to
keep it alive. Sometimes by chance, if extra cold,
a mat or thin covering might be thrown over the
glass for the Auriculas, Euheveria viridiflora and
Opuntias being companions. I think I have
repotted it once during that time. There are

total absence of perianth-tube. The word '* tube "
is often used atnbiguomly and incorrectly by
nixny who write about Daffodils, as if synonymous
with "crown " ; but in the analysis of a Narcissus
flower " tube " is properly limited to the part of
the flower between the attachment of the perianth
segments and the seed-pod, whether that pod is
developed or only rudimentary. In Dean Her-
bert's Amaryllidaoeas, plates 38—41, will be found
many sections and diagrams illustrating the
tubes of the flowers of Narcissus. The tube of
the species N. pseudo-narcissus is always funnel-

a^&atfiaias '

Fig. 157.— rivers' monarch plum growing in the garden of e. s. hanbury, esij ,
roles, ware, hertfordshire. (see v. .'wl'.)

many hearts to it, but I do not trouble to pro-
pagate them, as I have two; and it being also a
very distinct plant from any other I know of. J. C.

NARCIS8US CYCLAMINEUS.— On p. 203 of the
latest number (October, 1003) of the Journal of
the Royal Horticultural Society, there is an edito-
rial notice of Mr. Bourne's Book of the Daffodil,
in which the writer expresses regret that Mr.
Bourne has not treated N. oyclamineus as a distinct
species. I quite endorse this criticism. Ever since
N. cyclamineus was re-discovered I have persist-
ently urged that it ought to be separated from
every other known species of Narcissus, as the flower
has a very distinct and unique character in the

shaped and of measurable length, much shorter
than the crown. In all the other species, except
N. Corbularia, it is much longer than the crown,
but in N. cyclamineus alone it is absent, the
reflexed perianth segments being directly attached
to the end of the well-developed and always fer-
tile seed-pod. It was probably this anomaly
which caused the acute botanical instinct of
Herbert to disbelieve entirely in N. cyclamineus
as "an absurdity which will never be found to
exist." " 1 have no hesitation in rejecting it as a
nonentity" (Aynaryllidacew, p. 300). Herbert
know the species only from the figure in Theatrum
Flora-, a folio of well-executed engravings of
fl jwers published in I'liris in 163 >, and attributed

3&4

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 5, 1903.

by him to Eudbeck, though the date does not
seem to fit either botanist of that name. But
whoever was the author, the portrait of N. cycla-
mineus is excellent, and accurately shows the
reflexed perianth segments attached to the end
of the seed-pod. It is highly improbable that
any combination of known species of Narcissus
would have produced a tubeless hybrid. Of all
the hundreds of hybrids of pseudo-narcissus now
known to us I doubt whether there is one in
which the tube is not lengthened if crossed with
any other species. It therefore does not seem
likely that the conjecture which makes N. cycla-
mineus a cross between the long-tubed N. trian-
drus and some variety of N. pseudo-narcissus has
any sound foundation. C. Wolley Dod, Edge Hall,
Malpas.

CAMPANULA VIDALI.— Seeing your illustra-
tion in the Gardeners' Chronicle for November 14
of Campanula Vidali, I may state that I re-
member growing this plant out-of-doors for two
years in quite an open border, and it seems to
need but little protection in the winter. I think
that this plant will stand the winter almost
without protection if the border is facing the
south. We do not see the plant often in Kentish
gardens. W. Eglington, Chislehurst.

GRAPE GROS COLMAR.— Mr. W. Taylor, the
able gardener at Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill,
has intimated his intention to bring to the Drill
Hall, on December 15 next, a considerable collec-
tion of Grapes. I have asked him, as he has good
Gros Colmar, to favour the Fruit Committee with
abunch, so that a fair comparison may be instituted
bet ween that and the Melton Constable Grape, again
exhibited at the Drill Hall last week. The sample
of Gros Colmar sent with that Grape was a bad
one, whilst one at least of the bunches of Melton
Constable was not in good condition. The latter
grape has a very thin skin, and for that reason, like
Gros Colmar, seems hardly capable of being kept
late. ' Unfortunately we cannot see it again this
winter. A grape that is over in November is not a
late one. The great features of Melton Constable
seem to be the solidity of its flesh aud the small-
nuss of its seeds. These are material merits. A. D.

SOUVENIR DE LA MALMAISON CARNATIONS.
— With reference to the remedies recommended
against the Carnation "rust" ( Helminthosporium
echinulatum), by Mr. Mayne in the weekly
Calendar for November 21, p. 353), I think
growers of large numbers of plants, or their
employers, would not care to walk through, say, a
couple of houses or more and find the plants
disfigured by the use of sulphur or powdered
lime, as advised. I do not wish to criticise
i;he work of our practical friend, but on recon-
sideration, doubtless he will agree that there are
remedies preferable to those in question. As
a preventative, I strongly advise a free use
of Richards' XL-All Vaporiser at least fort-
nightly, and spraying once or twice during the
growing season with the "Carvita" preparation,
as advertised. Methylated spirits, too, I have
applied with a small stiff brush to the affected
parts with satisfactory results. This season has
been a most trying one, and has called for an un-
usual amouut of attention and forethought. In
order. to have good plants for next season, much
depends on their welfare during the next few
months. Damp is, speaking generally, far more in-
jurious to these plants than actual cold, therefore
a little heat may be turned on occasionally to
dispel any excessive moisture from theatmosphere.
Take care on all foggy or damp mornings to have
the moisture removed from the glass roof and sashes
by the use of a mop or sponge. Plants growing
in 9-inch pots should have their shoots carefully
secured to straight sticks, painted green, and
now that the days aresoshort, the plants should be
placed as near to the glass as possible ; and above
all avoid overcrowding them. They require to be
kept dwarf, with the side-growths sturdy. Never
afford water unless the plant requires it, and
then not by driblets, but by complete saturation.
Always use rain-water if possible. Every Carna-
tion-house should contain portable staging, which
can be raised or lowered as the plants may re-
quire. During mild and genial weather, venti-
late the houses freely, at the top and front or
sides, and allow a free circulation of air at night.
In the event of frost a little heat may be turned

on, at the same time maintaining a temperature
from 40° to 45". If the foregoing remarks are
carefully followed, and provided the plants have
been taken from a clean and healthy stock, I feel
certain we shall hear less of this troublesome
disease. Every Carnation grower fully under-
stands there are parts of the country where the rust
is very troublesome, but it is chiefly in low-ljing,
damp, and foggy localities. Much, however, may
often be done to check its ravages by carefully
avoiding extremes of temperature and a stuffy
atmosphere. H. Humphrey, Kyson, Woodbridge.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S TRIALS. —

It was with feelings the reverse of pleasurable that
the Fruit and Vegetable Committee learned the
other day at the Drill Hall that there would be
no "trials" next year either at Chiswick or at
Wisley. This is probably the first time ever
since trials of diverse garden products were
instituted at Chiswick that they have been
allowed to lapse, and thus present a break in the
excellent work conducted under the eyes of the
Fruit and Floral Committees which cannot be
contemplated without grave apprehension. A. D.

POTATO TRIALS.— With reference to "Scotia's '
notes (p. 376) on the results of Mr. A. S. E. Lear-
month's experiments, although I have read them
several times, I am greatly puzzled. According
to the figures given, sixty whole sets of each
variety were grown on twenty running yards, with
the astounding result that from 9 to over 13 tons
of each variety named were obtained — i.e., several
cwts. per set. Assuming that the crop per acre
has been calculated from that raised on the com-
paratively small area described, which does not,
however, appear at all from the wording, this
yield, considering that specially good results are
implied, clashes with the accompanying state-
ment that " Mr. Learmonth's crops always run
from 10 to 1G tons per acre according to the
variety." This would imply that the results of
the trials were below the average. As the value
of such statistics depends entirely upon their
clearness, I trust I may be pardoned for pointing
out the above. C. T. D.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

Scientific Committee.

November 24 —Present : Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S. (in
the Chair) ; Messrs. Odell, Baker, Saunders, Chittenden,
Worsdel], Holmes, Ma9see, Douglas, and Nicholson :
Dr. C. M. Cooke, Prof. Boulger, Rev. G. Henslow (Hon!
Sec).

Scientific Investigations al Wisley —Prof. Boulger re-
marked that it would be a comparatively inexpensive
procedure to erect a Pine wood building on a brick
foundation for laboratory, store-room, &c, probably
not exceeding £200 in cost. The equipment might be
estimated to cost another £100, and the annual outlay,
including remuneration to the Director, say £350. It
was proposed to add these as suggestions to the
memorial to be sent to the Council.

Canker in Apple-trees.— Badly diseased twigs were
received from the neighbourhood of Salisbury. They
proved to be attacked by Nectria ditissima. The only
remedy suggested by Mr. Massee was to prune off all
small wood and burn it, as well as to cut out diseased
parts of boughs, and tar the places.

Pear Snoots Diseased.— Specimen of diseased shoots
was received from the Priory, Eynsford, Kent, from
Mr. Ed. Till. Mr. Massee suggested the following
procedure: "The twigs are attacked by a fungus
called Fusicladium pirinum. All diseased twigs should
be pruned, and, along with fallen leaves and fruit lying
under the tree, collected and burned. It would be an
advantage to spray the tree with Bordeaux-mixture
next spring, just after the leaf-buds have expanded."

Experiments for commercial purpo.es.— Mr. F. Baker'
reported some results of his experiments and observa-
tions on leguminous plants. For the last Ave years a
few varieties of garden Peas, field Peas, Runner Beans,
Vetches, Sanfoin, and other plants of the same
natural order, have been grown on good and on poor
soil respectively, parts of each plot being specially
well tilled, parts dunged, and parts treated with
phosphatic and potassic fertilisers. Strips were ar-
ranged so that some spots should be well tilled, and
also have a dressing of all the fertilisers, and other

spots to vary from nearly ;the same treatment to the
poorest field culture. Results have shown that
garden Peas and Beans cannot be profitaby
trrown in very poor soil, manured solely by mineral
fertilisers ; but these respond well to tillage, dung,
and then the minerals. On the other hand, Vetches,
field Peas, Sainfoin, and others of the older plants
grown on the farm can be most profitably grown on
poor soil, manured solely with minerals. Dung will
largely increase the yield of stem and leaf in all, but
does not materially increase the yield of seed. If-
therefore, seed be required, grow on poor chalky soil
without dung; but if fodder is required, dung. may be
profitably used as well as minerals. The experiments
also show the great use of the Vetch in ameliorating
the soil, greatly enriching it, and, at the same time,
cleaning it very economically. It is suggested that
garden plants having been for many generations
forced to an unnatural extent, are not able to adapt
themselves to different conditions of soil, &c; whereas
field crops, which have had to seek for food to a large
extent, are able to develop specially well-formed roots,
which easily absorb water and such phosphatic,
potassic, and other mineral plant foods as are available,
and on these roots are developed large numbers of
nodules, by means of which an ample supply of atmo-
spheric nitrogen is assimilated.

CHELMSFORD AND DISTRICT
CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 10, 11.— The first attempt at a two days
show was held in the Corn Exchange, and proved very
successful. Notwithstanding the adverse season, there
was a distinct improvement in most of the Chrysanthe-
mum classes, excepting those for incurved varieties.
Fruit was much below the average, excepting Grapes.

Groups of Chrysanthemums were excellent. Mr.
Rixon, gr. to Captain Cruickshank, Springfield,
Lyons, Chelmsford, worthily won the Mayor's Cup with
fine, fresh blooms and foliage ; and was closely pressed
by Mr. T. Brazier, gr. to Mrs. W. Gray, Phienix House,
the winner last year, and Mr. Symonds, gr. to C. E.
Ridley, Esq., The Elms.

Mr. E. Searle was easily 1st in a smaller group class
with capital blooms ; and Mr. Ellcock, gr. to Col.
Tufnel Tyrhel, Boreham House, 2nd.

The Amateurs' groups were excellent. Mr. W. Reed,
Roman Road, was deservedly awarded the Cruick-
shank Cup with a creditable display ; Messrs. C. W.
Woodward (last year's winner) and W. E. Belcher,
both of Mildmay Road, were good 2nd and 3rd respec-
tively.

Mr. S. Pragnell, gr. to H. C.Wells, Esq., D.L., Broom-
field Lodge, staged a very large non-competitive bank
of Chrysanthemums right across the Hall in front of
the band-stand, set up in a serpentine line and finished
with two half-circular mounds at the sides, the whole
being faced with Codiieums, Dracaenas, Oichids and
Ferns, and backed up with Palms and other foliage
plants. This exhibit was much admired.

Cut Blooms— Open Classes.

Twenty-four Japanese.— Mr. C J. Simpson, of St.
John's Nurseries, was 1st with an exhibit in which
every flower was perfect. This stand was also awarded
the National Chrysanthemum Society's Certificate as
being the best in the show, and a monster F. S. Vallis
14 inches across was adjudged the premier Japanese
bloom. Mr. Rixon was 2nd.

For the best twenty-four Japanese blooms, distinct,
Mr. Simpson again led, his varieties beiDg almost
duplicates of the preceding; Mr. Watmore, gr. to E.
Bristowe, Esq., Baddow Park, was 2nd.

Mr. Brazier was 1st for twelve incurveds, showing
C Bruant, Pearl Palace, Hanwell Glory, Duchess of
Fife, &c. The same exhibitor was 1st for twelve
Japanese and six varieties of Pompons.

Mr. Simpson was 1st in six varieties, singles; also in
a good competition for six incurveds.

The Amateurs staged well throughout. For twenty- four
Japanese Messrs. Reed, Falconer and Mr. E. P. Leeck
were respectively 1st, 2nd and 3rd; and for twelve in-
curveds Mr. Reed was 1st withgood blooms. C. II. Curtis
in this exhibit was selected as the best incurved in the
show, and beating the blooms shown by the pro-
fessionals.

Mr. C. E. Rippon had much the best twelve Japanese
in grand blooms of popular varieties. This stand was
awarded the National Chrysanthemum Society's Cer-
tificate as being the best amateur's stand. Messrs.
Falconer and Leech were respectively 2nd and 3rd.

The competition for blooms in vases was spirited,
and Messrs. Simpson, Symonds, and Eixon were the
successful competitors among professional gardeners ;
and Messrs. Reed, Rippon, Gallon, Falconer, and
Wiseman- amongst amateurs.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine was grandly shown by
Messrs. Ellcock, Brazier, and Rixon; Messrs.
Searle, Tukuripge, and Symonds scored for collec-
tions of fruit and Grapes ; and Messrs. Sitch, Searle,
Falconer, J. Tunbbidge, Lockyeb, Lynn, and Reeve
for vegetables.

A long table was devoted to the ladies for exhibiting
specimens of the florist's art in variety.

December 5, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

395

CROYDON AND DISTRICT HORTI-
CULTURAL MUTUAL IMPROVE-
MENT.

November 17. — The subject of the lecture at the
last meeting, at their rooms, Sunflower Temperance
Hotel, George Street, was "How Plants Grow," the
lecturer being Mr. H. C. Etherington, manager at Mr.
J. R. Box's, West Wickham Nurseries. His lecture
was illustrated by drawings showing the many parts
forming a plant, and with these illustrations he was
enabled to explain the functions each component part
fulfilled. A discussion followed the lecture, and to all
questions asked the lecturer gave explicit replies.

WEST HARTLEPOOL CHRYSAN-
THEMUM.

November 17, 18 —The annual show was held success-
fully in the Town Hall. In the classes for cut blooms
the leading awards went to Mr. J. Smith, gr. to W. Mac-
lean, Esq., Grantully, West Hartlepool, for a group of
Chrysanthemums ; twenty-fourincurved.and fortwelve
Japanese blooms and the same number of incurveds
in competition for a Challenge Cup ; in all classes he
staged neat, well finished examples of popular varieties.
Other winners of 1st prizes were Mr. A. Waller, gr. to
J. Hill, Esq , Brockley, for twenty-four Japanese ; and
Mr. Findlay, gr. to W. Dobman, Esq., Grey Towers
Nunthorpe, who secured the leading vase class with
capital blooms.

An interesting feature here were the decorative
varieties in sprays of six in a vase. Mr. W. Nicholson,
31, Thornhill Gardens, West Hartlepool, was 1st; also
he won the "Emmerson" Cup offered for twelve
varieties contributed by amateurs.

Chrysanthemum groups were numerous and good,
the best coming from Mr. J. Smith and Mr. W.
Mossman, West Hartlepool.

DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY
CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 18.— No Chrysanthemum show having
been held in the district for sixteen years, that held in
the Drill Hall, Dumfries, on the above date, under the
management of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Hor-
ticultural Association evoked much interest in the
district.

One of the leading classes was that for a group of
plants (Chrysanthemums to be the leading feature),
24 feet by 12 feet. The 1st prize in this was well won by
Messrs. James Service & Sons, Maxwelltown, Dum-
fries, with a notable group of Chrysanthemums of fine
quality, having large blooms, and foliage plants. Mr.
John Houston, gr. to the Crediton Royal Institution,
Dumfries, made a good 2nd.

The best exhibit in the other Chrysanthemum
plant classes was a grand V^iand Morel from Mr. Jas.
Henderson, gr. to J. D. Minto, Esq., Elmbink, Dum-
fries, a number of other prizes also falling to him.

In the cut bloom classes, Messrs. Service carried off
the honours in the various open classes with blooms of
high quality.

The cut blooms in the gardeners' classes were gene-
rally very fine. Mr. J. Djfr, gr. to Colonel Gordon,
Threave, Castle Douglas, was 1st for eighteen and also
for twelve Japanese. Mr. J. Hardcastle, gr. to L. C.
Salkeld, Esq., Holm Hill, Dalston, Carlisle, had the
greatest number of points in the gardeners' cut bloom
classes, thus winning the Silver -eilt Medal offered by
Mr. H. J. Jones ; Mr. J. Henderson also showed well
in these classes.

In the miscellaneous classes'the strongest competi-
tion was in that for six table plants, where the lead
was taken by Mr. J. M. Stewart, gr. to J. Nelson, Esq.,
Mollance, Castle Douglas. Mr. Stewart, Mr Houston',
Mr. Duff, and Mr. Hardcastle were among the leading
exhibitors in the vegetable and fruit classes.

Local nurserymen added much to the show by their
exhibits. 5. A.

YORK CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 18,19 20 —The annual show was held in
the Exhibition Building, and was such a success as to
render it quite one of the best of autumn displays.
As an all-round show York has few equals; not only
are groups of Chrysanthemums admirable, but the
miscellaneous groups, such as the pillar and mirror
decorations, are unique. Cut blooms receive much
encouragement; many valuable prizes arc offered,
therefore they are found in goodly numbers and of

t excellent quality. Decorative varieties suitable for
vases, baskets, .bouquets, &o„ were capitally shown
Fruit and vegetables compared favourably with such
exhibits at most shows. The management was all that
could be desired under the experienced direction of
Mr. Omar, the ourteous Secretary, and an efficient

; Committee.

Cut Blooms

1 were numerous and good. The principal class was

' that for thirty-six, half incurved and the remainder
Japanese, not fewer than twelve varieties in each
section, and for which the "Citizens" Challenge Prize,
value £»0, was added to the cash prize of £10. Four

competed. Mr. Higgs, gr. to J. B. Hankey, Esq ,
Fetcbam Park, Leatherhead. won the 1st prize with very
liae examples of incurved and f Airly heavy Japanese ;
Mr. G. Folkard, gr. to Lady Walker, Sand Hutton, was
a good 2ad, with fine Japanese, and smaller incurveds ;
Mr. Mease, 3rd.

Mr. Higgs was 1st for eighteen incurveds with a
stand of heavy fresh blooms; Mr. Mease was 2nd.

For twelve incurveds, Mr. McPherson, gr. to Lord
Londesbokough, Londesborough Park, Market
Weighton, was lit with shapely blooms of popular
varieties; 2nd, Mr. G. E. Thomas, gr. to the Marquis
of Ripon, K.G., Studley Royal, Ripon.

Japanete blooms.— Mr. McPherson won for eighteen
distinct varieties with heavy, well-coloured blossoms of
M. Chenon de Leche, Mrs. Greenfield, Bessie Godfrey,
Mrs. J. C. Neville, Nellie Pockett, and Madame P.
Radaelli, amongst five competitors ; Mr. D. Williams,
gr. to Lord Fevehsham, Duncombe Park, Helmsley,
was 2nd. Mr. McPherson also won for twelve
Japanese blooms.

For twelve decorative varieties io. sprays of three
each there is always brisk competition and good
results. Messrs. Meakstone & Son, Hull Road, York,
won with capital vases of Lizzie Adcock, Soleil
d'Octobre, Ernest Fierens, Li Triomphante, Eynsford
White, Caprice du Printemps, and Mytchett Beauty as
the best; Messrs. G. Longster & Sox, Beverley Nur-
sery, Malton, were 2nd.

Single flowered varieties were staged in the same
manner, and showed well their value for use in
decoration.

Baskets of Chrysanthemums were grandly shown.
Mr. J. Yates, 51, Penleys, Grove Street, York, won with
a charming combination of large and small blooms
neatly arranged ; Mr. J. Holmes, Clifton, York, was
2nd with a grand mass of Source d'Or.

Plants.

In the class for groups of Chrysanthemums and
foliage plants combined, the display was fairly good ;
Mr. W. Townsend, gr. to E. B. Faber, Esq., Harrogate
was 1st; and Mr. G. Jarvis, gr. to Mrs. Whittaker,
Cliffe House, Hessle, 2nd.

The decorated mirror groups were more satisfactory,
Messrs. T. Simpson & Sons, Brook Street, Selby, with
capital material lightly disposed, won the premier
place; Mr. G. Cottam, Alma Garden, Cottingham, 2nd.

For a decorated pillar. 17 feet high, with a base of
8 feet by ti feet, Messrs. Simpson were again the most
successful.

Chrysanthemums arranged in a group of 80 sq. feet,
made a bold display, especially as the plants were
dwarf, well clothed with foliage, and carried good
blooms. Mr. J. Pettinger, Franklin Square Nurseries,
Harrogate, was 1st; Mr. J. W. Fields, Front Street,
Acomb, York, 2nd

Mr. Everard. gr. to Mrs. Gutch, Holgate Lodge, York,
was the most successful prize-taker in the classes for
specimen Chrysanthemum plants, showing, as he
usually does, well-grown and freely- flowered plants.

Non-competitive exhibits.

Messrs. CUTBi'sii & Son, Highgate Nurseries,
London, were awarded a Gold Medal for an exhibit
mainly consisting of retarded plants in full bloom.

Messrs. W. Clibran & Son, Altrincham, Cheshire,
had Celosias and single-flowered Chrysanthemums.

ABERDEEN CHRYSANTHEMUM.

November 20, 21.— The annual exhibition was held
on the above dates in the Music Hall Buildings, Aber-
deen. The display was one of great excellence, especi-
ally when one takes into account the weather experi-
enced during the season. Numerically the exhibition
was in advance of that of lastyear, the entries numbering
over 700. On account of this large entry, not only the
large Music Hall itself, but also the Ball-room, had to be
utilised to accommodate the display. Of Chrysanthe-
mums alone there were 500 plants in pots and over l,ooo
blooms, besides the fruit, vegetables and other ex-
hibits. The arrangements were carried out by a Com-
mittee and Mr. Magnus H. Sinclair, the indefatigable
Secretary.

The special prizes were awarled as follows :— Presi-
dent's Challenge Cup for best thirty-six Japanese
Chrysanthemum blooms, Mr. W.PATERsON.gr, Balmedie,
Aberdeen ; Seed and Nursery Trade Challenge Cup tor
best group of Chrysanthemum plants, Mr. John
Proctor, gr., Devanha House, Aberdeen ; the Ladles'
Challenge Cup for best eighteen Japanese Chrysanthe-
mum blooms (amateurs only), Mr. J. Jenkins, 421,
Clifton Road, Aberdeen , Silver Cup for best twenty-
four Japanese blooms. Mr. W. Paterson. gr , Balmedie ;
best six Chrysanthemum plants, distinct varieties, Mr.
A. Archibald, Dunalistair; best three Chrysanthe-
mum plants, distinct, Mr. A. Duncan. 15, Alhyn Place ;
best ditto, in pots, Mr. A. Murray, Ashley House; best
eighteen Japanese Chrysanthemum blooms, Mr. E.
Goss, Sunnyside ; best twelve incurved Chrysanthemum
blooms, Mr. E. Jamieson, gr., Burton Hall, Lough-
borough ; best six incurved Chrysanthemum blooms,
Mr. W. Patfrson, Balmedie ; best three vases, distinct
varieties, Chrysanthemums, Mr. John Pi rib, gr.,
Strichen, Mlntlaw ; best twelve bunches not disbudded

Chrysanthemums, Mr. J. Smith, Grantown-on-Spey ;
t>3st twenty-four trusses Christmas Roses, Mr. William
Scorgie, Springhill; best epergne, arranged for effect
with Chrysanthemum blooms, Messrs. Knowles &
Sons, Aberdeen.

Considerable attention was paid by the many visitors
to the exhibits that won the special prizes. Mr. Tough,
Great Western Road, Aberdeen, an amateur, did him-
self great credit in cirryiog off the special prize
for the largest bloom in the show ; it was one of Lord
Ludlow, brought out by Messrs. Wells, Redhill, Surrey.
This firm's Silver Melal in the professional class went
to Mr. William Moir. Rosehaugh, Ro3S-shire, for the
best bloom introduced by Messrs. Wells. Mr. Moir's
exhibit was a magnificent bloom of Mafeking Hero.
Much admiration was also expressed for the finest
incurved bloom in the show; it was in the group of
the best six of that class which secured the 1st prize,
the winner being Mr. W. Paterson, Balmedie, with
James Agate.

There was a good display of fruit and vegetables,
there being in the former section an ioteresting col-
lection of Apples fro ji Nova Scotia, sent by the Nora
Scotian Government from the exhibition in the Ciystal
Palace, London.

In addition to tire entries in the various competi-
tions, there were several very interesting exhibits
from Messrs. Ben. Reid & Co , Aberdeen ; Messrs. W.
Smith & Son, Aberdeen ; Mr. Alexander Burns, jun..
New Market, Aberdeea ; Messrs. William Thomson >k
Sons, Ltd., Tweed Vineyards, Cloverfords, Galashiels,
and others.

READING AND DISTRICT GAR-
DENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVE-
MENT ASSOCIATION.

November 25— The usuil fortnightly meeting was
held on the foregoing date, the President, Mr. Leonard
Sutton, presiding over a good attendance of members.
The subject for theeveningwas "The Seeding of Chrys-
anthemums in England," and was introduced by Mr.
Pole Routh, Oakfield, Reading. The paper proved to
be a very interesting one, and a good discussion
followed.

The exhibits consisted of a group of seedling Chrys-
anthemums, several of the plants carrying large
blooms, by Mr. Pole-Routh ; seedling Chrysanthemum
plants, by the President; cut blooms of Chrysanthe-
mums (twenty-four vases), raised from seed sown in
January, 1H03, by Messrs. Sutton & Sons ; two speci-
men plants of Daphne indica growing on their own
roots, and a vase of Ranunculus, by Mr. Harris, gr.,
Mapledurham House. For the Certificate, twenty four
table plants were shown by Mr. Wynn, gr., "Samoa,"
Reading. The plants were well grown, and the Certi-
ficate was awarded the exhibitor.

THE NATIONAL DAHLIA.

December 1.— An adjourned meeting of the Com-
mittee of this body was held at the Horticultural Club,
on the above date, E. Mawley, Esq. (tn the chair) ; also
present Messrs. Wilkins, Treasurer, P. M. Tulloch,
Secretary, and ten others. The chief business to de-
termine was the place for holding the exhibition
next year ; the choice lying between the new Horticul-
tural Hall, Westminster, and the Crystal Palace.

The Royal Horticultural Society's conditions re-
quired lhat they take all tbegate money for the two days
the showwas open, that all admission be 2s. ed .instead
of 18., as before, and that all Fellows of the Society be
eligible to compete for the National Dahlia Society's
prizes, the money grant being the same as last year.
To these conditions great objection was raised. The
offer of the Crystal Palace Company was much more
liberal, and although the Company takes all gate
money, it keeps the admission at the modest charge of
Is. The Committee declared that the charge of 2a. 6ii.
was a prohibitive one to Dahlia-patrons. At the Hor-
ticultural Hall there would be no other attractions,
whilst both at the Crystal Palace and at Earl's Court,
where also the inclusive charge was is., there were
many other attractions. It was ultimately agreed to
accept the Crystal Palace offer, and hold the show
there early in September next.

Discussion as to the sizes of show-boxes followed,
and it was agreed to incorporate thedlmensions agreed
to in the next year's schedule. It was also rosolved to
recommend a revision of the bye laws, so that all sub-
scribers of one guinea annually shall be classed as
Fellows, and all paying lesser suras as Members. It
was agreed that the annual meeting be held on
Tuesday the 15th iust.

CROYDON HORTICULTURAL.

Thk annual meeting of members of this Society was
held recently, when the thirty-sixth Annual Report
was adopted. Great satisfaction was expressed In
regard to the character of tho exhibition on July 18
last in the grounds of, Addiscombo Court; but the
expenses having boon rather heavier than usual, owing
to holding a larger show, there has been a deficit on
the year's working. The Society, however, has still a
small balance, and its credit is good. Mr. Kofley Is an
energetic Secretary.

-1
396

THE CARD ENERS' CUR ONI CL E.

[December F, 1903.

CHESTER PAXTON.

Nov. 11, 12.— Groups are an attraction at Chester,
the single-flowered Chrysanthemums beiEg even more
attractive than t lie large • flowered varieties. Major
MacGillicuddy, the wiDEer of last year's Cup, had to
give way to Dr Lawkf.nce, of the County Asylum.
Upton, and in the large flowering group to T. G. Frost
(gr., J. Gilbert). Major Mac iIllicuddy, however, was
successful in the plant classes, winning with six
Japanese and six singles.

The cut blooms throughout were of much merit, the
chief class for eighteen Japanese falliDg to Mr. C.
Threlfall (gr., T. Herbert), the varieties W. E. Church,
Mrs. Barkley, and Nellie Pockett showiDg to advantage ;
2nd. Mr. G. Bakbouk.

Handsome Grapes and magnificent indoor and out-
door grown Apples and Pears, the whole relieved by
the addition of single Chrysanthemums, formed the
splendid contribution from His Grace the Duke of
Westminster, Eaton Hall (gr., N. F. Barnes)- (Gold
Medal).

Messrs. Dickson, Ltd , Chester, showed fruit and
flowers, and Messrs. McHattie. plants and fruit.

An interesting collection of Colonial fruit, consisting
of Bananas. Grape Fruit, Oranges, Apples, &c, was sent
by Sir Alfred L. Jones.

MANCHESTER.

November 19, 20, 21.— Tke annual show was held in
the Botanical Gardens. There was on view a good
display of 140) Chrysanthemum plants in bloom, grown
in the Society's gardens.

The groups in separate colours almost filled the
spacious annexe, other features including a display of
Conifers from Messrs J Waterer & Co., Ltd., Bag-
shot : and single, incurved, and Japanese Chrysanthe-
mums, Celoaias, and Cyclamen from Messrs. W.
Clibban & Son. Altrincham.

The competitive cut blooms were staged in the exhi-
bition house. The large class for twenty-four Japanese
and twenty-four incurveds, brought only one com-
petitor, viz. Mrs. Haywood, Woodhatch Lodge, Kei-
gate (gr.. C. J. Salter), who was awarded 2nd prize

Mrs. Haywood, was a capital 1st for thirty-six mis-
cellaneous blooms ; and Mr. F. H. Gossage, Camp Hill,
Woolton (gr., J. Stoney), was a very good 2nd.

The class for thirty-six cut blooms of Japanese
varieties was a splendid one, Mr. Arthur James,
Coton House, Rugby (gr. G. Chandler), winning 1st
prize; 2nd, The Dowager Lady Asbbukton, Meichet
Court, Romsey.

Mr. James again won 1st prize in the class for
twenty-four incurveds.

The class for six vases of Chrysanthemums, six
blooms in each, was won by Mr. G. H. Gaddum,
Didsbury (gr., T Willacy).

Trade Exhibits.

Mr. John Robson, Bowdon (Silver Medal); and Mr.
George Boyes, Leicester (Silver Medal), had winter-
flowering Carnations.

Messrs. W. Weils & Co , Earlswood, Surrey, had
Chrysanthemums (Gold Medal).

Messrs. W. Caldwell & Sons. Knutsford, miscel-
laneous plants; Messrs. J. Waterer & Sons, Ltd,
Conifers (Gold Medal). Mr Weathers gave prompt
and courteous attention to all.

ENQUIRY.

New Potatos at Christmas.— Mr. W. H.
Yates, gr., Rotherfield Park, Alton, would be
much obliged if Mr. Fogden would kindly inform
him if he puts the Potatos into the boxes at the
time of digging in a dry state ; also whether any
sand or soil of any description is put into the
boxes with the tubers ?

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Address : R. B. Mr. H. J. Jones carries on
business at Hither Green, Lewisham.

Beech, Oak, Elm, Lime, and Chestnut-trees
in an Avenue: Novice. — It is not well to
plant these different kinds of forest-trees as a
mixture in an avenue ; better select one, or at
the most two ; for, as a mixture, the trees would
not, owing to differences of contour, rate and
habit of growth, and seasons at which the
leaves are cast, present the uniform appear-
ance admired in an avenue. Avenue trees may
be planted at 15 feet apart, and thinned when
they touch to 30 feet, or they may be planted
at 30 to 40 feet, at which distance they would
remain. Trees in an avenue grow quicker if a
few rows of nurse-trees are planted on either
side of them, cutting these away when they
grow together, and before much impoverish-
ment of the land has taken place. These may
consist of Pines, Larch, PoplarF, Willows, Syca-
mores, &c. ; and common shrubs, as Broom,
Furze, Privet, Alder, may be planted among
them to act as wind-breaks.

Begonia-leaves Lex. The disfigurement is
caused by mites (Tarsonymus). The remedy is
to syringe the plants with Tobacco-water, or
dip them in the liquid when not in flower. An

alternative would be to dust the leaves with
Tobacco-powder.

Books : F. J. G. The Manuring of Market Garden
Crops, by Dr. Bernard Dyer and Mr. Shrivel],
is a reprint from the Journal of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society, and is published by Vinton &
Co. See review of same on p. 158 of the
Gardeners' Chronicle for August 29.

Black Currant : P. A. The swollen condition
of the buds is caused by the " Black Currant
bud mite " (Phytoptus ribis), figured and
described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, August 7,
18G9. You are extremely fortunate in never
having seen such a condition before, as most
growers have suffered severe loss from the pest
for many years. But this being so, we assume
your bushes have been clean until the present
season, 'l'our best policy now will be to dig up
and burn every bush that is badly infested, and
upon others cut away every shoot that contains
a swollen bud. Burn both bushes and shoots.
See note in Calendar, on p. 387.

Chrysanthemum Lady Selborne : An Interested
Reader. The variety Lady Selborne (white)
was a sport from the variety James Salter
(lilac). The white variety then sported yellow,
and was called Yellow Selborne, making three
varieties in all. Two other varieties have more
recently been distributed as Pink Selborne and
Red Selborne, but these are seedlings and have
very little in common with the variety Lady
Selborne.

Correction in " Orchid Calendar " for No-
vember 28. A mistake was, we regret to say,
inadvertently made by us in stating that cut
blooms of La'lio-Cattleyas and Cattleyas endure
for three weeks afterwards. Uncut flowers will
endure for that length of time.

Donation : H. Juniper. The amount sent in
postage stamps will be paid over to the Trea-
surer of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent
Institution as desired.

Dahlia Roots kept in a Dry Room : R. B.
The roots keep best in a ground-floor room, by
preference one with an earthen or stone or tile
floor, and in which no artificial heat is em-
ployed. If a room is very dry cover the roots
with dry loam or coal-ashes.

Fifty Varieties of Chrysanthemums : E. H. C.
We have not the time or space to write out a
list such as you require. Consult a good trade
list or an amateur or professional grower.

Flower Pots : F. J. G. The diameter is mea-
sured by potters and dealers from inside the
rim on one side to the outside of the same at
the opposite side of the pot.

Freezing Point ; Constant Reader. On the
Fahrenheit scale, when the mercury in the
tube falls to 32° the temperature has got to the
freezing-point. If it should descend in the
least below the line indicating the 32nd degree
it is a trifle colder.

Gardener's Notice to Quit : A Constant Reader.
In the absence of a written agreement the em-
ployment is assumed as for one year, a gar-
dener being at law a domestic, and as such
entitled to six months' notice, although in
custom this is shortened to one or three
months. If you are compelled to leave at an
earlier date you have your remedy at the
County Court.

Grapes Shrivelling : T. H. H. There is nothing
in the berries themselves to account for the
shrivelling. By some means, which cannot be
determined here, the Vine has suffered a severe
check, and the ripening process has been
arrested owing to the berries being deprived of
their nourishment. Their appearance is the
same as it would have been had the Vine been
pulled from the border, and the bunches of
fruit left hanging upon it.

Leaf-miner : D. C. We fear there is nothing to
be done but to pick off the leaves and burn
them. The plants might be sprayed with quassia-
extract to prevent the deposit of the eggs.

Mushroom Beds : C. F. C. It is impossible to
determine such fragments in such a condition as
those sent. If jou send better specimens suit-
ably packed, we will endeavour to identify them.

Names of Fruits : A. H. F. Cox's Pomona. —
W. B. Hartland. Catshead.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so good
as to consult the following number. — Constant
Reader. 1, Pernettya mucronata ; 2, not reeog-
nised, wretched specimens. — W. 8. C. P. (from
last week). 1, Alkanna oricntalis ; 2, Anehusa
officinalis (purple). — J. H. N. B. 1, Epiden-
drum fragrans ; 2, Davallia Novoe Zelandiae, so
far as we can judge by the specimen sent ; 3,
Cyrtoniiujn falcatutn ; 4, Asplenium biforme ;
5, Pteris cretica albo-lineata ; 6, P. argyrrea. —

E. N. Sequoia sempervirens, Red-wood-tree.
— J. W. Clematis cirrosa. — W. R. 1, Arbutus
Unedo, the so-called Strawberry-tree, the fruits
of which are edible, but chiefly used for deco-
rative purposes. No. 2 we take to be Arbutus
hybrida, but the specimen is a poor one. — J. B.
Thunbergia laurifolia. — F. McD. 1, Asplenium
biforme ; 2, Pteris serrulata cristata j 3, Pteris
serrulata; 4 and 5, Pteris cretica cristata,
or a garden - raised form of it ; C, Cyr-
tomium falcatum. — J. O. 1, Bulbophyllum
Careyanum ; 2, Oncidium candidum, sometimes
called Palumbina Candida j 3, Oncidium heter-
anthum, the occasional abortive flowers are a
good guide to identification ; 4, Odontoglossum
constrictum ; 5, Odontoglossum ramosissimum.
— X. S. P., Glasgow. 1, Ruellia Po*rtella3 ; 2,
Pteris Ouvirardii, a garden-raised .plant inter-
mediate between P. serrulata and P. umbrosa ;
3, Eranthemum leuconeurum, a Brazilian
species which often comes up in imported
Orchids ; 4, Cyrtomium caryotideum ; 5, Bam-
busa Fortunei variegata ; 0, next week. —
A. H. F. Begonia manicata. — W. T. 1,
Brassia maculata ; 2, Ada aurantiaca ; 3, On-
cidium pra;textum ; 4, Vanda Kimballiana. —
Vitis. 1, Bulbophyllum triste ; 2, Catasetum
maculatum.

Nesting and Hatching - Out of Linnets :

F. W. C, Poles, Ware. That these birds were
hatched on November 5, and lived till killed
by the frost on Sunday the 15th, is indeed so
remarkable an occurrence as to deserve a record
in our pages.

Peach-roots in an Inside Border Dying :

G. H. H. The appearances indicate a condi-
tion of the border consistent with defective
drainage and waterlogging, and want of aera-
tion. Whatever may be the condition of the
border, we should hesitate to use a " solution "
made from lime taken from an acetylene
gasometer. Examine the condition of the soil,
especially of the drainage. Probably replanting
may be found necessary.

Propagation of Potatos : J. B., Elgin. The
article to which you refer was published in the
Gardeners' Chronicle for September 4, and
explains the methods of quick propagation that
are common, such as cutting the tubers up into
single "eyes," sprouting the tubers and taking
away each " sprout " when nearly 2 inches long,
and by cuttings taken from plants raised in the
earliest days of spring. These cuttings will
make roots just as do cuttings of Pelargoniums.

Ripe Peaches and Nectarines at Christmas
Daphne. It might be possible with retarded
potted trees, but we should doubt the possi-
bility of imparting a passably good flavour to
such fruits.

Violets : J. L. The disfigurement is caused by
.fEeidiuin depauperans, which may be destroyed
by washing or syringing the plants with the
Bordeaux-mixture or other insecticide.

Weak Liquid-manure Afforded to Foeced
Lily of the Valley; W. D. It would do but
little, if any good, and the manure, of the
mildest nature, should be applied to the growing
plants in the third year of growth.

Communications Received. — S. W. F. — The Earl
Armesley.— R. H.— E. J— Lenox. Mass.— W. M.— M. F.
—J. H. V.— J. M. (reserved for future publication).—
C T. D— C. H. W. A. D H.— Lord Kesteven-W. G. S.
— E. W. B , Berlin— W. W —Subscriber (no name), we
thank you for your corrections.— Vlncenzo Ostinello,
Palermo.— W. Duckham, Onunda, Madison.— F. H. M.
—Subscriber. —J. L.— E. Pefzke.— E. M.— Kelsey '&
Guild— S. A.-E. C.-J..S.-W. C.-C. T. D. W. P.—
Miss Gallon.— A. H — A. F. D.-E. J— T. A.— R. D.—
H. N. R— A. D.H.— J. J. M.— W. A. C.-H. A.-C.H.W.
—A. H. S— O. L.— J. C— W. E. L.-J. D. & Sons.— <■
J. D. G-H. W.— W. P.— A. B— Caldwell & Sons —
A. E. S.— R. W. R— F. M. Q.-Km Duchesne, Brussels.

(For Markets and Weather, see p. xii.)

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December 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

397

THE

No. 885.— SATURDAY, December 12, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Boobs, notices of—

Beautiful and Rare
Trees aud Plants .

Botanical Magazine.

New LessoDS in Ele-
mentary Botany . . .

The Flora of Europe

Publications received
Carnations, special

cultivation of
Chrysanthemums, ex-

hioition of

Conifers at Linton ...
Continental novelties
Cordyhne australis ...
Cypripedium (Paphio-

pedilum) g 1 a u c o-

phyllum

Dictamnus Fraxinella
Edinburgh Botanic

Gardens

Edinburgh seed trade

assistants' dinner ...
Euphorbia pulcher-

rima

Garden in winter, the
Gardeners' A' sociation
Qilnian, Mr. E. T. ...
Grape, the Strawberry
Grapes and bluebottle

flies

Horticultural Hall, the
Horticulture, an op-
portunity for

itea llicifolla

Kew notes

Market notes—

At Covent Garden ...

Chrysanthemums ...

Tomatos

Manure in the soil,

effect of wet season

upon

407

toa

407
897
407

403

407

4' 7
405

401

4uB

402

393

399
399

39 T

Melons, November .
Nerine, the white ... i08
Pampas-grass, on the

nomenclature of the 399
Plants, new or note-
worthy—

Cheilanthes undulata 397
Plum, var. Monarch... 407
Po ato, new varieties

of the

Roses, grafted

Sandriugham

Societies—

Beckenham Horti-
cultural

Croydon Mutual Im-
provement

Liverpool Hort.

Manchester Orchid.

National Chrysan-
themum

Putney and Wands-
worth Chrys. ... 411
Soil, sterilisation of ... 410
Spencer, Herbert, the

late 406

Stock-taking 403

Strawberries, a few

good varieties of ... 407
Sydenham, Mr. Robert,

presentation to ... 405
Vegetables —

Improved Windsor

beans

Violet, Marie Louise...
Week's work-
Flower-garden, the

Fruits under glass...

Hardy fruit garden

Kitchen garden, the

Orchid-houses, the .

Plants under glass .

408
408
406

411

411
411
411

410

400

408

402
103
401
403
402
402

ILLUSTRATIONS

iCedrus Deodara at Linton Park, a

Cordyline australis in the Delgany Nurseries, Co.

Wicklow

Cypripedium (Paphiopedilum) glaucophyllum,

p. 405, and Supplementary Illustration.

Dictamnus Fraxinella, bed of. at Wlsley

Sequoia gigantea avenue at Linton ... '

399

409
401

THE GARDEN IN WINTER.

"TyOTWITHBTANDING her frequent
-»-' atmospheric disturbances, this is the
period of Nature's repose. She is resting
from her manifold beneficent activities ; she
has for a period ceased from her efforts in
the generous creation of flowers and fruits ;
jet she is calmly preparing for the flowering
and fruit-bearing seasons that are to come.
Her beauty has largely vanished from the
outward gaze. To realise what remains of
her former loveliness, we require what
Wordsworth has so beautifully described as
" The harvest of a quiet eye,
That sleeps and broods on his own heart " —
"the need to be in perfect harmony with
Nature, to draw inspiration, or even conso-
lation, from this season of the year. The
leaves, flushed with the hectic hues of decay,
no longer make living and radiant the dark
branches of the trees ; our favourite flowers
are gradually vanishing away ; the heroic
'Campion, indeed, in the recesses of our
woodlands, may still be seen ; and, as Mont-
gomery has so memorably sung, " the
Daisy never dies;" but the prevailing
aspect of Nature in December is significant
of the conviction that her winter change

has come. Under such conditions, the few
flowers that still adorn our gardens are all
the more valued because they are so rare ;
our China Roses still make a valiant effort
to blossom, and when they succeed— as they
sometimes do even in dark December, when
atmospheric moods are favourable — they
are greatly prized. It is not uncommon in
the early winter months to come upon an
exquisitely-beautiful flower, unfolded unex-
pectedly by a fragrant hybrid Tea, of all
Roses the most accommodating under trying
conditions; not seldom have such varieties
as Viscountess Folkestone and Madame
Pernet Ducher rewarded me in this ex-
tremely graceful manner for previous atten-
tion to their cultural requirements, which in
such instances are never too exacting ; for,
as a general rule, the plants which flower
with the greatest facility are those which
are least unreasonable in their demands.
This is especially expressive of such grand
Roses as Cheshunt Hybrid and Gloire de
Dijon, which, while competent to deco-
rate a palace, are often seen covering
and adorning cottage walls, where they
hardly ever receive any manurial assist-
' ance, but are in most cases left entirely to
themselves. Nature seems to give them out
of her own infinite treasuries what they
require ; and man, with all his chemical
resources and cultural capabilities (which
he sometimes over-estimates) can do no
more. We not seldom deal witlfour fairest
floral treasures as the immortal Dr. Blimber,
in Dombry &■ Son, wrought with that mar-
vellous mental and physical development
entitled Mr. Toots ; we stimulate them too
greatly, beyond the use of Nature, and force
them too much. Then, exhausted by their
weakening, abnormal summer activities,
when winter comes, they die. They have
been emasculated by hypertrophy ; and the
consequence is early and premature decay.
I have several precious plants of the sweet-
scented Violet, which, left entirely to them-
selves in' shady recesses of my garden, and
quite forgotten during the splendid reigns
of the imperial Lily and the queenly Rose,
invariably surprise and delight me with
their miniature blossoms, so replete with
richest fragrance at this season of the year.
Such flowers are a pure delight to the
lover of Nature at this season; so also is
the glory of that annual revelation, the
Christmas Rose. At least two months
previously to the sacred period associated
with its deeply reverential name, it appears
in this mild region to cheer us with its
flowers. Its fairest contemporary is the
naked-flowering Jasmine, steadfastly shin-
ing through all atmospheric tribulations
on the garden - wall ; its successor is the
"Winter Heliotrope." The richly-odorous
Tus9ilago fragrans, which, probably by
reason of its spreading qualifications, is
not so frequently cultivated in our gardens
as those who, like myself, recognise its
value would desire it to be. I have never
beensuccessfulwithChimonanthus fragrant :
under those circumstances this sweetly-
scented Coltsfoot is an abiding consolation,
bringing the fragrance of summer into the
heart of that season which, notwithstanding
the unseen activities of Nature, we are
accustomed to regard as a period of desola-
tion akin to that of death. David /.'.
William.wii. Mans,- of Kirk/maiden, Wiglon-
ehire, Scotland.

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CHEILANTHES UNDULATA, Hope and
C. H. Wriqht, SP. NOV.*

This species, first discovered in the province of
Yunnan by Dr. A. Henry, is now growing at Kew,
having been raised from material collected in the
same region by Mr. E. H. Wilson. It belongs to
the same group as Cheilanthes multifida, Swartz,
and has for its nearest ally, C. patula, Baker.
The latter differs in having a perfectly glabrous
rhachis and more deeply divided pinnae. The
fronds are 6 to 8 inches long on a stipes If to
3 inches long, they are of a pleasant dark green,
softly pubescent, or almost pilose on both surfaces,
and spread in such a manner as to make the
lower pinnae lie horizontally ; the chestnut-
coloured rhachis is zigzag except when quite
young, and clothed with white hairs. The slender
wiry stipes are scarcely thicker than the rhachis,
and are collected into dense tufts.

THE EFFECT OF A WET SEASON
UPON THE MANURE IN THE SOIL.

The interesting question of how far a wet
season like the past will wash accumulations of
manure out of the soil, which has been raised by
Mr. A. Dean in his note on p. 375, can, to a
certain extent, be cleared up from the work that
has been done at Rothamsted. In any complete
manure there are, of course, three constituents
of service to the plant — nitrogen, phosphoric
acid, and potash, and we can be pretty sure that
the two latter suffer no appreciable loss by wash-
ing out of the soil, however excessive the rain
may have been. Both phosphoric acid and potash
are often applied in forms soluble in water — super-
phosphate, for example, owes much of its value
to the solubility of its phosphoric acid — -and all
the potash manures contain that compound in a
soluble form, even in farmyard manure a con-
siderable proportion of both, and especially of
the potash, are dissolved in the liquid portion ;
but when applied to any ordinary soil the com-
pounds pass very quickly into a comparatively
insoluble condition, and are retained quite close
to the surface, being only slowly yielded up to
the roots of the plant.

Under each of the Wheat plots at Rothamsted
runs a tile drain, about 30 inches below the
surface, and the drains are all led into a trans-
verse trench, so that the water can be collected
for analysis. To many of the plots as much as
3^ cwt. of superphosphate and 200 lb. of sulphate
of potash are applied annually, about twice as
much as is removed in the crop. Yet very little
of these substances ever appears in the drainage
water, the highest figures show about 1'6 part
per million of phosphoric acid, and 5 4 parts per
million of potash in the drainage water, esti-
mated at about 3 lb. and 12 lb. per acre per
annum respectively.

Further evidence of the retention of phos-
phoric acid and potash is afforded by the analyses
of the Wheat-field soils which have been made
by Dr. B. Dyer from samples drawn in 1893,
fifty years after the beginning of the experiments.
The amount of phosphoric acid and potash sup-
plied in the manures is known, and from repeated
analyses of the crops obtained during the same

* Chdlanthes undulata, Hope and C. H. Wright: act
C. piitulam. Baker, accedtt, dilTert rhachidibus pubes-
centibus et pinnis angustlus divisis.

stipites cu-ipitosi, lj— S poll, Ion*!, atrocastanei, pu-
bescentes vel nonnunquam fere pilosi. Frondes ad
8 poll, longte, infra biptnnaUi', supra pinnahr ; rhachis
undulata, cetera stlpittbus stmills ; pinna- deltoideas,
simpliclter vel bl-plnnatipartita\ utriuque piloste,
lobis angustls oblongls oblusis, nervls Obacurll. Sort
subconfiuentes; aponr subglobosic-,leve8,40— Km dlam.
China : Yunnan, Yuanchang, 5100 ft., A. Henry, l.'iJJO
E. H. Wilson.

398

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 12, 1903.

period a good estimate can be formed of the sur-
plus manure constituents not removed by the
crops. Of the excess of phosphoric acid thus sup-
plied in the fifty years something like 80 percent,
remains in the top 9 inches of soil, the second and
third 9 inches showing no particular gain ; the
potash has sunk deeper, some of the excess being
found as low as 27 inches, but about one-half of it
remains in the top 9 inches. If we also take into
account the potash and phosphoric acid removed
in the weeds which are dragged off the plots
every year, we are justified in concluding that
the losses of these mineral constituents by
drainage are inappreciable.

Turning, however, to nitrogen, perhaps the
most important element of a manvire, the case is
different, for here we have the possibility of
great loss. A large number of compounds of
nitrogen are employed as manure, but sooner or
later they are acted upon by the bacteria of the
soil and become converted into nitrates, the
form in which nitrogen enters the plant. Now
the nitrates are both soluble in water and are
also not in any way retained by the soil, whereas
all the other nitrogen compounds, even if readily
soluble like sulphate of ammonia, are held by
the surface-soil as tenaciously as the phos-
phates. Thus, if there is any washing through
the soil when it contains nitrates, they will be
lost in the drainage-water. At Kothamsted, for
example, the Wheat-field drainage-waters often
contain considerable quantities of nitrates but
only a trace of ammonia, even when sulphate
and muriate of ammonia have recently been
applied as a manure. The action of the soil
bacteria forming nitrates is much stimulated by
warmth, aeration, and well working the soil ; but
as long as a crop occupies the land and is
actively growing, the nitrates are rarely pro-
duced faster than they are wanted by the crop,
and loss is not likely to take place. The loss
takes place when the land is bare, after harvest.
For example, if the land be broken up, the
summer warmth it still retains together with the
stirring and aeration promote a rapid production
of nitrates, and if heavy rain falls they may be
washed out of the land, to the detriment of the
succeeding crop. The best example is perhaps
afforded by a bare fallow. Under ordinary con-
ditions the summer working of the land results in
the formation of nitrates, which remain in the
soil and feed the crop in the following year if the
autumn and winter are fairly dry.

At Kothamsted two adjoining plots of land are
fallowed and cropped with Wheat in alternate
years, so as to ascertain the benefit of fallowing.
If we divide the crops into two series, according
to whether they follow an autumn of more or of
less than average rainfall, we get the following
results : —

16 seasons— perco-
lation (8ept. to
Dec.) above aver.

15 seasons -pereo
lation (Sept. to
Dec.) below aver.

Rain-
fall.

Per- Wheat Wheat Gain

cola- after , after due to

tion. fallow. Wheat, fallow.

I

Ins.
13-78

ins.
8-92

1.757

1.627

3-9EI 2,67/ i 1,807

870

Thus fallowing increases the succeeding crop
by 50 per cent, if the autumn be dry, and practi-
cally does not increase it at all if there is a wet
autumn to wash out the nitrates produced during
the summer.

Applying, now, these general principles to a
season like the past, we must first note that the
conditions have been unfavourable to nitrate-
production, for the land has been cold and
often waterlogged, and cultivation has been
restricted.

Notwithstanding these minimising factors the
losses must have been considerable, if we may

judge by the evidence afforded by the Kothamsted
drain-gauges. These are blocks of soil , „\, s acre
in extent, round which a cement wall has been
built, with an arrangement below to catch all the
rain which drains through the soil. Not only is
the percolating water measured, but the quantity
of nitrates which have been formed from the
nitrogenous reserves in the soil are also de-
termined. Taking the results yielded by the
gauge in which the soil is GO inches deep we get
the following figures as compared with the
mean : —

ARKET NOTES.

Month.

Rainfall, ins

Percola-
tion, ins.

Nitrogen in

drainage

water.

1903.

Aver.

1903

Aver

1903
lbs.

Aver.

lbs.

Jane

6 131

3 311

4 65

0 53

6-52

1-18

July

4 088

2 545

1-96

0-57

2'97

142

August

3 960

2 616

1 52

0'70

241

1-93

September ..

2 753

2 502

0-83

0 81

1 41

2'28

October

6 '320

3-094

5 09

173

8 06

465

Total ..

23 240

13 099

14 10

*;-9

21 37

11 46

These figures refer only to bare soil. Where the
land is occupied by a crop the summer percola-
tion and loss by drainage is reduced to a minimum,
but in 1903 the summer rainfall caused great
percolation even on cropped land ; the drains
under the Kothamsted Wheat-field, for example,
ran repeatedly and heavily this summer, sixteen
times between June and October as compared
with an average of 35 times. Hence we
may conclude the loss from ordinary land has
been even greater than is indicated in the table
above. The heavy growth of weeds, which has
been another unpleasant characteristic of the
season, also means manure withdrawn, and if the
weeds are burnt, the nitrogen they contain is
finally lost to the land.

Another factor of some importance is the defi-
cient root-growth that always takes place when
the land is saturated. We must expect that all
summer and autumn-sown stuff has been making
a very indifferent foundation for next season's
growth. Taking Wheat as an illustration, we
find that one of the great factors in bringing a
big crop is a comparatively dry late autumn and
winter, when the root-system is being built up.
The following Table shows for three of the fully-
manured plots at Kothamsted the average Wheat
crop which succeeded the ten wettest and ten
driest winters during the fifty years, 1853-1902 : —

Rainfall,
4 moDths—
Nov.— Feb.

Grain— bust
Plot 6. Plot 7.

els.

Pl0t8.

Wet winters .
Dry winters

130U5

5 786
1

19 4 27-1
28 0 37 7

3J0
38 9

Some of these differences may be due to the
washing out of nitrates, but as each of the plots
receives the bulk of its nitrogenous manure in
the spring, the main cause for the low crop fol-
lowing the wet winter must be looked for in the
deficient root-growth.

On the whole, then, we must expect next spring
to find the land somewhat impoverished, and the
root system of plants that now occupy the ground
weaker than usual. In garden soils rich with
heavy and continuous manuring the loss of
capital will have been trifling compared with the
great reserves that remain ; the deficiency will
be in the active nitrates, which will not begin to
be formed again in any quantity until the land
warms up. It will be the early spring crops —
Cabbages, Lettuce, early Peas and the like —
which will most leel the effects of the past
summer, and a timely application of a little
ready-formed nitrate of soda may be more than
usually necessary to induce early and rapid
growth. A. D. H.

We get white Marguerites all the year through,
but it is rarely I have seen prettier stuff than is
now coming in. Several growers are bringing in
neat, compact, well-flowered plants, perfectly free
from the troublesome maggot, which often plays,
such havoc among these plants. Unfortunately,
there seems little trade for them. At this season
of the year they are not much favoured by the
hawkers, who clear out such a lot of the surplus
stock in the spring. Erica hyenialis is very
plentiful and beautifully flowered; earlier in the
autumn it was thought that, owing to the con-
tinued wet, dull weather, they would fail this
season, but so far as I have seen at present
they are as good as in the best seasons we
have had. There are more on the market just
now than there is trade for, and at- the close of
the market many remain on the stands. E. gra-
cilis, which is equally good, is over -plentiful.
Good Cyclamen are now coming in, and these
clear out well, but growers say they cannot make
the prices they did a few years ago ; 10s. to 12s. per
dozen is about the top price for good stuff in
48-size pots.

