w~ a* wr LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE NO.--2Jol4:4J5— DATE_.[T.-rJaQ5". souRCE^Cbile$G_. .Wrids gr Jan-Jft no4 June 25, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE H W^klj miustrateo foitntal OF Horticulture and Allied Subjects. [ESTABLISHED IN 1841.) VOL. XXXV-THIRD SERIES. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1904. LONDON : 41, WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 1904. o BRADBURr, AGNEYV AND CO., LTD., PRINTERS, LONDON AND TONBRIDOE. The Gardeners' Chronicle, [June 25, 1901. INDEX OF CONTENTS. JANUARY TO JUNE, 1904. (Fok Special Headings see under Books; Certificates; Law Notes; Nursery Notes; Obituary; Plant Portraits; Plants New; Scientific Committee ; Societies; and Illustrations.) Aberdeen, hurricane at, 406 ; re- suscitation of Horticultural Asso- ciation at, 380 ; the weather at, 394 Abies concolor, 58 ; A. Nordmanni- ana injured by insects, 336 Abronia, fossil fruits of, 345 Acer palniatum, 298 Acetylene gas refuse, 108 Acineta Barkeri, 389 Acokanthera spectabilis, 4 Aeridocarpus natalitius, 403 African garden, observations on an equatorial, 115, 130, 165, 182 Agricultural Association, an Ame- rican, 10 Agricultural College, a proposed, 393 Agricultural correspondents of the Board of Agriculture, 377 Algerian Sweet Peas, 284 A 11am and a grandi flora. 389 ; A. seedlings, 156 Aloe Baumii, 226 Alpine garden, the, 150, 181, 214, 236, 267, 277, 310, 388 America, severe winter in, 368 American blight, cure for, 200 Amherstia nobilis, 314 Ampelopsis and a Vine, a cross be- tween an, 89 Ancistrochilus Thomsonianus var. Gentili, 274 Androsace pyrenaica, 310 Anemone angulosa alba, 181 ; A. Pulsatilla, 267 Anona Cherimolia [?], 223 Antarctic regions, gardening in the, 57 Ants, a cure for, 80 Apiary, the, 87, 119, 215, 231, 279, 335, 381, 405 Apple, a new species of, 280 ; crops contrasted in garden and orchard, 13 ; pests of the, 299 ; some recent varieties of, 133 ; two late-keeping varieties of, 118 Apples, Ecklinville Seedling, 149, 203, 219, 234, 267, 292, 330, 348, 375, 396 ; Lane's Prince Albert, 10 ; Newton Wonder and Annie Eliza- beth, 118, 395, 409 ; storing sur- plus, 406 Appley Towers destroyed by fire, 201 Arabis albida flore-pleno var. cor- beille d' Argent, 214 Araucaria imbricata, 45, 99 Arbutus Unedo, 11, 46 Ardwell, flowers at, 252 Axethusa sinensis, 403 Arizona, Cacti in, 181 Arnold Arboretum, the, 200 Artichokes, Globe, 276 Arundinaria Falconeri, 305 ; A. nobilis, 305, 408 Asparagus-fly, the, 377 Asparagus, propagation and culture of, 16 Atlantic Mail Service, the, 201 Auricula, the, 65, 316 ; prospects of the, 236 ; Show, the, 244, 282 Australia, fruit from, 39 Azalea Indica, " rose de Noel," 105 Azaleas, cultural notes on, 144, 320 B Bacillus solanacearum, 257 Bamboos, Himalayan, 305, 325, 340 356, 409 Bambusa palmata, 280 Barringtonia samoensis, 266 Barr, Mr. Peter, 328 Bedding-plants, raising spring, 315 Begonia Avalanche, 396; B. Gloire de Lorraine, 90, 123, 139, 203, 220, 235 Begonia disease, treatment for, 95 Begonia polyantha, 3 Begonias and Gladioli as bedding plants, 239 Belgium, fruit crops in, 71 Belvoir Castle, 264, 313 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal, 12, 25, 27, 40, 45, 125, 280, 316, 341 Berberis Darwinii, 341 Bessborough Gardens, Piltown, Ire- land, 324 Bird-lime, mode of making, 144 Birds, fish-destroying, 42, 75 ; pro- tection of, 250 ; protecting vege- table crops from, 317 Birmingham, a new park at, 345 Birmingham Botanical Gardens, 281, 292 Black Currant bud mite, 48, 236, 304, 330, 375, 396 Blackmore, memorial to the late R. D., 281 Blossom, protection of, from birds, 95 Bluebells, 291 Blue Primroses, notes on the cul- ture of, 221 Boardman, Mr. A., presentation to, 234 Board of Agriculture and Market Beturns, 281 ; Correspondents, 377 Boll-weevil, the, 380 Books, Notices of : — Botanical Magazine, 25, 104, 169, 233, 298, 380; Bulletin of the Nice Agri- cultural and Horticultural So- ciety, 218 ; Cassell's Popular Gar- dening, 234, 298 ; Chrysanthemum Culture (W. Wells), 105; Coccida;, a Monograph of the British (R. Newstead), 180 ; Culture of Vege- tables and Flowers from seeds and roots, 67 ; Dahlia Society's Catalogue and Guide, 120 ; Date - Palm, the (Walter T. Swingle), 401 ; Dictionnaire Iconographique des Orchidees, 103, 388 ; Die Schbnsten Bliiten Straucher fur Garten Ausscbmiickung und Treiberei (Herr Max Hesdiirffer), 345 ; Eng- land's National Flower (George Bunyard), 67 ; Englishwoman's \ear-book and Directory, 1904 (Emily Jones), 84 ; Farm and Gar- den Insects, 57 ; Field Operations of the Bureau of Soils (Milton Whitney), 265; Flora and Sylva, 58, 218, 234, 329, 392 ; Flora Brasil- iensis (Alfred Cogniaux), 291 ; Flora Capensis, 169 ; Flora of the Congo (M. de Wildeman), 89 ; Flora of the Sundribuns (D. Prain), 83 ; Forest Flora of New South Wales, 54; Forester's Pocket-book (A. D. Webster), 41 ; Formation of Vege- table-mould through the Action of Worms (Chas. Darwin), 221 ; Fruit Garden, the (George Bunyard and Owen Thomas), 340 ; Fruit-growers' Year Book, 154; Garden Annual Almanack and Address Book for 1904 (W. Robinson), 5; Garden Diary and Calendar of Nature (Rose Kingsley), 5; Garden Diary for 1904 (Sutton S[. Sons), 41 ; Gar dening Year-book and Oracle, 133 ; Gardeners' Daily Assistant (John Abercrombie), 233 ; Guide - books received, 394 ; Guide to Little- hampton (Rev. W. Goodliffe), 218 ; Heather in Love, Lyric, and Lay, the, 29 ; History of the Daubeny Laboratory, Magdalen College, Oxford (R. T. Gunther), 241 ; Horticultural Directory and Year- book for 1904 (R. M. Hogg), 5; Icones plantarum, 30; Insects In- jurious to Forest Trees (Dr. E. P. Fell), 117; Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 377 ; Kew Bulletin, 218, (New Garden Plants), 301 ; Kew Guild Jour- nal, 5; La Mosiiiculture Pratique (M. Albert Maumem1), 219 ; Land and Water, 345 ; La Theorie des Capacitt'3 fonctionnelles et ses consequences en Agriculture (Lucien Daniel), 29, 35 ; Lawns, a Treatise On (Messrs. Sutton § Sons), 90 ; Lecture Agency Date-Book, 313 ; Le livre d'or des Roses (if. Paul Hariot), 3 ; Les Fleurs Nationales et les Fleurs Politiques (M. Georges Gibault), 249; L'litat actuel de l'Electro-culture (M. E. Guarini), 226 ; Letters of John Cockburn, of Ormistoun, to his Gardener, 1727- 1744 (James Colville, M.A.), 273; I.onicera, a Monograph of the Genus (A. Reyder), 11 ; Maladies et Parasites du Chrysanthime (Dr. J. Chifflot), 249; Malessere Agrario ed Alimentare in Italia (Italo Giglioli), 249; Mango, a Treatise on the (67. Marshall Woodrow), 121, 291 ; Manual of Forestry (Dr. Schlich), 308; Manuel du Champignonniste (M. A. Cauchois), 249 ; Manures : a Treatise on (Dr. Griffith), 84; Memorandum and Pocket-Guide (Dobbie if Co.), 41 ; Missouri Bo- tanical Garden Report, 29 ; Natal, a Guide to, 100 ; New Forest, the (Mrs. Willingham Rawnsley), 402 ; Old West Surrey (Miss Jekyll), 186 ; One-and-All Gardening, 84 ; Orchid Hand-List, Kew, 388 ; Or- chids, the fertilisation of (Dar- win), 133; Orchid Stud Book, the (Rolfe \ Burst), 228 ; Parkin- son's Paradisus, 346 ; Persian Gulf Dates (David G. Fairchild), 401 ; Practical Hints on Fruit FarmiDg (Charles Whitehead), 377; Prac- tical Hints on Vegetable Farming (James Udale), 377 ; Publications received, 11, 26, 42, 55, 90, 121, 155, 187,201,218,234,314,346,372,394; Riviera Nature Notes, 65 ; Roses and their cultivation (T. W. San- ders), 134; Some English Gar- dens (Miss - Jekyll), 186; South African Flowering Plants (Prof. Henslow), 41, 66 ; Spring Garden- ing (H. FrancJclin), 218 ; Strophan- tus, a monograph of (Prof. Gilg), 89 ; Timber Trades Journal, 218 ; Transactions of the Royal Arbori- cultural Society, 117; "Who's Who," 84 Bouquet, an Orchid, 312 Bowling - green, worms destroying a, 288, 304 British Columbia, fruits from, 105 ; the climate of, 188 Brotherston, Mr., R. P., awarded Neil prize, 406 Brownea Crawfordi, 74 Brussels Botanic Garden, 85, 407 Brussels, commemorative tablets at, 281 Buddleia Colvilei, 357 Bulb garden, the, 106, 317 Bulbs, French, 401 Bunyard, George (The Fruit Gar- den, and England's National Flower), 07, 340 Burford, Orchids at, 381 Burnard, Robert, appointment of, 105 Burnham Beeches, 232 Burrell, Mr. E., presentation to, 218 Bush Apple-trees at Gunnersbury House, 335 Cacti in Arizona, 181 Cffisalpinia Sappan in Holland, 383 Calanthe discolor, 389 Callitris quadrivalis, 45 Cambrai, Exhibition, the, 218 Cambridge, King's encouragement of science at, 154 Camellia reticulata and " Fortune's Yellow " Rose, 251 Camellias, fine bushes of, in Devon- shire, 149 Canarina eampanulata, 330 Canker, in Rose - trees, 256 ; in Rubber-trees, 73 Caralluma crenulata, 19 ; C. Munby- ana, 84 Carbonic acid gas and vegetation, 265 Carmichael, the late William, 357 Carnation, an early-flowering va- riety of, 122; C. Enchantress, 92 Carnations, at Sandringham, 104 ; culture of, 47, 220 ; exhibition of, in America, 201 ; for market, 201, 207 ; perpetual-flowering Souvenir de la Malmaison, 41 ; treatment of Souvenir de la Malmaison, 112 ; tree, 45 ; winter-flowering, 18, 28 Cassava cultivation in the West Indies, 378 Catalogue, oddities in a, 186 Cattleya Mossise, a fine specimen of, 107 Cattleyas at Gunnersbury Park, 137 Cauliflowers, transplanting spring- raised, 253 Ceanothus rigidus, 322 Cedar, the Chelsea, 185 Celsia cretica, 267 Cephaelis Mannii, 266 Cereus amecamensis, 246 ; C. trian- gularis, fruit of, 392 Certificated Plants.— Auricula "Gold CrowD," 301; A. "Tri- umph," 301; A. "Vesta," 301; Azalea indica, Mdlle. Emma Eek- haut, 238 ; Begonia Avalanche, 364; B. Lady Curzon, 364; B. Mrs. H. T. Dixson, 109 ; B. Mrs. W. H. Edwards, 364 ; Bulbophyl- lum micropetalum, 31 ; Calanthe discolor, 270 ; Campanula rupes- tris, 364 ; Carnation Leander, 301 ; Cattleya Schroderse, Fowler's va- riety, 270; Chrysanthemum Mdlle. Louise Charvet 76 ; C. "Winter Cheer," 76 ; Clerodendron myrme- cophilum, 238 ; Clivia Lord Bath- urst, 238 ; C. miniata aurea, 301 ; Cymbidium Wilsoni, 143 ; C. X 3l(o^H-^ IV The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. {June 25, 1904 Ballianum, 143 ; C. LowiaDum Lueiani, 238 ; 0. Sanderse (Pa- rishii), 333 ; Cypripedium x au- reum virginale, 109 ; C. x Beck- rnani, 142 ; C. californicum, 333; C. x Morteni, 78; C. x CEiippe, 109; C. X Thompsoni, 109; C. X Welleslejanum, 270; C. x W. H. Page, 109 ; Cyrtanthus x Marian , 238; Cyrtomium Butterfleldii, 142; JDendrobium x melanodiscus glo- riosum, 174; D. x Thwaitesise, Veitch's variety, 270 ; D. x Williamsoni, 143 ; Dode- catheon Dame Blanche, 3G5 ; Epidendrnm Cooperiannm, 31 ; Eupatorium petiolare, 142 ; E. vernale, 109; Fritillaria imperi- alis inodora, 269 ; Gloriosa Roth- schildiana, 365 ; Hepaticaangulosa alba, 205; Hippeastrum "Ronda," 269; H. "Snowdon," 269; Iris x Antigone (Oneo-Regelia), 332 ; 1.x Artemus (Onco-Regelia), 332; 1. X Charon (Onco-Regelia), 332; I. x Eos (Onco-Regelia), 332 ; I. Haynei, 238; I. x Iphigenia (Onco-Regelia), 332; I. x Isis (Onco-Regelia), 332; I. Lorteti alba, 269; I. x Psyche (Onco- Regelia), 332 ; Lselia anceps Schroderfe Theodora, 78; L pur- purata, Baronshalt variety, 333 ; Laelia - Cattleya x Canhamiana, Rosslyn variety, p. ii., Supp., June 4; L.-C x Digbyano- Mossise " Westonbirt variety," p. ii , Supp., June 4 ; L. - C. x Digbyano-Schroderae alba, 238 ; L.-C. x Fascinator King Edward, p. ii , Supp., June 4 ; L. - C. x Haroldiaua magnifica, 174; L.-C. X luminosa var. The Mikado, 205; L.-C. x Martineti Tring Park variety, p. ii. of Supp., June 4 ; L.-C. x Mme. M. Fournier var. W. H. Young, 206 ; L.-C. x Mona, 238; L.-C. x Myra Charlesworthii, 78 ; L.-C. x Stepmanni, p. ii., Supp , June 4 ; Lomaria Mayi 301 ; Lupinus polypnyllus (strain), 365; Maxillaria cucullata, 31 ; M. macrura, 31 ; Moscbosma ripa- rium, 30 ; Narcissus Alert, 239 ; N. Bennett- Poe, 267; N. Count Visconti, 301; N. Dewdrop, 269; N. Elvira, 269 ; N. Flag of Truce, -301; N. Great Warley, 269 j N. Henry de Vilmorin, 269 ; N. py- ramus, 269 ; N. Surprise, 269 ; N. "Warley Scarlet, 209; N. White Ensign, 301; N. Zenith, 269; Ni- cotiana Sindera;, 301; Odontioda x Vuylstekeae, p. ii., Supp., June 4; OJontoglossum x ar- dentissirnum Cooksonae, 205 ; O. cirrosum, Pitt's variety, 238 ; O. x concinnum laetum, p. ii., Supp., June 4; O. crispum Clio, 302 ; O. c. Clive, 302 ; O. c. Kinle- sideanum, 174 ; O. c. nebulosum Gurney Wilson, 302; O. c. Harold, 333 ; 0. c. Prebendary Bevan, 206 ; O. c. Rossendale, 174 ; O. c. Sibyl, 206 ; O. c. Theodora, 333 ; O.c.Venus, 270; O.c.xanthotes Cooksonae,270; O.c.x. SnowQueen, 333; 0. Pescatorei Kathleen, 206 ; O. x Waltoniense Rosefieldiense, 206; O. x venustulum, p. ii., Supp., June 4; Onosma album, 301 ; Pansy " Mark Mills," 301 ; Pelargonium " Lady Decies," 365 ; Primula obconica, 238 ; Pteris Binoti, 365; P. cretica capitata, 332; P. c. Summersii, 269; P. Hillii, 142 ; Rhododendron Beauty of Littleworth, 332; R. Dawn, 332; R. y. Ellen Cuthbert, 365- R. Gertrude Jekyl, 332 ; R. Glory of Penjerrick, 269 ; R. Harry Mangles, 269; R. Rose Queen, ■269; Ribes King Edward VII., 269 ; Ro3e " Perle des Neiges,' 365 ; Saxifraga Rhaei superba, 301 ; Sobralia Ruckeri, 333 ; So- phro-Cattleya x Saxa, 143 ; Tri- tonia " Prince of Orange," 301 ; Tulipa Kauffmanniana aurea, 109 ; Tulip Clara Butt, 332 ; T. Cygnet, 332 ; T. De Wet, 301 ; T. Flame, 332 ; T. globosa grandiflora, 332 ; T. Inglescombe Pink, 301 ; T.John Ruskin, 332; T. Kathleen, 332; T. Kauffmanniana coccinea, 269 ; T. Margaret, 332 ; T. Moucheron, 301 ; T. Mrs. Fancombe Saunders, 332; T. Scarlet Emperor, 332; T. Sir T. Lipton, 301 ; T. Suzon, 332 ; T. Tubergeniana, 332; Wahlen- bergia serpyllifolia, 365 ; Zygo- petalum x Gottianum, 270 Certificated Fruits and Vege- tables. — Melon The Islander, 333 ; Orange " Egg," 76 Ceylon, fibre plants in, 144; pearl fishery in, 242 Champaca-tree, the, 134 Charities, donations to, by Chester- field Chrysanthemum Society, 10 Charlock, the destruction of, 232 Chatsworth, 26 Chelsea Physic Gardens, 377; lec- tures at, 282, 297, 313, 345, 361, 377 Cherry-Laurel, the, 220 Chionaspis aspidistra? on Ferns, 64 Chirita hamosa, 339 Chiswick Gardens, 121 ; sale at, 185 Chloraea virescens, 356 Chlorosis, a cure for, 36 Chou de Burghley, 161 Christie, Mr. A. D .presentation to,41 Chrysanthemum Lady Cranston, 56 ; C. marginatum, 51 ; C. Nellie Pockett, 90 Chrysanthemums at Moor Hall, 25 ; for market purposes, 11, 99; new French varieties of, 10 ; single- flowering varieties of, 133, 288 Cinchona, Jamaica, botanical labora- tory at, 184 Cinerarias, the culture of, 203 Citron-leaf, an abnormal, 132 Clare Lawn, East Sheen, the Orchids at, 162 Clematis, Chinese species of, 138 Clematis hybrids from Mantua, 403 ; C. indivisa lobata, 200 Clerodendron cephalanthum, 74 Clethra arborea, a large specimen, destroyed by wind, 60 Clianthus puniceus, 251, 347 Clinkers, use of, for drainage, 219 Clover, a five-leaved variety of, 217 Cochliostema Jacobianum, 323 Cockburn's letters to his gardener, 273 Cocoanut-butter, 26 Codlin-moth, the, 42, 312 Cogniaux, Alfred (Flora Bi asiliensis) , 291 ; (Dictionnaire Iconographique des Orchidees), 100 Colchicum crociflorum, 236 Cole, William, the late, 133 Colonial notes, 26, 131, 194, 242 Colouring in fruits, 395 Colville James (Letters of John Cockburn to his Gardener, 1727 to 1744), 273 Combe Royal, South Devon, 1 Combinations, some floral, 338 Compensation given a gardener for injury through leaf of Agave, 282 Congo, Encephalartos from the, 370 ; flora of the, 89 Conifers, Exotic, in Britain, 41 ; for timber in England, 67 Conservatory in winter, the, 75 Cooksbridge, Orchids at, 294 Copyright in plants, 407 Cornwall, Narcissi cultivation in, 201 Corydalis, the genus, 306; C. Wilsoni, 306 Cottage gardening, 120 Cottagers, County Council's work among, 120 Cotton-growing in the Colonies, 20, 216 Crepin, the late M., 85 Cricketer, a gardener, 378 Crocus, an early variety of, 75 ; C. banaticus, 236 ; C, chrysanthus and its varieties, 170 Crocuses, early-flowering, 92 Cross-breeding in plants, 248 ; some results of, 249 Cuba, the Pines of, 179, 256 Cucumber culture, 22 ; diseases, 379 Cultivation, experimental, 353 Currant, " Boskoop Mammoth," 68 Currant-bud mite, the, 48, 236, 304, 330, 375 Custard Apple, the, 223 Cup to be offered at the Edinburgh horticultural show, 396 Cyanide of potassium as a fumiga- tor, 187, 202 Cyder-making in England, 407 Cymbidium, a new species of, 157 ; C. eburneum, 99 ; C. grandiflorum, 82 ; C. virescens, 213 Cynorchis compacta, 149 ; C. Kew- ensis, 314; C. purpurascens, 227; C. villosa, 74 Cypripedium, a malformed, 115 ; C. calceolus on rockery, 64 ; C. in- signe, remarkable plants of, 28 ; C. x Mahlerianum Feiling's variety, 66; C. Rothschildianum, 391 Cypripediums at Homewood, 46 ; winter-flowering varieties of, 213 Cyrtopodium punctatum, 282 D.edalacanthus macrophyllus, 34 Daffodil, the, 251 Daffodils, classification of, 316 Dahlia, centenary of the, 344 Daisies " Shasta," 218 Daniel, Professor (La Thi'orie des capacitis fonctionelles et ses conse- quences en Agriculture), 35 Daphnes, cultural notes on, 319 Darwin, Chas. (Formation of Vege- table mould through the action of worms), 221 Daubeny Laboratory at Oxford, the, 241 Decaisnea Fargesii, 326 Dendrobium Jenkinsii, 357 ; D. lin- guiforme, 213 ; D. nobile virgi- nale, 357 ; D. teretifolium, 273 ; D. x Thwaitesise, "Veitch's va- riety," 274; D. undulatum, 292; D. Victoria; Regina, 228; D. Williamsoni, 341 Dendrobiums at Woodhatch Lodge, 196 Departmental Fruit Committee, the, 10, 57, 73, 185, 265, 406 Deutzia discolor, 371 Dinter, Herr Karl, in Africa, 120 D'Ombrain, Rev. H. H., 73 Dover House Gardens, Roehampton, 315 Dracontium gigas, 26G Drainage, clinkers used for, 219 Droitwich Experimental Garden, 381 Dropmore, Royal visit to, 344 Drugs, spurious, 252 Dublin, Chair of Botany at Trinity College, 89 Duncannon's, Viscountess, garden at Bessborough, 324 Diisseldorf Exhibition, 105, 233, 264, 296, 312, 377, 394, 407 Dye, Mr. A , presentation to, 394 Earl's Court Exhibition, the bed- ding arrangements at, 89 Earth-worms of garden and lawn, 337 Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, 371 Elliottia bracteata, 244; E. panicu- lata, 244 ; E. racemosa, 243 Encephalartos from the Congo, 370 Enkianthus subsessilis, 278 Epidendrum (Diacrium) bicornutum, 355; E elegans, 66; E. ereotum, 132; E. nonchinense, 114; E. paniculatum, 33 ; E. viridi-purpu- reum, 33 Equatorial African garden, an, 11 5, 130, 165, 182 Eranthemum tuberculatum, 4 ; E. hypoerateriforme, 403 Erica lusitanica, 84, 108 Eritrichium nanum, 342, 374, 388, 396, 409 Essex, fruit prospects in, 347 Etherisation of plants, 73, 187, 221, 408 Eucalyptus-trees in marshy locali- ties, 90 Eucharis flowering twice a year, 272 Eucharis grandiflora, 117 ■ Eucharis-mite, the, 100 Eupatorium petiolare, 163; E. ver- nale, 74 Euphorbia pulcherrima var. alba, 3 E vergreens without leaves, 225 Everlasting flowers, culture of, in Cape Colony, 211 Examination in gardening for school teachers, 298 Experimental cultivation, 353 Fagus betuloides, flowering sprays of, 380 Fairchild, David G. (Persian Qulf Dates), 410 Fell, Dr. E P. (Insects affecting Forest Trees), 117 Fern, the Beech, 98 Fern-stealing in Devon, 233 Ferns, rare varieties of, 140 Fertilisers and Feeding-stuffs Com- mittee, 138, 186, 378 Ficus Parcelli at Cape Colony, 13 ; F. repens fruiting in a glass- house, 171 Fig-tree, a prolific, 102, 121, 218 Fig-trees on walls out-of-doors, 49 Fire, curious effect of, on orchard- trees, 408 Fish-destroying birds, 75 Floods, the recent, 122 Florists' flowers, 92, 97, 133, 220, 236, 244 Flower-garden, the, 6, 22, 38, 55, 71, 87, 102, 118, 135, 151, 167, 183, 199, 214, 230, 247, 263, 279, 295, 311, 327, 342, 372, 359, 391, 405 Foliage plants for exhibition groups, 342 Folkestone in May, 369 Foreign correspondence, 68, 92, 131, 275, 299, 342 Forestry, 41, 59, 117, 199 ; in Ire- land, 57; in Rhodesia, 121; in Scotland, 186 ; Forest Schools, establishment of, 377 Forsythia europaea, 44 Fossil fruits of Abronia, 345 Fothergilla major, 123 Francklin, H. (Spring Gardening), 218 Freemasonry and gardening, 262 Freesia Armstrongi, 149 French horticultural exports to Eng- land, 10 Fritillaria Sieheana, 267 ; F. Thun- bergi, 317 Fruit colouring, influences on the, 395 Fruit Committee, the Departmental, 25, 123, 154, 298, 345 Fruit culture in Britain, need for selection of varieties, 321 ; in Scot- land, extension of, 169 ; in Nova The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. (June 25, 1901. Scotia and British Columbia, 218 ; under wire-netting protection, 5 Fruit farms and the Small Holdings Act, 281 Fruit prospects, 394 ; protection, 312 Fruit register, the, 79, 102, 118, 133, 292 j transit by ship, 89 Fruits under Glass, 7, 22, 39, 54, 71, 87, .103, 119, 135, 151, 167, 183, 199, 215, 231, 247, 263, 278, 294, 311, 327, 343, 359, 374, 391, 405 Fuel required for heating glass- houses, 128 Fumigation with hydrocyanic acid gas, 328 Fungi, origin of parasitism in, 217 Garden notes, 213 Garden walls, material for con- structing, 16 Gardeners' Association, the pro- posed British, 4, 28, 46, 60, 75, 89, 121, 136, 156, 169, 203, 219, 235, .249, 252, 267, 284, 317, 313, 330, 344, 348, 375 ; formation of, 360, 360 j form of application of, 411 ; prospectus of, 376 Garrya, species of, 44 Gaut, Mr. R. C, 329 Genista monosperma, 220 Gentiana verna and its varieties, 388 German Gardeners and organisation, 298 ■Germany, an English head gardener in, 169 Geum reptans, 310 Gladiolus tristis var. sulphurous, 329 Glebelands, the Orchids at, 323 Globe- Artichokes, 276 Gloriosa superba, treatment of, 64 Godseff, Mr. L. G., 9 Gongora gratulabunda, 323 Goodliffe, Rev. W. {Guide to Little- ■hampton), 218 Gooseberry caterpillars, the destruc- tion of, 272 Gooseberry disease, 319 Gooseberry- sorting for market, 394 Grafting, the influence of, 316, 408 Grapes, Lady Hastings, 156, 202 ; " Lady Hutt," 121 ; Melton Con- stable, 12, 41, 45 •Grapes, American varieties of, 85, 139; White Gros Colmar and Lady Hastings, 90, 108, 122; at Christmas, prices of, 12 Grass-mowings as a manure, 330 Griffith, Dr. (A Treatise on Manures), 84 School Teachers, examination in gardening, 298 Scientific Committee: — Albin- ism in Poppies, 13; American Violet disease, 285; Arabis al- bida, proliferous, 317; Ash-wood infested with grubs, 13; Beans, defective, 124; Beans in houses, failure of, 157; Biological ana- logy, 285; Bulbophyllum sauro- cephalum, 317 ; Cabbage-leaf with funnel-shaped excrescences, 285; Camellia leaf diseased, 46; Cap- sicum without pungency, 317 ; Carnation hybrids, 409; Carrots destroyed by insects, 409 ; Cedars at Chelsea, 285; Cineraria, sup- posed disease in, 157 ; Clematis, hybrid, 409 ; Codlin-moth, the, 46, 94; Cyclamen, malformed, 157; Cypripedium, malformed, 157 ; Daffodil with fringed trumpet, 253 ; Eucalyptus with nodules, 94 ; Fern-spores, longevity of, 13 ; Ixia, diseased, 94; Jasmine with tube- rous growth, 189; Lobelia nicoti- anaefolia, 189; maggots in moss- litter, 94 ; McLachlan, R., the late, 409 ; Oak-spaDgles, 409 ; Or- chids, malformed, 46 ; Osmanthus ilicifolia, dimorphic, 317; Oribata orbicularis under bark of trees, 221; Palms and scale-insects, 189 ; Pear-scab, 285 ; Pear-shoots, di- seased, 46 ; Pear-tree and scale- insect, 285 ; photographs, coloured, 124, 157 ; Picea ajanensis, 410 ; Pine-disease, 410 ; Potatos, super- tuberation in, 14; Rhododendron- flowers, 285 ; Richardia with coloured leaf, 253 ; Rockets at- tacked by insects, 317; scientific experiments at Wisley, 46, 253 ; Sawdust as a manure, 409 ; Seca- teurs and Rose - pruning, 285 ; Silver-Firdisease,157 ; Springtails, 221 ; Tropasolum tuberosum as edible, 124 ; Violets, diseased, 13 ; Wisley, proposed scientific inves- tigations at, 46, 253; Wood Sorrel with rose-coloured flowers, 285 Scum on ornamental waters, 284, 299 Scutellaria Ventenatii, 377; S. violacea, 389 Seakale, Beddard's improved, 164 Seed, change of, 51 Seed selection, and its relation to crops, 184 ; sowing, notes on, 80 ; Trade Assistants' outing at Edin- burgh, 313 Seedlings, variations in, 59 Seeds, misrepresentation of, 345, 374 ; the vitality of, 188 Sempervivum disease, 320 Senecia Jacobaea, 200 Shading glasshouses, a suitable wash for, 272 •■' Shasta " Daisies, 218, 235 The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [June 25, 1904. VU Shirley Poppy, the, 217 Shoitia galacifolia, 267, 388 ; S. g. var. rosea, 181 ; S. uniflora, 2G8 " Shot Hole " fungus, treatment of, 128 Shrubs, flowering and decorative, 340, 394 Slough, gift of a recreation ground to, 10 Snowdrops, four new varieties of, 166 SOCIETIES : — Abinger and District Mutual Improvement, 17 ; Aber- deen Chrysanthemum, 62 ; Ancient Society of York Florists, 158 ; Beckenham Horticultural, 32, 62, 79 ; Benevolent Institution Gar- deners' Eoyal, 12, 25, 27, 56, 6o, 62, 74, 78 ; Brighton and Sussex Horti- cultural, 79, 254 ; Bristol and Dis- trict Gardeners', 32, 79, 383 ; Car- diff and County Horticultural, 111 ; Cardiff and District Chrysanthe- mum, 12i; Chester Paxton, 79, 94, 317 ; Cornwall Daffodil and Spring Flower, 253 ; Croydon and District Gardeners', 47, 79, 383 ; Devon and Exeter, 93 ; Devon Daffodil and Spring Flower, 271 ; Dulwich Chrysanthemum, 93 ; Dumfriesshire and Galloway, 111 ; Dutch Horticultural and Botani- cal, 317; Ealing Horticultural, 143, 255 ; East Anglian Horticul- tural Club, 79; East Ham Ama- teur Chrysanthemum, 79 ; English Arboricultural, 2ol ; Felthamand District Mutual Improvement, 47 ; Gardeners' Debating, 14, 47, 126, 158, 190, 206, 222, 255, 2s0, 318, iS34, 41 1 ; German Gardeners', 255 ; Glamorgan Daffodil and Spring Flower, 271 ; Gloucestershire Rose. 158 ; Horticultural Club, 47, 89, 154, 175, 249, 285, 380, 399 ; Hull Horticultural, 32, 79, 94 ; Irish Gardeners' Association and Bene- volent, 143 ; Kingston and Dis- trict Horticultural, 264; Lee, Blackheath, and Lewisham, 93 ; Linnean, 41, 62, 73, 93, 104, 124 138, 143, 169, 217, 221, 249, 281, 286, 344, 367, 380, 398 ; Liverpool Hor- ticultural, 94, 185 ; London Dahlia Union, 93, 222 : Manchester Eoyal Botanical and Horticultural, 350 ; Manchester and North of England Orchid, 14, 62, 125.239, 302,350, 410; Midland Daffodil, 249, 286, 302, National Auricula and Primula 14, 270, 286, 302 ; National Car- nation and Picotee (Southern), 14; National Chrysanthemum, 62, 88, 94, 108, 111, 125, 200; National Fruit Growers' Federation, 126,189, 317,398; National Potato, 11,24 73, 121,346,394,408; National Sweet Pea, 126, 186 ; National Tulip, 333 ; Nursery and Seed Trade Associa- tion, 125 ; Reading Gardeners', 79, 383 ; Eoyal Agricultural, 410 ; Eoyal Botanic, 88, 169, 174, 190, 233, 254, 271, 297, 313, 318, 329, 344, 368, 382 ; Eoyal Cale- donian Horticultural, 78, 143, 233, 239, 351 ; Eoyal Horticultural, 9, 13, 25, 30. 46, 56, 60, 61, 75, 88, 104, 108, 120, 122, 141, 145, 152, 154, 157, 169, 173, 185, 189, 204, 217, 221 , 236, 249, 253, 268, 280, 285, 300, 317, 331, 362, 396 j (centenary of), 145, 152; Eoyal Horticultural ot Ireland, 31, 58, 93, 271 ; Eoyal Scottish Arboricultural, 117; Eoyal, The, 345: Shirley Gar- deners, 383; Societe Franeaise d'Horticulture de Londres, 62 j Southampton Eoyal Horticultural, 111, 255 ; Southern Counties Car- nation, 255 ; Surveyors' Institu- tion, 57, 89, 155, 185, 232,280,344; Sutherland Mutual Improvement, 79; United Horticultural Benefit and Provident, 47, 126, 154, 189, 255, 399 ; Ware Horticultural, 383 ; Weybridge and District Horticul- tural, 57 ; Yorkshire Gala, 399, 406 Soil, nature of the, 266 ; sterilisation of, 57, 178 Soils and manures for special crops, 178, 274, 290, 403 Solidago Shorti, 326 Sorosporium scabies, 257 South Africa, advice to intending emigrants to, 138 South-Eastern Agricultural College, the, 73 Sophora viciifolia, 121 Spain, spring flowers in, 259 Spartium junceum, 41 Sphagnum-moss, failure of, in Orchid growing, 155, 171 Spinach for winter supply, 2sl, 316, 330, 347 Spraying-machines, prize competi- tion for, in Holland, 407 Spring garden, in a, 193 Squirrels, buds of Sycamore de- stroyed by, 92 Stock-taking. 105, 170, 250, 313, 3s0; for the year 1 903, 57 Stone-work and peat-beds, 252 Strawberry-beds, the management of, 90, 122, 139, 155, 170, 188, 202. 234, 252 Strawberry, forcing, 316, 330, 347, 375 ; The Laxton, 394 Strawberries, early forcing of, 266, 284, 299 Strelitzia augusta, 402 Strophanthus, a monograph of, 89 Subscriptions to Eoyal Horticultural Society, proposed alteration of. 80 Sugar-producing plant, a new, 1 35 Sulphate of iron as a manure, 122 Sulphur, sulphuric acid in, 316 Summer, the confines of, 349 Sunflowers, perennial, 252 Sunshine, the amount of winter's, 169 Surrey, cottage gardening in, 298 Swanley Horticultural College, 406, 407 Swedes and Cabbages affected with brown rot, 90 Sweet Pea, the, 49 ; Algerian varie- ties of, 284 ; as pot plants, 92 Swingle, Walter T. {The Dale-Palm), 401 Synonyms of plant names, 219, 275 Tea in Central Africa. 26 Temple Flower Show, the, 312, 344, 360, 362, 377 ; hardy plants at, 37 1 Thapsia garganica, 383 Thomas, Owen {The Fruit Garden', 340 Thunbergia alata, 3s9, 409 Timber, and succession duty, 200 ; trees for furnishing, 59 Tomato, disease, treatment for, 336 ; proposed trial of, at Wisley, 409 ; T. Sutton's Winter Beauty, 75 ; sowing seeds of, 36 Tomatos, manure for, 123, 139 Toolasi, the, 194 Trachycarpus Fortunei, 330 Tree-felling by electricity, 10 Tree-lifting in St. James' Park, London, 276 Tree-Psonies, propagation of, 320 Trees and shrubs, 44, 84, 123, 150, 162,220,229,243,262,278,371,390 Trees, dying suddenly, 326; pheno- menal flowering of, 358 ; Eoyal memorial, 56 Trethewy, Mr. H., 07 Tricyrtis hirta, 18, 45, 59, 131 Tring Park, Hippeastrums at, 213 Trinity College, Dublin, - Trollius, some species of, 39* ' Tsuga Mertensiana (Abies Alberti- ana) 99 Tulasi tree, the, 48, 191 Tulipa Tubergeniana, 358 Tulips and Latin names, 375 ; from Ireland, 361; some varieties of, 329 Turin horticultural exhibition, 57, 186, 334 Turner, Mr. T. W., 10 1, 154 U Udale, James {Practical Hints on Vegetable Farminj), 377 Utricularia montan i, 266 Van-da coerulea, 33 ; V. Kimballian9, 33 ; V. teres, culture of, 20S Vandas, some hybrid, 1 Vanilla, and its host-plants, 1' ,s ; V. pompona, 340 Vegetable mulching, 315 Vegetables, 164, 276 Veitch Memorial Fund, 73. 155 Verbenas, cultivation of, 96 Viburnum tomentosum, 390 Villa garden, a model, 230 Vilmorin, the late Henry de, pro- posed monument to, 201, 329 Vine, browning disease of the, 346 Vine mildew, 200 ; winter stage of the, 249 Vines and spring frosts, 112 ; bleed- ing, 96; effects of grafting, 408; pruning and treatment of, 51, 155; treatment of ne glecte d, 96 ; warty leaves of, HO Vitis indica in Holland, 383 W Wallace {Heather in Love, Lyric, and Lay), 29 Wallflower, a new hybrid, 123 Wall gardening, 316 Walnut, the Black, in Devon, 347 Ward, the late Mr., and Anthurium Scherzerianum Wardi, 12, 45 Wash for fruit-trees, 80, 112 Wasps and the wet season, 284 Water and Bamboo-garden, a, 324 Water, growth of scum on, 284, 299 Water-Lilies as decorative plants, 184 Watson, William, and the Linnesn Society, 249 Wedding, a forester's diamond-, _ 19 Weights and Measures, 407 Wells, Mr. {Culture of the Chrysan- themum), 1C5 West Australia, bofr nijal report of, 26 West Indian products, 194 Westfield, Orchids at, 351 Westonbirt, Orchids at, 212 Whitehead, Charles {Practical Hints on Fruit Farming), 377 Whitney, Milton {Field Operations of the Bureau of Soils), 265 Whitewashing machine, a new, 15 Wild Rice (Zizania aquatica), 377 Wildeman, M. de (Flora of the Cong,.), 89 Wistaria, the E29 Wisley, the new garden at, 52, 138, 282, 394 ; the route to, 188 Wolley-Dod, C, the late, 392 Woodbatch Lodge, hybrid Dendro- biums at, 161 Woodrow, Mr. G. Marshall {The Mango), 291 Worms, new crirden. 161 ; in lawns, cure for, 160; of the garden and lawn, 337 Wriglit, W. P. {Cassell's Popular Gardening), 234, 293 Yew, remarkable specimens of, 96 SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS. A Group of Shirley Poppies (June 25). Bambusa palhata, a fine clump of (April 30). Bessborouqh Park, co. Kilkenny, View in Lord Duncannon's Garden at (May 21). Burnham Beeches, View of the Elephant Beech'in (April 9). Caricature of an Early Show of the Horticultural Society by Cruikshank (March 5). Chrysanthemum " Lady Cranston " (January 23). Chrysanthemums at Moor Hall, Harlow (January 9). Gunnersbury Park, View in the Cattleya-house at (February 27). Haughton Hall, near Tarporley, Cheshire (April 16). Helianthemum roseum Growing in Swanmore Park Gardens (June is). Hickleton Hall, Doncaster, View of the' House and Grounds at (February 13). Hursley Park, Hampshire, Keble's Favourite'Walk in (March 20). Impney Hall, Droitwich, Fernery at (February 20). Iris Haynei (April 23). L.f.lio-Cattleya x bletchleyexsis "Euby King" (February 6). Leeds, View of the Dell in the Eoundhay Public Park (Jan. 30). Marguerite, a Large Specimen Plant of (April 2). Plan of an Old English Garden at the St. Louis Exhibition (March 12). Plan of a Parterre Garden (January 16). Scutellaria Ventenatii (June 11). Trachycarpus excelsa (Chamj:rops excelsa) Growing in the Open- air at Penmaenmawr (May 14). Tulipa Tubergeniana (June 4). View in the Cattleya-house at Cooksbridge Nursery (May 7). View in the Cattleya-house at Gunnersbury Park ( Febiuary 27). Wall-garden at Hook House, near Winchfield (May 2S) Water-Lilies Exhibited at Amsterdam (March 19). (For General Illustrations see next page.) Vill The Gardeners' Chronide,] INDEX, [June 25, KOt. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Abies coneolor, branch with cones and leave?, 58; specimen at Lin- ton Park, 59 jEeidium grossulariae (Gooseberry disease), 319 African garden, views in an equato- rial, 116, 165 Allamanda, a fruit of, 141 Allsop, Mr. A. J., portrait of, 70 Aloe Baumii, 226 Apple "Chelmsford Wonder," 133 Apple-rot fungus, the, 207 Arbutus Unedo, a fine bush of, 11 Beech-Fern in co. Donegal, 98 Begonia " Avalanche," 398 Black scab of Potatos, 259 Bluebells in a plantation i Lancaster, 291 Cacti in Arizona, 181 Calanthe discolor, 389 Calceolaria plant exhibited at the Temple Show, 379 Cape Colony, " Everlasting " flowers in, 211 Caralluma crenulata, 19 ; C. Munby- ana, 84 Chatsworth, the great conservatory at, 21 ; the Emperor Fountain at, 27 Cattleya Mossiffi, a fine plant of, 107 Chlorosis in Apples, 36 ; in Grape- Vine, 37 Cheiranthus x kewensis, 123 Chrysanthemum marginatum, 51 Cinerarias at the Temple Show, p. ii., Supp., June 4 Citron-leaf, a malformed, 132 Citrus medica, fruit of, 101 Clematis, a new hybrid, 403 Clerodendron mjrmecophilurn, 237 Codlinmotb, the, 312 Conservatory at Chatsworth, 21 Coombe Boyal, views at, 1, 2 Corydalis angustifolia, 307 ; C. nobilis, 308 ; C. thalictrifolia, 309 ; C. Wilsoni, 306 Cuba, the Pines of, 179 Cup, the Veitchian, awarded at the Temple Show, 365 ; to be awarded the Edinburgh Show, for Grapes, 396 Currant, Black, shoots showing buds affected with mite, 31 H Custard- Apple (Anona cherimolia ?), fruit of, 223 Cymbidium eburneum, a plant of, 99; C. Parishii var. Sanderse, 338; C. Wilsoni, 157 Cypripediums, winter-flowering va- rieties of, 213 Cynorchis purpurascens, 227 var. gloriosa, 219 ; D. nobile vir- ginale, plant with fifty - two flowers, 357 ; D. x Thwaitesis, Veitch's variety, 274 ; D. William- soni, 341 Dianthus hybrid Lady Dixon, 378 Diisseldorf Exhibition, view of the horticultural show-houses at, 265, 297 Earth-worm, a new, 161 Edge Hall, Malpas, 393 Encephalartos Laurentianus, 370 ; E. Lemarinellianus, 371, 372 Endophyllum sempervivi (Succu- lents' disease), 320 Entebbe Botanic Garden, view in the, 115 Epidendrum (Barkeria) elegans, 66 Equatorial Africa, a natural fernery in, 130 Erica lusitanica (codonodes). 91 Eucharis grandiflora at Fan Place, Sussex, 117 Eupatorium petiolare, 163 Everlasting flowers, market culture of, in Cape Colony, 211 Ficus Parcelli in Cape Colony, 13 Ficus repens, foliage and fruit of, 171 Fountain at Chatsworth, 27 Fountain erected at the St. Louis exhibition, 168 Fowler, J. Gurney, portrait of, 153 Garrya elliptica, fruits of, 42 ; male catkins of, 43 ; G. Fremonti, male catkins of, 44 Gentil, M. Leo, portrait of, 85 Gleeospoiium frutigenum (Apple-rot disease), 207 Gooseberry-moth and caterpillar, 368 Gooseberry-sorting, 395 Grafting, examples of crown, whip, and cleft, 199 H Hjemanthus virescens var. albinos, 82 Hcemaria Dawsoniana, 387 Herbst, Hermann, portrait of the late, 204 Hewell Grange, Worcestershire, 210 Hippeastrum " Snowdon," 283 Hybridising, preparations for, 248 K Knight, Thomas Andrew, a portrait of, 146 L^lia purpurata "Queen Alexan- dra," 363 Lathraea clandestina, 293 ; growing on the roots of Beech and Willow, 292 Laurent, M., portrait of the late, 172 Lawrence, Sir Trevor, portrait of, 152 Lehmann, F. C, portrait of the late, 106 Lemons at Aston Kowant, 68 Lilac forced after treatment with ether, 187 Lindley, Dr., portrait of, 147 Lobelia nicotianEefolia, 195 Lonicera pileata, 243 Lysichitum camtschatcense, 322, 323 M Melon-house in America, view of a, 149 Moschosma riparium, 31 Motor mowing machine, a steam, 318 Musa superba, 83 N Narcissus Fiirstin Marie Oettingen, 314; N. Great Warley, 275; N. White Ensign, 315 Nectria solani, 258, 259 Neviusia alabamensis, 229 Odontioda x Vuylstekeoe, 360 Odontoglossum x ardentissimum var. Cooksonse, 260; O. crispum De Barri, 196 ; O. nebulosum Gurney Wilson, 356 ; O. Pescatorei Kathleen, 221 ; O. P., varieties of, 131 ; O. x Vuylstekei vivicans, 3 ; O. x waltoniense rosefieldi- ense, 331 Odontoglossums, a group of, 261 Oldenbergia arbuscula as a pot- plant, 9 Opuntia Bergeriana, 34 ; O. Han- buryana, 34 ; O. Schumanni, 34 Orange garden at Coombe Royal, the, 2 Orange -house at Messrs. Rivers' Nursery, 69 Orange, " Malta Blood," 77 ; O. "Egg," 77; O., the "Silver" or *• Plata," 93 Orange-tree trained on an outside wall, 76 Pinus bahamensis, 179 ; P. cuben- sis, 179 ; P. terthrocarpa, 179 Pitchford Hall, Shrewsbury, 244 Platycerium angolense,140 Pomaderris elliptica, 339 ; P. vacci- nifolia, 339 Primula Forbesi, 20 ; P. obconica, a white variety of, 245 Raphia Palms m an equatorial Afri- can garden, 116 Rhododendrons (Azaleas), an exhi- bition group of, p. iii, Supp., June- 4 Rockery at Totley Hall, Sheffield, 396 Saxieraga lilacina, 290 Snowdrop disease (Botrytis galan- thina), 208 Spiraea Thunbergii forced after treatment with ether, 187 Spot disease of Potatos, 258 Spraying and pumping machine, " The Hatfield," 382 Spraying machine, a new, 15 Stapelia Pillansii, 242 Strelitzia augusta, 402 Summer-house in a Lime-tree, 214 Transplanting trees in St. James's Park, London, 276, 277 Tree-lifter, a new, 276 Trethewy, Mr. H , portrait of, 67 Tricyrtis hirta (japonica), 18 Veitchian cup, awarded at the Temple Show, 365 W Wallflower, an hybrid, 123 Warty disease of Potatos, 259 Water-garden at Bessborough Park, co. Kilkenny, 324 Wedgwood, Josiah, portrait of, 145 Wilks, Rev. W., M.A , portrait of, 153 Winter rot of Potatos, (Nectria. solani), 258, 259 Wisley, views in the new Royal' Horticultural Society's Gardens. at, 52, 53 Worm, the trapeze, 337 Xylaria vaporaria, a fungus at- tacking Mushrooms, 240 Daldinia concentrica, an Oak- fungus, 352 Dendrobium hybrids at Woodhatch Lodge, 197 ; D. x melanodiscus Impnet Hall, Droitwicb, 114 Iris X Charon, 348; I. Artemis, 349; I. Hausnechtii, 251 ; I. tectorum, 355; 1. 1., a field of, in Japan, 354 Phytophthora infestans, 258 Pear-midge, the, 412 Picea Morinda in Viscount Duncan- non's garden, co. Kilkenny, 325 Pines of Cuba, the, 179 Young, Alexander, portrait of the late, 267 JANUABY 2, 1904. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ^^>? THE No. 888.— SATURDAY, January 2, 1904. CONTENTS. Andre, Madame Anlhurium Scherzeria- num Wardi Apple crops In orchard and garden .Apple Lane's Prince Albert -Arbutus unedo Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal ... Books, notices of— Garden Annual Garden Diary Horticultural Direc- tory Journal of Kew Guild Publications received Cherries in Natal Chrysanthemums, French Combe Royal, Devon- shire Daniel, M Ellimaii, Mr., gift to Slough Exhibitions and charity Ficus Parcelli French horticultural products, imports of Fruit culture in Bri- tain, enquiry respect- ing gardeners' Association, proposed Godteff, Mr. Leo G. ... •Grape, Melton Con- stable ■Grapes. Christmas ... Harefield Hall, Orchids at Honey poison Horticulturists, dis- tinction to Lonicera, monograph of genus of Inventions, new— A whitewashing ma- chine Kew notes Market notes Melons ripe in Decem- ber Obituary— Fitt, Joseph MacFarlane, John ... Oldenbergia Arbuscula Orcbidnotesand glean- ings Park Superintendents inNewEoglaod Plum Count Althann's Gage Potato £1M) per lb. Potato Siciety, estab- lishment of a Na- tional Recreation ground as aChristmas gift Rosary, the Societies- Hull Horticultural ... Manchester Orchid... National Auricula and Primula National Carnation and Picotee Reading Gardeners' . Reading Rose Rojal Horticultural . Trees cut down by elec- tricity Week's work- Flower-garden, the... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden... Kitchen garden, the . Orchid-houses, the... Plants under glass ... Year, 1903, the the estate itself is popularly described as almost semi-tropical. The present owner of the property is E. J. Bowring, Esq., who, however, is non-resident. For the past twenty years the house has been occupied by two ladies, Mrs. Eady-Borlase and Miss Emily Turner, to whom I wish to express my thanks for permission both to visit the gardens and grounds and to have the accom- panying photographs taken by Messrs. Bailey & Flower, of Fore Street, Kings- bridge. The place has many attractions, but it is not in the ordinary sense of the term a show-place. The present occupiers, however, readily grant the use of the grounds for local flower-shows and various charitable purposes for which it would 1)9 difficult to select a more delightful spot. Esq., took an especial delight in forestry and horticulture ; notat Combo Royal alone, but elsewhere it is easy to trace his influence as you observe in neighbouring estates the startling variety of trees and shrubs, such as are found in large numbers planted by his hand at Combe Royal. The visitor may take a long walk in what is called the American garden, and his eye will rest on little else than American vege- tation the whole way, and he will see in fine growth many things the sight of which would otherwise cost him a voyage across the Atlantic, or at the least a visit to Kew Gardens. No doubt many of the seedlings and saplings which are now in maturest beauty were imported from that place, for Mr. Luscombe was a distinguished member ILLUSTRATIONS Arbutus unedo at the Priory, Usk Combe Royal, view of mansion Combe Royal, Orange-garden at Ficus Parcelli at Port Elizabeth, S. Africa ... •Odontoglossum x Vuylstekei vivicans Oldenbergia Arbuscula, Royal Gardens, Kew 'White-washing machine, a new COMBE ROYAL. IN one of the most favoured spots in South Devon, midway between Start Bay and Bigberry Bay, but some five miles inland, at the head of a broad and many-branched -estuary which, passing Salcombe, opens to the sea, with Prawle Point on the east and Bolt Head on the west, stands the town of Kingsbridge, the surrounding country of which is known as the South Hams. The •district is famous in the West Country for the beauty of its landscapes, its varied ■eoast-line, and the numerous rivers which drain the water-shed of Dartmoor, giving ■to this part of South Devon its well-known fertility. The railway communication to Kings- bridge is by a branch single line from South Brent, which is on the main Plymouth line of the Great Western Railway. The short ■line of about ten miles passes through some ■of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. It is in the midst of such attractive sur- roundings, and distant about one mile from Kingsbridge itself, that the estate known as "Combe Royal is situated, and so sheltered (from the north and east that the climate of Fig. 1.— view of the mansion, combe royal. With regard to the early history of the mansion or estate I was unable to obtain any very definite information. It is stated, however, that a portion of an old document, dated 1373, still exists, upon which " Roger Efford remits, releases, and for ever cries quits to Richard Chiceli of all his right and claim in Kingsbridge, Dodbrooke, and Come Royel." As the date is contemporaneous with that of Archbishop Chicheley of Can- terbury, it would seem probable that the family of the Archbishop had some right in Combe Royal. The mansion has had some changes effected in it in modern times, being " enlarged and restored some years ago.'' The name of Luscombe will be familiar to many in connection with this estate, the family having acquired, it in 1722. The following paragraph, from an excellent little guide-book written by the Rev. W. T. Adey, will show how highly the Luscombe family was appreciated at the time of their occu- pation and how much the people of Kings- bridge valued the garden and grounds almost in their midst. "The late J. Luscombe, of the Horticultural Society of London, and received from them the Banksian Medal for Oranges, Lemons, and Citrons, exhibited by him in 1827; and well he might, for the Citron trees have borne specimen fruit, and do still, 17, 18, and even 19 inches in circum- ference. Shaddocks, Lemons, Limes, and Oranges may all be seen in finest perfection. In 1850 specimens of such fruits were presented to her late Majesty, Queen Victoria, and elicited from her much ad- miration and surprise on account of their size and beauty." After passing the entrance -lodge on the main road from Kingsbridge to Totnes, the carriage-drive turns to the "right and runs nearly parallel to the high road ; but between it and the drive is a high and broad bank thickly planted with trees and shrubs mixed with magnificent growths of Rhododendrons and Hydrangeas edged with Hypericum. On the left side the grounds slope to a con- siderable depth, forming a beautiful valley diversified with wood and water. The carriage-drive gradually dips down to the THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1934. extremity of this valley, where on a fine open space surrounded at the back and on either side by rising ground covered with a rich arboreous growth, the mansion is placed (fig. 1). Though situated in this valley, the place is 280 feet above the sea-level, and is screened by the hills both from the pre- vailing south-west winds as well as from the north and east. ing Orange garden is on a raised terrace facing south, and at right angles with the front of the mansion. It consists of a long wall formed of light Tudor-shaped arches or recesses, each about 15 feet wide and of similar height, the recesses being about 1 foot deep. It is in these recesses that the plants are trained flat against the walls (see fig. 2). The bay or arch occupied by the old uniformly grown plants of Retinospora obtusa var. aurea (see fig. 2). On the slope behind the Citrus wall, which is the lower part of the pleasure-ground, jotted about in positions amongst other shrubs, are some very fine bushes of Hydrangea, completely covered with flowers of the most intense blue, the probable cause of which has been so frequently discussed of late in the pages Fig. 2. — combe royal: the orange garden. The Okange Garden ! Though Combe Royal has many attractions for the lover of trees and shrub?, its popu- larity lies in its successful culture of plants of the Citrus genus, the luxuriance and fruitfulness of which are most striking, and are said not to be equalled in England, when it is remembered that no protection is afforded them beyond the walls upon which they arc trained and the use of reed blinds during the coldest winter nights. One Seville Orange tree, from which I was informed large quantities of fruit are annually gathered, is traditionally stated to be 250 years old. This peculiar and interest- Seville Orange referred to above had upon it, at the time of my visit, about 200 fruits of all sizes, from that of a pea to a full-grown yellow-skinned ripened Orange. I was in- formed by Mr. Horsman, the gardener, that all the varieties fruit abundantly, except the Shaddock, and that the fruits when ripe are regularly used in the house for culinary purposes. At the time of flowering the per- fume emitted from these plants was described as being very powerful. The broad gravel walk on the top of the terrace, from which this Orange-wall garden springs, is, on the opposite side or front, planted with a row of eighteen fine and of the Gardeners' Chronicle, but which could only be accounted for at Combe Royal by the presence of iron in the soil. Here also in close contiguity were several big trees of red and white Camellias, whieb I was told flowered profusely every season. Near to these grows a very large Loquat, which, though blossoming freely, does not ripen its fruit. A little lower down, and out- standing by themselves, are two stately and- perfectly-formed Plane-trees, and around us- we note the following, all of exceptionally fine proportions: Japan Allspice (Chimon- anthus fragrans), Sciadopitys veiticillata. Cryptomeria japonica, about 60 feet high January 2, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. and full of cones; Embothrium coccineum, which flowers from May till quite late in the season. Bamboos flourish luxuriantly everywhere; immense clumps of Arundinaria falcata, forming almost miniature jungles, grow on the elevated slope at the side of the house, as well as in the deep dell or American garden, where are many fine things, some of which were in flower or fruit at the time of my visit, amongst which the following may be mentioned : Halesia hispida, which was covered with masses of flower, but which, however, never fruits (the tree is about 20 feet high) ; Ekcagnus latifolius is also a very fine and striking tree, from the silvery underside of its leaves; this plant never flowers. On the other hand, Pieris formosa, a very beautiful evergreen shrub, was •covered with large bunches of berry- like fruits, ;ind is perfectly hardy. This plant was figured in the Gardener? Chronicle for April 30, 1881, N.S., vol. xv., p. 569. Another Ericaceous plant much in evidence was Gaultheria Shallon, which luxuriates to the height of about 2 feet. Magnolia conspicua was said to be a fine sight about Easter, when it is covered with olossom. Here were also trees of Sequoia gigantea, some 60 feet high, with stems about 1 feet 6 inches through at the base ; the plants are, however, much injured in their shape by the too close proximity of some trees of Araucaria imbricata. In this dell, on some rising ground, were pointed out to me some Eucalyptus-trees, now about 35 feet high, which were said to have been brought by Mr. Luscombe from Kew some twenty-eight or thirty years ago. Jiefore leaving this delightful part of the grounds for a visit to the garden proper, my attention was directed to a view from the upper slope of the broad estuary which runs up to Kingsbridge from Salcombe, the view ■extending to the heights of Salcombe itself. In the kitchen-garden there is nothing out of the ordinary way. It is much shut in between walls, and being on a very steep slope consists in fact of a series of terraces. On an espalier Apple-tree, however, I was much struck with such a vigorous growth of Misleto tint the stock was completely hidden in the parasite, giving to it the appearance of a Misleto-bush which had been trimmed with a perfectly rounded head. The seeds were planted on the Apple-tree some years back, but the plant, I was told, never produces berries ; further, I was in- formed that it was the only example of JVlisleto on the estate, and that the plant tvas seldom or never seen in the locality. In the large conservatory attached to the house is a plant of Acacia dealbata, which, planted about ten years ago, has now spread over the whole roof, forming a complete shade, and covered with blossom each year about Christmas time. The front of the mansion is partially covered with climbing plants; amongst those in flower at the time of my visit being Myrtles and Magnolias, both of them grow- ing to a height of about 25 feet. Though Combe Royal cannot be included amongst large estates where perfection of culture and the possession of horticultural or scientific rarities are aimed at, inasmuch as this is impossible with the smallness of the garden staff, Mr. Horsman, the gardener in charge, is to be congratulated not only on inheriting a complete knowledge of the place from his father, -who had charge before him, but also for his familiarity with and love for the trees and shrubs which are features of the estate. J. R. Jackson. ODONTOGLOSSUM x VUYLSTEKEI V1VICANS. The beautiful hybrid Odontoglossum shown in fig. 3 was exhibited by Baron Sir Henry Schroder before a meeting of the Eoyal Horticultural So- ciety on December 15 last, when the novelty was awarded a First-class Certificate. The flowers are large in size and of perfect form. The sepals and petals are broad and nearly equal to each other, their colour being canary - yellow, very heavily blotched with dark purplish-red. The lip is white, with one large brown blotch in the centre and some smaller ones on each side, and the margin is prettily crimped. KEW NOTES. Ipomj:a Horsfalli.e var. Briggsi. — This plant is certainly one of the finest winter-flower- ing climbers in cultivation, giving as it does a great profusion of flowers in November and De- cember. In the Victoria Regia - house a fine old specimen is at the present time making a good display ; the growths hang down from the roof in festoons 3 to 5 feet long, with almost every growth crowded with bright red flowers about 1J inch in diameter. Although the individual flowers only last one day, yet a good succession of bloom is maintained, owing to the manner in which the buds are developed upon the large dichotomous cymes. Plants are easily raised from either seeds or cuttings, and should be grown in an intermediate-house or stove. Under such conditions large plants can be grown in one season, and if planted in a border and trained up the roof will well repay the cultivator for the space occupied. The species I. Hors- FlG. 3.— ODONTOGLOSSUM X VUYLSTEKEI VIVICANS. THE ROSARY. "LE LIVRE D'OR DES ROSES." This is a French treatise in quarto, published in parts by Lucien Laveur, 13 Rue des Saints- Peres, Paris, and illustrated by sixty coloured plates. The text is provided by M. Paul Hariot, and comprises sections on classification, hybridi- sation, propagation, culture, and various other matters which will be of value to the amateur. The book is nicely got up, and will be an acceptable addition to the library of the rosarian. " Perpetual " Crimson Rambler. The Journal des Roses for November gives a coloured figure and a description of a Rose called Madame N. Levavasseur. It was obtained by crossing the Crimson Rambler with Gloire des Polyanthas. It is. very free-flowering, and con- tinues to produce flowers till checked by the frosts of autumn. It is sent out by M. M. Levavasseur, of Orleans, and received a First-class Certificate from our National Rose Society in June, and from the Royal Horticultural Society in April of last year. fallise may be seen flowering in the Palm-house ; it is a native of the West Indie3. Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima var. alba. Flowering in the stove is a group of this seldom-seen variety. It certainly cannot claim rank with its more showy relative as a deco- rative plant, jet it is one which might be more commonly grown, its creamy-white bracts forming a pleasing contrast to the scarlet ones. Many cultivators make a practice of growing the species in a cool frame during the summer months, but it is best to grow the white form in an intermediate-house. Begonia poltantha, Hort. In the Begonia-house may be seen several good specimens of this useful winter-flowering Begonia. The plants are 2 to 3 feet high, with the habit of the well-known B. fuchsioides, but having leaves 4 inches long and about 2 inches across; each plant is carrying a fine show of light-pink flowers about three - quarters of an inch in diameter. It is apparent to all who see these plants THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANUABY 2, 190*. that this variety is a very fine flowering one for winter decoration. Cuttings rooted in the spring and grown-on in a cool greenhouse through the summer, with plenty of feeding, may be grown into plants 3 to 4 feet high, and be had in flower at Christmas, with every branch producing a fine show of flowers. A native of Mexico. Eranthemum tuberculatum, Hooker. This delightful species is now flowering in the stove, and is probably the prettiest of the whole genus to which it belongs. The plant is of a shrubby nature, the branches very slender, the leaves small and ovate in shape ; the flowers are axillary and generally solitary, pure white, 1 inch to 1J inch across, the corolla tube being 1£ to 2 inches in length. The flowers are freely produced, and last for a considerable length of time, making an elegant and very desirable plant. Neat little bushes can be grown from cuttings in twelve months. According to Nicholson's Dic- tionary, it was introduced from New Caledonia in 1863. ACOKANTHERA SPECTABILIS, Don. Trained up the roof of the Palm-house is a large example of this lovely plant, which is at the present date a mass of snow-white flowers, which are freely produced in large clusters in the axils of the leaves. They are very fragrant. Though the plant now in bloom is trained on the roof, it is not really a climber, and it is usually grown in bush form, to which mode of cultivation it is well adapted. After flowering, the growths should be cut down to a point below the flowers ; the plants should then be encouraged to make plenty of shoots, which should be well- ripened, and under such treatment every shoot will afford a quantity of bloom. It is a native of South Africa, and is also known in gardens as Toxicophlaea spectabilis. Livistona australis. Mart. A noble specimen of this Palm is now in flower in the Palm-house. This plant has a stem about 35 feet in height, and 1| foot in diameter at the base, and has a head of leaves some 14 feet across ; it is best seen from the gallery. The large branched spikes of flowers measure about 3 feet in length ; the branches of the inflorescence are drooping, like the branches of the funeral Cypress ; the flowers are creamy-white. The plant is carrying six of these large inflorescences, and forms a striking object, giving one a good idea of a Palm in its native state. W. H. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. ORCHIDS AT HAKEFIELD HALL. Although the Orchids in Mr. Elijah Ash- worth's collection at Wilmslow, Cheshire, do not seem to grow so rapidly or so vigorously as those in some other collections do, they remain sound and healthy, and there are many plants in the collection which were in the garden when Orchid- growing on an extensive scale was commenced at Harefleld. The fact is that the glass accommoda- tion, extensive though it be, has beenovercrowded, and the recent attempt to make space by a sale has not given much relief. Here, too, as in some other places, the encroachment of the home- raised seedlings, in the production of which Mr. Holbrook, the gardener, is becoming expert, presses more heavily on the general collection every year. In the small block of houses joined on to the end by the corridor, in which Laelia anceps autumnalis, and similar subjects are suspended from the roof, some interesting subjects were recently noted by the writer. Many of these were in flower, some of the best hybrids having Cypripedium insigne Harefleld Hall variety as one of the parents. The largest and most distinct of these was C. x Fulshawense (C. Boxalli x C. insigne Harefleld Hall), and which was remarked on when it obtained an Award of Merit at the Royal Horticultural Society, November 10. Several pretty C. x Haynaldo- Chamberlainium, and other hybrids of C. Cham- berlainianum were also in bloom, including the pretty C. x Mrs. A. W. Sutton (C. niveum x C. Chamberlainium). Other good hybrids were C. Charlesworthii x niveum, and C. callosum x C. insigne Harefleld Hall ; while of better known varieties in bloom were C. x vexillarium Eougieri, C. x Niobe, C. x Olenus varieties, C. x Marshallianum, a good selection of the best forms of C. x Leeanum, C. x Arthurianum, and C. insigne, &c. In the Odontoglossum houses were numbers of the much-coveted spotted O. crispum, the best of which is O. c. Ashworthianum, which was illus- trated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, Feb. 15, 189(j, p. 197, which has the greater part of its flowers of a rich claret-purple colour. Like some other Orchid gems, it does not appear to be a strong grower. Some forms of O. crispum were in bloom, and O. Halli, O. Uro-Skinneri album, O. Andersonianum, and some others, and with them Mesospinidium vulcanicum (Cochlioda) ; Sophronitis, Masdevallia tovarensis and other Masdevallias, including the somewhat showy M. angulata ; some Maxillaria grandiflora, Lycastes, &c. In the Cattleya houses C. labiata made a good display, together with a few of each of the other species flowering in autumn. In an intermediate- house a good specimen of the singular-looking, fringed-lipped Chondrorbyncha Chestertoni was in bloom ; and the rare Trevoria t'hloris had sent out a fine inflorescence, which failed, however, to expand its blooms. Other plants noted in bloom in the intermediate-houses were Dendrobium Phalosnopsis, D. spectabile, D. for- mosum, and a few other Dendrobiums ; La)lio- Cattleya x Decia alba, L.-C. x exoniensis, L.-C. x Tresederiana, L.-C. x elegans, Calanthe niada- gascariensis, Lycaste lasioglossa, Cattleya x ful- vescens, varieties of Laelia pumila and L. anceps. In another part of the garden the old orna- mental house still contains the foliage and flowering stove plants for which it was designed, and the large Bananas, which bear good bunches of fruits regularly. From the roof hang Laelia anceps, &c. The adjoining Cypripedium-houses have a good show of varieties of C. insigne, C. Leeanum, C. x Ceres, C. Spicerianum, C. Charles- worthii, C. Curtisii, and some hybrids, the best of which is a fine C. Rothschildianum cross which resembles C. x Lord Derby at its best. Its flowers seem darker than in C. x Lord Derby, and if of the same parentage it is an improved form. Some fine Cypripedium insigne Plants. Calling at Homewood, Beckenham, where these useful winter-flowering plants have been grown with unusual success for a number of years, I was shown six plants in 9-inch pots with masses of foliage 3 feetthrough. The flowers were not staked, but stood out naturally, giving each plant a circum- ference of 12 feet ; one of the plants carried fifty- eight blooms. These plants have not been potted for eight or nine years ; one plant has carried eighteen twin blooms ; they are not quite so nume- rous this season. Mr. Crosswell feeds with weak farm- drainage, Clay's Fertiliser, soot-water and guano. Some useful plants for furnishing indoors are growing in 4|-inch pots, carrying nine strong blooms. Marie Webster, gr., Kelsey Park, Beckenham. Vanda Marguerite Maron. The Revue Horticole devotes an article and a coloured illustration to this hybrid Vanda, raised by M. Maron from V. teres, fertilised by the- pollen of V. suavis. The flowers of the hybrid are intermediate in character between those of the parent plants, but most nearly resemble those of V. suavis. Other hybrid Vandas mentioned are V. amcena x (coerulea x Roxburghii) -r V. Charlesworthii x (coerulea x Bensoni) ; V. confusa x (ccerulescens x parviflora) ; and V. Moorei (Kimballiana x coarulea). PROPOSED GARDENERS" ASSOCIATION. I have been deeply interested in reading your- reportof the meeting, held on the 15th inst., to- discuss the desirability of forming an association, having for its object the protection and better- ment of the bond-fide gardener. The subject is a. large one, and much discussion and consideration are necessary before it can be placed on such a satisfactory basis as will ensure success. Re- ferring to control, I may at once say that, being, an inveterate opponent of anything savouring of trades-unionism as at present interpreted, I, in accord with some of the speakers, deprecate any such idea. Nor do I think the subject comes- within the province of the Royal Horticultural Society, the Council having duties sufficiently important already to occupy its time and talents. It appears to me to be totally out- side the object in view, which is essentially a question for gardeners themselves, except in so far as the Council may be induced to view the proposals with sympathy. One thing should, I think, be dominant at the outset — viz., the definition of a bond-fide gardener. The class is a. large one, and may be divided into many degrees of varying importance and efficiency. The multi- farious duties in a large establishment are such that no one man's life is sufficiently prolonged to allow of his becoming proficient in every depart- ment. There is one quality he should possess, in a pre-eminent degree ; he should be a com- petent leader of men. He may require his fore- men for the various branches — the Orchids, stoves.^ fruit, greenhouses, ferneries, decorations, pleasure- grounds, kitchen-garden, woods and roads, &o. In such a case, provided he keeps a tight hold upon the reins, and has had good expe- rience himself, and is endowed with tact, judg- ment, and good health, success is practically certain. Coming to the subject of education, the matter becomes more difficult. Very much must depend- upon the capacity, assiduity, and inclination of the individual. If he is of a studious turn- of mind he will gain much useful and neces- sary knowledge by study and observation which, will be conducive to his welfare in after life,, for to become a competent gardener in the- accepted sense of the term, like a fiddler, he- must begin very young and give his whole attention to his work. Weeding walks, washing and crocking pots, learning the names of a few- plants, &c, form by no means a bad start for the- young gardener. I have in my mind's eye some- who from such beginnings are now men of posi- tion. Of course, a knowledge of botany, the physiology of plants, chemistry, Latin, landscape- work, is useful, and would render him more- fit ; but on the principle that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, it would probably, in the- majority of instances, be better for him to devote- his attention to his proper duties as cultivator.. We know that there are and have been in the past many successful cultivators with no pre- tence to education, as it is generally under- stood, nevertheless they have had the best possible education for their purpose. This brings me to the subject of examinations. Such, a man as I have described would entirely fail where the younger man with little or no prac- January 2, 1904.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 5 tioal experience to speak of would answer questions by rote and succeed ; again, if answers in an examination have to be written in a given time from printed questions, such a man would again fail because he can neither write well nor quickly nor put his knowledge into proper or intelligible language. Let it be distinctly understood that I am not against examinations ; on the contrary, I am decidedly in favour of this test of fitness so long as they are conducted in such a manner as to ensure that the result shall be a true reflection of the knowledge and capabilities of the candi- dates ; and in order to arrive at this, my view is, that the examinations should be mainly, if not wholly, oral. My own type of a good gardener is the man who, in addition to long experience in good places, possesses a good address, good busi- ness habits, competence in the management of men, and the knowledge how to deal fairly with those under his charge. There are worthless men, and there are employers unworthy to be served. Such an association as is proposed could do much to ascertain where these drawbacks to progress were to be found. The keeping of a register would no doubt induce many em- ployers in quest of a competent gardener to apply to an association in which they could place con- fidence ; whilst those gardeners in search of employment could be graded according to their merits. The best places are and have long been filled mainly by the recommendation of one employer to another, or by the recommendation of our more important nurserymen and seeds- men, whose interest it is to recommend good and competent and trustworthy men. My advice to young men seeking to become head gardeners is to keep a clean character, to be civil to their superiors, assiduous in their duties, and solicitous to retain the friendship of those in good positions under whom they may have served. The proposed association could not but result in beneflting the genuine and deserving gar- dener ; but there are some tough problems to be solved. A word on the sentimental aspect of the subject. Are there any gardeners who can really be in earnest when it is suggested that they con- sider their designation of domestic servant infra dig. 1 Surely they would not be prepared to go to Parliament to seek an alteration ! In any case, I do not think that knight of the waterpot, or any similar appellation, would be an improvement, or more euphonious ; it would, on the contrary, be a cacophony ; and such an innovation might well include other upper servants. We might, for example, have knight of the knife-and-fork and wine-cellar; lady of the comb-and-brush and scent-bottle, and so on ad infinitum. As the gardener's duties are principally for the house and in the house, I think the designation given to him by the Legislature — one for whom a tax is paid— is the correct one. After all it is the employers who should be approached if altera- tion were desirable, and should an employer think well to flatter his servant — " for be it re- membered, he who serves is a servant" — by calling him his estate agent, steward, manager, or what not, that is his business. It will be diffi- cult to replace the honourable titles of head gar- dener and good servant, for there are more pegs than there are holes, and then it follows that some must remain out. The difficulty is that there are too many square pegs in round holes, too many gardeners are so ambitious and anxious to have control that they profess to have the necessary knowledge to undertake all the duties indispensable on an estate, including gardens, farm, woods, roads, water-works, &c. The subject is so large, however, that it cannot be dealt with in the confines of a single letter ; nevertheless, I wish the association, if formed, success in clearing the grain from the chaff. Charles Dennis. NOTICES OF BOOKS. "The Garden Diary and Calendar of Nature." With gardening directions by Rose Kingsley, and preface by G. A. B. Dewar. Frontispiece by Mrs. Allingham. (London : George Allen, 156, Charing Cross Road.) This is a charming little book with a page for garden and nature notes for every day in the year, headed by an apt quotation from the nature-loving poets. These extracts are from many writers, from Spenser to Wm. Morris (as to date), and chosen with due regard for the particular day for which each one is given. Dewar, in his preface, says that the blank pages are for recording such facts as " when we began to make the herbaceous border or pruned or pegged down the Roses, the day when that choicest of very early things, Mezereon, that comes before the Daffodil dares, scented the air ; the last of the Gladioli and the first of the Pa;onies — this .... with entries about the gold- finch's nest in the shrubbery, the .... leisuivly red-admiral butterflies sailing among the Michael- mas Daisies, or the humming-bird hawk-moth whirring round the Fuchsia or annual Phlox." Miss Kingsley contributes a page of brief gar- dening notes for each month in the year, in- tended more as a reminder of work to be done than as minute directions concerning it. There is, further, a short history given of the names and special associations of each month. The Horticultural Directory and Year- book FOR 1904. (London: Journal of Horticulture and Home Farmer Office, 12, Mitre Court Chambers, Fleet Street. E.C.) This is the forty -fifth annual issue of a handbook containing a calendar, postal rates, useful garden receipts, lists of instructors in horticulture ap- pointed by the County Councils in the United Kingdom, Victorian Medallists, Royal Horticul- tural Society Certificates, London and Provincial Nurserymen, Seedsmen and Florists, Seats of the Nobility and Gentry, Gardeners and their Ad- dresses, Botanical, Horticultural and Floral So- cieties, Gardeners' Associations, Metropolitan and other Parks and their Superintendents, : Mln. 30'. Dec 31 (noon): Dull, frosty. Provinces. -Dec 30 (6 p.m.): Max. 3i;\ Ireland; Min. 32°, South Coast. 1 903 THE review of a Past year must always be of a mixed character. There is always matter for regret ; there is always something to look back upon with satisfaction and gratitude. Bad even as the "environment"' has been in 1903, it might have been worse, or our powers of adaptation might have been less effective. As to the weather and the crops, the first subjects of interest to cultivators, the year has established a "record," as the phrase goes. We used to look back upon 1879 as the worst within living memory; but 1903, so far as damaging frosts in spring, excessive rain- fall, and relative absence of sunlight are con- cerned, must be written down as worse even than that very dreary year 1879. Never since we began our annual record of the fruit crops in every county of the British Islands some forty years ago have we had to record so complete a failure. And the failure was not merely local, it was universal— here less, there greater, but, on the whole, every- where disastrous. As with fruits, so with seeds, in almost all quarters we hear of deficient quantity and inferior quality. Potatos were wofully diseased, though hap- pily some progress has been made in raising disease - resisting varieties. This relative failure of our own home-grown supplies should surely form a subject of the gravest concern, when the expediency of imposing duties on colonial or foreign produce is •under consideration. But there seems to be a pretty general consensus of opinion that whatever alterations be made in our fiscal system, necessary articles of food and raw materials shall not be taxed. This, how- ever, is a matter for the future and need not detain us in our retrospect of the past. No casual observer who saw the wonderful collection of fruit and vegetables at Chis- wick in the autumn would have supposed that there was anything to complain of, but to experts, fine as the display was, there were indications, especially among the fruits, that the quality was not up to the ordinary standard. Flower shows and fruit shows, valuable as they are as object-lessons, are, as in the case we have alluded to, misleading to; the general public, who do not see the failures, and are apt to judge of the whole from a part. We have mentioned first in order the Chiswick Show, but in sequence of time it came almost last, being but little in advance of the Chrysanthemum shows. For sen- timental reasons, in view of the approaching abandonment of the historic garden, Chis- wick has a right to the foremost place in the estimation of gardeners. This feeling was emphasised also by the great social gather- ing of gardeners, which took place at the same time, and which, owing to the zeal of Mr. A. Dean and his sympathetic com- mittee, proved so great a success. If there were nothing else to signalise 1903, the gardeners' dinner would have marked it out distinctly from ordinary years. The great Ghent Quinquennial in April was as large and important as ever, perhaps more so. In accordance with the spirit of the times, the scientific element was more than usually prominent ; and if we are to advance beyond our forefathers, and meet new con- tingencies as they arise, we must take to heart the exhortations of the Count de Ker- chove and imitate his practice. Unfortu- nately, the weather at Ghent was atrocious ; but at least it afforded an illustration of the power the gardener has of dealing with adverse conditions. Of the other great shows of the year, that at the Temple, that at Holland House, and that at Shrewsbury, all we need say now is that they were all up to average. The Temple Rose Show, owing to the untoward weather, was less good than usual ; but that held at Glasgow a few days later was an unequivocal success. The question as to how best to celebrate the centenary of the Royal Horticultural Society, which occurs this present year, was much debated in former years, and after re- peated discussions it was, as will be remem- bered, decided in 1902 by overwhelming ma- jorities to secure a proper home and exhibi- tion hall for the Society. During the past year the work of building such a home has been in progress. No one doubted the necessity for a garden also, and many were disposed to put the claims of the garden in the first rank. This appeared the less desirable as the lease of Chiswick had several years to run, and it seemed the better policy to complete the offices and hall before launching out into expenditure on a new garden at a distance from London. Such was the condition of affairs when the horticultural world was startled by the offer to the Society, by Sir Thomas Hanbury, of the famous wild garden and its surrounding acres at Wisley, near Weybridge, formerly the property of that keen horticulturist, the late Mr. George Wilson. This munificent offering of course at once altered the conditions, and there is no longer any question how the Centenary is to be celebrated, for at the beginning of its second period of a hundred years the Society finds itself virtually in possession of a home, a hall, and a garden, in addition to the Lindley Library — a remnant from the famous 1866 exhibition. The income of the Society is larger than it ever was, but it is avowedly precarious, whilst all these pos- sessions necessitate outlay for completion and upkeep. It is most earnestly to be desired that the offices, hall, and provision for the library may be completed, and the Society freed from financial obligation before serious outlay is made at Wisley. Circum- stances have rather retarded the flow of subscriptions towards the erection of the hall, but the generosity of Baron Schroeder and his associates, and the munificence of Sir Thomas Hanbury, must surely induce the rank and file to do their duty in the matter. There was a large outcry for the hall ; let those who advocated its erection come forward and complete it. There was a protest among those who favoured the garden scheme ; thanks to Sir Thomas Hanbury they have seen the fulfilment of their wishes. Now it is for them to do their part, and round off the celebration of the Centenary in the most effectual manner by launching the Society into an unruffled sea so far as finance goes. One of the greatest needs of horticulture at the present time is the establishment, under competent direction, of a research laboratory. The Eoyal Botanic Society has set an example by establishing such a de- partment in the Regent's Park, and we trust the experimental garden at Wisley will not be suffered to remain long without such an adjunct. In addition to the requirements of pure science, which are attended to else- where, the requirements of commercial horticulture are constantly becoming more urgent. Time was when horticulture was a luxury for the well-to-do, a matter of prac- tice and experience only. It is so still; but it has become a huge commercial indus- try as well, and the capitalists who have invested their money and are utilising their brains in commercial gardening have a right to be benefited by the results of scientific research, and not only by exhibitions, of which it may be doubted whether the value is in due proportion to the cost. The practical value of the Mendelian hy- pothesis in hybridisation experiments, the use of ether for forcing purposes, the em- ployment of electric light in the dull season, the need for better means of prevention against insect-attacks and fungus pests in Potatos, Grapes, Tomatos, Cucumbers, and other crops — all these are points which are of the greatest concern to the grower, and they are points, some of which at least could be elucidated at little proportional cost in a properly equipped scientific experiment station. The Sale of Poisons Bill, the Bill intro- duced to check corrupt practices in trade, may be passed over with the mere mention ; for, although much discussed during the past year, little or no practical result has yet been arrived at, but no doubt substantial progress in these matters willjshortly be made. The Gardening Charities have fulfilled their beneficent mission as well as circum- stances permit. They are well managed, but their powers for good are limited by those who might control the circumstances mentioned to a larger extent than they do. It is pitiful to see each year the applications January 2, 1904. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. of deserving candidates necessarily passed over. During the year that has passed we have lost from our ranks many a good man and true. Of such were Barron, of Chiswick, and Smith, of Mentmore, McKenzie and Pettigrew, Adlam, of Johannesburg, and others whose names are in our obituary list. The veteran meteorologist, James Glaisher, for years acted as our referee in matters re- lating to the weather, and furnished us with weekly records. The great philosophical thinker, Herbert Spencer, was at one time •an occasional contributor; and in Hermann 'Wendland, of Hanover, we lost a friend of long standing and an acknowledged expert in Palms and other tropical plants. The loss of Crozy, of Canna fame, causes a break in the ranks of original experimenters. Of the " new plants " of the year we pro- pose to speak in subsequent issues. The advances made in the past year enable us to look forward with hope and confidence to the New Year just dawning. OLDENBERGIA ARBU8CULA.— The hills near "Grahamstown in South Africa are or were rich in plants of exceptional interest, and two of the most striking of these are the big-flowered Protea sjynaroides and the remarkable woody Composite here illustrated (fig. 4). The flowering of the latter for the first time at Kew was noted in September last (see p. 178). From the altitude at which it is found on the Grahamstown hills the Oldenbergia will probably prove hardy in the warmer parts of this country, such as South Corn- wall. The late Miss North made two pictures of lit, which are to be seen in the collection of her paintings at Kew, and in her Recollections she mentions it in a description of a railway journey from Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown : — "The railway took me through the Adda Bush, a flat, swampy locality, full of Spekboom trees j(Portulacaria afra), which are said to tempt the elephants down close to civilisation, and herds •of them are still found there. Some 20 miles of dense tangle prevents mankind from inter- fering with the poor beasts, and the climate .suits them better than it does their enemies. It was a great relief to begin ascending, and the road became very steep and wonderfully made. The views got wider and wider, over bare hills covered with coarse yellow grass sprinkled with pink Watsonias, with green trees only in the cracks, of which the Aloes, Euphorbias, and Aralias [?] tower above the rest, some of the Aloes splitting into branches like the Doum 'Palm or 0racsena, with slender curved stems. At the top of the pass we came to groups of the Oldenbergia, a most striking shrub which grows •only on these hills, and on the very tops of them; its stalks and young leaves are of the purest white velvet, the older leaves lined with the same, but the upper sides resemble the leaves of the great Magnolia. The flowers are like Artichoke flowers, purple, with white calyx, stalks and buds, growing in a noble bunch. The whole bush is under 6 feet high." W. W., Kew. Royal Horticultural Society.— The first meeting of the Committees of the Royal Horti- cultural Society in 1904 will be held as usual in .the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster, on Tuesday, January 5. An election of new Fellows will take place at 3 o'clock. To prevent misunderstanding, it may be mentioned that the Committees of 1903 do not vacate office untd the date of the annual meeting, 1904; and, in like manner, all Fellows' tickets of 1903 are available until the end of January, 1904. At a general meeting of the Royal Horti- cultural Society held on Tuesday, December 15, seventy-two new Fellows were elected, making a total of 1,412 elected since the beginning of the year 1903. Horticultural Club. —The next House Dinner of the Club will be held on Tuesday, January 5, at 13 p.m., at the Hotel Windsor. Mr. George Gordon, V.M.H., has kindly promised to read a paper, entitled "The Experimental Garden of the Future." Mr. Leo Gordon Godseff, son of Mr. Joseph Godseff, manager to Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, has been appointed by the in the gardens^ of the [late Baron Ferdinand Rothschild, at Waddesdon Manor, and in the nurseries of Messrs. Backhouse & Sons, of York. Wishing to learn Continental methods, he went to the Continent, and passed two and a half years with M. Cochet, at Suisnes, Seine et Marne, France. From thence he went to Germany with Messrs. Haaqe & Schmidt, then back to France with Messrs. Crousse et Fils, Chatenay. During these years he not only obtained exceptional experience in gardening, but also attained fluency in the French and German languages. Returning to England, Fig. 4.— oldenbergia arbuscula, flowers purple, royal gardens, kew. Liverpool Corporation head gardener of the Calderstones Estate, Allerton, Liverpool, where he has already commenced his duties. His suc- cess should encourage other young gardeners to work, for in these open competitions for public posts nothing but sterling merit tells. In this case Mr. Godseff secured the appointment out of about one hundred applicants. The Calder- stones Estate, a beautiful property of about 100 acres, with mansion, gardens, and plant- houses, formerly belonged to Mr. McIver, the head of the great shipping firm, and a little over a years ago the Liverpool Corporation purchased it for .£43,000, with the object of turning it into a public park. Mr. L. G. Godseff began his gardening career in Messrs. Sander & Sons' nursery, and afterwards gained much experience after a spell at the Royal Gardens, Kew, he waa appointed head gardener to A. K. Bullet, Esq., Mackwell Brow, Ness, Neston, Cheshire, who is the possessor of a remarkable garden, rich in hardy plants, bulbs, and trees, and one which the proprietor generously throws opens to the public ; so that during his three years' tenure of office there Mr. Godseff has learnt much which will be of value in the management of a public garden. That his service at Ness has been satisfactory the recommendation which Mr. A. K. Bullet gave to the Liverpool Corporation proves : a passage in it runs, " Briefly, I think if you travelled the length and breadth of the land you would fail to get anyone more admirably fitted for the position. I look on him more as a friend than an employe"." 10 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANUAHY 2, 1904. M. DANIEL. — The Academy of Sciences has recognised the importance of the labours of M. Daniel, Professor at the Faculty of Sciences at Bennes, by awarding him the Philippeaux Prize for physiology, heretofore always bestowed upon an animal physiologist. Distinctions to Horticulturists.— Among recent promotions in the order of the Merite Agricole, we find the names of M. Aug. Nonin, and M. E. Salomon, among others less well known on this side of the Channel. The Riviera and Italy. — The Brighton Eailway Company is publishing a tempting prospectus of circular tickets from London and back along the French and Italian coast line from Marseilles to Genoa via Newhaven, Dieppe, and Paris, the entire trip to cost tut ,£10 for sixty days' first-class travelling. The booklet sent out shows pictures of some of the most beautiful spots along this route, and mentions recent improvements in the train service and the new turbine steamer Brighton. A Christmas Gift. — If it be a timely act at Christmas to help hospitals by means of donations of money— and it is so — it must be at the least as praisewoitby an act to contribute towards the preservation of health, and this has just been done by Mr. Elliman, a solicitor of Slough, who has just offered to the Urban Council at Slough 2Gacres of land, with horticultural adorn- ments, to be used as a recreation ground. The land is situated centrally and is admirably suited for the purpose, besides being of great money value. In addition to the land, the donor proposes to spend .£5,000 in laying out the ground, and also intends to invest some £10,000 to endow it. This is no new action on the part of Mr. Elliman, who has already given many bequests to Slough. Cherries in Natal.— In the early days of November samples of Cherries in baskets were placed on the market in Pietermaritsburg, the white variety being Elton, and the black Bedford Early. So unusual an occurrence led to inqui- ries as to the place of origin, which was soon found to be the nursery of the Trappist Fathers at Centvery, Donk Vlie, where great attention has been paid to the cultivation of home-raised standards and German bushes. The whims of the fruit have been carefully studied by the Fathers, and they expect soon to be able to send out thoroughly trustworthy plants, situation and cultivation being of course carefully copied by intending growers. The Crystal Palace Christmas Tree. — The giant Christmas tree which is such a source of great pleasure to the thousands of youngsters who visit the Crystal Palace during the holidays, has again been presented by Mr. J. Colman, of Gatton Park. The tree has been placed in a new position in the south nave, and is an imposing addition to the many other good things provided for the Christmas fare at Sydenham. French Chrysanthemums. — M. Ernest Coutant, Chrysanthemiste, Douai, sends us the following list of first-class novelties selected out of a thousand varieties. Each has received a First-class Certificate, and from 90 to 100 per cent, points :— Aigle d'Or, Mr. Francis Engler, Mme. Marie Miller, M. Japonais, Poupoule, Souvenir du President Brisse, Pourpoint, Souvenir de Mme. Buron, Albert Maumene, Professeur Tillier, Amateur Marchand, Mme. Jules Gruel, Mdlle. Marie Chantrier, Vallee d'Ordessa, Daimio, Mousme, Tokio, Yezo, Alexis Dessarts, Artilleur Dessarts, Joseph de Laurens, Mme. Jne. Eeaud, Alliance, Prefet Boncourt, Amateur, Conseil, Comtesse de Grailly, Chrysanthemiste Montigny, Femina, Anna Debono, Mme. E. Oberthur, Marquise Visconti-Venosta, Maurice Eivoire, Eoi d'ltalie, Soleil d'Or, Souvenir de Victorine Calvat, Sparklets. Imports of French Horticultural Pro- ducts.— The Jardin for November 20 comments upon the importance of the horticultural trade with Great Britain, and of the importance of con- tinuing and improving friendly relations with our country. Statistics show that the exports from France to Great Britain in 1902 included 33,000,000 of Strawberries, Cherries, Plums, Pears, Gooseberries, Almonds, Apricots, Peaches, Grapes, fresh Walnuts, and Chestnuts ; and 28,000,000 of fresh, salted, dried, and preserved vegetables, including more than 15,000,000 of Potatos, 8,000,000 of flowers, 2,000,000 of green- house plants, Onions, and flower seeds. The Cosmical Function of the Green PLANT. — Prof. Timiriazeff, in his Croonian lecture, thus spoke of the work done at Kew : — " When a botanist on a tour in the Botanical Garden of Geneva stops to admire the row of marble busts of famous botanists born in Geneva, .Senebier in the fore- ground, he may feel sure that he stands at the very cradle of the physiological research of the nineteenth century, just as in our days, if he would see the place from which will surely spring the physiological move- ment of the nascent century, he must bend his steps to another botanical garden much nearer to us, and salute in the Jodrel Laboratory the starting point of quite a new departure on the way first trodden by Senebier and Saussure. It was the pri9m which more than two centuries ago revealed the inner nature of the sunbeam. It is the prism again which continues in our President's, in Sir Norman Lockyer's and other able hands to unravel the mysteries of the origin of this sunbeam, and I am con- fident that it will still be the prism which will some day fully disclose the ultimate fate of this sunbeam on this our earth, 'its transmutation into bodies.' Thus we arrive at the final conclusion lhat in Newton's book of Opticks we not only find the first and broadest statement of our problem in its actual state, but likewise the surest means towards its probable solution in the future. Little did Jonathan Swift suspect, when writing his envenomed satire on the Koyal Society, that that which he took to be the vagaries of a madman was prophetic of Newton's immortal genius." The full lecture is reported in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, December 19, 1903. British Fruit Culture.— The President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has appointed a Departmental Committee to inquire into and report upon the present position of fruit- culture in Great Britain, and to consider whether any further measures can with advantage be taken for its promotion and encouragement. The Committee is constituted as follows : — Mr. A. G. Boscawen, M.P. (Chairman) ; Mr. C. W. Eadcliffe Cooke, Mr. J. M. Hodge, Colonel Charles W. Long, M.P. ; Mr. George Monro, Mr. P. Spencer Pickering, M.A., F.E.S. ; Dr. W. Somerville (an Assistant Secretary of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries) ; Mr. Edwin Vinson, and the Eev. W. Wilks, M.A. (Secretary of the Eoyal Horticultural Society). Mr. Ernest Garnsey, of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, will act as Secretary to the Committee. Exhibitions and Charity: An Example. — The Chesterfield Chrysanthemum Society, though it has not met with unusual financial prosperity during the past season, has neverthe- less decided to present ten guineas to the Gar- deners' Eoyal Benevolent Institution, .£15 to the Eoyal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, and £10 to the Chesterfield Hospital. Association of American Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations.— The objects of the proposed association are to study the laws of heredity, to devise better methods of breeding plants and animals, to bring about co- operation in breeding, testing and increasing the use of improved animals and plants, and to better develop the work of registry associations and competitive shows of animals and plants, and in general to perfect the knowledge of breeding and to aid in the better organisation of the business of plant and animal breeding. It was suggested that the proposed association be divided into two sections, a Plant section and an Animal section ; and that the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, also the presidents and secretaries of the two sections, constitute an executive com- mittee, and that a meeting be held annually. The appointment of numerous committees was suggested to bring about co-operation among biologists, horticulturists, agriculturists, and live-stock specialists, in the study of problems in heredity in relation to breeding, and among; plant and animal breeders to improve the systems, of herd books, score cards used in judging, methods of conducting competitive shows, and1 to encourage the breeding of animals and plants- by institutions, co-operative organisations, and private parties. The programme at St. Louis, December 29, 30, will provide general sessions for- perfecting an organisation and for the discussion of topics of interest alike to animal breeders^ plant breeders, and biologists, and sessions of the- Plant section and of the Animal section. The effort will be to secure papers from prominent animal breeders, plant breeders, zoologists, and botanists, blocking out the problems pressing for solution in the advancement of plant and animal improvement and to bring about a better under- standing of the biology and the business of breeding. Correspondence is solicited from those-, interested. (Committee: W. M. Hays (Chair- man), Thos. F. Hunt, H. J. Webber, L. H. Bailey, and C. F. Curtiss). W. M. Hays, University Farm, St. Anthony Park, Minn., U.S.A. New England Association of Park. Superintendents. — The park superintendents of New England have formed themselves into an- association, designed to bring the different mem- bers into communication so that mutual benefit may accrue as regards their work. The associa- tion publishes a bulletin, which is circulated among the members, all of whom are invited to contribute papers or notes to it detailing their experience and opinions in the various technical matters under discussion. A recent bulletin deals with the question of street-planting, and the park superintendents of different districts inquire for and supply information bearing upon their respective localities and circumstances. Many trees are suggested as suitable for street- planting, and their advantages are discussed :. also the proper way to start and maintain them in position. Such a circular as the one before ns should be of great use in suggesting how to- perform intelligently operations too often ren- dered ineffective by carelessness or ignorance. M. Andre. — The friends of the eminent land- scape gardener, who is also the editor of the- Revne Horticole, will deeply sympathise with him- in the grief occasioned by the sudden death of Madame Andre on December 5 last. Lane's Prince Albert Apple is the subject of a coloured illustration and description in the- Bulletins d' Arboriculture, Sfc, of Ghent. It was- exhibited by Messrs. Lane of Berkhampstead in 1857, and has long been recognised here as an excellent Apple, of which a description is given, in Hogg's Fruit Manual, as well as a figure in our- columns, September 17, 1892, p. 333. Italian Agriculture. — We are favoured: with the prospectus of |the Scuola Superiore- d'Agricultura di Portici, illustrated with nume- rous cuts, showing the laboratories, dairies, breeds of cattle and other matters relating to the School, showing how well equipped it is. Lists- of the professors and students are also given. Cutting Down Trees by Electricity — Successful experiments are reported from France with regard to the felling of trees by electricity. According to a recent issue of Le Jardin, in various forests the plan has been tried of using a platinum wire heated to a white heat by an. JANUARY 2, 1904.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 11 ■electric current instead of a saw. By this means "the tree is severed more easily and rapidly than by the older methods ; no sawdust is made, and the slight charring produced by the burning wire preserves the wood. The new principle is said to be eight times as speedy as when a saw is used. LONICERA. — In the fourteenth annual Report of the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis .(1903), is a valuable monograph, by Mr. A. Eehder, of the Arnold Arboretum, on the genus Lonieera. One-hundred-and-fifty-seven species -are enumerated, with full bibliographical details, synonyms, localities, &c. Numerous hybrids are also described. Many are crosses from L. tatarica. These hybrids, we are told, fruit as profusely as the species, and seedlings show almost invariably -a reversion to L. tatarica. This is a very valuable monograph which will be indispensable to all students of the genus. Potato £160 per pound, £358,400 per TON.— Messrs. E. W. King & Co., seed growers, Coggeshall, Essex, inform us that they recently purchased a few pounds of Findlay's latest Potato, the Eldorado, at the high price of .£150 ,per pound, and of which they have sold some at £\G0 per pound, or at the rate of X358,400 per "ton. This is probably the highest price ever paid for Potatos. The raiser, Mr. Findlat, docs .not intend to offer this Potato until the spring of 1905, and then his price will be .£3 3s. per pound ; ■the few pounds there are about the country are from a few samples Mr. Findlat sent to two Potato growers last spring for trial. The Potato has proved itself to be a great disease resister, prolific, and of very fine quality. Messrs. E. W. King & Co. further tell us that they were book- ing orders for 1905 at 50s. per pound, but owing to the demand they had to increase the price to •55s., and now to 00s. per pound, and in all probability this Potato will be £5 per pound in the spring of 1905. National Potato Society.— a large and -enthusiastic meeting was held at the rooms of the Horticultural Club, Hotel "Windsor, Victoria Street, S.W., on Wednesday last. It was sum- moned by Mr. W. P. Wright, and presided over by Mr. A. D. Hall, of Eothamsted. A large .number of letters expressing sympathy was read, and a very long and complex resolution was pro- posed by Mr. W. P. Weight, the full terms of which will be given in another issue. This was seconded by Mr. A. Dean, and supported by other speakers. As a result it was resolved that the Society be established, that a provisional com- mittee be appointed to hold office for a year, and that Mr. Weight act as secretary.' We take it that the general principle is estab- lished, but that no one is pledged to the details as set forth in the multiform resolution, as these •will have to be more fully considered at subse- quent meetings. It was suggested that a series of trials of different varieties be carried out in different counties, and that more care be exer- cised in details of cultivation and storage, so ■as to check the so-called deterioration of varie- ties, and to prevent the access of disease. The necessity for a more perfect system of classification of varieties was emphasised by various culti- vators. Mr. John Weight, in seconding a vote of thanks to the Chairman, gave a very vivid account of the disease as it first appeared in Lincolnshire in 1845, and pointed out that those Potatos which had the most robust habit, firmest stems, and shiny -look- ing foliage, were then, as now, the varieties least liable to attack. Nothing was said about the extravagant prices paid for certain varieties'; indeed, the meeting was pervaded with a sound[ business-like spirit, which augurs well for the success of the Society. Lord Rosebeet is to be masked to become the President. Publications Received.— carter/ practical Gar- dener, ami List of Tested Buds forthe Garden. I90J ( Jame3 Carter & Co., High Holborn). This, as its name im- plies, is a publication that contains useful gardening instructions as well as illustrated lists of vegetables and flowers to be grown from seed and otherwise. The directions are thoroughly to be trusted, and are clearly given. The coloured illustrations are sure to And favour, and many of the black-and-white reproductions are truly pictures Tne representations of plant diseases (Finger - and- Toe, Asparagus • beetle, &c), give an additional value to a useful publication. — Sutton ti- Sons' Amateur's Guide to Horticulture for 1904 (Sutton i Sous. Reading'. The newest issue of this Guide contains additional and excellent illustrations of some of the best vegetables and flowers grown. Photography and colour-printing are employed in the coloured plates with good results. The cultural notes are plain and concise, and the whole volume is quite up to the high standard of those of previous years, and amateurs and professionals alike will welcome It. A FINE TREE OF ARBUTUS UNEDO. A photograph of a fine specimen of this ornamental tree was kindly sent by Mr. E. W. Eichards, of the Priory, TJsk, Monmouthshire. they are most wanted. I canr.01; say that this is the experience of all growers, but several that I have met with have referred to the earliness of what should have been the latest varieties ; and niveum, which is essentially a December variety, has been coming into market for several weeks. Euphorbias (Poinsettias) appear to be rather earlier than usual this season. It is one of those plants of which it is difficult to alter the natural season of flowering. There may be a little variation ; it is rarely we see much of them before the middle of November, but there were some well-finished heads of bracts to be seen the first week in November. The latest time that I have known these to be kept over to has been the second week in February. These were the variety plenissima, which is naturally later than the ordinary form of pulcherrima. The earliest variety is kermosina, which is of a lighter shade of colour and the bracts are broad but not lobed. It is not often that distinctive names are given, but there are several various shades obtained by crossing the white variety with the Fig. 5. — arbutus unedo, at the priory, usk, moxmouth. and accompanying the photograph the following note : — " I send you herewith a photo, of a very compact (and for an inland county ) large Arbutus unedo growing in our grounds. The tree was seriously injured by hard frost about seven years ago, and we feared it was ruined, but since then it has made wonderful growth, and this last summer has especially suited it." ARKET NOTES. CHRYSANTHEMUMS. The past season has been a most difficult one for all growers, and more particularly those who want to time plants to be in flower at any parti- cular date. Chrysanthemums have given some trouble. The early varieties were later than usual; now it is found that the late varieties which should have come in for the Christmas and New Year's trade are much earlier j and it has been difficult to keep them over until the time when red. With a little care in fertilising, seed may be had, and it will germinate freely, and flower the following winter. A. H. Covent Garden Flower Market. The supplies for Christmas trade were in most instances equal to the demand, and there was a very good business done, and a general advance in prices noted, especially in cut flowers. When trade buyers have to pay from 8s. to 10s. per dozen for blooms of Lilium longiflorum, and nearly as much for Eichardias, it does not give them a chance of making a very big profit from the retail customers. Good Eoses made high prices. Carnations were much in demand, and were among the few flowers that were cleared out early in the morning. Bright colours in Chrys- anthemums were making much higher prices than white; and growers would do well to look after the late crimson-coloured varieties, deep bronzes, and other bright shades, but which generally begin to get scarce in December. English forced 12 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1904. Lilac has been good, but Mr. Drost seems to be the only grower who flowers it really well. Lily of the Valley made higher prices than usual. In fact, most of the choicer material was disposed of at good prices. Flowering plants in pols sold at good prices. Azaleas, well flowered, were plentiful. Genistas were fairly good. E uphorbias were good and sold at satisfactory prices. Cyclamens, Cinerarias, Hyacinths, Daffodils, Eichardias fetched high prices, but they did not sell freely. Tulips are now mostly grown in small boxes close together, and can be used for "making up" pots or for cutting, and the yellow, white and red varieties were plentiful, especially the last. Flowering plants were more in demand than Palms, Ferns and other foliage plants. The supply of small Ferns was tnormous. In a chat with one grower I learned that he had been sending up three van- loads at a time ; this represents over 300 dozen plants, and sometimes he has had as many as 500 dozen for one market. There are many other growers who send in large quantities. It has often occurred that they have run short about the time that the bulbs come in, but it does not seem likely to occur this season. A. H. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents ) THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTI- TUTION.— Referring to the note by your corre- spondent "R. D." on the above subject, with which I was very much interested, 1 must say that it is deplorable to receive so many applica- tions for votes from apparently very necessitous persons, many of whom must be some long time before they succeed in getting on to the funds. It is a great pity indeed that more cannot be done in the way of money for this noble Institution. Having been invited to act as a steward for the last dinner, I wrote to most of my influential neighbours, and I was greatly grieved not even to receive a reply out of a score, " save one." It is, to say the least, disheartening ; even a reply would have been something ; and although there has been a great deal of "begging" this year, 2s. 6d. or 5s. would not be missed by any one of those referred to. It seems there are those who think that if they cannot give largely they must not give at all. F. 8. J. I was very pleased to read the remarks of " R. D." in reference to this Institution for gardeners. I am grieved to hear of the lack of support "R. D." received from gardeners. As an old gardener and supporter of the Insti- tution, I do most earnestly appeal to young gardeners to do something in aid of this most deserving charity. My own experience dates from the year 1862. I was foreman at 16s. per week, and the head-gardener brought the claims of the Institution before me. I might have said I could not afford it, for it is not difficult to spend 16s. a week on necessary articles ; there is not much left for charity, 1 admit, but I subscribed my guinea a year from that date. After acting for some time as head-gardener I brought the claims of the Institution before my employer, and he thought a guinea a year was too much for me to pay, so he gave .£10 10s. donation for himself and JE10 10s. for me. I therefore urge upon gardeners who are in constant employment to help in this good cause. I know how greatly money is needed ; I served on the Committee thirty years ago, and now know a good deal of the workings of the Institution, and of other similar institutions, and can safely say that no charitable institution known to me is more economically worked ; and it is all done to aid gardeners in their old age, if they happen to be in distress. Not far from where I live a gardener's widow is receiving support from the funds ; her husband received the pension until he died, and I know how much it was appreciated by him, and he felt on hiB death-bed the happiness of knowing that his widow would be provided for as long as she lived. I have been a sup- porter of the society for forty years, and am truly thankful that I have not needed to make any claim upon its funds ; but it is a great comfort to me to feel that I have been the means of helping other gardeners not so fortunate as I have been. Our life in this world cannot be long, even the youngest must go. I well remember a most pathetic appeal from the Treasurer at the annual festival. He said, " We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can take nothing out." We are thankful for the large number of large-hearted gardeners who not only spare subscriptions out of their own sometimes too scanty incomes, but bring the claims of the Institution before their employers and others who can afford to give. It is sad to read of the large number of candidates at the annual elections — I may say increasing numbers who are disappointed. There are thousands of gardeners who can afford to give who refrain from doing so, and who by a little self - denial would satisfy their conscience ; for a gardener cannot be easy in his mind when he knows that many of his brethren are in distress and wanting help, and refrains from holding out a helping hand to them. An Old Gardener. In a recent issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 427, a correspondent, " R. D.," appeals to gar- deners and to others interested in gardening for support of this gardening charity. I should like to give " R. D." a brief outline of what has been done in the neighbourhood of Reading since 1900. An auxiliary was formed at Reading through the kindness of that well-known firm, Messrs. Sutton & Sons, who called a meeting of gardeners, and a large committee was formed, which is called the Berkshire, Reading and District Auxiliary of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. It comprises the whole county of Berkshire, and a radius of 20 miles round Reading. I was elected on that large representative committee, which numbers about fifty. I made up my mind to work, and to do all I possibly could to get in subscriptions to help my poor brother-gardeners in distress. In those four years I collected .£40 14s. Oct., and I intend to keep on as long as I am able. This sum I have paid into the Reading Auxiliary, and indirectly it goes to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. I am also an annual subscriber of .£1 Is. I should like to impress on those gardeners who are taking good wages and are not subscribers to do something, if it be ever so little. It is astonishing what can be done with tact and perseverance. We have in Wargrave village a gardeners' association called the Wargrave and District Gardeners' Associa- tion. On November 19, 1902, we had a Chrys- anthemum, Fruit and Vegetable Show, and it was a success. No prizes were given, and all worked with a will, for we all knew what we were working for. It was simply a work of love. The takings were .£11 19s , and it was all sent to the Treasurer of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. That was, I think, very good for a small village. This year, on November 18, 1903, we had a similar show, and the takings were X15 13s., which we sent to the Gardeners' Orphan Fund. What I would say to all the gardeners' associations in the United Kingdom is, " Go thou and do likewise." William Pope, The Willows, Wargrave, Berks. MELONS RIPE IN DECEMBER.— Having read with some interest the remarks of your correspon- dent, Mr. F. Streeter, on the above subject, will you kindly permit me to state in reply that I cut a perfectly finished fruit of the variety Sutton's Ringleader, weighing about 5 lb., on December 5, it being the last fruit of a perfectly finished crop of the above variety, from which, in addition to Sutton's Hero of Lockinge, I have been cutting fruits since the second week in November, all of which were pronounced to be excellent, both in colour and flavour ? And may I be permitted to add that in June last I cut a Ringleader weighing 9 lb. 8 oz. from a plant carrying three fruits, the smallest of which weighed upwards of 7 lb. P I mention this as I consider Sutton's Ringleader one of the best Melons in cultivation. Arthur Read, (Jr., Onsloiv Hall, Shrewsbury. CHRISTMAS GRAPES. — Whilst it is always interesting to know what prices English-grown Grapes will obtain in the market, it is always more so to learn" at]what prices they are retailed^ to the consumer in the shops. I have been looking at the samples seen in the best shops here in Kingston, Surrey, and have noted very bad samples of Gros Colmar offered at 8 shown were so badly coloured ? If these bunches were not of the real Grape, then is some explana- tion needful. If they were, then it is absurd to. write of its readiness to put on colour. A. D COUNT ALTHANN'S GAGE. — As there seems* to be a very wide range in the spelling of the name of this red Gage Plum recently introduced, into this country, I have written to Mr. L. Spiith, of Berlin, who is kind enough to reply as follows : "Althann's Reineclaude was obtained from a stone of the Green Gage by Mr. Prochaska, gardener to the Count Michael Joseph Althann, at Swoyschitz, in Bohemia. The correct spelling is therefore Althann's Reineclaude." I do not know that I need have called attention to this- matter, as the name is correctly entered in the last edition of The Fruit Manual " Count Althann's- Gage ; " but having looked into five catalogues (our own included) and found every one of them- incorrectly spelt, I thought I might mention it in order that some kind of uniformity may be arrived at. Personally I dislike the German. style of writing " Reineclaude " as one word, and much prefer Dr. Hogg's translation ; but it- is obvious that we must have it either one or the other; a mixture like Comte Althann's Gage- will not do. A. H. Pearson. ANTHURIUM SCHERZERIANUM WARD!.— The> remarks by Mr. Marshall in reference to thiB plant in a recent issue are very interesting. I did not know the history of it ; but I knew that it was an imported plant, and not a seedling raised by Mr. Ward, therefore I did not intro- duce it into the few remarks I made about my old friend. The editor, presuming that as it was named Wardi it must have been raised by him, inserted it as something worthy of notice. I had. not forgotten that excellent cultivator, Mr, Thomas BaineB ; I knew him well. I have judged- his plants, and frequently acted as co-judge with him. I may safely say, as a cultivator of stove and greenhouse plants, he has never been sur- passed. Mr. Marshall will remember the compe- tition wherein all the exhibitors had to start with plants of the same age and size ; they were sealed by the seal of the Royal Horticultural Society, after being purchased in the nursery:, but Mr. Baines had no faith in plants he did not propagate, and requested permission to take cuttings from his plants. Whether this was done I do not know ; but Mr. Baines was easily first in the competition. But the two famous plantsmen did not often meet in competition. Mr. Baines had given up exhibiting before Mr Ward was at his best, and I was thinking of his. culture of Odontoglossums (O. crispum espe^ January 2, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 13 cially) and other cool-house Orchids, as well as Heaths and New Holland plants. He used to grow and flower yearly a splendid plant of Onci- dium maeranthum. The plant was tied on to the cleft of a log cut from an Apple-tree, and hung up close to the glass-roof in the coolest end of the cool-house. Odontoglossum Uro-Sliinneri, O. Hallii, and O. triurnphans were splendidly grown. The Cape Heaths at the Poplars were admired by everybody. No fewer than seventy- three species and varieties of the summer-flower- ing Cape Heaths were grown ; a large, well- ventilated span-roofed house being set apart for their culture. Where could such a collection be found now ? And if we had them, the men who had the art and patience to cultivate them as they were then cultivated are perhaps not now to be found. Jas. Douglas. HONEY POISON.— Although I have frequently noticed remarks concerning the occasionally poi- sonous nature of honey gathered by bees from poisonous plants, I have never come across a reference to the undoubted fact that honey of any kind exercises a toxic effect upon some con- stitutions. In this particular connection I myself am so susceptible, that when visiting friends 1 am obliged to enquire whether honey is present in any confections which might possibly con- tain it, since on more than one occasion I have suffered seriously by an oversight. As a child I had more than one attack of honey sickness, which, being remembered, induced me to refrain from touching honey for many years ; but after twenty years or more, being with some friends in the country, a plate of fresh honejomb and honey was produced of so tempting a nature that I tasted a spoonful, thinking that probably I had grown out of the susceptibility. No sooner, how- ever, had I swallowed it than an intense feeling of nausea was followed by violent vomiting, and for fully a fortnight I suffered intermit- tently in the same way with a violent burning pain. Some years later visiting some German friends I partook of some German gingerbread, and shortly afterwards was attacked in a similar but milder way, when on enquiry I learned that the so-called gingerbread was really honigbrot or honeybread. Twice since then I have suffered similar symptoms from taking liqueurs in which however I can only assume, though I do not doubt, the presence of honey as an ingredient. I find also, on mentioning this susceptibility, that I am by no means alone in it, a lady friend, not a blood relation, suffers precisely in the same way, and several other friends have known of like cases. This being so, I think the matter should be better ventilated than it is, since the illness induced is by no means slight, and might even be dangerous, while at the same time altogether un- accountable where, as in the liqueur and the honig- brot cases, the honey is taken unwittingly. Fur- thermore, the sufferer may not even be aware of his susceptibility, and impute the ailment to a wrong source. The fact, too, that quite casual references to my own case have elicited confirma- tory evidence in at least half-a-dozen instances, proves that the susceptibility cannot be rare. Chas. T. Druery, F.L.S., V.M.H. APPLE CROPS IN GARDEN AND ORCHARD — What a contrast there may be from an orchard sheltered from the north and east by a belt of trees, and a garden sheltered from the north and west by the same, and less than 200 yards apart ! In 1902 our orchard here, which contains a lot of old, gnarled, mossy trees, bore a splendid crop of fruit, while in our kitchen-garden we had very few. The orchard contains mostly old varieties that are unknown to me, and these flowered at the same time as the trees in the kitchen-garden, which contains mostly newer varieties. At the time of flowering we had a long tpell of east winds, which utterly destroyed all fruits in the kitchen - garden, but spared the orchard. Now last season, when the trees were in flower, we had a spell of cold winds from the north, and very severe from the west ; from these two points we are very well sheltered. Now, I am pleased to say, we have had an extra good crop in the kitchen - garden, but not one Apple in the orchard. Doubtless this was owing to the trees in the kitchen-garden having borne no fruit the preceding year, and the heads being well thinned- out, the buds were harder and stronger than in the orchard ; but to all outward appearance they flowered at much about the same time, so that it must be put down to the shelter that is afforded the trees. J. F. M., Barnet. FICUS PAECELLI. In this country we are accustomed to view Ficus Parcelli as a decorative greenhouse plant having prettily decorative leaves, but in South Africa it is a noble and ornamental tree for the pleasure-grounds, as is shown by the illustration at 6g. 0. For the photograph we are obliged to our correspondent, Mr. C. E. Butters, of Prince Alfred's Park, Port Elizabeth, Cape Colony, who states that the tree is a very fine specimen, about conditions mentioned by Mr. Coleby strike me as belt);' exactly such as to maintain the power of germination for a very Ions.' time— ie., absence of stimulating moisture or warmth. I have no doubt lhat the Feru arose from dormant spores. It is remarkable that, only one kind of Fern germinated, though wc inu-.t assume that other Ferc-spores were present^u the old Dicksonia stem " It was suggested, howevei, lhat 1 lie Dicksonia stem might have been previously utilised for growii gonly the Gymnogramma. Jfh wood with (Jni&s. -Specimens were received from Mr. G Greqoby, CroydOD, with live grubs two year? alter the tree had been cut down. The wood outwardly showed no siVas, but on beirg sawn asunder both dead and Kvirg grubs were frequently found. Mr. Saunders contributed the followirg observations: "The insects found in the Ash timber are beetles belonging to the family of Longicorns, and to the genus Cly tus ; but not beirg an Frgllsh species, but probably American,'! *' '''tikes -« '. *fe • '^ Fig. <).— ficus parcelli, growing at fort elizaheiii, south africa. 25 feet high, and that the leaves become beauti- fully coloured towards autumn. It is sheltered from the worst winds, which are so productive of injury to South African gardens. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. December IS —A D. Michael, Esq , in the Chair. Violets diseased.— Mr. Worsley showed specimens which Dr Cooke pronounced to be attacked by Uro- cystis violie, recently figured in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, "Pests of the Flower Garden," plate i., fig. 19. Longevity of Fern spores.— A communication was re- ceived from Mr. H. Coleby, Wargrave, describing an instance of a piece of a stem of a Dicksonia, possibly twenty years old, on which, when broken oil and kept moist, seedlings of Gymnog amma aurea began to appear. It was suggested that the spores of the latter had lain dormant for that length of time Mr. Druery contributed the following note : " I have raised Ferns from spores seven to eightyears old. The have not yet b:en able to obtain the specific name. The grubs of these beetles are sometimes very long- lived, and they remain for years in wood where their presence is quite unsuspected. A specimen of Longi eorn beetle has been known to emerge from furniture, the wood of which was felled twenty-eight years pre- viously. It is now supposed that the grubs which take such a long time in undergoing their metamorphoses have been botched from eggs which were laid in a tree which had just been felled, or was cut down shortly afterwards, so that the grub was soon obliged to feed on very dry wood, from which it obtained but little nourishment." Albinism in Shirley Poppies —A communication was received from Mr. J Bin.oon, of which the following is a brief abstract. It will appear in full in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. He would recognise four forms of albinism in flowers— viz., incomplete, complete, partial, and local. After givirg illustrations of the first three from Orchids, the last was taken from Popples. The original plant of the Sairley Poppies had a white edging to the petals. It was evident, therefore, that this plant had a tendency towards albinism. The black blotch has disappeared from all Mr. YVilks' stock, being replaced by white. Other growers have ex- perienced reversion to the black blotch. This is caused by a very strong solution of a dark red pigment 14 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 2, 1904. contained in the epidermal cells on each surface of the petal, the usual cause of black being dark red over- lying green, as on the leaves of Arum maculatum. The colour in the outer portion of the petals was also in the epidermal cells. On applying micro - chemical tests the behaviour of the colours of the two regions in question was very different. Strong sulphuric acid changed the black blotch to pink, brick-red, and orange; the outer part the same, but passed on to yellow, finally disappearing. Iodine in potassium iodide changed the blotch to port wine colour; the outer part slowly faded. Solution of caustic potash changed the blotch to a deep blue, then faded out; the outer part to greenish yellow, then faded out. Neither of the pigments shows the typical reactions of the cyanic series, and still less of the xanthic. Supertuberation in Potatos.—The following communi- cation was received from Mr. F. C. Davidson, Wickham Bishops, Essex :— "M. Bernard propounded the theory, in Rev. Gen. de Boi., that tuberisation was due to the irritation set up by a fungus, and he had found that in the Potato there was a relation between the date of infection of the soil and the date of tuberisation. I would suggest a practical application of this theory." Referring to Dr. B. Dyer s and Mr. Shrivell's paper on "Manuring Market Garden Crops " (Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, xxvii , p. 995), he obEerves :— " That whereas such crops as Cabbages may be grown as well with artificial manure as with dung, indeed, it would seem better and far more economically ; yet this does not hold true of root crops, especially of Potatos. For instance, in the early varieties the average crop for some years was-f rom 60 loads of dung, 7 tons 7 cwt.; from 25 loads, 0 tons 1 J cwt. ; from (no dung) phosphates and 1 cwt. of nitrate of soda, 3 tons li cwt. ; and from the same, with potash, t tons 10 cwt. The gap here, though potash fills it up a little, is most striking. If dung be favourable to bacteria they may infe3t the soil and promote tuberisation. If this conjecture prove to be a fact, it miglit have a very great influence on the methods of cultivating root crops." Mr. Woksley thought it important to have the desiccated weight given, as the additional moisture in dung manuring would assist to swell the tubers. Mr. Baker sa'd that Potato crops showed the greatest weight when planted in ground when manured with dung in a previous season for Cabbage crops. HULL AND DISTRICT HORTICUL- TURAL ASSOCIATION. December 15 -A.t the fourth meeting of the winter session, Mr. J. DonogUue, of Bardon Hill, Headingley, Leeds, reid a paper on the " History and Culture of the Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)." In the absence of Mr. J. P. Leadbetter, of Tranby Croft, the chair was occupied by Mr. G. Tattersall. The essayist dwelt .primarily on the history of the Amaryllis, and ex- plained its real name and the authorities for it. Much interest was evoked by Mr. Donoghue's reading an . extract from a correspondent's letter to the Gardeners' Chronicle of lsn, in which the writer advocated re- potting the plants when in full growth. Naturally Mr Donoghue disagreed with (his method, as also did the subsequent speakers. The cultural details given were worthy of the greatest consideration, and if carried out prudently and minutely the results would prove highly gratifying. A discussion followed, and it was clearly shown that the essay was appreciated. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Donoghue, and a hope - expressed that he would at a not distant date favour the members with another visit. Wm. Rowles. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OP ENGLAND ORCHID. Decembeb 18. - A fine collection of plants was brought together at this meeting, and, as at the previous one, Cypripediums were in strong force. A. Warbubton, Esq, Haslingden, exhibited a fine hybrid, viz., Cypripedium x Archimedes, which re- ceived a First-class Certificate. The parentage of this cross was stated to lie C. insigne Harefield Hall var x C. x nitens var. magnifica. In habit it is inter- mediate, and the parentage fairly well marked. E. Rogebson, Esq., Didsbury, obtained a Silver •Medal for a group of plants, Cypripedium x binglcy- ■ense var. Hilda obtaining an Award of Merit. Walter Laverton, Esq.. Victoria Park, Manchester, was awarded a Bronze Medal for a group of miscel- laneous plants, and an A ward of Merit for Cypripedium X Evelyn Ames. G. W.Law-schofield, Esq., Rawtenstall, exhibited Cypripedium x Kossendaleuse, the parents of which are unknown. It was given an Award of Merit. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., nurserymen, Brad- ford, staged a very fine group of plants to which a Silver-gilt Medal was awarded. Cypripedium x Thalia was voted an Award of Merit. The parents of this variety are C. insigne var. Chantini x C. x Baron Schroder. A plant of Odontoglossum crispum var, xanthotes was noted in the same group, and obtained much admiration. R. Le Doux, Esq., West Derby, exhibited a peculiar and distinct form of Odontoglossum crispum, called Maretleldense, its peculiarity consisting of the pos- session of what are apparently three lips; this is a constant feature of the plant, and adds some distinct- ness to an otherwise ordinary form (Award of Merit). Mr. W. Owen, Hartford, exhibited a collection of varieties of Cypripedium insigne (Vote of Thanks). Messrs. A. J. Keeling cfc Sons, Bingley, Yorkshire, obtained an Award of Merit for Cypripedium Leeanum Keeling's var. (Vote of Thanks for group). Mr. J. Robson, Altrincham, exhibited a few good Cypripedes. John Cowan & Co., Ltd., Gateacre, exhibited a fine plant of Cypripedium insigne var. MacNabiana, for which an Award of Merit was voted. W. E. Budgett, Esq., Bristol, was awarded a Silver Medal for a group of Cypripediums, and C. insigne var. gigantea and C. x Mrs. Cary Batten received Awards of Merit. Mr. D. McLeod, Chorlton, exhibited a few good plants of hybrid Cypripediums, for which he was awarded a Vote of Thanks. P. W. LEE, BLA.CKHEATH, LEWISHAM, & WEST KENT HORTICULTURAL. December 18. —The General Committee of this society met on the above date, when it was arranged to hold the show for mm on July a and 7. After the usual business, Mr. J. Pearce, of Belmont Hill, Lewis- ham, gave an interesting lecture on "Horticultural Exhibitions." The lecturer said that all Horticultural Societies did a good work amoDgst professional and amateur and cottage gardeners, but in these days of manifold attractions, the shows laboured under the disadvantage of the public being drawn away from their local shows, and he said that it was a well-known fact that very few Societies, such as Blackheath. which is one of the oldest in this neighbourhood, are sup- ported as they should be, considering the good that they do in their several districts. II. J. H. READING AND DISTRICT ROSE. December is.— The first annual meeting of this Society was held in the Mayor's Parlour, Town Hall, ReadiDg, on the above date. The President of the Society, Mrs. Benyon, Englefield House, occupying the chair, and a goodly number of rosarians were present. Mr. W. L. Walker, the hon. lecretary and treasurer, presenteda satisfactory report and financial statement, the latter showing a balance in hand of £11. Mrs. Benyon was unanimously elected President, and the committee appointed is a strong one, as it contains the namesof such well known rosarians as .Mr. J. T. Strange Aldermaston ; the Revs. F. Page Roberts, Allan Cheales! and C. S. Turner; with Messrs. R. C. Mount, Bigg] Dunlop, Ashby, &c. It was agreed to hold a showTn 1904, July 13 being the date named, to take place in that part of the Abbey ruins in which the Southern Section of the National Rose Society held such a successful exhibition in 18SW. NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA. December lO.-The supporters of this Society held their general meeting at the Horticultural Club Hotel, Windsor, on the above date, when Mr. J. Douglas pre- sided over a good attendance. Mr. T. E. Henwood, the Hon. Secretary and Trea- surer, presented the Annual Report, which set forth the fact that the Society is in a satisfactory position, there being an appreciable gain of new members during 1903; bringing the total up to 91, The show held in April, 1903, was one of the most extensive as well as the best held for many years, and nearly the whole of the prizss offered in the schedule and in the majority of cases to exhibits of excellent quality were taken, and especially was this true of the show Auriculas— they were both numerous and particularly good. The Alpines were also of fine quality and striking in appearance. The other forms of Primula were somewhat sparingly shown, though there are a number of beautiful types well worthy of cultivation. The coloured Primroses and Polyanthus were not so numerous as usual, the weather having injuriously affected them. Some interesting additions are made to the schedule of prizes. Mr. William Smith, Bishops Stortford, an enthusiastic cultivator of the show Auricula, by way of bringing into the Society exhibition recruits, offers five prizes in each of two classes, and the competition is open only to those who have never won a prize at an exhibition of the Society. These classes are for a pair of show Auriculas, and for a single specimen. Mr. J. Douglas offers four Medals of the Royal Horticultural Society, viz., a large Silver Medal for the exhibitor who gains the greatest number of points in the larger classes, and a medal of the same value for the highest number of points in the smaller classes ; also a Silver and a Bronze Medal for seedlings raised from the seed of Alpine varieties Mr. Douglas so generously gives to members of the Society, provided that the seedlings are considered worthy of awards. A member who does not wish his name mentioned offers four prizes for single specimen plants of fancy Polyanthus, and the same for a specimen single Primrose- The class in the schedule for six grey-edged show Auriculas is withdrawn. The report alludes to the death of Mr. William Beale, a young and very successful exhibitor, whose loss is deplored. Mr. J. Douglas continues his liberal offer of a packet of seed of the best exhibition varieties of the alpine Auricula, if those members who apply for it will sow the seed and cultivate the plants. The thanks of the Society are given to Mr. Douglas for his generous support, to Miss Willmott and Mr. W. Smith for special prizes, to the Horticultural Club, the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, and other supporters. The financial position is satisfactory. Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., was reeleoted Presi- dent, and the eight vice-presidents were also re- elected; also the committee, with Mr. James Douglas as chairman. One change only was made— the substi- tution of the name of Mr. C. Blick for that of Mr. H. J. Heading, who retires. Mr. T. E. Henwood was re- elected hon. secretary and treasurer. NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE. (Southern Section. Decembeb 19. — The annual general meeting of the members of this Society took place at the Horticultural Club on the above date, this being the twenty-seventh annual meeting. There was a large attendance of members, Mr. E. Colby Sharpin presiding. The Annual Report, read by the Secretary, Mr. T. E. Henwood, showed that up to the present time the pro- gress of the Society was very gratifying. There had been a slight falling off in the number of members during 1903, the number on the books at the present lime being 317. The general depres- sion throughout the country had, no doubt, some- thing to do with this. It was with unfeigned regret the Committee had to announce that the President, Mr. Martin R. Smith, can no longer continue to distri- bute seeds of Carnations, owing to the large increase of members ; the labour involved in doing so is too heavy. The exhibition in 1903 was held at the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, by permission of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, and was generally admitted to be a very good one indeed; the exhibits were numerous, and the quality of the flowers excellent. The Cup given by the President in the first division was won by Mr. F. A. Wellesley, but the donor of the Cup ran him very close for the coveted honour of possessing it. Great credit is due to Mr. Wellesley, especially as this is the first time Mr. M. R. Smith has failed to secure the Cup. In the second division the winner of the Cup was Mr. W. Spencer, with a wide margin of points in his favour ; Mr. Spencer is all the more .deserving of congratulation as this was his first essay as an ex- hibitor in Division II., he having previously won the Cup in Division III. The winner of the President's Cup in Division III. was Mr. R. C. Cartwright ; and that of the Cup in Division IV., Mr. E. J. Wootten. The financial statement submitted by the Treasurer was of a satisfactory nature, there being a balance in hand of £llii 8« lOd, The outgoing officers and Com- mittee were re-elected, Mr. T. E. Henwood continuing as Secretary and Treasurer. The schedule of prizes remains as last year, with the addition of two new classes in Division IV., for single blooms, one for fancies, and one for Y.G. Picotees. It was also decided to confine the competition in Division IV. to amateurs only. READING & DISTRICT GARDENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT ASSO- CIATION. At the last fortnightly meeting of the above Associa- tion, Mr. F. Bright, gr., Whiteknights, Reading, dealt in a practical manner with the cultivation of the Fuchsia. Mr. Bright is well known as a competent cultivator of this plant, and these, standing from 8 to lo feet high, prove a leading feature at the Reading horticultural shows. A discussion followed the read- ing of the paper. The varieties recommended for growing into specimens were.— Dark colours, Charm- ing, Elegans, Brilliant, Masterpiece, Clipper, Wiltshire Giant; light colours— Western Beauty, Miss Balfour, White Queen, Jubilee Queen, Mrs. Bright, Grand Duchess. The only exhibit was a collection of varie- gated Kales, from Mr. J.Gibson, gr., Danesfleld.Marlow. JANUARY 2, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 15 ©bttuars. JOHN MACFARLANE. — The sudden death of this highly-respected gardener occurred on the night of December 17, in his seventy-seventh year. He was born at Crail, Fifeshire, and for the last thirty-one years acted as gardener to Mrs. Curling, Brooklands, near Welshpool. He was interred in Guilsfield churchyard, Decem- ber 22, leaving two daughters and one son to mourn his loss. J. L., Powis Castle Gardens. JOSEPH FlTT. — The death occurred, on De- cember 21, after a long and painful illness, of Mr. Joseph H. Fitt. He was for the long term of fifty -three years head gardener at The Fry the House, near Welwyn, owned by C. W. Wil- shere, Esq., by whom and his family Mr. Fitt was held in high esteem. He was a good all-round gardener, and noted for his knowledge of trees, shrubs, and hardy plants, including Ferns ; evidence of this is conspicuous at The Frythe. Mrs. Fitt survives him, as also a large family, all the members of which are grown up, including three sons who are head gardeners. Joseph, during his father's illness, has been managing the work at The Frythe ; while Arthur and Robert fill good situations in Sussex. The late Mr. Fitt for many years was a member of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horti- cultural Society. As a judge at flower-shows his services were also often in request. In this way he rendered services to the Royal Horticultural Society and at many local shows. Mr. Fitt was a good example to many gardeners for his support to two institutions, from which less fortunate members of his fraternity benefit. For many years he was a subscriber to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution and to the Orphan Fund. ENQUIRIES. Motor Lawn-mowek. — Would Mr. Lamb kindly say whether the mower he has found so satisfactory has been worked by a trained mechanic, or by a gardener, and whether he thinks any practical man would soon learn how to use it, if taught at first ? E. S. R. Passiploba W. H. Mort. — A correspondent, "W. M.," would be glad if some reader of this note would kindly inform him whence he could procure the plant named above. TRADE NOTICES. John Atkins & Co. — The above-named com- pany has been registered with a capital of ,£16,000, in £1 shares, for the purpose of acquiring as a going concern and carrying on the business of seed merchants and agricultural implements now carried on by John Atkins & Co. and Joseph Wolfe, in the city and counties of Cork and Kerry, under the style of John Atkins & Co. The first directors are John Atkins, merchant, Du- manway, Co. Cork, and Joseph Wolfe, Douglas Road, Cork. Registered office : 6, Camden Quay, Cork. The signatories to the articles are : — J. Atkins, merchant, Cork J.Wolfe, merchant, Cork Elizabeth Wolfe, married woman, Cork W. Wolfe, merchant, Ichull R. Wolfe, merchant, Ballydehob J. B. Atkins, merchant, Dumanway ... W. H. Atkins, merchant, Cork Shares. ... 