Begonias sell better than they did. I find Mrs.
Leopold de Rothschild is now largely grown ; the
colour is not quite so good, but otherwise it is a
better market plant than Gloire de Lorraine.
Among Chrysanthemums in pots, Ivory is very
good ; I also noted the pink variety in neat small
plants ; W. Shriinpton, one of the best in crim-
sons ; Viviand Morel, very good ; Soleil d'Octobre
is still coming in good ; Pleur d'Or and Phcebus
are other useful yellows. Single Primulas, both
white and red, are good, but these find few buyers
at present. Solanums with well-ripened berries
are plentiful, but do not find many buyers ; and
with Perns and Palms trade continues very dull.
It is not a question of price, there are few
wanted just now, and trade is not good enough
for buyers to speculate at the very lowest
prices. I hear that trade is equally slow where
country buyers take their supplies direct from
the growers.

Among cut flowers the Chrysanthemums con-
tinue to come in in large quantities ; there are still
some from the open ground, but these now begin
to look very rough. In the better quality blooms
the supply is enormous, and some of the later
varieties are now coming. Niveum is already in,
but good blooms go at a very low price. Source
d'Or is seen on every side, but it can hardly have
proved a source of gold to growers this season.
There may be a tendency for a slight improve-
ment, and when the earlier sorts are quite cleared
off there should be a much better trade for blooms-
cut from indoors. There is plenty of all sorts of
choice cut bloom coming. White Azalea is sold
for about 3s. per dozen bunches ; white Camellias
only Is. 6cJ. per dozen ; Callas and Lilium longi-
florum are sold well if they make 2s. 6d. per dozen ;.
Roman Hyacinth is very good ; Roses must be
very good to make anything like a fair price ;
some good samples of C. Mermet, Perle des
Jardins, The Bride, and Sunrise, from 2s. to
2s. 63. per dozen. Very large quantities of blue
Violets from the South of France are in, and
these quite spoil the trade for English flowers,
which, though much sweeter, are not so large
and good in colour. Parma Violets are also-
very plentiful. Carnations are very good and
abundant.

The trade for Orchid bloom is at a very low
ebb just now ; very fine blooms of Cattleya i
labiata were shown me which it was difficult |
to find buyers for at 0s. per dozen. Cut bloom, .
of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine was on several f
stands, but did not appear to move freely.
I think when it is better known how well j
this stands in water, florists will use it more)
freely. A. H.

December 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

399

Chrysanthemums.

One of the best batches of market nursery-grown
plants I have met with for a long time is that at
the present time in the Alma Nurseries, Farnham.
It is not that the plants are remarkable for quan-
tity, but for the quality of the individual flowers.
Mr. Bide, in selecting varieties, stipulates fox-
three points of excellence — viz., shapely flowers,
plenty of them, and colours of decided tints. The
method of cultivation adopted with the pot-
plants is, broadly, this : In the month of Decem-
ber the cuttings are taken and inserted singly in
pots ; when rooted, they are topped once at
about 9 inches high, and allowed to grow
away at will afterwards. The result is a plant
which by judicious disbudding carries from twelve
to twenty high-class blooms, and, what is im-
portant, a good length of stem, well clothed with
foliage of a deep green tint, which adds to the
value of the blossoms when used in vases.

In the case of those planted out, and which
are lifted in early autumn and transferred to
beds in suitable houses for flowering as one-year-
old plants, such varieties as L. Canning and
W. H. Lincoln are preferred, for the reason that
they give a greater number of flowers and lift
in a better condition than others. A large
number of the latter are bearing as many as
forty blooms apiece at the present moment, the
blooms barely half expanded. I never saw more
healthy or stockier plants, full, too, of promise
for the month of January.

The most effective of all was C. niveum, which
still holds its own as a white-flowered variety.
The blooms were of the purest white, quite full
in the centre, and 5 to G inches in diameter.
Mme. P. Riyoire was blossoming abundantly
and is a variety distinctly worthy of the attention
■of the florist and gardener. Florence Percy, em-
ployed in sprays, is a much-admired flower ;
Anna Hartshorn, for Christmas, is one of the best
of whites with a pink flush ; Florence Davis, a
flower with a green tinge, finds many admirers.
None is handsomer than Lord Brooke, with
its rich bronze lined with gold ; the stout
stalks, surmounted by compact blooms, are
all that could be desired for decorative purposes.
Victor Lemoine has red florets tipped with gold,
and is effective ; yellow niveum is an exact
counterpart of the type and a pretty variety.
Phoebus, which was observed in some quantity, is
a great favourite with the public. Some blooms
of this variety reflex, while the florets of others
are prettily incurved, and the colour is very
decided — a recommendation of itself. Queen of
the Exe, of a delicate shade of pink, is a full
flower of the Japanese section, which needs only
to be seen to be admired. Tuxedo has florets of
bronze and yellow, and it is much admired as a
3ate - flowering variety; as is also Beauty of
Sholing, another of the same type: and Mrs.
Garner, with twisted florets, is of the same class.
Etoile de Lyon and its bronze sport are appre-
ciated to some extent, partly on account of their
lateness ; the colour of each was just showing
itself at the time of my visit. Mrs. J. Thompson,
with flowers of bronze-red coming in clusters on
stout stems, would be considered by those who
prefer such colouring a gem ; its yellow variety
too is valuable. Western King and Souvenir de
Petite Amie are grown in quantity, especially the
latter, which is of such a compact habit of growth
that as a pot plant it is much inquired for.
E. Molyneux.

Market Tomatos.

I have proved that named varieties, received
direct in the first place from the raiser or
distributor, are so altered by cultivation and
selection that the original type is quite changed.
No better illustration of this could be afforded
than with the meritorious dish of Frogmore Pro-
lific exhibited, not long sinco, in the Gold Medal
collection of vegetables at the great Chiswick show

by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea.
Here we had a good example of what can
be done by selection. I venture to state that
these fruits were at least one-third deeper than
the best of what I grew the first year it was sent
out. This variety without doubt has no equal
for early forcing, and if the centre bloom-bud is
removed early the result will be a fine, weighty
fruit ; and it is a well-known market cropper.

The Comet, of which variety I regretted the
entire absence, is an illustration again of a good
market Tomato. If this variety is not selected
for seed purposes, a flat fruit will be the result.
A true market fruit should be of medium size,
smooth and fairly deep, and of good colour, the
fruit should be solid, this last item being very
important. The "strike," when weighed to 12 lb.,
should have fruit below the rim. Speaking
within my own knowledge I know that far more
is being done by the average market man in the
selection than is generally believed. The days
have gone by for anything now to be saved for

flJ.^c L

FlO. 158. COBDYLINE AUSTBALIS IN THE DF.LOASY
SUHSEHIES, CO. WICKLOW.

seed purposes. Tomatos represent a large portion
of the grower's paying crop3 while his Grape-
vines are getting up, or as a succession to
Cuoumbers, or when grown as a main crop.

Lastly, in the matter of degeneration it is
more marked in some varieties than in others.
Winter Beauty for some cause has become ex-
ceedingly variable, especially on strong soils. I
have seen a good proportion of a crop of this
variety but little removed in form from the old
corrugated red. Stephen Castle.

CORDYLINE AUSTRALIS.

Our illustration (fig. 158) is taken from a tree
that flowered recently in Messrs. Pennick & Co.'s
nurseries at Delgany, in Co. Wicklow. The flowers
are white, densely crowded in branching panicles
so as to be highly ornamental ; the leaves are
2 to 3 feet long and 3 to i inches broad, oblong,
lanceolate, and with numerous prominent nerves.

Sir Joseph Hookir writing on the genus Cordy-
line in our columns, I860, p. 792, points out that
C. indivisa, with whi.h C. australis is frequently
confounded, is a totally different plant, with a
much broader yellow-green leaf and a drooping
panicle of much larger flowers. Bot. Mag., t. 5ti3l>.

ON THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE
PAMPAS-GEASS.

In 1897 I pointed out in this journal (vol. ii.,
pp. 357, &c.) that the Pampas-grass, till then
known as Gynerium argenteum, was generically
distinct from Gynerium, and constituted, together
with several cogeners, a new genus, for which I
proposed the name Cortaderia. There could be
no doubt as to the facts, and the name was
adopted (see Hiickel in Engler u. Prantl, Natiirl.
Pflanzenfam., Erganz., i., p. 6). However, of all
things, plant names " habent sua fata." A few
days ago I happened to glance through the table
of contents of the " Miscellanies " of the second
volumeof theIHwstra<tcmfforiicoJe (1855), when my
eye caught the heading of a paragraph running
thus : " Le Gynerium argenteum doit former un
genre nouveau sous le nom de Moorea, Ch. L."
Turning to p. 14, I found, in a footnote to
Gynerium argenteum, this observation : " Moorea
argentea, No. 6, in hac nota, et solum [sic] hucus-
que species cognita " ; whilst on the next page
Lemaire, the author of the paragraph in question,
concludes his remarks on the Pampas-grass with
an explanation of the footnote. As it has been
overlooked for so many years, a translation of
this passage may not be out of place : " Dr.
Lindley was rightly of opinion that it [Gyne-
rium argenteum] differed very considerably from
Arundo and Gynerium, above all in its dioecious
flowers and the reflexed hooks of its pales,* and
might form a new genus. It must, of course,
be left to a botanist of his qualification
to define that genus technically, as he
must have had its essential characters
before his eyes when writing thus. Meanwhile,
he having remained silent so far, no doubt in-
voluntarily, we propose the name Moorea for our
plant, reserving an account of the additional cha-
racter for a later occasion, when we shall have
seen flowers. Our genus is justly dedicated, as
will be seen, to D. Moore, the distinguished
botanist, and Director of the Botanic Gardens at
Glasnevin, to whom we owe the introductionf of
this plant into our gardens."

The statement attributed to Lindley is con-
tained in a note by him in Paxton's Flower
Garden, vol. i.. Glean, 175, where he says: "Ac-
cording to Prof. Kunth this species (Gynerium
argenteum) is an Arundo ; but to us it appears
quite as different from that genus as from Gy-
nerium. And although it is by no means one of
the same genus as G. saccharoides, yet it may as
well preserve its common name, faulty though it
be, as be transferred to Arundo, from which it
must be expelled. The inflexed hook of its pales
is extremely remarkable, and, together with its
dicecious character, leads to the inference that it
may be a genus distinct from either."

Lindley's note appeared in 1851, Lemaire's
paragraph in 1855. The following year Lemaire
returned to the subject in an article on " Floraison
du Gynerium argenteum (Moorea, ? argentea
No. 0)," in III. Hort., iii., Misc. 98. Eecommonding
it for cultivation, he begins his paragraph with
these words : " Waiting for an occasion to revert
to the botanical status of this plant, which we
presume ought to be the type of a distinct
genus . . ."

With this the question dropped. Lemaire
never published the " additional " characters of
Moorea, nor did he use the name again, the
Pampas-grass being after that spoken of in the
Illustration Horticole as Gynerium argenteum.
Nor did Lindley himself tako any notice of it,
preferring to stick to the old name, " faulty
though it was." In fact, the name Moorea ma
1. t altogether, to whioh.no doubt, the absence

■ This Is Lindley's term lor the " Honoring glumes"
or " valves."

t The actual date of introduction was 1848, and tlis
seeds were sent from Buenos Ay rest by Tweedie <D.
Moore in Lindley and Moore, Treasnri- nl llotany, 1., 681).

400

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Decembbe 12, 1903.

of an alphabetical index of the plant-names men-
tioned in the " Miscellanees " of the Illustration
Horticole contributed largely. So much is certain
with respect to Lemaire's proposal that it actually
referred to the Pampas-grass, that it rested en-
tirely on Lindley's authority, Lemaire not having
seen the flowers of the grass himself, and the name
was finally dropped by its author. As to Lindley's
differential characters, however, I must observe

Lindley, who recognised it as the representative
of a distinct genus, although he did not give it a
name, and mistook the differential characters.
True, Lemaire did what Lindley omitted, but
without adding anything of his own, so that
Moorea, Lemaire, stands as the name of a prac-
tically undiagnosed genus. Deeply convinced of
the necessity of limiting changes of names to
a minimum, I refrain, under the circumstances,

Fig. 159. — cedeus deodaea at linton park, maidstone, 79 feet high,
66 feet in diameter of branches.

that they missed the point altogether. Both the
true Gynerium and the Pampas - grass are
dioecious, and neither has "pales" with "in-
flexed hooks." The differences, which indeed
are very considerable, are in a different direction,
as may be seen from my paper published in this
Journal (1897, vol. ii., pp. 357, &c).

I offer the above observations as a contribution
to the history of a remarkable grass which has
been for many years one of the greatest orna-
ments of our gardens and parks, and in justice to

from resuscitating Lemaire's name, the more so
as that would involve the reduction of the names
of the other species of Cortaderia, namely, C.
araucana, C. speciosa, C. rudiuscula, and C. Quila,
to synonyms, and the admission of as many new
combinations under Moorea, viz., M. araucana,
M. speciosa, M. rudiuscula, and M. Quila.

I have only to add, that Mr. Rolfe published a
new genus of Orchidaceae under the name of
Moorea in this Journal, 1890, vol. ii., p. 7. Otto
Stapf.

CONIFERS AT LINTON.

In the present issue we are enabled to give
some illustrations from the fine collection of!
Conifers at Linton Park, the residence of F. S. W.
Cornwallis, Esq., near Maidstone. These were
mostly selected and planted by the late Mr.
Masters, of Canterbury, in or about 1849. A
short note concerning them, with measurements
of particular specimens, is contained in the re
port of the Conifer Conference, Journal of the
Royal Horticultural Society, 1892, p. 491.
Whether the Deodar then mentioned as having
attained the height of 60 feet is the same
as that now figured we do not know. In any
case, Mr. Kneller, the present gardener, tells
us that the Deodar (fig. 159) is now 79 feet
in height, and its branches have a diameter of
66 feet. The " habit " is very different from that
of most Deodars, and bears out Sir Joseph
Hooker's statement that "habit" alone is a very
untrustwoithy guide^to 1he detei miration of par-
ticular specimens. Mr. Kneller was good enough
to forward us a small, piecetof'a branch frcm the
particular treei figured, so that its identity 13
beyond question.

The giant Sequoia of ^California, whose dimen-
sions excite so much astonishment, is in its youth
a symmetrically pyramidal tree, well suited for
the purpose of forming an avenue (fig. 160). Un-
fortunately it often happens as the tree grows up
that the foliage on the lower,; branches becomes
brown and shabby. In that', case those who feel
no interest in the mighty tree or in its won-
derful history do not care to retain a tree that
has become more or less unsightly. Like its near
ally, the Red-wood, the bark itself is attractive,
and not the least wonderful point in its history
is the fact.that these species, or some extremely
close to them, once flourished in these islands^
where their cones have been found at Bovey
Tracey and elsewhere. It is well known that
the juvenile„foliage of'Conifers is very often dif-
ferent from that characteristic of the adult
plant, and, moreover, that, as in the so-called
Retinosporas, the juvenile foliage is some-
times retained long alter the youthful age, as
measured in years, has passed. Now, the Wel-
lingtonia foliage always^suggests that it belongs
to a youthful type, and,that the adult foliage is not
developed. If anyonejwill compare the leaves of
Sequoia gigantea or Wellingtonia with those of
Sequoia sempervirens (Red-wood) he will see that
the Wellingtonia possesses the youthful, the Red-
wood the adult characteristics, so far as the
foliage is concerned. Some day it is possible we
may meet with a shoot of Wellingtonia which
may confirm this conjecture.

VEGETABLES.

IMPROVED WINDSOR BEANS.
The common Broad Windsor Bean, with ito
many synonyms, has usually one or two Beans in
a pod ; improved varieties show the possession
of three or four. It may interest some to know
that the name Windsor was given to this type
because it was first cultivated in that neighbour-
hood by some of the Dutch gardeners who came
over to England at the time of the Revolution ;
and it is stated there is near Eton a field known
as the Dutchman's Garden, in which in all proba-
bility the Beans were grown. It is certain that
the Windsor Bean has undergone considerable
improvement during recent years. We see that
not only in the photographic illustrations which
appear in the illustrated catalogues of some of
our leading seed houses, but from the size and
fulness of the pods of Beans staged at many
flower-shows about the country. I find our
Ealing allotment holders growing Windsor Beans
with four Beans, and occasionally more, in a pod ;

December 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

401

but they club together and purchase pedigree
seeds to sdw, and they cultivate well, for the
competition is very keen among them at our
annual flower-show early in July. I can see
the plants growing on the allotments as I
judge tbem for prizes.

Last July I was judging at a flower-show at
St. Ives, Hunts, and was struck with the size of
the pods of the Windsor Beans shown on that
occasion ; they contained in most cases five Beans,
and here and there a sixth could be counted. I
was informed the variety was Sutton's Green
Giant Broad Bean. I give the name because
I think so fine a Bean should be duly recognised.

colour to get some reason for this, but have not
found any.

That in the case of the Green Bean there is a
suffusion of that special colouring matter we
term chlorophyll, or leaf green, there can, I
presume, be no doubt ; but it would be interesting
to know what causes the change in colour and
flavour. The common White Windsor Bean has
long been a favourite vegetable with the poorer
classes in this country, but for the tables of the
well-to-do young Green Beans are preferred, the
green colour not being lost in the process of cook-
ing. The green varieties of the Windsor and the
Longpod are much grown for market purposes.

pollen and honey. Broad Beans are largely
grown for market and seed purposes ; it is the
practice with some who grow for seed to pick a
gathering of the earliest-matured pods and
market them, leaving the remainder of the crop
to ripen.

Two insect pests trouble the Bean cultivator —
one, the Bean aphis or Black Dolphin (Aphis
rumicis), or what is popularly known among Bean
cultivators as the Smother-fly ; it clusters upon
the young tops, paralysing the plants and ren-
dering them almost fruitless ; the other, the>
Bean Weevil (Bruchus granarius), which is said
to be destructive to other plants besides the]Bean,

Fig. 160. — sequoia gigantea avenue at linton park, maidstoxe. (see p. 400.)

Messrs. Sutton &. Sons do nothing in the way of
undue exaggeration when they give an illustra-
tion of a pod of this Bean containing six seeds.
John Harrison is also a fine selected form with
large full pods. It would be interesting to know
to what we owe the change in colour seen in what
is known as the Common White Windsor, and in
the Green Windsor Beans. That the Green
sported from the white may be assumed, as a
corresponding instance is afforded in the case of
Beck's Dwarf Green Gem Bean, which sported
from the Dwarf Fan or Cluster. It is asserted
that there is a richer flavour in Green Beans and
Green Peas than in ordinary white or straw-
coloured seeds when cooked. I have turned to
Chevreul and also to Professor Church's work on

The Green Longpod is later in coming into use
than its white relative. The Green Windsor
can be gathered about the same time as the
white, or only a few days later.

A strong, deep, fertile loam, such as one finds
in parts of Lincolnshire, Essex, &c, is an ideal
one for Broad Beans. In it the upright, stout,
fibrous plant-stems root deeply, and a vigorous
growth results, with a harvest of well-filled pods.
The flowers are usually white with a black spot
in the middle of the wing ; these are succeeded
by long, thick legumes, woolly and soft within,
and enclosing large flat seeds. The flowers are
fragrant ; there are times when the perfume is
more pronounced than at others, and the bees
appear to find among them abundant harvests of

One account states that the weevil hides in the-
ground by day, but works its mischief during the
night, piercing pod and bean and depositing itn
eggs in the latter. It does not appear to affect the
vitality of the Beans, as a few years ago an ex-
periment was made by sowing a number of Beans
which had been riddled by the insect, but they
all produced vigorous plants. When so pierced
the sample is seriously affected in quality and
price. Foreign-grown Broad Beans imported to
this country are sometimes badly affected.

Some of the old names given to Windsor Beans
in seed lists have disappeared from them, such
as Mumford, Thick Windsor, Ac, and also the
name of Toker and The Dutuh, among the
Longpods, though the Sword or Turkey Longpod,

402

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Dkcembee 12, 1903.

Hangdown Longpod, and Mackie's Monarch
remain. There is this to be said in excuse of the
wholesale seedsman's retaining the names of
synonyms., that certain districts have their dis-
tinctive names for Beans, and in the interests of
customers they are retained. But he is not
without a grievance against some of the retail
houses who put their own pet names to good
selections of well-known types. Recently an ex-
hibitor competed in three different classes for
special prizes offered by certain firms for their
particular specialities in vegetables. The same
sort in several instances was seen under three
different names. But what did it matter to the
prize-donors so long as the subjects were of high
-quality and bore their distinctive names ? R. Dean.

The Week's Work.

KEW NOTES.

Callicarpa purpurea, Jussieu. — This fine old
garden plant is now making a pretty display in
the Victoria-house. Although denuded of foliage
at the time when the purple berries are at their
best, yet the plant is one of great value for
greenhouse and conservatory decoration during
the winter, for the berries retain their freshness
for fully three months. Fine plants are soon
grown from either seed or cuttings, and if cut-
tings are rooted about April or May, and grown
on in a little heat during the summer, nice little
plants are obtained for the following winter.
Specimens two or more years old make a grand
display. The plant is seen at its best when grown
■as a standard, having a stem about 3 feet high,
from the top of which the pendulous branches
will often arch over and touch the ground. The
flowers are borne in axillary clusters ; they are
not at all showy, but every inflorescence pro-
duces a cluster of beautiful purple berries, often
clothing the stem from the base to the apex. A
native of China.

Mitriostigma AXILLARIS, Hochstetter (Gardenia
citriodora, Hooker).

This charming plant is now flowering in the
stove ; the specimens are small and bushy, about
1 foot high, the branches being crowded with
somewhat fleshy white flowers, delightfully
scented. It is a native of Natal, and can be
.grown in a greenhouse during the summer,
though the stove suits it best at this time of the
year, and develops the flowers to perfection. It
as certainly a plant of great merit, and should be
more commonly grown than is the case at the
present time.

Manettia eicolor.

This plant is flowering in the Water Lily-house,
and has a profusion of flowers. These are almost
tubular in form, about f inch in length. The
lower part of the corolla is bright red, and the
nipper part a very pretty yellow. This is another
old garden plant which is rarely met with, though
it is difficult to understand why. The plants
mow in bloom were grown from cuttings struck in
May last, and some of the shoots now measure
10 feet in length ; each has a large quantity of
flowers.

Manettia cordifolia.

A plant of this species is also flowering very
freely in the Palm-house. The flowers of this
species are about four times as large as those of
M. bicolor, very much inflated, and pale red in
■colour, and it is a much stronger grower than the
former species. They are both natives of Brazil,
and are good subjects for growing on the roof, or
trained on pillars in the intermediate-house or
stove. H. W.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallage, Gardener to E. Miller Mundy, Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

The Protection of Roses against Frost. — In the
northern parts of these islands some form of pro-
tection should be provided against injury by frost
to the Tea, hybrid Tea, Noisette, and Banksian
Roses, these being rather more tender than
others. Protection is more especially required
by that section of climbing Roses which flower
only from side-growths formed on wood of the
previous year. In dealing with dwarf bush
Roses it is sufficient to draw up a mound of soil
round the base of each, or if this be frozen and
unworkable, then use dry screenings from the pot-
ting bench or finely-sifted coal-ashes, burying a few
of the lowermost buds on the wood of the present
season's growth. Mulchings of rank farmyard
manure, as sometimes recommended, although
affording sustenance to the plants, are of no
service as a protection against frost, and should
be avoided. For standard Teas and the more
tender climbing Roses, dry bracken lightly
placed in among the shoots is excellent, and has
some advantage over straw, in being less un-
sightly. In any case I do not advise the appli-
tion of protective materials till the state of the
weather warrants it, for nothing under say 10' of
frost will do the slightest harm — in fact, until
danger-point is reached, exposure to the weather
is less harmful than protection.

Ixias. — Among the few bulbous plants which
ought not to be planted early are the Ixias, as early
planting leads to precocious growth, which gets
injured by frost and biting winds. The present
is a suitable time for planting these charming
but little grown plants. The position for a bed
or clumps of them should be elevated and dry,
and the soil friable or sandy by nature or made
so by art.

Garden Hedges. — Where Quick and other de-
ciduous hedges are to be planted, select a mild
time during the present season for carrying out
the job. Care in selecting good plants, having a
plentiful supply of roots and clean tops is neces-
sary for a successful start. Such hedges are the
better for being cut down to the ground-level
after one year's growth has been made, so that
size is not a very important point, provided the
other matters are right.

Seeds. — Where home-grown seeds of flowering
plants have been kept in the pods, capsules, &c,
an early opportunity should be taken of to shake
or beat out and clean them before storing away in
seed drawers. If uneleaned for any length of
time maggots often develop in the mass and
devour the seeds.

Landscape Gardeners at Altona.— The
landscape gardeners of this town have determined
to agitate for an improvement in wages next
spring, and they have chosen a commission for the
■carrying out of their tariff of wages.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. Q. L.
Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Cypripediums niveum, concolor, Godefroyw, G.
leucochilum. — The varieties of this section baffle
some of the best cultivators of Orchids, and if
they once get into a bad state of health it is a
difficult matter to again make them vigorous. It
is surprising to observe these plants thriving
under conditions the reverse of what would seem
to be suitable. I have known the plants supplied
copiously with water at all seasons and still
appear remarkably healthy ; and, on the other
hand, plants which have been afforded scarcely
any water at the root during the winter months
have been their equals. I do not, however,
advise cultivators to practise such extremes.
During the summer months these plants should
be afforded plenty of moisture at the root, pro-
viding the materials are of a porous nature ; but
now that growth is completed, water should be
very cautiously afforded, indeed, only what is
just sufficient to keep the foliage and roots
healthy ; and this should be afforded by immers-
ing the pot to three - fourths of its depth in a
vessel of tepid water, thus avoiding the wetting
of the leaves, so injurious to these plants in the
winter months. Select for them a light position
in the warmest house at this season, and a shady
one in the same division during the summer
months.

C. bellatulum. — This species should be similarly
treated, excepting that a lesser degree of warmth
is necessary. A light position in the Cattleya or
intermediate-house will meet its requirements
at all seasons.

Cypripedium Hybrids. — The hybrids from the
foregoing section are getting more numerous
every year. Suph varieties as C. Chapmani, C.
Schofieldianum, C. Charles Rickman, C. Craven-
ianum, C. Aylingi, C. microchilum, C. Vipani, C.
Gertrude HoUington, &c, possess much attrac-
tiveness when well grown. Many of the hybrids
do not prove easy of cultivation, as some would
have us believe, especially during the winter. A
common mistake made with them is in affording
too much heat and too little ventilation. It is well
to take into consideration the parentage of each
hybrid, and afford treatment intermediate between
the two as nearly as may be possible. The best
season to repot them is the winter, when new
roots are being emitted from the growths last
made. The pots should be well' drained, and the
compost consist of turfy peat and loam, leaf-soil,
and chopped sphagnum, adding a considerable
quantity of silver-sand. Water must be afforded
with care after any disturbance of the roots- ,

Zygopetalum Maclcayi and Z. crinitum. — The
flower-spikes now developing should be fastened
to neat stakes. When plants of these species are
grown in a cool intermediate-house, the flowers
come of abetter colour than is the case in warmer
quarters. For a winter display they are very
useful. When the flowers are fully expanded,
excess of moisture at the root and in the air
must be carefully guarded against, otherwise
spotting of the flowers will occur.

Lycasles.— The species Skinneri and the hybrids,
L. Balls, L. Mary Gratrix, are at home in a cool
intermediate-house, and these plants are now
throwing up their flower-spikes in profusion.
Strong plants in good health are capable of carry-
ing a large number of flowers without injury to
the health of the plants, whereas weakly plants
should be deprived of some considerable number
of their flowers. The flowers should be neatly
tied out, and the plants afforded just as much
water as will moisten the materials. L. cruenta
and L. Deppei will have finished up the new
pseudo-bulbs, and much less water at the roots
should be afforded till the new growths and
flower - spikes appear in the spring. L. (Bi-
frenaria) Harrisonis is a plant that forms a good
basket plant for the Cattleya-house. Now that
growth is completed, it will need very little water
during the winter.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Matne, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigh Sal tenon, Devonshire.

The Conservatory. — The bulk of the Chrysanthe-
mums being now past their best, a rearrangement
of the house will have become necessary. There
may be a difficulty in finding flowering plants
having the variety of colouring which we have in
the Chrysanthemum, but there should be no lack
of suitable subjects. As regards the arrangement
of the latter, something will depend upon the
internal construction. If beds exist in the
central parts, these can be utilised for groups of
Richardias, Azaleas, Hippeastrums, Begonia
Gloire de Lorraine, white and red-flowered
Primulas, Cyclamens, zonal Pelargoniums, Sal-
vias, Marguerites, Roman Hyacinths, and Paper-
white Narcissus, which will afford nice combina-
tions of colour ; and if a night temperature of not
less than 55° can be maintained in severe
weather, Euphorbias (Poinsettia) pulcherrima, in
conjunction with Richardias, will show to great
advantage. The same holds good with Calanthe
Veitchii, the long, pendulous spikes of which,
emerging from an undergrowth of Maidenhair
Fern, and having a background of yellow Coro-
nilla or Cytisus, will not fail to be admired
during the next two months, the dullest of the
whole year. In affording air be careful that no
cold draught is allowed to play on the Calanthes
or Euphorbias, and that water be applied early in
the day, so that the moisture may dry up before
nightfall. If Roses be planted against the back
walls or under the roof, these should be pruned
and the shoots thinly disposed. If there is a

December 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

403

plant of Luculia gratissiina growing in the
border, let the soil about its roots be kept on the
dry side, now that the beauty of the plant is past.
The necessary pruning should be deferred till
early spring.

Cyclamens. — Plants raised from seeds sown in
September last should be dibbled-in, 2J inches
apart, in pans filled with light sandy soil having
a fair percentage of flaky leaf-soil in its compo-
sition, to which the plant takes readily. The
little corms should only be partly buried. A
minimum temperature of 58°, advancing by day
to G5°, will be a suitable one during the next few
months. Keep the plants within 9 inches of the
roof-glass, and sprinkle them once or twice
daily. Plants in flower or flower-bud may be
assisted with weak manurial water applied once
or twice a week, and be fumigated lightly on the
first sign of green-fly or thrips.

Bouvardias. — As these plants pass out of flower
let them be placed in a glasshouse or pit from
which frost is excluded. Here the wood will
become firm by the time that priming will have
to be done, and during this period of- rest very
little water will be required by the plants.

Christmas Roses. — If flowers are required early
some of the more forward clumps may be care-
fully lifted with large balls and placed in pots
or tubs, the flowers of which will quickly open
if afforded a temperature of 55° ; but the flowers
are very much finer and will last longer when
allowed to come on naturally, or with hand-
glasses or a garden-frame placed over the clumps.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. G.

The Orchard-house. — Apart from its use as a
fruit-house, the orchard - house is often a store
for pot Strawberries, stock Chrysanthemums,
&c. ; but to do the fruit-trees justice, the treat-
ment of other plants should be quite subordinated
to that of the fruit-trees, there being times at
this season when frost is of benefit to the trees
that are planted in the borders, in inducing rest
and causing them to respond more readily to
artificial warmth when the proper time comes, if
it be necessary to start them with its aid. The
future cleanliness, healthiness and fruitfulness
of the trees depend in a great measure upon
what is done at this season. Among these mat-
ters is the cleansing of woodwork, glass, walls,
&c, and the painting of the woodwork when
this is necessary. The trees, too, should be
cleansed; and for this purpose nothing is more
efficient than the caustic solution recommended
in the Calendar for October 24. Trees which
do not need any cleaning may be sprayed
with this same mixture, taking care, however,
that it does not get on to the paint of the house,
which it will speedily blacken. Treat each tree
according to its peculiar requirements in the way
of additional pot-room, root-restriction, top-dress-
ing, or repotting as the case may suggest. Fruitful
aged trees require liberal top-dressings of loam, to
which should be added a small quantity of bone-
meal, mortar-rubble, and charred garden-refuse,
andoverallathickmulch of farmyard manure. The
same kind of treatment, if afforded young trees
growing strongly, would only aggravate their
unfruitfulness ; and, on the contrary, root-
pruning is the proper corrective. In light soils
the application of water should not be neglected,
and this too before the soil becomes dust-dry.
Applications of liquid-manure at this time will
greatly benefit trees that have come to a fruitful
age. In unheated orchard-houses keep the soil in
the pots on the dry Bide, and should there be any
danger of the frost bursting the pots, afford
protection betimes. If planting has still to be
done, carry out the work as soon as possible.

Cherries. — These do well in a mixed orchard-
house, but when a regular annual supply of fruit
is desired Cherry-trees should have a house to
themselves; and this should be put in readiness
for starting towards the end of the present month,
forcing being begun with a temperature at night
of 40° to 45°, and 5" to 10° more by day. In other
respects afford the same kind of treatment as for
the early Peach-house. Where a few trees are
grown in pots, these may for the present be
brought en in a recently started Peach-house.

For this purpose choose the earliest varieties, and
such old-established trees as are thickly furnished
with fruit-spurs and buds. Yearly repotting the
trees is not a necessity, and when potting is called
for very large pots are not required ; in fact a tree
may be grown in an 11-inch pot for a number of
years by reducing the old ball and roots, and
repotting firmly in the same sized pot in a good
loamy compost. Four good varieties are Early
Rivers, Early Lyons, Black Circassian, and May
Duke.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fobtescue, Esq ,
Dropniore, Maidenhead.

Protecting the Fig on Outside Walls. — The
weather at the time of writing points to an early
spell of frost, and it will be prudent to afford the
trees protection of some kind. A good method
of doing this is to detach the branches from the
wall and tie them in bundles loosely, afterwards
winding hay or straw bands around each set of
branches, and securing them to stout nails or
staples driven into the face of the wall ; the base
of the stem may be covered with straw or
bracken, and the same may be thrust between
the main branches ; and finally the ground over
the roots may.be mulched with stable-litter.

Mulching newly-planted Fruit-trees. — This work
should receive attention forthwith. Strawy farm-
yard litter is excellent material to use, being
laid over the roots 6 inches thick ; but before
placing it in position see that the soil over the
roots, if hard, is loosened. Any trees that have
been bought in which are not yet planted should
be well protected where they are laid-in by plac-
ing a good thickness of bracken or straw over
their roots. The frosty weather affords an excel-
lent opportunity of wheeling out manure, &c,
on to the bush-fruit quarters. If the soil is of a
heavy nature, bush-fruits of all kinds are much
benedted by a dressing of ashes and charred earth,
garden-refuse mixed with the manure may also be
lightly forked into the surface-soil during mild
weather. Let all prunings and trimmings from
the fruit quarters be collected and burned forth-
with, and the fruit quarters kept in a tidy condi-
tion. Stakes of all kinds and sizes should be
pointed and tied in convenient bundles, and
placed under cover for future use.

The Fruit-room. — Apples are keeping better
than could have been expected after such a sunless
summer. All fruits should be examined weekly,
and decaying fruits removed. Keep the tem-
perature as even as possible ; in the case of
severe frost it will be well to protect the door
and windows (if any) with mats. This will be
much better than using artificial heat of any
kind.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Part, Slough.

Potatos. — Early Potatos are produced by various
methods, but for very early supplies pot-cul-
ture is best. The pots should be thoroughly
well drained, and half filled with a compost
consisting of leaf-soil §, turfy-loam J, and spent
Mushroom-bed manure passed through a A-inch
meshed sieve. When the buds have grown to
about an inch in length, place the tubers in
the pots, first removing all the growths but two,
then three - parts fill the pots with warmed
soil, thus leaving sufficient space for earthing-
up after the tops have reached something higher
than the rim. Two sets may be placed in an
H-inch pot, and three in one of 10 inches. Stars
tte tubers in a temperature of 50° to 55°, and at
soon as the shoots have grown through the soil
keep the pots as near the glass as possible. A
bouyant air must be afforded always, cold draughts
avoided, and water applied carefully. Where
deep brick pits are provided, these may be filled
with Oak or Beach leaves trampled- in firmly
and to within 1 foot of the lights ; and when the
heat of the bed has declined to about 85°, a
light sort of compost should be spread over the
surface to the depth of 10 inches, made level and
the sets previously started planted. The se may
be planted at 12 inches apart and 15 inches be-
tween the rows. Sharp's Victor, Sutton's May
tjueen, and Veitch's Improved Ashleaf are excel-

lent varieties for present planting in pots or in pits?
and frames. Carefully lay out a single layer of
sets in shallow boxes or trays, the eye end upper-
most, in number sufficient for a succession, and let
them be fully exposed to the light near the glass
in gently heated house. Lay out, in a frost-proof
cool dry shed in a similar manner, all the dif-
ferent varieties intended for planting in the
spring, but not doing anything to hasten growth
before planting time.

Rhubarb. — Continue to place roots in the Mush-
room-house or any dark place where there is a
temperature of 50° to 553. Where the old method
of forcing Rhubarb in pots in the open by means
of fermenting tree-leaves and stable-litter is-
practised, some beds may now be made up. On
commencing, place boxes or Seakale-pots over a
certain number of the roots, then cover these with
leaves or stable-litter and leaves sufficient in
bulk to afford a warmth of 65J to 70°. Seakale may
be forced in the same manner, and the produce
will be superior to that forced in any other way.

Salads. — Continue to introduce Chicory into a
warm dark place, cutting off the leaves within an
inch of the root. Afford Lettuce in pits abund-
ance of air on every favourable occasion, or the
plants are sure to damp off. Protect those in the
open from frost, either by lifting and placing
them in cold frames, or by placing frames or
some kind of protection over them. Those sown
in boxes in heat should be transplanted as soon,
as large enough to be handled. They will make
useful material for salad early in the year. Blanch
Endive as required, and protect plants in the-
open from frost in the manner advised for Let-
tuces. Seeds of Mustard and Cress should be
sown weekly in warmth.

THE APIARY.

By Expert.

In many cases a little more care should be
taken in packing up bees for the winter. Where-
possible the sides of the hive between the inner
case or brood- chamber should be packed with
chaff or dry sawdust ; and to dry the latter place
it in an oven for a short time, as damp sawdust
will cause a lot of mischief, not only in keeping
the hive damp, but in the disagreeable smell
which it would give off. Do not let the dust get
over into the brood-chamber. The back can then
be filled-in with the same or dry shavings. The-
first cover for the bees should be, if possible, a
piece of American cloth having a hole cut in the
top, on which to place a cake of candy ; over this
a flannel wrapper or something of the kind,
sprinkled with powdered naphthaline, and then
several more thicknesses of cloths, and over
these several newspapers running from back to
back and from side to side, which will keep in
th^ warmth ; and two short pieces of woou on
the paper will keep all in place.

Where hives are much exposed, put a couple
of screws through the roof to the body-box ; and
if possible place a hurdle or two around them.
In very rough places thatched hurdles answer the
purpose well ; and in damp places the hives
should be raised on several bricks. By nailing
perforated zinc over the entrance to prevent mice
from entering the hive will avert a great deal of
mischief; this is very much required if straw
skeps are used. It is a good plan to cover the
whole skep with fine wire netting, and nail it
well down all round the Bfcind. Sections not sold
should be carefully examined, and kept in a dry
place ; unless this is done the honey in them will
be liable to ferment and throw off a very un-
pleasant smell, which will certainly spoil the
sale ; and they should also be well protected from,
mice.

Mr. E. T. Gilman. — This well-known suc-
cessful gardener, who has been gardener to the
Earl of Shrewsbury at Alton Towers during
the past eight years, and was head gardener at
Ingestre Hall, Stafford, for twenty years pre-
viously, has beer! requested to again undertake
the entire charge of the gardens at Ingestre, in
addition to those at Alton Towers, and Mr. Oi lman
will shortly take up his residence at Ingestre.
Mr. Oilman's friends will congratulate him upon
the mark of confidence reposed in him by his
employer.

404

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 12;' 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
41, Wellington .Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be written on one bids only or
thi paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the toriter. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.
Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEI.

(National Chrysanthemum So-
Dec. 14-' ciety'a Executive and Floral
I Committees' meeting.

f Royal Horticultural Society's
Committees' meeting.
Annual General Meeting of the
*""" *"1 National Dahlia Society, at 3
p M.,intheNorthRoom,Hotel
V. Windsor, Westminster, S.W.

THURSDAY, Dec. 17— Linnean Society's meet., 8 p.m.

MONDAY,

TUESDAY,

(Annual General Meetings of
the National Auricula, at 2 45
pm., and National Carnation.

/ at 4.15 p m., at Horticultural

\ Clu "

Club Room.

SALES FOR THE WEEK.

MONDAY, Dec. 14-

At 12 30, at Stevens' Rooms, Roses, Azaleas, Palms,
Fruit Trees. Lilies, &c.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 16-

Palms, Plants, Perennials. Roses, Azaleas, Bulbs,
&c, at 67 and 68, cneapside, E.C.. by Protneroe &
Morris, at 11.— 614 cased Japanese Liliums, at 67 and
68, Cbeapside, E.C., by Protneroe & Morris, at 5.— At
Sievens', Roses, Lilacs, Lilies, Azaleas, Palms, Deco-
rative Plants, &c, at 12.30.

THURSDAY. Dec. 17-

Orchids, by Mr. John Cowan, in the Coal Exchange,
Manchester.

FRIDAY, Dec. 18-

Imported and Established Orchids, at 67 and 68,
uheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30.—
Orchids, by Mr. John Cowan, in St. James' Hall,
Leeds.

(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Avebaqe Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
— 40'4°.
Actual Temperatures :—

London.— Dec 9 (6 p.m.) : Max. 53°: Min. 40\

Dec. 10 (noon) : 49° ; showery, overcast.
PROviNCES.-Dfc. 9 (6 p.m.) : Max. 48% Skerry Isle ;
Min. 41°, off the Tyne.

Though some of us may not yet
An oppor- nave realised it, we are now at
tunity for ... . , , . ,

Horticulture. a turning-point in the history

of plant-cultivation. Liebig's
chemical researches mark, perhaps, a more
important epoch in the past history of our
science than does the demonstration of the
cell-theory of plant-structure. Now, how-
ever, we have to face a revolution in scientific
opinion as great as that produced by Liebig,
and in some ways antagonistic to the whole
theory of cultivation propounded by him
and his contemporaries. They practically
reduced the vital activities of living organ-
isms to terms of merely chemical laws of
combination. The energy exhibited in such
vital action, whether it was shown in the
rise of temperature in a germinating seed,
or manifested in the muscular energy of an
animal's movements, was to them merely
the expression of a process identical with,
or at least analogous to ordinary combustion.
Life, we were told, was a continued change,
a building up and breaking down of chemical
compounds. The agriculturist and horti-
culturist were therefore exhorted to pay
every attention to the fundamental laws of
chemical combination.

The work of Pasteur inaugurated another
•era. Life, we are now told, is a series of
fermentations, and it behoves us, therefore,
to study this remarkable series of chemical
processes, the action of the "enzymes" or

soluble ferments within the living organism
and the micro-organisms that act apparently
as carriers of these active chemical prin-
ciples. In other words, a method of study,
largely biological, bids fair to replace the
processes of the chemistry of dead matter,
and the science whicli the practical man
requires for his guidance to-day is largely
that of the bacteriologist. The bacteria of
the soil, with their many diverse chemical
activities, prepare food- material for the roots
of plants, whilst the enzymes or ferments
within the plant bring about the rapid
constructive or destructive changes in the
food-materials by which the structure of the
plant is built up or the food is transferred
from one part of the plant to another.
Concerning much of the detail of these
processes we are as yet profoundly ignorant,
though they are undoubtedly at the very
foundation of what must be the cultural
science of the future.

What is wanted, then, is further research,
and it is with reference to research that an
opportunity for horticulture is now open.
We are not now alluding to the new hall in
Vincent Square, Westminster. That will,
no doubt, prove a great advantage to the
Koyal Horticultural Society, and should,
therefore, indirectly benefit horticulture.
The improved facilities which it will afford
for the shows, the housing of the library, the
accommodation for offices and for other busi-
ness of the Society will, we hope, lead to a
greatly increased membership and so enable
the Society to extend its usefulness in all
directions.

The opportunity to which we allude, how-
ever, bears more immediately upon the
scientific side of horticulture— upon those
investigations which are at the present
moment so essential to its advance. At the
same time the proposals now made to the
Society are not on any scale so alarming as
the demands made on behalf of science
generally by Sir Norman Lockyer at the
Southport meeting of the British Associa-
tion. Neither the well-wishers of horti-
culture, nor the Government, nor the general
public is asked to contribute the cost of a
single iron-clad, nor probably the hundredth
part of such a sum.

In March last the Scientific Commitee of
the Royal Horticultural Society drew up a
scheme for scientific work to be undertaken
at Chiswick and submitted it to the Council
of the Society. This scheme is, as we have
already mentioned, printed in e.rtenso in the
last issued number of the Society's Journal.
Since it was drawn ap, Sir Thomas Han-
bury's gift to the Society of the late
Mr. Wilson's wild garden at Wisley has
largely altered the circumstances, not
altogether for the better in this particular
matter; but the Scientific Committee adhere
to the main principles of their recommenda-
tion. By leaving Chiswick the Society will
be relieved of the payment of an annual
rental, at the same time their occupation
of their new freehold garden will entail a
considerable initial capital expenditure.
The Wisley Garden is essentially a wild
garden: it has no glass, and no adequate
accommodation for the garden staff. Whilst,
however, as the Scientific Committee urged
last spring, it is to the best interests of the
reputation of the Society that it should
without delay take a leading part in pro-
moting the scientific side of horticulture,

it may be pointed out that a start may be
made in this direction at a comparatively
insignificant outlay. It has been suggested
that a small laboratory be erected adjoining
one of the necessary greenhouses, measuring
perhaps 36 feet by 12 feet; and it is esti-
mated that, if huilt of pine-logs on brick
foundations and lined with panelliDg, such
a building could be put up for less than
£200; whilst the absolutely essential equip-
ment of microscopic, chemical, and photo*
graphic apparatus need not, in the first
instance, exceed £100. The experimental
research work of such a garden-laboratory
would, however, demand the entire time of
a competent scientific director. There is no
existing house accommodation for such an
officer, either at the garden or, indeed, at
Wisley at all, and Wisley is four or "five
miles from the nearest railway-station. The
Society could not, therefore, expect to secure
the service of a competent director for less
than £300 per annum ; but an initial outlay
of £300, with an annual expenditure of £350,
is all that is necessary to initiate the scheme.

It has been suggested that the Board of
Agriculture might contribute to the expenses
of such an undertaking ; and in this con-
nection it may be well to repeat that the work
proposed being original investigation bear-
ing upon practical horticulture, it would be
dissimilar from (though complementary to)
the educational work at our colleges of horti-
culture and agriculture, and to the purely
scientific researches undertaken at the
Jodrell Laboratory at Kew. Though it is
probable that the Government Department
might ultimately make a grant, it is not
likely it would do so until the work had
been fairly started and its public utility
demonstrated.

Meanwhile a second and much more am-
bitious scheme has been propounded. The
Principal of the South-Eastern Agricultural
College at Wye, which is mainly supported
by the Kent and Surrey County Councils,
but receives a Government grant also, has,
as has been reported in the daily papers,
had a meeting with the educational officials
of the Surrey County Council to suggest the
formation at Wisley of a branch of the Wye
College, and a School of Forestry, with the
assistance of the Board of Agriculture. The
objects pursued at Wye being mainly agri-
cultural, and Swanley having now become
exclusively a college for women, there would
seem, from the educational point of view, to
be very much to be said in favour of some
such plan. Though perhaps not ideally
situated for a school of forestry, Wisley
might very well serve for the teaching and
demonstration of the principles of that
science ; whilst undoubtedly the proximity
of the Society's garden would render it an
admirable locality for the horticultural side
of the College. No doubt, too, arrangements
might be made for the teachers and students
of such a college to have access to the
Society's experimental garden. The County
Council will not find such a beautiful block
of old buildings ready to their hands as they
did at Wye ; and the scheme would therefore
necessitate the building, presumably by the
county, of adequate dormitory accommoda-
tion, with dining-hall, kitchen, library, lec-
ture-rooms, and chemical and biological
laboratories.

The staff could not well consist of less
than four instructors, as some chemistry,

December 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

405

physics, and entomology would have to be
included in the curriculum, as well as
botany, horticulture, and forestry. To be
■successfully carried out, the educational
•work of such a college would practically
■engross the whole time of such a staff. Any
•experimental work which might be carried
•on at such a college would be likely to be
mainly of a demonstrational character. The
•staff ought, in fact, to have little or no time
■for real original investigation. This excel-
lent educational proposal, therefore, though
it may afford a means of organising labora-
tories or lodgings more economically, would
.in no way take the place of the proposed
scheme of the Scientific Committee as to
research. The two schemes taken together
/constitute what seems to us a unique oppor-
tunity for horticulture, the realisation of
which should be quite feasible.

*#* OUR ALMANAC. — According to our usual
■practice, we shall shortly issue a Gardeners'
•Chronicle Almanac for the year 1904. In order
do make it as complete as possible, we shall be
•obliged if Secretaries of Horticultural, Botanical,
■and allied Societies, or any of our correspondents,
•willsendus IMMEDIATE INTIMATION of all fixtures '
for the coming year.

Cypripedium (Paphiopedilum) glauco-
PHYLLUM (see Supplementary Illustration, and
.fig. 161). — We are indebted to M. Lucien Linden,
.Moortebeeke, Brussels, for the ' drawing from
which the illustration was prepared. The draw-
ing was sent by M. Rimestad, of Java, to M.
Linden, and it was identified by Mr. K. A. Rolfe
with the Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum, J. J.
Smith, in Bull, de I'Inst. Btiiteneorg, VII.
(1900). It is a native of Java, allied to Cypri-
ipedium Chamberlainianum, O'Brien, which is a
iiative of Sumatra, and to the less showy C.
Victories Mariae, from which it is said to differ in
■having the leaves concolorous, and the staminode
large and ovate. Raceme many flowered, petals
•nearly linear, ciliate, rubro - punctate, and the
lip violet. The colours of the flower as seen on
the drawing are similar to those of some forms of
<C. Chamberlainianum, and certainly not violet as
•we recognise that colour. It may, however, be a
.good species ; but that question will have to be
deft open until flowers of the Javan plant are
seen. So far, too, Mr. Rolfe guarded his opinion
from the first.

Royal Horticultural Society. — The

next meeting of the Fruit and Floral Committees
of the Royal Horticultural Society will be held
■on Tuesday, December 15, in the Drill Hall,
Buckingham Gate, Westminster, 1 to 4 p.m., the
Committees meeting, as usual, at noon. A General
Meeting for the election of new Fellows will take
iplace at 3 o'clock.

At a General Meeting of the Society held

on Tuesday, November 24, fifty-eight new Fellows
were elected, amongst them being His Highness
Prince Frederick Duleep Singh, Lady Emily
Dyke, the Hon. Mrs. Cecil Bingham, the Hon.
Mrs. Edward Portman, the Hon. Mrs. Henry
Denison, the Hon. Mrs. E. Thesiger, the Hon.
Lilian Elphinstone, and the Hon. The Minister of
Agriculture for British Columbia, making a total
-of 1,339 new Fellows elected since the beginning
of the present year.

LlNNEAN SOCIETY.— On the occasion of the
■evening meeting to be held on Thursday, De-
-cember 17, 1903, at 8 p.m., the following paper
will be read : — " On the Docoglossa, a Study in
.Evolution," by H. J. Fleure.

The HALL.— Baron Schroder writes : — " The
mpw Hall of the Society, so anxiously desired by
the Fellows, is now in course of erection, and

will, the Council hope, be completed for use by
Midsummer next. The total cost of the Hall,
offices, library, &c, including furniture, will be
about ,£40,000, and the Council, of which I am a
member, are most anxious to open the building
free of debt. Towards this sum ,£23,000 has been
contributed, of which no less than .£8,471 has
been given by the Council and officers of the
Society. There thus remains a balance of ,£17,000
still to be raised. At present only about one in
ten [the italics are ours. Ed.] of the Fellows has
contributed to the building fund. In the hope
that the others will see their way to do so, I have
been asked to make this appeal. If every Fellow
would kindly forward a contribution, some giving
more and some less, the desired object would be
attained, and the anxiety of the Council on this
point at an end. J. H. W. Schroder, 145, Leaden-
hall Street, London, E.C., December 7, 1903.

"Botanical Magazine." — The December
number of this periodical, in the editorship of
which Mr. W. B. Hemsley, F.R.S., is now

FIG'. 161.— CYPRIPKDIUM GLAUCOPHTLLUM,
SHOWING HABIT.

felicitously associated with Sir Joseph Hooker,
contains coloured illustrations and descriptions of
the following plants : —

Meryta Denhami, Seemann, tab. 7927. — This is
the Aralia reticulata of gardens, and said to be
used as a stock whereon Aralia Veitchii is
grafted. It is a small tree with sparingly
branched stem, alternate, multiform leaves, the
adult leaves large, glabrous, oblanceolate. The
greenish-yellow flowers are in panicled heads. It
is a native of New Caledonia and the New
Hebrides, and has flowered repeatedly at Kew.

Agapetes Moorei, Hemsley, tab. 7928. — A Sik-
kimese shrub with sub-verticillate, oblong, lan-
ceolate leaves and axillary racemes of cylindrical,
reddish flowers, the reflected tips of the five-
corolla lobes being yellow. Each flower is about
1 1 in. long. It is a handsome greenhouse shrub
introduced to Glasnevin.

Echidnopsis somalensis, N. E. Brown, tab. 7929. —
A succulent plant, native of Somaliland, with
erect, cylindrical, fleshy, leafless stems covered
with somewhat four-sided, flattened prominences.
The flowers are rather inconspicuous, and in
structure related to Stapelias. Cambridge Bo-
tanic Garden.

Restrepia antennifera, Humboldt, Bonpland,
and Kunth, tab. 7930. This Colombian Orchid
is often confounded with R. maculata, which has
spotted flowers, whilst the present species has the
perianth segments striped.

Cotyledon undulata, Haworth, t. 7931. — A hand-
some succulent shrub, 2 to 3 feet high, with
tufted, wedge-shaped, glaucous leaves, irregularly
toothed on the upper border. Scape erect, about
3 feet high, bearing a loose, drooping panicle of
cylindric yellow flowers; the five lobes of the
corolla reflexed, rose-pink in colour. The speci-
men figured was received from the Cambridge
Botanic Garden.

ITEA ILICIFOLIA. — Lord Kesteven writes as
follows concerning the plant lately figured in
the Gardeners' Chronicle : — " Itea ilicifolia, of
which I enclose you a specimen, has been grow-
ing here (Lincolnshire) in the open for at least
fourteen years. It is sheltered on the north and
east by other shrubs, and seems quite hardy. It
was raised from seed sent from China by Dr.
Henry.

Mr. Worthington Smith.— We learn from
the Journal of Botany that this gentleman has
been elected President of the British Mycological
Society.

Exhibition Chrysanthemums. — There is
an article by a correspondent of the Revue de
V Horticulture Beige for the present month which
should be read and pondered over by the
" megalanthogenetic " admirers of the huge
monstrosities so much in vogue at the present
day. The writer condemns the heavy, ex-
pressionless flowers as destitute of poetry and
sentiment, appealing to the eye rather than to the
intelligence or the heart. We need not repeat
all the derogatory epithets which Mr. X. hurls
at the " Japs," because, while we agree in a
measure with him, we think he overlooks the
value of these superb flowers when massed in
vases and used for decorative purposes on a large
scale. Exhibited on boards, combed and dressed,
they are as ugly and unsympathetic as — Roses
similarly treated, and almost as ridiculous as
Carnations throttled in paper collars.

THE GREAT MASTERS. — We have already
spoken in high terms of the series of "photo-
gravures " from old pictures now in course
of publication by Mr. Heinemann. Successive
parts do but give occasion for further eulogy.
The masterpieces of Gainsborough and Romnet,
Frank Hals and Rembrandt, Ghirlandajo
and Botticelli, Ruysdael and Rubens are put
before us with a fidelity that is quite wonderful.
In the last part there is a landscape by Rhbens
which will surprise many who are not familiar
with Rubens as a landscape painter. The
picture, though so different in subject from what
we are accustomed to see from the great master's
brush, nevertheless shows the same general cha-
racteristics, and is effective and " stagey " rather
than natural. Never has a Beries of such beau-
tiful reproductions been offered at so low a
price, and the pictures selected have the addi-
tional advantage of not being hackneyed.

" New Lessons in Elementary Botany." —
Our correspondent, Dr. Tokutaro Ito, has pub-
lished a handbook bearing the above title, an4
printed in Japanese. Even to those unable to
read the letterpress the illustrations will be of
interest, for they are novel in character, deli-
cately drawn and reproduced. The frontispiece
is coloured, and shows a Japanese alpine land-
scape and some of the flora peculiar to such a
situation. We notice among the illustrations the
representation of the flower of a single Camellia
with five petals only. If correctly drawn this is
a very unusual circumstance.

Presentation tp Mr. Robert Syoenham.
— Mr. Robert Sydenham's services in connec-
tion with thecult of the Carnation and Picotee were
recently emphasised in felicitous fashion at the
Colonnade Hotel, Birmingham, when, on behalf of
the Midland Society, Mr. Sydenham was presented

406

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 12, 1903.

with a handsomely-illuminated address in album
form, containing portraits of all the Carnation
specialists in the country. In the unavoidable
absence of Professor Hillhouse, owing to ill-
health, Mr. W. H. Parton, jun., presided, and
he was supported by numerous representative
men. Professor Hillhouse, in an appreciative
letter, wrote :— " I do not believe there is any
one man to whom, in the last fifteen years or
so, the lover of flowers owes more than to Eobeet
Sydenham. His name is a household word to all
bulb growers, and he has made such by thousands,
where probably, but for him, they would never
have existed. I should like to speculate upon
the aggregate amount of brightness he has been
instrumental in adding to our English homes."
In making the presentation, Mr. Parton, after
emphasising Mr. Sydenham's whole-hearted en-
thusiasm on behalf of the Society, offered him a
hearty welcome on his return from a South
African trip in search of health, and hoped he
would continue to take an active interest in the
well-being of the institution which owed so much
to his fostering care. Mr. Sydenham, in the course
of his response, promised to do all he could to
maintain the high position the Society had gained.
Mr. Herbert Smith, the retiring hon. secretary,
was at the same gathering presented with a
photographic group of Carnation specialists, in
recognition of his labours on behalf of the Society
for several years.

"The Flora of Europe."— Dr. Mouner
has rendered a service by publishing a French
version of his Excursions Flora under the title of
Flore Analytique de V Europe (Paris : Bailliere ;
London : Williams & Norgate). It is an analy-
tical key to all the genera of flowering plants
known to occur in Europe. It is a small volume
of 322 pages, and may be, we hope, the precursor
of a similar but necessarily much more volumin-
ous work on the species.

Dutch Horticultural and Botanical
SOCIETY. — On the occasion of the meeting of
the Floral Committee on November 25, 1903,
First-class Certificates were awarded to Laelia
Jonghi var. and to Odontoglossum crispum var. as
important plants for the trade, both from Mr.
W. C. Baron van Boetzelaer, at Maartensdijk.
Certificates of Merit were granted to Dianthus
plumarius (new variety) , from Mr. A. Spaargaren,
at Aalsmeer ; to Cattleya Mendeli var., as an
important plant for the trade, from Mr. P. W.
Sutorius, at Baarn ; and a Botanical Certificate
to Lselia Perrinii irrorata, as an insufficiently
known plant, from Mr. C. J. Kikkert, at Haarlem.

Mr. Charles Harding, chief foreman in the
Royal Gardens, Sandringham, is leaving there to
become gardener to the Marquis of Hertford,
Ragley Hall, on January 1. Mr. Harding has
been eight years at Sandringham, and for six
years has filled the position of chief foreman
under Mr. McKellar, and latterly under Mr.
Thomas H. Cook.

Stock - taking : November. — Since the

issue of the last Trade and Navigation Returns
sundry disturbing elements have been at work,
all the effects of which cannot as yet be readily
calculated ; we may just mention affairs in Japan
and Manchuria — Corea dates further back in
time — the extension of commerce in Thibet under
the auspices of the War Office, the horrors in
Macedonia and in the Congo regions, where har-
vesting is stated to be carried on by the help of the
military in a way not conducive to the peaceful
extension of the agricultural interest. All these
things are' interfering with the course of trade,
which not all^the' prophecies respecting 1904 can
round off into satisfaction. But for all this —
and the disturbed political outlook — the returns
for the past month are satisfactory. The *' pins "
in the imports for November is .£3,605,535, thus

achieved: — November, 1902, tots up at £45,118,056
against £48,723,591, for the same month this year.
The " summary " table for the past month yields
us the following figures : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Articles of food
and drink— duty
free

£
9,121,514

£

9,709.810

£

+588,266

Articles of food
& drink— dutiable

9,537,464

11,073,952

+1,536,498

All other Imports...

26,459,018

27,939,819

+1,480,771

Cutting down timber greatly affects the atmo-
spheric conditions of the country where the ope-
ration is conducted, the political atmosphere is
stated to be greatly affected by an attempt on
the part of highly-placed Russians to acquire
enormous tracts of forest land in Corea ; but the
end is not yet. As Christmas-time is on us,
our table in connection with fruits, &c, is of
more than usual interest. The figures are as
follows : —

Imports.

1902.

1903.

Difference.

Fruits, raw-

Cwt.

Cwt.

Cwt.

Apples

606,156

1,083,180

+477,024

Bananas ... bunches

250,410

224,261

-26,149

Grapes

68,241

127,397

+59,156

Lemons

86,587

44,579

—42,008

Nuts— Almonds

29,107

38,529

+9,422

Others used as

fruit

124,937

171,220

+46,283

Oranges

386,046

293,202

—92,844

Pears

...

24,177

18,695

—5,482

Plums

...

1,527

1,187

-310

Unenumerated

9,996

16,077

+6,081

Vegetables, raw-

Onions

bush.

712,599

779,116

+66,517

Potatos

cwt.

419,661

2,042,897

+1,653,236

Tomatos

„

26,232

40,331

+14,099

Vegetables, raw
enumerated ..

un-
value

£21,739

£27,314

+ £5,675

Apples loom largely in the total, and a splendid
sample many of the varieties present. It is to
be noted that the authorities in New Brunswick
are preparing to extend the area under fruit.
Each county in the province is to have a model
orchard subsidised by Government, six of these to
be set to work at once. Evidently " there's
money in it." Still, it is repeated in connection
with the importation of Asparagus from South
America that it resembled too much the first lot
of vegetables from Northern Italy some years
since — there was no profit in that. To sum up
our imports notes, it appears that these amount in
value to £490,603,123 for the past eleven months,
against £480,762,264 for the same period in 1902,
or a gain of £9,840,859. In the matter of

Exports
there is again a falling off to note. In face of
the many drawbacks patent to every attentive
reader of the daily journals, this reduction is
easily understood. The exports for the last
month amounted to £23,037,793, against
£24,648,238 for the corresponding period last
year — a reduction of £1,610,445. The figures for
the past eleven months are £266,277,778, against
£259,283,740— a gain of £6,994,038.

Edinburgh Seed Trade Assistants held
their ninth annual dinner in Ferguson & For-
rester's, 129, Princes Street, on Friday night,
the 4th inst., at 7.30 o'clock, Mr. D. W.Thomson,
of 113, George Street, in the chair. No more
popular chairman could have been found, and
under his able direction the success of the meeting
was assured from the very beginning. After the
loyal toasts had been cordially pledged, Mr. J. W.
M'Hattie, the city gardener, proposed the toast
of the evening, " The Seed Trade Assistants."
In doing so he said the seedsmen of Edinburgh

had for many years done very great work io
regard to horticulture. They were. engaged in a
very important trade, and it was for them there-
fore to do all they could to advance the work
begun by their ancestors, and to place it, if pos-
sible, on a much higher footing. Horticulture
advanced ve*y rapidly during the reign of the
late Queen, and he was pleased to learn that His
Majesty King Edward was now having the-
garden at Windsor laid out in a manner that
would make it second to none in Europe,. Mr.
A. Scott Denholm, in responding for the
assistants, said that it was very gratifying to see-
so many of the principals present. Other toasts
followed, including that of "The Nursery and
Seed Trade." The musical part of the programme
was well sustained by the assistants and their-
friends. Fraternal greetings were received during
the evening from London and Dublin, and were
duly appreciated in the Scottish capital. .

Sandringham. — During the Royal . parties
that have taken place at Sandringham recently,,
the gardens have been very gay. Begonia Gloire-
de Lorraine, in three span - roofed houses, has-
been a special feature, some of the specimens
being nearly 4 feet high and 3 feet through. Of
winter-flowering Carnations there is a splendid
show. For use in decoration there were out in.
one evening as many as eighteen dozen good
blooms of the variety Duchess of Devonshire:
The variety Winter Cheer has been equally
satisfactory ; many of the plants that were-
rooted last January, and are now growing in
6 and 7-inch pots, having produced as many as
fifty flowers. Other attractions have included
Chrysanthemums, Mignonette Sutton's Giant in.
10-inch pots, a house of Heliotrope Madame
Bussy, a collection of zonal Pelargoniums, Catt-
leyas, Oncidiums, and Cypripediums.

Herbert Spencer. — The daily papers
naturally occupy much space with the record of
the work of the great philosopher lately taken
from us, and who has done so much to familiarise-
the idea of gradual progression, or " evolution,'''
and to apply the doctrine to almost every depart-
ment of knowledge. It is not so generally known,,
however, that Mr. Herbert Spencer made some
important personal contributions to vegetable
morphology and physiology. His views on the
causes instrumental in securing the ascent of the
sap and the formation of wood were founded on
the practices of fruit cultivators. Mr. Spencer
was at one time an occasional contributor to the
Gardeners' Chronicle. It is with some com-
placency that we quote from a letter received
from him many years ago, in which, alluding to
a review of some of his work, he added : " It
unites exposition and discussion just as the
writers of such notices should unite them, but
very rarely do You will find a brief refer-
ence to the action of natural selection as tending,
to establish the spiral structure in the way you.
have indicated."

Publications Received.— Agricultural Bulletin of

the Straits and Federated Malay Stales, Sept. Contents
Turf and Fodder Grasses, Planting in Sclangor, &c-
The Agricultural Journal of the Cape of Food Hoper
October. Contents ; Legislation to exclude Plant
Pests, Tree Planting for Timber and Fuel, Irrigation
and its results, &o.— Agricultural News (West Indies),
October 24. Contents: Conservation of Soil Moisture,.
Sugar, Cotton, &c. — Journal a" Agriculture Tropicale,
October 31. Contains articles upon Multiplication of
Palaquium Gutta, Sorgho Beer of the Matabeles, &<;.-
Nature Notes, November.— M ushroom (trowing and Spawn
Making, J. F. Barter, Napier Road.Wembley, Middlesex...
— Essex Field Experiments (Essex Education Committee),
1896-1903 ; No. 2, On Tillage Crops, T. G. Dymond and
B. W. Bull.— From the Secretary of the Bradford Bota-
nical Garden: Report of Advisory Committee. "The
Bradford Botanical Garden arose out of a visit made
last year to the garden of Mr. S. Margerison, of Cal-
verley, by the Chairman of the Parks Committee and
other gentlemen." The Parks Committee decided upon
the formation of a similar garden to that visited, and
this has been started, and though not yet a year old

Decembek 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

407

'iias made a most promising beginning. — Continental
State- Aid for Agriculture, by T. S. Dymond (County Tech-
nical Laboratories, Chelmsford). A paper read at a
meeting of the Fabian Society. The most valuable
aids that can be given to agriculture by the State
appear to be those connected with technical instruc-
tion and education.— Rock Phosphates and other Mineral
iFertili.ers : their Origin, Value, and Sources of Supply,
by Charles Chewings (South Australia). " The object
in writing those parts that have direct reference to
agriculture, horticulture, &c, has been to afford those
■who are practically engaged in the use of the products
made from the deposits described, the benefit of my re-
searches, both theoretical and practical. Since mineral
•iertilers have been systematically used in South Aus-
tralia, the commercial aspect of agriculture as an
industry has obtained a new lease of life."— Journal of
''.hi Department of Agriculture of Western Australia,
October, 1903. Full of notes on crops and farm-stock
generally.— Report on the Cultivation of Rubber, Cocoa,
•and other Agricultural Products in Cejflon, by W. H. John-
son, Head Curator of the Botanic Stations in the Gold
Coast. '• From the experience gained during five years,
FI have no hesitation in recommending that large plan-
tations ;of Para Rubber-trees be formed on the Gold
Coast by the Government." Mr. Johnson pays a high
tribute to the progress made in agriculture in Ceylon,
and ascribes much of its present prosperity to the cul-
tivation of Tea.— The Forest Flora of Xew South Wales,
J. H. Maiden, Part IV.— A Critical Revision of the Oenus
Eucalyptus, J. H. Maiden (New South Wales), Part HI.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

EUPHORBIA (POIN3ETTIA) PULCHERRIMA.—

The season for these brilliant bracts being with us,'
it seems a suitable time to draw the attention of
•growers to an idea which appears to exist, and which
I have heard expressed, to the effect that soils
play an important part in giving a greater degree
of brilliancy in the bracts. I am of opinion that
this is not so, as here we have the two shades
.(very distinct) growing in the same soil and
under exactly the same conditions. Some years
ago I saw a batch of the paler variety (not the
white) in Lincolnshire, when I quite made up my
mind that what I had heard about the soil must
i£>e correct, until I took charge and grew the
plants here. J. Snell, gr., Farnley. Otley.

THE STRAWBERRY GRAPE. — I have read Dr.
'Bonavia's remarks on the Strawberry-Grape in
-a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle,
p. 348, with great interest, inasmuch as I grew
-the variety whilst I was at Longford Castle, in
Wilts, and in which gardens the Strawberry-
Grape had been cultivated (and ultimately lost)
years before I took charge, when, at the request
■ of Jacob, fourth Earl of Radnor, I re-introduced
the Grape, and fruited it every year afterwards
-during the interval of time indicated above. The '
Vine was planted at the foot of the back wall
(facing due south) in No. 3 vinery, and was
trained up under the hip-roof, extending the
lateral growths the second year after planting on
either side along a wire trellis. The Vine is a free
grower, and bears prodigally small dumpy bunches
of a bluish-black colour wlien ripe, and carrying a
fine bloom. The bunches — or, at least, the berries
•constituting theindividual bunches — were thinned
-well out, with the result that those that remained
attained to the size of an ordinarily thinned
Black Hamburgh Grape. The fourth Earl of
Radnor, his Countess, and all the members of his
family were very fond of the Strawberry-Grape,
and I extended the supply for as long a period as
possible. Lord Radnor's guests had frequently
asked me for information respecting that " most
distinct and highly-flavoured Fox-Grape," this
•being the name under which the Grape in ques-
tion was known at Longford, it having been, as I
was told, introduced to British vineries from
America by a gentleman of the name of Pox, who
was at the time English Ambassador at Wash-
ington. The characteristics of the Strawberry or
Fox-Grape, are strikingly distinct from all other
"Grapes that I am acquainted with, not only in
bunch, berry and flavour, but also in habit of
growth, colour of wood, size, shape and colour of
foliage. I inarched a shoot of the Strawberry
Vine on a Black Hamburgh Vine, also growing
against the same wall, with the desired result,
namely, the obtaining of somewhat larger bunches
and berrieB without in any way altering the
flavour for the worse, but rather the reverse. I
-should think an improvement in the flavour of

such Grapes as Gros Colmar and Gros Maroc
might be effected by fertilising a bunch of each
of those varieties when in flower with pollen
taken from the Strawberry-Grape, tying a string
to each bunch so fertilised, taking out and sowing
the seeds in due time, and planting the canes
resulting therefrom. In conclusion, I beg to say
that Dr. Bonavia's remarks regarding the fact of
market-gardeners not being willing to take up
the culture of any kind or variety of fruit that is
not known and will not sell immediately, are fair,
sound and thoroughly practical. H. W. Ward,
Lime House, Rayleigh.

BLUEBOTTLE FLIE8 AND GRAPES. — These
insects are usually very destructive to Grapes and
ripe fruit generally, and never before have I
observed so many of them. They have destroyed
and eaten Grapes in a wholesale manner. When
visiting a neighbouring gardener I saw a vinery
of ripe Muscats, of which quite half the berries in
each bunch had been destroyed. Had it not been
that we had ours in Grape-nets, even thick-skinned
varieties as well as others would have been spoilt.
J. Snell, gr., Farnley, Otley.

SPECIAL CULTIVATION OF CARNATIONS. —

In reference to the article on special culture of
Tree Carnations in your issue of the 21st inst., I
ask, Do disbudding and stopping constitute special
culture, as the writer alleges ? I maintain that
Chrysanthemums that are stopped and dis-
budded, even if not to obtain show blooms (as
most gardeners and amateurs do), must also be
grown under special conditions ; therefore, accord-
ing to the writer of the article, they are also out of
reach of the private gardener. 1 1 is a mistaken idea
that the Tree Carnation requires a particularly
careful or special treatment. A house or con-
servatory having good light and ventilation, and
where a temperature of 45° to 50° can be main-
tained at night through the winter months,
makes an ideal house ; and it will grow success-
fully most greenhouse plants which do not re-
quire too high a temperature or too moist an
atmosphere. The stopping is a very simple
operation, and it is done as soon as the young
plant is established in the small CO-pot ; and any
other shoots that run to bloom are stopped till
about July 10. Disbudding is simpler still :
leave only the crown bud, removing all buds and
shoots till the length of stem required is ob-
tained. Under these conditions twelve to twenty-
four long-stemmed blooms can be cut from a
plant during the twelve months, thus affording
a larger cut than from most greenhouse plants
requiring the same space, and no more skill or
attention. Even if the writer himself has been
unsuccessful in his attempts to grow Tree
Carnations, he should not lay down the law for
the general public, or be prejudiced against the
American Tree- Carnation, which I exhibited
this season, and caused a sensation amongst
Carnation - lovers. Perhaps I am the wrong
person to give praise to the Tree - Carnation,
as I may be charged with being prejudiced
in its favour ; but when such incorrect state-
ments are made as by the reviewer of the
book on Carnation-growing, and again by the
writer of the article, I must take up the
cudgels on its behalf. Then, again, the writer is
wrong in comparing the blooms I exhibited
(grown under normal conditions) with the show
Chrysanthemum blooms, which are only obtained
with much greater care and attention than are
bestowed on the finest Tree-Carnation with perfect
stem and calyx, and give a much smaller cut than
a house of the same size with Tree-Carnations.
It is absurd to say my results have been obtained
because of the thousands I grow. Surely it is
as simple for a private gardener or amateur to
grow his few as it is for me to grow thousands
for profit. When each of my men has to
manage 8,000 plants, he can have none too much
time to give them individually the care and
attention the writer imagines they require.
A. F. Dutton.

A FEW GOOD VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIE8.—
Under the above heading in a recent issue your
correspondent, W. C. Leach, mentions Givons
Late Prolific as being inferior in flavour to
Waterloo. Perhaps, as the raiser of the former,
you will allow me to say a few words to uphold
the reputation 1 gave it when putting it before

the public. I believe it is a well-known fact that
varieties of Strawberries (like some other kinds
of fruits) succeed in some localities and fail in
others ; and considering that it was only put in
commerce in the autumn of 1901 (and then only
in a limited quantity) I think it rather premature
to condemn it for its flavour, especially after the
past wet season. I still maintain that it is
superior in flavour, constitution, and cropping
qualities to its parent, Waterloo. In this
opinion I am backed up by the Royal Horticul-
tural Society's Fruit Committee, who, in 1901,
gave it an Award of Merit, and in 1902
gave it a First - class Certificate (vote unani-
mous). Until now I have received nothing but
praise for my introduction, and in support of
this 1 may say one large fruit-cultivator in the
Midlands who tried it last year asked me to
supply him with 10,000 runners this season. The
variety Waterloo is not unknown to me, as when
residing at Latimer some twenty years ago I
helped to raise the stock of this variety; and I
must say that I have only once observed a heavy
crop on it, and that was at my neighbour's, Mr.
Higgs, of Fetcham Park. Here, neither Waterloo,
Laxton's Latest-of-AU, nor any of the late varie-
ties that I have tried have I been able to grow
with any success, but Givons Late flourishes ; and
I believe when better known it will be grown
largely, if only for the one reason that, flowering
very late, it misses the spring frosts, as it
certainly did this season when other varieties
here were very hard hit. W. Peters, gr., Givons
Gardens, Leatherhead.

THE MALMAISON CARNATION. — I accept the
friendly remarks of H. Humphrey in the same
kindly way in which he has evidently written
them, but I would like to point out that, when
advocating the dusting with lime or sulphur on
diseased plants of this variety, I had in view just
a plant here and there that may be affected with
this horrid " rust," it not having fallen to my lot
to see a whole house in that state. As regards
sulphur or even lime on a few plants being objec-
tionable, it can be no worse than when Roses are
dusted with flowers-of-sulphur to stamp out mildew,
which most of us know has done its work under
twenty-four hours, when the plants can be laid
on their sides and the sulphur removed with the
syringe, an item which I omitted to mention in
my Calendar for November 21. James Mayne.

MONARCH PLUM. — You do well in calling
attention to this grand variety, its free-cropping
and noble size commending it to all engaged in
hardy fruit culture. The fruits when fully ripe are
not to be despised for the dessert-table, and it
carries a beautiful bloom when carefully handled.
Large fruits of this variety fetched 2d. a-piece
this autumn at Sidmouth. There is surely a slip
of the pen where it says that two maiden trees,
only planted last autumn (19i)2), yielded 12 to
14 lb. of fruit each tbis year, it being the usual
method to cut such trees back to within a foot of
their union the spring after planting. James
Mayne.

NOVEMBER MELONS. — As a general rule,
Melons so late in the year as November are
seldom of high flavour, owing to lack of sun-
shine, and they are regarded more as orna-
mental than for consumption. At Longieat, Mr.
Gandy has beaten all previous records in late
Melons ; though for years past Longieat has
been famous for this fruit. In the present in-
stance, Mr. Gandy, by choosing a suitable variety
and method of cultivation, has provided a quan-
tity of fine fruits, which have been greatly en-
joyed by the visitors. The variety Veitch's Late
Perfection is a comparatively new Melon, hand-
somely shaped, evenly and regularly netted, and
has a deep-green flesh and rind. The fruits
range from 4 to (> lb. apiece, and are as well
flavoured as a summer Melon. W. S.

A GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.— Mr. Upstone
is not very merciful to the Council of the Royal
Horticultural Society in suggesting that amidst
all its existing heavy responsibilities it should
burden itself with the work of forming a National
Association of Gardeners. If such a body is
formed ultimately, it can only arise from gar-
deners, who alone can know what objects it may
be desired to gain. The Council of the Royal

408

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 12, 1903.

Horticultural Society is not a body of gardeners,
although in full sympathy with gardeners' needs
and aspirations. 1 have not understood from
anyone so far that he thinks the production
of gardeners should be severely restricted by an
association. That seems to be the desire and
panacea of one writer last week. What is desired
is that young men should strive to become very
practical and intelligent gardeners. If there be
fewer places than applicants ready to fill them, a
problem is presented that no association, I fear,
can solve. Perhaps if the inefficient^ were
knocked out there would be no surplusage. A. D.

GRAFTED ROSES —With reference to the
reply of " J. D. G. " to my criticisms, I still
adhere to my former statement. In substantia-
tion of same, I quote from Miss A. Dorrance
(Royal Horticultural Society's Proceedings, Decem-
ber, 1902,) the following :— (1) " Rules of John
H. Dunlop, of Toronto. First seven days keep the
case closed tight, but if the moisture is too great,
or if there is too much condensation, give a small
crack of air. On the eighth day give ^-inch of
air, and gradually increase, until nineteenth day
give full air." (2) " Eibes " rules from Florists'
Review. " First eight or ten days, or until the
majority of the scions are united .... During
this period it is a good plan to open up the
frames morning and evening to change the air ;
it does no harm unless left open too long." Both
of these authorities endorse my contention,
and it is with regard to the first week that I
laid particular stress. The fusion of graft and
stock by the formation of the callus cells is
certain to be dangerously impeded by the drying
of the atmosphere (for a few hours). In con-
clusion, my personal experience has been gained
in a London nursery, which answers in a peculiar
way to the one " J. D. G. " mentions, and the
successful seasons in the propagating - houses
justified the treatment I recommended. C. E. F.
Allen.

NEW VARIETIES OF THE POTATO. — A few years
ago I took a great interest in Potato?, and know
that it requires much patience to get good
results. The majority of seedlings, often obtained
after years of waiting, are not always as good as
one could wish. Syon House Prolific, a variety
certificated some years ago, was the first of the
seedlings, and is one of the best late Potatos we
have, a heavy cropper, of good quality, and
handsome. English Beauty is an early variety,
the result of crossing the Ashleaf with an Ameri-
can variety, with the intention of getting greater
size together with earliness and the quality of
the Ashleaf. Main Crop is another cross that
resembles Syon House, but is earlier and rounder,
and valuable as a mid-season Potato. Northum-
bria is a mid-season variety which was certificated
by the Royal Horticultural Society last year, and
is not as yet in commerce. This variety has
good eating qualities. Early Gem, a Potato
certificated at the Royal Horticultural Society's
garden this year (August) ; an early variety that
will, I think, be an acquisition ; it crops well,
and is of excellent quality. G. Wythes.

THE WHITE NERINE.— There cannot be two
opinions about the beauty of this charming plant
now flowering with me, but its correct name
seems to be still undecided. Introduced from
South Africa, I believe, by Mr. Ware, in 1893, it
has been distributed under the name of N. elegans
alba. Messrs. Barr & Sons, who also imported it
from the Cape, exhibited it last year at a meeting
of the Royal Horticultural Society as N. fleruoEa
alba ; and this year it is catalogued by Messrs.
Haage & Schmidt, of Erfurt, as N. sarniensis alba.
Nerine elegans being a hybrid (N. flexuosa x N.
[sarniensis ?] rosea), probably raised in England,
that name is surely incorrect. For the same reason
we may dismiss the name N. sarnienis alba. Messrs.
Barr's name is certainly nearest ; N. flexuosa,
however, has a centripetal umbel, while the white
Nerine is centrifugal. I regret not having been
able to compare the two plants this autumn. I
append a short detailed description of the plant,
to the best of my slender botanical knowledge,
hoping this note may help to raise the question
of according this beautiful Nerine specific rank.
Bulb, 1 to 2 inches in diameter; leaves, shining,
light green, 5 to 8 to a bulb, well developed at

flowering time, over a foot long, channelled down
the centre, and widening in the middle. Peduncle
15 to 18 inches high, round or a little compressed,
slightly glaucous. Spathe valves about 1 inch
long. Pedicels J to lj inch long. Flowers pure
white, of medium size, eight to twelve in a centri-
fugal umbel (i.e., inner buds opening first), mid-
rib of segments green when in the bud, but
becoming pure white. The perianth irregular,
segments wavy at the edge and recurved, forming
a semicircle above the white declinate stamens
and style, occasionally one segment remains
below the filaments. Style, as long as or shorter
than the stamens. Capsule globose, deeply three-
lobed. Seed and off-sets freely produced. W. E.
Ledger, Wimbledon. [Messrs. Barr & Sons' plant
was, we believe, named at Kew, where this white
Nerine is cultivated as N. flexuosa, var. alba. Ed.]

VIOLET MARIE LOUISE.— May I say just a
word in praise of an old favourite Violet ? Seeing
that now there are so many new varieties at our
service Marie Louise is apt to be sometimes
relegated to a back place. This is a great pity,
for I do not know of any new variety which can
surpass Marie Louise, when well grown, for all-
round qualities. It comes into bloom in Sep-
tember, and flowers very abundantly till late in
the mouth of April, is very hardy and quite easy
to manage. Now I often hear it said that Marie
Louise would be all right were it not for its very
short stalks, so I have enclosed a few just to
let you see that its stalks may be grown to
7 inches or more, and carry a flower 1J inch
across. Robert E. Clapham, gr., Bywell Hall,
Stocksfield-on-Tyne.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

Beautiful and Rare Trees and Plants.
With seventy illustrations from photographs
taken at Castlewellan by the Earl Annesley.
(Country Life Office.)

Readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle interested
in trees and shrubs will be familiar with the
notices and illustrations that have from time to
time been given of the beautiful and interesting
subjects collected at Castlewellan, in County
Down, Ireland. The Earl, moreover, contributed
to a recent number of the Journal of the Royal
Horticultural Society an annotated list which
excited much attention among those devoted to
the culture of similar plants. It is therefore
very satisfactory to find these notes expanded and
collected into a handsome quarto volume, richly
illustrated by photographic reproductions by the
author. " Whenever I read in the gardening
papers the description of a new plant (which by
the way is generally conveyed in technical lan-
guage totally unintelligible to the general
public)," we quote from the preface, "I always
want to see a photograph of it; one glance at that
is quite sufficient, and tells me all I want to know
about it. I hope, therefore, that these photo-
graphs may be of some interest to many people
who are fond of their gardens. I may add that
they were all taken in the garden and pleasure
grounds at Castlewellan."

Unfortunately and inevitably, the conductors
of gardening papers, in their desire to chronicle
novelties, are generally obliged to draw up their
descriptions from imperfect specimens, and it is fre-
quently not till long after their introduction that
it is possible to frame a more satisfactory notice.
The technical details no doubt are repulsive to
the general reader, but they are essential for the
botanist, who otherwise would be quite unable to
form a correct idea of the plant in question.
Moreover, we invariably find that those who really
"want to know " are those who are least offended
by these technicalities. Clearly, then, the course
to follow is, so far as possible, to give all parties
what they want, and to put in a foot-note, or in
small type, the details which are not needed by
some, but which are all-important to others.

The illustrations in the book before us are»
mostly excellent, but are not arranged in any order,
so that the reviewer may avail himself of that
circumstance and comment upon the contents of
this handsome volume with a similar disregard
of conventional sequence. And here we may not&
the principal ,defeet of the volume — the absence^
of detail. " The sun-picture," says the author,
" must be absolutely true to nature." The italics
are not ours, and we demur to the statement
made unless considerably qualified. How few
varieties of Roses, for instance, can be recognised
from photographs !

To further illustrate our meaning, we may
mention a case which has lately occurred to our-
selves. Two sun - pictures of noble - looking-
Conifers (not from Castlewellan) were submitted
for our inspection. We named them with be-
coming hesitation as being, the one a form of the
Red Cedar, the other as a Silver Fir, Abies
nobilis. The same photographs were shown to a-
number of cultivators and expert botanists, but
with varying results, but none proved correct.
To make sure, we procured specimens from the
two trees, when the mystery was dispelled. The
" Red Cedar " turned out to be a Deodar ! and
the Abies was found to be A. concolor. The
" sun-picture " then did not tell the whole truth j,
it gave the effect, but the detail was concealed.

Even now that we know the truth these par-
ticular photographs are nearly as misleading as--
before, so that it is only by an effort that we can:
realise the truth. Illustrations showing the habit
and general appearance of the tree require,
therefore, to be supplemented by a sketch, or by
some other means of furnishing the required
detail. In the book before us, if the words " Cu-
pressus Lawsoniana " were not attached to the
plate we are by no means sure that we should not
have considered it to be a Thuya, such as T.
gigantea. Sciadopitys verticillata, on the con-
trary, is easily recognisable.

Before dismissing Cupressus Lawsoniana, we»
may suggest to Lord Annesley the desirability of
obtaining a series of photographs of the very
numerous varieties of the Lawson Cypress. These-
would be the more interesting as it is becoming
obvious that some of the characteristics which
mark the young plants are lost as youth passes
into maturity. The absence of detail and in
many cases of scale is felt, particularly in the
case of Lomatia pinnatifolia, the native country
of which is not known. We are told that it is.
even unknown to the authorities at Kew, Dublin,,
and Edinburgh.

Now, having exhausted our cries for "more,'"
it is time to express our grateful appreciation
for what we have and to call attention to the
wonderfully interesting set of plants depicted
in the book — plants interesting for their beauty,,
for their botanical structure, for their powers
of accommodating themselves to the Irish,
climate. The reader in less favoured climes
will be surprised to see the elegant Nandina.
domestica flourishing in the open ground and
covered with flower. The figure of Abies-
Veitchii is very characteristic, and we are
told that it produces cones in great profusion..
Plagianthus Lyalli, and P. betulinus, Pitto-
sporum undulatum, eugenioides, Mayii, and Col-
ensoi, Glyptostrobus heterophyllus (if this be-
really the Chinese plant), Eucryphia pinnatifolia,
Cercidiphyllum japonicum — these are among
the plants figured. Their names alone are suffi-
cient to attest their interest to the connoisseur.
We should much like to extend our notice, but
we can only find space for the mention of Vitis
Thunbergii, which is spoken of as "probably the
finest hardy climbing plant now in our gardens^
In autumn they (the leaves) take on the most
beautiful shades of yellow, brown, crimson, and
even scarlet." The list of plants hardy at
Castlewellan, which is given, as- an- appandix.

December 12, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

409

shows how extraordinarily rich the collection is.
Oreat care has been taken in this index, and.
indeed, throughout the book, in revising the
proofs as misprints are remarkably few and
far between. Altogether the book forms a
valuable, beautiful, and interesting addition to
horticultural literature, so much so that we end
as we began, by asking for more, and give ex-
pression to the hope that the blank pages in the
present edition may, in a second, be filled up by
other photographs and other notes.

DICTAMNUS FRAXINELLA.

So much has been recently said in our columns
with reference to this plant and its white variety,

SCOTLAND.

EDINBURGH ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS.
Flowers in Bloom in Edinburgh Rotal
Botanic Gardens. — Although the Edinburgh
Royal Botanic Gardens have not the same
facilities for growing and showing flowers attrac-
tive to the public as those of Kew, one can never
visit them without seeing much to interest a
lover of plants and flowers. In a couple of visits
made a short time ago I took a note of the
greater number of plants in bloom, and these
may be of interest to others beside Northern
readers. They may also help to increase the
number of visitors to the Edinburgh gardens,
which are always deserving of a vi=it from all

persoluta (with small white flower), the pretty
conspicua, and the more curious barbata major.
The pretty Epacris rosea and the handsome
E. Eclipse, with fiae red - and - white flowers,
made up the plants in bloom in a small but
attractive lot. A small group of the pretty pur-
ple-flowered Monochaetum ensiferum, with flowers
about 1 \ inch across, was very pleasing ; while
the handsome Ruellia macrantha, with its Incar-
villea-like blossoms, w^s most attractive. Then
there was the pleasing Correa ventricosa, the
attractive Agapetes buxifolia, and the bright
Coronilla glauca. Even more worthy of notice
was the fine Impatiens cuspidata arthritic), which
was figured in the Botanical Magazine for 1902, and
was very pleasing with its pretty pale-pink
flowers and its silvery stem, interesting because

Fig. 162. — groip of dictamnus fraxjnella at wisley.

(Photographed by F. Mason Good.)

and to the inflammability of the vapour given off
from its foliage, a3 vouched for by Mr. Divers,
that it is appropriate to give an illustration
which will serve to show that the plant is not
only interesting but also ornamental. Our illus-
tration was taken by Mr. F. Mason Good in the
garden of the late Mr. George Wilson, now the
property of the Royal Horticultural Society.

PLANT PORTRAITS.

MESEMIIRYANTHKMUM Sl'LBNDENS, M. AUliEUM. M.
EC HINATHM. M. RETROILEXUM.— Ke I'M HortiCOlt, NOV. If!.

- Pfab Bkriiahottb DE Tiblemont.— Stated to be a
flret-rate Pear, like B. Esneren, and ripening from
December to January. Bull tin d' Arboriculture, <vc,
November.

interested in plant life. Space is not too plen-
tiful in the centre house, where there are always
grouped some of the most attractive plant- in
bloom. The Chrysanthemum is not cultivated to
excess, but a few plants here and in other parts
of the glass structures would be interesting to
many. Such useful ones as the single Miss
Rose — a popular variety in Scotland — the old
La Vierge, Abbe Pasche, the old Anastasia, and
some of the Desgranges varieties in the shape of
dwarf plants occupied a portion of the stage?,
while some of the large-flowered varieties were
grouped elsewhere. A nice little group of Cape
Heaths, now far too little seen, were very interest-
ing, among them being Ericas grandinosa (white).

of the varying thickness at each node. A few
Acacias, such as elata, gave a pleasant variety
with their feathery flowers of various forms. A
plant of considerable interest, about which one
would like to know more, is Senecio Moorei, from
Glasnevin, of which there were several specimens.
It must be closely akin to the florists' Cineraria,
and it is a matter of regret that its origin is
somewhat obscure. '

A group of Leptosyne gigantea, with its Mar-
guerite-like flowers and its fine loaves, and
another of the old pale-blue Agathma coplestis
forraod the principal representatives of the
Composite in the central house. There were also
such plants as the pleasing blue-flowered Dirdala-

410

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 12, 1903.

canthus nervosus, the bright Eeiiiwardtia tetra-
gyna, and the bright yellow Calceolaria fuohshiae-
folia. There was a small group of Bouvardias,
such as Priory Beauty, President Garfield, and
Freelandi. Among the more popular flowers
there, were some zonal Pelargoniums, including
such varieties as Hecla; with a number of
Primula sinensis and the pretty P. floribunda, the
latter showing the attractiveness of some of the
original species, even when alongside the flowers
which have been the subject of the florist's skill.
Winter-flowering Begonias were also bright and
good, though some of the newer hybrid forms
are. less amenable to cultivation here than such
as Gloire de Lorraine. Although a little foreign
to my title, one cannot but remark upon the
pleasing contrast made by the small, dark foliage
of a few plants — Centradenia inajquilateralis
flanked on either side by the foliage of the green
and white-leaved Abutilon Souvenir de Bonn,
and by the silvery loaves of Artemisias argentea
and ragusina. Nor must one forget, although
perhaps also foreign to the heading of these
notes, the noble plant of Kestio subverticillatus,
an object of admiration to most who visit these
gardens.

In other parts of the establishment there were
a number of other attractive and interesting
plants. Thus, although not the season for the
bulk of the Orchids, one could admire a number
of fine spikes of the lovely Calanthe Veitchii, the
ever popular Cattleya labiata and C. 1. autum-
nalis, some good pans of Masdevallia tovarensis,
Ccelogynes Massangeana, Gardeneriana, aspersa,
and the attractive C. (Pleione) Wallichiana.
Those interested in the terrestrial Orchids would
take notice of the easily. grown Stenoglottis
longifolia, and among the curious plants of in-
terest to many were specimens of the small and
unassuming Scaphosepalum ochthodes. There were
quite a number of Cypripediums, among which
one noted Ashburtoniaj, villosum, Charlesworthias,
Crossianum, Harrisianum, callosum, venustum,
Haynaldianum, Leeanum, insigne, and tonsum,
many of which were represented by grand plants.
Barkeria elegans, Sophronitis grandiflora, Lselio-
Cattleya Decia, Cyperorchis Mastersii, some Den-
drobes, Spiranthe3, and others, made the Orchid-
house additionally attractive.

One could well have spent more time in the
stove, for such plants as the handsome Adhatoda
cydoniajfolia displaying its fine white-and-purple
flowers from the rafters could not fail to attract,
On another rafter was Begonia President Carnot,
while others of the race in flower were the hand-
some-leaved B. venosa, the white B. Ochottiana,
and one or two others. There were many more
Begonias not in bloom, and one could not but
admire the fine metallic leaves of Gloire de
Sceaux. Amasonia calycina was also in flower
with its bright red bracts and long-tubed white
flowers. There was also a nice group of Plum-
bago rosea, looking most pleasing with their
warm red blooms ; Epiphyllums were also gay,
and various odds and ends would have emticed
one to remain longer had time permitted.

In the economic-house the principal thing of
nterest was Protea neriifolia, a handsome plant
winch might with advantage be grown in private

tablishments.

The corridor, one of the most attractive parts
of the establishment, had not much in bloom,
although one noted Lantana alba, a few Fuchsias',
Oestrums Smithi and elegans, Lantana Camara'
Malvastrum grossulariaefolium, and the pretty
Acacia aromatica.

In the interesting succulent-house there were
not many plants in bloom, but these included
Senecio Galpini, Euphorbia splendens, Kalanchoo
flammea, and one or two Mesembryanthemums,
such as curvifolium and serrulatum. On the
rafters the Cape Senecio macrogloglossus dis-
played some of its pale-yellow flowers.

Time did not permit of a full examination of
the Bromeliads, while the outdoor department
had, as might be expected, comparatively little
of special interest at the season of the year.
However, at no time can one visit these gardens
without pleasure and profit in the way of fresh
knowledge of plants and their ways. I have
again, as on previous occasions, to express my
thanks to the members of Professor Bayley-
Balfour's staff for their unfailing courtesy.
8. Arnott.

FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE.

STERILISATION OF SOIL.
I note on lage 34 1 of your November 14
issue, a reply to an inquirer in regard to sterilising
soil. It may be of interest to state that there
are few, if any, large market gardeners and
florists in the United States who do not now
sterilise all the soil used in the benches and beds
of their greenhouses. I enclose you herewith a
circular, on which the diagram of the patented
machine mostly in use for this purpose in the
States is shown. The circular gives a fair idea
of the method of using and cost. It consists of
perforated tubes, which are made of galvanised
iron properly connected and covered, through
which the steam passes. Earth is piled upon the
tubes to the depth of 12 to 15 inches, and steam
introduced by means of a connecting tube or pipe.
With 12 inches of soil on the steriliser and 30 lbs.
of steam pressure, the temperature of the soil
may be raised to 210° in from fifteen to twenty
minutes. The higher the pressure the quicker
the work can be done. The machine can either
be used out-of-doors or directly in the benches of
the greenhouse. The ends of the apparatus are
easily removed and the tubes drawn from the
sterilised soil and reconnected at the next point.
The apparatus is made with portable sections,
rendering it very easy to handle and carry about.
The ordinary length used is about 17 feet long
and from 4 to 8 feet wide, but of course it could
be made in any length or width desired. The
steam for sterilising can in many cases be had
direct from the greenhouse heating system, or
it can be obtained from traction - engines.
Archibald Smith.

PLANT NOTES.

CONTINENTAL NOVELTIES.

Scottish Autumn-flowering Stock : Lilac.

A beautiful variety of the favourite Scottish
Stock, growing about 1 foot in height, abundantly
branched, and furnished with strong flower-
spikes. The leafage is of a fresh green tint rare
among Stocks, midway between the Wallflower
and the Stocks. Good as a market plant, and for
cutting and flower-beds.

Dwarf Shirley Poppy Snow-white.
A snow-white variety as yet not offered in
separate colours. Some of the flowers pass from
white to a very tender, pale pink tint. Remains
in flower for a considerable length of time.

Trop^olum Lobbianum miniatum.
A hybrid with flowers of a lively vermilion
colour ; a distinct addition to the climbing
varieties of Nasturtiums.

Chrysanthemum Goldrad (Gold Wheel).

An annual Chrysanthemum with convolute
florets arranged spoke-wise round the disc.
Colour golden yellow with a purple centre, very
free, and good for cutting.

Godetia Whitneyi fulgida.
Flowers bright carmine-scarlet with white
centre. Of middle height, compact habit, very
free, and enduring a long time in bloom.

Begonia tu^berosa hybrida marmorata
flore-pleno.

Of Belgian origin. A stemmed plant with
erect, large, very full flowers, brightly marbled
and spotted. Foliage vigorous, and dark green
in tint. Ernst Benary, Erfurt.

Iris lacustris.
The author of the description of Iris gracillipes
in the Botanical Magazine for November appears
to be unaware that Iris lacustris is in cultivation,
seeing that he makes a remark to that effect. It
has, however, been in cultivation in this country
for a considerable time, and it has been in my own
garden for several years. It came to me first from
Mr. W. B. Boyd, of Faldonside, Melrose. It is
also offered in one or two catalogues of last, and
this years' dates. It is a neat and pretty little
Iris, of much the same habit as I. cristata, but
smaller in all its parts and with deeper lilac
flowers. It is perfectly hardy, and a very de-
sirable Iris for the rock-garden, where it will
grow well with full exposure. S. Arnott, Carse-
thorn-by-Dumfries.

SOCIETIES.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

December 8, 9.— A meeting of the Floral Committee
was held at I r m. on Tuesday last, when First-
class Certificates were awarded to the two varieties
following :—

Incurved Souvenir de William Clibran.— This is a deep,
large white flower of good form, with rather pointed
florets, already in commerce. Shown by Messrs. W.
Clibran & Son, Altrincham.

Decorative Altaian's Yellow.— This is a first class de-
corative or market Chrysanthemum of the reflexed
Japanese type. The colour is rich deep yellow, and the
blooms when not thinned about 3 inches across, or
when thinned ih inches. It is very free in growth and
flowering qualities, and has stout stems that support
the blooms in a perfectly erect position. Shown by Mr.
Thos. Allman, Rowhill Nursery, Wilmington, Dartford.

The last competitive exhibition for the present season
under the auspices of the National Chrysanthemum
Society, took place ou Tuesday and Wednesday last in
the Crystal Palace, Sydenham. It was not a large
show, there being little competition in some of the
classes, but the most was made of the exhibits forth-
coming, and the disposition and arrangement of these
by Mr. Kichard Dean and Mr. Caselton, resulted in
producing an efi'ect of considerable attractiveness.

The siDgle - flowered and other decorative types
showed to best advantage, being brighter in colour and
fresher in appearance, than large blooms of exhibition
varieties, many of which looked as if they had been
the round of the November exhibitions, and afterwards
preserved to be shown again at this one.

The miscellaneous exhibits, which included some
first-rate plants of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, and
other species were largely responsible for the general
effect that was obtained.

The number of visitors on the first day was very
small, notwithstanding that further attractions were
afforded by an exhibition of cage birds held in the
central transept.

BLOOMS SHOWN ON BOARDS.
Japanese Varieties.
The largest class for Japanese blooms at this late
exhibition includes twenty -four specimens. There
were two exhibits, and the 1st prize was awarded to
Mr. J. Simon, gr. to W. W. Mann, Esq., Ravenswood,
Bexley, Kent, for a collection of blooms of consider-
able size but rather dull ia appearance, owing to some
of the flowers haviog been developed some time. Some
of the best were C. J. Mee, Mme. R. Cadbury, Mrs. E.
Thirkell. Florence Molyneux, Duchess of Sutherland,
Nellie Bean ; and of older varieties Queen Alex-
andra, Mrs. F. Grlmwade, and Mrs. J. Bryant. The
collection awarded the 2nd prize was shown by
Mr. G. Hunt, gr. to Fantia Ralli, Esq., Ashstead
Park, Epsom, and was brighter and, as some thought,
more meritorious. He bad two excellent blooms
of the while incurved Japanese Dorothy Pywell;
Bessie Godfrey was good, and several others of com-
paratively fresh appearance. The worst bloom was one
of Lady Acland.

December 12, l'J03.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

411

There were three exhibits of collections of twelve
blooms, and the 1st prize was gained by Mr. W Jinks
gr. to Lear J. Dbew, Esq., Knowle Green House!
Staines. His varieties were Mrs. W. H. Whitehouse,
Mrs. Barclay. Guy Hamilton, M. Louis Remy, Madame
P. Kadaelli, Charles Penford, May iDglis, Mrs. F.
Grimwade, and Mrs. Weeks ; Mr. G. Hunt was 2nd •
and Mr. J. Simon, 3rd.

In the class for six blooms, Mr. W. Jinks obtained
1st prize with the varieties Mrs. W. H. Whitehouse
Mrs. Weeks, Mrs. Grimwade, May Inglis, Chas. Long-
ley, and Mrs. Barclay; 2nd, Mr. W. G.Pbudden Clvek
York Road. Hitchin ; and 3rd, Mr. A. Shipway, gr. to
R. C. Foster, Esq., The Grange, Sutton, Surrey

INCURVEDS.

There were two exhibits of collections of twelve
incurved blooms, in not fewer than six varieties, Mr.
fa. Hunt winning the 1st prize. Both exhibits were good.
Mr. Hunt's flowers were Mdlle. Lucie Paure, Frank
Hammond, King of the Orange. Miss E. Seward Mrs
J. Eadie, The Egyptian, and May Bell; 2nd, Mr J.
Simon, whose best blooms were Frank Hammond and
Snowdrift.

BLOOMS SHOWN IN VASES.

The largest class for blooms shownin vases, includ-
ing twenty-four bunches, any section, not fewer than
three of one variety only in a bunch, with at least
6 inches of stem showing above the vase, is a most
exacting one in December ; and as exhibitors seem to
think they stand the best chance when they can put up
large blooms of the exhibition kinds, the display they
make is not so attractive as it might be made. The 1st
prize was awarded to a collection from Mr Hunt
which consisted of popular varieties.

In the following class for twelve bunches of Japanese
in not fewer than six varieties, Mr. G. J. Hunt was
again awarded a 1st prize, his varieties including C J
Mee, G. J. Warren, Madame Carnot, C. J. Salter, Mrs.
J. Bryant, and Dorothy Pywell.

Single-flowered Varieties.

In a class for six bunches of large flowered single
varieties Mr. W. C. Pag bam was 1st with a pretty ex-
h1™;-1?, which the foll<>wiiig varieties were included :
Edith Pagram, lilac, with white band, round disc
Sylvia, yellow and bronze; Golden Star, yellow ; Fram-
fie d Beauty, crimson, marked with yellow; Duchess
Elizabeth, yellow ; and Mrs. Roberts, white.

Mr. W. C. Pagram had also 1st prize for the small-
nowered single varieties, showing Madge, Mrs. Langtry
(white), Scarlet Gem, Cannell's Gem (purple), Terra-
cotta, Oxeye (white).

Decobative, Spideby, Thread petalled, ob Plumed

Chrjsanthemums.

In this class the 1st prize was won by Mr. Charlos

Brown, gr. to R. Henty, Esq..Langley House, Abbots

Langley. His varieties were Cannell's Favourite

(white), Arab (red), Sam Caswell (lilac), and Mrs.

FUkins (yellow). They were all very pretty, and

arranged in vases amidst plenty of natural foliage, had

a good effect. 2nd, Mr. W. C. Pagram, gr to J

Coubtenay, Esq , The Whim, Weybridge, who had

different varieties in Cheveux d'Or, yellow; Mrs. W

Butters, white; Houppe Fleuri, yellow with florets

SEESS r? „; »Dg °f Plume9. yellow; and Jitonjetui,

S£S5i dT,Mr- A-,T^'L0E. 5, Vernon Terrace, East

TSESS'- T,hese,exhlbit3were amongst the brightest
coloured in the show.

Small flowered Pompons.

The only exhibit of six bunches of small- flowered
Pompons was stage* by Mr. W. C. Pagbam, the varie-
ties were chiefly yellow and white ones.

Six Sunclies of any Varieties. -Thia was an amateurs'

h.H8;£ a,S.Ton hy Ml- W'G- pB°DDEN Clabk, who
had the varieties Lady Roberts, Madame Herewege,

^ «arS.lay' Edlth pilkimton. and Godfreys Pride'
Jnd, Mr. Ernest E. Hobsey, Golfs Oak, Cheshunt.

DECORATIVE CLASSES.

The best vase arranged with Pompom varieties was
shown by Mr W. C. Pagram ; Mr. A. Tayloe being 2nd.
Baskets of Chrysanthemum flowers were poor.

The best vase of Chrysanthemums exhibited by an
amateur in Section A, was from Mr. H. Pestell, gr. to
F. 8 WiORAM, Elstow, Bedford, and in Section B a

B^1iar^fllbltfrom Mr' *• G- PncDDEN Clark, York
Road, Hitchin, was awarded 1st prize.

MISCELLANEOUS PLANTS.

Thera were two exhibits in a class for a group of
Chrysanthemums and miscellaneous plants arranged
in a semicircle of 12 feet by « feet (amateurs). Mr.
\V. Howe, gr. to Lady Tatk, Park Hill, streat-
ham, was awarded the 1st prize for a very attractive
group composed of well-grown Chrysanthemums, Be-
gonia Gloire de Lorraine, Poinsettias, Richardias,
spa-teas, and stove and greenhouse plants- 2nd Mr
RonKiir Foster, SuperlnteDdentof Nunhead Cemetery'
who had Chrysanthemums only.

The best exhibit of six flowering Gloire de Lorraine
begonias (amateurs) was from Mr. H. Pcrklns.gr. to

the Hon. W. F. D. Smith, M.P ., who had perfect speci-
mens hidden with a wealth of pink blossoms ■ 2nd Mr
W. Howe.

In an open class for a collection of plants arranged on
a table. Mr. W. Howe won the 1st prize for a collection
including Poinsettias, Begonias, Lily of the Valley,
Codifeums, Roman Hyacinths, and choice stove and
greenhouse plants.

NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS.
Mr. H. Perkins, gr. to the Hon. W. F. D. Smith, M.P.,
Greenlands, Henley on-Thames, tilled a large table with
finely grown and abundantly flowered plants of Gloire
de Lorraine Begonia and its white variety (Gold
Medal).

Mr. Robert Foster, Nunhead Cemetery, exhibited a
group of plants containing Chrysanthemums, Gloire
de Lorraine Begonias, Chrysanthemum blooms, and
freely-flowered plants of Cypripedium insigne (Silver-
gilt Medal).

Mr. Norman Davis, Framfield Nurseries, Uckfield,
had a fine group of Chrysanthemums and ornamental
plants arranged on the floor. There were exceedingly
fine blooms of General Hutton. G. J. Warren, J. R.
Upton, and others, amongst exhibition varieties; also
well-flowered plants of Mme. Paolo Radaelli; and,
among decorative varieties, King of Plumes, Western
King, Violet Lady Beaumont, &>-., were good (Gold
Medal).

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, in
addition to a magnificent collection of Apples, fur-
nished a large table of Chrysanthemum-blooms, zonal
Pelargoniums, and plants of Begonia Gloire de Lor-
raine. Amongst the Chrysanthemums was Mytilene, a
singularly deep yellow-coloured Japanese incurved
(Gold Medal).

Mr. H. J. Jones, Ryecroft Nursery, Hither Green,
Lewisham, exhibited a very large quantity of Chrysan-
themum - blooms, disposed in vases and other re-
ceptacles. The varieties shown included some of most
of the types of Chrysanthemum, and together made a
tine display. Also sprays of zonal Pelargoniums (Large
Gold Medal).

Messrs. W. Clibran A Son, Altriecham, exhibited a
wonderful collection of blooms of single- flowered
Chrysanthemums in about 130 varieties. Included
amongst these was Miss T. C. Warden, a pretty white or
creamy - white variety, with four rows of florets
measuring 3 inches across (Silver-gilt Medal).

Messrs. John Peed & Son, West Norwood, London,
SE., furnished a table with a collection of stove and
greenhouse plants, Chrysanthemum blooms, hybrid
winter-flowering Begonias, Ac. (Silver Medal).

Mr. Thos. Ai.lman, Rowhlll Nursery, Wilmington,
Dartford, exhibited a group of plants of Chrysanthe-
mum Allman's Yellow, mentioned above.

Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, exhibited a
display of Carnation blooms of choice varieties, in-
cluding the fine white variety Mrs. S. J. Brooks, and a
seedling from this variety ; also Wm. H. Cutbush, one
of thebrightest-coloured Carnations possible (Silver
Medal).

Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfield Nurseries,
Crawley, exhibited a collection of Apples, and were
awarded a Silver Medal.

CROYDON MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT

Decemheb 1.— This Society at intervals offers prizes
for essays on a given subject In horticulture. The
subjeot for the last competition was one on " The most
economical and best method of dealing with one acre of
kitchen garden.'' The 1st prize winner was Mr. A.
Middleton, Coombe Lodge Gardens, and he read his
winning essay before the members on the above date.

The fourth Annual Dinner of the Society will be held
at the Greyhound Hotel, Croydon, on Wednesday,
February 1", 1904.

PUTNEY AND WANDSWORTH
CHRYSANTHEMUM.

Decembeb 3.— The annual dinner of the members
and friends of this 8ociety, held at Putney on the above
date, was a most successful event, the attendance
numbering about loo, as against nearly seventy last
year.

The chair was taken by Mr. J. McKerchar, who made
some humorous speeches that met with a cordial
reception. The toasts included " Success to the So.
ciety," " Officers of the Society," " Exhibitors," Ac. To
these toasts werccoupled the names of Messrs. Mahood,
Bartley, J. F. McLeod. Reynolds, Bradford, Smith, and
Anderson. There was a capital programme of music,
songs being contributed by Messrs. Weeks, Grant, Ted
Berry, R. J. Berry (the Kensington Concert Party), F.
Berry, R. A. Pollard, Ao.

The So.iely is still afforded Increased support in the

district, and has a reserve at the end of the prosent

season of about gD, The ullng secretary la Mr.

Reynolds, and the next show will be held at Wands

' worth Town Hall In November, 1804,

MANCHESTER AND NORTH OP
ENGLAND ORCHID.

December 4.— A gcod display of plants was made on
(his occasion, Cypripediums in particular being well
represented.

E. Rogerson, Esq , Didsbury, staged a good collec-
tion, for which a Silver-gilt Medal was awarded, tha
finest plants being the beautiful Cypripedium x Queen
of Italy, a charming product of C. Godefroyre var.
leucochila x C. insigne var. Sanderte. The flower is
nearly intermediate in form, resembling the latter
parent slightly, and at a first glance one might imagine
that the white insigne so long sought for had at last t eea
discovered. The colour generally is white, with here
and there a yellow tinge, and marked with some minute
scarcely perceptible tawny spots (First-class Certifi-
cate). Another good hybrid was C. x Para, a cross
between C. Charlesworthii :< C. bellatulum. The flower
is of an uniformly claret colour, and C. bellatulum has
been instrumental in giving the hybrid a pleasing
shape (First class Certificate). C. x Stanley Rogerson
(C. Charlesworthi x C. callosum) was voted an Award
of Merit.

Messrs. Chaelesworth & Co., Bradford, sent a hand-
some collection, in which hybrid Ltelias and Cattleyas
were prominent. Awards of Merit were made to Catt-
leya x Minucia var. superba, and C. x F. W. Wigan,
the latter being quite new, and the result of crossing
C. Schilleriana wiih C. aurea. The group was awarded
a Silver Medal.

Messrs. A. J. Keeling A Son, Bingley, Yorkshire,
staged a small group of plants ; a hybrid between
Cypripedium Chamberlainianum x C. Parishii was
noteworthy (Vote of Thanks).

Walter Laveeton, Esq., Victoria Park, Manchester,
staged an interesting group, consisting principally of
Cypripediums (A Bronze Medal).

Messrs. Sandee & Sons, St. Albans, exhibited a few
pretty Lrelio-Cattleya hybrids (Vote of Thanks).

John Cowan & Co.. Ltd.. Gateacre, obtained an
Award of Merit for a good hybrid Cypripedium named
C. x Imperator, a cross between C. ciliolare x C.
Kothschildianum ; and also for a fine form of C. callo-
sum called splendens. Bronze Medal for the group.

Mr. John Robson obtained an Award of Merit for
Lielio-Cattleya Robsonhc, C. Bowringiana x Lielio-
Cattleya x Ingrami (Bronze Medal for group). Mr. D.
McLeod exhibited a good form of Cypripedium x
Annie Measures, and C. insigne var. Sanderiana. P. W.

BECKENHAM HORTICULTURAL.

Decembeb 4. — "The Beautifying and Utilisation of
Waste Spaces, Railway Embankments, Ac ," was the
subject for discussion on the above date, when some
excellent ideas were put forward by E. Lovett, Esq ,
who thought the worst possible sight was a town dust-
heap, which by a little forethought in the selection of
site and a surrounding of suitable trees, might be
made inoffensive. He had seen beautiful trout-streams
polluted by all kinds of refuse. He had often come
across beautiful harmonies of bouse and garden,
the result of individual taste and effort. An illus-
tration of an iron-pipe from a furnace in his own
garden was given to show how many necessary un-
sightly objects might be rendered unobjectionable
when palnud with yellow-green— a tint in harmony
with the natural greenery. In our land of leaden skies
the worst colours were the much used 6tone and
purple-browns. Beckenbam was commended for plant-
ing trees in its roads. The waste spaces on some of
the principal railways amounted to a considerable area,
and these might be made beautiful by planting suitable
alpines, creepers, and shrubs, and also profitable by
growing Hop and other poles, fodder-plants. Rhubarb,
Ac, where site and conditions were favourable. Other
plants, such as Veronicas, might be used to bind shift-
ing banks.

LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL.

Decembeb 5— An interesting and instructive paper
was read before the members of this Association on
the above date by Mr. Home, gr., Dawpool, Cheshire.
His subject was, •• How to Obtain a Continuous Supply
throughout the Year of Cut Flowers for Home Con-
sumption." Tne subject being so varied and of such a
wide range, Mr. Home could only touch slightly on
the cultural points, but a good list of suitable subjects
for the purpose was mentioned, with cultural details.
A discussion followed on feeding Lily of the Valley
crowns with manure-water, several members objecting
to the use of manure in any form for forcing this
favourite flower ; the essayist, however, advocated the
careful use of manure systematically. Ho also gave
the system he has successfully adopted In growing
Iris hlspanica indoors. A point also raised was the
aflordlng of water to Indoor plants. Two well known
gardeners advocated the uso of the hose In lieu of
the watering-pot from March to October, their con-
tention being that plant pests were better kept In
check, growth was clean and healthy, and good returns
were obtained. ./. 8., Underka Qardmt, Aiybnrifi,
poo

412

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December1 12, 1903.

THE SMITHFIELD CLUB.

December 7, 8, 9, 10, 11— During tbe present week
there has been a gieat gathering of fat beasts and of
prosperous-looking farmers and cattle feeders In the
Agricultural Hall, Islington, the event being that of
the annual show of the Smithfield Club. We are fre-
quently told that exhibitions are deceptive, and there-
lore that at Islington may have been so, but from
appearances there it seemed perfectly certain that the
Christmas season of 1903-t will not lack its usual
characteristics through any falling off in tbe supply of
English fed fat beef and mutton. The Kim. agaiu
won a number of 1st prizes, maintaining his distin-
guished position amonp scientific " feeders."