1 ... 1 ... 1 ... I ... 1 ... 1 ... 1 Mill Hill Vineyard, Limited. — This com- pany has been registered with a capital of .£5,000, in twenty-five preference shares of ,£100 each and 250 shares of JE10 each. The object is to adopt an agreement with P. E. Kay, and carry on the business of fruit and flower growers, nurserymen, market gardeners, seedsmen, surveyors, valuers of property, farmers, fruit and vegetable pre- servers, &c. No initial public issue. The first directors (to number not less than three nor more than seven) are P. E. Kay (managing director), R. James, and A. J. Monro. Remune- ration as fixed by the company. Registered office : Claigmar, Church End, Finchley, N. We are informed by Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.. of the Royal Nurseries, Bush Hill Park, Enfield, that Mr. Cornelius Barnard, who has been with them for a great many years, and recently em- ployed as wholesale traveller, is leaving their service at this season. NEW INVENTIONS. A WHITE- WASHING MACHINE. In the Gardeners' Chronicle for Sept. 6, 1902, p. 183, we illustrated a machine for applying white-wash to walls, &e., manufactured by Messrs. Wallach Bros., 57, Gracechurch Street, London. The same firm has recently invented another machine (see fig. 7) for the same and other pur- poses. Like that already illustrated, this one is constructed on the compressed - air principle. Messrs. Wallach describe it as being composed of heavy galvanised iron, and the pumping appa- ratus is made of solid brass, which will not corrode from the use of any liquids. It also has an agitator, which keep3 the liquid in motion while working the machine. It is said that one man can pump and spray with this machine at Fig. 7.— a new white-washing and spraying machine. the same time, and 100 to 125 lb. pressure can be easily carried. It can be used for whitewashing, painting, spraying of fruit-trees, and many other disinfecting works. The capacity of the tank is equal to 7 gallons of liquid, and the capacity of the machine is equal to the work of five men with brushes in the same time. MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, December 31. [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.] &o. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Ficuselastica,per dozen 9 n 24 " Genistas, per doz. In 0-12 i> Hyacinths, Roman (48-pots), dcz. s ii- 9 o — Dutch, p. doz. 12 0-15 u Lycopodiuins.per dozen 3 0-40 Marguerites, per dozen t; 0-12 0 Orange-trees, each 3 6-10 6 Plants in Pots, Adiantums, doz. Aralias, per doz. Arbor Vitffi, doz. Aspidistras, doz. Aucubas, per doz. Azaleas, each ... Begonia, per doz. — Gloire de Lor- raine, per doz. Callas, per dozen Chrysanthemum, per dozen ... Coleuses. per doz. Crocus, per box... Crotons, per doz. Cyclamens, doz. Cyperus, per doz. Daffodils, per doz. Dracienas,variety, dozen Ericas, per dozen Euonymus, vars., per dozen Ferns invar., doz. s.d. s.d. 4 0-80 4 0-80 9 0-18 0 18 0 36 0 4 H- 8 0 2 ti- 5 0 8 0-18 0 8 0-24 0 12 0-18 0 1 0 12 " 1 0- ■'> 0 1 ii — 12 »-24 0 9 »-12 0 3 0- 1 n 8 0- 11 0 12 0-18 0 8 0t12 0 4 0- ti 0 4 0-30 0 Palms, var., each Poinsettia9. doz. Primulas, perdoz. Pteris tremula, dozen — Wimsetti, per dozen — major, dozen Solanums, dozen Tulips, red, doz. roots yellow, dozen roots :; 0-20 0 8 0-12 ii 2 0- 4 II 4 II- 8 II 4 0- 6 ll 4 0- 6 II Cut Flowers. &o. : Average Wholesale Prices. (i |. 2 II- 1 Azaleas, per doz. Bouvardias, per bunch Callas, per dozen. Camellias, box ... Carnations, bnch. Chrysanthemums doz. bunches — specimen blooms, doz. Daffodils, bunch Euchari9, per doz. Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... — French, per doz. bunches — Maidenhair, doz. bunches Freesia. per doz. Gardenias, box ... Lilac (French), per bunch ... 3 6 Lilium longi- florum, per bunch in Lily of the Valley, p. doz. bunches 10 0 Marguerites, yel- low, doz bunch. Mimosa, bunch... Narcissus, dozen bunches — Solcil d'Or, p, dozen s.d. sd. ii ;t ■l o l ii- s.d. j.d. 1 Orchids : Odonto glossums, per 0 ii dozen oloonis in — Cypripedium :( 0 insigne, per dozen Pelargoniums, zonal, dozen bunches — white, dozen bunches — double scarlet, doz bunches 12 0-15 0 Poinseitias, per bunch Roman Hyacinths, per buDCb. Roses, Mormet, per bunch ... — white, bunch j — French, per 4 0 bunch Sniilax, per doz. trails 1 6 ii Tuberoses. strong. per bunch ... 12 ii — per dozen ... Tulip9, Red, per bunch — various, per bunch 0 6- 1 « Violets, doz. Iran. 10-18 ' — Parma, per bunch 3 0- 4 0 ;: H 1 3 I ii 4 2 « I :, ,i I Ii 2 0-30 6 0- 8 il 1 n — 0 10-1 0 ' 0 9- 1 0 3 0- 6 ii 1 6 -' >; 1 0- 1 0- 0 li- 0 6 1 6 o '.' 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 d. s.d. ii — • in — i-,- S 6 l 9 3- 1 9 u- a I • ll- 2 8 ii- i ii n-12 ii S- 1 ii 0-10 'i 6 — ,i- ] .; n- 1 6 s.d. s.d. Mnshrooms(house) per lb ii 6- Omous, per case. 5 0- — per bag ... 1 0- — picklers, per sieve — English, cwt. Parsley, doz bun. — sieve Parsnips, per bag Potatos, per ton 80 0-1 — NewTenenffe per cwt Radishes, per dozen bunches Uhuoarb, Yorks, per dozen Salad, small, pun- nets, per doz ... Seagate, per doz puunets Shallots, lb. Spinach, p. bush. Tomatos, Canary Deeps. Turnips, per doz. bunches — per bag Watercress, per dozen bunches 3 0- 5 0- 1 6- 1 0 2 0- 12 0- 0 9- 1 0- o g- 21 0- 0 1.' 3 3 1 6- 1 ti- ll l.l 5 IV 1 6 5 0 5 6 2 0 2 6 30 Ii 11 ii 1 ii l :: 1 ii 21 ll -ll 2 3 6 2 0 2 Ii Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Grapes, Muscats, B., per lb. ... 2 Canon Hall, A , per lb. 3 B., per lb. 1 — Gros Colmar, A., per lb.... I B, per lb.... o Lemons, per case 12 Oranges, per case 4 Pears, per case... 9 — stewing ... 10 Pines, each ... 2 Walnuts, Gre- noble, bag ... 5 d. s.d. 0- 2 Q< OS OS < ft) &Q r§ -JO 3 ° to < > r > S o © o 7> 3 O •n to CD C O O o 05 2 to -3 ft O 3" 05 13 o rt- 05 ££g>03 o to 05 o 13 ffc 05 00 05 pa to D.yj to - 3 QTQ 05 3 C °£ ft 03^ * to QfQ to 05 y» 0 CD ' 5T o fi> D> c 5. 5" 5. to O 05 g <« C 05 05 rvy »• fD v co;o3 C 3 to 3 O 3 a* to ffc to 05 S» to 1 3 ft to to 5" 3 ~~ - O 3 O of CD Tl (0 (D (D O o 3 ft) o 3* fp 3 o to to CO 05 32 a4 o o aco 05 05 -s to D. to 3 CT3 n 05 3 to " fD to -/J QKJ - - n' r OS a- fD o o 3 to 3 O m 75 o Tl > m Tl > o m r > a ^ g? n ^ c o P2 ^ & 3 3 o © &3 C2 S t/3 n 3 m 2. rn c/3 co c o > H 7) 3 ^x 8p r« fe * * ; V ? a » r J a. < M I li1lJl 1 — y *t .Sen a id 5 § - S^id '* q ■= J i o & . '- - i — dS s 5= - - "SB mST5 ■ 3 , 1*1 = IS llUoIll 1 I 3*1 a b sj |llr 1*3 1 ; ts 0 1^ » « i3 -«j a* n « Q 3 << OS 1 l| i 1 11 a si. j a Si . 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E at' aa: ^^7 ., 7 i! = ,:7-S" ? It I? ",'" C--.r i" a -ta-=;.li ,5- a 2 5a = * i^a-^ . » ,3 ^ a » — ;?b' -Jlaj 5 s l-;i?EJ "5^ S B 3 S -S a ^ _ J|* alfjjd 5 a II 8S rif^^p Hffjsl! M.isi l=P!1ii i?n 11 / - »tSa lis <*•-, \is si «9« - z z £ 5 a a - E 4 a «" H! ) = =; i J? 5 1 ^ = JllaiSf-, j -j i * - i«i iK: =::-~ S*§-C=5B J « is A a a _ no . ga S a - - ^ _ " - ■ - . - a - a a a a a' V aj -a _ - - - a = - £■■! ■ E a s a - a - j _- . -- p4 js ; III C »; S - < =s 3 iZ W H fa K CO^c- &&-fa(» f p ^ « a E c ^; £ sg -< ^ s z • UJ B £ 0 a 0| - a f_ o uj H ui 9 IKJ5 I- I V) H OS |_n - 5 —J taS UI M E !a Sea a. sii --- &«| 1 =t "ti a CC S e-<£ H fe nc CO & B fa 05 CO ; Supple i ardeners1 i ;hroiiicl; linn :i v The Gardeners' GhronicBe. ("TEE TIMES OF HORTICULTURE") & Wntklrj Illustrate Jfrmrnal (ESTABLISHED 1841) Among our Correspondents and Contributors to recent Volumes the following, out of many Hundreds, may be named : — ALPINE AND HERBACEOUS PLANTS :- ARNOTT, S., Dumfries. BOWLES, A., Cheshunt. CORREVON, H., Geneva. DOD, Rev. C. Wolley, Malpas. ELLACOMBE, Rev. Canon, Bitton. ELWES, H. J., Andoversford. FOSTER, Sir M., Cambridge. HARTLAND, Baylor, Cork. JENKINS, E., Hampton Hill. LINDSAY., R., Edinburgh. AMATEUR GARDENING :— BENNETT-POE, J. T. BOYLE, Hon. Mrs. " E. V. B." ("Days and Hours in a Garden "). BULLEY, A. K.. Neston. CORDEROY', Justus COWPER, the Countess. ELLACOMBE, Rev. Canon. FITZHERBERT, S. W. GUMBLETON, W. E., Belgrove, Cork. HINDMARSH, W. T., Alnwick. REDESDALE, Lord. SCHRODER, Baron Sir Henry. TILLETT, C, Norwich. TUCKWELL, Rev. W. WEIR, Harrison, Appledore. WILKS, Rev. W., Shirley, Surrey. WILLIAMSON, Rev. D., Kirkmaiden. ARBORETUM, &c. :— ANNESLEY, the Earl. ACTON, T., Kilmacurragh. BEAN, W. J., Kew. BOOTH, J., Berlin. CROUCHER, G., Ochtertyre, Crieff. DUCIE. the Earl. HENRY. Dr. A. HUMPHREYS, Thos., Bot. Gard., Birmingham. NICHOLSON, G., late Curator, Royal Gardens, Kew. POWERSCOURT, Viscount. RASHLE1GH, J., Menabilly. SARGENT, Prof., Arnold Arboretum, Cambridge, U.S.A. STRICKLAND. Sir C, Bart CHEMISTRY :— CHURCH, Prof, F.R.S. DEHERAIN, Prof., the late, Paris. DYER, Dr. Bernard. MITCHELL, W. S. MULLER, Dr. Hugo, F.R.S. TRUFFAUT. Georges, Versailles. WARINGTON, R., F.R.S. WILLIS. J. J., Rothamsted. DISEASES OF PLANTS :- BIDGOOD, John, Gateshead. BOS, Dr. Ritzema, Wageningen. COOKE, Dr. M. C. KLEBAHN, Dr., Bremen. MASSEE, G., Kew. MURRAY, G., British Museum. PLOWRIGHT, Dr. C. B. PRILLIEUX, Prof, Paris. SMITH, Worthington G., Dunstable. SMITH, Dr. W. G., Leeds. SORAUER, Prof., Proskau. WARD, Prof. Marshall. FERNS :- BAKER, J. G., Kew DRUERY, C. T., Acton. HEMSLEY, A., Lewisham. SCHNEIDER. G., Chelsea. FLORISTS' FLOWERS, &c. :— CANNEI.L. H.. Swanlev. CUTHBERTSON, M., Rothesay. DEAN, R., Ealing. D'OMBRAIN, Rev. H. H., Westwell. DOUGLAS, J., Great Bookham. ENGLEHEART, Rev. G., Andover. HALL, A. D., Rothamsted. HORNER, Rev. F. D. MOLYNEUX, E., Swanmore Park. PAYNE. C. Harman. SIMPSON, W., Wemyss Castle, Fifesh. SMITH, Martin. Havs Common. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE :- ANDR , E., Paris. BAILEY. Prof , Ithaca, N.Y. BARBEY, W. Valleyres. BARRON. L., New York. BELLAIRS, G., Versailles. BIERBACK, O., Belgrade. BOIS, D., Paris. BOSSCHE, M. Van den, Tirlemont BR1TTON, Dr., New York. BUDDE, J. K., Utrecht. CARLES, W. R.. Tsientsin. CHRIST, Dr. Basle. CLUS, Prof., Toulouse. CORCORAN, M., Odessa. COSTEhUS, Dr.. Amsterdam. CREPIN.late Director, BotanicGarden, Hmssels. CRIE. Prof.. Rennea. DAHLMARK, N. E., Gothenbuig. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE :— DAMMER, Dr. Udo, Berlin. DEBOXO, F., Malta. DE CANDOLLE, Casimir, Geneva. DINTER, K., Great Namaqualand. DRUDE, Prof., Dresden. ENGLER, Prof., Berlin. FORSTER,0.,Scheibbs, UpperAustria. FRANCESCHI, Dr.,Sta. Barbara, Calif. FROEBEL. Otto, Zurich. GOEZE, Dr., Griefswald. GRIGNAN G., Paris. HANBURY, Sir T., La Mortola. HANSEN, G., California. HENRIQUES, Prof., Coimbra. KERCHOVE, Comte de, Gand. KOLB, Max, Munich. KRELAGE, Haarlem. LAET, Frantz de, Contich. LEHMANN, H., Popayan. LEICHTLIN, Max, Baden-Baden. LEMMON, J. G., Oakland, California. LEMOINE, E., Nancy. MACFARLANE, Prof, Philadelphia. MICHELI, M., the late, Geneva. MONTEIRO, Chev., -Lisbon. MOTTET, H., Sceaux. NELSON, W., Johannesberg. OI.IVEIRA, J. D'., Oporto. PAUL, Baron St., the late. PENZIG, Prof., Genoa. PIROTTA, Prof., Rome. PROSCHOWSKY, A. R., Nice. RODIGAS, B., the late, Ghent. RODRIGUEs, Barbosa, Rio Janeiro. ROEBELIN, Bangkok. ROVELLI, Sig., Pallanza. SCHINZ, Hans, Zurich. SCHROTER, D., Zurich. SOLMS, Prof. Count, Strasburg. SPRENGER, C, Naples. TRELEASE, Prof, St. Louis. VALLANCE, J., California. VAN TUBERGEN, C. G., Junr., Haarlem. VILMORIN, Maurice de, Paris. VILMORIN, P. de, Palis. WAUGH, Prof, Amherst, U.S. A. WIGMAN, Bot. Garden, Buitenzorg. WILSON, E., China. WITTMACK, Dr., Berlin. WITTROCK, V. B. S., Stockholm. FORESTRY :- BOULGER, Prot. BRANDIS, Sir Dietrich, Bonn. FISHER, Prof., Cooper's Hill. FORBES, A. C, late of Bowood, Wilts. FRANCE, C. 8., Aberdeen. MAYR, Dr., Munich. PARDE LEON, Senlis. ROGERS, Capt. H., Plymouth. 8CHLICH, Dr., Superintendent, Forest Department, Cooper's Hill. SIMPSON, J., late of Wortley. WEBSTER, A. D FRUIT CULTURE :- BALTET, C, Troyes. BARRON, A. F., late ofChiswick. BUNYARD, G., Maidstone, Kent. CASTLE, L., Ridnnont. CHEAL, J., Crawley, Sussex. COOK, T. H., gr. to His Majesty the King, Sandringham, Norfolk. CRUMP, W., Madresfield Court. FYFE, W., Lockinge Grdns., Wantage. GOODACRE, J. H., Elvaston Castle Gardens. MARKHAM, H., Wrotham Park. MAYNE, J., Bicton. RIVERS, T. F., Sawbridgeworth. ROUPELL, W., Streatham. TURTON, T., Sherborne Castle Grdns. WOODWARD, G., Barham CourtGrdns. GARDEN BOTANY :— BAKER, J. G., F.R.S. BALFOUR, Prof. B., Edinburgh. BERGER, A la Mortola, Italy. BROWN, N. E., Herbarium; Kew. BURBIDGE, F. W., M.A., Botanic Gardens, Dublin. CLARKE, C. B., Kew. DYER, Sir W. T. Thiselton, Director, Royal Gardens, Kew. ELWES, H. J.. Andoversford. ENGELHEART, Rev. G. HEMSLEY, W. B., F.R.S., Kew. HOLMES, E. M., Sevenoaks. HOOKER, Sir J. D., K.C.S.I., late Director, Royal Gardens, Kew. JACKSON, J. R., late of Museums, Roval Gardens, Kew LEICHTLIN, Max, Baden-Baden. LY'NCH, R. I., Bot. (lard., Cambridge. MOORE, Spencer Nat. Hist. Museum. NICHOLSON, George, Richmond. OLIVER, Prof., F.R.S. GARDEN BOTANY :— RENDLE, Dr., Nat. Hist. Museum. SCOTT-ELLIOT, G. F. S. SKAN, S. A., Kew. SPRAGUE, T. A., Kew. STAFF, Dr., Kew. WILSON, Dr., St. Andrew's. WITTROCK, Prof., Stockholm. WORS' EY, A , Isleworth. WRIGHT. C, Kew. GARDEN INSECTS:— BLANDFORD, F. FRIEND. Rev. H., High Wycombe. McLACHLAN, R., F.R.S. MICHAEL, A. D., F.R.S. NEWSTEAD, R., Chester. SAUNDERS, S. THEOBALD. F. V.. Wye College. WATERHOUSE, C. O'. INDIA AND THE COLONIES :- ADLAM, R. W„ the late, Johannes- BA1LEY, Prof, Brisbane. [burg. BIRDWOOD, sir G. BOLUS, H., Capetown. BROADWAY, W. E., Botanical Gar- dens, Grenada, W.I. BUCHANAN, D., Mackie, Queensland. BUTTERS, J. J., Port Elizabeth. CARRUTHERS, J. B., Ceylon. CRADWICK, W. Hope, Botanic Gar- dens, Kingston, W.I. CURTIS, C, Penang. DAVEY, .1. Burtt, Transvaal. DUNN, S. T., Hong Kong. DUTHIE, J. F., late of Saharunpore. FAWCETT, Hon. W., Superintendent, Botanical Department, Jamaica. GUILFOYLE, W. R., Melbourne. HART, J. H.,Superintendent,Botanical Department, Trinidad. HOLZB, M., Adelaide. IM THURN, Everard, Ceylon. JENMAN, G. 8., the late, British Guiana. KING, Sir George, F.R.S., late Direc- tor, Royal Botanic Gdns., Calcutta. MACMAHON, P., Brisbane. MACOUN, Prof., Ottawa. MACOWAN, Prof., Cape Town. MAIDEN, J. H., Syd. ev. McMILLAN. H.F.,Peradeniya, Ceylon. MORRIS, Sir D., Imp. Comnir., W.I. MURTON, H. J., Siam. PENHAi LOW, Prof, Montreal. PRAIN Dir. Bot. Gdns., Calcutta. RIDLEY, H. N., Superintendent, Botanical Department, Singapore. STOREY. H., Oodeypore. THOMPSON, W. J., Jamaica. TUTCHER, W. J., Hong-Kong. WOOD, Medley, Bot. Grdn., Durban. WOODROW, C. M. LANDSCAPE GARDENING :- ANDRE, E., Paris. CHEAL, J., Crawley. GOLDRING, W„ Kew. JACKMAN, J., Woking. MAWSON, H. T., Windermere MILLER. W.. Berkswell, Coventry. MILNER, H. E., London. ORCHIDS :- ALEXANDER,H.,gr.Westonbirt,Glos. BOUND, W. P., Gatton Park. CHAPMAN, H. J., Wvlam-on-Tvne. COGNIAUX, Prof., Nivelles. COOKSON. N., Wylam-on-Tyne. DE B. CRAWSHAY, Sevenoaks. HURST, C. C, Burbage. KR.ENZLIN, Dr. F., Berlin. LAWRENCE, Sir Trevor, Bart , M.P., President, Royal Horticultural Soc. LINDEN, Lucien, Brussels. O'BRIEN, James. PF1TZER, Prof, Heidelberg. RENDLE, A. B., Brit. Mus. ROLFE, R. A., Kew. ROTHSCHILD, Hon. Walter. SANDER, F., St. Albans. SWAN, W., Thorncote, Staines. VEITCH, H. J., F.L.S. WEATHERS, P., Manchester. WHITE, R. B., Arddarroch. WHITE, W. H., gr., Sir T. Lawrence. YOUNG, W. H., Clare Lawn Gardens, E. Sheen. PRACTICAL GARDENING :- RAIN. W., Burford Lodge Gardens, BARK, I'd... [Dorking BROTHERSTON, R. P., Tynniughame Gardens, Prestonkirk BUNYARD, T CLAYTON, H. J., Grimston Park COOK, W. A., Shirley House Gardens, i Iroydon. i i "iK, T. II., gr. to H.M. the King at Sandringham, PRACTICAL GARDENING :- COOM BE R ,T. .The Hendre.Monmouth. CULVERWELL, W., gr., late of Thorpe Perrow. DAVIHSON, R., gr., Culford Hall. DAY, Galloway House, Garliestown. DEAN, A., Kingston. DIVERS, W. H., Belvoir Castle Gdns. DOUGLAS, J., Great Bookham. FIELDER. C. R., North Mynims Park Gardens. FLEMING, J., Wexham Park, Slough. HACKET, W.. Kew, HARROW, R. L., Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. HEMSLEY, A., Lewisham. HERRIN, C, East Finchley. HUDSON, J., Gunnersbury House, Acton. HUGHES, J., Wentworth Woodhouse Gardens, Rotherham. IRVING, W., Kew. JONES, C. H., Ole Hall Gardens, Burgess Hill. KIRK, A., Norwood Gardens, Alloa. LEACH, W. C, Albury Park Gardens. MACHATTIE, J. W., Edinburgh. MACKINLAY, Gen., Wrest Park Gar- dens, Ampthill. MALLETT, G. B., Colchester. MARTIN. H. T., Stoneleigh Abbey Gardens, Kenilworth. McLEOD, J. P., Dover House Gar. dens, Roehampton. MAYNE, J., Bici.on Gdns., Devonshire. MELVILLE, D., Dunrobin Gardens. MILES, G. T., late of Wycombe Abbey Grdns MOLYNEUX, E. MOORE, F. W., Royal Botanic Garden, Glasnevin. ODELL, J. W., Stanmore. PENTLAND, J.,AshwickeGdns., Glos. PETTIGREW, A., the late, Cardiff Castle Grdns. POWELL, D. C, Powderhaiu Castle. PRINSEP, H. C, UckHeld. RAFFILL, C. P., Kew. RICHARDSON, A. D., Edinburgh. ROBERTS, D., gr., Prestwold Hall. SIMPSON, C, Newby Gardens, Yorks. SIMPSON, J., Sheffield. SLADE, T. H., gr., Poltimore Park. STANTON, G., Park Place Gardens, Henley. TALLACK, J. C, gr., Shipley Hall. THOMAS, O., late of Royal Gardens. Frogmore. TOWNSEND, W. J., Wokingham. TURTON, T., gr., Sherborne Castle. WADDS, A. B., Paddockhurst Grdns., WADDS, B., Birdsall, Yorks. WALLIS, J., Wooro, Stalls. WARD, A., Godinton Grdns.. Ashford. WARD, H. W., Rayleigh, Essex. WATSON, W., Curator, Royal Grdns.. Kew. WEBSTER, C, Gordon Castle Gardens. WHITTON, J., Glasgow. WHYTOCK, J., gr., Dalkeith. WYTHES, G., Sion House Gardens. And many others. ROSES :- CANT, li.. Colchester. CANT, v., Colchester. D'OMBRAIN, Rev. H. H., Westwell. Kent. HOLE, R., Veiy Rev. Dean, Rochester. MAWLEY. E.. Berkhamsted. MOUNT, G., Canterbury. ORPEN, G., Colchester. [saye. PAGE ROBERTS, Rev., Strathfleld- PAUL, G., Cheshunt. PAUL, W., Waltham Cross PEMBERTON, Rev. J. H., Romford. SOUPERTS: NOTTING. Luxemburg. SPEAR, C. E. VIVIAND MOREL Lyons. WILLIAMSON. Rev. D., Kirkmaiden VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY. &C.':- BATESON, W., Cambridge. BONAVIA, Dr. E., Worthing. BOULGER, Prof. G. F. DE VRIES, Prof. Hugo, Amsterdam. FOSTER, Sir Michael, Cambridge. GREEN, Prof. Reynolds, F.R.S. HENSLOW, Rev. Prof. PERCIVAL, Prof. SCOTT, Dr., Kew. SOLMS, Count, Strasburg. TRUFFAUT, G., Versailles. WALLACE, Al'red, Dr. WEISS, Dr., Manchester. .WORSDELL, W. C. ZACHARIAS, Professor, Hamburgh. January 9, 1904] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 17 No. 889.— SATURDAY, January 9, 1904. CONTENTS. African tea Jiooks, notices of— Botanical Magazine, the Heatber in Love, Lyric, and Lay loonies Plantarum ... Xa Theorie des Capa- city Fonctionc- elles et sea Cons. quences en Agri- culture Publications received Caralluma crenulata ... Carnations, winter- flowering, at Sand- ringbam Cbatsworth ChUwkk, the abandon- ing of Chrysanthemums at Moor Hall Cocoanut butter Cotton in the W. Indies Cypripediums, remark- able Fruit commission, the Gardeners' Associa- tion, a National Horticultural Hall ... Kew notes La Mortola, notes from Lily, new hybrid Market notes Melons in December ... Missouri Bo'anic Gar- den, annual report of Motor lawn-mower Narcissus names Novelties of mo3 ILLUSTRATIONS Caralluma crenulata Chatswortb, the great Conservatory and Kmperor fountain at 21 Chrysanthemums at Moor Hall, Harlow, Kssei ' (Supplementary Illustration). Moschosma riparium Primula Forbesi ,'„ .Tricyrtis hirta 26 Obituary — Fidler, J. C 32 Findley, John 32 25 Home, W 32 Prior, George 32 29 Smith, James 32 ;jo Pineapples, hybridisa- tion of 25 Pineapples in Singa- pore 26 Plant and Animal L".t Breeding 25 2l> Potato Society.National 21 19 Potatos, importation of 26 Primula Forbesi 20 Rainfall in county Kil- 18 kenny, 1903 -'* 36 Rubber planting Societies— 25 35 Beckenham Horticul- tural 32 25 Bristol Gardeners' ... 32 26 Gaideners' Debating 20 Societies Gardeners' Royal 32 26 Benevolent I nstitu- 26 tion 25 27 Hull Horticultural ... 3"' 28 Royal Horticultural i." ,80 25 Royal Horticultural 21) of Ireland 31 26 Tricyrtis hirta 1-. 27 Week's work—* 22 Flower-garden, the... 22 28 Fruits under glass ... 22 Hardy fruit garden... 23 29 Kitchen garden, the . 22 I'M Orchid-houses, the... -'7 Plants under glass ... 23 17 West Australia 26 NOVELTIES OF 190 3. ORCHIDS. T^HE hybridist still maintains the supre- ■*- macy, and the novelties to be recorded ire mainly of home production. Spotted forms of Odontoglossum crispum have ad- .anced in favour, and fine forms of Cypri- pedium insigne and of hybrid Cypripe- diums, and other hybrid Orchids, have formed the bulk of the most favoured Orchids shown at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings, and of which the certi- ficated plants may be taken to indicate the jest plants of the year. Some few stand out rirominently in each section,and in that most important class, the blotched forms of Odon- oglossum crispum Cooksonire of Norman C. ^ookson, Esq., stands decidedly first, a posi- tion it will in all probability retain for a ong time. Next comes the O. crispum Persimmon of H. T. Pitt, Esq., a very pleasing flower, which caused quite a stir imong Orchidists when it appeared. The most remarkable new species of Drehid of the past year is the Angnvcum Rothschildianum, from Lake Victoria, of he Hon. Walter Rothschild; and beyond hat very few new and pretty species of Drchids have been reported. Sir H. Schroder, Bart, (gr., Mr. Ballantine), whose wonderful collection of Orchids at The Dell, Egham, contains many beautiful plants, and especially Odontoglossums, un- approached by the novelties, has during the year shown many remarkable specimens, the best of those selected for awards being Odontoglossum x Vuylstekei vivicans, a grandly-coloured hybrid, shown at the last meeting of the year; and O. crispum Truf- fautianum, Laslio-Cattleya x Bletchleyensis Ruby King, Cattleya x Gautheriana, and other good novelties appeared at The Dell. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford (gr., Mr. W. H. White), is credited with the fine Lselio-Cattleya x Gottoiana regalis, Dendro- bium x Wiganitc xanthocheilum, which, now perfected, received a First-class Certificate ; Masdevallia x Veitchiano-Wageneri, which with other hybrids were raised at Burford ; and of " botanical " species Bulbophyllum suavissimum, Polystachya Buchanani viridis and Co'logyne fuscescens. Captain G. L. Holford, Westonbirt (gr., Mr. H. Alexander), has been one of the best exhibitors of the year, his collections show- ing the perfection of cultivation throughout. Of the many good things shown by him and selected for awards were Odontoglossum x Loochristyense Lord Howick, O. x Adriana> Lady Wantage, L;clio-Cattleya x Cassiope Westonbirt var., Oymbidium x eburneo-Low- ianum concolor, the yellow Dendrobium x Ophir and Cypripedium x Leeanum Staf- fordianum. As an indication of the good cultivation of Captain Holford's Orchids, it may be recalled that his Orchid-grower, Mr. Alexander, showed on May 5, and received a Cultural Commendation for an Odonto- glossum crispum with 129 flowers, and a still finer plant of O. luteo-purpureum was shown by him. Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman), has a brave show of novelties to his credit, in- cluding the phenomenal Odontoglossum crispum Cooksoniiv before alluded to, the very fine O. c. Grairianum, O. c. Marito, O. c. Harold, Phaius x Clive, P. x Harold, P. x Chapmani, and the still finer P. x Chap- mani superbus ; Dendrobium x Venus grandiflorum, Cypripedium insigne Sanderse, Oakwood seedling, and C. x Leeanum Clinkaberryanum, the award for which was also given to Sir Henry Schroder and O. O. Wrigley, Esq. Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr., Mr. W. H. Young), has for his best Cattleya X Whitei magnifica, Lielio- Cattleya x Canhamiana Rex, and Cymbi- dium x Wiganianum. H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr. Thurgood), with a keen eye for the best of the showy species obtainable, and a refined taste for pretty and singular species of Orchids, always stands in the front rank for sterling novelties. His best new plant of the past year, Odontoglossum crispum Persimmon, and O. c. alpha, O. cirrosum Pitt's variety, and Cypripedium Mrs. Pitt, are all showy and distinct flowers. His " botanicals " were Bulbophyllum occultum, Megaclinium Inischootianum, Trigonidium spatulatum, and Oncidium triquetrum ; none of them new to science, but all rare. • Other noteworthy novelties of 1903 credited to our leading amateurs are Cypripedium x Minnie, and C. x Ville de Paris; and the showy Lwlio-Cattleya x Wellsiana of Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield (gr., Mr. Hopkins) ; the fine yellow hybrid Odontoglossum x Waltoniense and O. cordatum aureum of W. Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange (gr., Mr. Stevens) ; the new and showy Odontoglossum x Bradshawitc, and the gorgeously tinted Laslio-Cattleya x Haroldiana John Brad- shaw of J. Bradshaw, Esq., Southgate (gr., Mr. G. G. Whitelegge); the fine Cypripedium x J. Wilson Potter, and Cattleya x Pittiana J. Wilson Potter of 3. Wilson Potter, Esq., Croydon (gr., Mr. W. H. Young); the very remarkable Phaio-Cymbidium x Chardwar- ense of G. F. Mooie, Esq., Bourton-on-the- Water ; Cattleya x Warscewiezii White Queen, shown by W. P. Burkinshaw, Esq., Hessle, Hull ; Dendrobium x Wiganise album, and the handsome yellow and purple D. x Thwaitesia- of R. G. Thwaites, Esq. Beyond these, Cypripedium x Ultor, a very fine hybrid of C. Sanderianum, raised by Reginald Young, Esq. (gr., Mr. Poyntz), whose other fine Cypripedium x Minos, Young's variety, also secured an award when shown by R. Briggs-Bury, Esq. ; Cymbidium x Lowgrinum of R. T. Measures, Esq. ; Odon- toglossum triumphans Crawshayanum, and O. x 'VYattianum Crawshayanum of Dc B. Crawshay, Esq. (gr., Mr. Stables), and some pretty hybrid Dendrobiums of Mrs. Haywood (gr., Mr. C. J. Salter), should bo mentioned. Nl'RSERYME.V. On the commercial side the records indi- cate that Messrs. Sander <& Sons, of St. Albans, take the lead. Their superb groups at the Temple and at Holland House were among the best of the year. The fine spotted Odontoglossums and other new plants in their group at the Temple were not entered for awards ; but at Holland House the novelties were submitted to the Orchid Com- mittee, and a good number of First-class Certificates and Awards of Merit were secured. Of the best were Odontoglossum x Wilckeanum Rex, O. x ardentissimum Fascinator, O. x Rolfe.a? majesticum, Lselio- < 'attleya x Bletchleyensis Illuminator, the richest in colour and best of its class (now in Sir Henry Schroder's collection); L.-C. x Martinetii Flambeau, and L.-C. x M. och- racea; the neatly-formed and richly-coloured ' 'attleya x Roehrsiana, the pretty C. X ex- quisita, Cypripedium x Hindeanum, and ( '. x Empress Alexandra ; the violet-lipped Zygopetalum x Sanderi ; and of very rare and pretty small species, Waluewapulchella and Cirrhssa Warreana. Of white Cattleyas, C. Mossia- Alexandras was good enough to secure a First-class Certificate. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Heaton, Brad- ford, received awards for Laelio-Cattleya x Dora magnifica, Cattleya x Enid magnifica, C. x Fascinator nobilior, and C. x F. splen- dens ; Brasso-Cattleya x striata, Odonto- glossum crispum The Kaiser, the remarkable and delicately tinted Cypripedium x Queen of Italy, and Zygopetalum crinitum c. J. Wilson Potter, Feb. 7, p. 83. Habenaria camea (specimen), Nov. 7, p. 323. Lselia x Helen, December 19, p. 417. Leptoladia x , January 24, p. 50. Odontoglossum x Bradshawia?, Feb. 7, p. 82. Odontoglossum crispum Cooksonise, February 14, p. 109. Odontoglossum crispum Grace Kuby, March 14, p. 165. Odontoglossum crispum Grairianum, June 27 p. 407. Odontoglossum crispum Persimmon, May 2, p. 275. Odontoglossum crispum Sandera?, June 27, p. 416 " Odontoglossum crispum Sibyl, July 18, p. 37. Odontoglossum x Waltoniense, Jan. 24, p. 51. Phaius Humbloti hybrids, June 27, p. 411. Phaius x , group of, at Oakwood, Supp., June 27. Renantbera , Storiei (specimen), Nov. 21, p. 34(1. TEICYRTIS HIRTA.* The species of this Colchicaceous genus are, according to Baker, but six in number. The- species, of which we give a figure, is distinguished by its deeply cordate, stem-clasping leaves, which, like the stem, are covered with soft spreading hairs. The stem is 2 to 3 feet high, with a terminal raceme of six to eight flowers. The perianth is about an inch in length, bluish-grey with purple spots. Franchet and Savatier say the plant is widely distributed, and very variable in the foliage and in the arrangement of the flowers. They also say that the ovary is glabrous ;. whilst in T. hirta, which they treat as distinct, the ovary is bristly. Mr. Baker, however, in his most recent monograph, considers the two as specifically identical. Messrs. Boehmer & Co., of Yokohama, who furnish us with the photo- graph, tell us that the plant flowers in Japan in October, and that it is common in woods and shady places in the mountains. In this country it is occasionally grown in the cool greenhouse, but is not so commonly met with as might be ex- pected from its elegant and distinct appearance. Mr. Unger (Boehmer & Co.) expresses the opinion that it would be hardy in this country if a little protection were accorded it. Indeed, unless our recollection is at fault, we think we have seen it on the rockwork at Kew (see fig. 8). WINTER-FLOWERING CARNA- TIONS AT SANDRINGHAM. In response to the Editor's request, I will ex- plain the chief details in the system of cultivation, afforded the variety Winter Cheer and other tree Carnations, at Sandringhara, the results of which were described by your correspondent on p. 406. As far as Winter Cheer is concerned no " special culture " beyond a strict attention to details is necessary to produce from cuttings rooted in January plants capable of bearing fifty flowers- during the following winter months. Propagation. The first cuttings are put in about the middle of December, but early January cuttings make equally good plants. Four strong-growing shoots, with or without a heel and about 4 or 5 inches- in length, are inserted around the sides of 3-inch pots, in a compost consisting of 2 parts loam, 1 part leaf-mould, and 1 part sharp sand. To every barrow-load of this compost we add a 2-inch pot- ful of Veltha powder, and a 10-inch potful of fine- ash from burnt garden refuse. The loam and leaf-mould at this and subsequent pottings should be sterilised, and the Veltha is added to prevent, fungoid diseases. The pots are thickly surfaced with sand, a little of which is forced into the holes made by the dibble, upon which the base of the cuttings should rest. Plunge the pots up to the rims in a bed of moist cocoa-nut fibre, in a propagating pit having a bottom heat of 65°, and an atmosphere of the same temperature. Afford water when the cuttings have been put in, and no more will be necessary until they have made roots. Shade them from bright sunshine, and wipe the moisture from the inside of the lights of the propagating pit each morning and afternoon. Should excessive vapour rise in the pit, afford a little ventilation until it is dispelled, and thus prevent damping. In three weaks' time most of the cuttings should be rooted, when the pots may he stood upon the surface of the bed, and by degrees the lights may be tilted and the young plantlets inured to the general atmosphere of the house. After a few days in this position they should be removed to a stage close up the roof- glass, in a house having a night temperature of * Tricyrtis hirta.— Hook, in Bnt Mag.,t. 5365; Baker In .lourn. Linn. Soc , xvii.. KM (!«7!>); T. japoniea Mique), Franchet & Savatier, JSimm Plant. Japan., vol. 11. (1879), p. 71. .lANUABY 9, 1904.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 19 55°, and GO° to 65° by day. Syringe the young plants freely twice each day in bright weather, and maintain the atmosphere moist. Potting. The first potting may then take place, using •clean, well-drained 2J-inch and 3-inch pots. The compost may consist of two parts best loam, put through a J-inch riddle, one part leaf-mould, and one part of equal portions of coarse sand and fine old mortar-rubble. To every barrow-load of this add a 5-inch potful of soot, a 7-inch potful of bone-meal, and a 3-inch potful of fungicide. Keep the plants in the same hou^e and temperatures, shading them from bright sunshine until estab- lished, when they may be afforded air upon every favourable opportunity. The next shift will be into 4-inch and 5-inch pots, using a similar com- post to that described already, except that the loam may be chopped roughly. At the beginning of the month of May, if all has gone well, the plants will be ready for their final potting into <5-inch and 7-inch pots. Use the same potting compost, with the addition of a 5-inch potful of Bentley's Carnation manure to each barrow-load of compost. After this potting, our plants are placed upon a base of fine gravel in a low span- roofed pit, where they are gradually deprived of all artificial heat, and by the beginning of July the lights are entirely removed, cultivation being continued in the open. The plants having been well established, the excessive rainfall of the past summer seemed thoroughly to agree with them, as the strong dark-green foliage indicated. The plants remained in such a position until the begin- ning of September, when they were removed to the houses for the winter. By that time they should be throwing up their flower-stems, it being important to have them at this stage, when an «arly winter supply of flowers is desired. Until colder weather sets in they are afforded all the ventilation possible, and later on a temperature of 50° is maintained. Stopping and Disbudding. When the young plants have attained a height of G inches, and while in their 2.V or 3-inch pots, they should each have the point cleanly re- moved, by which means shoots are induced to ■form in the axils of the leaves below. These in their turn must be similarly treated, when they have grown to a suitable size. Beyond this no precise rule can be laid down for stopping, as every thing depends upon the progres s of the plants, and not a little upon the variety, imt, generally speaking, no stopping should take place after the first week in July if the plants are to flower in early winter, or ten days later for a successive batch. Watering, Feeding, and Staking. As a matter of course, watering must be intel- ligently carried out at all times, but after each pot- ting great care should be taken that the plants be not afforded too much, as this would cause the soil to become sour and sodden, which may result in the plants damping at the collar. Although less water is required in the winter, the pots being full of roots the plants must not be permitted to suffer from want of moisture, otherwise deformed and shrivelled flowers will result. The Carnation being a gross feeder, I look upon the careful use of stimulants as one of the principal items in its successful culture. In many cases the fcod is not afforded until the plants have become in a starving condition and unable to assimilate the rich food suddenly supplitd. As soon as the Toots are well around the sides of the flowerings pots, commence with applications of weak farm- yard liquid manure and soot-water twice a week, and as the plants gain in vigour increase the strength of the manure. The best artificial stimulant I have tried is Bentley's Carnation- manure, and in addition to the foregoing manures this should be supplied every ten days from the first week in July until the flowers commence to open. In wet weather the manure may be pricked into the surface-soil at the rate of about I of an oz. to each plant, allowing the rain to wash it down to the roots. In fine weather it may be dissolved, at about the same rate, and watered in. Soot-water alone should be given after the flowers begin to open, stronger manures causing them to damp and lose colour. The flower-stems should be neatly secured to a central stake, each stem being slung loosely and not all tied together in a bundle. Green painted spiral wire stakes are excellent when used one or more to each plant, being neat and durable. Diseases and Insect Pests. The most troublesome insect pests are green and black fly, but these need not prove destruc- tive if preventative measures are taken to combat them. When the plants are in a pit or house, plants of Winter Cheer, Duchess of Devonshire, Mrs. L. de Rothschild, or Flora Hill. The follow- ing are a few excellent, strong-growing and free- flowering varieties in their respective shades of colour, and may be depended upon to afford a good and continuous show of flowers. Shades of Scarlet. — A. de Eothschild, America, Wm. Robinson, Gr. H. Crane, Yuletide, Trium- phans, and Winter Cheer. White. — Mrs. S. J. Brooks, Norway, Mrs. Moore, Virginalis, Miss Mary Godfrey, and Flora Hill. Crimson Shades. — Lord Kitchener, Generals French, Buller, and Gomez, Mrs. H. J. Jones, Uriah Pike, and Governor Roosevelt. Pink Shades. — Hon. A. Fellowes, Lady de Ramsay, Ethel Croker, Lady Carlisle, Mrs. T. W. Lawson, Marquis, Melba, Floriana, Pride of the Market, and Duchess of Devonshire. Rose. — Halton Rose, Rose Qireen, Winter Green and Mrs. Leo. de Rothschild. T. B. Cook. ^Aspc^Rprf" Fig. 9.- -CARALLUMA CEENULATA, FROM SIR THOMAS HANIU'RY S GARDEN AT LA MORTOLA. nothing is more effectual than vaporising with XL-All directly the first sign of fly is observed ; but if growing in the open, spray them once every few dajs with diluted quassia -extract, dipping in this liquid any plants badly affected, or that have the aphides concealed in the points of the shoots where spraying cannot reach them. Do not disfigure the foliage by using tobacco or other powders. Of diseases the Carnation - rust (Helmintho- sporium echinulatum) is the most dreaded, but it seldom affects strong, well-grown plants to any great extent. Sulphide of potassium dissolved at the rate of 1 oz. to 3 galls, of water, and sprayed at intervals of a few days over the diseased parts, is a good remedy. Isolate affected plants, as the disease spores quickly contaminate others that are in the least weakly. Upon no account propagate from' such plants, it being more profitable to burn them, and make a clean and fresh start. A preparation called " Carvita " as well as " Veltha " Emulsion, are excellent remedies for all fungoid diseases of the Carnation, if applied according to directions sent out with each. Select Varieties. Many of the recent introductions are great mpiovements en old varieties, but among the latter it is hard to find one that will give the grower greater satisfaction than well - grown CAEALLUMA CEENULATA, Wallich. Last May I received from Calcutta, through Mr. David Prain, a few plants of Caralluma crenulata which had been collected on the Shan plateau in Burmah. The tiny plants had not suffered much from the long journey, and soon started to grow when I planted them, together with other Stapelias, under the shelter of a big rock in a warm and sunny place. Now we have had the pleasure to see it in flower, and I presume for the first time in a European garden. The stems are diffusely and irregularly branched, from 2 to 6 inches long, and J to jf of an inch large, tetragonal, furrowed between the angles. The margins are sinuate dentate, the teeth about J of an inch apart, patent, with a little deltoid leaflet at the top. There were nine flowers in a terminal umbel, with short subulate bracts. The pedicels were | of an inch long, somewhat thickened above. Sepals i of an inch, deltoid, acute. Corolla cam- panulate-rotate, nearly an inch in diameter, with short deltoid-ovate lobes, yellow, but nearly com- pletely covered with dark brown-red spots and lines, especially in the bottom of the corol'.a and at the top of the lobes. The margins of the lobes fimbriated, with clavate purplish hairs from the base to the middle, the rest of the flower totally glabrous (see fig. 9). 20 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1904. The inner segments of the corona are linear, obtuse, incumbent on the anthers and shorter than these ; on their base they are united with the outer corona. This latter is cup-shaped with five lobes, each with two small recurved subulate teeth, one to the right and to the left of the inner segment. This little Caralluma belongs to the group with terminal umbellate flowers out of the subgenus Boucerosia (K. Sch. in Engler and Prantl. Nat. Pffmln.), together with Caralluma campanulata, PRIMULA FORBESI. On December 2, 1893, we illustrated this beauti- ful annual species from a plant grown in the gardens of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Burford, Dorking. Our present illustration (fig. 10) has been re- produced from a photograph taken in the gardens at Trinity College, Dublin, where Mr. Burbidge cultivates it very successfully. The species was found in Yunnan, China, by the Abbe Delavay, and has pale lilac flowers arranged in whorls, the FlG. 10.— FEIMULA FOEBESI IN TRINITY COLLEGE BOTANIC GARDEN, DUBLIN. {Photograph by G. E. Low, Esq.) umbellata, diffusa, lasiantha, retrospiticus, &c, which occur from tropical East Africa to South Arabia, to India, Burmah and Ceylon. The fim- briation of the margins of the corolla lobes is very characteristic in this species. The colour and shape of the flowers are very pretty and the scent is not at all disagreeable. I hope to be able to propagate the species, as it makes subterraneous shoots which soon make roots and help to increase the plants. This species has only been figured in Wallich's Plant As. Rar, T. t. 7, therefore a photograph will prove to be of interest to all lovers of Stapelise. Alwin Berger, La Mortola, Italy. flowers in the lower whorls being expanded simultaneously with those in the upper. It is a desirable plant for the rockery, and was shown in flower amongst the alpine plants from Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., at the Drill Hall on Tuesday last, see p. 30. Cotton in the W. Indies.— Abouta thousand bushels of Cotton-seed, says the Agricultural Neivs (Barbados), were distributed to various persons in the West Indies in September last. " Sea Island " Cotton of fine long staple is the variety most in favour. KEW NOTES. FOUR NEW AFRICAN PLA.NTS. KiEMPFERiA rosea. — This plant is related to what used to be cultivated as Cienkowskia'Kirkii, one of the most attractive of the Ksempferias, which was introduced to Kew from the coast opposite Zanzibar, thirty years ago. I am in- formed by Mr. Mahon that K. rosea is plentiful in open forest in the Shire Highlands, where he always looked upon it as K. Kirkii, from which., however, it is quite distinct, K. rosea being cer- tainly the more beautiful plant. It has a short fleshy rootstock and numerous thick string-like roots ; the leaves are about 18 inches long, half their length being narrowed to a petiole, and the other half a bright green plaited blade with an acute point and 4 inches wide ; the scape is. 18 inches high and bears six flowers which open one at a time, and are over two inches across, their colour being a brilliant rose-red with a> conspicuous eye-like blotch of orange at the throat. There is a nice batch of plants of it now showing flower in a stove at Kew ; they were, received a short time ago from Mr. McClounie, of the Scientific Department, Zomba, British Centra). Africa. A third species, viz., K. cethiopica, which appears to be common in the same region and which has still larger flowers of a bright red- purple colour, has not yet been introduced. Some years ago Messrs. Sander & Sons distributed, under the name of K. Ethel*, and said to have been imported from Natal, a Kamipferia with large handsome flowers described as "a lovely flesh-rose, shaded with lilac, violet, and crimson, the labellum bearing a broad yellow crest." I never saw this plant in flower, but it may have been K. a?thiopica. Ipomcea Mahoni. There are very few Ipomo?as of shrubby habit, and those that we know are chiefly Mexican. But two years ago Mr. John Mahon, when in charge of the Botanic station in the Uganda Protect- orate, sent to Kew seeds of an Ipomoea which he had found at a high altitude and which he recom- mended as a good garden plant, as it formed a large woody shrub of pleasing habit with clusters of large purple and white flowers. A small plant raised from these seeds flowered at Kew in the spring of 1903, and as it proved to be new Mr. Wright named it I. Mahoni (See Gardeners" Chronicle, vol. xxxiii , 1903, p. 257). It was. then only a few inches high, but it has since grown to a height of 3 feet, the branches clothedi with oblong green leaves 2 to 4 inches long, and bearing terminal clusters of as many as a dozen flowers and buds. The plants were at their, best in mid-December, when they were most at*- tractive, the flowers being as large as those of I. Batatas and coloured bright red-purple and grey- white. Two of the Mexican " Tree Ipomceas," viz., I. arborescens and I. Wolcottiana, are in cultivation at Kew, but neither has as yet flowered. These two are said to form trees 30 feet high (see Garden Jj- Forest, 1894, p. 363), whereas I. Mahoni, according to Mr. Mahon, grows about 12 feet high, and as it grew at an altitude of 7000 feet it should thrive in temperate conditions. Plectranthus chiradzulensis. A pretty blue winter-flowering plant for the- greenhouse, of recent introduction from British Central Africa, has the misfortune to bear the above name, in consequence of its having been found on the summit of Mount Chiradzulu in that country. It has been in bloom for about a month in the Cape-house at Kew, and whilst it is- not so showy as Coleus thyrsoideus, it has an elegance in its loose panicles and a charm in the colour of its flowers that entitle it to favour. The largest plant at Kew is 3 feet high, with slender branches, opposite-stalked toothed green leaves not unlike those of the common Nettle, and terminal January 0, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 21 loose panicles G inches long and wide, of long- lipped, light-blue flowers. The leaves have a strong agreeable odour of ripe Apples. It was sent to Kcw by means of seeds in 1898 by Mr. John Mahon. Plectranthus crassus. This is a new species lately described from plants in flower at Kew, and which were raised from seeds sent by Mr. McClounie, of Zomba. It forms a stout, herbaceous shrub, and Mr. Mahon says it is used in British Central Africa for garden fences, as it soon grows into a thick, wall- like mass. The whole plant is covered with very much d-:eper in colour than the type. There are also a few plants of L. Gouldiana flowering, the shape and colour of the flower suggesting that it might be a natural hybrid between L. ancaps and L. autumnalis. L. albida and the variety bella with the pink lip are also flowering. Several varieties of the very pretty and distinct L. rubeseens (pedunculuris) are worthy of notice, the shape of the flowers being very much like Bletia hyaeintbiDa. Calanthe microglossa is a distinct evergreen species from Sumatra, having white sepals and petals and a yello^ lip. Bulbophyllum auri- comum, although belonging to the section of sepals and petals are pure white, the lip being, orange-yellow colour and brown ; the diameter of the flower about 2 inches. The leaves are- very narrow, and 12 to 18 inches long. Epidendrums are well represented just now. amongst which is a small plant of the charming E. Endresii, which is not seen often, although it flowered in the country in 1883. E. Wallisii is- another fine species now in full flower ; E. tovarense and E. chioneum have their creamy- white flowers at the apex of the stems. E. (Barkeria) Skinneri has borne a profusion of. flowers for tbe past six weeks and is still good. Miltonii Clowesii is a distinct species, with tia. 11.— the great conservatory at chatswokth, The Reiideni'S of the Du*e of Devonshire, visited by their Majesties the King and ijuecn duriou' thi present week. (3ee p 26 ) velvety hairs; the leaves, which have short petioles, are ovate, 3 to G inches long, the margins regularly crenate, the upper surface rich velvet-like green, the under side grey, with very closely reticulating prominent nerves. The flowers are borne on stout, erect terminal panicles a foot or more long, sometimes shoitly branched at the base ; they are purple-blue, and in effect not unlike the Meadow Sage. The plant is likely to be useful in subtropical gardening. \V. W., Kew. Orchids in Flower. Lselia anceps and L. autumnalis are making a fine display. A fine specimen of the former species is carrying fifteen good spikes of flowers ; amongst the latter species are several varieties Bulbophyllums having deciduous leaves, is a pretty plant when in flower, and it flowers freely. The inflorescence droops slightly, and is about G to 8 inches long; the flowers are white and very fragrant. Amongst the O Jontoglossums is a good spike of O. triiimphans about 3£ feet long and carrying over thirty flowers. O. pardinum is a nice species with a dense, erect inflorescence, forming quite a pyramid of chocolate and yellow-coloured flowers 18 inches high. 0. aspirhinum is another pretty species, and one not commonly grown. There is a very good variety of O. maculatum in flower, and a spike of O. Andersonianum. Cujlo- gyne graminifolia is represented by a specimen in a 10-inch pan carrying thirty-six spikes of flowers with three to six flowers on each ; the golden-yellow-coloured flowers about 2 inches- across, barred with chocolate colour. It is much more vigorous than most of the species. Oncidium- macranthum is now in full beauty, as also is O. suave, a much less known species than the former;, the spike is about 2 feet long and very slender ; the flowers scattered, and about \ inch in diameter, light-brown blotched with yellow. A charming little specimen of O. ornithorhynchum in a 5-inch pot is carrying eighteen spikes of its delicate pink -coloured flowers. Tainia penang- iana, an Orchid not much cultivated, is now freely flowering ; the erect spike of yellowish flowers 18 inches high are produced from the pseudo-bulbs made in the previous year ; it flowers when the plant is denuded of foliage. Several species of the much-neglected genus Mas- 22 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. \ January 9, 1904, devallia are making a good display, especially M. iguea with its bright orange-red-coloured flowers. M. tovarensis, probably the favourite of the genus, is also flowering freely. Other Orchids in flower and not generally grown, are Platyclinis cueumerina, P. gluinaeea and P. rufa ; Stetis tri- styla, with rather insignificant flowers, but a very interesting Orchid nevertheless : Kestrepia striata, with its numerous boat-shaped flowers striped with red and bright yellow; Listrostachys ha- mata, a charming Orchid, with rather large, white, almost stellate flowers produced in axillary spikes ; L. pellncida, having pendulous spikes about 9 inches long, with flowers J of an inch in •diameter, creamy-white, slightly fringed, some- what fleshy and pellucid : Cryptostylis arach- nites, an interesting Orchid, having a rosette of green leaves about 0 inches long, the peduncle arising from the centre carrying about a dozen flowers, the sepals and petals of which are very narrow and of a greenish colour ; the lip is ■densely blotched with ruby-red, and instead of being anterior, as in the majority of Orchids, it is posterior, giving the flower an inverted appear- ance, due to the non-twisting of the ovary, which occurs in nearly all Orchids. Many species, va- rieties and hybrid Oypripediums are making a good show, amongst which may be noted C. Lay- noldianum, C. Fitehianum, C. Appletonianum and O. Deedrnanianum. W. B. MARKET NOTES. CUCUMBER CULTURE. While some growers are preparing for the planting of the new year crops, others are con- tent to leave the houses just as the old crops were taken out. Now, whether Cucumbers or Tomatos were the last crop, no time should be lost before washing and scrubbing, not only the woodwork, but also the glass in each house. The ■walls should be thoroughly disinfected, for which purpose there is nothing better than a coat of hot slaked lime with a good dash of sulphur in it. As a disinfectant in house washing, I still adhere to the old-fashioned, ever-ready hot water, soft soap and paraffin. This is cheap and most effec- tive. Care should be exercised in so disposing of the old soil that it does not come in contact with ■compost to be used during the present season. Stephen Castle. Covent Garden- Market. Tulips in boxes were very plentiful, Proser- pine. Chrysolora, La Reine, Cottage Maid, Scarlet Van Tholl, and Thomas Moore being the chief sorts. Roman Hyacinths and Lily of the Valley are also in pots. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine and the Turnford Hall variety were looking fresh, and seemed to stand the cold weather fairly well. There is more trade now for small Ferns, as they are used extensively with the Tulips, Hyacinths, and other bulbs. The trade for larger Ferns and Palms was very dull. In cut flowers trade was better, and for most fresh material high prices were being made. I say *' fresh," for there appeared to be a good deal of rough and stale stock, especially in Chrysan- themums, though there were some good flowers. High prices were asked for Lily of the Valley. Lilium lancifolium was good, and L. longiflorum not quite so plentiful. Callas were good ; Eucharis are btill plentiful. Good Roses are now scarce, also best English Carnations. Narcissus obval- laris is making a good price. The French Market presented a very deserted appearance, Violets being alone plentiful. Paper- white Narcissus was making 20s. per pad. Safrano Roses are not quite so plentiful. Scarlet Ane- mones were in the market last week, but the cold weather seems to have stopped them. In the Fruit Market all supplies were very plentiful, and trade rather quiet. Most of the samples of Gros Colmar Grapes were very poorly coloured. The St. Michael Pines were good and cheap. Apples were particularly abundant, and most of the samples seen were of good quality. English consumers have the advantage when our own crop is short, for then we get imports more than sufficient to make up for the shortage. A. S., January 2. the one just described will enable you to produce an early crop of Peas without incurring the risks that are attached to sowing in the open. A few reliable early varieties may be sown now. Forcing. — See that the supplies of Asparagus, Seakale, Rhubarb, and salads are kept up by introducing fresh batches into heat when needful. The Week's Work. THE KITCHEN" GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Firth. Esq., Ashwicke Hall, Marshfield, Chippenham. Mint. — Those who struck cuttings in boxes during August will now be reaping their reward in a supply of fresh growths. Keep such in a temperature of 50°, and afford plenty of air on favourable occasions and sufficient water to keep the plants growing. Take up healthy roots from the reserve garden and lay them in boxes con- taining a moderately rich compost, covering the roots about three - quarters of an inch with equal parts sifted sandy loam and ashes to ward off slugs. Place them in a sheltered spot free from frost for introducing into heat as required. Preparing ground for crops. — After affording the dressing of lime advised last week, take every opportunity in frosty weather, when the ground is hard, to wheel on manure to every vacant plot in the garden where it will be re- quired, commencing with that part which will be dug or trenched first. The quantity of manure necessary will depend upon the nature of the crop that will follow and upon the condition of the soil. Manure that is already well decayed is often preferred to that fresh from the farm, yet for soil on a dry or gravelly bottom the fresher the manure the better; for if it be afforded in quantity, and is covered rather deeply with soil, it will retain the moisture longer than manure of a more solid nature. If, in addition to such manure, a mulching be applied afterwards at the proper time, the crops may be expected to mature evenly in the event of dry weather. It is in gardens that are not fitted up with every convenience to help Nature, when she is not in the mood to help her- self, that long manure, dug or trenched in now, will be in that state of decay for retaining moisture when most required. The sooner all vacant ground is turned-up roughly, that the frost and air may have more influence upon it, the better. If digging is to be done well, it re- quires to be looked after. When the digger does his work with his legs in such a position that a wheelbarrow might pass between them, depend upon it he is only turning up a few inches of the surface. He should stand up to the spade, drive it in to the treads, lever down the handle, lift the spadeful, and with a jerk turn the bottom soil to the surface. Peas. — Where there is no convenience indoors or in frames for a crop of Peas, it will be necessary to use pits. Select a sheltered spot that slopes to the south, and measure out the dimensions required. Then dig out the soil in the centre and place it round the edges, making it firm. Raise these banks to a height of 10 inches at the back, and slope them to about 8 inches at the front. Cover the area confined by these walls with ashes. The next thing to do will be to get pieces of fibrous turf 16 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Lay these on slates, placing the grassy side underneath. Then cut a groove up the centre of the earthy side of the turf with a trowel, sow the Peas in this groove and cover them iu the usual way. When this has been done, lift the slates and turves, and place them in the pits ; cover the pits with wooden shutters or galvanised-iron sheets, to shelter from rain or snow, and provide an addi- tional cover with mats or straw to protect from frost. These means will suffice until the Peas are through the soil, after which time they will need light and air. Although an old plan, FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fife, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge Park, Wantage. Figs. — Pot trees that are intended to ripen fruits in April should be started into growth, affording them a gentle bottom-heat. Whether the heat be derived from a bed of leaves or from hot water, it should be kept at about G5J to 70°. The atmospheric temperatures should be 50° at night and 00° to 65° by day ; but when growth has advanced a little the temperature at night may be increased gradually to 60°. Sueces- sional trees in borders should now be subjected to any degree of pruning that may be necessary, and the house and trees will need to be cleansed thoroughly with soft-soap and water. The system of training practised here is as nearly natural as is possible in a glasshouse with a lean- to roof. It consists in arranging the main branches at a distance of about 4 feet from the glass, and allowing all fruit-bearing wood to be perpendicular. By this system the wood ripens well, being subjected to a greater degree of light. We gathered our last dish of fruits last week from a tree of the variety Brown Turkey, trained upon this system. Strawberries. — Where early fruit is expected from plants placed under glass in Novem- ber, the beginner need not be discouraged if he finds that upon the plants opening their flowers about one-half of them are useless. For plants in flower maintain a circulation of warm dry air, and do not afford too much water to the roots. About noon each day go over the plants with a camel's-hair brush to distribute the pollen. Make the most of bright sunshine by allowing the temperature to rise by its means, closing the house early in the afternoon. Should the weather b come cold, a night temperature of 50° to r.o1 will be sufficient. Introduce another batch of plants for succession, placing them near to the glass, and affording them a temperature at night of 50°, which by day may be increased by sun-heat to 60°. Remove all decayed or damaged leaves, clean the pots, and examine the drainage for worms. Press the plants and roots firmly in the pots, but do not remove any of the surface soil, which ought to be a mass of root-fibres. If there is sufficient space, top-dress the plants with fine loam and a pinch of artificial manure. Melons. — To produce plants for ripening fruits in Jlty, sow seeds at once in 3- inch pots, which should be three parts filled with good friable loam, in a warm, moderately dry condition. Insert one seed in the centre of each pot. A satisfactory practice adopted here in raising early Melon plants is to plunge the pots in movable evaporating pans tilled with Cocoanut fibre or fine soil, and placed on the pipes near to the glass. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, flardener to Sir w. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddocknurst, Sussex. Wild Garden.— If it is intended to make a "wild" garden, select a piece of ground and clear away the underwood ; then trench and manure the land. Do not clear away too much at once, or a bare appearance would be the result and let in cold winds, but leave a few shrubs to pro- vide shelter and appearance. All bulbs will have been planted- out by this date in the grass or in other positions. If they have been planted in the grass, cut off the old tufts of strong-growing grasses before the bulbs appear above the surface, and do not again cut the grass until they have died down. Bulbs should be planted in masses for effect in about 500 of a sort — Aconites. Snow- drops, Narcissus, and any that have done blooming from the houses ; they will give a little bloom lor a few seasons, and help to cover the bare ground with their foliage. Where Camellias will thrive, they should be afforded a large pro- January 9, 1904.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. portion of peat or leaf-mould and road-scrapings, especially if the ground is of a heavy nature. Phint the Camellias irregularly at distances of 12 to 14 feet apart. Cydonia japonica and its varieties, Daphne Mezereum and D. 51. alba, Azaleas, Prunus sinensis and P. triloba, and Andromeda japonica, all require rough peat or leaf-mould. Clumps may be planted of hardy Fuchsia?, Forsythia suspensa, Clethra alnifolia (very sweet- scented), Staphylea colchica Kerria Any sur- plus canes of Wineberry, Raspberry, Black terry, from the kitchen - garden may be grouped to- gether. If these are permitted to grow wild they will 60on furnish the wild-garden and make it bright. A few rustic chairs should be placed in secluded spots, reached by winding paths made of rough stones laid flat and irregularly. The sides of some of these paths may be planted with Ligustrum elegantissimum, and a tew tall standards should be put at the back of the chair. Between the shrubs plant Anemones, Rhododen- drons Early Gem and Praecox, Lily of the Valley, Moss Roses, &c. Violets, or any Viola3 left from the autumn planting in the flower-garden, can be planted between the stones. Where there are sloping banks, a rustic chair can be let into the bank so as not to be seen from the main path, and planted up at the back with Brambles, varie- gated or green Hollies, and Veronica Traver.-ii. One of the prettiest walks here is planted with Cytisus ]every other one being a standard] in variety ; the colours are very bright, and la=t a long time. In the background are Foxgloves. Dahlias. — If these have been stored away in a shed and covered with coal ashes, look over them and cut away any decaying tubers, then dust a little slacked lime over them. Frost must also be excluded from them by covering them with dry Fern or similar material. Aquatirs should have 12 to 18 inches of water over the crown of the plants. If the water is covered with ice break it each day. Roses.— Severe weather having set in, a little dry bracken may be placed over tbe Tea varieties. The variety Mine. Lambard afforded us flower- buds on Christmas day. See that standard Roses do not rub against the supports. THE HAEDY PEUIT GAEDEN. By H. Mabkham, gr., Wrotham Park. Barnet. Morello Cherries. — For mossy trees apply quick- lime to the branches, when in a short space of time the moss will have disappeared. Orchard-trees. — It is seldom these trees con- tinue to be fruitful if left entirely to themselves. It is best to look over such trees annually, and thin out the branches according to the degree necessary. If the trees have been neglected for a long time do not thin them severely at one time, but reduce the heads gradually, taking out some of the branches each season until they are in a condition that light and air may circulate easily amongst the branches. When thinning out the branches remove first all those which cross and interlace each other, using a pruning-saw for the purpose, and smoothing the edges with a keen-edged knife. After this, scrape the moss from the thick stems and the bole of the trees with a piece of iron hoop or scraper made for the purpose, then dust over the whole some fresh lime, or syringe the trees with a solution of caustic soda and potash at the rate of J lb. of caustic soda, and \ lb. of crude potash in 5 or 6 gallons of water at a temperature of 100°. As a rule, however, a heavy dressing of good lime will be sufficient to cleanse the trees, and it should be applied during dull, foggy weather, when the branches are damp. Another good plan is to mix lime with water to the thickness of paint, and syringe the trees all over with this. Do not neglect the roots, but remember that manure-water from the farmyard will always be helpful to orchard trees, especially those on "light shallow land, no matter when it is applied. Young trees that produce good crops of fruit annually may be afforded a heavy top-dressing of manure before they become stunted in growth. Look over the heads annually and keep the centres open. Leading shoots should be shortened, according to their strength and length, to about 15 inches of the previous season's growth. Any side-shoots not required may be spurred back to within two buds from the base. Gooseherries. — Prune and dress the bushes, re- membering that it is on the young wood that the best and most abundant fruits are pro- duced. Do not hesitate to thin the heads freely ; crowded bushes produce small berries only. Evenly-balanced, well-thinned Gooseberry bushes, when heavily laden with fruit, will assume a pendulous habit, and the centre of each being partly open, the crop can be more conve- niently gathered. When prunins. reserve any young growths that may be required to fill gaps, shorten slightly those long and weak, and spur back to two buds the side growths ; then remove the prunings and scrape a few inches of the top soil from under the bushes, replacing same with good loam and manure. Dust the branches over with soot and lime, and repeat this at intervals. Applications of manure-water during winter will be beneficial. THE OECHID HOUSES. By \v. H. White, Orchid Grower to Bir Tkevob Lawbk.sxk, Bart., Burford. DorkiL : Oncidiums. — The distinct O. Lanceanum ha3 always been considered a difficult one to grow well, and large, healthy specimens are rarely seen. It is difficult to keep the leaves free from spot, and when once infected with the disease the plants seldom recover good health. During the past six or eight weeks the plants at Burford have been kept rather dry at the roots, and in a temperature averaging about 00° day and night ; the hygrometer has shown the atmo- spheric conditions to be from 1 to J5=, and a moist atmosphere. By keeping the young plants in a growing con- dition the bulbs will the sooner be in a condi- tion to flower, and any worthless varieties can then be thrown out. Hippeastrums require liberal cultivation. Young seedlings should be shifted into larger pots as soon as the pots havo- become filled with roots, but a 6-inch pot is suffi- ciently large for a bulb to flower in for the first time. 24 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ",ANUABY 9, 1904. 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 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. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editor does nit 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. Illustrations. — The Editor will be glad to receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction f of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flow rs, trees, <£e. ; 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. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. ■ajTnpnAv i,„ .. I Scottish Horticultural Associa- ■SATDRDAY, JAN. 9j tion Meet. (Scottish Horticultural Associa- tion. Annual Meeting in fcdinburgh. SATURDAY, Jan. in- German Gardeners' Club Meet. 8ALES FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY and FRIDAY NEXT— Hardy Border Plants and Bulbs, Azaleas, Rosep, &c., at 67 and 68, Cheapside, EC, Dy Protheroe and Morris, at 12, WEDNESDAY, January 13— Palms, Plants, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Roses, Perennials, &c. at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C , by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 —Roses, Lilacs. Fruit- trees. Japanese Liliums, &c, at Stevens' Rooms, at 12.30. FRIDAY NEXT— Consignment of Orchids from Columbia, and others, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 30. i For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Avebaqe Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick - 366 . Actual Temperatures :— London.— Jan. 6 (6 p.m.) : Max. ir;Mln.35°. Jan. 7 (noon) Mild, dull. Provinces. - Jan. 8 (6 p.m.* : Max. 50'. off Land's End ; Mln. 85", Yorkshire Coast. National During the last season much Potato attention was given to matters society. relating to Potatos. From all parts of the country reports of immense crops and still more immense prices have found their way into the daily Press, while the correspondence in the Hor- ticultural papers has proved that expert interest in the matter was keen. These and many other things concurred to suggest that a Society devoted exclusively to the Potato was desirable. Mr. W. P. Wright, there- fore, set inquiries on foot to ascertain the state of feeling in the country, and the re- plies he received were so encouraging that he decided to call a meeting to discuss the whole affair. With a view to secure the presence and co- operation of members of theCounty Councils •this was held on Wednesday, December 30, at the Hotel Windsor. The Chair was taken by Mr. A. D. Hall, Kothamsted, and there were between fifty and sixty persons present. In opening the proceedings, of which we gave a summary in our last issue, the Chair- man referred briefly to the many points of interest in connection with the culture of the Potato as well as to its value as a food. He thought that a society such as the one it was proposed to institute could not fail to be of the utmost benefit to every one in the country. It might be made the means of distributing information upon this the most important of all our vegetable crops to the small and to the large grower, not only on the cropping properties of the several varieties, but also on the cooking qualities and the adaptability of certain sorts to particular soils and climates. The difficulty which always presented itself to those who were desirous of furnishing useful information was to reach the proper people, and the speaker was of the opinion thatasocietyof this nature would aid materially through its members and the local eommittees it was proposed to establish in attaining this end. The Chairman adverted to the difficulties he had constantly experi- enced during the time that he was making certain experiments with Potatos in secur- ing the precise material that was necessary, and thought that had a Potato Society been then established it would have been in a position to render him invaluable assistance. Mr. Hall persistently kept to the fore his sympathy with the movement, and concluded by requesting Mr. W. P. Wright to bring forward his resolution. At the outset Mr. Wright enlarged at some length upon the importance of the Potato crop of this country, and called attention to the fact that our imports of tubers during the past season approxi- mated in value to t'2,000,000, and evidently considered that, with accurate knowledge on various points, much of this enor- mous sum might have been kept at home. He held in his hand a thick bundle of letters, from which he proceeded, after his intro- ductory remarks, to make some extracts. These breathed a uniform spirit of en- couragement, and contained promises of support. Having proved to the satisfaction of all present that he had the support of growers from all quarters of the United Kingdom, Mr. Wright proceeded to move what may be considered one of the most comprehensive resolutions that has ever been placed before a meeting. It embodied the reasons why the Society should be formed, propositions for the estab- lishment of central, local, and commercial Committees, the nomination of officers, and a suggested code of rules. Of this resolution, of which we were last week unable to give the text, as our pages were in the press at the time, we now give full details: — " That this meeting is of opinion that in view of the national importance of the Potato as a food crop, the dangers which assail it from various diseases, the urgent want of disease- resisting varieties of high-cropping qualities and good flavour, the necessity for a system of classi- fication, the desirability of establishing trial stations in various parts of the country, and the educational value of exhibitions, it is desirable to form a National Potato Society. And the meeting agrees that such Society be hereby formed. " And the meeting further agrees that with a view to immediate action the following gentle- men be appointed a Committee : — Mr. A. D. Hall, Kothamsted, Chairman; Mr. G. Gordon, V.M.H., Kew, Vice-Chairman ; Dr. Maxwell T. Masters ; Professor Percival, Beading ; and Messrs. Edwin Beckett, Aldenham ; B. Lewis Castle, Eidgmont ; E. T. Cook, Chiswick ; A. Dean, Kingston-on- Thames ; M. J. B. Dunstan, Wye ; and Charles Foster, Beading. " And the meeting further agrees that the following gentlemen be appointed Secretaries or Joint-Secretaries of Provincial Trial Sub-Com- mittees, to be formed on their recommendation, with seats and votes on the Central Committee — Messrs. G. Berry, Northumberland ; A. Dean, Surrey; H. Dunkin, Warwickshire; J. Ettle, Somersetshire ; W. Goaring, Sussex ; W. A. How- man, Gloucestershire ; S. Heaton, Oxfordshire ; E. Hobday, Cambridgeshire ; David Houston, Dublin ; C. Ilott, Cornwall ; P. Mann, Bucking- hamshire ; A. J. Manning, Herefordshire ; J. Newsham, Hampshire ; W. Neild, Cheshire ; Thos. Bedington, Yorkshire; J. B. Biding, Kent; Bobert Cock, Staffordshire ; T. Sharp, Wiltshire ; J. Smith, Midland Agricultural Institute ; J. Udale, Worcestershire ; C. Wakely, Essex j J. H. Walker, Northants and Eutlandshire ; J. Weathers, Middlesex ; and Horace J. Wright, Kent. " And the meeting further agrees that the following gentlemen, growers of Potitos for sale or dealers in Potatos, be appointed a Sub-Com- mittee for the purpose of advising the Central Committee on all commercial questions connected with Potatos : — Messrs. W. J. Atkinson, Spalding ; T. J. Blaydes, Epworth ; G. Bunyard, Maidstone ; C. W. Breadmore, Winchester; H. Cannell, Swanley ; W. Cuthbertson (Dobbie&Co.), Eothe- say; E.J. Deal (W. W. Johnson & Son, Ltd.), Boston ; Bobert Fenn, Sulhamstead ; — Marsh (Fidler& Son), Beading; A. Findlay, Markinch ; John Green (Hobbies, Ltd.), Dereham ; Ed. Owen Greening (One-and-All), London; W. L. Maiden, Ham ; George Massey, Spalding ; E. Miles, Leicester ; and P. M. Miller', Worcester Park. "And the meeting further agrees that the Earl of Eoseeert, K.G., be requested to become President ; failing him, a president to be selected by the Committee. "And the meeting further agrees that a number of patrons be elected, at a minimum subscription of one guinea per annum. " And the meeting further agrees that, in order to encourage cottagers to become members, the minimum subscription for active members shall be 2s. Gd. per annum." " And the meeting further agrees that the following shall be the rules governing the Society . . . ." These rules, which we do not repro- duce, are ten in number, and have the respective titles : Title of the Society, Objects of the Society, Membership, Privileges of Members, Officers and their Election, the Committee, Annual General Meeting, Alteration of Rules. Mr. Alexander Dean seconded the reso- lution. This great authority upon Potatos said that before being called upon to second the resolution, he had no knowledge of what it contained, but he was so convinced of the necessity of establishing a society of the nature suggested that he was pleased to be able to give it his entire support. He referred to one or two cultural matters and considered that the Society would be able to distribute much valuable information. Mr. Thomas Redington, Yorkshire College, Leeds ; Mr. G. Massey, Spalding, and Dr. M. T. Masters, all supported the resolution, which, upon being put to the vote, was carried without a single dissentient. Mr. George Gordon proposed, and Mr. C. Wakeley seconded, and it was carried unanimously, that Mr. Walter P. Wright, be appointed Secretary. Thus one more " special Society " is added to the list. Evidently the growers think- that a good case has been made out for its establishment. If the purely commercial element is not allowed disproportionate importance, nor too much stress laid on exhibitions as such, then there is a wide field January 9, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 25 ol usefulness open to the Society in the way of selection of appropriate varieties, in the prevention of disease, and in the precautions •to be taken against the spread of disease which are now often so carelessly ignored. Chrysanthemums at Moor Hall, Har- row, Essex. — The supplementary illustration to our present issue is reproduced from a photo- graph of Chrysanthemums grown for the produc- tion of exhibition blooms in the gardens of ■John Balfour, Esq., Moor Hall, Harlow, Essex. The photograph was taken on November 2, 1903. Mr. and Mrs. Balfour, who purchased their Moor Hall estate just over four years ago, take a (keen interest in Chrysanthemums, and are fond •of first-class blooms, which are used for decora- tive purposes in the dwelling-house. The gar- dener, Mr. Jf.fferies, seen in the photograph, ■commenced his career as an exhibitor of Chrys- anthemums three years ago, at the National •Chrysanthemum Society's November show in the Eoyal Aquarium. He won the 1st prize for twenty-four Japanese flowers, distinct ; the 2nd .prize for twelve Japanese varieties, distinct ; and two 1st prizes for single vases of six flowers. Coleus thyrsoideus (blue). Groups of these plants were shown by Messrs. Veitch and by Messrs. Cannell. Mr. Ware, Feltham, had a large and varied group of alpine plants, arranged according to their genera. Although not in rflower, this group was especially instructive from the manner in which it was arranged, and rich in Saxifrages, Sedums, Sempervivums, hardy •Cacti, and similar plants. Messrs. Cutbush had •a similar but smaller group, in which some of the spring Irises— I. histrioides, I. sophemensis, and • others — gave promise that spring is not very far off. THE New Hall is progressing satisfactorily. The roof is in course of construction. The build- ing is plain, and though much cannot be said in Tavour of its appearance it hardly deserves the ■severe criticisms passed on it, whUst so far as utility is concerned it appears satisfactory. There ■is urgent need of funds to complete the building. Chiswick is practically abandoned, and a substantial sum for the surrender of the lease is anticipated, but not yet obtained. Most of the labourers are already dismissed. Arrangements ■are being made at Wisley for the reception of the students. Plant and Animal Breeding. — A meeting was called at St. Louis, Missouri, on December 29 and 30, 1903, by the American Association of Agricultural Colleges and Experiment Stations to organise a Plant and Animal Breeders' Asso- ciation. The following is a list of papers and addresses that were promised : Dr. David G.Faihchild, O. S. Department of Agri- culture, "Plant and Animal Introduction." Prof. N. E. Hansen, South Dakota Agricultural College. "Breeding Hardy Northwestern Fruits." Dr. Cyril G. Hopkins, University of Illinois, "Ex- periments in Corn Breeding." Dean C. F. Curtiss, Iowa Agricultural College, " Experiments in Animal Breeding " Prof. Huijo de Veies, University of Amsterdam, Holland, "Investigation into the Heredity of Sporting Varieties." Dr. Charles D. Woods, University of Maine, "Ex periments in Breeding Chickens." Prof. Andrew Boss. University of Minnesota, " Mea- suring the Breeding Value of Parents." Prof. F. B. MUMioBD, Missouri Kxperiment sution, "The Significance of the Birth Weight in Animal Breeding. " Dr. H. J. Weiiber, U. s. Department of Agriculture, " Plant Breeding in the U. S. Department of Agricul- ture " ; " Cell Studies in Relation to Breeding." Dr. W. T. Swinole, U. S. Department of Agriculture, " Relation of Life History Studies to Plant Breeding." Mr. C. S. Scoi ield, U. S. Department of Agriculture, " Description Forma and Score Cards as Helps to Breeders." Prof. John A. Chain, Texas Agricultural College, " Work of the Judge at Animal Shows." Mr. H. H. Groit, Simcoe, Ontario, "Breeding from Tame versus Wild Species." Prof. W. J. Spillman, U. S. Department of Agricul- ture, " Statistical Results in Breeding." Prof. W. M Hays, University of Minnesota, • Distri- buting Valuable New Varieties and Breeds." Prof. E. Davenport, University of Illinois, "Teaching Thremmatology." Prof. R. A. Emebson, University of Nebraska, " Breeding Beans." Mr. J. D. Funk, Bloomington, Illinois, "Commercial Corn Breeding." Dr. C. B. Davenport, Chicago University, "Inherit ance of the Effeots of Training"; "Studies in Inherit- ance iu Mice." Dean J. H. Siieppabd, N. D. Agricultural College, " Breeding ior and on the Range." Dr. Wm. Saunders, Canadian Kxperiment Farm, Ottawa, " Wheat Breeding in Canada: Its Objects and Results." Prof. M. A. Carleton, U. S. Department of Agricul- ture, "Notes on Wheat Hybrids of the Tnird Genera- tion." Prof. H. F. Roberts, Kinsas Agricultural College, " Breeding Soy Beans." Other Papers expected to be sent in or to be delivered in person, and persons expected to take part in the discussion : — Prof. R. L. Bennett, Texas Experimental Station, " Cotton Breeding." Dr. C. E. Saunders, Dominion Experiment Farms, " Some Observations on Heredity iu Wheat." Supt. Geo. McKerrow, Sussex, Wis., "Sheep BreedlDg." Dr. O. F. Cook, U. s. Department of Agriculture, " Application of the Theory of Evolution to Breeding." Mr. W. A. Obton, U. S. Department of Agriculture, " Breeding Plants lor Resistance to Disease." Mr. J. B.Norton, U. S. Department of Agriculture, "Mendel's Law in Relation to Practical Breeding." W. M. Hays, St. Anthony Park, Minn., Chairman of the Organising Committee. "The Botanical Magazine."— The January number opens with a coloured figure and descrip- tion of Cymbidium rhodocheilum, Eolfe, tab. 7932 and 7933. This curious orchid is a native of Madasgascar and always grows on masses of Fern, Platycerium, itself growing as an epiphyte upon a tall tree, Albizzia f astigiata. Mr. Hemsley tells us that " all the species of Phacellaria, a small genus of shrubby parasites belonging to the Santalaeese, are parasitic on different species of the equally parasitic genus Loranthus." We seem here to have a state of things analogous to double grafting as practised in fruit-trees. The Cym- bidium above-mentioned flowered at Kew in May, and has elongate spindle-shaped pseudo-bulbs, linear leaves 2 to 3 feet long, and stalked erect racemes of numerous green flowers, with a lip bearing scarlet blotches. Each flower is about 4 inches in diameter. The sepals are oblong, green, spreading; the petals ascending, green, with numerous purplish spots. The lip has two spreading lobes of a deep pink colour with a central yellow blotch also spotted. Prostanthera denticulata, R. Brown, t. 7934. — A shrubby Australian Labiate, suitable for green- house culture, with small linear leaves and racemes of small purplish flowers. Temperate- house, Kew. Arethusa sinensis, Rolfe, t. 7935.— A Chinese terrestrial Orchid, with broadly-ovate plicate leaves, and stalked racemes of sub-cylindric tubular flowers, the segments cream-coloured edged with pink. Kew. Passifiora vitifolia, Humboldt, Bonpland, and Kunth, t. 793G. — A very handsome species intro- duced under various names, and although very beautiful yet rarely met with. It has deeply three-lobed leaves, and large brilliant scarlet flowers. Kew. It would be convenient if the names of the plants and some scale of magnitude were given on the plates as well as in the text. The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent In- stitution. — The sixty-fifth annual general meeting of the members and subscribers of this Institution will bo held at the Covent Garden Hotel, Southampton Street, Strand, London, W.C. (adjoining Covent Garden Market), on Thursday, January 21, 1904, at 3 p.m., for the purpose of receiving the report of the Committee and the accounts of the Institution (as audited) for the year 1903 ; electing officers for the year 1904 j and for the election of twelve pensioners on the funds. The chair will be taken by Harry J. Veitch, Esq., Treasurer and Chairman of Com- mittee, at 3 o'clock. The Poll will open at 3.15 o'clock and close at 4.30 o'clock precisely, after which hour no voting-papers can be received. The voting-papers have all been issued. Any subscriber entitled to vote and not having re- ceived a proxy should communicate with the Secretary, at 175, Victoria Street, Westminster. The annual Friendly Supper will take place after- wards in the same Hotel, when the chair will be taken at 6 p.m. by Leonard Sutton, Esq., of Beading. The Importation of Potatos.— At the inauguration of the Potato Society, referred to in another column, whilst reference was made to the enormous importations from the Continent, the fact that a very large supply is derived in early spring from our own Channel Islands was overlooked. A good deal was said about the necessity for raising disease-resisting varieties, and no doubt that is a matter of great im- portance. Very little, if anything, was said about those hygienic precautions which are so necessary to prevent the access of disease or check its spread. The most culpable careless- ness still exists in the disposal of diseased tubers and rotting haulm. Spraying two or three times in the course of the season is a good investment, but the destruction by fire^of diseased tubers and foliage is even better. The Fruit Commission. — Some of our correspondents express surprise that we, and other organs of the Horticultural Press, have not expressed ourselves with enthusiasm over the appointment of this Commission. So far as we are concerned, there are various reasons for this. In the first place, we werej allowedj to remain in ignorance of the proposed ^Commission, and to get what modicum of information we possess from the dady papers. Some experience, more- over, of Commissions leads us to doubt whether much good comes from them. We hope it may be otherwise in this case. Some of our corre- spondents also point out that ^the cider-making interest is too prominent, and that the real fruit- growing industry is not adequately represented. Some assert that if there is sufficient financial 20 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1904. inducement there will be no lack of growers, whilst others see in our existing land-laws a great obstacle t) the formation of small holdings on which the growers could plant for their own benefit and not for that of posterity. A great gar- dener is said to hare expressed the opinion that the only means of reducing the present over- crowding among gardeners is to enable many of them to become the possessors of small holdings on which to exercise their skill and labour in a profitable manner. Whether small holdings are suitable for commercial fruit growing on a large scale is a pjint, we think, open to much doubt. Notes f*om La MORTOLA. — Sir Thomas Hanburt writes: — "Fortunately we have had no cold weather up till now, although the tem- perature is rather low, owing to so many rainy days. Roses were very abundant during De- cember. Carnations [and Mignonette are covered every night and aredoing well; and of Narcissi, the common purs white form (N. Tazetta papyraceus) is just beginning to open. The number of different species of plants now in flower at La Mortola is certainly not inferior to that of other years. Of those published in former years at this time in the Gardeners' Chronicle, all are flowering again, with a few trifling exceptions. Of monocotyledonous plants two fine specimens of Agave Scolymus, a form with rather thin but large leaves and strong brown spines, deserve special notice. Aloe ^Schweinfurthii is finer than in former years. It is generally in flower at Christmas - time. There is certainly no other specimen like this in any other garden, and it will remain so, as it [ never produces seeds nor offshoots. Aloe pendens and rubroviolacea, which have been figured lately in the Botanical Magazine, are earlier this year than before. Besides these, Aloe Peacockii, A.^ciliaris, A. socotrana, and A. arborescens, are beginning to open their first flowers. Of Palms, Arehontophcenix Cun- ningharui has a spadix with male flowers only. A male Phoenix macrocarpa (Hort.), is also flower- ing. The principal trees now in flower are Eucalyptus Globulus and.E. sideroxylon, Banksia marcescens and B. integrifolia, Schinus molle, Oreopanax Epremesnilianum, dactyliforme and Thibauti, thiee fine Araliaceous plants, Casimiroa edulis of the Rutaceous family, with fruits resem- bling Oranges, but with palmate leaves, from Mexico. Most of the Acacias are not yet out, but A. Farnesiana and A. subccerulea have been flowering since October. Of our numerous climbers Bignonia buccinatoria, with its large, trumpet-shaped corollas, has been a long time in flower. It never fruits on the Riviera, but it does so in Sicily. Tacsonia van Volxemi, Passi- flora racemosa, Hexacentris coccinea, Cobam scandens, Tecoma capensis, Solanum ja;minoide3 may be seen during the greater part of the year. The little climber Manettia bicolor from South Brazil, with its bright scarlet flowers, is very pretty. The shrubs in flower now are too numerous to be mentioned here. There are several Grevilleas and Hakeas, Dodonieas, &c, from Australia, shrubby Salvias, Daturas, Streptosolen, Cantua, Montanoa, Cassias, Ta- getes, &c, from Mexico and South America; Loiseleuria coccinea, a Polemoniaceous plant, from Mexico and Dermatobotrys Sandersi from Natal, are flowering for the first time here. Succulents do not seem to like the continual wet of this last month. Cotyledon macrantha shows everywhere its terra-cotta-coloured buds; C. fulgida and retusa, and several others of the Echeveria section are in flower. Sempervivum arboreum has just formed its pyramidal inflores- cence. Bryophyllum crenatum from Madagascar is always out at Christmas ; here it assumes a brighter colour than in the North. Mesembryan- themum steilatum is'quite a gem; its compara- tively large crimson flowers cover the whole plant when it opens in the sun. The plant is so small that it can easily be covered with a hand. Several Stapelias are still in bloom — for instance, S. grandiflora, variegata, mutabilis, discolor, &c. ; Huernia Penzigii and H. aspera, and a curious hybrid between these two ; Caralluma maroccana, europiea and Simonis. T. Hanbury, La Mortola, January 1, 1904." COCOANUT BUTTER !— It having appeared to some concerned in the manufacture of margarine that the available stocks of raw material were becoming somewhat circumscribed, considering the demand for the finished article, an enquiry was made, and Cocoanut-oil was sent to the laboratory ; success was reported, barring the odour. As with many other subjects, the chemist was equal to the occasion ; the disagreeable in- gredient has been removed, and the vegetation of every warm clime is at the service of the margarine manipulator, who, we have been told, operates in Belgium and Holland. The principal supplies of the raw material come from London and Marseilles. In connection with this matter it may not be out of place to note that, according to a report just recently published, the acreage under Cocoanut Palms in the Solomon group has increased one -third within the past three years. CHATSWORTH.— In connection with the Royal visit we reproduce from our Chatsworth Supple- ment, published some years since, an illustration of the great conservatory (see fig. 11, p. 21), designed by the late Sir Joseph Paxton, and which furnished the model for the great Exhi- bition of 1851 in Hyde Park, afterwards removed to Sydenham. The Chatsworth conservatory is about 300 feet in length, 145 feet in breadth, and 05 feet in height, covering 1 acre of ground, and is planted with Palms, Musas, and other tropical plants. The Emperor fountain is a simple jet, rising to a height of 29G feet. (See fig. 12, p, 27.) COLONIAL NOTES. Pineapples in Singapore. — A recently- published report of the Straits Settlements states that in Singapore the Pineapple industry con- tinues to prosper ; the area planted with Pines being still further extended. Notwithstanding this, the price of the fruit has risen. Some 426,000 cases of the fruit were sent to Europe and America during the year — an increase of 25,000 cases. Tea in Central African Protectorate. — Mr. McClounie, an official of the Government, writes, under recent date, that the progress made by the Tea plants during the past year shows that there is little difficulty in the successful cul- tivation of the plant on the deep black soils of Zomba. The question of success is therefore not one of cultivation, but depends on rainfall. It is only a very limited area of the Protectorate that has a suitable rainfall — that is, approaching 110 inches annually with an altitude of 3,000 feet above sea-level, and an annual normal rainfall of 50 inches, such as Zomba obtains, and also the greater part of South Uganda. It is only from such districts as south-east Ulange and north- west Nyasaland that Tea may ever be expected to become a successful commercial product. The altitude of the latter district is from 1,500 feet to 2,500 feet, and obtains an annual normal rainfall of 70 inches. West AUSTRALIA.— The report of the Govern- ment botanist, Mr. Alex. Morrison, mentions the fact that an excursion for the study and col- lection of the native flora was made in September and October to the Stirling Range in the south of the state. The district is an arid one, but nevertheless a large number of specimens was collected, the detailed study of which has been deferred owing to the pressure of routine work, which might be done by trained assistants. Western Australia is the only Australasian state- that has not had its botany worked out in detail.. although its large area and peculiar flora render it peculiarly favourable for the study of problems • in the biology of plants that have a direct bear- ing on the growth of the plants cultivated in. their vicinity. Rubber Planting in the Far East.— It is- stated in the India Rubber World, of November 1, that an estimate has recently been made by the publishers of the Tropical Agriculturist of the- extent of Rubber planting in Ceylon. The total area planted in Rubber trees (chiefly Hevea) is- estimated at 11,630 acres. The number of trees on this area is believed to be from 3,500,000 to 4,000,000; but it is difficult to obtain an exact estimate on this point, because the distance at which the trees are planted varies, and also- because more than half the area mentioned is also- planted in Tea. The Tropical Agriculturist also estimates that there are about 3,000,000 Rubber trees in the Straits Settlements (including the Federated Malay Straits) covering some 16,600" acres. Of these trees probably a third are five years old or over. The Agricultural News. Hybridisation of Pine-apples. — Before reaching that part of the garden [Hope Garden.. Jamaica] where the pinery beds are located. Mr. Fawcett treated us to a most impressive sight — that of witnessing the progress which is being made in the experimental hybridisation of Pines. The superior qualities of the Ripley va- rieties as to flavour, and the excellent qualities- of the Smooth Cayenne as to large size and weight, good keeping, and ability to bear long, transport, gave rise to the idea that if the two varieties could be crossed, the hybrid product would most likely partake of the mixed qualities of both parents. At Hope, during the present year, it is gratifying to observe that these opera- tions are on a scale at least large enough to deserve, if not, indeed, to command, success. That this delicate operation has been skilfully per- formed at Hope is shown by the abundance of the seed obtained and the large number of seedling, plants procured. I estimated that there are this- year between 1,500 and 2,000 seedling plants thus cross-fertilised, and known as Cayenne x Ripley,, growing in the nurseries at Hope ; so that there is surely a hopeful chance of more than one superior variety being evolved. Cited in the " Agricultural News," Dec. 19, 1903. Colonial Publications Received— The Aus- tralian (Jardcu and Field (Adelaide ana MelDourne), the olticial journal of the Royal Horticultural Society ana the Horticultural Improvement Society of Victoria, and the Victorian Gardeners' Association. Devoted to agriculture, horticulture, ana viticulture. A useful puolication.— Indian Planting and Gardening (Calcutta). Editor and proprietor, H. St. John Jackson, F.L.S. A. journal deaiiuy with Tea, Coffee, Indigo, Economic Products, and Gardening. This advocates scientific as opposed to rule of-thumb and traditional methods of horticulture, and is full of valuable information con - cerniB.L.' the products above-named.— Agricultural Bul- letin o/ the strait' ami Federated Malay State*. October. Coatents : Cotton, ihe Mosquito Piaui(Ocimumviride) ;. notes on Rubber from different districts, an Abnormal Oocoaout &c.—Thc Agricultural Journal of the Cape of Good Hope December. Contents : Kural Cape Colony (illustrated), New OaS-tree Pest, the Great Drought. i£c. —Proce-dings antlJournal of the Agricultural and Horti- cultural Society of India, Gon.aius a description and plate of Cassia nodosa.— Bulletin of Muceltaneoux Infor- mation, Rota 'deal Department. Trinidad. October. Con- tents : Management of Law us, M mgoand Lime, Coll'ea robusta. M*urie Poultry Manager. HOME ^CORRESPONDENCE. (Thel Editor does not hold himself responsible for the 'opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) TAILBY'S new HYBRID LILY. — Ina recent issue •there is mention made of Tailby's new hybrid "Lily " and as the statement there made is mis- ground until the tops are killed down by frost, then cleaned and stored as Potatos until planting; time again. There is a great future for Calla Mr3. Roosevelt, as it is adapted to so many decor- ative purposes, as single specimens in pots or tubs, large masses in park or garden, for border culture, or indeed any form of summer decorative work, where a minimum of storage room in winter is available. Curiously enough, this plant comes true from seed; these are sown outdoors in May as one would sow garden Peas, and they germinate at once, flowering the third or fourth year. "We have tubers of this Calla that could not be potted in 8-inch pots owing to their large size ; in shape and method of increase they exactly resemble Caladium tubers. J. Tailby $ Son, Wellesley, Man. dils are being raised all over England, and, in fact, all over the world. In the Christmas number of a New Zealand paper, four new seed- lings are figured, and look promising. My im- pression is that all the " i's " and the " ii's " will have to be abandoned as sectional names, and the varieties so called to go into the magni, medii, and parvi classification, with perhaps one or two additional classes. The Royal Horticul- tural Society's Narcissus Committee should decide in an arbitrary way to which class a variety belongs, as is done by the Dahlia Com- mittee in the case of the Cactus Dahlias. The honour to the raiser could not and need not be overlooked. The method of the old florists was, to write the name, followed in brackets by the Fig. 12.— the emperor fountain, displayed before the king and queen at chatsworth on monday last, (see p. 26.) 'leading, it is desirable to correct the same as soon as possible before it becomes a matter of record . As a matter of fact, the plant noted is not a Lily, but a cross-bred Calla, the result of crossing the common Calla or Ricbardia albo-maculata with the fine C. Elliottiana. The result being as to colour of blooms exactly intermediate, that is to say, a beautiful lemon yellow with the charac- teristic deep brown base to the flowers. In vigor the new variety exceeds all expectations in that it exceeds the common R. sethiopica in growth, -vigorous plants blooming with the first leave?, these being beautifully spotted in both parents, and attaining a height of 3 to 4 feet during the season. It should also be said that the plant is no more hardy than a Potato ; the tubers, in fact, are treated exactly as Potatos in their culture. Being planted out in settled, warm weather here in May, they are left in the NARCISSUS NAMES. — I read the article in a recent issue by Rev. G. H. Engelheart, and am very glad he has taken up the question of the classification of Daffodils. With bis remarks I am entirely in agreement, and think that the simpler the classification the better. Professor HiUhouse at Birmingham suggested that a separate class (the flat-crowned sorts) should be called Engelhearti, in honour of the immense im- provement that gentleman has made in this flower. Personally, I do not think it is necessary, for as long as the Narcissus is grown, so long will Engelheart's name be known. If this system is to be continued, it would only be fair to make Graaffii include all the white trumpets, and Wavereni all the giant trumpets. Now there are the green crown varieties which have been already raised at two separate places ; they could claim insertion in a new class. Seedling Daffo- raiser's name. I am sure all Daffodil growers are greatly indebted to such men as Barr, Bur- bid ge, Horsfield, Backhouse and others ; and that it is in no other spirit than that of simplifying the classification that the omission of "i" and the " ii," (feo.j is suggested. John Pope. THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT IN- STITUTION.—In the face of the melancholy fact that the voting-paper for the next annual election to the above Institution on the 21st inst. contains the names of fifty-three candidates, of which number only twelve can be elected, it is incum- bent upon all who take an interest in so excellent a charity to open up as far as possible new channels'by which increased means may flow into the treasury. There are about the country a large number of gardeners' societies, the members of which meet weekly or less often ; and it seems 28 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ( January 0; 1904, to me there is thus offered opportunities for the collection of small sums, say, one penny per week from each member. So far, I am not aware that these societies have rendered assistance in this direction as bodies, though individual members may have done so. In the course of the next few days I shall be addressing two such societies, and it is my intention to make an appeal for weekly contributions. Members of the Committee of the Institution and others who reside in or near London are occasionally invited as lecturers, and thus have an opportunityof setting forth not only the objects of the Institution, but also the means by which increased support might be obtained. I think, also, that if leaflets were prepared having on one side, in a condensed but clear form, some account of the objects of the Society and its work, and on the other side a subscription- form, with an intimation that small sums are acceptable, and such leaflets distributed at our large provin- cial flower-shows, some increased support would be forthcoming. It would not, I think, be difficult to organise a small band of gardeners, having hearts touched by deep sympathy with the objects of the Institution, who would be willing to under- take such a work. What is required are labourers in the vineyard of charity. R. D. RIPE MELONS IN DECEMBER.— I was recently in the gardens at Petworth Park, and was sur- prised to find a batch of winter Melons. Mr. Pull, the gardener, had cut the first fruits that morning (December 24) to send into the house. The variety grown is Petworth Park Green-flesh, and the fruits weigh on an average 2J to 3 lb. each ; they are evenly netted and of a grand flavour. Mr. Pull told me that he grows the variety early and late. F . J. Foster. I have had the variety Duchess of York produce ripe fruits in December and January ; but the usual colour and flavour were absent. It is a white-fleshed Melon with golden-coloured exterior. I cannot understand how your corre- spondent, A. Head, could obtain colour or flavour as he would in May or June. Melons not only want heat, but sunshine [or electric light. Ed. |. Before writing as "A. Read" did, he should send a fruit to the Editor, that its flavour might be tested. J. S. A. K. REMARKABLE PLANTS OF CYPRIPEDIUM IN- SIQNE. — In reference to Mr. Webster's note on p. 4, I saw the same plants two years ago. They are certainly unusual examples of cultural skill, but they are of the old type. I doubt if anyone could get such fine plants of first-class varieties, or whether they would stand the amount of feed- ing that Mr. Crosswell gives his plants. Mr. Chapman, when lecturing to the Beckenham Hor- ticultural Society, strongly condemned the feeding for Cypripediums. I should be glad to know the kind of potting compost Mr. Crosswell uses. O. Stratford, Totteridge, Hove. WINTER -FLOWERING CARNATIONS.— Having read with interest the notes that have appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle upon Tree-Carnations, may I ask Mr. Knellar, of Penrhyn, to kindly explain his method of obtaining such a large quantity of flowers of that useful Carnation Mrs. Leopold de Rothschild at such a dull season of the year ? We cultivate a few hundred plants of that variety, but I am sorry to say they do not open their flowers satisfactorily during December and January. A. W. [See Mr. Cook's article on p. 18. Ed.] MOTOR LAWN - MOWER. — In answer to " E. S. R.'s " enquiry on p. 15, I beg to state that the motor lawn-mower was worked by a gardener after having had two days' training under a motor engineer who came with it. He had worked a steam lawn-mower for about three years pre- viously, but had not had anything to do with a motor. I think that any practical man would soon learn how to use it. 0. L. THE RAINFALL IN COUNTY KILKENNY DURING 1903. — We had 01 or more of rain on 232 days, the driest months of the year being April with l-09 inch and November with 1-34 inch, the latter month, taking the season into account, being the nicest month of the year. In March we had rain on twenty-seven days, with a total of 7 02 inches; and in October rain on twenty- seven days, with a total of 503 inches. As I write (on January 4) we have had already this year nearly 1£ inch of rain : — Total Total deptb. depth. WO"). Ids. 1903. Ins. January 6 81 August 557 February 2 95 September 3 69 Mirch 1 02 October 5 03 April 109 November 134 May 2 86 December 4 49 June 4 02 July 5 79 Totalforyear ... 50 66 Our totals for the six years previous are as follows : — IQ8. ID9. 1897 44 0 1900 40 11 1898 3343 1901 33 64 1899 36 82 1902 4107 J. G. Weston, gr. to Lord Duncannon, Bessborough, Co. Kilkenny. A NATIONAL GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. — It was with great interest that I followed the various proposals, especially those put for- ward by Mr. Divers, for a National Gardeners' Association, but by the information I obtained from your issue of December 19, regarding their meeting, I for one must say that I am off. To begin with, a lady-gardener puts forth the claims of her sex. Now the first question I would put to her would be, " Madam, do you consider yourself qualified to use a No. 4 spade ? " I italicise the word " use " because we all well know that there are two ways of using a spade. If the champion of the fair sex can do what is asked of her, I say by all means give her the rights she is entitled to. Mr. Mclndoe says he found it difficult in the North to obtain young men, as the pay did nou tempt them. Does he mean Scotland ? If so the sooner he gives an explanation of the words " did not tempt them " the better. We Scotchmen need no tempting, and so far as the profession is concerned, we are not afraid of our honour. Mr. Norman says he would like to see young men compelled to spend time in learning farming, forestry, and general work. If we try to keep labourers out of our trade, what right have we to become Jacks-of-all-trades ? Mr. Willard says a very wise thing when he asserts he would like to see gardeners doing all in their power to raise themselves. Mr. Fielder speaks the right-down honest truth when he says head gardeners are often too liberal with their recommendations. Any attempt at an examination other than in pure practical work is all very good in its way, but the man who can show good work with hands and brains is the gardener that I would en- courage ; and I think that others will agree with me. J. C. S., Dupplin, N.B. The world seems never to be tired of run- ning after novelties, and good gardeners are not exempt from craze-mongering. I, for one, should be deeply grieved to possess the knowledge that any association was established which would take away the sole prerogative of a wise and respon- sible head gardener, that is, his ability to judge of the fitness of any of his assistants, as to their character, practical knowledge, qualifications, and aptitude for the proper management of the never- ceasing duties involved in new and higher appointments. Head gardeners and their assist- ants who do not see their way so clearly as they ought to do, should at least be a little more charitable in thought towards both employer and employed, the one in the up-keep of his establish- ment, and his humble and solitary gardener, who may besides his legitimate duties have to milk a cow or attend to a horse and trap j but so long as the lonely disciple of Adam performs his duties cheerfully and with that spirit of attention to duty which the humblest situation claims, that individual should not be denied the good wishes which are often bestowed on higher and some- times less unworthy workers. Again, with regard to those fallen sons of the profession, from my own sad experience I may with all truth say that it has been generally through some inherent fault of their own that they are under the necessity of earning a precarious livelihood as "jobbing gardeners." Young gardeners would do well to remember that they are not me- chanics, who, if they be but skilful workmen, can get employment without any character at all ; the gardener is, as it were, direct from Eden [!], and has a name and a character to uphold. If he fails to do that, then he cannot claim the distinctive title of being a true gardener. A. M. ■ I notice in your issue of Dec. 19, 1903, the references to the proposed Gardeners' Association. For many years this subject has occupied my attention, and in connection with the com- prehensive scheme of a " Home for Horticulture' which I formulated and published plans of some years ago, the needs of the under-gardener were duly considered. The [present] project does not- appear to include under - gardeners, but, if I understand it properly, principally aims at more- intimate intercourse between head-gardeners and employers ; it is also too local. My conception is< that of a great organisation with its central1 control department at some convenient spot in the Metropolis, say the new hall in Vincent- Square, and provincial offices in various parts of the country, and in Scotland and Ireland, which would be in close touch with it. The branch provincial offices being widely spread, country gardeners will in all parts easily communicate with them, and thus, united by their common interests, a bond of brotherhood will be established. To some this proposal may appear Utopian and incapable of accomplishment, but with united action, under the direction of a gentleman of position, influence, and business ability, who- might be induced to control the acting executive, ' difficulties would soon vanish and an amalgama- • tion of horticulturists be founded. Suppose now the Royal Horticultural Society or other great representative body should resolve upon the- accomplishment of this scheme, probably the first- step would be the election of a general secretary, competent to deal with every question involved. Having secured such an official, the general council would probably mark out the country in- districts or circuits, in each of which a thoroughly representative gardener would be appointed tc> act in the interests of the association and its- members. This local secretary or agent wouldl acquaint gardeners and others in the neighbour- hood with the general intentions of the society,, and the special advantages it would provide. It may be thought that a long time must pass before this scheme could take form, but the> more difficult the task, the stronger the start - which should at once be made to overcome it in order to better the prospects and widen the oppor- - tunities of the gardening fraternity generally. No doubt the committee who propose to move inj this direction are using every effort in their power to further the undertaking, but their hands re- quire strengthening, which would be effected by the co-operation of a representative body of thoroughly practical business men. More helpers- are needed and capital for initiatory outlays absolutely necessary. How are these to be pro- vided ? The former will probably follow a syste- matic publication of the facts in the horticultural* papers, and I think the latter may be found if periodical sales of work, Rose fetes, concerts,, and other pleasant and fashionable reunions be organized not only in towns in England and Wales, but also in Scotland and Ireland. Very much has- been accomplished in this way by ladies in aid of charities of various kinds. It is not for charity that this movement has originated, but with the object of improving the social conditions of gardeners, and others and of helping them in times of need, and also for the betterment of those whose circum- stances appeal to their sympathies, and why not the establishment of old-age pensions also ? I have known instances of the most gratifying character, and well remember a highly successful Rose fete at the Mansion House during Sir David Evans' year of office. The fete was a brilliant affair, opened by the late Duchess of Teck,. and attended by a a bevy of titled ladies, several of whom had stalls. Under the patronage of the nobility and gentry, such enjoyable reunions- might frequently be held with great advantage. Ladies who are enthusiastic in their admiration of the beautiful, will remember the under-gar- deners whose labour does so much to produce it. Respecting the organization of the Association, supposing all the members of the Royal Horti- cultural and other kindred Societies were appealed to on behalf of this undertaking, and asked to allow their names to be enrolled as- patrons, a nominal subscription of 5s. per annum might be mentioned ; and in connection with tho January 0, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 29 sales of work already referred to, there might be one at which the 5s. would be returnable, if desired, as part payment for goods purchased, and a membership might be established at an annual payment of 2s. Gd. Again, it might be possible to have a picture gallery on the official premises where new works could be exhibited and offered for sale from time to time, and also, if a suitable structure were available, perhaps an auxiliary gallery to the Royal Academy might be instituted, where pictures refused at the Academy might be hung. As is well known, many very good paintings are rejected by these recognised official combinations. In this saloon, thus temporarily stocked with Roses and other flowers, the upper parts of the walls might be adorned with good pictures, and with the aid of pro- fessional music would blend with the other beauties displayed, and prove a delightful tout ensemble. The trades, particularly those interested in hor- ticultural produce and distribution, might be solicited to allow donation boxes to he on their counters or other convenient places. I hope the correspondence and interchange of ideas now appealing in your columns will lead to this desirable consummation — the establishment of a National Gardeners' Association on a good finan- cial basis. The few thoughts embodied herein are merely offered as suggestions. James L. Wood, F.R.B.S., Wood Green. [We hare received so manylettere upon this subject that, in inliire.it wiU only be possible to insert sv#h as are very briel and to the point. ai<'t which suggest some matter not discussed hitherto. Ed j NOTICES OF BOOKS. La The"orie des Capacites fonctionnelles et ses consequences en agriculture. (The Theory of Functional Capacity and its Results in Agriculture.) Studies in Applied "Vegetable Anatomy and Physiology. By Lucien Daniel, Professor of Applied Botany at the University of Rennes.* This is one of those excellent treatises of the author containing the results of his experiences in applying an adequate knowledge of botanical anatomy and physiology to the common every- day practical work of horticulture. All garden- ing practices, however simple, eg., the growing of Mustard-and-Cress or Cabbages, require, in order to be successful, a certain amount of scientific knowledge, although this latter is often unconsciously inheiited or otherwise trans- mitted. The florist or kitchen gardener may boast his independence of, and sheer contempt for, this scientific knowledge ; while all the time he is (consciously or unconsciously) possess- ing and using it. Few indeed are the intelligent men, especially in this country, who are able to keep a fully conscious eye and mind directed to both the scientific and practical aspects of horti- culture. How much more might be accomplished than is accomplished if a wider and a deeper scien- tific knowledge could be mingled with our hack- neyed and rule-of- thumb operations in the garden! The general nutrition of a plant depends on the due proportion between root-action and leaf- action in the living plant, in other words on the proper distribution of the sap between the roots and the foliar organs, the two chief factors herein concerned being (1) the total absorption from the external surrounding, or what our author terms the " functional capacity of absorption," denoted by the formula ea ; and (2) the total consumption at the points where the sap is used up, or the "functional capacityof consumption," cv. When the plant is in complete equilibrium as regards its general nutrition, the relation — =1 is ea obtained, i.e., the condition in which consumption and absorption are equal. But under the in- fluence of natural or artificial variations in the ' external circumstances.orin the respective dimen- sions of the aerial or subterranean apparatus of the plant, this equilibrium may become upset. * Imprimerie Fr. Simon, snccesseur de A. Le Boy, Rennes, France, 1902 Price SO francs. The absence of equilibrium in the nutrition, — > 1, or the condition in which the aerial con- ca sumption is greater than the (usually) subter- ranean absorption, will correspond to growth in a dry or poor soil ; the absence of equilibrium, — '' < 1, or the condition in which the absorption is greater than the consumption, will correspond to growth in a moist or rich soil. In the first case, seeing that the leaves and young shoots are the chief organs concerned in the consumption of the sap, and the roots are those occupied in its absorption, it is evident that the activity of the former overrides that of the latter— i.e., that the leaves consume more than the roots absorb. So that, in order to restore the balance transpiration must be re- duced by diminishing the leaf-surface of the plant, and absorption enhanced by increasing the production of roots ; and this latter will probably result in some measure from the former. In the second of our two cases the reverse process must take place. If the limits of desiccation or inani- tion on the one hand, and of watery repletion or indigestion on the other, be passed, the plant must die. It is invariably found that slightly accentuated changes in the media in which the plants grow induce a partial diminution in their normal resistance to parasites. A drier medium is favourable to the action of animal parasites; a moister medium contributes to the more rapid development of vegetable parasites, especially those of a cryptogamic nature. The absolute value of the "functional capa- city" of a given plant— i.e., the capacity of its leaves, &c, to assimilate, or of its roots to absorb, is shown especially in trees under cultivation, in the relative thickness of the wood formed at the moment under consideration, in the relative dia- meter of the vessels, and the thickness of the cell- membranes. The boughs, branches, and buds, eg., of a Pear- tree, possess functional capacities depending on the rapidity of arrival of the sap and the number of vessels engaged in conveying this latter, these two factors themselves bearing a definite rela- tion (1) to the successive angles which the organ (branch or bud) makes with the vertical; (2) to the facilities afforded for the performance of its vegetative functions. Hence arises a distinction between the form and structure of woody and of fruiting branches, as also the possibility of creating transitions be- tween the two by inducing a rational variation in their functional capacities. The fruiting branch, with its smaller draught of sap, is distinguished from the woody branch by a diminution in its woody conducting tissues, and by an increase in its cellular or spongy tissues and starch-productoin. For example, if a transverse section be taken below the level of insertion of, say, three branches or twigs whose functional capacities are of a very different nature (e.g., vigorous and vegetative, or weak and fruit-bearing), the hard woody tissue will often be found to be divided up into islands, the respective dimensions of which are propor- tional to the functional capacity of the organs (twigs) to which they correspond and below which they occur. This is proof of the correctness of the theory of functional capacity, which can also be experi- mentally verified by means of various horticul- tural practices based either on an increase or diminution in the absolute value of the normal points at which a draught on sap is effected (as in forcing, and the various methods of training branches, &c), or on variations in their number (different kinds of rationally performed mutila- tions, &c). When an inequality in the work of the members (leaves, &c), going on at the surface of an organ is artificially provoked (as in one-sided illumi- nation, local wounding of the cortex, unilateral suppression of the roots, buds and leaves, &c ), or if the work of a lateral is transformed into that of a terminal member (as in various methods of pruning and grafting, *c), the phenomenon of " dorsiventrality " appears, which is faithfully registered in the formation of the secondary wood of the plant or organ concerned. Another phenomenon to be noticed is the fol- lowing : If a sudden decrease or increase in the functional capacity of an organ be brought about by cutting or breaking the latter during the period of active growth, this will be registered in the annual zone of secondary wood by the formation of as many zones of harder or softer wood as there have been successive fractures or loppings. (To be continued.) Missouri Botanical Garden. The fourteenth annual Report (1002) has been recently published, and furnishes an encouraging record of progress. The present volume contains a monograph of the Honeysuckles (Lonicera), by Mr. Rehder, elsewhere alluded to, and a supple- mentary catalogue of the Sturtevant pre-Linnean Library. The term "pre-Linnean" is extended to include Miss Amherst's History of Gardening in England, probably on account of the biblio- graphical details it contains. The Report was, of course, issued before the fire which recently caused so much destruction to the houses. " The Heather in Love, Lyric, and Lay." When at the first glance of this book we saw that it emanated from the land of the almighty dollar, we were somewhat surprised, so different is it, in the style in which it is written, from what we are accustomed to in American books, whilst the sentiment is equally strange as coming from so severely practical a people. A little further examination showed that, though written, printed, and published in America, the book is to all intents and purposes Scotch. The editor of the Florist's Exchange, who is the author of this book, may be, for aught we know, a naturalised Ameri- can, but for all that he is a perfervid Scot. To him may fitly be applied Horace's statement : " Caelum non animum mutant qui trans mare currunt." He may in crossing the Atlantic have changed his environment, but his heart is in the Highlands still. He speaks of himself as an expatriated Scotsman and as a happy exile ; and that is so in part no doubt, but nobody but a Scot could have written this book. Of course, Scotland has no monopoly of the Heather ; there is happily plenty of it on our Surrey commons, close to London, and scarcely an English, Welsh, or Irish county is without it. In America, how- ever, it is very rare. It occurs in Newfound- land, and we well remember the sensation pro- duced when the plant was discovered in Massa- chusetts. "What next!" writes Asa Gray to Engelmann. "A young gardener has found a locality for Calluna vulgaris, covering al- most an acre, within twenty - five mile3 of Boston ; a case to add to Scolopendrium, Mar- silia, &c ,but most of all striking and unexpected. It grows in low ground and has every appearance of being indigenous." Mr. Wallace's enthusiasm has led him to examine every corner, as it were, of literature in search of information relating to the Heather. He has dug down to the roots of the plant itself to ascertain whether the state- ment is true that the roots are associated with a fungus without whose co-operation (symbiosis) it will not thrive. But the statement is not con- firmed, and remains open for enquiry. He has examined the thatch of the Scottish cottages, he describes the beds of Heather and the couches whereon the sportsmen rest ; besoms and scrub- bing brushes, dyes, medicines, forage, beverages, peat, and we know not what beside are included in the inventory of things useful furnished by 30 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 9, 1904. the Heather. As to Heather-lore and Heather- lays the author waxes enthusiastic ; and well he may, for many of the lays will be new to our readers and are most touching. The book is a delightful one to those born north of the Tweed, but no Southron into whose hands it may fall will allow them to have a monopoly of it. It is well illustrated, and is published by the De la Mare Publishing Company, of New York. Hooker's " icones Plantarum." The last part oE this publication, dated Novem- ber 1903, has lately reached us. It is chiefly of botanical interest, but contains several articles of economic importance, such, for instance, as the illustration and description of Landolphia Kirkii, tab. 2755 ; an Apocynad yielding india-rubber, of which Sir William Thiselton-Dyer thus speaks : " The development of the important india-rubber trade of East Africa was entirely due to the energy and sagacity of Sir John Kirk. As early as 1868 he sent specimens of the present species and rubber made from it to Kew. This is col- lected in a way which is perhaps unique in any rubber-yielding plant. Some of the milk from a wound is allowed to coagulate. The pellet so obtained is applied to a fresh cut, and being turned with a rotary motion, the exuding milk is drawn off like silk from a cocoon. . . Sir John Kirk long endeavoured to induce the natives to collect the rubber. Everyone was engaged in the slave trade, and the experiment in con- sequence failed. But it eventually created a new trade for all those classes whose means of sub- sistence came to an end with its suppression." Landolphia Petersiana, tab. 275G, also furnishes a rubber of inferior quality, which does not coagulate spontaneously but by the agency of heat. Carolinella cordifolia, tab. 2775, is a pretty new Primulad from the mountains of Yunnan. Bambusa Oldhami, a Formosan species, is in cultivation in S. California. Two or three Bignoniads, such as Xylophragma pratense, and Paragonia pyrarnidata, Sprague are worthy of cultivation. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. January fi.— The first meeting of the Committees in mill took place on Tuesday last in the Drill Hall, Buck- ingham Gate, Westminster. There was a moderate display of exhibits that filled the body of the Hall, but the sides of the building were not furnished as they are generally, though on one side there were stands upon which «ere shown samples of " Junofloris," a liquid for adding to water with a view to preserving cut flowers; "Beellecute, " a powder for destroying beetles; and "Floral aids," which are stands for arranging flowers. There were few novelties before the Committees, but the Floral Committee recommended an Award of Merit for Moschosma rlparium, which has been shown on some previous occasions. TheORcniD Committee recommended four Botanical Certificates. An excellent collection of Apples was shown by Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., of Maidstone. There appeared to be fewer visitors to the Hall than usual. In the afternoon there were fifty-two candidates elected to the Society's Fellowship, which is certainly a good commencement for the new year. The exchange of New Yeat's wishes was the principal topic of conversation. Floral Committee. Present: W Marshall, Esq., Chairman ; and .Messrs. C. T. Druery. H. B. May, K Dean, Jno. Green, A. Perry, G. Reuthe, C. J. Salter, R. W. Wallace, R. C. Notcutt, H J. Jones, C. E. Shea, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, C. Bliek, George Paul, W. Howe, Charles Dixon, Geo. Gordon, Jas. Walker, and H. J. Cutbusli. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nurseries, King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited several good flowering species in excellent condition. First may be men- tioned Moschosma rlparium (fi;; 13), which received an Award of Merit, the plants being dwarf, and bearing- abundant panicles of white flowers ; Coleus thyrsoideus (fig. in Qard Chron.. Jan. in, 1H01), Jaeobinia (Justicia) eoccinea, an effective red -flowered variety; Peristro- phe speciosa, and Jaeobinia chrysostephana (fig. in Gznt. Chron , July 13, 1S711), a valuable winter-flowering plant with orange coloured flowers. It blooms best in a temperature of 55° to 60' (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr. Jno. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey, exhibited a very large group of evergreen plants in pots, suitable for planting in beds for the winter, or for furnishing window-boxes, &c. There were many choice and variegated varieties of Ivy, Euonymus, Eleagnus pictus aureus, Ligustrums, Eurya latifolia, Garrya elllptica, &c. Such plants as Aucuba japonica, Skimmias, &c, were abundantly covered with berries, and all the plants were perfect little specimens (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. W. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate, London, had a pretty though small exhibit of alpine and other hardy plants. In the centre was a group of strongly- flowered plants of Tussilago fragrans, the perfume being very noticeable; double-flowered Primroses, Sternbergia Fischeriana, Iris histrio and I. histrioides, Daphne Blagayana, D. Mezereum alba, Sarracenias, &a , backed by a few shrubs, including Skimniia japonica. Messrs. Cutisush had also a very pretty exhibit of flowers of winter -flowering Carnations, including the varieties Mrs. S. J. Brooks (white), Sir Hector Mr Donald (white ground flaked with pink), W. H. Cutbush (crimson). Lady Smith (salmon-pink), &0. (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. II. Cannell elass of exhibitors, that to the philosophical student must seem not only trivial 1 >ut puerile. :3uch, one may at once say, are the "collar- ing " and " dressing " of flowers intended for ■exhibition. Such artificiality, strange to note, is not only tolerated among judging committees, but seemingly encouraged ! One even finds at the ends of great catalogues of eminent nurserymen announcements of boxes of flower - dressing tools, including ivory tweezers, &c. Competitors for prizes, certificates, &c, evidently think that these artificial methods ■of showing flowers are quite legitimate to -take the eye of the judges or the public. The judge may well know that it is a show sort of thing that is exhibited, but the public may in most cases be quite ignorant that there is such a practice as dressing Car- nations, Chrysanthemums, &c. To see a grown-up man taking his tweezers out of his pocket and plucking out a petal here and twisting or smoothing another there in the Carnations he is exhibiting, recalls the days of one's childhood, when to make-believe was quite a natural feature of one's developing brain. If such artificiality in exhibiting flowers be allowed, why not go a little further and get up boxes complete with paints and brushes for touching up the colours of flowers where Nature has, in the opinion of the exhibitor, made some mistake ? Such an appliance would appear just as legitimate as the one for plucking out petals and smoothing them in Carnations, Chrysanthemums, &c. The unfortunate Carnations, besides being dressed, must have a white paper collar on, over which their petals are flattened, and made to look symmetrical and as ridiculous as the exhibitor can make them. Prettiness to the eye of exhibits is surely not the only thing to be striven for, otherwise artificial flowers can be made most beautiful. It is the trouble and the skill of producing the real and not the "faked' articles that are commendable. Once upon a time, in the Wingfield Park of Lucknow, there was a fashion of making large elongated beds in various patterns made out of broken glass and broken stones of various colours, with here and there rows of plants and some Rose bushes in the middle. A more puerile innovation could hardly have been conceived. Carpet-pattern beds, which required an enormous amount of trouble and labour to make and keep up, have fortunately gone out of fashion; the consciousness of their puerility may have helped their extinction, although 1 believe here and there one may still see an occasional specimen. This is what the Standard of October 29 says of them under the heading of "Garden Notes '':— " Elaborate carpet- pattern beds in our gardens to-day remind us too much of the framed wool ' samplers ' of our grand- mothers, which once proudly adorned their living-rooms. We have outgrown both these features of indoor and outdoor decorations." But presumably the same writer, under the same heading of the same paper of November 19, with reference to the Chrys- anthemum show at the ( 'rystal Palace says: — "An exhibitor must 'dress' his beau- ties for the exhibition stage as skilfully as a great actress dresses for her triumphal performances. In some varieties the dress- ing of the florets is a work of art(!) Florets which are hopelessly misplaced must be removed; those which are twisted must be put into position with the tweezers, or carefully drawn out before the flowers come before the eyes of the judges. It is not all natural beauty unadorned which we behold with such delight at the great show ; art plays its part, and he who would win honours in the show-ring must give himself time to do all things well." This perhaps would mean that the art of " faking" should lie brought into play to produce a false impression on the judges [No] and on the public. All these artificialities are unhealthy fea- tures in floral exhibitions. The true art consists in transforming a flower and per- fecting it by selection and cross-breeding to force it to produce a flower that does not need either tailoring or " faking " to correct some defect that the florist may not like. Defects should be bred out. But this may take a long time, and may require a great deal of trouble; but the honour would be correspondingly great. It is hoped that some day exhibitors may come to see how ridiculous the collaring and dressing of Carnations and Pansies and similar puerilities are, and must appear to Continental growers of these pretty things. E. Bonavia, M.D. [Happily the tricks men- tioned by our correspondent, together with other exhibition abominations, are gradually but surely being abandoned. Ed.] ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. VANDA CCEKXJLEA. Many fail to grow this beautiful Orchid satis- factorily, but we are very successful with it here, as the enclosed photograph will show. When well grown, it is undoubtedly one of our finest Orchids. The plant was a small one with eight leaves when we bought it in 1895. At the present time it is 4 feet 4 inches high from base of plant, 4 feet 8 inches across from tip to tip of flower-spikes. It possesses fifty-two leaves and one young growth at the base of the plant with ten leaves, and has five flower-spikes, two with thirteen, two with twelve, and one with ten flowers — sixty flowers in all. A. Taylor, Brougham, Penrith, Cumberland. [A magnificent specimen. We regret that we are unable to reproduce the photograph, having pre- viously given many illustrations of the plant. Ed.] Epidendrum viridipurporeum. A fine inflorescence of an Epidendrum with elongated leafy stems and terminal nodding racemes of rather conspicuous flowers, with green sepals and petals and greenish labellum tinged with dark-purple, is sent by Mr. Geo. Matthews, gr. to Lord Auckland, Kitley, Plymouth, who states that the plant was received from Jamaica two years ago. It agrees with E. viridipurpureum, Hooker, in Botanical Magazine, t. 360G, the botanical stand- ing of which is rather intricate. Lindley, in Folia Orchidacea, places E. viridipurpureum as a variety of E. fuscatum, with which he also iden- tifies E. anceps, Jacq. The Index Kewensis gives priority to E. anceps, and refers E. fuscatum and E. viridipurpureum to it. Looking up the refer- ences, too, brings complications with varieties of E. nutans, and seems to indicate that the author was well advised in making E. viridipurpureum a species. Lord Auckland's plant is well grown, and one of the best forms of the very variable section to which it belongs, and shows wider differences to the species cited than does the plant which has been illustrated. Epidendrum paniculatdm. An inflorescence of this graceful, tall-growing Epidendrum is sent by Mr. J. W. Odell, gr. to Mrs. Brightwen, The Grove, Stanmore. The species varies so much in the form and colour of its flowers as to lead one to suppose that all the varieties cannot belong to the same species. The form of the flowers, however, is the same, the chief difference being in the colour, the prettiest variety having dense heads of rose-pink flowers with white labellums. Mr. Odell's plant has a branched inflorescence, with whitish sepals and petals tinged with brown, and a white labellum. These tall-growing Epidendrums are graceful plants even when not in flower. Vanda Kimballiana. The terminal portion of a very long spike of exceptionally large and beautifully-formed flowers is sent by Eustace F. Clark, Esq., Chamouix, Teignmouth, who states that the plant, which has been in his collection ten years, but has never flowered with him before, although it has grown in a most satisfactory manner, is about 3 feet in height. The sepals and petals are white slightly flushed with rose, the showy front lobe of the lip bright rose-purple, the side lobes yellowish. 34 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1904. streaked with dotted brownish lines. It often happens that when this pretty Burmese Vanda is grown on the staging in Orchid-houses that it grows on but fails to bloom, but when suspended in a similar situation to that given to Laelia anceps (as in Captain Holford's garden) it blooms regularly and freely. That Vanda Kimballiana is not a delicate plant is shown by Mr. Clark's experience of the plant under notice, which, during the exceptionally cold weather of January and February, 1895, was in a very low temperature for some time, the thermometer in the house in which the plant was for several nights ranging between 39° and 34° Fahr., and on one occasion a minimum of 33" was recorded. Although anything approaching such a low temperature could not be recommended for this pretty Burmese Vanda, the incident plainly indicates that the plant does not require the high temperature given it in most collections during winter, and that the cause of its failure and of the failure of many other Vandas, Aerides, Sac- colabiums, &c, may be traced to too much heat during their inactive period. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. 1 \ ^11 \ /* <9C OPUNTIA S. Three new Opuntias, named by the late Dr. Weber, which were never published, ought now. after his lamented death, to be brought before the public, to prevent his names from becoming nomina nuda. Opuntia Beegeriana, Weber, spec. nov. (fig. 11). This species is very common in cultivation iu the gardens of the Riviera, especially in Bordi- ghera, where Mr. L. Winter has the finest plants of it. It is very showy, and often completely covered with its fiery flowers and deep-red berries. It stands next to Opuntia nigricans, from which, however, it is quite distinct. Dr. Weber had this plant for a longtime under his consideration. He named it in a letter to mo on November 14, 1002. This species forms a tall shrub of 5 to 10 feet. Joints in well - grown plants !) inches long and 4£ inches broad, obovate or oblong-ovate, fleshy, bright green. Areolae about 1J inch apart, roundish, with short grey down and yellowish glochids. Spines vary in number and size, one or more over 1 inch long, spreading, at first yellowish, when old greyish. Flowers at the top of the joints very nu- merous. Ovary lj inch long and 1 inch broad, obovate, brilliant green ; areolae slightly ele- vated, distant, roundish, with numerous straw- coloured glochids. Outer leaves of the perianth fleshy, carinate and mucronate, greenish red. Inner leaves spatulate at the base, much con- stricted, rounded at the top and mucronate, over an inch long, deep, bright red. Bottom of the perianth conically excavated for about 4 lines. Filaments very numerous, 8 to 9 lines long, violet- rose. Anthers linear, yel- lowish. Style overtopping the anthers, above the base clavate, whitish, with six green ereot stigmata. Fruit 1J inch long, and nearly as broad, obo- vate, truncate, with a conical excavation at the top. Pulp and juice dark red. Seeds nearly orbicular with a narrow brownish border. Opuntia Hanburyana, Weber, spec. nov. (fig. 15). This Opuntia is not common in the gardens of the Riviera. It is very distinct through its habit, the long-spreading spines and the small ovary and fruit. It was named by Dr. Weber in his letter of September 23, 1901. A shrub of 3 to 5 feet, of a straggling growth. Joints variable in size, the largest 11 inches long and scarcely 4 inches broad, lanceolate-oblong, Fig. h.