At our own exhibitions tbe question of "size" has
always been a question upon which there have been
differences of opinion, and recently this particular
characteristic has been denounced by some and ex-
cused by others. At Islington there is no such quib-
bling; differ they do upon other matters, and disap-
pointed exhibitors are astounded at the ignorance of
the gentlemen appointed as judges, but upon "size"
everyone is agreed. They seek it and they worship it.
ureaiest size, greatest weight, greatest honour I

Around tbe sides of tbe building and in the galleries
was displayed a collection of agricultural machinery,
which, if intelligently studied and applied, would do
much to help the farmer to make his toil more effective
and his busioess more profitable. There were also in
the galleries the usual exhibits of prodigious roots
from the principal seed firms.

Potatos imy always be seen at Hits show, but tbis
year they were more numerous than ever, the " boom,"
lor we cannot call it anything else, having brought
several additional exhibitors.

We moved freely amongst the visitors, and were able
to note the subject of general conversation. It was
not the "Fiscal" question farmers discussed, but the
price of " Potatos." This was tte eng.-ossing subject;
and a stimulus was found in an announcement in a
dally newspaper of another "record" offer for Eldo-
rados. There was general agreement that tbe " boom "
would make things expensive for the planter.

The following Driei noies refer to soma of the
principal exhibits from seedsmen :—

Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Heading, had a stand as im-
posing in appearance as usual, aud the produce from
u.eir seeds, grown under oidiLary tied culture, was
remarkable. Some of the special! ies were Prizewinner,
1 1 .obe, Qolden Taukard, and Mammoth Long Red Man-
golds; Magnum tSoimin and Crimson King Sncdes;
Centenary and Favourite Turnips, a collection of ex-
cellent Potatos, amongst which were the popular
varieties Satisfaction aud Ninety -Fold ; also Discovery,
the new late variety now in such demand, a seedling
raised from Flour Ball and Reliance ; and other good
varieties raised by the Reading firm.

Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, London, had
a richly-decorated structure containing remaikab.e
examples of pioduce from seeds of their special
strains. Of Mangolds tlieie were Windsor Warden,
Yellow Globe, and Mammoth Prize, Long Red, &a. ;
Kangaroo, Holborn Elephant, and Invicta Swedes;
varieties of Turnips, Kjhl Rabi, excellent Onions,
Carrots, Potatos, <Sc.

Messrs. Ed. heiiu & Sons, Wordsley, Staffordshire,
were to the front as usual. Their Mammoth Long Red
and New Lion Intermediate Mangolds, Arctic and
Imperial Swedes, and Invincible Turnips, were of
enormous siza. They had good samples of several well-
known varieties of Potatos, and some newer ones ;
exhibits of Grain-seeds, among which Kinver Chevalier
Barley occupies a high {.lace, and seeds of some of the
best varieties of Peas.

Messrs. Garton, of Warrington, who are known for
their efforts to improve vaiielies of Grain by cross-
lertilisation, were showing samples of their new
Eclipse Barley and Colossal Oat, in addition to other
specialities.

Messrs. Harrison & Sons, Leicester, included some
first-class Carrots amongst a number of garden and
Held crop".

Messrs W. Horne & Sons, Cliffo, Rrchesler, showed
Apples, alsoyouug Iruit trees, and tubers of Northern
Star Potato.

Messrs. J. K. King &. Sons, Coggeshall and Reading,
showed some fine Mangolds, Sweoes.&c and some new
varieties of Potato, including King Edward VII., which
some declare to be the same as tbe old Hundred Fold
Fluke, whilst others say the tubers are very much
longer.

Mr. Alex. Batchfopd. Coventry, made exhibits of
specialities in Onions, Turnips, Peas, Beans, &a

Messrs. K. frMiTH & Co., Worcester, had " New Model "
Swede, also Apples and other garden produce.

Messrs. W & J. Brown, Peterborough, had a nice lot
of Apples, and young Wees of several kinds of Iruits,
also Northern Star and Sutton's Discovery Potatos, &\
Mes-rs. E. W. King & Co., Coggesball, showed Poia'o
Northern Star (iu a easel, also Mangolds, and other
products of ihe farm and garden.

Among exhibitors of Potatos exclusively were the
following : liessrs. Fidler & Sons, Reading, had about
sixty varieties', iu wbic ball of trie best and newest kinds
were included. Noriheru Siar iv« " skied." where no

one might reach it ; King Edward VII. furnished the
►-est sample in the phow. Then there were Evergood,
Up-to-Date, Charles Fidler, &c.

Mr. A.Findlay, of Markicch.N.B .raiser of Northern
Star, had only a small stand, upon which were exhi-
bited a few tubers of the varieties following:— Up te>-
Date, Empress Queen. Royal Kidney, Goodfellow,
Empire, Eightyfoid, Ruby Queen, Queen of the Veldt,
Mr. Ambrose, Northern Star and El Dorado.

Mr. H. Scarlett, Edinburgh, had Northern Star
(closely wired over), Sir J. T. D. Llewellyn and fifteen
other new varieties of Potatos.

Other exhibitors of Potatos included Mr. S. M.
Thomson, Edinburgh; and Messrs. W. Dennis & Son,
Kirton, Lincashire

A reminder of the failure of the fruit crops was
iurni-lied in the fact that only one firm was able to
exhibit cyder this year— that of Gaymer A Son, Attle-
borough.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Analyses op Garden Crops, Fruits, Ac. : J. J. B.
These are published in The Horticultural Year
Book, by L. H. Bailey, New York Gardening
Publishing Co., Ltd. Obtainable here through
a foreign bookseller.

An Amateur Gardener : Chipping Sodbury. By
this term is usually meant a person who per-
forins the work of tilling his garden, tending
his pot plants, fernery, rock-garden, vinery,
Ac, without professional aid, unless it be in
digging the land and other laborious work.
But there are exceptions, and we would
suggest a few. A retired gardener, a person
having a son by calling a gardener living at
home and tendering advice, or a gardener '
lodger doing the same. The subject bristles
with contentious points, although broadly it
means that which we have stated. No person
who makes a practice of selling his plants,
seeds, Ac, is entitled to be called an amateur.

Begonia Gloire de Lorraine : A. B. The
flower is not likely to mature perfect seeds, but
jou may afford it the opportunity if you are so
disposed.

Belgian Horticultural Journal : W. "We
know of no journal circulating in that country
which precisely resembles the Gardeners'
Chronicle. The best journal is the Revue
V Horticulture Beige et Etrangire, published
monthly by M. A. D. Hoste, bookseller, Kue
des Champs, Gand.

Books : Egon Petzke. Palmenzucht und Palmen-
flege, by Dr. TJdo Dammer. Published by
Trowitzsch A Sohn, Frankfurt-on-the-Oder, and
obtainable through a foreign bookseller here.
The Forcing Garden, by Samuel Wood, pub-
lished by Crosby Lockwood, A Co., Stationers'
Hall Court, Ludgate Hill, London. This book
deals with the construction of forcing houses
and pits, giving plans and diagrams of work.

Chrysanthemums : Torts. Earlswood Glory,
single-flowered, pure white; Earlswood Terra-
cotta, terra-cotta, single-flowered ; Emperor
Nicholas, syn. Major Carey, Japanese. The
others we are unable to find in any trade list.

Cockroaches: J. S. Try Beetlecute, frequently
mentioned in our reports of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's meetings. A good trap for
these pests is to place an inverted 8-inch flower-
pot on a piece of slate, burying it so deep in
i he soil as to have the bottom flush with the
soil. Then drop a piece of bread or meat on to
the slate as bait. By this means numbers may
be caught.
Correction : Araucaria Cunninghami, at Killer-
ton. By an oversight in the manuscript, this
plant was mentioned, in p. 386, instead of
Cunninghamia sinensis.

Diseased Figs : E. S. Gallon. The fungus
which was found by you on the leaves spoiled
the fruits, preventing their development. Can
you send a few for our inspection ?

Eucharis Bulbs : T. W. O. The mite is probably
liresent on the bulbs, although we could not
discover it.

Female Blooms op Begonia Gloire de Lor-
raine : S. Capon. You would have greater
chances of success in obtaining seeds by cross-
ing or self-fertilisation, by removing the plant
to a structure having the same degree of heat
but less humidity than that it now stands in.

'Hardy" Cut Flowers: T. W. O. Of those
jou mention, one only, Antirrhinum, is hardy,

and in some places, Stocks (Brompton). The
remainder are half hardy.

Market Growers' Mushroom Bed's : Y. 8.
Out-of-doors these are usually made 4 feet
wide and 3 to 3| feet high at the ridge ; and
indoors, flatfish beds 2 feet deep at the front
and 2i feet the back are usual.

Names of Fruits : R. J. Baxter's Pearmain.

Names op Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so good
as to consult the folloxving number. — A. B. A
species of Eranthemum. The specimen is in-
sufficient for more specific determination. —
G. H. P. Pilea pubescens.— W. P. Ruellia
macrantha. — H. W. Specimen insufficient. —
P. Aloe socotrina. — T. R., Dudley. 1, Adi-
antum tenerum ; 2, Adiantum trapeziforme var.
Sancta Katherinae ; 3, Adiantum decorum ; 4,
Adiantum gracillimum ; 5, Aspidium coriaceum
oapense ; 0, Blechnum brasiliense. — M. A. T. 1,
Epidendrum nocturnum ; - 2, Epidendrum
ciliare; 3, Oncidium cheirophorum. — J. M.,
Notts. 1, Lastrsea atrata ; 2, Aspleuium lucidum;
3, Asplenium marinum ; 4, Polypodium vulgare,
o, Blechnum occidentale ; 6, Asplenium
Colensoi. — W. D. Fern with brown fronds.
The Pteris which you send belongs to a' section
of thin-leaved garden-raised varieties which
are very liable to be affected in the manner
shown by your plant. This kind has the fronds
turn brown in places even in a house in which
the Pteris serrulata and Pteris cretica are in
good condition. On that account most growers
have given up growing it. Beyond that your
plant may have been affected by fumigation,
or by condensed moisture when the temperature
had fallen low. — T. H. Beaumaris. 1, Podo-
carpus chilina; 2, Cunninghamia sinensis; 3,
Abies nobilis ; 4, Tsuga canadensis, Hemlock
Spruce; 5, Cryptomeria japonica; Thuya
gigantea (Lobbi of gardens^ ; 7, Ligustrum
lucidum; 8, Cupressus sempervirens ; 9, Picea
Morinda alias Smithiana. — R. T.y Transvaal.
Elephantorhiza Burchelli. — J. M. 1, Coronilla
glauca, ; 2, Eupatorium Weinmannianum ; 3,
Cytisus racemosus ; 4, Nephrolepis undulatum.

Notice to Quit Service : E. W. The engage-
ment does not appear to have been consum-
mated, and the young gardener was only on
probation, so that under these circumstances
one month's notice on either side would be
sufficient. The master - man, as also any
leading subordinate for whom the employer
paid servant-tax, would be entitled to three
months' notice or money in lieu thereof, having
regard to perquisites and allowances for that
period of time. This is in the absence of any
agreement in writing, although in practice it is
commonly reduced to a month.

Plantain in Turf : T. W. 0. Vitriol is better
than spirits of turpentine. A few drops put
into the heart of the plant destroys its
vitality in a short space of time. It needs
great care in the use. Carbolic acid is less
dangerous, and almost as effectual. The plant
flowers throughout the summer.
Stachys tueerifera (Crosnes) : J. L. The cool,
wet season would account for the light crop of
tubers. We know of no other cause.
Tomato : G. H. H. A good variety of the smooth-
skinned " Perfection " type, as far as can be
teen. But why not have taken greater care in
packing, and have used a wooden box instead
of one made of cardboard, which is so easily
crushed in the post ?
Vines now Bleeding on being Pruned : R. B.
Under the circumstances it would be prudent
todisbud them, pruning the laterals when inleaf.

Communications Received.-G. P. B.— R. T. B , Sydney,
-lokataro, Ito, Japan.— W. B. H. — W. W. — U. W. B.—
J. D -W. H.— Jf. A. U.— K. W.— B D. J.— W. G. 8.—
W. J. B.— W. & K.— If. M. G— P. & S— Lord K.—
B. D. J.— J. B. & Sons, Boston, D S.A.— J. W. D.—
Jamaica Plain, Mass.— G. J. J — G. S. B.— Ernst
Benary, Erfurt— R. J. & Sons— W. W— Otto Stapf—
J. 1). G.— Udo Dammer, Berlin.— Harrison Weir (with
ihanks).-J. D.-Haron Schroder— T. E. H.— D. B. J.—
W. G S.— W. M , Bexley (next week)— J. R. J.— H. W.—
.1. Corderoy-A. H.- J. R.-F. 8.— F. F.— A. F.— A. J.—
T. A— E. B.— A. T.— B. G. 8.— G. H. Engelheart—
noudetia speciosa— E. H. J.— J. O'B —Board of Agri-
cunure-E. C— H. W. W.— H H.-W. C.-N. E. B.—
S. T. G.-A. W. E. T.-W. M.-J. C. T.-E. A. T.

(For Markets and Weather, see p. x.)

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December 19, 1903.]

THE G A R D ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E.

413

THE

No. 881).— SATURDAY, December 19, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Anthurium Pcherze-
rianum Wardi

benevolent Institu-
tion, Gardeners'
Royal

Berlin—
Dendroloeical Win-
ter Studies

427

417

Books, notices of —

An Introduction to
Botany 416

Boletim daSociedade
Broteriana 423

C'Art de Conserver
les Raisins de
Table 416

The Amateur Gar-
dener's Diary and
Dictionary 416

The Garden Decora-
tive 416

Various 423 424

Carnations at Sand-

ringham 4:>

Cattleya labiata, Hol-

ford's v&i iety ... 420
•Chrysanthemum Miss

Elsie Fulton 424

Chrysanthemum sport 427
Cypripedium, mal-
formed hybrid ... 420
Cypripediums from

Bury 424

iDahlia, Princess de

Trabia 423

EchinocactusdeLaeli 427
■Gardeners' Associa-
tion, proposed 426, 428
•Ginger in Zomba ... 423
Grape, the Strawberry 426
Kew. notes from ... 424

iLrelia x Helen 417

Market notes 418

Melanipsora pinitor-

qua 4:r,

Melons, ripe, in De-
cember 42*

Meryta Sinclairii ... 422

Narcissue cyclamin-
eus and the cl:issi6-
catiOD of garden
Daffodils

Nursery land, worn-
out

Palm, an interesting
aged

Pears, notes on

Plant portraits

Plantp new or note-
worthy—
Caralluma Marlothii

Plantain in lurf

Plum Rivers' Monarch

Pomological progress
in America

Potash manuring

Potato disease

Potato Society, pro-
posed National

Propagation of wood
and coppice plants

Reading University
College

Koses, winter-grafted

Saltram

Societies-
Chester Paxton
National Chrysan-
themum -

National Dahlia ...
National Rose
National Sweet Pea
Royal Horticultural

Trees and shrubs—
Symplocos crat:-
goides ■ I

Turin Horticultural
Exhibition

Variation, wild and
cultural

Week's work-
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

427

419

423
426
417

414

425
426

423
41H

417

423

414

424
427
413

4£0

430
431
422
130
428

420
121
421
421
420
420

I LLUSTRATIONS

Chrysanthemum "Miss Elsie Fulton

Xa?lia x Helen

Meryta Sinciairii, from the Temperate house

Kew (Supplrmentaiy Illustratinn)

'Vellozla equisetoules

Views in the gaiden at Saltiam. the residence

Lord MorJey

424
417

425
415

SALTRAM.

THE gardens of Saltram (Hi'vun), the
residence of the Earl of Morley, a'
nobleman who has for many years inter-
ested himself in the culture of the rarer
flowering shrubs and trees, are particu-
larly attractive to the horticulturist, not
only on account of tlie many tender sub-
jects that may there be seen in the best
of health, but from the manner in which
the natural disadvantages of the site of the
main garden have been ameliorated In-
judicious planting. This garden, which runs
due west from the greafhouse, occupies the
flat top of a long ridge that slopes gently
down over meadows on the south, and on
the north falls abruptly to the Laira creek,
this declivity being covered with a thick
•wood that breaks the force of northerly
gales, while on the southern side groups of
Evergreens afford the necessary shelter. On
the top of the ridge the soil is only about
H inches in depth, flat, flaky stones, popularly
known as shillet, being met with at that
distance from the surface ; but in spite of
this, the many fine trees growing on the
spot show that adequate sustenance is ob-
tainable from the apparently sterile ground.
As soon, however, as the slope commences
on either side good and deep soil is found.

On the lawn immediately to the west of
the house is a square plot surrounded by
stone pillars and chains, the latter being

hidden by festoons of Ivy, in which formal
beds are cut, these being filled with the
ordinary summer-flowering plants. With
this exception no bedding-out is to be seen
in the grounds.

Some distance away is an old Judas-tree
standing in an isolated position on the
lawn. This tree has a trunk circumference
of 5 feet, and was uprooted in the memorable
blizzard of March 11, 1891. It was carefully
raised and re-planted without suffering in
health, but in a recent gale of Sept. 10, it was
again blown down, and has once more been
lifted and strongly supported in its former
position. To the right of the Judas- tree is a
buttressed chapel, built at the same time as
the house, whose walls are covered with Ivy,
Magnolia grandi flora, Virginian - creeper,
climbing Roses, and Clianthus puniceus-
Passing by the end of the chapel along a
walk backed by a wide herbaceous border a
large gravelled space is reached, in the
centre of which is an oval basin containing
Nymphnsa odorata rosea, N. Robinsoni, and
N. Laydekeri rosea, while during the summer
and autumn the remaining space is filled
with about thirty Orange-trees, some of them
12 feet in height and almost as much in
diameter, and 100 years old. Surrounding
this open space are many rare and beautiful
shrubs which have taken the place of the
wilderness of Laurels that once monopolised
the ground. On one side stand the two fine
specimens of the Fan Palm (Trachycarpus
excelsus), shown in the illustration (fig. 163).
These are 15 feet in height, and between
them may be seen the largest Loquat (Pho-
tinia japonica) that I know in the south-west,
15 feet 0 inches in height and 13 feet 6 inches
in spread. In front of and to the left of the
Loquat are two great Camellia bushes, the
latter being 13 feet high and 12 feet through.
The two bare and scrubby bushes in the
fore-front are Hydrangea paniculata, and
were, in September, covered with great
flower-trusses 18 inches in length. Around
the other sides are fine Bamboos, large
specimens of Abutilon vitifolium, Cornus
eapitata(Bcnthamia), IndigoferaGerardiana,
Callistemonsalignus,Carpenteriacalifornica,
Berberis nepalensis, Melianthus major, Ilex
camellifolia, planted sixteen years ago and
now 13 feet in height ; Ilex Taraio, and
numerous Rhododendrons, includingThomp-
soni, Kewense, Pink Pearl, Fordii, Frances
Thiselton-Dyer, calophyllum, Hexe, race-
mosum, argenteum (grande), Falconeri
(Griffithianum), campylocarpum, ciliatum,
Luseombei, and many hybrid arboreums.

Passing westwards under great trees and
over lawns the oiangery is reached, beyond
which the wide borders on either side of a
path lying a little below the highest level,
and sheltered from all winds by evergreens,
at a little distance, contain many treasures.
Here are two fine bushes of Camellia
reticulata, almost invariably grown as a
wall plant, 7 feet in height; Tricuspidaria
hexapetala (Crinodendron), also a 7 - feet
bush, that was thickly covered with its
drooping, rosy flowers duriDg the past
summer ; Eucryphia pinnatifolia, !l feet
ti inches ; Oreodaphne californica, Vibur-
num macrocephalum, Buddleia Colvillei,
B. variabilis, Grevillea rosmarinifolia, Mi-
traria coccinca, Olearia macrodonta, An-
dromeda arborea, flowering in September,
and turning a beautiful colour in the
autumn ; Cornus macrophylla, Clethra

alnifolia, Escallonia montevidensis, Phil-
lyrea decora, Desmodium penduliflorum
(Lespedeza), Vaccinium pensylvanicum,
bright in autumn; Correa magnifica, Styrax
japonica, 8 feet; Ozothamnus rosmarini-
folius, Caryopteris Mastacanthus, Pieris for-
mosa, 15 feet ; Nuttallia cerasiformis, Vibur-
num odoratissimum (Awafuki), V. Sieboldi,
Drimys Winteri, a particularly vigorous
example, 9 feet in height ; Embothrium coc-
cineum, Daphniphyllum glaucescens, 8 feet
by 10 feet ; Shepherdia canadensis, Cleroden-
dronfastidum,C. trichotomum,Stephanandra
flexuosa, Desfontainea spinosa, Edwardsia
microphylla, Erythrina crista-galli, Xantho-
ceras sorbifolia, large bushes of blue Hy-
drangeas, and great shrubs of Choisya ternata.
At the end of the garden, about a quarter
of a mile from the house, from which point
Plymouth maybe seen lying below 3 miles
to the west, is an Ivy-covered, octagonal,
stone summer-house, with the date 1743 on
the leaden heads of the water-pipes, which
also carry the embossed arms of Parker and
Paulet. This building has a handsome
carved mantelpiece and a large tessellated
square within the door depicting an open-
mouthed black animal, with the inscription
"Cave canem" beneath. It probably owes
its existence to Adam, who carried out the
decoration of the interior of the mansion.

In a sheltered spot on one of the lawns is
the great Cycas revoluta here illustrated
(fig. 164). It has a leaf circumference of
30 feet, and is protected during the winter.
There is another specimen in the gardens
that has been in the open for seven years.
Cordyline australis is well represented, and
there is a fine example of C. Banksii.
Azara microphylla attains a height of over
20 feet ; and other trees deserving of
mention are a Spanish Chestnut with a
girth of 15 feet; several Stone Pines, of
which the largest is 60 feet in height with
a girth of 8 feet 6 inches, but which suffered
the loss of some of its largest branches in
the blizzard; a Plane-tree with branch
spread of 90 feet, a picturesque old Oak
with curiously twisted branches on which
Polypody Ferns grow ; Paulownia imperialis,
Tulip-tree, Catalpa bignonioides. fine Hollies,
a Deodar with Vitis Coignetim 30 feet up its
trunk, four specimens of Taxodium dis-
tichum growing in the shallowest soil at the
top of the ridge. Notwithstanding the
apparent unsuitability of the site for the
moisture loving deciduous Cypress, the trees,
which are seventy years old, are 50 feet in
height and in good health. Pinus radiata (in-
SlgniB) makes remarkable growth, one that
was planted less than fifteen years ago being
now 45 feet in height. Of late years young
trees of Cedrus atlantica glauea and Cu-
pressus macrocarpa aurea have been planted,
which are doing well. Cyclamen neapo-
litanum grows thickly beneath two huge
Beeches on the lawn.

Part of the steep slope at the east of the
house is occupied by an enormous Lime,
Narcissi starring the grass beneath its
branches in the spring; while hard by are
growing large bushes of Indian Azaleas. In
the' park beyond are many fine trees,
amongst which are Cedars of Lebanon about
70 feet in height.

About half a mile to the east of the house
lies the Happy Valley, which runs from the
wooded hills to the low-lying meadows.
The ground at its head was almost denuded
of tree9 in the blizzard, and has since been

414

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Decembek' 19. 190?.

planted with Maples in variety and Oaks of
the most decorative autumnal tints, together
with various trees possessing the same
characteristics, such as Parrotia persica,
Carya alba, Gleditschia triacantha, Pavia
indica, and others, which present a glorious
sight when turning colour. Some of the
rarer Rhododendrons were at first tried in
the valley, but these were unfortunately
killed by the frost, which is severe owing to
the moist bottom, so that the hardier
hybrids are now relied upon. Gunneras and
Bamboos have made fine growth, Eryngium
pandanifolium throws up flower - spikes

jasminoides, Wistaria sinensis, Pomegranate,
Magnolia Lennei and Trachelospermum jas-
minoides. The arches in the walls are all
festooned with Vitis Coignetias, which, at
the close of September, was just commenc-
ing to colour. This year the Apple crop
was practically a failure in the South-w-est,
and in this connection it is pleasant to be
able to state that the Saltram garden, both
in quantity and quality, has not fared as
badly as many of its neighbours. S. W. Fits-
herhert. [For the photographs whence our
illustrations were taken we are also indebted
to Mr. Fitzherbert. ED.n-

with violet-brown and sprinkled and ciliate with?
purple hairs. It was discovered by Dr. R.
Marloth (No. 3307) on the Bokkeveld Karoo,,
and by Mr. N. S. Pillans (No. 66) between Ceres
and Calvinia, in South Africa. To these gentle-
men Kew is indebted for living plants and well
preserved specimens. N. E. Brown.

PROPAGATION OF WOOD AND
COPPICE PLANTS.

Attention has been called to the fact that a
previous article dealing with wood and coppice
planting did not, as it were, begin at the founda-

FlG. 163. — PALM, LOQUAT, CAMELLIA AND BAMBOO IN THE GARDENS OF LORD MORLEY AT SALTRAM. (SEE P. 413.)

12 feet in height, Polygonum sachalinense
and great Fuchsia bushes are handsome in
the early autumn, and the Maidenhair-tree
(Salisburia), Loquat, Phormiums, Fan Palms.
Cordylines, Pittosporums, Woodwardia radi-
cans and Osmundas add to the variety of
the secluded scene. The Douglas Fir has
been planted in the Hazels at the top of
the slope, but, unlike Pinus radiata, it is
practically a failure.

The kitchen-garden of 6 acres has about a
mile of wall. The old glasshouses have been
lately pulled down and new structures
erected in their place. These consist of two
long lean-to houses, each divided into three
sections, a long Peach-house, and three span-
roof houses. Wide herbaceous borders flank
the main walks, and on one of the walls
flowering shrubs and climbers are grown,
these including Tecoma radicans, Solanum

NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS.

CAEALLTJMA MARLOTHII, N. E. Brown*
This is an interesting new member of the
Stapelia tribe, producing an abundance of small,
starry flowers of a light-green colour, dotted

* CaraUnma Marlothii. N. E. Brown, (n. sp.). Plant

about 3 to 3} inches high, branching at the base ;
branches rather crowded, decumbent at the base,
acutely 4 angled, with nearly flat or slightly grooved
faces, | to J inch square, glabrous, entirely dull violet
or more or less mottled with it where exposed to the
sun ; angles armed with conical acute teeth, becoming
hardened and whitish at the tips, about 2 to 4 lines
apart and 1 to 2 lines long. Flowers in numerous
fascicles of 2 to 4, scattered along the middle of two or
all four faces of the stems ; pedicels J to i inch long,
erect, slightly curved, slender, glabrous ; sepals about
5 line long, nearly J line broad at the base, thence
tapering to an acute point, glabrous ; corolla apparently
rotate, about Sj lines in diameter, light green, covered
to the tips of the lobes with small dark purple-brown

tion of the industry, but presupposed the existence-
of a nursery, whence all the plants used in the
work could be drawn as required. This paper is-
designed to remedy the omission.

Generally, forest-trees are raised from seed,,
but much depends upon the quality of this,,
and its careful selection and preparation-

spots, which show through on the glabrous outside
thinly covered on the inner face and ciliate on the
margins with purple hairs; lobes If to 2 lines long,
1 line broad, oblong-lanceolate, acute, thickened at the
apex, where there is a small tuft of short hairs ; outer
coronal-lobes erect, yellow, about % line long, \ line,
broad, linear from a broadened base, deeply bifid at the
apex, with slightly diverging filiform lobes, glabro is:
inner coronal-lobes brownish-red, erect n dnate to
the staminal-column in the lower part, with the liD ear,
lanceolate, acute tips incumbent on the backs of the
anthers ; at the bend they are produced into a short,
stout dorsal arm, which sometimes shows a tendency
to become bifid, glabrous; pollen, masses very con-
spicuous, globose, yellow. This species is allied to C
arida, N. E. Br.

December 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

415

for the seed - bed. To give an instance, Ash-
plants are raised from " keys," as the winged
achenes are called ; but the observant forester
knows that weakly and slow-growing trees pro-
duce seeds most abundantly, and he also is
aware that these are almost sure to yield slow-
growing and stunted plants. Let the keys there-
fore be gathered from free-growing and vigorous
specimens if the best results are looked for. Let
these be pitted, that is, buried in a trench or
pit in the soil from the time of gathering till
sowing time the following March. Do not allow
the keys to lie too thickly in the trench, or they
may ferment and perish by heat as it is called, or
perhaps germinate prematurely and so spoil. A

it. Be careful not to get hold of a wrong sort.
Some years since there was a great scarcity of
Ash seedlings, and the demand was so great
that nurserymen were obliged to go abroad for
them. A friend imported a great many from the
North of France. He thought he had secured a
great bargain, and gave them out to his foreman to
have them dibbled in the quarters. He showed
me a handful of them, and they certainly were, as
he put it, as fine as needles ; and the bark,
instead of being ash-grey, was purple, almost
black.

The planters took them in hand, but told me
they could not get on with their work, as there
was a very cold east wind blowing, and their

imported Spanish and Italian' nuts are accepted,
the smaller the better, because there are more
numerically to the bushel of these. For the
same reason English produce is preferred, and
some assert that plants grown from these are
more hardy ; but this may be mere fancy.

Hazel is also raised from the nut ; but both
these and Chestnuts should be thoroughly soaked
in water for a few days, and then dusted over
with red-lead, in dry powder, as this will make
them distasteful to the field-mice, and also to
rooks, both of which devour them greedily when
they find them, especially just as they germinate,
and the starch in their cells is being converted
into sugar in the process.

Fig. 164.— cycas revoluta in the gardens of lord morley at saltram. (see r. 413.)

good preventative is to mix an equal bulk of
sand and charcoal ashes, always to be had where
■charcoal-burning is carried on in forests, with the
gathered Ash-keys when pitting, and this will
prevent fermentation ; and when the seeds are
lifted to be sown they will be found clean and
firm, and may be rubbed in the hands and at once
sown in the nursery. The achenes (keys) of the
Maple and Sycamore require like treatment.

Tree-seeds can be bought, and there are dealers
who make a specialty of them, but growers are
advised to collect their own seed, and thus be
enabled to depend upon it both for germination
and vigour. Loudon gives a sure test for the
germination of the keys of the Ash, Maple, and
Sycamore, namely, to split open the keys at the side,
and then, if the contained cotyledons (seed-leaves)
are green, the seed is certain to grow ; but, on the
other hand, if brown or yellow, it is useless to sow

benumbed fingers could scarcely feel the little
seedlings. At last they were all in the ground ;
but one could see at a glance they were not right,
and in contrast with a few rows of home-raised
seedlings looked quite another thing. There was
bitter disappointment in store, for the seedlings
grew but slowly and withal so thin that when
they should have been saleable they were useless
for the market ; and what he sold the nursery-
man had returned on his hands, and eventually
he used them for plant-sticks in his floral depart-
ment. A skilled New Forester said they were the
Black Ash ; but it was not easy to identify the
variety, but it may have been Fraxinus excelsior
purpurascens, which has dark acute leaves and
purple bark.

The Spanish Chestnut is raised from nuts,
preferably English-grown j but these are only
forthcoming in bright hot summers, so the small

Acorns from which Oaks are grown should
be carefully selected from the free -growing
pedunculate- flowering kind, for reasons already
given in the former part of this article;
while Beech-mast should be treated in the
same way and sown in drills, a good average
depth for all being L> to 3 inches, accord-
ing to the nature of the soil. The Hornbeam is
also raised from its small nut-like seeds, which
ripen late in October. The bunches (cones is the
technical name) should be gathered by hand,
when the nuts are ready to drop out, and spread
on mats in the sun, when they will soon all drop
out, and may be sown at once in the nursery,
when they will germinate the following spring ;
but some will take longer— in fact, they frequently
come in three crops. Some growers prefer t" pit
them in dry sand or light earth, when, if they bo
sown in shallow drills, the following spring they

416

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 19, 1903.

will germinate freely. It is better therefore to
let them rest in the seed-bed two years, after
which they may be quartered out.

Hornbeam is most useful to form hedges, and
is an admirable nurse-plant for tender Conifers,
as it, in common with the Beech, generally
retains its withered foliage all the winter, in-
deed, till the spring - growth pushes it off, so
forming a warm screen from cold winds.

Poplar is propagated from cuttings of two-
year or mature young wood. A convenient length
is 10 inches, six of which should be firmly planted
in the soil, leaving two or three buds above.
These should be made and bedded-in early in the
autumn when the leaves are beginning to fall,
and they will make plants fit to use in the woods
in two years or less, and will thrive best in a
moderately wet spot. The best kind is the black
Italian (Populus acladesca), and another P.
canadensis nova. Both of these Poplars also
form admirable shelters (loos) for Hop-grounds,
and are largely used for this purpose. In the
position indicated they form useful stools in
woods, and the wood is among the best for fuel,
and largely used for this and charcoal-making on
the Continent. It is too soft andipithy to make
good poles, and even if tanked lasts but a short
time sound.

Their near relatives the Willows or Osiers
are raised from cuttings of the same length and
size, the mo3t useful kind being Salix alba, the
common white Willow, being rapid and erect in
growth from the stool, and poles of it when
tanked are as durable as the Plum-leaved or the
bitter Willow.

In the North and in Scotland the bark is used
for tanning, and the timber, next to Alder, is
esteemed for charcoal -making by gunpowder
manufacturers, as it yields a fine-grained char-
coal ; this is also the best for making artists'
crayons. According to Sang, a plantation of this
will make as profitable and quick a return as
Larch, but, unlike it, thrives in wet soils.

Alder, so indispensable for wet woods, comes
easily from seed, which is freely produced in
cone-like fruits in the Autumn. The seeds
remain in the cones till the following year, but
if they be gathered and laid out to dry on
mats in the sun, when fully mature in dry
weather, they will shed their seed freely. Sow in
drills in March, and cover very slightly with
light soil.

In cutting down the stools care must be taken
to cut upwards with a good slant, and in the
spring when the sap is beginning to rise, other-
wise the sap will rise, and the cut will not peal,
but will decay, and so injure the stool per-
manently, and at last make it rot away. Alnus
glutinosa is the sort usually grown, but A. incana
is better, and will do equally well in either wet or
ordinary soil, while it is more ornamental.

Birch, so useful in poor sandy or in wet soils,
is raised from seed ; but these are so small that
they do not need covering in the seed-bed, but
merely scattering, and being patted down with
the back of the spade in early March, will ger-
minate the same spring. Foresters recognise two
varieties, the red and the white, but they are
identical, though some remain red-barked much
longer than others, but as they grow older become
silvery. According to historians, Birch-bark
yielded the first writing-paper, and at the present
day the bark of the American Birch (Betula papy-
racea) is used to make the light canoes so useful
in Canada and the northern parts of America.

Whether growing in wet or dry soil the Birch
throws up freely from the stool, and, properly
tanked, the poles are lasting and the wood hard
and durable, but often are crooked and warped.

It is advisable to cover the seed - bed with
branches of Spruce or other Fir, or even of the
common Gorse, to keep it uniformly moist, and
in a measure to circumvent the birds. Experience.

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

L'ART DE CONSERVER LES RAISINS DE TABLE.

Par Francois Charmeux. (Paris: Libraire

Horticole.)
This is a small treatise by a well-known Vine-
grower at Thomery, and deals with the preserva-
tion of ripe Grapes in a fresh condition during
the winter in. the fruit-room. Historical details
are given as to the origin and progress of the
methods now in use. The Vines are, as it is
well known here, grown at Thomery on walls,
and on a very large scale. The method of culti-
vation is not detailed in this book, but only the
collection and preservation of the Grapes by in-
serting the stalks of the bunches into bottles of
water placed on racks in the fruit-room. This
practice, introduced here from France and carried
out on a relatively modest scale, is followed at
Thomery on so large an extent that it has become
a very important industry, giving occupation to
great numbers of workmen and also of women.
It will easily be judged that the price obtained
in May for well-preserved Chasselas is much
higher than it is in September. How the work
is accomplished is well told in the little work
before us, to which M. Maumene contributes a
preface. The book is thoroughly practical, and
deals with the preliminary thinnings and with the
construction and maintenance of the fruit-room,
all details so clearly and instructively given that
the book cannot fail to be of great utility to those
concerned.

An Introduction to Botany. By William
Chase Stevens. ( Heath & Co., York Street,
Covent Garden. )
There is such a profusion of books for be-
ginners that it is very difficult to assess their
respective merits. A glance at the present
volume, however, shows that it is eminently
practical, and well adapted to teach and en-
courage the pupil to observe and find out
for himself points of structure in plants and the
methods and objects of their working. Very
great stress, and rightly so, is laid on the neces-
sity for drawing everything that is seen.

The Garden Decorative. By F. M. Wells.
(London: The Cable Printing and Publishing
Co., Ltd., Great Queen Street, W.C.)
It needs courage to contribute yet another
book about gardens to the great numbers of such
works already before the public. Mr. Wells has,
however, something to tell us ; he has knowledge
of his subject and ideas of his own. In The
Garden Decorative he pleads for beauty in the
garden, not of single plants or of isolated arrange-
ments, but in the whole scheme. There must, he
says, to ensure a really satisfactory result, be not
merely good plants well cultivated, but " over
and above these there must be that fine sense of
repose and of harmony without which no garden,
strictly speaking, can be accounted really beauti-
ful and satisfying."

The author gives many hints on the selection
of plants for various situations, and useful lists
of those which succeed in heavy and in dry soils
respectively. He tempers his desire for appro-
priateness in every detail with a due appreciation
of scented flowers, old-fashioned flowers, and
other favourites. In fact, we have a handy book
of reference that should prove full of suggestion
to garden-lovers, the whole written with common-
sense and from practical experience.

tions for every month. The second part of the?
little volume is the amateur gardener's dic-
tionary, and here are useful notes' on plants,
appliances, cultivation, &c, arranged alphabeti-
cally from Abelia to Zinnia. When we add that
tables of useful information are also included, we
need say no more to show how handy this book
should be to 'the large public to whom it i&
addressed. It lays no claim to be a scientific or
elaborate treatise, but is rather a plainly-written;
reminder for daily reference.

The Amateur Gardener's Diary and Dic-
tionary. (Published at the office of Garden
Life, Great Queen Street, W.C.)
In this book spice is given for daily notes on
work done in the garden, and the memorandum
pages are interleaved with a calendar of opera-

POTASH MANURING.

The element potash is not only an important
but an essential constituent in the successful
growth of nearly all plants, whether on the farm,
in the garden, or in the orchard.

It has sometimes been stated that potash is-
of relatively less i mportance than either nitrogen
or phosphoric acid, inasmuch as good soils are
naturally richer in this ingredient, and because a
less amount is removed in general farming than
of either nitrogen or phosphoric acid, -for the-
reason that potash is located to a less extent in
the grain of cereal crops than in the straw, which
latter is retained for the most part upon the
farm.

All this may be perfectly true, yet potash is
found to be a very necessary constituent of ferti-
lisers, both on heavy and on light lands. For
meadow and pasture lands particularly is potash
valuable, and especially where vigorous growth
of the Clover plants is required ; also for certain,
potash-consuming crops as Potatos and roots.

Amount of Potash in Crops.

We find that an average crop of Wheat
requires 29 lb. of potash, a crop of Barley 36 lb.,
and a crop of Oats 46 lb. ; but as the greater part
of this is found in the straw it will probably be-
returned to the land in the form of farmyard
manure. But should the straw be sold, then the
land becomes greatly exhausted of this consti-
tuent. Taking into account the crops which are-
more generally sold from the farm, we find that
an average crop of meadow hay will remove 51 lb.
of potash ; Red Clover hay 83 lb. ; white Turnips
(roots) 109 lb. ; Swedish Turnips 63 lb. ; while an
average crop of Mangolds, say, 22 tons of roots
per acre, will require the large quantity of
223 lb. And as sometimes the leaves are taken
off for stock -feeding purposes, it may be reckoned
in such cases that nearly 3 cwt. of potash is
removed in the average crop.

Many garden crops are great consumers of
potash ; 6 tons of Potato tubers will remove
77 lb. of potash from the soil. Beets, Onions,
Carrots, Celery, and Asparagus are all largely
dependent on a full potash supply. Then as to-
fruit-growing, it is found that a crop of Apples
will remove three times as much potash as a crop
of Wheat.

It will naturally be understood that the quan-
tity of potash withdrawn from the soil by a
given crop varies from year to year according
to the abundance of the yield and the climatic
conditions of the season.

The Kothamsted Experiments.
In the course of the world-renowned agricul-
tural experiments at the Kothamsted Experi-
mental Station, which have been carried on
during the past sixty years, much incidental
light has been thrown on the action and value of
potash manures. For example, in the experi-
ments on Mangels, the great effect of potash is-
very striking, and it may be correlated with the
fact that the Mangel is essentially a sugar-
producing plant, and large supplies of potash
seem to be essential to the processes in the root
which result in the formation of sugar and
similar bodies.

December 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

417

Further, despite the large amounts of potash
■contained in farmyard-manure, which is usually
relied upon for the Mangel crop, the Eothamsted
experiments show that these roots are such a
potash-loving crop that they are much benefited
by further additions of potash salts, especi-
ally when other nitrogenous manures are also
being used. At the present time (November,
1903) the appearance of the growing crop is very
indicative of the value of the potash dressing ;
■where it has been applied the crop is altogether
healthier and riper.

Also m the present ungenial season the Eoth-
amsted experiments on the continuous growth of
Wheat have shown a very decided benefit from
the application of potash.

Not only was the crop of a brighter colour,
and stood up better, but the grain was more fully
developed, and gave a greater weight per bushel.
There was also a gain of about 10 bushels of
dressed corn, with its proportion of straw, when
the potash had been applied, as compared with
adjoining plots when potash was omitted from
the manures.

In the Eothamsted experiments on permanent
meadow land in the present season (1903), the
jplot receiving a full mineral manure containing
potash, but no ammonia or nitrate, yielded 49J
cwt. of hay per acre, which is 14} cwt. per acre
in excess of the average of forty-eight years for
this plot. This was due to the extensive growth
•of the Clover plants in the herbage encouraged
by the potash supply in the manure. An adjoin-
ing plot, which receives the same description of
manure each year, except that potash is omitted,
yielded in the present season but 23} cwt. of hay
per acre, and is 4J cwt. less than the average
produce. Thus, without potash, although all the
other minerals (including phosphate) were used,
the Clovers could make no progress.

The grasses also made very meagre growth.
The omission of potash made a difference of 26}
■cwt. of hay per acre, and the yield was of an
inferior quality.

It is found at Eothamsted that potash manures
produce a large increase of crop, although the
soil is of a comparatively stiff and clayey nature,
such as would be described as a stiff clay loam,
and contains much inherent potash, but not in
an available condition. There are doubtless
tnany similar soils in Great Britain, in which the-
presence of clay does not always or necessarily
■imply the presence of enough potash in a soluble
form for the requirements of maximum crops.
J. J. Willis, Hecla Villa, Harpenden .

BERLIN.

other. His work treats of 235 genera and
434 species, which are either natives of Central
Europe or hardy therein.

Only those who have studied the subject are
aware of the interest afforded by such winter
characters. The habit, form, the branches, and
even the bark, all show points of difference. The
student observes also a number of other details,
some of them minute, that play an important
part ; for instance, the twigs, their colour and
anatomical structure ; the thorns and spines, the
lenticels, hairs, glands, and waxy covering j the
buds, their scales and internal construction, &c.
The importance of these structures is shown by
the 224 illustrations in the book before us. A

LJELIA x HELEN.

This fine hybrid was raised by Messrs. Charles-
worth, of the Heaton Nurseries, Bradford, its
parents being Lselia Digbyana x L. tenebrosa
(fig. 165). Undoubtedly it stands in the front
rank among artificially - raised Orchids, and, as
here shown by the illustration, is very handsome.
The sepals and petals bronzy- rose, the large beau-
tifully fringed labellum being of a pale-rosy-lilac
colour. As with the majority of La^lia and Laelio-
Cattleya hybrids, its constitution is robust, and
given ordinary Cattleya-house treatment its culti-
vation is easy. Lselia Helen received an Award
of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society's
Orchid Committee on May 28, 1902. Our illustra-
tion is from a photograph by Mr. F. Mason Good.

DENDEOLOGICAL WINTER-STUDIES.*
A branch of horticultural botany that has
tieen much neglected since the publication of
Willkomm's and Eossmassler's work is the study
of the characters of trees and shrubs in their
leafless state. The value of such a knowledge
is apparent when we take into consideration its
importance in landscape gardening, especially
■during the planting season. Closely connected
with this is the work of the nurseryman in
preparing plants for removal, when a thorough
knowledge of leafless shrubs, &c, is indispen-
sable. Although this book will be of special
benefit to the professional and amateur gardener,
it will also be useful to the dendrologist in
his scientific researches. Schneider, who has
taken up this interesting work, has published
a book which deserves attention. He gives
illustrations showing clearly the salient charac-
teristics of each species, and the distinguishing
features of kinds that closely resemble each

* Dendrologltchc Winttrtludim, von Camillo Carl
3chnelder, verlag von Gustav Fischer in Jena. (Williams
<S Norgatc )

Fig. 165.— 1..1.UA x iielen, as grown by sir trevor Lawrence, bt.

systematic summary of genera and species is
added at the end of the volume, where we also
find a useful index. It contains 290 pages.

I am so convinced of the usefulness of the
book tli it I wish to bring it under notice
during the present planting season. E. W. B.,
Berlin.

PLANT PORTRAITS.

Chrysanthemum Chahi.es 9c hwarz — Oneof Nonin's
seedlings bolouglng to the Japanese section and having
mahogany-red llowers. Jievue de I'HorHcuUun Jielge,
December.

Gi.ohiosa LEoroi.ni, Revue Horticole, December I.—
With this yellow (lowered variety, G. grandifloia.
Botanical Vagattne, t. MltS. is supposed to be synony-
mous. It comes from the French Congo.

A POTATO DISEASE.

In the autumn of 1902 several Potato tubers
were sent to me from the neighbourhood of
Helsby, Cheshire, bearing some very remarkable
outgrowths, which in all cases had their origin in
the eyes of the tubers. At that time I attributed
these abnormal growths to a remarkable form of
faeciation, but have reason to believe that I was
wrong, und that the disease was probably due to
the presence of the recently-discovered fungus,
(.'hrysophlyctis endobiotica of Schilbersky, which
was described in' lS'.Mi. Ileing desirous of ob-
serving the development of the disease, two of
the infected tubers were preserved, and planted
on the first Tuesday in May, 1903, on a warm
south border, in well-prepared ground. The

418

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Decembeb 19, 1903.

largest tuber was divided, one half (a) bearing an
abnormal outgrowth, the other half (6) being appa-
rently free from the disease. The second tuber (c)
was a small one, weighing about 30 grams; this
was not divided, a rotted in the ground, b pro-
duced two stems or haulms and two tubers weigh-
ing respectively o9 \ grams and 32 grams ; c pro-
duced a weakly plant, like that of a seedling,
and two small tubers, one weighing 12 S grams,
the other 3 3 grams. All the new tubers were
free from abnormal growths, but on one of the
main roots of the smallest plant (c), and quite
close to the largest of the two tubers, was an
outgrowth precisely like that which was attached
to the parent tuber when planted. From this
result oue may reasonably assume that the
disease had perpetuated itself, and although
there is at present no signs of the disease on
the tubers themselves, it is just possible that in
spring the young growths may become atrophied
in the same manner as those were on the parent
tubers.

In 1892 Mr. M. C. Potter described the nature
of this disease from examples which had been
submitted to the Board of Agriculture* from
Cheshire, but whether the examples came from
the same locality as my own I am unable to say.
There is also an interesting article, accompanied
by a photograph showing the nature of the
disease in its most typical form, in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, March 21, 1903, p. 187, fig. 81.

I believe that similar outgrowths on the Potato
have been frequently observed in various parts of
the country, and so far as my own experience
goes I well remember its prevalence at Upwell,
Cambs., about the year 1878. It seems, however,
that such outgrowths have hitherto been regarded
more or les3 as harmless curiosities of natural
history, but as its prevalence in Cheshire has led to
considerable loss, the matter should receive the
attention of experts in the study of micro-fungi.

It may be interesting to add that quite a
number of Hollyhocks in my garden have for the
last four years produced outgrowths similar in
appearance with those found on the Potato ; and
this year a Pelargonium was attacked in the same
manner. In both these instances the growths
originated at the crown of the plants, and in the
Hollyhocks occurred in large masses; the only
plants attacked were those growing in a light and
often very dry soil close under a south wall
where they did remarkably well and blossomed
throughout the summer. This year (1903) the
disease was very prevalent in its old habitat at
Helsby, and from what I could gather was most
destructive on land previously cultivated with
Potatos. R. N. [We do not think there is at
present any evidence to connect the growth on
Hollyhocks with the presence of fungi, though
it is quite possible there may be some rela-
tion. Ed.]

MARKET NOTES,

COVENT GARDEN.

The trade in pot plants is still very quiet.
Heaths are plentiful and well flowered ; White
Marguerites are also good; Cyclamens fairly
good, and selling at good prices ; Chrysanthe-
mums in pots are not now quite so plentiful,
but there are some good plants, especially
in whites, of which those of the Niveum type
take first place. There are still some good
" Ivory." Daffodils are already in season, also
Tulips ; Chinese Primulas good, but there seems
little demand for them. Some good Euphorbias
(Poinsettias), but these had suffered from the
cold. Of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, well-
flowered plants seem to be selling better now.
Ferns of all sizes are over - abundant ; good

* Journal, Board of Agriculture, vol. ix., No 3, 1902,
pp. 320-323.

Maidenhairs in 48 size pots are rather scarce. It
is remarkable that the only crested Fern now seen
in any quantity is Wimsetti, and even this does
not sell so readily as Pteris cretica major or other
plain-fronded varieties. The dense habited varie-
ties are evidently going out of favour. Palms
are plentiful, but the trade in these has been very
quiet for some time past. Large quantities of
imported Aspidistras were observed, but at closing
time on Saturday many remained on the stands.
Hardy shrubs, including Cupressus Lawsoniana,
Eetinosporas and Thuyas, were procurable at low
prices ; cut flowers were not quite so abundant.
In Chrysanthemums the white-flowered varieties
were plentiful, and those with bright colours
have been much inquired for. The variety Lord
Brooke is a general favourite, and there is an
improved variety of rather a deeper colour which
will be worth looking after by all growers ; Fram-
field Pink is bright in colour and sells well.

Koses are not now so plentiful, and good
blooms make higher prices. Lilium longiflorum
is plentiful and cheap, also Callas, but these
will now advance in price as Christmas draws
nigh. Cut Poinsettias — good heads of bracts
were being offered very cheap ; these are not
much wanted until Christmas. Good Carnations
sell well. White Azalea is plentiful. Lily of
the Valley is making higher prices than a few
weeks ago. Taking the supplies generally, there
is no scarcity of anything, but trade is better ;
and there appears to be a good prospect for stil
greater improvement. A. H.

Grape Gkos Colmak.

The note of " A. D." interested me, as it will
have done many more. The fine old variety, how
many lives has it had these forty years ? At one
time a failure in mixed houses as grown for market
and for lack of good management condemned and
rooted out. I know where this has been done ;
but it is now being grown at the same place with
decided success.

This day (December 4), at some of the leading
large fruiterers' shops, I observed the price to be
Is. per lb. The cost of fuel has to be borne in
mind ; and Colmar will stand no stinting in that
matter. I am also correct in stating that no
other variety of Grape will bear heavily so con-
tinuously and remain in such good condition as Gros
Colmar. A leading grower of experience said
that he agreed with my statements in every par-
ticular, asserting that there is flavour in Gros
Colmar if properly grown ; and its cropping is of
the heaviest.

Fine colour in this fruit is always a debatable
matter ; but there is a larger percentage of well-
coloured Gros Colmar Grapes observed now than
was the case some years ago.

In regard to another variety of Grape, viz.,
Melton Constable, I heartily endorse the last three
lines of " A. D.'s " pithy note, but he has not one
word as to flavour. When this variety was sent
before the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society in 1902, I had the opportunity of
tasting the fruit, growing on a pot Vine, and I
wrote at the back of my card, " Good — far above
Gros Colmar," and handed the card to the man
who had charge of the exhibit, Mr. Shingler not
having come to town on that occasion. Being
now interested in the distribution of this new
seedling, I feel somewhat handicapped lest my
remarks may be construed as an advertisement
of its merits. There is, however, abundant evi-
dence, written and otherwise, in possession of the
person who is sending it out, showing that I do
not stand alone in my opinion. I believe your
correspondent, "A. D.," will find that he is not
correct in his statement that " a Grape that is
over in November is not a late one." It is,
however, claimed for this variety that it is a late-
keeping variety, being good in February. Having
said so much about the Melton Constable Grape,

let me add for the information of " A. D." that
plenty of Gros Colmar Grapes in my neighbour-
hood are kept till the first week of April, for
all that he says the skin is thin. We know the
old saying that any Grape will keep if it have a
thick skin, a property that is only true to a
certain degree. The mystery to me for many
years was, h6w could such a thin-skinned fruit
be kept hanging on the Vine or in the Grape-
room ? The real reason is to be found in the firm
flesh and proper maturing of the fruit bj
artificial heat. Stephen Castle.

VARIATION, WILD and CULTURAL-.

The ability of plants to vary to a marked1
extent from the normal type (as distinct from
merely small individual differences) appears to be
considered by many botanists as far greater
under cultivation than under wild or natural con-
ditions. To my mind, such is not the case, and I
think that the impression has arisen from the
fact that few scientific botanists have "applied
themselves to that close individual scrutiny of
normal plants where they grow abundantly which
is essential to the discovery of the usually isolated:
varietal specimens, and also to the fact thafe
plants under cultivation are always in a pecu-
liarly favourable position for the immediate
observation of such departures by experienced
observers. Hence as a general rule the marked
variations or distinct " sports " which come under
notice have originated under cultivation, and
have thus given rise to the impression aforesaid.
Ferns, however, and especially our British species,
form an exception to this rule.

For more than half a century the search f on
varietal forms in their wild habitats has consti-
stuted a hobby with a considerable number of
enthusiasts, and as a result a definite cult ha3
been established, which has led to a reliable^
record being kept of such " finds " for practically
the whole period. This being so, we have in the
case of this very important section of the vege-
table kingdom, a very fair opportunity of judging
of its potentiality in the way of sporting, not only
under cultivation by subsequent sowing and
selection, but also, and principally, under the
purely natural conditions which obtain in tho
native habitats where they are discovered. Tho
result is literally astounding when the latest
records of existing types are carefully analysed ;.
and in Ferns, at any rate, confutes the idea
of increased liability to vary being induced
by the artificial conditions of cultivation ; and
also to my mind equally conclusively confutes
the idea that change of environment is the main*
factor of evolution in the case of these " sports."

The most complete descriptive list yet issued)
is that of the late Mr. E. J. Lowe, F.R.S., &o.„
British Ferns, published in 1891, which is recog-
nised by all who are conversant with the subject
as a thoroughly reliable record to that date. I
have recently carefully gone through this list, and!
analysed it, with the primary view of ascertaining-
the proportion of " wild finds " and " raised " va- '
rieties — i.e., forms subsequently raised therefrom.
— with the following result — viz., excluding the-
40-odd normal forms, there are 1,849 varieties-
named and described, with the name of finder
and the date and the locality of discovery. Tc-
this number must be added 241 repeats or sepa-
rate finds of " sports " which too closely resemble-
previous finds to be discriminated, though found,,
be it observed, in quite different localities — i.e.,.
2,090 in all. Of this number 730 originated
under cultivation, and no fewer than 1,360, or
nearly double the number, were found wild.

Here then we have absolutely reliable and de-
tailed evidence which cannot be gainsaid that
plants vary at least as much under wild condi-
tions as they do under the stimulus of cultiva-
tion ; while as regards originality of type they

December 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

419

undoubtedly vary far more, for it is invariably
under wild couditions that new types originate,
and all that can be done by selective culture is to
develop these on more marked lines, or to combine
them by crossing. Nature, in fact, invents, so to
speak, mainly, if not entirely, under normal
conditions. When I say normal conditions, I
mean those selfsame conditions as obtain where
thousands of the normal specific forms exist, so
that it is impossible to detect any predisposing
cause, and still less any evidence that these
departures from the normal type betray any
better adaptation to the conditions around them
than do their normal associates.

As a good number of " sports " have been found
by roadsides in artificially erected stone dykes,
&c, it might be urged that, to some extent,
cultural conditions come in in the shape of
manurial dust or special protection, &c. ; but the
great majority, on the other hand, though equally
distinct, have originated on or in virgin moorland,
mountain glens, rugged hillsides, and, in short,
under conditions absolutely intact so far as
humanity is concerned, and where nothing but
purely normal relations exist between the animal
and vegetable kingdoms.

Obviously, too, we may learn from the sur-
roundings in these cases that the environment
has been the same for ages ; the " sports " grow
side by side or are often intermingled with the
normal specific forms from which they must have
been derived, though whether by bud-sport or
spore-sport it is, of course, impossible to deter-
mine. All we can see (and we speak from actual
experience) is that here, amid crowds of common
forms, is a single plant or a clump, or it may be
even a little colony, of an entirely different type.
The plants, moreover, when removed and placed
under the vastly different conditions of even glass-
house culture, remain absolutely unaltered decade
after decade, and as a rule transmit their pecu-
liar characters to their future offspring as con-
stantly as any species could do. Some, it is true,
are apt to vary again very much, but only to
the extent of difference of degree as regards the
typical abnormality ; and rarely, if ever, does it
revert to the normal through its spores if it be a
thoroughbred find — i.e., does not belong to the
" rogue " category of merely partial sports which
are sometimes found with normal and abnormal
fronds intermixed.

As regards the sudden or " per saltum " origin
of very marked forms, there is practically no evi-
dence against this. We may search in vain in the
locality for anything intermediate which might
be the parent. It is not, however, beyond possi-
bility that comparatively slight variations of type
may break into more marked ones through their
spores under wild conditions, as they do under
culture, for we "nave a case which points in that
direction. A frond of a somewhat sagittate and
crested form of Hartstongue was sent me from
Cornwall, in which the basal lobes were
lengthened and dilated, and the frond tip was
divided several times, as in the common lobatum
form so frequently found where the species
abounds, the frond being otherwise a robust
normal. I sowed from this wild frond and
obtained a batch of plants, the bulk of which
resembled the parent closely, but there were
seven plants all alike and without any gradation
forms, which had the bases and frond tips
densely bunch-crested, and the fronds thereby so
shortened as to bring the three crests near
together into a triangular mass ; two others went
even farther and formed a ball at the end of a
naked stalk, Several of the former are, more-
over, proliferous on the frond surfaces, where a
number of little plants are developing as I write.
Had these been found wild I certainly should not
have imputed them to the proper parent ; and
since the spores whence they originated were un-
doubtedly on a wild frond we have here certainly

one established clue to a possibility in other
cases. It will be observed that these originated
in the same pan as their brothers who adhered
to the parental type, so that the argument of
difference of environment and consequent re-
sponse cannot possibly apply. It seems evident
therefore that now and again a few or even
a single spore on a normal or a slightly abnormal
frond may be so modified as to produce a new
type, or, at any rate, a form so greatly developed
as fairly to constitute one. As it will give your
Fern -loving readers a very clear idea of the
relative variability of our native species, I append
my analysis of Mr. Lowe's list hereto : —

VAB1ETIES.

Hymenopliyllum

3

Polystichum angulare

384

Trk-hoiuai.es radicans

13

Lastrea montana

77

Cystopteris

16

,, filix-raas

54

Adiantum capillus-Ve-

„ pseudo-mas.

42

neris

33

,, propinqua

£8

AUosorus crispus

1

„ cristata

5

Pberis aquilina

17

,, d ilatai a & sub.

Blechnum spicant

83

sp

53

Asplenimn viride

12

Polypodium Pnego-

,, Trichomaaes

27

pteris

6

, mariaum

28

,, (?) alpinum

4

, ruta-muraria

18

„ vulgare

75

, adiantum nigrum

16

Osmunda regalis

8

, fonl annul

5

Ophioglossum vulga-

, lanceolatum

12

tum

2

, Ceierach

27

Athyrium filix-fcc-mina 313

184i<

Scolopendriumvulgaro

450

Add " repeat " finds ...

241

Polystichum Lonchitis

5

„ aculeatum

31

Total

2093

= 1360 wild finds and

733

raised under cultivation.

COMPOSITION OF THE TREES.

Total weight of Dry sub-

six trees. stance.

Apple 76 lb 3 9 1b.

Pear 7 5 38 „

Peach 6 6 3 3 „

Plum ... ... 6 0 30 „

It is estimated that an average number o£
nursery trees per acre, taking one year with
another, would be, of Pears, Cherries, and Plums,.
5,000 ; and of Apples, 8,000. The following table
is compiled from these estimates and the fore-
going data :—

Table showing the amount of fertilising con-
stituents removed from an acre of nursery fruit-
trees occupying the ground for three years : —

There are in addition a great many more found
and raised since the publication of the list. Chas.
T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S. [This communication
should be read in connection with Prof. Hugo de
Vries' observations on "Mutation" in Oenothera.
Ed.]

WORN-OUT NURSERY LAND.

In continuance of the subject of " Worn-out
Orchards " from p. 33, we propose now to consider
the question why young fruit-trees in nursery
gardens may not be successfully raised continu-
ously under good culture for a considerable
number' of years on the same land.

The object of this investigation by Professor
Roberts was to determine the amount of fertili-
sing matter removed from the soil by the growth
of various kinds of nursery stock. As both tops
and roots are removed when the trees are lifted
and sold, they are both included in the present
research, although the proportion of tops and
roots is given separately.

Twenty-four Apple, Pear, Peach, and Plum-
trees, six of each kind, were selected for experi-
ment. They were thrifty and straight, had been
dug with care, and were in every way suitable for
planting in a fruit-orchard.

The tops were severed from the roots at the
point corresponding with the surface of the
ground, as the trees had originally stood in the
nursery rows. The roots were washed and dried.

The following table shows the proportion by
weight of the tops and roots of the four varieties
of fruit-trees, six of each kind : —

NURSERY TREES.

Weight of tops Weiyht of Ruots

3 2 Hi.

35 „

2 5 ,,

22 „

DIMENSIONS OF GROWTH.
Average height of Average lenKth of

Tops above Roots behiw the

ground. surface.

Apple ... Slt.81n l ft. 10 in.

Pear ... 5 „ 2 » .. 11 „

Peacli ... 4 „ 6 1 .. ' "

Plum ... 4 „11 1 .. 8 ••

Apple

... 4 4 lb.

Pear

... 4-0 ,,

Peach

.. 41 ,,

Plum

... 3-8 ,.

Nitrogen

Potash

Apples
Pears
Peaches
Plums

Phosphoric

acid

. 10 1 lb. ... 19-7 lb-.

7 8 „ ... 13 3 „

54 „ ... 11 8 „

4-4 11-5 „

291 lb.
248 „
224 „
198 „

These results show conclusively that but a
small amount of plant-food is removed from the-
soil by the growth of nursery stock. The data
also shows that the largest quantity of food
ingredients is removed by Apples, the second
most exhausting tree being the Pear. But any
ordinary fertile soil cultivated as nursery lands
usually are, should easily furnish in three years
ten times the amount of plant-food used by the
trees ; and yet nurserymen seldom follow nursery
trees with nursery trees, as it is said that they
never do well unless one or more crops of Clover-
or Grass or something similar intervenes.

Since land which is intended for nursery fruit-
trees is usually highly manured, summer fallowed,
and cultivated an entire season before the trees
are set, and since it is well known that much of
the fertilising substance added to the land and
made available by manuring and ploughing is-
still in the soil after the first crop of trees has
been removed, the question arises, Why do not
nursery trees follow nursery trees kindly ?

At the Rothamsted Experimental Station,
Wheat has been grown for sixty years in succes-
sion on the same land, one i-acre plot having-
received no manure of any kind during the whole
of this long period. Barley has been similarly
grown for fifty-one years, Mangel- Wurzel for
twenty-eight years, and Potatos for twenty-six
years, each without any intervening crop. In all
these cases there are no indications that the
plants have exuded anything from their roots
which is deleterious to subsequent plants of the
same species, neither are there any indications
that under superior culture, with or without
fertilisers, reasonable success might not be secured,
without a rotation of crops. Of course it is well
understood by the thoughtful investigator that
there is usually great economy in a rotation of
crop?, for various reasons which it is not necessary
to state here.

Two reasons have been assigned for the failure-
to raise successfully nursery stock continuously
on the same land. The first is, that the trees
have exhausted all the readily available plant-
food, and since nursery stock, to be at its best,
must have an early and rapid growth, it is impos-
sible without weathering the land and allowing,
some of the plant-food in the subsoil to rise to-
the surface, to secure satisfactory results. It
should be kept in mind in this connection that
under proper culture and conditions, in dry wea-
ther, nitrogenous plant-food rises from the sul-
soil to near the surface, while in very wet weather
it may pass from the surface downwards.

Nursery trees get a large proportion of their
nourishment from the subsoil, and during tin-
few years that the .ground is ooonpied by them a
portion of the available plant food in the subsoil
is used. This would explain in part the difficulty
of using land continuously for growing young,
tree3.

420

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 19, 1903.

Another reason has been assigned for the fact :
raursery lands in trees are not always cultivated
when the soil is in the best condition. So much
has always to be done in the spring of the year,
that the intervals between the rows are often
ploughed when the land is too wet or too dry.
Again, the digging of the trees is usually per-
formed late in the autumn or early in the spring,
■when the soil is little better than a mortar-bed.
The digging and trampling, especially on clay
■soils, when the land is in this condition, puddle
it, and the larger part of the available plant-food
ds thereby locked up ; and it requires one or two
years of culture, and even manuring, to bring the
land back to its normal condition. But all these
explanations do not fully account for the im-
jperfect growth of the second crop of trees, for
after having removed the trees from the land, if
it be thoroughly ploughed and cultivated, there
appears to be no difficulty in raising a good crop of
Wheat, Barley, Grass, or Potatos.

In the haste to get the trees off at as early a
period as possible, the grower is not satisfied
unless they are making a rapid, continuous
growth ; that is, he asks more of the land in his
method of culture than does the Wheat or Potato-
grower ; and therefore, as soon as the land hesi-
tates in the least when planted with a second crop
of trees, he puts it down as a partial failure.

This explanation is emphasised by the fact that
many orchardists have come to believe that
nursery trees under present management are
forced so rapidly, and make such soft growth of
wood, that they are injured thereby. Those trees
which have been forced to unusual growth, when
set in the orchards under less favourable con-
ditions than were present in the nursery row,
start slowly, and frequently are unable to make a
satisfactory growth of good wood for two or three
years.

It has been found that an application of wood-
ashes and lime (air-slacked), 25 to 30 bushels per
acre, greatly assists the land in maintaining a
nursery stock of fruit-trees. Apple-wood always
improves with wood-ashes and lime, even on
Jimestone lands. J. J. Willis, Harpenden.

plants in cultivation are of Japanese origin.
Several other species have been introduced, one
of which is S. tinctoria, the "Horse-Sugar" of
the Southern United States, but S. cratsegoides is
the only one that I know to be quite hardy.
W. J. Bean, Kew.

TREES AND SHRUBS.

SYMPLOCOS CRAT.EGOIDES.

Not much appears to be known in English
gardens of this beautiful Japanese shrub. It is
quite hardy at Kew, and has been cultivated
there for the last twelve years at least. It also
thrives exceptionally well with Mr. B. E. C.
Chambers in his garden at Grayswood Hill,
Haslemere. I saw it there last May very full of
•flower. Its nearest allies among hardy trees and
shrubs are the Styraxes and Halesias. At pre-
sent a bushy, compact shrub, it is said to become
eventually 10 feet or 12 feet high, and it will
therefore probably form a low tree in time. The
leaves are deciduous, ovate or obovate, varying
from 1 inch to 2\ inches in length, slightly pubes-
cent beneath, and finely toothed. The flowers
are borne on short terminal spikes, measure
about one-third of an inch across, and are white.
It was figured in Garden and Forest for 1892,
p. 89, and it is said there that the most remark-
able feature of the plant is its fruits. They are
small, but of the most " beautiful and brilliant
ultramarine blue," and the branches are covered
with clusters of them in autumn. The species
has not fruited at Kew within my recollection,
but may possibly have done so with Mr. Cham-
bers or with Messrs. Veitch — in whose nursery at
Coombe Wood it also succeeds well. Being spread
over a wide area — from the Himalayas to Japan —
it shows, as might be expected, considerable varia-
tion in foliage and habit. Most or all of the

ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS.

MALFORMED HYBRID CYPRIPEDIUM.

From the Coloniale Horticole of Brussels we
have received a flower of a hybrid Cypripedium
from which the lip is entirely absent. The
flower has thus, in appearance at least, that
binary arrangement which is so common in mal-
formed Orchids.

Cattleya labiata, Holfobd's Vabiety.
A flower of this beautiful variety is sent by Mr.
H. Alexander, Orchid grower to Captain G. L.
Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury, who states : " The
plant is a small one, but carries five flowers ; and
although we have had a splendid lot of C. labiata
in bloom this year, there is nothing among the
coloured ones equal to Holford's variety, either in
size, colour, or good shape." The flower is
7 1 inches across, the petals nearly 3 inches at
their widest, and the showy labellum very re-
markable, as it is broad, crimped and fringed,
with a yellow patch merging into white on each
side of the lower part of the front lobe, closely
imitating C. Warscewiczii. The sepals and petals
are bright purplish-rose ; the base of the lip
orange coloured, with lighter lines extending into
the light patches in front of the side lobes before
alluded to : front of the lip ruby-purple with rose
margin.

The Week's Work.

THE PLOWEE GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller MUNDY.Esq.,

Shipley Hall, Derby.

Shrubberies. — Though winter is not the best
season for pruning shrubs, expediency often
decides the matter, as then the labour necessary
can be best afforded ; and unless the work is
carried out in times of very hard frosts no harm
is done. Shrubberies are too often neglected for
many years, and the quicker-growing and more
vigorous shrubs permitted to encroach upon and
spoil those that, if allowed space, would give a
much better effect in after years. The common
Laurel is one of the worst offenders in this
respect, and if planted in mixture with other
shrubs it should be cut back sufficiently hard
every winter to prevent damage, until at last it
may be grubbed up. Rhododendrons when neg-
lected for many years get tall and leggy but are
very amenable subjects for pruning, as they break
anew freely not only from the stools, but the long
branches, if slashed halfway through at a con-
venient height and then pegged down to the
ground, fill up in a year or two with dense and
healthy growths. Of course this applies mostly
to the Ponticum type, not grown so much for its
flowers as to provide shelter and seclusion ; but
all classes of Rhododendron may be freely
pruned, though by being cut hard back, a year
of flowering is lost, and in the case of the
better varieties the work of shortening back
should be carried out judiciously and not in a
wholesale way. It may be advisable to make
clearances in certain spots ; and when this is the
case the stumps should be grubbed out, the
ground broken up as much as tbe roots of neigh-
bouring shrubs will allow without injury, and the
plots planted with bulbs, hardy Cyclamen, common
and Dogstooth Violets, Primroses, Solomon's Seal,
and any other plants that enjoy partial shade.
One danger in wholesale cutting in shrubberies
is the letting in of sharp air currents ; but only
observation will tell what harm may be done in
this way. A caution that may be given is that
in hilly districts every case should receive proper
consideration before cutting down or through any

wind-breaks, screens, &c, especially on the side
whence come the most prevalent winds. In most
cases it is prudent to carry such operations over
a series of years, so that a portion of the shrub-
bery will have time to get up again before the
rest is cut down. In getting rid of prunings and
other de'bris a smother-fire is a great aid, and
should be made on the spot, if that be possible
without danger to shrubs and trees. The slow
combustion will leave a large quantity of ashes
of great value in the garden, and, on the other
hand, a quick fierce fire is wasteful and often
dangerous.

THE OECHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. Q. E.
Holford, Westonbirt, Tetbury.

Cymbidiums are amongst Orchids the easiest to
cultivate when treated as inmates of the cool
intermediate-house. The flowers of C. giganteum,
and the hybrids C. Tracyanum and C. Winnianum,
are now fully expanded, and they will last in good
condition for a considerable length of time, and are
choice additions to the Orchid flora at this season
of the year. The varieties that flower during the
late winter and spring, viz., C. Lowianum," C. L.
concolor, C. grandiflorum, C. eburneum and its
hybrid, C. eburneo-Lowianum and C. Lowi-ebur-
neum, having finished their growth, many of
the flower-spikes have become visible. All of
these plants make strong roots, and while making
their growth during the late summer and autumn
months they should be afforded abundance of water
at the root, as well as overhead ; but when winter
has set in it is good practice to omit the latter,
and reduce the quantity of root-moisture con-
siderably, but never to allow the plants to suffer
from dryness at the roots for any length of time.
If a good porous compost be employed as that
advised in a former Calendar, very little difficulty
will be felt in affording water during the winter.

Ccelogyne cristata and its varieties alba and Le-
moineana. — The season's growth being now com-
plete, place the plants in a cool intermediate-
house, and afford but very little water at the
roots. Wintered in such a house, the flower-
spikes will not expand before the end of the month
of March, which is an advantage, as it enables
the gardener to keep up a succession of flowers
for a considerable length of time by removing a
few plants at intervals into a warmer house after
the new year. Any plants which were broken up
and potted this year should not carry flower-
spikes, it usually taking two seasons to re-
establish such plants and fit them for flowering.

Lcelia pumila, L. jircestans, L. Dayana. — These
species afford the best results when grown in a
cool house. The flowers (which are produced on
the partly-developed growths) are now past, and
the pseudo-bulbs filled up ; and whilst the plants
are at rest at this season water should be
sparingly applied — only sufficient to prevent the
pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling.

Epidedendrum vitellinum. — This most attractive
plant should occupy a similar position to the
foregoing, and where there is full light and good
ventdation. During the present season, in which
the plant rests, very little water at the roots is
needed.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Maine, Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolls,
Bicton, Budleigb Salterton, Devonshire.

Herbaceous Calceolarias should not be allowed
to get pot-bound before being repotted, the pots
used being 8 or 9 inches in diameter, the weaker
plants going into 7-inch pots. In handling the
plants take care that the leaves are not broken or
bruised ; make the soil fairly firm, and let it be
similar to that recommended in my Calendar for
October 17. Calceolarias are the better for being
vaporised every two or three weeks with XL-All.

Hydrangeas. — The white - flowered variety re-
sponds readily to gentle forcing, and a few well-
established plants may be introduced forthwith
into a temperature of about 50°, standing them
near the roof, and affording but little water at the
root before active growth begins. The remainder
of the stock should be put out of the reach of
frost, and kept comparatively dry at the root.

Decembeb 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

421

Fern-house. — A night temperature of 60° (55°
on cold nights) will suit most of the so-called
stove Ferns whilst growth is nearly inactive.
The gold and silver Gyninogrammas, being the
most susceptible to a low temperature, should
be placed at the warmer end of the fernery, and
only afforded water when it is absolutely neces-
sary ; while many species of Adiantum and
several of Davallias require but little water
during the winter. Any Ferns that are infested
with scale should be examined, and the insects
dislodged with a pointed bit of stick or rubbed
between the finger and thumb.

Palms. — Where a house is devoted to Palms,
and these are planted in the borders, the winter
is a suitable season to cleanse the foliage with a
sponge and warm soapy suds. In lofty struc-
tures it is almost impossible to keep th6 tops
clean with the hose or syringe. Although Palms
do not require so much water now as in the
summer, the soil should not be allowed to become
very dry. A night temperature of 60° to 05°
should be maintained.

Chrysanthemums. — During the next three or
four weeks cuttings should be inserted either
singly in 60's or three or four around the sides of
3-inch pots. Under the first method the plants
receive no check when repotted, which is an
advantage ; but cuttings of most kinds of plants
form roots quicker when placed near the edge,
rather side, of the cutting-pot than others in the
centre. Plants that will be grown for large or
exhibition blooms are the first to demand atten-'
tion. The cuttings should be made about 3 inches
in length, free of flower-buds if possible, and be
cut straight across below a joint, and made firm
in the soil. The latter should consist of about
equal parts of loam and leaf-soil, with a large
proportion of silver-sand. When a few pots are
finished, apply water with a fine-rose water-can,
and stand them in a frame, or under handlights
placed in a house where heat may be afforded to
keep out frost. .Let the lights or tops be removed
for half an hour every morning, in order to dispel
moisture. Varieties shy of sending up suckers
ought not to be cut down too closely ; and all
stools required for stock purposes should be stood
near the glass, and water applied to them when
the soil has become dry. Keep the late-flowering
varieties as cool as possible, so as to prolong their
flowering.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

The Pine-stove. — The cultural details given last
month are applicable generally to the Pine-stove
at this date, and the chief thing to be avoided is
high temperature, except in the case of fruiting
plants, at the same time the minimum tempera-
ture should not fall below 55°. Queen Pines,
which have been resting previous to starting,
should have the hot-bed pit renovated if the
material is not capable of producing a bottom-
heat of 85° when the plants are started at the
beginning of next month. When starting make
sure the soil in the pots is thoroughly mois-
tened with clear tepid water, two or three appli-
cations being usually required for this purpose,
previously having made sure that the cavity
formed by the shrinkage of the soil from the
sides of the pot is filled up and rammed firmly.
Fruiting plants swelling off their fruits must be
supplied with plenty of farmyard liquid-manure
or an artificial fertiliser whenever moisture at
the roots is necessary, this being applied till the
fruit begins to ripen, when clear water only is
wanted, and withholding water entirely during
the final stage of ripening. Afford a night tem-
perature of 65° to 70', and a rise cf 10° by day.
Afford fruiting plants with swelling fruit a moist
atmosphere by damping paths and other surfaces
three times daily ; but ripening fruits finish best
in a perfectly dry atmosphere. Although potting
is seldom carried out at this season, suckers should
not be allowed to become pot-bound in small pots,
this causing a stunted growth and often prema-
ture fruiting, therefore let any plants sorely in
need of a shift be repotted.

Suckers, when of suitable size for propagating,
should be detached from the fruiting plants,
potted into 5-inch pots and plunged in the pro-
pagating pit in a bottom heat of 85° and a top
heat of 00° to 05°.

Figs. — Those trees in pots started in November
may be afforded an increase in the night tempera-
ture of 55°, with a 10° increase by day. If the
weather be very severe, a few degrees less will be
better for the time being. The hot-bed formed of
leaves and litter should be turned and fresh
material added if necessary to bring up the heat
to 75° and 80°. Keep the air moist by damping
down, and syringe the trees twice daily in fine
weather, i.e., in the morning and early afternoon.
Make the most of sun-heat, it being seldom neces-
sary to afford ventilation at this season. It is
most important that water be carefully applied,
and it should always be tepid, as any check
given now is very much against a satisfactory
first crop of fruit. As the foliage begins
to develop and the roots become more active,
afford diluted liquid-manure from the cow-sheds,
and occasionally a teaspoonful of Le Fruitier
pricked into the surface-soil of a pot. The early
planted-out Fig-house may be got in readiness
for starting at the beginning of the year, com-
mencing with a temperature of 50° at night and
60° by day. Proceed with the pruning and
cleansing of trees in succession houses, and let
the glass, woodwork, walls, &c, receive their
annual cleansing and such repairs as are neces-
sary. If the trees have not been in a fruitful
condition through defects in the borders or the
roots not being under proper control, see that
these matters are attended to before the house is
started.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Spring Cabbage. — Many of the plants are very
forward, and it is to be feared they will suffer
greatly unless well protected by drawing the
soil up to the stems when the lanTl is workable.
In land at all rich or very light, I would advise
the practice of trampling round each plant close
up to the stem, and then to mould-up from the
intervening spaces, bringing the soil well up to
the lower leaves. Lift late-sown plants in the
seed-bed if the weather be open, and prick them
out in rows at 0 inches apart, and they will winter
much better than in the crowded seed-bed, and
prove of service as a succession to the earlier
plantings, or to fill vacancies in the autumn-
planted beds.

Spring Cauliflowers growing in pots, frames, or
handlights should have abundance of air when-
ever there is no frost or heavy rain. Stir the
soil occasionally with a hand-fork or pointed
piece of wood, and trap slugs. Dry protecting
■ material should be held in readiness for use
during very severe frosts.

Hot-beds for forcing vegetables should now be
made in the frame-ground, making them of tree-
leaves and stable-litter, or tree-leaves alone, when
the bed is constructed in a brick or turfen pit.
For forcing Carrots, Radishes, Asparagus, and
the like, a very little heat is required, and it is
preferable to err in having the beds too cool than
too hot, as in most cases the warmth can be raised
by means of linings of fermenting materials. A
good mixture consists of three parts fresh-fallen
Oak or Beech leaves, and one part of long stable
litter, all being well mixed and turned over
several times before the hot-bed is made up.
Beds for carrying a frame or frames built above
the ground should be 2 feet wider and longer
than the frames. Some time must be allowed
for the heat to get up, and nothing should
be sown or planted thereon till the heat has
declined to 80°.

Carrots.— Although for very early supplies hot-
water pits, wherein a bed of leaves can be placed
to the depth of 3 or 1 feet, is the most conve-
nient, good roots may be grown on hot-beds made
up in a proper manner and of suitable materials.
A mixture of light loam, leaf-soil, spent Mush-
room-bed manure, and road grit in about equal
proportions, well mixed and passed through a
sieve, should make a suitable soil. This should
be brought up to within 8 or 10 inches of the
glass and made moderately firm. The seeds
should bo sown in drills drawn from 0 to 8 inches
apart, and the seeds covered very lightly with
finely-sifted soil, which should be sufficiently
moist to do without water until the seed germi-

nates. Carter's Early Long Forcing, Sutton's
Inimitable Forcing, Parisian Forcing, and
Veitch's Model, are all good varieties for present
sowing.

Radishes may be sown on similar hot-beds in
small quantities about every ten days. These
may be sown broadcast or in drills 3 inches apart.
Extra Early Olive, Suttcn's Early Frame, and
Wood's Frame are reliable sorts for early forcing.

Asparagus. — Any roots that are beginning to
produce weak shoots should be replaced with
others. After planting, afford tepid water copi-
ously to settle the soil. Air should be given by
tilting the lights night and day as far as the heat
of the bed will allow, or the growth will be drawn
and without much flavour. The heat of the frame
should not exceed 60° or 05°, and the glass of the
frames should be covered with mats on eold
nights, and on frosty nights a covering of long,,
dry stable-litter or fern should be added.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Fortescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Pruning Orchard Trees. — Worn-out, aged and
neglected trees are to be found in most orchards
of long standing, and any trees of this description
should be, if in fairly good health, carefully
pruned and cleansed from moss and parasitic
plants. In pruning let intercrossing branches be-
removed to within i an inch of the stem, and the
wounds trimmed with a pruning-chisel, and if of
large size coated with slate-coloured paint or
Stockholm pitch. Moss can be best removed by a
piece of bent hoop-iron, or a stiff brush. The
centre of the crown should be rendered clear of
brush- wood and small growths, in order that the
sun's rays may penetrate it. It is the practice in.-
some gardens to whitewash the stems and main
branches of the trees, and in very humid districts
this certainly prevents the growth of lichens and
moss. A better method is to spray with an alkali-
wash early in February, doing this when there is no
frost, as by this means the young wood as well as
the trunk and main branches will be cleansed.
Aged and otherwise useless trees should at this
season be grubbed up and young trees planted to
take their place ; and if, on the same site, the soil
should be removed to the depth of 2 feet, and
width of 5 feet, replacing it with sound loam, and.
in the case of stone fruits adding a large propor-
tion of plaster or mortar rubble. Strong-growing
spreading varieties of Apples should be planted
at 2-1 to 30 feet apart ; and Pear and Plum trees
at 10 to 20 feet, according to habit. If the
orchard be under grass and fed off by sheep
or cattle, the aged trees, after being pruned,
should receive an abundant dressing of farm-yard
manure, and manure-water afforded if it be ob-
tainable. This liquid-manuring will benefit the
trees if applied at the present season during
mild weather.

Pruning Bush and Pyramidal Apple and Pear
Trees. — In mild weather push on with this sort of
work. The varieties of Apple, as Cornish Gilly-
flower, Irish Peach, and a few others, that fruit
on the spurs and at the ends of the shoots, should
be noted when pruning. In the case of trees
which have not attained to their full size, the
leading shoots should be cut back to the length
of 1 foot, taking care to cut to an out-standing
bud pointing in the required direction.

A Corner in Cloves.— It would appear that
"that sort of thing" is not confined to Chicago
or New York, or restricted to pork, Wheat, or
Cotton, for it has sprung into existence at Zanzi-
bar, and the article is Cloves. Sundry reports are
to hand on the subject, but the summation as to
the curse of market vagaries is " cornering." Be-
fore harvest-time, says one reporter, an Indian
gentleman— or a gentleman from India— appeared
on the scene, Zanzibar and Pemba, and it was
thought there would bo a shortage in the crop ; har-
vest came, and there was a shortage in the crops,
and prices eventually reached a very high figure ;
and when the gentleman from India returned
home he must have done so much wealthier than
when he ventured forth to corner Cloves.

422

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 19, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be written on one bide only or
the paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee 0/ good faith.

Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editor does not
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself re-
sponsible for any opinions expressed by ?tis correspondents.

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 be glad to receive and select
photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of
gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, dec. ; but he
cannot be responsible for loss or injury.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 23— Royal Botanic Society's meeting
FRIDAY, DEO. 25 -Christmas Day.

SATURDAY, Dec. 26— Bank and General Holiday.

8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK.
MONDAY, Dec 21-

Bulbs, Plants, Liliums, Perennials, Border Plants,
<&c. at 11 o'clock, at 67 and 68, Cheapside. E.C., by
Protheroe & Morris.— Absolute clearance sale of
<3reenhouse Plants at the Brampton Nursery,
Bexley Heath, by Protheroe & Morris, at 11 o'clock.
—At Stevens', at 12 30, Roses. Standards, Half-
standards, and Dwarfs ; Fruit Tree3, Azaleas, &c. —
At 2.30, 100 cases of Japanese Lilies.
f For further particulars nee our Advertisement columns.)

Averaoe Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced
frnm observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick
—38-9.
Actual Temperatures :—

London.— Dec 16 (6 p.m.) : Max. 45": Min. 41".
Dec. 17 (noon) : 47" ; foggy and dark.
Provinces. — Dec. 16 (6 p.m.) : Max. 44", Bath ;
Min. 40°, off Dunbar.

The Annual General Meeting
Role^eTy. of this flourishing Society was

held, on Thursday, Dec. 10, at
the Horticultural Club Rooms. Mr. C. Shea
presided over a very large and earnest body
■of representative men. In the course of
4he proceedings proof was once more given
•of the whole-heartedness of the members of
this Society. There was no sense of in-
difference, or " go as you please," or " support
the Council," but a genuine personal interest
was manifested in the affairs of the Society.
Discussion was free and abundant, but
never personal or acrimonious. The financial
situation was shown to be satisfactory.
The Temple Rose show was alluded to as
not of first-rate importance, but for that the
weather was responsible, and if the " gate-
money" was relatively deficient in amount,
that slight defect was much more
than compensated for by the large ad-
dition of new members, a fact which
showed that large numbers of the casual
•visitors of the preceding year had ripened
into full-blown members this year. The
Glasgow show was spoken of in high terms,
the later date having been influential in the
production of more numerous and finer
blooms. In the course of the Chairman's
speech, in moving the adoption of the report,
we were gratified to hear an expression of
opinion that a less formal method of exhibit-
ing Roses must soon be generally adopted,
and that the boxes must, sooner rather than
later, go the way of other abominations, like
the Chrysanthemum-boards and the paper
collars for Carnations. One of the speakers
suggested that these productions, before

they are quite extinct, should be deposited
in some museum for the edification and
astonishment of those that come after us.

But the main subject for discussion was
the date at which the Metropolitan show
should be held. Mr. Pemberton submitted
a resolution that the show in question should
not be held earlier than July 6, fortifying
his proposal with eloquent and emphatic
words to the effect that an earlier date was
prejudicial to the display of good Roses,
and unfair to the growers in the Midland
and Northern Counties, who could never, or
rarely, compete on fair terms with Southern
growers. Mr. Pemberton produced an array
of figures in support of his proposal, and
subsequent speakers adduced other figures,
showing this, or demonstrating that, till it
became as difficult for the ordinary mem-
bers to assess the proper value of the statis-
tics laid before them as it is in the case of
the fiscal problem itself.

Mr. Pemberton had a no less formidable
opponent (though such an expression is
hardly the correct one) in Mr. Mawley him-
self, who proposed an amendment to the
effect that the show in London should not
be held earlier than .luly 3, nor later than
July 12.

Numerous subsequent speakers supported,
some Mr. Pemberton, others Mr. Mawley.
All seemed to adduce excellent reasons for
their opinions, and it seemed as if there
really was not much choice between the two
sets of speakers, and that opinion was fairly
evenly balanced between them. When,
however, the patient, long-suffering Chair-
man at length put the matter to the vote, it
became evident that the Pembertonites had
a considerable majority over the Maw-
leyites, and as the Chairman was aided in
the not too easy process of counting hands
by the Rev. Foster Melliar, there was no
sort of doubt possible as to the opinion of
the majority of the members present.

Looking back to the proceedings, and
bearing in mind the arguments made use of
pru and con, it seems to us now that, after
all, there is not much intrinsic difference
between Mr. Pemberton's proposal and Mr.
Mawley's compromise ; and that in prac-
tice the result will be such as to satisfy all
reasonable requirements. It is impossible
to fix a particular date which will, in our
climate, be likely to suit equally well
exhibitors from Aberdeen or Belfast, and
those whose products have been grown at
Bath or Torquay.

Among other matters of interest it was
stated that no provincial show will be held
in 1904, but that an autumnal show will be
held in September in the new Horticultural
Hall. It is expected that this will be the
first large show in the Hall. We welcome
the proposal for many reasons. The time of
year will probably be propitious for late
blooms, and it is of excellent augury that
the daughter society should be among the
first to grace the house - warming of the
venerated parent. We deprecate the com-
plete separation of the so-called "special"
societies from the Royal Horticultural
Society, but think there should be the
fullest co-operation possible between the
body and the members. In this particular
matter we are for special home rule com-
bined with imperial unity, and therefore it
is with the greatest pleasure that we see so
many evidences of goodwill and co-opera-

tion between the Rose Society and the Royal
Horticultural Society.

We suggest, moreover, that it would be a
graceful and appropriate thing if the Rose
Society,and, indeed, all the affiliated societies
in the kingdom as well as the special societies,
should either in their corporate or in their
individual capacities contribute as largely
as possible to the fund being raised for the
completion of the building. The statement
that not more than one in ten of the Fellows
of the Royal Horticultural Society have
contributed anything to the New Hall after
all the clamour that was made, is dis-
appointing in the present and ominous for
the future. What if the provincial and the
special societies came to the rescue and
proved practically, what we know theoreti-
cally, that they are not open to a -charge of
heresy and schism !

Reverting to the proceedings of the meeting
which have suggested these remarks, we
have only to add that the usual formal,
votes of thanks and other business was got
through, with one exception, and that one
was that, owing to the length of the pro-
ceedings, the dinner was ready before a vote
of thanks was carried to the Chairman ! He
deserved it, as everyone must have felt,
though the exigencies of time and circum-
stance may have prevented its full expression.

*#* Our Almanac— According to our usual
practice, we shall shortly issue a Gardeners'
Chronicle Almanac for the year 1904. In order
to make it as complete as possible, we shall be
obliged if Secretaries of Horticultural, Botanical,
and allied Societies, or any of our torrespondents,
will send us IMMEDIATE INTIMATION of all fixtures
for the coming year.

MERYTA SlNCLAlRII (Supplementary Illus-
tration).— Meryta is a genus of some half a dozen
species, three of which have long been grown in
gardens as Aralias, namely M. Denhami (Aralia
reticulata), M. latifolia (Aralia macrophylla), and
M. sonchifolia (Aralia sonchif olia) . The first-
named is used as a stock on which to graft some
of the fine-leaved Aralias, such as A. Veitchii;
and those who know it only as a pot plant with
linear, dark-green, yellow-veined leaves would
be surprised to see a fully developed specimen in
the Kew Palm-house, where it has a stem over
20 feet high and broad, fleshy, bright green leaves
over a yard long. M. Sinclairii, of which a figure
is here given, is a New Zealand species. There is
an interesting account of it in the Gardeners
Chronicle, 1898, xxiv., 344, 370, where it is
described as a fine ornamental tree, 12 to 25 feet
high, with stout branches and large leaves ; the
blades from 9 to 20 ins. long and from 4 to 10 ins.
wide, of a thick texture and bright green colour.
It is known as the " Puka " by the Maoris, and is
said to be " one of the rarest plants in the world."
Under cultivation in New Zealand it forms a
handsome symmetrical tree, with a trunk over
4 feet in circumference. There is a healthy
example of it in the Temperate-house at Kew,
where it grew from a heigth of 3 feet in 1898 to
10 feet before it flowered last summer for the first
time, when the figure here published was prepared
by Miss M. Smith. The male and female flowers
are produced on separate plants, the Kew example
being a male. The flowers are borne in a large
terminal panicle, and are of a dull greenish-white
colour. Plants are easily raised from cuttings.
It is said to be unable to resist frost in New
Zealand. There are plants of it in the open air
in several Cornish gardens ; it would be inter-
esting to know how they have behaved. The
above information is kindly furnished by Mr.
W. Watson, of Kew.

Decembeb 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

423

Turin Horticultural Exhibition.— We

have received a propectus of the exhibition to be

held in Turin next May, under the auspices of
'the Societe Royale Horto-Agricole du Pieinont
The exhibition will be opened on Tuesday,

May 10, 1904, and will remain open for a fort-
i night, after which the exhibits may, if wished,

be left on sale until the end of the month.
'Intending exhibitors, especially those residing

out of Turin, are informed that they can now
'apply for either outdoor or indoor space for their
r plants, &c. ; a plan of the exhibition being issued

with the prospectus. Planting can, therefore, if
"the weather permits, be undertaken in February
ior March for trees and shrubs, while bulbs and

tubers can be forwarded at any time to agents in

Turin, who will pot and winter the same until
"*che planting season commences. Every con-
' venience is thus offered to intending exhibitors.

The President of the Executive Committee is the
KJomte de Sambut ; the Commissaire-General is
'G. Joseph Roda ; the Secretaire-General is S.

Paul Palestrino, 4, Rue Stampatori.

A National Potato Society.— In view of
t;he enormous advance in the price of Potatos
■this season, the heavy losses from disease, and
•the importance of the crop, a project has been
mooted for establishing a National Potato Society.

A public meeting will be held in the North Room,
'Hotel Windsor, Victoria Street, Westminster, on

Wednesday, December 30, at 3 p.m., to fully

• discuss the matter.

The Surveyors' Institution.— The next
•ordinary general meeting will be held in the
lecture hall of the Institution on Monday,
January 11, 1904, when a discussion will take
'place on the paper read by Mr. H. T. Scoble
-(Professional Associate) on November 23, entitled

• " Industrial Decentralisation, an important factor
'in the solution of the Housing Problem." The

chair will be taken at 8 o'clock. Council Gold
Medal — With a view to encourage the reading of
papers at the ordinary general meetings, the
-Council have decided to award a Gold Medal for
the best paper, if of sufficient merit, read by a
member of the Institution during the session.

An Interesting Aged Palm.— Our contem-
porary, The Chemist and Druggist, writes Mr.
-J. R. Jackson, which possesses a remarkahle

• amount of activity in procuring home, colonial,
and foreign items of interest for its readers, has

"the following note from Berlin. It states that
vamongst the plants which have been transferred
-from the large winter-house of the old Berlin
Botanical Gardens to tjhe new gardens at Dahlem
-is a very old example of Chamserops humilis,
which is of quite historical interest, as it is
said to have been in Berlin in the middle of
•the seventeenth century. The plant was used
about the middle of the eighteenth century by
Mr. J. G. Gleditsch, who was in 1746 appointed
Director of the Berlin Botanical Gardens, to finally
settle the dispute that was then going on regard-
ing the sexuality of plants. The plant, which is
a female, had blossomed repeatedly without bear-
ing any fruit, so Gleditsch brought pollen from
a male Chamoerops growing in Dresden, and
■sprinkled it on the stigma of his specimen.
Although the pollen was nine days on the way
■^Gleditsch was successful in fructifying the
•ovules, and he raised eleven young plants from
the seeds obtained in the following year. Gle-
-oitsch renewed the experiments several times
successfully, once with pollen obtained from
•'C'arlsruhe.

Ginger in Zomba.— Mr. McClounie, the

Government horticultural official in the Central

Vfrican Protectorate, states that this product is

(giving great promise of being worthy of extensive

• lultivation. The climate is eminently suitable.

As 40s. may be reckoned on as about the average
London price per cwt., it ought to be largely
grown. Propagation is an easy matter, and it
has been proved that from one crown it is possible
to obtain over twenty good strong shoots in a
year ; and it is estimated that it is possible to
get half a pound of ginger from each plant in the
same period.

The " Botanical Magazine."— The volume
for the present year is dedicated by Sir Joseph
Hookek to Mr. Geokoe Nicholson, in a grace-
ful and appropriate dedication, as follows : — ■

" Dear Mr. Nicholson,— It gives me great pleasure to
dedicate to you a volume (CXXIXth) of the ' Botanical
Magazine,' a work in the prosecution of which you for
so many years took an active part, especially in select-
ing for illustration in its pages subjects of botanical
interest from amongst the treasures under your super-
vision in the Royal Gardens, I would further wish you
to regard it as a memorial of our official co-operation
in the management of those gardens for upwards of
twelve years, a period to which I look back with unal-
loyed pleasure; and also as a tribute to the high value
of your special labours in Dendrology, and as the
author of the ' Dictionary of Gardening.'

"Believe me, very sincerely yours,

" Jos. D. Hookeb."

" Flora of the Upper Gangetic Plain."—

Mr. Duthie, the former Director of the Botanical
Department of Northern India, and now on the
staff of the Kew Herbarium, has published the
first part of a Flora of the whole of the Gangetic
Plain as far as the confines of Bengal, and in-
cluding the Siwalik and Sub-Himalayan tracts.
The work seems to follow the general model of
the Flora of British India, and is provided with a
map. The price of the book seems high, but as it
will probably appeal to a limited class this is
perhaps unavoidable. Mr. Duthie's exceptional
opportunities and endowments afford a guarantee
of the excellence of this work, the first part of
which extends from the Ranunculacea? to the
CornaceEe. It may be obtained from Williams &
Norgate.

Cactus Dahlia Princess de Trabia.—
M. Vincenzo Ostinelli, of Palermo, kindly
forwards us a photograph of a new Cactus
Dahlia, raised by him, and named in compli-
ment to the lady whose name it bears. The
florets are ivory-white, rather irregularly dis-
posed, narrow, and the central ones not fully
developed. The flowers are large and well raised
above the foliage.

Diseases of the Vine. — M. Octave Doin,
of the Place de l'Odeon, Paris, has published a
small treatise written by M. Guegen, and entitled
Les Maladies parasitaires de la Vigne. It com-
prises a brief account of the diseases and injuries
caused by bacteria, fungi of various kinds, as well
as by certain insects. It has a table of contents
but no index, which is a defect even in so small a
book. As to the mysterious disease called
brunissure, or browning, we had settled down to
the notion that it was caused by a slime-fungus
(Myxomycete). But this notion turns out to be
founded on an error of observation, and no true
slime-fungus exists ; moreover, the disease has
been artificially produced by sudden alterations
of temperature and humidity, as well as by
mechanical injury. If the temperature has been
high, spraying with water will restore the balance
in the cells of the leaf ; if there has been too
much moisture, the use of powdered lime will be
beneficial. We fear that these explanations will
hardly cover all the cases met with in English
vineries, and we regret we must still say the disease
is mysterious. As a compact hand-book on the
diseases of the Vine this may be recommended to
those to whom the language in which it is
written (French) offers no bar. The illustrations
are serviceable to gardeners of all nationalities.

" BOLETIM DA SOCIEDADE BROTERIANA."—

The last part of this Portuguese publication
which has reached us contains a very interesting
and detailed article on the botanical geography
of the plains and hills near the sea coast of
Portugal, by M. Daveatj. It is written in
French. The Flora of Brotero was published in
1804, and is still valued for the precision of its
details. Moreover, it is still the only complete
Flora of Portugal. Welwitsch, 1840—1852, ex-
plored many parts of the country thoroughly ;
and since his time Dr. Henriques, the founder of
the Brotero Society, has by his zeal and energy
done much to extend our knowledge of the flora.
There are still, however, large areas not per-
fectly worked up, owing mainly to the difficulties
of locomotion in some of the provinces. It is
singular to read that the Beech is not a native
of Portugal, though erroneously cited as such by
Willkomm. Portugal may be divided into
four zones of vegetation — 1, littoral ; 2, plains and
hills near the sea ; 3, mountainous ; 4, sub-
alpine. In the south-west and in Alemtejo is a
botanical district containing a larger proportion
of special or endemic species than any other in
Europe. Here are gathered together numerous
Leguminosai, Cistacese, and Labiata? not found
elsewhere; and no fewer than twenty species of
Thrift (Armeria). We cannot follow M. Dave ah
through all his details, but we commend his ela-
borate paper to the earnest attention of all those
concerned in the vegetation of the Iberian
Peninsula.

Pomological Progress in America.—

Dr. F. M. Hexamer, in the course of his address
to the American Pomological Society, as reported
in full in American Gardening, spoke as follows : —

That the United States is destined to becoma, if it
is not already, the leading fruit country of the world,
can no longer be doubted. The chief causes combining
towards this end are the country's congenial climate to
fruits; its extensive and varied areas available for
their growth ; the uniformity of its political and social
conditions, allowing of free interchange and com-
parison of ideals and methods ; and, last, but not
least, that the American farmer has more help from
teachers, experimenters, and the National as well as
State Governments than any other farmers have. As
a consequence, knowledge of all theories and practices
which make for better fruit growing are being
popularised.

Fruitgrowing for market has increased enormously
in extent, and has greatly advanced in its methods
during the last twenty or thirty years. At the present
time it employs vast sums of capital, furnishes a
livelihood to armies of men and women, and yields, on
the whole, large profits. It is unquestionably true that
America leads the world in the production of fruit in
large quantities and in the perfection with which this
fruit is distributed to distant points. The fruit
business in general in the United States has increased
in much greater proportion than other agricultural
industries; and while the production of fruit in the
past fifty years has increased 2.000 per cent., the total
population in the country during the same period
increased only 270 per cent.

The importance of proper refrigeration during the
entire process of marketing and transportation has
only recently been fully realised and brought to
practical and successful application. It has been
learned that even our best fall and winter fruits need
a cool temperature, if we expect them to reach the
consumers in first-class condition. Quick transporta-
tion, proper handling and ceaseless watchfulness at
every step from picking to the hands of the consumers
are indispensable and are to be secured only by intelli-
gent organisation and cooperation.

Not a few men and women now living remember the
time when there were no Hovey or Wilson Strawberries,
nor any other kinds. Small fruit culture of a definitely
organised and systematised business is of distinctively
American origin; and in the development of small
fruits no material progress was made until the improve-
ment of the native species was begun. All lliese fruits
went through an initial stage of depending upon
foreign varieties. Following this, an era of improve-
ment set in, during which, by careful breeding of the
native species, and infusion into them of the improved
European blood by hybridisation, strains better
adapted to American conditions were obtained. This
change from an almost total reliance upon Introduced
varieties to a marked supromacy of sorts originated
here has taken place almost wholly since the organisa-
tion of the American Pomological Society.

424

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[DECEMBEBf 19, 11903.

An entirely new factor in striving to improve our
fruits is plant breeding. It has been ascertained that
the best, results are usually obtained quickest by
working with variable forms, and that it is necessary
to establish in the mind an ideal to work toward, and
that crossing is only a means to an end, and should be
supplemented by vigorous and persistent selection.
The majority of the native varieties of fruits introduced
in the earlier part of the last century were merely
chance settlings which grew uncared for until their
good qualities were discovered when they were brought
into cultivation.

Of tar greater importance, however, has been the
introduction of varieties which have been produced by
careful methods of selection, carried through from one
to many generations. Hybridisation has already had
a very marked effect in the development of new and
valuable Grapes, Pears, &c , and more recently the
results already obtained in hybridising the sweet
Orange with the trifoliate species have been so en-
couraged that it may be conlidently expected that in
the near future fruits obtained from these hybrids will
be acceptable in quality and sufficiently hardy to bring
the latitude of Orange culture much farther northward.

In no one of the applications of science teaching to
fruit growing lias the American so clearly the advan-
tage of the European as in the knowledge of insect and
fungous pjsts and of the means of despatching them.
The superiority of the American fruit as a general
market product is due in a considerable degree to
fumigating and spraying.

Cypripediums from Bury. — \We have
received a beautiful collection of cut flowers of
Cypripediums from O. O. Wriqley, Esq., Bridge
Hall, Bury, Lanes, (gr., Mr. Rogers), similar to
those in his remarkable group shown at the Brill
Hall on Tuesday, Becember 15, and for which he
was awarded a Silver Flora Medal. Mention of
the group will be found in our [report of the
Orchid Committee of the Koyal Horticultural
Society. The flowers sent include a most be-
wildering collection of varieties of C. insigne and
C. x Leeanum. Of those sent, specially beauti-
ful were C. insigne Constance, [C; i. Harefield
Hall, C. nitens Wrigleyanum, C. Leeanum
Clinkaberryanum, vaiietiesof C. >: Euryades, ("'.
x triumphans, and C. x Tityus.

Uni/ersity College, Reading, 1904 —

We are informed by a circular just issued by the
authorities of the Department of Horticulture
that :—

Four Scholarships to young gardeners will be
awarded in January, 1901. Each Scholarship is of the
value of £45 (inclusive of maintenance and inet ruction).
The student gardeners holding the Scholarships will
be require! to attend, from January to September, a
course of instruction in the Horticultural Department
and the Gardens of University College, Reading.
Candidates must be of not more than 22 years of age.
and must have worked for four years in public or
private gardens.

Applications for Scholarships nust be made on the
Scholarship Form to be obtained from the Registrar.
This form of application, accomtanied by a certificate
of work and character, must be Sint to the Registrar
before January 10.

Scholarship Examination— Candidates will be required
to pass a simple examination in English, Arithmetic,
and the Elements of Horticulture. In awarding the
Scholarships, previous training and experience will be
taken into account.

Training.— The course of training will consist in ■-
1, Practical Horticulture; 2, Theory of Horticulture •
3, Account Keeping; 4, Lectures and Practical Work
in— Botany and Chemistry in relation to Horticul-
ture ; Insect and Fungoid Pests ; Bee keeping. The
scientific instruction will be given in the laboratories
of the College; the practical instruction in Horti-
culture, in the College Garden. The garden, 7i acres
in extent, is well provided with horticultural buildings
It contains, besides a large number of pits and frames
thirteen glasshouses used for general florist and
market work. The Scholarship holders will be
prepared for the Royal Horticultural Society's examina-
tion.

Certificates of Proficiency will be awarded on the work
done during the course, and on the results of an
examination held at the end of the course.

The Registrar at the University Collet will afford
the prospectus and information.

Chrysanthemum Show at Ghent in 1904.
— By the courtesy of M. E. Fif.rens, secretary
of the Societe Boyale d' Agriculture et de Bo-
tanique de Gard, we are informed that this
Society will hold an exhibition of Chrysanthe-
mums, ornamental plants, and Orchids, at Ghent
on November G, 7, and 8, 1904.

Publications Received.— some Lesser - known

Japan Trees and Shrubs and some recently introduced
Trees and Shrubs from Central China. By James H.
Veitch, F.L.9. (reprinted from the Journal of the Royal
Horticultural\Society). A very interesting paper, copiously
illustrated, and dealing with recent introductions of
trees and shrubs and other plants from Central
China. — Nature Notes, December. — The Agricultural
Economist, December. Mr. Greening (the editor) con-
tinues his review of motors and their probable
influence in agriculture; there are also articles on
the effect of the recent wet autumn upon agriculture,
and a paper on ;re-afforestation. —The Gardener, De-
cember 12. Contains an illustrated article on Dahlias,
and other notes and pictures.— Agricultural News, Bar-
bados, November 21. Contents ; Utilisation of By-
products in Agriculture, Sugar Industry, &c.—The
Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, October. Con-
tents : Letters on the Diseases of Plants ; Useful
Australian Plants (Eragrostis nigra), &a.— Bulletin of
the Department of Agriculture, Jamaica, November.
Contents: Jamaican Fodders, Budding of Mangos,
Budding of Cocoa, Pines in the Azores, Composition of
Jamaican Fruits.— Proceedings of the Agri-Horticultural
Society of Madras, July to September. Contents :
Ocimum viride, Agave Plantation, etc ..— The Transvaal
Agricultural Journal, October. Contents: Forage Plants
for the Transvaal, Proper Treatment of Roses, Fruit-

Fin.

166. — PLANT OF CHRYSANTHEMUM
MISS ELSIE l-'ULTON.

growing Districts of the Transvaal, Cultivation of the
Caoutchouc. Pampas-grass as a Field Crop, <fcc— From
the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment
Station. Ithica, Botanical Division. Bulletin No. 205,
Shn.de Trees, by W. A. Murrill ; Bulletin No. 207, Pink
Hot, an Attendant of Apple-scab, by John Craig and J. M.
Van Hook; Bulletin No. 208, The Grape Root-Worm, by
M V. Slingerland and John Craig ; Bulletin No. £09,
Distinctive Characteristics of the Species of the Genus Le-
canium (Scale Insects), by William C. Thro.— Indian
Planting and Gardening, November 14. Contents : How
to Make Green Tea Pay, and other notes on Tea and
Miscellaneous Crops —The Australian Garden and Field,
November 7. With notes on the Setting of the Currant-
Vine, Codlin-moth, the Flower Garden, Poultry Yard,
&e.— The Melbourne Argus Tables of the Australasian
Mails for l»ti (Orient- Paci lie Line Mail Dates and others
for tue Australian Colonies, New Zealand, <fcc.).— Keys
0' the Monograph of Cactacess, translated by Karl Schu-
mann, author of the book, 'Professor and Curator of
t ne Botanical Museum of Berlin; a most useful list
(Williams & Norgate) —Journal de la Societe' d' Horticul-
ture du Japan, August and September.— Icones Selectse
Hnrti Thencnsis (Iconographie de Plantes ayant fleuri
dans les collections de M. van den Bossche, Ministre
tchident a Tirlemont, Belgique), avec les Descriptions
et Annotations de M. Em. De Wildeman. Tome IV.,
Fascicules i and 6, will be noted later on— LcJardin,
December 5.— American Gardening . November 28.— The
Wrtkly Florists' Review, November 26.— The American
Florist, November 28 -The Florists' Fxchange (New York).
November 2S.—Encyclnpc'die Agricolz. Entomologie el
Parasitologic Agricoles. O. Guenaux. (Paris: J. B.
ISalliere et tits.— Riviera Nature Notes— Journal of the K'ew
Guild— Misiouri Botanical Garden Report — The Garden
Annual, 1904— Sutton's Amateur Guide— Hooker's Icones
Plantnrum— Journal de la Societf Nationalc d' Horticulture
de France— The Orchid Review— Le Moniteur'Horticole.

CHRYSANTHEMUM MISS ELSIE
FULTON.

At fig. 1GG is shown a photograph of one of the
plants of this popular white-flowered Japanese
Chrysanthemum, grown by Mr. Thomas Lunt.
gardener to A. Stirling, Esq., Keir House, Perth-
shire. One of »Mr. Lunt's flowers of this variety
was awarded a Silver Medal at the recent show
of the Scottish Horticultural Association in Edin-
burgh, being adjudged to be the best flower of a-
Japanese variety at that exhibition. It will be-
seen that the plant illustrated was cultivated in
the manner commonly practised by those who
wish to obtain large flowers, being allowed to
perfect three shoots, with a flower at the top of
each. One of the flowers shown in the photo-
graph measured 11 inches by 11J inches — truly a
prodigious flower ! Whether such flowers are in
perfect harmony with good taste or not," in this
case it was the grower's aim to produce them,
and he is entitled to credit for having succeeded'.
so well in his purpose.

KEW NOTES.

Maci adyena dentata. — In the Victoria Eegia
house at Kew there is a climber which has
grown up one of the rafters on the south roof
for the last twenty years, and flowers inter-
mittently. It is like Bignonia Tweedieana in
habit and flowers, but the stems are thicker
and the leaves three or four times larger than
in the ordinary form of that species. For
that reason we have hitherto grown it under
the name of Bignonia Fraseri, a garden name..
but good enough for garden purposes. A sucker
from the base of the plant years ago somehow
wriggled through the base of the wall to the
outside, where it gradually grew into a vigorous
plant, and is now permanently established
there. It is not injured by frost, and it pro-
daces its large yellow flowers more or less freely
in summer. Last week I received the following
inquiry with respect to this plant : — " Some
time ago I saw a beautiful plant trained against
the wall of one of your houses, labelled Bignonia
Fraseri. I cannot find any reference to it under
that name, but I find that many plants that
were known as Bignonias are now transferred to
ither genera. Will you kindly tell me if this is
the case with B. Fraseri, and under what name I
should ask the nurseryman for it ? " I sub-
mitted the question to Mr. Sprague, who has
lately paid special attention to the Bignoniacese
in the Kew Herbarium, and he identified the
plant as Macfadyena dentata, which is often
confused with Bignonia Tweedieana. Another
species of Bignonia, figured in the Botanical
Magazine, t. 1511, as B. uncata, is now known as
Macfadyena uncinata. So far as I know the only
true Bignonia that is hardy in this country is B.
capreolata, the "American Cross-Vine"; it is
therefore worth while to record the hardiness at-
Kew of this second Bignonia-like plant, viz.,
Macfadyena dentata, which has large yellow
flowers, and is a useful climber for a south
wall.

LOMATIA " PINNATIFOLIA."

The statement made in Lord Annesley's book,,
reviewed in a recent issue, that "the plant is
unknown to the authorities at Kew," is mis-
leading. Proofs of the pictures and of the
descriptive notes were sent to Kew for correction,,
and the Lomatia was one of several which could not
be made out from the photographs, and of which
we therefore asked for living specimens. These
were duly forwarded, and the Lomatia, the name;
of which (pinnatifolia) was unknown at Kew, was
at once identified as L. ferruginea, a well-known
garden plant, introduced from Chili about fifty
years ago, and catalogued by English nurserymen
to-day. Probably the omission of this information.
w as due to an oversight.

December 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

425

L. ferruginea has been collected in Chiloe,
Valdivia, Patagonia and Chili. Mr. Elwes found
it recently (1902) in the last-named country, "in
dense forest in Puerto Blest, at an altitude of
3,000 ft." It forms a bush up to 10 ft. high with
numerous stems bearing elegant bi-pinnate leaves
similar to those of Grevillea robusta, but thicker
in texture, and the young stems and petioles are
covered with dense ferruginous hairs. Probably
i;here are good specimens of it in the gardens of
the south and west of the British Islands.

Permit me to endorse your remark with regard
to the varying value of photographs as " truthful "
pictures. A photographer who knows his busi-
ness and is perfectly honest can go a long way
towards truthful representation, but we all know
that a camera can go as far or further in the
opposite direction ! There are many details of
character, often important, which can be seen in
the object itself, but which the camera misses.
The photographic illustration of the Lomatia in
Lord Annesley's book, for instance, does not even
suggest the plant as I know it.

Vellozia equisetoides (fig. 167).
The Barbacenias and Vellozias form a suborder
of Amaryllidaceae, but they differ widely from the
common garden representatives of that order.
Most of the species have branched woody stems
bearing tufts of leaves as in a Cordyline or Yucca,
some being 10 feet high and as thick as a man's
body. The formation of the stem is very remark-
able, the wood proper being a thin column which
never thickens in diameter after its first formation,
but outside it is formed a thick irregular layer of
slender fibrous roots, which become united and
form a spurious kind of wood, which is added to
in thickness annually, something like what hap-
pens in some Tree Perns. Some of the species,
particularly those in Brazil, have large handsome
flowers, but their introduction into the gardens
. of Europe presents many difficulties, old stems,
when imported, invariably failing. Barbacenia
squamata and Vellozia Candida have been kept
for several years at Kew, but they got weaker
every year. Seedlings present no difficulty, but
1;hey grow so slowly that it would take a century
at least to grow one a few feet high.

Barbacenia purpurea is a small-growing stove
plant, with elegant grassy leaves and slender
scapes of deep red flowers, and is not uncommon
in the gardens of this country, where it flowers,
freely throughout the summer. Vellozia elegans,
a small species from South Africa, with a
tufted habit and milk-white flowers, is also in
cultivation. V. equisetoides has been represented
at Kew by small seedlings raised about ten years
ago, but these have recently been added to the
collection, thanks to Mr. McClounie of the British
Central Africa Protectorate. Some very fine stems
of it, one of which, in flower, is shown in the
photograph here reproduced. This plant is 2 feet
high, but the species grows up to 5 feet, with
forked branches bearing tufts of plicate hairy
leaves and crowds of lilac-purple flowers 2 inches
across and deliciously fragrant. There are three
plants, similar to that here photographed, in the
T-range. W. W., Kew.

Revival of an Old Reviver.— There was
a time, and it does not seem so very long ago. when
no blending of Tea was considered complete which
did not include a soupron of green. It was an
article in middle-class home economics, an ambi-
tion for the lower classes of the population, a
" pick-me-up " with the fastidious and wealthier
section ; but, truth to tell, it was just sinking
into the obscurity of forgetfulness when an idea
seized a grower in Ceylon, " Try the American
market." The trial was made ; in a couple of
years it has proved a great success, and according
to the latest figures the monetary value of the
export is no small item in the revenue of that
lovely -and Tea-growing land.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

ANTHURIUM 8CHERZERIANUM WARD). — In
Mr. Douglas's obituary notice of Mr. Wilkins'
first-rate gardener, John Ward, one small mis-
take is made. Ward did not raise the variety
called after him; it was imported by Messrs.
Low, of Clapton, and it came into Mr. Wilkins'
possession as follows :— He (Mr. W.) had a large
business with Central America, and often had
plants sent him by correspondents in those parts.
One day, on going to his office, he met me

greenhouse plants at exhibitions that Mr.
Douglas has forgotten his great opponent, the
late Mr. Baines, of Southgate. There was always
a grand fight between these two for ten stove or
greenhouse plants, and never a bad plant did
either of them put up ; and that class was always
the feature of the show when they did meet.
Alas ! we never see such plants now. W. Mar-
shall, Bexley.