— opuntia bergebiana. bright green. Areola? numerous, about f of an inch apart, round, with black down when old, and short glochids. Spines several, large and spreading, somewhat compressed and twisted, ." ■A; y - -"- *ytff Fig. 15.— opuntia haniiubvana, Weber. perianth deltoid, the following broader, the innermost obovate, obtuse, mucronate, canary coloured. Bottom of the flower little excavated. Stamens numerous yellow, half as long as the petals. Style clavate at the base, whitish, with five greenish-white stigmata. Fruit roundish, yellowish-red, 1J inch long; pulp greenish, juice watery ; seeds thick., roundish, with a narrow margin, nearly 3 lines- broad. Opuntia Schumanni, Weber, spec. nov. (fig. 16). This plant, with its upright petals, is inter- mediate between Opuntia and Nopalea, which, however, has. longer stamens and style ; it is- near to Opuntia nigricans, under which name- this garden received it in 1899 from Mr. Winter in Bordighera. Dr. Weber named it in a letter to me, September 23, 1901. A shrub growing 4 to 5 feet in height. Joints 12: inches long, about 5 inches broad, and nearly of an inch thick, obovate, oblong, on the margins somewhat sinuate, slightly glaucous, with about twelve areolae on each side. These are about 2 inches apart, slightly elevated, elliptical, with grey down and with short brown glochids. Spines- several, blackish-brown with a brighter point;, slightly compressed and twisted, the centre one being the longest, upright, 1J to 2 inches long., the next two to three spines 1 to 1J inch long., curved above their base and spreading ; besides these there are six to nine shorter setulose spines. Flowers terminal and lateral, 2} inches long. Ovary obovate oblong, 1\ inch long and 1 inch broad, bright green, with distant, slightly elevated areolae with numerous glochids. Outer perianth leaves deltoid fleshy, inner ones nearly quite- upright and little expanded, obovate-spatulate, yellowish turning into a dull red. Bottom of the- perianth conically excavated. Stamens numerous , greenish at the bate, reddish above, three-quarters of the length of the perianth ; anthers whitish . Style at the base suddenly thickened, white, with seven green stigmata. Fruit obovate, truncate, with a flat excavation, at the top; brown-red. Pulp and juice scarlet- red. Seeds nearly round, with a narrow reddish border. Alwin Berger, La Mortola. Fig. k;.— opuntia schumanni, Weber. amber-coloured, the centre one upright, the longest 1J inch long. Ovary small, 3 of an inch long, obconical, with little elevated areolae. Outer leaves of the KEW NOTES. D^edalacanthus macrophtllcs, T. Anders. — This Acanthaceous plant ranks amongst the very finest members of an order that is very rich in beautiful flowering subjects. Its horticultural* value is such that it should be grown by all who- have conservatories. In the Begonia-house at. Kew there are now about a dozen specimens in f ult beauty. Growing in 6-inch pots, the plants are 2 feet 6 inches high, and 1J foot across; the leaves are elliptic-lanceolate, 3 to 5 inches long, and 2 to 3 inches broad ; every growth terminates in a large panicle of light blue flowers, the lower lobe of the corolla being violet-blue. The panicles are from 1 foot to 1 i foot in length ; the indi- vidual flowers about § inch across, having a tube 1 ', inch long. At the base of each flower is a. greenish-white bract, which gives to the plants a. striking appearance even before the blooms are- developed. The flowers expand from the base of the panicle upwards, and afford a succession of flowers lasting from six weeks to two months. The culture is as simple as that given a Fuchsia, Take cuttings from the old plants about March, or April, and root them in a brisk bottom-heat -, then remove them into an intermediate tempera- ture, where they may be potted and repotted, and remain until they have become established in the flowering pots. Very little stopping of the shoots is necessary, as the plant is naturally bushy in habit. Throughout the summer the plants suc- ceed well in the temperature of a greenhouse, and should be syringed in bright weather, and Januaby 16, 1901.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 35 supplied with some kind of manure. In October turn the plants to an intermediate temperature, where they will soon begin to develop their flower-spikes ; when in flower a rather dry atmo- sphere suits them best. The species is a native of Burma, and was figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 0686. W. B. BOOK NOTICE. La Th£orie des Capacites fonctionnelles et ses consequences en agriculture. (The Theory of Functional Capacity and its Results in Agriculture.) Studies in Applied Vegetable Anatomy and Physiology. By Lucien Daniel, Professor of Applied Botany at the University of Rennes.* {Concluded from p. 29.) The author's theory of " functional capacities " is not only capable of explaining the varia- tions in the form and structure of the isolated individual plant, but also a number of pheno- mena which are to be observed in grafting, i e., in plants which are caused to live associated together by the will of the grafter. Now, amongst the effects of the grafting process we have to distinguish those resulting from cicatrisation or healing of the wound, and those proceeding from the fundamental relation- ships existing between the functional capabilities peculiar to the grafted plants (stock and scion). The author points out that the scar of cicatri- sation causes a fatal change in the conduction of the sap, because of the fact that cellular tissue becomes intercalated between the con- ducting tissues of the stock and the scion, and because the conducting tissues which eventually unite these two latter are comparatively few in number and more or less contorted. The sap passing along them will, therefore, be modified both in quantity and quality. This is, for the scion, equivalent to existence in a drier and poorer medium than the normal. This was demonstrated by grafting the black Belgian Haricot Bean, which is a dwarf form, on that of Soissons, of taller habit and greater functional capacity; in this case the development of the scion is always more insignificant than that of a normal ungrafted control-specimen, this being due to the fact that the tissues of stock and scion unite with difficulty. With regard to the second of the two effects of grafting above-mentioned, we have to distinguish between (1) the grafting of a plant of greater functional capacity upon a plant possessing this latter in a less degree, i.e., the case represented by «o>lj (2) tne grafting of a plant of smaller upon a plant of greater functional capacity, i.e., the case represented by — ' < 1. In the first case, to the effect produced by the primary inequality in the respective functional capacities is added that of the scar of cicatrisa- tion, so that the two work harmoniously together towards producing the condition of existence in a medium drier or poorer than the normal. A striking example of this state of things is afforded by grafting the Forget-me-Not (Myosotis palus- tris) upon the Heliotrope. The functional capa- city of the former is very high, i.e., it has need, as its specific name indicates, of a large amount of water ; the stock plant, on the contrary, as the hard wood constituting its conducting-system reveals to us, lives in a dry soil, and hence cannot -furnish the necessary water to the scion, which, therefore, rapidly blackens and perishes. But if the limit of desiccation causing death be not attained, the variations characteristic of growth in a dry or poor soil will be exhibited, such as ■diminution in size, modifications in the period and * Imprimerie Fr. Simon, successeur de A. Le Roy, Rennes, France, 1903. Price 30 francs. character of flowering, hastening of sexual ma- turity, improvement in the fruit and tubers, increase in hardness of the tissues, decrease in the resistance offered to parasites, shortening of life, &c. In the second case it is clear that the effects resulting from the scar and from the differ- ence in the functional capacities of stock and scion are in disharmony. The former may over- ride the latter, as in the case of the Haricot Beans mentioned above. A good example of this is seen in the case of the Deadly Night-shade grafted on the giant Tobacco-plant ; although the latter possesses a much greater functional capacity, i.e., greater absorptive power, than the former, the scion grows into a dwarfed and almost stem-less specimen, due to the fact that the affinities of the two plants are not sufficiently close to admit of a proper union of their tissues, hence defective cicatrisation and osmosis result. Yet the Bella- donna " takes " easily on the Egg-plant or Tomato. But should the graft "take" well the reverse will be the case, and stock and scion will therefore inevitably be situated in the equivalent of a moist rich medium, and will continue to live if the limit of watery repletion is not passed. An example of this is afforded by the grafting of the French Vine upon an American variety, the other conditions of soil and climate being suitable, Under these conditions the variations character- istic of growth in a moist, rich soil will be shown, e.g., increase in size, changes in the mode of flowering, retardation of sexual maturity, lessen- ing of the quality of fruit, increase of liability to cryptogamic diseases, diminution in the amount of stereome or woody tissue, and rounding- off of the prominences in angular stems, &,c. Many interesting examples of these are given. It must be understood, of course, that the intensity of the effects resulting from these two inverse cases of variation will vary with the character of the scar of cicatrisation and the primary value of the functional capacities of the plants concerned, as also with the conditions of the external medium of soil and air. The latter have naturally a more pronounced effect upon the grafted than upon the normal plant. The author shows besides that the resultant of the effects brought about by the scar of cicatrisa- tion and the functional capacities of the grafted plants will vary with the age of the plant (senility or youth), the kind of medium in which it has lived (health, bringing-up), as also with the hereditary functional capacity of the organ which is chosen as stock or scion (adaptation to the function of forming reserves, natural etiolation, geotropism, adaptation to wood or fruit pro- duction, &c. All these data have a special practical interest as furnishing the gardener with the opportunity of making a rational choice of stocks and scions by resting that choice upon a measurable scien- tific basis. And, what is of great importance, they afford the opportunity of foreseeing the modifications in the habit, &c, induced by the process of grafting between plants the characters of which are known, and of treating the same in a rational manner, viz., by combining systems of pruning and manure-outlay, while bearing in mind the value of the relationship — in the r ca particular medium under consideration. The evil effects of a grafting operation in which the absolute value of the relationship — l is exaggerated can be modified by employing the process of mixed grafting ; if, e.g., it happens that the consumption of sap is greater than its absorption, one method of increasing the latter is that of allowing adventitious roots to develop on the scion, which then is enabled to receive crude sap along two distinct avenues ; as in the case of old Apple-trees when the adventitious roots of the scions were observed to penetrate the decom- posed wood of the stock and to exist then as if in solid earth. Another method consists in inserting one and the same scion on two or more different stocks. H, on the other hand, it happens that the absorption is greater than the consumption, the methods of restoring this disturbance in the equilibrium of nutrition will be the inverse of the preceding. The following experiment is forcible in this con- nection : Vernonia proealta was grafted on seed- lings of Xanthium macrocarpum ; when the or- dinary method was employed, viz., by radically suppressing all the supplementary shoots sent up by the stock, the scions inevitably died, but when, on the contrary, these supplementary shoots of the stock were maintained, i.e.. when the process of mixed grafting was employed, the scions " took." In this case the small degree of consumption by the scion caused by inefficient union of the two plants is supplemented by that of the shoots from the stock, hence equilibrium is restored, and aqueous repletion of the stock, causing the death of the scion, prevented. Another method consists in "multiple graft- ing," where several scions of the same var- ieties or of varieties of different species are inserted on the same stock. In this case each scion will be subjected to the conditions peculiar to its relationship — and to a variation with re- gard to the way in which its fellow-scions com- port themselves in relation to ca, i.e., to the stock charged with providing the nutrition common to all. Experimentation shows that it is the scion exhibiting a relationship — equal or approaching to unity which ends by gaining the upper hand and annihilating the rest. On one of three equal shoots of Anthemis frutescens were grafted three equal scions taken from three plants differ- ing more or less as to their functional capacities : Tanacetum Balsamita, Leucanthemum, and Artemisia Absinthium. From the commencement it was found that Tanacetum " took " better than Leucanthemum, while Artemisia Absinthium was the worst in this respect. Owing to the discrepancy in the union and in the functional capacities of the three scions, the sap from the common stock was distributed proportionally to the respective values of the new areas of consumption. The aforesaid discrepancy will continue to increase until the life of the scions of Leucanthemum and Artemisia will at length be equivalent to that in a soil be- coming ever drier and drier, resulting finally in complete desiccation. The Tanacetum, on the other hand, will grow healthily ahead. The above is an interesting practical case, and has important bearings. In conclusion, the author states that "the theory of sap - draining areas (points d'appel) and of functional capacities can alone explain the effects of the various operations performed in agriculture (pruning, grafting, &c), and of deducing in a rational manner practical appli- cations therefrom." " It explains, besides, quite as easily the varia- tions in structure observed in normal plants as a result of the variations produced by the external medium during the performance of their func- tions." Besides numerous figures in the text, there are twenty plates containing photographs of trans- verse and other sections of stems, showing how the effects of operations and other variations from the normal life-history of the plant or plants concerned are registered accurately in the structure of the wood. W. C. W. MR. MAYCOCK, who is leaving Luton Hoo Gardens, Bedfordshire, has been presented with an address and a silver teapot by the employe's in Luton Hoo Gardens, accompanied by their good wishes. 36 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ["January 1C, 190-J. A CUEE FOR CHLOROSIS. Chlorosis is very common in the Vine and in fruit trees, particularly in those grown upon very calcareous soils. Full-grown trees and young seedlings in nurseries alike succumb to it. It usually appears in spr'rg, say at the beginning of May, when the foliage is not fully developed. Leaves affected with it begin gradually to turn yellow, their growth is arrested, the edges become brown, turn up, wither, and finally fall off. The growth of the stems, runners, shoots, and the phate) is introduced into the soil. With the solution of these salts the leaves were sprayed, and in the autumn cuttings and stems were smeared with it also. But all these efforts gave only partial results, as the cure was not always secured, as I myself had very often proof. But if some means could be found to introduce iron directly into the trees, inde- pendently of the roots, which are unable to absorb the requisite amount of iron owing to the large percentage of lime in the soil, or on account of their weakened condition, then the needed Fig. 17. — chlorosis in apples. a. Portion of one-half of the tree affected with Chlorosis and Apple-blight. d. Portion taken from the other half of the same tree six weeks after the introduction or the iron-salts. development of the fruit is also soon arrested. The branches droop, wither, and in a short time they die. There are many causes tending to develop chlorosis in plants; but in Southern countries (France, Caucasus, Crimea) we are inclined to ascribe it chiefly to the large per- centage of lime in the soils, hindering the plants from absorbing the necessary amount of iron. This opinion may be fully verified by the following means. It is a well-estab- lished fact that chlorosis in plants is due to the lack of iron, and for the purpose of cure a certain amount of green vitriol (iron sul- amount of iron may be secured and a cure guaranteed. The possibility of this is illus- trated by the following facts : — In order to restore the trees to health, I bored from one to four holes in the trunk of the tree, 1 to 1J cent, in diameter, and deep enough to put 4 to 12 grammes of green vitriol (sulphate of iron). These holes were smeared over with cement. These little wounds readily heal towards the autumn. The ascending sap carries up with it the iron in solution to the tips of the leaves, and the trees begin to improve wonderfully ; the bright green colour soon appears, and in size and any other relation it is difficult to distinguish them from those not affected. Other salts of iron (such as the phosphate and chlorate) do not affect the cure so readily. Spring (May) months are the most appropriate time for this operation. By this method I have effected a permament cure on many hundreds of trees of different varieties, not excepting coniferous or evergreen trees. The deforming anthracnose of the Grape-Vine rapidly disappears under the influence of sulphate of iron, the leaves acquiring their normal size and colour. In other experiments of this internal method of nourishing the plants, not directly through the roots, by means of various combinations of salts, dry or in solution (using for this purpose- a small and very simple apparatus), I succeeded) in increasing their size and improving their colour, thus effecting a cure * (see figs. 17, 18)i *?. Mokrzecki, Simferopol. Crimea. Russia. Govern- ment Entomologist of the Natural History Museum* MARKET NOTES. TOMATO-SEED SOWING. No time should be lost in making preparations for sowing Tomato-seeds. Use clean new loam and plenty of sand, especially around the seeds. Do not use dirty pots, and have the house cleaned before starting. Let the soil be in the house for a few days, that it may be warmed, then put it into the pots and afford water, and defer sowing- the seeds until the following morning. Sow the seeds thinly. Tomatos will grow under almost all conditions, but to obtain best results good culture must be afforded. Stephen Castle. Covent Garden Market, January 9. The market presents a very dull appearance. The supplies are not large, many of the stands remaining empty since Christmas. In pot plants, Cyclamen are more plentiful, and some are very good ; the best, in 4-8-sized pots, have been making from 15s. to 18s. per dozen. There are still some Chrysanthemums in pots ; some are rather poor. The yellows are the best. Solanums are still coming in, but in many of them the foliage is not very good. Poinsettias are lasting out longer than usual ; some good dwarf plants with broad heads of bracts were seen. There are still plenty of good Erica hyetnalis and some E. gracilis. Mar- guerites are not quite so plentiful. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine and some very fine plants of the Turnford Hall variety were seen. Genistas- are very good, but there seems little trade for them at present. Azaleas, chiefly Deutsche Perle : a good many of these were left on the stands at closing time- There are some good Rhododendrons coming in. Callas in pots are plentiful, and there is little, trade for them. Hyacinths, these mostly with three in a pot, are now good. There are also- plenty of good Tulips in small boxes. Roman- Hyacinths are also brought in boxes, about a dozen bulbs in each box. There are not so many Ferns in now, but more than enough- for all demands ; the smaller Ferns are more in demand just now, and some sorts are beginning to- run a little short. Ficus elastica, which at one time sold so well, seems to have almost gone out of demand. Aralia Sieboldi sell rather better, * See ray works on "The Internal Application o$- Remedies of Plants" (illustrated). " Ueber innere Therapie der Pflanzen"; " Zeitschrift fur Pnanzen- krankheiten," "The Description of the Disease in Plants"; and also "Ueber eine neue Methode die Baume 2ii mihren, und zu Neilen"; "Travaux de la. Societe Iinp6riale des Naturaliste9 de St. Petersbourg-, Comptes Reudues de Seances, Janvier, 1903 " ; " No. 1 of the New Method of Nourishment of Plant9 and their Cure"; "Transactions of the Imperial Society 'of Na- turalists in St. Petersburg"; "Report of the S6ance& in January, 1903, No. 1 " January it;. I90i.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 37 but these do not make a high price. Palms go very slowly, and prices are much lower, such as would formerly make 18s. and upwards now move Blowly at 12s. per dozen. A. H. VEGETABLES. DISEASE-PROOF POTATOS. I am rather tired of the term " disease-resist- ing" as applied to any variety of Potato now, because the expression has been in use so many years in relation to a multitude of varie- ties, yet somehow we find ourselves no forwarder. It might have been imagined that we had now some absolute paragons in new varieties when it is realised that prices (at least some are told in the general Press) have been paid for them that entirely out-Herod Herod in costliness. A few days since I was favoured with a letter from the editor of a prominent American paper asking for information as to these greatly boomed varieties, they having read of them on the other side of the Atlantic. How disappointing is it to learn that, call the new variety by what designation you may, the weakness of Potato nature still remains ! A Kentish grower told me a few days since of the severe attacks of disease which had resulted to his costly novelty, and the same report comes from many other directions. Even whilst we are being constantly told by bold advertisement that such an one is disease-resisting, growers, having no primary objects to serve, tell us otherwise, and that it is no more disease-resisting than any other that has been put into commerce so described for the past thirty years. Very likely it may be said in apology, " Look what a wet, cold season we had last year." Just so ; but if a wet, cold season is the weak link in the chain, and just there the chain snaps, of what use are all the other links ? There are plenty of fine varieties of Potatos in commerce that in ordinary warm seasons give no disease ; but where is the variety, new or old, that exhibits no disease whatever in a cold, wet season such as last year was ? What we want is not uncertain, unreliable disease-resisters, but " disease-proof " Potatos. If anyone can give us those they will indeed deserve well of their country. I should like to see Government offering a premium of .£100 to anyone who should raise a variety that proved to be, over five years of trials, in diverse parts of the kingdom, impartially conducted, absolutely disease-proof. Perhaps the new Potato Society can help to that end. A. D. NOVELTIES OF 1903. (Continued from p. 18.) Although "trade" is reported to have been bad even in horticultural circles, those engaged in it have displayed unusual activity in the production or introduction of new plants, the home-made article, the work of the hybridist's skill, largely predominating. Nevertheless there is evidence in the fine plants introduced by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons from China and other parts, that many of them are likely to prove quite hardy in the British Isles. The many fine new plants with which Messrs. Sander & Sons have enriched our plant-houses, which were so well shown at Ghent and at the Temple and Holland House, show that enterprising nurserymen have not abandoned their researches in distant climes for new plants. In private gardens but few new species have appeared, but in the Rt. Hon. Lord Eothschild's gardens the fine crimson Gloriosa Eothschildiana makes a red-letter event in that rare class of showy warm-house trailing or climbing plants. Most of the best novelties, where material has been procurable, have been illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, and therefore if the refer- ences given in the appended list of illustrated plants be referred to, full information of them can be obtained. Stove and Greenhouse Plants. Among these the Hippeastrums, or Amaryllis, as they are usually called in gardens, seem to have come more generally into culture with a view to improvement, Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Captain Holford, Messrs. R. P. Ker & Sons, Lord Rothschild, and others having worked on them successfully. Of the best new ones of the year are Hippeastrum Black Prince, from Captain Holford ; H. Fair Lady and H. Julius, from Messrs. Veitch ; and a Other noteworthy, new, or re- introduced plants which have received Awards in this class during the year are the Nymphaea gigantea Hudsoni, and Lowrya campanulata of Leopold de Rothschild, Esq. (gr. Mr. J. Hudson) ; the Pinguicula cau- data superbi, and Kniphofia longicollis of J. T. Bennett- Poe, Esq. (gr. Mr. Downes) ; Kalanchoe Felthamensis and K. kewensis, from Messrs. Veitch ; Lachenalia Ruth Lane from F. W. Moore, Esq., Glasnevin ; Caladium Mossamedes from Messrs. Wm. Bull & Sons, and various novelties. Ferns. In decorative Ferns, as might be expected from the large quantities grown by him, Mr. H. B. May, of Edmonton, takes the lead, having secured awards for Nephrolepis Mayii, N. Piersoni, N. ordifolia crispita congesta, Adiantum scutum Fig. 18. — chlorosis in grape-vine. 1. Branch of Grape Vine strongly affected with Chlorosis and AnUiracnose. was under my personal control.) ■J. A branch of Grape- Vine after the treatment. 3. A GrapeVioe Branch affected with Chlorosis. (Seep. 36.) (The plant splendid pure white form and a variety named Exquisite, shown by Messrs. R. P. Ker & Sons in their Gold Medal group at the Ghent Quin- quennial. Messrs. Sander & Sons, at the same great show, exhibited in their first prize group of new plants — Dracaena Broomfieldi superba, Selag- inella Watsoniana-, Polypodium Knightia?, Alpinia Sanderae, . Heliconia Edwardus Rex, Phrynium Micholitzii, Drymophlreus Mooreanus, Dracaena Kewensis, Bilbergia Forgetiana, Pandanus Wav- rinianus, Linospadix Leopoldi, Retinospora San- deri (of gardens), Alocasia Wavriniana, Ficus pandurata, Asparagus myriocladus, A. Sprengeri variegata, Dracaena Victoriae, Pteris Maissonieri, Fourcroya Watsoniana, and other novelties, most of which have also been exhibited here, and many illustrated in the Qardeners' Chronicle ; one of the finest flowering plants for greenhouse or out-door decoration in summer being the floriferous magenta rose-coloured Nicotiana Sanderae. ramosum, and Pteris metallica, all excellent novelties. Messrs. Sander & Sons showed one of the most beautiful new Ferns in Polypodium Knightiae, and Messrs. J. Hill & Sons, of Lower Edmonton, a graceful plant in Nephrolepis- Fosteri. Begonias. Messrs. Veitch & Sons continue to improve their useful decorative winter-flowering strain ;, Messrs. Sander & Sons have produced good novelties in handsome foliaged kinds, and the tuberous-rooted section have been recruited. Of the best of those certificated were B. Mrs. W. P. Neal, blush- white; B. Mrs. Portman Dalton, rose; B. Mrs. Moger, carmine-rose ; B. Sir Thos. Lipton, bright red— all fine doubles from Messrs. Black- more & Langdon, Twerton Nurseries, near Bath, the same firm also securing an award for the glowing orange-scarlet B. Countess of Warwick. Messrs. R. B. Davis, Yeovil, were successful with B. Gipsy Girl, B. W. Sparshott, and others ;. 38 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANTTAEY 16, 1904. Messrs. J. Laing & Co. with B. The" Queen and B. Lady Howe ; and the quality of each section has been improved by other raisers, although the excellence of the old forms renders it difficult to show great difference in the novelties. Chrysanthemums. These useful autumn and winter flowers, which nothing in the whole range of floriculture could replace, have been augmented by many new and good varieties. Among the'best of those certifi- cated were F. S. Vallis, Miss E. Holding, W. A. Etherington, Kitty Bourne, Mrs. J. Dunn, Dorothy Pywell, Allman's Yellow, The Champion, Edith Davy, Harry Whateley, Ruby Martin, J. H. Spilsbury, Lady Cranston, Maude du Cros, Miss A. Dighton, Jessie Dean, Mrs. Barnard Hankey, Mrs. J. P. Bryce, Pink Beauty, C. W. Pascoe, Pink Pet, Polly and Souvenir de William Clibran. Opinions differ as to their relative merits, but all are good, and some will be standard varieties in their classes. Dahlias. Among these the " Cactus " varieties are decidedly and justly the favourites. Of the best are Miss F. M. Stredwick, white with lemon centre j Mrs. H. L. Brousson, bronze-buff ; George Gordon, yellow and bronze, of Mr. J. Stredwick St. Leonards-on-Sea ; Dainty, mauve and prim rose; Spotless Queen, white; and Sweet Nell, rnauve with light centre, of Messrs. Hobbies, Dereham ; and Spitfire, scarlet, and Amos Perry, crimson and red, of Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothe- say. Two good Pompons were San Toy and Queen of Whites, of Mr. Chas. Turner. Dark- ness, a chocolate-maroon- coloured single, of Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, was a marked improvement ; as also was the single-flowered Rosebank Scarlet of Mr. Ed. Mawlet. Hardy and Half-hardy Plants. Of these, the introductions of Messrs. James Veitch & Sons are the most remarkable. Of proved and certificated novelties introduced by this firm are Vitis Thomsoni, V. sinensis, V. armata, V. flexuosa Wilsoni, and V. megaphylla ; Behmannia angulata, Jasminum primulinum, and Senecio tanguticus. The Narcissus. No class of flowers is better worthyof the florist's care than the Narcissus, and it is one of the few flowers which the florist, in his struggles for large size and showy colours, cannot render coarse or anything but beautiful. The Narcissus Committee of the Boyal Horticultural Society is now a recognised authority, and exhibits from all parts come before them. During the past year fine exhibits came from the Kev. G. H. Engle- heart, Din ton, Wilts, who is the champion worker in their development ; from Miss Willmott, of Warley Place, who seems to grow the plants into even greater beauty than do the raisers ; from Mrs. Backhouse, of Sutton Court, Hereford ; Miss Curry, Lismore, Ireland ; Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden ; Messrs. Veitch ; Messrs. Hogg & Robertson, Dublin; Mr. W. B. Hartland, Cork ; Messrs. Bath, Wisbech ; Messrs. Pope, King's Norton ; Mr. Reuthe, Keston, and others ; and the leading exhibitors have secured awards for novelties, among the best of which were Red Disc, Lady Gore-Booth, and Symmetry, from the Rev. G. H. Engleheart. Miss Willmott also gained awards for The Moonstone, Lilian, Rev. Chas. Digby, Count Visconti, Countess Visconti, Valeria, Occident, and Astrardente, all raised by the Rev. G. H. Engleheart ; also Viscountess Falmouth and Adour. Mrs. Backhouse re- ceived awards for Zingara, Firelight, and Mohican. Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, for Cleopatra, Mrs. Geo. Barr, and Janet Image ; and Messrs. Pope for King's NortoD. (To be concluded ) The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. Markham, gr., Wrotbam Park, Barnet. Pears. — Probably the finest and best-flavoured Pears are those produced from trained trees on walls or boarded fences ; but excellent fruits may be cultivated on espalier, pyramidal, or bush trees, provided the roots are in a suitable soil and are near to the surface. Old, worn-out trees, that rarely, if ever, produce good fruits, should be grubbed up, and, after preparing the ground, plant healthy young trees of good and useful varieties, selected with a view of maintaining a long supply of fruits. For covering a wall space quickly and for fruiting early, plant cordon trees, and train them either in an upright or oblique direction, at distances of about 18 inches apart. The border for these should be about 5 feet wide. Trench the soil and thoroughly break up the subsoil to a good depth, and substitute for the staple as much good loam (in which fruit-trees have not yet grown) as is practicable, mixing with this a good sprinkling of bones, wood-ash and old mortar- rubble, Ac. In preparing the stations for the roots of the trees, open a shallow trench about 2 feet in width, tread the bottom moderately firm, then slightly loosen the top with a four- tined fork previous to resting the roots on the soil. All the damaged roots should be cut smoothly over. I always cut on the upper side of the main roots to encourage the fresh feeders, &c, as near to the surface as possible. Spread the roots out evenly over the border, and sprinkle some fine, moderately dry soil amongst them. Then give the tree a slight shake and cover up, making the soil firm about the roots, which will complete the work for the time being, except that the trees should be tied loosely to the wall, that the ties may allow the trees to sink with the soil. Good varieties include Marie Louise, Doyenne du Cornice, Triomphe de Vienne, Pitmaston Duchess, Durondeau, Emile de Heyst, Beurre Bosc, Beurre Superfin, Glou Morceau, Josephine de Malines, Olivier de Serres, Passe Crasanne, and Duchesse de Bordeaux. Pruning. — A good portion of this work is done in summer by preserving suitable shoots for different purposes, and cutting and pinching young wood that is not required. Pruning at this season will consist in cutting back to within a couple of buds all side growths, and removing or thinning out old snags, so as to encourage plenty of strong fruit-buds nearer to the main branches. This work may be extended over a few seasons in preference to severely pruning a tree at one time. In cases of aged trees some cultivators remove old branches entirely and successfully train young wood to fill their places, while others encourage young shoots along the lower tiers of branches at a foot apart and train them vertically, removing other branches to give the young wood more room, as may be needed. All trees whea they have been pruned should be afforded a top dressing with a suitable compost after as much of the old soil has been removed as can be done without causing in- jury to the roots. If, in cases of large trees, the roots have got down into the cold subsoil, root pruning may still be carried out, but only half of the roots of a particular tree should be so treated this season, the other half may be done early in autumn. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Oardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart , Paddockburst, Sussex. The Wild Garden. — On the slopes of banks and under trees where the ground is unfurnished, plant Hypericums, Periwinkles (Vinca) and Ivies. Other spots can be made bright with Foxgloves, Honesty, Primroses, and Forget-Me- Not (Myosotis palustris). When these have become established they will seed and cover the ground each year. Plant groups of Lilacs, Syringas, Ribes rubrum, and standard Labur- nums ; and for obtaining coloured foliage iu autumn, Scarlet Oaks, Acer variegatum and A. rubrum, Prunus Pissardi, Cornus florida, Vibur- num Opulus, Liquidambar styraciflua. In a sheltered place, where the wind will not be felt much, Chamaerops excelsa may be added. A cool spot in partial shade may be made interest- ing by planting it with a collection of Heaths. The ground must be well trenched for these, adding plenty of sandy peat and leaf -mould. Place a few rough, large, moss-covered stones amongst the plants, partly covering the stones with earth. Some of the Heaths may be planted against these. One plant of each variety should have a label attached to it, with the name of the species and variety written thereon. In the wild garden may be planted any surplus shrubs, if these are crowded in the flower garden, and any hardy plants from the forcing-house when these have been hardened sufficiently. Stumps of trees that have been cut down to within 12 feet of the ground may be covered with creepers, planting Ivy and Clematis Jackmani together, and restrict- ing the Ivy until the Clematis gets established. Aristolocba Sipho, Clematis vitieella rubra, va- riegated Ivy, Passiflora ccerulea (requires protec- tion in severe weather), climbing Roses (Dorothy Perkins, The Garland, Leuchtstern, Polyantha grandiflora, Crimson Rambler) and Wild Hops may be used for the same and similar purposes. A summer-house should be erected and afterwards covered with Clematis vi- talba (Old Man's Beard or Traveller's Joy). A stream of water is necessary to complete this garden, and preferably one that has shaped its own course. If there is such an one it will have washed its way down and left the sides bare, but this can be remedied by building dams of stiff clay and boulders ; and the water thus made secure may be planted with Water-Lilies ; but a look-out must be kept for water-rats, which are very destructive to the bulbs. Plaut the sides of the stream with Willows, Sambucus, Dogwood, Primulas, Iris, Trollius europajus, Polygonum sachalinense, &c. Have rustic bridges planted with creeping and climbing species, and do not make the paths less than 5 feet wide. Use broken sandstone, which gets quite hard and have a bright, clean appearance. Where the banks are loose some logs of wood about 7 feet long may be laid roughly at the side, and planted with Ivy. These will hold the bank up and screen it. Old stumps of trees put up in round heaps in a few bad places may be planted with Honeysuckle or Ground Ivy. Plant a few Conifers. Bedding Violas that were struck in a cold frame in the autumn will require to be pinched now previous to planting them next month. By that time they will produce off -sets and make nice plants to fill up gaps in the beds that were planted last autumn. Stir the surface soil of these with a stick, and remove all green moss and decayed leaves. Plants put out in the autumn should be pressed into the earth and afforded a good dressing of wood-ashes. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fielder, Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Mymrus Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Chrysanthemums. — Continue to put in cuttings of these as fast as good suckers can be obtained, rejecting those cuttings which proceed from the stem above the surface of the soil, or only using them as a last resource. Where many plants are grown, it is seldom that the whole of the cuttings are inserted on the same date, and therefore they will become rooted at different times. In order to prevent the earliest cuttings from becoming drawn, remove them from the close frame as soon as they have made roots, and this allows the frame to be kept close for the benefit of the later cuttings. Tree or Winter-flowering Carnations. — Tree-Car- nations may be propagated at any time through- out the year, but for the purpose of affording flowers during the winter and early spring months the cuttings should be taken during January and February, and provided that suitable cuttings are obtainable the earlier the better. The best cuttings are made from the young and quickly- grown side-shoots, which are produced on plants that have been in flower. If these shoots be pulled off the plants when about 3 inches in length they will be ready for insertion into pots with little further preparation, but longer shoots should be shortened to about that length to JANUABY 16, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 39 ensure that the base of the cutting be not too •woody. Insert the cuttings round the sides of small pots, -which have been previously filled with a compost consisting of three-parts loam, one part leaf-soil, and a liberal allowance of silver- sand. Such cuttings will strike readily if they can be accommodated with a hand-light or frame, on the stage of a houEe having a night temperature of 55° to 60°. The pots should be plunged to the rims in cocoanut-fibre or ashes, and, if the soil and plunging material be then given a thorough watering through a fine rose, the cuttings will require but little if any more water untS they have made roots. The plunging of the pots is important, as by that means an even and moist condition of the soil is maintained. "When the cuttings have rooted, which should be in from three to four weeks, gradually admit air to the frame for a few days to harden them, after which the cuttings may betaken out and afforded a position as near to the light as possible in the same house, or in another having the same tem- perature. As soon as sufficient roots have been made, pot the cuttings singly into small 60-sized pots, using a little more leaf-mould in the com- post than in that recommended for rooting the cuttings. Nerines. — The most important point in the cul- ture of Nerines is to afford them all the light possible. Keep them throughout the winter and early spring months on a shelf near to the roof- glass in a house where a night temperature of 45° or 50° is maintained. While the plants are making their growth an occasional watering with weak liquid-manure is beneficial, especially if the plants were not repotted in the autumn. Repotting, when necessary, should be done at the end of July, before the flower-spikes begin to show. When the bulbs begin to lose their foliage, lessen the water supply gradually, and at the beginning of May place the plants in a cold frame and expose them to full sunlight, the soil being allowed to remain quite dry until the flower-spikes begin to appear, at the end of the summer. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pent-land, Gardener to C. H. B Firth, Esq , Ashwicke Hall, Marshneld, Chippenham. Trenching. — Before commencing to trench a piece of land, consider the nature of the soil. No harm can be done if it is open in character, and capable of being easily worked, but years of labour may result from the trenching in one year of stiff clay. On such soil the top spit is usually workable, and should be kept at the top. In starting to take out the first trench upon such soil, wheel the top spit to the end at which you will finish, after which turn over the bottom to the depth required, mixing in ashes, road- scrapings, and manure as the work proceeds. When starting to take out the second trench, turn the top spit on to the bottom of the first trench, which has been prepared, then turn up the bottom as before, and so on, until the work is finished. This will be found to answer better than turning unworkable clay to the surface. Before coming to this neighbourhood I always thought, when trenching, of the father's advice to his sons to dig for the buried treasure, but experience has taught another lesson. Peas and Beans. — Keep a sharp look-out over November-sown Beans and Peas for slugs, and if any be found apply a good dressing of soot, after which spread about J an inch of dry ashes, saw- dust, or dry sandy soil along the lines, working it well between the plants and to at least 6 inches on either side. Finely sifted ashes from anthra- cite coal we find an excellent barrier to slugs. Forcing. — Where hot-beds have been got ready and the heat has declined to 70°, sow seeds of early Carrots, Badishes, Cauliflower, Onions and Leeks, also a few seeds of Tomatos. The quantity of each will depend upon the demands that are likely to arise, and upon the conveniences at hand for growing all to perfection without over- crowding. Potato-tubers in heaps should be looked -over frequently, and the most forward placed in boxes on their ends, the sprouts upwards, exposing them to the light in a position where frost is not likely to reach them. Plant tubers of Sharpe's Victor on mild hot-bedB or in pots. Mushrooms. — If any of the beds are showing signs of exhaustion, a watering with tepid liquid- manure obtained from cow-dung and a little salt will probably excite a considerable quantity of dormant spawn into growth. Beds that are quite spent should be turned out, and new ones made in their place. Protect beds out-of-doors with sufficient covering to ward off frost and snow. Collect droppings as they are turned from the stables, and spread them out on the floor of a shed until a few days before they are required. They should then be thrown in a heap and turned over several times before being placed in the bed. Celery. — If this is not already protected from rain and frost, let it be afforded such protection at once. Asparagus. — If roots will be required from the open beds for forcing, cover the ground over them with long litter, to prevent the soil from being frozen hard, which would make the operation of lifting the roots very difficult. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By \V. Fyke, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockiage Park, Wantage. Vines intended to afford ripe Q rapes in June should be started at once. In order to obtain compact well finished bunches with good berries, prune the canes on the " close spur " system. In the case of Vines with well ripened wood that have had adequate rest, it will not be necessary to dress the wounds with " styptic." We never make use of this at all. Strip all the loose bark from the Vines, but make no attempt to scrape them. The bark is Nature's protection from strong sunshine, and a means by which moisture is re°ained upon the Vines. Wash the canes thoroughly with soft-soap and water, and treat the woodwork and glass in the house similarly. We employ no mixture for the painting of the rods, its use being unnatural and unsightly. If mealy-bug is at all troublesome, all holes are closed by the use of Gishurst Compound. Do not afford water to the borders until the Vines are in active growth, or unless the soil greatly needs moisture. Damp the house and rods occa- sionally, but remember that an excess of moisture will tend to encourage weak growth. The tem- perature by artificial means should range from 50J to 55°, and it may rise 10" or 15' more from sunheat. Raising Young Vines from Eyes.— The present is a suitable time to do this. Select the varieties and choose good plump bads, cutting the wood about 1 inch in length with the bud in the centre. Take out a small slice of the wood from the side opposite the bud, and place the pieces singly on the flat side in 3 inch pots, which should be three-parts filled with light loam, with a little bed of sand for the eye to rest in. Plunge the pots in a temperature of from 80° to 85°, and afford water as may be necessary. Peaches and Nectarines. — Start the second early house to produce ripe fruits in June. It will only be necessary to employ fire-heat to maintain a day temperature of 50° to 55°, with sufficient ventilation to cause a circulation of air, and allowing an advance of 10' from sun-heat, with additional ventilation. Until the flower-buds are well advanced, a night temperature of 40° to 45° will be sufficient, and it may be then raised gradually to 50°. Syringe the trees each morn- ing in bright weather until the buds are upon the point of bursting, then cease to syringe the trees overhead, and damp the borders and paths only. The water-pipes should always have a little warmth in them, and there should be a slight circulation of air in the house. Suitable varie- ties for ripening in June are Stirling Castle Peach, and Lord Napier Nectarine. Cucumbers. — In raising young plants we adopt the same practice for bottom-heat as advised for Melons in a previous Calendar, sowing the seeds in 3-inch pots in a compost of two parts light friable loam and one part leaf-mould. Fill the pots half full with the compost and put one seed in each pot, covering it with fine moist soil that no water may be required until the seeds have germinated. A little top-dressing may be afforded them subsequently. Keep the young plants near to the glass, which should be covered at night. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawbesce, Bart., Burford. Dorking. Lwlias. — There are now some plants of the- well-known La?lia anceps in bloom, including: such distinct varieties as L. a. Barkeriana, L. a. Protheroeana, L. a. Leeana, L. a. Veitchii.. L. a. alba, L. a. Dawsoni, L. a. Percivaliana, L. a. Schrodera;, L. a. Hillii, L. a. Williamsi, L. a. Stella, L. a. Sanderiana, L. a. Cham- berlainiana, &c. Orchid cultivators have held for a long time past that to grow these Mexican, Laelias thoroughly well the plants require a great amount of sunlight ; but notwithstanding the great deficiency of sunshine during the past year, the plants at Burford have made better pn .cress and are blooming more profusely than for several seasons past. While the plants are in flower, and until growth has recommenced, keep the temperature of the house at about 55° by night. and the atmosphere comparatively dry. Let the hot-water pipes be made moderately warm, so- that fresh air may be admitted through the lower ventilators in proportion to the condition of the weather out-of-doors; and whilst taking care that the pseudo-bulbs do not shrivel, do not afford much water to the roots. When the flowering stage is past, examine each plant for scale insects, and otherwise thoroughly cleanse- them. L. autumnalis, L. albida, and L. purpu- racea, coming from higher elevations than L. anceps, are perfectly safe if suspended in the cool-house while they are at rest. The distinct L. rubescens (L. acuminata or L. peduncularis) is- a good 'basket" plant for cultivation in the- warmest house ; it has now passed out of flower, and should be placed with L. ancep3. Vandas. — V. Amesiana, a lovely Orchid, now in bloom, may also be stood in the cool, dry atmo- sphere of the Mexican-house, and if no water be afforded the plant the fragrant flowers will last a long time in good condition. Such tall and statTly-growing plants as Vanda suavis, V. tri- color, and their varieties, thrive well in the- ordinary temperature of a Cattleya-house. Place them together at one end of the house, and as the plants are in full growth and rooting freely a'l >rd them a little extra water, and keep the stages, &c, constantly moiBt. Deciduous Calanthes of the vestita section require a thorough rest after they have done flowering, and should be placed on a dry stage or shelf well up to the roof-glass of the plant-stove or warmest hou3e. Previous to removal to their resting quarters thoroughly cleanse each plant from white and brown scale insects which commonly infest them. Do not afford water to the roots, while the plants are dormant. Calanthes of the Kegnieri section, as C. Regnieri, C. Sanderiana, and C. Stevensi, are now opening their flowers. Gradually decrease the supply of water, so that when all the flowers are unfolded it may be dis- continued. When in flower the long arching spikes of these Calanthes show to the best advan- tage if the plants are stood upon the ground and interspersed with Palms, Cyperus, and Ferns. Sophronitis violacea. — Among dwarf-growing Orchids that bloom at this season Sophronitis violacea stands out prominently, and when a healthy plant is seen, as we have it here, with about forty violet-magenta flowers open, it is a pretty object. Block treatment suits its require- ments admirably. Select a nice smooth piece of Apple-wood, take off the bark, and previous to- fastening the plant on the block dry or bake the wood thoroughly weU. Suspend the block in a horizontal position in a shady part of the Cattleya or Intermediate-house, and keep it moist at all times, even when the Sophronitis is at rest. Odontoglossum coronarium— Li the cool-house plants of Odontoglossum coronarium miniatum. are now sending up their flower-spikes, and should receive copious root waterings until the flowers open. Fruit from Australia.— The Manager of the " Orient " B.M. Steamship Company has sent us particulars of the amount of Apples it is- expected will be sent us from Australia between the dates February 13 and May 7. The estimate includes 200,749 cases from Hobart, 31,900 from Melbourne, and 28,450 from Adelaide— making a total of 264,099 cases. 40 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1904. 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 op 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 his correspondents. Illustrations. — The Editor will be glad to receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, Jlowtrs, trees, dec. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. SATURDAY, Jan. 16-German Gardeners' Club Meet. Gardeners' Roy. Benev. Inst. Annual Meeting and Election ot Pensioners at Covent Gar- den Hotel at a p.m. Brighton Horticultural So- ciety Meet. VLinnean Society Meet. THURSDAY, Jan. 21 FRIDAY, Tixr o-i (Royal Botanical Society, JM-"1 General Meeting. 8ALES FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY AND FRIDAY NEXT— Border Plants and Perennials, Azaleas, Roses, &c., at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 WEDNESDAY, January 20- At 12.30 at Stevens's Rooms, 500 cases Japanese Lilies —At 1 30 at Stevens', Roses, Fruit Trees, Azaleas. Gladioli, Begonias. &c,— Azaleas, Rhodo- dendrons, Palms, Plants, Roses, Liliums, Herba- ceous Plants. &c, at 07 and 08. Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.— 1 706 cases Liliums from Japan. Pearl Tuberoses, Palm Seeds, &c, at 07 and 68, Cheaps'de, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 3. FRIDAY NEXT— Imported and Established Orchids at 67 and 68, Cheapside. E.C., 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 -37-4'. Actual Temperatures :— London.— Jan. 13 (« p.m.) : Max. 55"; Min. 44'. Jan. H (noon) : Showery, windy, mild. Provinces.— Jan. 13 (6 p.m.) : Max. 48*. South Coast of England ; Min. 4o', West Coast of Scotland. The near approach of the Carders' annual meeting, which is to be Benevolent." held at the Covent Garden Hotel, Southampton Street, Covent Garden, on the 21st inst., has been heralded, as it usually is, by the receipt of numerous letters concerning the Institution. For the most part these are of an encourag- ing and laudatory character. In others objections are raised. For the most part these objections are based on misconcep- tions, and all are, we believe, capable of explanation. We will give the first place to the following letter from Mr. Harry J. Veitch, than whom no one is more interested in the Institution, no one has done, and is doing, more for its welfare. It is not only his active sympathy with the objects of the Society, but it is specially his business capacity which gives him a claim to be heard. When a working Committee is headed by such a man with the assistance of such colleagues, and the aid of such a Secretary as Mr. Ingram, it is certain that the wishes of the subscribers and the requirements of the candidates will be as thoroughly well considered as they can be, and as a matter of fact we know that they are. Here is Mr. Veitcii's letter:— "I have read with much pleasure the corre- spondence which has taken place in the recent issues of the Gardeners' Chronicle, and it is ex- ceedingly gratifying to find how much interest is being shown in the affairs of the Institution. Whilst I feel very thankful for the help the Institution is at present able to give to more than 200 pensioners, of whom eighty-eight are the widows of gardeners, much more could be done had we more means at our disposal. Having, at the request of the Committee, consented to take the Chair at the Annual Festival Dinner on Tuesday, June 28 next, I venture to ask all who have the well-being of the Institution at heart, and who are desirous of assisting their less fortu- nate brethren, to help to make the Festival the most successful which has ever yet been held, both by contributing what they can themselves and by soliciting donations from all lovers of gardening with whom they may be acquainted. " If any who are willing to assist me in this will kindly communicate with the Secretary, Mr. Gr. J. Ingram, at 175, Victoria Street, West- minster, S.W., or with me at 34, Redcliffe Gar- dens, S.W., either of us will be very pleased to furnish all desired information and also to forward collecting cards. " Harry J. Veitch, " Treasurer and Chairman of Committee." We earnestly trust Mr. Veitcii's appeal will be as well responded to as it ought to be. The applications for relief unfortunately are out of proportion to the means of alleviation. This disproportion was be- coming more and more accentuated, so that in order to check the progress of a condition of affairs which could only end in the future in a serious curtailment of the benefits of the Society, some changes in the rules had to be made last year. These changes were the result of long and anxious consideration, and they were accepted at the annual meeting without a dissentient vote. To show how matters stand, we may say that at the next election there are about fifty-three candidates (the exact numbers are immaterial for our present purpose). Of these fifty-three, thirty-one, including seven- teen who were unsuccessful at the last election, have subscribed for fifteen years and upwards ; thirteen have subscribed for a shorter period than fifteen years, and eleven have not subscribed at all. Now it might reasonably be expected that the thirty-one who have subscribed for fifteen years should take precedence over those who have not subscribed at all, and that they should be elected at once on to the pension list. Alas for reasonable expectations ! There are but twelve vacancies. If the objectors would furnish the means to secure the election of those who are now, perforce, left to await the chances of another election, how happy the Committee would feel ! In the meanwhile the Committee do what they can to equalise matters. They investigate each case brought before them. They, of their own initiative, credit each accepted candidate witli a number of votes, propor- tionate to the length of his subscription, so that old subscribers, if they cannot all be placed on the pension immediately, have a great advantage in the future over those who have not subscribed at all. For instance, a man who has subscribed forty years would be credited with 100 votes for each year that he has subscribed, amounting in the aggre- gate to 4,000 votes, a number which would ensure his election without further effort. One of our correspondents complains that at the last election half the successful can- didates had not subscribed to the fund. If this had been true the fault would have lain with the subscribers, not with the Com- mittee ; but it is not true. We are informed that of the fifteen elected ten had been sub- scribers and five had not. Again, we are told that some of the unsuccessful candi- dates last year had been subscribers for twenty years, and thought, other things being equal, they would certainly have been placed on the pension list— a not unreason- able expectation ; but what could be done when the number of candidates over sixty- five years of age, and who had subscribed fifteen years, was twenty-three, and there were only fifteen vacancies ? Again it is suggested for the consideration of the Committee that the age limit of potential candidates should be raised, and that the amount given annually by the Institution should be proportionate to the income of the candidate. Thus, if one man has thirty-five pounds a year, he ought to be able to claim fifteen pounds ; whilst another with forty pounds per annum should only be allotted ten pounds from the Insti- tution, and so on. We have not tested the. accuracy of these figures, which is a matter for the accountants to advise upon ; we merely cite them to show what some gar- deners are thinking. Of the method of voting, with all its un- necessary trouble and expense to candidates and their friends, and the inconvenience to the subscribers, we have often spoken, but always to find ourselves in a minority. Nevertheless, we are still so struck by the cumbrousness of the present system that we again suggest that the Committee, who already are responsible for so much, and who, as we have said, already allot a propor- tionate number of votes to each candidate according to the length of the period during which they have been subscribers, should go a little further, accept a little more responsibility, and themselves recommend to the subscribers the candidates for the pension according to the number of vacan- cies or the means at disposal. The names of the candidates recommended for election might be submitted to a general meeting, by whom the list could be accepted or amended by the voters at their discretion. All that would be then necessary would be for the Committee to prohibit canvassing for votes; to circulate a list, first, of all the eligible applicants ; and, secondly, of those whose claims appear to the Committee to be most urgent, leaving it to the individual sub- scribers to accept the names proposed to them, or to give their votes to others, as they might think fit. This is a detail that may be left for future consideration. What is urgent is that the gardeners of the country should support their own Institution more freely than they do, and exert themselves to the utmost to reduce that saddening dis- proportion between the number of applicants and the means of satisfying them. Annual subscriptions should be very largely in- creased, whilst from those prevented by circumstances from subscribing regularly, donations of any amount, large or small, to those two excellent auxiliaries, the Vic- torian Era Fund, for the benefit of unsuc- cessful candidates at each election who have previously been subscribers to the Institute, and the Good Samaritan Fund, for the imme- diate aid of others in need and distress, would be most acceptable. January 16, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 41 Gardeners are so isolated that they do not realise to the full extent either the neces- sities of their less fortunate brethren, or the efforts that are made by the Committee of the Gardeners' Benevolent to afford relief. •But in these days of postal orders the ■facilities for the transmission of even small -amounts are greatly enhanced. Let us all see to it that our Benevolent Societies profit ^accordingly. DEDICATIONS. — Following the practice of the Botanical Magazine, it has become customary to dedicate the annual or half-yearly volumes of garden periodicals to some distinguished crafts- man or scientist. Thus the current volume of the Garden is dedicated to Dr. Alfred Wallace, who has a charming experimental garden at Parkstone; whilst Le Jardin pays a similar compliment to M. Nanot, of Chrysanthemum fame. Mr. Chamberlain's Commission.— Among "the members of this Commission we find the names of Mr. J. W. Dennis, of W. Dennis & Sons, of Covent Garden, one of the largest firms handling market-garden produce, Potatos, and fruit. A Gardener's Calling!.— It is most unusual /for us to have to record the death, by suicide, of any one engaged in horticultural work. With all 4ts alleged disadvantages, a gardener's calling is one that affords infinite interest, and in most i cases tends to keep the mind and body healthful . and happy. It is therefore with the greatest re- gret we publish the cases of suicide related on another page. In both instances the deaths were due to mental depression. The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund.— Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., Presi- y a large number of correspondents whose contributions are still upon our table, but of which under present circumstances we cannot avail ourselves fully. Among these the follow- ing totals may be noted : From the Eoyal Gardens, Windsor, by Mr. T. Edwards, total for the year = 3031 inches, as against 2207 inches in 1902 ; from the gardens at Hampton Manor, by Mr. Neil Sinclair, = 33 07 inches ; from D' Alger- non Chase Gardens, Leatherhead, by Mr. J. B. Lowe, 12 47 inches ; from Norbury Park Gardens, Dorking, by Mr. G. Kent, 52'58 inches, as against 2404 inches in 1902. Mr. Vert, gardener at Audley End, near Saffron Walden, has sent us a table in which the monthly rainfall during a period of thirty-seven years is given. The average for those years is 2399J inches, but the fall in 1903 was equal to 3484 inches. In the well-remembered dreary year of 1879 it was 285 inches ; and in 1872 it was 34'4 inches. In 1903, therefore, the amount was greater than in any of the thirty-seven years. It appears from Nature that the greatest fall, 07 inches, in the year, was at Valentia, S.W. Ireland ; then comes Stornoway, G2 inches. The smallest falls were in East England — Yar- mouth, 218 inches. In London 38 inches fell, more than half as much again as usual. At Greenwich 355 inches fell, 11 more than the average ; and there were 184 rainy days. Nature-Study. — The Bath and West of England and Southern Counties Society propose to hold a Nature-Study Exhibition in connection with their agricultural show at Swansea in May next. KEW SEED LIST. — We have received from the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Appendix I. (1904) of the Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information, which is a select list of seeds of hardy herbaceous plants, and of trees and shrubs, which for the most part ripened at Kew during the year 1903, and are available for exchange. La Mortola Seed List.— We acknowledge the receipt of a list of seeds collected during the year 1903 in the garden at La Mortola, Ventimiglia, Italy. Forestry. — "F. E. S.," writing in the Times, says that for those who wish to profit from tree- planting there is " no tree worth a minute's con- sideration excepting the common Larch." Is this not a too " sweeping statement " ? The Larch is no doubt excellent, but it is subject to disease. The Japanese Larch (L. leptolepis) is well spoken of. The Douglas Fir certainly deserves more extended trial. Thuya plicata (gigantea) should also not be overlooked. Abies Nordmanniana, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Abies brachyphylla and Thuyopsis boreaUs should certainly not be con- demned off-hand. The writer in the Times is speaking of the South of England particularly, and has in view the production of wood suitable for the builder. The Larch has had the start of the species we have mentioned, but we suspect that experience will prove that some of them are equal to or even better than the Larch. New Propagating Department in Hyde Park. — A new range of glasshouses for pro- pagating, &c, in Hyde Park, having become necessary, it has been decided to transfer the present one in Kensington Gardens to a more open and central position in Hyde Park. For this purpose about three acres of ground have been selected near the old leaf yard,] and en- closed by a mound of suitable size for shelter and privacy, which will be planted with groups of shrubs, trees, &c. Accommodation will be found for three fine ranges of pits for propagating, growing on, and hardening bedding and other plants, while other houses will furnish space for wintering Palms, Bamboos, Musas, and other plants used in sub-tropical bedding in] summer. Enclosures sheltered by wind-screens for harden- ing plants and for raising and increasing stock will also be included. The saving of cartage in the summer bedding time will be very appreci- able, a distance of over two miles being saved in the journey to Park Lane alone, while the fine open situation, together with every modern con- venience, will make this new growing establish- ment a distinct acquisition to the welfare of the various parks and open spaces supplied from it. The whole has been designed and is being carried out under the direction of the new superinten- dent, Mr. C. Jordan. Dobbie's Memorandum Book and Pocket Guide to Gardening is a convenient and useful pocket-book, with calendar. A page is given to each month, three-parts being reserved for the making of notes, and one-third is printed matter explaining very briefly the current work in the garden. There are also short notes upon the cultivation of flowers and fruit-trees, and at the end a number of blank pages for entering notes. It is published by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Eothesay, price Is. Webster's "Forester's Pocket Diary," published by Eider & Son, 1G4, Aldersgate Street, London, is a very handy and serviceable little book. A monthly calendar of operations precedes a variety of notes, of which the forester is likely to appreciate the value. A list of foresters is appended, and the whole forms one of the most compact and convenient of similar annual publications.', «»i» My Garden Diary for 1904. — This is a handy little publication sent out by Messrs. Sutton &. Sons, of Eeading, giving in wonder- fully small space an epitome of the year's work in the garden. Various notes concerning the calen- dar are also inoluded, and there is space for daily memoranda. The booklet ha9 a pretty coloured cover and a frontispiece, South African Flowering Plants.— Prof. Henslow has just published a small volume relating to the manners and customs of certain representative plants of the Cape Colony, and the way in which the plants are constructed so as to be able to adapt themselves to the conditions under which they grow. Messrs. Longmans are the publishers of the book, to which we shall take an early opportunity of referring at greater length. Perpetual Malmaison Carnations.— M. Grignan, in the Revue Horticole, makes mention of two varieties, named Chatillon and Mme. Bixio. They were, with others, raised by |M. Nonin, of Chatillon-sous-Bagneux, Paris, by the use of pollen from Malmaison varieties on flowers be- longing to the tige defer or stiff-stemmed section. The crosses retain the size of flower and vigour of the Malmaison, combined with the property of flowering at any season, by means of pinching and appropriate cultivation. Spartium JUNCEUM. — In this and some other species characteristic of dry climates, the leaves are small and soon fall, while the rind of the shoots remains green. It is generally assumed that the leaves in these plants are relatively of little importance, as their work is done by the green rind ; but Mr. Bergen, in the Botanical Gazette, says, from experiments made at Naples on three species, that during the leafy season the leaves transpire much more than the rind does from a like area, and photosynthetic action (assimilation of carbonic acid under the influence of light) is also probably greater. Leafless plants of Spartium grow but little at any season. Presentation to Mr. A. D. Christie. — After upwards of fourteen years' service as head- gardener to the Marquis of Hertford, Eagley 42 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANUARY 16, 1904. Hall, Warwickshire, Mr. A. D. Christie left that place in December, on which occasion he wa3 presented with a marble timepiece, inscribed " To A. D. Christie' from the Marquis of Hertford, Christmas, 1903." Mr. Christie's fellow-servants at the Hall, the employes in the gardens, and the members of the Arrow and Eagley C.C., of which he had been treasurer for many years, presented him with an English lever watch suitably en- graved, a silver chain and pendant. Mr. Christie was well known in South Warwickshire, and hor- ticultural societies have repeatedly requested him to judge at their shows. His many friends in Alcaster and district, at a public gathering held in the Corn Exchange under the presidency of the ston declares himself to be, as most of us are, " strongly adverse to the extinction of wild birds, but it was certainly never the intention of Parlia- ment to cause the destruction of millions of young salmon and other fish annually by allowing worth- less birds to increase as they have done." It is a curious fact that at this season more sea-gulls can be seen at any one time over the Thames, even in the centre of London, than can be witnessed on the coast. We have lately had an opportunity of testing this statement. This looks as if food were more abundant in London ; whether there is a corresponding deficiency of fish in the sea we do not know. We should in any case be very sorry to see the gulls ousted from London. Fig. 19. — feuits of caerya elliptica, purplish in colour, (see r. 44.) High Bailiff (Mr. E. A. Jephcott), recently pre- sented Mr. Christie with an illuminated address, together with a purse of sovereigns. Mr. Christie was also a member of the Arrow Parish Council. It is hoped that this good gardener will soon obtain another appointment. His successor at Ragley, as we have already announced, is Mr. Harding, for the last eight years foreman in the Royal Gardens, Sandringham. Fish-destroying Birds.— In the January number of the Nineteenth Century, Mr. Marston, the editor of the Fishing Gazette, has a paper, in which he says that the protection of wild birds has been carried too far ; the effect has been to increase nearly all kinds of birds, including many which destroy grain, fruit, vegetables, and fish. The increase of sparrows is indeed deplorable ; if their numbers and those of a few other birds could be reduced it might be better. Mr. Mar- The Bath Waters. — The cause of the healing properties of the Bath hot springs has always been more or less of a mystery. Possibly in the future the explanation may be found in the more minute analysis that is now possible. Already we are told that the newly discovered sub- stance helium has been found in the vapours from the spring, and now radium has also been dis- covered in infinitesimal quantities. Sir William Ramsay has found that helium is evolved from radium, and hence Mr. Strutt considers that the helium at Bath is derived from large quantities of radium at a great depth below the surface. A similar discovery has been made at Buxton. The Codlin Moth. — The best remedial measures, according to a Bulletin of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are spraying and the application of grease-bands, by which means the damage has in one case been reduced from 40 — CO per cent, to as low as 10 per cent. Trie annual loss to American Apple-growers from this pest is estimated at 11,000,000 dollars. The Supply of Nitrogen to Plants. — MM. Bouilhac and Giustiniani, in the Compter* Eendus, give an account of their experiments in- growing Buckwheat in a soil destitute of nitro- gen, but with which had been incorporated cer- tain algse and bacteria. These latter speedily enriched the soil to such a degree that the Buck- wheat flourished, and its analysis showed a large- percentage of nitrogen, though, as we have said the soil was originally destitute of thai; ingre- dient. The matter is in the experimental stage purely, but there are great hopes that the re- sources of science will shortly place at the disposal, of the cultivator sources of nitrogen at a cheap, rate. The Batley and District Chrysanthe- mum SOCIETY will hold its annual show on. November 5. The Action of Lime. — A certain proportion of lime is necessary to the health of many plants. If that proportion be exceeded, says M. Amar in. the Comptes Rendus, the excess is eliminated in- the form of crystals of oxalate of lime. These- crystals may therefore be regarded as excretions- of the waste lime. Others think the crystals are- excreted to get rid of the oxalic acid. Publications RECEiVED.-From the Board of Agricultu.e and Fisheries, Leaflet No. 98 Gmdiiw ami picking Fruit and Vegetable.. This ^^d^f^lss all who grow garden crops for market, as careless handling is a prime source of failure.-.*.™ .and llomc. Year-Book and Farm Trade Directory, 1904, for the farmer, stock-keeper, and Housekeeper. A storehouse of in- formation on matters connected with live stock and crops of a farm.-Jounmi of the Scottish Metcorologiau- Society, with tables for the years 1900-1901. TUl3 <"?'- with the rainfall of Scotland in relation to sunspots, by Dr. Buchan ; Temperature Observations on Hen Nevis, by T. S. Muir ; and Meteorology of Scotland loi 190J and 1RU, with tables.-i'rom the Imperial Depart- ment of Agriculture for the West \nc\ies ■ bummary oj the Result! of the Cultivation of Seedling and other ConeeM the Experiment Stations in the Leeward Islands, 1V0--1W., . -The Agricultural Uazelteof HewSoidh Wales. November.. Contents : Letters on the Diseases of Plants, Macarom. Wheats, Late Grapes for Export, Vegetable and Flower Growing, &c.-I/.e Year-Book of New South Wales, 1904- GivesparticularsconcermngtheGovernruent.andLegal, Military, Commercial, and Historical Notes. Describes also the Geographical Characteristics, Water Supplies, Hallways, <&c, with chapters devoted to Crown Lands, and Professional and other Prospects ; infortna t on in- valuable to intending colonists.-^ridtturaJ Sxdletinof the Straits and Federated Malay States. November Con tents : Cultivation of Cotton in the Federated states . Notes on Rubber, Coffee, &c.-The Agricultural News. a fortnightly Review of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies. Barbados, Dec. l>-. 1903. Deals with Cotton Seed, the Sugar Industry, Cacao, Tobacco, &e.-Fertilisers and n**™?^*^™ ' Properties and Uses. By Bernard Dyer, D.Sc Fourth edition, revised. (London : Crosby Lockwood & Son, Stationers' Hall Court, Ludgate nm.)- Baker s Self opening Pocket Diary and Note Book for VM with £1£» Accident Insurance Coupon, published by Bakers, seed merchants, Codsall and Wolverhampton.-Cara Umanack, from the Willesden Paper and Canvas Woiks, Ltd., Willesden, London, N.W. DESIGN FOE PARTERRE GARDEN.. [See Supplementary Illustration.] The garden plan shown in the Supplementary- Illustration differs from most others, which, generally include elaborate and, of course, ex- pensive Box or worked stone edgings and narrow gravelled walks. The designs which I favour are cut out simply on grass ; they require nc • Box or stone edgings, and are much lighter in appearance than the forms of squares, oblongs, stars, ovals, &c, usually adopted. The grass throughout and also in the narrowest spaces- forms the groundwork of the design, and is easily kept mown by the frequent use of those very, perfect machines which are now made to cut int. • the smallest spaces imaginable. The design is one of many that I have drawn and which are similar in general features but different JANUARY 16, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 43 in'detail ; it is drawn to no particular scale, but it may be assumed that to carry out such a ■ design'with any pretence to dignity an area would be required of from 3 to 10 acres or upwards, thatlis.'of course, exclusive of the more sheltered shrubbery, wood and water generally found 'forming the immediate surroundings of such a. ¥ Fig. 30.— garrya elliptioa (hardy shrub): maie catkins, (see p. 44.) largejtrees introduced into such a garden, I have, ■as may be observed, arranged along the outsides some^shady pergolas for use during days of very hot sunshine. "31 had long thought that free-and-easy scroll •designs of this kind, simply cut out on grass, •might'be carried out with advantage, and be ap- preciated all the more for the complete absence of renewed every year, this design, once formed, is there always, or until a fresh design is wished for, and then the work is merely one of moviDg the turf to form new scroll figures. When the summer flowers are past, and the beds (which are never very wide) have been digged, they can be made effective for the winter and spring months by planting them with a are chiefly the work of winter days and wet summer weather ; but so seductive is this kind of labour that I confess to often finding myself busily at work even when the sun is high in the heavens. I shall continue the work of these parterre scroll designs, for which I believe there is a great future. W. Miller, Berkswell, Coventry. 44 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 16, 1904. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE SPECIES OF GAERYA. F In the Botanical Gazette (Chicago) Miss East- wood describes several species of Garrya. The plants are dioecious, and are inadequately repre- sented in herbaria. They bloom in the depth of winter, when few people collect ; they fruit in August and September, when it is dangerous to explore the dry hills of California on account of the absence of water and the density of the The species are arranged as follows : — Aments not branched — Pubescence of tangled or wavy hai> s : G. Veatchii, G. elliptica, G. Cong- doni, Eastwood (sp. n.). Pubescence of straight hairs : G. buxi- folia, flavescens, pallida, rigida Eastwood (sp. n.),Fremonti (fig. 21). Aments more or less branched — Pubescences of curly hairs : G. ovata, Lindheiineri, macrophylla, oblonga longifolia, Rose in herb. Pubescence of appressed silky hairs i G. laurifolia, salicifolia, Eastwood (sp. n.), Wrightii, and Fadyeni. ment to the report of the Conifer Conference held at Chiswick in October 1891, particularly as, in some instances, measurements of the same trees are given, so that the rate of growth in twelve- years can be estimated. It is not quite clear what tree is meant by the author under the name Libocedrus decurrens, Torrey, as the synonym Thuya gigantea of Carriere is attached to it. We are unable to find that Carriere used that name for a species. Libocedrus decurrens of Torrey is one thing, and for some time it was erroneously called in gardens-, Thuya gigantea. Thuya plicata is the true name FlG. 21. — GARRYA FREMONTI (HARLY SHBUB) : MALE CATKINS. "brush." Garrya elliptica, the best known species, has peculiar pubescence, consisting of curly hairs on the lower surface of the leaves and on the young fruit. The berries when ripe are not unpalatable (figs. 19, 20). Garrya rigida has sparse pubescence of straight silky hairs, regularly appressed upward, and a fruit so bitter that one taste will suffice for a lifetime, hence the name " quinine bush." The northern section of the genus has unbranched catkins, as in G. elliptica ; the species of the southern parts of California have more or less branched catkins. In each division the pubes- cence is either of curly hairs, as in G. elliptica, or of straight hairs, as in G. rigida. Plaqiospermum sinense, Oliver. A spiny shrub with alternate, narrow, lanceo- late leaves about 2 inches long; and stalked, yellow, five - petalled flowers in axillary tufts. Each flower is about J-inch across. The shrub is described by Mr. Purpus, of Darmstadt, as hardy. It is related to the Spiraeas. Mittheil. der Deutschen Dendrologischen Gesellschaft, n. 12, 1903, p. 1. Exotic Conifers in Britain. A paper, read before the Forestry Conference in Vienna in September, 1903, by Dr. Somerville, is printed in the Journal of the Board of Agri- culture for December last. It a useful supple- for T. gigantea.'which is also known in gardens as T. Lobbi. This is quite a different thing, and> for timber purposes probably better than the- Libocedrus. The T. plicata of gardens is a form of T. orientalis. Many of the specimens of Libocedrus have been grafted, and that may be true of Thuya gigantea, though it produces seed freely. At any rate, in estimating rate of growth and suitability for- timber, the possibility of any particular specimen having been grafted should be borne in mind. Forsythia europ.£a, Degen. Two species of Forsythia, natives of China, and Japan, are known in English gardens, but it. will be news to many to hear that a third species. January 16, 1904. j THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 45 F. europtea, has been discovered in Albania. It was described originally in the Oeaterr. Botan. Zeitschrift (1897), and is the subject of a note in the MittheUungen der Deutschen Dendrologischen Gesellschaft for 1903. The plant has been in cultivation in the Berlin Botanic Gardens for some years, but has not yet flowered. A hybrid between F. suspensa and F. viridissima, named F. intermedia x, is also in cultivation. Callitbis quadrivalvis has lately been discovered in Eastern Spain by M. Ch. Pau, having previously been known in the wild state only in Algiers, Morocco, and the Barbary States. We prefer to call it Tetraclinis articulata, because the species of Callitris differ in structure and are all Australian. The tree furnishes a wood which is highly ornamental. The record is furnished in the Botanisches Centralblatt. The Species op Cornus. Dr. Koehne, in the MittheUungen der Deutschen Dendrologischen Gesellscha/t for 1903, gives an elaborate paper with analytical tables of the microcarpum section of the genus Cornus. Twenty- nine species are enumerated, many of which are in cultivation. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold MmseV responsible for Hie opinions exp . Corn ipondento ) ARAUCARIA iMBmCATA.— A very fine speci- men of this tree is growing in the grounds of Pulford Rectory, North Devon. It is upwards of 65 feet in height, is in robust health, and, with the exception of a branch which has been broken off (probably by wind), perfectly furnished from top to bottom, the lower branches, indeed, lying on the grass in a circle some 30 yards round. The upper branches are carrying many cones. The trunk measures OS inches in circumference 3 feet from the base. The tree is a very beautiful object, and its semi-wild surroundings add to its effect. C. H. RIPE MELONS IN DECEMBER.— I have grown Melons for many jears, and have tested many of the new vaiieties so highly recommended. I have had ripe fruits in April and December but during those months both flavour and appearance have been defective, consequently I conclude that very early and very late Melons "are not worth the candle." T. Lockie, Senr Diddington Hall Gardens, Huntingdon. PRIMULA FORBESI. — Unfortunately this pretty little Primula, illustrated in your last issue, is not hardy enough for the average rock- garden in Great Britain, and we cannot grow it outside as it is shown in the illustration. It is however, a charming plant for the cool green- house, where it is most at home, and where it is very beautiful. S. Arnott, Carsethorn-bv- Dumfries, N.B. GRAPE MELTON CONSTABLE.— I am reluctant to write, being the exhibitor and owner of this Grape, but "A. D.'s " letter on p. 12 compels me to do so. I am sending the Editor two berries of the bunch that was exhibited three times at the Drill Hall, also at Cambridge, the Crystal Palace and Edinburgh. [We did not receive them till they were decayed, owing to an accident in the Post Office. Ed] The large bunches had not red berries ; one of the bunches, I remember, had one or perhaps two berries at the shoulder rather red but the remainder were beautifully finished for a Grape that was not then ripe, as' I explained to the fruit Committee. When the two large bunches were first submitted, I was asked by the Fruit Committee to let them see the variety again later. I did so, viz., on November 10, and was then asked to submit it again next year alongside with Gros Colmar, and the foliage of both I had made such demands on the raiser for bunches for exhibition (and unfortunately three bunches on two separate occasions were stolen in transit) that I could not again show it this season However, I was fortunate enough to get another bunch from Mr. Shmgler for the Edinburgh Show (which was exhibited there with the two large bunches exhibited at the Drill Hall and else- where), and brought some back, and submitted it on November 24 at the Drill Hall alongside a bunch of Gros Colmar and foliage of both. I was then asked to submit it again in February, as it was claimed to be a very late Grape. The Fruit Committee knew full well the reasons why I could not do this. I am not protesting or complaining as to the action of the Fruit Com- mittee, but I do most emphatically protest against " A. D.'s " statements. Jabez Ambrose. I saw this Grape exhibited at the Drill Hall, and am very much surprised at " A. D.'s " assertion that the large bunches had red berries. In my opinion this statement is contrary to fact. Anyone who has grown Gros Colmar, as I have done for years, knows full well the difficulty in colouring. I have seen Gros Colmar exhibited many times this year, but not once has it been coloured to any degree approaching Melton Con- stable as exhibited. " E M." in his letter distinctly stated, "I have known this Grape for several years, and its raiser"; therefore "A. D.'s" remark that " ' E. M.'s ' knowledge seems to be gathered from hearsay." is inac- curate. /,'. //. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITU- TION.— " R. D," p. 27, writes feelingly on the claims of the above Institution. But surely he has not found time to follow up the work of the excellent Committee and their hardworking Secretary (Mr. Ingram), or he would have come across such leaflets as he suggests. The writer has distributed a number of them (say within the past ten years) both at York and other exhibitions. Others whom he knows well have done the same. Boxes, too, have been used at some gardeners' societies' meetings. All the same, there is room for more effort. Here I would suggest that no one should be disheartened if the immediate results are not thought good. Please permit me once again to appeal to all my fellow-gardeners to do their very best to become either life members, annual subscribers, or both. I know something of the difficulties of life, but must say that at least one thousand more gardeners might become either one or both if only the re- solve was made in earnest. What a consolation it will be, if circumstances should compel any of us to come on the pension list, to feel that at any rate we have done something towards helping the funds when we were able. No one can say for certain what the future has in store for him, as witness the many deserving cases that must be disappointed next week. Few, if any, non- subscribers will be elected in the near future. Lije Member and Subscriber for twenty-four years. THE LATE JOHN ward.— As the eldest son of the late John Ward, I thank Mr. Douglas for his kind obituary notice of my father. Mr. Baines exhibited stove and greenhouse plants only, whilst my father, at the time when wrestling with him for premier honours in that class, was also taking 1st prizes for Orchids, show Pelargo- niums, and Heaths. Whilst Mr. Baines was exhibiting in London only, my father was at the same time exhibiting at Romford, Chelms- ford, Brentwood, Colchester, Bishop's Stort- ford, Saffron Walden, Tunbridge Wells, &c. In this connection I should like to mention that on one occasion I remember him leaving Leyton one Monday, showing at various towns through Essex, and returning on the following Friday, never having been in a bed during the whole of that time. As Mr. Douglas truly says, he was a splendid cultivator of cool Orchids. I have heard him relate with great glee a story of how, in the early days of cool Orchid culture, the Royal Botanic Society offered a prize at Regent's Park for six Odontoglossums (open). It was thought that no amateur could put up six distinct varie- ties at that time, and apparently the only two exhibitors were Messrs. Linden and Bull, until at the last moment my father put up six, and took the 1st prize, no mean honour with such redoubt- able adversaries. I have known him to show in the old days at the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens in thirteen classes, and carry off thirteen 1st prizes, but he always considered his greatest coup was the day the Westminster Aquarium was opened with a huge flower-show, under the management of the lute John Wills, but although I was present I regret I cannot re- member the details. That he could also grow stove Orchids is proved by the fact that I have in my possession two photographs of plants cultivated by him over thirty years ago — one of Angrsecum sesquipedale, with eighteen flowers expanded, and one of Phaltenopsis grandiflora with sixteen flowers on a single spike; and these, I think, would bo hard to beat even in these days of highly specialised Orchid culture. George Ward. TRICYRTIS hirta.— This plant, so well figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle of January 9, p. 18, is quite hardy here, but unfortunately it flowers too late in the open to be of any use as a garden flower. It has seldom flowered with me, and only in very warm seasons. S. Arnott, Carsethorn- by-Dumfries, N.B. ■ You are quite right in remarking that you may have seen this plant and some other species on the Kew rockery ; but are you equally correct in referring Tricyrtis to Colchicere, a small tribe of LiliaceiB, of which Colchicum is the head ? | Yes.] This small group of perennial her- baceous plants is well krown to hardy plantsmen ; the several species and forms, too, are quite hardy and ]most vigorous when grown in moist peat and sandy loam in about equal parts. In the note on p. 18 it is stated that "the stem is 2 to 3 feet high, with a terminal raceme of six to eight flowers." Some thirtv years ago I grew a plant, probably a variety of T. hirta, that would exactly answer this description; but all others known to me have the flowers mote or less in the leaf axils, as shown in your illustration. In respect to the hardy character of the plant in this country, I may say I have never yet known a plant to suffer from frost. Between 1872 and 1882 there were some severe wint-rs, and in the long frost of the winters of 1878-1879, when I had a large batch of plants, none was lost. It is not usual that true herbaceous perennials suffer from frost. In respect to these plants there would appear various misapprehensions, eg, in the Dictionary of Gardening (Nicholson) all the species are cited as flowering in May. I have never yet seen one in flower, except in late September or October, and this, from your note, is the natural flowering period in Japan. In the month of May the plants are barely moving. I am strongly of opinion that the lateness of flowering, with the often wet season and frequently sharp frosts experienced in October, are chiefly responsible for the rarity of these plants in gardens. The flowers are barely expanded before they are ruined from these causes. Formerly I grew several varieties of T. hirta, and in particular T. h. nigra and T. h. grandiflora. There was also a somewhat varie- gated-leaved kind. At this distance of time I am unable to describe the varieties more fully than in the names cited, yet they were ever a most interesting assembly of plants, and for which the popular name of " Japanese Toad-Lily " is by no means inappropriate. F. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. [Quite appropriate ; but it is not a toad, nor a Lily, except in a very broad sense, nor a Toad- Lily ! Mr. Baker refers Tricyrtis to' the tribe Uvularieae of the sub-order Colchicea?. Ed.] I have had a clump planted out in a border here for two years, and it has stood safely through the winter (although I do not think it would stand a very severe winter). We, however, moved the clump when the border was recon- structed last spring. Those we grow in pots we always winter in a cold frame, covering about 2 inches deep with litter. Richard F. Martin, Ware's Nurseries, Feltham. TREE carnations. — In reference to Mr. Jenkins's letter on Tree- Carnations in the Gar- deners' Chronicle on p. 441, December 26, 1903, that I would not grow Carnation cuttings in like manner to Chrysanthemums, I maintain that I could, and get the same percentage of results as in Chrysanthemums, but tiottom-heat, which Chrysanthemums do not require, will hasten the rooting of Carnations with good results. I will not say that gardeners will be so suc- cessful at first with American Tree-Carnations as they now are with Chrysanthemums, as the former are of recent introduction, and their habits are not yet so we'd known. I am quite sure if the few hints I gave in my last letter are fol- 46 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Januaby 16, 1904. lowed, the gardener will have proof of their easy culture and free-flowering qualities. It is a fact that each of my men unassisted gTOw and attend to 8,000 plants — no great wonder, as Mr. Jenkins implies. My letters have been written purely for the benefit of your readers, and not in a spirit of •controversy. A. F. Dutton. ARBUTUS UNEDO. — There was a fine speci- men of this shrub illustrattd in a recent issue. There are two good specimens growing here on gravel soil. One is 6 feet from the ground, it measures 13 feet high, 66 feet in diameter, and the other is 56 feet in diameter and about the same height. These are clipped annually, and this year they have flowered and fruited freely. W. Minion, The .Oaks, Hanworth, Middlesex. SJ A NATIONAL GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. — There is to be a sifting of the chaff from the wheat. Who is to constitute the council to decide such matters P And who is also to com- pile the gardeneie' peerage, and describe the royal man down to the humble commoner ? In the matter of horticultural examinations, which have been recommended, by all means have them, and combine the theory with practice ; but igive me the young man who has brains, and uses them, with his practical knowledge, rather than rely on his certificate. Young gardeners should not think any matter pertaining to the profession beneath their notice or attention. T. H. Sla.de. As a trade employs I am not a little surprised that no mention has been made of asking the trade to join such an association. If Mr. Dennis's excellent ideas may be taken as embodying in a general way the basis of the proposed Association, then surely it must be approved by hundreds of the most capable nursery-hands. Can it be that to include trade employes approaches too nearly the principle of those " horrid " trade-unions r and do thoughts of trade-hands prompt thoughts of strikes, &c. ? If that be so, I think the fear groundless, and that it is, moreover, unfair to those men. H. J. {Dillingham. Ten years ago a conference was held at Tunbridge Wells of representatives of gardeners' ■societies to consider the desirability of forming a central organisation of delegates from gardeners' ■societies for the South of England. This was a broader platform than that suggested in the pro- posal to form a Gardeners' Association in London, as it was to be representative of gardeners of «very degree; while, as I understand it, the London organisation is to be confined to head gardeners only. The groundwork of the Tun- fcridge Conference, as laid down by the chairman, was " to help and encourage the industrial classes connected with the various branches of professional and amateur gardening, to make use of the advantages within their reach, to improve the conditions of their occupations, and to assist them in recognising more iully than they have hitherto done their position in the state as be- longing to an industry calculated to be of the greattst possible good to the future welfare of this country in relation to the utilisation and cultivation of the soil," all objects to which little, if any, serious objection couid be taken. These points the chairman, Mr. D. C. Cornwell, tempe- rately and lucidly expounded, dwelling fully upon the social aspect of the matter, and suggesting a bond of union and a channel of communication whereby not only the horticultural trader and merchant can the more easily reach and be in touch with the workers, buyer, and con- sumer, but also create a channel into which the philanthropic interest can best flow to benefit the particular industry of gardening. The suggestion of a bond of union naturally enough conveyed to the minds of many of those present the idea of a trades-union, one of the objects of which would be to secure a higher scale of payment to the working gardener; and though the meeting was assured the idea of a trades_ union was never contemplated, yet the bettering of the condition of the worker appeared to be the dominant idea in the minds of the younger members present. A committee was appointed to draw up a constitution for a central organisation, but it would appear the matter never got much beyond this stage. I recall this circumstance to point out that though the interests of horticulturists may, to a certain extent, be characterised as communal, yet in the case of a proposal of so wide a scope as that contem- plated at the Tunbridge Conference, there would be also isolation of interests — on the part of the trader on the one hand, and the worker on the other, and a clashing of these which would probably result in sharp and regrettable conflict between the two. I was present at the Conference, and took much interest in the various points advanced ; at the same time I felt that if the rank and file of the gardening profession could become a part of such an organisation, something in the way of a trades- union would be insisted upon. I am therefore anxiously awaiting some details of the probable programme of the proposed association. I am doubtful both of the appropriateness and the utility of an association formed wholly of head gardeners. E. J5. During my experience I have been hit pretty hard by one employer whom I served faithfully for a number of years, and studied his interest night and day, and was often out of pocket to save him expense. When the screw got too tight I sent in my resignation. I was then paid a retaining fee for a few weeks by a gentleman who was away in Scotland. I had an interview, I was engaged, the day was settled when I should start, but my reference was needed ; and my late employer's last words to me had been, " I will back you up in anything." I re- ceived a note from my new employer some few days after this, saying, " I have come to the con- clusion you will not suit me as a head-gardener, and a3 I have paid you a retaining fee I think I am exempt from all further obligations." So was the bread taken from my mouth. I feel sure all right-thinking men, both employers and em- ployed, would welcome an Association that could prevent such cases as this. A gardener is quite at the mercy of his employer, but a willing horse does not like the spurs too much. Gardeners are not so bad that they require anything so severe as trades-unionism. A Sufferer. The word " Gardener " covers a very wide field. It would doubtless be interesting to many readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle to know which or if all the different sections of gardeners out- lined below would be eligible as members of the Association : — and other public parks and gardens, provincial or other- wise Nursery managers ,, foremen ,, sub-foremen ,, journeymen „ apprentices Florists, male Lady gardeners Ponica. CYPRIPEDIUMS AT HOMEWOOD (see pp. 4,28).— Respecting the appreciative note by Mr. Webster of the plants of Cypripedium insigne grown here, I send a few flowers for your inspection. The compost used for potting our plants was one of turfy yellow loam, peat, and chopped sphag- num-moss, with a good sprinkling of broken soft brick and silver-sand. Thos. Crosswell, Home- wood Gardens, Beckenham. [Excellent flowers of a good form of C. insigne. Ed.] Head gardeners Single handed gardeners Foremen Journeymen Improvers Apprentices JobbiDg gardeners Park superintendents „ foremen ,, gardeners from Lon- don County Council TRADE NOTICES. Bedford & Co., Limited. — The above-named company has been registered with a capital of £4000 in £1 shares. Its object is to carry on at Shiplake-on-Thames or elsewhere in the United Kingdom the business of raisers and growers of and dealers in fruit, flowers, plants, shrubs, trees, bulbs, and vegetables of all kinds ; nur- serymen, seedsmen, florists, market and landscape gardeners, horticulturists, &c. No initial public issue. The first directors (to number not less than two or more than five) are E. A. Budicom and F. W. Norsworthy. Qualification £250. Regis- tered office, Shiplake, Oxford. Mr. George I'Anson, for the last twenty-seven years with Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, has entered the service of Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Bradford, taking the entire charge of their growing departments. ©bituan?, William Gibson.— We regret to record the loss of a useful and much respected public servant by the untimely death, on the 17th iEst., of Mr. William Gibson, aged 58 years, for many years gardener at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. It appears from the evidence given at an inquest held on Tuesday last that he had been suffering from rheumatism and neuralgia, and for a month past had been very depressed. On the previous Thursday evening he was missed from his house, in the gardens, and next morning his body was found hanging from a strap in the greenhouse. A verdict of suicide whilst temporarily insane was recorded. The deceased, who was for some time under the late Mr. John Fleming, at Clive- den, and afterwards went to Battersea Park, under the late Mr. Roger, was a very clever draughtsman, and in his day had few equals as a designer of carpet - bedding patterns, as our columns often bore witness during the period of Mr. Roger's service at Battersea Park. Charles Francis Saunders.— Deceased, who was a nurseryman and seedsman at Aber- gavenny, Monmouthshire, succeeded to the management of the business a year ago, upon the death of his mother, the family having been engaged in this business for a century. Mr. Saunders was recently travelling to Minehead to lay out some gardens, and shot himself in a train when passing through the Severn Tunnel. De- ceased, who was 41 years of age, had been much depressed since the death of his mother. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. January 5.— Present : Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S. (in the Chair); Messrs. Gordon, Baker, Saunders, Hooper Vcitch, Hudson, and Masses ; Drs. Cooke and Rendle ; Prof. Bou ger; Revs. W. Wilks and G. Henslow (Hon. Sec). Pear-shoots Diseased.— Dr. Cooke reported upon some samples sent by Mrs. Cube, of Coombe, Oxon. They were attacked by Cystospora in patches. This fungus would subsequently pass into the Eutypella stage. The trees should be sprayed with Bordeaux-mixture at intervals, and if this was unsuccessful the places should be cut out and burnt, the wounds well protected with tar. Proposed Scientific Investigations at Wisley.—The follow- ing is the substance of the reply received from the Council to the renewed communication addressed to them by the Scientific Committee on this subject : The Council appreciate the desirability of almost all that was urged therein, and they hope that the day is not far distant when much of it may be accomplished. They feel sure, however, that the Scientific Committee will understand that all the desirable things cannot be carried out simultaneously, and that financial con- siderations compel them to see the new hall finished and paid for before embarking in new projects. The Cadlin-miith.— Mr. Hooper raised the question as to whether the grease bands, if kept till the end of May, would catch the caterpillars at that time. It was the opinion of Mr. Saunders that the caterpillars would not have left the Apples in May; but Mr. Massee observed that there is a spring brood In America, but he was not aware of its existence in Eog' and, and recommended observations to ascertain the fact. Camellia leaf di/cased.—lir. Saunders showed speci- mens badly attacked by Pestolozzia Guepini, a fungus which damages the Tea plant. It has been known here for the last fifty years. Spraying would only partially arrest it, as the fungus is below the epidermis. Orchids malformed. — Mr. Bidgood, Saltwell View, Gateshead, sent some excellent coloured photographs of Orchids, showirg certain peculiarities: (1) AuOdon- toglossum oitroamum had the basal flower of a raceme with two well formed columns, three labella, and eight other periantli segments. The ovarian section bad no ovary cells, but numerous clusters of fibro-vascular January 1C, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 47 cords, showing that it was a "multifold" ilower, the cords of each perlauth-segu)ent branching and enter- ing two instead of a siDg'.e segment ; so that, excepting one, all the parts of the perianth were doubled. (2' Phaius Humblotti x P. Wallichi, received from Mr" Cookson's collection. One photograph showed the in- florescence, one flower of which had the lower portion of one of the lateral sepals petaloid like a labellum; the placenta of the ovary next to the position of the labellum was absent. A second flower had no labellum, the lateral sepals were fused, making one wide, median sepal, and both the lateral petals were slightly labellate. HORTICULTURAL CLUB. January 5. — Subsequent to the usuil monthly dinner on the above date, at the Hotel Windsor, under the Chairmanship of Mr. Harry J. Veitch, Mr. George Gordon, V M H., in an interesting paper gave expres- sion to his views as to the manner in which experi- mental gardens should be conducted. Tne large majority of Horticultural Societies outside the Rojal, took, he considered, far too narrow views of their functions, confining themselves almost entirely to exhibitions, and doing little or nothing to contribute to the extension of knowledge. Mr. Gordon considered that a minimum area of about 30 acres should be de- voted, in various parts of the country, to the culti- vation of fruits and vegetables in conjunction with standard typesof recognised superiority, withoutwhich little is to be learned. The cultivation of inferior forms was strongly de- precated; butiu the subsequent discussion, in which Messrs. Bunyard, Muuro, Wright, Veitch, and Moly- neux took part, it was pointed out that in this latter respect the public were largely to blame, since they would not accept the experts' assurance of the superi- ority of certain varieties, but insisted on receiving old- fashioned and inferior ones, which consequently had to be grown to meet the demands. The importance of making all comparative tria's on the same kind of soil was insisted upon, as very misleading results were ob- tained when the soil factor was ignored and no note taken of the inevitable diligence which was caused by previous cultivation ou itie same area on different lines, exhaustive or the opposite. Mr. Gordon also advised care in sowing seeds, say of successional Peas, at different times; bu:, Mr. Bunyard stated that in his experience sea 1 of early, medium, and late Peas, all sown at the same time in February, asserted their special periodicity in spite of their being started at the same time. The various forms of training trees should be shown for educational purposes. Mr. Bunyard and Mr. S. T. Wright remarked that the experiments at Chiswick had been conducted for some time precisely on the lines indicated : at the sametime they and others cordially appreciated the necessity, pointed out by Mr. Gordon, for students who really mean to adopt horticulture as a profession to begin at the bottom, and to be prepared to work hard, not only in the latter part of the day, but in the morn- ing, when so much of the gardening work can be most advantageously done. There was too great a ten- dency on the part of students to treat the business in a dilettante fashion To a very large extent the moral of the paper was the need of thoroughness first ot all in arrangmg the proper basis of the experiments themselves; next in carrying them out and making systematic records of results; and lastly, but not least, of earnest work and conscientious study on the part of the young men whom it is desired to educate to become the gardeners of the future UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENE- FIT AND PROVIDENT. January n.-At the monthly committee meeting, held on Monday evening last, seventeen new members were elected. The death of two members was re- ported (Mr. Charles Brown, and Mr. Henry Sheppard) The Secretary was directed to pay to their nominees the amount standing to their credit in the Society's books. Three members applied to be allowed to pay the higher scale of contribution, which was granted. Nine members were reported on the Sick Fund, the amount of sick pay for the month being «29 18s Messrs. W. Gunner and T. H. Puzey were appointed to audit the accounts for the past year GARDENERS' DEBATING SOCIETIES. CROYDON & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT The annual general meTung oXs Society was held on the 5th inst., Mr. W. J Simpson «nn9ifiDf' KThf report of the Committee showed the Society to be in an excellent financial condition, and' able to carry forward a substantial balance foil the coming year. Nineteen meetings were held during the Tne S-„The "UibUlon °° April 22 was a succe s liJl e98ay Wai won by Mr' A- M'ddleton, the 2nd place being secured by Mr. T. Brlscow. The resignation of Mr. F. Lloyd as President, owiDg to pressure of lime, was deeply regretted, although he has accepted the Vice-Presidency- Mr. Bunyard, in submitting the balance-sheet, showed the receipts had amouuted to £.">•) his. 2jd., leaving a balance to the good of £:i It. :\d. The report and balance sheet were adopted. Mr. J. J. Reid was elected President; Mr. P. F. Bunyard, Hon. Treasurer; and Mr. H. Boshier, Hon. Secretary. The annual dinner will be held on February 10. ABINGER AND DISTRICT GARDENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. -On Monday, January 4. law, a lecture was given by Mr. F. W. E. Shrivell, F L.3., of Golden Green, Tonbridge, Kent, in the Abinger Institute. Mr. Payne, headgirdener to Lord Farrer, in introducing the lecturer, asked that all present should bombard the lecturer with questions. The lecturer dealt with the use of chemical and farmyard manures, speaking from several years of practical experimental work carried on by Dr. Bernard Dyer and himself on kitchen- garden, fruit, and farm crops. Mr. Shrivell spoke first uu the importance of lime in the soil, adding that soils that had had heavy dressings of farm manure for several years in succession and had become sour needed lime as a corrective. Diagrams were shown proving that after several years experiments, better results were obtained in the kitchen-garden by cm ploying a small quantity of dung with chemicals, than l>y heavy dressings of dung without them. An area of 100 square yards should be given half a load of farm- yard manure, 11 lbs. of superphosphate of lime, and lu lbs. of kainit. This should be dug in in the autumn or early spring. Later in the season, when crops are growing, sow on the surface Id 1Ij3. of nitrate of soda in two or more dressings. The lecturer give several other recipes for use in Vine-borders, herbaceous-borders, and for fruit trees, lawns, V Horticulture Beige, January. THEEE NEW BOENEAN PALMS. When one first visits Sarawak after a long residence in the Malay Peninsula, one is at first sight struck with the small feature (compara- tively) that Palms make in the landscape. This is, however, chiefly due to the comparative scarcity of some of the bigger Palms, such as Oncosperma, Orania, Arenga, Caryota, Livistona, and Pholidocarpus. But in the woods them- selves many of the smaller Palms are quite as abundant as they are in our Malayan forests : Iquanuras, Licualas, Calami, are plentiful and of very varied forms. Although Dr. Beccari paid much attention to the Bornean Palms, he by no means, it appears, exhausted those of Sara- wak. In a recent expedition to that charming country I obtained a number which I am unable to identify with any hitherto described ; and then comes Mr. Micholitz with excellent speci- mens of three more very beautiful species which we may hope ere long to hear of in the conserva- tories of Europe. The following are descrip- tions of them : — Licuala elegantissima, Ridley (n. sp.).f Almost stemless, the short stem covered with the red-brown rete of the leaf-sheaths. Leaves numerous ; petioles very slender, 12 inches long, * Huernia Pillansi, N. E. Brown (n. sp.). — Plant tufted, with erect or ascending stems, ; to 11 inch long, 1 to 3 inch in diameter, the younger sub-globose, be- coming cylindric, densely covered with bristle-pointed conical tubercles 1J to 2 lines long, arranged in 20 to 24 crowded spiral scries, with the bristles recurving; glabrous, green or becoming dull purplish when ex- posed to the sun ; cymes progressively 2 to 3 flowered, sessile near the base of the young stems ; pedicels l.Uo 2 lines long, glabrous ; sepals glabrous 2 to 3 lines long, i line broad, ovate-lanceolate, acuminate passing into filiform recurving tips; corolla glabrous and smooth outside, thickly covered on the inner face of the lobes and in the throat of the tube with fleshy, terete, very obtuse processes j to J line long, otherwise glabrous and notciliate; tube about J inch long, J inch in dia- meter inside, campanulate, smooth in the lower part, pinkish cream-coloured dotted with crimson ; lobes 5 to 6 lines long, 3 to 3i lines broad at the base, whence they taper in a straight line to a fine very much re- curved point, slightly convex at the base, pale yellow marked with small crimson spots and with the tips of the processes also crimson, the angles between the lobes produced into short, subulate, abruptly reflexed processes; outer corona with 5 subquadrate. shortly bifid lobes or subequally 10 toothed, blackish purple, teeth deltoid ; inner coronal lobes 1 line long, conni- vent-erect, linear, somewhat dilated and thickened at the base, shortly recurved and papillate at the obtuse apex, dark purple-brown, glabrous; staminal-column ; line long. t licuala elegantiaxima in. sp.) — Subacaulis, caule brevissimo rete rulo tecto. Folia copiosa, petiolis tenuissimis 12 poll, longis, aculeis minutis ad bases, lamina 13 partita, 8-9 poll, longa, segmentis anguste linearibus » -.} poll, latis, duobus exlerioribuset duobus mediis 2—3 nerviis, alils uninervits apicibus truncatis dentibus inequalibus obtusis 2 vel pluribus. Spadices graciles 3 pedales, apatluc glabra tubulata- superne with minute thorns at the base ; blades 8 to 9 inches long, the leaflets forming three-quarters of a circle, about thirteen in number, narrowly linear, J to f inch wide, the outer two and middle two the widest, two t" three-nerved, the others one-nerved ; tips of leaflets truncate, with two or more unequal blunt teeth ; spadices very slender, 3 feet long: spathes glabrous, tubular, swollen upwards, quite smooth, bifid at the top, and shortly split. Branches of spadix four, the lowest three-branched a little more than an inch long, upper branches simple. Flowers sessile on a small callus; bracts lanceolate, acute, deflexed; calyx cylindrie, narrowed a little at the base, three-lobed for one-third of the length, minutely pubescent, ribbed ; corolla lobes lanceolate, obtuse, short staminal cup hardly toothed; anthers linear, nearly sessile. Borneo, Sarawak, Sempadi, river Lundu (Micholitz). Allied to L, bidens, Beccari. Licuala Micholitzi, Ridley (n. so.)* Leaves simple, petiole over 3 feet long, } inch through at the base, triquetrous, with very short recurved thorns (hardly more than very small tubercles) at the base, blade rhomboid, base cuneate, plicate, and many nerved ; edge crenulate, 10 inches long 12 inches wide at the widest part* in tint of a light green ; spadix [with a] peduncle 10 inches long, compressed, slender, silky-woolly ; branches four, rather thick, 2 to 2| inches long, tomentose ; spathes not seen ; flowers spiral in pairs, stalked ; calyx cup-shaped, obscurely three- lobed, tomentose | inch long. Borneo, Mount Brooke, Lundu and Sarawak (Micholitz). Iguanura Sanderiana, Ridley (». sp.).f Stem about a foot high, \ inch through, dis- tinctly ringed. Leaves large, crowded ; sheaths- of lower leaves broad, 5 inches long, petiole 4 inches blade entire, base cuneate gradually dilating upwards, apex rounded, acute, almost entire, or cleft into three unequal acute lobes, plicate, with numerous veins. Spadix 0 inches long ; spathes two, narrow, acuminate,, flattened, 2 to 3 inches long ; branches of spadix two, rather thick, 2 inches long, covered with fugacious red tomentum. Flowers spirally arranged, solitary, rather distant, sunk in a deep foveola ; sepals broad, ovate and rounded ; petals twice as long, oblong lanceolate, strongly ribbed -r stamens linear, filaments very short. Borneo, upper reaches of the Lundu river (Micholitz). Henry N. Ridley. [Unfortunately it has not been possible for Mr. Eidley to see the proof before publication, — Ed.} dilatabe laeves, apicibus bifldis. Rami spadicis 4 Imo- ramis trlbus pollicaribus, superiores simplices. Flores sessiles in callis parvis impositre. Bractese lanceolate acutse deflexte. Calyx cylindratus basi angustatus- trilobus minute pubescens. Corollse lacinhc lanceo- late obtusae breves Andrneeiuni vix dentatum.antheris- linearibus subsessilibus. Sarawak (Coll. Micholitz). "Licuala Micholitzi n.tp.— Folia integra petiolis tri- pedalibus trlquetris J poll, crassis, aculeis brevibus minutis recurvls ad bases, lamina rhomboidea basi) cuneata plicata multinervia margine crenulata 18 poll, longa 12 poll, lata et ultra. Spadix pedunculo 10 poll, longo compresso gracile, sericeo lanuginoso, ramis 4 crassiusculis 2 2J poll, longis tomentosls. Flores spi- raliter ordinate pedicellati. Calyx cupulata vix triloba- tomentosa J poll, longa. Borneo, Sarawak ad Lundu Coll. Micholitz). t iguanura Sanderiana, n.tp.— Caulis pedalis '. poll. crassus, annulatus. Folia magna, vaginis inferiorum- latis 5 poll, longis. petiolis 4 poll, longis, lamina integra, basi cuneata superne dilatata, apice rotun- data, subacuta, subintegra, aut in tribus lobis in- equalibus acutis fissa, plicata; spadix 6 poll, longa; spathse 2, anguste acuminata complanate, 2— 3pollices longre; rami spadicis 2, validuli, 2 poll. Iongi, rufo tomentosi. Flores subremoti, spiraliter ordinati, in foveolis subprofundis ; sepala late ovata, rotundata; petala duplo longiora, oblonga lanceolata; stamina linearla. filamentis brevissimls. Borneo, ia flumlno Lundu (Coll. Micholitz). January 23, 1904. ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 51 THE EAINFALL AT ROTHAMSTED IN 1903. The rain-gauge at the Rothamsted Experi- mental Station, Hertfordshire, was constructed fifty years ago, and is one-thousandth part of an acre in dimension, standing 2 feet above the surface of the ground, and about 420 feet above sea-level. The rainfall for the year 1903, re- cently ended, amounted to more than 38 inches, 10 inches in excess of the average record for this district extending over the period of fifty years for which the records are available. In no other year of the fifty has there been so large a rainfall, the nearest approach being in the year 1879, when 36 inches were measured. The following table shows the rainfall of each month for the past year at Rothamsted, with the average amount of rainfall for each month of the previous fifty years and the difference of 1903, above or below the average : — Rainfall at Rothamsted, Herts, for each month of the year 1903, the Total for the year, the Average Rainfall of fifty years, 1853-1902, and 1903 above or below average. the day, no injurious effects would follow ; and every experienced gardener knows with what luxuriance and rapidity plants of every species grow in hot and bright weather after the ground has been drenched with water by thunderstorms. J. J. Willis, Harpenden. MARKET GARDENING NOTES. Months. Rainfall, 1903. Average rainfall of fifty years. Inches. 2-35 1903. Above or Below the Average.** January Inches. 2 55 Inches. + 0*20 February 1-07 1-79 — 0 1 2 March 3-16 1-78 + 1 68 April 1 53 1 hi; — 033 May 222 223 — om June 6 11 231 I :: SO July 1 09 2 56 + 1*54 August 396 2-85 + 131 September 2-75 2 50 + 0 25 October B'32 3-0i) + 3*23 November 3 21 2'58 — 0-37 December 2 12 2 31 + 011 Yearly total ... 38 69 28 00 + hi en CHRYSANTHEMUM MARGINATUM. This fine dwarf species is a comparatively new plant, having been introduced from Japan about the year 1888. It has been cultivated for a number of years in the open border in the herba- ceous ground, Kew, where it formed dense bushes 3 feet high and 3 feet in diameter, but failed to produce perfect flowers before being cut down with frost. An effort was made last season to induce it to bloom by growing it as a pot plant, and the success of this method of treatment is evident from the several fine plants which were lately in bloom in the Temperate- * The sign(-) signifies below the average, and the sign (+) above the average. The above figures show that the yearly total of rain, frost, and melted snow, of which latter there was a very small quantity, in the past year amounts to 38*69 inches, against an average of 28 inches for the previous fifty years, showing an excess in the twelve months of 10 69 inches. And as 1 inch of rain represents 101 tons ■of water on each acre of land, the results show that the enormous quantity of 3,907 tons of water per acre has been contributed during the year, or very nearly 1,080 tons per acre in excess of the average of the past fifty years. It is seen that eight months gave an excess of rain, while the four months of February, April, May, and November gave a deficiency of rain compared with the average. Water is an essential factor in the life of a plant ; if moisture is wanting, or if the roots do not transmit to the leaves water in quantities sufficient to provide for losses due to transpira- tion, the plant is endangered, and ceases to grow. If the scarcity of water continues, the crops dry up rapidly, and yield but a poor return. But it may be objected that excess of rain is more often injurious in the climate of England than drought ; but in wet seasons plants suffer owing to want of light and generally of warmth. During the past year of 1903 there have been recorded at Rothamsted only 1,450 hours of bright sunshine, the visual growing months of the year being particularly noticeable for the deficiency of sunshine. It is very probable that if the same quantity of rain which the soil receives in our wettest summer were to fall only between the hours of nine o'clock in the evening and three o'clock on the following morning, and if the sun were to shine brightly and warmly through the whole of FIO. 22.— CHRYSANTHEMUM MARGINATUM IN THE THMI'ERATE-HOUSE, KEW. house. The plant is naturally of a free-branching habit, with stiff, erect stems, covered with a white tomentum. The leaves are ovate, pinna- tifid, slightly hairy on the upper surface, densely toinentose beneath and on the margins. The whitish margins give to the plant a very pretty appearance, as its specific name. . The flowers are borne in rounded corymbs of from three to eight flower-heads, each of which are 1 to H in. in diameter. Ray florets pure white, disc florets bright-yellow. As a decorative plant it should become a popular one among gardeners, as it 1>1 as naturally about Christmas, requiring only the pro- tection of a cold frame until it flowers, when it may be taken into the greenhouse. It is useful to supply cut flowers for the decoration of vases, &c, on account of its light and graceful habit. For such purpose the plant might be grown in the open border during the summer and autumn months, and be then lifted with good balls and planted in shallow frames when the danger of frost becomes apparent. Chas. P. Raffill, Kew. CHANGE OF SEED. There is not the slightest doubt but that the interchange from one district to another of seeds of Tomatos and Cucumbers is beneficial. Seed of my own saving, after being sent back from a district where it has been grown for a season, was much improved. Tomato-seeds are sent not only to the Canary Islands, but also to Australia, by some growers, and the exchange is productive of good results. Much of the disease commonly seen is the result of the in-and-in seed -raising and cultivation. ■Worthing Cucumber - seed is being exchanged with that from Middlesex and Midland growers with decided advantage. Late Vine Pruning. Vines pruned after this date will be far safer if the cuts are touched with some styptic (see con- trary opinion on p. 39). The best and most simple, yet cheap and effective material, is " knotting," as used by the carpenter and painter for stopping. To ensure the regular break of each rod, prune from bottom to top in one day. When the pruning is done well the breaks should be regular and grow evenly. Stephen Castle. MARKET NOTES. CUT FLOWERS AT CO VENT (i.VRDEN. In cut flowers the chief supply is in Dutch bulbs and imported flowers. Tulips are very plentiful, and vary from Gs. to 12s. per dozen bunches; a few extra fine whites were making 15s. Double yellow Daffodils, 8<2. to Is. per bunch of about twelve blooms. Paper-white Nar- cissus very plentiful ; also other Polyanthus Nar- cissus. A good many of these are now coming from the Scilly Islands. Yellow Soleil make 4s. to 5s. per dozen bunches. Lily of the Valley is much cheaper, some very fine being offered at Wd. per bunch. Callas are plentiful, and are down to about 4s. per dozen for very good blooms. Good English Carnations are still scarce, and make about is. per dozen blooms. Tuberoses are plentiful and cheap. Liliums are not quite so abundant just now. There are still a good many Chrysanthemums coming in, and the best blooms make good prices, but there are now a good many small blooms, and these do not sell so well. The supply of French flowers was very plentiful lately, but the new French market was not very attractive, for there was a good supply of almost all imported flowers in the ordinary flower market. Yellow Marguerites, blue Cornflower, scarlet Anemones, also mixed colours, Ranun- culus, Violets (immense quantities), Roses (plen- tiful, but many of them very poor). Acacia ( Mimosa) is nowplentiful and good. A. H., Jan. 9. Covent Garden Fruit Market. Large quantities of Gros Col mar Grapes are now on the market. Though some are not well coloured, there are many of excellent quality. Perfectly coloured examples are baing sold retail at 3s and 3s. 6d. per lb., and Alicantes of fine quality at 2s. 0.2. per lb. There is plenty of very fair quality priced much lower than those I have quoted. Apples. The market is well stocked with Apples. The Canadian Apples in barrels are the most promi- nent and the samples are of very good quality. Much trouble is taken in the packing, for when opened the fruits do not appear to have moved in the least, and all are almost free from bruises. A. H., January 16. 52 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jancabt 23, 1904. THE GARDENS OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. The Society's Gardens were established at Chiswick in 1822, and since that time they have been locked upon as a leading and important help to horticulture. Of recent years the diffi- culties to be contended with at Chiswick. arising chiefly from the excessive surrounding drainage a school of practical and scientific horticulture, and of increased value and interest to the Fel- lows. Mr. Wilson's wild-garden will be carefully preserved and continued, whilst other parts of the site will be devoted to the cultivation of all such trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, stove, greenhouse an 1 hardy plants and flowers as are found to be most generally useful or ornamental ; to the trial Fig. 23. -RHODODENDRONS IN THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S NEW GARDEN AT WISLEY. (From a photo jruph by F. Ma-son Good.) and from the London smoke, have increased with tremendous rapidity. In consequence of which a desire for a better situated garden has been freely expressed, and, thanks to Sir Thomas Han- bury, K.C.V.O., this desire is in process of being gratified. Sir Thomas has purchased 00 acres of and, including the celebrated wild-garden of the late Mr. G. F. Wilson, V.M.H., at Wisley, and has given it in trust for the Society's use. The Council are anxious to make the Gardens (as far as the funds at their command will allow) of new varieties side by side with old established ones; to the hybridisation of plants and the raising of new varieties; to experiments in the culture and treatment of those plants which possess a floral or decorative as distinguished from a merely scientific value and interest. To these may be added the trial of such horticultural appliances and materials as may from time to time be submitted, and if funds be forthcoming it is hoped to add a practical Scientific depart" nient, with laboratory, &c. ; this, however, will largely depend on the liberality of Fellows interested in scientific research. The cultivation, trial, &c, of Fruits have always been considered as of the utmost import- ance, and will form one of the most valuable features of the Gardens, and it is intended to establish and maintain a collection of all the best varieties of fruits, and extend it from time to time by the trial of such novelties as the raisers may be good enough to bestow on the Society. A collection of standard and typical varieties of different Vegetables will also be grown for comparison with new varieties, both to assist the Committee in recommending their awards and for the general information of the Fellows-. Besides this general collection, specially exhaus- tive trials of certain classes of fruits, flowers, and vegetables will be made every few years in> rotation, and descriptive reports given in the Society's Journal. The Floral department will include trees, shrubs, plants, and flowers of a distinctly decora- tive garden character, whether for cultivation under glass or out-of-doors. A few classes only can be illustrated each year. W islet may be reached from the under-men- tioned stations, all of which are on the London and South-Western Railway. Starting from Waterloo Station, most of the trains stop at Clapham Junction, about eight minutes after- wards, but it is not quite safe to reckon on this without first ascertaining the fact ; nor must the times of the trains given below be trusted with- out verification, as they are liable to alteration : — Weybridge. — 19 miles from Waterloo (Central Station), and i>\ from Wisley. Return tickets; 1st class, 5s. ; 2nd class, 3s. 6d. ; 3rd class, 2s. lOd. Carriages will be found at the station. Trains leave Waterloo 9.30, 10.5, 11.22, reaching Wey- bridge 10.19, 10.44, 12.1. Returning from Wey- bridge 3.31., 4.8, 4.25, 5.26, reaching Waterloo- 4.15, 5.5, 5.18, G.10. Horsley. — 22 miles from Waterloo (South Station), and 2h from Wisley. Return tickets : 1st class, Cs. 4d. ; 2nd class, 4s. ; 3rd class, 3s. 6s, has evidently misunder- stood your excellent report of the meeting held on December 15. Being the first meeting to consider the subject, it was only natural that speakers should express various — and in some cases divergent — views. The letter from the lady-gardener (which "J. C. S." specially objects to) was merely received by the Secretary in the ordinary way, and it was his duty to bring it before the meeting. I do not suppose a majority of head gardeners are in favour of admitting ladies ; my own opinion is that they are not re- quired in private gardening. Much good might be done in raising the social and professional status of the gardener by lessening the present overcrowding of the profession, and by securing a general course of action on many points, if all would join and work together for the common good. Why should gardening be the most disorganised and the worst paid of all the professions ? The Committee will endeavour to draft a basis of rules, to enable all head - gardeners who have had a professional training to join the Association. When this is completed it is proposed to submit it to as large a meeting of gardeners as can be got together in London, and it must rest with that meeting whether the Association is to be started or not. We want a central rally ing-point in London, with representatives in all the districts of the United Kingdom. If this is well supported by gardeners we should be able to speak effec- tively on all matters relating to private garden- ing. Matters of detail can be considered after- wards. As soon as we can get a good list of members it will be possible to make arrangements with some hotels, whereby members coming to London from the country districts will be able to obtain board or lodging at greatly reduced rates, similar to those^now arranged by the Cyclists' Touring Club. My own opinion is that the Association should be managed by a committee of private gardeners, for the benefit of private gardeners only. Subscriptions should be kept as low as possible in order that all may be able to join. Honorary subscriptions should be accepted, but should carry no right to intervene in the business of the Association. The Association should be carried on in harmony with but inde- pendently of the Royal Horticultural Society. No trades-unionism to be encouraged in any form. W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle Gardens Respecting" Mr. Wood's letter in a recent issue, I would say, first, that the great majority of gardeners are not overburdened with money, neither have they much spare time at their dis- posal ; and there are already charitable institutions to which they can well apply their few spare shil- lings for the benefit of the garden fraternity. Secondly, such an expensive scheme as suggested would not and could not meet with the willing co-operation of the immense body of men who call themselves gardeners ; the management and control would be far too costly an under- taking. Thirdly, the shows, concerts, sales, and picture galleries suggested must be few and far between, seeing the number already held that do not always result in profit. Fourthly, neither employers nor gardeners are over-anxious to ex- hibit their produce, seeing the expense and displace- ment exhibiting involves. Their object is to get the greatest possible amount of enjoyment and pleasure out of their work for themselves and personal friends. Fifthly, the patronage of the nobility and gentry could hardly be expected except in a very limited degree for the purpose of a national association of gardeners. It must be admitted they do very much already for the welfare of the gardener. Their proper sphere is the exer- cise of charity, and not the aggrandisement of gardeners. The whole subject seems to me to be one for gardeners themselves, always, of course, looking for sympathetic support in other quarters. My conception of a scheme is that it should be one that would facilitate intercommunication between gardeners ; in other words, enable them to render each other mutual assistance and benefit. Gardeners in good positions should be appointed in as many districts as possible, whose duties would be to report vacant places and those likely to become vacant, and unemployed gardeners, also any particulars appertaining to them. These reports would, of course, apply to any under gardeners in the same degree as head gardeners. I feel sure there are many who would undertake such duties out of pure sympathy with the object in view. By all means have your central autho- rity, but beware of excessive administrative ex- penses ; some there must inevitably be. The whole work should be conducted by bond-fide gardeners. Do not let it be said that the gar- dener is incapable of taking care of himself. Begin slowly, and first find out what is the general feeling on the whole subject. Accept- able additions to its efficacy may always be made, whereas it is difficult to rescind rules which may have been accepted by any section. Charles Dennis. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S MEETINGS— Assuming that the new Horticul- tural Hall will be completed by midsummer next, the National Carnation Society will prob- ably have the honour of holding the first exhi- bition within its walls. No one will grudge the Carnation, or the Society that is identified with its interests, that honour. That show is fixed for July 26, so that there is yet a clear six months for the Hall to be completed. But, should no such suggestion be already in the minds of the President and the Council of the Koyal Horticul- tural Society, I would submit that the most de- sirable first assemblage in the new Hall should take the form of a reception, by the President and Council, of all who have subscribed to its erection, and representatives of the general and of the gardening Press. Were it widely inti- mated that such a reception would be held, the first evening of the Holland Park show' fixed as late this year as July 12, would doubtless suit admirably for the purpose. The desire to be amongst the invited would doubtless cause many who can, but have not yet done so, to subscribe to the building fund. The Council certainly might expend .£100 in a far worse way than in holding the reception here suggested. The Council may well desire that all horticulturists should, through the gar- dening papers, know of the completion of the Hall and offices, and of their capacities. Equally it would be good policy to utilise the London papers by circulating widely the information that so fine and roomy a hall is available. When its character and area, as well as its convenience, become well known, and especially its freedom from the noise of London traffic, it should, assum- ing that the Hall's acoustic properties are good, let for many diverse objects, when not required by the Society. Without imposing exorbitant charges, the new Hall could be made a source of income of a distinctly lucrative kind. A. D. ©Intuanv F. C. Lehmann. — We regret to see an announcement of the death by drowning of our esteemed correspondent, Mr. F. C. Lehmann, the well-known botanical traveller and explorer. Should the bad news be unfortunately confirmed,, we shall give some particulars of Mr. Lehmann's interesting career in a future issue. Hugh FraSER. — It is with regret we record the death of Mr. Hugh Fraser, who passed away on the 13th inst., aged seventy years. For fifty years Mr. Fraser was in the employ of Messrs. T. Methven & Sons, Edinburgh ; and for a period, acted as their traveller, making many friends over all the country. Mr. Fraser was the author of The Book of Coniferce, which had a large sale. His knowledge of Rhododendrons and American, plants was extensive. It was under Mr. Fraser' s. care that Rhododendron Thomsoni first flowered. in Europe, and from that splendid Himalayan species m iny of our rich crimson Rhododendrons, originated. By the death of Mr. Fraser the Scottish Horticultural Association has lost one of its original members, and one who filled the posts, of Vice-President and President with conspicuous success. His genial face will be missed by a. large circle of friends, among whom his re- miniscences of the old nursery trade of Edin- burgh, told in his inimitable way, were always, appreciated. GiORGS Williams— On the lSth inst., at Croydon, aged 59, George Williams, gardener to the late Lidy Louisa Ashburton, Addiscombe Park, and formerly gardener and bailiff for many years to the Right Hon. Lord Carew, Castleboro', Enniscorthy. He succumbed from shock fol- lowing an operation, after a short but painful ill- ness. Of sterling worth and exceptional attain- ments, his high sense of duty commanded the respect of his employers, while his genial character endeared him to all those with whom he came in contact. Interred at M it jham Cemetery. Dr. Francis. — Old members of the Linneaa Society will learn with regret of the death of this gentleman on the 19th inst. at Richmond. Dr.. Francis was eighty-six years of age, and wa3 for many years head of the printers' firm of Taylor & Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. As a Fellow of many scientificsocietieshe was thrown in contact with a large circle of friends and acquaintances, by whom he will be sincerely mourned. James Melody.