PLANTAIN IN TURF. — In Answers to Corres-
pondents of last week's issue, it is said that vitriol
s better than turpentine for killing the plants.
While I know that vitriol may kill any particular

[Photograph by Ounn and Stuart.
Fig. 167.— vellozia equisetoides, as blooming in the royal gardens, kew.

with — " I've got the white Anthurium." I should
say that this was in the late sixties, when
everyone was on the qui vive for a white variety
of A. Scherzerianum. He showed me the roots
and asked me to take them down to Mr.
Stuart Low. I did so; and Mr. Low, who was a
shrewd man of business, immediately wanted
them, and offered to give me a lot of im-
ported roots of the red variety and a plant
to each of us if our plant turned to be true.
He showed me a house full of imported roots
just arrived, and told me to take what I liked.
I took some back to Mr. Wilkins; he said, "All
right ; help yourself." I took six plants : tin' rest
went down to Leytonstone, and amongst them
was Anthurium Wardi. I think when saying
that Ward was decidedly first in stove and

rosette, caxising the root to sprout a new crop all
round in a charming manner, I am able to men-
tion an absolutely satisfactory "oure," which
the operator may partake of if he pleases with
possible benefit to himself. If there is one plant
in the Cambridge Botanic Garden that desires to
occupy every square inch of turf, it is Plantago
in,., hi — so I know whereof I speak. The cure I
adopt was recommended to me years ago by the
Kev. Canon Ellacombe, and I find that it not only
kills the rosette but also the root, which always
sprouts again if left alive. The perfect cure I
refer to is a small' teaspoonful of salt. It must
be applied in dry weather, and if applied properly
there is no damage done to the turf, which soon
covers the bare spots left by the plantains. R.
Irwin Lynch.

426

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 19, 1903.

RIVERS' MONARCH PLUM.— The notes in favour
of this variety of Plum which appeared in your
last, are by its growth and fruiting fully deserved.
Having seen very large bushes heavily laden with
well-ripened fruit, I purchased a few standard
trees ; and though Plums this year were not
plentiful, still the Monarch merited its already
high reputation by setting and ripening even
amidst the sunless weather so predominant a
somewhat heavy- crop. This, 1 think, tends to
prove that not only is it good on a south or south-
west wall, but it is almost if not equally so
on a bush or a 5 ft. 0 in. standard j and,
further, I quite agree with your correspondent
that it should and will show itself to be a valuable
and good market Plum. One unfortunate thing
respecting it is that by its appearance and ex-
cellent quality, the " black " and some other birds
fancy it as food beyond any other then in
bearing, which to the grower is by no means
exhilarating. Harrison Weir, Appledore, Kent.

THE FISCAL PROBLEM. — Having pointed out
to Mr. Chamberlain the necessity of growers of
all crops having some form of protection and that
it should not apply to the corn-grower only, I
have had his reply to the effect that the sugges-
tion will have his attention ; and I also had a
reply in October on another branch of the sub-
ject. Mr. Chamberlain's policy will be better
understood presently, and it is described by many
of those who are versed in political economy '* as
a policy of common sense." Whether Mr. Cham-
berlain is right or wrong, it is patent to all " that
something must be done," but with caution, and
very soon, and I therefore beg to suggest that
Mr. Chamberlain should be asked to address the
London growers, in or near London, and by the
Royal Horticultural Society, at any date con-
venient to him. J. Thornton, Tumham Green,
Chiswick, W-, December 10, 1903. [We give in-
sertion to this letter, but in so far as it is a
.political or party question we must decline any
correspondence on the subject, as this Journal
always holds aloof from party politics. Ed.]

NOTES ON PEARS. — Last year and this my
trees of several varieties of Pear bloomed fully
and well, but their bearing of fruit was some-
what of a contrast and peculiar. My soil mostly
is a dark retentive loam on a clay subsoil,
therefore generally cold ; and yet Pears, which
are usually diffident of growth on such ground,
here flourish and grow strongly. Last year,
against a south wall, my Doyenne du Cornice
produced some very beautiful specimens : while
this year, although full of blossom, there was not
a Pear-fruit either on wall or pyramid. Pitmaston
Duchess bore last year, and this also, making
strong wood. The new and beautiful Pear,
Parrot, bore very handsome, almost flavourless
fruits, and has been taken from the south wall to try
it as a pyramid, but with non-success. Beurre Alex-
andre Lucas gave large, handsome, highly coloured
and attractive fruit, but not of a high flavour, in
point of fact being somewhat lacking in this
respect. I like Souvenir de Baltet Pere much ;
Madame Treyve is good. Dr. Julius the frost
nearly killed, and it still looks delicate ; Ma-
rillat was large, but poor in flavour. As a
baking Pear I know of none equal to Catillac.
It is also a good bearer. I have several others
that, although they blossomed well, have not set
any fruit this year, so 1 hope for better success
in 1904. Harrison Weir, Poplar Hall, Appledore,
Kent.

MELONS RIPE IN DECEMBER. — On taking
charge of Baiham Court Gardens, Teston, Maid-
stone, under Mr. Walder a few weeks ago, I was
greatly surprised to find an excellent crop of
Melons just beginning to net, and on December 1
we cut the first fruits, grandly coloured, and
weighing on an average 3 lb. each. They were
planted with the hope of finishing them so as to
help over a large dessert at the Court, as hardy
fruits were scarce. Have any of your corre-
spondents ever succeeded in finishing a crop so
late ? F. Streeter, gr.

BOWHILL HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.—
It was very interesting to me, for to read in your
issue of the 5th the presentation to Mr. Lunt, as
Secretary and Treasurer of the Bowhill Horticul-

tural Association, which shows that this Associ-
ation is still in existence. It was founded just
twenty-one years ago, during your humble ser-
vant's term of apprenticeship there, under the
auspices of the late Mr. Mathieson, the then head
gardener, and perhaps a more instrumental person
in the matter was his foreman, Mr. Brown, who
succeeded Mr. Mathieson as head gardener. It
was formed to encourage the love for flowers and
plants amongst the cottagers upon the Duke of
Buccleuch's estate, and was only for employes
nhereon. It was then, and I should think is now,
a great success ; and one of my reasons for en-
croaching upon your valuable space is to suggest
that this should be more generally carried out
upon large estates in country places. I dare-
say in a great many cases the subject only
needs introducing to the notice of the employer.
Looking up an old Bowhill schedule of prizes, I
see that the Association offered some JX in money
prizes ; there was also about £6 in money prizes
from friends. Then there was a tradesmen's
prize, and the tradesmen in the neighbouring
town of Selkirk were very liberal in this respect,
in giving prizes in kind. We had a good working
Committee which of course is the key to success,
and all employes paid 2s. annually. H. R. W.,
Bedgebury Park.

TREE-CARNATION8 AT SANDRINQHAM.— In a
note on Sandringham, on p. 40G of last week's
issue, it was stated that plants of Winter Cheer
rooted in January last produced fifty blooms.
Having for some time past grown about 1,000
plants in these gardens and elsewhere, and finding
that from twenty to thirty flowers per plant is
about the yield, I should be glad to know the
details of cultivation that have produced such
results at Sandringham. W. Elkington, Foreman,
Farming Woods Gardens, Thrapston, Northants.
[There was no exaggeration in the note last
week. We will endeavour to describe the culti-
vation practised at Sandringham in an early
issue. Ed.]

THE STRAWBERRY-GRAPE. — This is the Isa-
bella or the American Fox Grape, described by
the late Dr. Hogg, to whom I sent bunches of
ripe fruit many years ago. After the Muscats, it
is preferred by my employer, Lord Middleton,
and his lady, to any other variety. It is also
very much appreciated by many of the visitors to
I'.irdsall. Mr. Albert Geddins, gr. to the late
Empress Frederick, told me that her Majesty was
very fond of it ; and he grew it extensively for
the royal table. I think this variety and Ferdi-
nand de Lesseps want more attention given to
them by market growers ; and if raisers of new
varieties would try to obtain a good variety or
two with larger berries and retain the exquisite
flavour of the Strawberry-Grape, a good advance
would have been made. When the range of glass-
houses was erected at Birdsall a Vine of this
Grape was planted in each of the four span-roof
vineries, and these Vines were trained under the
roof ventilator, extending the entire length of each
vinery. They still occupy the same position, and
are very prolific and useful. Like Dr. Bonavia, I
tried to sell the Grapes at Scarborough in the
Scarborough season, but without success, as the
taste for them apparently had not been acquired.
Bailey Wadds.

MELAMPSORA PINITORQUA.— The instructive
article in the Gardeners' Chronicle of the 21st of
last month on this subject, by Mr. Geo. Massee,
has afforded me, and doubtless many others of
your readers, great interest. For myself, I am
interested in that I fancy I see a possible solution
of the question which has puzzled me in relation
to a similar deformity affecting Plum-trees in my
garden : specimens of these deformed shoots are
forwarded herewith. The deformity exhibited
itself first on a wilding Plum which I planted as
a shelter tree in 1899. The following year, 1900,
was a very dry year, and I thought that probably
the drought was the actual cause of the deformity.
I took off and burnt the faulty shoots in the
following winter, thinking to make an end of it.
But in 1901 some of the adjoining cultivated
Plum-trees were badly affected, and so were the
Gooseberry-bushes in the vicinity of the affected
trees. Again I removed and burnt the mal-
formations on all the plants. Well, now, in this
year of unprecedented wetness, the wilding

Plum-tree has been as badly affected as ever
before, so one cannot reasonably attribute the
affection to extreme wet or dry conditions of the
weather. The other Plum-trees and the Goose-
berry-bushes have this year been scarcely affected
at all. I may say that cultivation has been
liberal all the way through and all round. The
question then comes — Is this the result of a-
fungoidal attack similar to that resulting in the
" Pine-branch twist " ? G. Paul, Harrogate.

THE PROPOSED GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.

Your correspondent Mr. A. Dean invites .pro-
posals to be laid before the proposed Association .
Kindly allow me to suggest one, viz.: — Thata-
sort of bureau or enquiry office be established in
some convenient centre, for the purpose of
enabling gardeners to make enquiry as to what
sort of a place as well as the character of the
employer he is about to engage with, for many
gardeners know to their cost that there are bad
masters as well as unworthy servants. Within a-
very short distance of the place from whence I
write is a place where seven gardeners in a little
over six years have been engaged, and all of them
brought from a distance and mostly young, men.
Most of these gardeners had to leave without
any prospect of obtaining a situation; or if
fortunate to hear of a place they were asked the
usual questions as to the whereabouts of their
last place, length of service, &c. They were
probably told the old story that Mr. So-and-So
would be communicated with, and of course
nothing more would be heard of the matter, or if
so fortunate as to be communicated with, it
would be to the effect that other arrangements
had been made. Employers, moreover, are
becoming reluctant to give certificates, and when
one is requested the applicant is told, any com-
munication that may be made will be replied to.
The entire procedure is far from being satis-
factory to gardeners or other servants in private
places. I have long thought that something of
this sort was wanted now that gardeners have ■
become so much more numerous than situations _
Ivy.

I quite agree with your correspondents

" A. D.," that it is not desirable to saddle the Royal
Horticultural Society with the cares and respon-
sibilities of the proposed gardeners' association ;
at the same time I have no doubt it would, meta-
phorically speaking, take it under its wing, and
assist in various ways to make it a success. Pos-
sibly the allocation of offices in the new horticul-
tural hall, and the use of a room for large gather-
ings, annual meetings, &c, for which the associa-
tion would, of course, pay, could be arranged. 1
quite understand the members of the Royal Horti-
cultural Society's Council are not a body of profes-
sional gardeners [some are] ; but from their very
office they belong to the same category, and are all
deeply interested in horticulture, and should feel
it to be both a duty and pleasure to do what they
can to improve the lot of gardeners generally.
Personally I cannot conceive how it is possible to-
improve the social position of a private gardener
as the law at present stands, which distinctly
states that he is a domestic servant. Further, in
the eyes of the general public, he does a little
jobbing work for a nurseryman for a few months^
and earns in that way a precarious livelihood,
trimming up villa gardens at about 2s. (id. [4s. 6<J_
near London] a day. Some are illiterate, and
would find it a difficult matter to write their own.
names legibly. Such a gardener is by the public
placed pretty much on the same plane as first-
class gardeners, who must of necessity be well
educated, with a good knowledge of every branch
of their business, and in some instances linguists, .
and botanists. Surely this is monstrous, and
nothing but the indifference of real gardeners is
responsible for this state of affairs. As much
skill is needed and as much intelligence is
required to become a first-class gardener as in
other recognised professions ; and it does not
surprise me to find landscape gardeners changing
their title to landscape architects and engineers,
although I should like to ask them to come back
to the fold and stick to the grand old title,
good enough to ensure respect where those
using it are worthy of it. There are institutes
of British this and that ; why not an Institute of
British Gardeners — with, as a matter of course..

December 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

427

stiff examinations ? Then tbe profession would
be protected, and, in all probability, recognised ;
and employers would doubtless engage the
services of certificated men, when the ineffieients
would take their proper place ; and steps should
be tat en to prevent them using the title of gar-
dener unless in possession of such certificates, or,
at any rate, they should style themselves assistant
gardeners only. It is gratifying to know that
head gardeners and superintendents of parks and
open spaces under the control of public bodies,
corporations, &c , are taking their proper place.
Walter H. Aygett.

WINTER-GRAFTED ROSES.— If I am entitled
to a reply to Mr. C. E. F. Allen, which as far as I
am concerned must close the discussion, I must
say that for him to appeal to other authorities to
make good his case makes his own rather a weak
one, if successful practical results, the outcome of
" personal experience," count for anything. I
grant, and have done so all along, that during
the first week the frames should be closed, but I
am not aware there is any fixed rule for tbe
eighth or nineteenth days, as the atmosphere
outside and heat within will have a varying
influence on the temperature, and it is a matter
which must be decided by the grower himself, as
no hard-and-fast line can be drawn. If the fusion
of graft and stock takes place in eight or ten
days, it must be accomplished by means of a high
temperature, and, as " C. E. F. A. " must well
know, such treatment would not conduce to the
well-being of the grafts ; although I grant it
would be permissible in herbaceous grafting later
on in the spring when the sun begins to have
power and the flow of sap is more active. If
"C. E. F. A." reads my remarks aright, he will
see what I did say was to graduate the air, giving
little by little up to the few hours spoken of, and
that would be nearly up to the period that the
grafts would be removed from the frames into the
house, the callus stage, or " fusion of scion and
stock," being long since passed. J. D. O.

THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT IN-
STITUTION.— The frequency with which I am at
the present time receiving, as a subscriber to the
above valuable Institution, applications for votes
at the next annual election is a melancholy proof
of the existence of many sorely in need of such
assistance as the Institution affords. It is im-
possible, of course, to estimate the different
degrees of need ; some are doubtless more acute
than others, but I think it may be safely assumed
that all the applications represent cases of a ion.')-
fide character j and of these many applications
only a very few can be successful at the election.-
Is the gardening profession affording all the
assistance reasonably expected from it to the
Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution ? I fear
not. Last year I made an urgent application to
a number of gardeners who are exhibitors at
flower-shows, who, in not a few cases, take good
sums of money in the form of prizes — men whose
names are not among the supporters of the
Institution, and from some of whom I confidently
expected a ready support. Alas ! my disappoint-
ment was very great. I know that many say, " A
guinea a year is more than I can afford " j and
yet it means a weekly sum of a little under five-
pence ! What I fear is lacking is interest in the
Institution. There is apparently among the mem-
bers of the craft a sad want of sympathy with
their fellow-creatures in misfortune. Why is it that
the members of the gardening profession appear to
be destitute as a body of that warm sympathetic
interest in the welfare of their own class which
one finds in the great trade combinations in the
country, and also among many other classes of
workers ? Is it because many of them who
reside in country districts and in comparative
isolation lose, for lack of companionship, the
grasp of those social sympathies which incline
men to be helpful to each other ? I desire most
earnestly at this Christmas season to make an
appeal to those gardeners and to others interested
in gardening tor support to this gardening
charity, which is so much in need of increased
assistance. It is possible to collect small sums,
and so make up a bigger one, if only the impulse
of willingness be given to the work. Every
locality in which gardeners reside might be made
a centre of collection of small sums, if only a

generous willingness compelled action. As I
said at the recent Gardeners' Dinner at the
Holborn Restaurant, ■' The multiple of a guinea
runs down to sixpence ; if you cannot afford a
guinea, collect sixpences and shillings."

" He who gives little from his store,

If little be bis means,
Presses on as far to the Heavenward shore
As lie who gives ten times the more,

If ten times more his means."

R. D.

CHRYSANTHEMUM SPORT.— The variety Mrs.
Swinburne, which was raised by Mr. H. Weeks
and sent out last spring, is the equal of any of
the fine white varieties sent out by this very
successful raiser, and one of the tbree plants
which I bought has "sported." In colour the
sport is almost exactly like Loveliness. Mrs.
Swinburne is a very robust and dwarf grower,
being only 4 feet in height. It requires stopping
from the middle to the end of April, after which
the first flower-buds should be retained. A.
Jefferies.

ECHINOCACTUS DE LAETI. — In a recent issue
of the Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 325, "F. C." states
that the flower of Echinocactus de Laeti is so very
different from all the other flowers of the genus
that this species should not be included in the
genus Echinocactus. I described this species and
know its flowers very well, and I cannot agree
with "F. C.V opinion. The flower is very
similar to that of Echinocactus gibbosus, a very
well-known and freely-flowering species of the
genus. The flowers of Echinocactus denudatus,
Link, et Otto, E. Amritrii, K. Sch., E. Davidii,
K. Sch., in their essential characters are not very
different from that of E. de Laeti j so that I
cannot agree in the propriety of founding a new
genus on the last, or of placing"it in any other
genus of the family. Karl Schumann, Berlin.

BULB GARDEN.

NARCISSUS CYCLAMINEUS and the CLASSI-
FICATION OF GARDEN DAFFODILS.

I am, and always have been, entirely in agree-
ment with the writer in the Journal of the Royal
Horticultural Society, and with Mr. Wolley Dod, as
to the classification of Narcissu s cy cl amine us. This
is a perfectly good and distinct species, if the
term " Species " has any intelligible and useful con-
notation. By the tyranny of the highly artificial
classification of twenty years ago, which served a
sufficiently useful purpose for the time being,
this very remarkable little plant was included
under N. pseudo-narcissus, simply because its
"crown or trumpet is as long as, or rather longer
than, the divisions of the perianth." To make it
a form of pseudo-narcissus on this account, when
it has the unique and distinguishing character of
absence of tube, as well as other strongly marked
differences, is as illogical as though we set N. tri-
andrus under N. pseudo-narcissus because of this
same relation between segments and corona, and
ignored all its obvious characters of separation.
The suggestion that N. cyclamineus is of hybrid
origin between some form of N. pseudo-narcissus
and N. triandus may be set aside as theo-
retically impossible for the reason adduced
by Mr. Wolley Dod (p. 393). As to the practical
impossibility, perhaps my own experience is of
some value. I suppose I have had more cross-
bred seedlings of Narcissi, especially of N.
triandrus, under my eye in the last twenty
years than anyone else, and I have never fin
a flower with the remotest resemblance to N. cy-
clamineus. Moreover, whether self-fertilised or
crossed, N. cyclamineus in its seedlings never
breaks up into such supposed elements of
parentage, but impresses its single individuality
on its progeny most markedly.

I will take this opportunity to say a few
words about old and proposod new classifications
of the Narcissus. When Mr. Peter Bart was
making :ind arranging his collection— a reallj

wonderful achievement for which we can scarcely
be grateful enough — his system and names were
mainly those of Parkinson, Haworth, and
Baker. Multiplicity of material caused him to
refine upon their nomenclature, and conse-
quently in his lists previous to 1881 there was a
great complexity of Latin names. Thus under
the one division of N. incomparabilis we find some
thirty varieties distinguished by one, two, or
even three Latin adjective; — incomparabilis,
incomparabilis albidus, incomparabilis albidus
elongatus, &c. Then came the Daffodil Con-
ference held in April, 1884, under the aus-
pices of the Royal Horticultural Society, when
a resolution was passed "that garden va-
rieties of Narcissi, whether known hybrids or
natural seedlings, should be named or numbered
in the manner adopted by florists, and not in the
manner adopted by botanists." This decree took
effect, but although the garden Narcissi then
catalogued were renamed in English, and English
names have been given to the multitude which
have been raised since, they have still been fitted
or forced into the same Latin-labelled pigeon-
holes which were constructed for the species and
their varieties and hybrids known in 1884 and
earlier. A flower may be named plain Betsy, but
for the catalogue or exhibition stage it must be,
say, Narcissus Ajax bicolor Betsy. As every
Narcissus will cross with every other, and every-
body has been busily crossing them, a crowd of
hybrids has arisen and will arise for which no
pigeon-holes are available, and a demand is being
made that an entirely new piece of classical fur-
niture shall be built for their reception, or a new
range of pigeon-holes added to the antique
cabinet. Two schemes of fresh classification have
been proposed in 1903. The first, by Professor
Hillhouse, of Birmingham, though ingenious, is
impracticable, because it abolishes the present
system only to replace it by one still more
complex and arbitrary. The second, advocated
by Messrs. Burbidge and Barr, is an extension
and in a small measure a simplification of the
present system, but seems to me equally im-
possible of adoption because it provides that
every flower shall be classified by actual measure-
ment, in inches and fractions, of its corona and
perianth segments.

Has not the time come when the Narcissus can
dispense altogether with a cumbrous and pedantic
classification? It is no dispiragement to its
authoi-3 to point out that it has served its turn.
Mr. U. J. Elwe3, in his above-quoted resolution
of 1SSI-, saw the kernel of the matter when he
proposed that the Narcissus should be named
after the manner of florists. Since then it has
become still more in every respect a true florist's
flower, dependent for its rank and popularity
upon its constantly progressing beauty of form
and colour, quite apart from ancestry and classi-
fication. If it is asked, " How then shall we group
the Narcissi in lists and exhibitions 'i " it may be
answered that the Kose, for example, is the
outcome of a similar commingling of species,
and has its pigeon holes and hortus siccus
in books and museums, but nevertheless is
satisfactorily catalogued and exhibited with a
sufficiently simple nomenclature. For myself. I
have long ago ceased to take any interest in all
this dubious Latinity. People come to my
arounds in April and ask me with vehemence
whether this or that is an Incomparabilis or a
Barrii. I always answer that I have not the
least idea, but that it seems to me a nice flower
with a good deal of red in the middle, or other-
wise. At all events this much is true, that
however beautiful and comprehensive a classifi-
cation of Narcissi' may be in 1!K>4, it certainly
will not hold the plethora of new forms which
will jostle one another in 1914b but* like NsroiMiU
himself, will at last die of its own beauty.
G. II. Kn.iUlieart.

428

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Decembek 19, 1903.

THE PROPOSED GARDENERS"

ASSOCIATION.
A largely attended meeting of gardeners
was, by kind permission, held at the Horticul-
tural Club on Tuesday last, to take the proposal
to form a National Gardeners' Association into
consideration. Mr. O. Thomas, V.M.H., was
voted to the Chair, and Mr. A. Dean acted as
Secretary. Tho latter gave a resume of the
various letters which he had received from
various gardeners, all warmly approving of the
proposal, though few gave practical reasons for
the formation of an association. One letter was
from a lady head-gardener at Leamington, who
claimed for her sex the right of membership if
the association be formed.

As the originator of the proposal, Mr. "W. H.
Divers, of Belvoir Castle Gardens, was the first
invited to speak. He gave a lucid explanation
of his reasons for desiring the formation of such
a body as is proposed. He thought gardeners,
and especially the heads of first-class places,
should occupy a professional status equal to that
held by members of ordinary professions, that the
stigma placed on gardeners of being mere do-
mestic servants should be removed, and especially
dwelt on the need for some remedy for the
present overcrowding of the professional-gardener
element, as that tended to reduce wages. He
would like to see a more exacting education re-
quired for young gardeners, so as to place only
the best men into good positions, and thus also
elevate the gardener's social status. Anything
like trade-unionism should be rigidly excluded
from consideration. Nothing in his estimation
tended so much to the comfort of gardeners as
the securing the esteem and confidence of their
employers. He would like to see the central
association allied to. the various gardeners' asso-
ciations of the kingdom, and also rendering
tangible help to the garden charities.

Mr. C. It. Fielder expressed his satisfaction
that no element of trade-unionism was suggested.
Mr. J. Mclndoe, V M.H., thought the Association
should be formed and then more complete atten-
tion could be devoted to the domestic-servant
aspect which some found so offensive. It had
been said that there were too many young men
taken into the bothies, many of whom became
failures. In the North he had found it difficult
to obtain young men, as the small pay offered
did not tempt them. It was not so in the South,
where they were perhaps too numerous. At
present the number of the higher grade of gar-
deners was too overcrowded.

Mr. G. Norman, V.M.H., feared that an associa-
tion could not do much , but thought that the Roy al
Horticultural Society could materially assist
gardeners. It might keep a register of gardeners
wanting situations, and see that only the best
men were put into them. He should regard a
good recommendation from a head gardener as a
first-rate certificate of merit to a young man.
Formerly foremen were advanced to that posi-
tion at 25 years of age, now they had often to
wait until thirty years, and then in myriads of
instances the heads were superseded when hardly
fifty years old by younger, much less experienced
and cheaper men. He would like to see young
men compelled to spend some time in getting a
knowledge of forestry, farming, general work, &c,
so as to qualify them later in life to become
stewards and agents.

Mr. J. Willard wished to see gardeners doing
everything they could to raise themselves.

Mr. J. Jacques would like to see an examination
test applied to young gardeners, and thought
the Royal Horticultural Society could undertake
that work.

Mr. W. Howe thought that compelling the
passing of an examination would lie unfair to
many a young fellow in whose abilities the head
had full confidence.

Mr. Fielder thought out of pure good nature

" Heads " were often too liberal in the matter
of recommendations.

The Chairman felt that an examination as
proposed might deal rather harshly with many
otherwise excellent young men, but in any case
preferred an examination conducted by the
Association itself.

Various other speakers took part in a long
and interesting debate. Ultimately, on the
proposal of Mr. Norman, seconded by Mr.
Mclndoe, it was unanimously resolved that,
to enable more opinions to be obtained as to
a National Gardeners' Association, the meeting
stand adjourned until the second Drill Hall
meeting in February, and that a small com-
mittee, consisting of Mr. Thomas (Chairman),
Mr. A. Dean (Secretary), and Messrs. Divers,
Mclndoe, Willard, Jaques, Norman, Keif, Dixon
and Allan be formed to prepare a scheme as a
basis for discussion and bring up the same at the
February meeting.

SOCIETI ES.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL.

December 15.— The last meeting of the Committees
for the Calendar year 1M3 (not Society's year) took place
on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate,
Westminster.

There wasavery nice display of flowers and flowering
plants, also of trees and shrubs in pots, and other
interesting exhibits. The great feature of the meeting
was the wonderful show of Orchids; and of Orchids
the Cjpiipediums were more numerous and attractive
than the rest of the species. Never has such a magni-
ficent lot of Cypripedlums been shown In the Drill
Hall. The Orchid Committee recommended one
First class Certificate and Ave Awards of Merit to
novelties.

Before the Floral Committee there were shown
several collections of Chrysanthemum flowers; and
the brightest exhibit was a group of winter-flowering
Begonias from Messrs. James Veitch & Sons. The
uncommon award of a Gold Medal was made in the case
of an exhibit of alpine plants from Messrs. T. S.
Ware, Ltd. An exhibit from Lord Aldenham of
growths cut from deciduous shrubs having coloured
stems was very interesting. Only two Awards of Merit
were recommended to novelties— one to a decorative
variety of Chrysanthemum, and another to a new
Codkeum.

The Fruit and Vegetable Committee made no
award to a novelty, but awarded two Medals, one for a
collection of Grapes, and another for an exhibit of
Onions.

At a meeting in the afternoon there were seventy-one
new Fellows elected to the privileges of the Society,
making a total of more than 1.4C0 elected during the
present year.

Floral Committee.

Present: W. Marshall. Esq. (Chairman) ; and Messrs.
H. B. May, Chas. T. Druery, Geo. Nicholson, W. Y.
Baker, Jas. Walker, R. Dean, A. Perry, J. F. McLeod,
J. Jennings, W. Howe, G. Reuthe, C. R. Fielder,
W. Bain, Chas. Dixon, Chas. Jeffries, H. J. Cutbush
Chas. E. Pearson, R. C. Notcutt, H. J. Jones, W. P.'
Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, C. E. Shea, George Paul, and
Harry Turner.

Messrs. T. S. Ware (lnoi), Ltd., Feltham, Middlesex,
had a very large exhibit of alpine plants growing in
pans. These were not in flower, but the specimens
were in excellent condition of health and growth, and
constituted a remarkable collection of about iuo
different sorts of evergreen rock plants (Gold Medal).

Messrs. Thos. Rochfobd &Sons, Turnford Hall Nur-
series, Broxbourne, exhibited a group of Codhcums, in
which were two dozen or so plants of the variety Turn-
fordiensis, described below ; also two other varieties,
both narrow-leaved; they were named Golden Gem, and
eleganti6simum roseum, the latter having considerable
red colour, and being most attractive (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Messrs. Wit. Cutisush & Son, Highgate, London, N.,
exhibited a few hardy plants in flower, such as Galan-
thus cilicicus. Narcissus bulbacodium monophyllus,
the double red-flowered Primula acaulis (Primrose), P.
megasecefolia, Iris Vartani, I. stylosa, Schizostylis coc-
cinea, &c. ; also berried plants, as Pernettyas, Skimmia
japonica, and other shrubs.

Chrysanthemum " Heston White,"' a sport from Fram-
field Pink, was shown by Messrs. Cragg, Harrison A
Cragg.

Messrs. Wells & Co., Earlswood Nurseries, Redliill,
Surrey, showed a collection of Chrysanthemum flowers
in a number of late varieties. The most attractive
were Miss Jessie Cottie (yellow). King of Plumes, Miss
Emily Fowler (yellow), Daisy (single, white), Treasure
(single, yellow) \. also a few large flowers, as those o£
May Inglis, Madame P. Kadaelli, &c. (Silver Banksian
Medal).

Kr. Hemming. The Gardens, Alexandra Palace, also
showed Chrysanthemums of late flowering decorative
varieties.

Mr. John Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Richmond,
made an exhibit of small decorative shrubs in pots,
amongst which were Eleagnus aureo-picta, Aucuba
japonica, A. vera, A. maculata, Garrya elliptica, Eurya
latifolia, Hedera flavescens. a beautiful Golden Ivy,
H. madeirensis variety (green and white), Daphue|odora
(indlca), rubra, &c.

Mr. Jno.Robson, nurseryman, Altrinchain, exhibited
plants of a variety of Bouvardia with single red flowers.
It was named Mrs. McCullock, and the plants had been
grown from cuttings taken in June from roots Imported
in a dry state from Australia.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery,
King's Road, Chelsea, made a glorious exhibit of
winter-flowering Begonias. Tne variety Winter-Cheer,
though it has been many limes at the Drill Hall, was
more brilliant than ever, and the plants more abun.
dantly flowered. These winter -blooming Begonias
impress us more and more, and are certainly amongst
the most notable productions of latter-day horticulture.
The varieties shown included Winter Cheer, Julius,
Eusign, the dwarf growing Agatha and Agatha com-
pacts; also the species B. socotrana, one of the parents
of this strain. There were some pretty plants in bloom
of Geanera (Naegelia) exoniensis (Silver- gilt Flora
Medal).

Messrs. W. Bull & Sons, New and Rare Plant
Establishment, King's Road. Chelsea, exhibited a group
of well-grown Palms, many of them choice and some rare
species. There was a very beautiful plant of Phcenix
Ricbelini ; also of Caryota Woodfordii (an effective
plant with orange coloured stems), Cocos Weddelliana,
Calamus intermedius, Piitchardia pacitica, Geonoma
Schottiana, Licuala giandis, Corypha Wogani (Silver
Flora Medal).

Messrs. Cutbush & Son, Nurserymen, of Highgate
and Barnet, made an exhibit of Evergreen shrubs
and trees in pots, in which were included Hollies in
great variety, Cupressus. Ivies, EuoDymus in variety,
Taxus, Juniperus, Picea Engelmanni var. glauca,
Garrya elliptica, Pernettya mucronata in variety. As
these plants had a stature of 2 feet to 10 feet, the group
was imposing and instructive (Silver-gilt Banksian
Medal).

Lord Aldenham, Elstree (gr., Mr. Beckett), exhi-
bited shoots of a large number of species of de-
ciduous shrubs in bundles, stuck into vessels of
water to show habit and the colour of the rind in
the winter season, the latter a matter too little con-
sidered by planters. Among the more striking we
may mention Rosa viridilloratstill carrying flowers and
leaves), Cornus sanguinea, C. s. atrosanguinea, Spirrca
canescens, Rubus ph i cnicolasius (red rind, covered with
red spines), Polygonum sachalincnse, Ribes sangui-
neum, Kerria japonica, Salix purpurea, S. albo vitellina
(bright yellow), S. laurina (with a deep purple rind),
Leycesteria formosa (still in bloom and leaf), Spartium
junceum, Rosa alpina pyrenaica (shoots covered
with stiff red spines), Fraxinus excelsior aurea,
Euonymus europteus (beautifully fruited), Rubus
cratoegifolia, Spiraea Lindleyana (with red-brown rind),
Bambusa metake, Deutzia crenata (the shoots having
red brown rind), Salix rubra, S. jaune des Ardennes
(of a ruddy-brown tint), Rhus typhina (with a rich
brown rind), Tamarix japonica, Rubus canadensis
rubra, <&c. (Silver-gilt Flora Med»l).

Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, exhi-
bited about forty bunches of llowers of zonal Pelargo-
niums, in a number of choice varieties, having very
large flowers and brilliant colours (Silver Flora Medal).
Messrs. Champion it Co., 115, City Road, E.C., ex-
hibited wooden tubs for the cultivation of shrub's.

Awards of Merit.

Chrymnthemum, Allmmi't Yellow. — This excellent
yellow-coloured decorative Chrysanthemum was de-
scribed in our last issue on p. 410. when a First-class
Certificate had been awarded by the National Chrysan-
themum Society. From Mr. T. Allman, Dartford, Kent.

Codixum (Crolon) Turnfordievse.— This is a compara-
tively broad-leaved variety of excellent effect, the
leaves being about 2h inches across at the widest part,
and suddenly tapering to a [point. The centre of the

DECEMBER 10, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

\
429

leaf is rich yellow in colour and tlie margins deep
olive-green. The stem of the plant and the petioles of
the leaves are yellow, tinted here and there with rose
colour. Shown by Messrs. Thos. Rochfohd & Sons,
Turnford Hall Nurseries, Broxbourne.

Orchid Committee.

Present : Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Chair) ; and
Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), de B. Crawshay, R.
Brooman-White, H. M. Pollett, H. Ballantine, J.
Douglas, F. Wellesley, J. Colman, H. T. Pitt, W. A.
Bilney, A. A. McBean, J. Charlesworth, E. Hill, T. W.
Bond, M. Gleeson, J. W. Odell, W. Boxall, J. W.
Potter, W. H. Young, H. J. Chapman, W. H. White,
H. A. Tracy, H. Little.

There was perhaps the largest show of Orohids of
the year, the Cypripediurus contributing the greater
number ; and of them the forms of C. insigne and
C. Lceanum were largely in the majority. All the
leading groups contained many of the best varieties
of such Cypripediums as C. insigne Harefield Hall, C. i.
Sanderre, C. i. Sanderianum, and other yellow varie-
ties, and there is therefore need only to particularise
other good species and varieties not so abundantly
shown, or special plants.

Baron Sir H. Schroder, The Dell, Egham, had a re-
markably fine group, good alike in variety and cul-
ture, several of the larger specimens bearing a great
number of flowers. For example, C. xMrs. Chas. Can-
ham had thirty -five blooms ; C. Leeanum Masereeli-
anum, twenty -four flowers ; C. Pitcherianum, eighteen;
and others were proportionately good. This collection
contained the only First-class Certificated plant of
the day, viz., Odontoglossum x Vuylstekei vlvicans ■
(see Awards), and several new hybrids, one being an
improvement on C. x triumphans ; and C. xDellense
(Lathamianum x insigne Sanderianum), a showy and
distinct-looking flower. Others noted were C. insigne
Sandenc (with eight flowers), C. i. undulatum (with
pretty waved edged petals and dorsal sepal), a pretty
Odontoglossum x Humeanuni.the pale yellow O. luteo-
purpureum Amesianum, O. x cuspidatum xanthoglos-
sum, Oncidium ornithorhynchum album (with seven
branched spikes), and a line plant of Lycaste x Ballhe
with many flowers. A Silver-gilt Flora Medal was
awarded.

Noeman C. Cookson, Esq , Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr
H. J. Chapman), sent a remarkably fine collection, in
which the blotched forms of Odontoglossum crispum
formed the centre of the group. These included O.
crispum Cooksoniaimm, a grand white flower blotched
with chocolate purple; O. c. Peetersii, white tinged
with purple and finely blotched; and other spotted
forms ; O. Pescatorei Linden! ; Cypripedium insigne
SanderM1, with ten flowers (Cultural Commendation);
and C. i. S., Oakwood Seedling (see Awards), C. x Niobe,
Oakwood variety, C. x Juno, C. x Baron Schroder. C.
x Norma, C. x Youngiano-superbiens, and other fine
Cypripediums, including several fine C. x Arcturus,
raised at Oakwood (Silver-gilt Flora Medal).

J. Colman, Esq , Gatton Park (gr., Mr. W. P. Bound),
staged an excellent group well arranged with Asparagus
Sprengeri, the effect being heightened by an arrange-
ment of the winter-flowering Calanthes Wm. Murray,
Bryan, varieties of vestita, and the bright rose-
tinted Veitchii at intervals. ' Most of the best Cypri-
pediums were also included, and among specially fine
things observed were Lycaste Skinneri alba, Cypri-
pedium Argus Moensii and a fine selection of the best
form of C. : Leeanum (Silver gilt Flora Medal).

G. F. Mooee, Esq., Bourton-on-theWater (gr., Mr.
Page), was awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a very
extensive and remarkable collection of Cypripediums
of great variety and beauty, the best forms of C.
insigne, and C. Leeanum. as in other groups, pre-
dominating ; about seventy five named species and
varieties of Cypripedium and some unnamed being
included.

O. O. Wrigley, Esq., Bridge Hall, Bury (gr., Mr. E.
Rogers), secured a Silver Flora Medal for a very exten-
sive collection of Cypripediums, the cut flowers of
nearly one hundred varieties (several flowers of each)
being represented. Among the Cypripediums C. insigne
Berryanum was a fine form, with few but very large
dark blotches on the upper sepal ; C. i. Wrigley's va-
riety, very pretty, distinct and finely marked ; so also
C. i. macranthum, C. X Euryades Wrigleyanum. C. x
Curtiso-ciliolare and a fine C. x triumphans. Twelve
distinct varieties of yellow C. insigne were also
included.

W. E. Budgett, Esq., Henbury, Bristol, was awarded
a Silver Flora Medal for a fine group of Cypripediums,
made up of about one hundred and-ninety well grown
plants of the finest varieties. The exhibit was all the

more praiseworthy seeing that Mr. Budgett cultivates
his Orchids without professional assistance.

Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, secured a Silver
Flora Medal for an excellent group, in which were
noted Cypripedium insigne Mrs. F. W. Moore, a pretty
and distinct yellow- flowered variety with a dorsal
sepal, the upper half of which is white, a few pale
purple blotches appearing at the base of the white
portion ; C. i. Dormanianum, pretty C. x Euryades,
Odontoglossum crispum, Cypripedium x Leeanum
magnificum, C. insigne " Monk's Cowl," with a concave
dorsal sepal; C. i. Statterianum, C. x Lawreneo-
Charlesworthii, of dark reddish- purple tint; Cymbi-
dium Tracyanum, <Sc.

Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, were awarded
a Silver Flora Medal for a group of hybrid Orchids, the
rose and purple tints of the Lielio-Cattleyas affording
a contrast to the large number of Cypripediums in
other groups. The best in the group were Ljelio-Cat-
tleya x Epicasta, L.-C.xHon. Mrs. Astor, L.-C.x lumi-
nosa. L.-C.x Semiramis, L.-C.x Terentia, L.-C xcoronis,
L.-C. x Eunomia, L.-C. x Cappei, L -C. x Bryan, L.-C.
x Wellsiana ; Laslia x Icarus, L. x Mrs. Gratrix ;
Cypripedium x Niobe, and C. x Baron Schroder were
also shown.

Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, received a Silver Bank-
sian Medal for a small group of very fine Cypripediums,
the best of which were the delicately tinted C. x i;ueen
of Italy (insigne Sanderse x Godefroyae leuchochilum),
certificated at the last meeting. Besides these there
were a good C. x Charlesianum, a fine hybrid between
C. x Leeanum var. and C. Sallieri Hyeanum ; C. x
Leeanum giganteum, and others.

Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Upper Holloway.
staged an effective group for which a Silver Banksian
Medal was awarded. It contained plants of L:elio-
Cattleya x Sallieri. Calanthe x Sandhurstiana, C. x
Oweniana, Cypripedium x Williamsianum, C. x Pitch-
erianum William's variety, several fine iorms of C. x
Harrisianum, C. insigne grandiflorum, C. i. violaceo-
punctatum, C. x nitens superbum, S. x Leeanum
varieties, and other good hybrids.

Mr. H. Whateley, Kenilworth, received a Silver
Banksian Medal for a group of varieties of Cypripedium
x Leeanum; Odontoglossum crispum. Including a
pretty variety with flowers tinted with rose; Zygo-
petalum Mackayi, &c.

M. Chas. Vuylstere, Loochristy, Ghent, sent Odon-
toglossum x ardentissimum radicans, a form which
resembles a purple spotted O. Pescatorei, but with
larger flowers ; O. x Harryano-crlspum ridens, which
secured an Award; O. x loochristyense omativum.a
large pale-coloured variety; a good O. x Wilckeanum
and Miltonia vexillaria robusta autumnalis, a large
flowered form said to be of the autumn-flowering type
habitually.

Captain G. L. Holi obd. Westonbirt (gr. Mr. H. Alex-
ander), showed Lalio-Cattleya x Ophlr superba (L.
xanthina x C. aurea) with bright yellow flowers tinged
with rose on the lip ; Cypripedium x Charlesianum
superbum, C. x Euryades aureum. C. x E. marginatum.
C. x E. superbum, and C. x E. Westonbirt variety, all
very handsome and distinct.

Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, staged a good
group, in which were Cypripedium x Clio magnificum,
C. x Charlesianum, C. x Garrett A. Ilobart inversum,
C. Charlesworthli, albino varieties of C. insigne and C.
X Leeanum, Cattleya x Adonis, Lrelio Cattleya x Hel-
vetia, L.-C. x Bletchleycnsis, Ltclia anceps Amesiana,
&c.

J. T. Bennett-Pol, Esq., Holmewood Cheshunt (gr.,
Mr. Downes), sent Cymbidium x Tracyano giganteum,
with flowers marked similarly to those of C. giganteum,
but with some appearance of C. Tracyanum in the lip.

Mr. H. A. Tracy, Twickenham, showed Cypripedium
x Chas. Canham aureum of an almost entirely yellow
tint.

Lieut. -Col. Cary Batten, Abbotsleigh, Brist ol, showed
Cypripedium x Mrs. Cary Batten, a fine flower like a
large C. vilh>sum, yellow marked with purple: and a
hybrid between C. x nitens and C. Sallieri.

F. A. Kehder, Esq., Gipsy Hill (gr.. Mr. Norrls), sent
Cypripedium x Zia (exal x Ianthe superbum).

\V. M. Apileton, Esq., Weston-supcr Mare, showed
Cypripedium X Dowllngianum, Appleton's var. (Gode-
froy;e leueochilum x insigne punctatum violaceum), a
very handsome flower, cream-coloured spotted with
purple ; C. x Fred. Hardy (Charlesworthii x Spicer-
ianum); and C. x Elsie (Boxalli x Charlesworthii).

Awards.

FlRsT-i LASS CERTIFICATE.

Odon!og!ossn>n x Vuyhtekei vtvkans, from Sir H.
Schroder, (gr., Mr. Ballantyne).— A beautiful hybrid,

with fine and| perfectly shaped flowers, the broad,
nearly equal sepals and petals being canary-yellow,
very heavily blotched with dark purplish-red, lip white,
crimped, with one large brown blotch in the .centre,
and some smaller ones on each side.
Awahd OF MERI'l'.

Cypripedium x Leeanum Clinkaberryanum, from Baron
Schroder, Noeman C. Cookson, Esq., and O. O.
Wrigley, Esq. Tardy justice was thus doue to this,
one of the finest and largest forms of C. Leeanum, the
large dorsal sepal of which is pure white, with a small
greenish base.

Odontoglossum crispum Maris , from Norman C. Cook-
son, Esq. (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman), i'lower of the best
type, white tinged with purple at the back, the colour
showing to the surface, which is prettily blotched with
reddish-brown.

Cypripedium insigne Sanders:, Oakwood seedling, from
Noeman C. Cookson, Esq. A dwarfer and finer form
of the best of all the yellow forms cf C insigne, raised
at Oakwood. The floral differences are noted in the
broader and more circular dorsal sepal, which has a
broad buttercup-yellow band dividing the greenish
base from the upper white portion.

Odontoglossum xllarryano crispum uirens, from M. Chas.
Vuylsteke, Loochristy. The largest and finest marked
form yet shown.

Cypripcdiumxnitens Wrigleyamtm, from O. O. Wrigley,
Esq., Bury (gr., Mr. Rogers), a very handsome and finely
marked form, the flowers being equal to that of a good
C. x Leeanum, the dorsal sepal finely spotted.

Fruit and Vegetable Committee.

Present : Geo. Bunyard, Esq., Chairman ; and Messrs.
Jas. Cheal, H. Eslings, S. Mortimer, Alex. Dean, Ed.
Beckett, H. J. Wright, Jno. Jaques, Geo. Keif, J.
Willard, P. C. M. Veitch, Geo. Reynolds, F. Q Lane,
W. H. Divers, Geo. Wythes, G. Norman, J. Mclndoe, W.
Poupart, A. H. Pearson, and H. Somers Rivers.

An excellent exhibit of fruits was contributed by C.
Bayer, Esq., Tewkesbury Lodge, Forest Hill, London.
S.E , who had upwards of twenty good bunches of
Grapes, of the varieties Lady Downe's Seedling, Black
Alicante, Muscat of Alexandria, Gros Colmar, and
Dlrecteur Tisserand. These were well developed and
bore a nice lot of bloom. In addition to the Grapes
there were fifteen dishes of dessert and culinaiy
Apples, and a small Pine apple. This produce was
from a garden situated within five miles of Charing
Cross (Silver-gilt Knigluian Medal).

Lord Ilchesteb, Holland House, Kensington, (gr.
Mr. J. Dixon), exhibited fruits of Beurrc Ranee, and
Glout Moreeau Pears. His Lordship's garden is situ-
ated less than four miles from Charing Cross (Votes of
Thanks).

Mr. Ed. Beckett, gr. to Lord Aidenham, showed an
exhibit of remarkably large, well-developed Onions,
and was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal.

Mr. A. D. Hall, M.A., Koihamsted Experimental
Gardens, exhibited tubers of half-a-dozen varieties of
"salad" Potatos. Several of these were of the type
known as "Fir Apple" Potato, but others were
smooth in the skin, and may havo been crosses.
The names were as follows — Spar^el, Lauge Rothes
Horn, Manschen, La Vterge, Come des chevres, and
Tannen Zapfen. The tubers of this section are of a
waxy nature, and may be sliced thinly as required
for salad more conveniently than ordinary Potatos.

LINNEAN.

GENERAL MEETING, Deiejiher 8.

Prof. J. Bretland Farmer, F.R.S, Vice-President,
in the Chair.

The ballot for a Councillor having been closed, the
Vice-President declared that tho Rev. Thomas Roscoe
Rede Stebbiog had been elected Councillor by a large
majority. The ballot lor the Secretary having been
closed, it was deolared that the Rev. X. R. R. Siebbing
had been unanimously elected Secretary for Zoology.

Dr. Eric Drabble then gave an account of his recent
researches on the "Anatomy of the Koois of Palms,"
illustrated by lantern-slides from his drawings. He
stated that the roots of more thau sixty species have
been examined. Essentially similar results have beoa
obtained from each. Tne adventitious root has Its
origin in the pericycleof the stem, arising as an exten-
sive rhizogenlc arc. The apex is occupied by a Don-
stratified group of initial cells, whlcu give rise by
division to a commou ground-mass of parenchyma
wherein, in very young roots, appear a series of
separate procamblal strands. These are continued, by
secondary divisions oi the parenchyma, into the
central cylinder of tho stem. The strands, usually

430

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 19, 1903.

after undergoing repeited bifurcations, arelconnected
with the bundles of the stem. Each of these strands
gives rise to a "stele" like structure with exarch pro-
toxylem- groups alternating with phloem-groups; but
without histologically differentiated endodermis. As
the root lengthens the procambial tissue takes the form
of a series of arcs by apical fusion of the strands. Still
later a lobed cylinder is produced, and finally the
normal root cylinder of a monocotyledonous plant
results.

As a rule all the changes take place during the
passage of the root through the thick cortex at the
base of the stem, but in several species the lobed
cylinder, or even the free strands, persist in the extra-
caul ine portion. The internally directed protoxylem-
groups usually die out distally, but are occasionally
represented by inversely orientated groups, the me-
taxylem elements persisting as the large scattered
vessels nearly always present in Palm roots. The
" medullary " strands are shown to be in reality the
reduced remains of some of the free basal "stele '-like
structures which have not entered into the composition
of the vascular ring.

In some few cases the proximally free strands unite
to form not a single cylinder, but three or more, so
producing Cormack's " polystelic" condition. Distally
these become incomplete on the central surface, and
give rise by lateral fusion in the apical region to first a
lobed, and finally a normal root cylinder.

It is evident that the "medulla" in Palm-roots is
merely that portion of the common ground-paren-
chyma, arising at the non - stratified apex, which
becomes enclosed distally by fusion of the procambial
strands, and hence differs in no respect from the
external "cortical " parenchyma.

An attempt was made to extend this idea to other
vascular plants; and the suggestion was put forward
that all ideas of "monostely" and " polystely," and of
" medulla" and "cortex" as separate morphological
entities, are based on an artificial conception of the
structures involved.

The last paper was ore by Miss May Rathbone, com-
municated by Mr V. H. Blackman, and read by him in
abstract, entitled " Notes on Myriactis Areschougii
and Coilodesme californica."

The species of Myriactis in question is parasitic on
Himanthalia lorea, forming very small tufts with a
cushion of large torulose colourless cells, deeply sunk
in the thallus of the host.

NATIONAL SWEET PEA.

December 8.— The annual meeting of this Society,
held at the Hotel Windsor on the above date, under
the Presidency of Mr. George Gordon, V.M.H., was
fairly well attended.

Copies of the Report for 1933t and of the Audit of the
Sweet Pea Show held at Earl's Court on July 15 and 16
last, were placed in the hands of all present, and these,
together with the balance-sheet, as read, were accepted
and adopted.

Extracts irom Report.
Iq presenting to the members of the Society the
third annual Report, the Committee is gratified that it
should be so satisfactory. The past season has been
the most important in the Society's brief history. A
controversy arose out of your Committee's action in
regard to the judges for the last exhibition, in which
action it was unfortunately misunderstood by some
members of the Society. Fortunately this was of a
motnenlary nature.

The past summer was wet and cool, with the result
that Sweet Peas flourished grandly, though the cold-
ness of the spring put a severe handicap upon the
plants in their early stages. In many places the plants
attained to the exceptional height of 10 feet, and pro-
duced flowers which were remarkable alike for colour,
size, and substance. The exhibition held in Prince's
Hall, Earl's Court, was a magnificent success, and your
Committee's only regret is that the exhibition autho-
rities failed to adequately advertise the gathering.
Apart from this the authorities were most courteous,
and did all they could to make the exhibition a success.
The thanks of the Society are specially due in this
matter to Henry Hartley, Esq , the managing director,
and to Mr. Bond, the clerk ot the works.

The exhibition was so extensive that it was found
imperative to remove the barrier at the one end of the
large hall with a view to securing an extra 360 square
feet of space, and even then the tables were in some
places a trifle crowded. The general effect of the show
was excellent, though a little flatness was apparent in
the centre tables. This your Committee will endeavour
to overcome at futureexhibitions, as it is very desirable
that every advantage should l>s taken of the excellence
of Sweet Peas for decorative effects.

In 19J2 the Society conducted aclassification of Sweet
Peas, and it was thought that tbis might be annually
revised. At a meetiug of your Commttlee held on
June 9 it was, however, considered that au audit of the
varieties shown would be valuable as indicating the
best sorts to grow, and the Honorary Secretary was
instructed to arrange for this. Mr. Charles H. Curtis
was eventually requested to undertake this decidedly
onerous task. The tabulations show to what a remark-
able degree the classification of the previous year was

correct, as the present audit substantiates it in all
salient points. Your Committee would especially com-
mend this audit to the trade, to whom it is bound to
prove of immense assistance in determining the varie-
ties most worthy of retention in catalogues ; and it
would also draw the attention of cultivators to the
colour list in the audit, as this is certainly a list of the
very best varieties. The thanks of the Society are due
to Mr. Curtis for the exhaustive manner in which the
audit is prepared.

Upon the completion of the judging on the first day
of the exhibition, the Committee met to consider the
merits of the new varieties, of which some two or three
dozens were shown. First-class Certificates were
awarded to Florence Molyneux (Dobbie & Co. and E.
Molyneux), Cupid Her Majesty, and Cupid Lottie Eck-
ford (H. Cannell &. Sons), Scarlet Gem, and King
Edward VII (Henry Eckford). The following varieties
were Highly Commended - -Cupid Mrs. J. Chamberlain,
Cupid Royalty, and Cupid Captain of the Blues (H. Can-
nell & Sons), Bolton's Pink (R. Bolton). Mr. John
Ingman, from Mr. Silas Cole, the Committee desired to
see again. The Silver Medal of the Society for the
finest novelty of the year was unanimously awarded to
Scarlet Gem, which, although in some cases having
only two blossoms on a stem, was so remarkable in
colour as to bring it well within the scope of the last
clause in the '■ Properties of the Sweet Pea," set forth
above.

The financial position of the Society is satisfactory,
for, notwithstanding the fact that the expenses at the
show were slightly higher, the balance at the bank
shows a slight increase on that brought forward from
last year. The support given by the trade was most
excellent, and your thanks are due to those who gave
special prizes, as well as to the many friends who
helped with annual subscriptions. The number of
members a?ain shows a substantial increase.

The thanks of the Society are especially due to Mr.
Charles E. Shea and Mr. George Gordon, V M.H.,
President, for the assistance they rendered in adjudi-
cating upon the several splendid exhibits contributed
by the trade. Their awards were : —A Large Gold Medal
to Messrs. Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham; Gold Medals to
Messrs. C. W. Breadmore, Winchester, and H. Cannell
and Son. Swanley ; Silver gilt Medals to Messrs. Dobbie
& Co , Rothesay, and Henry Eckford, Wem ; Large
Silver Medal to Messrs. Jones & Son, Shrewsbury;
Silver Medal to Messrs. E. W. King & Co., Coggeshall ;
and a Small Silver Medal to Mr. J. Williams, Ealing.
Your thanks are also due to Mr. Cecil W. Greenwood
lor invaluable assistance rendered to the honorary
secretary in the management of the show, and also to
the several members of the Committee who acted as
stewards.

Thelchlef items of income noted were £;9 193. 2d,
balance from 1902 ; £75 3«. 6rf , subscriptions ; £46 168.,
donations ; and £* 3s vi. for hire of space. On the
expenditure side of the balance-sheet appear £68 18s.
for prites; printing and stationery, £17 Is lid.;
honorariums to Messrs. R. Dean and H. J. Wright,
£10 10).; judges, £,i 8s.; committee and judges'
luncheon, £8 18s. 3d. ; and postages and Secretary's
expenses, £J9s.; leaving a balance with the Treasurer
of £30 8s.

Proceedings.

In moving the adoption of these items, the President
pointed out that notwithstanding differences of
opinion, and misconstructions placed upon the action
of the Committee in respect to its selection of judges,
the Society had flourished. It had held a splendid
show, it had now placed before it a very useful piece of
work in the audit, its membership had increased, and
it concluded the season with a balance in band slightly
in excess of that brought forward from the previous
year. He hoped the work of the Committee would
educate cultivators in the matter of the best varieties
of Sweet Peas to grow, and thus assist the trade in
materially reducing their lists of varieties. Mr. S. B.
Dicks seconded the motion.

Mr. Henry Eckford was elected President for the
ensuing year, Mr. N. N. Sherwood was re-elected
Treasurer, and Mr. Whitpaine Nutting is to follow
Mr. Dicks as Chairman of Committee; Mr. H. J.
Wright was heartily re-elected as geceral Secretary,
and to him and also to Mr. Greenwood, for services
rendered at the exhibition, honorariums were voted.
Very little alteration takes place in the personnel of the
Committee, as published last season ; some members
have resigned, and to those remaining were added Mr.
George Gordon, Mr John Green, Mr. G. Crabbe, and
Mr. Breadmore. Votes of thanks were accorded to
Mr. Gordon and Mr. Dicks for their services to the
Society, and to Mr. E. Sherwood, who, in the absence
of Mr. N. N. Sherwood (owing to ill-health), acted as
Treasurer on his father's behalf.

It was decided to hold the next exhibition in London
as nearly at the dates corresponding to those of last
year as possible, and the Committee was requested to
arrange for a supplementary show in the provinces if
suitable arrangements could be made. Earls Court
was suggested as the place of exhibition. Some con-
siderable discussion took place with reference to the
selection of judges, and in this Messrs. G. Gordon, W.
Cuthbertson, S. B. Diiks, J. Green, R. Sydenham,
J. House, and C. H. Curtis took part ; a good many mis-

understandings were cleared up, and as a result of the
discussion the general meeting recommended (without
a dissentient vote) that the Committee select the judges
for 1904 in equal number trom trade growers,
professional gardeners, and amateurs.

We understand that already a large number of prizes
have been offered for the schedule of 1904, and that
the schedule, including the .report, audit, &c, will be
published at an early date

BRISTOL & DISTRICT GARDENERS'
MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT AS-
SOCIATION.

December 10.— This Society met at St. John's Rooms
on the foregoing date, Mr. E. Poole, F.R.H.S. (in the
Chair). The lecturer for the evening was Mr. Orchard,
of Henbury, and his subject " Greenhouse Climbers,1'
a subject which is interesting to all gardeners, and as
a consequence Mr. Orchard's remarks were listened to
by an attentive audience. A discussion followed Mr.
Orchard's lecture, and he was unanimously accorded a
vote of thanks.

UNITED HORTICULTURAL
BENEFIT & PROVIDENT.

December 14 — The monthly Committee meeting was
held at the Caledonian Hotel on Monday evening last.
Four new members were elected, and eight members
were reported ou the Sick Fund. The attention of
members is particularly called to Rule 14, a member
having just forfeited his sick-pay through having ne-
glected to pay his subscriptions within the limit of
seven months.

CHESTER PAXTON.

December 12.— The annual general meeting was held
in the lecture theatre of the Giosvenor Museum on the
above date, Mr. N. F. Barnes presiding.

The report and balance-sheet submitted by the hon.
sec , Mr. G. P. Miln, revealed a satisfactory state of
affairs. Not only was the exhibition held last month
the best in the history of the Society, but the list of
subscribers and members had increased to over 500;
and the credit balance at the bank had also been aug-
mented some £15, there now being a surplus in hand of
over £65.

Major MacGillicuddy was reelected Hon. President,
and Mr. N. F. Barnes, Chairman of Committee. Mr. Miln
was thanked for his. services as secretary and treasurer
during Hie past year, and a wish was eipressed that he
should continue to discharge those duties, to which he
consented Mr. Newstead wns also re-elected con-
sulting naturalist, with the following to form the
executive: -Messrs. A. W. Armstrong, J. Breen, J.
Clack. John Dutton, A. Elhims, C. Flack, T. Gilbert,
John Jackson, H. G. Little, G. Lyon, Stephen May, C.
Nixon, H. Pierce, Wm. Pringle, Josh. Ryder, J. D.
Siddall, Edwin Slubbs, R. Wakefield, John Weaver, and
John Wynne.

It was resolved that the next exhibition of fruits and
Chrysanthemums be held on Nov. 16 and 17, 1904.

NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.

December 1 1. —The usual monthly meeting of the
Executive Committee in Autumn was held at Carr's
Restaurant, Mr. Thomas Bevan in the Chair, there
being a large attendance. The minutes of the last
meeting having been read, the Secretary announced
that the President, Mr. Charles E. Shea, has generously
promised to renew his special prize of 5 guineas as a
1st prize in the class for twenty -four Japanese blooms
at the November show of ltoi.

The prize-money awarded at the December show was
staled to be £12 13s., the Secetary assuring the Com-
mittee that it would have been larger had not several
who entered found themselves unable to show owing
to the effects of the damp weather on their blooms.

An interim financial statement was submitted,
showing a balance in hand at the bank, after paying
the December prize-money, of £160; to this was added
a general supplementary statement to the effect that
the Finance sub committee had that evening drawn
cheques to the amount of £10.' lis., leaving a balance
of £57 12s. ; the assets capable of being realised
amounted to about £-15; the remaining outgoings
might be roughly put at £15 ; so there was every proba-
bility of a suostantial balance at the end of the year.

The Chairman reported that the officers of the
Society had interviewed the general manager of the
Crystal Palace Company at the December Show, and
he had every reason to believe there would be a favour-
able response to their suggestion that there should be
an increase in the amount given towards the schedule
of the November Show in 1901 It was resolved that in
accordance with the usual practice two other shows be
held at the Crystal Palace next year— one on October 4
aid 5, the other on Decembei 6 and 7

The Secretary stated that by way of adding to the
interest of the November exhibition some members of

December 19, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

431

the Committee and others had promised special prizes
of 5s. for the best individual blooms of certain varie-
ties of Chrysanthemums they named, to be selected
from the whole show, and he had reason to believe
some sixty of these prizes at least would be forth-
coming. Several members of the Committee present
offered such prizes in addition to those already
promised. The details of the competition would be
considered by the Schedule Revision Sub-Committee,
and arranged subject to the sanction of the Executive
Committee.

The Secretary further reported that an old and
generous supporter of the Society had offered the sum
of 5 guineas towards an evening exhibition of the beFt
late- flowering market varieties, to be held near Covent
Garden, either just before or just after Christmas, 1901,
the main object sought beiDg to ascertain the best
varieties for producing the finest effect under artificial
light. It was believed market growers and salesmen
would become interested in the experiment and give it
substantial support. The Secretary to report progress
at the next meeting of the Committee.

The annual audit of blooms at the November Show
in the competitive collections was submitted by the
Treasurer, Mr. A. Taylor, all bunches being counted
as individual blooms. From this statement it ap-
peared that 1,734 blooms had been staged, against
2,544 in 1903 and 3,378 in 1901, the decrease in number in
the present year beiDg largely attributable to the in-
cidence of the weather. A division of the blooms into
their several classes showed : Japanese, 1 086; incurved,
444; reflexed, 24 ; large anemone- flowered, 132; anemone
pompon (bunches), 12 ; pompons (bunches), 48 ; singles
(bunches), IS. The greatest falling off was in the Japa-
nese blooms, several exhibitors who entered for compe-
tition at the November Show failing to appear owing to
decay of their flowers. Ten new members were elected,
and the Darlington Horticultural Society was admitted
to affiliation. A vote of thanks was passed to the
Chairman for presiding.

THE WEATHER.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS taken in the
Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick,
London, for the period Dec. 6 to Dec. 12, 1903.
Height above sea-level 24 feet

NATIONAL DAHLIA.

Deckmbek 15.— The annual meeting of the members
of the National Dahlia Society was held at the Hotel
Windsor ; Mr. Ed. Mawley presided.

EXTBACTS FROM THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE.

" The London Exhibition was held on September 1
and 2, and. despite the unfavourable season, the ex-
hibits in point of numbers showed the satisfactory
increase of 25 per cent. , whilst the quality of the blooms
was surprisingly good. Nine Certificates were awarded
to new varieties.

The Manchester Exhibition, held in conjunction with
the Royal Botanical Gardens Society, took place on
September 11 and 12. The number of exhibits from the
North and Midlands was seriously curtailed owing to
the disastrous effects of the June frosts, but in spite of
this a fairly large number of entries was obtained, and
a satisfactory verdict must be passed on this the first
of the Society's Provincial ventures. Five Certificates
were awarded to new varieties.

On September 15 a meeting of the Committee was
held at the Drill Hall, Westminster, on the occasion of
the fortnightly show of the Royal Horticultural Society
Five Certificates were awarded to new vavietie?. The
number of Certificates awarded to new varieties of all
sections in 1902 was twenty-nine, and in the present
year nineteen, out of ;i total of 105 seedling3 exhibited.

On September 17, by permission of the Rojul Horti-
cultural Society, an inspection of the Cactus Dahlias
grown for trial at Chiswick was held by the Committee.
A prize of 10». 6d., the gift of Mr. A. Dean, was awarded
to Hobbies, Ltd.. for Amos Perry, as the best variety
for garden decoration.

The terms offered by the Royal Horticultural Society
in view of the opening of the New Hall being con-
sidered unsatisfactory, the Committee decided to
approach the Crystal Palace Company, with a proposal
to hold the lnn exhibition at Sydenham, and an
arrangement to this effect has been concluded.

The number of new members joining has been
fifty-five, and the losses through resignations and
deaths nineteen, leaving a net gain of thirty-six.

The Committeo, however, regret to observe the grow-
ing tendency of new members to avail themselves of
the minimum subscription qualifying membership,
and they consequently recommend that for the future
members be divided into three classes, namely :
" Fellows,'' paying annual subscriptions of one guinea ;
"Subscribers," paying annual subscriptions of halt a
guinea; and "Members," paving annual subscriptions
of 5«.

The income of the Society from all sources, including
the balance of £1 16c. 8d. in the Society's favour from
the year 1902, amounted to £228 14?. 2<J. ; and the entire
expenditure, including the payment of all prizes
awarded a* Hie London and Manchester exhibitions,
amounted to £211 4c. 9rf. ; leaving a balance in the
Treasurer's hands of £17 Ve. Sd.

The annual exhibition in 1901 will be held at the
Cry.- tal Palace on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 2 and 3."

The usual routine business was done, including the
election of officers, and several alterations were made
In the constitution of the Committee. The President
t-ec etary, and Treasurer were re-elected.

Tempera-

Z

Temperature

ture ofthe

O

I

a

of the Air.

Soii.at9A.M.

a

P4

z

M
a

H

o

z
o
S
o

At9A.M.

<

a

H

M
a

z

I

a
o
o
■a

43
O

p.
«

■o

43

P.

ID
V

43

* .

Ed °Q

S3

"° 2

3 1

Son

"Kg

s

4 h§

3 3

43

43

o

5

<2

n

H 8

Q

n i n

o

6

« a

& ! « 3

■<

-0

■<

j

« ! & w

>-l

t£

6(1

60

M

w

u>

M

M

a

•a

•a

■O

•O

•a

■a

■O

•a

SUN. 6

W.N.W.

31-8

31'5

42'4

27'5

...

39-2

44'1

48 '6

27 5

MON. 7

S.E.

419

38 '9

45-3

39'3

0'13

393

437

48'3

21-3

TUBS. 8

S.W.

43'7

41-4

18-6

36'0

0'15

39-9

436

48'l[25'8

Wed. 9

S.S.E.

47'7

47'1

52'6

43-9

018

41'4

439

17-935-5

Thu. 10

S.S.E.

47'4

44'9

51-1

41-3

0'37

42'4

44-2

47'8 31 '8

FRI. 11

W.S.W.

41'5

4 '1

47-8

38 9

010

42'2

44'5

47629-0

SAT. 12

E.S.E.

107

39 '9

47'3

36'5

0-28

41-6

44'4

47-5258

Tot

j

Means

...

42 1

40'6

47'9

36-2

1'21

40'9

44'1

48 -0128 -1

Remark* —The weather has been dull, and at times
the days have been very dark, with ratn on six days,
bringing the total rainfall for the year to date to
38' 9 inches.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The following Summary Record of the weather
throughout the British Islands, for the week ending
Dec. 12, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :—

" The weather was extremely changeable, with fre-
quent rain in all districts, and with snow or sleet on
Sundayand Monday in several isolated places. Thunder
and lightning occurred at Valencia on Wednesday, and
lightning was seen on the same day at Markree Castle,
Stonyhurst. and Llandudno.

"The temperature differed but little from the average.
In the south and south west of England and the
Channel Islands it was slightly above the norma), while
in Ireland and the northern parts of England it was
below it, but in all other districts the agreement with
the average was almost absolute. Highest readings
were observed on Tuesday and Wednesday, when tne
thermometer rose to HP and upwards over nearly the
whole of England and the south of Ireland, and to 55'
at Jersey; in the Dorth-east of Scotland it did not get
much above 45'. Lowest readings were observed on
Sunday or Monday, when sharp frost occurred in most
districts, the sheltered thermometer falling below 25''
in many pans of Great Britain, to 21° in England, N.E.,
N.W. and S., and to 17' at Scotland, E. (at Braemar).

"The rainfall was considerably in excess of the aver-
age over the United Kingdom generally, but showed a
slight deficit in England, N.E . and a large deficit in
Scotland, N. In England, S.W., the total was more
than two and a half times, and in England, S., nearly
three times as much as the average.

"The bright sunshine was less than the average in all
districts, excepting England, S.W. The percentage of
the possible duration ranged from 22 in England, S.W. ,
and the Channel Island", and 19 in Ireland, S.. to less
than 10 in most of the Wheat producing districts, and
to only 4 in England, E."

THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS
A return to warm and excessively wet weather. — The
recent cold period, which came to an end on the 8th
Inst., lasted ten days. Since then the weather has
remained unseasonably warm, the temperature in the
thermometer screen on one day rising to 50°, while the
exposed thermometer lias on no night indicated more
than 5° of frost. Owing to the paucity of sunshine and
excessive rain, the soil both at 1 and 2 feet deep. Is at
the present time of only seasonable warmth. During
the six days ending the 12th, tj inches of rain fell,
which is only about J of an inch in defect of the
average for the whole of December, and is equivalent
to a watering of nearly 10'. gallons on each square yard
of surface in this district. Of that amount 9j gallons
have come through the percolation gauge on which
short grass is growing, and 10J gallons, or the whole of
the rainfall, through the bare soil gauge, showing how
super-saturated the ground must have become. On
the one bright day of the past week the sun shone for
four hours, but on four other days no sunshine at all
was recorded. The winds were again variable in
strength, but for no hour did the mean velocity exceed
17 miles. Taking the week as a whole, the atmosphere
proved damp, the mean relative humidity at 3 o'clock
in tt e afternoon being 2 per cent. In excess of the
average for the month. E. M., Bckhamsted, Dec. 15, 1903.

MARKETS.

COVENT GARDEN, December 17.

[We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined
reports. They are furnished to us regularly every
Thursday, by the kindness of several of the prin-
cipal salesmen, who revise the list, and who are
responsible for the quotations. It must be remem-
bered 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.]

Plants in Pots, &o. : Average Wholesale Prices.

s.d. s.d, ,
Ficus elastica.per

dozen 9 0-24 0

Hyacinths, Roman

(48-pots), dcz. 8 0-90
Dutch, p. doz. 12 0-15 0 ,.
Lilium longi-
florum, perdoz. 8 0-12 0
— lancifolium,
per dozen ... 6 0-12 0
Lycopodiums.doz. 3 ih 4 o
Marguerites, doz. 6 0-12 0
Orange-trees, each 3 6-10 6
Palms, var., each 3 o-ao n
Poinsettias. doz. 8 0-12 0
Primulas, perdoz. 2 0-40
Pteris tremula,

dozen 4 0-80.

— Wimsetti, doz. 4 0-80

— major, dozen 4 0-60
Solanums, dozen 4 0-60
Tulips, red, doz.

roots 10 -

— yellow, dozen
roots

Adiantums, doz,
Aralias, per doz.
Arbor Vitse, doz.
Aspidistras, doz.
Aucubas, per doz.
Azaleas, each ...
Begonia, per doz.

— Gloire de Lor-
raine, per doz.

Callas, per dozen
Chrysanthemum,
per dozen ...
Coleuses, perdoz.
Crocus, per box...
Crotons, per doz.
Cyclamens, doz.
Cyperus, per doz.
Daffodils, per doz.
Dracasnas,variety,

dozen

Ericas, per dozen
Euonymus, vars.,

per dozen
Ferns in var., doz.

Cut Flowers,

Azaleas, per doz.
Bouvardias, per

bunch

Callas, per dozen.
Camellias, box ...
Carnations, bnch.
Chrysanthemums
doz. bunches

— specimen
blooms, doz.

Daffodils, bunch

Eucharis, per doz.

Ferns, Asparagus,

per bunch ...

— French, per
doz. bunches

— Maidenhair,
doz. bunches

Freesia. per doz.
Gardenias, box ...
Holly, per bunch
Lilac (French),

per bunch
Lilium longi-
florum, per
bunch

— lancifolium,
per bunch ...

— auratum, per
bunch

Lily of the Valley,
p. doz. bunches

Marguerites, yel-
low, doz bunch.

Mignonette, per
dozen

s.d. s.d. 1

4 0-80

4 0-80

9 0-18 0

18 0-36 0

4 0-80

2 6-50

8 0-18 0

8 0-24 0

12 0-18 0

4 0-12 0

4 0-50

10 —

12 0-24 0

9 0-12 0

3 0-40

8 0-90

12 0-48 0

S 0-12 0

4 O- 8 0

4 0-30 0

S.d.
4 0-

1 6 -

Average Wholesale Prices.

sd.
6 0

0 4-06
4 0-50

2 0-30
0 6-30

3 0-60

0 9-

1 0-
3 0-

2 0
1 3 i
4 0

10-26
0 3-04

4 0-80

2 0-26

3 6- 4 U
0 9-20

3 6-40

10-16

6 0-13 0
1 0- 2 0

3 0-30

Misleto, bunch ...
Narcissus, dozen

bunches
Orchids :Cattleya,
dozen blooms...

— Odontoglos-
sums, dozen
blooms

— Cypripedium

insigne, per

dozen
Pelargoniums,
zonal, dozen
bunches

— white, dozen
bunches

Poinsettias, per
bunch

Roman Hyacinths,
per bunch

Roses, Mermet,
per bunch ...

— various, bun.

— white, bunch

— pink, bunch

— French, bun.
Smilax, per doz.

trails

Tuberoses, strong,
per bunch ...

— per dozen ...
Tulips. Red, per

bunch

Violets, doz. bun.

— Parma, per
bunch

s.d. s.d.
0 6-50

3 6-50

6 0-80

0 6-10

3 0-60
0 8-18
16-26
10-20
10-20

10-16

0 9- 1 0
0 2- 0 .i '

0 8 —
10-16

2 8-40

Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices.

Artichokes.Globe,

?er dozen ...
erusalem, p.

sieve

Asparagus, Sprue,
bundle

— Paris Green ..
Beans, dwarf, lb.

— Madeira, per
basket

Beetroots, bushel

Brussels Sprouts,
per sieve

Cabbages, tally ...

Carrots, per doz.
bunches
- per bag

Cauliflowers, per
dozen

Celery, doz. bun.

Cress, doz pun.

Cucumbers, doz.

Endive, per doz.

Garlic, per lb. ...

Horseradish, fo-
reign, p. bunch

Leeks, per dozen
bunches

Lettuces. Cabbage,
per dozen

s.d. s.d.

3 0 —

13-16

0 11 —
5 8 —
10 —

2 0 —
16-20

10-19
2 0-36

16-20
2 0-40

16-36
7 0-12 0
0 8-10
10 0-14 n
10-13

0 2-03

10-16
10-16

1 0, —

s.d. S.d.
Mushrooms(house)

per lb 0 10-1 0

Onions, per case. 6 0-56

— per bag ... 4 0-46

— picklers, per

sieve 2 8-60

— English, cwt. 5 0- 5 «
Parsley, doz bun. 10-16

— sieve 0 6-10

Parsnips, per bag 2 0-26
Potatos, per ton 70 0-130 0

— NewTenerlffe,

per cwt. ... 16 0 —

Radishes, per
dozen bunches 10-19

Rhubarb, Yorks,
per dozen ... 18-20

Salad, small, pun-
nets, per doz... 0 6-10

SeaMIe, doz pun. 18 0-21 0

Shallots, lb. ... 0 l}-(i 2

Spinach, p. bush. 3 0-38

Tomatos, Canary
Deeps

Turnips, per doz.
bunches

— per bag
Watercress, per

dozen bunches 0 4-06

2 0-36

18-20

10-36

POTATOS.

Home-grown, 70«. to not. per ton ; foreign, 70». to lOoj.
do. ; Dunbars, 1 :!?,». do. John Bath, 32 ik 34, Wellington
Street, Covent Garden.

432

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 19, 1903.

Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices.

s.d. s.d
Apples, home-
grown, cookers,
per bushel ... s 0- 5.0
per half bushel 9 0-30
barrel 12 0-22 0

— American, in

cases ... 8 0-11 0
Bananas, per
bunch 8 o-ia 0

— loose, dozen . I e- l ft
Chestnuts, bag ... 12 r-17 6
Cobnuts, per IB. n 7 —
Cranberries, case 10 6 —
Grapes. Alicante,

per lb. ... 0 8-13

Rrmark?.— Broccoli and Cauliflower from Cherbourg.
11. 6(2. to 2?. ; from St. Malo, is. 9d. to 3*. : Cornish
Crates, lis. to I2s. : Custard Apoles. per dozen, tt. to
10s. ; Avocado Pears. 2s. !o 6s. ; Grape Fruits, per box.
lOfc to l*s ; Chow Chows, per dozen, 2s. : Crosnes. per
lb., Cxi. ; Cardoons. each, Is. 6rf. ; New F. Kidney Beans,
per Hi.. 3§d. Misleto in crates, from 5s. to 8" . coming
from Cherbourg. St. Malo. and HonSeur; Holly, per
dozen bundles. 18s. to sos. Some fine Figs from
.America in bound boxes containing ; lb., per dozen, 9s.
to 10S. ; Dates, per cwt., 6s. 6(2. ; new, 14s. to 16s,

Grapes, in barrel 10

— Muscats, A.,

per lb. ...

B., per lb.

Canon Hall

A., per lb.

B., per lb.

Lemons, per case
Lvchees, box ...
Oranges, per case
Pears, per case...

— stewing
Pines, each
Walnuts. Gre-
noble, bag ...

d. s.d.
0-18 0

6-5 0
0-3 0

0- ft 0
0-3 0
6-25 0
2 —
0-15 O
0-10 6
0 —
0-6 0

6 6-76

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

Glasgow, December 16.— The foil owing are the averages
of the prices during the oast week: Apples. United
Slates. Maines. 15s to 2Gs per barrel : Californian
Newtown Pippins. 8s. 6d. to 10s perhox; other American
sorts. Hi to 26s per barrel : Canadian. His. to 26«. do.,
and 8s. to 12». per box; Pears, 6s. to 24s. per box;
Grapes, home. 9(2 to 2« per lb : do . Almeria. 8s. to
lHf. per barrel ; do., Guernsey, M. to 8d. do. ; Lemons,
18s. 6d. to 18s per box. and 188. to 25« per case;
Toraatos, 5rf to 9d per lb. : do.. Teneriffe, 3s to 8s.
per box: Onions. Valeucia. 4s. 6(2. to 5s fid. per box;
Cucumbers, flrf. each : Seakale, 2s. 6d. per basket; Mush-
rooms, Is. 3d. to Is. 6<2 per lb.

rJrVERT>noL, December 16 — Wholesale Vegetable Market
(North Bay).— The following are the average of the
current prices during the past week— prices varying
according to suoplv:— Potato* per cwt.. Main Crop,
is. ?d to 5s. : British Queen 2s. M. tn.3» id : TJp-to Date,
2i. Bd. to n. id : Bruce 3s. 3d. to 3s. 9d. : Turnips,
6d. to 8d. per dozen bunches : Swedes, Is. 2d. to Is. id.
per cwt. ; Carrots. 8a. 9d. to 4s. per cwt. : Parslev id.
to 6(2 per dozen hunches : Onions, foreign. 4s. 3(2. to
4s 6(2. per bag; Cauliflowers Is to 2s 6(2. per dozen ;
fHhhages. 6d to 10(2 do : Celerv. sd. to Is. 4d do •
Fruit: Annies, United states, Maines. 15s. to 2Cs. per
barrel; Californian Newtown Pippins. 8s. 6d. to 10s.
per box: other Americans. 14s to 26s. per barrel'
c*oadian. 16s. to 28s do., and 8s to 12s per box. St..
John's.— Potatos, lod. to is. Der peck: Cucumbers. ft<2.
to 8d each; Grapes English. Is. «d. to 2s. 6d per lb. ;
do. foreign, 6(2 to M do. : Pines, foreign, 4s. to 6s.
each : Mushrooms. Is per lb Birkenhead .•—Potatos,
Is. per neck ; Grapes. 2?. fid to 5s per lb.; do. foreign
4(2. to 6d. do.; Pines, English, 6s. each.

ENQU IRY.

Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnation
Princess of Wales. — Will some of our readers
kindly inform G. Bester in what year this variety
was raised, and the name of the raiser 'i

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Abies-Picea; Picea-Abies: Enniskerry. — We
have not space to go into this question, which
lias been so threshed out that practically all
those who are experts in Conifers have now
agreed to call the Silver Firs " Abies," and the
Spruces " Piceas." The Conifer Conference Re-
port, which contains the fullest and best infor-
mation ; the Genera Plantar urn oi Benthani and
Hooker j the Index Kewensis, the Kew Eand-
List of Conifers, the works of Beissner, Veitch,
and many others that might be cited, all adopt
this nomenclature, The two genera are quite
distinct, and it is a misfortune that any trans-
position of names should have taken place;
but that cannot now be helped.

A Correction: Destroying Mealy-bug on
Vines. — In the Gardeners' Chronicle of Dec. 5,
p. 389, we stated that Mr. Ward had stated (as
we thought, by a slip of the pen) that 2 wine-
glassfuls of petroleum should be used along
with £ lb. of soft soap. This more powerful
wash was, however, meant for use on the glass,
wood, and ironwork, brick walls, plaster, &c. ;
and only 1 wineglassful of petroleum and 4 oz!
of soft-soap per gallon of water used on the
A ine6 themselves.

Apple Culture; Cyder Sorts, &c. : R. P. As
a manual on culture, one of the best is Fruit
Farming for Profit, by George Bunyard ; there
have been several editions. Published at Maid-
stone by F. Bunyard, 29, Week Street. Culi-
nary and cyder varieties : — Pound Apple — re-
quires fruit of better character to give strength
and flavour to the liquor. Price's Bitter Sweet,
— good for cyder alone, or mixed. Ramping
Taurus — fruit large, conical, angular ; makes
strong cyder. The fruit will bake well, but it
will not boil. Orange Pippin — makes good
cyder, and is a variety that sells well in the
market. Sheep's Snout — valuable cyder fruit,
and cooks well in season. Slack-my-Girdle — is
usually sold for culinary purposes, though it
often helps to fill the cask ; alone it has not
much merit as a cyder Apple. Sops-in-Wine —
good culinary and cyder. Sugar Apple — makes
first-class cyder, and it sells well in the market.
Tankerton — good for either purpose. Good
cyder Apples alone or mixed are Woodsell,
Yellow Styre, Red Styre, Reynold's Crab,
Rusty Coat, Ten Commandments, Maurice's
Pippin, Fox-whelp, &c.

Books : J. 0. A book of plans such as you
require is published by Mr. H. Cannell, Swanley
Junction, Kent.

Chrysanthemum Rust : Anxious. The leaves
sent are now free from the rust fungus. In
the interest of gardeners in general you should
make known the substances used and the
proper proportions in which they may be safely
used.

Corrections: " Abington." In our issue for
December 5, our contributor of the article
points out that "Glen Gouar" should be "Glen
Gonar " ; and " Weather-house," a little lower
down, should be "Heather-house."

Cost of Removal of Head Gardener's Furni-
ture : Ignoramus. A matter of mutual
agreement.

Currant-bud Mite : S. S( 8. Yes, certainly.
Cut off the shoots and burn. Better still, get
healthy plants from some other source and
grow them on different land. No remedy has
been found generally effectual.

Lily of the Valley Opening Badly: Enquirer.
Not being furnished with particulars of your
treatment of the crowns, we can but surmise
that you erred in some points, or that the
crowns were not of flowering age.

Liverwort : J. E. Dixon. The Liverwort is
Pellia epiphylla in its winter dress. During
spring and summer the thallus is just a broad
plate, but in late autumn and during the
winter, the margins of the thallus become
divided up, and have the fimbriated appear-
ance so well shown by your specimen.

Magnolia Scantily Flowering : B. T. B.
Lack of sun-heat and excess of rain.

Names of Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so good
as to consult the following number. — E. T.,
Wrexham. Maxillaria picta. — Anxious. 1,
Begonia Dregei; 2, B. Duchartrei; 3, B.
carminata; 4, Peperomia incana ; 5, Rohdea
japoniea (?), poor specimen ; 6, Epiphyllum
Gasrtneri. — E. A. T. Lasiandra macrantha.
This is a stove shrub requiring a mixture of
loam, peat and sand, and good drainage. It
does equally well in a border as in a pot or tub.
There is a poor variety of this species in culti-
vation, shy, and with smaller flowers than the
type. — G. M. W. We fail to recognise the
Coleus. — No name. postmark "Market Drayton."
1, Cupressus Lawsoniana var. erecta viridis ; 2,
Juniperus, perhaps virginiana ; 3, Pinus ex-
celsa probably ; 4, Abies concolor ; 5, Picea
orientalis -. 6, Cupressus Lawsoniana. — M. A. S.
We guess the twigs you send to be those of
Amygdalus nana.— A. B. C. 1, Daphne Laure-
o)a ; 2, Pulmonaria officinalis ; 3, probably a
Heuchera. Why not take more pains when
you are sending specimens for naming ?
It would be better for you, and
save us unnecessary time and trouble. —
X C. K. Abelia rupestris. — J. M., Notts. 1,
Blechnum brasiliense ; 2, Polypodium crassi-
folium; 3, Davallia canariensis ; 4, Pteris ser-
rulate maior cristata ; 5, P. Ouvirardii ; 6,
probably tie same as C>, or a sported form of it.

— F. E. 8. 1, see fruit next week ; 2, Cypri-
pedium insigne Chantini ; 3, Oncidium phy-
matochilum, so far as we can judge by the bad
specimen sent ; 4, Dendrobiuin pulchellum of
gardens; 5, D. Pierardi ; 6, D. chrysotoxum. —
W. H. W., Norfolk. 1, Cypripedium Spieeri-
anum ; 2, Eupatorium gracile ; 3, E. Wein-
mannianum j 4, Adiantum Waltoni, a garden
variety. '

Peach Border under Glass : W. P. C. Pasture
loam one year in stack, and if very heavy
incorporate one-eighth road-grit, sandstone, or
ballast with it, one-sixteenth crushed bones, or
mortar-rubble. Mix all of these materials
well together, and when in a dryish condition
wheel them into the house and make firm. The
depth named is sufficient. Concrete is not
wanted unless the staple is wet.

Roman Hyacinth Bulb Failing to Grow :
8. T. G. The bulb began to grow and make
roots in a normal manner, and then the tips
came into contact with some deleterious sub-
stance in the soil, or were gnawed by grubs,
perhaps those of some species of weevil, or those
of the common cockchafer. The soil that
the bulb was potted in was quite suitable.

Striking Tree Carnations : Tree Carnation.
Prepare early in January a one or two-light
close-fitting frame on a hotbed of tree-leaves
and stable-iitter, and when the rank heat has
declined, and the plunging thermometer indi-
cates 85°, level the surface and put in a 6-inch
layer of fine coal - ashes, leaving a small
aperture to let out the vapour. When the
ashes are warmed to 80° prepare the pipings
(wiry side-shoots) ; put six to eight round the
rims of large GO's, which plunge to the rims in
the ashes, having previously afforded water to
settle the soil; This may consist of finely-
sifted loam three-quarters, and sharp sand
one-quarter only. Keep the frame close if
there is but little vapour, otherwise afford a
small chink of air. Do not give air in quantity
before rooting has taken place, but should any
damping-off prevail among the pipings, afford
air plentifully for a quarter of an hour in the
forenoon. When a slight growth in the pipings
has become noticeable, either lift out the entire
potf ul and place it in a less close frame for a
week or two, or lift out with a thin label such
pipings as show growth, potting and keeping
them in a warm frame for a time.

The "Best" Cucumbers for Winter Fruit-
ing : A. E. Beckett's Victory, Matchless, Lord
Roberts, Telegraph, and Tender and True.
These are trustworthy varieties at the present
time, and good at all seasons. The warmth
required is for the air 70° at night, 75° in dull
weather by day, and in bright weather 80° to
85°. A steady bottom heat of 80° is enough.

The Figs Fell Off : E. T. G. If, as we think,
the crop was ruined by a fungus, this par-
ticular species, whose spores may be found on
the leaves, the soil of the house, and scattered
about the house, will come to life to commit
havoc another year. You were right in burning
the fallen fruits, but the leaves should be
cleared up and burned likewise, and everything
in the house washed with sulphide of potassium
J oz. to 1 gallon of water, several times at in-
tervals during the winter and early spring, and
also when the Figs show. If this sort of treat-
ment be adopted with the large Fig-tree, the
fungus, whatever it may be, will be destroyed.

Weed on Lawn : E. O. W. Prunella vulgaris.
A good dressing of manure now, and in the
spring the application of a small quantity of
nitrate of soda, 2 oz. to the square yard, and
repeated once or twice in the summer. If it is
not too abundant it might be taken up with
a spud and grass-seed sown in the vacant places.

Communications Received. — Harrison Weir — Dr.
Dimmer, Berlin— W. Mtller-W. B. H —Dr. Stapf
N. E. Br.— J. R. J —Otto Kunzc-B. D. J.— R. N.—
Norman McK — W. P. W.—P. a.— A. B— La Mortola.—
T.ord Powerscourt.-J. L.-W. E. G.— 3. W. F.—
J. H. V.-S. M. W.-C. H. P.- A. B. McD— Ringwood.
—A T.— E M. H.— P. E. 8 (we do not recognise the
Grapes)— Geo. McK (telegram)— W. H.— J. Tully—
T. H.- W. Hales J. A. L.-J. B S.— R. F. M.— F. W.
E. J— T. P.-Justus C— J. O'B.-A. J.— T. H. S —
A. H.-E. C.-r. A.-B. G. S.-E. B.-H. H. J. Mu:i-
son.-K. C.

Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle."

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December 20, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

433

THE

No. 887.— SATURDAY, December 20, 1903.

CONTENTS.

Bananas, harvesting . 439
Birmingham Botanic
Gardens, appeal on
behalf of 439

Book notices

Icones Selectee Horti
Thenensis 436

Systematic Po-
mology ... 438

Canada, progrt ;s in ... u>
Cancer and Fe n de-
velopment

CarnationB. si. cial

cultivation of
Chrysanthemums, ad-
vance in 4'1'J

Cotton-plant, the ... 440
CoventGarden mar.'.et 413
Crocus caspius 443

Customs tariff for Cp-

lombia ,. 439

Cydonias.the ... . 43*
Edinburgh, the prAi
posed International
Exhibition in ..1 439
Euphorbia pulcher-l.

rima \ "

Ghent Quinquennial,
robbery at 439

Con-

439
441

Grape, Melton
stable

India, life in Central

Lawns, mowing, by
motor power

Marigold seed, scarcity
of

Nursery notes —
Stanly, Ashton&Co.

Orange- trees, the dece-
ptive uses of

Schedu'*>st exhibition

Societies—
Horlicultural CJUib
Sunderland .'-ar-
deners'

Umlauft and Vogel,
Herren

Week's work —
Flower-garden, the
Fruits under glass...
Hardy fruit garden
Kitchen garden, the
Orchid-houses, the .
Plants under glass .

White, Gilbert, the
home of

Worlds Fair at St.

Louis

^r 1903, the

1)2
433

438
441

437
437
437
437
437
436

439
443

ILLUSTRATIO <3

Crocus caspius 41.3

Cydonia japonica 13*

Cydonia (Pyrus) Maulel. flowers and fruits of 435, 43J
Seloorne, Gilbert White's house and sundial at
•■The Wakes" 440,441

THE HOME OF GILBERT WHITE.

CHRISTMAS is essentially a country
festival. The kindly genius of Charles
Dickens, it is true, has associated its feeling
of our universal brotherhood with the poor
children of our town slums ; and the joy of
children, rich and poor alike, in the Christ-
mas pantomime has become an integral part
of the season's merrymaking. The old
English Christmas, however, such as we see
it in the pages of Washington Irving, is
essentially of the country. The capacious
tire-place, with its Yule log, the boughs of
Holly and Misleto, and the mummrra
making their way through the snow from
farm to farm— all speak to us of winter in
the country.

Though Christmas and its amusements
find no place in Gilbert White's Natural
History of Selborne, Sel borne has by that
book been made for thousands of English
readers scattered in every quarter of the
globe a type of rural England, and with all
his wealth of photographic detail, Gilbert
White gives us a full account of all the
natural features of his village in winter.

Five miles from a railway-station, Selborne
is a secluded spot to-day; but in White's
time, rather more than a century ago, it was
even more so. There were good roads within
reach, the Portsmouth Road and the Win-
chester Road, by which the naturalist
-might make his not infrequent visits to
London or Oxford ; but t ho immediate
approaches to the village were through

the deep hollow lanes, " by the traffick
of ages, and the fretting of water, worn
down ... in many places . . . sixteen or
eighteen feet beneath the level of the fields,"
which "after floods, and in frosts, exhibit
very grotesque and wild appearances . . .
from the torrents rushing down their broken
sides ; and especially when those cascades
are frozen into icicles, hanging in all the
fanciful shapes of frost-work.'' Situated as
it is just beyond the shelter of the chalk
down, the celebrated Hanger, lies to
the south-west, in what White calls " so
woody and mountainous a district.1' The
rainfall of Selborne is high, averaging 32 in.
a year; so that in all probability winter
snow would not seldom block these lanes, as
White describes it as doing in January, 1776,
" drifting over the tops of the gates " and
'•above the tops of the hedges,'' and stopping
"the company at Bath that wanted to attend
the Queen's birthday " in London when no
farther on their way than the Castle Inn at
Marlborough.

In this secluded village White was born,
though not, as has again and again been
erroneously stated, at the Wakes, the house
in which he spent most of his life, and in
which he died. When we read his pitying-
solicitude for "poor Mr. Banks'' braving
"the intemperance of every climate" and
"hazarding his life'' in "his immense voy-
age " with Captain Cook, we are forcibly
reminded of Alphonse Karr's election, in
that Tour aulour de mon Jardin, which is so
worthy a successor to White's immortal
work, " Make you the tour of the world, I will
make the tour of my garden." Not that the
Selborne naturalist confined his attention to
his garden and its plants. He was far more
of an ornithologist than a botanist, and his
gardening was largely of that eighteenth-
century artificiality that delighted in ar-
bours, grottos, and " prospects." The brick
walk which he made to his summer-house
yet remains, though the summer-house has
disappeared, whilst the "large Portland
dial-post and slab from Andover," with its
"brass dial-plate" (sec fig. 172, p. Ill), the
purchase of which is recorded in his Garden
Kalendar, under the date of November, 1761,
is unaltered. This cannot be said of the
house itself (see fig. 171, p. 440). Though
he added to it himself, it was far smaller at
his death than at present. Professor Bell,
who occupied it from 1864 till his death in
1880, added to it, and considerable altera-
tions have been made since, whilst even the
present proprietor feels himself obliged to
make yet more for the accommodation of
his family. It is to be regretted that the
actual home of the naturalist has Dot been
preserved as he left it ; but much remains
as it was in the village and surrounding
country. Unfortunately, the gale "f Sep-
tember 10 destroyed an Ash-tree planted by
Gilbert White in 1731, when he was but
eleven years old, and seriously damaged an
Oak planted at the same time; but we can
still ascend the Hanger by the zig-zag path
cut by White and his brothers in 17.">2 to the
rough-hewn "obelisk" (now known as the
Wishing Stone), which they had brought
thi h r in' 1758. There are still many old
cottages in' the village ; and, passing the im-
memorial Yew at the entrance of God's-
Acre, we can still read the simple "G. W.,
17. r.','' at the foot of the naturalist's grave,
( ;. 8, Boulgt r.

INDIA.

Life in Central India. — The following
notes have been kindly contributed by a corre-
spondent. They give an interesting insight
into the conditions of life in a district of
Central India : — " Sambhar is connected by
a small branch railway with the main line at
a junction station (Phulera) about 4 or 5 miles
away. This main line runs direct between
Bombay and Agra, a distance of 850 miles. The
branch line runs from the junction to Sambhar,
and then right through the Salt Lake to another
junction station, a distance of 19 miles in all. A
mail train comes in from Bombay from this other
direction also. The lake itself is about 20 miles
long and from 1J mile to " . \ miles broad, and is a
pretty sight when full, which is not always the
case, owing to the scarcity of rain and the fearful
weather we have. The railway line runs on a
high embankment.

" The salt is obtained by means of evaporation
in this way : Large portions of the lake are di-
vided off by embankments ; these are called
' pans,' and the water is pumped into them from
the rest of the lake by the help of immense
engines, worked, of course, by steam. When the
salt is forming the water turns a blood-red colour,
and when the crystals have formed, labourers
(hundreds of them) are engaged by the Govern-
ment, and they extract the salt and pile it up in
great heaps by the railway line. These heaps,
seen from a distance, look exactly like lines of
huge white tents. Later on in the year the salt
is cut with the help of pickaxes, as it gets as hard
as a rock, put into sacks, weighed, and piled into
railway waggons and railed off to all parts of
India. Some 133,000 tons are annually exported
from this depot. Government derives an immense
revenue from the yearly sale of salt.

" We have here a very large and strong treasury
where the money is kept. This is supposed to be
the largest and most important treasury in
India. The money is stored in a room with steps
leading down to a large well ; the top of the
well is protected by a very strong iron grating,
which forms the floor of the room itself. The
treasury building is guarded day and night by
an armed detachment of the ' Marwara Batta-
lion,' which consists of a guard of sixteen men.
They have to be on guard by turns, which means
walking up and down before the treasure-room
with a loaded rifle. After 8 o'clock in the
evening no one can pass even at a distance
without being challenged by the guard ; and if
anyone tries to pass by without answering, he
is to be shot at once by the sentry ; so that
even the Assistant Commissioner, who is the
head of the place, runs the same risk in case
he does not answer. The treasury is always full
of money — hundreds of thousands in rupees and
banknotes. When require 1, money is sent from
here to other treasuries in India. It goes packed
in boxes with iron bands, under the escort of an
armed guard of the same battalion. There are
very few houses here, five or six in all; the
other buildings are the treasury, the Assistant
Commissioner's Office, the Commissioner's Cir-
cuit House, and a large hospital meant for the
Sepoys, and in charge of a European medical
officer; also lines of buildings to accommodate
the native clerks who work in the office — that is
all. The whole of the place, including all the
houses and buildings, is enclosed by a wire
fencing. There are two gates — one, a handsome
iron gate, which opens on to the road that leads
straight to the railway - station, about twenty
minutes' walk. The nature of the country for
miles around is sandy and bare-, it is known as
the ' Great Rajputana Desert.' There is no grass
at all, only a few clumps of trees here and there.
There are no roads, except those to the statin.
and it is wearisome work plodding nlong through

434

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[Decembeb 26, 1903.

the heavy, loo3e aand. The ground rises and falls
in undulating, bare sand - hillocks. The houses
are built on these small hillocks, and the short
roads connecting them are failures, as they get
quite hidden by the sand, and cut up by heavy
wooden " antediluvian "-pattern native country
carts drawn by miserable, ill-treated bullocks.
Any other kind of conveyance is unknown here,
and these travel only at about the rate of a mile
an hour."

THE CYDONIAS.

The Cydonias — popularly known as Quinces —
have been considered until recently as a section of
the genus Pyrus. Most botanists, however, now

soil. A sunny position is essential to all the
species if an abundance of blossom is desired.

C. CATHAYENSIS.

For many years this species was grown against
a wall at Kew under the name of C. sinensis,
under the impression that it was that species.
The true C. sinensis was, however, about four
years ago, obtained from Sir Thomas Hanbury's
garden at La Mortola, and was found to be quite
different. Nothing is known of the introduction
of C. cathayensis to Kew, but Dr. Henry has
collected it in Hupeh, China, although never
undoubtedly wild. It is a loose, spreading shrub,
with lanceolate or linear-lanceolate leaves, finely
serrate, and 3 inches to 5 inches long. On the

Botanical Magazine just one hundred years ago
(t. 692). Its beauty is so great and so widely
are its merits known, that scarcely a garden of
any pretensions in this country is now without it.
When planted in the open and left alone, it
makes a large, round, impenetrable thicket of
tangled branches. There are some magnificent
specimens in the country as much as 10 feet high
and 20 feet through. Frequently it is grown on
a wall, and very charming it is there, lighting up
the garden with its fiery-red blossoms as early as
February and March. It is also used sometimes
as a hedge-plant. In Lord Annesley's garden at
Castlewellan I saw such a hedge some years ago ;
this, 1 believe, is cut back every year, and flowers
well.

FlC. 168. — FLOWERS OF CYJDONIA JArONICi : A WINTER-FLOWERING SHRUB.
(Photograph by F. M&son Good )

concur in giving them generic rank. To many
people, however, the following five Bpecies (or some
■of them) will still be best known under the name of
Pyrus. Four of them come from China or Japan,
whilst the fifth — C. vulgaris, or the common
•Quince — is probably European. The fruits of all
the species are acid and astringent, and unfit for
food in the raw state ; two or three, however, can
be used to make conserves of various kinds, also
for flavouring various confections. The purely
ornamental species are easily propagated by
seeds, the varieties by layers or grafts. They are
Tiot fastidious as to soil, but prefer a light loam.
C. Maulci flowirs exceptionally well in a sandy

young growths of the current season the stipules
are large, leaf-like, and auriculate ; on the year-
old shoots they are small and inconspicuous. The
flowers are 1J inch across, white, and produced
two or three together in a dustc-. It has fruited
both at Kew and with Canon Ellacombe, and th i
fruit is 4 inches to 5 inches "ong, 3 inches wide,
and abruptly narrowed at the base. I d) not
know that it has any economic value.

C. JAPONICA.
This (fig. 163), the best known of the Cydonin
as a flowering shrub, was introduced from Japai
in 1796, and one of its forrr s was f g ired in the

At 7easb a score of named varieties of this
shrub have been sent out by nurserymen. Some
of these are very beautiful, and they range in
colour from white or pale-yellow to the richest
crimson, and whilst some are single -flowered,
others are double. I know no better red one than
the Knap Hill Scarlet ; but very similar to it is
var. cardinalis — a fine plant of which on one of
the old walls at Kew makes a lovely picture every
spring. Sinica is double-flowered and deep-red ;
nivalis and candidissima are white. The odours
of many others also are sufficiently indicated by
their names, such as alba semiplena, atrosan-
guinea plena, sulphurea, rubra grandiflora, &c.

.Decembee 26, 1903.

THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E.

435

One of the best known specimens in this country C. Maulei. height. The plants first raised by Messrs.

is the fine bush in the Royal Horticultural So- Originally described and figured by Dr. Masters Maule, of Bristol (after whom it is named), bore

ciety's garden at Cbiswiek. Whilst the chief or as PyrusMaulei in the Gardeners' Chronicleior 1874, flowers of a bright orange-red, but subsequently

Fig. 169.— cydonia (pyeus) maulki.
a. Vertical section of Bower; B, Cross section .>( ovary ; < . Calyx ; d, lhiir< ; e. Pollen-grains.

normal flowering time of this Japanese Quince is this species has ever since been a valued shrub in varieties with flowers of different shades appeared,
from April to June, it often continues to flower gardens. It is the dwarfest of the ( 'ydonias, the the two most distinct being superba with blood-
more or less from February to October. largest plants I have seen being 3 to i feet in red petals, and alba with creamy-white petals. It

436

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 26, 1903,

commences~to][flower in late April or early May,
and continues till well into June. In autumn it
nearly always carries a large crop of roundish
fruits, which are about If inch in diameter,
yellow stained with red on the sunny side, and
charmingly fragrant. Tie plant makes a low,
rounded or spreading bush, the leaves being
oblong or spatulate, 1 to 2 inches long and quite
smooth. On the young growing shoots they are
arranged alternately, and each one has a pair of
large reniform or ovate stipules at the base. On
the year-old wood the leaves are arranged in
tufts, and the stipules are minute; each tuft is

C. SINENSIS.

According to Thouin, the author of the name,
this species was introduced to this country from
China towards the end of the eighteenth cen-
tury. For many years, however, it appears to
have been quite lost sight of in English gardens,
until a few years ago it was discovered by Sir
Wm. T. Thiselton - Dyer in the La Mortola
garden and re-introduced. Probably it is in-
capable of withstanding our severest winters
unprotected, but there is a vigorous specimen on
a wall at Kew which flowered in June last. It is
very distinct from the other Cydonias in its

Fig. 170.— fruits of cydonia (pykus) maulei.

guarded by a spine. The flowers, being short-
stalked and produced in clusters, often com-
pletely wreath the branches — transforming them
into cylindrical masses of scarlet or blood- red
blossom. The fruits, though harsh and acid, make
an excellent conserve.

Cydonia Maulei (figs. 169, 170) is easily raised
from seeds, and forms varying in colour may be
thus obtained. The plant sent out by M. Lemoine
under the name of C. Sargenti is merely a form
of C. Maulei — dwarf in habit and with flowers of a
rich blood-red. It is said to have been found by
Prof. Sargent on the mountains of Japan. The
shrub sent out as C. japonica pygmcea is also no
doubt a seedling form of C. Maulei. The typical
C. Maulei, described by Dr. Masters, was raised
from seed introduced about 1869 from Japan.

foliage and young shoots. The leaves are ovate,
2 to 4 inches long, and especially marked by the
glandular teeth on the petiole and margins. The
petiole, midrib, and the young wood are also
particularly woolly. The flower is a little over
1 inch across, with petals of a dull, pale red.
I notice, however, that in his recently- published
paper on "Recently introduced Trees, Shrubs,
&c, from Central China," Mr. J. H. Veitch
describes the flowers as "intense crimson."
Possibly there are differently coloured forms of
this species, as of other Cydonias, or the Kew
plant, being young and newly transplanted, may
not, this dull year especially, have done itself
justice. The fruit I have not seen, but it is
described as being egg-shaped and 5 to 7 inches
long. It is doubtful if it will ripen — in ordinary

seasons at any rate — in Britain. Even in Paris
it is found that it can rarely be brought to
maturity.

C. vulgaris (Common Quince).
Although the Quince, with its crooked
branches and low quaint habit, its large pink or
white flowers and its singularly handsome fruits,
is well worth its place in the garden as an orna-
mental tree, it is as an orchard tree that we chiefly
know it. In most private gardens one or two
specimens are grown for the fruits. These,
although acid and astringent themselves, are
sometimes used for flavouring ices. Apple-pies,
&c. The commonest form is known as pyri-
formis, the fruits being Pear-shaped and of a
beautiful golden-yellow — perhaps the handsomest
fruit of our orchards. There is a variety with
Apple-shaped fruits (maliformis), and another
called lusitanica, which has larger leaves and
fruit, but it is ashy bearer. As is well known, the
Quince is largely used as a stock for dwarf Pears.
Although it is one of the minor fruits of our
orchards, the common Quince has been cultivated
in South Britain from time immemorial ; Loudon
says in all probability from the time of the
Itomans. Like some other of our commonest
cultivated plants, its native country is not cer-
tainly known ; but probably it originated some-
where in the south or south-east of Europe.
IF. J. Bean, Kew.

BOOK NOTICE.

Icones Select/e Horti Thenemsif.

We have often had occasion to mention this
publication, devoted' to the illustration and de-
scription of the plants growing in the garden of
M. Van den Bossche, of Tirlemont. It is chiefly
of botanical interest, the lithographic plates
being admirably executed, and the text accu-
rately and critically drawn up by the competent
hands of M. de Wildeman. The plants figured
in recent numbers are Sparmannia palinata,
t. 141, closely allipd to the better known S. afri-
eana ; Backhousia myrtifolia, t. 142 ; Quercus
glauca, t. 143; Agave filifera var. filamentosa,
t. 141 ; Cupressus arizonica, t. 145, of which M.de
Wildeman has, as it seems, not seen the cones ;
Pelargonium odoiatissimum, t. 146 ; Koelrenteria
paniculata, t. 147 ; Oxylobium ellipticum, t. 148 ;
Ohiococca brachiata, t. 149 ; and Globularia
salicina, t. 150.

The Week's Work.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. Ma vne. Gardener to the Hon. Mark Rolle,
Bicton, Budleigb Salterton. Devonshire.

Pelargoniums. — The show and fancy varieties
will now be in need of repotting into pots vary-
ing in size from 5j inches up to S inches in
diameter. Let the potting be done firmly so as
to encourage the production of short-jointed
wood ; and do not use a very rich soil, but a good
turfy-loam with a sprinkling of bone-meal and
just enough sand as will give porosity ; and
should the loam be very heavy, leaf-soil in small
quantity may be added. The plants should be
kept within 18 inches of the glass roof, and
afforded ample space and free ventilation when-
ever the weather will allow. A cool greenhouse
or pit from where frost can be kept out is a
suitable place in which to grow them. Fumiga-
tion should be done weekly in order to
destroy aphis. Apply water carefully during
the short days, and discontinue stopping the
shoots after this date, but remove all weakly
shoots.

Violets occupying pits or frames need much air,
pulling the lights back by day when fine. I have
found sprinkling with dry wood-ashes as good as
anything as a remedy against the spot disease,
and stirring the surface at tri-weekry intervals
also lessens the evil. Avoid fire-heat, and cover
tl e lights with mats on frosty nights instead, more
or fewer, as may be called for. The varieties De

December 26, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

437

Parma and Mrs. J. J.Astor prove more floriferous
than other doubles I am cultivating this season.

The Forcing-pit. — Introduce bi-weekly into this
structure Azalea mollis, Deutzia gracilis and
D. Lemoinei, Lilacs, Staphylea colchica, Prunus,
Dielytra spectabilis, Spiraeas, and double-flowered
Cherry ; afford a night temperature of 50° to 55°,
and syringe the plants overhead twice daily.

Lachenalias. — Now that these pretty plants are
showing their flower-spikes apply weak manure-
water once or twice a week, but do not force them
in any way, or the flower-spikes will be weak and
the blooms of short duration ; rather keep them
on a shelf almost touching the glass until about
half their flowers are expanded.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By T. H. C.

Pot Fines. — As soon as it is seen which laterals
bear the most compact and shapely bunches thin
out the latter, leaving six to nine of the best to a
Vine, previously rubbing out all weak and super-
fluous shoots not required, or for which there is
not sufficient space to tie in to the trellis-wires.
Stop the laterals at the first joint beyond a bunch,
and non-fruiting laterals at any desired length.
Let the bottom-heat range between 70° to 75°, and
the house temperature at night 60° to 65°, and by
day 5° higher ; a few degrees more if from sun-
heat will be beneficial. Maintain a moist con-
dition of the air by frequently damping paths,
walls, and other surfaces, but do not further
syringe the Vines. It is rather soon to expect
thrips or red-spider to make their appearance, but
a sharp look-out should be kept and the pests
dealt promptly with when observed. Commence
early with the use of manural aids to growth
when applying water.

Vine-eyes. — When pruning the early Vines, let
the strongest laterals be saved for supplying eyes
for propagation. In making these select plump
buds with about an inch or two of the shoot,
cutting the latter half through lengthwise on the
under side ; insert them singly in 3-inch pots, or
a number together in pans or boxes, in a compost
of two- thirds sandy loam, and one-third of mortar-
rubble and charred garden refuse in equal parts.
The eyes should be buried in the soil, the bud
being kept slightly above it. Stand the pots or
boxes in a cold frame, out of the reach of frost,
till the middle of January, when they may be
taken into the propagating-pit and plunged in a
bottom-heat of 75° to 80°, and a top-heat of 05°
to 70°.

Cut-back Pot-Vines. — If it is intended to culti-
vate " cut-backs " for another year, the canes may
be cut down, leaving only two buds above the
soil, and in order to prevent bleeding, dress the
wounded parts with styptic. Turn the Vine out
of its pot, remove a good proportion of the spent
soil without breaking or injuring the roots ;
place in clean, well-drained 11-inch pots in a
compost of two-thirds roughly-chopped rich loam
and one-third stable-manure and leaf-mould in
equal proportions, both the latter being finely
sifted. To every wheelbarrowful of the compost
add a good sprinkling of mortar-rubble and
charred refuse, a 7-inch potful of bone-meal, and
a 5-inch potful of Thomson's Vine-Manure. Pot
firmly, using a rammer. Stand the pots in a
cool-house till they are started in heat at the
beginning of the year.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By H. Alexander, Orchid Cultivator to Capt. Q. L.
Holfohd, Weatonbirt, Tetbury.

The Odontoglossums. — In gardens where O.
crispum is grown in large numbers, some plants
will start into growth much earlier in the year
than others, and these often develop their pseudo-
bulbs sufficiently early to expand their flowers at
the present season. The quality of such blooms
is not generally so good as when they open in
the spring ; nevertheless they are appreciated at
this season. Two other species which adorn the
orchid-houses at this date are O. Kossii and O.
Cervantesii, well-flowered plants of which are
effective, and whore many of them are grown,
their season of flowering extends over a long
period. Then there is the charming little Sophro-
n i t i .". grandiflora, which always imparts a cheerful

look to the arrangements when dotted about
among the other plants. The flowers of Sophro-
nitis are produced on the partly - developed
growths, and until such time as the latter are
developed fully, moisture should be afforded at
the roots plentifully. After this has occurred
there is usually a quiet season for a time, and
less water suffices. Repotting when it becomes
necessary should be carried out when new roots
are forming on the growths last made.

Cattleyas. — The coloured and the white varieties
of Laslia anceps are opening their flowers in the
Cattleya-house, and the flowers of L.-C. Charles-
worthii are developing fast. The last is one of
the most beautiful hybrids ever sent out, and is
especially useful for cutting purposes. All of
these require a long good rest after having
flowered. C. Triana? and C. Percivalliana are
showing their flower-spikes, and should be afforded
a little more water at the roots than hitherto, and
a suitable position in which to open their blooms.
Many Cattleyas and Laelio-Cattleya hybrids are
still growing, and these will need a light position
and sufficient moisture at the root to enable them
to complete their growths.

General remarks. — We are now passing through
the dull season, and in conclusion I would advise
those who may be desirous of having healthy
plants to avoid the use of excessive heat in the
houses ; to keep the balance of dryness and
humidity at all times of the day by close atten-
tion to damping down and the giving of air. The
forcing of plants into growth by unduly high
temperatures is to be condemned, for much better
results are obtained when plants get their proper
season of rest and start into growth at the right
season.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By J. C. Tallack, Gardener to E. Miller MUNDY.Esq.,
Shipley Hall, Derby.

Hot-beds. — By the use of hot-beds and frames
many species of biennials may be converted into
annuals, with advantage to the grower. Among
the more important of these are the East Lothian
and other Stocks. To be successful, the hot-bed
should be made up quite early in the year, and
so constructed as to afford a gentle heat over a
long period of time. With this end in view, it is
advisable to use about two-thirds of Beech and
Oak-leaves and one-third of stable - litter, the
whole mass of materials being thoroughly mixed
and trodden down firmly to a depth of about
30 inches, or even deeper. Though the soil need
not be prepared and put on the bed as yet, it is
advisable to put the frames and lights on the
beds as a protection from snow and rain.

Frame-ground. — Where there are frames full of
cuttings of Calceolarias, Antirrhinums, Pent-
stemons, Phloxes, &c, the frames should be pro-
tected with stable-litter, tree-leaves, or bracken;
and although some of the foregoing are considered
to be quite hardy, they are all the better for
being protected from frost. Before hard weather
sets in, it is advisable to nip out the points of
the cuttings of Antirrhinums and Calceolarias
which may be making flower-buds, the formation
of these being exhausting to the slightly rooted
cuttings.

Bedding Plants of all kinds, and especially
stock potsful of such as are intended to furnish
cuttings for early propagation, should be kept
well up to the glass and afforded ample space, so
that the cuttings when taken may be sturdy.
The temperature in which they are growing
should be kept as low as it may be with safety.
Young zonal Pelargoniums should be kept free
from decaying leaves, and the tips of the shoots
pinched out so as to cause several breaks before
they are put into pots or boxes. Ivy-leaved
Pelargoniums may be similarly treated, and in
their case it has a double advantage in preventing
the growths becoming entangled.

Carnations. — The plants should be pressed
down frequently if the soil can be caught in
dryish condition, as a firm soil is of great benefit
to the young plants, which are sure to get
loosened and heaved up by frost.

Climbers. — Now that the leaves have fallen
from most of these plants, unnecessary shoots

may be removed, the remainder slightly short-
ened, and the whole regulated, so as to cover the
whole of the available space evenly. Tangled
masses of climbing plants, though giving a good
effect for a year or two, develop into eyesores
afterwards.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.

By Chas. Page. Gardener to J. B. Foetescue, Esq.,
Dropmore, Maidenhead.