— On January 7, at 15, Cicada Road, Wandsworth Common, S.W., in his fifty-ninth year, James Melody, for many years manager of the seed business of the late firm of Thomas Gibbs & Co., 21, Down St., Piccadilly, W. ENQUIRY. A. B. LorsADA. — Can any reader give par- ticulars respecting a botanist named A. B. Lou- sada, who lived in Devonshire Square, London ? In a copy of Sweet's Hortus Suburbanus Londi- nensis, used by Lousada, appears the following note at 1 >raba alpina : " See ray account of the large and beautiful state of D. alpina, with its three varieties, found in the arctic regions of America, as described by Dr. Hookerin the Linn. Trans., vol. xiv." P. January 23, 1904.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 61 SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. KEPOKT OF THE COUNCIL FOR. THE TEAR 1903 (Abridged). 1. The One Hundredth Year. — The year 1903 will long be noteworthy in the Annals of the Society. Not only does it complete (i.) One hundred years of the Society's existence, but it ha3 also seen (ii.) the commencement of the New Hall and Offices, (iii.) the inauguration of a New Garden, and (iv. ) the largest numerical addition to the list of Fellows that has ever taken place in the Society's history. 2. To celebrate the One Hundredth year of the Society, it has been decided to hold a Centennial dinner at the Hotel Metropole on Thursday, March 3, the nearest convenient date to the act- ual completion of the centenary, which will take place on Sunday, March G next, the Society hav- ing been founded, on March 7, 1S04, by Mr. Charles Greville, Sir Joseph Banks, Mr. Richard Anthony Salisbury, Mr. W. T. Aiton. Mr. W. Forsyth, Mr. James Dickson, and Mr. John Wedgwood. The Rt. Hon. the Earl of Onslow, Minister for Agri- culture and Horticulture, will preside at the dinner, and the Council hope that a very large number of the Fellows will join in the celebration. The Dinner Tickets, which the size of the room unfortunately necessitates being confined to gentlemen, will be 21s. 3. New Hall. — While the Centennial Dinner is the social commemoration of a striking anniver- sary, the Council have had under consideration, for not less than five years, in what way the Centenary could be most worthily celebrated. 4. Two projects speedily came into prominence — (1) a New Hall and Offices for the Society's Exhibitions and Shows and for the accommodation of the Library and of the Office Staff ; and (2) a New Garden less exposed to London smoke, fog, drainage, and crowding, than Chiswick has of late years become. 5. These projects having been very deliberately considered, the Fellows finally decided in General Meeting assembled to adopt the proposal of a Hall. G. The site in Vincent Square, almost exactly midway between the Abbey and Victoria Station", having been approved by the Fellows in General Meeting, the Council were instructed to push matters forward, so that the buildings micht be opened in the centennial year. This they have done, and the Great Hall (containing, with its two annexes, a floor space of almost 13,000 square feet) is now ready for roofing, and the Council are promised that the whole building shall be finished in July. The Hall and Offices, when completely furnished, will, it is estimated, cost nearly £40,000, of which upwards of £24,000 has been received or promised. 7. It is impossible to estimate what income may be derived from letting the New Hall, when not required for the Society's use, but when it has be- come known what a fine and spacious hall it con- tains, this will probably be a considerable asset. In this matter the Council ask the Fellows to help them by using their influence to get the Hall let for Concerts, Meetings, Bazaars, and suchlike purposes. 8. New Garden — Meanwhile, several influential Fellows, who preferred the establishment of a New Garden as the celebration of the Society's Centenary, had been urging their views in certain quarters, and on August 4, 1903, Sir Thomas Hanbury, K.C.V.O., having asked for an interview with the Council, offered to purchase the late Mr. G. F. Wilson's famous Garden and Estate at Wisley, comprising 60 acres of land, and to place it in trust, for the use of the Society as a Garden as long as the Society desired to retain it. '.i. it is needless to say that the Council accepted this timely and generous offer, which came as a complete surprise both to themselves and to the general body of the Fellows. It had the signal advantage of al' jrding a solution of the rival claims of a New Garden as against a New Ball aa the Centennial Celebration of the Society. 10. Wisley is some distance from a railway station, and two miles from the village of Ripley. Full direc- tions for reaching it will be found on p. i"> in the S;ciety's Book of Arrangements for 1901. 1-'. The Garden has no ^'asshouses upon it, being at present only a very beautiful and well-placed wild garden, stocked with a large number of rare plants. It will therefore be necessary to build a couple of small dwelling houses for the Superintendent and Foreman, a room where the Council and Committees can meet, and suitable ranges of glasshouses and pits. The water supply and drainage will also require careful attention. By limiting the glasshouses as far as pos- sible at present, the Council estimate that the neces- sary equipment of Wisley can be carried out within the means of the Society, supplemented by the aid which they expect to obtain from the relinquishment of the Chiswick lease. 12. There are many other objects which will hereafler be desirable at Wisley, such as a Scientific Depart- ment, with residence for a Profes*or and laboratory attached, bothies for young gardeners, rooms for students, &c. But the Council feel it imperative to allow these matters to wait until the New Hall is paid for and furnished and its upkeep expenses provided. 13 Increase or Fellows.— The exceedingly rapid increase in the number of Fellows (1 112 having been added during the last twelve months), gratifying as it is as a proof of the appreciation of the Society's work by the lovers of -'ardens, appears nevertheless to the Council to contain an element of danger inasmuch as it is becomiDg more and more difficult at times for Fellows to see the flowers, Ac, without serious dis- comfort from crushing and crowding. M New Bye-Law— After very grave consideration the Council have decided to advise that the minimum rate of Fellowship should in future be raised to £2 2s , except in the case of bond-flde gardeners, persons living abroad, and journalists writing for provincial or foreign newspapers. Tno existtne £1 la Fellows will of course be under no compulsion tochangc the rate of their subscription, though it is hoped that not a few will voluntarily do so. The Council have therefore directed a new bye law to be drawn up and suDmitled to the Meeting for approval, the effect of which will be, if carried, to make the lowest subscription for Fellows i/i lit' urc £ i 2s , except in the cases mentioned. 15 It maybe as well to point out the return value which a Fellow will receive for his £2L'i. subscription :— ..Tickets admitting to: The Temple Sliow-ist day, £] 2a. Si. ; 2nd day, 7*. 6d. ; 3'd day, 3s. Toe Holland House Show-lst day, £1 2*. 6d. ; 2nd day. Seventeen Exhibitions at Drill Hall or Vincent Square at 2s 'iit. £6 It '"' : eight exhibitions at Drill Hall or Vincent 8quare at Is , £1 is. The Society's Journal, £1 10s.: Total, £1- J- "' To this must be added, free advice on all ordinary garden subjects: Investigation of Plant diseases, Covent Garden Market 68 Crocus, an early va- riety of 75 Currants, black 68 D'Ombrain, Kev. H. H. 73 Epidendrum elegans... 66 Ether, action of on plants 73 Fish-destroying birds . 75 Fruit-culture, Depart- mental Committee on 73 Gardeners' Association, the proposed 75 K.ew notes 74 (Leeds' public parks ... 68 Liliums, Japanese, large sales of 73 Manures for nursery land 74 Metcalfe, Mr. A. W , presentation to ... 73 Obituary— Ratchelous, William. 80 Wells, Benjamin ... sii Oranges, lecture on ... 78 Orchid notes and glean- ings 66 Pear Charles de G uelin Potato disease Potatos, new varieties Potatos, propagating, by cuttings Progress, necessity for Seed-sowing Societies- Brighton and Sussex Horticultural East Ham Amateur Chrysanthemum ... Gardeners' Debating Societies Gardeners' Royal Be- nevolent Institu- tion 74, r.innean. the Manchester Botanic National Chrysanthe- mum Society Potato Society, the National Royal Caledonian Horticultural Royal Horticultural „ ., proposed alte- ration of subscrip- tion South-Eastern Agricul- tural College, the ... Tomato, Sutton's Win- ter Beauty Trade notices Tretliewy, Mr. H. Veitch Memorial Fund Wash for fruit-trees ... Week's work- Flower-garden, the... Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden... Kitchen garden, the. Orchii' -i ouses, the... Plants under glass ... ILLUSTRATIONS Allsop, Mr. A. J, portrait of Epidendrum elegans Lemons at Aston Rowant Orange-house in Messrs. Rivers' Nursery Orange-tree on an outside wall Oranges, Malta Blood and Egg The Dell, in the Roundhay Public Park, Leeds (Supplementary Illustration). Iretlieny, Mr. H., portrait of RIVIERA NATURE-NOTES. A SECOND edition of a charming book -£*- with the above title has been pub- lished by Bernard Quariteh, of 15, Piccadilly, London. It has no author's name on its title-page and only initials to the preface. Jt is appropriately dedicated to Sir Thomas Hanbury. The notes, we are told, were written at different times and in different cnoods during a long residence on the Riviera. Twelve summers were spent in the mountains and sub-alpine villages of the Maritime Alps, and lengthened sojourns have been made in the narrow coast strip where strangers congregate. The book deals with the general natural history of the Riviera sn a literary rather than in a severely scien- tific manner, so that the book is eminently readable, but without, so far as we can see, any sacrifice of scientific accuracy. There are chapters on the Palms, the Olives, the Oranges and Lemons, the Pines, the Carob, and other trees so characteristic of the district, some native, others naturalised. We have not met with the word "Ecology" in its pages, but there is much in the book which will appeal to lovers of that old but newly-named branch of nature-study. It is not trees and flowers only that are sub- jects of comment, but animals, butterflies, shells, and a host of matters which occur to the intelligent visitor or resident who knows how to use his eyes. Concerning the Arbutus (lay stress on the first syllable and shorten the second, please), the author says: — "It seems to me that certain plants, of which the Arbutus is one, have a perception of the picturesque. Mark well the spot where this tree loves to grow, and you will find it has a special charm. Name the most lovely scenery in the British Isles, is it not where the evergreen foliage and the waxen bells of the Arbutus are reflected in the crystal waters of Killarney? And when you find among the Olive hills some charming nook, and you exclaim, 'Angulus ille ridel !' be sure that the nymph of the Arbutus haunts that unfrequented spot. She is too wild and too high- spirited to be tamely imprisoned by the railings of every suburban villa, 1 i k < ■ a Lilac or a Laburnum or a Hawthorn. It is difficult to transplant an Arbutus; gardeners rarely attempt it on the Riviera." We sympathise with the author's meaning, but writing within sight of numerous forecourt gardens in a London suburb, in some of which the Arbutus flourishes, as well as another Riviera plant, the Laurus- tinus, we think the author has allowed his imagination to outrun his facts. Nor can we quite agree that Styrax is not " admitted to rank as a garden plant." It may be rare, but it is certainly not unknown in our gardens in one or more of its forms. But these are trifles which do not in the least interfere with the interest attaching to this volume. Those who do not know the Riviera will find numerous matters to attract their attention ; whilst to those more fortunate ones who have some know- ledge, however slight, of that lovely shore, the book will supply the most delightful recol- lections. The Agaves and Palms, excepting the dwarf Chama>rops, are naturalised aliens, which give a very characteristic appearance to the landscape. Some purists who object to any but indigenous vegetation would banish these plants. Fortunately, they are not likely to have their way. Equally un- likely is it that that true native and, in its own quaint way, most attractive of plants, the giant Euphorbia E. dendroides, will be banished, for though it is attractive to the connoisseur, it does not appeal forcibly to those who put beauty, as they conceive it, in the first rank, and place every other attribute anywhere or nowhere. If the majestic Olive trees of the coast inspire one with wonder and veneration, the smaller trees up in the hills, with their undulating sea of grey foliage, produce an impression that is not easily forgotten. We must not linger over this seductive book, but we cannot help calling attention to the amusing chapter on Mosquitos as a test of character. A list of problems to solve is given at the end of the book which might satisfy the craze for competitions, were it not that no pecuniary inducements are held out ! As in the case of other com- petitions, some of the problems are easy enough to solve ; but they are lures to draw one on to the consideration of the more abstruse problems. In an appendix is given a list of " books useful for the study of the flora." To the list given may be added, for the benefit of those who read German, the second edition, just published, of Prof. Strasburger's Streif- eilge an der Riviera (Jena, Fischer), illus- trated with numerous coloured plates. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. THE AURICULA. A letter from the Rev. F. D. Horner reminds me that the Auriculas will soon be commenc- ing growth, and that they need a surface dressing. The plants having made growth during the dullest and dreariest summer and autumn we have known for many years, it is possible that many plants may want bottom as well as top- dressing. The cultivator of any pot-plants should see to it that the roots are right. Top-dressing an Auricula may become a delusion and a snare to the inexperienced cultivator if he has no know- ledge of the state of the roots. If the soil in which the plants are growing has become of a dense, pasty consistency, it is a sign that some- thing is wrong with the roots, and top-dressing after removing part only of the surface soil will but deceive the unwary. It can do the plant no harm to turn it out of the flower-pot carefully and examine the roots ; there may be an earth-worm in it, and the drainage may be choked — this must be remedied by removing all the crocks. Have a clean pot ready supplied with fresh drainage material, and turn the plant into it, pressing the roots down firmly, and finishing off with fresh compost. If the compost is very bad and contains few roots, remove as much of it as may be deemed desirable and replace with fresh material. The surface-dressings ought to be afforded before the end of February, as the plants make rapid growth in March. The dressing should be of yellow fibrous loam two-thirds, and decayed manure one-third ; to this a little coarse white sand may be added, or, what is better, ground oyster- shells. The outer leaves continue to decay, especially after each severe frost, and such leaves must be removed at once. I keep the ventilators open night and day, except when there is danger from frosts. Those who are desirous of exhibiting Auriculas would do well to keep the self-coloured varieties out in the frames a few weeks longer than the edged varieties, as the eelfs have a tendency to flower rather earlier than edged sections; nor will a self Auricula remain in good condition so long. The good old grey-edged variety George Light- body will remain in fair condition for six weeks ; but I do not know any self-coloured varieties that will stand good a third of the time. Those who have charge of Orchids know how carefully they must be watered, especially now that leaf-mould is so extensively used in the compost ; but during the next three months care in the watering of Auriculas is even more important, and after the surface-dressing has been afforded it is very difficult to know when to give and when to withhold water. The Question of Varieties. There have been a few amateurs added to the Auricula cult during the last few years, and some of them are greatly in doubt as to the best varieties to cultivate. The fact is, there are very few varieties of show Auriculas to be had in com- parison with those that were grown thirty or forty years ago. I have been turning over the pages of Gossip for the Garden for 1856, and I find one grower states that he possesses 150 varieties. My own collection is a very good one, but does not exceed seventy-five varieties, new and old, of the show section. It is generally thought that there have been no improvements in the Auricula in these forty or fifty years, but it is a fact that none of the varieties which won the leading prizes in 1860 would have a chance now. Raising seedling Auriculas requires much patience. A seedling may give splendid promise in the first year, but fail the next season, even thouo-h it has been awarded a First-class Certi- 66 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JAN77ABT 30, 1904. ficate, from the National Society. The follow- ing varieties are of proved excellence. I have selected six in each class : — Green-edged.— Abbe Liszt (Douglas), Abraham Barker (Lord), Mrs. Henwood (Barlow), Gladiator (Simonite), Bev. Francis D. Horner (Simonite), Shirley Hibberd (Simonite). Grey-edged. — George Budd (Woodhead), Mar- mion (Douglas), George Lightbody (Headley), Lancashire Hero (Lancashire), Mabel (Douglas), Bichard Headley (Lightbody), White-edged Acme (Bead), Conservative (Douglas), Heather Bell (Simonite), Mrs. Dodwell (Woodhead), John Simonite (Walker), Smiling Beauty (Heap). Selfs. — Black Bess (Woodhead), Heroine (Horner), Mrs. Potts (Barlow), Lord of Lome (Campbell), Euby (Simonite), Gerald (Bentley), Favourite ( Horner). A new variety will probably head the list as the best self, but it is still scarce. I believe the above to be the best twenty-five varieties that can be purchased at present. There are now many raisers of seedling Auriculas in the London district, and I am hopeful that during the next few years we shall see some fine varieties. A celebrated cultivator in the North has just informed me that there has not been a single good self-coloured Auricula raised from seed south of Yorkshire. Surely some of the younger cultivators, with the best years of their life before them, ought to do something to remove this reproach. In cross-fertilising green, grey, and white-edged Auriculas, many of the seedlings will produce self-coloured varieties, but they are always of poor quality. I am sure Mr. Horner and others of the best raisers will bear me out in this. If good seedling selfs are to be obtained it must be by crossing the best selfs at present in cultiva- tion with each other. Black Bess, Heroine, and Mrs. Potts are the three best that are available at present. Favourite might be included, but it is now worth a guinea and a half. There is still room for much improvement in the green, grey, and white-edged varieties ; and the interest in the cultivation of any plant is greatest when the seedlings are flowering for the first time. The seed should be taken from vigorous plants, and the pollen parent should possess flowers of the highest order of merit. A perfect circular tube of a good yellow colour, a clear, dense, white paste, the edge of the corolla circular; if a green -edge it must be a good decided green, free from dots of farina, with a rich black zone well defined between the grass- green margin and the snow-white centre — a delightful combination of colour. The same remarks apply to the grey and the white-edges. The grey is intermediate between the white and the green. Potting and Eepotting. Those who possess small seedling plants should not suffer them to die through being forced out of the ground by frost. I have had much success in flowering them by being careful to prick out a dozen small plants into a 00 -sized flower-pot. I let them grow until the leaves meet together, and repot them, three plants this time in the same sized pots. As soon as the plants have grown so much as to need repotting, one plant should be put in each flower-pot, and then repotted as may be required. The seedlings are ready to be potted off as soon as the first leaf is formed after the seed leaves. Some growers may think so much repotting rather tedious. I do not say it is not, and I have noticed that the champion seedling raiser, Bev. F. D. Horner, pricks a large number of seedlings out in seed- pans rather thickly at first, and re-pans them a second time, leaving the plants to flower in the seed-pans, or plants them out in the open garden when they are very numerous and cannot be afforded room under glass. I will only add that the plants must be kept quite free from insect-pests. Green-fly is the most troublesome, and it must be destroyed by using XL-All fumigating material. The Auri- cula-aphis is also rather troublesome, although it does not do so much damage as green-fly. It can be destroyed by clearing the roots of it when repotting, and keeping it from the neck of the plant by dipping a small brush in tobacco-powder and brushing it off ; the insects not brushed out will be killed by the powder. J. Douglas. Ctpripedium Feilinc x Mahlerianum, 's VARIETY. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. EPIDENDEUM ELEGANS. A number of plants of this handsome, slender- growing Barkeria, as it is more commonly called in gardens, have been in bloom in Mr. H. A. Tracy's nursery, Amyand Park Boad, Twicken- ham, for several weeks past. The species, like all the other Barkerias, has a reputation for being difficult to grow, and the appearance of such a pretty and rare plant so well cultivated is worth recording. The slender - stemmed plants are growing, several together, in small Orchid-pans, which are suspended in a light intermediate- house. They have been watered freely until the flowers appeared, and it is intended to keep them Fig. us.— ej-idendrum (bahkeria) elegans. dry and cool like resting Dendrobes until they commence to grow again. The non-observance of the resting season, and the fact that the plants are usually kept too warm and shady at all seasons, goes far to account for the poor condition of the specimens usually found in gardens. These Barkerias in their native habitat in Mexico grow on the twigs and smallur outer branches of trees, often overhanging streams, and always exposed to a large amount of sunlight. The plants referred to have slender spikes of pretty flowers, each about 2 inches across, white more or less tinged with purplish-rose, the showy labellums having a large crimson blotch in front, and some small purple markings on the base and column. There is great variety in colour, and also variation in form. ODONTOGLOSSUM X WlLCKEANUM ALEXANDRA. A flower of this very fine Odontoglossum from the collection of J. Wilson Potter, Esq., Elmwood, Croydon (gr., Mr. W. H. Young), shows it to be a noteworthy addition to the favourite class of Odontoglossums. The plant was obtained from Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., of Heaton, Bradford, who obtained a First-class Certificate for it at Manchester, January 8. The flower is large and of good shape and substance ; the greater part of the sepals are heavily blotched with confluent chestnut-red blotches, the tips being pale yellow, and a small area at the bases white ; the broad petals are deeply fringed, white with an irregular ring of reddish spots on the middle. The lip has the spiny yellow-and-brown crest indicative of O. luteo-purpureum; the fringed, apiculate blade white, with a large reddish-brown blotch in front of the crest. A very desirable hybrid between a good Cypri- pedium villosum and C. x Sallieri aureum, has- been raised by C. H. Feiling, Esq., Southgate House, Southgate (gr., Mr. Stocking), and is now flowering there. In its general features and colouring it approaches C. villosum singularly closely, but is much finer in every respect than even the best forms of C. villosum, all the parts being larger and broader, and the substance much thicker than in that species. It has also a strong resemblance to C. >: Beekemanni. The fine- dorsal sepal is emerald green .with a pure white margin a J inch wide, a broad purple band up the middle, and lighter dotted purple lines on eacb side. The broad petals are yellow, the middles having a dark purplish-chocolate band, above- which the upper half of the petal is reddish brown, the lower half being yellow slightly tinged with purple. Lip and staminode whitish-yellow slightly tinged with purple. NOTICES OF BOOKS. South African Flowering Plants, &c. By Bev. Prof. G. Henslow, M.A. (Longmans, Green & Co.). This little book is written for the benefit of beginners and of those, whether resident in or visitors to the Cape Colony, who require to know something more than the names of a few plants. The South African flora is very rich, very beauti- ful, and very peculiar. It therefore offers to the intelligent observer endless sources of interest. The structure and conformation of the plants are such as are met with in dry climates. The- modifications and adaptations, though extremely varied, all have reference to the same conditions- The conditions are much the same as in S.W. Aus- tralia, and the " adaptations " are similar, but yet how different are the two floras ! Professor Henslow would like to have the pupils taught [or, better still, be enabled to find out for themselves] why one plant is hairy or woolly, why another is quite smooth, why some- flowers are " regular," others " irregular " ; how it comes about that some plants are spiny, others- not at all, and so forth. It is obvious that infor- mation of this kind would be very valuable to- the cultivator in any country, and ; furnish him with endless hints by which he might profit. The Professor begins his book with a detailed examination of Oxalis cernua as a common, Cape plant, and then goes on to consider the- methods by which the pollen is conveyed from one part of a flower to another, or to another flower. The manner in which stems and foliage are adapted to a dry climate is the- subject of a short chapter, wherein the structure and mode of growth of bulbs is explained. The- different forms of flowers are then described, and attention called to the circumstances which- caused all these modifications. After an explanation of the system of classifica- tion adopted by Bentham and Hooker, the author passes in review several of the principal and more conspicuous natural orders. In the selection of plants for comment, Prof. Henslow has had the- advantage of the assistance of Prof. McOwan and Dr. Schonland, and has turned his own visit to the Colony to advantage. The stamens of Malvaceae- are described as numerous, but it would be more- consistent with their development to speak of the andrrecium of these plants as consisting of five stamens, each one much divided. In many cases popular names are used, and this is no doubt desirable where such names have- the sanction of custom or convenience, but to- coin such appellations may be misleading or even dangerous. Thus we find the Amarylli- daces called the " Belladonna " family, an appel- January 30, 1904. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 67 lation that is not required and may be confusing. Again, why call the Aroidaceae by the name of Trumpet-Lily family ? Surely it is no more difficult to speak of the Aroid family, and thus avoid the too prevalent confusion of these plants with Lilies ! The sheaths which invest the stalks of the Kestiacese are said to remain on the stem till the linear blade has fallen ; but in these plants it is exceptional for the leaf-blade to be formed at all. The book is clearly written, freely illustrated, and well adapted for the purpose for which it is written. The examples are well selected, and have the advantage of novelty. Though primarily intended for South African readers, it can, with the necessary modifications, be used anywhere with advantage as an elementary text - book introductory to more advanced treatises. The Culture of Vegetables and Flowers from Seeds and Roots. By Sutton & Sons, Reading. (London : Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd.) This is the eleventh edition of a practical book, go often appreciated by us that we have little more to say about it. Suffice it, that it is the work of men of experience both in cultivating and in instructing, and that the present edition has been brought well up to date. The several chapters deal with : The Culture of Vegetables, Year's Work in the Vegetable Garden, Rotation of Crops, Chemistry of Garden Crops, Flowers from Seeds, Flowering Bulbs, Flowers all the Year Round, Lawn and Tennis Grounds from Seed, Pests of Garden Plants, and Fungus Pests. We are pleased to notice that the vegetables enumerated include not merely the most familiar kinds, but also those less well known to the ordi- nary grower i Cardoons, Corn-Salad, Chou Tron- chuda, Kohl Rabi, &c. ; though we find no mention of the Crosnes or Chinese Artichokes, popular in France, and now sometimes obtainable in English markets. They are easily grown, and by many liighly esteemed. The agency of bacteria or other microbes in enhancing the fertility of the soil should have a mention in a future edition, as it is more than likely we are on the threshold of discoveries which will be eventually of the greatest benefit to practical horticulture. England's National Flower. " A book for all garden-lovers " needs no intro- duction, especially when it deals, as this does, with the Rose. It might be thought that the literature of the Rose was already ample, but people never tire of the Rose ; and then we must remember, as is well said in the preface, that the Rose is constantly changing. Not our grand- fathers only, but our fathers, would be not a little astonished at the changes that have taken place in the Rose. Few, indeed, of the Roses of our •childhood remain. Each season fresh beauties are developed, and for the last half-century the Rose has become more than ever the national flower. Up to the middle of the last century our -choicest acquisitions came from France ; nous . . 0P ■• - * ^ ■ I ' J0 'fet " * 25 ^•Skm Fig. 31.— orange-house in messes, rivers' nursery, (see p. 78.) family residence to its present democratic use. More of the beauties of the park are due to the handiwork of the landscape gardener. The magnificent lake, which forms such a factor in most aspects of the park, owes its origin to the skilful designer, Mr. Thos. Nicholson. The task of making the lake occupied two years, and was completed in 1815, about the time of the Battle of Waterloo, from which it received its present name of Waterloo lake. The waterfall is a cascade of some 60 feet. The ivy-clad ruins, which wear an air of antiquity, the rustic building dubbed the "Hermitage," are no less he handiwork of the landscape gardener than have been entirely superseded by a more artistic and natural one of massing together suitable flowering plants, but interspersing them with some well-grown plants of a sub-tropical character. At ftoundhay Fuchsias are a great feature ; the colour and general effect of the variety Wave of Life are seen to perfection ; other varieties are also used, principally Hose of Castile and Marinka, with suitable varieties of Violas as groundwork, including marginata, Queen Vic- toria, and Duchess of Sutherland. Scarlet bedding Begonias form a magnificent display, and are very attractive. Several beds were well filled last summer with Hyacinthus candicans ; cipally for stosk. Sweet Peas are well cul- tivated. The most attractive display is to be found in the show-house, which is the principal of twelve glasshouses. Throughout the year are to be seen most attractive displays of various- plants. The drinking fountain presented to Eoundhay by Sir John Barran is a piece of work, of which the city is justly proud. To addl more to the educational value of the park, all specimens of trees, shrubs, and flowers are dis- tinctly labelled, as far as possible giving, ia addition to the Latin generic and specific names, the common English ones. 70 THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E. [JANUARY 30, 1904. POTTEENEWTON PARK. This magnificent Park is one of the Corpora- tion's latest acquisitions. Purchased from P. B. Jovitt, Esq., in 1901, it has a very pretty park- like character, with a creeper-clad mansion. The .purity of the air and its pleasant surroundings add much to its value as a public park, its area being 27 acres. There are some finely developed specimens of timber, Beech, Ash, and Elm being well represented. A charming and interesting addition was made to this park about a year ago in the nature of an alpine rockery. Already a number of the less exacting denizens of the Alpine regions have found a local habitation in a suitable position (near the mansion. Sempervivums and Sedums, the succulent (representatives of the higher slopes, and minute imitators of the tropical Aloes of Southern lands, hardy Saxifrages and Drabas, Primulas and Ericas, are with many other varieties now well ■established. The rockery is made of rough stone found in the neighbourhood, laid in imitation of the stratification of natural rocks, with suitable crevices and pockets, and sheltered nooks to suit the varying requirements of the different species. There are also some very fine examples of semi- subtropical flower-beds ; these have been cut out ■of the grass with an irregular outline, which gives the flower-beds a more natural character. In a suitable position on the lawn near the mansion there was a flower-bed last season repre- senting a half-unrolled piece of carpet ; this is a carpet-bed in a double sense, and is quite as novel as it is attractive. On the south side of the man- sion is a very pretty Antirrhinum garden, studded with well-developed specimens of standard Bays, the whole of which forms an attractive addition to the mansion. C. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. Markham, gr., Wrotham Park, Barnet. Raspberries. — If the canes that fruited last year were cut away after the fruits were gathered, and the young canes then growing were thinned out, these canes may now need a little further thinning, so that they may not be crowded after training has been done. Although there are various methods of training the Raspberry, I prefer to have them in rows 6 feet apart, wires being stretched from end to end and made secure to stout posts sunk well into the ground at either •end, being further supported at intervals along the rows with stout stakes. The fruiting canes should be trained at G inches apart. The ground amongst Easpberries should not be dug, as the lbs. of sound tubers. The good qualities of Sir John Llewelyn, Discovery, and Evergood are emphasised. The Committee upon Fruit Culture.— We are informed that the Departmental Com- mittee of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries appointed to enquire into and report upon the present position of fruit-culture in Great Britain, and to consider whether any further measures might with advantage be taken for its promotion and encouragement, held their preliminary meet- ing on Friday the 22nd inst. The method of procedure at future meetings an 1 the nature of the evidence to be taken were discussed. PROF. SARGENT. — It seems scarcely more than a few weeks since we had the pleasure to see our distinguished friend, and now we hear of him back in Boston after a tour of six months in Russia and Siberia, including the Crimea and parts of the Caucasus, the flora of which is de- scribed as enchanting. Twenty-eight days were passed in the train in traversing Siberia. In Manchuria it was observed that preparations for war were being quietly made by the Russians. In Korea large collections of plants were amassed, of which we may expect to hear more shortly. Japan, Java, Singapore, and other Malayan countries were also visited. The National Chrysanthemum Society. — The annual meeting will take place on Monday, February 1, at 7 p.m., in Carr's Restaurant, 265, Strand. Mr. Chas. E. Shea, President, will preside. Ramie - fibre (Bcehmeria) is now being utilised in the manufacture of " mantles " for incandescent gas-burners in place of cotton. Japanese Liliums at the Sale Rooms. — Mr. A. Hemsley writes : — " On January 20 there was a very large consignment of the above sold at Messrs. Protheroe & Morris' auction rooms. There have been several sales previously, but they continue to attract large numbers of buyers. Among the buyers on the above date were several from long distances. Some of the bulbs offered were the largest I and others have seen. In the catalogue they were aptly described as " mammoth bulbs." No exceptionally high prices were made, unless it was for L. speciosum album ; for bulbs of this there was lively competition, the largest being particularly in demand. In all other varieties it was the largest bulbs that attracted most attention. The medium-sized bulbs were bought in large quantities by market growers. Judging from these sales, it would appear that though the trade may be dull just now, growers anticipate a better time later on. American Pearl Tuberoses were sold in large quantities. In all there were upwards of 200,000 sold. These fetched about 26s. per 1,000. Pahu-seeds sold well, especially Cocos Weddelliana and Kentia Belmoreana, but Kentia Forsteriana did not make quite such high prices, although the samples were very good. Lily of the Valley "Fortin's Giant " sold well at about double the prices made by the ordinary Berlin crowns." Chrysanthemums. — The new varieties raised by the Marquis de Pins, which have attracted so much attention in Paris, are to be distributed by MM. Anatole Cordier et Fils, of Bailleul (Nord), France. Seed List. — We have received a copy of the list of seeds offered for exchange at the Botanic Garden, Cambridge. It is a very full and care- fully compiled list, and is signed by the Curator, Mr. R. J. Lynch. Canker in Rubber-trees.— Mr. J. B. Car- ruthers, lecturing on this subject in Ceylon, advises frequent inspection of the plantations, and the instant removal by the knife of diseased branches, destroying the affected branches by fire, and smearing the wound with sulphate of copper. The fungus (Nectria) is the same as 74 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JANUARY 30, 1904. that which causes canker in Apple-trees. By inoculating healthy trees with the fungus Mr. Carkutheks was able to prove the guilt of the fungus. KEW NOTES. Brownea Crawfordi x . — This plant is flower- ing freely in the Palm-house. It is a garden hybrid between B. grandiceps and B. macro- phylla, and is by far the rnost floriferous of all the Browneas. Unfortunately, few gardens can afford the amount of head room required by this glorious plant in a hot -house. The specimen now in flower is some 25 feet high, with long spreading branches that cover a large area. The pinnate leaves ofttimes measure 2 feet in length, having nine pairs of large leaflets. The inflores- cence is a dense terminal head, some G to 8 inches across, composed of from fifty to sixty bright-red flowers about 2-| inches long ; the stamens are of the same bright colour, and almost twice as long as the corolla, giving the ball-like inflorescence a feathery appearance. At the time of writing the plant carries fifteen heads of flower. Clerodendron cephalanthum is also flowering in the Palm-house. It is one of the many fine plants introduced from Zanzibar by Sir John Kirk, and was sent to Kew in 18S6, and was figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7922. The plant now in flower is trained up the roof, and is a very vigorous grower after the blade has fallen away, climbing by means of the stout hooks formed by the hardened petioles ; the leaves are dark green, elliptic, and from 4 to 6 inches long. The large terminal heads of flowers are produced freely. The calyx is about | inch long, white when yoxuig, turning red with age ; corolla white, with a slender tube 3 inches lon^. It is a handsome stove climber, giving a good show of flowers, and should be more widely known and cultivated. Cynorchis villosa is an interesting Orchid in flower in the Orchid-houses. It was introduced by M. Warpur from Madagascar in 1901, along with those two fine Orchids Cymbidium rhodochelum and Cy- norchis purpurascens. C. villosa is a small- growing species, having usually two or three leaves, some 4 to 6 inches long and 2 inches broad. The spike of flowers arises from the centre, being 6 to 8 inches high, bearing about fifteen to twenty rather small rose-purple flowers, some- what tubular in form, and covered with stiff whitish hairs ; the lip is pure white. Although not comparable with C. purpurascens as a decora- tive plant, it is nevertheless a pretty and very distinct species. Botanical Magazine, t. 7,845, W. H. EtJPATORIUM VERNALE. This fine species has been cultivated under several names for about forty years. It appears to be commonly known as E. grandiflorum, under which name it has been cultivated at Kew for some fifteen or more years. That this name was looked upon as a doubtful one is shown by the statement in the Kew list of new plants for the years 1876 to 1896, where it is described as "an ornamental species probably known already under some other name." A plant of this species was received at Kew from a nurseryman in the Riviera in the early part of last year under the name of Ageratum grandi- florum. It has also been known as Conoclinium grandiflorum. Lately, however, the whole history Of the plant has been investigated by the au- thorities of the Kew Herbarium, and the plant proved to be identical with the E. vernale of Vatke and Kurtz, figured in Gartenflora, xxii. (1873), p. 36, t. 750, where it is said to be pro- bably a Mexican species. It is by far the best of the shrubby species of Eupatorium, and as it produces its flowers in mid-winter, its value as a decorative plant for the greenhouse should be more generally known. The plant is of quick growth, forming a large spreading bush with terete stems, covered in the upper parts with a brownish tomentum. The leaves are opposite and decussate, cordate, acute, with serrate margins and vary in size considerably, being frequently 7 inches long and 5 inches broad, in a well-grown specimen. The flower heads are about 3 inch in diameter, pure white, shortly stalked, and borne in large terminal corymbs. The florets are tubular, about J inch long and protrude beyond the involucre for a little over half their length. The styles are also long and give the flowers a somewhat feathery appearance. There are a number of specimens in bloom at Kew at the present time, including one which is planted out in a border in the temperate- house and which has attained a height of 6 feet. In common with most of the Eupatoriums, the plant is of very easy culture, thriving in most soils, but prefers a light rich compost. Being a gross feeder, copious supplies of liquid-manure should be given the plant during the growing season. Propagation is effected by cuttings of the young growths, which root readily at all times of the year. C. P. Rafiill, [Some good speci- mens of this plant were shown by Messrs. Veitch at the last meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society. Ed.] HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) PUERILITIES.— The article in the Gard. Chron. of the 16th inst. from the pen of Dr. Bona via, backed by editorial authority, must have amused many a florist. It is true we are getting away from paper collars for Pansies and Carnations, and we are trying to show Dahlias and Chrysanthemums " as grown," but we are returning to clipped shrubs and Japanese dwarf trees. Even so up-to-date a man as Mr. Chamberlain, one gardening journal assures us, is going in for Japanese dwarfs ! I firmly believe that the paper collar and the tweezers had much to do with giving us the splendid Pansies, Carnations, and Dahlias we have to-day, and the time will come again when, I hope, they will be wanted. The dicta of Jeans and Glenny are no more popular to-day than crinolines, but we still wear top-hats and grow big Onions. Let Dr. Bonavia and Mr. Editor think how much genuine love for flowers, espe- cially in the breasts of the working-men of the North, has been nourished on paper collars and tweezers, and they may yet thank heaven for it ! It was a phase of floriculture, a most useful one too j and how else did these old-fashioned florists strive for perfection in the form of their flowers than by selection and cross-breeding ? Verily, many an individual among them knew more about these processes than many a dozen of their modern successors. What I deplore is, to-day's methods may be new and may be better, but the love — the old kind of love is gone. William Cuthbertson. DISEA8ED POTAT08.— Most of your readers must have read with astonishment Mr. Green's statement that "he has never lifted a crop of Potatos that showed any signs of disease in the haulm." What kind of elysium does he grow Potatos in that his tops always escape attacks of the Potato fungus ? and how can it be, as is again written, the product of planting early in March ? How do his tender Potato tops escape harm from late frosts? Also, how is it that others who do plant in March, as many Potato-growers do more or less, either have their early plantings suffer from frost or from some form or other of disease, unless in the case of frosts they give some special protection. Why in one garden planting at the same time as is done in others, or perhaps a week or two earlier, should lead to immunity from disease is difficult to understand. As a rule Potatos are not planted in May, but in April, certainly the best month southwards. A. D. Will Mr. H. Green, Noeton Gardens.. Lincoln, who appears to have been very successfxil with his Potato-crops last year, when the majority of others were so unfortunate, kindly state what has been his average tonnage per acre ? Interested,, Your correspondent, " A. D.," stated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 37, " I am tired of the term disease -resisting as applied to any variety of Potato, because the expression has been in use so many years in relation to a multitude of varieties, yet somehow we fine} ourselves no forwarder." I planted last year thirteen varieties, twelve of which were olc> standard sorts, and one was a variety called Ever- good, which is a comparatively new sort; they were all planted under exactly the same condi- tions, and on the same land side by side. The- result was that without exception the twelve old1 sorts were so badly diseased that they did not pay for the cost of planting, but Evergood produced1 an enormous crop, which was entirely free from> disease. I would not like to assert that on alD soils the same result has been obtained. " A. D.'s " assertion that we are no " forwarder "' needs qualification. F. C. Edwards. GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITU- TION. — I am ignorant as to the general working of this Institution, but think that if one who- could not afford to subscribe a guinea sent a. smaller amount, he would merely receive a receipt from the Secretary, whereas for a guinea the sub- scriber would be given four votes. I suggest thafe a vote be given for 5s., and one vote for every additional 5s., because four members at 5s. would be more easily obtained than one at a guinea. XI. D. [If our correspondent will read the article in the Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 40, and the report in our present issue (p. 87), he will see that the- rest of his letter has no application. Subscribers have an immense advantage over non-subscribers. Ed.] manures for nursery land. — Referring to- the very instructive articles by Mr. Willis on " Potash Manuring and Worn-out Nursery Land,"" which appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle, December 19, may I ask if Mr. Willis will kindly afford further information through your columns - — 1st, What mixture of salts would be of service, used either alone or along with a moderate dressing of farmyard-manure, in the case of sandy landi just cleared of nursery trees — say Larch, and upon which a crop of Potatos is to be grown, followed again by trees. The object of growing the- Potatos is, of course, to clean and prepare the land for the trees, which would remain upon it for two years, and probably some simple- compound could be suggested which would not only help the yield of Potatos, but have a bene- ficial effect upon the trees following them. 2nd, What compound of salts would be of value applied in the spring to Strawberries on similar- land ? Many of the advertised manures are ex- cellent in their way, but expensive to use on a. somewhat large scale, while farmyard manure is costly and difficult to procure in remote country- districts, besides entailing a great amount of" labour as compared with fertilisers in a more concentrated and portable form. 3rd, Is the use* of basic slag advised in the nursery, either for fruit trees or forest stuff ? W. H. Bewlay, Hall Santon Nurseries, Holmrook, 8.O. Reply. — (1) As the greatest deficiency of sandy land is humus matter, and as the production, of abundance of surface root-fibres is also largely dependent upon the supply of humus, I would advise a liberal dressing of farm-yard manure, to- which should be added the following manurial mixture in quantities per acre : 4 cwt. superphos- phate, 3 cwt. sulphate of potash, and 1 cwt. nitrate- of soda. The artificials can be mixed together and sown broadcast either by hand or machine; the dung then carted on and spread, and all ploughed! in together. The nitrogen of the nitrate of soda would mostly be used up for the Potatos, but the phosphate and potash not so used' would be available for the succeeding trees. These minerals acting upon the humus supplied by the dung would provide assimilable food for the young trees. (2) A useful Strawberry manure for such land would be a mixture comprising, 3 cwt. superphosphate, 2 cwt. sulphate of potash, and J cwt. nitrate of soda, per acre. A dressing, January 30, 1904.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 75 of peat moss manure applied between the rows of .plants might also be given. It is not advisable ■to use low-grade superphosphates, but one con- taining from 30 to 37 per cent, of soluble phos- phate. (3) Basic slag is an excellent manure for ■fruit-trees and shrubs, but it is slow of action. It .gives its best results on moist soils, and those con- taining both humus matter and potash, the latter being especially important. Basic slag should be applied in the winter or very early spring, and be well incorporated with the soil. It is further necessary to use double the quantity of basic slag .per acre than of superphosphate, so that when freight and the cost of distributing are a consider- ation, the superphosphates would probably be the less expensive manure. J. J. Willis, Harpenden. AN EARLY CROCUS. — I send two flowers of a dila, &c. ; Jasminum nudiflorum, and other shrubs, Messrs. Cutbush also showed a number of plants of Rhododendron Jacksoni in bloom, a variety with white or pale pink flowers. The plants were standards 3 feet high, and bad good "heads.'' Anumber of plants 0 Citrus sinensis bore an excellent crop of fruits, but many of them were still green in^colour. Cut flowers of Carnations from the same firm looked very bright and pretty. Most of the^.varieties have been referred to on previous occasions. A new one, named Chas. H. Curtis, is similar in colour to Mrs. T. W Lawson, and has longer stems, but the flowers, as shown, are scarcely so good as those of that variety or of Wm. H. Cutbush (Silver Flora Medal). Six very well -grown plants of a white variety of Primula sinensis were shown by Coloael Webb, Woodfield, Wordsley.'(gr., Mr. Joiner). Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, exhi. bited cut sprays of Coleus thyrsoideus, arranged in upwards of a dozen vases. The inflorescences were very strong, and the flowers much deeper in colour than they are sometimes seen. Messrs. W. Seward exhibited a group of Cyclamens, ranging in colour from pure white to rich crimson. They were well cultivated, and made a bold show. A variety named Dorothy Seward had a robust habit and flowers of a light salmon colour (Silver Flora Medal). Mr. John Russell, of Richmond, again exhibited a collection of ornamental and flowering shrubs in pots (Silver Banksian Medal). 76 TI1E GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jantjaby 30, 1904. Alpine plants, this time in flower, were again shown by Messrf. Ware, Feltham. Erantbis hjema'is, with its collar of green beneath its golden petals ; Christmas Roses, coloured Primroses, Irises. Crocuses. Cycla- mens, Ac, all presented themselves in their most attractivelcolours. Quite a gay appearance was given to Me9srr. Jas. Veitch's exhibit by masses of flowers of Coleus thyr- goideus and Eupatorium vernale (dwarf plants with large heads of woite flowers), flanked by Jacobinia chrysostephana and J. coccinea, the tall heads of Coleus thyrsoideus, with its lovely blue, harmonising well with the red and white of the other members, the whole havirg a groundwork of small Adiantum Ferns. Cheiranthus kewensis, with its more modest display of pale orarge flowers, was also staged by this firm (Silver Flora Medal). Gilanthus robustus prrecox. Iris persica Heldreichii, and Fritillaria oranensis, the latter being very pleas- ing with its pendulous flower of brown-purple striped with broad bands of green. Awards. Chrysanthemum Mdlle Louise Charvet.— This is a large reflexed flower, of bold character, produced on stout stems, colour pink and bronze. The variety should make a ctpital one for market growers. Shown by Messrs. H. Henderson & Sons, Elmhurst Nursery, Cbeshunt (Award of Merit). Chryxinthemum Winter Cheer.— Thi9 is a first-class decorative variety, with reflexed flowers, 4 to 5 inches a toss ; colour rich cerise-pink. Shown by Mr. J. E. Low, nation, Warwick (Award of Merit). Fig. 33.— orange-tree in fruit growing against a wall if the KITCHEN-GARDEN AT OSBORNE, ISLE OF WIGHT. (SEE P. 78) Miss Ethel M. Baelow, floral artist, had present some framed examples of her art. These weie very cleverly executed. Messrs. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, had an exhibit of their well known strain of Primulas, running the whole length of one of the centre tables, which included new seedlings and many of their best named varieties. The plants were sturdy in habit, aid most of tie flowers of good form and colour. Among others we noticed Charming, a free-growing spike, flowers white tinged with purple; Champion, a good white: Swan- ley Blue, a novelty, haviDg very dense flower heads; Sirdar, flowers large and good form ; Eynsford Yellow, a distinct variety with a yellow centre, merging to white outside (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Baku & Co., King Street, Covent Garden, London, had a small group of hardy spring-flowering plants, among which was Sternbergia Fircheriana, Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present : George Bunyard, Esq. (Chairman) : and Messrs. J. Cheal, Henry i: sling, W. Bates, S. Mortimer, Alex. Dean, H. J. Wright, E. Beckett, George Keif, Geo. Thos. Miles, Hy. Parr, G. Reynolds, F. L. Lane, J. Jacques, J. Willard, J. Mclndoe, J. H. Veitch, A. H. Pearson, and H. Somers Rivers. A bunch of green Bananas was shown by S. Heilbut, Esq., The Lodge, Hayport, near Maidenhead (gr., Mr. H. B. Westropp). The fruits would have been better in flavour had they been left upon the plant until ripe. Apple Lake's Kernel was shown by Mr. John Wat- kins, Pomona Farm, near Hereford. The fruits are of moderate size, rich red in colour over three parts, and yellow on one part. The variety was describedas being a free grower and cropper, and the fruits of fine flavour, in reason from December to March. Tomato Winter Beauty was shown well by Sir W. D. ' Pearson, Paddockhurst, Worth (gr. Mr. A. B. Wadds), who had a box full of fully-ripe fruits (Cultural Com- mendation). Six bunches of well preserved Muscat of Alexandria Grapes were shown by the Earl of Harrington, El» vaston Castle, Derby (gr. Mr. J. W. Goodacre). They were equal in condition to wbat could have beea expected two months ago (8ilver Knlghtian Medal). Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, Herts. exhibited home-grown fruits of varieties of Orange-. These were "Egg" St. Michael's, Sustain, remarkable for delicacy and high flavour; Brown's Orange, Em- biguo or Navel Orange, a singular variety with nipple- like depression at the top of fruit, White Orange, having white pulp; Bittencourt, Achilles, Silver or Plata (delicious), Excelsior, and Tangierin (excellent flavour). Fruits were also shown of the White Lemon and of Citron ; also trees in pots of Citrus corniculata. [Horned Orange], Egg OraDge, Seville Orange, and) Myrtle-leaved Orange (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). Some of these are figured in our present issue, am others will be represented subsequently. Awards. Award of Merit. Orange " Egg."— This is a variety of the Orange of commerce (Citrus aurantium). The fruits shown by/ Messrs. Rivers were considered to be specially good in texture and flavour of pulp, and the variety is therefore distinguished by an Award of Merit (See> illustration at fig. 3-i, p. 77). Orchid Committee. Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the Chair; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), de B. Crawshay. R. Brooman-White, Norman C. Cookson, W. Cobb, J. Col- man, W. A. Bilney, F. Wellesley. H. T. Pitt, A A. McBean, H. Ballantine, T. W. Bond, M. Gleeson, J. W. Odell, W. Boxall, W. H. Young, W. H. White, F. Sander, E. Hill, F. J. Thome, W. Bolton, H. A. Tracy, and) J. Gurney Fowler. There was a very fine show of Orchids, a magnifi- cent group of Dendrobiums, extending the whole length of the central staging in the hall, came from Jeremiah Colman, Esq., Gatton Park (gr , Mr. W. P. Bound), and secured a Gold Medal, as pro- bably the best collection of Dendrobiums ever shown in January. The group, which was very effectively staged, contained a very large number of varieties of Dendrobium nobile, including the fine- D. n. Colmanianum and D. n. Ballianum ; a great quantity of forms of D. x Ainsworthii, D. x splendl- dissimum and similar crosses, including D. x Snow- flake, D. x Artemis, D. x Othello giganteum, D. X rubens grandiflorum, D. x Apollo, &a.; also the pretty D. x Juno, D. x Schneiderianum, D: x pallens, D. Curtisii, and numerous others. Arranged with the- Dendrobes were some finely-flowered Lielia anceps, of which; the best were L. a. Mrs. Jeremiah Colman, L. a. Sanderiana, L. a. Stella, and L. a. Hilliana Enfieldi- ense; Cymbidium Tracyanum, &c. The whole of the plants were excellently well grown and profusely flowered. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradfordv were awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a very bright group, principally of their hybrids. In the centre were a number of the bright reddish-orarg* Lielio-Cattleya x Charlesworthil, one of the showiest plants of the season. Of similar colour was a profusely flowered dwarf Sophro-Lselia x Psyche, and effective were L.-C. x Andromeda, L.-C. x Cappel, L.-C. X luminosa, L.-C. x Sunray, and the bright chrome- yellow L..C. X Myra Charlesvvorthii (see Awards). Also noted were several good Cattleya x Enid, Cypri- pedium x Helen II,, C. x Lilian Greenwood, C. int signe McNabbianum, C. x Hera varieties, and several Odontoglossums, including O. x Queen Alexandra, a fine yellow heavily marked purple-brown. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, secured a Silver Flora Medal for a good group of hybrids, including the handsome Laella x Digbyano-purpurata, L. x Olivia. Lielio-Cattleya x Cappei and its yellow variety aurea, L.-C. x Lucilia, Cattleya x Elvina, two forms of Calanthe x gigas, Dendrobium x Scylla, some showy forms of Cypripedlum x Hera, the variety excellenl having a very large white dorsal sepal evenly spotted with purple; C. x Catherine, C. x Gertrude, varieties of C. x Leeannm, C. x Prospero, C. x Clinkaberry- anum, C. x Troilus. C. x aureum virginale, and others. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group principally hybrids, of which the novelties were Li-lio-Cattleya x Dr. B> Schlffman (L.-C. x callistoglossa x C. Mendeli), the plant of which, though scarcely developeds showed JANUABY 30, 1904.] THE GARB ENER S » CHR ONI CL E. 77 FlG. 34. — HOME-GROWN MALTA BLOOD ORANGE. (SEE P. 76.) h ^^CKR< FlG. 35. — HOME-GROWN ORANGE " EGG.'' One of the Fruits exhibited by Messrs. Rivers and certificated by the Fruit Committee on Tuesday last. (3ee p. 76.) 7S THE GARD EXER S ' CHR OXI CL E. [Januaby 30, 1904. owers approaching the beautiful L-Cxcaliistoglossa. but iwith thicker texture, the front oi the labellum being of a rich purplish-claret, the sepals and petals white tinged with purple : Cypripedium x Leeanura " Purity." with pale flower, the f.ne white dorsal sepal being only sparsely spotted, and La?lio - Cattleya x Bletchleyensis vivicans. with bronzy-rose sepals and petals and rich dark purple lip. Also in the group were two very fine forms oi Odontoglossum x Wilcke- anum. the plant with two flowers being remarkably handsome. Also noted were Zygo-Colax x Amesiana Chrysis x Sedeni. a pretty wax-like white flower tipped with rose, and several good hybrid Cypripediums. Lady Chicele Plowdes. Aston RowaEt House, Oxon (gr., Mr. W. H. Clark . was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of well-grown Lselia anceps, most oi the plants having seven or eight flower-spikes. Messrs. Hugh Low i Co., Enfieli, staged a group in which were Cypripedium villosum Low's variety, a distinct form oi the C. v. aureum class ; C. x Sallieri Hyeanum : varieties oi C. x Hera Euryades : C. x Tityns, C. x Minos Low s variety. C. tonsum. and the showy dark-rose C. ^"atsooianum (Harrisianura nigrum x eoncolorV With these were arranged Den- drobium IWardianum, D. aureum, 3ophronitis grandi- flora. and ODcidium ornithorhynchum. Geo. Sikger. Esq.. Coundon Court. Coventry tgr . Mr. Collyer), showed a small group of Cypripediums, including C. x chrysotoxum var. Earl Leofrie ivil- losum gigantenm x Lathamianum superbum), a very Urge flower of C. villosum shape, with light greenisb- yellow lip and petals, the latter tinged with brown on the upper halves, the dorsal sepal being green at the base, and white on the upper half of the middle area, marked with purple. Also C. x Penelope, a dark- coloured cross between C. Lawrencianum and C. Charlesworthii : varieties of C. x Lathainianum, C. x Deedmanianum. votes before election. Mr. Veitch announced that since the Committee had decided to recommend the election of twelve pen. sioners that day, two of their pensioners had died, and they therefore recommended that the number to be now elected be increased to fourteen. The Committee had also taken into account the circumstances of Thomas Cridland, and had decided that if this candidate was not amongst those elected the Committee would exercise the privilege they have, and place him upon the funds. The reasons that led them to do this were 1 1) he was 74 years of age; fS) he was totally blind; and {:;) he had sought election and help for seven years past. Later, Mr . Veitch announced that Mr. Arthur w. Sutton (Reading), having regard to the large number of disappointed candidates there would be this year, had generously offered to subscribe sufficient to place another candi- date upon the Fund, and the candidate was to be the one the Treasurer (Mr. Veitch) thought to be most deserving. There were therefore sixteen new pen- sioners added during the day. The report and balance-sheet having been accepted with satisfaction, the next business was to elect or re-elect the officers. All were re-elected, except that Mr. J. A. Laing and Mr. J. H. Veitch have retired from the Committee, and Mr. J. Mclndoe and Mr. H. W. Nutting were elected in their stead. The several resolutions were proposed and seconded by Mr. A. W. Sutton, Dr. M. T. Masters, Mr. Vallance, Mr. Baker, Mr. S. M. Segar, Mr. Geo. Monro, Mr. Denning. d. Evidently there is no misgiving as to the future of the Society. BBIGHTON AND SUSSEX HOBTI- CULTUEAIi. The report for 1903, presented at the annual meeting held on January 21, showed a substantial increase in the list of members. There was a profit on the year s working of £33 12* !<•( , leaving a total balance at the bankers of £193 H«. 6'( The Committee deeply regret the loss, through death and other causes, of several Vice-Presidents and subscribers. New features were introduced into the summer show, but the weather was detrimental to the receipts. GABDENEBS' DEBATING SOCIETIES. CHESTER PAXTON.— The opening meeting of the present session was held in the Grosvenor Museum on January 16, when Mr. J. D. Siddall delivered a lecture, with illustrations, entitled, " Living Pictures of Living Organisms." The American Water-Weed (Anacharis Alsinastrum, Bab.) was described very fully. By the aid of slides and pictures the lecturer was enabled to show the plant in all its stages of growth : but the cause of its gradual disappearance from Great Britain was admitted to be an unsolved mystery. The fresh- water Hydras were dealt with in a similar manner, cheese-mites and mites generally came next, concluding with chameleons and toads. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.-A meeting of this Society was held recently at St. John's Parish Room. Lieutenant Colonel Cary Batten presided, there being a large attendance. Mr. Davy, of the Cardiff Gardeners' Association, read a paper on " Orchids." He spoke of the increasing love for Orchids amongst horticulturists, and gave much valuable information as to the kind of structure best suited for their culture— shading, healing, ventilating, and temperature alike receiving attention ; also deal- ing with many of the varieties in cultivation, and giving directions with regard to potting, watering, and treatment generally. HULL AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL. -DEC. 12. —A paper was read recently before the members of the above Society by Mr. Picker, of Hesslewood, on " The Herbaceous Border." His hints on the selection of a suitable site for the ground, the form of the border, pre- paration of the ground, sowing of seed, planting, and afterculture, were replete with practical suggestions, especially as coming from one who has proved himself successful in this branch of gardening. Herbaceous subjects suitable for being planted in beds, and accom- panied, if desired, with bulbous plants, were Asters, Phlox, Anemones, Tritomas, Genista prsecox, Doroni- cums, Philaaelphus, Spirals (shrubby), double Gorse, Deuizias, Hydrangeas, Hollyhocks, jyringas, Berberis Darwinii, and Delphiniums. A good top-dressing of farmyard manure was advocated as being by iar the best manure for the border. Mr. Picker recommended a reserve ground. In which pot plants could be plunged in coal-ashes, and used as required to fill vacancies.— The discussion which followed showed general agree- ment with the paper, ir. E. BECKENHAM HORTICULTURAL.— At a meeting on January 15, -Mr. J. Lyne, " Foxbury," Chislehurst, lectured on "The Strawberry. He advocated deep cultivation, a good, stiff, chalky loam being the best soil to grow them in. Never keep a bed more than three years. In forcing, start with a temperature or I to 50*, increasing to •" to 7/. When the plants are in bloom keep the atmosphere dry, and avoid draughts from north east wind. When tl e fruits have set, feed the plants with some approved chemical manure, and if large fruits are wanted, thin them out to four fruits on each plant. Mr. Lyne recommended having a special house for Strawberries— alow, span-roofed one like the market men use teir_' best. The lecturer said it was best to ascertain which varieties were best suited to the locality. Royal Sovereign was the only variety of Strawberry he himself forced. CROYDON AND DISTRICT GARDENERS.— We have received a programme of meetings to be held by this Society during the coming season in the " 8unftower " Temperance Hotel, George Street, Croydon. The syl- labus is comprehensive and interesting. The chair will be taken at 8 p.m. Members are invited to bring exhibits to the meetings, for which purpose the room will be open at 7 o'clock. At the meeting on Tuesday, January 19, a paper was read by Mr. H. J. Jones, of Lewisham, his sub- ject being "Chrysanthemums." An excellent attend- ance of members assembled, and followed the lec- turer through all details of cultivation of Uiis popular flower. Time would only allow a short discussion, but what questionswere asked Mr. Jones replied toclearly. Mr. W.Tabnev, Station Road Nurseries, staged well- grown Primulas : and Mr. P. F. Bcntard exhibited a new plant label, the " Eclipse. EAST ANGLIAN HORTICULTURAL CLUB. —In pre- senting their report for the year ended November 37, , the Committee record a busy and important year. Thirty-three members were enrolled during the past year. Die net membership now being 27h. The balance to Die credit at the last audit was £112 ld<. 4d.. the receipts during Die year amounUng to £<3 3*. lod. The figures relating to the monthly exhibitions show an increase in entries, number of exhibitors, and points awarded. Mr. C. Burtenshaw was the leading exhi- bitor, winning 158 points. The Silver Challenge Bowl was won by Mr. Hines, who holds the prize for the first year. The schedules for the monDily exhibitions for Die coming season include prizes for fruits, flowers, and vegetables, and for special classes. The list of lectures include subjects of general interest to gar- deners. The fourteenth annual dinner took place at Die Club Room on the 13th inst. SUTHERLAND MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. -Aecord- to the thirteenth annual report of the above Society, Die past year has been the most successful since its inception. The financial conditions of the Club are in a satis lactory condition, with a useful balance in Die hands of the Treasurer. They have held about twenty six meetings during Die year. Die exhibits being more numerous and of better quality than previously. Mr. T. W. Bolam was re-elected chairman, this making the tweliUi year he has occupied the position. Mr. A. Brunston, gr. to Joseph Short, Esq., was again suc- cessful in winning Die 1st prize for the greatest number of exhibits in Die competitive classes during Die year. The Annual Dinner was held on the icth inst, Alderman Burns, J. P., presiding, over 100 guests being present. The secretary, Mr. J. T. Richardson, was the recipient during the evening of several presentations. READING MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.— The annual meeting was held on the :iUi inst. The Committee, In submitting the annual report for 1*»>3, congratulated the members on the continued prosperity of the Asso- ciation. The meetings throughout the year have been well attended. Particular menUon was made of the display on April 30, when more than 100 bunches of cut flowers were staged. The balance-sheet showed a credit to Die Society of £38 7-. r,i.— The first fortnighUy meeting in the new year was held on the Hth inst , when Mr. J. Wooliord gave a paper entitled "A Chat on Die SmaU Border System for Fruit under Glass." FRUIT REGISTER. PEAK, CHARLES DE GUELIX. The January number of the Bulletins d'Ariori- cdture contains a coloured figure and a descrip- tion of this Pear. The fruit is described as of large size, turbinate in shape, of a smoky-brown colour externally, with yellowish-white, melting, perfumed, and juicy flesh. It ripens in January and February. M. Burvenich speaks highly of it for its cropping qualities and its general excellence. Californian Holly. — For decorative pur- poses the scarlet berries of this tree or shrub are very largely used in California. The shrub producing them is no Holly, but a Kosaceous plant, Heteromeles (Photinia) arbutifolia. 81) THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [January 30, 1904. ©bltuars. William Ratchelous.— This well-known and highly-respected townsman of St. Neots, Hunts, died there on the 22nd inst., after a long and painful illness, his age being about fifty-eight years. For thirty years he had filled the post of manager of the branch nurseries of Messrs. Wood & Ingram, of Huntingdon, at St. Neots, and was a man of remarkable energy and active habits. For many years he was the Secre- tary of the St. Neots Horticultural Society, and at the time of his death Hon. Sec. of the Chrys- anthemum Society there. A native of the dis- trict, and a member of a much-respected family residing in it, he appears to have commenced his gardening career under his father, who was the gardener at Priory Hill ; he eventually became gardener at Waresley Park, and from there he assumed the post of manager for Messrs. Wood & Ingram, and became particularly successful as a cultivator of Cucumbers for seed. Mr. Thomas Lockie, the well-known raiser, always spoke of him as " probably one of the best seed Cucumber growers in England." He leaves a wife and grown-up family. R. D. Benjamin Wells. — We regret having to record the death of this old-established nursery- man of Crawley, who, while suffering from a fit »f depression, ended his life by drowning himself in a well on Saturday last. it will greatly help germination if some fine gritty soil, old pit soil, wood ashes, soot, and other material, be mixed, screened, and kept ready to top-dress seed-beds or drills. It may even be desirable to sow a little thicker than usual. Still, any gardener having glass and a little heat can soon, by counting 100 seeds, sowing them in a shallow pan of fine soil, and then counting the resultant growth, test for himself the germina- tive capacity of the seeds he has to sow. A. D. SEE D-SO WING. Whatever may have been the difficulties incidental to seed-saving out-doors in 1902, it is certain that those troubles were even greater last year, for a worse season for seed-production has rarely been experienced here. This is but one more evidence, if such were needed, of the disastrous effects ungenerous weather can produce on the products of the soil. Practically horti- culture has rarely been worse hit for many years by climatic conditions than it was in 1903. It is but natural therefore that seeds purchased this spring may to some extent show the ill-effects of an adverse summer and autumn. They may be less plump, be indifferently matured, be stained, show lack of germinative quality, and much may be rather old. That our seed trade will do its utmost to supply its customers with the best seeds obtainable there can be no doubt, and it is well for all who sow to obtain crops, that great quantities of seeds are raised for our use in distant lands where sunshine generally prevails, and where conditions exist which are eminently favourable to seed-maturation. Here at home a warm, dry summer is very favourable to seed ripening, but if it be very hot and dry, as sometime3 is the case, then drought at the roots checks growth, and a crop of finely-matured seed is often much reduced in bulk because quantity is absent. We have not many ideal seed-producing seasons. If in anticipation of a dry season ground be deeply worked and well manured, and a dripping summer follows, growth is excessive, whilst seed-produc- tion is restricted. But if the season be a dry, warm one, the special preparation the soil has received is then well repaid. As we cannot possibly have seasons to order, and sometimes, as last year, we must suffer severely from bad ones, it is indeed a matter for the greatest satisfaction that under conditions that otherwise would be productive of much trouble in garden cropping, we have the whole world ready to produce for us the best seeds to supply our needs. But it will be wise for all who garden to remember that much seed may have inferior germinating power, and that in consequence it will be well to wait until the soil has become fairly warm ere sowings are made. Where the soil is naturally stiff or diyey, TRADE NOTICES. Mb. George Watson, who has managed the business of Messrs. Edmondson Brothers, Dublin, for the past nine years, has become a partner of that firm. Messrs. Fava & Eadl, Naples. — Owing to the death of the late Mr. Giuseppe Fava, on September 28 last, the above firm has taken into partnership Mr. George Trache, and will be known henceforth as Messrs. Trache & Radl, San Giovanni a Teduccio, Naples. STOP-PRESS NOTE. The Proposed Alteration of the Sub- scription at tbe Eotal Horticultural Society. — As a member of the Council of the Eoyal Horticultural Society when the Guinea Fellowship was first adopted, and having been a strong advocate for it at the time, I was ill-pleased to see in the report of the recom- mendation of the Council that in future only Fellows paying two guineas should be accepted. The new class of Fellows have not only brought funds for the use of the Society, but they have added to its strength by their number and enthu- siasm. It is true that they get exceptional value for their money, though the picture is somewhat overdrawn, few Fellows attending all the meetings or going two or three times to the large shows, or, indeed, making use of all their privileges. The question of crowding, which is the ostensible excuse for the measure, will be met by the larger space in the new Hall, and the room required for lectures being found elsewhere. It may be that the cost and postage of the Journal to guinea Fellows may over-tax the Society. If this is so, would it not be better to allow the future Guinea Fellowships to remain, with the understanding that the Journal be not sent except upon the payment of an additional guinea, which it is well worth ? I ventured on Tuesday to suggest this to one or two members of the Council. As a trade member of the Society and frequent exhibitor, I also deprecate the step. George Paul. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Chinese Primula : H. F., Swansea. The flowers of a pink-coloured variety of Primula sinensis are very good, being of extra size and sub- stance, and much fimbriated. From their appearance, and that of the leaves also, it is obvious the plants have been well cultivated in rich soil. Why address the Publisher on a matter so obviously one belonging to the Editor ? Chicken and Sheep Manures : CMclcen. These manures are of very great value for all kinds of fruit-trees. They are both of considerable strength, and if used in a fresh state should not be applied too liberally. If soaked in a tub of water they will afford capital manure- water for any crop. Cupressus : B. 8. H. The two sprays you send represent immature forms of some Cypress. It is difficult or impossible to say which from the specimens sent, but probably they are juvenile forms of C. sempervirens. If so, after a short space the trees will show their true character. Cure for Ants : J. M . "The Ballikinrain Ant Destroyer" is a good exterminator of these pests, and may be obtained from the horti- cultural sundriesmen. Kememberit is a violent poison to other creatures as well as to ants. Dressing for Fruit-trees : Tree-wash. A good wash for spraying Apple-trees can be had readily and cheaply by mixing four parts of lime (quick or unslaked), and one part of flowers-of- sulphur ; break the lime into small pieces, then mix the sulphur with it in an iron vessel, pour on them enough boiling-water to slake the lime to a powder ; cover in the vessel close as soon as the water is poured on. It should be used fresh. Some recommend \ oz. of carbolic acid to each gallon of liquid. It may be applied at once. Marguerite (Chrysanthemum frutescens) : Butler Bros. There is no fungus present. The fading and disfigurement of the foliage seem to be due to the punctures of some insect. Spraying with an insecticide or fumigation would be beneficial. We have the plant still under our observation, and will refer to the matter next week. Mushroom Bed : Amateur. Your difficulty is in keeping the atmosphere of the house in a suit- able condition. There is no fault in the bed, or the Mushrooms would not show so plentifully, but in future it would be as well to spawn the bed when the temperature has declined to 75°. But above all give sufficient ventilation to keep the atmosphere pure, and avoid excessive dampness, which in itself is frequently a cause of the young Mushrooms decaying. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — Frank Welstead. Azolla Caroliniana. — Nestor. Phylica ericoides. — J. H. B. Chimonanthus fragrans. — Zola. Sophronitis grandiflora rosea. — B. S. S. Not Coelogyne cristata, but Coelogyne lactea of the Coelogyne flaccida section. — Green Tree. 1, Cupressus dolabrata ; 2 and 3, forms of Cu- pressus Lawsoniana ; 4, Prumnopitys elegans ; 5 and 6, forms of Juniperus virginiana ; 7, Cupressus, perhaps C. Goweniana. — 67. H. 1, Photinia serrulata ; 2, Cupressus sempervirens ; 3, Cryptomeria japonica ; 4, Tsuga canadensis ; 5, Polypodium cambricum. Abies Pinsapo is spring-tender ; perhaps the roots are too dry, or the soil too sodden ; either cause would bring about such results. Plant Enquiry : P.Madeira. EandiaFitzalani an Australian Eubiaceous plant; Buckinghamia celsissima, an Australian Proteaceous tree ; Harpullia pendula, an Australian Sapindaceous tree ; Hernandia bivalvis, an Australian Laura- ceous tree. All the above-mentioned are de- scribed in Bentham's Flora Australiensis. Cedrela fissilis, a Brazilian Meliaceous tree, in culti- vation at Kew : Linociera is a genus of Oleaceous trees, natives of eastern tropical regions. One species is Brazilian. With the exception of the Cedrela, which is mentioned in the Kew Hand-List, we are not aware that any of the plants named are in cultivation here. Propagating Potatos : A. G. The report may be true ; but the methods of propagation are not exhausted, as you seem to suppose, when the tubers have been cut into pieces. When trying to increase the stock in the smallest possible time, each " eye " is taken from the tuber with a little flesh attached, and a plant is grown from each " eye " the tuber possessed. This is done in the winter, and the plants so raised are " topped " the tops are inserted as cuttings, and these make roots readily. Further cuttings are afterwards taken from the plants that were topped, &c. Procure a copy of the Gardeners' Chronicle for October 3, 1903, and you will see such methods described and illustrated. Communications Received.— Hobbies, Ltd. (letter has been forwarded)-D. R. W.— G. S B.— J. M., Kew— W. P. W.— W. Peters— W. J. B.-J D. G .— A. A. P.— M. M. N.— J. C. & Sons— G. S.-E. R.— J. C. & Co.— Chloris— J. R W.— J. S . Co. Down (next week)— Constant Reader— E. 8.— A. H— C. H. D, Actoa— W. P.— J. W.-D. D.-Tab-D. W. W.— A. J.-ff. J. L - H. W. W.— H. M.— F. M.-E. R.— Z. &Co., Haarlern- J VV.-J. McP.— T. H. \V.— W. fl. D.-Rose-F. T.— F. M.— C. R.— G. McK. (For Markets and Weather, seep, xviii.i Supplement to the "Gardeners Chronicle. The Dell, in the Roundhay Public Park, Leeds. February 6, 1984.] THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E. 81 THE No. 893.— SATURDAY, February G, 1904. CONTENTS. Ampelopsis and Vine, a cross between Begonia Gloire de Lor- raine Birds and fruit-trees ... Book notices— Englishwoman's Year Book and Directory, 1904 Flora of the 9uudri- buns Lawns, treatise on ... One-and-All Garden- ing Treatiseon manures,^ ■Who's Who Publications received Brussels Botanic Gar- dens, the Caralluma Munbyana . Carnation Enchantress Chrysanthemum Nellie Pockett Chrysanthemum-rust . Congo, flora of i be ... Covent Garden Market Crepin, the late M. ... Crocuses, early varie- ties of Dublin, Chalrof Botany at Trinity College ... F.arl'a Court, beading at Eucalyptus in swampy localities Fruit, carriage of, by ship Fruit prospects Gardeners'AssociaUon, the proposed Grapes, Americ in Grapes, White Gros Colmar and Lady Hastings tUemanthus virescens var. albitlos Kingfisher, the Lrelio-Cattleya ■ Bletch leyensis Ruby King Man-O, the Musasuperba Natal, manure in Nectarine "Cardinal ". Obituary- Earl of Devon, the ... Garcke. Dr Kent, Mrs. Joseph ... Oranges, home culture of Orchid notes anJ clean- ings PolleD, influence of, on mother-plant Potatos 95, Badlum, action of, on fungus Rainfall, notes on Rosary, the Rubbish heap of the garden Societies— Gardeners' Debating Societies Horticultural Club... Ltnnean London DahliaUnion NationalChrysanthe- mum 88, Royal Botanic Royal Horticultural .. ,. (Scientific Committee) Royal Horticultural of Ireland Surveyors' Institution Squirrels destroying ouds Strawberry - beds and slugs Swedes and Cabbages, brown-rot of Sweet Peas as pot plants Trees and shrubs- Erica lusitanica rhyllostachys castil- lonis Vine-leaves, warts on... Week s work ... 86, ILLUSTRATIONS Caralluma Muabyana 81 Erica lusitanica (codonodes) 91 Gentil, M. Leo, portrait of ... Bn Ha-mantbus virescens var. albinos 83 Musa superba 83 Orange, the "Silver" or " Plata" var. of 93 Laelio - Cattleya x Bletchleyensis •' Ruby King " (Supplementary Illustration). THE GARDEN RUBBISH-HEAP. SOME of the readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle may wonder what any one can have to say on this subject, but perhaps I may be allowed to present it in an aspect in which it has not been looked at before. It has been suggested by the fact that private gardening has to be conducted on much more economical lines in these days when almost all garden products are brought to our doors as cheaply as or even more so than we can grow them, and often of better quality. The garden " rubbish-heap" has been and still is a great institution in most gardens, but is probably the most wasteful and ex- pensive of any. I was brought up in the idea that the rubbish-heap was indispen- sable, but later experience taught me dif- ferently, and for many years I have done away with it altogether as a receptacle for garden refuse of any kind except in the case of ashes. What caused me to do that was the difficulty of procuring sufficient manure for a large kitchen-garden, of keeping expenses within the desired limits, and the labour and waste involved in having such a heap outside the garden. Let me give the readers some idea of what I mean. In the garden where I was a learner, the kitchen-garden was about 10 acres in extent and had to supply a very large establishment in the North for two or three months in the autumn only. All the usual crops were grown extensively, and of course there was annually a great amount of what is usually called " rubbish " produced, consisting of weeds, Peaand Potato haulm, quantities of old Brassica tops and stumps, loads of shearings from the long herbaceous borders in autumn, leaves and much other vegetable refuse of various kinds. All these bye-products were carefully collected at much labour, and wheeled a distance of about 400 yards to an out-of-the-way corner where the heap would not offend the eye or the nose. Here they lay for a long period till more room was wanted, by which time the heap had rotted away until the largest portion of its manurial value had disap- peared. In fact, a ditch had to be cut to carry the soakings of the heap away to the nearest stream. When the heap got to this stage of decomposition and waste it was wheeled back again into the garden for what it was worth ; but much manure had to be bought as well to make up. What the making and unmaking of this heap cost to the proprietor I could not exactly say, but I have often roughly calculated since that the mere labour attending it would alone have gone far to have supplied all the vegetables needed at the mansion when the actual quantities consumed were reckoned up. One of the most striking facts, when one looks into it, in a kitchen-garden, is the exceedingly small proportion the vegetables actually consumed bear to the quantity of refuse produced along with it in the shape of straw, tops, leaves, stumps, stems, and roots, etc. In reckoning up this matter years ago, I made out that from a^three-acre kitchen-garden, closely cropped all the year round, the amount of plant food taken out of the ground by the vegetables and out-door fruits removed for use was. when reduced to its essentials, comparatively almost infini- tesimal. The most exhaustive crops were Peas, Beans. Potatos, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and Strawberries, and of these a large por- tion of their food was derived from the atmosphere as well as from the soil, and a large portion of their substance left in the garden to be returned to the soil again unless it went to the rubbish-heap. Viewed in that light, therefore, and con- sidering the expense of the "rubbish-heap," I calculated that if I could return to the soil that portion of each crop that was not needed for consumption, such as stems and leaves, &c, and in the green state if pos- sible, I should be putting back almost as much, if not more, than had been taken out of it, and that next to no other manure would be needed. I acted on that principle, and for over twenty years I never allowed a barrowf ul of weeds or other vegetable refuse to be removed from the quarter where they grew, or if it was not convenient to use it in that place it was used on the next plot for another crop. The saving in labour alone, by not having to collect this refuse and wheel it a long distance to a rubbish-heap and wheel it back again, or cart it away as waste, amounted to a considerable sum, and good manure was saved. Of course, in conjunction with such a system, it is advisable to follow some kind of rotation system, but that cannot be done in anything like the periodical way that rotation is carried out in agriculture, for the variety of crops required in a garden and the limited space at disposal prevent a very systematic rotation. But putting back into the soil an equivalent for what is taken out of it makes rotation of less importance, as I found in the application of garden refuse. I had one long north border, not of much use except for winter Greens and Turnips, and these crops were repeated year after year for some fifteen years without any appreciable difference in the quality and weight of the crops, and all the manure applied consisted of the stumps and tops left on the borders of the previous crop, the difference, if any, being made up from the pleasure-ground compost heap, consist- ing mainly of grass and leaves and cleared off frequently, everything in the shape of prunings and sticks being converted into wood-ashes, and used mainly for the Straw- berry quarter. In restoring thisvegetal ile re- fuse to the soil again, I was careful not to bury it too deeply, as I considered it pure waste to trench rough green manure deeply into the soil. If a very rough lot of old vegetable refuse had to be dug in, the plan was to take out a good single-dig opening and bury the refuse as the digging proceeded. This was done in autumn, or early winter, and when the ground was cropped the following season the soil was not turned over again but only deeply loosened by the fork and sown or planted. At other times the ground was double-dug, if the refuse was too rough to dig in one spade deep, but this double-dfu rarely exceeded an actual rooting depth of 18 inches. During the number of years stated above I never bought any manure for kitchen-garden crops, except once or twice that I tried a little of a special manure on Potatos and Strawberries. I had also a very small share of stable litter, from which the droppings had been carefully sifted for mushroom beds, but that was hardly worth mentioning, and reliance was placed on the carefully-husbanded refuse annually returned to the soil. There is one other important economical consideration, however, in the culture of shallow-rooting vegetable crops of all kinds that must be taken into account. The roots are always near the surface, and the soil be- tween the plants being always bare, the evaporation is far greater than is generally imagined. No matter how richly the ground may be manured, if the moisture is deficient the crop will be deficient also. It was the cul- ture of Celery that first drew my attention to that fact. Celery is usually a very heavily and expensively manured crop, often it is far too heavily manured, for, after all, the plant only demands a certain quantity of food, and to put more than that into a celery trench, in the form of a thick layer of good dung, as is usually done, is waste. What the Celery does not use is washed into the subsoil and lost- It is moisture in abundance that Celery wants more than anything else, and the rain will usually provide sufficient after the first water- ings, and be more than equivalent to a large amount of rich manure, and will save the cost of providing it. To prove this I once planted two rows of the same kind of Celery in the 82 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. tFebkitaey 6, 1904. ordinary soil at the same time and otherwise under equal conditions except that one row was liberally manured from an old compost heap and the other was not manured at all. The manured row was left bare on the sur- face between the plants, and the unmanured row was thickly mulched with short grass from the lawn. Both rows grew fairly well, but the mulched, unmanured row certainly took the lead at the beginning, and kept it for the greater part of the season, the roots being always cool and moist under the grass, while the other was often parched, unless watered, which meant expenditure of labour and wages. Towards autumn, when the wea- ther was more moist, the manured row began as I like with. It is three years since I took it in hand, not an inch of it is vacant, not a weed has been carried out, and not a morsel of manure brought in. When I came there was a good supply of garden rubbish of all sorts, including sticks and wood. I burned what I could, scattered the ashes on the plots, and buried all the rest in the first winter, and have had a record crop of Strawberries and Potatos, &c Included, I should state, under the head of garden rubbish are soap-suds and such- like slops, which are all emptied at once on any quarter that happens to be vacant, and though the quantity may be small it is invaluable as a manure. J. Simpson. Fig. 36.— h.emanthus virescens var. albiflos, trinity college botanic garden, Dublin. (Photograph by Mr. G. E. Low.) to make headway; but there was not much difference in the two at the end, only the mulched row cost considerably less. After that 1 gave up heavy manuring, and mulched all the rows, thus saving much artificial watering and manure. Then there are the weeds. My plan of keeping all the rubbish where it grew and digging it in green or dead, I was told, caused more weeds to grow, but my experience was that it did not do so; although I was not one of those who were always hunting after every weed as fast as it appeared, because I think the cleaning and raking among vegetable crops are often overdone when much more important work is waiting. Once a member of one of our agricultural colleges, looking round, made the remark to me, " I see you have all the gardener's prejudices against weeds," and on my replying that I might have a worse fault, he added, " Yes ; but it is overdone." I find my system very useful and econo- mical now that I have a garden I can do H.EMANTHUS VIRESCENS Var. ALBIFLOS. All the South African Blood Flowers are very interesting greenhouse plants, varying con- siderably in size and habit ; and several of them, such as H. cinnabarinus, H. insignis, H. Kalbreyeri, H. Katherinse, H. multiflorus, H. natalensis, H. puniceus, H. sanguineus, and H. tigrinus, have scarlet or crimson-red bracts or flowers. H. incarnatus has flesh-coloured flowers, and the plant illustrated, as well as H. hirsutus, has white flowers. All endure fresh and fair a long time in flower, and it is rarely that one can visit the greenhouse devoted to Cape bulbs, Heaths, &c, in the T-range at Kew without seeing some one or more of these species in bloom. We have heard these plants when in bloom irreverently referred to as " Paint-brush " or " Raddle-brush " flowers, but " Blood-flower " is even a more appro- priate name. Even when out of flower their foliage is as a rule very distinct and effective, especially in the case of the larger-growing kinds. They grow freely in well-drained pots of fibrous loam intermixed with coarse sand or grit, and require plenty of water when growing or flowering ; but the deciduous kinds may be dry at resting time., or when the leaves turn yellow and decay. Like- our old friend the Scarborough Lily (Vallotta purpurea) the Blood Flowers flower most freely and regularly when root or pot-bound ; and I have seen both H. sanguineus and the variety now illustrated do well for years in a sunny window-garden near the sea. H. albiflos was originally introduced from the Cape of Good Hope in 1791, and was figured in the Botanical Magazine, 1. 1239. The accompanying illustration is from a photograph taken by Geo. E. Low. Esq,, in the College Botanical Gardens at Dublin, and shows the plant about two-thirds its natural1 size. F. W. Burbidge. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPTJM. The question, before asked in the Gardeners' Chronicle, "When is a crispum not a crispum?" is being frequently revived, the large importa- tions of Odontoglossum crispum from different localities and their complications with other spe- cies growing with them supplying ample material to enlarge upon. Approaches to 0. x Wilcke- anum are the commonest ; varieties with a sugges- tion of 0. x Andersonianum have also flowered, and now F. Henteith Ogilvie, Esq., The Shrub- bery, Oxford, sends a very pretty spotted form, about which, after asking the question above referred to, he says. "In my opinion it is a true crispum ; but experts differ very widely as to when a flower is a crispum and when it is an Adrianae. The flower is off a miserable little bulb, and is- no sort of guide, I imagine, to what it should be if we can grow the plant strong ; but it has some obvious merits even now ; the shape is very good- and the spots stand out very distinctly against the nearly pure white ground." The flower is of that neatly-formed class of which a small importation, some of which flowered with Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., appeared several years ago. It has a profusion of reddish-purple blotches, and when perfected will be a very hand- some flower. The only suggestion of O. x Adrianie is in the crimped and fringed lip, which also bears a row of small reddish spots on the upper edges. It is a very pretty flower, and appears to be as good a " crispum " as some others- to which the name is accorded. Cymbidium gkandiflorum. The fine flowering of a moderately-sized plant of this grand Cymbidium by Mr. W. P. Bound, gr. to Jeremiah Colman, Esq, Gatton Park., especially after such a protracted spell of dull weather, is a commendable cultural event. The plant, which is often called C. Hookerianum in gardens, is one of the finest of the genus, but it has always had a bad reputation for being difficult tc flower, and for coming deformed when flowers have been produced. It often sends out the inflorescence in autumn or early winter, and buds appear which seem to remain in the same condition for several months, and then do not develop properly. The delay in expanding the flowers is due to the absence of the necessary sunlight in all probability, and the consequent imperfect development of the flowers. The specimen shown by Mr. Bound in Mr. Colman's Gold Medal group at the Drill Hall on January 26 was also a very fine variety, the lip being large and finely spotted. .The basal flowers, from which the pollinia had been removed, also showed a great difference in the colour of the lip, which was changed to a reddish- purple tint. The change of colour in fertilised flowers is not uncommon. It is a native of the Eastern Himalaya, alti- tude 5,000 to 7,000 feet, and it grows well in an intermediate-house. FfiBItUART 6, 190J. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 83 MUSA SUPERBA. Mr. W. S. Millakd, writing from Malabar Hill, Bombay, obligingly sends us photographs of the Wild Plantain of the Western Ghats (figs. 37, 38). The Palm in the baekgijund is Caryota urens, about 40 feet in height, and covered with Bignonia venusta. The second illustration shows the flower-stalk with its enveloping bracts. The photographs were taken by Mr. N. C. Macleod. Musa superba is fully described in Hooker's Flora of British India, vi , 261 ; and in Schumann's mono- graph in Engler's Pflanzenrcich (Musaceae), (1900). It produces no stolons, and dies after flowering. The flowers are ten to twelve in number in the axil of each bract, the bracts themselves being dull ired ; see Bot. Mag., t. 3849. The fruit is not edible. IOTICES OF BOOKS. The Flora of the Sundribuns.* The name given to the immense area forming the delta of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra ward to Chelmsford, St. Albans, Oxford, and Bristol, the whole nearly covered with forest, and traversed from north to south by a dozen large rivers or, in some instances, arms of the sea, con- nected and cut up by innumerable rivulets and creeks, and you will have an idea of the Sundri- buns. Practically the whole area, which Prain estimates at 7,000 square miles, is under tidal influence, and large tracts are submerged at every tide. The banks of the rivers and the margins of the islands are the highest land. Frequently spring tides break through the banks and open fresh channels, and sometimes tidal waves devas- tate large tracts. Thus in October 1876, a wave 10 feet high swept over the islands at the mouth of the Megna, the eastern boundary of the Sundri- buns, and 98,000 persons were drowned. The river Hughli, on which Calcutta is situated, forms the western boundary of the Sundribuns. Major Prain has brought together the data and materials of previous explorers, and consolidated them with the results of his own investigations. shrubs, and herbs, common on other parts of the Bay of Bengal, is not so easily accounted for. Prain gives a list of 35 species of this category, most of which have a very wide range on tropical shores and are characteristic throughout tropical Polynesia, both on volcanic and coral islands. Calophyllum Inophyllum, Heritiera littoralis, Suriana maritima, Sophora tomentosa, Guettarda speciosa, Scaevola Kcenigii, Cordia subcordata, Tournefortia argentea, Hernandia peltata, and Cycas Bumphii are among the absentees Possi- bly they will only thrive in shingle or sand, of which there is comparatively little on the surface of the delta, though Prain describes a line of low sandhills as existing on various parts of the coast where it is subject to the influence of the waves. The composition of the forest varies consider- ably in different parts, and offers some anomalies of interest to the cultivator. For example, Heritiera minor, which abounds almost through- out the Sundribuns, except in the coast -belt, does not thrive so well in the Calcutta garden as Fig. 37. — musa superba, the wild plantain of the western ghats. Fig. 38.— musa superba, showing the end of the spike with the bracts enveloping the flowers. Cias as many variants as Maulmain, otherwise Moulmein, &c. Most of us of the older genera- tion learnt to write it " Sunderbunds," but Mr. C B. Clarke, who dealt with the subject in a presidential address to the Linnean Society,! •discusses the derivation of the word, and explains that it is from Sundri, the Bengali name of Heritiera minor (ayn. H. Fomes), and bun, a forest — that is, Sundri-forest. He transliterates it " Soondreebun,' which, in his opinion, more ■nearly expresses the native pronunciation, and he rejects the terminal " s " as a spurious and unwarrantable addition ; but Major Prain retains it. So much for the name ; now for the place. Imagine the south coast of England, from Beacby Head, in Sussex, to Start Point, in Devonshire, as flat throughout as Pevensey Marsh, between Eastbourne ard Bexhill, and extending north- * " Records of the Botanical Survey of India," Vol. ii., No. 4, with a map. By D. Prain. t Proceedvicjf of the Linnean Society of London. 1894-5, pp. 10—29. If his " Flora " is not absolutely exhaustive, it is sufficiently so, I believe, for all practical purposes and theoretical deductions. The total number of species of flowering plants and Ferns is 331, belonging to 245 genera and 75 natural orders. The number of species, small as it is for so large an area, would be considerablyreducedby the elimination of those intentionally or unintention- ally introduced by man. Prain estimates these at 36 and 58 respectively, which leaves 240 species only in the natural flora of the delta. It is as- sumed that these 240 species arrived by various animate and inanimate agencies; aquatic and frugivorous birds being responsible for 30 and 23 respectively; winds for 50; rivers, 41 ; and tides, 96. The preponderance of species from tidal-borne seeds is interesting, and may be ac- counted for by the fact that of the numerous seeds brought down by the rivers, and just as likely to be cast ashore at the meeting of the waters, few would grow in the brackish mud of the delta. The absence of a very considerable number of essentially or exclusively littoral trees, H. littoralis, a species more tolerant of salt water. Again, Phceuix paludosa, the only palm of the district, and common everywhere on or near the banks of the tidal rivers, grows much taller in the Calcutta garden than in a wild state. Exccecaria Agallocha grows equally well in the Mangrove and Sundri forests and at Calcutta. Sonneratia apetala, which practically ceases where the Mangroves begin, survives, but does not thrive at Calcutta. Major Prain's paper abounds in information of this kind. A section on " root- suckers" and their functions is specially inter- esting. The most remarkable feature of the Sundri forest is the crop of vertical, blind root-suckers emitted by the roots of various trees, notably by those of the Sundri (Heritiera minor) itself, but also by Amoora eucullata, Carapa gangetica, Son- neratia acida, S. apitala, Avicennia officinalis, and Pluenix paludosa. The root-suckers of dif- ferent trees vary considerably. In Phoenix palu- dosa the roots, which pass almost vertically downwards, give off numerous branches that pass 84 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Feercaby 6, 1904. vertically upwards. The vertical branches are usually small and somewhat inconspicuous, dif- fering little in appearance from those growing downwards ; but their structure is peculiar, and it is supposed that their function is respiratory. The root-suckers of Avieennia are also small, but more conspicuous as they appear in lines from the long horizontal roots. They are soft and pith-like, and much too flexible to serve either as mechanical supports to the tree, or to any great extent in arresting silt or rubbish. They rise "well above the mud in which the true roots are buried. The root-suckers of Sonneratia apetala and the rest of the trees named above exercise a decided mechanical effect. They appear in long, close lines, stretching 150 feet or more from the trunk of the tree, and they vary in size and height according to their position. When roots and suckers are buried by accumulations of silt, fresh roots and suckers are developed at a higher level, and the buried ones decay. In all cases it seems their tips are above high-water level, and it is assumed that they always act as respiratory organs. TV. Botting Hemsley. " Who's Who " is a very serviceable publi- cation, as it not only tells us who's who, but what he is. It now forms a thick volume of of 1,700 pages in double column. In addition to this volume the publishers, Messrs. A. & C. Black, now issue a Year-Book at the price of Is., containing the tables formerly inserted in the larger volume, but deleted to afford more space for biographical details. It contains all that any one ordinarily wants of the information found in the various Year-Books, Parliamentary An- nuals, the Foreign Office, Colonial and Indian Lists, besides including much miscellaneous in- formation usually only to be gathered from very many different sources. Among the contents are tables of pseudonyms, peculiarly pronounced proper names, professors, societies, academic degrees, Government officials, and many others. The Englishwoman's Year-Book and Direc- tory, 1904. Edited by Emily Jones. (Adam & Charles Black, London.) This is the twenty-fourth annual issue of this useful publication, concerning which it is truly claimed that no other handbook covers the same ground. It deals with women's work in educa- tion, medicine, science, literature, art, philan- thropy, &c. ; and, as a reference book, should be in the hands of every working woman. Under the heading of " Agriculture and Gardening " we find enumerated the various institutions ad- mitting female students and workers, including the Horticultural College, Swanley, now wholly devoted to the instruction of women ; the Royal Botanic Society of London's Practical Gardening School for Ladies, and the Royal Botanic Gar- dens, Glasnevin, Dublin, where two ladies are admitted to work, no payment being given or received. The examinations of the Royal Horti- cultural Society are also mentioned, as are the Edinburgh School of Gardening for Women, the Women's London Gardening Association, the Countess of Warwick's Agricultural Scheme for Women, and the Women's Agricultural and Hor- ticultural International Union. All these Asso- ciations do but prove what we have frequently said before, that for the lighter work of horticul- ture and agriculture, for delicate experiments and florists' work, there is an excellent opening for women. Heavy outdoor labour in all seasons and under all conditions is not a fit occupation even for the strongest woman, though a short experience of it may be necessary for those who intend to make their living by such branches of the subject as are within their capability. One and All Gardening. This publication for 1904, edited by Mr. Edward Owen Greening, is now ready, and is procurable from 92, Long Acre, W.C. The contents are, as usual, very varied, and include practical informa- tion on gardening as well as articles and notes of more popular interest. The pages are profusely illustrated, and as the price asked for the book is but 2d., it may be considered to be cheap as well as attractive. A Treatise on Manures. A third edition of Dr. Griffith's work on this subject has been published by Whittaker & Co. It is intended as a practical handbook for the agriculturist, manufacturer, and student. The gardener too will find it a useful book of refer- ence. Dr. Griffith is, as will be remembered, a great advocate for the use of iron sulphate in proper proportions as a fertilising agent, when used together with artificial manures or farm- yard manure, and with lime when that substance is deficient in the soil. As a preventative of Potato-disease, Dr. Griffith recommends a top- FlO 39 — CARALLUMA MUNI1VANA AND 1 LOWER. dressing, consisting of J cwt. iron sulphate per acre mixed with five or ten times its weight of sand, when the haulms are a few inches above ground; or a solution may be used containing from 1 to 5 per cent, of the iron salt, and dis- tributed by means of a Strawsoniser at the rate of 2 gallons an acre. If this result is con- firmed, the use of the iron sulphate would be much more convenient than the employment of Bordeaux-mixture. CARALLUMA MUNBYANA. The drawing I am sending you represents a single stem of this species in natural size, which grows in patches, like most Stapelire. The stems are 4-angled, the sides between the angles flatly canaliculated, and the angles are serrato-dentate, each tooth being terminated by a well-formed though very little cordate triangular leaflet. The colour is pale greyish-green. The flowers spring from near the top of the stems, about 4-6 together, from an extremely short extra-axillar peduncle. The buds are cylindrical obtuse, and the open flowers do not differ greatly. The pedi- cels are very short and angular ; the sepals more than half as long as the tiibe, but not reaching the sinus between the segments of the corolla. Corolla very shortly campanulate, deeply divided into very narrow linear segments with replicate margins, glabrous throughout, chocolate-brown. The form is shown in the drawing ; it is cupular, the inner lobes are triangular, incumbent, and shorter than the anthers ; between them rise two other smaller lobes, which are upright. The smell of the flowers is very disagreeable. It is a native of Algiers, where it grows on rocks near Oran, &c. Prof. Trabut, Algiers, told me that the natives eat the stems of this plant. It usually flowers at La Mortola at the beginning of October. Alwin Bcrger, La Mortola, Italy. TREES AND SHRUBS. ERICA LUSITANICA. Whilst this Heath is only suitable for the warmer parts of the British Isles, it is, in places where it succeeds, perhaps the most beautiful of all the taller species. In some parts of our south-western coasts — South Dorset, for instance — it thrives to perfection. In parts of that county it has become almost naturalised, repro- ducing itself from self-sown seed. But owners of gardens farther north will find it a charming plant to have. In most districts south of London it is hardy, surviving all but the severest winters if given a sheltered place — protection, that is, from north and east winds. It is a native of Spain and Portugal, but has also become naturalised in parts of Prance. From the remainder of the hardy Heaths this differs in the beautiful plume-like char- acter of its branches, these being thickly fur- nished with rather pale but vivid green leaves, linear, as are those of all Heaths, but finer and less rigid than those of the other species. The branches are erect, and the shrub grows to be C to 8 feet high in time, \inless cut back by exceptionally hard frosts. The flowers usually commence to open about the present time, per- haps earlier in the south-west, and, being pro- duced in astonishing profusion over all the small twigs, they transform the whole branch into one enormous panicle of blossom. The flowers are white, touched with rose, individually small and campanulate. They remain in beauty till well into April. It should be mentioned that this Htath is also known in gardens by Lindley's name, E. codonodes (see fig. 41, p. 91). Phyllostachys Castillonis. During the past two or three years several hardy Bamboos have flowered, but I do not remember that any record has been made of the flowering of Phyllostachys Castillonis. It flowered during the past autumn in the Bamboo-garden at Kew. The distinctive characters of this Bamboo are its frequently variegated leaves (which are striped with yellow) ; and still more, its beautiful yellow stems. These latter are more decidedly yellow than those of any other Bamboo we cultivate in the open air, the yellow being relieved by a broad band of dark green, which, traverses the flat side of the stem from one node to another on opposite sides of the stem alter- nately. Having had hitherto only vegetative characters such as these to distinguish most hardy Bamboos one from another, their real affinities could only be guessed at. Now that several have flowered we find (as "has, indeed, been all along suspected) that several of the so-called species are in reality merely forms of one species in the eyes of the botanist. Thus, Phyllostachys nigra, P. nigra punctata, and P. Henonis are exactly alike in floral characters ; and now that P. Castillonis has flowered, it proves, according to the determination of Dr. Stapf, to be one of the same group, the flowers being in- distinguishable from those of P. nigra and P. Henonis. W. J. Bean, Kew. Februa t 6, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 85 THE MANGO (MANGIFERAINDICA). The Mango (Mangifera indica) is almost as well known by name in this country as though it were a native plant, a fact due to the reputation the fruit has in India, not only amongst the native population, but also amongst Europeans. To an ordinary Englishman, however, the taste of a Mango is quite unknown, as it is one of the tropical fruits that has still to take its place in the English fruit-market, though in small quantities it may be had preserved in syrup. Its appearance as an imported fruit in its fresh state may be anticipated when it is considered how widely spread the tree has become in the tropics. Of the varieties of cultivated Mangos in India, Mr. Maries states, as quoted by Dr. Watt in his Dictionary of Economic Products, that they have arrived at a great stage of perfection, and consist of very numerous races, although these are un- known to most people except as Bombays, Lungrahs, and Maldas. The many dozens of sorts sold in the bazaars under these three names have given rise to the idea that there are only three kinds of Mangos fit to eat. These three names really represent three distinct strains of cultivated fruits. It is interesting to note the changes that have taken place in these fruits. The form or shape has continued almost the same as that of the wild varieties, but the flavour has de- velopedfrom " tow and turpentine " to something too exquisite to express in words, each good variety having a flavour of its own. Of the cultivated sorts of Mangos, as many as 0UO have been col- lected, from which a selection of 100 good kinds has been made. Besides the value of the Mango as an edible fruit, it is also used in curries, salads, tor making chutney and for various other uses. The Mango is mostly propagated in India by grafting, and bearing upon the importance of this system of cultivation, we may draw attention to the following paragraphs from some recent numbers of the Agricultural News of the West Indies: "The regular and permanent improve- ment of West Indian fruit of all kinds is a matter of the utmost importance. It is desirable in these days we should steadily keep in view that to continue to grow from seed such fruits as Mangos, Oranges, Avocado Pears, Sapodillas, Guavas, Star Apples, and the various fruits known in the West Indies as Plums and Cherries, is not only a waste of time and opportunity, but it is a confession of our want of appreciation of the advantages to be derived from the skilful utilisation of our sur- roundings. It is hoped that at all botanic stations, agricultural schools, and experiment plots throughout the West Indies special atten- tion will be devoted to budding and grafting fruit-trees, and that only budded and grafted sorts of known merit will be planted-out at these institutions. " The Mango is possibly the most popular of West Indian fruits, and when of really good quality the most highly esteemed of all tropical fruits. There is no difficulty in propagating the best sorts, and we trust to see the day when budded and grafted Mangos will occupy the place of the thousands of useless Mango-trees that now cover the land. We are led to these remarks by the receipt, from the Curator of the Botanic Garden at St. Vincent, of a delicious grafted Mango known as the Peach Mango. It is a large plump fruit weighing 10 to 12 oz., yellow when ripe, juicy, of a delicate flavour, and free from fibre. It well answers its name of Peach Mango." On the subject of extending the Mango season, the following remarks further occur in the same journal : " Sufficient attention does not seem to have been directed to efforts for extending the Mango season by selecting early and late sorts, and cultivating them with the special view of producing fruit earlier or later than the ordinary sorts. It is suggested that a list be prepared of early and late varieties of Mangos, and when this is done it would be well in grafting them that early-fruiting sorts be grafted only on seedlings of early-fruiting sorts, and vice versa, instead of promiscuously, as at present. We commend the business of raising grafted Mangos to some of the more enterprising of the small proprietors in the West Indies. Grafted Mango plants of first-rate quality and true to name would readily sell for a dollar a-piece." It is to be hoped that these endeavours to improve the Mango cultivation in the West Indies will be fraught with success, and lead to a largo shipment of the fruits to this country. John R. Jackson, Claremont, Lympston, S. Devon. VEGETABLES. THE BRUSSELS BOTANIC GARDEN. The late M. Crkpin. — It is proposed to place in the Brussels Botanic Garden a bust of the late Professor, who did so much for the flora of his native land, and who will be long remembered for his indefatigable researches in the genus Rosa. A summary of his classification was given M. LEO GEXTIL, Curator of the Brussels Botanic gardens. in our own columns, and it is thought that some of our rosarians. to whom his stores of knowledge were always at command, might like to con- tribute to the memorial. The minimum subscrip- tion is fixed at 5 francs. Those who subscribe 10 francs and upwards will receive a photograph of the bust when placed in position. M. Durand, the Director of the Botanic Garden, is the treasurer to the fund, and we shall be happy to transmit to him any sums we may receive for the purpose. We take the opportunity of presenting to our readers a portrait of M. Leo Gentil, who has recently succeeded to our old acquaintance, M. Lubbers, as Curator of the Botanic Garden. M. Gentil has many friends here, where he passed some time in the propagating department of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. For some time he held an important post as chief forest inspec- tor in the Belgian-Congo provinces and was successful in promoting the culture of rubber and other useful trees, and in enriching the Brussels garden with numerous introductions, some of which have been described by M. De Wildeman. The effects of ether in the forcing of plants have lately been tested with success in the Brussels Botanic Garden. POT ATO S. Mr. H. Green (p. 54) is certainly to be congra- tulated on his experience. I have a lively recol- lection of a promising patch of Ashleaf in a southern county, planted on a south border early in March, that when well advanced in growth was greatly checked by frost. A few years back, in Northamptonshire, the main crop planted in April was cut down twice by frost, the conse- quence being a poor crop and small tubers. 1 have a pleasant remembrance of some Potatos grown in a garden near the downs, a few milee from the south coast, the produce of which played a creditable part at the first show of the Inter- national Potato Society held at the Alexandra, Palace. The sets were carefully selected and prepared, the ground well worked by trenching. They were planted in the first week of April, the rows 3 feet apart, and not so close in the rows as. Potatos are ordinarily put. The crop was a good one, and the tubers were of clean skin, large in size, and good in quality, being free from disease. I think that close planting, superabundance of haulm, and unfavourable climatic influences are conducive to disease, which, if spraying wili check, is labour well expended. Geo. Pottsy Streatham, S.W. AMERICAN GRAPES. I was interested some time ago in the dis- cussion in the Gardeners' Chronicle as to the- merits of the " Strawberry-Grape," but was in hopes some abler pen than mine would have given. Dr. Bonavia information upon the less known, varieties, that he rightly assumed must be grown, in private gardens in this country. I have grown about ten of the American varie- ties for some years, and have no doubt that the liking for them has to be acquired, as all have that peculiar flavour and aroma which some gentleman so facetiously described as like that of a "scented slug." My own opinion is that they are not to be com- pared with our best flavoured English Grapes ; but all tastes are not alike, and anything that makes an addition to our dessert should be wel- comed. They are much appreciated here by my employer and the numerous visitors, and every season I am ordered to send some to my em- ployer's friends by special request. A well- known Baronet some three years ago was so much taken up with them that he wished to procure canes to plant a new vinery, but though his gar- dener appealed to all the leading nurserymen in England, I believe he had eventually to get them, from America. The following are the varieties I grow : — Blacks.— Worden, Concord, Emmelan, Isabella, and Strawberry. These differ very little in flavour, bunches and berries (with me) smaller than the Hamburgh, but vary in the order of ripening, Worden and Concord being considered the earliest. All carry a rich bloom. Reds. — Delaware, Brighton, and Iona. I have- put these in their order of ripening. Delaware is very small in bunch and berry, but will crop at every joint. Brighton and Iona are larger in bunch and berry than Delaware, and I consider the last-named variety one of the best to grow, as it will hang longer fit for use than any of them. Whites. — Winchell (or Green Mantain), similar to Delaware in size, but colour of a greenish- white. Niagara I consider the best in appear- ance and size of berry and bunch; in appearance similar to Foster's Seedling. 86 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 6, 1904. All these I have grown for several years in an sinheated lean-to house with a west aspect, and ■considering the bad season last year, I think it speaks volumes for their constitution when I say that most of them set and ripened crops without showing a speck of mildew or other disease. Of •course they grow much better and finer under more favourable conditions ; but I have given my •experience to show that they may be grown by any novice. If I remember rightly, there used to be some planted on one of the outside walls at Annual Meeting and Electiou tKLU\X, *EB 1_- 0, pensionera „( Cannon at ', Hotel, City, at .'< p.m. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY AND FRIDAY NEXT— Perennials, Border Bulbs and Plants, Roses, Azaleas, &c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. WEDNESDAY NEXT- Palms, Wants, Azaleas, Roses, Fruit Trees, Herba- ceous Plants, Liliums, &c , at 67 & 68, Cheapside, EC, by Pro'heroe & Morris, at 12 —At Stevens' Rooms, at 12 30, Roses, LilacsJFruitTrees, Palms <&c. THURSDAY NEXT— Sale Nursery Stock at Woodville, Klrkstall, near Leeds, by order of Mr. J. Wood, by Protheroe l. -Professors. H. Vines, F.R.S., President, in the Chair. Dr. Eric Drabble, F.I s., exhibited a lantern-slide showing diagrams of bicarpellary fruits of the French Bean. The specimens of Phaseolus vulgaris. Savi. were obtained from a garden on the Middle Coal measures of North Derbyshire. In the simplest case there is present on the posterior aspect of the normal carpel a second smaller carpel with reversed orientation and without seeds. In other cases the second ca-jel attains to at least one-half the size of the normal anterior one, and is fused with the latter proxnnally in such a manner as to give rise to a unilocular fruit with parietal placentation, the carpels being free from one another in their distal portion. In other cases the two carpels are of approximately the same size, and both bear seeds. They are completely fused below to form a uniloculsr ovary, while above they divaricate from one another. It was pointed out that although the Leguminosto are typically monocarpellary, certain members of the Court with a view to the show being held there in 1901. Toe Chairman pointed out that almo-t without »n exception the whole of the supporters of the Union were members of the National Dahlia Society, and their object in holding a show about the middle of September ivas to alljrd an opportunity for the new Cactus Dahlias, then at their best, to be seen to the greatest advantage. There was no thought of antagonism to the National Dahlia Society. Mr. John Green was re-elected Chairman, nod Mr. R. Dean, Secretary and Treasurer. It wab resolved the show should take place during the third week in September. Several special prizas were announced. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OP IRELAND. Mr. T. Smith, of Newry, so well known for the number of interesting plants he has introduced to our notice, thus writes in the Irith Times :— There are always reasons, and, no doubt, there are good reasons— or, perhaps, reasons which are not good— for the present condition of the above Society, hut we need not go into them now. It occurs to me that no matter how successful the proposed floral 16.8 ing state, and the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society finds itself in a position strong enougii tn embark on an international exhibition, it Is ead to fiDd our Irish Society in ditli.-alties : and I trust that some of your Irish readers may be induced to come to its assistance. That the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland has done good work in the past is known to all gardeners, and the Council lidding that in re cent years iberehas been a distinct increase iu the interest taken in gardening in Ireland and in the work of the Society, are determined to make a special effort to wipe out the debt due by the Society, and to place it in a position to continue its good work in the future. This end they hope to attain by means of a large tloral lete and Daffodil show to be held in Dublin od April If and 1.5 next; and also by being enabled through the generosity of individuals to claim Mr. Smith's cheque." GARDENERS' DERATING SOCIETIES. DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'. — The Spring session of this Association was opened on January ir with a paper by Mr. Win. Amerv, entitled. "Incidents of a Trip to Am:rici." M>. Wallls Mackay, of the Fig. 42. — the "silver"' or "plata" variety of orange, from a fruit cultivated by messrs. t. rivers and son, and shown at the drill hall on january 26. tulp juicy, flavour delicate. (see p. 76.) order are bi- or even polycarpellary ; but in these cases the polycarpellary fruit is of an apocarpous nature It would appear, therefore, that the speci- mens described in some sense revert to ancestral con- ditions iu so far as their bicarpellary nature is con- cerned, but that their syncarpous nature is anomalou*. Comparison with related orders, e.g., the Connaracete, confirms this opinion. THE LONDON DAHLIA UNION. January 26.— The annual meeting of the supporters of the Union met in good numbers under the presi- dency of Mr. John Green, the Chairman of the Com- mittee, at the Hotel Windsor on the above date. The Secretary read a large number of letters promising support to an exhibition in September next. A balanct- sheet was submitted by the Secretary, Mr, R. Dean, showing the receipts from all sources to be £58 8s. M , and the expenditure £88 6k. Id ; but since the accounts were made up and audited, an additional sum in the way of unpaid subscriptions had been received, showing a balance in hand of £J los. The Chair- man said that the Secretary and himself were In communication with the authorities at Earl's may be. enough money could scarcely be made to t.oth pay off the existing debts and provide a working balance for the future. The best way, I think, would be to pay off the present debts at once, and relieve the anxiety, if there be any; to make whatever sum is raised at the fere available as a working balance ; and withthisview I am prepared to subscribe £100 if two other persons will do the same, or £50 if five other persons will do the same, or the balance be raised in any other way, and so enable the Society to pay what they owe. and have done with it. T. Smith. Daisy Hill Nursery, Newry. In reference to this matter we have received the following letter from Mr. F. W. Moore, the highly- respected Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin : — "In the issue of the Gardener*' Chronicle for Jan. 23, p. 58, you were good enough to draw attention to a meeting summoned and presided over by Lady Ardilaun, with the object of devising means to strengthen the position of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland. The meeting was a success, and the results have been encouraging. So far two promises of £">0 each have been received in consequence of Mr. Smith's proposal At this juncture, when the Royal Horticultural Sjciety of England is in such a flourish- Royal Nurseries, Exeter, presided. The lecturer, referring to the Central Park, New York, pronounced it a splendid specimen of the skill of the engineer and landscape gardener. Green lawns, shady groves, tine drives and walk?, expanses of water, &;., had taken the place of what was once a waste. Boton Market, 48 aeres in extent, was another fine open space. A characteristic feature of the residential parts of the city was the luxuriant Vines of Boston Ivy (Ampelopsis Veitchii). LEE, BLACKHEATH AND LEWISHAM.— The monthly meeting was held at the Church Street Schools on January 29, when Mr. H. J. Jones, Ryecioft Nurseries, Lewisham. gave a lecture on "Tae Cultivation, Growth, and Description of the various varieties of Sweet Peas." The subject was made highly interesting. Mr. Jones offered to provide a Silver Medal to be competed lor at the next Winter Session. DULWICH CHRYSANTHEMUM. -At a special meet- ing of the above Society Mr. Percy Waterer read a most interesting paper on " Stveet Peas," in which, after dealing with the history of the flower, be referred to the great variety of colour, and many other good qualities possessed by the improved forms introduced since Mr. Eckford first began to take interest in them 94 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. f FEBRUARY 6, 1904. in 1879, and a few years later, Mr. Burpee. The lec- turer dwelt on the necessity for a standard in form, — for example, the bold upright standard of Black Knight and the hooded standard and wings of Lady ■Qrisel Hamilton. The double form was hardly desir- able, but the Cupid and bush varieties would no doubt become popular. Ihe importance of four flowers on a stem was over estimated, as they were seldom evenly developed. Early planting was strongly advised, good root action being encouraged by cool weather, and ■deep trenching was important. It was doubtful if change of soil was so important as was generally con- sidered; but a change of seed was occasionally desir- able. Natural manures were advised in preference to artificial, especially in a liquid state. After giving a list of desirable varieties the lecturer suggested a selection of eighteen, consisting of Dorothy Eckford, Blanche Burpee, King Edward VII, Hon. Mrs. Kenyon, Prima Donna or Lovely. Coccinea, Navy Blue. Lady ■Grisel Hamilton, Black Knight, Dorothy Tennant, Miss Willmott, Lord Rosebery, Prince of Wales, Triumph, Prince Edward of York, Lord Kenyon, Salopian, and America. The lecturer advised planting seeds in pots first week in February, growing on and planting out -after first week in April. HULL HORTICULTURAL. -On Tuesday, January 1«, the subject of " Theory and Practice from a Cultivator's •Standpoint " came up for discussion. Mr. Barker, of Hessle, introducing the subject. In an address, •which naturally divided itself into two parts, Mr. Barker strongly favoured the opinion that practice was all-important for the gardener, and it was only when he was well grounded in this that he should turn towards theory. The man relying absolutely on theory was not the man to earn his livelihood in the pro- fession. Many arguments were brought forward by the speaker in support of his conteEtion. Several members joined in the interesting discussion, but each and all appeared to favour a happy combination of the two factors, jr. R. CHESTER PAXTON.-At the usual fortnightly meeting, held in the Grosvenor Museum on Jan. 30, an animated discussion took place upon "Sug- gestions for the Next Exhibition." Although past •exhibitions held under the auspices of the Society have always been successsful, it was thought by several of the members present that the time had arrived when additions might be made to the prize schedule, as follows :— (li To make the exhibits of Apples and Pears more educational by asking exhibitors to give particulars of the stock upon which the trees have been grafted as well as the class of soil aud situation in which they have been growD. (2) To make a special class for bottled fruits, in which those who do not grow fruit themselves may compete. (3) To offer prizes for collections of vegetables, as well as for winter flowering Begonias, Cyclamens, &c. (4) To offer prizes for the impromptu naming of hardy fruits by young gardeners and other?. (5) To encourage Chrysanthemum specialists to ex- hibit new varieties of merit. («) To still further encourage table decorations by ladles resident in the Society's district. Mr. G. Lyon presided, and Mr. E. Stubbs, Bache Hall, introduced the discussion. LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL. — On January 30 the annual meeting was held in Victoria Street, Liverpool. The report was presented, and adopted after some discussion. Several new members were elected on the Committee ; and dosations of three and two guineas voted to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution and Gardeners' Orphan Fund respectively. Various suggestions were made on " How to make our flower-shows more attractive for the masses," but mothing definite was decided upon. Mr. Thos. Foster presided. J. S. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. ANNUAL MEETING. February l— The annual general meeting of the National Chrysanthemum Society was held in the newly-erected Carr's Restaurant. Strand, on Monday last. The lofty dining room proved to be a very suit- able place for such a meeting The new President, Mr. Chas. E. Shea, presided, and there were about sixty members present, all of whom appeared enthusiastic. After the minutes of the last meeting had been adopted, &c, the Chairman proposed the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, from which we make the following extracts : — EXTRACTS FROM REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. "The effect of the display made on that occasion [November exhibition] was distinctly lessened from the fact that the space placed at the disposal of the Committee was far too contracted, by reason of other exhibitions occupying a considerable portion of the ■building. A promise has been made that this defect will be remedied in the future. The Executive of the Crystal Palace Company made the best arrangements they could under the circumstances, and your Com- mittee are under an especial debt of obligation to Mr. Geo. Caselton, the Superintendent, for his most valuable help in many ways. " The Floral Committee held six meetings during the year — three at the Crystal Palace and three at the Essex Hall, the suitability of the last-named place being acknowledged by Committee and exhibitors alike. Nineteen First-class Certificates of Merit were awarded. Arrangements have been made for continuing the meetings of the Floral Committee at Essex HaH in the present year. "A Catalogue was issued during the past year, and will be supplemented by carefully -prepared lists which are to appear in the annual report. " The annual outing of the Society took place in July last, a party of S07 persons spending a delightful day at Park Place. Henley-on-Thames, by the kind permis- sion of Mrs. Noble. " The annual dinner, at which the President occupied the chair, was held on November 25, a goodly number of members and friends being present. "A deputation from the Committee attended the exhibition of the French National Chrysanthemum Society at Lille during November, and were most hos- pitably entertained. The report of the deputation will appear with the schedule of prizes. "The financial position of the Society continues satis- factory ; there is a balance in hand of £69 9s. lid. with liabilities amounting to £5 vs. The sum of £1 7s. 6d. has been paid durfng 1903 on account of 190-i. The Reserve Fund amounts to £115 15s. lid., £100 of this being on deposit. The Committee regret the loss by death of Mr. E. J. Bentley, who subscribed annually to this Fund. " Special prizes were given by the President, who continues his Special First Prize of £5 5s. in 1901; by Messrs. Mackenzie & Moncur, Messrs. E. Webb & Sons, Mr. G. H. Richards, Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Mr. H. J. Jones, and Mr. Robert Sydenham, all of which proved very helpful. Mr. P. Waterer's Silver Cups were won out- right, and are now the property of the winners. " Four officers acting as a deputation from the Com- mittee have interviewed the General Manager of the Crystal Palace Company in respect of the arrangements for I9iii. The Company are willing to allow space for three exhibitions, as in 1903, and there is reason to believe the sum given for the November show will be augmented in the present year. It is also hoped that some arrangement may be come to with the Crystal Palace Company, by which cheap railway and admission tickets may be provided for members and exhibitors. Should such an arrangement be made, a special circular will be issued to members and exhibitors setting forth these advantages, and giving as far as possible the times of departure of trains from London. The matter of entrance fees will be considered, and on the re- commendation of the Finance Sub-Committee, the sum of £50 will be added to the November Schedule of Prizes; a considerable number of new Special Prizes will also be added. It is the intention of the officers to seek the co operation of the Secretary and Manager of the Crystal Palace, in endeavouring to secure better facilities for the conveyance of exhibits to and from the Palace. " The suggestion that an exhibition of market Chrys- anthemums be held shortly before Christmas, is re- ferred to the Schedule Revision Sub Committee for consideration and report. " The present number of Societies in affiliation is 125 ; a few have ceased to exist owing to lack of local support. The present number of Members is 631, viz., 75 Fellows and 658 Ordinary Members, in addition to the Foreign Subscribers. An increase in the member- ship of the Society is urgently needed." Election of Officers, 4c. After a little pleasant discussion the report was adopted with unanimity and satisfaction ; but It was agreed that a few lines should be added in respect to the viBit of the deputation to the Ghent Quinquennial Show in April last. The President, Vice-President, and Officers were re- elected, and Mr. Lake was elected to be an auditor in place of Mr. C. J. Ingram, who retires according to rule. Several alterations were made in the constitution of the Committee, and Mr. J. W. Moorman, who retired lastyear, was re-elected a member of that body. One-third of the Committee retires annually, and in addition two vacancies were caused by Mr. A. Newell (deceased) and Mr. George Little, who had failed to attend. Messrs. W. Weeks and T. 1. Berridge declined nomination. All the others were re-elected, and the new members included J. W. Moorman. Geo. Cuthbert, F. G. Oliver, Geo. Gover, and H. T. Wooderson. Six new Fellows were elected, and one Society was admitted to affiliation. On the proposition of Mr. Witty, Mr. Moorman was elected an honary Fellow of the Society. A discussion took piece in regard to the proposal to hold an exhibition in December of Market Chrysanthe- mums, and the Chairman elicited from the market growers present that they thought the exhibition should be held in the Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, and that a suitable date would be Wednesday, Jan. 11. Mr. H. J. Jones announced that he would be pleased, should the Committee permit .him, to provide one of the Society's Small Gold Medals to be awarded on that occasion. In respect to the November exhibition, it transpired that the proposal to offer prizes of 5s. for the premier bloom of certain varieties has met with unexpected support. It is now thought that there will be upwards of one hundred such prizes. All of this money is offered in the form of special prizes by private indi- viduals, who select any variety they prefer. It was thought by some of those present— and we think with good reason— that the judging of these flowers will be a considerable task, as flowers may be shown exclusively for these prizes ; but any flower shown in any class will also be judged with them, in the same way that the National Rose Society select their " medal " flowers. Mr. Harman Payne explained that the promoters of the Turin Exhibition would be glad to have exhibits from members of the Society, and Italy was parti- cularly in need of garden appliances. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, which was passed before 9 o'clock p.m. EOYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. January 26. — Present : Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.8. (in the chair); Messrs. Gordon, Odell, Shea, Worsdell, Saunders, Michael, Bowles, Massee, Holmes, and Fraser ; Dr. M. C. Cooke ; Revs. W. Wilks and G. Hen- slow (Hon. Sec). Codlin-moth in May.— Mr. Saunders made the follow- ing contribution to this subject, discussed at the last meeting :— " I cannot find that more than one brood of the Codliu-moth has ever been noticed in England, though two broods are common on the Continent and in America; and on the other side of the Atlantic three broods have been known. In this country the moth leaves the chrysalis in May, and lays her eggs very soon afterwards. The caterpillars are hatched in the course of a week or ten days, and remain in the Apple three weeks or a month; being fully fed, they leave the fruit to fall to the ground, and make their way to the nearest tree stem, and crawl up it until they find a suitable place to pupate in. If they cannot find a tree, a post or paling or even dead leaves will provide them with a shelter. The object in putting bands round the trees is to provide the caterpillars with hiding places, where they may be found and destroyed. They are not sticky, but made of folded canvas or sacking, or even hay or straw bands, and should be put on as soon as any 'wind falls' are found." Maggots in Mow Litter.— Mrs. Horseley sent samples with enquiries. Mr. Saunders reports as follows : "The grubs found in the moss -litter manure were those of a fly belonging to the genua Bibio, but I can- not tell the name of the species, several of which are very common ; perhaps the one best known is the St. Mark's fly (Bibio Marci), so called from its generally appearing about St. Mark's day (April 25). These flies are quite black, and are rather more than half-an- inch in length; their bodies are rather thin, and the wings are not very transparent ; they mea- sure about lj inch from tip to tip. They fly in a very clumsy manner, and may be found crawling over plants, &c, in great numbers for a day or two, and then they disappear altogether. The flies may be easily caught in a butterfly-net. If fowls are kept, I should spread the manure about and let them pick aud scratch it over, for they will soon pick out the grubs. Mixing nitrate of soda with the manure might be tried, but I am not sure whether it would have much effect upon the grubs, as I have not heard of any experiments having been made on them. They are undoubtedly injurious to the roots of plants at times." Coloured Photographs oj Orchid.— Mr. Odell exhibited a colour-photograph of Cypripedium insigne Sanderre, executed by a new method. The yellow colour was very characteristic. It was received from Mr. A. S. Hickley, Kelso House, near Southampton. - Ixia diseased —Mr. Shea showed leaves of I. cratei- oides, as being the only species with the foliage discoloured. There was no fungus present, the ap- pearance being thought to be due to hereditary pre- disposition. Eucalyptus with nodules. —Mr. Saunders showed small plants with nodules on the stem close to the ground. Nothing could be found inside. Mr. Massee observed that ants can cause similar ones on Roses, the formic acid acting as an irritant ; and knots can be produced artificially. Febkt/ABY G, 1904.") THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 95 MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, February 3. [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 are responsible for the quota- tions. It must be remembered that these quota- tions 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 de- pend upon the quality of the samples, the way in which they are packed, 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. &o. : Average Wholesale Prices. Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s d. i Anemones, per doz. bunches ... Azilea mollis, per bunch Azaleas, per doz. Bouvardlas.bnch. Callas, per dozen. Camellias, box ... Carnations.bnch. Chrysanthemums, doz. bunches Daffodils, dz. bun. Eucharis, per doz. Euphorbia, bun. Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... — French, per doz. bunches — Maidenhair, doz. bunches Freesia. per doz. Gardenias, box ... Lilac (French), per bunch Lilium auratura per bunch — longifiorum, bunch — lancifolium... Lily of the Valley, p. doz. bunches Marguerites, yel- low, doz bunch. Mimosa (Acacia), bunch Narcissus, dozen bunches — Pheasant Eye. per doz. Narcissus Soleil 1 6- 2 6 d'Or, per dozen Orchids : Cattleya 1 0- 2 0 | perdozen ... 1 4 0- 6 o i Orchids : Odonto- 0 4-06 glossums, per 40 - dozen blooms 1 $. a ii — Cypripedium 0 6- 3 u insigne, per dozen 9 0-18 H Pelargoniums, 2 6- 8 i» zonal, dozen 1 ii 2 'i bunches 10 3 0 — white, dozen bunches 10 2 6 — double scarlet, p. doz. bunches 0 3 0 4 Roman Hyacinths, per bunch 4 0 6 0, Roses, Mermet, 1 ii- 2 ii per bunch ... 4 0-50 — white, bunch — French, per 2 ii-3o bunch Smilax, per doz. 2 6-40 trails Snowdrops, doz. . 4 ii- B n Spiricas. bunch... 16-26 stocks, per doz... Tuberoses, strong, 6 0-18 0 per bunch ... — per dozen ... 10-20 Tulips, Red, per bunch 0 9-10 — various, per bunch 1 6- 2 0 Violets, p. dozen bunches 4 C- 6 ii — Parma, p. bun. s.d. s.d. 10-40 3 0-60 16-26 1 6- 1 0- 1 ii 2 0- 2 0 1 6 10-16 0 6-09 0 6-09 0 6-16 10-16 3 0-40 Plants in Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices Acacias, per doz. Adiantums, doz. Aralias, per doz. Arbor Vitse, doz. Arum Lilies, per doz Aspidistras, doz. Aucubas, per doz. Azalea mollis, pot Azaleas, each ... Begonia, per doz. — Gloire de Lor- raine, per doz. Cinerarias, p.doz. Coleuses.perdoz. Crotons, per doz. Cyclamens, doz. Cyperus, per doz. Daffodils, per doz. Dracaenas, variety, dozen Ericas, per dozen Euonymus, vars., per dozen Ficus elastica.doz. s.d. s.d. 12 0-60 0 4 0-80 4 0-80 9 0-18 0 10 0-12 0 18 0 36 0 4 0-80 i e- s o 2 6-50 8 0-18 0 8 0-24 0 .x 0-12 H 4 0-50 12 0-24 0 9 0-12 0 3 0-40 6 0-80 12 0-48 0 6 0-12 0 4 0-60 9 0-24 0 Ferns in variety doz Genistas, per doz. Hyacinths, Roman (48-pots), dcz. — Dutch, p. doz. Lycopodiums.per dozen Marguerites, per dozen Orange-trees, each Palms, var., each Poinsettias. doz. Primulas, perdoz. Pteris tremula, dozen — Wimsetti, per dozen — major, dozen Solanums, dozen Tulips, red, doz. roots — yellow, dozen roots — various s.d. s.d. 4 0-30 0 6 0-10 0 8 0-90 8 0-12 0 3 0-40 6 0-80 3 6-10 6 3 0-20 0 8 0-12 0 4 0-60 4 0-80 4 0-80 4 0-60 4 0-60 0 9-10 10-16 Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes, Globe, per dozen ... — Jerusalem, p. sieve Asparagus, Sprue, bundle — Paris Green... — English, bun. Beans, dwarf, lb. — Madeira, per basket Beetroots, bushel Brussels Sprouts, per sieve Cabbages, tally ... Carrots, per doz. bunches — per bag Cauliflowers, doz. Celery, doz. bun. Cress, doz. pun. Cucumbers, doz. Endive, per doz. Garlic, per lb. ... Horseradish, fo- reign, p. bunch Leeks, doz. bun... Lettuces, Cabbage, tier dozen Mint, doz s.d. s.d. 3 6- - 1 0- 1 3 0 9-0 10 1 6- 6 0 6 li - 2 6 — 2 6 2 6- 3 0 3 ii 1 3- 2 11 2 0-36 2 0-26 a H- 4 n 1 It- 2 6 10 0-16 0 0 8-10 7 0-10 0 16 — 0 3 — 1 0- 1 0- 1 6 1 6 1 0- 6 0- 1 3 Hi ii s.d. s d. Mushrooms(house) per lb 10-1 ii Onions, per case. 6 0-6 6 — per bag ... 3 0-66 — picklers, sieve 3 0-50 — English, owt. T ii — Parsley, doz. bun. 3 o — — sieve 16 — Parsnips, per bag 2 0-26 Potatos, per ton 80 0-130 0 — framed, lb .. 0 7-0 7i — NewTeneriffe, .. 14 0-16 0 per cwt Radishes, per dozen bunches Rhubarb, Yorks, per dozen Salad, small, pun- nets, per doz.... Savoys, tally Seakale, per doz. punnets Shallots, lb. Spinach, p. bush. Tomatos, Canary Deeps Turnips, doz.bun. — per bag Watercress, per dozen bunches 0 8- 3 0- 1 0 4 0 10 0-14 0 0 li-0 2 3 6-40 3 6-46 16-20 16-26 0 6-08 Apples, home- grown, cookers, per bushel barrel — American, in cases Bananas, per bunch — loose, dozen Chestnuts, per bag Cobnuts, per lb. Cranberries, per case s.d. s.d. Grapes, Alicante, per lb. ... 10-20 3 0-50 — in barrel ... 18 0 — 18 0-24 0 — Muscats,A.,lb. 6 0- 8 o — Almeria, doz. 4 0-80 7 6-14 0 — Gros Colmar, A., per lb.... B., per lb. . Lemons, per case Oranges, per case Pears, per case... — stewing Pines, each Strawberries, lb. 7 0-12 0 10-16 17 ii 0 6- 10 6 — 1 !i- 2 6 1 II- 1 ii a 6-10 ii 6 0-37 0 14 6 — 9 0-11 0 2 'I- 4 6 10 0-15 0 Remabks. — Cape Apricots, per case, 4s. to 6s. ; Peaches, per case, 8a to 158. : Plums, 2s. 6d. to 68. ; some of the Plums are very fine. Lychees, per packet. 18 2(1, Turnip Tops, per bag. Is 6d. : Sprout Broccoli, per bag. Is. to 18. lid. Onions are firm in price; Potatos are eisier. A few English Wellington Aoples, 12 . per t'ushel. Cherbourg Broccoli, per dozen. Is. 6oT. to 18. 9d. Italian Cauliflower, per basket, 3s., iW. to 48. Bitter Oranges, per case, 8s. 6^. Potatos. Home-grown, 85>. to 110s. per ton ; foreign, sos. to 1108. do.; Dunbars, 1208. to 1308 do. John Both, 32 agreement to the contrary, you cannot be legally dismissed without a month's notice, unless for misdemeanor. Head Gardener: E. H. S. Your employer is not obliged to give you three months' notice, but presumably he knew of the expiration of the lease, and in your interests he should have let you know. Iris unguicularis (stylosa) : Constant Reader. This species may be replanted directly after the plants have flowered, which will be in this month or next. Plant them on a sheltered border under a south wall if possible, and the results will be better if you afford them the. protection of a handlight when about to flower, as the weather is usually bad at the time. Ivy Basket : J. R. W. Large basket-beds are sometimes constructed of stone, and Oak- boughs are used for the same purpose. By raising the soil and shaping it to a suitable basket form, you could form an object most appropriate for the situation, and by turfing the sides make a very pretty structure. Use a dwarf wire trellised edging — preferably with the top inclined outwards— for the rim of the basket, and bend over an iron rod for handle, or use a rustic design of Oak- boughs, .according to taste. The whole could be planted with Ivy, which, entwined in the rim and trained up the handle, would give an effect almost immediately. 96 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [FEBRUARY 6, 1904. Lawn Tennis Court : W. E. S. If you keep the accompanying diagram and explanatory details, where you may refer to them, you will not need to write us upon th's subject at a future timo. In regard to laying-out a front garden and carriage drive, we are not in a position to recommend particular firms, but any nursery- man who carries out landscape work at all would be able to do this. The persons you may approach for tenders would also submit plans for your approval. The dimensions for a single and double tennis court are as follows : A e, e a, double court for three or four players ; s s, s s, single court for two players, a a and c b are the base lines ; a e, a b, and s s, s s, side lines; c c and c c, service lines ; h h, half court line ; N n, net. A court for the single game is 27 feet wide and 78 feet long ; and for the double game, 78 feet long and 36 feet wide. The posts for supporting the net should be placed 3 feet beyond the sides. The service lines run parallel to the net, and are 21 feet distant from the same. Mealy-bug on Grape-vines : J. S.. Co Down. The directions given on p. 366 of Gardeners' Chronicle for November 28, p. 16, may be carried out without causing injury to the canes. The mixture should be applied before the Vines commence to grow, and the buds need not be coated to the same extent you will paint the rods. Shield the top of the buds as much as practicable, and no injury will be likely to follow. Gas-tar and coal-tar are alike useful. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — J. McP. Are you playing us a trick, that you send such wretched specimens ? — W. H. D. 1, Pinus pinaster; 2, Pinus densiflora; 3, Aspidium acrosticoides, often called Polystichum acrosti- eoides, a distinct North American Pern, and quite hardy. The peculiar manner in which the fertile, upper third portion is contracted is interesting, as it is a compromise between the separate fertile frond and the more common class, in which the sori are distributed more generally over the frond. — E. W., Durham. All good varieties of Dendrobium nobile, 1 and 5 especially. Every importation brings great variety, and already a large number repre- senting every section have received varietal names. — Reader. Billbergia Burchellii. — E.W.R. 1, Coelogyne cristata ; 2, Oncidium flexuosum ; 3, Passiflora racemosa. — G. S. H. Cattleya Percivaliana. — Tulip. We cannot undertake to name varieties of Tulips. The slight disfigure- ment of which you complain is caused by the plants having received a check when the flowers were expanding. It is not due to disease. Nature's Greatest Curiosity : Correspondent. The fruit or seed-vessel of Trapa natans, the Water Chestnut. Of course the statements made are more curious than true; but who could say what is Nature's greatest curiosity ? Nobody but a vendor of quack medicines, and we are afraid we should not believe him. Neglected Vine : R. P. Assuming the vine to be growing out-of-doors, and that the rods are aged and the spurs several inches long, and consequently some distance from the wall, an endeavour should be made to replace this old wood with young canes as quickly as possible. Select young shoots that appear in the best positions near the base of the rod, and train them to the wall, and these will ultimately serve instead of the worn-out rod, now 25 feet long. Prune back the remaining shoots of last season's growth, leaving only two buds at the base of each. Wash the rods with a solution of soft soap and sulphur mixed well together in warm water. See that the surface of the wall is made good, if any pointing is needed, and then clean the walls thoroughly. Secure the rods to the wall, and should the young growths during the coming season be strong and of good length the old rods may be cut away at the end of September. The roots may need attention by affording them fresh soil, but it is not prudent to grow outside vines too strongly. Short- jointed shoots of medium strength are best, and should be kept as near to the wall as possible that the shoots may benefit from the sun-heat absorbed by the wall and afterwards radiated from it. If you require a cheap book upon the culture of vines in houses and out-of-doors, you might select The Book of the Grape, by H. W. Ward, published by John Lane, London, price 2s. (id Oncidium Papilio : Vallota. The temperature you mention, 65° to 70°, suits this plant. It may be grown either on a block, or in a basket or pot. The plants require to be kept moist at the roots all the year, as they are not deciduous, but, as with most other evergreen Orchids, the supply of water at the root should be reduced when the pseudo-bulbs are fully made up. It is not un- usual for flower spikes sent up in winter to remain inactive for a long period, waiting for brighter weather, more favourable to develop- ment. Probably, if your plant were suspended near to the glass of the roof it might develop its iaflorescence more quickly. Peach-tree Dropping its Buds ; W. G. The causes of this have been discussed again and again ; but we think that it is most frequently due to improper ripening of the wood, or to the roots having suffered at some period from an insufficient supply of water. You will know better than we can which of these causes is most likely to apply in your own case. Poinsettia "bracts": R. H., Belgrave. The brilliantly-coloured leaves in the Poinsettia are called " bracts," because they are modified leaves interposed between the flowers and the normal leaves. In gardens, the bracts upon one stem are sometimes collectively described as a " head." The correspondent meant that he had 200 " heads," and that some of these heads were composed of as many as forty-eight modified leaves (bracts). We do not share your disbelief in regard to the number of bracts in a bead. It is seldom there are so many, but there is no reason to suppose our correspondent was guilty of exaggeration ; doubtless those of all sizes were counted. Potato Magnum Bonum : J. E. J. This variety was introduced in 1876 by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, and was extremely popular for many years. Removal of a Gardener's Effects : F. A. P. It is a matter for arrangement between the contracting parties ; but very frequently the new employer defrays the cost of removal ; and this appears to us a reasonable thing to do. Koyal Gardener's Orphan Fund : George MacKinlay. Thanks for 2s. 4d. received for this Fund. Scarlet Thorn shoots with Excrescences : 1\ H. M. The knots are caused by a fungus called Gymnosporangium clavariajformo. One stage of this fungus grows on species of Juniper, bursting through the bark as gela- tinous orange masses in the spring. It is the spores from the fungus on the Juniper that infects the Thorn, consequently no pains should be spared to find the diseased Juniper and cut away the diseased branches. Seed-Testing in two Hours : Correspondent. We do not believe that the germinating power of all seeds can be tested in two hours by any chemical means ; but a competent botanist would probably be able to tell you by careful examination whether a seed was alive or not in less than two hours. Tree Wash : J. H. H. If your tree3 are growing over lawn grass, and you apply by means of a syringe strong winter dressings that may render the grass unsightly for a time, it would be well to throw a quantity of water over the grass by means of a garden engine directly each tree has been syringed. By thus diluting the insecti- cides and washing them into the ground, the ill- effects will be hardly perceptible, if they are at all. A good winter dressing for trees affected with American blight is made as follows ; take \ lb. of caustic soda, and \ lb. of crude commer- cial potash, dissolving them in 5 gallons of water. Spray this over the trees, taking care that every shoot is reached by the liquid. On the main stems you might use a solution of Cal- vert's carbolic soap, and rub this well into the bark by the use of a painter's brush. The best preventive of winter moths is by adopting the common practice of putting brown-paper band- ages round the trunk of the tree in winter, and smearing them occasionally with tar, or any sticky substance (as cart-grease), which will prevent the female moths from ascending the trees, as the females are incapable of flight. When the buds commence to open in spring, syringe the trees with a solution of Paris- green at the strength of 1 oz. to 20 gallons of water. This must be kept well mixed during its application, and use it with great caution, as it is violently poisonous. Verbenas : D. D., Royston. Sow the seeds in March in a temperature of 60° or thereabouts, and when they have germinated place the pan in which they are growing as near to the glass as possible. When the seedlings are large enough, prick them out into shallow bores, or pot them up singly into sma'l pots. They should be grown as sturdily as possible, and they will be ready to put into the flower-beds at the end of May. Named varieties like Miss Willmott, &c, must be propagated by cuttings, which are generally taken in the month of August ; but if you have stock plants you have kept through the winter, you may take cuttings from these early in March and root them in a temperature of 60°. Put them into pots of light, rich soil, and pot them on as may be required, stopping the shoots occasionally to induce a bushy habit. Vines Bleeding: A Subscriber. We fear that the fact of your canes bleeding to the extent you describe, is due to their having failed to become properly matured during last autumn. The absence of sunshine in 1903 has resulted in many fruit trees indoors and out-of-doors being less " ripened" (as the gardener uses the term) than usual, though in large establishments, where every means are at hand, the skilful gar- dener has assisted the vines to a considerable extent by a freer use of fire-heat than usual and carefully-adjusted ventilation. You should cover the ends now bleeding with a coating of " styptic," or with the " knotting " recom- mended on p. 51 of the Gardeners' Chronicle for January 23. Violets : J. W. We are unable to state the cause of your Violets dying off. We find no fungus or insect. Yew-trees ; E. R. Your trees are remarkable specimens, one 27 feet 6 inches in girth, and the other 18 feet 5 inches, both measured at 4. feet from the ground. In The Yew-trees of Great Britain and Ireland, by Dr. John Lowe, there is information of many of the big specimens in this country. But generally the measure- ments were taken at 3 feet from the ground. There is one described as being in your own village (Hambledon) 39 feet at 3 feet from the ground ; another at South Hayling (Hants), 38 feet; one at Buxted (Sussex), 39 feet; another at Tisbury (Dorset), 37 feet. Many old specimen Yews have been illustrated in the back volumes of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Communications Received.— Alwyn Berger, La Mor- tola— 3. W. F.— D. E H.,ODe Town — F. v\'. M.-Prof. Daniel-A. C. R -O H.-W. P.-P. D —P. 8. & Co , Chicago -F. W. B.-J. F,, Ohlo-M. Durand, Brussels — G B D.-H. H . Kiel-W. E. G— C. P., Gbent-G. G.. Paris— A. M. Paris— Board of Aericulture— A. A. P.— Geo McK.-B. W.-S B. D.-J S T.-J. B. D.-S. T.- T. G , Wenlock-F. P.— Dieksons', Ltd.— L. Maurer— Koyal Horticultural Society— Dendrologist— Abiugor Gardeners' Society— M. N. Mell -Anxious -A. E. a., Biofield— ff. H. C.-H W. W.-J. F — W. Malion— W. E. Guuibleton-W. H.-R. P. B.— T. H. C— C. P.— W. J. B. — T. H.— A. Worsley. Supplement to the " Oardeners Chronicle. L.EI.IO-CATTLF.YA X Bl.ETCHLEYENSIS " RUBY. KlNG": SEGMENTS LIGHT PURPLE; I.IP DEEP PURPLE. February 13, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 97 THE Iferdotcrs' (l[hroniric No. 894..— SATURDAY, February 13, 1904. CONTENTS. Araucaria imbricata... 99 Nerine, a very late va- Azalea indica, "Rose riety of in:. de Noel " 105 OMtuary— Book notices— Eecfchaute.Chas. Van JuT Botanical Magazine 101 Hoopes. Josiah ln7 Chrysanthemum cul- Lehmann, F.C. 10ii ture in.-. Orchid notes 11" Guide to Natal 100 Palm-seeds; supply of 105 British Columbia, Pinks and the wet fruits from 111.-, season 97 Carnations, treament Polyan thus, a new gold- ofMalmaison 112 laced variety of 97 Carnations, winter- Potatos 107, 112 flowering varieties Primroses at Reading 97 at Sandringbam ... 111! Societies— Cattleya Moseiae 1U7 Cardifl and County Chrysanthemum So- Horticultural 111 ciety's shows 108 Dumfriesshire and Covent Garden Mar- Galloway Horti- ket 1110 cultural 111 Cymbidium ebumeum 99 Horticultural Club 111 Busseldoif. Orchids to I. uiricai) Society ... 104 be exhibited at 105 Naiional Chrysan- Erica lusitanlca 108 themum 111 Fern, the Beech US Royal Horticultural Fig-tree, a prolific 10 J mi 108 Grapes, White Uros Royal Horticultural Colmar and Lady of Southampton ... 111 Hastings 108 Stocktaking li'.-. Hickleton Hall 104 Trade notices 112 Isleworth, notes from. Tsuga Mertensiana ... '.''.' for 1903 IIS Turner Mr. T W. ... llll I/elia anceps varying Vlnesandspringfrosts 112 in colour periodi- Week's work- cally 100 Flower-garden, the 102 Laiix leptolepis 99 Fruits under glass... 103 Market notes 99 Hardy fruit garden 102 Musas, African varie- Kitchen garden, the 111.' ties of 111.". Orchid-houses. the... li '3 Nectarine Cardinal 107 Plants under glass... 103 ILLUSTt 1ATIONS Beech-Fern in co. Don egal 98 Cattleya Mossise 1"7 Citron fruit (Citrus medica 101 Cymbidium ebumeum at S lipley Hall 99 T.elimanu.F Cportraito the late l"ti Hickleton Hall, Doncaster (Supplementary Illus tration) PRIMROSES AT READING. fJ^HERE is a special interest attaching to -*- the Chinese Primrose, the so-called Persian Cyclamen (C. latifolium), to the Sweet Pea, the China Aster, and some other garden flowers, which occupy the attention of the flower-lover and of the hybridist. Each of the plants we have named represent distinct species. Great as is the range of variation among them, it is the expression of the capacity to vary within the limits of the species itself, as there has been no crossing with other species. We naturally expect variation when two distinct species, as we so esteem them, are crossed, but we are not prepared for the vast amount of variation which occurs when no inter- specific crossing has been effected. In the Chinese Primrose, omitting for our present purpose all reference to the relative length of the stamens and style and their great significance, we have all shades of colour, from pure white to pink, rose, deep crimson, and in other cases to various shades of lavender and slaty-blue. In some there is a pale pink or lilac ground, thickly- spotted with minute dots of a richly purple colour, and in one form the flower is pure white, without any yellow eye round the mouth of the tube. This flower is a thrum- eyed form, that is, the stamens are so placed that the anthers occupy the mouth of the tube. So brilliant are the colours that the traveller by the Great Western Eailway, as he approaches Eeading, wonders at the parti- coloured stripes which he can see in the large range of glasshouses of Messrs. Sutton. A nearer inspection increases the wonder and enhances the admiration. All these thousands of plants are grown for seed, and so well grown are they that each plant is the counterpart of its fellow. In some cases the variety is fixed, and comes so true from seed that it receives the honour of a name for distinction's sake, and the seed is sold in confidence that the whole or a very large percentage will come " true." The beautiful "Duchess'' varieties, with their compact habit and pink flowers with a deep rosy-purple eye, come true from seed, and suggest the way in which new species may be evolved out of old. In other cases the plant does not prove so docile, its seeds cannot be depended upon to reproduce the variation, and these remain unnamed, and their seed is sold in "mixtures.'' Some even degenerate so that incessant vigilance is required, not only to develop new varia- tions, but to keep the older ones up to the desired standard. On a sunny day recently the operators were busy with their i-amel's- hair pencils, taking measures in some cases to fertilise the flower with its own pollen where fixity is desired, or to make crosses where "improvement" and variation are required. For the houses not only afford a brilliant spectacle for the flower-lover, but they are the scene of physiological experi- ments carried out on a vast scale, and the details are recorded with the precision of those in a stud-book. From this point of view it is satisfactory that Mr. Bateson is watching and noting the results, so that we may look forward to some further exposi- tions from his pen as to the problems of heredity, and as to the validity of the Mendelian hypothesis and its probable application to practical purposes. We may confidently look forward to the time when cross breeding and artificial fertilisation will be regulated by rule, rather than, as now, by accident or caprice. Mr. Bateson is to read a paper on the subject before the Linnean Society on Thursday evening next. It is not only the flower that varies, but the foliage and the inflorescence. The leaves vary in colour from light yellowish- green to rich purple, at least on the under surface ; they are palmate or oblong (Fern- shaped), slightly indented at the edge, or deeply crimped and fringed at the margins. Then there is the Ivy-leaved or Holly-leaved variety, originally figured in these columns. It still preserves it characteristics without much variation, and its flowers are always malformed. As to the inflorescence, the most remark- able "break" has occurred in the Star varieties, -where the flowers, instead of being in compact trusses, are borne aloft in light loose panicles bearing tier upon tier of flowers. Among the Star Primroses varia- tions in colour are showing themselves just as in the older forms. One is of a very- pretty shade of rose-pink, and Buby Star is of the brightest red ; and double forms are making their appearance, and there are certain " giant " forms of this section which are not only larger than the rest but later to flower. And all this variation in detail (and it is much greater than we can now specify) is manifested in the one uncrossed species. The first Chinese Primroses brought over were from plants cultivated by the Chinese. The original wild plant has been discovered of late years in the mountains of Central China. We have so often given the history of its discovery, and so often described and figured the plant as found by Dr. Henry and by the Abbe Delavay, that it is not neces- sary to do more than give the reference to the pages where these details may be found (see Gardeners' Chronicle, April 26, 1902, p. 2t>9). We may also refer to the detailed description of the varieties as seen at Messrs. Sutton's establishment in 1889, given in Gardeners' Chronicle, January 2ri, 1889, p. 115, details which it would be inte- resting to compare with those that could now be supplied, did time and space permit. Nor can we say more now with reference to the Cyclamen than that it shares with the Chinese Primrose in the display at Reading of pure white or brilliantly-coloured flowers, Great as is the range of variation, it is somewhat less marked than in the case of the Primrose, though if one were con- fronted with the pure white of the giant forms and the very deep ruby-red of Vulcan, one might have to modify one's opinion. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. A NEW GOLD-LACED POLYANTHUS. This variety, which bears the name of Mrs. Holden, is being offered for sale this year. It was raised by Mr. G. Thornley, Middleton, Man- chester, from seed taken from a variety named Mrs. Brownhdl -, it has a black ground, and pale- gold centre and lacing, which is well defined and proportionate ; the pip stout, and the truss-stem erect. It was raised a few years ago, and Mr. Thornley has been working up a stock. It must not be supposed the culture of the Gold-laced Polyanthus is a lost art in the North, for the Northern and Midland growers are eagerly buyiDg up this new variety. It will probably be seen in good form in April next. Pinks. Judging from the appearance of my own bed of Pinks, the position being a slightly raised one, facing the south-west, the persistent rains are acting injuriously upon them. They are being continually drenched, and the Pink is one of those plants which appear to be more adversely affected by wet than by frost. Some varieties of Pinks are more vigorous of constitution than others ; some of the best, whether laced or border varieties, are among the most delicate, and they suffer in such a wet season. I hear from growers about the country that plants in the most care- fully prepared beds show signs of weakness. In such a season as this the plants, if in a bed, may be assisted by drawing the soil up to them in the form of a ridge, but the sod is so saturated with moisture that it is of little avail. As soon as drier weather comes and the soil becomes work- able, it will prove advantageous to remove some of the surface-soil of the bed, as far as it can be done with safety, what remains be gently stirred, and a good surface dressing of a suitable compost given. It may be said, " Why not winter the plants in pots and put them out in the open in early spring ? " But it has been abundantly shown in the case of Pinks, as also of Carnations, that the best results follow autumn planting. Some of the old Pink growers who grew plants in cold and exposed localities, subject to hard 98 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 13, 1904. frosts and killing winds, used to adopt the practice of covering their beds with sprays of Spruce Fir, the trimmings of young plantations. They were laid by for one year until they had lost their leaves ; the sprays were then light in structure, and having a natural curve upwards, they were well adapted for protection and served a useful purpose. Some green sprays stuck in the bed about and around the plants make a serviceable protection also, especially when cold and sweeping THE BEECH FERN (POLYPODIUM rHEGOPTEEIS). Although this pretty little Fern is rarely seen in good form in cultivation, the accompanying photograph (fig. 43) shows that under congenial conditions it forms a really charming picture ; and since it finds these conditions in damp, shady woods and rocky glens, it would clearly repay wider introduction. In the illustration we see it Fig. 43. — beech fern in co. Donegal. blists abound. The beds of c'loice Pans'es also can be protected in this way with advantage. (|New varieties of border Pinks o;casioua'ly appear, but rarely has there been seen of late a new variety of laced Pink. Time was when an interesting collection could be seen in the gardens of the Eoyal Horticultural Society at Chiswick growing and flowering freely; it is almost quite as good a town plant as the Carnation. I hope that in planning the new garden at Wisley space will be reserved for a representative col- lection of laced Pinks in common with other old favourites, which have lost something of their popularity, but which should not be allowed to become utterly lost. R. D. associated with the Lady Fern and Shield Fern, and it is very of I en found in company with its near relative the Oak Fern (P. Dryopteri9), both delighting in precif ely the same conditions of "an open, leafy, stony compost, in which their thin, black, spreading root - stocks find congenial harbourage. Although belonging to the same genus as the common Polypody of the hedgerows, the Beech Fern differs very markedly by being quite de- ciduous, having thin, creeping root-stocks instead of thick, fleshy ones ; and its spores, although borne in the naked dot-like heaps peculiar to the family, are much smaller, both in themselves and the size of their heaps, and are furthermore dark-brown instead of golden-yellow. On the other hand, there is a greater similarity in the form of the frond than is seen in either the Oak Fern, or the remaining member of the family in these islands, the Limestone Polypody (P. calcareum), in both of which the frond is broad and triangular; while in the Beech, as we can see by the illustration, they are broadly lanceolate, with (and this is a very characteristic feature) the two bottom divisions turned down- wards. Under culture it makes very pretty clumps, if grown in shallowish pans filled with an open compost, say, half loam and half leaf- mould, with a liberal admixture of coarse silver- sand. It has produced very few varieties, and obviously, like its cousin the Oak Fern, it is sufficiently self-satisfied to refrain from vagaries. Its long, fragile stalks are very brittle, and hence it cannot display itself to advantage in exposed) positions, which dwarf it. On a sloping, rocky bank, however, protected by trees and facing the north, it speedily establishes itself and spreads, and in such positions may easily be enabled to rival the picture which has suggested our text. Chas. T. Druery, F.L.S., T.M.H. NOTES FBOM ISLEWOETH FOR 1903. The subject which interested gardeners during the year under review, to the exclusion of most other subjects, was the weather. It was the wettest year, and incomparably the wettest summer, ever recorded in the London district. In the months of May, June, July, and August, I measured 20 91 inches of rain, thus exceeding the rainfall of the remarkably wet summer of 1879 by no fewer than 413 inches. It is possible that such continuous rainfall will never occur again round) London, yet we must not calculate upon this, and) gardeners will be well advised to take special notice of the few flowering plants which gave success during the past season. Aqapanthus and Arctotis. In this garden two plants stood out prominently as successes amid the general wreckage — one a. very old favourite in suburban gardens, and the other an older plant still, but rarely seen outside botanic gardens. The first of these, Agapanthu^ umbellatus, is too well known to need any ad- vertising, yet it is seldom given that very liberal treatment necessary to produce the finest blooms. During the growing season it is one of the greediest feeders and most moisture-loving plants. in British gardens. The best forms of this type are superior to any other species or hybrids, that I have seen. The other plant to which I refer is Arctotis aspera. The foliage of this, plant is a silvery-grey with an olive subshade, and the astonishing brilliance of the orange-coloured flowers makes it a most effective " lawn " plant. Even when it has rained for a week, the first glint of warm sun will cause numerous flowers to- expand, and the flowering season lasts until quite late in the autumn. This year the lawns wore an ideal carpet of the most lustrous green> throughout the summer, and with a background of sombre Conifers or laughing Bamboos, such plants as these will prove a source of great delight to the eye. Arctotis aspera requires just- the same culture as the garden Cineraria, except that it wants full exposure to the sun. Both plants are best grown in large pots or tubs (not under 14 inches diameter), and arranged or* the lawn towards the end of May. Neither will stand frost without injury, and a temperature of 28° will kill the Arctotis outright. Among specimen Pelargoniums for outside decorative purposes only two kinds faced the rains bravely. These were the well - known single scarlet Plutarch and the less - known Achievement. This latter bears large stiffly- erect umbels of pink flowers, and is said to havo February 13, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 99 been raised by a cross between the Ivy-leaved and zonal sections. It is certainly a plant of fine constitution. Failure of Flowering Plants. Although flowering plants suffered terribly from the rains of 1903, quite the reverse was the <5ase with hard-wooded trees, which luxuriated in the cleansing influence of the heavy falls and the moister atmosphere. Many Conifers, which were undoubtedly dying or becoming unsightly objects, took a new lease of life in 1903, and gladdened the hearts of those who admire the varying effects of light and shade and the gradations of colour which can be produced in gardens without having recourse to flowering plants. The year 1903 has certainly been a lesson, and should be a warning, to those who rely mainly upon showy and brilliant flower- ing plants for their garden delights. This has been a year in which the beauties of foliage and of the serene expanse of lawn and grass-walk have triumphed over all competitors. The polar blast of mid- April not only destroyed the fruit crops, but completely defoliated the Japanese Maples and spoiled them for the whole summer. The beautiful Platanus acerifolia varie- gata (of Russell) was also ruined. In fact the only Japanese Maple that held its foliage was the type, A. palmatum, a plant of no great beauty, ■except in its autumnal tints, but which is worth growing under the shade of other trees, where little •else will grow. Even under glass foliage plants •did better than flowering plants. My Coleus quite out-blazoned anything the Cannas could do, these latter suffering from mould in the petals. It astonishes me that this beautiful section of •decorative greenhouse Coleus should be so en- tirely overlooked in British gardens, but I believe that the system of judging by *•' points " at flower- shows is partly to blame. By this means no Coleus is considered " good " unless it will grow to a particular shape and size in a certain sized pot. To attain this end the plants must be con- stantly pinched and manure-fed. As a result, coarse green foliage, with a minimum of colour, and a deformed shape, arc the gardener's ideals, and every plant with any sign of good blood must be cast to the rubbish-heap. Who can wonder that the public, seeing such hideous monstrosities put forward as prize plants, decline to cultivate Coleus ? My own experience is that carefully selected Coleus are the best decorative (summer) con- servatory plants that we possess. The only diffi- culty I find is that the extraordinary brilliance of their foliage " kills " every flowering plant put near them. I raised three new varieties in 1893. €. thyrsoideus is, in my opinion, not worth grow- ing, except as a novelty; it will soon be cast aside. Among exotic Amaryllids flowering in the open, the season was a complete failure, only Crinums Powelli and Moorei doing any good ; and these were generally too late in coming into bloom. An odd Brunsvigia flowered well in August. Under glass, Nerines had a good season, and Amaryllis a fair one. Lachenalias "lifted'' better from their summer beds than perhaps ever before. A. Worsley, February, 1904. (To be continued.) MARKET NOTES, CYMBIDIUM EBURNEUM. Our illustration (fig. 44) gives a representation of a fine specimen of Cymbidium eburneum which flowered in the gardens of J. Miller Mundy, Esq., Shipley Hall, Derby (gr., Mr. J. C. Tallack). The plant, which has been grown at Shipley Hall for some years, bore thirty-one flowers, eight of which are on twin-flowered stems. It wa3 photographed by Mr. E. A. Sea- man, of Ilkeston, just as it was in the house, and without staking or otherwise arranging the flowers. The flowers are white, the labellum having a yellow disc and a few purple spots, and it is certainly one of the most beautiful of the genus. The species was discovered by Griffith at Myrung, on the Khasia Hills, India, alt. 5,000 to 0,000 feet, in 1837, and first flowered in England some ten years later. Since that time it has been frequently imported from various localities it can be used in situations where the latter will not thrive. There is one tree that I have never seen mentioned as a probable timber-tree, and that is — Tsuga Mertensiana (Abies Albertiana). I do not altogether recommend this, as I know very little of the value of its wood in this country ; but in America its timber is said to be equal or even superior to that of the Hemlock Spruce (Tsuga canadensis). A few small trees I have seen have shown a fairly hard, close- grained wood, but these were practically little more than stout poles. It is, however, one of the fastest-growing hardy Conifers we have in this country, and thrives quite as well on a poor hill- side as in the deep, moist soil of a valley. I have known young trees make from 3 feet to 5 feet of growth in a season. Our largest specimen here is nearly 80 feet high, and is not an old tree by CHRYSANTHEMUMS. The following are good market varieties : ftSoleil d'Octobre, pale yellow (October) ; Souvenir •de petite Amie, white (October) ; Source d'Or, bronEe colour (November) ; Phoebus, yellow (November) ; Queen of the Exe.pink (November) ; Madame Philippe Rivoire, white (November) ; Niveum, white (December) ; Lord Brooke, bronze and yellow (December) ; Western King, white (December) ; W. H. Lincoln, yellow (December) ; Framfield Pink (January) ; L. Canning, white (January). E. Molyneux. Fig. 44. — cymbidium eburneum, as grown in shitley hai.l gardens. in the Himalayas, and has always been a favourite in gardens, though rarely seen in such a tine specimen as that grown by Mr. Tallack. It thrives in a shady position in a cool intermediate house, and requires to be kept moist all the year, and watered very liberally while actively growing. FORESTRY. In reference to the note on p. 59 respecting Larix leptolepis, I may mention that it grows well here on our sandy soil, one batch in parti- cular having made a growth of from 3 feet to 4 feet in two years. They were planted in their present position in January, 1902, and are now about 8 feet high, and much thicker in the stems than common Larch of the same size. Their rate of growth is the more remarkable as they were not at all well rooted at the time of planting. Some Sycamores of the same size (when planted) that are close to them have been overtopped by a couple of feet by the Larch ; and the Sycamore is not a slow-growing tree in a young state. L. leptolepis grows in a moist place better than its European relative, so that any means. It is, however, the finest specimen Conifer I have ever seen, being perfect in every part. A plantation of Tsuga Mertensiana, Pseudo- tsuga Douglasii, and Abies concolor mixed would, I believe, prove a paying investment in course of time. They should be at least 4 feet in height when planted, as smaller plants, though cheaper to buy at first, are usually the dearest in the long run. Many planters make a mistake in planting forest-trees too small, as small plants are more liable to be cut by spring frosts than larger ones. The worst part is that the leader gets cut, which means a loss of time before another leader is properly formed. The wood of Araucaria imbricata is valuable for some purposes when the tree has attained a fair size. A specimen about 2\ feet in diameter was cut down here about seven years ao-o, and the wood, after being seasoned, was used in the making of a fence. No tar or paint whatever has been used on the fence, which is in as good condition now as it was when first put up. Of course, the Araucaria is of no value as a forest- tree, but its wood, where it can be obtained, is very hard and durable. J. C, Bagshot. 100 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Feert/aby 13, 1904. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. VARIATIONS OF A L^LIA. ANCEPS. It has been stated that truth is stranger than fic- tion. My note will seem incredible to many, but I am certain that it is correct. Soon after my taking charge of the Orchids at Gatton, in January 1900, a specimen plant labelled L. a. Sanderiana flowered, and the flowers had no colour on the front of lip. I was told that previously it had always showed the blotch of colour peculiar to the variety Sanderiana, yet I altered the label toL. a. Stella; in 1001, 1902, and 1903 it came the same as in 1900 ; it was shown and commented upon at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting as true L. a. Stella. This year it has come again L. a. Sanderiana, having a well-defined blotch on the tip of the lip. By no chance can it be that there are two species in the pan, for each year it has produced four spikes annually previous to this year, and the flowers on all the spikes were the same; this year it had three spikes from the same lead that flowered last season and previously, and the flowers on each spike are true to L. a. Sanderiana. I shall be interested to know if anyone else has experienced a similar case. W. P. Bound, Gatton Park Gardens, Reigate. DlCTIONNAIEE IcONOGRAPHIQUE DES OrCHIDICES. In the issue just to hand, and which completes the numbers for 1903, M. Alfred Cogniaux, from drawings by M. A. Goossens, illustrates and describes thirteen species, among which are several old favourites : — Angb.p:cum itlicornc— A graceful species, long known by the figure in Thouars' Orch. des Iks Aust. d'Afrique, but of which little was known In gardeos until It was exhibited from Sir Trevor Lawrence's garden, in July, 1900. The plant, which is of slender habit, has narrow, channeled leaves, and produces flowers singly from their axils. Flowers about 2 inches across, white, and furnished with slender greenish spurs about 4 inches in length. Brassia bbachiata .— The figure Is lettered Brassia brachiata, but the description is of Brassia verrucosa ; and no explanation is given for the contradictory naming. The two species form the showy members of the class " verrucosa " of Eubrassia, and it has been suggested that they are members of the same species, the B. brachiata figured being much the showier, and with petals much longer than in typical B. verrucosa. Tne species used in the early days of Orchid growing to form one of the leading exhibition plants. Sepals and petals narrow, pale green, the former ti inches and the latter 4 inches in length, the sepals with a few and the petals with a cluster of chocolate-purple spots at the base. Lip white with wart-like green spots. Calanthe vebatbifjlia.— An old garden plant of the evergreen section of Calanthe, with broad dark- green leaves and erect spikes of numerous pure white flowers. It is an excellent stove house plant, and lasts in flower for many weeks. CtKLOOTNE speciosa ALBicANS.-Tbe species was figured in the Botanical Register in 1817. The variety, like several of the other species figured, flowered in the collection of M. Louis Fournier, Marseilles. The large flowers have greenish sepals and petals and white labellum and column, both marked with reddish- purple. Ccelogtne pandubata. — A hothoHse Bornean species, almost a swamp plant. Flowers large, on stout stems. Sepals and petals green, lip whitish matked with blackish purple. Ctpbipedium insigne Fobstehmani. — A showy variety of the C. nitens class. Upper sepal greenish at the base, white above, and bearing large chocolate blotches. Petals and lip striped and tinged with purple. Cipbipedium x Leeasum. — The familiar, useful hybrid originally raised in Sir Trevor Lawrence's gardens, and described in the Oardenera' Chronicle in 1884. Some of the better varieties are among the favourites still, and all are showy, easily - grown plants. Dendbobium Lown.— Arareyellow-flowercdBornean species of the nigro-hirsute section, and still rare, although it was described in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1861, and frequently imported since. The finest plant we have seen recently was quite a bush, growing in the Nepenthes-house in Sir H. Schroder's gardens, The Dell, Egham. Epidendbum polybulbon.-A pretty dwarf species producing numerous reddish flowers with white labellums, the variety luteo-album, which flowered at Burford, being yellow-and-white. The best form comes from Jamaica, but the species is also found in Mexico and Guatemala. L TiLlO-CATTLEYA X FBEDEBICK BOYLE VAK. KEE- CHOVF-B (C. TfilAN/E ALBA X L. ANCEPS ALBA).— One Of the gems in the fine collection of Mr. A. A. Peelers at the last Ghent Quinquennial Exhibition, and duly reported by us at the time. One of the finest of I. anceps crosses. Named in honour of M. le Comte de Kerchove de Deuterghem, the popular President of the Societe Koyale d'Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand. Flowers pure white, with yellow disc to the lip. Phaius albus.— The plant figured is more commonly called Thunia is gardens, that variety being known as Thunla Marshalliana. It is reed-like in growth, and readily propagated by cuttings of the stem. Flowers in short nodding racemes ; white, with fringed orange- coloured ridges on the lip. The Thunia section of Phaius require a prolonged dry rest, like deciduous Dendrobes. SELENIPEDIUM X N1TIDISSIMUH (CAUDATCM X CONCHI- febum).— While collectors eagerly seek for novelties in what are called Cypripediums, the Selenipediums are but coldly received. Nevertheless they are very orna- mental plants, and will thrive in an ordinary heated conservatory. Their bright green leaves always render them ornamental, and the white, rose, and brownish flowers are continually produced. The variety figured has green flowers ; the petals and lip striped and tinged with red-brown. Stanhopea Langlasseana.— This was described bj M. Cogniaux in the Gardeners' Chronicle, December 1 1, 1901, p. 426. Flowers white, spotted with crimson, the segments, epichile included, tipped with yellow, the epichile being orange colour. A note on the native habitat was given by M. Micheli and M. Ed. Andre in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 18, 1S02, p. 38, and by the late Mr. F. C. Lehmann, whose obituary notice we are sorry to have to give in the present issue, in a very interesting article, February 21, 1933. BOOK NOTIGE. COYENT GARDEN MARKET. Good Poinsettias, Erica hiemalis, and a few pot Chrysanthemums, may yet be seen, and Solanums are still plentiful, but there is little sale for them. Erica melanthera is very good, and E. fastigiata, an old species which I have seen little of previously, is good, the bushy plants being well covered with tiny white flowers. Acacia Drummondi is well flowered, also Boronia megastigma. Cyclamens continue very plentiful, and there are some good Cinerarias to be seen ; those of bright colours sell well. Azaleas are good, the pink " Oswald de Kerchove " is particu- larly fine. Callas, Daffodils, Tulips, and Hyacinths in pots are plentiful. All the Hyacinths now seen in the Market are grown three or more in a pot ; white and pink flowered varieties are very fine, and they are more effective than when grown singly. There is certainly some signs of improvement in the trade for pot plants. There are still many empty stands, but a little bright weather would rill them again. Cut Flowers. Daffodils are most plentiful. Chrysanthemums still hold out, and there are some very good blooms to be seen. Tulips are abundant, and may be bought at very low prices. Roman Hyacinths are good and plentiful. Lily of the Valley is over plentiful and some very fine samples are to be seen. White Azalea is also over-abundant. Boses are still scarce, especially red flowers, and I learn from one of the largest growers that it will be fully a fortnight before many can be cut, excepting of the white Niphetos. Carnations are scarce, but a better supply is expected soon. Of Orchid blooms, Dendrobiums are more plentiful. Cypripediums are still coming in good. There are also some good Cattleyas, and Odontoglossum blooms are scarce. Double scarlet Pelargoniums (F. V. Baspail) are coming in better now. There are also some good pink flowers (Robert Hayes). There is little to be said about the new French Market, except that there is a great lot of stuff coming in just now. After 9 o'clock, when the ordinary market is closed, this one becomes crowded, chiefly by hawkers, and a tremendous lot of produce is cleared off ; Violets, Daffodils, Paper-white Narcissus, " Mimosa " (Acacia), and Snowdrops are the chief items. A. H., February 0. A Guide to Natal.* There are guide-books and guide-books ; this is one that should be spelt with a capital G ! For few that we have seen can compare with this in the thoroughness with which the promise of the title-page is fulfilled, and those who wish to obtain a good general idea of this much-talked-of Colony cannot do better than peruse this book, which is full of information of general interest as well as of that particular kind which the traveller needs - The work is admirably planned, brightly written, and readable from cover to cover. It contains 300 pages, six maps, and is profusely illustrated with over three hundred beautiful photographic representations of the scenery, buildings, natives, places of interest, animal and vegetable produc- tions, &c, which give an excellent idea of the many beauties nature has bestowed upon this go- ahead Colony of ours. For the convenience of those who use it, the work is divided into two books, which are again sub-divided into parts. In the first book the various towns and places of interest along the Natal Bailway systems are dealt with. Here we are reminded that it is only sixty-eight years ago that the town of Durban was founded and named after Sir Benjamin D'Urban, then Governor of the Cape. At that time Durban " was mere sand -and bush, the haunt of elephants and the abode of serpents ; now there is not a fairer or more progressive town in all South Africa," possessing fine broad streets, grand ornamental buildings, and some 22 miles of electric tramway around the town and extending to the suburbs. The population is over 60,000, and the town is growing so rapidly that although it has a fin© and spacious Town Hall (in which the Museum and Picture Gallery are contained), it is in- sufficient for present needs, and the erection of another is contemplated. Like London, it has an Embankment, which is over a mile in length, and picturesquely bordered with Palms and trees ; there is also a cricket " Oval," a race- course, a " Lord's," and many other attractions. The Observatory and picturesque Botanic Gardens are situated in the suburbs ; the latter are under the able management of Mr. J. Medley Wood, who has done much to bring them to their present state of perfection. Leaving Durban, the reader is conveyed to all the principal towns and places of interest throughout the length and breadth of the Colony; and, if one may judge from the profusion of charming photographic pictures, there is no lack of beautiful and picturesque scenery. Pieter- maritzburg, the capital of Natal, is a smaller town than Durban, but equally provided with attractions, commercial and other up-to-date con- veniences, and fine buildings. The magnificent Town Hall is said to contain the fourth largest organ in the world. A picturesque view repre- sents the " Cathedral Bells," which consist of four bells hung upon a tree — doubtless a relic of more primitive times. Among the many beautiful views of scenery are several charming waterfalls, one, near Howick, being 3G0 feet high ; whilst the views of the mountains and valleys (or kloofs) make one long for a holiday to be among them. Especially grand are some parts of the Drakensberg Range, which at its highest point rises nearly 2.J- miles above sea-level. The views also convey a good idea of the general character of the vegetation of Natal, and several interesting pictures of the Kaffirs in their native costumes, their huts, and ceremonies, also embellish the book. As giving some idea of the character of the wilder parts of Natal, the following may be * Natal : an illustrated Official Railway Guide and Hand- book of General Information. Compiled and edited by C. W. Francis Harrison. Quarto. Published by Payne Jennings, Regent House, Kegent Street, London. W. FEBRUARY 13, 1904. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 101 quoted:— 'Before leaving Verulam and its en- into a veritable wonderland of beauty, where is bynomeanslarge.it makes up for it in foam vironments it may be alike interesting and foaming rivers, black forests, car.ons, and long, sparkle, and dash. It is environed by lonely relieving to peep at the wild and romantic lonely plains are woven together into a mass forests, whose silence is seldom disturbed by the compost, as they will not thrive if the least loose. The following species, M. Clowesii, M. cuneata, M. Russelliana, M. Ki'gnelli, M. Candida grandiSora, and the sup- posed natural hybrids M. Binotii, M. Joiceyana, M. Veitchiana, M. Lawrenceana, M. Crashleyana, M. Travassosiana, M. belula, and M. Lamarckiana, being stronger-growing plants, are best accom- modated in the ordinary flowerpots. Those plants which may have their flower-spikes well advanced should not be disturbed at the root now, but may be attended to immediately the flowers fade or growth recommences. The pots or pans used should be at least half filled with fern rhizomes for drainage. Then use a compost consisting of good fibrous peat, chopped sphag- num, and leaf-soil in equal parts, with a little coarse silver-sand, well mixing the whole together. Top-dres3 with living sphagnum-moss. Those varieties that are in shallow pans should be lightly sprayed over whenever the surface-moss- becomes in the least dry, while those in pots should be carefully watered with a fine rose watering-can, taking care not to afford too much water at one time, as the young growths are liable to decay from this cause. The whole of the Miltonias mentioned will thrive best in a rather cool, shady part of the intermediate-house. If grown in a very light position the foliage becomes thin and more yellow than is desirable. Cockroaches and woodlice are very fond of the small roots that are now pushing out. These- insects must be exterminated with beetle poison, and pieces of Potato may be set for traps, which, should be examined frequently. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fielder, Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Myinms Park, Hatlield, Hertfordshire. Eucharis grandiflora (amazonica). — Plants that' have flowered and need repotting may now be taken in hand. Let as much of the old soil as- possible be carefully removed from among the roots, and take away all small bulbs which, if required, may be placed in pots by themselves. The pots for Eucharis should be provided with perfect drainage, and the compost should be warmed to the temperature of the house in which the plants are growing before the operation of potting is commenced. Use good fibrous loam and a little rotten manure, together with suffi- cient coarse silver-sand and charcoal to keep the soil porous. Press the soil firmly into the pots, and insert the bulbs so that they will be just covered with soil. Water sparingly until the roots have be- come active, which stage may be hastened if it is possible to plunge the plants in mild bottom-heat. Gardenias. — Eepot young plants raised from cuttings last autumn and now well established in 3-inch pots, into others 2 inches larger, using a. compost of three parts loam, one part leaf-soil, a little rotten manure, and some coarse silver-sand. Pot firmly and place the plants as near to the light as possible in the stove or hothouse. It is well to raise young plants annually, and throw away an equal number of the oldest plants, it will thus be easier to keep the stock healthy and clean. Insert cuttings at the present time and they will make nice little plants by the autumn. To avoid disturbing the roots in potting, it is best to put the cuttings singly in small pots,, using a light sandy soil. Place the pots con- taining cuttings under a handlight in a stove temperature, or in the propagating frame, where they will quickly make roots. Syringe the plants freely during favourable weather, and keep them in a stove temperature. The points of the shoots on young plants should be pinched out once or- twice to make them bushy. Liboniafloribundaand L. penrhosiensis v. . — These useful winter-blooming plants will soon pass out of flower, and they should then be cut back and introduced into heat to produce new growths for making " cuttings." These will root easily, and should afterwards be potted into small pots and grown-on in heat for a time, taking the points of the shoots out occasionally. Justicia carnea and Jacobinia chrysostephana. — Let cuttings be inserted as soon as procurable, placing them singly in small pots previously filled with a light sandy soil. The Jacobinia is a very showy and useful winter-flowering plant that will last a long time in flower, and the plants- stand well when used in pots for house decora- tion. The flowers are rich orange-coloured, and are produced at the ends of the shoots similarly to those of J. carnea. Coleus thyrsoideus. — A clear blue colour such as characterises the flowers of this plant is rare in winter, and for this reason it proves to be a useful addition to the plants available for con- servatory decoration, from the middle of De- cember to the middle of February. The flowers last well in the cut state, and are then useful for filling vases. As the plants go out of bloom they should be rested in an intermediate tem- perature until May or June, as, being a quick- growing species, nothing is gained by commencing; to propagate too early. 104 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [FEBRUARY 13, 1904. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. Lattera 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 wbitten on one side only of THB 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. 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 7ns correspondents. Illustrations. — The Editor will he glad to receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, die. ; 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. MONDAY, i Birmingham Gardeners' Mu- Feb. IS< tual Improvement Society ' meet. i Linnean Society meet. THURSDAY, Feb. 18< Brighton Horticultural Society / meet. SATURDAY, Feb. 20 -German Gardeners' Club. SALES FOB THE WEEK. MONDAY AND FRIDAY NEXT— Herbaceous Plants'and Perennials, Azaleas, Roses. Begonias, &c., 67&68, Cheapside, K.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. WEDNESDAY NEXT— Greenhouse Plants, Palms, Azaleas, Roses. Fruit Trees, Hardy Bulba and Plants, <&c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 — Consignment of 1032 cases of Japanese Lilums, Palm seeds, Tuberoses, Lothian. The best of the exquisite plants that he occasionally sent to Europe are in the possess- sion of Sir Trevor Lawrence at Burford Lodge. His botanical collections are to be found in several European herbaria. The Herbarium. February 13, 1901.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 107 Boissier at Chambesy, near Geneva, owns a .good collection ; and another, nearly if not quite so complete, is in the Natural History Museum at South Kensington. Many of his plants have (lately gone to Berlin, and the remainder, which axe still in Popayan, will also be sent to Berlin. His personal possessions naturally remain in Popayan with his family. " Details of his life are but few, and although I •had friendly relations with him for eighteen years, I heard nothing of his earlier experiences. We had more than enough to discuss in botanical questions, and he told me nothing about himself. After his marriage he only came to Europe two •or three times." Charles Van Eeckhaute.— The death of this famous horticulturist, in his seventy-fourth .year, is announced as having occurred on the 16th ult. He entered Louis Van Houtte's nursery at Ghent as long ago as 1844, and was well known ■to most visitors to that famous establishment. He was formerly a Professor in the Ghent School of Horticulture. Latterly he was connected with Mr. Sander's nursery at Bruges. Josiah Hoopes.— From America we learn of 'the death of an old correspondent, Mr. Josiah Hoopes. He was a nurseryman in a large way of business, and published some years ago an excel- lent little manual of Conifers under the title of the Book of Evergreens. We were indebted to iiim for various interesting specimens. Mr. Hoopes was born at West Chester, Pennsylvania, ■in 1832, and died in the same city on the ICth ult. CATTLEYA MOSSM1. We are indebted to Norman C. Cookson, Esq Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman), for a photograph of a fine specimen of Cattleya labiata Mossite, fig. 47, which recently flowered in his gar- •dens and which appears to be one of the most pro- fusely flowered of any which have appeared. The species is an old favourite in gardens, and when •well grown is one of the finest of its class, con- tinuing the flowering of the large-flowered Catt- 'leyas throughout May and June. Many fiue varieties have been distinguished by varietal names, the albino C. Mossise Wagneri being one ■of the finest of white Cattleyas. The variety illustrated is a large form of typical C. Mossies, with fine golden - yellow disc, and rich crim- son markings on the labellum. The plant illustrated has been grown in a compost of leaf- mould, peat, and sphagnum moss, and it promises Ao be finer next season than it has been this. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents ) ■ DI8EASE-RESISTING POTATOS.— Although in a •trial of thirteen varieties, twelve were very badly •diseased, yet Evergood was quite free from disease, therefore Mr. Edwards asserts that we have a real ■disease-resisting variety at last (see p. 74). I grew Evergood last year in a trial with some twenty-five other varieties. It gave a very fair average crop, but when a few good-looking tubers, selected for the cooking test, were peeled, disease spots were found in the flesh in a marked degree. One experience no more justifies the assertion that any Potato is disease-proof than does the statement that one swallow makes a summer, lests, such as I trust the new Potato Society will be able to promote in different parts of the king- dom and on diverse soils, should not only be numerous each season, but should extend over bye years at least. Any variety that is then found to be absolutely disease -resisting, may even be termed "disease -proof." The Potato world, evidently 'as rabid after sensations as are the financiers, politicians, or credulous treasure-hunters, has of late been dosed with paragraphs with respect to the astounding prices paid for tubers of Eldorado Potato. To me, it is astonishing that these prices have really been paid. I find in your own advertising columns offers from growers of the Eldorado of tubers at so "moderate" a price as 63s. per lb. How does that price compare with the reputed ISO? A. D. An acre of land wa3 planted with Potatos here last season. The ground was prepared as follows : — In the autumn of 1902, 30 loads of farmyard manure were ploughed-in ; in March following it was roughly harrowed, and ploughed- out ready for planting. In the first week in April 6 cwt. of Bentley's Potato Manure was sown broadcast, and the ground was then planted with the varieties Up-to-Date and British Queen. At the end of June the same quantity of soot was applied, and earthed up with the plough. The result was 9 tons of Potatos, and until now we have only found 1 bushel of bad tubers ; the reputedly good quality and in possession of nat- ural vigour. Last year I grew thirty varieties of Potato, some new and some old, and my experi- ence is exactly similar to that of Mr. Edwards. Some of the varieties were so badly diseased as to be hardly worth lifting, whilst in the case of others there was hardly a speck to be found on the tubers, and among3t the latter were the following, all comparatively modern varieties a — Sir John Llewelyn, Evergood. The Factor, King Edward VII., Chiswick Favourite, British Premier, and Cigarette. Experience of this kind has led growers to pay more attention to modern Potatos. How much of the disease of last year may be traced to heavy application of rank manure is an open question, but I am of the opinion that those pi-ople who grew their Potatos on land that was manured the previous season not only came out with less disease, but obtained produce of higher table quality. Though FlG. 47. — CATTLEYA MOSSI.T-:. AS GROWN IN THE COLLECTION OF NORMAN C. COOKSON, ESQ. remainder are sound. The ground slopes to the south, and is heavy, sticky loam. Our rainfall for 1903 was 4(3 16 ins. A. B. Wadds, Paddockhurst Gardens, Sussex. I was much interested in the note from Mr. F. C. Edwards which appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle for January 30, in which he stated that out of thirteen varieties grown, twelve old and one new, the solitary instance in which he had no disease was in the case of the modern variety, Evergood. This fact supports a contention that I have urged in various quarters that though we have not got a disease-proof Potato, and probably never shall have one, some varieties are much more liable to disease than others, and with a few exceptions those that suffer the worst are old Potatos that have had their constitutions weak- ened and worn down by the strain of years of cultivation ; while the varieties that repel the disease in seasons like that of 1903 are of modern introduction, and possessed of youthful vigour in constitution. The deduction is that our hope in the fight against disease does not rest in search of the phantom Potato that is disease- proof, nor yet in the Bordeaux-mixture, which was practically useless when pitted against the continuous rain of last vear, but rather in sinking sentiment by weeding out and discard- ing old and worn-out varieties and growing only those of modern introduction that are of it has been grown now for centuries in the country, we hardly know our Potato. We guess at this and that, and advance theories that are quickly upset, but the Potato remains a plant of numerous peculiarities, and is continually afford- ing opportunities for investigation and research. G. H. Hollingworth. NECTARINE CARDINAL. — My experienceof this variety is not quite that of your correspondent, J. Gibbon, p. 91. At the same time, I should hardly describe it as one of the best. It is useful where there is accommodation for several early Nectarines, and also if a few days in the time of ripening is a consideration, but I have not yet found it ten or twelve days earlier than Early Eivers. Growing in the same house as the last- named variety, it ripens with me about five days earlier. Our house is started on December 1. Even with this difference, it is worth growing when early fruits are required for a particular date. When it is immaterial whether such early fruits are Peaches or Nectarines, I should prefer it to Hale's Early Peach for private consumption; it is a better and surer cropper when forced. The fruits of Cardinal have not cracked with me. Cracking may be due to several causes, but the exact one could only be pointed out by someone on the spot. Cardinal, when ripening its fruit, requires a drier atmosphere than do some Necta- rines, and a freer circulation of air. In this 108 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Feebuaby 13, 1904. respect it resembles Pi ecoce de Croncels. I shcul I not plant Cardinal where only one Nectarine was required, but rather Early Rivers, this, in my opinioD, being far the finest and best of the early Nectarines. T. H. Slade, Poltimore Oardens, Exeter. Hating grown and fruited this Nec- tarine for several years, I consider Mr. Bun- yard did not speak too strongly in favour of the variety, neither did Mr. Eivers when he described this variety in his catalogue in the following words : " The fruit is of good medium size, very brilliant colour and exquisite flavour, flower large. Cardinal forms a most com- pact, sturdy tree, and bears very freely ten days before Early Eivers." I can corroborate this. The tree is planted-out at the warmer end of the house ; the hot-water-pipes pass directly over its roots. When iipe the fruits are perfect in colour I have never known a fruit to drop, and until last summer it has never produced a cracked or blemished fruit. The roots being so near the flow-pipe from the boiler, the man in charge was given instructions not to allow it to become too dry whilst the fruits were swelling ; so, to be on the safe side, as he thought, he gave the tree some water every day. The result was that the fruits began to crack in the same manner as Mr. Gibbon's fruits did, just as they were getting over the stoning period. Water was then withheld, and the cracking stopped. The wounds healed up, and when the fruits were ripe the scars were hardly noticeable, there being only two that were not fit for the table. The fruits were ripe in May. If Mr. Gibbons has a well-drained border, and will keep the roots of the tree on the dry side whilst the fruits are swelling, the fruits will not be likely to crack. The variety sets freely without being fertilised with foreign pollen. It is, however, important that the temperature of the house be kept up to 60°, with little ventilation during daylight; but. no fire-heat should be used at night unless there are 8° or 10° of frost. Peaches treated in this manner will set many more fruits than are re- quired. Geo. Summers, Sandbeck Park, Yorks. ACETYLENE GAS REFUSE. — In reply to the enquiry on p. 92 of the Gardeners' Chronicle for the 6th inst. : If the calcium carbide used is pure, the chemical formula is — CaC„ (calcium carbide) +H„0 = C„ ff„ (acetylene gas) + CaO (lime). Commercial calcium carbide is not usually abso- lutely pure, but I think that for all practical agricultural purposes the waste may be con- sidered as lime. Anyhow I use it as such. C. J. Andrew, Southvieiv, St. Martins, Guernsey. THE NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY.— In respect to our paragraph on p. 88 of last issue, Mr. E. Dean, Secretary, writes: — "The dates originally selected by the Committee and pub- lished were intended as suggestions to the Crystal Palace Company, who had of course to be con- sulted as to their appropriateness. Then some of the leading exhibitors made a representation that the November show should open on a Wednesday instead of Tuesday, in order to minimise Sunday labour. The opening day of the October show was changed from the 4th to the 5th, in order not to clash with the fruit show of the Eoyal Horticul- tural Society on the former date ; and finally, as the October and November shows had thus been arrangedtobeopened onaWednesday.it was finally resolved that the December show should, in the interest of uniformity, open on a Wednesday also. By doing so this year, and as I hope in the future, all danger of clashing with the fixtures of the Eoyal Horticultural Society will be avoided. It was only recently that I obtained ,the confirma- tion of the foregoing dates from the Crystal Palace Company (who have other important fixtures of exhibitions to arrange for), and I at once communicated them to the Gardening Press. I am obliged to you for giving them publicity." [We are not unnaturally, but still not justly, blamed when the dates given in our Almanac as correct are afterwards altered. Ed.] THE NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY'S NEW CATALOGUE. — I notice in your report on p. 94 of the annual meeting it is said that the recent catalogue issued by the National Chrys- anthemum Society is to be supplemented by care- fully prepared lists, which are to appear in the annual report. I am sure all who are interested in Chrysanthemums will welcome this announce- ment, as I look upon the catalogue as an absolute failure in giving desirable information, although the price charged for it is not a small one. Let us hope the next issue will be better/ E.[Molyneux. j ERICA LUSITANICA. — I can endorseMr. Bean's remarks on p. 84 of the Gardeners' Chronicle. It would be difficult to find a more charming effect than that of a large bed of this Heath, especially at this dull season. Our plants are about 4 feet high, and are in an exposed position. They were in flower on New Year's Day, and are now ap- proaching their full beauty. Heaths do well in this district, the soil, being of a sandy nature, seems to suit them admirably. J. Murray, Sopley, Christchurch. GRAPE8 WHITE GROS COLMAR AND LADY HASTINGS. — It is many years since I saw White Gros Colmar. I do not know one garden in which it is grown, neither have I ever heard a grower speak well of it. The variety is not men- tioned in Mr. Barron's book on Vines. As to the variety Lady Hastings, I have seen it every year in its home at Melton Constable since it was raised, and have had good opportunities of testing its value. It is undoubtedly a very finely- flavoured black Grape. It originated as a sport from that highly-flavoured Grape Muscat Ham- burgh. In appearance it is much like Madres- field Court in the shape and colour of its berries, as well as in the formation of bunch. The flavour of the parent is preserved in its progeny to a remarkable degree. The berries " set" quite evenly and easily, and the skin does not crack — a defect that Madresfield Court shows in some gardens, though it is generally admitted to be the fault of cultivation. The only fault I find in Lady Hastings is its somewhat tough skin. This defect, however, is not so noticeable in fully ripened specimens. As a Grape for use in Sep- tember and October, Lady Hastings is worthy of cultivation where Grapes of high quality are required. E. Molyneux. My advice to Mr. Leach is not to grow Grapes such as White Gros Colmar or Lady Hastings for late supply, but to try Lady Hutt, one of the best white Grapes in cultivation. The fruits keep in splendid condition nearly as long as those of Lady Downes, and the quality is at its best here about Christmas. It is a much better Grape for late use than Mrs. Pearson, and is a good companion for Lady Downes, as it can be grown in the same house. It has a grand constitution. I have Lady Hutt grafted on Alicante, and also on White Colmar, which im- proves the lateness of the Grape, but does not improve quality or flavour. I have also White Colmar grafted on Trebbiano, but consider it the most worthless Grape in my possession. A. Kirk, Norwood Gardens, Alloa, N.B. In reply to Mr. W. C. Leach's enquiry respecting the White Gros Colmar Grape (p. 90), I may say that I received a small bunch of this Grape from the raiser, the late Mr. Eoberts, the first year he fruited it in the vineries at Charleville Forest, Tullamore ; and so far as I can remember at this distant date, I was more favourably impressed with the flavour of the White Gros Colmar Grape than I was with its appearance, which was of a dull white colour. And I came to the conclusion that the Charleville seedling, being credited with good keeping qualities, might make a useful com- panion in the way of a large white-berried late Grape to its prototype, but nothing more. The White Gros Colmar is assuredly inferior to Mrs. Pearson in appearance, flavour, and keeping qualities, and it certainly falls far below the Muscat of Alexandria in every respect. Notwithstanding the great number of fruit- shows that I have attended in various parts of the country during the interval of time that has elapsed since I received the small bunch of the White Gros Colmar, 1 have never since seen it. Speaking from my own experience, which I venture to say is also the experience of the majority of private Grape-growers, Black Ham- burgh, Madresfield Court, Black Muscat, Muscat of Alexandria, Canon Hall Muscat, Mrs. Pear- son, and Mrs. Pince's Black Muscat, are the varieties of the Grape which are most highly appreciated by the owners of gardens in which, the fruit is cultivated for their own tables. The flavour of the Frontignan Grape, black and white, is very good, but the berries, like the bunches, are very small and poor in appearance. H. W. Ward. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. February 9.— So far as the constitution of the Com- mittees is concerned, and fn other respects, the Royal Horticultural Society commenced another year (1904-1905) on Tuesday last, when a meeting was held in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster. The Hall was nicely furnished with exhibits, but was not i [Uite so f ull as we have seen it on many similar occasions . The attendance throughout the day was likewise less than usual on " Annual Meeting " day, but the heavy and continuous downpour of rain on the morning o£ that day was doubtless the reason of this. The Orchid Committee recommended four Awards of Merit. The Floral Committee recommended three Awards of Merit, and the Fruit and Vegetable Committee would have had a holiday but for Mr. George Wood- ward's having brought again some wonderfully fine examples of the Fasse Crassane Pear. The annual meeting was held " behind the curtain " in the Drill Hall, and a report of the proceedings. is given below. Floral Committee. Present: W.Marshall (Chairman), and Messrs. H.B. May, George Nicholson, W. G. Baker, R. Dean, Jna. Green, E. Molyneux, G. Reuthe, John Jennings, C. R. Fielder, Charles Dixon, W. Bain, C. J. Salter, Chas. Jeffries, H. J. Cutbush, Jno. A. Nix, R. W. Wallace, R. C. Notcutt, Charles E. Shea, W. P. Thomson, R. Wil- son Ker, and R. Hooper Pearson. Messrs. J. Hill & Son, Barrowfield Nurseries, Lower Edmonton, London, exhibited a group of Ferns, in- cluding varieties of Davallia, Gleichenia, Gymno- gramma, &c, all of them very clean and of healthy appearance, although the growths on Ferns at this season have been made some months ago (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, made a fine display of Chinese Primulas, of which we have written on p. 97. The Duchess was particularly attractive and distinct . This variety, with reddish - pink ring around the greenish-yellow eye, was shown in a large batch, and the Double Duchess shows the characteristic trans- ferred to semi-double flowers. Other good varieties were Brilliant King.Terracotta.Giant Blue, &c. (Silver- gilt Flora Medal). Me«srs. Cannell it Sons again demonstrated thoir abilities as cultivators of the Primula by showing an entire table of well-grown plants of this genus. They were of a different type to their last meeting's exhihit, being of the stellata family and Chinese mixed. The introduction of the stellata blood has given them a less still panicle of bloom, and the spikes rise with greater freedom and height. The colours are pleasing, and. many of first class quality. Miss Doris was a beautiful clean-cut white, the flowers large and numerous ; Red Rover and Triumph were nice dark varieties, the. latter rather lighter than Rover; Fashion, Fairest of the Fair (very proliferous), f^ueen Alexandra, and Lady E. Dyke were good varieties noticed. Firefly is a good dark red, but appears to deteriorate as the blooms, become older. The group was given the Society's- Silver Flora Medal. The entrance end of the .Hall was quite gay with flowering shrubs, grouped by Messrs. Russell, of Richmond. Lilacs, including the white variety; Azaleas mollis and indica, Daphne, and Hamamelis.. were effectively grouped with tall Palms, Araucarias, &a. (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Soss' exhibit of Alpine, plants from Woking, though not large, was not lacking in quality. A pan of coloured Primroses deserves a. word of mention, they were of a rosy mauve colour with pretty eye. Irises were also good; Clematis cirrhosa was again displayed by them. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N., exhibited some forced shrubs, such as Prunus triloba, fl. pi., Lilacs, &c, faced by a lot of hardy Irises in flower, such as I. Tauri, I. histrio, I. reticulata Kre- . lagei, I. Heldreichii, &c, and other bulbs. Messrs. February 13, 1904.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 109 Cutbush also staged a tasteful i roup of cut Carnations, making a pretty effect, to which tliese plsnts soieadily lend themselves (Silver Banksian Medal1. A collection of fyolameos was staged >y Messrs HoiiB Low & Co., Bush Hill Park Nurseries, Enfield ; there were some Rood colours, some varieties fimbriated, others feathered. The Fox Hill Hardy Plant Nubseby Company (Mr- G. Keutl e) bad a small collection of alpines, Included in which were some nice Irises and Colchicums. Both Messrs Veitch and Messrs. Cannell again brought up Colcus thyrsoideus, the former grouping with Eupatorium vernale and Cheiranthus Kewensis, the latter with a while stellata primula "Lady Emily;" both v ere very pretty, Messrs. Veitch gaining the Silver Banksian Medal. Messrs. Godfrey's stands of Chrysanthemum Winter Queen were beautiful, the flowers, for the season, being perfect, large, and well cultivated. They were much admired. Roses, always pleasing, are specially so at this dull season. Mr. Geo. Mount had some very lovely speci- mens, and won the Silver Banksian Medal. Liberty, a very rich dark colour, was good ; as were also Mrs. W. J. Grant, Mrs. J. Laing, and Mme Gabrielle Luizet. Messrs. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens, Col- chester, contributed to the alpine section with three trays of plants, their Primula megase;ifolia being a nice acquisition. The group included Irises, Crocuses, Snow flakes, &o. From the Royal Horticultural Society's new gardens at Wisley came sprays of berried shrubs and hardy spring flowers as, Primroses, &c. The large crimson berries of Oxycoccus macrocarpus were most effective, but well-berried sprays of varieties of Pernettya mucro- Data were very pretty. Mr. H.T. Dixson, Woodside Nursery, Polegate, Sussex, showed a few large plants of a white flowered Cyclamen the flowers of which were large and of bold appearance. A variegated variety of Ivy named Queen Alexandra was shown by the Duke of Norfolk. Arundel Castle, Norfolk (gr., Mr. Burbury). The leaves are small in size, green, with broad white margin, and the variega- tion is constant throughout the year. A few plants of a semi-double white variety of Primula sinensis were shown from the same garden. Mr. W. Palmer, Andover Nurseries, staged Primula Queen Alexandra. These had tall spikes of faintly flushed flowers, semi double. The plants were well- grown and robust, and were awarded the Bronze Flora Medal. Messrs. Cheal & sons, Crawley, staged a group of alpines, the exhibit being relieved at the back with fancy shrubs and small plants of Pinus cembra. There were blue Primroses, Aconites, and Anemones, Anemone cterulea blanda being very pretty. The Misses Hopkins, of Knutsford, also presented a group of these little plants, among which we noticed some good Primroses ; one labelled "double mauve' was very nice. A more comprehensive group was that exhibited by Messrs. Barr & Sons. This display would delight any enthusiast of these flowers. The blossoms were abundant, the individuals clean-grown, well-formed, and the whole effectively staged. Hellebores of all colours, Irises, Snowflakes, Primulas, including P. ob- eonica, Crocuses, Saxifrages, were well represented ; also Narcissus minimus, a tiny member of the iamily, yet standing out boldly with its brilliant yellow. The whole was interspersed with a mossy groundwork relieved at the back with Yuccas and Bamboos (Sliver Flora Medal). Still more alpines were in evidence, this time in the collection sent by Messrs. Ware, of Feltham. This was another good exhibit of these plants. They had Primroses, Saxifrages, Cyclamens, Anemones, &c. Anemone blanda atro-curulea was of a splendid colour; and a pan of Cyclamen Coum was nice. Other plants noted were Veltheimia viridifolia, Primula ob- conica and P. obconka kermesina, Lachenalia Rector of Causton, and Adonis amurensis. Awards. Begonia Mrr. H. T. Dixson.— This flowering Begonia was obtained from crossiog B. Smithii alba with Goliath, a very strong-growing variety with pink- coloured flowers, sent out by M. Lemoine, of Nancy. The new variety is of more shrubby habit, being also shorter-jointed than Goliath, but the flowers are rich pink-colour, like those of Goliath. Thevarietyappears very free - flowering. Shown by Mr H. T. Dixson, Polegate (Award of Merit). ! Tulipa Kauffmarmiana aurea.—A very early-flowering species, with long pointed segments, red with yellow margins on the outside, and wholly yellow or orange- yellow coloured inside. Shown by Messrs. W. Cotbush & Sons, High gate (Award of Merit). Eupatorium vernale. — A capital winter- flowering plant with white flowers. A description was given on p. 71 of the Gardener*? Chronicle for January 30. From Messrs Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea (Award of Merit). Orchid Committee. Preient : Harry J. Veitch, [Esq., in the Chair, and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hod. See), de B. Crawshay, J. Douglas, E. Hill, J. G. Fowler, F. Wellesley, J. Colmar, F '_\V. Ashton, H. T. Pitt, W. A. Bilney, F. A. Rehder, W. Cobb. R. G. Thwailes, H. J. Chapman, A A. McBean, J. W Potter, W. Bolton, J. Charlesworlh. H. Ballantine, M. Gleeson, W. Boxall, H. A. Tracy, W. H. White, W. H. Young, F. Sander, and H. Little. There was a very fine show of Orchids, tic place of honour being taken by Messrs. Sander <£i Sons' St. Albans, who received the Society's Gold Medal for a very fine group extending the whole length of the Hall, and containing many fine hybrids. The most promineDt novelties were Esello - Cattleya x Lucasiana Hindeana (L. tenebrosa x C. lablata alba), a very line hybrid with white sepals and petals, and showy rose purple lip veined with dark crimson ; Cypripedium x Lamontianum (Calypso Oakwood va- riety x Rothscliildianum), a distinct flower with ovate, acuminate. purplish-chocolate upper sepal, freckled on the upper half with green and margined white; and greenish white extended petals and lip. whitish lined and tioged with purple; and C. x Brilliant (Buchani anum X Calypso), a model flower with dark rose upper sepal, with a broad dark band, and pure white upper half, the glossy petals and lip yellow tinged with purple. There were also ten fine forms of C.x Leeanum, four good varieties of C. x aureum, the handsome C. x Transvaal, C. x Chas. Rlchinan nigrum, C. x Sallieri aureum ; an interesting lot of fine Odontoglossums. including a rose purple blotched O. crispum Pacho variety; two distinct varieties of their tew strain of O. x loochrlstyenEe, the new O. x Harryaoo crispum brugense, very finely marked; O. x Wilekeanuni lllustie, O. nevadense, good O. x Wilckeanum, a number of good forms of Lallo-Cattleya x Bletchlej- ensis, an example of thetr new type of L. C. - Warn hamensis, in which the purple-tipped C. Triancc Back housiami was used, and which has similar purple tips on the petals: the curious natural hybrid. Cymbidium x Ballianum ; Miltonia x Bleuana, varieties of Zygo- Colaxx, Pbalsenopsis, Masdeva Ilia polysticta with many spikes, and numerous other showy Orchids. Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a very pretty group of rare Odontoglossums and Cypripediums, among which were noted Odontoglossum crispum Grace Ruby.a handsome purple spotted variety • O. c. xanthotes Oakwood variety, in which the orange coloured spots are confined to the labellum; O- c. Lowia3, O. c. Brilliant, a very showy white variety with large bright reddish-brown blotches ; a grand plant of typical O. crispum with seventeen flowers on one spike— an excellent example of cultural skill ; O. Pes- catorei Prince of OraDge, yellow finely marked with brown; O. AdriaLte aureum, O. A. Oakwood variety, O. Pescatorei albescens, Cattleya chocsensls alba magna, Lielia anceps Schroderiana, Cypripedium x Juno, C. x Wm. Lloyd superbum, C. x Calypso Oak. wood variety, &c. Messrs. Chablesworth & Co., Heaton, Bradford, secured a Silver Flora Medal for a bright aud effective group, in the centre of which were a number of the showy orange andred Lselio-Catlleya x Charlesworthii, one of the best and freest-flowering plants of the season. At one end was an interesting selection of "botanical'' Orchids, including the slender spiked reddish yellow Mystacidium Hariotianum, the shaggy- lipped Bulbophyllum Dayanum, the pretty Cn-logyne sparsa, and several others. Several varieties of the showy Cattleya x Enid, the pretty Lielio-Cattleya x Lilian, a very handsome variety of L.-C. x Gottoiana, a clear yellow form of L.-C x Andromeda with reddish lip, L.-C. x Myra, and other laHio-Cattleyas also ap- peared. Among the Cypripediums the best were C. villosum auriferum, fine in shape and substance, and with almost wholly Indian-yellow-coloured flowers ; C. x Cardosianum, C. x llitcninsire, C. x Sallieri, and various Odontoglossums, among which were a peculiar form of O. grande, named " Fascinator," in which the markings were purplish instead of b. own. G. F. Moore, Esq., Chardwar, Bourton-on-the-Water (gr., Mr. Page), was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of specially line Cypripediums, for the three best of which see Awards. Among the others noted was C. x Miss Amy Moore, a very showily-marked flower ; C. x Mons. de Curie, Swinburne's variety, with large dark blotches on the upper sepal ; C. x Beekc manni, C.x Sallieri aureum, C- Evenor. C.xEuryades, Chardwar variety ; and the handsome C x Mooreanum. Mr. J. Cypher, Cheltenham, received a Silver Bank sian Medal fora group of Dendrobiums. Cypripediums' &c , among which were noted a good form of Dendro- bium x Schneiderianum ; D. nobile glganteum, one of the best and roundest-flowered forms; D. x Dominia num; several good D. x Cybele ; a white Dendrobium of the D. x Ainsworthii class ; several hybrid Cypripe- diums; Phaio-Calanthe x nivalis, Lielio-Cattleya x Hippolyta, Ac, Messr9. Hugh Low & Co.. Bush Hill Park, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group compris- ing Phalrenopsis Stuartiana, P. Aphrodite, P. Schilleri- ana, a grand specimen of a fine variety of Cattleya Trianre, with sixteen flowers; Cypripedium x Thomp- son!, and the variety inversa; Epidendrum elegans. Cyperorchis elegans, Hiemaria discolor, Cattleya Triante alba, and good Dendrobium Wardianum and crassinode. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, showed a group of Cypripediums, oce., in which were C. x Miss Louisa Fowler, a very pretty and distinct hybrid of C. Cham- berlainianum and C. insigne Chantini ; C. x Euryades excellens, finely spotted; C. x aureum virginale, similar to the Certificated plant; several Zygo-Colax, Ac. Sir H. Schroder, Bart, (gr., Mr. H. Ballantine), tent Odontoglossum x elegans, Eastwood Park variety, and two Cypripedium x Lathamianum. Messrs. B. S. Williams A Son, Holloway, showed a group of a large number of varieties of Cypripediums, for which they were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal . Eighteen varieties of Cypripedium were repre- sented, C. x Pitcherianum, \\ llliams' variety, beiDg il'» best. Calanthe bella, Ly.aste Skinneri alba, and L. lasiog!ossa were also noted. M. C. Beranek, Rue de Babylone, Paris, sent two hybrid Cypripediums, said to be between Lawrence, anum and (.udeiroj .•■ leucochilum, and .Spicerianum andGodefroy:i leucochilum. J. Taylor. E:q , Margery Hall, Reigate, sent three fine spikes of Dendrobium speciosum. J. T. Bennett-PuE, Esq. (gr., Mr. Downes), again showed Ipsea speciosa, finely flowered. H. T. Pitt, Esq., Stamford Hill (gr., Mr. Thurgood) showed Cypripedium x PittHnum, a finely-spotted flower of the C. x Hera class. H. Little, Esq., Twickenham (gr , Mr. Howard), showed flowers of Lycaste costata. Mr. H. A. Tracy, Twfckenham, sent two hybrids of Cypripedium Charlesworthii and Cattleya Triana; Bessie, a good flower. De B. Crawshay, Esq , Sevenoaks (gr., Mr. Stables), showed Odontoglossum x Wilckeanum Argus, a large yellowish-white, heavily blotched flower. M. Chas. Vcylsteke, Loochri9ti, Ghent, sent two fine and distinct forms of Odontoglossum x Wilcke- anum, a very handsome O- x Vuylstekei, and a showy Lcelio-Cattleya of the Bletchleyensis class. Awards. Awabd of Merit. Cypripedium x (Edippe (parentage unrecorded), from Captain G.L. Holfohd, Westonbirt, Tetbury (gr., Mr. Alexander), and Messrs. Charlesworth.— A grand hybrid with the shape and substacce of C x aureum, and the rose tinted upper sepal of C. x Madame Jules Hye. Upper sepal clear dark-rose with a green blotch at the base. Petals and lip yellow marked with purple- brown. Cypripedium x aureum virginale (Sallieri Hyeanum x Spicerianum), from G. F. Moore, Esq., Chardwar, Bourton-on-the-Water (gr . Mr. Page)— Dorsal sepal large, white with gresn base ; petals and lip greenish, the petals tipped with white. Cypripedium x Thomptoni (villosum aureum X Calypso), from G. F. Mooke, Esq. (gr , Mr. Page).— A pretty flower, with the lower half of the dorial sepal rose-purple, the upper half white; petals and lip yellowish tinged and veined with purp e, and with a glossy surface. Cypripedium x II'. //. Pnije (niveum x Boxalli atra- tum), from G. F. Moore, Esq —This is a form of C. x Gracere. Flowers white tinged and striped with dark- purple, the upper sepal being the darkest, and giving strong indication of C. Boxalli. no THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February IS, 1904. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present : Geo. Buoyard, Esq., Chairman; and Messrs W. Balderson, Jos. Cheal, W. Bates, George Woodward, s!, Mortimer, Alex. Dean, W. Pope, H. J. Wright, W. Fyfe, Jas. Gibson, Ed. Beckett, H. Parr, Geo. Reynolds, F. Q. Lane, Jno. Lyne, J. Jaques, Owen Thomas. Jas. H. Veitch, George Wythes, A. Herrington (0 S.A .), and A. H. Pearson. Roger Leigh, Esq., Barham Court Estate, Maidstone (gr'.', Mr. Geo Woodward), exhibited excellent fruits of Passe Crassane Pear, and was awarded a Cultural Commendation. ANNUAL MEETING. The Annual General Meeting of the Fellows of this Society was held on Tuesday. February 9, at the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster. Sir Teevob Lawrence, Bt., the President of the Society, occupied the chair. There was a large attendance of the Fellows. • The Secretary, Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., read the notice convening the meeting, the minutes of Hie last annual meeting, and the names of 75 new members; all of whom were duly elected. Council Vacancies. The following gentlemen were elected to fill 1he vacancies on the Council— Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Mr: J. Gurney Fowler, and Mr. James Hudson, V'.M.B. . , . .. Vice-Presidents. . The following were elected Vice - Presidents : -The Right Hon. Joseph Chamberlain. M.P , The Right Hon. the Earl of Dueie, The Right Hon. Lord Rothschild, Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bt. OlTICEBS. The following Officers were elected:— Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, V.M.H., President; J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Treasurer; Rev. W. Wilks, MA, Secretary Alfred C. Harper, Esq., Auditor. Presidents Address. ••The President, in moving the adoption of the Report and Accounts, said : Ladies and Gentlemen,— -The Report is so full and so complete that there is, in my humble opiniou, very little for me to add to it. The ■present -is, as we all know, an epoch of very great interest to the Society, which Was founded, as has been .stated in the Keport, in the year ism, in the back premises of Messrs. Hatchard'a bookshop in Picca- .dilly ; and the fact that Messrs. Hatchard still carry on business at the same premises, and that this Society is, now flourishing in a way in which, perhaps, it has never flourished before, bears testimony to the dura- bility of English institutions. Now the present posi- tion of the Society is one which 1 think everybody in the British Empire who is interested either in it or in horticulture must view with great satisfaction. I know .of no period in which the Society had so large a surplus income. As shown in the Accounts, that surplus is £3 till. That is a larger surplus, at all events, than has been secured during recent times ; and when we look back to the position of the 8ociety, and remember the comparatively few years that have passed since we left South Ken- sington, it is impossible not to see that a large number of people who are devoted to horticultural interests have come together determined, I might almost say, to create the Society de novo. As an indication of the change that has taken place I may mention one figure alone which has been supplied to me from the office, and that is, that last month, January of this year, we received in donations and subscriptions if.,,;;.?— more than double the income (several hundreds more) than we received during the whole of 1900— only four years ago. That aloDe shows the growth of the Society ; and although for some reasons, perhaps, it may be re- gretted that the Society has grown so very rapidly, for other reasons we must all be exceedingly gl ad, because it shows that we have a vast number of Fellows — our countrywomen and countrymen — who are interested in the pursuit in which we are en- gaged; and there is not the smallest doubt that at no period in the history of horticulture have gar dening pursuits been so popular and so successfully prosecuted as at the present time, and I veDture once to repeat, the prosperity of the Society is due to no thing but one fact, and that is that the Society has made up its mind to stick to the prosecution of horticulture, and that only, and as IoDg as it pursues that course I believe its prosperity will never flag. There is one matter I must refer to which is in the report, and that is the question as to whether the mini- mum subscription to the Society, which is now one guinea, should or should not be raised. That is a matter which has been very carefully considered by the Council, and I should like to say that the Council thought it was a matter not for the Council in any way to decide, but for the Fellows to deal with as they think proper. Now if you will remember what has taken place, you will see that the position of the Society has altered very much from what it was when the guinea Fellowship was first started. In dealing with this matter it is likely some may say, "Why not leave well alone ? " I freely admit that that is a very strong argu- ment. But you must remember when the guinea subscrip- tion was started there was no Temple Show, no Holland House Show, no Crystal Palace Show, and practically no Journal [?] ; so that the increased advantages which are now given to the Bellows of the Society represent a considerable pecuniary figure. This is set out in the report, although it ought to have been put in this way : For every guinea subscribed a Fellow can get, not necessarily does get; because it is obvious that if a gentleman does not live within easy reach he will not be able to enjoy the advantages which he might otherwise have in regard to the Society. When last year I expressed some surprise that a certain very prominent member of the House of Commons should be a member of this Society, he said this was the only Society where he got anything for his money. All I can say is, he not only gets something for his money, but very good value. With regard to raising the sub- scription, I may repeat that is a matter upon which we may have very different opinions, and it is one upon which the Couucil does not take any stand. The question of expediency is another matter. You could not have had a very much worse day than to-day, yet the lhall has been so crowded that it has been difficult to see the plants, or to give the exhibits close inspection. It is thought by some that new Fellows should pay an entrance fee as well as the guinea subscription. I think an amendment is likely to be proposed to that effect, and that probably would meet the requirements of the case. The report enters fully into the state of the Society, its finances and position. In moving its adoption I shall be very pleased to answer to the best of my ability any question which may be put to me. Mr. Alexander Dean seconded. The Society had, he said, arrived at an important period of its history. Its progress had been very great, and their income had greatly increased ; but they must not forget the enormous responsibilities which they had taken upon themselves in regard to their new Hall and the garden at Wisley— a garden which they should all be proud of, and which should become a credit to the Society and to British horticulture. Let them rejoice that the Society had, developed so, and that its prospects were so brilliant ; but these were matters which must have the close attention of the Council. He could very well understand tire Council's desire to see an addition made to the annual income from fellowships which would help them to meet their responsibilities, and he understood that the Council proposed that the one guinea should be doubled. That was a very important matter for consideration, and it had occurred to him that the Council had in view the possible danger of a large number of persons joining the Society, not for the splendid return they got for their money, but because they might belong to a fashionable body with its great social functions. If that were the case there would be a great danger of the Koyal Horticultural Society's becoming a mere adjunct to society. He hoped such would not be the case, and that they would guard against the danger of their own Society's being flooded with people who were not horticulturists. He was told thatgardeners were excluded from the Council's pro- position—i.e., that gardeners would not be charged an additional fee; he hoped they would not be, but there would be considerable difficulty in determining who came under that designation. He thought they ought to say also "members of the horticultural trade." When they got these guineas from entrance fees, the money should be ear-marked to be spent on the WisleyGarden, or in liquidating the debt which must arise from the new Hall which was being erected. Mr. Elwes said the value of the Journal to each Fellow was put down as 30s. It seemed to him that they might very well follow the plan adopted by other Societies, viz , that of making those gentlemen who wanted to receive the Journal pay extra for it. It must be obvious to those who received the Journal, that it had greatly increased in bulk and in scientific interest. Fellows should not get it for nothing, and he felt confident that a very large number of Fellows who had joined the Society in recent years would not really take the trouble to subscribe extra for it. As to the question of the inadequacy of the subscriptions, seeing that £16 000 remained to be found to pay the estimated cost of the new Hall, would the Council consider the propriety of taking any part of the £17,500 balance which appeared to be their accumulated funds at that moment, so as to wipe off that deficit? He did not know what was anticipated from any addi- tion to the present subscription list; but it seemed to him that they should not start another debt of £16.000 when they had accumulated funds representing £17,500 lying idle or at any rate not required. He knew there were some members— he hoped he would not be considered one of them— who thought that in the Wisley garden they had a White Elephant. That was not his opinion, but they must look forward for a considerable expenditure, and it was because he did not wish the Council to become further burdened that he had ventured to ask his question. The President said he was informed by their Secre- tary, Mr. Wilks, that the correspondence showed that a not inconsiderable number of Fellows joined the Society for the purpose of obtaining the Journal, and he believed that was the case. He quite agreed with all that M r. Elwes had said about the Journal, but there might be some difficulty in getting the Fellows who did not wish to pay for it to forego taking it. Treasurer's Statement in Respect to Cost of Building the Hall. Mr. Gurney Fowler, the Treasurer, at the request of the President, made a statement as to the Hall capital. The total amounts received up to the present time from donations was £22 561, or with added interest, sale of old materials and odds and ends (£451), £23,012. Then the subscriptions promised and which would come in when they wrote for them were £2,113, making £25,000 in all. Of that sum they had spent altogether £12,121, leaving a balance of £10,888 in hand. So that they must add £2,113 promised donations, making £13,C01 to pay their liabilities as they exist at the present time. They had entered into a contract for building the Hall, £31 780 ; they had paid to the contractors £10 379, which left a balance of £21,4110 still to pay, and £13.001 to pay it with. That left an absolute deficiency of £11,399, and that was without allowing anything for furnishing. This amount would have to be met either by further dona- tions, by a mortgage, or by realising the investments of the Society. These amounted to £15 000. He would suggest (l) that so much of the investments as may be required should be lodged with the bank as security for a temporary loan until it could be seen whatdonations might ultimately be expected. Ou that point, although Mr. Elwes seemed to think the matter had hung fire, during the month of January they received over £1,500 which had not previously been promised. Therefore, he had great hopes that the Fellows would help to see the matter through. His second suggestion would be to obtain a mortgage after a time for so much of the deficit as was necessary from an insurance company, one of which had already offered favourable terms. His other suggestion was that at a favourable opportunity some of the investments of the Society be sold in order to pay off the mortgage or the loan as the case might be. With regard to the Hall it was a question of capital, and also a question of income, because, as they were all aware, when they were building a large hall of that description they would have certain increased expenses to meet annually. He had made a careful calculation from the facts before him, and he made out that the position would be something like this They had a surplus income of £3,611. They had had 250 new members this year in excess of last year, there- fore they might assume that the surplus income was an income on which they might fairly depend. Out of that surplus they had additional annual expenditure to meet in connection with the new Hall (and interest on the £16,000 loan) o! £2,389. Deducting from that rent of present offices and rent of Drill Hall £332, left £2,057. So that, without taking credit for any extra rentals which might be received from letting the Hall at times when it was not in use by the Society, their surplus income would be reduced by over £2,000. The President then expiessed the Councils acknowledgment of the excellent work done by every- one for the good of the Society. The Committees oi the Society were composed of men prominent in horti- culture, who gave their services without any charge. Then it was perfectly impossible to exaggerate Oi« obligations of the Society to their Secretary. Then was nobody more loyal or more indefatigable, often > great sacrifice to himself, as Mr. Wilk's health was I no means what they all desired it should be. He w»^ FebruABY 13, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Ill Slad to inform the meeting that the Council hoped to have in the future an assistant-secretary. That had been found absolutely necessary in order to carry out the work, which had grown to an enormous extent. Then he should not be doing justice to his own feelings if he did not say how admirably the staff worked, both in Victoria Street and at Chiswick, under Mr. Wright ; and only that day the Council had given the staff an honorarium. The Report and accounts were then adopted. The Question of Guinea Fellowships. Mr. J. Gurney Fowler then rose to move the reso- ution relating to the fees to be paid in future by Fellows joiniDg the Society, The full text of this reso- ution was given in the Report of the Council, and its sffect was to abolish for the future the guinea Fellow- ihip, except in the case of profeasioral gardeners and 'oreign members. Mr. Fowler said he understood that Mr. Veitch vould move an amendment which would add an mtrance fee of one guinea to the present guinea ubscription. If the meeting preferred the amend- nenthe would not press his resolution. Neither the esolution nor the amendment would affect the present fellowship, therefore they could all approach the natter with open minds. One of the Council's reasons or desiring to increase the income was, as had been tated, to meet the very large expenditure on the new lall. If the subscript ions remained as at present, and he members increased, more tickets would have to be ssuedfortheir shows, and of course if all lovers of hor- iculture were members of the Society, the shows, in- tead of provingaremunerativeinvestment.would prove ixactly the reverse, and show a heavy loss. Another eason was that the clerical work was so exceedingly leavy, and it was thought the time had arrived when ,ew Fellows enioying the privileges built up by the old 'ellows should pay rather more than those who had orne the burden and heat of the day. Mr. Harry j. Veitch moved the following amend- ment: "Provided that every Fellow, not being (1) a ond-fide working gardener, earning his own living by he pursuit, or (2) a Fellow permanently residing out- ide the British Isles, who in pursuance of the above- lentioned option, elects to pay an annual subscription f one guinea only, shall with his first subscription lso pay an entrance fee of one guinea." The question, e said, was not a Cabinet question, but one for the 'ellows. They were now all proud of their Society, nd it was only fair that auy new Fellows should pay an ddltional fee for the privilege of joining them. Surgeon-Major Ince seconded the amendment. He referred it to the resolution because he feared if they oubled the guinea subscription there would be a great iminution in the number of new Fellows. That would e a terrible blow at a time when the Society had taken n itself such responsibilities. What with the new [all and its maintenance, and the garden at Wisley, he oubted whether they had not got a double white lephant. Mr. Elwes asked whether the entrance fee would be reated as capital or income? He thought it ought to e treated as capital. Mr. Alex. Dean asked the Council to clearly define le term "gardener." The President, replying to Mr. Elwes, said the nestion of capital or income had not yet been jnsidered. The amendment was then put, and carried by prac- cally the whole meeting. On the motion of Sir John Llewelyn, Bart., a earty vote of thanks was accorded to the President, ad the meeting ended. tOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OP SOUTHAMPTON: Feisruary i.— The annual general meeting was held i the Mayor's Parlour on the above date, Mr. T. Miell, in., presiding. The forty-second anE ual report showed cash balance of over £90, as against £39 last year, avoured with good weather on the occasion of both le summer and autumn exhibitions, the attendance f the public was much better than has been the case ir several years. The Gold Medal was won by Geo. all, Melchet Court Gardens. The ChairmaD, in loving the adoption of the report, referred to several ems in it. He congratulated the members that the JCiety was once again out of debt, and asked for lpport to enable it to continue so. The Chairman ^pressed obligations to the Royal Counties Agricul- iral Society for having allowed this Society to hold an thibition on the show grounds, referring especially to ie efforts of Mr. Toogood in securing that concession Mr. Chandler seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Sir Samuel Montagu, Bart., was again elected to the Presidency of the Society, the Vice-Presi- dents being also re-elected Mr. H. J. Blakeway was voted Chairman, and Mr. T Miell, jun., Vice-Chairman, for the ensuiDg year. The re-election of Mr. Fuidge to the Secretaryship was carried with applause. DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLOWAY HORTICULTUEAL. February m — The annual meeting was held in the Town Hall, Dumfries, on the above date, Mr. R. Service (Chairman) presiding. The Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Robert G. Mann, submitted the finan- cial statement, which showed a total income of £.'i8t Is. 3d., and an expenditure of £3s3 8«. 2\d., leaving a balance due by Treasurer of I3i Ojd. Considering the character of the past season, and that the Chrysan- themum Show in November was a new venture, the report was thought very satisfactory. The Earl of Mansfield was appointed Hon. President of the Society, and Mr. W. J. H. Maxwell, of Munches, M.P., President. The following were appointed Acting Directors : Chairman, Mr. R. Service, of Messrs. Jas. Service & Sons, Maxwelltown, Dumfries; Vice-Chair- man, Mr. J. McGregor, of Messrs. Fotberingham & King, seedsmen, Dumfries; Mr. S. Arnott, Carsethorn ; Mr. J. Kennedy, nurseryman, Dumfries; Mr. J. Lear- mont, nurseryman, Dumfries ; Mr. J. Hendersoo, Elmbank Gardens, and Mr. K. McKenzle, Couheath Gardens. Mr. R. G. Mann, Courier and Herald Office, Dumfries, was re-appointed Secretary and Treasurer. It was remitted to the Directors to fix the date of the Autumn show, the understanding being that it would be held on August 36 and 27. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. February K.-The Executive Committee sat for three hours on the above date at Carr's Restaurant, Strand, there being a large attendance. Mr. Thomas Bevan in the Chair. Some correspondence followed the reading of the minutes, one of the chief items being a confirmation by the Crystal Palace Company of the dates of the three exhibitions recently published, the Secretary pointing out that the exhibitions would commence on Wednes- days, and not on Tuesdays as has hitherto been the case. The Secretary reported the changes made in the Executive Committee. An interim financial statement was submitted, showing that the sum of £7;* It 2d. bad been received since January 1, including £35 from the Crystal Palace Company. The expenditure amounted to £22 13s. 7d. With the balance in hand of £63 5s Id. at the end of the year, there was a balance at the bank of £117 18» 8d. The Secretary's salary for the current year was fixed at the previous amount. A very satisfactory agreement with the Crystal Palace Company was read, and the Secretary was instructed to sign the same on behalf of the Committee. In addition to the sum given in 1803 towards tl e Prize Fund, and also the same value In Medals, is added a special 1st prize of twelve guineas as a special Crystal Palace Company's 1st prize in the vase class. The Treasurer made the gratifying statement that a much larger sum had been received as unpaid sub- scriptions than was at first anticipated while a con- siderable proportion of the assets [liabilities :-] had been paid up. The election of six members of the Floral Committee was then proceeded with. The scrutineers declared that the choice had fallen on Messrs. Howe, Crane, Ingamells, Simmons (outgoing members), and J. W. Moorman, in the place of Mr. Pulling who resigned. The Classification, Schedule Revision, Finance, and Arbitration Subcommittees were also appointed. The Schedule Revision Sub-Committee made a report showiDg that the sum of £50 had been added to the November schedule of prizes, and that in addition to the special 1st prizes given by the Crystal Palace Com- pany, the Ichthemic Guano Co. (W. Colchester), Ips- wich, offered a Challenge Trophy, value 8 guineas, to be won three times before it becomes the property of the winner; and in addition, for this year, a money- prize of £7 as the 1st prize in the class for six vases of incurved Chrysanthemums, six blooms in each. Mr. William Seward, Hanwell, also offers £.">, in four prizes, for twelve blooms of Hanwell-raised incurved varie- ties, in not fewer than six varieties. The various addi- tions to the schedules were detailed, but considerable discussion took place over the 110 special prizes of 5s. each for the best blooms in the show, as the Schedule Revision Committee recommended the blooms be selected from the whole of the competitive classes, with liberty to stage individual blooms if duly entered. This was eventually agreed to. Somemodified entrance fees were submitted, which provoked a good deal of debate, but were eventually agreed to with some modi- fications. The judges at the various shows were ap- pointed, and also a special Committee to prepare a scheme for and carry out a market show, probably at the Essex Hall, about the middle of December. THE HORTICULTURAL, CLUB. ANNUAL MEETING. February fa o < a m w in < u 2 O P J fa believe, a hybrid between C. niveum and another species. The Garden at Entebbe. The botanic stations of many parts are, as regards efficiency, made or marred by the Ad- ministrators. Some of the more celebrated men have evinced keen enthusiasm in the matter, and have pursued a policy of facilitating and stimu- lating the work of those engaged in the botany or tropical agriculture of the possessions they administered. It is, therefore, in connection with some of the vegetative and other features of the latest of these stations, originated a few years ago by Sir Harry Johnston, that these notes deal. thin layer of soil overlying a very hard, volcanic conglomerate ; but it has been turned to advantage for various cultures. The soil in the forest belt is usually extremely rich, as the growth it supports testifies. The situation is roughly about four thousand feet above sea level, which, on first thoughts, would suggest a less tropical condition of affairs ; but the peculiar position on the shores of a great lake, the influence of moisture-laden winds, frequent thunderstorms, &c , have to be considered. The forest belt is absolutely tropical, as its trees, shrubs, and humbler plants demon- OBSERVATIONS ON THE VEGETA- TION IN AN EQUATORIAL AFRICAN I GARDEN. Gardens, public or private, are not common in ■ Africa just under the Line. Indeed, the equa- Itorial regions of that continent have until within I recent years been lands unknown and wild. 1 Nature, however, has been lavish of her favours ■ in many instances, and there is abundance of ■ situations for almost every type of garden, from jthe most essentially tropical to those almost lalpine in character. This will not seem iinprob- lable when one recalls the fact that in parts of I Eastern Central Africa there exists extensive, ■ cool, fertile plateaux, at elevations from 5,000 ft. » upwards, and rising from which, or perhaps lusituate on their confines, are such celebrated litnountain masses as Kilimanjaro, Kenia, Ruwen- ii zori, &c, having regions of perpetual snow above, ■and zones of tropical forest at their feet. These plateaux will, no doubt, in the near future contain thriving communities of settlers with large areas of cultivated land and many a pleasant garden. In the meantime it is to be observed, regarding the tropical African possessions as a whole, that the British Government has for some considerable time taken an active interest in the establishment •of public gardens, frequently called botanical ' stations. These have invariably proved of great value as a source of recreation for the Europeans in addition to being educational centres of good gardening for the native, and, as a result, of i considerable benefit to the Colony's development. It is properly insisted on in these stations that 1 the principal effort put forth by those in charge shall be in the direction of furthering and foster- : ing to the fullest extent the development of whatever indigenous economic vegetation the country contains, and to the introduction of use- \ ful exotic plants. But it will always be found that none of these stations fails to possess, in more or less prominence and effectiveness, a portion devoted to a pleasure garden. Fig. 49. — view ln the Entebbe botanic garden in equatorial Africa. The garden in question has been partially cut out of the jungle on the northern shores of Lake Victoria Nyanza, at the Government headquarters, Entebbe. Operations began in 1900. The site chosen takes in a portion of the finely forested land on the lake margin, which is from about half a mile to over a mile in width, and on the inland edge of which the land rises abruptly from less than one hundred to several hundred feet in height. It may be said to bear a fairly close resemblance to the well-known "Terrace Garden " at Richmond, Surrey. The higher portions, being often exposed grass- land, are consequently not so fertile as the forest land, and often consists of a strate. A fairly good view can be obtained from the higher land already referred to, look- ing through and over the forest to one of the numerous bays in the lake beyond. It may be remarked in passing that the forest consists of a great variety of types, and it can hardly be said that any individual type of tree pre- dominates. This forest became one of the pleasantest portions of the garden after the rank undergrowth was removed. The numerous walks made through it, rendered possible that great desideratum in a tropical garden, cool shade. And for the walk sur- faces the lake beach provided a quartzose, sandy 116 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Febeuaby 20, 1904. grave], exactly suited for the purpose. By cutting out a dense jungle, composed of an interesting tree (referred to later on) which fringed the water-line, the fresh breezes from the lake were admitted and wider views obtained. The labour entailed was considerable, but was compensated for by the improvements effected. A large area was opened up for the cultivation of plants, useful and orna- mental, while the features of the interesting native trees, shrubs, &c, were brought into prominence. On the higher and drier portions of the garden , and on the exposed slopes, one used, often with much effect, many of the familiar flowering plants of our British summer gardens, with shrubs, trees, and a variety of plants from S. Africa, India, and Australia — indeed anything that liked sunshine and a well - drained soil. Although everything had to be done ab initio, it was pos- sible to foresee that in a few years pleasing effects combined with an interesting collection of plants were quite possible in this equatorial garden. mate, as in the common Horse Chestnut, but not unequally as in the latter tree ; the ten to fifteen leaflets radiating from the leafstalk (down to which they are cleft) almost form a circle. They are a pleasant, shining, soft-toned light green above, and somewhat greyish beneath. A leaflet may be 12 inches or so in length, about 3 inches across at the broadest part, and the petiole 10 to 12 inches long. The effect produced by this very distinct tree is long remembered, especially if viewed from an eminence. The writer recalls a combination formed of masses of it and a Phcenix, which instinctively brought the term " magnifi- cent" to his lips. The genus Musanga was founded by K. Brown from Congo specimens. It is well figured in Br. Stahlmann's interesting work, Mit Emin Pascha, on plate xv., and also plate xxiv. Myrianthus arboreus is a very striking fruit tree. It is common in parts of Central and West Africa, and belongs to the Urticaceae. It is a small tree with very coarse palmate foliage, and is excel- lent for shade. The clusters of fruit are freely ■H *&& J? w*n2& U ^^9 fm'k 3 - 1 Fig. 50.- -GROUP OF KAPHIA PALMS IN AN EQUATORIAL AFRICAN GARDEN. We will proceed now to glance at some of the items that attracted one's attention. The forest was always so fall of interest, that much could be written about the trees which formed it, but on the present occasion it will suffice to glance at a few items which commanded attention. A Leguminous tree of great stateliness and beauty, which is often found in Central Africa, always excites one's admiration. It is a Piptadenia, and probably P. africana. Its lofty umbra- geous head is borne on a massive trunk, the base of which is frequently buttressed in a wonderful manner. A Canarium is remarkable for its peculiarly Oak-like appearance. The pro- portions of its fine bole, huge branches, wide- spreading habit, and the sense of strength sug- gested, at once recall our familiar northern Oaks. The " wild Nutmeg " (Pycnanthus) is a high tree with a very straight clean trunk ; usually the tops of older trees are broken off by wind, as the timber is extremely brittle. From the point of view of handsome foliage, an Urticaceous tree, Musanga Sinithii, easily takes front rank. It is lofty and much-branched when mature, with the branches tending to be more upright than pendulous. The leaves are pal- produced and vary in size, being as large as a man's fist or bigger. Like the Bread-fruit they are composed of a great number of consolidated fleshy calyxes, flattened, and each containing a large seed covered with a thin, fibrous rind, which, when the fruits are ripe, has a sub-acid flavour. The tree looks quite effective in fruit, as it is of a pretty golden-yellow colour, contrasting well with the dark-green leaves. The leaflets are always used by the natives for shading transplanted seedlings. The short petiole is first placed in the ground and the tip arched over the seedling and stuck in on the opposite side. Another genus found in West Africa is repre- sented as a small tree. This was Barteria, a member of the Passifloreae. It is fairly common m the Nyanza forest, and grows to a height of from 20 to 30 feet; the slightly drooping branches are clothed with dark-green, wavy, leathery leaves, almost sessile, about 18 inches long, and 3 or 4 inche3 wide. In the axils of these are produced at certain seasons the most charmino- ivory-white flowers about 3 inches across, which aie best described as resembling those of a Nymphcea. It is usual to see the branches wreathed with these beautiful flowers. From the point of view of grace, beauty, and interest, no trees can be compared to the Palms, and it is only fair to compare them with each other. Eaphia monbuttorum (fig. 50) is common around the Nyanza and forms not incon- siderable forests. It prefers to mass itself on the lake-side, where it receives abundance of sunshine and all the winds that blow. It creates in these positions effects to which only the brush of an artist can do adequate justice. Its proportions are quite imposing ; the great arching leaves range from twenty to thirty feet in length ; the constantly waving leaflets are a rich, deep green above, and1 silvery grey beneath ; while the young unopened leaf pierces the air like a giant spear, and when unfolding, displays the most elusive tints between pale green and yellow. The embracing leaf- sheaths and lower portions of the midribs are a rich tawny colour with splashes of tints almost orange. Quite a garden of interesting plants find a suitable home amongst the moist debris that gathers in the sheaths. A rambling Fern (Pteris longifolia) drapes some in the most charming fashion ; others are wreathed with a Lygodium, while Orchids (Listrostachys), seedling Fieus, Dissotis, Palisota, a handsome climbing Piper, and several grasses unite to form most interesting effects. M. {To be continued.) NOTES FROM ISLEWOETH FOR 1903. {Continued from p. 99.) New Plants of the Year Raised in this Garden. Hymenocallis Ernstii (filamentosa x Moritzi- ana). Crinum amantcum (giganteum x amabile). — Both these hybrids were described in the- Gardeners' Chronicle. November 28(ft, 1903. Hippcastrum hyb. (vittatum x sub-barbatum). — Not yet described. Hippeastrum hyb. (aulicum x vittatum). — Not yet described. Nerine pudica alba. — Snow-white. Gloxinia (hort.) Renan. — A dwarf plant with, large erect white flowers, wonderfully leopard- spotted in dark-blue. Plantago major variegata. — An interesting varie- gation of our common lawn Plantain, and of some beauty. If the markings prove permanent, in character, it will make a good edging plant, I found this wild in Hants on the flint gravels. Ipomceas (hort.). — Among a number of seed- lings, I raised some of an intense ultra-marine- blue, having flowers 3 inches span. Some of these were edged with azure-blue, and possessed great beauty. Unfortunately, little reliance can be placed upon seedlings coming true to their immediate parents, although every flower ferti- lises itself. This garden section is of recent growth, and there is at present no fixity of colour. Senecio (hort.) President Castro. — The garden Cineraria will not stand much sun without damage. This new type has stiff, thick foliage, and will stand the sun much better. The foliage is indeed very distinct, and the flowers are of a type intermediate between the stellata and Covent Garden types, the flowers as large as the latter, but carried well above the foliage, as in the former. It is also a productive seed- bearer. Some Good Plants of the Year. Nerine (hort.) " Lady Foster " is apparently a fine large garden form of N. pudica, and is practi- cally white, but not such an intense white as- N. pudica alba, or N. flexuosa alba. This latter plant 1 saw in flower at the Koyal Gardens, Kew. Febbuaby 20, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 117 Clivia miniata giganiea, shown at the Royal Horticultural Society, carries a huge truss of very widely - expanded flowers with broad segments. The whole inflorescence was very robust, and marked an advance on anything I have seen in this genus. Some seedling garden forms of C. miniata, shown by Mr. Wrigley at the Koyal Horticultural Society, were also very remarkable for vigour, and some were splendid in colour also. It really seems as though hybridisers had at length produced a strain incontestably in advance of the species and of older garden forms. Amaryllis Belladonna var. striata. — A form in which the flowers are striped with crimson almost to the base. Possibly this erraticism is inconstant. Gladiolus (hort.) " Baron Von Hulot." — A rather small flower, but very distinct and pleasing. The colour is more blue than purple, and the markings are in white. Pelargonium (hort.) Paul Campbell, single red, and P. (hort.) C. R. Fraser, single red-pink, struck me as new and good garden forms. Some Plants Flowering at Isleworth in 1903. Dyckia rariflora, a Brazilian plant of consider- able hardiness, which can be well grown with garden cacti at winter minimum temperatures of about 45°. Its flowers, though patent, are of such an intense orange and last so many weeks in beauty that it is well worth growing for the decoration of the conservatory in summer, yuite a small plant will throw up a stem a yard high. Narcissus (hort.) Beauty, an " incomparabilis " form of great merit for market purposes, as it is hardy enough. Its drooping habit, unfitting it for effect in borders or beds, is no disqualification as a cut flower, and enables it to stand the rain without losing colour. It is one of the few hybrid Narcissi that are not " washy " in color. Bamboos : Phyllostachys henonis. — Three plants flowered this year, but up to the present show no seed. I think this is the most useful and beauti- ful Bamboo for decorative work, and it thrives at Isleworth. Vrginea micrantha. — A stove Scilla from Equa- torial Africa, bearing a very tall, multi-flowered stem. The flowers are greenish-yellowish-white, small, and more interesting than beautiful. The bulb has woolly tunics, such as those of some Hiemanthi. A. Worsley, February, 1904. (To be continued.) FORESTRY. KOYAL SCOTTISH AEBORICULTUEAL SOCIETY. The part of the Transactions of the Society (vol. xvii., part ii.) recently issued is full of interesting and suggestive matter, not always flattering to our national conceit, but all the more useful on that very account. Dr. Schwap- pach points out our deficiencies, Dr. Schlich shows how they may be remedied, Col. Bailey tells us the provisions made for the teaching of forestry in the University of Edinburgh, Mr. Booth calls attention to the work of the Duke of Atholl (1774-1830), and concludes his article by asserting that the only remedy for the Larch disease is to follow exactly the methods of the great "plantin' Duke " — select the situations only on high moun- tainous regions, and not stick the Larch any more like a fencing-post, regardless of its nature, into low-lying lands, nor into muggy situations." The Douglas Fir naturally receives much atten- tion, and Dr. Somerville's account of the Tay- mount plantations is of great value. Of all the exotic Conifers, says Dr. Somerville, this appears to be by far the most important for British con • ditions. It grows best in Ireland and the west of Great Britain, where the air holds the maximum amount of humidity ; but it also thrives well wherever it is sheltered from strong prevailing winds, provided the soil is sufficiently deep. It shows a marked aversion to chalk. Of the two chief varieties — the green from Oregon and the glaucous from Colorado — the green appears to be by far the more important for British conditions. It grows much faster, and yet yields better timber than the other, while although a little more delicate, it is sufficiently hardy for all practical purposes. The measure- ments of the Dropmore specimen, raised from seed sent home by Douglas in 1827, are given as follows :— Year 1891, age 01, height 120 feet, girth 10 feet 10 inches ; year 1903, age 73, height 127 feet, girth 11 feet 0 inches. The general conclu- sion arrived at is that " in the Douglas Fir we have a tree of extraordinary value, and though their way as the habits of the insects. The pub- lication, which is a reprint from [the] Seventh. Eeport [of the] Forest, Fish, and Game Com- mission [of the] State of New York, may be obtained from Messrs. Williams & Norgate, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. EUCHAPJS GRANDIFLORA. The accompanying photograph (fig. 51) of Eucharis was taken on January 1. The plants are never allowed to " dry off," as is the practice with some cultivators. They always stand over a hot-water tank, so that they have abundance of atmospheric moisture, to which I believe our success is in a great measure due. We are never for long periods without Eucharis flowers. One of the plants in the photograph had twenty-two flower-spikes, and some of the leaves are about 2 feet G inches long and 8 inches across. J. S.„ The Gardens, Fan Place, Turner's Hill, Sussex. asm . , 1 ■l/kp' T^fcHy^Hr ■ iTf its ■ "& ^^s^^**" ^ 1 . r •V f -'■ r*** • ? Fig. 51. — eucharis grandiflora (amazonica) in fan tlace gardens, turner's HILL, SUSSEX. it is a little fastidious both as to soil and climate, there are doubtless large tracts where its cultivation will prove in the highest degree remunerative." Insects Affecting Foeest Trees. We desire to call the attention of arboricul- turists to a recently-issued publication under the above title. It is the work of Dr. E. P. Felt, the State entomologist of the University of the State of New York, and consists of descriptions of the various insects injurious to certain forest trees. Their forms and their modes of life are described, and numerous illustrations, both coloured and uncoloured, are given. As the insects are in some cases the same as those by which we are troubled, and in any case, as the injuries inflicted are very similar, this publica- tion amply deserves the attention of our foresters. Some odd methods of using the English lan- guage are noticeable, such as "considerable of the collecting was done," &c. ; but these evolu- tionary changes in language are as interesting in NURSERY NOTES. PRIMULAS AT FOREST HILL. The almost daily occurrence of rain, with its- consequent dull and dreary weather, is especially trying to those who have to combat its effects in indoor cultivation. Add to this the usual winter atmospheric conditions prevalent in the- immediate neighbourhood of London, in the shape of fogs, proximity to buildings, &c, and it will be admitted that the town grower is decidedly at a disadvantage compared with his more favoured country brethren. Forest Hill, in which is situated the establish- ment of Messrs. J. Carter & Co., is not exempt from these untoward conditions, yet on a recent visit to these nurseries we were shown a very fine display of Chinese Primulas. These plants lend themselves for decorative purposes either in the plant-houses or in the home, and are hence deservedly popular and largely grown. Messrs. Carter & Co. have not been lacking in their endeavour to maintain their reputation for IIS THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. : r^-rA — ! ' '■ ■ — '■ — ! ; — ! — ! — [FEBRUARY 20, 1904. their strain of these flowers, and evidences were apparent of their success in this direction. Several well-filled houses contained plants possess- ing desirable qualities, presenting a very bright appearance. Great care and judgment have been •displayed in order to obtain good results, which must have been very difficult of attainment in such a season as this. The hybridist needs bright, •dry weather for successful pollination, and if this has to be supplanted by artificial heat, he is •certain to be at a disadvantage. However, we -noticed plenty of signs of seed-vessels already .maturing, testifying to the efficacy of a large stock of camel's-hair brushes in a 48-pot. In such a varied collection it is difficult to dis- criminate, but we were struck with the qualities of that fine white variety " King Edward," whose .robust plants were carrying good trusses of •flowers of desirable form and substance. Princess ilay was also very pleasing, its large, well-shaped flowers being of a delicate pink blush colour. A ■white sport from this variety promised well. It is •also the parent of Hercules, another good type, barter's Crimson, although not at its best, was a rich colour, and very brilliant. Holborn . to ms. ; Ilroccoli Sprouts, per bag Is. 6d. to 38. ; Turnip Tods, per bag 28 to 28. tW. ; Asparagus Spanish, per bundle is.; Giant, 15s. to 208. Potatos. Home-grown, 008. to 1208, per ton ; foreign, 80s. to 110s. do.; Dunbars. 1208. to 1808. do Seed-tubers in variety. John Bath, 32 inches of rain fell, or j inch more than the average rainfall for January and February put together. This heavy fall is equivalent to 24 gallons of rain-water on each square yard of surface in this district. The percolation gauges, as may be imagined, have been very busy during this wet period, in fact, the whole of the; 21 gallons of rain-water has come through that on which there is no vegetation, and 32 gallons through the gauge on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an average during the week for only three- quarters of an hour a day, or for lj hour a day less than is usual in February. The winds were often very stroDg, and came mostly from some southerly or westerly point— at no time, however, did the mean velocity for any hour exceed twenty miles. The mean amount of humidity in the air at 3 o'clock in the after- noon exceeded the average for the month at that hour by about 6 per cent. E. 31., Berkhatmted, Feb. 16, 1904. ENQUIRY. — • — Culture of Sunflower for seeds and of Chervil on a large scale for market purposes ; information is required on these subjects. Can any reader oblige ?- X. 128 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 20, 1904. *#* Editor and Publisher. — Our Correspon- dents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to tlieir communications, and save us niucli 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. Austrian Briar Eoses : Dendrologist. The Austrian Briars, varieties of Bosea lutea, require very little pruning. Keep the branches thinned sufficiently for the air to circulate through the bushes, and do not stop the re- maining shoots much, because the flowers are produced from the middle or upper end of these shoots. You may clear the stem for a foot from the ground if you choose, but there is no necessity to clear it for a greater length, provided you thin the branches. Books : C. G. D. A pamphlet on the Gooseberry and Currant, by D. T. Fish, was published by L. Upcott Gill, Druiy Lane, London, W.C., in 1882, price Is., but we are unable to say if it is now obtainable. It contained a compre- hensive list of varieties, also their history, cultivation, and descriptions of diseases that attack them. — G. S. L. We know of no book dealing specially with the subjects you mention. Canadian Gardening Paper : Correspondent. The Canadian Horticulturist, published monthly by the Ontario Fruit Growers Association, Toronto, Ontario. Price 10 cents monthly, or 1 dollar per annum. This subscription also entitles the subscriber, if living in Canada, to membership of the Fruit Growers Association of Ontario, and all its privileges, including the receipt of a copy of its Annual Report. Chervil : S. A. M. Seeds of this can easily be procured from any seedsman. It is grown to flavour soups and for similar purposes, but we never heard of its being grown for medicinal use. All the Umbelliferse have more or less medicinal properties, and some, like Hemlock, are very poisonous. So far as we know Chervil is harmless and agreeable. Clematis Grafts : Novice. The grafts were properly made, but the scions were probably taken from plants stricken with the fatal Clematis disease ; at any rate, the grafts had all the superficial appearance of that disease. Coke for Heatino Glasshouses : Fuel. You ask what would be the quantity of gas-coke required to heat for ten days 4G0 feet of 4-inch hot-water piping, attached to a saddle boiler, 320 feet of this piping being in two separate houses, in which a minimum temperature of 60° and 64° respectively is aimed at ; and 140 feet of 4-inch piping, attached to the same boiler, in which hot-water is only turned on at night when it is likely to be cold — a circum- stance which would only necessitate the burning of a few extra shovelfuls of coke at night; also a fourth house, with a separate boiler and 1 50 f t. of 4-in. piping attached thereto, to maintain a night temperature of 50°. You do not supply dimensions of the saddle boilers, we will therefore assume that the one to heat 460 feet of 4-inch piping is a plain saddle, 42 inches long, 16 inches wide, and 16 inches deep, with a 2-inch waterway, and having an actual heating power of 560 feet of 4-inch piping ; and we conclude that the smaller boiler, to heat 150 feet of 4-inch piping, is 21 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, with a 2-inch waterway, and an actual heating power of 210 feet of 4-inch piping. With boilers of the above d'mensions, properly stoked — that is, the flues being , kept clean, and due regard paid to the matter of con- suming as little coke as possible, consistent with raising and maintaining the desired tem- perature in each house, and never putting a shovelful of coke on the fire when a like quan- tity of ashes would answer the same purpose, especially in the morning, when weather con- ditions are likely to raise the temperature to the desired degree — we conclude that about 1| chaldron of coke would suffice to maintain the above-mentioned temperatures for ten days of such weather as we have experienced during the first ten days of this month. We may add that very much will depend upon the type of boiler you use, and upon the man who is charged with the important duty of stoking. Covent Garden Salesman : Doubtful. The name you mention is that of a very respect- able and old-established salesman. We regret that we have not space to print a list of the salesmen. Consult our advertising columns. Crop fob Land : W. 0. J. You can hardly do better than make Potatos the first crop. Suit- able chemical manures would be, per acre, 1 cwt. of sulphate of ammonia, 1 c wt. muriate of potash, and 5 cwt. superphosphate. Croquet Ground : J. P. F. A croquet ground should not be less than 30 yards long by 20 yards wide. A full-sized ground is 40 yards long by 30 yards wide. Gardener and Foreman : Reader. In the absence of an agreement, the gardener would have to give a month's notice, and the foreman a week's notice. Insects among Boots of Currant-bushes : G. R. The grubs you send are weevils. They have nothing to do with the Currant-bud mite. You cannot do better than burn the old stock you are now grubbing up, and plant healthy young bushes — if possible, on another site in the garden. Scrape together the old soil con- taining these pests and burn it. Insects Infesting Boots : G. A. H. We can find no trace of insects among the roots of the Chlorophytutn plant, which appear to be in a very healthy condition. CoUect some of the insects and forward them to us in a smaU box. Names of Fruits : J. S. We do not recognise the variety of Apple, but from its appearance surmise that it was imported from Nova Scotia. The variety may not be one common in this country. Queer questions are addressed to us sometimes, but fortunately we are not often called upon to identify a variety of Apple, and to state at the same time in what country it was grown. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good os to consult the following number. — A. H. Ornithogalum lacteum. — W. E. W. We cannot name the variety of Chrysanthemum from the flower sent. — Germania. 1, Centradenia rosea ; 2, Coprosma Baueriana variegata ; 3, Alonsoa incisa ; 4, Peperomia Verschaffelti ; 5, Lomaria gibba; 6, Pilea muscosa. — V. M. 1, Oncidium olivaceum ; 2, O. sphacelatum ; 3, 0. flexuosum ; 4, O. Wentworthianum. — M. L. Cymbidium Tracyanum of good quality. — Robinson. Den- drobium nobile nobilius, very well coloured. — Z. Q. 1, Cypripedium x nitens ; 2, C. x Dib- din ; 3, C. Haynaldianum ; 4, Oncidium Caven- dishianum. — W. N. Chimonanthus fragrans. — Surtus. 1, Cyperus alternifolius ; 2, Myrtus communis, small - leaved variety ; 3, Buellia Portell* ; 4, Clivia miniata ; 5, Primula verti- cillata simensis ; 6, Pinus sylvestris. — R. C. Iris fimbriata ; Aspidium coriaceum, Zygope- talum Mackaii. — J. M. 1, Begonia hydrocotyli- folia; 2, Sempervivum tortuosum variegatum ; 3. Chlorophytum Sternbergianum ; 4, Asple- nium biforme ; 5, Polystichum angulare proliferum ; 6, Phillyroa angustifolia. — A Reader. 1, Dendrobium speciosum ; 2, pos- sibly Ornithogalum longi-bracteatum. Send in flower. — C. G. D. We cannot recognise the plant from the leaves sent. Send when in flower. — J. 11., Notts. 1 and 2, Coelogyne cris- tata ; 3, Dendrobium aureum (syn. D. hetero- carpum. Notice to Terminate Employment : A. T. M. You are entitled to a month's notice, but we think the notice might take effect from the day mentioned. Pelargoniums : H. W. This is an example of reversion, the dwarf plant having sported to its original stronger - growing form. Such reversions frequently occur, and unless the one you send possesses features of special merit, it would not be worth the trouble and expense of propagation and distribution. Plants for Disposal : W. J. M. The plant is Billbergia nutans. There would be scarcely any demand for the species, and the return wouldhardly pay the expenses of advertising, &c. "Shot hole Fungus." B. H. The best pre- ventive against this fungus (Cercospora cir- cumiscissa) is the ammoniacal solution of copper carbonate, it being unsafe to use the Bordeaux-mixture upon the Peach-leaves or young shoots. The foliage should be sprayed with the ammoniacal solution when the leaves are expanding, and it is necessary to repeat the operation several times at intervals. The method of preparing the solution is as follows : Mix 1 oz. of carbonate of copper and 5 ozs. of carbonate of ammonia together, and dissolve them in about a quart of hot water, and when thoroughly dissolved add 16 gallons of cold water. Eemember you are handling a powerful poison. Sunflower : Correspondent. Grown for the sake of its " seeds," which furnish oil, and are used for feeding purposes. Six pounds of seed are said to be required per acre, the average yield per acre being 50 bushels. The seed is sown in drills 18 inches apart, and the plants after- wards thinned out. It requires deep, rich soil, and if calcareous all the better. The small-seeded varieties are most esteemed for the quality of the oil. The land should be deeply ploughed in autumn and harrowed in spring. See R. C. Haldane, Sub-tropical Culti- vations (Blackwood & Sons). Tomato Stems : R. if Co. Some fungus is present in the root and lower portion of the stem, but in too immature a condition to identify with certainty. Water at intervals with a solution of nitrate of potash, and do not keep the atmosphere too humid. Tomatos : S. P. Your seedling Tomatos appear to be affected with the " Daniping-off " fungus (Pythium de Baryanum). The sample of soil sent is a good one, and should suit them. There must be a fault in the conditions under which you have been growing them. Do not keep the seedlings too damp at the roots or in too close an atmosphere, but afford them fresh air. Sow your seeds thinly. When the seed- lings become large enough to move from the seed-pan, pot them singly into well-drained pots of small size in a light porous compost, or prick them off into pans or small boxes. Place them near to the glass in an atmosphere heated to about 65° to 70°. Repot them again when they require more rooting space. Tubs for Containing Plants : G. 8. We should not be disposed to tar the wood on the inside of these. Properly seasoned Oak or Teak will last a very long time, but if thought necessary, such tubs might be creosoted. If the tubs be made with detachable sides, like those in use in the Temperate-house, Royal Gardens, Kew, it will be a convenience when the plants require to be moved into larger ones. Tulips : Case Bros. The bulbs are attacked by Botrytis, which are forming numerous sclerotia. Mix powdered sulphur into the soil, and water twice a week with a weak solution of Condy's Fluid. If the bulbs had been mixed with powdered sulphur before storing, the disease would not have appeared. Communications Received— W. C. W.— A. J. K.— A. D. H —A. C. F.— Kev. 6. E —Canon K.— E B.— A. D.-E. D. W, Brussels. -W. B. H.— W. W.-F. J.- V. N. G.— J. P. W. -R. W. & Co.— Old Subscriber. - C. W.— Agent-General for British Colombia— C. E. (next weeK)— E. \V R.-T. E L. (if you like to send ' sampleson approval, we will consider them)— S. W F. — C. G. S., Boston-L. O. (next week)-W. W , Kew (photographs)— J. P. L. (next week).— W. Honess— i-.W.-A. A. P.-W. N. B. Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle. _ --■■" I ■ MMMM -j The Fernery at Impney Hall, Droiiwich, the property of, John Corbett, Esq. From a photograph by Gummery & Blackham. February 27, 1904.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 129 THE No. 89G.— SATURDAY, February 27, 1904. CONTENTS. American Grapes Apples, some recent varieties of Azalea indlca, treat ment of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine Bird - lime, mode of making Books, notices of— English Roses, a French view of ... Fertilisation of Or- chids Flora of Haste n Asia ilarantace:e, notes on some species of Roses and their cul- tivation Year-book and Gar- den Oracle Cattleyas at Gunners- bury House Champaca-tree, the ... Chrysanthemums, single-flowering va- rieties of Citron-leaf, an abnor- mal Cole, William, the late Equatorial Africa, notes on gardening in Fertilisers and feed tog-stuffs, Commit- tee on Gardeners' Associa- tion, a proposed ... Isleworth, notes from, for 1903 Japanese vegetable products and the war 139 133 114 139 III 131 133 138 138 131 133 137 131 133 132 138 Kew notes Obituary— Muuday. Mrs. L.C.G. Laurent, Professor . Odontoglossum Pesca- torei, notes on Onions, the raiting of, under glass Orchids, notes on ... Potatos Priestley, Joseph, the centenary of Rubbish-beap of the garden Russia, horticultural instruction in Societies- Haling Horticultural Gardeners' Debating Societies Irish Gardeners' As- sociation and Bene- volent Society ... Lino pa j ... 139, Roval Caledonian Horticultural Royal Horticultural South Africa, advice I o Intending emigrant s Strawberry-beds, notes on Tomatos, manures for Tricyrtis hirta. culti- vii ion of, in America Week's work- Flower-garden, the Fruits under glass... Hardy fruit garden Kitchen garden, the Orchid-houses. the... Plants under glass... Wisley.thenewR.H 3. garden at in J ii MO 13-' 13n 132 139 138 I 13 143 ii.; 143 143 111 130 13'.' 135 135 13 i 185 131 131 138 111 131 132 130 131 II" ILLUSTRATIONS Allamanda, fruit of Apple Chelmsford Wonder Citron-leaf, a malformed Equatorial Africa, natural fernery in Odontoglossum Pescatorei, varieties of Platycerium angoleuse View in the Cattleya - house at Gunnersbnry Gardens (Supplementary Illustration) JAPANESE VEGETABLE PRODUCTS AND THE WAR. TV"OW that hostilities are actually pro- -A-~ ceeding between Russia and Japan, our thoughts naturally turn to the con- sideration as to how far our commercial relations with both countries will be affected. Our imports from .Russia are of such a nature that they could be largely compensated for by increased imports from our own colonies, without, perhaps, drawing from foreign countries at all. But com- mercial traffic does not stand in the same light with Japan ; there are certain products of that country that are scarcely, if at all, obtainable from other sources, and many will suggest themselves to our readers as items of special interest to the gardening craft, as Liliums, Irises, Fern-balls, pigmy Coni- fers, and suchlike, which, however, are of small commercial importance when com- pared with such vegetable products as camphor, menthol, peppermint-oil, vegetable wax, ginger, &c. Then, again, there are the numerous and very varied productions of Japanese art and mechanism that have been poured into this country in such large quantities of late years, and have, to use an expressive term, " taken on " with us, particularly the often beautiful though modern lacquer ware, which again is derived from the vegetable kingdom. A certain amount of unrest has prevailed in the English markets dealing with Ja- panese products for some weeks past, notably with camphor and menthol, for both of which the world practically depends upon Japan. With regard to the first, although camphor is obtained from several plants belonging to widely distinct natural orders, such as Barus, Sumatra, or Borneo, camphor from Dryobalanops aromatica of the natural order Dipterocarpe:e, Blumea, or Ngai camphor of China, from Blumea balsamifera, natural order Composite, and others, yet the source of commercial cam- phor is Cinnamomum camphora, a tall- growing tree of the order Lauracea-. native of China, Japan, and the Malay islands. In the interior of the island of Formosa, as well as in Japan and throughout Central China, the tree is very plentiful. In Japan the manufacture of camphor is a Govern- ment monopoly, and the stringent regula- tions and methods adopted by the Govern- ment when taking over the industry have, no doubt, been the cause of the short supplies in the markets at the present time, as the making of it being so unremunera- tivc to the people, small quantities only have been produced for some considerable time past. The natives of Formosa are also said to have given much trouble to the Government by their frequent attacks on the stills. The result of all this has been the holding back of supplies of crude camphor, so that European reliners for a long time have had little more than their old stocks to work upon; consequently prices have been advancing, and the quota- tions have already increased from about l's. (>:!. to 4a. per pound. To obtain the substance it is necessary to cut the trees down and then further to cut up the wood into chips, which are boiled in vessels con- taining water ; over these vessels are placed inverted earthenware pots, which are sometimes lined with straw. The steam arising from the water in the pots carries with it the camphor, which is deposited in crystals around the inside of the pots or on the straw, and is afterwards scraped off and placed in chests lined with lead or tinned iron. Formosa camphor is usually packed in this way, and is generally in a semi- liquid state from haviDg some water mixed with it for the purpose, it is said, of preventing evapo- ration. Japan camphor, which is dry, and of a much better quality, is placed in double tubs, also for the purpose of preventing evaporation. Upon arrival in Europe this crude camphor finds its way into the hands of the refiners. The European process of refining, it is said, was long kept a secret, and towards the end of the seven- teenth century the whole of the camphor brought to Europe was sent to Holland for sublimation. A similar monopoly also existed in Venice for some time. Camphor refining is still carried on in Holland, but it has spread into other countries and towns, as England, Hamburg, Pari?, New York, and Philadelphia. The following is a brief description of the process of sublimation, which however varies slightly in different refineries. The camphor, as imported, is broken up and mixed with from 3 to 5 per cent, of slaked lime, and 1 to 2 per cent, of iron filings. When sifted this mixture is passed through a funnel into a series of glass flasks, which are almost completely buried in a sand-bath. Instead of heating these by means of a fire, where flame might ignite the gas given off during the process of sublimation, dishes of fusible metal kept warm by a furnace below the room are used. In these flasks the camphor is kept at a high temperature for twenty-four hours. When thoroughly melted the sand is removed from the upper half of the flasks, and into the neck of each some paper is pushed. A lower temperature is thus produced, and the vapour from the camphor condenses on the inside of the exposed half of the flask, forming a solid cake of pure camphor and leaving all impurities at the bottom. Care ha3 to be taken not to admit the air too freely, as the camphor would be rendered opaque. The entire process occupies about forty-eight hours, and is com- pleted by removing the flasks from the sand and sprinkling them with cold water ; the glasses being thus broken, the refined camphor, in the form of a large bell-shaped cake, is removed. Each of these bells or cakes is about 3 inches thick and 10 to 12 inches across, and weighs from 9 to 12 lb. The whole process of refining is one that re- quires much attention and care, more particularly with regard to its very inflammable nature. E very precaution is taken in the refining-house against fire. Over the furnaces upon which the sand-bath is spread, and into which the flasks are plunged, are arranged iron trays full of sand, which by touching a lever could be made to dis- charge their contents over the heated camphor below, should any of the flasks catch fire. Besides this there are plenty of means of exit in case of need. It is said that the use of camphor as a disin- fectant has much decreased of late years — a fact that can be fully accounted for from the numerous other disinfectants that are constantly being introduced, and that are, moreover, cheaper ; but another market for camphor that i3 continually being extended is that for the many articles to which celluloid is now applied. It is estimated that ten times as much camphor is now used for this purpose than is consumed by the druggists The consumption of the article in the United States is said to amount to 200,000 lb. a month, a very large proportion of which is used in the celluloid and patent medicine trades ; further than this, it is said that as the Japanese Govern- ment look upon camphor as a valuable war asset, they are keeping back its export, more particularly as if the war is prolonged they will require all their supplies for the manufacture of smokeless gunpowder. As a proof of the money value to Japan the export of this article represents it may be said that for the ten months of last year ending in October, the quantity sent out of Japan amounted to 3,710,874 kin, of the value of 3,254,000 yen, a kin equalling 13 lb. avoir- dupois, and a yen equalling 2s. 0J0° to 65°, and by day 75°. When above this a little air should be given, and when the weather is favourable the house may be closed at 80°, rising to 90°. Peaches and Nectarines in Earliest House. — The weather has been so mild thut it has been seldom necessary to keep the house closed, and the condi- tions being so favourable considerable progress has been made. Dis-budding having been care- fully done in accordance with the growth of the trees, all shoots have been removed with the exception of the best break from the base of the fruit-bearing shoots, and a shoot from a point above the fruit, which is left to attract the sap. This shoot may be pinched afterwards when not required for extension, but all the growths required for fruiting next year should be al- lowed to grow to their full length. We never tie these shoots to the trellis until the fruits have "stoned." This we consider to have two advantages, including natural protection to the fruit during the stoning period, and that of allowing the sun and air to act properly upon the shoots that furnish the next crop, the trellis being 2 feet 6 inches from the glass. Trees that have set a heavy crop with fruits in clusters of twos and threes should have the least promising and badly placed fruits removed. Syringe the trees sufficiently early to allow the foliage to become dry before night, and damp the borders and paths on cold dull days, as recommended for Vines. Maintain a temperature at night of C0°, and allow a rise of 10' or 15° by day. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. Paonies. — The ground around herbaceous Pseonies may be forked lightly over now that the young growths can be seen. If the plants are crowded together they can be divided with the spade, without it being necessary to lift all the clumps. Those that are taken away should be planted in another place, in rich soil. Moutan Pseonies should be staked securely against the- wind. Being generally planted in a warm corner, they are now showing buds, and will require protection in the event of severe frost. The Wild Garden. — Where bulbs were planted in the grass, and the old soil thrown out to make- room for new, this should be broken down and made level before the foliage appears, mowing- will then be easier when the growth of the bulbs has died away. Top-dress old plants of Camellia and ChamsBrops (Palms) with peat and loam. Mice are very troublesome where Camellias are- planted out-of-doors ; they will strip a tree of its buds in one night for mischief. The break-back trap is a good remedy, or a little poison will be effective if it can be used. It is not too late to- plant Primroses. Varieties of the Willow have a good effect when planted by a stream. If Willows are planted already, and it is necessary to increase the stock, cut them down and dibble them in round the parent plant to keep the varieties together. Creepers and shrubs that have been protected during the winter may be uncovered, and loose ends nailed or otherwise fastened up. Clean up leaves after rough winds, and use the leaves as a. top-dressing for the plants. Golden Elders aie best cut down every spring. Their appeaiance will be less straggling, and they will colour better. Prunus Pissardi has a good effect when grouped with Acer negundo variegatum, and growths of each will require to be regulated. Almond-trees planted amongst shrubs and in heavy soils should have their tops regulated. They also need root- pruning in autumn. The trees are very showy in the spring, and in a warm summer will ripen a quantity of fruits in southern gardens. Dahlias.— The tubers may be placed in heat. If extra stock is required divide the tubers, but take care to have a portion of the centre stem on- each divided piece to ensure a break. Two good varieties for bedding are Rising Sun (scarlet) and Tellow Pet. The plants grow 12 to 15 inches high ; they are very bright when planted in beds by themselves, and require no staking. Spiraea Watereri. — This beautiful flowering- shrub may be cut over now it is starting into- growth. It requires a moist situation, and if planted in beds has a bold effect. Top-dress old plants with peat or leaf-mould. Subtropical Plants. — Seeds of some of the varieties sown last month will have germinated. Place them close up to the glass, and when the seedlings are large enough pot them off singly into thumb-pots, this method being more satis- factory than pricking them off into boxes. Hotbeds.— Where the sides have become trodden down place some fresh litter round the frame to keep the heat uniform. 136 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Fkbkuabt 27, 1904. APPOINTMENTS. MONDAY, TUESDAY, Mab. THURSDAY, MAE. SATURDAY, MAB. TUESDAY, MAB. MONDAY, WEDNE3DAY, MAB THURSDAY, MAB. SATURDAY, Mar TUESDAY, MAB. THURSDAY, MAB. FRIDAY, MAE. MONDAY, MAB. i Birmingham Gardeners' Mu- Feb. 29-J tual Improvement Society r meet. , ( Scottish Horticultural Associ- I ation meet. 3— Llnnean Society, meet. ( Socic e Franchise d'Horticul- 5-? ture de Londres, meet. ( German Gardeners' Club, meet. „? Royal Horticultural Sooiety's \ Committees meet. Birmingham Gardeners' Mu- tual Improvement Society, meet. United Horticultural Benevo- lent and Provident Society's Annual Meeting. 16 I Royal Botanic Society's Exhi- MAB. 14 bition at Regent's Park. i Linnean Society, meet. 1 7 •; Brighton Horticultural So- ( clety, meet. 19— German Gardeners' Club. .,,, ( Royal Horticultural Society's "1 Committees meet. „, I Torquay District Gardeners' \ Association, show. .,- i General Meeting of the Royal *"l Botanic Society. {Birmingham Gardeners' Mu- tual Improvement Society, meet. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY AND FRIDAY NEXT- Perennials, Azileas, Koses, Fruit Trees &c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. WEDNESDAY NEXT— Palms, Plants, Azaleas, Ro^es, Fruit Trees, Border Plants, and Perennials, at 67 ; Mln. 36'. Feb. 2s, Gardeners' Chronicle Office (10 A.M.) : Temp., 36° ; Bar., 30'3, snowing slightly. PEOVINCES.— Feb. 21 (6 P.M.): Max. 4s . S coast of Ireland; Mln. 37', S. of England. The desirability of organising isGsoctatQiorn.' the craft of gardeners has been recognised from time which we may well call immemorial. The organisa- tion of such an Association has heretofore always presented what appeared to be insuperable difficulties. For our own part, we do not believe they are insuperable, and if the question is treated in the judicious and temperate manner which was evidenced at the meeting on Tuesday, we believe that such an organi- sation will grow, adapt itself gradually to circumstances, and prove beneficial alike to •employer and employed. The evils to be met are the large numbers of unemployed gardeners, the inefficiency and carelessness of many who style themselves gardeners, the painful disparity between the amount of remuneration offered to an honest, ■competent gardener, the knowledge he mu-t possess and the forethought he must exercise. When the wages offered to other domestic servants, or to skilled workmen in other trades, are compared with the remu- neration offered to trained gardeners, the disproportion becomes obvious. A system of co-operation and registration might do much to better this condition of things. When a youDg man has given proofs of his capabilities and conduct, all obstacles to his progress should, as far as possible, lie removed, and every legitimate endeavour made to help him in his career. A man who has not succeeded in giving some guarantee of his ability and willingness must not be surprised if he finds he is left behind in the race and that his claims, if he has any, are not recognized. All these are mere truisms. What we want now is to convert them into active operations. A way of doing this without any objectionable element 6uch as would at once arouse antagonism, was pointed out at the adjourned meeting held at the Hotel Windsor on Tuesday last, to which we have referred, and concerning which we proceed to give some further details. Mr. Owen Thomas presided, and in opening the proceedings announced with regret that Mr. A. Dean, who had acted as Secretary, was unable to be present owing to illness. In his absence the minutes of the meeting held in January were read by Mr. Geo. Kelf. These minutes explained the circumstances of the previous meetings, expressed the belief that an Association was needed, but, owing to the fact that but few gardeners had shown any active interest in the matter or afforded suggestions or help, did not recommend any further proceedings to be taken. Mr. W. H. Divers (Belvoir Castle Gardens) then said that he had been in communication with a dozen or so head-gardeners in regard to the matter, and most of them had expressed general sympathy with the movement, if the details could be made practicable. Mr. Divers concluded by proposing a resolution to the effect that an association of private gardeners be formed, and enumerated reasons why such a step was desirable, saying that it was a disgrace to them that the condition of those employed in gardening was what it was. Mr. Jaques seconded the resolution. The Chairman remarked that it was thought by some that the Committee responsible for the Gardeners' Dinner held in 1903 had inaugurated the movement for a Gardeners' Association. This was not the case. The Committee had offered their services as a means of promoting the formation of a society in the event of there being a general wish for it. He then proceeded to argue that such an association was necessary. Gardeners were in an inferior position to-day than they were twenty years ago, owing to agricultural depression, There were more gardens now of medium size, but fewer large ones. Other trades had, as a result of combination, been put upon a very much better footing during the same period. The Chairman gave some details of the kind of association that should be formed, and spoke of the need there would be for an examination of candidates, but expressed the opinion that the examination should be partly oral, so that skilful men who might not be able to express their ideas in writing so well as others might not suffer thereby. The results of examina- tions had not always been satisfactory. His proposals included one that gardeners having five men under them should be eligible as members, but that gardeners in smaller estab- lishments and under gardeners should be ad- mitted for one year only, and elected afterwards or not as the Society thought desirable. All can- didates would have to be nominated by several members, and considerable care would have to be exercised to exclude a type of men that was not up to the proper standard. Examinations might be held once a year, and prizes and certificates offered for essays, &c, to encourage the members to attain to higher knowledge and greater efficiency. Such a Society would raise the status of gardening to a level approaching that of the learned professions. The steps that would be taken must be such as would have the sanction of employers. Dr. Masters eaid that examinations did not and could not prove that a young man was a practical gardener, as experience must be obtained afterwards. Examinations merely proved that the young men had a love for their profession, and that they were industrious and anxious to get on. But what was there to take the place of an examination ? What other test could there be ? He (Dr. Masters) was entirely in sympathy with the objects of the meeting, being convinced that gardeners generally were not receiving the remuneration and consideration to which their services, requiring as they did so much forethought and skill, entitled them. Mr. John Weathers regretted that the report of the Committee was of a negative character. He could not agree with Mr. Divers' resolution, believing that the Association should include all grades of the profession, and not merely private gardeners. It would not be successful if commenced on such a basis. Mr. Geo. Gordon expressed similar opinions. The scheme should include every section of gardeners, and . at the commencement their objects should be material rather than senti- mental. They might drop the question of ex- aminations for the time being and endeavour to relieve the lot of gardeners, particularly the lot of under gardeners and those who had not suc- ceeded in getting into good positions. The evils of the bothy system required to be remedied, and by a system of registration they should endeavour to convince employers that members of the Association would be worth liberal recompense. Mr. Gordon concluded by moving the follow- ing amendment: "That this meeting, having heard the report of the Committee, resolves to form a professional Gardeners' Association, and to elect a provisional committee to prepare a scheme to be submitted at a future meeting." This was seconded by Mr. W. Watson (Royal Gardens, Kew), who made an excellent speech in favour of banding together all professional gar- deners of every type, to work together for the good of all. We may summarise Mr. Watson's remarks as follows : — Why should he, he asked, be excluded from the Association ? Surely gardeners in public gardens, in com- mercial horticulture, in the horticultural trade, and in other grades were trained and skilled gardeners equally with the private gardener! Besides, how was Mr. Divers to distinguish between them? Gardeners were employed in private establishments at one time, in a public garden at another, and in a nursery or market garden at another. Were members to be put on and struck off the books as they were moving about in order to get wider experience and acquire greater skill ? If Mr. Divers would consent to the scheme being one having the whole field of gardening for a basis, instead of one with such arbitrary limits, they might proceed at once. Experience had taught him (Mr. Watson) that in order to make the proposal a success they must be prepared to work to secure tangible ad- vantages for those who will become members. A programme that contained little in it but " dinners and talk " would not attract gardeners. He was sure that Mr. Divers and Mr. Thomas would not recommend such a programme, yet until now that was the idea of the pro- posals those outside the Committee had formed. They must not expect to please everybody, but they should approach the work in the spirit of reformers. Mr. Watson explained the treatment of gardeners at Kew as democratic. ' If a man at Kew would work as well as the Curator he was esteemed equally with him. But gardening had become very largely a "dumping ground for duffers." This should not bo permitted to con- tinue. He would make a fence around the pro- fession, and provide a door through which every member would have to pa«s, or choose some other vocation. Qualification for membership would Febbuary 27, 1901.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 137 require that the candidate should be a profes- sional gardener who had been properly trained as such, in one sort of garden or another. By professional gardener he meant one who earns his living in any recognised branch of •horticulture, and one who has been through the usual course of training as improver or journey- man. At Kew, said Mr. Watson, five years' train- ing was insisted on as the minimum, and this works satisfactorily. It is desirable that there ohould be a clear understanding on this point. The term "gardener" belongs to the professional man by right, and they should resist any attempt to appropriate it by those who either play at gar- dening, or employ others to do it for them, whilst they take all the credit and even honours as if the work was their own. If a person pays an artist to paint a picture he would be an impostor if he exhibited it as his own, but there is a good deal of this kind of thing done under the cloak of amateur gardening. Although gardening is one of the oldest and also one of the most important industries of this country, its votaries are absolutely without organisation. Mr. Divers asks, " Why should gardening be one of the most disorganised and the worst paid of all professions ? " The answer is that no serious effort has ever been made to combine all gardeners in an association for the protection of their interests. We propose, con- tinued Mr. Watson, to make a serious effort now. It is said that there are 10,000 gardeners in this country, but there are probably a great many more if we include commercial gardening j and if we succeed in uniting them they will constitute a force which, under proper guidance, should be able to lift the whole body of gardeners to a position to command that respect which is denied to them now. The advantages of co-operation are evident enough in other branches of industry. There need be ao apprehension of any mischievous intentions. A body constituted as ours will be would not attempt the promotion of schemes of a doubtful character. The right to combine for mutual protection and assistance is now recognised and even encouraged, and we believe that the objects of this proposed Association will commend them- selves to all who have the welfare of horticulture at heart, and who would not deny to gardeners the same right of combination to promote the interests of their order as is enjoyed by the followers of other industries. The objects of the Gardeners' Association are : — 1. Registration of gardeners. 2. Regulation of wages. 3. Regulation of working hours. These are the most urgent points. When they have been satisfactorily dealt with, the Associa- tion might take up such questions as the propor- tion of apprentices or improvers to journeymen, especially in private gardens ; foreign or alien labour ; and provision for the aged and orphans. The gardeners' charities are not altogether a eredit to the members. Provision should be made for the aged and for the orphans, as other indus- trial bodies do, by having a Fund to be entirely subscribed by our own members, who should learn to rely upon themselves, and to support each other in case of need. The poverty of the gardener is a serious obstacle in any attempt at organisation. Low wages make it impossible for him to do much more than provide for his immediate needs. At Kew for years the authorities have refused to supply a gardener at less than 30s. a week with a house, &c, and although some applicants decline to pay this, even when a highly-trained man is asked for, the rule is beginning to have an influ- ence with employers. Mr. Watson said he had been told by one of our leading London nursery- men that 30s. as a minimum is too high, as he can get plenty of good men for 25s. Who is to blame for this state of things ? Employers will get labour as oheaply as they can. Few have any desire to pay more than the market price for any commodity ; but it is certain that many employers would willingly pay higher wages to competent gardeners if a higher price were set on their labour. In many cases the employer knows nothing of the circumstances ; the agent, head gardener, or manager controls such matters, and he, like a good servant, gets men as cheaply as he can. The nurseryman in this case, is only an agent. We are therefore forced to the admission that gardeners are themselves to blame if they are, a? Mr. Divers puts it, "the worst paid of all professions." We are told by economists, continued Mr. W ateon, that low wages do not always mean cheap labour. Certainly be would rather employ one good man at 30s. than two duff ers at 1 5s. each. He felt certain that it will be in the power of our organisation to improve the lot of the gardener in this respect without causing any ill-feeling among employers. The minimum wage for an improver gardener at Kew is 21s., with extra pay for Sunday work ; sub - foremen, who are practically permanent journeymen, get 27s. and extra for Sunday. In the County Council parks of London the minimum wage for a journeyman gardener is 27s. ; first- class foremen in the Royal London Parks are paid from £2 to £2 10s. per week. Compare these rates of pay with those in private gardens, in nurseries, and other establishments where gardeners are employed, and the difference will often be found to be from 25 to 50 per cent. Now if the ratepayers of London think 27s. little enough for a journeyman gardener, and the Government pays 21s. to improvers, either they are guilty of extravagance, or the men employed in other gardens for less are underpaid. Registration of gardeners, and a rough classifi- cation according to ability and experience, will no doubt be of great assistance in steadying and regulating the labour market, and clearing it of impostors and incompetent persons. Every mem- ber will consider himself a kind of guardian of the Association. The inefficiency of many gardeners is unfortunately too true. Low wages, bad training, or none at all, are no doubt largely to blame for this. It is also to be feared that gardening is looked upon as a kind of dumping ground for dull and unpromising youths, who would stand no chance in other industries. Whether a remedy for this state of things can be found remains to be seen. Lack of education, even of an elementary kind, is also too often a conspicuous failing. Then, again, some gardens are so badly managed that young men who have been trained in them are deplorably wanting even in rudimentary know- ledge and skill. It will be to the best interests of the Association to maintain as high a standard of skill as possible among its members. The third question, that of hours of labour, will not present much difficulty, and Mr. Watson is of opinion that when a recognised working day or week has been decided upon, it will be generally adopted. A gardener cannot hope for an eight- hours'-day any more than a doctor can, for, like the doctor, he has to deal with living and often very delicate subjects, which cannot be set aside like a book or a plank or a machine, to be taken up again at any time without detriment. It is important that gardeners employed in commercial horticulture should take part in this movement. Commercialism has affected horti- culture, as it has so many other arts in this country ; and there has been an enormous in- crease in the number of nurseries and market gardens in the last twenty-five years. Commercial gardening may be said now to lead the pro- fession, and the training to be obtained in some nurseries is of such a quality that it should be sought by young men who have the progressive spirit ; for this country offers opportunities to the gardener where the farmer has failed, and there are many capable young men "champing the bit " in private gardens who might be profitably employed, both for themselves and the com- munity, in some department of commercial horti- culture. The Gardeners' Association may be able to assist by endeavouring to obtain land on easy terms for horticultural industries. It may also do something towards removing other dis- abilities and obstacles, such as insecurity of tenure and the costly system of distribution. Mr. C. H. Curtis remarked that the terms of Mr. Divers' resolution would exclude he Chair- man (Mr. Thomas) and Mr. Jaques from membership, neither of whom is now a private gardener. The Association should have a much wider scope. .Mr. Gregory and another gentleman having spoken in favour of the broader scheme, Mr. Drost, a market nurseryman of Richmond, sup- ported the same plan from the point of view of the employer of labour. The Chairman subsequently put the amend- ment, which was carried with four dissentients including the Chairman. Mr. Watson then proposed that the following gentlemen be asked to constitute themselves a provisional Committee, with power to add to their number: Messrs. C. Jordan (Hyde Park), W. Watson, E. Beckett.W. H. Divers, E.Rochford, Peter Kay, George Gordon, R. Hooper Pearson, H. J. Cutbush, F. Sander, jun. (from F. Sander Si Son), A. Dean, J. Weathers, and C. H. Curtis. This Committee will prepare a scheme to be submitted before a public meeting of gardeners. Our Supplementary Illustration affords a viewof theCattleya-house at Gunnersbury Park, one of the gardens of Mr. Leopold de Rothschild (gr., Mr. G. Reynolds). The photograph was taken when the varieties of Cattleya labiata were in bloom, and it serves to convey a good idea of the excellent manner in which the plants are cultivated by Mr. Reynolds. The specimen at the end of the house had about two dozen flowers, and some which flowered later were nearly as fine. Orchids are grown at Gun- nersbury Park for their merit as showy and useful flowers, the selection being made with a view of having a good supply throughout the year. The Odontoglossum-houses now have a. number of plants of O. crispum in flower, the supply of which will be continued for some time. Of Vanda teres, a large number of plants is grown, and they and the summer-flowering Cattleyas are in fine condition. Tte Crttieyas have been grown in baskets or suspended pans to a great extent, and in the ordinary compost of peat and sphagnum - moss. The illustration proves that the result was satisfactory ; but Mr. Reynolds, thinking that a change might be beneficial, is now using a mixture containing decayed leaves, and pots are replacing the baskets. The plants will also be placed on ele- vated staging instead of being suspended as formerly. A keen eye will be kept on the new departure, however, and if not beneficial a return to the old practice will be made. DI8COUNT8 FOR GARDENERS.— According to a correspondence in American Gardening, it ap- pears that in America private gardeners have been " gradually educated " to expect a discount on their annual purchases of seeds. Of course the practice is strongly repudiated by our colleague, one of whose correspondents says such methods as " advertising certain discounts will not be countenanced by any conscientious gardener." We have already mentioned that last season a certain Dutch firm openly offered discounts of this nature, whilst others requested the name and address of the gardener. It is very difficult for a British trader who wishes to conduct his business in a legitimate manner if he has to meet competition of this character. 138 TIIE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Febbuary 27, 1904. Horticultural Instruction in Russia. — We take from the Moniteur d' Horticulture the following particulars of a mode of horticultural teaching which may become necessary here if the floods continue. An immense raft is constructed and placed in a stream. On the raft soil is placed, in which fruit-trees, &c, are planted. When all is ready the instructors go aboard, and the raft is allowed to proceed down the stream, stopping at the river-side villages to allow the professors to give their instruction to the peasants, who are summoned for the purpose by sound of bell. At the end of the journey the raft is broken up and the materials sold. Botanical Departments. — An appendix to the Kew Bulletin (entitled Appendix iv., 1903) has lately been issued. It contains a list of the members of the staffs of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and of the Botanical departments and establishments at home, in India and the Colonies in correspondence with Kew. Chrysanthemum Winter Cheer. — Mr. W. J. Godfrey has sent us blooms (February 10) of this new white Japanese variety, which show- how valuable it will be for decoration in late winter. Emigrants to South Africa. — In the interests of young gardeners in this country who are anxious to improve their position and prospects by emigration, we are asked to publish the following particulars of the conditions pre- vailing in South Africa. These particulars are supplied by an old Kewite, and we believe are trustworthy. The important matter for English gardeners to remember is the fact that £2 a week there is scarcely an equiva- lent tc'-'ii; at home. Our correspondent, who resides in Port Elizabeth, writes : " Lately I have known several cases of young gardeners coming out to this country under false impres- sions. Nurserymen and others have induced them to sign agreements for two or three years at wages 'of £2 per week, which is not enough to exist upon, much less to provide clothing, <&c, all of which | are ~ expensive here. Even natives make as much as 30s. to 35s. per week, thus leaving a surplus of 5s. to an expe- rienced white man who has worked perhaps ten or twelve years at the trade. I have seen several instances where gardeners have come out here, and when they have learned what things are like, have scraped together as much as would pay their passage home] again, and returned. I advise no gardeners to come to any situation under JE3 to £3 10s. per week. For myself, I have a very good situation in one of the muni- cipal parks, having been there for a number of years." Chinese Species of Clematis, etc.— MM. Finet and Gagnepain, taking up the work interrupted by the death of the lamented Fran- chet, have commenced the publication of a series of articles in the Bulletin of the Botanical Society of France (1903), p. 517, on the Flora of Eastern Asia. These articles will be complementary to those relating to China by Forbes and Hemsley in the Journal of the Linnean Society. In the Bulletin before us we find descriptions of seventy- three species of Clematis, accompanied by figures of C. hastata, C. repens, C. otophora, and C. pogo- nandra. As many of these species are likely to be introduced into cultivation, connoisseurs may be interested in knowing of this publication. Fifty species of Thalictrum are treated in a similar manner by the same authors in the same issue of the Bulletin. Marantace>£. — M. Gagnepain is occupied with the identification and description of the Marantaceas of the Paris herbarium and garden. In the Bulletin of the Botanical Society of France, 1903, p. 580, he describes as having flowered in the garden the following species : Costus micran- thus from Martinique, Clinogjnesimilis, Calathea nigricans, and Calathea gigas, a very fine species provisionally called a Heliconia till the appear- ance of the flowers enabled its true position to be determined. The plant attains a height of 7 to 8 feet, with stalked, lanceolate leaves, spikes about 4 inches long bearing a single leaf and numerous overlapping straw-coloured bracts ; sepals J inch long, purple with green and yellow spots ; corolla 1 inch long, white or yellowish, staminode violet- coloured. Linnean Society.— The next meeting of the Society will be held on Thursday, March 3, 1904, at 8 p.m. Papers : Mr. C. B. Clarke— List of the species of Carex known to occur in Malaya ; Dr. J. G. de Man— On some species of the genus Paloemon, Fabr., from Tahiti, Shanghai, New Guinea, and West Africa. Exhibition — Mr. L. A. Boodle : The formation of secondary wood in Psilotum (with lantern-slides). Fertilisers and Feeding-stuffs. — The Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the working of the Fertilisers and Feeding- stuffs Act, 1893, met on the 23rd inst. The following members were present, viz. — The Right Hon. Lord Burghclere (Chairman), Dr. T. E. Thorpe, C.B., F.R.S.; Mr. J. W. Clark, K.C. ; Mr. R. Burnard, Mr. A. M. Gordon, Mr. I. Pearson, and Mr. J. W. Spear, M.P. The fol- lowing witnesses were examined : — Mi-. T. Mansel Franklen, Clerk to the County Council of Gla- morganshire ; Mr. R. Gardner, Valley, Anglesey j Mr. G. F. Barron, Secretary of the Vale of Alford Analytical Association; and Mr. H. Rowe, Plympton, Devon. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) THE NEW GARDEN AT WISLEY. — The fitting up and keeping up of Wisley as a first-class horticultural institution, with everything com- plete for research in the various departments of horticulture, cannot be done for a trifle. It will cost a great deal of money, and the Royal Horti- cultural Society would do well to be very careful that this admirable gift should not become a sort of " white elephant " on their hands. Therefore it would seem a wise course, as a first step, to make an accurate plan of the whole place, and then frame a complete programme of what is needed in this country for turning horticulture into a living science and art. An estimate of the probable cost of each piece of the whole work and its maintenance should be made, and then the whole work should be gradually built up as funds become available. In this way some kind, patriotic, and wealthy philanthropist may now and then be perhaps induced to give money for fitting up and maintaining some part of this great future National Institution. The present garden at Wisley, I presume, cannot be touched, as that, I imagine, is one of the reasons for which this handsome gift has been made, viz., to maintain the present unique garden in its original condition. That in itself will require a considerable expenditure. It does not seem desirable that this feature of the place should be interfered with more than can be avoided. There are many problems connected with horticulture in this country which are await- ing solution. The following are a few in con- nection with glasshouse horticulture. Green- fly and other similar aphides can be efficiently dealt with by nicotine fumigation, but these preparations are expensive, and search should be made for some cheap and equally satisfactory fumigator. Then, investigations should be made into the habits and work of that ever-present and ever-busy creature, the ant. There is a suspicion that ants act as distributors, not only of aphides, but of scale and other pests. If this should turn out to be true, an agent would be needed to destroy the ants. There seems to be a symbiosis between ants and aphides, and perhaps also between ants and other pests, such as scale and American blight. An efficient destroyer of red-spider is badly wanted; it should be cheap and sure. AVhea once this pest gets into a house it is very difficult to get it out again. A nurseryman here told me he had to throw away 200 pots of Ferns owing to- this pest. Then there is that abomination called woolly aphis, or American blight. It is perhaps worse than the red-spider, and nicotine fumiga- tions do not seem to destroy it. When it gets admission into a house it is one of the greatest nuisances. I always find ants associated somehow with this pest. Some cheap and easy mode of destroying this pest would be a great advantage. A laboratory for all sorts of investigations- and experiments connected with horticulture ia these islands would, of course, be an essential part of the institution, and it would be advi- sable that some ranges of glasshouses should be set apart for experiments on plants. Fumi- gation would appear to be the easiest and most effi- cient mode of destroying insect pests ; and perhaps the use of cyanide of potassium and sulphuric acid for the evolution of hydrocyanic acid would appear to offer the best promise as a general destroyer of insect pests. As this, however, is a very dangerous chemical to deal with, some means of readily opening ventilators from the outside to- clear the atmosphere of the inside would be of the first importance; and also some easy means of pouring the sulphuric acid into the solution from- the outside, such as an enamelled metal tube or some similar contrivance. It would be advisable to have the experimental ranges divided into- separate compartments by means of glass, with a separate entrance to each compartment, so that a number of experiments may be conducted at the same time, without one experiment interfering with another. There is a number of thing3 that can be done better by private firms in their nurseries ; but there is perhaps a larger number of things that it would not pay private nursery- men, who work for profit, to handle. These especially are the problems to be served by the future great National Institution at Wisley. E. Bonavia, M.D. THE LATE WILLIAM COLE.— In respect to the- announcement in last week's issue of the Gar- deners' Chronicle of the death of Mr. Cole, the- following particulars may be interesting. Mr. Cole was born at Overton, Hants, on November 30>, 1831, and in early life commenced to work on a farm at Overton. Here he managed to save a little money, and paid it as a premium to (ntar the gardens at Laverstock, Hants. From thence, by the payment of another sum, he went to Strathfieldsaye, Hants, under Mr. Johnson, then gardener to the Duke of Wellington, where he remained for a time ; then to Cliveden, Maiden- head, under Mr. John Fleming, eventually return- ing to Strathfieldsaye as foreman under Mr. Johnson. On the death of the latter, the Duke wished to make Cole head gardener ; but as the Duchess gave the preference to a Scotchman, Mr. Bell received the appointment. But the Duke made Mr. Cole a handsome present as- a solatium for his disappointment in not obtaining the post of head gardener. On leaving Strath- fieldsaye Mr. Cole went to the nurseries of Messrs. Veitch & Sons at Chelsea, and was sent by the firm as gardener to J. S. Budgett, Esq., then occupying Ealing Park. Here he remained some eleven years, and made an excellent reputa- j tion as a cultivator of specimen plants and Grapea. He was one of the principal exhibitors at the- flower-shows held in Ealing and the neighbour- j hood. In 1875 he left Ealing Park, and estab- j lished himself in business at Feltham as a culti- vator of Strawberries and Grapes for market. B.D. DISEASE-RESISTING POTATOS.— " A. D." has misread my article on this subject on p. 74. My object in writing was to try to prove that his assertion that " we were no forwarder " was incorrect ; and I am of opinion that the corres- ; pondence in your paper since has proved that | fact, but I did not say, nor did I think for a moment : that Evergood or any other Potato was entirely | disease-resisting in all parts and grown under- all conditions. What I assert is that many of • February 27, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 139 the newer sorts are less liable to disease than the older ones, and if such is the case the article written by " A. D." was calculated to do a great injustice to those who have devoted years of study and hard work in trying to combat the dreaded disease, and who, in my opinion, have met with marked success. The Potato Society is to test the relative merits of various sorts now in commerce ; but if after these trials are made it is found that there are no sorts quite disease- resisting, our only way to attain the desired end would be to fall back on the raisers of new sorts, and encourage them to continue their labours with a view of securing some day a Potato that will resist disease ; but I am afraid such articles as that of " A. D." will not further this end. If during such a summer as last one or two varie- ties stand out prominently from others, as has been, I think, clearly proved by your correspon- dents, our great aim should be to encourage the raisers of those sorts to continue their efforts, and not say, *' We are tired of hearing of disease- resisting Potatos," simply because we have not yet attained perfection. I believe that in horti- culture, like commerce, there is no such thing as being stationary, either we must go forwards or backwards. Which have we done since Patterson's Victoria, Dalmahoy, and Milky White were the leading Potatos ? F. C. Edwards, Leeds. BEGONIA GLOIRE DE LORRAINE.— My expe- rience of the propagation of this plant differs from that of Mr. Branston's, described on p. 123, inasmuch as I have not found that plants grown from stem-cuttings, or joints with the leaf at- tached, *' make the largest plants." I have grown plants that were raised from stem-cuttings side by side with others raised from basal shoots. If anything, the advantage rested with the latter, and I now use those cuttings only. If, however, I wished to raise a large stock from one or two plants, I should make a cutting of every joint with a leaf attached. But under ordinary cir- cumstances the retention of the old flower-stems for propagation is unnecessary, and likely to harbour the mite, and therefore it is wise to take the first opportunity when the plants have become unserviceable to cut back, and consign the tops to the furnace. C. R. Fielder. AMERICAN GRAPES— In the Gardeners' Chronicle for February G there was an interesting article by Mr. W. Peters. Being desirous of promoting the cultivation of Grapes for flavour apart from mere size and appearance, I wish to point out that there are many Grapes vastly superior to the American varieties which can be brought to maturity in an unheated greenhouse as readily as they. Being an enthusiast in Grape culture, I obtained many years ago from the United States some of the best varieties of Vitis Labrusea raised there. They are very distinct from all the varieties of Vitis vinifera peculiar to the Old World. I have tried them in every way, with heat and without heat, in pots and in a good Vine-border with other Vines, and my expe- rience of them is so unfavourable that I consider them not worth growing except as curiosities. Oddly enough, the variety best known here— the Strawberry Grape— was not familiar to my corre- spondents in the United States, and, according to the late Mr. Barron's Vines and Vine Culture, it was found in France growing semi- wild prior to the appearance of the Phylloxera and the intro- duction of American stocks. I believe it has long been known in the North of Italy. A former Duke of Devonshire liked it, and I have met with people who could eat it when given to them, but the majority thought the "foxy" taste objectionable. I still continue to grow it, and also a red variety which I have called the "Kaspberry Grape," out its proper name is probably " Iona." These have a strong fruity aroma that can be noticed a long way off, but, the flavour, although resem- bling that of the Strawberry and Kaspberry, is, in the opinion of many good judges, spoilt 'by the taint of the fox. Instead of being juicy the berries are gelatinous, and their contents slip down the throat before the stones can be separated by the tongue. " Niagara " is attractive in size of berry and bunch, but its cloying sweetness is that of saccharin rather than that of Cane or Grape- sugar. Any glasshouse in which American Grapes will ripen without fire-heat will bring to maturity that best of all Grapes, the Black Hamburgh, and the truly delicious Frontignan and Ohasselas Grape3 of France. Unfortunately, in London people taste with their eyes, and the demand is for large and showy Grapes, the flavour of which is less than a secondary consideration. The one exception is that queen of Grapes, the Muscat of Alexandria, which has a fine flavour as well as an attractive appearance. For a reliable descrip- tion of Grapes I confidently refer the readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle to that monumental work of the late Mr. Barron, to which I have alluded. W. Roupell. MANURE FOR TOMAT08. — Few of your readers will be surprised to learn that Mr. Holmes's experiment of an application of 12 oz. of superphosphate per square yard to a Tomato border in a house was so little satisfactory. That represents a dressing at the rate of about 23 lb. per square rod area, a dressing at once very costly and exceedingly wasteful, as it is evident no crop could utilise such a free dressing. Had he but tested the 6 oz. per square yard of sulphate of potash, that being again at the rod area rate a very heavy quantity, apart from any super- phosphate, be would probably have secured quite as good a result as was that mentioned. Still, it would be very interesting to learn how much would have been the crop produced on any similar area, the plants depending solely on what natural manure was found in the turfy-loam of which the border was composed. The cost of a manure dressing of 18 oz. per squire yard must have been considerable. A. D. THE GARDEN RUBBISH-HEAP. — I read Mr. Simpson's article upon this subject with the atten- tion so important a matter deserves, and the con- clusion that I have arrived at is that his system is not to be recommended for general adoption. The wet seasons from which we have suffered have brought the question to the front, as it has been very difficult to keep the weeds down. No doubt some some annual weeds are beneficial to the soil when dug in, just as a green crop of tares would be, but Cabbage stumps, Potato and Pea haulm and other tough refuse are positively injurious to the land if for no other reason than that they in- fest it with slime fungus, Potato-disease, mildew, and insect pests such as club-maggot or fly, wire- worm, ic. I have known manure from pi^-sties to be highly injurious when used without havin<» been fermented beciuse it swarmed with false wire-worms, creatures that feed on partially de- composed vegetable matter in their early stages and afterwards attack Potato tubers, the root- stocks of Cabbages, &c. I have known them to pierce ripe Strawberries in all directions so as to completely spoil the fruit. Some weeds are in- jurious because they are the host plants of certain insects. The familiar garden weed "Fat Hen" nourishes the Black Aphis until the top3 of broad Beans are fit for their use, and numberless other instances of injurious host plants might be named. When we want to catch wire-worms we bury a piece of carrot. If refuse cannot be thoroughly fermented in a heap it should be burnt and the valuable ashes spread upon the ground. W. Roupell. ■ Mr. Simpson, at p. 81, would make a clean sweep of the gardeners' old friend, the rubbish-heap. I think that such a receptacle is necessary to a garden, and at the same time can be kept decent and tidy. Pea and Bean haulm, Brassica stumps, trimmings of herbaceous borders, hedge clippings and prunings, should be kept separate, and burned when opportunity offers. In suburban gardens space is usually so limited that a corner can scarcely be found for a " heap," and I have been compelled to pay for such refuse to be carted away, which I should have been glad to have retained, and when decayed to have dug into heavy ground. In such gardens it is impos°- sible to burn garden refuse to get rid of it as the smoke annoys one's neighbours. It is an old maxim " Smoke where no fly," and "Hoe where no weeds," but last season was so wet that hoeing was useless in getting rid of weeds, and keeping the garden clean. Digging - in weeds arid rubbish may answer in large country gardens, where such close cropping is not necessary, and the ground can remain fallow for a time to give such refuse time to deciy, so that the roots may assimilate the manurial properties of such. Turning a well- managed rubbish-heap can be done at times when it is not favourable for ground work, and can eventually be run on to vacant ground on frosty mornings. George Potts, Streatham, 8.W. I too, like your respective correspondents, Mr. Simpson and Mr. Stocks, was for a long period of my life also in charge of a rubbish-heap, which was an accumulation of all weeds, super- fluous vegetable matter, disused potting earth, prunings of trees, and everything else that had to be cleared away. All these were thrown on to one heap in the rubbish yard close by. Any material that would burn was set fire to, and that gave the heap a liberal mixture of wood or vege- table ash. When the heap became inconveniently large the whole mass was turned over, leaving out such portions that had not sufficiently rotted down, and which was added to the new heap again forming. When the turned-over heap had lain for some time to further decompose and sweeten, it was then carted into the garden and used as circumstances required. With the ex- ception perhaps of a Spinach-bed or an old quarter of Strawberry-plants being trenched-in, we never dug in vegetable matter in the crude state, preferring to have it all decomposed. Mr. Simpson's system, which appears to have been successful under his treatment, is the only instance I ever heard of. And we shall be in- terested to hear if Mr. Simpson's system of a weedy garden, which he appears to recommend, finds some converts amongst the students of the new schools of scientific gardening now forming throughout the country. True I may be con- sidered a gardener of the old school, but I am not at all prejudiced against any new system, provided it has some backbone of common3ense t' i recommend it. W. Miller. STRAWBERRY - BEDS.— The digging between the rows of plants is only done just deeply enough to cover the dres:ing of rotten manure, and does not destroy the surface-roots a? Mr. Stocks suggests. Most outdoar crops are benefited by having an inch of loose surface-soil, and the Strawberry is no exception to this. A loose surface not only helps ta conserve the moisture in the soil and prevent the ground cracking in dry weather, but it is a great aid to equal dis- tribution of water, whether from rain or by watering in times of drought. The forking over of the surface-soil in Strawberry plantations is very necessary on wet, clayey soils, especially after a wet season like that of 1903, a3 the water stood about on the ground in puddles where it had been trodden a little. It would be very injudicious to give the beds a dressing of rotten dung and immediately cover this with strawy- litter in January, as Mr. Markham advised. Three months later than this is ample time to apply strawy-litter to preserve the fruits from dirt, grit, &c. The Strawberry, fortunately, is a hardy plant, and it is quite as unnatural as it is unnecessary to stifle the plants with strawy- litter in January or February as advised. It also appears to me to be useless to trench the ground 2 ft. deep and to break up the subsoil deeply with the view of allowing the water to pass away freely if the water cannot reach there owing to the surface soil being hard, a3 it always does become through constant treading about the rows while gathering fruit, layering fresh stock, cutting off runners, and clearing off the strawy litter in autumn. Supposing a few roots (and there are but few) are damaged in lightly forking-in the rotten dung, I think the plants gain an advan- tage, as the dung is put in contact with the roots, and is thereby more available for the roots as growth commences. The application of manure to a hard and solid surface, as Mr. J. Stocks advises, and its removal in April, is erroneous practice, as half its value must be lost. I cannot think there are many gardeners in large private places where Strawberries are extensively grown who can afford time to wheel on to their Strawberry-beds rotten dung, and then rake it off again. Rotten dung should not be applied thickly enough to require any raking off. If Mr. J. Stocks ever does follow my method, he will find that planting Straw- berries twelve months old at 1 foot apart in 140 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Febetjaby 27, 190*. the row Will be of no use, as half the fruits will damp. Royal Sovereign, Monarch, &c, grow so strongly that the foliage almost meets at 2| feet apart each way in these gardens. A. Jefferies, Moor Hall Gardens, Essex. The calendarial directions that were given on p. 54 on1 the preparation of ground in readi- ness for transplanting properly hardened -off forced Strawberry plants for yielding crops of ripe fruit'durtng the months of August, Septem- ber, and early part of October, as well as during the following summer and two succeeding years, weie thoroughly practical, as also were the direc- tions regarding the treatment of established plantations after the crops have been gathered. They are the reliable teachings of a practical and successful cultivator. It should not require the exercise of much reasoning on the part of any intelligent reader in order to be convinced of the good results, in the way of heavy crops of fine fruit, that is sure to follow the practice of annually laying on a good dressing of manure between the plants as soon as the crop of fruits has been gathered and the surplus runners re- moved from the plants. In addition to the sub- stance of the manurial dressing being worked down to the roots in due time, it will also pre- serve the soil about tbem in a uniformly moist state during an important stage of the plants' growth, and tend to the ultimate enlargement and consolidation of the '* crowns," upon the size and mature condition of which, when the plants have completed their growth, the next year's crop mainly depends. There does not appear to be a great deal of difference in the method of pro- cedure practised by Mr. Markham and Mr. Jefferies (see p. 90), except that the former correctly manures his plants while still in active growth, and capable of utilising to the fullest extent and io the best advantage the nitrogenous food thus applied. However, viewed from a cul- tural and commercial point, the difference is an important one, and altogether in favour of the •writer of " The Hardy Fruit Garden " calendar. I think Mr. Jefferies has given rather too much prominence to the question of slugs, which he says would find "a safe refuge " in severe weather in Strawberry-beds manured as recommended by Mr. Markham at p. 54. Unmindful of this asser- tion, Mr. Jefferies says a few lines lower down in his note (p. 90), " as Eoon as there are frosts suffi- ciently severe to allow of manure being harrowed between the rows of Strawberry-plants, 1 have the mulching done," thereby affording the "safe refuge" for the slugs which he himself had just condemned. W. H. W. Othek Species. In House No. 1 there is a giant plant of Angiop- teris evecta var. hypoleuca, having nine large fronds, each about 12 feet long and 5 to 6 feet in width. Lindsaya guianensis and L. trapeziformis var. falcata are plants rarely seen in this country; they are very distinct, but very difficult to manage under cultivation. Acrostichum spicatum is remarkable for having the sori developed within a cylinder-shaped struc- ture at the apex of the frond, being so totally different from the typical Acrostichum, with its distinct barren and fertile fronds. Helminthostachys zeylanica is a wonderful Fern, belonging to the " flowering " section ; it has a fleshy stipe 1 foot high, from the top of which radiate about ten lanceolate segments ; the fertile portion is developed from the centre, and is about 6 inches long. KEW NOTES. Rake Ferns. — It is an unfortunate fact that collections of Ferns are not popular at the present time. There are few enthusiastic growers of Ferns, and only a few nurserymen in the country possess a good collection. The demand for Ferns, other than the two t'ozen or so that are grown for market, is very 1'mitei. Platyceriums. Perhaps the finest of the rare Ferns at Kew is Platycerium biforme ; it is a grand specimen, and also a very remarkable-looking plant. The erect barren fronds are 2J feet high and 2 feet broad ; the fertile fronds are branched, pendulous, ribbon- like, and measure 3i feet long. Several plants of the rather better known P. angolense (fig. 57) are planted out on a stage; the fertile fronds of this species are undivided, differing very little in shape from the barren ones. P. madagascari- ense is also in cultivation at Kew ; the plants have not yet reached their mature size, the fertile fronds being only 6 inches long. The plants are' probably the only specimens of this species in cultivation. . . ■ , . Marattiab. Good speeimens are to be seen of the rare Marattias, Burkei, laxa, and of Kaulfussii ; the stipes of the first-named species being covered with a multitude' of small protuberances. Ihis genus, like the genus Angiopteiis, is seldom seen outside botanical gardens. FlO. [7. — PLATYCERIDM ANOOLENSE. Asplenium scandens is seldom seen ; it has feathery fronds about 18 inches long, and is re- markable for its climbing habit; the specimen at Kew has grown up a Fern-stem some 3 feet high. Polypodium americanum is one of the most rare and beautiful of this large and varied genus. It is covered with a felt-like film, which can be rolled off, leaving a dark- green glossy frond ; it is rather leathery, 1 foot to 18 inches long, and 1J inch broad. P. serrulatum is the gem of the genus. The graceful little fronds are some 3 inches long, and not more than one-eighth of an inch broad, with a margin very like that of a fretsaw. It would be difficult to believe this species could be a member of the same family as P. conjugatum with its giant proportions if it were not for the evidence on the reverse of the frond. Scolopendrium nigripes is a tropical species with an almost orbicular frond about 2£ inches across ; it is a very distinct-looking plant from the typical Scolopendrium. Aspidium anomalum. — This is probably the greatest curiosity amongst the rare Ferns. The frond is about 18 inches long and somewhat coriaceous, having the unique character of bearing the sori on the upper surface, none whatever being developed on the under surface ; it is a botanical curiosity. One might continue 'to mention name after name of choice Ferns in the Kew collection; without exhausting the list. Indeed I have not referred to the Tree-Ferns or Filmy Ferns, of which there are plenty of rare kinds in the- collection; but perhaps the enumeration of the few species mentioned may serve to give lovers of Ferns a slight idea of what the Kew collec tion contains. W. H. SOWING ONIONS UNDER GLASS. I do not know to what extent the practice of raising Onions under glass early in the year, to be afterwards transplanted into the garden, obtains, but it is apparent that those who have- accorded it a fair trial are so enamoured by the- results as to have adopted it instead of the old method of sowing in the open. I was greatly struck last autumn, when inspecting a number of cottage gardens, every one of which contained its- bed of large Onions produced from seeds sown in- dung-heated frames in spring, by the remark of one of the occupiers, who declared he planted 400, that they supplied his own family, leaving a surplus for sale. Another kept three families going. Moreover, their experience in another respect coincided exactly with my own, for pre- vious to adopting this system the Onion crop, always a small one, was sometimes quite lost through maggot : but now maggot is never even, seen. I tried all kinds of treatment in the endeavour to secure spring-sown Onions free from maggot, but in every instance the result was failure, till, trying the large-growing varieties from, early-raised plants, the continued absence of maggot induced me to attempt the production of the whole crop in the same way, with the result that maggot is now, and has been for some yearSj. a hearsay difficulty only. At first I expected that the extra labour required would be a serious drawback, but if there is more required in the production of a crop, it is certainly only slight, and to compensate it is not labour misspent, as one often felt it to be when the little plants from seeds sown in drills went down in lines. There are, too, other advantages in the system. The crop off a given space is perhaps three times larger than by the old method, and so less ground is required to produce the same quantity. The Onions besides are very much better flavoured — almost as mild, indeed, as Spanish produce ; and I am not referring here to the large varieties selected for exhibition purposes, but to old and common kinds of the James' Keeping type, which- individually bulk sufficiently large to meet the requirements of the most exacting cook-maid. It must be explained that the culture of they plants in their earlier stages is considerably simpler than that usually accorded Onions raised in this way. The seeds may be sown as late as March 1, but those sown early in February pro- duce a bulkier crop. It is essential that the soil be open and very fertile. To save time and space, once the seeds are sown, the boxes are piled one above another in a vinery till germina- tion takes place, when they are Btood out singly, and shortly afterwards tranferred to a late and therefore a cool Peach-house, whence towards the end of March they are placed out-of-doors. Early in April the little plants are set out in the portion of the garden chosen for the crop. No better preparation of the ground than that afforded by a previous crop of Celery can be made, and therefore I mostly always succeed in letting Onions follow Celery. The line3 run 15 inches apart, and the plants 4 inches apart in the row. Once dibbled into the ground, the plants receive no further attention beyond that of repeatedly hoeing the soil and weeding it. On more than one occasion a sharp frost has nipped the little seedlings shortly after transplantation, but they have always bravely overcome these* Febrtjaky 27, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 141 early misfortunes. I do not know that there is anything novel in producing Onions in this way, because it is apparent from old gardening records that something akin to the practice obtained long ago — with this difference, that the old-time gar- dener sowed his crop very thickly in the open garden the previous summer, and preserved the wee bulbs over winter, which, planted in spring, produced very large bulbs. So beneficial is the above practice that, at least in the North, it bids fair to become universal. B. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. February 23.— On the occasion of the fortnightly meeting on Tuesday last, the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster, was filled with bright exhibits, and during the afternoon the pathways were so thronged with visitors that it was a matter of great difficulty to move about. Orchids were more than usually nu- merous, and the Orchid Committee awards included one First-class and one Botanical Certificate, and three Awards of Merit. Before the Floral Committee were exhibited beau- tiful groups of forced Azaleas and other flowering shrubs, and hardy flowers were more numerous than they have been. This Committee recommended three Awards of Merit. The Fbuit and Vegetable Committee had abso lutely nothing to do. Io the afternoon a paper by Mr. R. Lewis Castle on " Pomology as a Study " was read by the Secretary. Floral Committee. Present : W. Marshall. Esq. (Chairman) ; and Messrs. C. T. Druery, K. C. Notcutt, R. Dean, John Greeo, W. Howe, J. F. McLeod, R. Hooper Pearson, G. Reuthe, J. Jennings, C. R. Fielder, C. Dixon, C. J. Salter, J. A. Nix, Chas. Jeffries, J. W. Barr, C. E. Pearson, R. W. Wallace, W. Cuthbertson, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jen- kins, W. J. James, Chas. E. Shea, and H. }. Cutbush. The Rev. W. Wilks, M A., showed the members a fruit of Allamanda Williamsii, which was considered to be very rare in English plant-houses. A similar fruit was illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, May 19, 18W, p. 633. which we reproduce in fig. 58. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, N., staged a collection of early-flowering plants and decorative shrubs, prominent among the latter being Spirea Thunbergi. The group was backed with batches of Narcissus in variety, Golden Spur being very good. Iris sindjarensis and I. orchloides among others were included in the exhibit, while I. Bucharica, a tall species with white flower and yellow lip, was very noticeable, Hepatlcas, Anemones, Saxifragas, Scillas, coloured Primroses, and the Grape Hyacinths were included. The centre of this collection was occupied by Clematis indivisa lobata, which made a tine show with its numerous flowers. Messrs. Babe & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, had a group of similar plants, Petasites fra- grans, and sweet-smelling Hyacinths, evidently cater- ing for a different class of wirjged visitors to their neighbour, the ftctid Hellebore. Dwarf Veronicas, Ivies, and other similar rock-work plants were mingled with such tiny members as Naicissus minimus, N. cycla- mineus, Hepaticas, Scillas, &c. A showy basket of Hyacinth "Leonidas ' was suspended above the stage, some of the plants making an effort to grow from the bottom of the basket. Messrs. Wills & Seoab, South Kensington, staged a group of decorative Palms near the entrance. Some very good specimens were included in the collection, which was tastefully set up, nice plants of Kentia Can- terburyana, Stevensonia grandiflora, Areca sapida, Carludovica pilmata, Cocos Borneti, and C. plumosa, among others, being present (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, contributed to the collection of Alpineplants in several trays planted in miniature rock-garden style. Included were some good blue Primroses, dwarf ornamental shrubs, Coni- fers, and other plants suitable for the rockery. Primula denticulata and P. denticulata alba were well shown in this interesting group Messrs. H. Henderson & Son, High Road, Totten- ham, showed good specimens of Chrysanthemum Mdlle. Louise Charvet Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, of Swanley and Eynsford staged Primulas of their well-known strain even better than on the two previous occasions this season. The plants were excellent specimensof these useful decora- tive plants, some of the individual flowers being of extraordinary size and substance, with charming colours. Mrs. R. Cannell, a large well shaped flower, white, with a pleasing yellow centre, had massive trusses of bloom; Fashion, a delicate mauve-pink, shading to a lighter centre, with stellata blood, was handsome ; while Red Rover and Cardinal were good reds. Polar Star had loose panicles of white flowers. Another fine white was White Duchess. Among the true Cbinense type were two varieties with large flowers labelled White Pearl and White Queen respec- tively. Moonbeam was a pleasing acquisition, having large white blooms with a pronounced yellow eye, appeared conspicuous, while a small pan contained quite a number of these tiny Alpines in full flower, and lnc'uded Cyclamen Coum, Hepaticas, Anemones, Gentiana verna, a mere midget but most conspicuous on account of its lovely blue petals, the whole being crowned with a giant looking Anemone, A. falgens, although the latter itself was bat a few inches in height. A very creditable stand of well grown plants of Cy- clamen latifolium was set up by M t. J. May, of Gordon Nursery, Twickenham. Some of the individual plants were literally crowned with spikes oi bloom, and.thc whole stand was a l/aze of colour of all hues, the rich marbling on some oi the leaves giving an additional FlG. 58.— AN ALLAMANDA FRUIT-CAFSCLE. which did not detract from its beauty in the least. There were also included several trays of individual blooms arranged in rows, the whole exhibit being awarded the Silver Flora Medal. A rather showy Succulent, Echeveriagibbiflora. from Messrs. Cannell, had dense heads of flowers with reddish sepals, the colour running into the upper leaves and giving the plants a very attractive appearance. The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery set up a small collection of hardy early flowering plants which they make their especial province, showing good plants of Irises, Primroses, Saxifrages, giant Snowdrops, Cyclamen, with Ericas, Veronicas, Daphne, &c. Tellima rubrifolia, and Saxifraga Burseriana major attractiveness to the group- Among ether pleasing colours were several line crimsons, a variety " Excelsior " having a rich shade oi thU colour, was an advance on the ordinary reds, although perhaps not quite so proliferous (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Wallace & Co , Colchester, staged trays and pots containing a collection of Alpines, and included some very interesting species. Irises were inte- resting-!. Tauri, I. histrioides, I. Heldreichii, and a distinct yellow variety, I Danfordia, were all good Hepaticas, Scillaf Eranthis, Crocuses, and Colchi- cums were included, and some good plants of Primula megaseffifolia. Pans of Colchicums, Crocuses, Snow- drops, and Irises were all plentifully flowered. !4J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [FEBRUARY 27, 1904. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons., oE Chelsea, had a very pretty exhibit of flowering plants, interspersed with small pots of Maidenhair Ferns' artistically arranged. Good plants of Primulas of pleasing and popular colours were bearing fine trusses of blooms. Stellata Blue Improved, Stellata white, salmon, and red, dotted with fine flower-heads cut from Cbineusis varieties in flower-holders, and such varie- ties as Chelsea Rose, Salmon Ked, and the beautiful Duchess, made a pleasing impression. Coleus thyrs- oideus was again in evidence, giving proof of its lasting qualities as a winter-flowering plant, and formed a fitting background to a fine batch of Loropetalum chinense, a plant that deserves the attention of cul- tivators, Its stems being literally crowded with white blossoms (Silver Bankjian Medal). Mr. H. B. Mat ..Dyson Road Nurseries, Upper Edmon- ton , made a di splay of Ferns which were an obj ectlesson in good cultivation. They were all of good colour, well- grown, clean, and most comprehensive in variety Platyceriums in variety, Pteris Childsii, Nephrolepis Piersoni, Gymnogrammas in variety, G. schizophylla superba, and Divallla fijiensis robusta, all excellent specimens, deserve a word of mention. Davallia dissecta on its supports graced the background, while a batch of Adiantutn farleyense rivalled in colour the gold on the Silver-gilt Flora Medal card which was displayed above indicating the Medal awarded to the group. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, staged a batch of white and blue Italian Hyacinths. The habit and perfume were good, so that they should prove desirable varieties for cutting purposes. The Fox Hill Habdy Plant Nurseby had numerous pots with flowering specimens of hardy plants. Iris histrioides major (fine blue colour), I. reticu- lata aurea, I. Tauri, were good ; Sarracenia purpurea ; Crocus Sieberi was doing finely in a pot. A rare Shortia, S. uniflora, was presented, and a new Iris, I. Hausknechti. The entrance of the hall to the right was 'a blaze of colour, given by a group of Azaleas staged by Messrs. K. & G. Cothbert, the Nurseries, Southgate. The flowers had quite smothered what foliage the plants possessed, and needed the relief g'ven by such plants as Ferns, Palms, &o., backed with taller Palms. Standard Azaleas were worked in the group, and added to its attractiveness. Tie plants possessed fine colour ; many were quite striking, the variety Anthony Koster being especially worthy of note; as was a fine variety of the Ghent A?, ilea, named Altaclarensis. Many named varieties of the mollis x sinensis group were of exceptional merit. The whole was awarded the Silver gilt Flora Medal. More Alpines were present, this time staged by Messrs. Ware, of Feltbam, Middlesex. A great number of these little favourites were in flower. The collection formed a very fine contribution to the Alpine feature of the sbow. Many Primulas were presented P. ob" conica of many forms. P. kermesina, P. megasea?fo!ia, P. denticulata, and P. Cashmeriana alba were all in flower, the latter being very fine; Fritillaria crassi- folia, and the dwarfer F. citrina ; the curious Sco- liopus Bigelowi, and Cyitanthus intermedins were all shown in bloom. Hepaticas, Scillas, Anemones, Lsch- enalias, Cjclamen Coum.and tlietioy So denellaa'piLa. Messrs. J. Iaimi & Sons, Forest Hil), staged a number of Begonia plants dotted wiih Maidenhair Fernf. A great many plants of Begonia g ganti act r- minata, with daik and red fliweriig spikes, lud B. argentea guttata, a pretty foliage vanety, as a com panion. Some tiny Maideuhair Feins along the front gave a nice finish to the group. Messrs Wm. Cetuush of C-.esul evident; C. X aureum Olympus, Selenipedium X "Pink Pearl" of the S. lougifolium class, but with white-and-rose flowers; a set of varieties of .1 lelio-Cattleya x Bletch- leyeisls, the rich orange Lselio - Catlleya x Doris Sauder's variety, and other hi brids. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Chessington. Streatham (gr., Mr Black), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a line group, principally of remarkably line Dendro biums ; the D. nobile Murrhinianum and some others being very large and well bloomed specimens; and D. n. Thwaites variety, one of the largest and finest of coloured forms. Also noted were a large plant of a yellowish Dendrobium x Wiganise, some finely- coloured D. X Schneiderianum, D. Brymerianum, and other Dendrobes ; the new yellow Lrelia X Gwennie (Jongheana x Perrinii), Odontoglossum crispum, &c. Mr. J. Cyi-her, Cheltenham, secured a Silver Flora Medal for a pretty group, in tbe centre of which was an arrangement of the elegant white Dendrobium bar- batulum, very profusely flowered. On each side were a selection of the best varieties of Dendrobium nobile, D. x Ainswortliii, &c. ; Cypripedium villosutn gigan- teum, C. x Lathamianum, t e very handsome emerald- green-and-white C. x Miudise, C. X Goweri, a fine white Miltonia x Bleuana, the scarlet Masdevallia x Heathii, and the yellow M. x Hincksiana, good forms of Cattleya Trianae, &a. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, staged an effective group principally of hybrids, one of which, and a very interesting Cymbidium from Yunnan, se- cured an Award of Merit. Oilier specially good things in the group were the clear white Laelio - Cattleya x Orpheus (C. Trianoe x L. glauca), L.-C. x Myra, both the clear yellow and the nearly white variety named "alba;" L.-C. x highburyensis, L.-C. x callistcglossa, L.-C. X Pallas, L.-C. x Warnhamensis, Phalaenopsis X Hebe, Cypripedium x Miss Louisa Fowler, and other Cycripediums; several varieties of Dendrobium x Scylla (Cybele x japonicum), the brilliant scarlet form of Epidendrum x O'Brienianum, Masdevallia Imogen &c. (Silver Banksian Medal). J. Bradshaw, Esq , Southgate (gr., Mr. Whitelegge), staged a select group, in the centre of which was the showy Lielia x D gbyano-purpurata "Mikado," with good sepals and petals, and showy rose-purple lip ; and Cattleja Trianse " Mavourneen," a good large white flower with a tinge of pink on the lip. Willi them were some good Odontoglossums, including O. X Adrianre and O. crispum, with strong branched spikes. Leaf soil had caused wonderful vigour in -the plants, but the branching of the spikes has rendered the individual flowers of indifferent quality. 'Al'so noted- were Lycaste Skinneri alba and Enchantress, good 6. X excellens, and other Odontoglossums (Silver Bank- sian Medal) Messrs. Hdqh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, had an effective group, iu which busby, profusely-flowered specimens of Dendrobium crassinode were a feature. There were also some fioey-coloured Cattleya Trianm, the one named "grande" having a very large and finelv-formed bloom, and another, pure white; good Dendrobium primulinum, Cypripedium x nitens mag- niScum, C. x J. Howe3, C. x Calypso, Phalaenopsis Stuartiana, and other*, were also in the group (Silver Banksian Medal) M. Chas. VDYLSTEKE.Loochrlsti, Ghent, sentOdonto- glossum x Vuylstekei rtcens, and O. x V. coneinnum, two very flue dark forms ; a good O. X ardentissimum with purple markings on the segments; two forms of O. x loochristyense aad a finely-marked O. x bella- tuluni nitens. F. W. Moore, Esq , V.M.H., Royal Botanic Gardens. Glasnevin, Dublin, sent a magnificent spike of a very large and beautifully-maiked form of Cymbidium grandiflorum. John C. F. Ramsden, Esq , Guildford, sent a yellowish form of Cypripedium x Harrisianum. G. W. Law-Schoiteld, Esq , Rawtenshall (gr. Mr. Shlll), sent Cypripedium x aureum, Surprise, a beautiful yellowish-and-white flower. R. Briocis-Burt, Esq., Bank House, Accrington (gr. Mr. Wilkinson), again showed the beautiful Cypri- pedium x Minos, Young's variety, and the fine C. x Beckmanii (See Awards). J. Gueney Fowler, Esq., South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis), sent Cypripedium x J. Davis (? Dauthieri x Leeanum), a pretty light- coloured flower tinged and spottel with rose F. Wellesley, Esq., Westfleld, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins), sent Cypripedium villosum pulchellum, an attractive flower. "Me. Henkel, Darmstadt, sent a white Cattleya labiata. Awards. FlBST-CLASS CEBTIFICATE. Cypripedium X Beckmanii. frorn R. BRiGOS-Br/RY.E-u. Bank House, Accrington (gr. Mr. Wilkinson).— One ot the noblest of Cvpripediums. in which a fine form of C X Sallieri has doubtless taken part. Flowerof massive size, grecniili - jellow, the dorsal sepal heautifulf.) Febbuary 27, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 143 spotted with blackish purple. Petals and lip tinged purple. Awards of Merit. Oymbidium x Ballianum (eburneum x Masters] i), from Captain G. L. Holiord, Wes'onbirt, Tetbury (gr., Mr. Alexander). — A very fine hybrid with pure white flowers, equal in size to tho-e of C. eburneum, but with more pointed segments and more flovveis on a spike, as in C. Mastersii. that on Hie plant shown having four fine flowers ; crest of the lip yellow. Oymbidium Wtlsoni, from Messrs Jas. Veitch A Sons, Chelsea. -A remarkable species imported from Yunnan, Chlni, and closely allied to C. g'gmteum, compared with which the plant is much dwaifer, the scape more slender, and the labellum less hairy. Sepals and petals green, with some indistinct dotted reddish lines ex- tending halfway up. Lip cream coloured, with sepia- brown lines Inside the side lobe3, and reddish markings on the front. Sophro-Cattleya x Saxa (S. grandiflora x C. Trianre), from Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons —A floriferous dwarf hybrid with rose coloured flowers, darkest on the lip. Botanical Certificate. Dendrobium Williamsoni, from F. W. Moobe, Esq , Royal Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, DubliD.— A rare Himalayan species of the nigro-hirsute section, with white flowers having orange-coloured discs to the lip. Cultural Commendation. To Mr. G. A. King, gr. to Kennedy Jones, Esq , Knightons, East Flnchley, for well-cultivated Ciclogyne crlstata. THE ROYAL CALEDONIAN HOE- TIC DLTUBAL. The schedules of prizes to be offered at the spring and autumn shows of the Royal Caledonian Horticul- tural Society have reached us. The shows will be held, as usual, in the Waverley Market, Edinburgh, on May 25 and 26, and September 14 and 15 respectively. Entries for the shows are open to all, whether members of the Society or not. The prizes are valuable and numerous, the classes comprehensive, and again include a competitive plaD, open to under gardeners only, to be laid out suitably for a suburban residence garden, the 1st and 2nd prizes for which have been generously contributed by Sir John Gilmour, Bart. At the autumn show of the Society, always remark- able for exhibits of fruit, a special Trophy is offered for a collection of eight bunches of Grapes, containing not more than two bunches of any one variety. This has been tendered to the Society by Mr. W. H. Massie, of the firm of Messrs. Dicksons, Edinburgh, and is a Silver Challenge Trophy worth 50 guineas. It will become the properly of any exhibitor who wins it three times. To this the Society has added valuable mone- tary prizes and a gold badge. The experiment of holding Ihe Spring Show in the third week of May having been a success, the Council has decided to repeat it this year. The membership of the Society has increased, as we have announced several times. The Council consider that it is time another International Exhibition was held, and have begun preparations for a great International Exhibition to be held in Edinburgh in September. 1905 The Council hope to be in a position to offer about £1 ftoo in premiums. His Majesty the King has graciously accorded his patronage to this Exhibition, and has given a Silver Cup to be awarded. There has been a balance to the good on the year's working, which is largely due to the great increase in members during the last two years. LINNEAN. February 18. -Prof. S. H. Vines, F.R.S., President, in the Chair. Mr. R. H. Biffen read his paper on "Mendel's Laws and their application to Wheat Hydrids," illustrating his remarks with lantern-slides. An investigation of the various characters of the different races and varieties of Wheat showed that the followingctaractersweredominant :-Beardless palece, keeled glumes, lax ears, velvet chaff grey coloration', red coloration in the chaff and red coloration in the' grain; the correspondirg recessive characters being teirded palea?, rounded glumes, dense ears, glabrous chaff, white coloration in the chafi" and grain. In the second generation the plants showed the usual splitting into three showing the dominant eharae'er to one showing the recessive, with the exception of the rough chaff of Rivet Wheat, which in several cases was followed by impure splitting. In 'his generation a considerable variation occurred, particularly among the colour-characters, grey, for example, becoming almost black in some cases and very pale in others. Nevertheless, the spllttlrg into grey and white and grey and red chaff appears to be pure. An example of a hsbrld intermediate in character between its parents was affjnded by Polish Wnea*. ■ Rivet. The progeny bore glumes and grain inter mediate in size to that of the parents. Evidence was also brought forward to show that certain anatomical characters, such as the presence of groups of bristles, the arrangement of sclerenchyma girderr, the presence or absence of pith in the inter- nodes, also followed Mendel's Laws. The same also appears to be true of certiin "constitutional'' char- acters, such as the time of ripening and the immunity to attacks of rust. Prof W. F. R WELnoN spoke at length on his views of the Mendelian hypothesis, relerrirg in illustration to observations on hybrid albino mice and albino human beings. Mr. W. Bateson, F.R.S , exhibited a series of speci- mens of Primula sinensis, about 210 in number, lent by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, illustrating the phenomena of heredity and variation, which he had been permitted to witness in their nurseries during five seasons. As was well known, Ihe species, since its introduction about 18.0, had given off numerous mutational forms, e.g., Fern-leaved, Ivy-leaved, the "stellata" type, and others. Many of these in their inheritance follow sim- ple Mendelian rules. Palm-leaf is dominant over Fern- leaf and over Ivy-leaf, reddish stem over green stem and over deep red stem, single flowers over double, and each recessive form breeds true from self fertilisation, from whatever pedigree it be derived. Imperfect segregation of Fern-leaf from Palm-leaf occurs as a rarity. The original introduced plant was thrum-eyed, but the pin-eyed is almost exclusively cultivated now. Thrum-eye is dominant over pin-eye. "Homostyled" forms have appeared, and their character is recessive to both pin and thrum. The stellata and sinensis types give a blend-form on crossing. In the case of colour certain complications exist. Pure white with green stem is recessive to most and probably to all colours; but the evidence suggested that when a tinged or Hiked white witb a reddish stem is crossed with colour, the colour is practtcally reces- sive, as In poultry. More experiments on this impor- tant point were needed, l'inks are recessive lo mauves. and consequently mauves cannot be bred true without individual selection. Blue is often altogether disintegrated on crossing, not again reappeaiing. Some heterozygous types exist, e.g., certain Lwenders, and certain faucy reds. These each year give oil two or more distinot colour types from the " self crossing " of which they are formed. Of the two forms so given off, one at least breeds true at once, but the other may again break up in the succeeding generation. This case is exactly comparable with that of the Andalusian fowl. Prof W. F. R. Weldon criticised the paper, and was replied to by Mr. Bateson ; In summing up the President proposed a special vote of thanks to Messrs. Sdtton & Sons for their most interesting exhibition, which vote was carried by acclamation. IRISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION AND BENEVOLENT. This Society, founded in 1895', continues to show progress. It has assisted four members during the year to the full benefit allowedand urges upon members individually the importance of placing before iheir friends the benefits and educational advantages which the Society affords. A balance of £94 15s. ll.W. stands to the credit of the Society. Mr. F. W. Moore, of Glasnevin, lias been elected President for the year ; with Mr. G. Watson, Treasurer, and Mr. W. S. Hall as Hon. Secretary. The syllabus for 1904 contains a com- prehensive list of lectures and papers of general interest. Several competitions are open 10 I lie members, for essays, packing, &c. EALING HORTICULTURAL. The Annual Meeting of this Society, which since 1864 has held an unbroken sequence of summer flower- shows, took place on the 12th Inst , Mr. R. Wjlley, one of the vice-presidents, in the chair. The report of the Committee set forth that the adverse balance left over from iy02 had been wiped out, and there was a small balance in hand. Mr. Leopold de Rothschild was re-elected President, Mr. A. G Dixon, Treasurer, and Mr. George Cannon, Secretary. The Committee recommended that the next show be held on June 2i>, so as to secure an exhibition of Roses. It was also reso ved that It be an Instruction to the Com- mittee to obtain consent to hold the show in Gunners- bury Pak on the last-named date. GARDENERS' D E B'A T I N G SOCIETIES. BECKENHAM HO3TI0ULTURAL. -Oa February 12 Mr. H. J. Jjnes gave a lecture on the "Sweet Pea." Mr. Weeks, Secretary to the Bromley Chrysanthemum. Society, presided. The lecturer said it was possible to hive Sweet Peas in bloom for three or fourmonths. Take out deep trenches, put a good dressing. of old hotbed manure at the bottom, and return the soil. Sow the seeds thinly, and when watering give a good soaking rather than a little ofteu. To retard the flowers, should it be necessary, cut the plants down to within 13 inches of Ihe ground, and in a month after- wards they would be again in bloom. The flowers should be gathered daily, never allowing pods to form. Sweet Peas dislike strong manure. When watering with manure-water, care should be taken not to wet the stems or foliage. The process of hybridisation was fully explained, and a list of best varieties given. In, the discussion that followed, Mr. Crosswell agreed with Mr. Beckett's opinion, that red-lead uSed to coat the seed before planting as a preventive against rats and mice was injurious to the seeds. Other speakers differed from this, and it would be interesting if readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle gave their experience upon the matter. READING GARDENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT. — At the last fortnightly meeting of the above Associa- tion, Mr. Winsor, foreman, Bearwood Gardens, gave a practical demonstration of nreath-making, and two wreaths were made during the evening. The first was to show the quicker method of making, the other la illustrate the procedure when more lime is available. The principal Mowers used were Arums, Carnations', Lily of the Valley, Roman Hyacinths, Orchids, and Chrysanthemums. A useful discussion followed, in which many hints were given by Mr. Powell. -of Park Place. Eight new members were cleoted. CROYDON MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT.-— The fort- nightly meeting was held on the liith inst., when "Forced Vegetables" was the title of a paper read by Mr. W A.Cook, Shirley Park Gardens, who brought a good collection of these esculents to illustrate his paper. Tnis being his first introduction to the mem bers Of the Society, he was awarded a hearty reception. He emphasised the increasing demand there is for forced vegetibles. Tae varieties that came under notice were Asparagus, French Beans, Cauliflower.", Chicory Dandelion, Cucumbers, Mustard and Cress, Peas, Seakale, Rhubarb, Potatos, Mushrooms, and To- matos, the lecturer giving detailed instructions how each should be treated from the seed sowing until they are ready for Ihe table. The different structures of house they should be grown in, soils and recep- tacles required, temperatures for each species, water- ing and ventilation, were each dealt with in detail. CHESTER PAXTON. - ' Tillage versus Grass Or- chards" was the subject of a paper by Mr. G. P. Milu on the 20th inst. Some statistics were given from ex- periments made as to which of Hie two methods was the better, the results being all in favour of Apple and Pear-trees being planted in tilled ground. On deep loamy soils, orchards of Apples and Pears might be salely grassed over after the trees had attained the age of from six to eight years; whilst on shallow toils orchards should always bo kept under tillage. Au interesting and profitable discussion followed; aud on the proposition of Mr. J. Wynne, Rowton (who presided), seconded by Mr. N. F. Barnes, the lecturer was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. LOUGHBOROUGH GARDENERS'.-Tbe fortnightly meeting of this Association was held in the Town Hall on February lti Mr. J. Murray, B.Sc, Agricultural Lec- turer, gave a lecture upon "The Potato." Reference was made to planting, width of rows, distance'between the Bets, &a. ; and good til. age was urged as being. all im porlant. Spraying for disease was fully explained, with details concerning artificial manures, the results cf expeiiments on trial -grounds were given, and special reference made to Potato-culture In Lincoln shire. At the conclusion the lecturer was accorded thanks, and ihe Chairman received a similar compli- ment tor presiding. CHESTERFIELD & DISTRICT CHRYSANTHEMUM. — Tue montuiy meeting of this Society was held on February id, when a vei y able paper was read by Ihe Hon Treasurer, Mr. Burr, F.G.S., the subject being "George stepheiuon at Taplon." Mr. Burr devoted some lime to a description of Stephenson's pursuits after he had settled at Tapton House, Chesterfield, in IS 10 Experlnents and inventions carried on by him m 1) is garden, both under glass and outside, were described Witb Mr. Paxton, at Cbatsworth, he was on the best of terms, and a friendly rivalry existed betwten them in the cultivation of fruits and flowers. The Stephenson Memorial Hall, in which the Chrysanthemum Socieiy holds its autumn shows, was built to comemorate the life and work of one of England's noblest sons. HEADLEY AND DISTRICT.-The recently organised Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Society, at Headiey. held its first meeting on, February 13, at the Headiey Instilute, Mr. J. N. Mappin, presiding.. Mr ,J. Gregory, West Croydon, gave an interesting lecture ou "Sjme Gardens I have visited,' i lu:tra'.ed. The 144 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [February 27, 1904. lecturer dealt briefly on various specimens of trees, shrubs, and plants taken [rem some of the principal gardens of England This is the first of a series of lectures arranged for the first Tuesday in each month. Prizes are to be given to young men who give the best essays on subjects of garden interest EGHAM AND DISTRICT.-A general meeting was held to inaugurate this new Association on Wednesday evening, February 21, when members were enrolled, oOicers elected, rules adopted, &c. ©bttuan?. MRS. Munday.— The death is recorded of Louisa Catherine Georgina Munday, widow of the late Major-General Godfrey Munday, on February 1-7, at 28, Montrell Road, Streatham, in her ninety-sixth year. The death of this lady is interesting to readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle because she was a daughter of the late Hon. and Very Rev. William Herbert, Dean of Manchester. Dean Herbert published as early as 180G a aeries of translations from the Norse, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese. He originally studied law, and was also a Member of the House of Commons. To botanists he will always be remembered for his worts on gardening matters, especially on hybridisation. His best-known work is The Amarytlidacem , which contains a mass of useful information on bulbous plants and their cross-fertilisation. A genus of bulbous plants was named Herbertia in honour of the Dean. He was born in 1778 and died in 1847. /. Douglas. Fibre Plants in Ceylon.— Britain's need is the world's opportunity — or perhaps, rather, the opportunity of that section capable of supply- ing the need. Ceylon would appear to be in this latter condition, with its railways, roads, its irri- gation tanks and distributing appliances, &c. It has large tracts suited for Ramie, Rhea, and other fibrous plants, and it i3 maintained that cotton, equal to the best American, can be grown over vast tracts of land suited to the culture. And this is the 3taple just now lacking to render our spinners capable ; they are willing to meet the world's enormous demand for the manufactured article. It may be that the necessary labour might not be forthcoming to the required amount, but the Deccan, the. Cotton-growing quarters of India, might do much, and if there are over many coolies in the West Indies, an exchange of habitation cou,ld easily be effected. Capital is probabfy the tiling most needed, and surely this ought soon to be had,. STOP-PRESS NOTE. As this sheet is passing the press we regret to hear . oTi (the death at Sierra Leone of M. E. Laurent, of Gembloux, from fever. We shall allude to the subject again next week. to #*,Ed1Vor . 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 adVertiwur.'nt, 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 Azalea indica : Tewkesbury. The pale colour of the leaves of one of the shoots received is doubtless due to the roots being starved. Probably the plants have not been repotted for some time. If this be the case you should give them a shift directly the plants have flowered, and encourage them to make growth afterwards by affording them a position in a warm green- house, and maintaining a moist atmosphere by syringing the plants overhead morning and afternoon in bright weather. For the potting compost use peat, leaf-mould, and plenty of sand, adding a very little loam — if you can get some containing much fibre and that is free from chalk. Do not use animal manures, but a sprinkling of a good chemical fertiliser over the compost may do good if not used in excess. Make the soil very firm by the use of a potting-stick between the ball of roots and the surface of the pot, and do not use pots that afford more space than 1 inch around the roots. In the meantime the colour of the leaves may be improved by affording the plants a little clear soot-water occasionally, taking care that this is used in such a condition that it will not leave a coating of soot on the surface of the soil. The failure of some of the plants to open into flower when growth has commenced is due to the buds having been imperfectly matured last season. It is good practice to put Azaleas in a sunny position out-of-doors in July or August, when the flower-buds have formed and growth has ceased. This will help to harden or " ripen " both shoots and flower-buds. The plants should be removed indoors again before rains become frequent in autumn. Bird-lime : C. H. The general method of making the viscid, adhesive substance known as bird- lime is by preparing it from the middle bark of the Holly. The bark is cut up and then boiled in water. This fluid is afterwards strained, and is concentrated by means of evaporation until it becomes of a substance like soft putty. When this is smeared on to the branches of trees, it is sufficiently adhesive to hold small birds that may alight upon it. A second method, but one not generally practised, is to obtain the "gluten" from Wheat by soaking and squeezing in water, and using it in much the same way. Bird-lime may be employed with disastrous effects in the garden, because all birds are not foes, and the lime will hold friends and foes alike. It should also be re- membered that birds that appear enemies for a short period when the buds of fruit-trees are about to expand, or when there is ripe fruit in the garden, may be very serviceable at other seasons of the year, when their food consists more or less of insects. As a general rule it is a better plan to leave the birds alone, and protect your crops by the use of netting. Books : J. jr P. L. The best book of the kind is The Art and Practice of Landscape Gardening, by H. E Milner, published by Messrs. Simp- kin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd., Stationers' Hall Court, London. — Correspondent. There is a book on the flora of Korea, but we have not seen it. It is entitled Conspectus Florae Korea-, with plates. The author is Mr. J. Pali bin. For the Riviera flora, in addition to Moggridge's and Bucknill's books, there is Penzig's Flore Coloriee de Poche du Littoral Mediterrane'en de Gtnes a Barcelone. Carnations : Nemo. We consider your flowers to be very satisfactory. If seedling plants will produce flowers of such size, colour, and fragrance as those received, it appears hardly necessary for the amateur to cultivate named varieties from cuttings and layers. The pink- coloured flowers are extremely pretty, but they are less fragrant than those of deep crimson colour, which have preserved the characteristic of the old Clove Carnation to a gratifying degree. The gardener with plenty of means for cultivating his plants cannot be blamed for preferring named varieties, because in culti- vating those, he can make certain of the colour and form the plants will produce, and he becomes familiar with the different habits possessed by the varieties. Though they are so like to each other in general characteristics, there are important differences, and when a gardener has become familiar with these, he can cultivate his plants with greater certainty as to results than would be possible with plants raised from seeds. Chrysanthemums : Subscriber. Two good early- flowering varieties are Mytchett White and Queen of the Earhes (white). For yellow varieties choose Mytchett Beauty and Horace Martin. There is a Japanese variety known as Commandant Blusset (Calvat), colour rosy- violet, but it is not cultivated commonly now. Creepers for Low North-west Wall : S. P. This is not an ideal position for flowering plants, and the degree of success you obtain will depend upon whether or not there is any shelter from north winds. In order to have such a display as you state is desirable in summer, you might try varieties of Clematis of the Jackmani type ; but in this case the wall will have an unfurnished appearance in winter. Currant-bud Mite: W. S. The buds you for- ward are infested with the mite. You cannot do better than you suggest, viz., grub up and burn the one plant affected. At the same time scrape together the old soil from around the base of the bushes, and burn that also. Keep a sharp look out on your other bushes, removing and burning any shoots whose buds show this abnormal condition. Names of Fruits : C. S. Your Pear much resembles Beurre Diel, but the fruit being over-ripe it is not possible to determine the variety with certainty. Forward fruits at least a month earlier next season. — A. J. R. Send the Apple again next season before it is over ripe. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — R. H., N. Wales. 1, Davallia solida; 2, Dictyogramma japonica ; 3, Lomatia silaifolia ; 4, Araucaria Cunninghamii ; 5, Pseudotsuga Douglasii, the Douglas Fir — Bicton. Cypripedium Boxallii, a very good variety. It is not rare for finely- grown Cypripediums to produce two flowers on a stem. — J. W. 0. Epidendrum elongatum. — W. R. Send when in flower. — A. M., Manchester. 1, Lomaria gibba ; 2, Selaginella Mertensii ; 3, S. viticulosa ; 4, Begonia incarnata ; 5, Ophio- pogon Jaburan variegatum ; G, Asplenium bulbi- ferum. — Constant Reader. 1, Buddleia globosa ; 2, Streptosolon Jamesoni ; 3, Acacia dealbata. — Foung Gardener. Acacia dealbata. — D. L. C. 1, Oncidium Cebolleta; 2, Oncidium candidum, often called Palumbina Candida. — E. W. D. Ccelogyne lactea, a near ally of Coelogyne flaccida. — Vitex. 1, Restrepia maculata; 2, Masdevallia angulata ; 3, Bulbophyllum Carey- anum. Narcissus : J. B., Altrincham. The variety is not a new one, the specimen being a forced flower of N. tortuosus. Potato for Name : C. W. It is practically impossible to name a Potato at this time of year unless it has some very striking colour markings to render it distinct. We could easily name fifty varieties from which tubers could be selected closely resembling yours. Suppose you address a package of twenty such tubers to the Superintendent, Mr. S. T. Wright, Royal Horticultural Gardens, Wisley, Ripley, Surrey, asking that they might be tried at those gardens this year, when a Potato trial will take place. No doubt then the name will be ascertained. Tulips : S. D. If Son. There appears to be nothing the matter with the bulbs, except that they have failed to make any roots. It would seem as if they had attempted to grow in conditions that encouraged top growth but not root action. Communications Received.— M. L. Gentil— A. H.— J. W. -Tudor— F. W ., Soil from Stamford Hill, with no note e< closed— F. P .— C. C— W. N. B— W. B. F.— A. Klrk-W H C— F. T.— R. G F.-Siinfold-G. W.— H. K —Hybridist— Nemo— Attwood & Binsted— Geo. Carver-G. C— J. G Weaton-Chemlcals— Anxious— F. S.— Inquirer— Constant- J. 8.— A. J. H.— M. J. C— W. J. B —J D.— Expert— Agent^Ueneral for Nova Scotia— Commissioner of Emigration for Canada— J. M. B — R. H.— W. H.— '}. M S.-W. L. (For Markets and Weather, seep, xviii.) £ < -£- s 5 5 5 S u y. MAltCH 5, 1004.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 145 THE (Sartors' (^hrontcle No. 89".— SATURDAY, March 5, 1904. CONTENTS. .Allamandas, seedlings of American blight, treat - moot for Apple EckllnvlUe seedling Books, notices of— Fruit Growers' Yeir Hook Publications received Cambridge, science at Camellias, fine exam- ples of Centenary of the Royal Horticultural Society ... 112. Cymbidium, a new species of Departmental Fruit Committee Gardeners' Associa- tion, the proposed... Grape Lady Hastings Kew notes Lawns, eradicating moss on ... ... Loropetalum cbi- nense Markets Melons, winter, lu America Morris, Mr. G. F., re- tirement of Obituary- Mitchell, John Ooionf, raising of, under glass ... Pnosma albo-roseum . Penzance, notes from 156 Pest, a curious, in ga'den. Potatos Roses. propagatiuK and training INlphe- tos Societies- Ancient Society of York Florists Gardeners' Debating Glouceste rshire Rose Hor'lc.nltural Club Royal Horticultural 151, Surveyors' Institu- tion United Horticultu ral Bpnefit and Provident Sphagnum-moss, fail- ure of, in Orchid houses strawberry-beds Turner, Mr. T W. Veitcb Memorial Fund Mejallists Vines treatment of ... Aeather. the Week's work — Flower-garden, the Fruits under glass... Hardy fruit garden Kitchen garden, the Orchid-hou ^es.tne... Plants under eiasg... Worms in lawnp, how to remove ILLUSTRATIONS An early show of the Royal Horticultural Society as seen by George Cruiksbank (Supplementary Illustration) Cymbidium VVilsonl Fowler, . I. Gurney Knisht, Thomas Andrew ... Lawrence, Sir Trevor Lindley, f)r Melon-bouse in America, view of a Wedgwood, Josiah Wilks, M.A., Rev. \V 158 155 ] 58 159 IFS 164 IS 7 155 1 55 155 151 151 151 1M 151 150 15U is; 153 140 isa 147 llll 14.-, 163 CENTENARY OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. THE FOUNDERS. JOHN WEDGWOOD.— The idea of a Central or Metropolitan Society for the promotion of horticulture certainly origi- nated with John Wedgwood. This might alone have secured for him a place in the Dictionary of National Biography, alongside the many other distinguished members of his illustrious family; but it has not doDe so. He was the eldest of the three sons of Josiah Wedgwood (see photograph on this page), the founder of the cele- brated potteries, and was born at Etruria, in March 1766. After being at school at Hindley, he was sent in 1774 to one at Bolton-le-Moors, kept by a dissenting clergy- man, Rev. Phillip Holland, and shortly a-fter this we read of his fondness for gar- dening and for chemical experiments. His father secured a chemist named Warltire to give lectures at Newcastle-under-Lyme, and in 177s, Erasmus Darwin, the intimate friend of Josiah Wedgwood, sent his son, Robert Waring Darwin, to stay at Etruria, and share this teaching. Robert Waring Darwin afterwards married Susannah Wedgwood, his fellow-student's sister, and their second son was Charles Darwin. Josiah Wedg- wood himself taught the boys geography and geology, and engaged a young French prisoner to teach them his native tongue. In L 782 John was sent to the University of Edinburgh with his younger brother Josiah, but in the same year was sent to Warring- ton Academy, the centre of liberal education at the time, and remained there until the Academy was closed in 1786, Among his fellow-students there was Malthus, whose eldest sister had married his brother Josiah, whilst another sister married Sir James Mackintosh. They settled first at Tallaton, in Devon, and afterwards in Devonshire Place, Marylebone; but receiving £30,000 on his father's death in 1795, he, in 1707, bought Cote House, Durdham Downs, Bristol, where he had a large garden with a considerable amount of glass. Wedgwood was well read in Linnean botany, and joined the Linnean Society in 1794, whilst A. P. De Candolle was among his personal friends. Dr. J. E JOSIAH WEDGWOOD. From the portrait oy Sir J. Reynolds. work on population was, fifty years later, to suggest to Wedgwood's nephew Darwin the theory of Natural Selection. After returning for a short time to the University of Edinburgh, Wedgwood, be- tween 17S7 and 1790, was in Geneva, Rome, and Paris, and then took part in his father's business. In 1792 he became a junior partner in the London and Middlesex Bank (Messrs. Davidson, Noel, Templet, Middleton, and Wedgwood) in Stratford Place, and in the following year he retired from the Staf- fordshire firm and married Louisa Jane Allen, of Cresselly, in Pembrokeshire, whose Smith was one of the first whose support he secured for the infant Horticultural Society. . In 1800, Wedgwood rejoined his brothers' firm, and it is from Etruria, that on June 29 in the following year, he writes to William Forsyth the letter in which we have the first mention of the proposed Society. "I have been turning my attention," he writes, " to the formation of a Horticultural Society, and have drawn up such heads as have appeared to me necessary for the firat formation of the Society. It would be proper to add a preamble just stating the ideas of the fir^st founders of the Society." 146 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. lABCH 5, 1904. The proposed rules are enclosed, and in a postscript Forsyth is requested to consult Sir Joseph Banks on the subject. As we next hear of Wedgwood as a captain of volunteers drawn from the Etruria works in 1803, it was possible that patriotic duties postponed the preliminary meeting of the proposed Society until March 7, 1804. This meeting was held at Hatchard's, the bookseller in Piccadilly: Wedgwood pre- greatest distinction until his own death in 1838, was an early recruit and was the author of the first paper published by the Society, that namely on " the objects which the Horticultural Society have in view," read on April 2, 1805, and forming the commencement of the tirst volume of the Transactions. By that time Wedgwood had fallen on evil days. The ill success of the bank in THOMAS ANDREW KNIGHT, President of the Horticultural Society from 1811 to 1838. sided, and there were also present W. T. Aiton , Sir Joseph Banks, James Dickson, Wm. Forsyth (the elder), Hon. Charles Greville, and Richard Anthony Salisbury. The first regular meeting of the Society was held on the 30th of the same month, and the Earl of Dartmouth was then chosen as its first President, and Wedgwood as Secretary. Thomas Andrew Knight, the great experi- mental physiologist, who succeeded to the Presidency on the death of Lord Dartmouth in 1810, and occupied that Chair with the which most of liis fortune was embarked neces?itated his selling Cote House in 1805, and he moved to Maer Hall, and then to Etruria Hall, where he lived until 1810. In 1808 he communicated to the Society a paper on the culture of the Dahlia, but his later interest was mainly in his kitchen garden, as was evinced by short communi- cations on American blight (1818), Onions (1819), Buda Kale (1821), and Celery (1824). Moving from Etruria to Heavitree, near Exeter, and in succession to Betley, Stafford- shire," Kingscote, Gloucestershire, Aber- gavenny, and lastly to Seabridge, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, he became, in 1813, partially blind from paralysis of the optic- nerve, and spent the last few months of his life at the home of his second son, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Wedgwood, at Tenby. Here he died of bronchitis, January 26, 1844, and was buried in the burial-ground of the parish church. The portrait of Josiah Wedgwood, the famous potter, given on p. 145, is copied by permission from the one in the Life of Joxiah Wedgwood, by Dr. Smiles (Murray). William Townsend Aiton. Born at Kew, February 2, 1766, when his father was in charge of the gardens of the* Dowager Princess of Wales, Aiton personi- fies the later history of those gardens as private property. Educated at Chiswick, he, at sixteen, became assistant to his father, William Aiton, the editor of the first edition of the Horlus Kewensis, and on the death of the latter in 1793, succeeded him in the curatorship of the Royal Gardens, both at Kew arid at Richmond. Between 1810 and 1813, with the assistance of Banks, Dryander- and Robert Brown, he published the second edition of his father's woik, in five volumes, and in 1814 issued an epitome of it in a single volumi. He received a silver medal from the Hoiticultural Society in 1817 for a paper on the cultivation of the Cucumber, and in 1820 was employed in the arrange- ment of the gardens of the Pavilion at Brighton and in the alterations made at Windsor on the accession of George IV: After ls.30 he had charge of Kew only, and at the proposed re-organization of the Gardens, as the result of a committee of inquiry, in 1841, he resigned. Aiton died at Kensington, October 9, 1849. Sir Joseph Banks. Banks is so well known a figure in the history of science, and the facts of his life are so generally accessible, that a brief outline will suffice here. The only son of William Banks, of Revesby Abbey, Lincoln- shire, Banks was born in Argyle Street, London, on February 13, 1744. He was sent to Harrow when nine years old, and to Eton some four years later, and is reported to- have been an idle boy until, when he was fourteen, his interest was excited in wild flowers, and he came across a copy of Gerard's Hcrball. On entering Christ Church College, Oxford, as a gentleman commoner, in 1760, he brought Israel Lyons there from Cambridge to teach botany ; and, his father dying in 1761 and he having taken aft honorary Master of Arts degree in 1763, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1766; and in the same year started on a botanising expedition to Newfoundland, in company with his friend Lieutenant Phipps, afterwaids Lord Mulgrave. They returned in the following year via Lisbon, and in working out his collection Banks then be» came intimate with Solander, then an assistant librarian in the British Museum. In 1768 he started on a voyage of circum- navigation with Captain Cook in the En- deavour, taking with him Solander, two draughtsmen and two attendants, at an expense to himself of £10,000. They went vi& Madeira, Rio, and Cape Horn to Tahiti, where they observed the Transit of Venus ; and thence to New Zealand, Australia (where they named Botany Bay and the ' March 5, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 147 Endeavour River), New Guinea, Batavia (where Banks had a severe attack of fever), the Cape and St Helena, reaching England cnce more in 1771. Backs' Journal kept during this voyage was published by Sir Joseph Hooker in 1896. In 1772, again accompanied by Solander, Banks made a six weeks' excursion to Iceland; and in 1778 was chosen to succeed Sir John Pringle in the presidential chair of the Royal Society, a position which he occupied for the twenty-two remaining years of his life. The election of a naturalist greatly offended the mathematicians in the Society, and led to a small secession in 1784 ! In 1779 Banks married Dorothea Weston- Hugessen, in 1781 he was created a baronet, and in 1795 a Knight of the Bath. As he had shown himself superior to petty jealousy by joining the Linnean Society on its forma- tion by Dr. J. E. Smith in 1788, so now we see him attending this first meeting of the Horticultural Society. Wedgwood's letters •exhibit a needless apprehension of possible opposition on the part of the older societies, more especially of the Linnean and the Society of Arts. The latter part of Banks's life was largely devoted to the extension of his scientific library and his herbarium. These were placed freely at the disposal of students, and, whilst Dryander's careful catalogue of the former (in five volumes), completed between 1800 and 1805, is of the greatest bibliographical interest, the books them- selves and the herbarium form most valu- able portions of the British Museum collec- tions. Banks was frequently instrumental in securing the return of natural history specimens captured during the war to France, good offices which were recognised toy his election as a member of the Institute of France in 1S02. It was at his suggestion that collectors were sent out on behalf of the Royal Gardens at Kew ; and from his country house at Spring Grove, Isleworth, be was able to exercise some scientific super- vision over them of an unofficial character. Not only did B^nks during bis lifetime em- ploy Francis Bauer to execute his unequalled figures of plauts, but he provided for him at his death ; whilst he bequeathed his herbarium to Robert Brown, with a rever- sion to the British Museum, from which the Botanical Department of the Museum had ■its origin. Banks was no mere patron of botany. Public duties and ill-health gave him little time for original work: he probably mis- trusted his own powers as a systematic tootanist; and throughout life he evinced a markedly utilitarian bent of mind. Whether he was studying with Thomas Wedgwood the improvement of the quality of English wool, or was collecting evidence as to the arrival of American blight, there was this practical point of view; so that, beyond a few short papers in the Transaction* of the morticultural Society, and his Short Account "f the Causes of Blight, Mildew, and Rust, published in 1805, which reached a second •edition in 1806, and a third in 1807, he issued little under his own name. He died at Spring Grove June 19, 1820, and was buried in the parish church of Isleworth. James Dickson. "The lynx-eyed Dickson," as Sir J. E. Smith calls him, was born of poor parents at Traquhair, Peebles, in 1737 or 1738, and began his horticultural career in the gardens of Lord Traquhair, close to his birthplace. Thence he went to Jeffery's nursery garden at Brompton, and in 1772 set up in business for himself in Coven t Garden. He had the good fortune early in his career to obtain the friendship of James Lee, of Hammer- smith, and of Sir Joseph Banks. He became recognised as an authority on Cryptogamia, and published four quarto Fasciculi Plan'- iirum Cryptogamicarum Britannia: in 1785, 1790, 1793, and 1801 respectively, which he followed up by nineteen folio fascicles of a Horius Siccus Britannicus, containing twenty- five species each, issued between 1793 and 1802. For the purposes of his collections of Cryptogams, he made annual excursions in of him in his eightieth year, painted and presented by H. P. Briggs, R.A., still looks down upon the Council of the Society from the walls of the Lindley Library. William Forsyth. Of the seven founders of the Horticultural Society two were Scottish-born gardeners, Dickson and Forsyth. William Forsyth was born at Old Meldrum, Aberdeenshire, in 1737, and in 1763 came as a pupil to the Chelsea Botanic Garden, then under the care of Philip Miller. After being for some time in the Duke of Northumberland's garden at Syon House, he returned to Chel- sea, on Miller's death in 1771, as his successor. In 1784 he was appointed Superintendent of the Royal Gardens at Kensington and DR. LINDLEY, Who became Assistant Secretary to the Horticultural Society in 1822. the Scottish Highlands between 1785 and 1791, that of 1789 being undertaken in com- pany with Mungo Park, afterwards renowned for his African explorations. Park's sister became Dickson's second wife, and survived him. An original member of the Linnean Society in 1788, Dickson was elected one of the first Vice-Presidents of the Horticul- tural Society, and was continually re-elected until his death. This occurred at Broad Green, Croydon, August 14, 1822, and by his own desire he was buried in a romantic churchyard among the Surrey hills, where in his earlier days he had been accustomed to gather rare mosses. Sir James Edward Smith characterises him as a man of " powerful mind, spotless integrity, singular acuteness and accuracy"; L'Heritier dedi- cated to him the handsome genus of Tree- Ferns, Dicksonia ; and a pleasing oil portrait St. James's, which post he retained until his death, which occurred July 25, 1804, four months after the inauguration of the Horti- eultural Society, at his official residence in Kensington Gardens. Somewhere about 1768 Forsyth's attention was specially directed to fruit-trees and the diseases and injuries to which they are liable, and as a result he contrived a plaister of lime, cow-dung, and wood-ashes, which he asserted would produce a new growth over parts of the stem laid bare by injuries, with complete union between the old and the new wood. In 1789 the success of his ex- periments attracted the notice of the Com- missioners of Land Revenue, and in conse- quence of their recommendation he received the thanks of both Houses of Parliament and a reward of £1,500, on making public the nature of his composition. In 1791 he 148 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. [March 5, l'JOl. published Observations on the Diseases, Defects, and Injuries of Fruit and Parent Trees, and in 1802 a Treatise on the Culture and Management of Fruit Trees, of which a seventh edition appeared in 1824. Thomas Andrew Knight asserted that a composition practically identical with For- syth's had been in use long before, and naturally, considering his accurate and thorough knowledge of histology and physio- logy, altogether denied the statements as to any true union between eld wood once laid bare and that subsequently formed. Forsyth was dead at the time Knight's letters appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine, but the figure of a section of a stem pub- lished by the advocates of the plaister shows the truth of Knight's statement. Charles Creville. We have not been able to gather many particulars as to one of the seven founders of the Society. The Hon. Charles Francis Greville, second son of Francis, first Earl of Warwick of the name, was born May 12, 1749. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1772, and subsequently became a Vice-President; and he appears also to have been a Privy Councillor. In 1790 he had a garden at Paddington, and here he introduced Lilium concolor from China, and Clinogyne dichotoma from Penang in 1804 ; and Zingiber luridum from the Circars, and Curcuma aeruginosa from Cal- cutta in 1807, as appears from papers by Salisbury in the first volume of the Trans- actions of the Horticultural Society. On the incorporation of the Society in 1809 Greville became Treasurer. He died April 23, 1*09, unmarried, and his collection of plants was purchased by Thomas Jenkins, of the Port- man Nursery. Though obviously written while he was alive, Eobert Brown's dedica- tion of the genus Grevillea did not appear until after Greville's death. It runs as follows : — " This extensive genus .... I have dedicated to the Eight Honourable Charles Francis (ire- ville, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Royal Society; a gentleman eminently distinguished for his acquirements in natural history, and to whom the botanists of this country are indebted for the introduction and successful cultivation of many rare and interesting plants." Greville House, on Paddington Green, which was presumably his residence, and thirty years ago was a working-man's club, is now a brewery store. Richard Anthony Salisbury. One of the most remarkable figures, though not one of the most estimable char- acters, in the botanical history of the time was Richard Anthony Salisbury. He was born at Leeds in 1761, being the son of a cloth merchant named William Markham, whose wife was descended from a sister of Henry Lyte, the translator of Dodoens. At the University of Edinburgh he became the pupil of Professor John Hope, and the intimate friend of his fellow-student, James Edward Smith. In 1780, according to his own account, Markham became acquainted with Miss Anna Salisbury, an elderly con- nection of his mother's mother, whose name had been Salisbury ; and she, in 17to, gave him £10,000 in Three-per-cents, to enable him to pursue his botanical studies, on con- dition of his taking her surname. He had then a fine garden at Chapel Allerton, near Leeds, which had been his father's ; but in 1802 he purchased Ridgeway House, Mill Hill, which had formerly been the home of Peter Collinson, the correspondent of Sloane, Linnreus, and Benjamin Franklin. In the first year of his occupancy of his new domain Smith visited him at Mill Hill, but, while Smith was then wedded to the Linnrean System, Salisbury preferred the Natural System, and Smith seems to have resented his criticisms. On the incorporation of the Horticultural Society in 1809 Salisbury became Honorary Secretary ; but he seems in a very short time to have reduced the accounts to a state of chaos, and was succeeded by Joseph Sabine. It was in this year also that Salisbury seems to have been guilty of a piece of sharp practice, which naturally ai-oused much in- dignation. On January 17 Robert Brown read a paper before the Linnean Society ■' On the Proteacen? of Jussieu,"' which was not published until 1810. Salisbury was present at the reading of the paper. During 1809 a volume On the Cultivation of the Protease was published under the name of Joseph Knight, who had been gardener to George Hibbert, M.P., of Clapham, and who had then started in the nursery business in King's Road, Chelsea, afterwards known as Messrs. Knight & Perry's, and now as Messrs. James Veitch & Sons. From the preface and from internal evidence it is clear that all the botanical portion of this book was the work of Salisbury, and in it, while claim- ing absolute originality and making no reference to Brown's paper, he anticipates several of Brown's genera, eithjr under new names, which thus obtain priority, or under names which he remembered Brown to have used. Bishop Goodenough writes to J. E. Smith on December 26, 1809 : " How shocked was I to see Salisbury's surrep- titious anticipation of Brown's paper on the New Holland plants, under the name and disguise of. Mr. Hibbert's gardener! Oh, it is too bad ! I think Salisbury is got just where Catiline was when Cicero attacked him, viz., to that point of shameful doing where no good man could be found to defend him." There was, accordingly, as Mr. Britten has shown, "a tacit understanding on the part of the botanical leaders of the period, including Brown, Banks, and Smith, that Salisbury's work and names should as far as possible be ignored,'' a system of boycotting that is, however, from a scientific point of view, quite indefensible. About this time Salisbury moved from Mill Hill to 18, Queen Street, Edgware Road, close to Greville's, where he only had a garden barely 30 feet square, which, how- ever, he filled with rare plants in pots. Con- tinuing the botanical work of his life, he examined, dissected, described, drew and preserved every plant he could obtain, and made some progress with a Genera Plant- arum, of which a fragment was published by Dr. J. E. Gray in 1866. As Mr. B. Daydon Jackson says, " Salisbury was never fairly represented by any productions worthy of his great ability.'' He published a folio Icones stirpium rariores, in 1791, a Prodromus *tir- pium in horto Chapel Allerton, in 1796, The Generic Charactersin English Botany, collated with those of Linne, a strongly-worded attack upon Smith's work, in 1806, and two volumes of the quarto Paradisus Londinensis, with 117 plates, in 1806 and 1807. He also as- sisted W. T. Aiton in the second edition of the Htirtus Keuensis, in which, by the way, Smithia sensitiva was described, and J. E. Gray, in his Natural Arrangement of British Plants, published under his father S. H, Gray's name in 1821. In 1814 Salisbury introduced the Corsican Pine to Kew. He died of paralysis in 18296 bequeathing his herbaiium and manuscripts to William John Burchell, afterwards well known as a traveller, the son of a Fulham florist, whom he made his heir after Alphonse de Candolle and J. E. Gray had both de: clined to take his name. On Burchells death in 1863 the herbarium went to Kew ; but Miss Burchell gave the six volumes of drawings to Dr. J. E. Gray, by whom they were presented to the Bo- tanical Department of the British Museum. A pencil portrait by Burchell, now at Kew, is the only one of Salisbury with which wa are acquainted. Unfortunately, the beau- tiful Maidenhair-tree, to which his name was given by Smith, must bear the prior but uncouth name of Gingko, so that Salis- bury is as yet uncommemorated. How bitter botanical feeling could be may be judged by the following quatrain written by Smith on Salisbury's Paradisus : — " What malice lurks beneath this fair disguise! Satan once more steals into Paradise j But now how plausible so'er his tale is, We always take his words cum grano sails ! " G. S. Boulger. To render our Pantheon more complete, we give the portrait of Thomas Andrew Knight, the famous physiologist, who was one of the Original Members, became Presi- dent in 1811, and retained that office till 1838. His life and labours are the subject of a detailed notice in the Qardenerw Chronicle for February 10, 1877. John Lindley, whose career has also beea on more than one occasion sketched in the Gardeners' Chronicle, was the son of a nurseryman near Norwich, and was for a time in the employ of Messrs. Wrench, a well-known firm still in high repute. His botanical proclivities brought him under the notice of Dr. (afterwards Sir) William Hooker and of Sir Joseph Banks, by whose influence he was appointed Assistant Secre- tary to the Society in 1822, Joseph Sabine being then Secretary. In 1830 Mr. Bentham became Secretary. Lindley served the So- ciety under various titles till his death in 1865. Our portrait is taken from a sketch made in 1848 by Dr. Lindley's eldest daughter, Lady Crease. KEW NOTES. Porphyrocoma lanceolata (Dianthera Pobli- ana). — There are several plants of this distinct Acanthad in flower in the Begonia-house. The species rarely attains to more than a foot in height, it forming a small, campact bush. The leaves are lanceolate-acuminate, about 6 inches long ; the inflorescence is a dense, terminal, cone- like spike, 3 to 4 inches long; the flowers are purple, about 1 inch long, with a large bright red bract at the base of each. The distinct colours of the flowers and bracts give to the inflorescence a novel and pretty effect. It is a native of Brazil, and should be given stove treat- ment. Cuttings rooted in May and grown in a stove temperature make bushy plants by the following February, when they should produ/e- their flowers. The bracts last fully six weeks . March 5, 1904. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 149 after the flowers have fallen. The species was introduced to this country in 1880, and was figured in Botanical Magazine, tab. 4170. Freesia Armstrongs. This very rare and beautiful pink - flowered species may be seen freely flowering in house No. 7. It was sent to Kew about fire years ago from South Africa, and although a charming plant, is comparatively unknown. The flower- spike is larger and much more branched than that of F. refracta, it is thrown well above the foliage and carries from ten to fifteen flowers. The individual flowers are about two-thirds the size of those of F. refracta, but they have not the fragrance that they possess. The deep rose colour of the segments is quite sufficient to re- commend the species ; the tube is white with orange colour at the base. To increase the stock it is a good plan to self-fertilise three or four flowers in each spike and to raise seedlings from these. They will produce flowering corms in two or three years. Ctnorchis compacta. This little gem is making a pretty display in the Orchid-house. It is usually monophyllous, the leaf being about 1 to 6 inches long, and about an inch broad. The flower-spike is produced when the leaf is half developed, and varies from 3 to 6 inches in height, carrying from fifteen to twenty-five flowers. The sepals and petals are rather small and pure white. The lip is about J inch in diameter, white, and marked with numerous small violet spots. Being a email species it is best to grow about a dozen plants in a pan. Being a native of Natal, it requires cool treatment. W. B. CULTURAL MEMORANDA. — » — - CAMELLIAS. In an old span-rooftd house having high front sashes, in a Devonshire garden, I noticed some time ago a fine example of Camellia-culture. The house in question runs north and south, and is about 32 feet long. The Camellias are planted in a bed in the centre of the house, and which, with the exception of tbe flag passage at the sides and ends, they completely fill to the height of 14 or 15 feet with healthy wood and large dark-green leaves, as close together as those in a well- kept Yew - hedge. The branches having in the course of time reached the glass, they were headed down to the level of the sides and ends of the house the spring prior to my visit, after they had gone out of flower, with the best possible results. The bed in which the plants are growing at the same time had a few inches of the surface soil removed, this being replaced with atop-dressingof turfy-loam, followed by a soaking of tepid water, with subsequent waterings of weak liquid-manure. Copious syring- ings with clear water were given morning and after- noon at closing time, after the plants had flowered, to insure healthy growth being made preparatory to yielding a rich harvest of flowers the following winter and spring. When the plants have com" pleted their growth, abundance of fresh air is admitted to ripen the wood properly. Niphetos Rose. A few months back I noticed a fine healthy plant of this charming Rose trained to a wire- trellis fixed beneath the roof of a lean-to house having a south aspect. This vigorously-growing tree, I was informed, had jielded a profusion of large blooms during the summer and autumn months, as there is a good supply of hot-water- pipes in the house with which to produce the necessary temperature during inclement weather. When the plant has ceased flowering and shed its leaves, all weakly growths are cut back to one joint from their bases, and any unduly long and strong shoots are shortened back a little to promote a balance of growth. If a few dozen cuttings, more or less according to circumstances, are selected at pruning time with a " heel," that is a little of the old wood attached, and inserted round the edge of properly crocked 4 '.-inch pots filled to the rim with a mixture of light loam and leaf-mould, and surfaced with sand, placed in a forcing-house and watered, root and leaf growth will be made in due time, when the young plants Bhould be potted off singly into 3-inch pots, making the soil firm about the roots in potting. Return the plants to heat, and afford water to the roots, and support to the plants as necessary. H. W. W. The photograph will therefore give to'readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle an idea of the different, climatic conditions that exist in the States and England. Arthur Griffin, Gardener to Elbridge T. Gerry, Esq., Seaverge, Newport, B.I. FRUIT REGISTER. WINTER MELONS IN AMERICA. The enclosed photograph (see fig. 62) shows the interior of a Melon-house in midwinter. I am one of the very few successful growers of ECKL1NVILLE SEEDLING APPLE. According to the description of our best authorities on hardy fruits, and to the general experience of growers, this variety of early Apple tree has long held the reputation of being a very precocious and prolific bearer, but within the last few years two particular and singular cases have come within my notice quite at variance with all my former experience. In the one case, the owner originally had several young bush trees of Ecklinville planted and bearing profusely in his garden, and from their excellent behaviour Fig. 62. — view of melon house in January at '• seaverge," Newport, ri. winter Melons in the States, being a private gar- dener, and ship the fruits, with forced vegetables, to my employers in New York city. We gene- rally send from four to six hundred Melons to them between the month of December and the latter part of April, and the flavour is superb, in fact as good as we get them in midsummer, notwithstanding the thermometer in the winter months is sometimes as low as 8° below zero. I have grown varieties of Melons from most parts of the world whence they could be obtained, and out of a very large number have only found three or four whk-h were of first-class flavour. These I have crossed with each other, and have thus obtained the stock which I cultivate now. The photograph is one of a large number my employer wished me to have taken for presenta- tion to his guests at a dinner given by him at the Metropolitan Club, New York, when Melons from this house were served for dessert. Being an Englishman myself, I know it to be impossible to produce in England good Melons in mid-winter, as you do not get the light atmo- sphere and the quantity of sun there is here. he decided to plant that variety in standard form in his orchards, some of which were on arable land, and others on turf. One orchard of arable land, about 8 acre3, wa3 entirely of Ecklinville ; other orchards were of mixed varieties, with a large proportion of Worcester Pearmain, Dume- low's Seedling, King of Pippins, &c, but Ecklin- ville totalled about the one-half of the trees in the mixed orchards. All the trees grew away well, were well looked after, were moderately pruned, and grew in excellent health and vigour ; but the Ecklinvilles will not fruit well. Year after year they are almost a complete failure, being the worst bearers among them all. It is exasperating to wait year after year, to be again and again disappointed ; yet it only requires something more than human nature to sacrifice sujh splendid and healthy tress. The patience of the owner is fast becoming exhausted, for he has already cut the heads off trees in the one orchard and grafted Peasgood's Nonsuch thereon. To my mind this is a doubtful pro- ceeding,and I should have preferred Lane's Prince Albert ; but at all events the Peasgoods have 150 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. |"MAECH 5, 1904. feeen on for three or four yeirs and are making 5ar ge healthy trees. It would be well if any ■fruit-grower who has had similar experience, • could throw any light on the cause of this extreme shyness in Ecklinville. The want of •other or of foreign pollen will not apply, for 'here we have mixed varieties growing side by •side, and the whole is situated in the midst of hundreds of acres of Apple trees in the very 'best part of the county of Worcester. I am rrather inclined to attribute the cause to the -absence of some mineral or other constituent in 'the soil — something which is required to build up the perfect bud and its thorough development, tfor I am told the flowers do not open kindly, and 'the petals do not reflex properly when opened. Possibly an analysis of the soil would dis- cover a deficiency of something that is neces- •sary for that variety. I should state that the Worcester Pearmain grows freely and crops •heavily most years. King of Pippins is being re-grafted with Worcesters, as with age the former has a ten- dency to canker. The tenants on this estate have always been anxious to plant Ecklinville largely, ■but we have thought it necessary to include pro- portions of other varieties, which we call land- lord's trees, for we innocently thought Ecklinville would be a short-lived tree, chiefly on account of its precocity and prolific bearing habits. William Klrump, Madresfield Court Gardens, Malvern. ALPINE GARDEN. TREES AND SHRUBS. LOROPETALUM CHINENSE. This half-hardy plant should be more generally known, for it is one of the most distinct of the already large number of Chinese plants culti- vated in our gardens. It was introduced some- where about the year 1880, and is closely allied to the Hamamelis (or Witch-hazels), with which genus it has been united by some botanists. The species is distributed over a wide area in the large provincos of Hupeh, Fokien, Kiangsi, ■Chekiang, and the Chusan Archipelago, also in India, where it occurs on the Khasia Mountains. It is a remarkable fact concerning plants having .a wide distribution that they readily adapt themselves to pot-culture, and the present plant is no exception to the rule. Under cultivation it forms a neat and compact evergreen shrub, 4 to 5 feet high, with somewhat oblique leaves, • elliptic or elliptic-ovate in shape, 1 to 3 inches long, and 1 to 2 inches wide, and of a light green colour. The flowers are pure white, an small heads of three to eight flowers, terminating the short lateral growths. The petals are linear, and 1 to lj inch long. The lowers are produced naturally in early spring, ■each individual flower lasting some two to three weeks ; but the plant produces a succession of •bloom for upwards of two months. It is an excel- lent plant for the cool greenhouse, either for pot ■or border culture ; or it may be grown outside in mild districts in the south-west of England and -Ireland. As a plant for the decoration of the greenhouse in mid-winter it is extremely useful, •as with slight heat, such as that afforded by the warm greenhouse, plants may be easily obtained in flower at Christmas. And this may be done ■annually without causing loss of vigour to the plants, if they are well grown after the season of flower is over, and the wood is thoroughly well 'ripened in late summer and autumn by exposure 'to all thesun and light possible. Propagation may be readily effected by cuttings of half-iipened wood taken in autumn or spring, •or by layers. Several fine plants have flowered recently in the temperate- house and greenhouse at Kew. An excellent exhibit of plants of this •species was made by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, at the Drill Hall on February 23. Chas. P. Raffill, Kew. ONOSMA ALBO-ROSEUM. Introduced in 1890 from Asia Minor, and much desired and sought after at first, this plant appears to be falling into neglect. This is due to its comparatively short life in gardens, and in this respect it compares badly with O. stellulatum tauricum, although there are some places where the latter does not stand well either. With me the last named gives 'no great trouble, even in a wet winter, while O. albo-roseum is only retained by frequent propagation. It seems to grow hard and woody, and to be unable to throw out fresh shoots to maintain its life. So far as regards its frost-resisting powers, I have no fault to find with it, but I consider it desir- able to preserve it from excessive wet in winter by fixing a sheet of glass a few inches above it at that season. The plant requires a hot, dry corner, and I prefer that it should be well fixed between stones in such a way that it is not in contact with wet soil. It is not difficult to pro- pagate by means of cuttings struck under glass, the pot in which they are placed being covered with half an inch or so of silver-sand. A thriving plant of this Onosma is very attractive, with its wax-like flowers, at first white, but changing gradually to pale rose and then to deep rose. The grey, hoary-looking leaves are not a contrast to but are in harmony with the beautiful flowers. Less effective than most of its congeners, it is no less beautiful, while it may well be accounted one of the best of rock-plants, despite its some- what short life. 8. Arnott, Carsethorn-by-Dum- fries, N.B. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. a. White Orchid Grower to Sir Tbevob Lawhence, Bart., Burford. Dorkmg. Chysis — The following deciduous epiphytal Orchids, Chysis aurea, C. lievis, C. bractescens, C. Limminghei, and the distinct hybrids, C. Chel- soni x and C. Sedeni x , owing to the lack of sun- shine during las>t autumn, were much longer than usual in maturing their pBPudo-bulbs, and some of them are not properly matured even now, the bulbs and leaves being as green as they were during the growing season. Notwithstanding this, the plants are commencing to grow at their usual time, and Bhould be treated accordingly. Until the flower-buds, which push up along with the young breaks, are visible, afford water sparingly, increasing the supply afterwards. Do not disturb the roots by repotting until the flowers have faded. The species of Chysis, being deep-rooting plants, should be grown in pots, to which copper- wire suspenders may be attached, in order that the plants may be suspended from the roof. Provide perfect drainage by the use of Fern-rhizomes, and for potting use fibrous peat, leaf-soil, and sphagnum-moss in equal quantities. It is important that the surface of the compost, to the depth of about J inch, should consist of living sphagnum-moss. Place the plants at the warmer end of the Cattleya- house, and when the pseudo-bulbs are partly made, suspend them in a sunny position in the East Indian-house; the extra light and warmth at that period will greatly assist their de- velopment Vanda Cathcarti. — This singular and handsome species is in flower, and it is one of those Orchids that is rather particular as to position and treat- ment. It will grow luxuriantly if trained up a teak-raft, and placed in a moist shady corner of the East Indian house. The aerial roots of this plant should be moistened at least once a day at this season, and twice or thrice each day during the summer months. Ada aurantiaca also produces its bright cinnabar- red flowers at this season ; the arching racemes are appreciated for table decoration, the colour being particularly bright by artificial light. The flower-spikes are easily gathered by giving them a gentle pull, when the stem will readily part from the base of the young growths, and will be much longer than when cut. Ada auran- tiaca thrives exceedingly well in the leaf-soil mixture now generally recommended, and under identical conditions as the cool-house Odonto- glossums. Odonloglossum coronarium miniatum. — This much admired variety does not grow nearly so strong as the ordinary O. coronarium, and no difficulty is experienced at Burford in obtaining flower-spikes annually. The species is generally acknowledged to be a shy bloomer. Being of scandent habit, the plant should be cultivated in a long, narrow, well-drained teak-wood basket, and provided with peat and sphagnum-moss in equal parts, mixing plenty of crocks with this. The proper time to disturb the roots is when growth recommences. In re-basketing the plant, cut off several of the old back pseudo-bulbs, retaining about three or four behind the young growth; by so doing it will be possible to put the plant into a smaller receptacle than would be the case otherwise. Cultivate the plant in the cool-house. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. K. Fielder. Gardeoer to Mrs. Burns, North Hymni.i Park. Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Hippeastrums (Amaryllis). — Repot old bulbs just before they begin to make new growth. Shake the soil from the roots, and pot up the bulbs into pots measuring 5 to 7 inohes in diameter, according to the size of the bulbs. Let the pots be clean and well drained. A suitable compost will be one of three-parts loam, one-half a part of leaf-soil, and one-half a part of well rotted manure, together with plenty of coarse silver sand. In potting keep half the bulb above the surface of the soil. Those plants that are required to flower early should be placed in a temperature of 60° ; but if it is desired to retard the flowering of others they may be allowed to start into growth in a temperature of about 50°. The roots will only occasionally need water until the n»w growth an<1 9'>wer-spikes are visible. The foliage bein^ very subject to the attack of thrips fumigation should hi carried out at in- tervals, otherwise the plants will be crippled. Do not shake the soil from the roots of plants that have already started into growth, but shift them into larger pots ; or, after putting the drainage in good order, remove an inch or two of the surface soil and afford a top-dressing of the soil used for potting the other plants, adding a little bone-meal. Caladiums and Alocasias. — These Aroids having rested during the winter may be restarted. Shake the old soil from the tubers and place them in small pots, affording them a compost consisting of equal parts fibrous loam, peat, and leaf-soil, and adding plenty of coarse sil ver sand. A little sphag- num-moss and broken charcoal, or brick rubble, may be added for Alocasias. After they are potted place the bulbs in a house where a minimum temperature of 60° is maintained, and water sparingly until growth has commenced. When the plants have made roots shift them into larger pots ; those 6 inches in diameter are large enough for ordinary decorative plants, but if larger speci- mens be desired a subsequent shift into 8-inch or 9-inch pots may be afforded. Caladium argyrites and other dwarf - growing varieties should be grown in small pots. Propagation is effected by division of the tubers, a crown being retained to each division. Gloxinias. — Remove the old soil from Gloxinia bulbs, and pot them into as small-sized pots as will contain the bulbs and allow of a little soil being placed around them. Afford the plants a temperature of about 00°, and water them care- fully. When the bulbs have made a number of roots shift them into larger pots, using a potting compost of two parts loam, one part peat, and one part leaf-soil, adding plenty of silver-sand. Tydcp.as, Ncegelias, and Achimenes. — A portion of the stock of each of these may be started now. Let well-drained pins be filled to within 11 inch of the rims with loam, leaf-soil, and peat in equal parts, adding a liberal allowance of silver-sand. Upon this lay the corms about an inch apart, and cover them with soil half an inch deep. Place MAKCH 5, 1904.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 151 the pans in the stove, and water them carefully. When the plants are 3 inches high pot them off, placing six or eight Aehimenes in a 5-inch pot, or four Tyda?as in pots of that size. THE HARDY FBUIT GARDEN. By H. Mai.'kjiam, gr., Wrotham Park, Bamet. The Orchard. — When the land is in a fit condi- tion to be trampled upon, take the opportunity afforded to place stakes to young, newly-planted trees. When staking a young tree, it is very essential to use plenty of soft material between the stake and the bark in order to prevent injury to the latter. Use strong stakes, and drive them well into the ground at a distance of 6 inches from the stem of the tree. Tread the soil firmly about the roots, and when the tree has been finally secured to the supports slightly loosen the surface of the ground with a four-tined fork. Tarred twine, willows, or wire may be employed for fastening the trees to the stakes ; wire is most durable, and quite suitable for use, provided a good soft pad is placed round the stem of the tree as mentioned above. Any worn - out rubber garden - hose, if cut into lengths, will be found an excellent material for this purpose. If rabbits are troublesome protect the lower part of the trees with wire-netting, but allow plenty of room for the future swelling of the stems. Examine larger trees, and afford fresh stakes to any that need them, and make sure that ties upon other trees will not pinch the bark during next season. See that a label is affixed to each tree in order to identify each variety. If labels are fixed to the branches with wire, examine the wires and replace any that are likely to cut the bark. We use here labels made of lead for all fruit - trees, whether standards, bushes, or those trained on walls, and the names are stamped upon them. These can be fastened to the trees with wire, or attached to stout stakes 18 inches long, driven into the ground a few inches from the stem of the tree. If the latter method be adopted, no difficulty will be experienced in finding the names in summer when the trees are in full leaf. At the same time, keep a list of all the trees and their positions for reference in case any of the labels should get lost or be misplaced. Pruning Young Standards. — Opinions vary as to whether or not these should be pruned the first year after planting. My expeiience is that they should in more or less degree according to the length and strength of the joung shoots and the amount of roots. Select from three to five of the best placed shoots, and shorten them back to about 15 inches from the bate, always cutting to a bud pointing in the direction the following season's shoot is required to grow. Make the cuts as straight across the wood as possible. When the young shoots to form the main branches of the tree have been selected less pruning will be required. Spur back inner growths to keep the heads of the trees open, that the sunlight may reach the centres ; but should the trees make strong, unfruitful wood each tear, instead of pruning the branches, use the spade at the roots. If this be done with care and judgment, it will, as a rule, have the desired effect. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddocknur&t, Sussex. Roses. — The weather has been very unfavour- able for planting operations, but it is time they were completed. Remove the protecting material that has protected Roses during the winter, and commence to prune the plants. A good sharp, strong knife is best for this purpose; but in places where there is a large quantity of plants to be pruned a pair of good secateurs, that have thin blades and cut both edges, may be used. Care must be taken not to prune too closely with these, as the shoots are more liable to die back than if cut with a knife. If large blooms are required, and the plants are strong, prune moderately hard, and d.sbud later on, and to an outside bud. Keep the centre of the plant open. If the necessary time can be spared, disbudding is better than bard pruning, especially on strong - growing Teas. Weak- growing varieties may be pruned rather more severely. The pruning of Tea varieties may be deferred for a few weeks. Strong-growing Roses may be pegged down with very good results These do not require to be planted so closely, especially if the soil is suitable for Roses. We finished our planting here last week, and to fill up a few blank places in other beds we took off some of the outside pieces that were too thick, and found them well established on their own roots. I have found the variety Crimson Rambler trained on arches to suffer from the hard pruning. It is generally given in the early autumn after the flowering season. The plants show no signs of deterioration for two or three years after planting, but in five or six years the ill-effects of hard pruning are obvious. In such a case only enough should be cut away to enable the wood to become well ripened. If the plants are in a warm posi- tion, or in the full sun, they are liable to become badly attacked by red-spider. They may be syringed now with soft-soap and (Quassia-water, and again before coming into bloom. Climbers on walls may be treated similarly. Cover the wall and bare places with last year's wood, cutting older pieces away as may be necessary. China or Monthly Roses will only require to have the shoots thinned. When pruning has been finished and the prunings cleared away, beds that have been manured for several years may be given a slight dressing with lime, and be mulched later on. Let all plants be labelled correctly with "Acme" labels, and they will then be more interesting than a collection without names. Bulbs in Beds will now be showing through the- soil, and should be dressed with lime and soot as a preventive of slugs. Loosen the surface soil with the Dutch-hoe. Yuccas may easily be increased from old plants that flowered last season and have been left in the ground. They have thiown up some good suckers, which may be put into pots or planted in the ground. Yuccas have a good effect when planted in a bed containing Physalis Alkekengi, fresh beds of which may now be planted. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Firth, Esq., Asnwlcke Hall, Marshfield, Chippenham. Potatos. — In many of the southern counties the planting of tubers in sheltered borders will soon become general, and if the soil is light and well drained, this may be done with the expectation of good results. The young plants will in all probability require some protection for a few weeks when they show through the soil, though in my own experience during more than twenty years I have only had my early Potatos cut off twice by frost, and on each occasion the tubers planted late were also frosted. On heavy, wet soil it will be better to postpone planting until the soil is in a less wet condition, or some of the tubers will decay, and the remaining ones grow irregularly. We had ample proof ot this in the spring of 1903. Afford air to Potatos in frames whenever the weather is favourable. The heat afforded should not be sufficient to force the haulms up weakly, or the crop will be a failure. Make another planting on the open border, and place frames over them if necessary. Cucumbers. — Where hotbeds and plants have been prepared as advised in a former Calendar, if not already done, cover the surface of the manure in the frame with about 4 inches of soil, raising a mound in the centre of each light about 1 foot high and 18 inches in diameter. When the soil has become warm and the heat of the hotbed has declined to about 75°, plant the plants on the mound, and keep the atmospheric temperature steady by covering the frame at night with mats. Admit air on bright days when required, and prevent extremes of heat or cold. Sow Gherkins. Vegetable Marrows. — If Marrows are required early in the season, sow seeds in 3-inch pots furnished with damp soil, and place them on a shelf in an atmospheric temperature ranging from 55° to 00°, being careful not to give much water or the seeds will rot. As soon as the seedlings are through the soil, place them near to the light, and keep them sturdy. Plant the seedlings on a mild hot-bed when they have made a couple of rough leaves, and cultivate them as hardy as possible, avoiding checks. French Beans. — Maintain the supply indoors as previously advised, and sow seeds to produce plants for putting into cold frames and for planting out. Sow the seeds in rich moist soil indoors, or on a hot-bed, having a temperature not exceeding 00° unless by sunheat. Do not apply water until the seeds have germinated, unless it becomes absolutely necessary to do so. Afford them all the light and air possible when the weather will permit. Seed Sawing. — Sow in the open, Onions, var. Ailsa Craig, Bedfordshire Champion, Rousham Park Hero, James Keeping, also Silver Skinned for pickling. Sow Parsley; also Elcomb's Im- proved, Hollow Crowned, and the Student Parsnips ; purple and lily-white Seakale, large- Jersey Shallots, improved Mussellbmgh and the« Lyon Leeks. Forcing-houses. — Give particular attention to- ventilating the forcing-houses and frames, or in a very few minutes sunshine may cause injury. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fvfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Locklnga Park, Wantage. Pines. — The potting of succession or autumn, suckers should be completed. Pots and crocks- having been made perfectly clean, transfer plants from 5-inch into 8-inch, and 0-inch into 10-inch, pots. Should the plants have become root- bound, gently separate all matted roots with a pointed piece of wood ; but it is not good practice- to allow the roots to get into such condition before repotting the plants. Let the soil be of the best fibrous yellow loam procurable, using only the fibrous parts from which the fine- particles have been removed. To every barrowful of loam fibre add a G or S-inch potful of some approved chemical manure and an equal quantity of soot. Warm the soil to the- same temperature as that of the house before- using it, and let it be fairly dry, so that the plants may be made moderately firm in the pots. Examine each plant carefully a few days previous to repotting, so that the soil may be- moist about the roots when they are turned out of the pots. Withhold water for a time- after potting, but maintain a moist, growth- promoting atmosphere by gently spraying the plants overhead with the syringe in the after- noon when closing the ventilators, damping all available surfaces at the same time. Let tue- temperature at night be 60° to 65°, and the bottom-heat 85° to 90°. Peaches and Nectarines. — Trees in the second) early-house were started here early in the year and forced moderately with a free circulation of top and front air during the greater part of- the time. Under such favourable conditions, with the flowers well in advance of the wood- buds, no difficulty has been experienced in, securing a good set. Disbudding was begun, as soon as the buds had well started, removing at intervals all buds with the exception of one in front of the fruit, and depending upon another shoot from the base for supplying wood for bear- ing next year. Should any shoots which have- been allowed to remain appear likely to cause- crowding, remove them with a sharp knife. Syringing must be done with discretion in dulli and cold weather. Too much moisture would be- likely to cause the growths to be weakly, and the fruits would suffer. Should red-spider — a recog- nised enemy of the Peach — be troublesome, use- flowers-of -sulphur on the affected parts rather than bring about an excess of moisture. The. temperature at night in severe weather should be 50°, and may rise 10° or 15° during the day with, sun-heat. Tines. — Attend to the disbudding of Vines in. the second early house as soon as the best breaks can be distinguished, proceeding gradually, bear- ing in mind that the strongest breaks do not in every case produce the most compact and perfect bunches of fruit. Tate every opportunity tc- reduce long spurs by retaining the break nearest the main rod when possible. If any mealy-bugs, are seen now, in spite of the winter cleansing, take a small brush dipped in methylated spirits, and with a slight touch kill the insects. When, the flowers can be seen, the temperature under bright sunshine at closing time may rise to 85° and the temperature at night be 55° to 60°. 152 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. f March 5, 1904. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. tatters for Publication, as well as specimens and plant* tor naming, should be addressed to ike EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one bide only of tbi papek, 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 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. {■lustrations. — The Editor will be glad to receive and selett photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c. ; but A* 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. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TTinniv m»o o/Roval Horticultural Society's TUESDAY, MAE. 8 1 committees meet. 8ALES FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY NEXT— Perennials. Koses, Fruit Trees, Azileas. &c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by ProUieroe & Morris, at. 12 WEDNESDAY NEXT— Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Palms, Plants Roses, Fruit Trees, Border Plaots. the occasion of the opening of the new buildings- in t he University for the promotion of scientific research are noteworuhy, and we trust will bear fruit abundantly : — " I am very glad to know of the educational work in connection with the great industry of agriculture which you have undertaken . In common with most branches of industry, agri- culture has in modern times come to depend for its. success and extension upon the unremitting appli- cation to it of the results of scientific investigation. No greater service can be rendered to this ancient industry than to furnish it with the means of research and instruction, which are essential in, order that labour may be directed in profitable- channels. In the buildings which are to he- opened to-day important provision will be made- for instruction in some of the branches of know- ledge upon which the scientific cultivation of the land is based, and you will, I hope, derive there- from useful aid in the carrying out of your- undertaking. I pray that every success may attend* you in the execution of the great work of general) education which is now entrusted to you I earnestly desire the well-being of the University and the extension and development of all branches- of study and research, which are essential to the- maintenance and the greatness and the welfare of my Empire. I have no doubt that Cambridge- will continue to occupy a foremost place in this- work. To the older Universities must succeed new endowments for education if my realm is to- be kept up to its proper standard of efficiency. L am glad to know many munificent donations have- been received to that end, and that the museums- which are now being opened for the study of subjects of especial importance at the present- time will serve as an example of that generosity.. at which friends and supporters of the University- will rejoice." Mr. T. W. TURNER. — Before Mr. Turner left the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Chiswick, a fortnight ago, to take up his new duties at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, the- Superintendent and Staff made him a presenta- tion of a marble timepiece, as a mark of their- esteem and an expression of their good wishes. United Horticultural Benefit and- Provident Society. — We are informed that- the Annual Meeting of members will be held at- the Caledonian Hotel, Adelphi Terrace, Strand, on Monday evening, March 14, at 8 o'clock. Mr.. H. J. Wright will preside. "The Fruit-growers' Year-Book " (Illus- trated), 1904 (London : Hatton House, Great- Queen Street, W.C.). We cannot do better than- quote from the title-page, which indicates that this- is a book " containing articles, notes, and inter- views directly dealing with the latest developments- of the fruit-growing industry ; essays by authori- tative writers, invaluable statistics and tables, and a directory of fruit-growers and market- garden farmers." We notice more than one- article respecting the Northern Star Potato, and? would further mention a useful monthly calendar- bearing special reference to fruit-culture. Fruit Cultivation in Britain. — The De- partmental Committee on Fruit Culture appointed1 by Lord Onslow held sittings on Wednesday and Thursday, the 24th and 25th ult. The fol- lowing members were present : — Mr. Boscawen,. M.P. (Chairman), Col. Long, M.P. ; Mr. C. W. , Radcliffe-Cooke, Mr. Hodge, Mr. Monro, Dr. Somerville, Mr. P. Spencer Pickering, the- Rev. W. Wilks, and Mr. Ernest Garnsey (Secretary). Evidence on behalf of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries was given by Mr. Rew, of the Statistical Department ; Mr. Brooke- Hunt, of the Educational Department; and Sir- W. T. Thiselton-Dyer, K.C.M.G., Director ofi the Royal Gardens, Kew. Evidence on hosticulr- Maech 5, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 1 55 •tural instructors for County Councils was given eeit-Ust from the Imperial Botanic. Garden, St. Petersburg. • ™1?,S lnyty-e'ght small pages punted in double «.^tomn of names of seed* available for exchange. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) PRUNING OF VINE8 AND TREATMENT OF SUB-LATERALS.— In reply to Mr. Hill, I may say that I have had about forty years' experience in cultivating the Vine; but I fear t> state facts which I find in my practice are contrary to the system adopted by nine growers out of every ten. The summer pinching and winter pruning depend to a great extent on the different varieties of Grapes, their degree of vigour, and the crop of fruit which the Vine carries. Sometimes splen- didly finished Grapes are seen on a Vine that does not require the sub-laterals pinched ; aud often very badly-coloured Grapes are seen on a Vine where strong sub -lateral growths are encouraged. Theonly way to stop this gro wth is by pruning, feed- ing, and watering at the proper season of growth. In winter I adopt the spur-pruning, but have long spurs on shy fruiters, such as Duke of Buc- cleuch. Mr. Slade says that " there is something in Lady Hastings he does not quite understand." This Grape was sent out as a sport, and received a First-class Certificate. Mr. Molyneux, who has seen this Grape growing at Melton Constable, might perhaps describe the difference between Black Muscat and Lady Hastings. The former was sent out in 187 1 as a seedling, and the latter in 1890 as a sport of Muscat Hamburgh. A. Kirk, Norwood Gardens, Alloa. DI8EASE-RE8ISTING POTAT08.— I have no in- tention to withdraw my statement "that lam tired of hearing of disease-resisting Potatos." We have been hearing of them for the past thirty years, beginning with the old Redskin Flourball down to now, and I repeat that, so far as absolute per- manent disease-resistance is concerned, we are no forwarder. Is there in commerce to-day, in spite of the efforts put forth to boom one or two comparatively new varieties, any one that is, in respect of disease-resistance, of crop, or of general quality, bettor than was that grand Potato of the last century, Magnum Bonuin, for the first several years of its coming into com- merce ? What truly wonderful crops it gave free from disease — 20 tons to the acre, a beautiful sample, and of capital table quality ! That was sent out some 25 or more years ago, and it was soon theone Potato of the nation. Thenearest approach to it since is doubtless Up-to-Date, also a great cropper and just now the Potato of the kingdom, but it seems to be even less disease-resisting. There is my point, and it is conclusive proof that so far we are no forwarder. I want a disease- proof Potato. Can any of those who continue to raise new varieties find us such an one ? As I mentioned at the first meeting of the Potato Society, we want a variety that is hairless, has thick, leathery, shiny smooth leaves, and stout, woody, smooth stems. Such a plant would be, I believe, impervious to the attacks of disease-spores, and these could be kept from contact with the newly-forming tubers were the rows of such ample width apart to allow of a good body of soil to be moulded up round the stems. Possibly many an esteemed disease-resisting variety loses its reputation because it is planted in soil reeking with resting spores, or because the seed- tubers have been weakened by bad storing. But enormous cropping even to-day is less a matter for admiration than is absolute immunity from disease. A. D. STRAWBERRY BEDS. — Different opinions have been expressed in regard to the mulching of the plants, and particularly upon the date when this operation should be performed. Few will condemn the mulching of light and gravelly soils, but I am convinced that little or no benefit follows the mulching of soils of a heavier texture. I have witnessed the system of apply- ing a heavy dressing of manure in the autumn, and raking the same off in the spring, also that of forking the manure in — not a happy process for the roots. My own experience has led me to dis- countenance the mulching of Strawberries under any conditions. Several years ago it was my good fortune to serve for a time under the late Mr. Strathdee, in Gadgirth Gardens, Ayrshire, not unknown to many as the "Garden of Eden" of Ayrshire. Gadgirth has long been famed for its successful fruit cu'ture, and especially for that of Strawberries. I will try to explain the practices which were so successful during mv stay at Gad- girth. Mr. Strathdee had then been head gardener there for forty years. Strawberries were grown on a large scale, for commercial purposes as well as private consumption Mr. Jefferies stated in the Gard. Chron. on p. 90 : *' When all the fruits have been gathered, and a sufficient number of runners have been layered for a new bed," thus showing a system of taking young stock from plants pro- ducing fruits, which was never practised at Gad- girth. Runners were taken from plants put out in the previous August, and these plants weie not permitted to fruit until the season following. The treatment of these non-fruiting plants con- sisted in keeping all flowers and superfluous runners rigorously pinched off, plying the Dutch- hoes frequently — they were seldom idle — and in watering the young runners, some of which weie layered in pots and the others in the bed. No mulching was given other than that of fine soil provided by the hoes. When the flower-scapes began to appear upon fruiting plants, thorough soakings of liquid manure from the farmyard were afforded at intervals until the most forward fruits showed the least tinge of colour. At the same time the littering-down with strawy material was accomplished. If the manure-water was given sooner, it would tend to produce a superabund- ance of foliage. As soon as fruiting was over, all runners and old leaves were cut away, and, together with the litter, wheeled on to the bed which had produced its third crop, and was therefore to be trenched in. The hoe com- pleted the rest of the work deemed neces- sary until fruiting time again arrived, when the previous year's f irtnula was repeated. In trenching-in the old b?ds liberal dressings of farmyard manure were afforded, and such ground generally produced a crop of early Potatos, which could be cleared off by the time it was again necessary to plant with Strawberries. Before the young plants were put out a very light dressing of well-decayed manure was spread on the surface and slightly pricked in. This encouraged the rapid formation of roots. The young plants were usually put at distances of ' 2 feet each way. Many varieties were grown, but I think for dessert purposes the most satisfactory was Royal Sovereign, and for making jam Vicomtesse Hcricart de Thury. In many cases failure is the result of insufficient care in selecting varieties adapted to the nature of the soil. President has always been a favourite, but unfortunately it fails to give satisfaction here on a cold retentive soil. Royal Sovereign leaves nothing to bs desired, followed by Waterloo and Elton Pine. J. McCallum, The Gardens, Burkham House, Alton, Hants. SOWING ONIONS UNDER GLASS.— The plea by "B.," p. 140, for an extension of this practice comes very opportunely at a time when the condition of heavy soils is the despair of those who have to get in early crops. I have from time to time, for many years past, advocated the sowing of Onions under glass, not merely for the production of very big bulbs, which is, after all, a matter of minor importance, but as a successful means of combatting the difficulties which beset the grower of Onions in bulk for home consump- tion. To grow Onions successfully from seed sown in the open, seed sowing has to be per- formed quite early in the year, and more often than not the ground is at that time not in a fit condition to be meddled with, and the work has to be put off week after week, so that when the first hatch of Onion Fly takes place about the early half of May, later or earlier according to district, the young plants are in the stage when they are most susceptible to attacks, and the crop falls before the enemy in a heartrending sort of wa.v, in spite of any remedial applications that may be used. " B" alludes to the labour side of the question and seems inclined to believe that it is increased under the planting - out system ; but after many years' practice and obser- vation I am not at all inclined to agree that there is any increase of labour, and for the fol- lowing reasons : First, the initial cleaning of the crop is absolutely avoided and the young plants get a thoroughly good start of the weeds, as when planting is carried out the oround will be clean. Again there is no thinning 156 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 5,. 190!. to be done — not that thinning is a process abso- lutely necessary for the production of useful sized bulbs when sown where grown, but very few people have the courage to sow thinly enough. I think it may be taken as proved that weight of crop is greatly increased under the planting-out system, for the bulbs undoubtedly are larger and they are also far more uniform in size. The space required to raise many thousands of young Onions under glass is very little. My practice is to sow quite thickly, as the growth -thus becomes more upright and the plants easier to handle. Should the roots become slightly matted before planting out, this will have but very little influence on the general results of the «rop,for, as pointed out by " B," the young plants soon recuperate and grow away from the check. The one thing needful is to prevent drawing during the early stages. Treat the plants as ordi" nary beddin g plants, and they w ill give no difficulty . One is tied to no time as to planting out, and can afford to wait until the weather and soil are favourable. J. C. Tallack. CURIOUS PEST IN GARDEN.— Two years ago I purchased a residence with about 2 acres of ground, with kitchen and flower-garden combined, and have since found that about the months of July, August, and September all my family, as well as myself, have been pestered with what at first appeared to be " hives " or heat-spots all over the body, the portion attacked being that not exposed. I have been informed that the trouble is caused by insects which get under the skin, and are known a3 orange-tawnies or harvest-bugs. I may mention that for a few years previous the garden appears to have been neglected. Acting on advice, I have had a great deal of pruning done, and undergrowth cut away ; in addition to which I have had the kitchen-garden cultivated and lime dug in, this latter being, as I was told, the chief aid in eradicating the pest. I am at a loss, however, to know how todeal with the grass in the flower-garden and on the tennis- lawn. 1 have a strong opinion that the p. st must be in the grass, as we find after playing that we invariably get renewed attacks. Dilute petroleum has been suggested to me as a remedy, but I am loth to use it lest it might destroy the grass. A. S. H, Dublin. [Find the culprit and we will endeavour to help you ; at present it seems all guess-work. Ed.] QRAPE LADY HASTINGS. — This variety, worked upon the Black Hamburgh, fruited here in 1902 and 1903, and we have formed a very favourable opinion of its merits. It has a robust constitution, with distinct and good foliao-e. The appearance of both bunch and berry bears resem- blance to those of Madresfield Court. But what may be termed the framework of the bunch is of more substance than that variety. The berries set and swell well, attaining to a large size and good colour. The bunches have been allowed to hang as long as they would keep well, for the pur- pose of testing them in tbe different stages and comparing the Grapes with Muscat Hamburgh, the supposed parent, also worked upon Black Ham- burgh. The three grow in the same house. The first of the three to commence to colour was Lady Hastings. Lady Hastings has been pronounced by some to be the beat of the tbrte. But it must not be overlooked that the berry of Lady Hastings, being much larger than that of Muscat Hamburgh, it had a little advantage. All three varieties are again showing well for bunches ; and to further test the matter I propose giving the Fruit Committee of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, with the representatives of the Horticultural Press (generally keen critics), the opportunity of testing the three varieties during the summer. With White Gros Colmar I have had no experience, and this, from what I have read, is not to be regretted. W. Fyfe. ALLAMAInda Seedlings. — I was very in- terested to see on p. 141 the account of Alla- manda Williamsii fruit which the Eev. W. Witts showed to the Floral Committee. I had a plant of A. Williamsi which fruited in the summer of 1900. This capsule ripened sixteen seedB. I sowed seven of them on July 12, 1901, five of which I was fortunate enough to raise, and one of them flowered in September, 1902. All of them flowered last summer, and the five plants are all different, either in growth or in the flowers. I think the A. Williamsi must have been crossed with the bees, because I had another Allamanda in bloom in the same house. They seem to be all improvements on A. Wil- liamsi. I have shown them to several of the best gardeners around here, and they advise me to send them to one of the leading nurserymen for his opinion. If you think it would be advisable, I would send some of the blooms to the Floral Committee some time during the coming summer. H. Barton. [By all means send some flowers to the Floral Committee, and if possible let all the varieties come at one time in separate packages, and with flowers of the typical A. Williamsi for comparison. Ed J The Proposed Gardeners' Association — As one who has long had uuuer couaideiaiiun ihe desirability of a Gardeners' Association, perhaps you will permit me to sav how pleased I am that such an Association is dob about to become an accomplished tact. It is nearly twenty years since I first advocated the banding together of trained gardeners, in the columns of a contemporary over a nam- de- plume. The lapse of time and a more extended knowledge ot gardeners and their circumstances, their trials and joys, their suppressed aspirations and open patience and endurance, their devotion to their calling, has strengthened my opinion that gardeners snould be registered and thereby be protected-as far as is possible by such means— from injury by impostors and by those who have failed in other walks of life. Many gardeners may say truly that they do not require protection from such persons. Some may even iliink that the status of gardener* cannot be r»i-ca by r.eglitration But 8ncn gentlemen are rather thinking of individuals than of the whole body ot gardeners. We know that many gardeners do not require any protection, nor can their status very well be raised by any registra'ino. But what of the remaining 19,976 persons oat of :'0 000 engaged iu gardening work who have received iraiuirjg of some kind in horticulture ? We must not individualise, but study the welfare of gardeners collectively. If we do that, I think few will be disposed lo say that the general position of gardeners does not require im- proving and cannot be improved. When the Associa- tion is formed I think the first and most important question to be considered should be that of registra- tion. All persons who can prove that they have received a certain number ot years' training — the number of years to be fixed by the Commntee or Council — I think they should not be fewer than seven years-shall be entitled to have their names inscribed on the register; but that they shall be liable to removal on proof of conviction for certain offauces, tbe offence or offences to be recorded in the margin against the name. Private gardeners, nurserymen, market gardeners, gardeners, and curators of public parks and gardens should have rqual rights to registration. And may I crave admission to the register for such men as County Council Lec- turers in Horticulture, provided of course they can prove they have received at least the minimum amount of training agreed upon by tbe Committee or Council ? Tne questions of examinations, salaiie', and hours ot labour mav well be left for consideration at a later period ; but I have placed each subject in its order of merit from the point of view from which I am now lookiog at it, though salaries may well be paced first when the subject, is looked at from a different point of view. As for hours of labour there is much to be said. Hours of labour should be as few as possible consistent with the entire welfare of ihe garden aod all it contains That applies exclusively to men who have no special or peculiar iuierest in the garden. Responsible men who have a real love for their work do not count the hours Young gardeners who intend to be among the best gardeners do not count tbe hours very exactly; they love their work, and the amount of their success is the measure of tneir reward. Now that the formation of a Hardeners' Associaiion is practically assured, I wish it complete success and long life, and accord if, mv unqualified support J Udnl-, Superintendent of Horticulture for Worcester County Counci'l The proposition of Mr. George Gordon, which was seconded by Mr W. Watson, of Kew Gardens ought to have the support, of all engaged in hort ' culture I, for one, shall suppoit su^h an Association to theutmo8tof myabiity. If I remember rightly, some nine or len years ago Mr. F. W Burbldge suggested something of the kind in an able article in the Gar- deners' Chronicle, but no odo took any practical notice of it. Gardeners, as a rule, take a lot of rousing, but the time has come, "and now is," when they must be roused to a sense of the aignity of their ealliug. It, is perfectly true, as Mr. Watson said at the meetiug, that in many instances gardening had become the ' dump- ing-ground for duffers," which must stop. Not only so, but as members ot an ancient craft, we have been In everybody's hands but our own. Systems which have existed in connection with gardeners must, end. Then again the title "Gardener" m-longs to all at present— the merest tyro Cairns it. Before anyone can lay claim to the title of gardener, he or she suould be compelled to serve a certain specified time in a good garden under a fully reeistered gardener. ' who tf course would be a scientilic and practical gardener." In many instances at preseut employers look upon their gardeners as little further aovanced than a common labourer. I would iu conclusion suggest that the provisional Committee insert, a paragraph in the Gardening Press, asku g all gardeners inter- ested in Ihe proposed Association to beud in their names to the Secretary, or to any member of the Committee, then they could form some definite idea how it was being taken up. The only way of reaching them is through the Hardening Pi ess- no other Press recognises us. J. Corbett, Mu'grave Cattle Gardens. NOTES FROM PENZANCE. The first week of February is perhaps about the most inauspicious time that could be selected for the inspection of an open garden in this country, but even at this season of the year there- is much to be seen in the neighbourhood of Penzance that is possessed of interest to the flower-lover. In walking through the town and adjacent villages, I saw in little gardens Ribes- sanguineutn and its white variety in flower, as well as Arabis albida, Anemone fulgens, shrubby Veronicas, great bushes of the Paris Daisy (Chrysanthemum Halleri major), Cytisus race- mosus, Lithospermum prostratum, Megaseas, Snowdrops, Crocuses, Primroses and Chionodoxas, while Arums were in fine leafage, an Oleander was the picture of health, and Ivy-leaved Pelar- goniums were common on cottage walls, on one of which a zonal Pelargonium had reached the eaves, a height of about 18 feet. Facing the main road to Land's End, Clianthiis puniceus was in bloom, and in other gardens- Olearia stellulata, Erica lusitanica (codonodes), Teucrium fruticans, Camellias, Hamamelis ar- borei, an enormous bush of Datura san- guinea, 10 feet in height; Chorozema Lowii, Saxifraga Boydii alba, S. Griesbachii, and many varieties of Narcissi were blossoming. Amongst the last I noticed a spike of Soleil d'Or, over 3 feet in height, carrying fourteen flowers. Henry Irving is a Narcissus that is much appreciated in, this locality, where it is already extensively grown, it being found rather earlier than N. obvallaris, while it is also of a good golden-yellow colour. At Trewidden, near Penzance, the resi- dence of Mr. T. B. Bolitho, I was grieved to finuS that probably the finest specimen of Daphni- phyllum glaucescens in the British Isles had died. This example was 12 feet in height and 20 feet in diameter. When it was taken down, the roots were found to be rotten. It will be a great loss, as the young plaits will require many years to attain to the same proportions. Two bushes of Rhododendron grande, better known i R. argenteum, were in lull flower. These are precocious examples, as the species does not. usually bloom until the end of March. In the largest, which is over 12 feet in height, the pistils, are crimson-tipped, but in the other they are white. A young plant of Guevina avellana, a seedling from the well-known specimen, 20 feet an height, at Mr. Bolitho's Devonshire seat, Green- way, on the banks of the Dart, is making fine growth, its foliage being particularly handsome. The Rectory garden at Ludgvan, about 3 miles from Penzance, though not of great extent, is one of the most interesting in the county, the Rev. Arthur Boscawen, who has on several occasions, won the premier prize for Narcissi at the Truro Daffodil Show, being a mo3t successful cultivator of rare plants. At the time of my visit Correa carnea, C. virens, C. ventrico3a, and C. picta superba, were in flower in the open air ; as were Grevillea alpina, Diosma ericoides, Iris tingitana, Manettia bicolor, and a large plant of Clematis- indivisa lobata, whose earliest blossoms were almost expanded. Amongst other rare plants to be seen in the best of health in this garden are the New Zealand Phyllocladus triehoinanoides, Alectryon excelsum, the white Cvtisus prohferus, 12- feet in height; Corynocarpus laevigatas, Fremontia californica, Pseudopanar crassifolium, the New Zealand Lancewood, 10 feet in height ; Clethra arborea, Cassia corymbosa, a Sne specimen of Myoporum, kctum, whose lanceolate leaves are spotted with innumerable traasparent dots, and which 1 have seen flowering abuudantly in the early summer; Meryta Smclairii, Tricuspidacia hexapetala,. Psoralea pinnata, a strong young shrub of Metro- ideros robusta from the Isles of Scilly, where it affords such a gorgeous summer display (the- Mabch 5, 1904. J THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E. 157 Callistemons are a'mo t invariably catalogued by nurserymen under the name Metrosideros, but the two are totally distinct), Podocarpus Totara, Mitraria coccinea, Philesia buxifolia, several large specimens of Abutilon vitifolium, Eehium callithyrsum, 6 feet across ; Callistemon specio- sum, many fine bushes of Romneya Coulteri, which in this garden does not resent trans- plantation, though in the majority of cases this is followed by its speedy decease ; Olearia nitida, Senecio Greyi and S. Fosteri, Abelia floribunda, Berberidopsis corallina, the rare Eucryphia eor- data, 5 feet in height ; Ehapiolepis ovata, Ozo- thamnus rosmarinifolius, Leptospermums, Pitto- sporums in variety, Nandina domestica, and other shrubs ; while of Rhododendrons, the va- riety Pink Pearl, 5 feet in height and as much through, is worthy of mention. Amongst other noteworthy plants are a fine specimen of Furcraea longaeva, a collection of twenty varieties of Sprenger's Yuccas, Dracaena lentigino3a with narrow, brownish -red leaves; Mandevilla suaveolens, an enormous clump of Libertia formosa, 5 feet in height ; Cyathea dealbata, Iris Robinsoniana, I. fimbriata (syn. japonica), Myosotidiumnobile, Crinums of several species, Agapanthus, Nerines, Watsonias, and Antholyzas. In the rock-garden Ourisia coccinea, usually considered difficult to grow, is a weed, rambling everywhere and flowering profusely ; Lithospermum prostratum has formed a cushion about 0 feet across ; Kalosantb.es grow and flower well, as do the rarer Erythroniums and Fritil- larias ; Primula Cashmeriana, from self-sown seed, was in flower, as were several blossoming colonies of Narcissus cyclamineuF, also self- sown, and the fine Galanthus Whittalli was in bloom. The large and representative collection of Narcissi, which includes most of the newer and rarer seedlings, gave evidence of being in the best of health, and I saw two N. cyclamineus seedlings that were flowering for the first time. One, a cross between N. cyclamineus and Henry Irving, had a clear yellow flower showing traces of both parents, and the other, from a cross with Soleil d'Or, had a many-flowered scape of clear yellow. There are well-filled herbaceous borders and a large assortment of Saxifrages and other dwarf subjects among half - buried rocks in tunny borders. S. W. Fitzkerbert, February 25. ©bttuan?. John Mitchell. — Born near Southampton in the year 1814, Mr. Jno. Mitchell died at Escrick, near York, February 20, 1901. Like most men who have attained to a great age, he had outlived most, if not all, of his contemporaries in early and middle life. John Mitchell was in his day one of the best known and most successful practical gardeners in Yorkshire. He began his gardening career in the then famous nursery of Mr. Page, of Southampton. Besides being a successful nurseryman, Mr. Page had a large connection as a landscape gardener. The writer has often heard John Mitchell speak with much respect of his first employer, although he must have been a very small boy when he went to work there, seeing that his wages were for a short time "a penny a day." By diligent attention to his duties and using every opportunity to make up for his lack of day-school teaching, he gradu- ally but surely kept on improving his position in life. His first place as head gardener was at Eden Park, Beckenham, Kent. From there he went to Apley Castle, in Shropshire, the resi- dence of Sir Thomas Charlton Meyrick. After about seven ji-ars' service there, he came, in 1854, to be gardener and forester to the late Lord Wenlock, at Escrick. At that time this well- known Yorkshire nobleman was making extensive improvements in the gardens and home woodlands attached to his residence. Amongst other im- provements was the formation of a very fine Pine- tum, in which, amongst otherchoice conifers, were planted some of the first-reared plants of Wel- lingtonia in the country. After a faithful service of some thirty - seven years the present Lord Wenlock kindly granted him a pension with a cottage in the village for the remainder of his life. As recently as the Wednesday before his death he was out in the village. His only daugh- ter was married to one of his former pupils, Mr. B. Hope, gardener at Middleton Paik, in Oxford- shire, the raiser of the well-known Middleton Park Beet. Some years ago both of them died, leaving two young children, who were brought up and educated by their grandfather. His remains were quietly interred in the village churchyard on Tuesday the 23rd ult. Mr. Mitchell has often told me about subscribing to the Gardeners' Chronicle when it was first issued in 1841. H. J. C. A NEW CYMBIDIUM FROM CHINA. This remarkable species of Cymbidium (C. Wilsoni) was imported by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, of Chelsea, from Yunnan, China. It is not fa9Ciate 1. Tre condition was remark ible, having been persistent for six years on the same plant. Silver Fir diseased —Mr. Masses showed a branch attacked by .Kcidium elatinum. The Uredo form known as Melamprosella Cerastii attacks members ol the order Caryophy]l*ce:c. He observed that the disease of the Birch caused by Phytoptus is spreading greatly in the neighbourhood of Kew. Cypripediurn ma'forinrd.— Dr. Masters described fan unusual form (from Sir Trevor Lawrence's coiled ion) of a blossom, wh'cu had four sepals, two petals, one column, with two staminodes, but a three-lobed stigma and three parietal placentas. It was thus a case of increased numbers of parts, or an attempt at formiLg a multifold flower. Cineraria, supposed disease —Dr. Cooke reported upon some leaves sent by Mr. Vose, of S. Norwood :— " I have received duriog the past week leaves of Cineraria from a Fellow of the Society who suspected them to i>3 attacked by some mould I examined and reported on these to the effect that I could find no parasitic mould upon the leaves ; and although I examined the tomen- tum of the under surface as completely as it seemed possible to examine such a substance, I could find no mycelium mixed with the filaments of the tomentum, and no fragments of fungus hypbae or fungus spores. Subsequent examination of other leaves, which had Fig. 06. — cymbidium wilsoni, from yunnan. FloKers green with red marks ; lip cream-coloured. closely allied to C. giganteum, but differs in being much dwarfer, the scape more slender, and the labellum less hairy. The sepals and petals are green, with some indistinct, dotted, reddish lines extending half-way up. The lip is cream- coloured, with sepia-brown lines inside the side lobes, and reddish markings on the front. The species received an Award of Merit when shown at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on February 23 last. SOCIETI ES. EOTAL HOKTICTJLTUSAL. Scientific Committee. FEnHUARV 23.— Present : Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R P. (in the chair); Messrs. Hennesey, Chittenden, Odell, Baker, Veitch, Michael, Saunders, Bowles, Massee, Douglas, and Holmes; Dr. Cooke; Revs. W. Wilks and G. Henslow, Hon Sec. Coloured photos— Mr. Hicklcy exhibited some more miscellaneous transparent photos of vases, bouquets. <4c , by his new process. Avoteof thanks was accorded to him. Cyclamen uniformed — Mr. Odell showed specimens in which petioles and peduncles were fused together, but brownish and dead spots near the margin, furnished from these tpots a few delicate fungu9 hyph.-c with a few spores or conidia, evidently belonging to some species of Cladosporium. But as Cladosporium i9 so commonly found as a saprophyte on all kinds of dead vegetable matter, and so very rarely as a parasite, and in this instance occurred only upon dead spots, I came at once to the conclusion that it was not connected with any disease. However, I ventured to state that I should never be surprised to find some species of Oiiiurc, with its chains cf conidia, on leaves of Cineraria as well as on other composite plants." The .failure of Beans in Houses.— Mr. Baker reported as follows upon this matter brought before the last meeting .—"Mr. Horseley writes that the plants and the unsown seed have been destroyed, and the eart n thrown away. I have therefore to form an opiLicn from the long record. Assuming this to be correct, there is very little, if any, doubt that the failures were due to, first and chiefly, unbalanced sunlight and fire-heat. The period of failure was the end oi October to January, an unusually dull, suDless time this season, evea for these months, and it seems no allowance was made for this. This has been a fruit: i! source of trouble this season elsewhere, and should teach the importance of regulating the heat by the sunlight available. Secondly, the soil was chiefly of humus and too light, and almost certainly very deficient in available lime, phosphate, and potash. 158 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [MAKCH 5 1904. . .., GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROSE. February Hi.— The annual general meeting was held ■at the Guildhall, Gloucester, on the above date. The financial statement for the past year showed that the receipts amounted to £115 7s. ikl. (Including subscrip- tions £9:i is. i)(i. and gate money £41 ia« ), and the expenses oi the annual show £188 8s, Sid. (prizes £83 12s.), thus leaving a deficiency of £43 Is. The balance-sheet was adopted. ANCIENT SOCIETY OF YORK FLORISTS. The report of this Society for 1903, together with the schedule of prizes for liioi. has just been Issued. The Treasurer leports an adverse balance on the year's working of £9 I3s. lid. The receipts for admission to the Chrysanthemum Show were £60 is. ed-.i short of those taken in 1902. A balance of over £200, however, remains to the credit of the Society. Social gatherings, floral services, and numerous meetings atid shows have been held during the past season, a special feature being the institution of a Dahlia Show, the latter being so enthusiastically .supported that it was a most gratifying . success. At the Chrysanthemum Show, the exhibits were equal to any at previous shows. The schedule of prizes for 1901 is again very extensive, and the Enter tainments Committee purpose arranging a series of evening drives to take place during the summer months to places of interest. GARDENERS' DEBATING SOCIETIES. HULL AND DISTRICT. — On February 23 Mr. Mcintosh read a paper before the members of this Association on "The Tillh of the Garden," prefacing his remarks by an explanation of the origin and forma- tion of soils Air, frost, rain, wind, and seismic eruptions had prepared the soil so that the lower forms of vegetable life were enabled to find sustenance therein, and left it richer on their decay. Deep culti- vation was strongly urged, and the essayist was of the opinion that there was scarcely any land but which could not. by deep delving and breaking up. either by human force or physical agencies, be made fertile W.M. LEE, BLACKHEATH, LEWISHAM, AND WEST KENT.-The monthly meetingwas held on the 20th ult., when a lecture on "Roots and their Functions" was' given by Mr. G. D. Judge, of The Gardens, Beechwood, Eltham Koad, Lee. The lecturer dealt thoroughly with his subject, and illustrated his remarks by show- ing specimens of roots in various stages, and by diagrams BECKENHAM HORTICULTURAL.-Mr. J. Cheal gave a lecture, on FeDruary 26 at the Public Hal), on " Horti- culture in the United States of America and Canada,' illustrated with lantern-slides. The lecturer, who went to America to see for himself, found there is plenty for the Briiish gardener to learn in those places. Mr. Cheal gave au account of his journey to the back- woods to find au old apprentice, part of which journey -was by rail, sieamer, lumber wagon, and on foot through the forest. Mr Cheal, when asked if there was any prospect of British gardeners succeeding in America, replied : " Yes, if they were thoroughly quali- fied;" and he found that most of the leading parks and gardens were managed by English or Scotch gar- deners. This was the last lecture of this winter's session. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. -A well- attenaed meetiog was held on the 25th ult., when Mr. J. Coutts delivered a lecture on "Greenhouse Hard- wooded Plants." Mr. K. Poole occupied the chair. The lecture Im-luded minute details for the cultivation of Ericas, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Boronins, &s , . potting composts, training, and general treatment receiving attention. The next lecture will beheld on March 17. when Mr. Mvers will lecture on "Ancient and Modern Gardens," illustrated with lime - light views. SPEKEFIELD COTTAGERS' AMATEUR GARDEN - 3ix intere.stiug lecture i by Mr. John Stoney, of Aig burth, have been given to the members of this Society, (lie lecturer illustrating his remarks by a series of diagrams, lantern-slides, and specimens. The lectures on each occasion were highly appreciated and well attended. Many questions on technical points were asked, and fully answered by the lecturer. The Chair man at the closing lecture presented a handsome walkiug-stick to Mr. Stoney on behalf of the members. DEVON AND EXETER- At the meeting held on the 21th ult., Mr. W. Mackiy, of the Royal Nurseries, Exeter, read a paper on "Employers and Em- I ployes," Mr. Mackay advocated emp'oyers gaining the esteem and confidence of their men by a firm but easy attitude. It was a mistake on the part of an employer to think that condescension was likely to bring about undue familiarity or careless- ness. An employe's duty was to study his master's interests and wishes. The lecturer advocated recrea- tion and rest for the men. The paper contained much excellent advice to the members, of whom a large number was present. CHISLEHURST GARDENERS'.-The Chislehurst Gar- deners' Society heid a meeting on Tuesday. 25th ult., when Mr. Henry Cannell, V.M H., Swanley, gave a lecture entitled, " Fruit, and how to eat it." Being a practical gardener, he felt it his bounden duty to tell the community what he thought, in fact he was certain fruit was the best food to cat. For the past eight years and over he had lived entirely on fruit, vegetables, and farinaceous foods, aid was a great deal better in health now lhan he was when he started this mode of living. Stewed Apples and wholemeal bread made without yeast were, in his opinion, the best of all foods. Bananas were said to be the most nutritious, and are recommended for weak stomachs. Bilberry, Whortle- berry or Wnin berry, and Loganberry, Blackberry, Cranberry, alt received a passing remark Cherries, Currants, Gooseberries, Dates. Eldeiberries, Figs, Grapes, Pears, Pineapple, Melons, Strawberries, &c, were all more or less useful. During the evening speci- mens of vegetarian diet were handed round by Mr. Cannell, assisted by his son, Mr. Robert Cannell. Several preserved fruits were tasted and commented upon. READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.-There was a large attendance at the last fortnightly meeting of the above Association, when Mr. T. Neve, of Sindies- ham Home Gardens, Wokingham, introduced the sub- ject of 'The Potato in Connection with the year 1903." He noted the value of the Potato ; the universal failure of the 1903 crop; the different varieties of Potatos; Bpraying to prevent disease, and made the following suggested remedies to prevent disease, viz —an entire chauge of "ground for growing the crop, tie use of manures that are suitable for Potatos, change of seed, giviDg more thought to the early and second early varieties, and planting varieties with as strong a constitution as can be obtained. THE WEATHER. — ■ — • GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending Feb. 27, Is furnished from the Meteorological Office :— " Tue weather this week was dull in all districts, espe- claliyin the north and east of Great Britain. A con- siderable quantity of rain was experienced in Ireland and in mauy parts of Scotland, but over England the conditions generally were drier. Heavy snow and some sleet occurred, however, in the central and northern counties on Friday ; and snow showers were very prevalent on the following day in the English districts, as well as in the east of Scotland. " The temperature was high over the whole kingdom during the first two days, and continued fairly high in Ireland and the extreme north of Scotland,througliout the week; but elsewhere it fell suddenly and became very low. As a result of this change the averages were for 2° below the mean over the kingdom generally, just equal to it in Scotland, W. and the Channei Islands, and a little above it in Ireland and the north of Scotland. Toe highest of the maxima, which occurred on 8undav. ranged from 60° in England, F. (at Cambridge), and 53° in the Midland Counties, to 50° in Scotland, N. and E , and to 4!i° in Scotland, W. The lowest of the minima, registered towards the end of the week, varied from i«° in Scotland, E. and the Midland Counties, to :vj° in Ireland, N.. and 31" in the Channel Islands. The lowaverage temperature during the latter half of the period was due rather to the absence of heat id tne daytime than to the severity of the nights. "The rainfall exceeded the mean in Ireland and the east and west of Scotland, and just equalled it in England, N.W., but in all other localities there was a deficit. " The bright sunshine was greatly deficient in all districts. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 27 in the Channel Islands, and 18 in Eng- land, S., to 6 in the Midland Counties and Scotland, ;E., 5 in Scotland. W. and England, N.W., and to only 3 in England, N.E." TBE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. A Week ok Winterly 'Weather.— On the coldest day the temperature in the thermometer-screen at no time rose more than 2° above the freezing-point, and on two nights the exposed thermometer registered 15° of frost. The ground is cow about 2'colderat 2 feet deep, and about 4° colder at 1 foot deep, than is seasonable. There was no rain during the week, but on two days snow fell, and on one occasion the ground was just covered. Percolaiion has now almost entirely ceased through both gauges. The sun shone on an average for 2} hours a day, or for about three quarters of an hour a day leas than the average duration for the time of year. Calms and light airs mostly prevailed, and lor the last eight days the direction of the wind has been in some point between north and east. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p m. was about 1 per cent, in excess of the average quantity for the end of February. February. Taken as a whole, this was a month of about season- able temperature, with continuous and heavy rains, and an unusual amount of cloud. There was no cold weather in the first half of the month, whereas during the re- maining fortnight there occurred only three warm days or nights. On no night did the thermometer on the lawn show more than 15° of frost -which is a singu- larly high extreme minimum for the month. In fact, only twice before in February during the last eighteen years has the same thermometer failed to register a lower reading at some time during the month. Rain or snow fell on seventeen days, to the total depth of 3} inches -which is about U inch in excess of the Feb- ruary average. During the first three weeks there were only six days without rain ; but after that time, with the exception of two moderate falls of snow, the waather remained dry. There was never enough snow to do more than j ust cover the ground. Fifteen gallons of rain-water, or nearly the whole of the rainfall, came through the gauge on which short grass is growing; and 17 gallons, or more than the rainfall, through the uncropped gauge. The sun shone on an average for 1 J hour a day, which is about half an-hour a day short of the average for the month. The winds were as a rule high, but in no hour did the mean velocity exceed 21 miles -direction west. The amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon was about 3 per cent, in excess of the February mean. The Winter. Seasonable in Temperature, but Wei and Sunless.- This lias been a winter of about average temperature. On no night were more lhan l«° of frost registered by the exposed thermometer, which is with two exceptions the highest extreme minimum recorded here during the last eighteen winters. In the middle of the season there occurred a remarkable period of wet weather. That is to say, during the twenty-six days ending February l» rain fell to the total depth of 5.V inches which is a greater quantity than the average amounts for any two of the winter months taken together During that remarkable period there occurred only four days without rain. The sun shone on an average for about half-an-hour a day less than is seaionable— making this the most gloomy winter yet recorded here —since the winter of 1K86-7. Our Underground Water Supply. — Since the winter half of the drainage year began in October last the total rainfall lias exceeded the average for those five months by 6J inches, which is equivalent to an excess on each acre in this district of 131,434 gallons. E. M, Berkhamsled, March 1, 1904. TRADE NOTICE. We understand that the architect of the Horti- cultural Hall, now in course of erection, has decided to employ the Lubrose paint, a material in which our correspondent," Mr. Druery, is in- terested. The Literature of Cultures. — One of the great literary features of the day is the number of well-written, illustrated, and printed works — weeklies, monthlies, yearly reports, re- i lating to almost everything which is of interest to any large section of the population. Horti- I culture, agriculture, the farm — all are extensively patronised by writer and reader, and very many are exceedingly worthy of patronage. AmoDgat others are tbe annual reports emanating from I Government bureaus or departments ; every one now issued is well worthy its important function. The latest to hand is the annual report of the Agricultural Department of Natal for 1902. Though late in appearing, the various reports of departments are full, and often well illustrated from photographs and by means of elaborate tabular statements. The reading matter is never involved, and the writers are men who endeavour to get to work without sacrificing space. It would be idle to discriminate , where all is interesting, but readers who have I the recently-published "guide" would find the . annual report of value. Our South African friends may not be very energetic in their i literary movements, but when they do move they appear to do it to some purpose. March 5, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 100 MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, March 2. [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 are responsible for the quota- tions. It must be remembered that these quota- tions 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 de- pend upon the quality of the samples, the way in which they are packed, tho supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day. Ed.] Cut Flowers, Anemones, per doz. bunches ... Azaleamollis, bun. Azaieas, per doz. Bouvardlas.bnch. Callas, per dozen. Camellias, box ... Carnations, bnch. Croton leaves, bun. Daffodil s, per doz. bunches Eucharis, per doz. Euphorbia, bun. Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... — French, per doz. bunches — Maidenhair, doz. bunches Freesia. per doz. Gardenias, box ... Lilac (French), per bunch Lilium auratum per bunch ... — longiflorum, bunch — lancifolium... Lily of the Valley, p. doz. bunches Marguerites, yel- low, doz bunch. Mimosa (Acacia), bunch Narcissus, dz.bun. — JPheasant Eye, per doz. — Soleil d'Or, per dozen ... &o. s.d. Average Wholesale Prices. sd. s.d. s.d. Orchids : Odonto- glossums, per dozen blooms 2 0-30 — Cattleya, doz. 12 0-15 0 — Cyprlpedium lnsigne, per dozen ... 0 9-16 — Crelogvne. doz. l o- l a Pelargoniums, zonal, dozen bunches — white, dozen bunches — doublescarlet p. doz. bunches 4 0-60 Roman Hyaciutns, doz bunches ... 16-80 Roses, Mermet, per buncb ... — white, bunch — pink, bunch — red. bunch — Safranos. bch. — French, bunch 2 6-40 Smilax, per doz. trails Snowdrops, doz. . Spiiieas bunch... stocks, per doz... 6 0-15 0 I Tuberoses, strong, per bunch ... — per dozen ... Tulips, Red, per bunch per 16-26 10-20 4 0-60 0 4-06 2 0-40 16-20 10-30 0 6-10 2 0-60 16 2 0 10-30 10-26! 0 3-04 6 0 2 0 2 0- 6 0 | 16-30* 3 0-60 16-26 10-20 0 6-10 10-20 4 0-60 4 0-60 3 0-60 10-30 1 8- 3 0 3 0-80 10-20 10-20 16-20 10-16 1 0 — 2 0-26 10-16 0 6-09 0 6-09 — various, bunch 2 0-401 Violets, p. dozen bunches 1 0- 2 0 ! — Parma, p. bun. 0 6-16 1 0- 1 16-2 Plants in Pots, &o. : Average Wholesale Prioes. Acacias, per doz. Adiantums, doz. Aralias, per doz. Arbor Vitae, doz. Arum Lilies, per doz Aspidistras, doz. Aucubas, per doz. Azaleamollis, pot Azaleas, each Begonia, per doz. — Gloire de Lor- raine, per doz. Cinerarias, p.doz. Coleuses, per doz. Crotons, per doz. Cyclamens, doz. Cyperus, per doz. Daffodils, per doz. Dracaenas, variety, dozen Ericas, per dozen Euonymus, vars., per dozen Ficuselastica.doz. s.d. s.d. ; s.d. s.d. 12 0-50 o Ferns In variety 4 0-80 doz 4 0-30 0 4 0-80 Genistas, per doz. 6 0-10 0 9 0-18 0 Hyacinths, Roman (48 po s), di z. 10 0-12 0 i — Dutch p doz. 18 0-36 0 Lycopodiums.per 4 0-Su dozen 16-30 Marguerites, per 16-501 dozen 8 0-18 0 Orange-trees, each 3 6-10 6 I Palms, var., each 3 O-20 0 8 0-24 0 Poinsettias. doz. 8 0-90 8 0-12 0 3 0-40 6 0-80 6 0-24 0 4 0-50 12 0 24 0 9 0-18 0 3 0-40 6 0-80 12 0-18 0 6 0-12 0 4 0-60 9 0-24 0 Primulas, per doz. Pteris tremula, dozen — Wimsetti, per dozen — major, dozen Solanums, dozen Tulips, red, doz. roots — yellow, dozen roots — various 8 0-16 o 4 0-60 4 0-80 4 0-60 4 0-60 0 9-10 10-16 Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prioes. Artlchokes.Globe, per dozen ... — Jerusalem, p. sieve Asparagus, Sprue, bundle — Paris Green... — English, bun. Beans, dwarf, lb. — Madeira, per basket Beetroots, bushel Brussels Sprouts, per sieve Carrots, per doz. bunches — per bag Cauliflowers, per dozen Celery, doz. bun. Cress, doz. pun. Cucumbers, doz. Endive, per doz. Sarlic, per lb. ... Horseradish, fo- . reign, p. bunch -eeks, doz. bun... Lettuces, Cabbage, per dozen >Iint, doz s.d. e.d. 3 0-36 1 0- 1 3 0 9-0 10 4 6-50 7 0-76 1 6 — 3 0-40 2 0-26 10-16 2 0-26 2 0-40 13-26 12 0-20 0 0 8-10 3 6-46 2 3 — 0 3 — 10-13 10-16 10-13 3 0-^6 0 s.d. s.d. Mushrooms(house) per lb 10-13 Onions, per case. 7 0-76 — per bag ... 3 6-70 — picklers, sieve 3 0-50 — English, cwt. 7 0-76 Parsley, doz bun. 3 0-40 — sieve 2 0 — Parsnips, per bag 2 0-26 Potatos, per ton 90 0-140 0 — frame, lb. . 0 6-08 — NewTeneriffe, per cwt. ... 12 0-14 0 Radishes, per dozen bunches 0 9-10 Rhuoarb. Yorks, per dozen ... 0 9-0 10J Salad, 6mall, pun- nets, per doz.... 0 8-10 Savoys, tally ... 3 6-50 Seakale, per doz. punnets 15 0-16 o Shallots, lb. ... 0 2-03 Spinach, p. bush 3 0-40 Tomatos, Canary Deeps 3 0-40 Turnips, doz. bun. 16-20 — per bag ... 2 0 — Watercress, per dozen bunches 0 4-06 Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d. i Apples, home- grown, cookers, per bushel ... 3 f<- ''. 0 barrel 18 0-35 0 — American, In .. 8 0-14 0 s.d. s.d. per cases Bananas bunch — loose, dozen Cobnuts, per lb. Cranberries, per case 16-30 5 0-10 0 2 0-30 16-19 6 0-12 0 10-16 0 7 — 12 0 — Grapes, Alicante, per lb — Almeria, doz. — Gros Colmar, A , per lb.... B., per lb. . Lemons, per case lo 6-18 6 Oranges, per case 6 0-40 0 Pears, per case... 12 til > Pines, each ... 2 I- I 0 Strawberries, A., per lb 10 0-14 0 — B., per lb. ... 3 0-60 Remarks —English Apples are practically past Some Albemarle New Town Pippins, 35s. per barrel, are very fine. The fruits from Nova Scotia and the States appear past their best. The chief supply of Onions is from France. Argentine Peaches fail in quality; they are 2s. to is. per case. Cape Peaches, per case.?.*, to 6s. ; Nectarines, 4s to 6s. ; Plums. 2s. 6d. to 5». ; Pears, :is. to 6s. Brussels-tops, per bag 2s ; Turnip-tops, per bag 2a, 6d. to 3s.; Sprouting Broccoli per bag 2s.; Cornish Broccoli, per crate 6s. to Is. 8d ; Cherbourg, per dozen Is. 3d. to Is. 9d. ; Italian, per basket 3s. to 3». Dd. ; Salsify, per dozen .'Is.; Ce'oriac, per dozen 2s. tid. The bunches of Mint vary much in size. Potatos. Home-grown, 100s. to 120s. per ton ; foreign, 80s. to 110s. do. ; Dunbars, 120s. to 140s. do Seed-tubers in variety. John Bath. 32 A- 34, Wellington Street. Cement Garden. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. The supply of good flowering plants is now very abundant. On Saturday the S7tb ult., much good material remalued on the stands at clo«lng-tiine. and this on cold nights must cause great loss to growers, for many of them are entirely spoiled before the market is opened on the following Tuesday. Genistas were particularly abundant and well-flowered A/.iieas in various colours; of these, the pUk and salmon- shaded varieties sell best. Marguerites were plentiful and good. Cinerarias were very good, but the cold weather was against the sale of these Callas were very plentiful, aud a good maty were s >ld at low piices. Some well-flowered plants of the old double white Primula are coming in, but single Primulas are very poor indeed. Several growers have sent plants of Spinea japonica, but they are not yet first-raie. Nar- cissus in pots are very good. Cyclamen continue to be plentiful. Several good varieties of Acacias are coming in, but the abundance of the French "Mimosa' (Acacia dealbata) spoils the sale for these. Erica will- moreana anil E. f astiglata ai e in, but there is not much demand for them. Hyacinths in pots are over-plenti- ful, and at the clo^e of the market large numbers remained unsold. Solanums are still to be seen, but there is little demand for them A few good Lilacs in pots are now coming in; also Azalea mollis and L1ly of the Valley. Of Palms and Ferns the supply is good, but there is very little improvement in the trade for them. Cut Flowers. Roses are now more plentiful, and good red-colourei flowers are to be seen. Those of General Jac- queminot make from 6s. to 8s. per dozen blooms. There are also a few flowers of Marcchal Niel to be seen. Liliums are good and plentiful. L auratums make from 4s. to tis. per bunch; L. longiflorums about the same prices, but some may be sold for less; and good L. lancifoliums muke from 2s. to 3>. The supply of Carnations continues to increase, but best blooms still make good prices. Some fairly good heads of Poin- settias are still to be seen. Gardenias have been Belling better, and it seems likely that these are to become more popular again. Freesias are plentiful. Tulips are still abundant, and the quality vaiies much. Some very fine double deep bronze-yellows and also double reds were seen ; of the siDgles, red* are most wanted. A very regular supply of Lily of the Vailey is now maintained, and just now it exceeds the demand. Daffodils are an important feature, and the best quality sell at very good prices. CalJas continue plentiful, also white Azaleas. Coloured Camellias are abundant, but these being without stems do not find much favour. I believe it would pay to cut these with wood. Anemones of various colours are plentiful. In the French market there is now a lar^e supply. There are several varieties of Mimosa(or Acacia) ; some are remarkably pretty, the branches being densely covered with the long racemes of bright yellow flowers ; there are also some with round heads of bloom. A. H., February 27. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow, March 2. — The following are the averages of the prices during the past week ;— Apples. Maine (U.S.), 15s. to 26s. per barrel ; Californian Newtown Pippin, 8s. 6d. to 10s. per box ; Canadian, 16s. to 28s. per barrel, and 8s. to 12s. per box; Oranges, Valencia, 420s, Ss. 'id. to 10s. per box; large, lis to 15s.; 714's. 9s to 10s. ad. ; Lemons, 4s. tons, per box, and 8s. to 12s. per case; Grapes, home, Is. 6d. to 2s. fid. per lb. ; Tomatos, Teneiiffe, 3s. nrf. to 5s. per box; Mushrooms, Is. 3d. to Is. 6d. per lb. ; Onions, Valencia, 6s. Cd. to 8s. 6f Orchids," by Darwin. Published by John Murray, Albemarle Street, London. Piice 2s. 6S. — Orchid Review. This monthly periodical can be obtained from the Editor, Lawn Crescent, Kew.- — Decorator. We do not know of any book obtainable on the subject of table decora- i tions. — Nemo. ■ A Dictionary of English Namts of Plants, by William Miller, was published by Mr. John Murray, Albemarle Street, London. Chrysanthemum Horace Martin : X 8. This- variety belongs to the early-flowering section,- suitable for cultivation in borders out-of-doors. It is a sport from the variety Crimson Marie Masse, and the flowers are of deep rich yellow colour. Coleus thyrsoideus : G. H. S. This new flower- ing species of Coleus may be raised from seeds, but alter obtaining a stock, propagation by means of cuttings is easy enough, and this method gives excellent results. If you sow v seeds, the present time is suitable for the pur- pose, and when sown let them be provided with a temperature at night of 60°, rising to 70° or so by day. In such an atmosphere the Eeeds will germinate freely. Old plants that have 160 TUE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [ March 5, 1904. passed cut of flower should be rested in an intermediate temperature until May or June, which will be soon enough to commence to propagate, as the plants grow very quickly. — 'f. L. Read above reply to G. H. S. You will have no difficulty in getting cuttings to make roots in May. A temperature of 50° at night is quite sufficient at present for the plants which have just flowered. C'pripeditjm insigne : F.W.T. The compost was charged with some manure or other sub- stance containing much ammonia We are not surprised that the plant is in ill-health. The best thing to do would be to remove it from the compost, wash the roots and repot in purer material. Destruction of Elm Stumps : Anxious Enquirer. It will serve no useful purpose to bore holes in . the roots and pour paraffin into them, but if vou use sulphuric acid in the holes, and repeat this occasionally, you will have no difficulty in breaking them up at the end of the year. The stumps being already out of the ground, very great care would be necessary if you used dynamite, as portions of the roots would be iikely to fly. DoUBLE-SPATHED A RUM : W. D. We do not agree with you. We receive many such speci- mens. If another appears, try to fix it by sowing the seed, and ascertaining if the con- dition can be reproduced. E icharis : H. S. The buds are attacked with the bulb mite. It has been found best in iimilar circumstances to burn the stock, and :-tart with fresh bulbs. If you do this yon i annot be too particular in throwing away all hot-bed material that may be in the house, and in cleaning every portion of the house as per- fectly as possible, so that the new stock may not be exposed to contagion. Exhibits of Orchids: E.T. Schedules are not always so explicit as they might be. It is not uncommon for them to contain a class similar 'o the one to which you draw attention — " Col- ection of Orchids arranged with any kind of Ferns or other foliage plants on a table 8 feet by 4 feet." We think that you should fill your table space with a collection of Orchids, and intersperse them with sufficient good Ferns to .afford relief. It is impossible to say exactly how any particular judges would award the points in such a case, but it is safe to conclude that they would take into consideration the number of distinct varieties shown, the quality of the individual plants and flowers, and the general effect produced by arrangement. These ;tre the points that should be kept in view by the exhibitors. Ercus repens : J. S. This species will succeed best in very sandy loam with a little leaf-mould added. It is a greenhouse climbing plant, and may be used to cover a back wall or similar position. Oibdener's Expenses of Removal: Journey- man. We do not think it is proper to take from your wages, the expenses that were allowed you four months ago, when coming to take up your situation. In the absence of an agreement the payment then made you was not upon the condition that you remained at the place for a certain time ; but it would be, in the case of. a domestic servant. Gloxinias: Anxious. Without knowing further particulars we are unable to assist you. The tubers are rotten and the roots dead. Have the tubers been kept in too low a temperature during the winter ? , ( ubs in Soil : H. A. M. The grubs you have sent are the larvae of a smRll fly belonging to the Bibionidae, several species of which live in the earth, feeding chiefly on decayed vegetable matter, and they often swarm in soil which has been heavily manured. It is highly im- probable that they had anything to do with the failure of the crop of Peas, but apply a dressing of lime and trench the ground. C :cCBS Found in Chrysanthemums : J. W. The larvae of the Ghost moth (Hepialis humuli), which are root-feeders. They have been intro- duced in the soil. The only remedy is to remove the soil and repot the plants in fresh material. Heliotropiums or Heliotropes : R. H. By •giant" Heliotropes we presume you mean named varieties of this fragrant species. This being the case, you will not be able to propagate by seeds, as they would not all come true. To increase named varieties, it is usual to make cuttings from the young growing points in the spring or in August. If you have old plants and put them into a close, warm atmosphere, they will soon produce growths that may be used for this purpose. The cuttings will make roots easily in a pit having a temperature of 60° at night. When they have rooted pot them off singly into small pots, and repot them again when this is necessary. Let the rooting - compost be the same as recommended below for Ophiopogon. Insects Attacking Cucumber Plants: H. T. Childs. The insects are two species of wire- worm belonging to the click-beetles or Ela- teridae. They have undoubtedly been intro- duced in the compost. Beet-root, Carrot, or Rape-cake forms an attractive bait for these pests. The baits should be slightly buried. Your better course, however, is to clear out the old bed and make a fresh start; and if turf be used in the compost, see that it is not used from the outside of the stack. Fresh turf should on no account be used, unless it has been heated, as it harbours the insects. . Leaves of Cucumber, Schubertia, and Brug- mansia: A. B. The leaf of Brugmansia has little the matter with it. The tiny spots I ave been caused by Aphis. The immature Cucum- ber leaf arrived in a somewhat shrivelled con- dition, and it was only possible for us to see that it was much thinner in substance than it might to be, and consequently would be an easy prey to disease. By proper ventilation and by washing the roof glass to allow more light into the house, endeavour to induce a stronger habit in the plants. Manures : Chemicals. The manure described may be used for the plants in the stove, but be careful not to apply it in excess. Too little is very much better than too much. You do not make it clear what buds have failed to expand properly. Do you mean those of Ixora, Alla- manda, Dipladenia, or Bougainvillea ? Mignonette : F. W. We are unable tj discover any sign of disease, and believe your trouble to be due to some detail in the cultivation, such as excessive watering, &c. Mossy Lawn : C. C. If the lawn is in a very bad state it is probable that the grass is badly shaded by overhanging trees, or the ground is not provided with efficient means of drainage. In the latter case the only permanent cure would be to provide such drainage, and make a fresh lawn by sowing seeds. But probably the moss is only troublesome in places, and the treatment may then consist in raking off the moss with a wooden rake, and affording a top- dressing of fresh loamy, fine soil, with which you should mix a considerable quantity of wood-ashes and lime. Make this top-dressing moderately firm, and then sow seeds of lawn- grasses. Later in the season the grasses should be encouraged to out-grow the moss by feeding them with nitrogenous manures. Names , of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — B. R. J. Cymbidium Lowianum. — J. McO. ■■ Sanseviera zeylanica — T. R. B. : A very good form of Cattleya Trianas. — G. J.: 1, Dendrobium x Ainsworthii ; 2, Cypripcdium (exul x bar- batum). — Zero. 1, Aloe saponaria; 2, Salvia; 3, Ficus repens ; 4, Garrya eiiiptiea; 5, Daphne Mezereum. Notice to Leave : Slenfold. If you are a 'journeyman gardener, one week's Dot ice should be sufficient, and we are unaware that it is necessary to tender your notice on a Saturday. Cannot you make arrangements agreeable to both parties Y Nepenthes Leaves : J. R. The appearance of the Nepenthes leaves is not due to any fungus, but is an indication that they are suffering a check, probably due to the abnormal season and the absence of bright weather generally. Be careful in your treatment. Keep the tem- perature steady and avoid draughts, and afford water carefully, always maintaining a suitable moisture in the atmosphere. Nepenthes similarly affected have with care quite regained their normal condition when the growing season has come round again. Nepenthes succeed best in a special house, where they can be given proper treatment without having to con- sider the requirements of other species of plants. Ophiopogon : J. S. Pot the plant in a mixture of two-parts loam and one-part leaf-mould, and add half as much rough sand as h-af-mould. Cultivate the plants in the greenhouse. The roots may be divided in spring if you wish to increase the stock. Orange : N. G. We are unable to name your specimen. Pancratium and Hippeastrum Hybrid : Hybridist. We do not see anything inherently improbable in such bigeneric hybrid as you suggest, but do not know of such a cross having been made. Mr. Worsley, of Isleworth, has attempted to cross Pancratium canariense, P. maritimum and P. z^ylanicum with various species and garden forms of Hippeastrum, but without any result so far. Also vice versa, with no result whatever. We could probably tell whether hybridisation has taken place by looking at the alleged hybrid, even if not in flower at the time. Pandanus : Tudor. We find no disease. There has probably been some carelessness in watering. Potato : ConUant Reader. We cannot name the tubers at this late season. Shoot from Apple-Tree : R. . f T«m H o-floni '■■*"- ^J?ll*v) l S\trig<,f Mobility nai'uuh, ) A ScarUt ") An&ngUi.") ttartof OoJe-mll. TjHorh -L ■Srfiite.,iiDu! jKCtc l Runner I Cra[>_ »oi«i - Exhibition: Extraord i* aky «* Horticultural £oor . *um****. One of the Horticultural Society's ea rly E*hibiti0 ns as seen by George CruiRshanh. B„,lbur„»,W- *W"1'' i""'LOn"— '-^,„M, March 12, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 161 -^Hp THE kt&tntn' (![ltronicfc No. 898.— SATURDAY, March 12, 1904. CONTENTS. Hooks, notices of— Botanical Magazine 1B9 Flora Capensia ... i«9 •Crocus chrysanthus and its varieties ... 170 Dendrobium hybrids at Woodhatch Lodge 161 Equatorial Africa, notes on a garden in 165 Eupatorium petiolare 161 Ficus repens, fruiting of, in greenhouse ... 171 Fruit culture, the ex- tension of 169 gardeners' Associa- tion, the proposed 169 Germany, an English gardener in 169 Ilex Pernyi 162 Isleworth, notes from, for 1903 164 Japanese products at the sale rooms ... 176 Kew notes 166 Market gardening notes 163 Mignonette, early crops of 163 Obituary- Laurent, Emile ... 171 Orchids at Clare Lawn liia Pest, a curious garden 1 7o Picrasma quasaioides 16 J Platystemon califor- nicus 166 Stock-taking 170 Rainfall at Belvoir Castleand Belvedere House in 1903 Seakale, forcing of out-of doors Snowdrops, four new varieties of Societies- Horticultural Club Leeds Paxton Llnnean ... 169, Royal Botanic Royal Horticultural Sphagnum-moss, fail- ure of, in Orchid- house St. Louis Exhibition, gardening at the ... Strawberry beds, the management of Sunshine, amount of. during the past three months Vegetables, notes on varieties of Weather, observation a on the Week's work- Flower-garden, the Fruits under glass... Hardy fruit garden Kitchen garden, the Orchid-houses, the... Plants under glass... Worms, new garden... 171 166 175 169 174 169 169, 17:.' 171 16S 170 ILLUSTRATIONS larthworir, a new Equatorial African gaiden, view in an ... ... Eupatorium petiolare Ficus repens, foliage branch aod fruit of ... Fountain to be erected at the St Louis Exhibition Laurent, M, portrait of the late Plan of an Old English garden 10 be constructed at the St. Louis Exnibition, USA. (Supple- mentary Illustration). 167 167 167 166 ]«6 167 161 161 166 163 171 168 172 NEW GARDEN WORMS. TN some former articles published in these J- pages I have described certain of the earth- worms which are found in our gardens and lawns. As these lowly creatures are of immense value and interest to the horticulturist, I feel it to be im- portant that I should call attention to some new species which have recently been added to our lists. While on a visit to Oxford in the month of January, I had an opportunity of obtaining an introduction to the Curator of the famous Botanical Gardens. He at once placed himself at my disposal, and during the brief time I had at liberty we examined a few of the rubbish-heaps and the Lily-house for Annelids. Among the species which were immediately forthcoming were half-a-dozen which I had already, some years before, recorded for Oxford- shire. These included the sluggish green worm found under stones and near stagnant water ; the little semi-aquatic worm known as Allurus, the red and purple worms, the long brown earthworm, and the striped Brandling. All these, with several others, are widely distributed in Great Britain, and are to be found in almost every garden of any dimensions throughout the country. There were, however, among these familiar forms others, which, while they had all the character of English species, proved to be new to our catalogue. To these I call attention to-day. The first is a worm which I think has most likely been observed in England before, but has not been distinguished as a distinct species. Like most other worms, it bears a considerable variety of names, but it is entered in Beddard's Mono- graph of the Oligochaeta, which is our standard work on Annelids, under the title Allolobophora cyanea (Savigny). He gives the following account of it. The length is 120 mm., the breadth 7 mm., and the number of segments 156. The girdle or clitellum extends from segment 29 to segment 34, and the tubercula pubertatis are on 30 to 33. The bristles or setae are not strictly paired. The colour is dirty-grey, with a pale violet anterior. The other details which are supplied are technical, and do not help the reader to understand the appearance of the animal. 1 may, however, add that in the Oxford form the back of the girdle is smooth, each of the segments having entirely coalesced, though they remain distinct on the under surface. The length in alcohol is 3i inches. The male pores, which are found on the fifteenth segment, are seated on a swollen mass which affects the two adjoining segments. These appearances are CjARDCHRori . 20 30 313:. Fig. 67.— a new earthworm. a, b, c— All represent Allolobophora cyanea (Savigny) D. — A. tepidaria, nov. sub-sp. a —A. cyanea (Male pore). i> —A. cyanea (girdle). C —A. cyanea (diagram of entire worm). d.— A. tepidaria (girdle). A, 1. and d are somewhat enlarged. best understood by reference to the drawings and diagrams. Much information respecting A. cyanea may be found in Rosa's Revisione dei Lumbricidi (Torino, 1893), and Ribaucourt's Etude sur la Faune Lombricide de la Suisse (Geneve, 1890). It is found generally distributed in Europe, and is undoubtedly a genuine British worm. Now that attention ha? once been called to its presence in this country, one may readily believe that it will soon be found elsewhere. In some respects the species which remains to be described is more interesting than the fore- going, because it is not only new to Great Britain, but seems to be also a sub-species new to science. It is most closely related to the Irish worm (A. hibernica), which is at present placed under the species v.eneta (Beddard, 713 ; Kosa, op. cit., 33 ; Ribaueourt, 42). That which distinguishes it from the type and the other sub-species is -the fact that the girdle is limited in every specimen which I have examined to four segments (29 to 32), the tubercula pubertatis being on 30 and 31. It is, moreover, longer and more slender than hibernica, and when alive it differs from its congeners in colour. It emits a yellow colouring matter which is soluble in alcohol. Although this interesting worm was found out- of-doors, it was most abundant in the Lily-house in stiff soil around the roots of plants. On this account I think it might be well to name the sub- species tepidaria. The further details of its structure and appearance are better reserved for such journals as deal in the technicalities of science. I may be permitted to express the hope that, as our English list has received these two addi- tions, a stimulus may be given to those who are interested in natural history to try to add yet further to our catalogue of indigenous Annelids. Bilderic Friend, High Wycombe. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANIN6S. HYBRID DENDROBiUMS AT WOODHATCH LODGE. Woodhatch, Reigate, the residence of Mrs. Haywood, has for many years been known to the horticultural world, its late owner, T. B. Hay- wood, Esq., having gathered together splendid collections of fruit-trees, Chrysanthemums and Roses, as well as a very choice collection of Orchids. Dendrobiums form at the present time a very prominent feature, and the plants are exceptionally well cultivated by Mr. C. J. Salter. These Dendrobiums are particularly strong and vigorous-growing plants, and many of them are among the most beautiful hybrids in cultivation. Some of the specimens surpass any I have seen before, and it would be difficult to find a bad plant among them. The black " spot," so often seen upon the foliage of Dendrobiums, is alto- gether absent. The house has a lean-to roof, and the back wall is well furnished with Ficus repens, and this forms a splendid background for the plants now in flower. It is astonishing to see the grand specimens that have been grown from small propagated pieces. Many of these small plant! have produced in one year three new bulbs, a considerable number of them over 2 feet 6 inches in height, and the two and three years old plants are undoubtedly examples of excellent culture. Several plants of D. splendidissiinum grandi- florum and others of that type have from four to seven strong flowering pseudo-bulbs, carrying from forty to sixty flowers on each bulb. One particularly noticeable plant is D. Hildebrandti x D. Wardianum, with a growth over 5 feet in length carrying seventy-seven flowers, the latter being like some varieties of D. Wardianum. Very conspicu- ous and attractive is D. melanodiscus var. gloriosa one of the brightest coloured formsof the D. melano- discus hybrids. D. m. Salteri is a lovely hybrid with bright rose-tinted flowers with white bases to the segments, the centre of the lip orange-colour with claret-coloured base. D. splendissimum Mrs. Haywood is a strong grower, and bears ex- ceptionally laige flowers heavily marked with purple lilac colour, with a dark maroon-purple blotch on the lip. D. Edithae var. superba produces fine large bright-coloured flowers. There are also splendid specimens in flower of D. Ainsworthii, ( Woodhatch variety) ; D. A. var. picturata (very distinct) ; D. A. var. intertexta with very fine blooms ; D. nobile nobilius, D. rubens purpurascens, D. Cybele var. nobilior, D. Ballianum, D. Rolfea?, D. Schneiderianum, D. Juno, D. pallens, &c. It is noteworthy that the leaves are all green, and of fresh appearance, being in perfect condition, and that in some cases there are as many as five flowers produced from a single node. It is un- fortunate that Mr. Salter is unable to send a group of these splendidly cultivated plants to one of the Royal Horticultural Society's meetings, they would make a fine display, and at the same time give to Orchid lovers an opportunity to 162 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [MARCH 12, 1904. see the results of Mr. Salter's care and patience in hybridising and successfully bringing to perfection such showy and new forms. The Cultivation afforded the Plants. A few hints as to their culture may prove use- ful. The plants are potted when the young growths commence to push new roots from their base. The pots are provided with perfect drain- age, and the compost consists of sphagnum moss, with a moderate quantity of coarse silver sand mixed with it. After repotting, the plants are kept fairly dry, but as soon as the roots are seen pushing through the new compost, the supply of water is gradually increased. No manure or manure-water of any kind is used. During the growing season the temperature of the house ranges from 75° to 90°, with plenty of atmospheric moisture, and the plants are kept well shaded from the sun. Air is admitted only from the top ventilators. About the end of August the blinds are removed, and the plants are exposed to full sunshine, at the same time air is admitted freely. Prom the end of November until February the temperature of the house is kept as near 60° as possible, and no damping-down is done, the plants being watered occasionally to prevent the pseudo- bulbs from shrivelling. At the commencement of February a little damping-down is done to assist the flower-buds to develop kindly; but when the flowers open it is again discontinued. The other Orchid-houses contain many fine and interesting plants. A batch of Masdevallia tovar- ensis has recently produced over a thousand white flowers, which during the winter months are invaluable for cutting purposes. Miltonia vexillaria is represented by fine healthy plants. The same remarks are also applicable to such Phahenopsis as P. Schilleriana, P. amabilis, and P. grandiflora. The Odontoglossums are in good condition — a noteworthy fact when it is remem- bered that the majority of the plants have been on the place for nearly a quarter of a century. Among plants in flower are Epiphronitis Veitchii, Ccelogyne flaccida, C. ocellata. Lycaste cruenta. Chysis bractescens, &c. W. H. White, Bur/ord Gardens, Dorking. SIR FREDERICK WIGAN'S COLLECTION. Time has proved that not only is there a very rich collection of Orchids at Clare Lawn. East Sheen, but that Mr. W. H. Young, Sir Frederick Wigan's Orchid-grower, is a most successful cultivator of them. The records of the plants in the Phal;enopsis-house, where at present the principal display is to be found, show that a large number of the plants were acquired in 1888, new and fine varieties being added as they presented themselves. They have been allowed to flower profusely every year, and although they have been in better condition at some times than at others, they have made steady progress, and are at present as strong and vigorous as could be desired. This is attributed in some degree to the fact that on the last occasion when new compost was given them a proportion of decayed leaves was added to the sphagnum-moss, and the whole surfaced with good sphagnum-moss. A propor- tion of leaves is now being mixed with the potting material for most Orchids at Clare Lawn, especially for those which have hitherto proved not quite satisfactory, and with good results ; but a watchful eye will be kept on the new venture, lest the improvement may be only the result of the change, and that later a reaction may set in. Suspended from the roof of the Phalamopsis- house is a very fine representative collection, the greatest show being made by P. Schilleriana, one of which has a four-branched spike about 5 feet in length ; the unique plant of the pure white P. Schilleriana vestalis is also showing bloom ; and others noted were P. x casta, P. x leu- corrhoda, P. Stuartiana varieties, P. Sanderiana Wigan's variety, P. Boxalli, P. fuscata, P. Mannii, &c. At the end of the house are two large speci- mens of Eulophiella Elizabeth* showing flower, two of the few survivors of the original importa- tion ; a small lot of Bolleas and Pescatoreas ; some rare Cypripediums, including the fine C. callosum Sander* Jules Hye's variety, which is said to have at last eclipsed the original ; a vigorous lot of the showy-leafed Hrcmaria dis- color, and a collection of Vandas of the V. tricolor class. On the staging are a number of the warm- house Cypripediums in flower, a batch of Miltonia Roezlii, old residents at Clare Lawn, one stout specimen dating back from the " Peacock collec- tion " of many years ago. Several varieties of the elegant little Oncidium tetrapetalum were in flower, also Cypripedium x Gowerianum magni- ficum, C. x Eira, a pretty Chamberlainianum cross ; C. x Statterianum, Saucolabium bell- inum, two fine specimens of Phaius tuberculosus, the one with four and the other with three spikes, and many Cypripediums. In the adjoining house, arranged as a rockery, and clad principally with Ferns, Ficus stipularis, &a., the enormous masses of Cymbidium Lowi- anum, which occupy the prominent situations, have still a goodly number of spikes on them, and in the cool range a fine collection of varieties and hybrids of Cymbidium are in splendid con- dition ; three plants of C. grandiflorum having flower-spikes, one specimen bearing five. C. x Wiganianum, C. Devonianum (with seven spikes), good C. eburneum, C. x eburneo-Lowianum, C. Lowianum concolor, and others were remarked. Suspended from the roof the specimens of Laelia Jongheana, L. pumila, and L. Dayana promised well for flower ; and with them was a strong tuft of the little scarlet Jamaican L. monophylla, a reputedly difficult plant to grow, but which has flowered well here annually for some years. The next division of the same range has a collection of Masdevallias ; a large specimen of M. ignea, the pale-yellow M. Hincksiana, M. ephip- pium, and some others being in flower. Also Maxillaria Sanderiana with seven buds, a very handsome new form of Zygo-Colax, and many Odontoglossums in bud. In the Odontoglossum-houses were a great number of forms in bud and some in flower. Among those already expanded were some of the best type of O. crispum, O. < elegans, O. triumphans, O. luteo-purpureum and its variety sceptrum, O. x Wilckeanum, O. Hallii, a number of O. Cervantesii, and 0. Rossii majus, O. Oerstedii, &c. One fine specimen of O. polyxanthum had a very strong spike, and O. x ardentissimum and some good spotted Odontoglossums not in flower were in excellent condition. Among species said to have been much bene- fited by the admixture of leaves in the compost were some grand specimens of Cochlioda Noezl- iana and C. vulcanica ; also a batch of Miltonia vexillaria and M. x Bleuana, with many good forms in bloom, and which are now generally known to have a partiality for what is called leaf-soil. Other pretty plants noted in the cool- houses was a fine mass of Dendrobium Kingianum with many spikes, a very brilliant Sophronitis grandiflora coccinea, the clear rose-coloured S. g. rosea, and some good pans of Pleione Wallioh- iana and P. lagenaria. In a warm-house range was a collection of Sobralias, a fine lot of Cypripedium bellatulum, imported in 1895 and now large masses with very fine fleshy leaves ; with them were C. bellatulum album, C. Godefroyse leucochilum, C. niveum, and some of the hybrids of this section, all equally vigorous ; and a large specimen of Airides Van- darum, and a number of Cypripedium villosum in bloom. In the Cattleya-houses some of the forms of Cattleya Triance, including one very fine pure white variety, are in flower ; also C. Percivaliana, C. x The Hon. Mrs. Astor, with very fine yellow flowers, and a few other Cattleyas and Ladio- Cattleyas are in flower ; suspended overhead and making a good display are varieties of Dendro- bium nobile, D. x splendidissimum.D.primulinum, D. signatum, D. x Clarense (signatum x Find- layanum), a neat hybrid raised at Clare Lawn, and with a great resemblance to D. Aphrodite- (nodatum) ; the rare D. senile, with singular hairy pseudo-bulbs and pretty yellow flowers ; D. sulcatum, and various other Dendrobes and L[elia anceps varieties. Other plants of special interest or remarkably well bloomed were the fine Zygopetalum x Roeblingianum, and its worthy companion, Z. x Sanderianum, a batch of Spathoglottis x aureo-Veillardi, with pretty yellow-and-crimson flowers ; Stauropsis gigantea with a very fine spike, good specimens of Platychnis glumaeea, the pretty pale-yellow Cirrhopetalum Makoy- anum, a very pure white Dendrobium nobile album, good specimens of Ccelogyne cristata, Cattleya intermedia alba and nivea in bud, a batch of all the showy hybrids of Ltelia Digby- ana, and a good selection of the other handsome hybrid Cattleyas and La;lio-Cattleyas. In regard to the show of Cattleyas of the C. labiata class, the summer-flowering varieties here give the best results, as the fogs and dull weather which militate against the winter and early spring - flowering kinds have not to be reckoned with. The varieties of C. Mossi» promise a greater show of flowers than usual, one specimen in an 8-inch pot having eleveD flower-sheaths, and others being extremely well set with flower-sheaths. J. O'B. TREES AHD SHRUBS. ILEX PERNTI, Franchet. The most interesting addition that has been made to the evergreen Hollies for a long time is this species from Central China. First dis- covered by the Abbe Perny, after whom it is named, about fifty years ago in Kiuchu, it was afterwards found by Dr. A. Henry in Patung, and has finally been introduced to cultivation by Messrs. Veitch through their collector, Mr. E. H. Wilson. Whilst it bears a resemblance to some of the small-leaved varieties of Ilex Aquifolium, it is perfectly distinct from all the Hollies we have in cultivation. According to Dr. Henry, it grows to 20 or 30 feet in height, but it is dense- growing and compact in habit. The leaves arc small compared with the typical ones of our native Holly, but are similar in texture and lustre ; they are f to 1 ^ inch long, very short- stalked, and ovate-lanceolate in outline ; the lower half of the leaf is armed with from one tc three pairs of rigid, spiny teeth on the margin, whilst the terminal half is in the form of a narrow triangle with a spine-tipped apex. In texture the foliage is stiff and coriaceous ; in colour it is a deep shining green. The fruit if globose and red. PlCRASMA QUASSIOIDES. The natural order to which this tree belongs Simarubere, has a very familiar representative in our gardens in Ailanthus glandulosa, the so-called "Tree of Heaven." The Picrasma, however, is very rare. Personally I know of but one speci- men, and this has been in the Kew collection since 1890. During the long series of droughty summers it never got properly established, but during the last two or three years it has growr well, and is now 0 or 7 feet high. As it promises to be an ornamental tree it will be worth while t< give it brief mention in these columns. It enjoys a wide distribution in a wild state" and besides Japan — where it reaches as fa' north as Yezo— it also occurs in Corea, ChinJ March 12, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 1G3 Hong Kong, several provinces of North India, and Bven in Java. In the Flora of British India it is described as a large, scrambling shrub ; but Prof. Sargent, in the Forest Flora of Japan, alludes to it as a slender tree, 20 to 30 feet high, with a trunk about 1 foot in diameter. Last summer the poung tree at Kew was most noticeable for its jeautif ul bark ; this is rich-brown on the young rood, thickly mottled with "pale dots. The bark s very bitter, a small piece leaving in the mouth 'or a long time an intense Quassia-like bitterness. rhe leaves, alternately ^arranged, are pinnate, tbout 1 foot long, with 4f to 6 J pairs of leaflets. plants than the English climate, and as the Picrasma survived the winter of 1894-95 at Kew, it may reasonably be deemed hardy. But whether it will acquire in this country the autumn beauty described above is doubtful. Frequent disap- pointment has led us not to expect too much in this matter. Tfr. J. Bean. EUPATORIUM PETIOLARE. Our illustration at fig. 08 represents a very pretty species of Eupatorium shown at a meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society on Feb. 23, MARKET GARDENING NOTES. MIGNONETTE. Good Mignonette is always appreciated, but in the early spring it is most in demand, both for pots and cut flowers. When grown successfully it is a most profitable crop. For producing flowers for cutting the seeds should be sown in small pots about the end of February. Placed on a shelf close to the glass in a house where there is a little warmth, it will soon ger- minate. When the seedlings are well up, they FlG. 68.— EUPATORIUM PETIOLARE, FROM SPECIMENS SHOWN BY MESSRS. H. CANNELL AND SONS. 'he leaflets are ovate, obtuse, 3 to 4 inches )nS. smooth and serrate. Our tree is too small o bloom, but the flowers are described as green, ■nd of but little beauty. Professor Sargent says ts most important quality as an ornamental tree 3 the beauty of its autumn foliage. "The leaves urn early, first orange, and then gradually deep carlet, and few Japanese plants which I saw are o beautiful in the autumn as this small tree, 'hich, judging from its northern home in Japan, iay be expected to flourish in our climate." 'his refers to the climate of Massachusetts, T.S.A., which is not more favourable for tender when it was recommended an Award of Merit by the Floral Committee. The habit of the plant is rather lax, branching very freely, and pro- ducing flower-heads upon growths from every leaf-axil. Most of these growths, especially those from the lower part of the plant, need to be supported to a stake, but the upper ones are shorter, and quite stiff enough to be erect. The form of the leaves is shown well in the illustra- tion. The flowers are pinkish-lilac and white, owing to the centre ones having a little colour before they expand. The species comes from Mexico, and appears to be new to cultivation. may require a little thinning out, about four plants being left in each pot. It will depend a little on the weather, but if the plants show no sign of becoming drawn, they may remain on the shelf in warmth until they have made a good start, when they should be removed to a cooler position. They should be always near to the light, and if placed in a frame the lights may be taken off in fine weather, for Mignonette will always make more satisfactory growth in the open if the temperature is above 45° Fahrenheit. For the earliest crop the seedlings may be planted out in shallow frames, or if in the open 164 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mabch 12, 1904, ground some temporary arrangement may be made for protection on cold nights or in bad weather. Inverted pots may be sufficient for plants put out a little later. The ground should be well manured before planting, and a good dressing of soot will be beneficial as a manure, besides keeping slugs away. Press the ground firmly round the roots. Much depends upon getting Mignonette early in the spring, and any- thing that can be done to advance its growth should be done. If the weather be dry and windy, the lights may be kept on, and a sprinkling of water will help the plants ; but in showery, warm weather they must be exposed. In good ground Mignonette may not require any stimu- lant, but if it is not making strong growth afford liquid manure. Varieties. — Machet is now the general favourite for pot culture, and some growers also use this for providing flowers for cutting; but I have found Vilmorin's Grandiflora more satisfactory for planting out, the spikes being close and compact and very sweet - scented. It is not always that the true varieties can be obtained Most growers select and save their own seed, but when buying it will pay better to get seed from the most reliable source, even if the price is much higher. A. H. Tree Carnations for Blooming in February. Messrs. Cutbush & Son, of Finchley, although they do not grow the flowers for market, think they might be grown for that purpose at a profit, the culture being simple, and the fuel bill small, the plants only requiring sufficient heat to keep out the frost. When recently at their nurseries, I was convinced of the value of the variety Wm. Cutbush for market purposes. This is of a pleasing colour, strong in stem, and very fragrant. The well-known white variety, Mrs. S. J. Brooks, raised at Finchley, is doing well there, though the first flowers are over, and plantshave been tri aimed up for the second flowering. The firm have a very large demand for this free-flowering variety. G. H. Crane, brilliant scarlet, is very prominent. Mrs. Theodore Koosevelt, a new dark pink variety, is very conspicuous, and is being eagerly sought after. C. H. Curtis, just now in bloom, though rather smaller, is very strong in the stem. Early Malmaison Carnations. The variety Princess of Wales is in bloom at Finchley during about eight months of the year, being grown in cold houses with just enough fire- heat to keep out frost and damp. This variety is of good size, and has many other points of merit. Princess May, deep rose in colour and of handsome shape, is also to be recommended. This variety, being so free, must be rigorously disbudded to secure fine blooms. Robert Burns, of a bright salmon colour, makes a very useful variety for early winter-flowering. Stephen Castle. OUT-OF-DOORS OR NATURAL SeAKALE. This vegetable when grown naturally is nicer than when forced, and many people consider it quite equal to Asparagus. It is ready for use during March and April. Many market gar- deners think that the cultivation is difficult, but it is one of the easiest crops to grow. The following method is most generally adopted in this district : — Procure the sets any time from November to January, and lay them in trenches in light soil, and by planting-time they will have formed crowns and be ready to start into growth at once, before the weeds appear. If preferred, the sets can be bought prepared ready for planting at a slightly higher price. Prepare the land in the spring, digging in a good dressing of manure ; and there is nothing better for this than horses' toe-nails from the blacksmith's shop. About the beginning of April the sets will generally have formed crowns. Work the ground down fine, and draw out drills about 15- inch deep and 3 feet apart. In these drills plant the sets with a dibber, 16 inches apart, deep enough to be covered with an inch of soil when the drills are filled up. Nothing will be required after then except to keep the ground clean by frequent hoeings through the summer. In the following January or February, when the land will work well, dig out trenches between the rows, covering the crowns with about a foot of soil. As soon as the Seakale is through the soil, cut with a sharp spade about an inch below the crown. When all the crop has been cut the beds should be levelled ; new crowns will soon form, and the second season's growth commence, which will only require a dressing of artificial manure and frequent hoeings. In the first year a row of Cos Lettuce may be planted between the Seakale, or any small-growing crop which will not remain long on the ground, such as Radishes, Spinach, or dwarf Peas. C. M., Evesham. VEGETABLES. m — CHOU DE BURGHLEY. My experience of this useful vegetable this year is singularly unfortunate, as I have only 2 per cent, of the plants true to name. The others are a nondescript collection of rubbish resembling some of the Kales, and have not hearted. The seeds were purchased from a first- class firm, and I fear if others have been deceived in this way my old friend R. Gilbert's useful in- troduction will be soon lost altogether. By sowing seeds during the last week of June I expected to have a nice lot of heads like young Cabbages, ready to cut the first week in February, which is the chR'f merit of this vegetable when true to name. Seakale, Beddard's Improved. This variety is a great advance on both the old red kind and the Lily-white. It is very much stronger in growth, and produces better " heads " when grown under the same conditions. Four days longer are required to force it than the older kinds, but this is no disadvantage, for the extra time may be easily allowed for at starting. W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle Gardens, Grantham. Carters' Daisy Pea. So many satisfactory accounts have been given in these pages of this variety of Pea that it may seem superfluous again to write its praises, but having grown it for several seasons I can confidently recommend it as one of the best second early dwarf varieties at the present time. It is of robust growth, reaching nearly 3 feet in height last year, but in ordinary summers the plants do not get much above 2 feet, and are literally crowded with fine pods nearly G inches long, each containing from eight to ten fine Peas of excellent flavour. I have been much impressed by the length of time the pods will hang without getting dry, having saved the crop for seed. The pods are usually borne in pairs, and the raisers are certainly to be congratulated upon giving us such a good Pea. I advise those who have not yet grown this Pea to procure a quart of seeds from the raisers and sow as soon as the state of the soil will allow, and I will vouch for it they will not be disappointed. Potato Supreme is a most prolific variety in the garden here, and there has been very little disease in the past two adverse seasons. The tubers are of good size, thick pebble- shaped, with shallow eyes, and the quality when cooked is of the best. It forms a good second early, though retaining its good qualities up to quite the end of the year. Whilst not despising newer varieties, we ought to think twice before discarding favourites that have stood us in good stead for many years past. J. Maijne, Bicton Gardens, Devonshire. NOTES FROM ISLEWOETH FOE 1903. (Continued from p. 132.) Expansion of Flowers during Frost. — i After seven consecutive days and nights of unbroken ground frost, on the last of which we had 6° of air frost, I found Iris histrioides expand its flowers in an air temperature of 33°. I do not think any British bulbous plant would open its ' flowers under such conditions. Effects of Mid-April Frosts on some Plants. All stone - fruit crops were lost, except a sprinkling of Nectarines on walls. The Pear crop was lost, and Apples carried half a crop. Besides the disastrous effects on fruit-trees and Acers, I noted Asparagus (culinary) and Vel- theimias cut down. Crinum Moorei, Camassias, various Iris, and Pelargoniums were severely injured. During this spell of frost the tempera- ture in air never fell below 28°, and I have never known so little absolute frost do such vast damage. I think the long continuance of cold and the bitter Polar winds that blew at the time did the mischief. Seedling Cacti. On some forms the fruits will hang on for several years without rotting, simply undergoing a partial withering process ; and it is by no means easy to tell the precise moment when the seeds have attained maturity. Probably this has occurred when a vinous- odour exudes from the fruit, for it would seem as though this was an invitation to eat it addressed to all and sundry. Inasmuch as reproduction is the main function of life, Nature would hardly precipitate matters by such allurements unless the object to be gained would be thus secured. On any other supposition we should be the wit- nesses of an abnormal tendency to embryonicide. In practice I have not sufficiently tested the relative germination and vigour of early-gathered and late-gathered seeds of Cacti, but I have made the following notes : — On a flat-stemmed, red- flowered garden Cactus the fruit ripened in nine months, and a year after germination I found that 223 seedlings were alive from this single fruit. On one flat - stemmed, white - flowered plant, a night-bloomer (the flowers of which last two nights and one day in beauty, and are excessively fragrant), I fertilised on one week four flowers. One of these fruits ripened in nineteen months, two others in twenty - one months, and the fourth hung on for two years and seven months. In the last case the fruit had shrunk somewhat, and the seeds had lost that transparent envelope by which they are surrounded in the earlier stages of ripeness ; but none of them had germinated in the fruit. The first fruit to ripen had fewest seeds (about 220), the others had about 350 to 400 seeds in each case. The fruits of both these Cacti are very sweet, with a strong vinous aroma, and a flavour some- thing like an over-ripe Gooseberry. They are certainly edible, and are probably very sustain- ing food. N.B. — Both these plants are called Phyllo- cactus in British plant-nomenclature, but as this alleged genus is founded upon nescience, it should be deleted. Notes on Some Seeds, &c. Jatropha podagrica. — This is an old inhabitant of our stoves, but is rarely seen outside a few botanic gardens. It is worthy of more extended cultivation, for its brilliant orange-red flowers are freely produced during the greater part of the year. I find no record of seed having been produced in English gardens, but this year it carried a seed pod at Isleworth. This was tri- lobate and carried one seed in each lobe. As if. the case with an allied Euphobiaceous plant March 12, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 165 (Euphorbia splendens\ the casings of the lobes become very hard and woody, and (presumably by the contractile force of desiccation) finally curl up and discharge the seeds suddenly to some distance. This violent dehiscence makes it somewhat diffi- cult to secure the ripe seeds. These are nearly \ inch long and resemble the common Phaseolus vulgaris (French Bean) in general aspect. They are rounded on the outer side and flat on the two inner sides, being thus roughly three-sided. The rounded side is greyish-white and prettily spotted or marbled ; the inner sides are dark brown with a distinct whitish line marking the point of contact of the seed with the placenta. I noted this plant growing wild and flowering freely about Caney, near St. Jago (Santiago) de Cuba, in March, 1894 (vide my Notes on Distribution of Amaryllideoe, p. 18 — Wesley). It was here that the only important land battle of the Spanish - American war took place. It has also been sent to Kew from Panama. On germination the radicle extends quickly both upwards and down- wards, and the upper part (caulicle) swells out to a roughly spherical shape, forming the true root- stock of the plant, the bulbous-shaped, fleshy mass of which forms an interesting study. The cotyle- dons remain on the plant long after their primary functions have ceased, and act as true leaves for a considerable time. Tulbaghia violacea. — This plant stands the rains bravely, and flowers for some months without a break. Owing to the small size of the mauve- purple flowers it is necessary to plant closely to secure effect outside. The best plan is to establish well in pots and plant out as close as possible in May. This plant is of the same hardi- ness as Nerine, and flowers from June to the end of October. Each pod contains one or two black seeds, not much unlike those of Agapanthus. They are rough and irregular, about a quarter of an inch long by one-sixteenth wide. Scilla hcemorrhoidalis. — I gathered this in Grand Canary, flowering in December. The fruits turn bright yellow when ripe. A. Worsley, Feb., 1901. (To be continued.) OBSERVATIONS ON THE VEGETA- TION IN AN EQUATORIAL AFRICAN GARDEN. (Continued /romp. 1.11.) The vegetation of the elevated, well-drained grass tracts is quite interesting, and contains many effective garden plants. There occur here occasional small patches of forest — evidently out- liers from that at the lake— the chief glory of which is a Bignoniad, Dolichandrone platj- calyx, a tall, upright-habited tree when well developed, with broadly pinnate foliage and abundant clusters of Tecoma-like flowers nearly 2 inches wide and 1J inch deep individually, and of a rich canary colour. It is a very fine sight indeed in its periods of bloom. The timber it produces is of quite first-rate quality, and a large local demand exists for it. Another Bignoniad is also found here, but is not common. It is Spa- thodea nilotica, likewise a large shady tree. Its flowers are brilliant scarlet in colour, and on the tree suggest the presence of some tropical bird of splendid plumage. The campanulate corolla , is 4 inches or more across and 3 inches in depth ; the woody seed - vessels — shaped ! like a quaint, sharp - pointed shoe — have a method of pointing skywards, and, protruding from the top of the tree, create a peculiar effect. Everywhere in Central Africa, on well- drained, and frequently on very dry, soil in open land, one finds members of the genus Erythrina, usually ungainly trees, but producing when in flower wonderful colour effects by the vivid I scarlet spikes of bloom springing from the naked branches. In the region under review, one of the showiest, E. tomentosa, is quite common. The timber of these trees is not of much account, but the bark seems to afford some medicinal product, which is extensively used by Central African natives. In this region, on the inland edge of the lake forest, the genus Landolphia, from a garden point of view, is seen at its best. Here L. florida loved to convert the upper portions of tall trees into patches of glistening white with its handsome, fragrant flowers. It is a noble climber, and its rich green foliage forms a fine setting for the wealth of bloom it so freely and so often pro- duces. Another species, probably L. owariensis, has equally fragrant flowers, abundantly pro- duced in terminal paniculate masses; but they are small individually, and not showy in colour. This species bears clusters of fruits, similar in size and appearance to a Tangerine Orange, which look very tempting. The fibrous pulp surround- growth was enormous, and although its debili- tating effects were clearly evident, one could not fail to admire the fine floral effect produced. When out of flower it was quite possible to- mistake this plant for a Ficus seedling, as it had small, roundly oblong, dark green foliage, some- what felted beneath. With regard to the dwarfer and herbaceous vegetation perhaps the most showy is a Ver- nonia, which formed broad patches amongst the lower grasses. It is about 2 feet high, of sturdy habit, and has purplish flower-heads changing to a whitish colour. It made quite a fine garden plant. A strong - growing Coreopsis, with abundance of rich yellow (inclining to orange) coloured flowers, was also- found in grass. Often associated with this was a graceful Leguminous plant (Desmodium), with- terminal, nodding masses of inflorescence com- posed of many small flowers of a pale-rose colour. A larger-growing species, D. Scalpe, is occasion- FlG. 69.