Nuts. — The pruning of Cob Nuts and Filberts
should now be undertaken, the bushes being cut
into what is known as " basin shaped," that is, the
bushes may have a single stem about 2 ft. in height,
and from this the main branches, about eight or
twelve in number, diverge ; and from these main
branches young shoots are given off, which, when
stopped at the points, form the spurs on which
the Nuts are produced. The aim of primers should
be to keep the main branches well clothed with
healthy young spurs, and to remove a certain
number of the oldest spurs each year, young
growths being retained to take their places. A
sufficient number of shoots bearing catkins or
male blossoms must be left to afford pollen for
fertilising the female flowers. When the pruning
is finished let the young shoots be collected, these
being useful for flower sticks. Let the ground
be cleared of weeds and rubbish, and be afforded
a dressing of spent hot-bed manure. If it be
intended to plant bushes this season, the work
should be performed forthwith. Ground in which
stones are abundant usually grows good Nuts.
The bushes should be planted at a distance of
12 by 15 feet apart. Let the young plants be cut
hard back the first season so that the necessary
number of shoots for forming the head may form,
and the resulting shoots should be cut back
annually to about 18 inches in length so as to
obtain shoots for forming fruiting - spurs and
catkins.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

By John Fleming, Gardener to Sir C. Pigott, Bart.,
Wexham Park, Slough.

Boots in Store. — Take advantage of rainy
weather, when the men cannot be employed out-
of-doors, to examine Potatos, those showing the
least sign of disease being removed. Keep the
cellar or store cool, but do not by any chance let
frost get at the tubers. Potatos are keeping
badly, hence the value of a good root-store.
Onions and Carrots should also be sorted over.

Jerusalem Artichokes— If the weather continue
open the tubers may be lifted, and those of
useable sizes should be placed in a pit and the
sets elsewhere, and the ground on which they were
grown well manured and trenched, every tuber
being carefully thrown out. The land will come
into "use for another kind of crop, or it may be
replanted with Artichokes, as this plant can be
grown on the same land for a number of years
without any reduction of crop.

Parsnips. — These roots are the better for being
left in the soil until March, as the flavour of a
Parsnip begins to go off as soon as the root is
lifted, especially when exposed to the air. Part
of the crop, or, where the ground is wanted, the
whole, may be lifted and stored in layers in a bank
formed against a wall having a north aspect, each
layer being embedded in sand or fine coal-ashes,
and the whole covered with litter or bracken. In
this manner of storing the roots they can be got
at in any state of the weather. It may be
mentioned that the roots must not be thrown
into the heap promiscuously, but each root laid
regularly and in order, with the top pointing
outwards.

Hints on Work in General.— AW kinds of sea-
sonable work should be forwarded expeditiously
in view of the pressure of operations later on.
These may include alterations in walks, ic, and
draining the vegetable quarters. In frosty wea-
ther wheel manure, etc., on to the quarters, put-
ting it in heaps ready for being spread ; mould
up fully the late Celery plants, and during severe
weather cover the ridges with bracken, but remov-
in" it whenever the weather breaks. On wet and
retentive soils Celery suffers much from damping,
and sheets of corrugated iron may be employed
to throw off the rain and snow.

438

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 26, 1903.

EDITORIAL NOTICES.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher.

Letters for Publication, as toell as specimens and plants
tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR,
4i, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London.

Communications should be written on onb bide only or
THB paper, sent as early in the week as possible, and duly
signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be
printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith.

Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor does net
undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or
to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by
special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself re-
sponsible for any opinions expressed by Jus correspondents,

Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be
careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK.

( National Potato Society (pro-
WEDNESDAY, DEC.30-; posed), Windsor Hotel, Vic-
/ toria Street, S.W. (3.3D P.M ).

8ALES FOR THE WEEK.

WEDNESDAY NEXT—

Palms, Plants, Azaleas, Dutch Bulbs, Liliums. Per-
ennials, &c, at 67 and 68, Cheapside. E C, by
Protheroe & Morris, at 11 o'clock —At Steveos'
Rooms at 12.30, Roses. Azaleas. Lilac.. Gladioli,
Begonias. Fruit Trees, Japanese Lilies, <4c.

FRIDAY NEXT—

Imported and Established Orchids at 67 and 68,
Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 30.—
200 Azaleas, Uardy Border Plants and Bulbs, at 67
and 63, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at
12 o'clock.

(For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.)

Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced

Iron observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswlik

- 37-3'.
Actual Temperatures :—

London.— Dec. 21 (6 p.m.) : Mai. 17': Min. 37'.

Provinces. — Dec. 21 (6 p.m.) : Max. 53', South
Wales; Min. 43°, Yorkshire Coast.

Under this title one of our
Pomology0 American correspondents —
Professor Waugh— has issued
a treatise concerning the description, nomen-
clature and classitication of fruits. It is
published in New York by the Orange Judd
Company, and although in detail it concerns
the fruits of the United States, the general
principles are necessarily the same in all
countries.

The introduction, treating of Pomology in
general under the three headings of descrip-
tion, nomenclature and classification, and
the bulk of the work are devoted to the appli-
cation of these principles to particular cases.
It is excellent practice for young gardeners
to write comparative descriptions of the
fruits they meet with, and still better to
make drawings, to scale, of the exterior and
interior of the fruit. Such descriptions
and drawings, if supplemented by written
details as to season of maturity, cropping,
cultivation, and so forth, will be most valu-
able for reference in after years.

As these notes accumulate, the necessity
•for some system of classification will become
forced upon the student. A strictly
botanical classification, though useful in
books of reference, is not of so much
importance to the average gardener as a
more arbitrary grouping according to use,
quality, or period of ripening. Of course,
if the details of form, colour, or Size
can be co-related with those relating to
cropping, flavour, use, and season, all the
better; but this can rarely be done satis-
factorily. Nevertheless it is an object to be
aimed at, and if absolute success cannot
be looked for, the more nearly we attain
to it the fuller and more useful will our
knowledge become.

The blank forms recommended for general
adoption by Prof. Waugh contain spaces in
which the name of the variety, its habit of
growth, height, length of fruit-stalks, length
of leaf-stalks, and colour of foliage are all
entered in their appropriate spaces. Then
come the details relating to the fruits— how
produced, their form, colour, dimensions;
the seeds, and the colour, texture and quality
of the flesh, and so on. If the use of such
forms were made general, the comparison be-
tween fruits grown in different localities and
under varying circumstances would be made
easy and profitable. These description-forms
should be written on paper of the same
dimensions, so that they can be arranged
under whatever system be preferred, and
preserved in cabinets or other receptacles
easy of access. The locality and the date
when the description was made should in-
variably be given. Different chapters are
allotted in this volume to the descriptions of
various fruits— Apples, Pears, Plums, and so
forth ; and numerous illustrations are given
to help the student, and ensure accuracy
and uniformity.

The rules of nomenclature, the determina-
tion of synonyms, the claims of priority, all
receive attention, but as they are the same
as are recognised in systematic botany gene-
rally, it is not necessary here to do more
than allude to them. Prof. Waugh does
not seem to have seen, at least he does not
allude to the classification of Apples given
by the late Dr. Hogg in the later editions oE
his Fruit Manual. It was the result of
extended observation, great labour and
experienced judgment, and the results are
as good as can be expected where the data
are at once so limited and so notoriously
variable and uncertain. It is not easy to
name any particular Apple by it, but it is
in general easy to refer it to its particular
section.

A man who has had extensive practice in
drawing up descriptions of fruits and com-
paring them one with another, is likely to
lie a good judge of fruits when exhibited. A
system of points is, however, recommended
for his guidance, of which the following are
examples : —Form, 2; colour, 2; size, 2;
freedom from imperfection, 0; total, 12; or,
as an alternative, form, 10; size, 10; colour.
10; freedom from blemishes, 20; uniformity,
20; quality, 30; total, 100. In every case
the average characteristics of the particular
variety to be adjudicated on must be borne
in mind.

It maybe of interest to cite the "score
card" adopted for Grapes, as follows, pre-
mising that the Grapes are grown out-of-
doors in the States: — Flavour, 30; form of
bunch, 10 ; size of bunch, L5 ; size of berry,
15; colour, 10; firmness, .5; bloom, 5 ; free-
dom from blemishes, 10— total, 100. We do
not think this mode of pointing would be
considered satisfactory here ; but, as an
illustration of what our transatlantic-
cousins think, it is interesting.

We have said enough to show that this
book will be read with great interest by
pomologists, and that valuable results must
accrue from this attempt to introduce
system and order in place of confusion and
chaos.

Similar remarks may be made with refer-
ence to another work on Systematic Pomology
that has reached us since the above lines
were written. Necessarilv it deals with the

same subject but in fuller detail. Its pur-
port may be gleaned from what follows : —

In the United States " there appears to be
a legitimate field for a manual of moderate
dimensions, adapted to the needs of the
amateur fruit grower, and those desiring to
make a beginning in the systematic study
of fruits. Hence this book." It is the work
of Professors Budd and Hansen, and con-
tains the descriptions of the leading varie-
ties of the orchard fruits, Grapes, Small
fruits, subtropical fruits and nuts of the
United States and Canada. It is illustrated
by hundreds of outlines of the principal
commercial fruits and nuts. The work opens
with a summary of the principal systems
which have been promulgated for the classi-
fication of Apples, including that published
by Dr. Hogg. Then follows a scheme, like
that above mentioned, for the description of
particular specimens, with blank spaces, in
which are to be inserted for each specimen
notes relating to the size, form, nature of the
skin, surface colour, dots, cavity, stalk, basin,
calyx, segments, core, cells (carpels), tube,
stamens, seeds, flesh, flavour, quality, season,
<fec. The descriptions and illustrations which
follow are, of course, of Apples grown in the
United States, arranged alphabetically, and
are not applicable here, but the general
principles are the same. Both books should
form part of every pomologist's library
They may be procured through Williams &
Norgate.

*„* Our Almanac. — According to our usual
practice, we shall shortly issue a Gardeners'
Chronicle Almanac for the year 1901. In order
to make it as complete as possible, we shall be
obliged if Secretaries of Horticultural, Botanical,
and allied Societies, or any of our correspondents,
will send us IMMEDIATE INTIMATION of all fixtures
for the coming year.

The Decorative Uses of Orange-trees

(see Supplementary Illustration). — The associa-
tion of architectural stateliness with the for-
mality of clipped shrubs seems to be taken as
a necessary thing, especially by architects and
" formal " gardeners. For certain obvious reasons
this association is congruous. But from other
points of view the unnecessary clipping and
mutilation of shrubs and trees is a thing to be
deprecated. Critics are fond of insisting upon
the fact that the style of architecture necessitated
by the use of stone is not suitable when iron is
the material principally used. An Egyptian
temple raised in iron woild look absurd. A
summer-house in granite would be equally ano-
malous. Why a tree or a shrub naturally
destined to a free, flowing style of growth, con-
trolled only by climatal vicissitudes, should be
barbarously mutilated we do not know, unless we
invoke the influence of caprice or fashion. It is
the practice to clip the ears of dogs, to amputate
their tails, and even to breed a bandy-legged race
of crippled animals for no other cause than that
afforded by caprice. These things will not bear
the slightest flash of reason. Almost as un-
reasonable is the use amid architectural
surroundings of formal Orange-trees and other
tender exotics in tubs. It has become the
fashion, and is considered to be as befitting the
conditions as the King of Prussia's regiment of
giant Guards was, or the bear-skin head-dresses of
our Grenadiers still are. Tet when we consider
that Nature provides Cedars and Cypresses, Stone
Pines and Poplars, and various other hardy trees
and shrubs which would either associate har-
moniously with or afford striking contrast to the
formal lines of the architect, we do not see where

December 26, 1903/

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

439

the necessity for the topiary art comes in. If we
consider the labour and the cost incidental to the
decoration of terraces with Orange-trees, which
are only allowed out for a few summer months
and then have to be removed with much labour
and cost to the prison called an orangery, we
shall begin to wonder whether the advantages
gained are worth the cost they entail. Nowhere
have we seen such vast numbers of Orange-trees
as at Versailles. In our present issue we give an
illustration of a part of the great terrace, the
'basement of which forms the "Orangerie," where
the trees are housed for the winter. How
many hundreds of Orange-trees there may be
•we cannot even guess, but there they are of all
ages and sizes, generally in excellent condition
and well cared for. Whilst the Orange-trees
predominate, there are mixed with them Pome-
granates, Myrtles, Laurustines, yellow Jasmines,
and even Justicias. It would be idle to deny
their effectiveness when placed in position, but
tfor reasons already alleged, we can but wonder
whether the game is worth the candle, and
whether a more appropriate and certainly a more
•continuous effect might not be produced at much
less cost and trouble by the use of hardy trees
and shrubs of suitable "habit."

Royal Institution. — Among the lectures to
'he delivered in the coming session are three
.lectures on the " Flora of the Ocean," by G.
.Murray, Esq., Keeper, Department of Botany,
British Museum (Natural History), on Thursdays,
.January 14, 21, and 28, 1904, at 5 p.m. ; and three
lectures by A. D. Hall, Esq., Director of the
.Rothamsted Experimental Station, on " Recent
■Research in Agriculture," on Thursdays, Feb-
ruary 4, 11, and 18, at 5 p.m.

A Picturesque Harvest Scene. —The

West Indian Bulletin lately published an account,
by the Honourable W. Fawcett, of the Banana
industry in Jamaica. After dealing with the
nature of the plant and its cultivation, the
^method of harvesting the fruit was described.
.According to this account, when a bunch is to be
-cut the stem is partly cut through 5 or 6 feet
from the ground, and the bunch, with the whole
'top of the plant, topples slowly over. The usual
-custom is to cut fruit by the hundred stems, each
•cutter by himself, without help, cutting the fruit
with a cutlass and catching it. On some estates
particular care is taken in harvesting ; one man
with his pruning- tool cuts and manipulates the
cfall of the head, while another catches the bunch,
and when the stalk is cut hands it to one of the
women who are employed to carry it to a parti-
cular spot. A bunch weighs from 80 lb. to 100 lb.
The bunches are wrapped in " trash " and handed
•up by two men to another man in a waggon , who
packs them in carefully so that there shall be no
bruising. It is singularly picturesque to ride
"through the shady rows of Bananas, with here
.and there all round majestic heads falling and
figures moving swiftly at their work ; to note the
quick movements of the men with keen upward
glances, the stately walk of the women with a
bunch balanced on their heads, all accompanied
■by the noise of the large leaves in their descent, the
■ cries of the men, and the peculiar call for the women
when they are wanted. We think the account of
•this harvesting of the Banana fruit should be
interesting to our readers, who hitherto have given
little thought to the matter, merely considering
these wonderful tropical products as cheap and
acceptable additions to Britain's daily food.

Royal Caledonian Horticultural So-
ciety.— Great International Horticultural
Exhibition. See Gardener's Chronicle for Sept. 19,
p. 209, and Nov. 7, p. :)20.— The Royal Caledonian
Horticultural Society, having veiy largely in-
creased its membership during the past few years,
. .desires to makeastrenuous effort to further advance
horticultural interests in this country, and in

consequence of the success of the International
Fruit and Flower Shows promoted by the Society
in Edinburgh in September 18G5, 1869, 1875, 1882
and 1891, the Council proposes to hold another
Great International Exhibition in September
1905, the exact dates to be afterwards determined.
After a lapse of fourteen years since the last
International, the Council feels that the time
has now arrived when another should be held,
to show the marked advancement in horticul-
ture which has been made during that period.
The Council is anxious that this International
should excel its predecessors, and that it may do
so it is necessary that it should be in a position
to offer such prizes as will secure the best pro-
ductions of the United Kingdom and abroad.
His Majesty the King has graciously accorded
his patronage to this exhibition, and has given a
valuable Silver Cup for competition. The Council
appeals to all those interested in horticulture for
their cordial and liberal support, and early inti-
mation of their subscriptions will greatly assist
the Council in carrying through the necessary
arrangements. Intimation of subscriptions will
be received by P. Murray Thomson, S.S.C.,
5, York Place, Secretary and Treasurer of the
Society, or by the Union Bank of Scotland, and
acknowledgment will be made by the Treasurer.
Balfour of Burleigh, President ; or by P.
Murray Thomson, Secretary and Treasurer.

Cancer and Fern Development. — One
very striking circumstance connected with
original research in any department of science
is the fact that we never know to what it will
lead. Ask the cui bono man wiat can be the
use of minute investigations into the buds of
Ferns, and he will probably smile contemptu-
ously at what he considers laborious trifling
with no good practical result likely to accrue
from it. Ask the biologist, and he will tell you
that some clue has already been afforded as to the
nature of cancerous disease. If the results below
mentioned are confirmed, the first step towards
the ultimate prevention or perhaps cure will have
been obtained. If palliation only of suffering be
achieved, the benefit will still be great.

A communication on the subject of cancer was made
at the last meeting oE the Royal Society, under the
title, '' Resemblances exhibited between the Cells of
Malignant Growl lis in Man, and those of normal repro-
ductive tissues." The paper proceeded jointly from
Professor Farmer, F.R.S., Mr. J. E. S. Moore, and Mr.
C E. Walker, all of the Royal College of Science, South
Kensington. The investigations on the subject are the
outcome of researches affecting botanical problems,
and not of medical inquiry. They were, in fact,
prompted by studies of the abnormal growths occur-
ring on Ferns, the authors being struck by certain
features presented by the proliferating tissues that are
formed during the processes of " apogamy " and
"apospory." and these characteristics led them to
make a systematic investigation of the transformations
of the cells in malignant growths in man. The result
has been the recognition of the existence of a surprising
degree of similarity between the appearances in such
tissues and those of reproductive tissues in general.
If the conclusions are well founded, they will serve to
throw light upon the nature of malignant growths,
and also serve as a point of departure for further
investigations.

Appeal on Behalf of the Birmingham
Botanic Gardens. — The Committee of the
Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society
are making an appeal for .£2,000 for the improve-
ment of the gardens. Amongst the purposes
for which this sum is required are the fol-
lowing : — To re -erect the Water - Lily - house ;
to extend and replant the shrubberies, her-
baceous borders, and rosary ; to simplify and
economise the heating system ; to extinguish the
debt of JE550, and to improve the sanitary arrange-
ments of the garden, &c. Towards this sum
donations amounting to ill.313 6s. have already
been given or promised, and it is hoped that the
remaining sum of .£680 may be forthcoming soon.

Donations may be sent to Neville Chamber-
lain, Esq. (Hon. Treasurer), Highbury, Birming-
ham ; or to Professor Hillhouse (Hon. Secretary),
The University, Birmingham.

Robbery at the Ghent Quinquennial. —

On the 19th inst. two Germans, who had been
previously released on bail, were convicted at the
Ghent Correctional Tribunal of having cut
branches from a fine Codifeum Andreanum War-
teli, and fronds, nearly 7 feet in length, from
a fine Nephrolepis. The arrest of one of
the delinquents was made by Count De
Kerchove, who handed him over to the
Commissary of Police. Sentence was now pro-
nounced, and a fine of 1,156 francs was inflicted,
or three months' imprisonment. This is the first
occasion since the foundation of the Society in
1808 that anything of this kind has happened,
and it is to be hoped that the remorse felt by the
perpetrators of this act will be proportionate to
its iniquity.

Progress in Canada. — The last issued
report in connection with the Canadian Experi-
mental Farms (1902) has come to hand, after a
period of gestation which is justified by the vast
amount of ground gone over and the inherent
value of the subjects placed under review. The
volume consists of more than 400 pages, and is
amply illustrated wherever such assistance is
required. The reports relate to agriculture,
horticulture, chemistry, entomology, botany,
poultry farming. Dairy farming has its report,
and fruit-culture has a goodly share of attention.
Small fruits appear to be looking up in value,
and Plum-culture looms largely in the pages of
the book. All the past year's work appears to
be very satisfactory, the general results as to
profit being highly noteworthy. An interesting
chapter is devoted to experiments in tree-planting
on Sable Island. This is situated off the coast of
Nova Scotia. There were included in this test
68,755 evergreens of twenty-five species and
12,590 deciduous examples of seventy-nine spe-
cies, a total of 81,345. We have not space to do
more than direct attention to the subject as one
of interest to many ; the details are worth the
space they occupy — as is nearly everything else
in the volume. Evidently our Canadian friends
are well served through the officials of the Experi-
mental Farms.

The World's Fair, St. Louis.— The horti-
cultural and landscape work at the World's Fair,
St. Louis, is making rapid progress in all depart-
ments. The first consignment of English exhibits
has arrived. It includes exhibits of bulbs and
outdoor flowers from Messrs. Sutton & Sons,
and Messrs. James Carter & Co. ; large exhibits
of Phloxes from Mr. John Forbes, Hawick ; and
Dahlias from Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley.
Amongst other firms who have sent the first
instalments of their exhibits are Messrs. H.
Cannell & Sons and Messrs. Kelway & Son.
Mr. W. Goldring, who has charge of the horti-
cultural arrangements, has his assistant at St.
Louis, who receives and oversees the cultivation of
the exhibits on their arrival at the Exposition.
Horticulture occupies a most important place in
the St. Louis Exposition, and it is pleasing to
know that Britain, the home of gardening, is
entering so heartily into this international
competition.

Herren Umlauft and Voqel, the first-
named the Hof Garten Director of the Imperial
Gardens at Schiiabrunn, was made by the
German Emperor the recipient of the Red
Eagle Order of the Third Class, and Here
Vogel, Hof Garten Inspector at the same place
of the same Order of the Fourth Class.

Customs Tariff for Colombia.— On the
importation into Colombia, Central America, a
duty of 045 pesos per kilog. is levied on vege-

440

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 2<»> 1903.

tables, sweet herbs, fresh fruit of all kinds;
further, seeds, roots of plants, cuttings and living
plants, a duty of 450 pesos ; on Filberts and Wal-
nuts, and on conserved and dried fruits, 9 pesos
per kilog.

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

MOWING LAWN8 BY MOTOR POWER. — After
i=o much wet weather it has been most difficult to
keep the lawns cut without marking them by the
heavy machines and by the horses' feet. I should
like to say a word or two in favour of a small
24-inch motor lawn-mower which has given great

we expect you will not be particularly surprised
that we do not expect to have a growing seed
harvested." This is very serious both for the
producer and the buyer. The plants of these two
classes of Marigolds, when put out in the open
ground, appeared to halt for a considerable time
before they started into growth, and then, owing
to the absence of invigorating sunshine, the plants
delayed getting into bloom ; when they did the
flowers opened very slowly. The double blossoms,
always borne erect in the case of the African
type, became saturated with moisture from the in-
cessant rains, and the incipient seeds perished
to a great extent. What seeds are secured
are very light, and there must be poor ger-
mination. The French striped varieties yielded
no better crop. I, this season, saw in the middle

EUPHORBIA PULCHERRiMA. — Your correspon-
dent is quite right in attributing the dift'erenee
in the tint of the bracts to the va'iety, and not
to any constituents in the soil. The late Mr.
B. S. Williams distributed, I should think about
seventeen years ago, three varieties, the bracts
of which were of paler shades than the type.
I remember this well, as at the time I wat-
assistant propagator, and had the plants under
my care. There was also distributed by the same
firm a variegated form, the leaves of which were
margined with gold j but this I have not seen
for a number of years. E. B.

THE COTTON PLANT AND CRISIS. — The crisis-
in the Cotton trade shows what a short-sighted
policy it is to depend on one country for the bulk

Fig. 171.— the wakes, selborne : once the residence of gilbert white, ^see p. 433.)

(Photograph by F. Mason Good.)

satisfaction here. We can work it when the
ground is too soft for the horses' feet and a large
steam-mower, which has been discarded owiog to
its marking of the banks. I also find that a man
can get over as much ground with a 24- inch as he
could with the old 30-inch mower, where there is
much turning about, owing to its being so much
easier to handle and making much better work,
especially on unlevel ground. I feel sure it is the
machine of the future. It was illustrated in the
Gardeners' Chronicle of July 25 last. 0. Lamb.

MARIGOLDS. — Seeds of Marigolds of the
African and French types, as represented by the
finest strains, will be very scarce indeed this
season. A wholesale seed firm who have made
a name for the quality of their African Marigolds,
say, in answer to an inquiry as to yield : "Of
our fioest strains of orauge and lemon African
Marigolds, which are grown by ourselves
every year under our own special supervision

of October breadths of African Marigolds in full
bloom ; and as the flower-heads faded, rot from
the wet was the fate of many. There is probably
little or no advance upon the prices quoted for
foreign seeds of these Marigolds, but 1 am deal-
ing with our fine selected English and Scotch
strains. I am actually depending upon plants
grown under glass for stock seeds of African and
French Marigolds to sow ; and the plants seem in
no haste to cease blooming, though the house is a
cold one. As soon as the blooms have faded
somewhat I cut away all the florets down to near
the top of the calyx while they are on the plants,
as I find this assists the maturation of the seeds.
A mass of decayed florets serve as a reservoir of
damp, and it is to save the seeds from injury they
are cut away. In dry summers the birds will
sometimes play havoc with the large developed
flower-heads, tearing the florets out from the
calyx, but I have not observed a single flower
mangled during the past three months. R. Dean.

of our supply. There are climates and soils of
every known description within the Empire, and
I therefore think Cotton could be grown at a.
price to make it pay. We should then have
something to fall back upon. More Cotton might
be grown in Egypt and other parts of the African
continent. Cotton was known in prehistoric
times, and on the discovery of America was found*
in everyday use among the inhabitants; and
was also known to the Incas of Peru. The
plant spread from India into Persia and Arabia,
and in Pliny's time it grew in Upper Egypt.
The Flemings introduced Cotton manufacture
into Manchester, and this took place towards the-
end of the seventeenth century, when the
Flemings fled to this country for protection from
religious persecution. These facts are, of course,
well known, but they may be of interest at the
present time. I may also state that I know
many growers of commercial products, but not
those of Cotton, and trust the "shortage" will

December 20, 1903.]

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

441

■not cause distress. Till Cotton became a recog-
nised manufacture in this country, it should
perhaps be noted that the bulk for Europe came
from India. The plants vary in height accord-
ing to the soil and climate in which they are
■efrown. B. li. Thornton, GunnersburijyChisivicJ:.

A WORD TO THE FRAMERS OF SCHEDULES OF
PRIZES. — As the words "kinds" and "varieties"
•occur frequently in the schedule of prizes, the
definitions of the words are herein given for the
guidance of exhibitors. Grapes, Melons, Peaches.
Nectarines, Apples, Pears, Plums, Cherries, &c ,
are distinct kinds of fruit; black and white
Grapes also count as distinct kinds ; Black Ham-
burgh, Madresfield Court, Black Alicante, &c
are distinct varieties of black Grapes ; and
Muscat of Alexandria, Buckland Sweetwater,
Foster's Seedling. &c, are distinct varieties of
white Grapes ; Blenheim Orange, Earl's Fa-
vourite, Lockinge Hero, &c, are distinct varieties
■of the Melon ; Alexander, Hale's Early, Crim-
son Galande, &c, are distinct varieties of the
Peach; Cardinal, Early Eivers, Pineapple, &c,
are distinct varieties of the Nectarine ; Irish
Peach, Beauty of Bath, Eibston Pippin, &c, are
•distinct varieties of the Apple ; Jargonelle,
Williams' Bon Chretien, Marie Louise, &c, are
■distinct varieties of the Pear; May Duke, Early
Eivers, Black Tartarian, Morello, &c, are dis-
tinct varieties of the Cherry; Green Gage,
Orleans, Victoria, &c, are distinct varieties of
the Plum; and so on with other kinds of fruit,
such as Figs, Gooseberries, Currants, Easp-
berries, , and Strawberries. Similar remarks
apply to vegetables and plants, Potato?, Turnips,
Carrots, Parsnip?, Onions, Leeks, Celery, Peas,
Beans, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Lettuces, Tomatos,
Cucumbers, and Vegetable-Marrows being dis-
tinct kinds of vegetables, each kind being repre-
sented by several varieties. H. W. W.

SPECIAL CULTIVATION OF TREE-CARNATIONS.
— The question by Mr. Button in the Gardeners'
Chronicle, p. 407, as to whether " disbudding and
stopping constitute special culture," was answered
very completely in the note previously published :
■and it does not matter whether it be Carnation
■or Chrysanthemum, provided such methods are
adopted. It is quite another subject becaus-e
of this to say "therefore, according to the
writer of the article, they" (the Chrysan-
themums) " are also out of the reach of the
private gardener." Such a statement was neither
suggested nor implied. The Chrysanthemum, as
we know it to-day, is the outcome of endless
•endeavours by specialists in France, America,
England, and elsewhere ; and the plant has be-
come so immensely popular because, while
Oriental originally, it has proved equally adapted
to cultivation in other parts of the world. The
■Chrysanthemum is not out of the reach of the
private gardener, because it may be flowered per-
fectly well in autumn in any cool glass-house
which is at liberty at the time. It is not beyond
the means or skill of the private gardener
hecause, when flowering is past, cuttiDgs may
•be taken, and, inserted in pots, they will form
•roots in almost every instance in any greenhouse,
■cold pit, or frame. Now this is not "a parti-
cularly careful or special treatment," see p. 407,
but would Mr. Dutton like to start rooting his
•Carnations in like manner ? No — certainly not !
Therefore the latter certainly does require a more
■"careful or special treatment." When intrj-
duced into glass structure? in the autumn, the
■Chrysanthemum completes its flowering in a few
weeks, almost before the Tree Carnation has mud.'
a start. The latter, therefore, if it is to be
flowered at all and produce its fullest worth
to the cultivator, requires a glasshouse almost
•continuously. It is indeed to be regarded
a permanent subject and by no means com-
parable in this respect with the one-season-
flowering Chrysanthemum the length of whose
under-glass-tenure may be cited as six weeks or
"thereabouts. Mr. Dutton repeats his remarks as
to prejudice against the American Tree Carnntion,
but I have heard nothing bat praise for these
and Carnations generally. The American Tree
varieties have been especially welcomed, not
because of any improvement in the character
•of the flower when i linpared with the petal
quality of the British florist standard, but

because not a few varieties, and the more recent
ones, possess vigour which renders them dis-
tinctly easier of cultivation and better adapted
for the one-stem-one-flower method of culture.
Carnations such as these are a comparative

some who specialise this class of Carnation, and
of this number none has merited greater praise
or credit than Mr. Fielder, Mrs. Burns' gardener
at North Mymms Park. Mr. Fielder showed a
fine group of plants in pots at the Drill Hall in

Fig. 172.— gilbert white's sundial at the wakes, SBLBORNE. (see p. 433.)
i Photograph by F. Mason Good >

novelty, and as yet only a few colour shades are
represented. Even these are widely different
from the American Carnation of a decade ago.
The great credit for these valuable types belongs
to the American growers who have cultivated and
praised these long-stemmed flowers in our Horti-
cultural Pross. Here in England may be found

March or April of the present year. Mr. Dutton
accuses me of "incorrect statements," but he
omits to state what they are. Mr. Dutton Bay?
that "each of his men has to manage 8.000
plants." The statement is a little vague, inas-
much as other men are said to " manage *
nursery of 300 acres. Therefore if Mr. Duttou

442

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

[December 26, 1903.

had said that each man propagated, potted,
staked, and watered this number unassisted, we
should know that the day of American big things
had already dawned unobserved in this country.
E. H. Jenkins.

GRAPE MELTON CONSTABLE.— In referring
to this Grape, p. 394, "A. D." misses the chief
point claimed by the raiser, viz., the ease in which
this seedling colours as compared withGrosColmar.
I have known this Grape several years, and its
raiser too, and I do not remember his laying so
much stress upon points of quality in flavour as
upon ease of colouring. Quite small plants in
small pots will colour large or small bunches quite
readily as compared with Gros Colmar. From
experience of it in its home I can see that the
new-comer colours quite easily, and therefore is
certainly of value. No one will say that Gros
Colmar colours easily under any condition of
culture. E. M.

THE YEAR 1903.

Now that the year 1903 has about completed
its course, it may be interesting to note how
far the very cold and unparalleled rainy season
has interfered with our horticultural operations.

Potatos were probably about a one-third rate
crop, with a rather alarming amount of disease
amongst them. A breadth of Onions with me
failed to form any sort of a bulb, they appeared
late in autumn like so many Leeks ; whilst Tur-
nips, Carrots, and Parsnips did well; also Cab-
bage, Cauliflower, and Celery. Although the last
was very much infested by the larvae of the
Celery-fly, the blanched portion is excellent.
But of such a year of weeds I have no remem-
brance ; when hoed up they had to be carried off,
as there was no opportunity for sun-killing them.
Of the orchard the only favourable notice I can
make in that department is that the trees have
made excellent growth, and some of the Apples,
Pears, and Plums have formed promising fruit-
buds. The autumn of 1901 was not over-favour-
able to the ripening of fruit buds; 1902 gave a
miserable crop of out-door fruit, and its summer
and autumn were even less favourable for bud
development than in the previous year. That,
in the opinion of some experienced growers — see
Gardeners' Chronicle Fruit Report for August —
might have had something to do with the failure
of the fruit crop for this year ; but the spring
frosts were so frequent and so severe that even
the healthiest and strongest blossoms could not
withstand them. The great bulk of fruit buds
never expanded at all, and hence followed the
general failure throughout the country.

If previous sunless seasons affected in any
way the maturing of fruit-buds, it will certainly
be an interesting experience to know what will
be the result of the cold, rainy, and unparalleled
sunless season of 1903 on the opening buds during
the spring months of 1904. Judging from former
seasons, the prospects seem to be against us ; but
as the most unexpected things sometimes happen,
let us look on the bright side of it, and hope that
the spring months of 1904 will for once be pheno-
menally free from hurtful frosts ; that a bountiful
fruit year will be the result, and so turn the tide
of our present pessimistic ideas of hardy fruit-
growing into optimistic visions of reality, and
future hope for still greater successful develop-
ment.

It is not a very comfortable feeling to know
that we are obliged, year after year, to depend
upon Canada and the United States of America
so largely for our Apple supply. True, we have
some excellent Apples in this country — i.e., when
we do happen to have them — and, rightly or
wrongly, we think there are no Apples of any
country equal to an English-grown Apple for
flavour ; whilst our Transatlantic friends are just
as satisfied that no other country's Apples are
equal in either beauty or flavour to theirs.

That is haw matters stand at present, and we
have no intention whatever of falling out over it.
We should be perfectly satisfied if Nature would
only send us weather sufficiently genial to enable
us to grow our own fruit supply.

Although in this country at the present day it
is unfortunately a well-known fact that much of
our land as regards cultivation is fast approaching
to an almost derelict condition ; yet few landlords
or tenant farmers, by way of trying to improve
their circumstances, seem to have much heart to
go in for the risky adventure of orchard-planting.

In Canada, the States, and in every new
Colony where the climate is temperate and suit-
able, quite the reverse is the case ; a good orchard
being about the first thing to establish on the
taking up of land. But from these newer
countries we only find a few varieties, all useful
and good, sent over here ; but what a collection
of rubbish we still find growing throughout the
British Isles 1

Were there any profit to be seen in a year
after year of Apple cultivation, our farmers
and cottagers would be among the first to take it
up. They are not as a class, as is too often
supposed, without abundance of latent horticul-
tural knowledge for the enterprise, could they
but see their way to ultimate success in their
venture.

As soon as it is seen that a certain fruit,
flower, or vegetable will bring a profitable return,
it is at once taken up. Of late years we have
seen the extraordinary development of the culture
of the Grape Vine, of the Peach, Tomato, Chrys-
anthemum, of Begonias, Dahlias, Orchids, &c. ;
all these and many more are at the present time
in full commercial profitable swing.

Horticulture at the present diy is progressing
by leaps and bounds, whilst agriculture, on the
other hand, from some cause or other, seems to be
drifting into a rather retrograde condition. With
the exception, perhaps, of our improved imple-
ments of husbandry, artificial manures and im-
proved seeds, I think that if a noble Roman of
the days of Virgil, Columella, or Pliny were
now to visit these shores, to which they intro-
duced their knowledge of agriculture, they might
find our system of cultivation but little improved
from what it was at the time the Romans quitted
this country, and inferior very probably to the
culture they themselves practised about two
thousand years ago in their own Italian homes.

Our land is locked up in by far too large
quantities, fettered by obsolete and ridiculous
covenants, and, as we have already said, much of
it is lying in derelict condition, which nothing but
the inevitable force of progressive circumstances
can alter. W. Miller, Berkswell, Coventry, Decem-
ber 9, 1903.

NURSERY NOTES.

MESSRS. STANLEY, ASHTON and CO.'S
ORCHIDS.

Very large importations of all the showy
Brazilian Orchids renders the Southgate Orchid
establishment one of the most important for that
class of plants, and each in its season may there
be seen in great variety. A large number of
Cattleya labiata have passed out of bloom, and
houses full of C. Mossiae, C. Schroderre, C. Triana;,
and C. Mendelii are now well furnished with flower-
sheaths to follow on the show throughout the
season.

Among fine batches noted at a recent visit were
an interesting lot of most of the species of Mil-
tonia, some of the singular M. x Crawshayana, a
yellow-petalled form allied to M. Regnelli, being
in bloom; also a remarkably handsome M. :
Bluntii Lubbersiana, M. Moreliana, and others.
The houses of Oncidiums had in bloom some very

large specimens of O. varicosum, good O. Forbesiiv
O. Marshallianum, O, tigrinum, and others of
that section.

Of Cypripediums a number of C. x Leeanum
varieties were in bud, and a great number of C.
insigne, including C. i. Sanderse, and other yellow
varieties ; C. Charlesworthii, and some hybrids.

The houses of Odontoglossum crispum containeil
some specimens in bloom, and among other things-
noted were Cymbidium grandiflorum in bud, Odon-
toglossum x Duvivierianum, a small batch of white-
Cattleyas, said to embrace albinos of most of the
C. labiata section, and a great quantity of Den-
drobium Wardianum in excellent condition,- well
ripened for flowering.

ADVANCE IN CHRYSANTHEMUMS.

The Marquis de Pins. — Eleven years ago,
when the writer of this notice first introduced
the name of Calvat to the British public as a-
promising French raiser of new seedling Chrys-
anthemums, he was unknown in this country, as
well as in his own.

What has happened since is common knowledge,
and has filled a chapter in the history of our
famous autumn flower that will never be' effaced.
Calvat's seedlings for all practical purposes-
pushed out of cultivation most of the exhibition
flowers that preceded them, and completely
revolutionised the face of English exhibitions.

The earlier efforts of Delaux, Lacroix, de
Regdellet, and Audiguier, his own countrymen,
were speedily eclipsed, and as for the Americanseed-
lings they were far too late in blooming to be able to
compete with those sent out by the now eminent
Frenchman, and so were speedily consigned to the-
limbo of the past. ' It is a record of which any
raiser might be proud, and we were not surprised
as events turned out to find that Mr. Calvat,
consequent upon the increased demand for his
seeedlings, gave up a large and lucrative glove-
making business in order to concentrate his
whole time and attention on the Chrysanthemum.

His is not the only case of the kind. We are
acquainted with another well - known French
horticulturist whose name has been closely
identified with the Chrysanthemum, who formerly
carried on an entirely different business, but
whose beginnings as an amateur Chrysanthemum-
grower led him into the paths of professional
commercial horticulture.

In turning over the pages of the current
number of our contemporary he Jardin of Paris,
we notice the portrait of M. le Marquis de Pins,
a gentleman hitherto unknown to English Chrys-
anthemum-growers, as, indeed, he was to French
growers a twelvmonth ago. But his is a name,
in our opinion, destined to occupy a prominent
position among the seedling growers of the
future, if only the same facilities are given to-
this gentleman's products as have been given to-
those of other growers in the past.

We are led to this conclusion by what we saw
at the recent Paris Chrysanthemum Show, where
the Marquis de Pins staged one of the most
remarkable exhibits of new seedlings in cut
blooms that we have ever seen. In a large-
raised bed, close to the exhibits of several of his
fellow-countrymen who are specialists in the art
of Chrysanthemum culture for seedlings, this
amateur of only a few years standing set up on©
of the most imposing and most highly developed
collections of novelties it is possible to imagine.
Massive, substantial-looking exhibition blooms of
colossal dimensions, almost wholly of the Japanese-
type, were set up in lots of five blooms of each
variety. The effect was unique, and growers from,
all parts of the country, besides the foreign
visitors, were much interested in the exhibit.

We wei'e told that this gentleman grows only
for his own pleasure, but we since learn from th&
journal in question that some of these novelties
have now passed into other hands and will be>

December 26, 1903. J

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

HI

distributed next spring. Quoting from Le Jardin,
it appears that the Marquis de Pins was first
impressed with the Chrysanthemum by seeing
some cut blooms in Paris in 1895.

Living in the neighbourhood of Toulouse, a
•town, by reason of its climate, long famous for
the raising of seedling Chrysanthemums, he
began to cross - fertilise his flowers, with the
•happiest results. He showed his first novelties
•in 1900 at the Toulouse Show. Then the follow-
ing year he got his first Certificates at Mont-
pellier. In 1902 he went to Paris, where he was
awarded a Gold Medal and nine First-class
Certificates. This year he repeated the experi-
ment with signal success, for he won a large Gold
Medal of Honour, presented by the City of Paris,
and obtained twelve First-class Certificates.

The Marquis de Pins is not only a young
grower, but a young man ; he lives, as we have
•said, in a part of France peculiarly suitable for
seedliDg-raising, the home of the Pertuzes, of
Bernet, Delaux, Lacroix, Audiguier, and many
other growers who have been famous in their day.
Given a fair chance and no favour, we see no
sreason why his seedlings should not revolutionise
the face of our Chrysanthemum shows, as has
been the case before.

We anxiously await the time when some of
these remarkable seedlings shall get into the hands
•of our most capable exhibition growers. Let
them once be seen under such treatment and they
will certainly take care of themselves. This is
the kind of thing that has helped to make the
Chrysanthemum what it is to-day. Throughout
its whole history there are certain well-defined
landmarks, certain new departures, certain grand
surprises, all of which have tended to excite, to
stimulate and renew the interest not only of the
growers, but of the general public who visit and
patronise our shows. The present is one that
•even the most clairvoyant of enthusiasts could
never have foreseen, and we await developments
with feelings of peculiar interest.

The contest is destined to be keen, and practi-
cally has to be fought out between English,
Australian, and French growers, not of a bygone
generation, but by men who have only recently
stepped into the arena. We dare not under the
circumstances venture to prophesy what the
ultimate result will be, but are content to stand
by and watch and wait. C. Harman Payne.

CROCUS CASPIUS.
(Fischer and Meyer.)

Tbis beautiful winter-flowering Crocus belongs,
according to Maw's classification, to the Div. II,
Nudiflori, Sect. 2. Fibro-membranacei, autumnal
flowering. It has for its allies C. Tournefortii,
Boryi, Veneris, and laevigatas. It comes nearest
to C. Boryi, but differs from it, and all the others
above mentioned, in having yellow anthers, and
the style branched into entire stigmata, instead of
the white anthers and multifid stigmata common
to those four species.

Its far more eastern range again distinguishes
it from C. Boryi, it being found between long.
48J° and 54J° E., as compared with long. 19!° and
25° E. in the case of C. Boryi. In fact, with the
•exception of C. alatavicus, Korolkowi, and spe-
■ciosus, it ha3 a more easterly range than any
other Crocus.

It was discovered by Hohenacker in 1838, on the
western and southern shores of the Caspian Sea,
and was described by Fischer and Meyer in Bohen.
Enum. Talysch., p. 22. Herbert, in his mono-
graph, refers ittoC. Boryi, but he probably never
sawit. Maw made an effort to obtain livingcorms,
but a supply sent from Astrabad was lost in
transit.

- Last autumn Miss Willmott, Mr. John Hoog
and I arranged to send a collector to look for it,
and hie success in finding it abundantly in

Russian Talysch, S.W. of the Caspian Sea, S. of
Baku, has been the means of introducing this
charming species for the first time to cultivation.
It grows under the shade of low bushes, and
reaches no higher elevation than 1,000 feet.

It is a handsome, large-flowered species, the
flowers opening well in sunshine ; and its great
charm is due to the unusually lengthy period of its
flowering. It has been recorded as blooming from
September to April in its wild state. Here, in a
cold frame, it commenced to bloom in mid-October,
and has never been without open flowers, and is
still throwing up more, and promises to do so for

FlO. 173 —CROCUS CASPIUS. •

Flowered by K A. Bowles, Esq. : flowers pale rosy-lilac.

some months yet. I have not tried many out in
the open a3 yet, but those planted in the rock-
garden last autumn are now appearing, but they
are much later than those under cover, and at
present show no signs of flowers.

Maw's figure, PI. xlvi., does not do the plant
justice, a circumstance due no doubt to the
drawing having been prepared from dried
specimens. I find the flowers much larger ; they
vary much in the yellow of the throat ; in some
it is almost absent on the outer surface. Also
many are not pure white, but show a rosy tint,

and I have picked out a few of a decided rosy-
lilac, which I showed at the Scientific Committee
of the Royal Horticultural Society on Novem-
ber 10 last ; and the form is described in the Gar-
deners' Chronicle, November 21, by a misprint,
under the name of C. caspius var. liliaceus, the
true name being C. caspius var. lilacina. E.
Augustus Bowles, Waltham Cross.

[Our figure was prepared from plants sent by
Mr. John Hoog, of Messrs. Van Tubergen,
Haarlem. Ed ]

C0VENT GARDEN MARKET.

Holly, Misleto, and other evergreens are the
chief reminders that it is Christmas-time. There
is an abundant supply of cut flowers and pot
plants, but the trade in pot plants was not equal
to expectations on Saturday, Dec. 19, and many
goad examples were left on the stands. There
were good plants of Azalea indica ; the variety
Deutche Perle was well flowered, but pink and
crimson-coloured varieties were not so good
Euphorbias (Poinsettias) were very plentiful.

The supply of Hyacinths and Tulips is more
than equal to the demand. White Marguerites
are plentiful and good. Heaths continue to be
plentiful ; also Chrysanthemums, but higher
prices are now being asked for these. The trade
for Palms and Ferns does not revive much. The
best trade was for large-sized plants.

For cut flowers, though supplies were plentiful,
there was a general advance in prices. Lilium
longiflorum and Arums or Callas were fetching
from 5s. to 6s. per dozen. Good Chrysanthemum
flowers are also dearer. Carnations are much in
demand. Good Roses sell well, but the large
quantities now imported from France affect
the sale of smaller blooms. The variety Saffrano
from France has been very good and abundant.
Some of these flowers have been selling in the
streets, three good blooms on long stems for
a penny. Violets have been equally plen-
tiful and cheap. Eucharis have been plen-
tiful ; the flowers seem to have come in rather
too early. The prices of Lily of the Valley do
not fluctuate greatly. Camellias, Gardenias,
and Tuberoses are plentiful.

The new market, which is now open for foreign
goods, does not yet present a very animated ap-
pearance, a large proportion of the imported
flowers are still offered for sale in the ordinary
Flower Market. A. H.

The Fruit Market.

The supply of Canadian, Nova Sjotian, and
Californian Apples and Pears has been very good.
The Pears comprise Easter Beurre, Duch?sse
d'Angouleme, Doyenne du Cornice, Glout Mor-
ceau, &c. ; the Apples are Blenheim and Ribsbon
Pippins, King of Tomkins County, Baldwin'.-,
Winter Greening, Newtown Pippin, &c. Of Eng-
lish Apples there are very few Blenheims and
Cox's Orange Pippin of good quality. The past
season was so disastrous that there have been few
Apples, Pears, or Plums, and it is the first year
in memory that no Prune Plums have come to
this market from the Aylesbury district. In the
Evesham district there was a moderate second
crop of Plums, the varieties being Pershore and
Victoria, and these compensated in some measure
for the earlier failure.

British-grown Grapes are the finest in the
world. Those now to be s«en in the market
include Black Alicante, Gros Colmtr, Muscat of
Alexindria, and Canon Hall Muscat, of fin-
quality, and having large berries. These can b i
obtained by the tc»n if needed ; or barrels or'
Alineria, well-known fruit, if lower-priced produce
is required. There are also Pine-iipples from
St. Michael's, fine fruits, oc^aiioimlly up to
ii lb. in weight, principally Smooth Cayenne ;
Oranges in variety, of which the finest a-- •
Navel, Denia, Jamaica, Jaffa, Muroia, Teneriffj,

444

THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE.

TDecember 2G, 1903>

Tangerine, &c. ; Lemons, Me;sina, Naples, &c. ;
Lychees, Custard Apples, Avocado Pears, Grape-
fruits, Mangos ; Figs, fresh and dried ; Melons,
Bananas from Jamaica and Teneriffe, the supply
of which is continuous and enormous. Dates in
fancy and other boxes, by the hundredweight,
Kentish Cob-nuts, Brazils, Almonds, Spanish,
Barcelona, Coeomuts, Ac. There are also some
vary grotesque-looking heads, carved and mani-
pulated out of C'ocoanuts with the outer husk on.
The supply of vegetables is good. Asparagus,
Globe and Jerusalem Artichokes, Seakale, Spinach,
Dwarf Beans, Mushrooms, C'ardoons, English
Tomatos (although nearly over), and Tomatos
from Teneriffe, in boxes, called deeps, in good
condition, and in very large quantities : Rhubarb,
Cauliflowers, and Broccoli, home grown, Cher-
bourg, and St. Malo; Cabbage, Savoys, Cucum-
bers, Celery, washed and unwashed ; Lettuce,
Batavian Endive, Chicory, Cress, Salad, Water-
cress, Beetroot, Ac. Vegetable roots include
Carrots, Turnips, Parsnips, and Beet. Of Onions
there are English, French, and others, in bags,
Valencia in cases, Ac. Potatos include Dunbars,
Lincolns, and some from Germany and France ;
also new ones from Teneriffe, the supply of which
has just commenced. Prices all round are
reasonable. T. P.

The Christmas Grape Trade.

On the last days of the third week of December
the question with many of the trade growers is,
first, what is the trade going to be ; and then,
what are the prospects as regards prices ? A close
acquaintance with growers and salesmen warrants
me in stating that it will be difficult to maintain
the average prices of last year. Trade has
been very dull recently, and of late it has
been difficult to sell Grapes of the best quality
except at the buyers' own prices. This is not the
result of the large quantities in the market ; in
fact, there has been a smaller quantity than
usual. A fortnight since it was thought that the
bulk of inferior produce had been cleared out ;
but it has again made its appearance, in some
instances touching 6c(. per lb.

The growers have found a difficulty in keeping
the Grapes, owing to the mild and damp
weather. It is well known that a few local
or suburban growers command a special trade,
and, being in close touch with the salesmen, the
quality and packing being right and to be de-
pended upon, obtain higher prices. The average
price all round up to December was better than
last year, but not so in December.

Alicantes are difficult to move above Is. i>d.,
more being sold at 10ci. per lb. It is, however,
very true that many indifferently coloured Grapes
are on sale. They are not quite sound, and
are watery, being, as I suspect, the pro-
duce of aged Vines, which have been over-
cropped. Many samples of this variety, sound
and black, good in other respects, are, however,
wanting in bloom, which is so necessary for the
best trade. Lastly, the average size of the berries
has not been maintained. Gros Colmar Grapes,
really of better quality than for some years past,
are difficult to sell at 2s., the favourite price
per lb. being Is. 4J. to Is. tid. No matter from
what quarter these come, they are good.
The bulk is being sent up in the cross-handled
baskets. Muscats are good in colour, none
too large, however, in berry. The best
qualities are being put up in " shallows,"
and command prices up to 4s. to 4s. 6d. per lb.
These, if lacking in freshness or in an inviting
golden tint, do not sell well. Lastly, there is
Canon Hall Muscat, which are wanting in size of
berries and colour. It is difficult to quote the
ordinary prices, for the reason that so few ever
see the open market, and the supply is limited.
Those of especial good quality have fetched Us.
to 7s. per lb., and others have been sold at 2s. to

3s. per lb. The salesmen say that fine Grapes
are scarce, yet the demand for them is far from
good. Stephen Castle.

Mr. Ham, in handing the present toMr. Hope, said?
he trusted that, although the Association had lost Mv
Hope's services as lion, secretary, his counsel would be-
available in the future.

SOCIETIES.

HORTICULTURAL CLUB.

December 15.— The usual monthly dinner of this
Club was held at the Hotel Windsor on the above date,
under the chairmanship of Mr. Harry J. Veitch, and
was subsequently followed by a most interesting joint
]>aper, by Mr. G. Bunyard and Mr. Jas O'Brien, on
"Scented Inconspicuous Flowers," Mr. O'Brien natu-
rally treatiog of the Orchid family, while Mr. Bunyard's
remarks were of a more general character.

A number of very curious facts were stated in con-
nection with the attraction undoubtedly exercised
through their odours by many flowers which would
otherwise presumably escape that attention from the
insect world which is an essential factor in their re-
production. With rejard to the human faculty of
appreciating odours, either as attractive or repu'sive,
or even as existent or non-existent, it was generally
felt that man was little qualified to judge for the inBect
or. even the animal world, since, as Mr. Engelheart
pointed out, it was impossible to form a scale of odours
inthe same way that we can of musical sounds or optical
colours ; and it is quite possible, and indeed more
than probable, that while our eyes and ears are limited
in their scope to certain ranges of audible vibrations
or to a limited area of the spectrum, insect organs may
be capable of appreciating at any rate sounds which
are too subtle far our senses; and their olfactory
nerves may also be so differently constituted as to be
sensible of subtle scents beyond our ken. The case of
rare moths in captivity attracting those of their kind
from long distances were cited as an example by Mr.
Druery ; while Mr. Charles Pearson considered that
this attraction might be due to extremely high-
pitched sounds emitted by the captives.

Mr. Engelheart quoted an instance in support of Mr.
Druery's contention, which indicated the attraction
of certain moths whose only habitat was seven miles
distant. Applying this to flowers, it is conceivable that
flowers inodorous to man may nevertheless yet attract
the needful insects by scent perceptible by them. The
curious fact of certain recognised odours being com-
mon not merely to flowers of quite different species,
but even to animals and minerals, was brought for-
ward, the pungent odour of the Onion being percep-
tible not only in other plants, but also in the small
snail, Helix alliaria, and in the vapour of arsenic.
Allusion was also made to the cases of flowers
having the most repulsive odours, but attracting
carrion flies in large numbers, with the result that
they laid their eggs in profusion upon such flowers,
though these eggs were destined to perish since no
real food such as was suggested by the odour existed
for the future brood. Some of the Stapelias possess
this peculiarity, and Mr. Druery suggested the possi-
bility of such plants being allied to carnivorous ones,
the addled eggs acting as nutrient substances. The
subtle nature of odours was also indicated, the musk-
glands of animals having the power for many years
not only of retaining their peculiar scent, but of im-
parting it perceptibly to the surrounding air and adja-
cent articles without any appreciable decrease in sub-
stance or weight. Referringto the innumerable odours
of the foliage apart from the flowers, it was mentioned
that such emanations had been regarded as the result
of the throwing off of useless materials ; this view,
however, could hardly be justified, since there was un-
doubted evidence that in some cases these odours
exercised a deterrent effect upon verminous foes.

Both papers teemed with examples of curious rela-
tions between scent and inconspicuousness, while, on
the other hand, it was pointed out that many very con-
spicuous ones had, as it were, two strings to their bow,
being fully as odoriferous as their humbler relatives.

SUNDERLAND AND DISTRICT GAR-
DENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.

December 16.— The thirteenth annual meeting was.
held on the above date in the Cafe Fawcett, the chair-
man, Mr. T. W. Bolam presiding over an excellent
attendance. Alderman Burns, J. P., was elected presi-
dent. Mr. T. W. Bolam was again re-elected Chairman,
having occupied the position for twelve years. In the
Seventies and Eighties Mr. Bolam was connected?
with the Bra of Harrison, of Darlington, at that time-'
famous growers oi Roses.

DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'.

December 18.— We take the following extracts from
the Dt con and Exeter Gazette of Saturday, December 19 :

Presentation to Mr. Andrew Hope.— "Presented
to Mr. A. Hope, from members and friends of the Devon
and Exeter Gardecers' Association, after twelve years
as Hon. Secretary, December 18, 1SW3." This was the
inscription on the seal of the gold watch chain handed
to Mr Hope at a gathering held at the Castle Hotel,
Exeter, on the above-named date. Mr. W. Mackay
(Bon. Treasurer of the Association) presided.

The Chairman, in asking Mr. Ham to make the pre-
sentation, said Mr. Hope had rendered to the Associa-
tion valuable service. Having resigned the position of
Hon. Secretary, the members felt that they could not
let the occasion pass without recognising the value of
his work and showing the esteem and regard in which
he was held.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

*#* The National Carnation Society and the
National Auricula and Primula Society
held their annual meetings on the 10th inst.,
but we are compelled to hold over our reports?
until next week.

Cockroaches : A. K. Obtain a bottle of Beetle-
cute from the florist or garden sundriesman.

Erica hyemalis : M. C. The flowerless condition
of the plant is due to excess of plant-food, in
having too large a shift and too much manure -
Ericas do not take kindly to manure, unless it
be of the mildest nature, say decayed tree-
leaves soaked in water till it is of the colour of
weak tea. Soot and chemical manures, unless
used with the greatest caution, and during the
most active season of growth, are likely to do-
harm.

Gardeners' Orphan Fund: Alfred Tatnall.
Thanks for postal order for 3s. 6d.

Names op Plants : Correspondents not an-
swered in this issue are requested to be so good
as to consult the following number. — G. H. H.
1, Cupressus nutkaensis, alias Thuiopsis bo-
realis ; 2, a Cupressus, male flower only, not
Libocedrus ; 3, a Juniper ; 4, Thuya orientalis
variety, not Eetinospora obtusa ; 5, Cupressus
sempervirens ; C, Cupressus Lawsoniana. —
H. L. D. ^Eschynanthus Lobbianus, as near as
we can judge by the leaves. Figured in Bot.
Mag., 4260.

Palms : J. G. The plants will grow healthily in
Jadoo-fibre, and owing to the lightness of the
material they will be more readily handled
when moving them about in apartments. It is
not prudent to mutilate the roots of any species
of Palm, and compression of the roots in order-
to get them into small pots is inadvisable.
These plants succeed best in pots that are
made of a greater depth than their width, as
there is always a tendency in the roots to grow
downwards and force the ball upwards, until!
the plant appears to rest on several stilts
visible above the soil.

Scale or Fungus on Vine : W. McA. As-
pidiotus hederae, one of the commonest and
most widely distributed of the shield-bear-
ing scale insects. It is also practically
omnivorous, but the Vine is a new food-
plant. Loosen the scales as much as possible-
by going over the infested canes with a goocj
stiff brush, and afterwards apply a dressing of
paraffin emulsion (see Gardeners' Chronicle, pp.
389, 432, 19U3), or of Gishurst's Compound. It
would be advisable to place a tarpaulin or sheet
under the canes during the operation of
brushing, and the insects thus collected should
be burnt.

Communications Received. — P. M. T— E. A. B.—
W. <;. S —University College. Reading— J. Eriksou..
Copenhagen.— T. b — Kuyal Horticumral Society,
Aniwerp.— G. F. T.— J. C— E. J.. Lenox. Mass.— H. H-
Executors nobert Campbell.— W. C. W.— T. H. C—
J. F P., Brisbane.— J. P., Birmingham. — B. D. J.—
M.R *.— The Earl Annesley-J. n.— Joseph |CaHby,
Welesle>— W. B. U.-J. P. itclegram)-c. N. A.- J M.
—A. H. P.— J. B.— J. C— R. D. (too late for present
issue)— M. W.— D. E.-H. li.— H. M — W R.— A. M.—
G. W -E. B — \. H.-W. M.-W. H. W.— F. K.-S. & S.
-J. OB.— J. D. |G.— T H. C— W. H.-S. C— A. R.—
Lt. Col. G. C— H. S — T. A.— J. R. J — H. W. W ;

'For Markets and Weath:r, see p. nit.)