— VIEW NEAR THE LAKE SIDE IN AN EQUATORIAL AFRICAN GARDEN. ing the flattened seeds is not to be despised ; but the two species of small monkeys inhabiting the forest lay prime claim to most of the ripe fruits. It is odd to find a member of such a well-known shrubby genus as Hibiscus developing a tendency to climb, yet H. furcatus, a common species in the eastern tropics, does so. The writer has observed some of its slender, armed branches up in climber- clad trees to a height of nearly 20 feet. It has conspicuous yellow flowers, with a deep purple blotch, as large as a single Hollyhock. A Mikania (close to M. scandens) is an ex- tremely graceful and effective shrub in rather dry sunny positions. A good specimen suggested that pretty and loose effect which Plumbago capensis gives when in flower. This Mikania had corymbs of deep lilac-coloured flowers. It may be remarked here that Plumbago was represented by the widely distributed P. zey- lanica, which is a small shrub with pure white flowers. A Loranthus, bearingclusters of orange- yellow flowers in great profusion, is parasitic, often in considerable quantities, on a certain common tree with small foliage and a spreading habit. In some cases the mass of parasitic ally met with. This forms a very handsome- plant when cultivated, and might be more fre- quently seen in our greenhouses. The ubiquitous Cassia mimosoides, with remarkably finely - cut pinnules and pale-yellow flowers, is a charming little garden plant in rather dry, sunny places. Acanthus arboreus (Gardeners' Chronicle, 1902, p. 222), always groups itself in most effective- positions, where it displays to advantage its handsome though prickly leaves and terminal spikes of bright rosy-purple flowers. It was- found at its best on the higher, well-drained open land. Here, too, flourished a very fine Plectranthus (Labiatse), with elongated panicles- of bright lavender-coloured flowers. The plant forms a somewhat globose mass of foliage 2 to- 3 feet high, which has a more grey than green, tone, and emits a pleasant perfume when one- brushes past it. The flowers are almost con- stantly produced, and are most effective. At certain seasons the grass is freely dotted with the showy puce-coloured flower- spikes of a very pretty dwarf Tephrosia. Lisso- chilus arenarius, one of the finest of the Africar, terrestrial Orchids, is frequently met with. 160 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 12, 1904. Ets flower-spikes were often seen 4 or 5 feet high ; when well furnished with its large, light purplish flowers it is a very striking plant. It must be admitted it was found a difficult subject to cul- tivate even in its local habitat, for when lifted -and replanted in the garden it re-establishes itself very slowly. It has a wide range of distri- bution in Central Africa. The other terrestrial species noticed were a long way behind it as showy objects. The epiphytic Listrostachys fim- briata, Rolfe, n.sp., is a fine Orchid. The flowers ■are produced in great profusion in long, graceful, drooping spikes. They are of a pale yellow or straw colour. L. Whytei has large flowers, not many being borne on a spike. The petals are pure white, and the spur is of considerable length, -and brownish in colour. This species is not common, and was only known before from the Mlanji mountain range in Nyasaland. A very -charming Crinum of small proportions is found in damp places. It generally bears but two or three flowers in the umbel. Another species has large handsome, pure white flowers. This we took to be a distinct form of C. gigan- -teum ; it was common in places inland. It is said the natives associate this species with a defunct king who had quantities of it planted •extensively around his residence, and that con- sequently no native was permitted to injure the wild plants. If the legend is true it furnishes us •with a rare instance of the untutored African native applying an indigenous plant to a purely •decorative gardening purpose. M. (To be continued.) HARDY FLOWERING PLANTS. PLATYSTEMON CALIFORNICUS. This pretty little Californian Poppy wort proves •to be quite hardy here. Plants from seed sown last April flowered in due time, and were admired by many, chiefly, I suppose, for their distinct appearance, as they are of too modest a nature for those who admire showy plants only. The seeds ripened, and a quantity having been self-sown -there are now some nice strong plants ready for "the return of the summer sun to bring them into flower. It will be interesting to note if these are of larger stature because they were sown in autumn, as the Shirley and some other Poppies •are. Plants raised from seeds sown in April are among those choice annuals worthy of a place among alpine plants, being quite in character with such species. W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle 'Gardens, Grantham. KEW NOTES. Dendbobiums are well represented in flower .at the present time, and notwithstanding the sunless season last year, the plants are flowering fairly well. D. Wardianum is making a fine 'display, included in which are several good va- rieties. D. luteolum is a rarer Burmese species, having primrose-yellow - coloured blooms, pro- duced towards the end of the pseudo-bulbs. D. superbiens is also flowering, with its arched or U inches below the point of the shoot, and, using the knife, carefully peel off a ring of bark about IS inch wide. A handful of sphagnum or other moss must then be- placed around the stem where the bark was removed, and secured with matting. Keep the- moss constantly damp, and after a few weeks the roots will appear, when the shoot should be cut. off the plant, potted carefully and placed under a handlight for a few days. Dracaenas that need repotting should be afforded a compost of loam, peat, and leaf-soil in equal parts ; while the com- post for Codiaeums may consist of three-parts, loam, and one-part peat or leaf-soil, together with some silver sand. Hot-house Blinds. — Have these put in order, so that they may be fixed without delay when the necessity arises. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge Park, Wantage. Melons that were planted out early in February will now be showing fruit upon the first laterals. Should the plants be considered insufficiently strong, remove the fruit and stop the lateral back to the first leaf. Fruit will afterwards show on the sub-laterals, and this will afford an oppor- tunity to secure an even crop of fruits over the- area of the trellis. Supposing the trellis to be tj feet high, stop the plants when they have made growth ~5 feet long by pinching the point of the leading shoot. This will give strength to the plant and avoid waste of growth. There should be a bottom-heat of So' to 85°, and when the plants are in flower the soil and atmosphere should be moderately dry, with a circulation of warm air passing through • the house. Fertilise the flowers in the morning when the atmosphere is dry, and stop the shoots one joint beyond the fruit. If the plants are planted at distances of 2 feet, a crop of three- fruits to each will be found sufficient. Fruits of the largest size have no special attraction. Well- grown specimens of Hero of Lockinge and British Queen are good examples of what a Melon should be. In order to prevent cankei or damping at the neck of the plants, I have for a number of years practised the system of planting recom- mended in a previous calendar. All water afforded the plants is applied directly upon the- stem with satisfactory results. Cherries. — When in flower these are so attrac- tive that one is almost tempted to introduce them> to the conservatory, where the conditions would; be altogether unfavourable to the fertilization of the flowers. If fertilization has taken place the Cherries will be swelling at the base of the decayed flowers. Even if this be so, do not hurry the growth of the trees by the employment of high tempera- tures. Syringe the trees once only each day at- present, doing this work in the forenoon. Later on, when the weather out-of-doors is favourable, afford abundance of air and syringe twice daily. Pinch out the points of the shoots when they have made five or six leaves. Lightly fumigate- the house at intervals. Keep a sharp look-out for grubs, which will be found rolled up in the- leaves, and squeeze them between the thumb and finger. Maintain the temperature at night to 40°, or with ventilation to 50°. Fumigate trees placed under glass early in February and which are now unfolding their buds. Early Figs in Pots. — It will be well not tc- over-crop these trees. Afford light top-dressings- often, and if space is limited a layer of turves round the rims of the pots will prove of con- siderable assistance. When watering afford sufficient thoroughly to wet the roots, and afford occasional applications of liquid - manure and soot-water. Maintain a genial atmosphere by occasional and thorough syringing. Damp the> paths and walls with liquid-manure. Admit air when the temperature of the house is 70 , which may rise to 80° at closing time. 168 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 12, 1904. 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 wbitteh on one aide onlt of THl 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 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 his correspondents. illustrations,— The Editor will be glad to receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, loosened, what a great mistake we must all make- by ramming the soil so firmly in potting Straw- berry plants for forcing ! Mr. Jefferies must- have plenty of space for Strawberries at his- disposal. J. Stocks, Fen Place Gardens, Turners- Hill, Sussex. - How does Mr. Jefferies conclude that the- placing of a thin covering of short stable litter over a mulching of decayed manure from 1 to- 2 inches thick, beaten down evenly with the back, of a fork before and after applying the litter in January or February, when the weather permits, of its being done, is injurious or stifling to the plants? Has he ever experienced any injury to- the plants from that cause, or is it merely an as- sumption ? If it has a stifling effect, why should it not be equally so when applied a few weeks after- March 12, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 171 wards? Why should this thin layer of straw harm the plants more than soil , which he so strongly advocates ? The litter is not intended to be beneficial to the plants, but to save further time and trouble, and in due time to protect the fruits from any objectionable matter. The digging or forking of manure into the ground 2 inches deep in midwinter, disturbing, breaking, and damaging ■a portion of the roots when the land is cold and wet, to be followed perhaps by heavy falls of Fig. 71.— ordinary foliage of creeping fig, ficus repens. •snow, during which time the broken roots lie practically dormant, is a practice I cannot advise. Water when applied through the water-can or garden-hose is not more evenly distributed if the Und has been previously mulched, than is the •case when applying it direct to adry loose surface. a. Markham, SPHAGNUM-MOSS IN ORCHID-HOUSE. — Re- ferring to your correspondent's enquiry respect- ing sphagnum-moss in Orchid-houses (p. 155), I do not think that sea air has anything to do with this trouble. I have known one or two cases where soft water was scrupulously used for watering Orchids, but it was still found im- possible to grow healthy sphagnum. The cause was eventually found to be in the too free use of lime-wash and whitening for shading, which in a rainy season found its way in sufficient quantities to the water-tanks to kill the sphagnum. Perhaps this hint may help your correspondent. Chas. E. Pearson. FICUS repens was planted in the conservatory here about thirty years ago upon a north and east wall, and for over twenty years retained its original and well-known character. Some eight or nine years ago, however, one of the plants developed, at about 14 feet from the ground, a quite distinct and robust character, with ovate or egg - shaped leaves, beautifully ribbed and veined on the under-side. In this respect it resembled F. repens, but the leaves being much ©bttuarp. Emile Laurent. — As was announced in a recent issue, M. E. Laurent, the Professor at the Agricultural Institute of Belgium, at Gem- bloux, died suddenly, on February 20, between Accra and Sierra Leone, on board the Albettville, on his return to Europe. His career at the School of Horticulture at Vilvorde was marked by great distinction, and as soon as his studies were ter- minated he was nominated Professor in that establishment. Far from allowing himself to be dazzled by his success, he undertook further studies, and entered the University of Brussels. He frequented from its foundation in 1884 the botanical laboratory founded by Prof. Leo Errera, and passed with great distinction his examination for his Doctorateof Natural Science. Influenced by the example of Pasteur, whose immortal writings he had deeply studied, he betook himself to Paris Fig. 72.— fruit and leaf of arborescent form of creeping fig, ficus repens. larger with considerable more substance, these markings are much more distinct and beautiful. It has fruited this season for the second time. The fruit I now enclose, together with foliage of the two kinds. W. Fyfe, LocHnge Gardens. [The larger leaves are those of the arborescent form of Ficus repens, which, being a climber like the Ivy, has dimorphic leaves. The arborescent forms in Ficus are equivalent to the larger leaves developed by " Tree " Ivies. Both forms have been illustrated in Gardeners' Chronicle, and we now reproduce them. The fruit sent is that of F. repens, and similar to that shown in fig. 72. F. repens and F. stipulata are names for the same plant. Ed.] THE RAINFALL IN 1903 AT BELVOIR CASTLE AND belvedere house. — Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire : 3076 inches ; rainy days, 200. Belvedere House, Co. West Meath, Ireland : t8'28 inches ; rainy days, 231. Belvoir is 260 feet above sea-level, Belvedere 367 feet. Both have a similar geographical position and distance from the sea in centre of their respective islands. Brinsley Marlay. to work in the laboratory of that savant. There also he came to the front. In 1891 he was charged with the re-organisation of the botanical studies in the Agricultural Institute at Gembloux, where he was enabled to devote himself entirely to the study of physiology as applied to agricul- ture. With scanty resources he got together collections of living plants worthy of a university. He gathered there at his own cost the richest collection that exists in Europe of the plants of the Congo. Laurent interested himself keenly in the colonial movement promoted by the King of the Belgians. Twice, in 1893 and in 1895-6, Laurent travelled in the Congo region for scientific and agricultural purposes under the auspices of the Government. He acquitted himself of his task in a particularly brilliant manner. It is to him that we owe the most precise information and the most judicious advice as to the vegetable resources and the agricultural future of this immense territory. Amongst the numerous 172 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 12, 1904-. documents which he collected in the course of his travels some were published by the Govern- ment of the Congo State in the Annales du Musee du Congo, others were sent to the botanic gardens at Brussels, where they were made the subject of memoirs by MM. Durand and De Wildeman. His friends were not a little sur- prised to learn during the course of 1903 that he had determined to undertake a new scientific expedition to th« Congo. Six months sufficed for his observations ; it was to be a pleasure trip, in which he was accompanied by his nephew. Remonstrances that were made to him were in vain ; having survived two sojourns in Africa under less favourable conditions, he had reasons to think he could resist the fatal climate. It viscous bread, and his discovery of the means of preventing the appearance of that diseased con- dition, and to his studies on the variability of fungi and microbes. Allusion may also here be made to his researches on the conditions governing the dispersion of Misleto, and to his recent memoir, in collaboration with M. Emile Marchal, on the problem of the formation of albumenoid matter in plants. Two facts of great scientific import- ance have been established by Laurent. Experi- ments carried on together with the French chemist, Th. Schloesing Fils, and which will remain models of precision, have afforded deci- sive proof that certain plants have the faculty of assimilating, of fixing as it is said, the gaseous nitrogen of the atmosphere. The importance of SOCIETIES. THE LATE M. LAURENT. was not, however, without apprehension that his friends bade him farewell at Antwerp, but they received with much pleasure the news of his progress. In his letters he spoke of the fine condition of the plantations which he had in- augurated in 1895-6. At last, when they knew that he was returning to Europe, they thought him safe, and were preparing to receive him in Antwerp in a few days, when the telegram an- nouncing his death spread consternation among them. The scientific reputation of Laurent was well established beyond the Belgian frontiers. He was elected last year a Correspondent of the Institute of France, and the King named him Chevalier of the Order of Leopold. We cannot here enumerate all his scientific publications, marked at once, as Professor Errera has stated, by their originality and critical acumen. But I may allude to his bacteriological experiments on this matter may be estimated when the amount expended on nitrogenous manures is considered. The second point is the demonstration furnished by him of the conditions under which certain ordinarily inoffensive microbes become dangerous to plants and vice versa. The great interest of such researches in all questions of vegetable and animal pathology is manifest. Laurent was about to be named Director of the National Agronomic Station on his return, but he has been taken from us at the age of forty-two, leaving his work unfinished. He had many friends in England, especially at Kew, which he adored — ■ friends who estimated him for his loyal and amiable character. He was a true man of science, a thorough patriot. He was characterised by a charming vein of humour, conscientious, faithful to prin- ciple, full of energy and individual enterprise. He was a protector of the weak and a helper of the workers. Louis Geniil. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. March s.— The usual fortnightly meeting of tho Committees took place on Tuesday last in the Drill' Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster. Orchids were again shown extensively, and the Orchid Committee had a large number of novelties- before them for certificate. Their awards included one? First class Certificate and three Awards of Merit. Many very interesting groups of plants and flowers- were exhibited before the Floral Committee, and a. few novelties, but no Certificates or Awards of Merit were recommended. An interesting species of Lobelia from Southern India was shown by Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt. The Committee were not satisfied on this occasion that it would make an effec- tive flowering plant for the conservatory. In any case, it would appear to be capable of affording a new type forcrOssiDg with other species. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee met, but, as on the last occasion, this body found nothing of- importance to inspect. The Narcissos Committee sat for the first time this- season, but no awards were called for. At the after- noon meeting there were forty-two new Fellows, four Associates, and three Societies elected to the privi- leges of the Society ; and a paper by Mr. Alex. Dean, on "Cottage and Allotment Gardening," was read by the Assistant Secretary. Floral Committee. Present : W. Marshall. Esq. (Chairman) ; and Messrs. H. B. May, R. Dean, J. F. McLeod, R. Wilson Ker, C. T- Druery, J. Green, J. Hudson, J. Jennings, W. Howe, C. Dixon, W. Barr, J. A. Nix, C. J. Salter. C. E. Pearson, C. Jeffries, H. J. Cutbush, R. W. Wallace, W. Cuthbertson, C. E. Shea, W. P. Thomson, H.Tur- ner, G. Paul, J. W. Barr, R. C. Notcutt, E. H. Jenkins, R. Froebel (?), Ch. Blick, Geo. Nicholson, R. Hooper Pearson, C. R. Fielder, and E. T. Cook. Mr. J. Douglas. Edenside Nurseries, Great Book- ham, showed two pots containing Saxifraga Burseriana- major. They were in 5-inch and tS-inch pots, and the plants had not only completely covered the surface, but they themselves were literally hidden by the pretty white blossoms with yellow centre?. A Cultural Commendation was awarded. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, made a very fine exhibit of Cyclamens, the plants being freely flowered, and the blooms were of good size and sub- stance; also flowers representing their strain of Chinese- Primulas. The same firm showed a considerable num ber of Cactaceous plants of various sizes, and all of them in excellent condition of health and growth (Silver Flora Medal). Lobelia nicotianifolia was shown by Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, The two plants were in pots, and were considerably more than 6 feet high. The leaves are lanceolate acuminate, 2 inches' across the widest part, and more than a foot long. The seeds were sent home from Southern India, and& the plant is prcbably a biennial. The terminal spike of flowers is more than 2 feet in length, and the white- flowers are very numerous, but not large. The plants were grown out-of-doors during last summer, and have< been cultivated in a cool-house since. Apparently the plants would need to be treated similarly to Humeas except that this Lobelia will flower in March. The- plant was awarded a Botanical Certificate by the Scientific Committee. A number of plants of a straw- coloured Italian Hyacinth was also shown. These varieties have larger flowers and are rather later than the Roman varieties. Mrs. Pilkington, ;WoIlatoD, [Nottingham, exhibited two shallow pans filled with Primula Forbesii in- flower, but although very freely flowered the plants had been grown rather weakly. Pteris Wimsetti plumosa, exhibited by Mr. W. A- Cull, Bury House Nursery. Bury Street, Edmonton, is a plumose variety of this type. Lachenalia hybrids were shown by Mr. F. W. MOORE, Glasnevin Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Like others that have been shown from the same garden, these were very interesting, but ii plants could be sent they would, afford a better idea of them then. r.egonia Perle de Lorraine was shown by Messrs. T- Cripis & Son, Tunbridge Wells Nurseries, Kent. It is one of M. Lemoines introductions, and makes a. very pretty plant for flowering in March and onwards. The flowers are palest pink, small In size, but pro- duced in large, peudant racemes. The leaves are March 12, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 16 bronzy green, and sparsely covered with rough hairs, which grow from the margins also. Messrs. Jas. Veitch it Sons, Royal Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea, exhibited groups of flowering plants, each kind being grouped separately. The pretty hybrid Primula x kewensis (P. floribunda x P. verticillala), figured in Gardeners' Chronicle, March 31, 1900, p. 195, was shown in flower in 4-inch pots and finch pots, the first blooms having just opened. Of greenhouse Rhodo- dendrons, R. Veitchii (white), and R. Ne Plus Ultra (very fine reddish crimson), were well represented, Ne Plus Ultra being as effective as Veitchii is charminf. About one cozen llmts repie.ented hybrids of Clivia mi 1 1 iata, and there was a batch of Loropetalum chinense, and an excellent plant of Cheiranthus x kewensis (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr. H. B. May, of Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, staged some good Ferns, and several orna- mental plants — Oleander "rosea variegata," Boronia heterophylla (scarcely in flower). Some small plants of Gardenia florida showed plenty of buds, the few flowers open being very fragrant ; Adlantum Far leyense showed a splendid colour; A. gracillimum, A. dlgitatum, Nephrolepis Piersoni, and several species of Gyrnno- grammas were included (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. J. Hill & Sons, Barrowfield Nurseries, Lower Edmonton, had the premier exhibit of Ferns, and displayed some rare varieties of these plants. The group was very nicely set up, the members being worked in to produce a pleasing effect: some Dava.lias on tall supports were at the back, and grand specimens of Platyceriums graced the centre and ends of the collection, whilst several tinted varieties of Ferns were arranged along the front. The plants were well grown, and included Platycerium athiopicum, 1". Hillii, the rarer P. Veitchii (a good plant), a fine plant of Adlantum asarifolium, several tinted varieties of Adiantums, Lastr;eis, &c. Doodia aspera multilida and Lomaria attenuata were also noticed. Several Davallias were growing on Tree Fern stems, notably D. assamica and D. pentaphylla; Gymnogramme dobroydense and G. argyrophylla were both good (Silver Flora Medal awarded). M. Frantz de Laet, of Belgium, exhibited through Mr. R. Anker, of Addison Nursery, Napier Road, Kensington, W., some varieties of hardy Cacti and miniaturesucculents in tiny pots. Opuntia phse icantha major was conspicuous; Aloe Saliaris was shown in flower. Several small potfuls of a four-leaved Sham- rock were also shown by this exhibitor. The leaves were small, but prettily spotted like those of a Medicago. Mr. John Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Richmond, set up a group of forced flowering shrubs and plants, somewhat similar to their exhibit at the last meeting. The exhibit was very pleasiDg in effect and tastefully arranged, the plants were well flowered, and the colours harmonised. A background of Palms lent an additional feature to the group. Prucus triloba was interspersed through the exhibit. Staphjleacolchica, Viburnum plicatum, Azaleas, and Prunus sinensis alba were the principal features (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). Messrs. R. & G. Cuthuebt, The Nurseries, Southgate, Middlesex, gave an interesting display with their group ot forced Azaleas, relieved with Japanese Maples, Ferns, Palms, and similar plants. At one end of the groip were some well-grown specimens of Staphylea colchica. Several plants of standard Azaleas, all pro- fusely flowered, were placed at intervals, and a fine bank of rich yellow - flowered Azileas occupied the centre of the display. Azalea occidentalis var. mag- nifica was very fine, the effect of the white flowers I with their upper petal tinged with yellow being , enhanced by their light-green leaves. Azalea ponlica, A. mollis, and A. mollis x sinensis were all repre- . sented by varieties (Silver Bauksian Medal). Messrs P. S. Williams & Son, of Upper Holloway, N., also showed Azaleas, but included many other , specimens of loiced shrubs in their group, and made i the most of the corner allotted them. Shrubs in flower, on both standard and bush plants, edged with some tiny Palms, were very brilliant, and well covered with blossom. Ribes sanguineum and the variety alba were flowering freely, the latter having a very graceful appearance. Small plants of Lilacs, just suitable .for ij the table, with others as standaads ; Viburnum opulus, |j members of the Pruuus and Pyrus genera, together with some well flowered Azileas, were prominent in this pretty irroup (Silver Banksian Medal). The exhibit of Messrs. Wn. Cutbush & Sons, High- , gate London, X.,was a very tastefully-arranged and well-grown collection of plants. Two very beautiful members of the I.egumioosea; at once caught Ihe eye in this collection-tbe Laburnum, with its chain of golden flowers, and the handsome Wistaria chinensis. Cytisus [Laburnum] Adami was interesting, its creamy-pink flowers being less glaring than its ye low relative. The same firm displayed a stand of alpine?. At the back of the group was a number of small shrubs and Conifers, all useful for rockwork culture. We may mention some fine Hepaticas, both blue and pink ; a large batch of Shortia gilacifolia, and S. gilacifolia rosea; Primula denticulata alba, Fritil- laria Thunbergi, some fine Irises, Saxifrages, Tulips, Narcissus, ic. The same firm also displayed cut Carnations, and the pretty climbing Rote Dorothy Perkins (Silver gilt Flora Medal). Messrs. \V.\i. Bull & Sons, Chelsea, London, set up a group of Azileas, backed by some nice Cocos Palms. There was a variety of colours, and plenty of bloom. Mdlle. Estelle Cuvelier, a fine white variety with large flowers, was noticed. A Vote of Thanks was awarded Messrs. Bull for their contribution. Mr. John R. Box, West Wickham. staged some good plants of Begonia Gloire de Scaux, intermixed with some plants of Asparagus (Vote of Thanks). A lessnnin wall-gardening was ailjrded by an exhibit from Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middlesex. The improvised wall was covered on either fide with cork, and the " pockets " were' formed with the same materia). One side was supposed to have a south aspect, and in the pockets were plants in flower, in- cluding Saxlfragi Burseriana, Cyclamen Coum, Anemone blanda, Daphne Blagayana, «&?., and a num- ber of species not in flower. On the north aspect were coloured Primroses, Shortia galacifolia. Primula den- ticulata, fc Co. resembling the beautiful L.-C. X H. John Bradshaw, which recently secured a similar award, but generally darker; sepals and petals withabronzy-yellowground, the greater part of the surface being tinged and veined with claret-purple; lip intense claret-purple, and of fine size and shape. Awards of Merit. Odontoglossum crispum A'inksideanum, from Norman C Cookson, Esq., Oakwood (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman). —A peculiar and pretty form with white flowers, having the stalked petals decorated with closely arranged cinnamon-brown markings in the middle. It is of the O. c. Lady Jane, and Oaktteld Sunrise class, and is very attractive. Odontoglossum crispum Roteendale, from J. Wilson Potter, Esq., Elmwood, Croydon (gr., Mr. W. Young), flowers white, tinged with purple, aud showily decor- ated with large red-brown blotches on the inner halves of the segments. Drndrobium x vielanodiscus gloriosum from Mrs. Haywood, Woodhaich, Reigate (gr. Mr. C. J. Salter). A very handsome large-flowered form equal in beauty to D. x Juno, flowers white, heavily tipped with carmine- rose, the lip having a dark purple eye surrounded by an orange band, the tip rose. Cultural Commendation. To Mr. W. H. White, gr. to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., for a large and tinely-ilowered specimen of the pearly-white Dendrobium x Luna. To Mr. J. Howes, gr to Walter Cobb, Esq .TunbrJdge Wells, for a fine specimen of Tetramicra (Leptotes) blcolor. To Mr. THuaciOOD, gr. to H. T. Pitt, Esq., for a finely-flowered mass of Dendrobium aggregatum majus. The Lecture. COTTAGE AND ALLOTMENT GARDENING. A leoture by Mr. A. Dean, on "Cottage and Allot- ment Gardening." was read by the Assistant Secretary, in the absence of Mr. Dean through illness. The lecturer advocated the encouragement of this work among cottagers and allotees, as it was not only a healthy form of recreation, but it resulted in an appreciable adjunct to the weekly wage. These men, although at the beginning making many mistakes, ull i- matcly become good cultivators. The local societies, are the outcome of their [enthusiasm, which the work of County Council lecturers, &c, has fostered. Allotments are of diverse forms and situations, but the best is one with a south aspect. The size is deter- mined by the amount of time at the disposal of the holder, some having as much as tit rods or even \ acre— these of course are large holdings ; but 6 rods are hardly sutlu-lent. Of these plots a moderate portion is usually devoted to flowers and fruit, the major part being cropped with vegetables, especially potatos. Land for Allotments is provided by County Councils and landowners. That at Richmond, Surrey, is leased from the Ci-owd. Of course the soil of allotments varies greatly in character; yetall soils respond to good cultivation and manuring. The holders are persons of all trades, one of 10 rods being worked by an ex-police- man, whilst another skilfully-worked plot is cultivated by a railway signalman. The interest evinced by the holders is apparent when it is mentioned that some are at work as early as 3 o'clock in the morning. Vegetables occupy the major portion of the plots. Fruit is represented by Gooseberries, Currants, Straw- berries. Apples, and Plums, as low standards, and Raspberries. The cottager is not a good fruit-grower : one seldom sees a well-trained fruit-tree on a cottage wall, but Roses, Clematis, Honeysuckle, and such plants are grown to perfection. The flowers mostly grown are Dahlias, Carnations, Begonias, Petunias, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, and annuals. The cottager knows the value of deep cultivation, hence he trenches hl« ground. He knows this to be of use in case of drought, and that it enables the roots to penetrate in the deeper and moister soil. The planting is generally done in rows running the length of the garden ; bush fruit is usually planted so as to enable the fruit to be protected from birds by netting. The judging of allotments can be done very rapidly, especially by those who have to inspect maDy hun- dreds of gardens and allotments each year. The number of judges should never exceed two in number. The following is the schedule of marks adopted by the Surrey County Council :— Maximum Marks.— SO for superior work, order, good regular cropping, cleanliness, and evidence of high-class culture. 10 for Potatos, Peas, winter and summer Onions, winter Greens, including Broccolis, Brussels- Sprouts, Savoys, Kales, and Coleworts. To hardy fruits, and where there are no flower-garden classes, to flowers, also. 8 each for Runner, Dwarf Kidney and Broad Beans, also to Beet, Carrots, Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Parsnips, Turnips, and Vegetable-Marrows, s for Asparagus. Celery. Letks, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Rhubarb, Seakalc, and Tomatos. 4 for Artichokes, Red Cabbage, Shallots, Spinach, Herbs, Small Salads, and anything else that may be found unenumerated. These maximum numbers indicate the value to the grower which the compilers of the schedule attach to the various crops. It is as a rule found that cottagers and allotment-holders themselves also value the crops in similar ratio. The total number of marks attainable is 23S. But no garden or allotment ever exhibits perfection in every crop, although the maximum for cleanliness, order, &c , is often attained. The highest pointed garden in Surrey so far, and a splendid garden it was. secured 184 marks; whilst, the highest number yet given to an allotment was 179. The following is the schedule of marks found best to adopt for flower gardens .— Maximum. lo for order and neatness, and the same for brightness and general effect. 8 for hardy flowers and for tender flowers, u for Ferns, vases, or hanging plants, and to other unenumerated features including window decora- tion. There is also a total maximum of as marks, divided between cultivation and quality, tasteful arrangements, vaiiely in plants, and any other special features. Some cottage fronts are very beautifully decorated, exhibiting great taste, skill, industry, and not infre- quently evidencing material expenditure. Mr. Wright regretted the absence of Mr. Dean, and referred to the lesson taught by good and bad cultiva- tion side by side. The value of a good medium crop is estimated at the rate of £'.ii> per acre. Surrey is training some hundreds of youths in allotment work, and their crops would defy competition from many able gar. doners. Lord Onslow has placed land at the disposal of the Surrey people to plant model allotments for examples as to the best manner of managing them. LTNNEAN. March :s.-Prof. S. H. Vines, F.R.S , President, in the chair. Mr. L. A. Boodle, F.L S., exhibited photographic lan- tern slides demonstrating the formation of secondary wood in certain regions of the stem of Psilotum trlque- trum. In parts of the rhizome immediately below the aerial stems, and at the base of the aerial stems them- selves, tracheides occur, often in considerable numbers, outside the primary wood. These external tracheides are found to be still in course of development, as shown byihe imperfect lignification of their walls, at a time when the primary wood has long been completed; in some cases the external elements of the wood further show a distinct radial arrangement. These stems thus exhibit distinct remains of the secondary vascular tissues characteristic of the Pakeozoic Sphenophyllales, with which on various grounds there is reason to believe the Psilotacese to De allied. Mr. C. B. Clakke, F.R.S., F.L.S., then gave an account of his paper, entitled " List of the Carices of Malaya." After defining bis meantDg of the term Malaya, the author explained that he had been obliged to confine his remarks to the material existing at Kew, with certain additional specimens lent by Dr. Zahl- bruckner, of Vienna, who had kindly sent over some of the types of Zollinger's collections. The British Museum Herbarium could not be utilised, owing to the impracticability of comparing the specimens belonging to the two institutions. In all. .">i species are here enumerated, of which 36, including the 11 here cha- i-icterized as new. beloDg to the subgenus Cari- candra, a natural group essentially tropical, and diffi- cult to diagnose as to i-pecies ; all possessing a trifid style, with a terminal spike male in ihe upper portion and female at the base. The author, in a lew concluding remarks, observed that species of Mapania from the north east of Brazil were not only closely allied to species on the west coast of Africa, but some of them were intermediate in character. Dr. J. G. de Man's paper "On some Species of the genus Palsemon, Fubr., from Tahiti, Shanghai, New Guinea, and West Africa." was communicated to the Society, and its scope explained by the Rev. T. R. R. Stebbino, Sec. L.S. March 12, 1904.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 175 HORTICULTURAL CLUB. The usual meeting of members of the Horticul- tural Club took place on Tuesday evening last in the Hotel Windsor Westminster. Mr. Harry J. Veitch presided, and there were twenty four members present. The subject for discussion was "The Uses and Abuses ofBotanisinf; Excursions," which was introduced in a very interesting discourse by Prof Geo. Henslow. He said we saw boys and girls gathering Buttercups and Daisies in quantities, but they frequently left them in the fields when they returned home. They found their enjoyment in gathering the flowers, and were there- fore "gatherers." Of another type of botaniser were some ladies who not only gathered the flowers but took them home and fixed them very neatly into books, and then got some botanist of their acquaintance "just tn stick the names to them." They were "collectors." Prof. Henslow proceeded to explain very pointedly how that some collected for the very love of collecting, and others in order to obtain Fomelhing that no one else possessed. In either case there followed very little, if any, improvement of the mind. Those who so easerly sought that which no one else should have were frequently unscrupulous in the means they took to obtain this end. instances having occurred in which collectors have found rare plants, and either taken all of them, or destroyed them. These practices represented the abuses of botanising. But there was the other side, and Prof. Henslow, in proceeding to speak of the uses of this interesting occupation, referred to the history of botanical science since the middle ages, when botanists were mere herbalists, and knew little of the true characters of the plants they handled, until Linmcus provided a scien- tific classification to Botany. Some extraordinary particulars were given in respect to Culpepper's Herbal, which a publisher is even now issuing to the public. In this work there is no botany whatever, and every plant is described as being under the especial influence of some planet. Prof. Henslow read a very amusing quotation, in which the author maintained that the Henbane was a Saturnite, though a previous writer had described it as being under the influence of Jupiter. Yet there have been issued 68,385 volumes of the snail edition, and 9 st54 of the large edition. ' Prof. Henslow then said a few words about the "lumpers" and the "splitters" among botanists, Bentham, being a lumper and Babiogton a splitter. The former botanist made five Blackberries, five Roses, seven Hawkwecds, and fifteen Willows. Bab- ington made forty-one Blackberries, eighteen Rose?, thirty-three Hawkwecds, and thirty-two Willows. In his subsequent remarks the Professor explained how the differences that were supposed to have divided species have been broken down as a greater number of plants has been discovered, and that by evolution it has been shown that different plants have not a separate but a common origin, but he was not disposed to accept Darwin's theory of the origin of species. He proceeded to speak of plants of quite different families so far as the structure of the flowers is concerned, which develop much the same structure and habit when grown under the same conditions, especi- ally if the conditions be of an extreme nature, and spoke of an experiment that had been made with a water-plant (I'roserpinaca). that de- velops a different kind of leaves when growing in water than out of water. But by thickening the water with chemical salts, the plant is made to produce simi- lar leaves to its ordinary ones. All this showed that variation was indefinite, and was in response to environment, and the study of these matters was the real value of a botanisiDg excursion. In the discussion which followed, Messrs. Veitch Itruery, Pearson. Geo. Paul. Smders, and Waterer,' took a part, and very strong denunciations were made of the practice of exterminating rare plants, whether it be done by the botanist, the mere " collector " or by people who gather them for sale. THE WEATHER. - • - GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The following Summary Recokd of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending Mar. 5, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :— " The weather -During the greater part of the week the sky was densely clouded in all districts, except the north of Scotland. Cold rain, sleet, or snow showers occurred frequently in the south of Ireland and most sli ht° " ain' but the falls were generally very "The temperature was much below the mean, the aehcit ranging from .v in Scotland, E„ England NE and Ireland, N , to as much as s in England. S. and «. i° ?50tlana' N., however, the deficit was no more than 2 . The highest of the maxima, which were regis- tered on Sunday in Ireland and at most Scotch stations and on Saturday in England, varied from 53" in Ire- m?„i ' t0 "' in En8l»»a. N.E. The lowest of the minima were recordei about the middle of the week, and ranged from 18' in ScotHnd, E., 19' in Scotland, N »nd Ireland, N., and 20 in the Midland Counties and England, X.W., to 25' in Scotland, W., and to 31" in the Channel Islands. "The rain/all was slightly in excess of the mean in England, S. and E , Ireland, S , and the Channel Islands, and just equal to it in England, N.E., but less in all other parts oi the kingdom. In Scotland, N. and W., and in England, N.W.. the fall was scarcely appreciable. '■ The bright sunshine was considerably less than the mean in all districts excepting Scotland. N., the deficit being especially large over England. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 34 in Scotland, N. and Win Scotland, W., and SI in the Channel Islands, to 10 in England, S. At many southern stations bright sunshine was entirely absent during the latter days of the week." THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Another cold week.— On the coldest day tiie tempera- ture in the thermometer screen at no time rose more than 3" above the freezing-point, and on the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered 11= of frost. The ground has now become cold, the temperature, both at 1 and 2 feet deep, being about 3" colder than is seasonable. Rain or snow fell on all but one day, but to the total depth of only about i inch. On the morning of the 4th, the ground was covered with snow to the average depth of an inch— which Is a greater depth than any recorded during the previous three winter months. Each day some rain-water has come through both of the percolation gauges, but the amounts have been small. On the first day of the week the sun shone for two hours, but during the rest of the week no sunshine at all was recorded. The winds were light, and came almost entirely from some point between north and east. The mean amount of moisture in the air at :: o'clock in the afternoon was unusually large, being as much as 21 per cent, in excess of the March average for that hour. E. M., BerkhamMed, March 8, 1904. MARKETS. — * — COVENT GARDEN, March 9. Cut Flowers. &o. : Average Wholesale Prices. «•<*• *■<*• ' s.d. e.d. Orchids :Odonto- §lossums, per ozen blooms 2 0-30 — Cattleya, doz. 12 0-15 0 — Cyprlpedium insigne, per dozen ... 0 9-16 — Celogvne. doz. ly-it Pelargoniums, zonal, dozen bunches — white, dozen bunches — doublescarlet, p. doz. bunches 4 0-60 Roman Hyacintns, doz. bunches ... 16-80 Roses, Mermet, per bunch ... — white, bunch — pink, bimch — red. bunch — Safranos, bch. . — French, bunch lu-jg Smilax, per doz. trails Snowdrops, doz. Spirreas, bunch.. Stocks, per doz... Tuberoses, strong, per bunch ... 10-16 — per dozen ... Tulips, Red, per bunch — various, per bunch Violets, p. dozen bundles Anemones, per doz. bunches ... Azaleamollis, bun. Azaleas, per doz. Bouvardias.bnch. Callas, per dozen. Camellias, box ... Carnations, bnch. Croton leaves, bun. Daffodils, per doz. bunches Eucharis.per doz. Euphorbia, bun. Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... — French, per doz. bunches — Maidenhair, doz. bunches Freesia. per doz. Gardenias, box ... Lilac (French), per bunch Liliuiu auratum per bunch ... — longiflorum, bunch — laneifolium... Lily of the Valley, p. doz. bunches Marguerites, yel- low, doz bunch. Mimosa (Acacia), bunch Narcissus, dz. bun. — Pheasant Eye, per doz. — Soleil d'Or, per dozen ... Plants in Pots, &o. : Average Wholesale Prioes 16-26 10-20 4 0-60 0 4-06 2 0- 4 II i 6- a o 10-30 0 6-10 2 O- 6 (I 16-20 1O-30 10-26 0 3-04 4 0-60 10-20 2 0-60 16-30 2 6-40 2 0-60 16-26 6 0-15 0 10-20 0 6-10 10-20 2 0-40 4 0-60 4 0-60 3 0-60 10-30 I ,' :: ii :; H- - n 1 0- : 16-20 10-16 1 0 — 2 0-26 0 6-09 0 6-09 0 6-16 10-16 10-20, — Parma, p. bun. 16-26 Acacias, per doz. Adiantums, doz. Aralias, per doz. Arbor Vitse, doz. Arum Lilies, per doz Aspidistras, doz. Aucubas, per doz. Azalea mollis, pot Azaleas, each ... Begonia, per doz. — Gloire de Lor- raine, per doz. Cinerarias, p.doz. Coleuses, per doz. Crotons, per doz. Cyclamens, doz. Cyperus, per doz. Daffodils. per doz. Dracaenas, variety, dozen Ericas, per dozen Euonymus, vars., per dozen Ferns fn variety doz Ficuselastica.doz s.d. s.d. 12 0-50 0 4 ii- 8 0 4 0-80 9 0-18 0 10 0-12 0 18 0-36 0 4 0- 8 ii 1 6- 3 o 16-50 8 0-18 0 8 0-24 0 6 u-24 ii 4 0-50 12 0-24 0 Si 0-18 0 3 0-40 6 0-80 12 0-48 0 6 0-12 0 s.d. . 2 ::- 1 0 10 0-15 O ... 3 0- 6 O The Argen- tine Peaches are quile a failure, and sell as low as 6ti. per box. Cape Peaches, per case, 2s. to 68. ; Nec- tarines. 4.--. toe-. ; Pjuujs, 28. 8(2. to in, ; Pears, 4 -. to fj . Some of the Kelsey Plums are of very fine quality. Broccoli in Cornish crates, 7s. to 9s.; Cherbourg Broc coli. per dozen. Is. 8(f. to 2s. ; Italian, per basket, 4s. to Id. 6 '.: Brussels Sprouts, per bag, 2.< ; Coleworts.per bag, 2.. to 2s. lid ; Turnip Tops, par bay, Is. 6d. to 2s. ad. Potatos. Home-grown, loos, to 120s. per ton ; foreign, lie. to 110s. do.; Dunbars, 130s. to 140s. do. Seed-tubers in variety. John Bath, 32 riiiT|«ilii'T^wr«i| * ,,,- w, 4 *? 4 - „ ^ i. rf •** & *4 4) .*£ J| ^ «tf ^l J***- CD 3 P M W ['.-'" ■ -■j J '-> ; •* t pS^S^Sfc*^' 7;t-^;- : «|- ^ '3j % *t 0 &**J**.** *> ** •* i ..,* %*_*>» ^L^lS* * j^-:^J^L^ *4 Soirt.ng G't St. Louis Exhibition, 1904 : Plan of Old English Garden, i 1 i»y SecTioNjiM-=--V ■ . (rli UNr,, IN, iN. BV Mf. ' "l R-SE OB 1 ONSTRUCTION AROUND THE BRITISH ROYAL PAVILION, March 19, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE (Hardeners' (i[liromiie No. 89!).— SATURDAY, March 19, 1904. CONTENTS. Alpine garden, the ... 1*1 Obituary— Books, notices of— Ainsworth. Samuel . urn Coccidae, Monograph Drummond, David . )90 of tlie British 180 Hill, Walter lSli Publications re- lVuning coniDetitlon ceived 187 al M.tdrcsticld 186 British Columbia, the Roses, some new va- climate of 188 rieties of 177 <3aeti in Arizona 181 Rubbish - heap, the Catalogue, oddities in garden 188 a lSli Seed selection 181 ■Cedar at Chelsea Phy- Seeds, the vitality of lss sic Gardens 185 Societies- C his wick Gardens, Gardeners' Debating 190 auction sale at 185 N a t ional Fruit Cyanide of potassium Growers' Federa- as a funiigator 187 tion 189 'Equatorial Africa, National Sweet Pea is.; notes on a garden in 183 Royal Botanic 100 Ether, action of, on Royal Horticultural plants is? 185 1*:' Exhibition schedules 185 Surveyors' Institu- Ferns: confusion of tion 185 their specific and United Horticultural varietal names 188 Benefit and Provi- Fertilisers and Feed- dent 1-9 ing Stuffs Committee 186 Soils and manures for flower show dales special crops 17X clashing 188 Strawberry culture ... 188 Forestry In Scotland . lSli Sugar producing plant, Fruit Commission— a new variety of ... 185 meetings of the Com- SI. Louis Botanic Gar- mittee 185 dens 186 Gardeners' Associa- Turin Exhibition, the 186 tion, the proposed... 189 Water-Lilies for deco- Jamaica, botanical la- rative purposes 181 boratory at 1*1 Weather observations 191 Laurels, failure of, in Week's work- transplanting 189 Flower-garden, the 183 Nova Scotia fruit 188 Fruits under glass... 183 Onions, raising of. Hardy fruit garden 182 under glass 187 Kitchen garden, the 183 Orchids at Gatton Orchid-houses, the... 183 Park 177 Plants under glass... 183 Pines of Cuba, the ... 179 Wisley, the way to ... 188 ILLUSTRATIONS Cacti in Arizona isi Group of hardy Water-Lilies exhibltedatAnister jam (Supplementary Illustration) •Lilac forced after treatment with ether 187 Pines of Cuba 17d Spira-a Thunbcrgii lorced after treatment with ether 187 NEW KOSES. ^JOME of the finest Roses of recent origina- ^ tion have been raised at Newtownards and Waltham Cross. Though Mr. Wm. Paul is a veteran rosaiian, his activities as a raiser still continue to be exercised, with splendid results. In this beneficent direc- tion he is no doubt very materially assisted by his gifted and genial son. Mr. Arthur W. Paul, whose lecture on " Autumnal Roses," delivered in September, 1901, before the Royal Horticultural Society, was greatly admired. Of Waltham Cross creations the latest and finest are Field Marshal, a distinct advance on the French crimson China Rose, Cramoisie Superieure, being much deeper in •colour and more perfect in formation ; Corona, a greatly-improved White Lady (and this is saying much); Golden Queen, an exquisite climbing Noisette Rose, richer in colour than Reve d'Or; Floribunda. Are- thusa, and Elizabeth Kitio, of which the beautiful variety last mentioned somewhat ■resembles Madame Abel Chatenay. Some valuable Roses have of late emanated from Mr. George Paul's famous nurseries at Cheshunt, where the produc- tion of single varieties has received much attention. Among the latest achievements of this eminent firm have been a new hybrid rugosa, entitled repens alba, and Mrs. Allen Chandler, a pure white sport from Mrs. Paul, one of the grandest of Bourbon introductions. Of the artistic merits of the varieties Mr. and Mrs. Ben Cant, given to the horti- cultural world by the great Colchester firm of Benjamin R. Cant & Sons, I need hardly say more than this : that they have won the Gold Medal of the National Rose Society. I am glad to have these Roses in my garden, for they perpetuate the memory of a great rosaiian, from whom I received much kindness. I have given them, there- fore, very conspicuous situations. Lady Roberts, a richer and more exquisitely beau- tiful Anna Olivier, was raised by Messrs. F. Cant & Co., another veiy eminent < 'olehester firm ; while Mr. Cooling, of Bath, has given us Purity, Mr. A. Piper, Sunrise; and the Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, Queen Alexandra, essentially an effective pink- colourcd Crimson Rambler. Among the most distinguished of recent introductions from Newtownards are the almost incomparable Mildred Grant, which its great raisers pardonably characterise as the finest variety that has ever been raised ; and Alice Lindsell, both Gold Medallists, and without doubt magnificent creations, rivalling Frau Karl Druschki in splendour and renown, though they are not satiny- white, like that famous Herman Rose, but pale pink in complexion (Mildred Grant somewhat resembles Mr. Wm. Paul's Clio, but is of more splendid petal, and deeper hue) ; Ards Fillar, an extremely valuable crimson climber; Edith d'Ombrain, and Florence Pemberton. These far more than sustain the reputation of the raisers of Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Helen Keller, and Margaret Dickson. England's Glory (Wood, 1902) is a Rose which I have not yet had an opportunity of seeing to great advantage, but I have it in my garden ; and I can only hope that the anticipations of one of my friends, a son of the late Mr. Henry Bennet, regarding its capabilities and future achievements may be amply fulfilled. What strikes me chiefly in reviewing those Roses of unquestionable merit which I have endeavoured, perhaps not very success- fully, to characterise is the predominance of varieties of a delicate pink hue. These are no doubt, in most instances, highly effective ; but there is a manifest danger of this special colour being far too much in evidence in our gardens and rosariums. A few more introductions of the types of Ards Pillar, Field Marshal, Ben Cant, and above all of that glorious variety Frau Karl Druschki (which I previously described as "a German Rose, of French extraction, with a Russian name "), would be of the greatest possible value for artistic effect. We require more crimsons of the velvety texture of Duke of Edinburgh, but stronger in petal and finer in formation ; more yellows of the substance of Medea and Madame Hoste, but deeper in complexion ; a hardier Mare- chal Kiel, less drooping and sensitive, suitable for open-air cultivation : a pure white Tea Rose, more obtrusive in its aspect and less pendulous in its habit than Souvenir de S. A. Prince; an improved William Allen Richardson, somewhat fuller in the centre than Madame Pierre Cochet, is also a possibility, and would be undoubtedly a great acquisition. David R. Williamson. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. ORCHIDS AT GATTON PARK, REIGATE. The well-appointed blocks of Orchid-houses in the fine gardens of Jeremiah Colman, Esq. (gr. Mr. W. P. Bound) are devoted mainly to the raising and perfecting of good hybrid Orchids, and to the culture of exceptionally good forms of the showier species. So well has Mr. Bound succeeded that the outcome of his efforts compare favour- ably with those of any of the now large number of amateur establishments carried out on similar lines. " Increase and multiply " on the method so strongly set forth in the Gardeners' Chronicle some time ago, is a fixed principle at Gatton. First get a plant into good condition, and then remove the younger active leads from the inactive and unproductive old bulbs. This is the plan adopted with all fresh arrivals, and with the most remarkable success, for by this means even the species of the worst reputation as " bad doers " ar<> overcome. One of the best examples of this kind at Gatton is the instance of a plant of Epidendrum (Diacrium) bicornutum, which no one has hitherto succeeded in growing well for any length of time, and which was bought some years ago in a very poor condition. It was brought round, and Mr. Bound removed the leading pseudo -bulbs and potted them up separately. They became vigorous, were again divided, and now there are ten fine specimens in splendid health and again about to flower. Another in- stance of what may be accomplished with free- growing plants is given by the plant of Cypri- pedium insigne Sandera;, bought by Mr. Colman in 1901, a small plant with seven leaves. It has been increased until now, when there are eleven plants having in the aggregate thirty-seven growths. Increase by seeds seems to be still more prolific, for batches of Cattleyo-Lselia and Lailio-Cattleya crosses by the thousand now approaching flower- ing stage have been but a short time in hand, the best instance being given by a batch of L.-C. x Hippolyta, sown in March 1901, and among which some are already sending up flowers. A few of the points on which Mr. Bound bases his success are worth noting. First, ordinary flower- pots instead of pans or baskets are used, the smaller pots having three holes under the rims for the suspending wires, and no other opening except the one at the bottom. Crocks in the pots are almost entirely dispensed with after the smallest pots (thumbs or small 60's) are passed, and from them a roomy shift is given. The compost used is one-fifth leaves, and the other four-fifths of peat and sphagnum-moss, apportioned to suit the class of plants for which it is intended, the Catt- leyas, &c, having the larger proportion of peat. For the rest a genial temperature with pure air but no cold currents, and cleanliness everywhere, even to the keeping good the paint, in which par- ticular Mr. Bound thinks very highly of the new " Lubrose " paint, as its quality is always alike, and the injurious effect of the old-fashioned paints is not risked by using it. In addition to large quantities of showy hybrids in various stages of growth some very interesting crosses were noted. As the outcome of the fine culture of Epidendrum bicornutum before mentioned, are batches of several crosses with it — E. bicornutum x E. Ellisii, E. bicor- nutum x Brassavola grandiflora, and E. bicor- nutum x E. radicans were noted. Of the last- named cross were several sturdy plants of two distinct classes, the one having the growth and stem-rooting habit of E. radicans, and the other more Cattleya-like in growth. Many crosses of interest have been made, such as Ladia x Lu- casiana x Epidendrum ciliare, whose fimbriated labellum should give a distinct feature ; Cattleya maxima crossed with Laelia anceps, Ladia 178 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. r March 19, 1904. Jongheana x L. anceps Dawsoni, L. Jongheana x L. flava, and a great number of others destined to give novelty rather than large flowers. Of this class a lot of Epidendrum x Boundii (radicans x Burtoni) has numerous heads of bright orange flowers, and as a winter flowerer it is decidedly acceptable. Of the showy things all available good varie- ties for several years have been crossed and raised. Dendrobiums have been worked on con- siderably, and at present two or three of the houses have a fine show of them, and the process of weeding-out has been commenced. Odontoglossums have given the most trouble, but they are now well in hand, for about 150 healthy little plants of good crosses are in evidence, and many more germinating. And still there are numerous new crosses of which the plants are yet but an inch high. The process commences with the securing of good seed-capsules, a number of which are to be seen in the houses. The seeds are sown on an oval surface of gauze or " scrim " shading placed over moss, the cushion so formed being arranged about an inch below the level of the rims of the pots. The pots are placed in glass cases fitted inside the specially-constructed seedling-house, and the desired crop seems to follow with tolerable certainty, although the proportion of plants which reach the flowering stage is very small compared with the larger number which germinated. In the specimen plant-house3 the Odonto- glossum-house is a pleasant sight with its fine, large-bulbed specimens, bearing in many cases very strong flower-spikes. Even the rare spotted forms grow with robust vigour, and Odonto- glossum crispum Mary Colman, O. c. Colmani, O. c. Eleanor, 0. c. Margery Tyrrel Giles, and other beauties which lately appeared at Gatton Park as small plants, now match the ordinary kinds in free-growing qualities. Oncidium ma- cranthum and Odontoglossum Edwardii are very strong, and have stout spikes ; O. superbiens, O. zebrinum, and other cool-house Oncidiums are equally good ; and in flower suspended from the roof are many showy scarlet Sophronitis, well- bloomed Odontoglossum Eossii majus, Oncidium concolor, and other dwarf species. The section occupied by the Masdevallias has some in bloom, M. x C'ourtauldiana and the dark purple M. cucullata being very attractive. In one of the Cattleya- houses C. Trianai Courtauldiana was very beautiful, C. T. Eussell- iana, C. T. Mrs. Dorman, C. T. albida, and some others in bloom. In one corner were speci- mens of most of the white Cattleyas. In the larger Cattleya-house are the general collection of Laslias and Cattleyas with more of theCattleya Trianaj in flower, those noted as specially vigorous or well - flowered being C. Trianje Corningii, which this year is almost wholly white, while formerly it has had rose-colour on the lip ; C. T. Mr. J. Colman, a fine dark form. In the Nepenthes-house, where a very fine show of Pitcher-plants adorn the roof, Phaius x Norman, P. X Cooksoni, Vanda Cathcarti, and Acineta Humboldti, are in bloom. In another division are a good collection of Sobralias, some hybrids of which have been raised ; a fine lot of Cymbidiums, the specimens of C. grandiflora and others being still in bloom. In a span-house the collection of Lrelia anceps are suspended from the roof, a batch of Miltonia vexillaria, Lselia flava, and other dwarf Lselias being in bloom on the stages. In another house one side was filled with examples of Cattleya labiata, which are said to have given six hundred fully expanded flowers at one time, and in other houses good Dendrobium Wardianum and D. cras- sinode album and many other pretty Dendrobes in flower were remarked, and throughout evidence of the best possible culture. SOILS AND MANURES FOR SPECIAL CHOPS. The growing of crops under glass has come to be a more or less highly specialised business. In fact, the work is more than a business— it has become an art as well. Messrs. A. F. Woods and E. E. B. McKenney, of the Bureau of Plant Industry, Washington, U.S., and others, are de- voting their best energies to the production of plants reaching nearer and nearer to the highest standards. To get an idea of how successful these workers have been one needs only to bring to mind some of the wonderful creations among Eoses, Carnations, and Chrysanthemums. But, after a plant has been produced with ideal possi- bilities, it will reach its best and hold its own only with the most intelligent care. A plant is much more than a delicately balanced machine ; it is a sensitive living being, with its likes and dislikes and individual peculiarities. Thus, Messrs. Woods and McKenney say, the success- ful grower must learn to interpret the plant's silent language and to meet its varying wants, moulding it to his ideal, or perhaps to other people's ideals, according to the demands of the trade. The authors say that, among all the questions to be dealt with, there is no one more important than plant-feeding. What to feed, when to feed, and how to feed, are questions often asked ; and we have to depend for answer upon the experi- ence of expert growers and experimenters. While there is a very great deal yet to be learned by careful experiment in this field, a concise statement of the general practice in feeding or manuring certain crops may not be without interest and value. The questions of temperature, watering, and ventilation are extremely im- portant in connection with plant feeding, but they cannot be discussed on this occasion. It may be statsd at the commencement that plants cannot be grown by rule; experience and individual experimenting by the gardener himself along conservative lines are necessary to success in the culture of any crop. In the present article attention will be directed especially to crops forced under glass, including Eoses, Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Violets, Tomatos, and Lettuce. The Eose. The following table shows the amount of the most important chemical constituents in the various parts of the Eose-tree and also in the flowers. The nitrogen is given in the dry sub- stance, that is in the portions of plant from which all the water has been driven off by artificial drying. The portions of plant having been fully dried are burnt to ash, so as to drive off all the organic constituents, which the plant obtains mostly from the air ; there then remains the ashes, which, on analyses, show the amount of constituents which the plant obtains from the soil. These are given in parts per hundred. Chemical Constituents of the Eose. Constituents. In the Koots. In the S cms In the Leaves In the (lowers. Potash Lime Phosphoric acid Iron oxide per cent. 14-37 41 26 28-16 2 13 per cent. 15-61 5160 11 21 2-31 per cent 37-68 11 29 12 13 4 29 per cent. 47 39 10 52 29-43 o st; Nitrogen in dry substance ... 9 31 15 26 23-29 26 31 We see from the above data that while potash is much the larger constituent 'n the construction of the leaves and flowers, which are the maturing organs of the plants, lime is greatly predominant in the roots and stems, the structural portions of the plant, because this element aids the conver- sion of available organic substance into " building material." It is somewhat remarkable that the Eose flowers should contain such a large proportion of phos- phoric acid in their ashes and of nitrogen in their dry substance, but there is reason to believe that the element phosphorus plays a very important- part in the production of nitrogenous proteids. Iron is in the largest percentage in the leaves, and it is known that this element is very neces- sary for the formation of the green colouring; matter known as chlorophyll. Soil fob Eoses. A great variety of soils can be successfully used for forcing Eoses, but a moderately heavy- loam from rotted turf-sods is generally recom- mended. The lighter types of soil are most- favourable for such varieties as La France, Perle- des Jardins, Duchess of Albany, and Niphetosj while a good stiff loamy soil is required for Brides, Mermets, Madame Hoste, Gontier, and Souvenir de Wootton. If the right type of soil cannot be found, light and heavy soils can be- mixed to secure a soil of the desired texture. Assuming, however, that the proper sod-loam, can be obtained, cut the sods in the autumn, and compost with cow or horse - manure, using one part of manure to three parts of soil. . Turn, and mix the heap two or three times during the- winter, breaking up all lumps, and getting into good, even condition. At the last turning, which, should be made several weeks before the compost is to be used, add 10 to 15 lb. of fine-ground bone, free from common salt, to each cubic yard of compost. This should be thoroughly mixed. Fine-ground steamed bone is best for greenhouse use, as it decays more quickly than raw bone, and its phosphoric acid thus becomes available earlier. If raw, coarse bone is used, only a small part of the phosphoric acid becomes available during the first season, but the nitrogen content of the bone-manure is a little higher. It is also safe and desirable in the case of Eoses to add to the bone-manure some form oi potash, especially in the lighter classes of soil We see from the foregoing analyses that potash bears a very important relation to the formation and to the storing up of the other chemical con- stituents in the plant. About 1 lb. of sulphate of potash or 6 quarts of pure wood-ashes to the cubic yard, applied with the ground-bone, will be sufficient for the compost, which must not be too rich to start with, or the roots of the young plants will be injured. After the Eose-trees get a good start, and the soil is filled with fibrous roots, additional food will be required. The compost prepared as stated is adapted for plants from 3-inch or 4-incb pots. The potting-soil used for the plants up to the time they are ready for the beds should be very thoroughly rotted sod-soil, as described above, mixed with one- sixth to one-eighth thoroughly rotted cow-manure or horse-manure, but with nc bone or so-called chemical fertilisers. Soil Sterilisation. It is considered best, if possible, to sterilise the potting - soil with steam from a high-pressure boiler. This will destroy the plant and animal parasites likely to injure the young plants, so that they will usually be able to take care of them- selves when set from the pots to the beds. Some of the most successful growers also sterilise their compost-soil for the beds. If this is properly done it destroys all nematodes (eel-worms), grubs. and all plant and animal parasites likely to attack the roots, as well as all weed seeds. In large establishments, at least, it will certainly pay to sterilise all soil used, especially where nematodes or other root parasites occur. The usual method of sterilisation for greeE house use is to build a large bin, about 4 fetf. March 19, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 179 wide by 10 or 15 feet long, and 3 feet deep, cunning pipes through the bottom of the bin (or through the bin a foot from the bottom) a foot apart lengthwise. In a 4 foot bin there would be three pipes, with one-sixteenth-inch holes drilled in them on the under side, about 1 foot apart. Fill the bin loosely with soil j turn in steam of about 80 pounds' pressure ; put a few Potatos in the top of the soil, an inch or so under the sur- face, then cover the surface with tight boards or cloth, in order to prevent escape of the steam. Usually one or two hours under good pressure, if the soil is not too heavy, will cook the Potatos in the top of the soil ; then one may be sure that the parasites and weed seeds have been destroyed. If high-pressure steam is used the soil will dry rapidly after the steam is turned off, and can be shovelled out of the bin without much difficulty, especially if one side of the bin is removable. In sterilising soil without the use of a bin, the same process is used. The pipes are laid in the ground to be sterilised in a similar manner as in the bin. If it is desired to sterilise a foot of soil, the pipes should be placed under the soil about a foot, with the drill-holes on the under side ; the surface should then be covered with boards, or something to prevent the escape of the steam, and the soil should, of course, first be loosened, so that the steam can circulate through it. A few Potatos distributed over the area will tell when the sterilisation has become complete. After the sterilisation the pipes can be removed. It is a good plan before sterilising to mix in the farmyard or stable manure that is to be used, as this often contains numerous weed seeds. If artificial manures are used, of course it is not necessary to add them first. Any small high-pressure boiler will serve to make the steam. Some use a small independent boiler for the purpose, others attach the apparatus to their high-pressure boiler. A low- pressure boiler is usually unsatisfactory, as it takes a longer time to circulate the steam, it leaves the soil wet and soggy, and does not do the work very well. Soil sterilisation is rapidly coming into favour for all intensive work where the process is practicable. J. J. Willis, Harpenden. (To be continued.) THE PINES OF CUBA. The Cuban Pines are confined to the two extremities of the island. They are found in the eastern province of Santiago, and in the western province of Pinar del Rio, and the neighbouring Isle of Pines. The two sections are separated by a pineless interval of about 350 miles. The specimens of Pinus in the Gray Herbarium, brought from Cuba by Charles Wright, represent actually three distinct species, although all are labelled P. cubensis, Grisebach. Those collected by Wright before the year 1860, and some of them after that date, are native to the eastern ■end of the island. They are included under the Nos. 598, 3190, and a part of No. 1402. They all belong to a single species. P. Wrightii. — This Pine has two (rarely three) slender leaves, about 6 inches long, and a sub- terminal young cone (becoming reflexed at matu- rity) whose scales terminate in a distinct spine, so frail, however, that it usually does not persist on the ripe cone. The leaf section shows abundant marginal strengthening cells, detached from the ■epidermis, and similar cells with the two fibro- vascular bundles. Usually there are two charac- teristic large resin ducts against the angles of the centre. Specimens collected by Hamilton at Guama, on the south coast near the city of Santiago, and those collected by Underwood and Earle at Baracoa on the north-east coast, correspond in all particulars with Wright's specimens from the interior of the same province. No species of Pine other than this one has been found in eastern Cuba, nor has this Pine been collected at the western end of the island. This is the species these species, and No. 1462 (unfortunately used also for the eastern species) one of them. P. terthrocarpa. — Of these western Pines one is P. terthrocarpa, Shaw, a Pine with two (rarely three) stout leaves 6 to 9 inches long, and a sub- terminal spineless cone. The leaf -section shows Fig. 74.- THE PINES OF CUBA that Engelmann named P. Wrightii on Wright's Nos, 3190 and 1402 (in part). His mistake in supposing the cone to be lateral was due in all probability to imperfect material. During the period from 1860 to 1804 Wright also visited Pinar del Bio, the extreme western province ; and the result, in Pine specimens, was two other species. No. 3189 includes both of strengthening cells close against the epidermis and with the two wood bundles. It is chiefly remarkable for the extraordinary size of the resin ducts. This Pine has been recently col- lected on the Isle of Pines and in Pinar del Rio, but has not been found in eastern Cuba. P. bahamensis. — The other specimen of No. 3189, and the western specimen of No. 1462, beking to ISO THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 10, 19C4. the species variously known as P. heterophylla, Sdwth. j T. Elliotti, Engel. ; Y. baharaensis, Griseb., and often considered identical with P. cubensis, Griseb. In Cuba this Pino usually has tniee loaves 8 to 10 inches long, and a leaf-sectio like that of P. palustris. Mill. Its most characteristic pecu- liarity lies in the long-stalked, refloxed lateral young cone. It has nover been found in eastern Cuba, but is abundant on the Isle of Pines. Grisebach's original description of P. cubensis (18G2) is founded on Wright's \os. 598 and 1462. His later description (1866), where for the first time he mentions its position, specifies a latera cone, and cites Wright's Nos. COS and 1462b., evidently confusing the two species. The name "cubensis " belongs properly to the eastern Pino with a subterminal cone, for it is very clear that Grisebaoh in his first description had the eastern species only in hand, and that description per- fectly describes the Santiago Pine. The name of the western species, with the lateral cone, needs further consideration. Sud- worth calls it heterophylla, basing his name on Elliott's P. taeda var. heterophylla in Sk., 11 , 636 (182 1). This description of Elliott specifies the staminate flowers as " yellow tinged mi ire or less with violet," appearing in " early April." This is not our Cuban Pine, whose very striking rose-purple flowers open in late January or in early February. On the other hand, he describes the bark " as smooth as that of palustris," and the leaves " by twos and threes indiscriminately mingled," which are characters applicable to the Cuban Tine. The two species, P. taeda and this Cuban Pine, are found together in the locality of Elliott's variety, and inasmuch as the existence of the Cuban Pine was not at that time suspected, it is very probable that Elliott confused the two. In any event, his description, in important par- ticulars, cannot be applied correctly to our species, and in that connection at least should be abandoned. The name cubensis being no longer available, P. Inhamensis, Griseb. (1864), takes the precedence of P. Elliotti, Engel. (1880). The three Cuban Pines may therefore be arranged as follows : — Cones subterminal, leaves in twos, rarely in threes. Young cone armed, becoming reflexed, leaves slender. 1. Pinus cubensis, Grisebaoh, Mem. Amer. Acad., viii , 630 (1862). T. Wrightii, Engel., Trans. St. Louis Acad., iv., 185 (18S0). Young oono unarmed, remaining erect, leaves stout. 2. Pinus terthrocarpa, Shaw, in Barg. Trees and Shrubs, i., 1 19 (1908). P. cubensis var. terthrocarpa, Wright, in Griseb. Cat. PI. Cub., .'17 (lStio). P. cubensis var. anomala, Rowlee, Hull. Torr. Club, ssx, 10S (1903), in part. Cones lateral, reflexed, leaves in threes. 3. Pinua bahamensis, tirisebach. PI. Br. IP. Ind . 503 (1864). P. ocoidentalis, Kioh., Fl. Cub., iii., 233 (not Swarz \ On"':^ : Griseb., Cat. PI. Cub., 217 (1866). P. cubensis, Griseb., Cat. PI. Cub.. 217. in part (1866), P. Elliotti, Engel., Trans. St. Louis Acad , iv . 186 (ksst>). F. heterophylla, Sadworth, £ul{. rorr, Bot. Club. xx.. t"i (1893); Sargent, X. A. Silva, xi . 157 (1897). P. reourvata, Rowlee, Suit, Ton: Bot. Club. xxx,. Id7 (1903). P. cubensis var. au.unala. Rowlee, Bull. rorr. Bot. Club, xxx.. 107, in part (1908 The geographical position of these Pines now becomes consistent. P. cubensis lies in close touch with its nearest relative, P. ocoidentalis, south-west of Hayti, while P. bahamensis is in direct line with tho trend of its namesakes of Florida, tho Bahamas, and British Honduras. P. terthrocarpa seems to be a Pine of a very restricted area. George Russell Shaw, Arnold Arboretum, February 7, 1904. BOOK NOTICE. A Monograph of the Coccid/e of the British Isles, Vol. II. (Robert Newstead), 8vo., pp. viii. +270, pi. 42 (1903). Price 25s. (.Ray Society). The second volume of this work rivals the first in excellence. The descriptions of the whole of the known British Coccidre are completed by its appearanoc. Mr. Newstead records eighty-eight species and four varieties ; of these fifty-one spe- cies and two varieties are only found under glass. There is no doubt that these hothouse scale-insects have been introduced into this country, some more than fifty years ago, others during the last few years. There is every possibility of many more making their appearance. These importations should be guarded against, as we can never foretell how an introduced scale- insect may behave. The groups of scale insects so ably dealt with in this volumo are the Conchaspime, Leeaniimc, Heuiicocimr, Dactjlopiina\ Coccinre, Ortheziinie, and Monophlebina>. A very careful and full account is given of all the British species found in the second group, which contains several very important plant pests. Several genera of Lscaniina; occur in this country, but some of these infest only Grasses, Carex, Luzula, and other wild plants, and are thus of little economic importance. Now and again Lichtensia viburni occurs in great abund- ance on Ivy. The strange yet beautiful Cero- plastes cistudiformis (Townsend) is recorded on an Orchid, Chrysis bractescens, at Tring Park, and a strange star-like scale (Vinsonia stellifera) on Cypripediums. The Vine Scale (Pulvinaria vitas) occurs under glass on Vines and Peaches; whilst out-of-doors it attacks Alder, Birch, Haw- thorn and Willow. Mr. Newstead deals with the White Woolly Currant Scale, the Pulvinaria ribesis of Signoret, as only a variety of P. vitis. This is a pity, as it has always been known as P. ribesire. I do not think we have any record of the Currant form attacking the Vine, or vice vsrsd, and there is a great difference in size ; one cannot help thinking that they are in some way specifically distinct. Except for this unfortunate alteration, the account given here of this pest is all that can be desired. The other and more abundant Currant Scale the Brown Currant Scale (Lecanium ribis of Fitch) has also been abolished as a distinct species, and is described in the body of the work as L. persica' var. coryli, Linn. ; but in the appendix as var. sarothamni, Douglas. All these changes and synonyms make one feel very much inclined to speak of our " insect-pests " only by means of their popular names. The Brown Cur- rant s mIo is the Brown Corrant-Soale, but it has had no less than five scientific designations given to it, and even now no one seems agreed as to its right name. I doubt if it is wise to heed these changes of nomenclature when dealing with well- known pests. The account of these Currant S *les is followed by that of another Lecanium well known to Fern growers. The Fern Scale (Lecanium hemispha ricum) is a most prolific species ; but, says Mr. Newstead. " it never gains headway on well-kept plants, as being a large species it is easily seen on Ferns, and quickly removed with the fingers." The British Dactylopinaj are groupod in nine genera, the most injurious being the mealy-bug9 (Dactylopius) and tho Beech-louse or Felted Beech-coccus (Cryptococcus fagi). The females in this section are either active or sedentary, and' may be naked, but most are either covered with a mealy coat, or with waxy, horny, or glassy covering ; the female ovisacs are usually formed of loose, white floeculent mutter. Mr. Newstead describes no fewer than five mealy-bugs. Two only occur under glass, the Dactylopius citri and D. longispinus ; the three others are described for the first time, and occur on coarse grasses. An aocount of the destructive Felted Beech- coccus (C. fagi) runs to six pages, and is quite the best account yet written of this pest ; but Mr. Newstead is surely wrong in saying spraying has not any effect on it. It may easily be cleared from a tree by caustic alkali wash in winter, and a few good sprayings of paraffin emulsion in spring. Another genus fully entered into is Orthezia (Bosc), the adult females of which are more of less covered with plates or lamellre of waxy se- cretion, those at the posterior end of the body forming an ovisac. The winged males have the abdomen furnished with a pencil of long fila- ments. The Orthezina1 are the prettiest of all scales, due to the wonderfully symmetrical arrangement of numerous glistening white, waxy plates, which partly or wholly cover the body ; these females are always active, and carry theiir young or eggs in the ovisac. The genus New- steadia is closely allied to Orthezia, but is of little economic importance, as the single species* is a grass and moss feeder. The so-called Latana Bug of Ceylon, Orthezia insignis (Douglas) is a well-known insect in many greenhouses. This strange scale insect is spreading in hothouses very rapidly, and is certainly very harmful. The adult female is dark bottle-green, short and oval, surrounded, except the head, by a marginal series, of snow-white laterally connected lamellre, the posterior ones being directed backwards and downwards; behind projects the white ovisac, which reaches, when mature, four times the length of the body. The long legs project freely, and so do the antenna-, both reddish-brown in colour. The body of the text closes with a short account of the Egyptian Cushion Scale, Icerya a»gyptia- cum (Douglas). Most people have heird of the- enormous damage done in America by the Icerya purchasi, an introduced Australian species. Orange and Lemon are equally destroyed by it in the Cape, and iu Auckland whole orchards have been devastated. In Egypt an allied species occurs, which Mr. Newstead describes, and tells us that it has occurred in Britain on a freshly imported plant at Kew Gardens, which was promptly destroyed. As this pest has caused endless harm in Egypt, it behoves us to- follow at once Kew's example, and burn any infested plant right away. This scale insect can at once be told by the great exudation of white waxy and cottony matter, with a fringe of large- tapering white processes all round. At the end of this work is a very valuable adjunct to such publications, " A Glossary of Terms," by means of which the technical descrip- tions of the various species become at once intelligible to non-entomological readers. The work is illustrated by forty-one plates of great beauty, the scales and the insects coloured, and many outline drawings of various character- istic structures, by which alone we can separate anl identify certain allied species, are given. The work will prove of great value to all interested in plant cultivation, and especially to ; those who have the care of hothousas. Fred. V. Theobald. Maroh 1<», 1904.] TIIE GARDENERS' fJJRONTCLE. 181 ALPINE GARDEN. SHORTIA GALACIFOLIA vak. ROSEA. This plant was shown lately at the Drill Hall by Messrs. Cutbush & Sons. While some will think that the purity of the typical kind can hardly be excelled, this variety will be a charm- ing companion to it. The colour will probably be deeper whfn seen in full exposure. The flowers, too, will increase in size when the plants are more established, even as the old kind has so vastly improved in the past few seasons. Fortu- nately the cultural requirements of the Shortia are well understood. Anemone (Hepatica) angulosa alba. This fine plant, shown recently by Messrs. Barr & Sons, while not absolutely white, is quite a near approach to it. The large florin-sized blossoms are a distinct gain in these plants, and the variety alba would appear to be of larger size than the well-known form. These Hepaticas, as they are still called, are popular with all, and the charming array of colour they represent, together with their simple cultural requirements, justify this appreciation. E. J. Saxifraoa Bubsebiana majob. The fine examples of the above plant brought by Mr. Jas. Douglas to the Drill Hall recently were splendid specimens. The larger plant had probably 100 fine flowers. I did not count them, but having a plant of my own in flower with some seven dozen blossoms, I could readily see how much greater was the mass of bloom in Mr. Douglas's plants. The rosettes of this variety major are larger ind bolder, the plant more pronouncedly silvered or encrusted, and the flowers larger than those of the type. A greater dis- tinction, which is also a decided attraction, is the rich crimson foot-stalks, that render it distinct from the very first appearance of the buds, the latter being of the same fine colour. I allude to this marked characteristic specially, inasmuch as there exists another so-called major, which is obviously a slight enlargement of the typical kind— a much varied plant. The variety shown by Mr. Douglas I call "major" true, and it flowers several days earlier than all the others. I get the best results by growing the plant in rich loam, sand, and old mortar, with the fullest exposure at all times, and unplunged. The plants require an abundance of moisture in summer. E. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. CACTI IN ARIZONA. We are indebted to the Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew, for permission to use the accom- panying illustrations (figs. 75, 76). One shows some plants of Echinocactus Wislizeni as growing in the mountains of Arizona, a dry, hot, stony region near the borders of Mexico. The size of the plant can be estimated by the portrait of the collector, Dr. R. E. Kunze. In the background is a plant presumably of Cereus giganteus. The other view, fig. 70, is taken in the garden of Dr. R. E. Kunze at Phcenix, Arizona. In the foreground is a plant of the Barrel Cactus, Echinocactu3 Emorji, estimated to weigh 300 lbs., and having a height of 31 feet. The spines are 5 inches long. In connection with these illustrations we may call attention to a publication which has reached us from the Carnegie Institution at Washington, and which gives some account of the Desert Botanical Laboratory at Tucson, Arizona. This institution has been inaugurated by Dr. Common, of the New York Botanical Garden, under the auspices and direction of Messrs. Coville and MacDougal, who had previously visited the region on several occasions, and who made a special journey for the purpose of finding a suitable site for the laboratory. *' ''.. ■ M Fig. 76. — echisocactus wislizeni growing wild in Arizona. The details of their journey are given in the publi- cation above referred to, and are of a very interest- ing character. They are illustrated with a series of photographic reproductions, which give a vivid idea of the sand-dunes, the rocks and other features of the Ecenery, as well as of the curious plant-) which by their structure and conformation are adapted to live under what would seem to be ungenial conditions. The laboratory has been established for the purpose of study ing thoroughly the relation of plants to an arid climate and to substrata of unusual composition. Special studies have already been msde at various stations of the relations of plants to alkaline soils, and of th« effects of irrigation. The immediate purpose of these investigations was to obtain information for the use of the horticulturist and agriculturist. At the laboratory no* erected a wider outlook will be taken, and the investigation is expected to produce results concerning " the fundamental processes of protoplasm as important as any in the whole realm of Botany." The laboratory will- be available for the use of students under suitable regulations. A journey of four or five days from Washington suffices to bring the visitor to- the desert regions of Texas and Arizona. FlG. 76. — ECHINOCACTUS EMORYI, 3| FEET IS HEIGHT, FROM A GARDEN IN ARIZONA. 182 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 19, 1904. OBSERVATIONS ON THE VEGETA- TION IN AN EQUATORIAL AFRICAN GARDEN. ( Concluded from p. 166.) Although grasses are frequently both dangerous and unpleasant in Central Africa, even the most casual observer must be struck with the beauty of some species. A dwarf grass, forming little colonies, is quite common, which in the flowering period makes delightful patches of colour; the soft silky plumes seem of every tint from silvery- white to a deep rose-pink, and it maintains the display for several weeks. There are other sorts, tall and dwarf, with the inflorescence arranged in loose, graceful panicles of many pleasing tones. A charmingly decorative grass bears a dense silky plume of a peculiar brown tint. The flower-stem is from 5 to 6 feet high, and when cut for house •decoration, the colour is retained for a consider- able time. A perennial grass-like plant with a rigid, upright growth like an Irid, about 3 feet high, having broad, strong leaves, bears white downy plumes. It converts acres of ground into a mass of waving white. It is very common and is unexcelled for thatching purposes owing to the tough, durable nature of its leaves. It takes complete possession of laud where it grows, and to exterminate it is almost hopeless. The matted mass of roots and tough root-stocks defy the native hoe. The note of quaintnes3 in the vegetation is furnished by the peculiar leguminous aquatic tree, Herminiera, and by the huge Ficuses enveloping other large trees. Herminiera Ela- phroxylon is a nnnotypic genus found alongside soma lakes and rivers in tropical Central Africa. It occupies a position in the order close to .SDschynomene — a genus which is of some economic value in the eastern tropics, its pith being exten- sively used in manufacturing such things as helmets, &c. Herminiera seems to be a purely aquatic tree, as the writer has only observed it either in extremely swampy ground or just in the water, and most frequently in the latter pesition, where it forms dense groves. It will be remembered that outside the Mangrove family, trees of an aquatic habit are not numerous. In open positions the Herminiera forms a somewhat spreading tree about 20 to 25 feet high. The branches are copiously armed with short, sharp spines, and the foliage is sparse, like some Acacias. The flowers, usually produced singly, are of a fine orange- yellow colour, the standard being from H to 2 inches wide. The trunk has a swollen appear- ance, often attaining a considerable diameter below, tapering upwards, and is covered with a thin, dull- grey bark. The wood is ex- tremely light and soft, so light indeed that a man can with little difficulty carry an almost •entire large trunk. Some of the Nile-country natives use the wood as a float to assist them in crossing the river, and by others, according to Schweinfurth ("Heart of Africa") a peculiar light raft is made of bundles of the wattles, which they carry about like huge shields! But when allowed to remain in the water the buoyancy soon departs from the wood. The growth is ex- tremely rapid, and it might well be called a weed amongst trees. The remarkable manner in which members of the genus Ficus take possession of the trunks of other arboreal vegetation, enfolding them com- pletely with growth, and in some instances gradually killing them out, is a feature fre- quently met with in the tropics of the eastern and western hemispheres. The Figs attain the proportions of gigantic trees in this way — if not in stem girth (and often in this), at least in branch spread. An instance occurred where the stem of a Phoenix Palm enveloped was probably 30 feet in height, and where the Fig commenced to give off its main branches at a height of about 20 feet from the ground. In another example existing in the garden the Phcenix was in quite a flourishing condition, although at first sight it seemed to be growing from the centre of a huge, wide-spreading Ficus. The process of growth and trunk formation is very interesting. The seedling Ficus may begin life in a fork or other suitable part of the host-tree. The slight amount of debris that accumulates there, coupled with abundant moisture, affords sufficient nourishment for the time during which the seedling is sending a number of delicate roots along the crevices of the bark towards the soil. Once that is reached, root-growth becomes ex- tremely rapid, and the young plant appears to concentrate its energies on root-production, for soon almost the entire surface of the host-trunk becomes covered with delicate, pink-coloured roots about the size of small string. As growth deve- lops these roots coalesce, forming a complete mass of tissue that looks in the early stage like a thick bark on the host. It is odd what a preference the Ficu3 shows for the Phcenix Palm ; but of course other trees carry their fig burden also. The genus is repre- sented in great numbers and wide diversity of form in the lake-country vegetation. The pre- pared bark of several species clothes thousands of people with a garb like finely-tanned leather and of a rich brown colour. It is not the case that every Ficus begins life as an epiphyte, for many seedlings and saplings are found in the soil flourishing in the normal way. It will be re- called by those interested in the subject that in the case of the celebrated Assam Rubber-tree (Ficus elastica) advantage has been taken of this epiphytic propensity in establishing planta- tations. M. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. Markham, gr., Wrotham Park, Barnet. Peach and Nectarine Trees. — The flower- buds on Peach and Nectarine-trees are now moving, and it is therefore very important to complete any pruning that remains to Oe done, otherwise many of the buds may be damaged when carrying out the work. Allow the young fruiting shoots ample room, so that the shoots that will be made in the coming season miy also have sufficient space to grow properly. As soon as the pruning has been done, syringe the trees with an insecticide, but the more forward the buds are the weaker should be the solution us»d for syringing. Any of the trees likely to need increased nourish- ment may be afforded a good dressing of bone-meal, which should be pricked in over and about the roots after a little of the old surface-soil has been removed. If the land is of a heavy and close nature, some burnt earth or old brick mortar may be advantage- ously employed. In some seasons, and where the soil is light and porous, a mulching of manure early in the season will be helpful ; but as the land this year is at present so excessively wet, it will bo better to defer top-dressing or mulching with manure for a time Young and newly -planted trees may now be trained. If the young shoots are long and unripe, shorten them. Although some gardeners do not recommend the pruning of young trees, I generally use the knife with care until I have made sure of a good foundation of young shoots to form an evenly balanced tree. Before finally securing the young shoots to the walls or wires, tread the soil well over about the roots to prevent any further sinking. Allow plenty of room in the ties, and examine these at intervals, loosening them or replacing them when occasion requires. Protection of the Blossoms. — In some seasons it may not be necessary to protect the flowers, but after last year's experience it is better to be on the safe side. Let everything be got in readiness for the moment when protection may be necessary. Apricots are usually the first to flower, and unpro- tected flowers are certain to be injured in the event of severe weather. There are various methods by which protection may be employed. Trees on walls having glass coping need only have two or three thicknesses of fish-netting hung in front of them, reaching from the coping half- way to the ground, being kept at a reasonable dis- tance from the trees by poles driven into the ground. A very satisfactory method of protecting the flowers is by the use of blinds. These were used at Longford Castle many years ago, and during the three years that I was foreman in those gardens very heavy crops each year were pro- duced. Mr. H. W. Ward has frequently recom- mended the use of blinds in the Gardeners' Chronicle. Other means may be employed, such as Spruce-boughs, canvas, &c. The flowers need all the light and sun possible, therefore the protection should only be employed during frosty nights and cold biting winds, &e. The protection of the Peach-flowers by the use of blinds is fully described in a capital book on the Peach by Mr. Ward, in which he gives the details as to fixing, &c, and the cultivation of Peach-trees generally. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Grower to Sir Tbevob La whence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Caltleya Triance. — There are few Orchids at this season more useful than Cattleja Triana? and its numerous varieties. As soon as the plants have passed out of flower, the young growths will start away, and from their base numerous new roots make their appearance. Before these young roots begin to grow, re-pot any of the plants that require more pot room or fresh material to root into. When re-potting strong, healthy specimens, do not disturb or injure any of the old roots more than is absolutely necessary. My method with well-rooted plants is to break the old pot with a hammer, and carefully take away the pieces of crock by degrees down to the base of the drainage. Select a pot of suitable size, and for drainage place a few well-dried pieces of Fern rhizome from the peat over the bottom, so that when the plant is placed in the pot, the surface of the old compost will be just below the rim. Then fill up around the roots with a compost consisting of fibrous-peat, leaf-soil, and sphag- num-moss in equal parts. The peat and moss should be cut up roughly, adding a moderate quantity of coarse silver- sand; mix the whole well together. Make this compost moderately firm about the roots, and fill up to within f of an inch of the rim, then surface up to the top of the rim with chopped sphagnum-moss. By this method of repotting few sticks will be necessary to keep the plant in its proper position. When the opera- tion is completed, give each plant a moderate supply of water, after which an occasional sprink- ling of the surface moss with water from a fine rosed-can will suffice until the plants are growing freely. The strong-growing Lselia superbiens may be included with the above as regards its present requirements. Thunias. — Such species a3 T. Marshallii, T. Ben- sona3, T. alba, T. pulchra, T. candidissima, and the hybrids T. Veitchiana x and T. Bry meriana x , must now be shaken out and be repotted. The general practice of growing several bulbs planted about 3 inches apart is a convenient one. The pots should be made half-full of drainage, over which let a thin turf of fibrous loam be placed, putting the grassy-side downwards. The roots will reach this loam, to the benefit of the plants, just before the flower -spikes appear. The rest of the com- post should be composed equally of peat, loam, and moss, with small crocks and silver-sand. Every bulb will require a stake, and the base of the young growths should just rest upon the surface of the compost. The plants should be afforded the lightest position available in the stove or East Indian-house, for unless these obtain all the light possible they will not flower well. Do not afford much water until the growths lengthen and roots become plentiful. When in full growth an occasional dose of weak cow-manure water will be helpful. Cymbidiums. — Any plants of C. giganteum, C. Hookerianum, C. H. grandiflorum.C. (Cjperorchis) Mastersii, and C. (Cyperorchis) affine, that require potting should be seen to at once. Pot thett in the mixture advised for the Thunias, usint\ Maech 19, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 183 pot3 of a moderately large size. If the plants are watered with discretion and kept well shaded from strong sunlight, they will make strong growths and fine flower-spikes. The deciduous Calxnthes will soon require to l>e repotted. Prepare the necessary quantity of good turfy-luam and lay it in a suitable place to get warm. Do not allow the loam to become dust- dry or it will be useless. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C H. B. Firth, Esq., Ashwicke Hall Marshfield, Chippenham. Onions. — Autumn sowings will now require attention, and if the ground has been well pre- pared and is dry enough to be worked to a level surface without binding together, a start should be made to transplant the seedlings. This opera- tion requires more care than is often given to it. When taking up the plants handle them care- fully, so as not to injure the roots; and when planting place in rows 14 inches apart, with 5 inches between the plants in the rows. Make the holes with a dibble large enough to allow the roots to drop straight down without doubling up. Keep the bottom of the bulb slightly under the surface of the ground, and plant firmly, care being taken not to leave a vacant space beh>w the bulb, in which the leading loots hang, without comiDg in contact with the soil. To obviate this drive the dibble well down a few times, a couple of inches or so from the plant, and press the soil towards it, filling up the hole completely. The roots will thus have solid ground to start in, and if there should come a sharp frost they will not be thrown out of the ground. When the planting has been done give a good dressing of soot and lime between the lines, not allowing sufficient on the plants to injure them. A good dressing of the same mixture over the newly-sown seed-beds will be beneficial as a manure, and help to ward off the dreaded maggot, whose acquaintance I have yet to make on a bed of our own sowing. Those who followed the advice to sow in frames, given in the Calendar for January 1(3, should take every precaution to harden theplants as much as possible by admitting plenty of light and air, and, as the outside tempeiature increases, exposing them onall favourable occasions until ti.ey are strong enough to be planted out, when they should be treated similar to those from autumn-sown seeds. Sow the main crop as soon as possible if not already done. Asparagus Beds should have the surface soil slightly loosened with the fork, taking care not to go deep enough to injure the crowns. A slight mulching of short rotten manure will be beneficial, followed by a dressing of salt, which will wash in with the rain and act as a stimulant to the plants. Prepare the ground for making fresh beds. Seed Solving. — Sow on the open border Chervil, Corn Salad, Dandelion, Lettuce, Mercury, Kohl Rabi, Carrots, Broccoli, Brussels-Sprouts, Cabbage, Leeks, and if Parsnips are not already in, let them be amongst the first sown. Sow in Heat seeds of Gourds, Ice-plant [Mesem- bryanthemum crystallinum], Tomatos.and Celery. Look well after growing crops, and as soon as the ground is in fit condition commence to hoe between early Cabbage and Lettuce. THE PLOWEE GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. Mixed Beds and Bordeis. — Where borders or gardens of this description are appreciated, and time and labour can be afforded, they are unsur- passed for furnishing large supplies of cut flowers for use in decoration. To keep the borders neat and tidy and well stocked with plants, requires much attention, but it will repay the trouble. A south or south-west aspect is best, away from the shade of trees. No formal arrangement is neces- sary, but the border may have a background of shrubs, introducing in the beds a few ornamental or choice flowering shrubs, such as Cupressus Lawsoniana erecta viridis, C. L nana and lutea, Daphne Cneorum, Kalmia latifolia, and Lilacs. Herbaceous and Perennial Plants may be planted next to these in groups, and to furnish the beds or borders in the winter after the herbaceous plants have died down, a few hardy plants may be introduced, as Alyssum maritimum, Potentilla reptans, Thymus, dwarf Veronicas, Genista pros- trata, &c. The soil for these should be in good working condition, and if at all stiff will require the addition of some leaf-mould, fine peat, lime rubble, or any suitable material to keep it open. The old-fashioned lines or one plant system can be dispensed with. Biennials sown on a warm border about the end of May will be ready for traosplantingin Septem- ber, and should be planted to make large groups. Any plants that show flowers the same season should ba pinched off ; they will then make good plants for the next spring. The list of biennials is a large and useful one. Planting. — Blend the colours so as not to clash with one another. Plant taller-growing varie- ties at the back, keeping smaller-growing sorts to the front. Hardy and Half-Hardy Annuals, if grown on a stiff, cold soil, during wet summers will not be satisfactory unless much attention is given them. The seedlings must be protected from the ravages of slugs and other pests. The ground should be dug now, that the winds may help to sweeten and pulverise the soil previous to sowing seeds next month. Thin the seedlings out on a dull day, and place a little fine soil between them, carefully pressing them firm'y into the earth. Bulbs may also be planted in these mixed beds and borders ; these should be labelled so as to prevent them from being disturbed in winter, and should be planted in the beds where they will finish blooming before the other plants grow suffi- ciently to hide them. In filling out the fronts of these beds and borders, bedding plants of flower- ing and foliage types may be used. Saxifrages, Sedums, Arabis, Funkias, and numberless others may be requisitioned. Neat, green-painted stakes should be used for staking purposes, and the tying should be done loosely, especially in the case of annuals, otherwise they will fail to have a good effect. Mulching should be done as soon as plant- ing is finished. Annuals will require to have a piece of netting or black cotton placed over the beds after the seeds are sown, or the birds will make the fine soil of the seed-bed a dusting place. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fielder, Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North My nuns Park, Bai field, Hertfordshire. Anthuriums. — If not already done, re-pot such plants as require it without further delay. Turn the plants out of their pots, and with a pointed stick remove as much as possible of the old compost, taking care not to injure the roots more than is avoidable. The compost, which should be warmed before using, may consist of three parts good fibrous peat, one part loam, and a little fresh sphagnum-moss, together with some coarse silver sand and broken charcoal. Let the pots be thoroughly clean, and provide liberal drainage. Work the compost carefully among the roots, raising it an inch or two above the rims of the pots. Place the plants in a house where a stove temperature with a moist atmosphere is main- tained, and when the roots have become active afford them plentiful supplies of water. Propagating — The majority of stove and green- house plants may be propagated during this month. As a general rule those cuttings strike the most readily which are taken from plants that have newly started into growth after a period of rest; therefore plants from which it is intended to propagate should be encouraged to make suitable growth. This may be readily done by affording such plants a slightly higher temperature and a moister atmosphere. The suitable length of shoot for a cutting varies in different plants, but shoots are generally long enough when they have from three to five joints. Many soft- wooded plants make roots readily from any part of the young shoots ; but as a general rule it is best to make a clean cut immediately below a joint. Amasonia punicea. — This very! pretty stove plant is not grown so largely as its merits entitle it to be. Probably the reason for this is that the method of progagation is not generally under- stood. Propagation by cuttings made of the young shoots is possible but slow, and the readiest way of raising a batch from an old plant or two is to cut the stems up into eyes, similar to the plan adopted for Vines, every joint of the stem providing an eye. A suitable soil is peat and loam in equal proportions, with some silver sand j and a dozen eyes may be inserted in a 5-inch pot. Place them on the surface of the soil, and press them in with the bud uppermost. Plunge the pots in the propagating-irauie, and when the plants have rooted shift them into 3-inch pots, transfening them later to others 4j inches in diameter. The plants may be allowed to flower in these pots, as tbey require but little root-room. Shake the soil from the roots of old plants, and prune the stems back. Repot into small pots and afford the plants a stove temperature, being care- ful not to over-wnter them. When well rooted, repot into a larger size than that recommended for the young plants. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fife, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockingo Park, Wantage Strawberries. — At this season the plants will be- coming into flower almost daily. Should the- weather be cold with cutting winds, avoid giving: much ventilation during occasional outbursts of sun by keeping the fires well in check. A very moderate supply of air is all that is necessary to- secure a good setting of fruit. A little air left on constantly is best, for March winds are generally unfavourable to tender flowers, foliage, or fruit. When the flower-stalks are strong, throwing the- blooms well above the foliage, a good setting of fruit is almost assured. As soon as this is- apparent thinning the fruit should not be- delayed, bearing in mind that perfect fruits must possess size, colour, and flavour combined. The- plants must not be allowed to lack sufficient water at the roots. Rain-water at the same temperature^ as the atmosphere of the house is the most suitable- to use, with diluted draining from the stables, guano, or soot- water occasionally. When the fruit shows signs of colouring, clear water only must be- given ; and to produce high colour and flavour, a few days before the fruits are gathered, if possible- give more and drier air, with a night temperature of G5J, increasing to a maximum of 80° in sunshine-. Later plants can be induced to fruit better by encouraging them to root through the pots into- some rich material which can be provided in many ways, and the plants will be found to be- strengthened considerably if they can be left in one position until after the fruit is gathered. Strawberry foliage is very subject to the attacks of red-spider; this should be kept in check by syringing the plants on every favourable oppor- tunity. Fumigation maybe necessary in the eaily stages for the destruction of green-fly ; do not fumigate when the plants are in bloom. Vines. — -Muscat of Alexandria. — In the earliest house here of this variety the buds are upon the- point of bursting ; and during the past sunless- weather high temperatures from artificial means have been avoided, keeping the growth in check, in hopes of a clearer sky. This house was- planted over thirty years ago with single rods,, and pruned upon the close-spur system, with a rafter 20 feet in length. Eight years ago the- original rods were replaced by younger ones, taken from as near the ground-level as possible, and these are now 16 feet in length. In two more years they will complete the 20 feet. I state this to show that with borders in good condition this- renovating work can be accomplished without loss- of crop, and induce a considerable increase of energy in the Vrines themselves distinctly visible- from the time the young rods start to grow. This- proves the advantage derived by the introduction of young wood, resulting in more vigorous and healthy root action. Where desirable, this pro- cess may be commenced now by leaving, when dis- budding, a well-placed break near the base of the. old rod, about the ground-level. These new canes- should be allowed to extend 2 feet yearly, the- spurs on the old vines should be removed at pruning time to the same distance. In late houses, of such varieties as Alicante and Lady Downe's, which have had a long season of rest, I notice the- buds are swelling. About April 1 these should) receive attention by having the present amount of ventilation considerably reduced and applying; a little fire-heat, the stoking to be guided by the external conditions. Grape-room. — The fruit here will be exhausted by the end of March, being about six weeks earlier than the general time, the necessary conditions nob having been quite so favourable as in former ysarsv 184 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 19, 1904. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. betters 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 written on one side only of thb 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. 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 correspondents. 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. Local News. — Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. i German Gardener's Club meet- 3ATURDAY, Mae. 19^ i Trnrar.iv m.o ,., I Soyal Horticultural Society's TUESDAY, mae...-! Committees meet. •roimnrnv m.o oil Torquay District Gardeners' THURSDAY, Mar. 24 1 Association, show. (E-urnjv m«t> ,= ( General Meeting of the Royal SKIDAY, MAE. 2.^ Botanic Society. Lady Day. BALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY NEXT— 1,000 Roses of sorts, 250 Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Ac. Hardy Border Plants ana Bulbs, Perennials, to sweeten a strong cup of tea or coffee, giving also a pleasant aromatic flavour. The plant was discovered growing in the highlands of Amambai and near the source of the river Monday by Dr. Bertoni, and described by him in Revista de Agronomia, ii., pp. 35—37 (1899) under the name Eupatorium Rebaudianum. From the meagre material received at Kew, it was found that the smallest portion caused a persistent sweetness in the mouth, and further that the floral structure of the specimen agreed more nearly with the genus Stevia than with Eupatorium, its affinity being with S. collina, Gardner. The foregoing facts are gathered from the Kew Bulletin for 1901, p. 173 ; and we find upon enquiry that living plants or full herbarium specimens are still desired at Kew to facilitate the identification of this interesting plant. CHISWICK. — Chiswick Gardens, which have so often been the scene of shows, conferences, com- mittees, and such-like gatherings, were on Thurs- day, March 10, the meeting-place of an assembly whose visit was prompted by motives of a more self-interested nature. The exhibitions were con- cerned with constructive horticulture ; the recent meeting with destructive measures. In place of the Chairman stood the auctioneer ; instead of the Committee were ordinary people ; the Super- intendent was at hand, not to guide the judges, but to indicate the features of a " lot," or to locate its position. Not many seemed anxious to assist in the breaking up of these historic gardens, and when the auctioneer commenced his duties there was plenty of room. Bidding was not very brisk, and it needed all the inducement at the auctioneer's command to obtain offers at all for some of the lots. Commencing with the stock in the lower garden, a plantation of young bush Apple-trees was disposed of. Here one could purchase for the sum of 0s. or 7s. ten or more Apple-trees true to name, whilst half- a-dozen really good pyramid Pear-trees only realised Gs. Nobody seemed to want fruit-trees, the cost of removal and transit no doubt account- ing for the low prices obtained ; still the season is now favourable for planting and removing fruit-trees, and to those who purchased them they were bargains. The auctioneer was dis- appointed, and then led the way to the planta- tions of Rhubarb, indulging in some witticisms as a preliminary to offering these plants. He spoke of having had champagne which had a suspicion of being prepared from Rhubarb. Some spirited bidding seemed to result from these statements, for bids were at once forth- coming, and prices reached as much as lGs. for one group of five stools, Linnsus being among the varieties. Prices soon dropped, and towards the finish " lots " of these plants failed to obtain bids at all, or were cleared out tor a trifling sum ; curiously enough, the standard variety Victoria was unsaleable. Standard Gooseberries went cheaply, but beds of Roses seemed in demand, although two dozen in a bed for 8s. was about the average price of these plants. A small bed of Carnations roused keen competi- tion, and seemed to be amply valued at 19s. The shrubs and edgings of Box, Privet, &c, were in demand, probably for villa and suburban gar- dening, and for these plants prices were very fair. The Box seems to thrive especially well at Chiswick, and no doubt many persons have been struck with the beautiful hedges of Box which are to be seen there and are so nicely trimmed — indeed, they were quite a feature of the place : of course, these were not included in the sale, but only smaller edging plants about 18 inches in height. When it came to two fine beds of Yucca recurvifolia near the Council Room excitement was keen among the would-be buyers, and after much competition they were knocked down for over £8, averaging about 8s. 6d. a plant ; another row on the opposite side of the wall realised £i. Golden Privet and Box hedges near the Paxton house sold well, but the shrubs and Conifers at the back of the vinery were almost given away. Prices were no doubt influenced by the size and the trouble in removing the plants. Some fairly good Camellias in the entrance - house, which were clean and of a nice colour, sold very well, but on adjourning to a plantation of Peach-trees near by prices reached zero, and after vainly try- ing to obtain more the auctioneer with a pang of regret knocked down about thirty nice trees for the insignificant sum of 8s. ! In the large vinery were sold the Palms, Ferns, and bedding stuff, and we noticed among the buyers several persons of the " coster " type, who no doubt had expect- ations of retailing these plants at splendid profits to the unwary householder ; but they should have devoted their attention to the fruit-trees, for now the plants were fetching very fair prices, especi- ally the Palms and small Ferns— in fact the small Ferns fetched their full value. The auctioneer felt somewhat cheered at this, and as he led the way to the Fig-house reminded the people that now he had something worth offering, and hoped to obtain anything from .£200 or thereabouts for this fine collection. Alas, he was disappointed ! In vain he assured his hearers that they were not realising the situation; a choice Fig-tree in a large pot for 2s. was too absurd, but he could get no more. He then suggested offering several together, but the buyers would have none of it, so he continued knocking them down for a few shillings each, and sold the entire collection for a matter of less than £25. Another of the features of Chiswick was the collec- tion of Ivies presented some years ago by the late Shirley Hibberd. These were offered as they grew on the walls, but the price fetched— viz., 148. — was indicative of the demand for them. No doubt they were bought for propagating purposes. The plants in Peach-house were offered, but no bid was made for them, and the sale was closed. Exhibition Schedules Received: National Carnation and Picotee Society (Southern Section).— Annual Exhibition at the New Hall of the R^yal Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Tuesday, July 20. Brighton and Sussex Horticultual— Spring Show, April 12 and 13 ; Summer Show, August 23 and 24 j Chrysanthemum Show, Nov. 1 and 2. Kent County Chrysanthemum — Annual Exhibition on Wednesday and Thursday, No- vember 2 and 3, at The Rink, Blackheath, S.E. Hanley (County Borough), Staffs. — Annual Floral Fete in Hanley Park, Wednesday and Thursday, July 6 and 7. Ipswich and East of England Horticul- tural Society's Daffodil Show, to be held on Wednesday, April 13, 1904, in the Public Hall, Ipswich. Croydon Horticultural Society's Summer Show, Wednesday, July 6, at Brickwood House Gardens. The Liverpool Horticultural Asso- ciation announce their Spring Flower Show to be held on Wednesday, April 13. The Secretary's Office is 7, Victoria Street, Liverpool. The Fruit Industry. — The Departmental Committee appointed by Lord Onslow to enquire into and report upon the Fruit industry of Great Britain held sittings on the 9th, 10th and 11th inst. The following members were present : Mr A. S. T. Griffith-Bosoawen, M.P. (Chairman), Col. Long, M.P., Mr. C. W. Radeliffe-Cooke, Mr. Hodge, Mr. Monro, Mr. Vinson, Dr. Somerville, Mr. P. Spencer Pickering, the Rev. W. Wilks, and Mr. Ernest Garnsey (Secretary). On March 9, Mr. W. W. Berry, Mr. Edward Pink, Mr. John Wood, and Mr. George Smith, as four Kent 186 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 10', I9u*. growers ; on March 10, Mr. John Riley, Mr. John Watkins, and Mr. J. H. Wootton, as three Hereford growers; and on March 11, Mr. W. J. Lobjoit and Mr. W. Poupart, as two Middlesex growers, gave evidence. In addition, on March 11, Mr. J. Struthers, C.B., of the Scotch Education Department, and Mr. Buckmaster, of the Board of Education, furnished information. Board of Agriculture.— We are informed that the departmental committee appointed by the Board of Agriculture and Pishpries to enquire into the working of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893, held sittings on the 1st and 2nd inst. The Eight Hon. Lord Burghclere was in the chair, and the other members present were Dr. T. E. Thorpe, C.B , F.E.S., Mr. J. W. Clark, K.C., Mr. E. Burnard, Mr. A. M Gordon, Mr. I. Pearson, and Mr. J. W. Spear, M.P. The following wit- nesses gave evidence : Mr. John Hughes, F.I.C., F.C.S., representing the District Agricultural Analysts' Association, Dr. B. Dyer, D.Sc, Mr. J. Alan Murray, B.Sc, Mr. G. D. Macdougall, F.I.C., and Dr. J. Augustus Voelcker, Ph.D. The NEWEST ROSES.— We are much edified with a poster, forwarded to us by a correspon- dent, giving a list of Eoses and other shrubs lately sold by auction in a certain Hertfordshire town. The public were offered an opportunity of buying such new Eoses as Witte Ethos, Welrich Briuner, and Mahonia. Desirous of obtaining Jules Mar- gottin, they had to seek for Yules Murgotten; Lausi van Haute proved to be Louis Van Houtte, and General Yucuminal to be General Jacqueminot. No doubt Madame Charles Wood was not merely a harmless but a desirable acquisi- tion, but Mad. guro Feshant sounded a little alarming. As to Chape de Napolian, Prins cum a Bohn, Mis John Ling, and Loun vun Eauffe— these, with certain other treasures, suggested the oft-quoted lines — " What's in a name ? that which we call a Rose, By any other name would smell as sweet." Forestry in Scotland.— At a meeting of the Edinburgh University Court it was resolved to approve of the following resolution, which had been passed unanimously at the jubilee meeting of the Eoyal Scottish Arborieultural Society, held in Edinburgh on February 1G :—" That it is the opinion of the members of the Eoyal Scottish Arborieultural Society assembled in annual meet- ing that the Board of Agriculture should now take steps to give effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Forestry as far as re- gards Scotland by providing an estate to serve as a State forest demonstration area, and also by providing example plots in connection with Edinburgh University; and, further, that forestry education in this country will not be adequately provided for until the foregoing are supplied and a thoroughly - equipped forest school is established in Scotland." Turin Horticultural and Floricul- tural Exhibition.— Much support has been promised from foreign sources to the Turin Horticultural Exhibition, which is to be held in May. The exhibitors will include impor- tant representatives from France, Belgium, Ger- many, and Holland. Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea • Messrs. William Bull & Sons, Messrs. Sander & Co., of St. Albans, will be among the exhibitors from England. It is hoped that Messrs. Peeters of Brussels, will show some of their famous Orchids. The gardens of the Prince of Monaco (with greenhouse plants, collections of Crotons Platycerium, &c), and the gardens of the Casino of Monte Carlo will also probably be re- presented. From Trieste come specimens from Martin, Maron, Fonda, and Perotti The Executive Committee of the Exhibition have received other offers of assistance and various prize3 for their competitors, besides numerous medals. The Eoyal Horticultural Society of Tuscany (under the patronage of the King of Italy) is organising a Committee of horticul- turists, especially of Tuscan gardeners and amateurs, and is also offering medals for com- petition among them. The Horticultural Society of Palermo will award two diplomas and prizes. Already a fence is built round the Park Valen- tino, where the Exhibition is to be held, and many bulbs and Eose-trees have been planted there, under the superintendence of Messrs. Krelage, and Gemen & Bourg. Winter Pruning Competition.— This com- petition, as we learn from Mr. Crump, took place at Madiesfield on March 3, in an oichard at Gnarl- ford, a place noted for good fruit-trees. The com- petition is open to all members of the Club, or to those nominated by members, and is divided into three classes, viz. : Class 1, for farm hands— that is, farmers or labourers; Class 2, open to other than farm hands, such as gardeners, amateurs, &c. ; whilst Class 3 is the champion class, open only to 1st prize winners of the previous years, and who are perforce debarred from competing in a class that they have won a 1st in for three years — therefore the champion class becomes a battle of the giants. It should be mentioned that these competitions are the sequel to the season's technical instruction and demonstrations given on winter pruning, and as a matter of fact they have already been the direct means of turning out some very useful and skilled men, who are now in great demand. The Club itself has a scheme in working order for supplying two of these trained men all through the pruning season to its members and to the tenantry on the Madresfield estates at nominal charges. The trees were all set out and numbered some days previously by two stewards, and as each com- petitor had to prune three trees, care was taken that the trees selected should be of as varied a character as possible, but of equal difficulties as regards the ability and skill required, two and a half hours being allowed for the work. Thirteen competitors entered, and a ballot for numbers having been taken, the signal was given and the workers commenced their allotted tasks. The judging was entrusted to Mr. James Dawes, of Ledbury Park Gardens, who has a very wide and practical experience in such matters. It may be here mentioned that Mr. Dawes judged the competition last year, and having secured the confidence of the com- petitors in his impartial awards, his decisions this year gave the same general satisfaction. The results arrived at were awarded by a scale of points, and as each competitor finished a tree, points were entered on one side for merit, and on the opposite side, for errors or faults, the whole being balanced and totalled at the finish. A lecture was also given by Mr. Dawes in the schoolroom at 7 o'clock the same evening, when the results were read out and enthusiasti- cally received by a large audience. A large number of the spectators who were present in the afternoon and evening had correctly prejudged the competitions, a fact which goes very far to show the interest aroused in fruit-growing and the Club's good work. Results. Class 1 -Farm Hands 1st, Joseph Powell „ 2-Open to All i9t, A. Bbadshaw. jun „ 3-Champion 1st. C F Chump. Mr. Dawes pointed out some of the faults to the audience, and explained the value of good work, and a very instructive evening was realised. Next week a course upon vegetable cultivation will be given. Some English Gardens.— Miss Jektll has in the press a book on this subject, with coloured illustrations by G. S. Elgood. It will be published by Messrs. Longmans & Co. Old West Surrey— A book under this title, written by Miss Jektll, will shortly be published by Messrs. Longmans & Co. The National Sweet Pea Society: Pro- vincial Prizes.— The Committee of thia Society,. as we are informed by Mr. Horace Wright, has arranged with the Wiltshire Horticultural So- ciety, whose exhibition will be held on August 10, to include in the schedule a special class for Sweet Peas, for which the National Society will provide the prizes. The class is identical with the audit class on p. 19 of the National Sweet Pea, Society's schedule, and all members of this So- ciety may exhibit free; others on paying the usual fees of the Wiltshire Society, oF which Mr. Leonard Sly, Silisbury, is the Secretary. The total prize-money offered by the National Sweet Pea Society is £3 2s. 6d., and a Silver Medal to- the winner of the premier place. Mr. Sly wilb send full particulars. The Society has also been able to arrange with the Galashiels Horticultural' Association for a class on behalf of Northern, growers, the prizes being identical with those in the previous case. The class here is similar to- the classification class on p. 19 of the National Sweet Pea Society's schedule, and it will be con- tested on September 10. Members of the National Sweet Pea Society are entitled to exhibit free of special entry fee. The Secretary of the Gala- shiels Horticultural Association is Mr. James. Mallen, Galashiels, who will be pleased to send complete details of the class. MISSOURI Botanical Garden, St. Louis.. — Toward the end of the year 1903 a fire, which- originated from a defective flue in the boiler pit from which the newer range of plant-houses is» heated, damaged the adjacent structures to the extent of about $1,000 00. It chanced thatr- about this point, in the hot and intermediate-- houses, were clustered most of the Orchids and Platyceriums, and many other choice plants, and- although the efficient service of the fire depart- ment reduced the loss on the buildings to an- inconsiderable sum, the heat and smoke destroyed' a large part of these collections, and so seriously injured the remainder that their recovery is- likely to be at best a matter of several years'" time. By the prompt action of the Board, how- ever, says Dr. Trelease in his annual report, these collections have been replaced by other- plants of the same or equally decorative species, and it is expected that the early spring will find the Orchid collection as large, varied, and) interesting as before the fire. In connection with this loss Dr. Trelease records his appre- ciation of the courteous action of the New York; Botanical Garden, the Director of which, Dr. N. L. Britton, immediately offered such dupli- cates as could be spared from its collections ;. and a consignment of eighty plants, representing seventy-eight species of Orchids, was received from this source as soon as the buildings were- sufficiently repaired for their reception. Nova Scotia Fruit.— The Agent-Genera* for Nova Scotia informs us that the Crystal Palace authorities have presented a special Com- memorative Medal to the Nova Scotia Govern- ment for the exhibit of dessert, cooking, and cider Apples, which have been displayed by the Fruit Growers' Association in the Canadian Court during the last three months. Nova Scotian fruit- says the Agent-General, holds the fii-st place among all the Apples imported into this country from abroad. By a process of systematic selec- tion directed towards securing flavour combined with long-keeping qualities, and by limiting pro- duction to comparatively few varieties possessing these characteristics, Nova Scotian growers have- won for their fruit this enviable position. The Apple crop in Nova Scotia was unusually large last year, and over half a million barrels hav«» already been shipped to this country. March 19, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. IS j THE ACTION OF ETHER ON PLANTS. We have already spoken of the use of ether- -vapour in accelerating the flowering of forced shrubs, a process introduced by Dr. Johannsen, of Copenhagen, and now extensively practised in Germany and in France for commercial purposes. It is not long since we called attention to a pamphlet published by M. Maumend on the sub- ject, and we have now the opportunity, thanks to ■the courtesy of that gentleman, of giving two illustrations from Le Jardin, which show better than words the effect of the process, and the great saving of time and fuel which results from its use. ■One cut shows a plant of Spirsea Thunbergii (fig. 78) which had been exposed to the ether -treatment for forty-eight hours and then forced in the ordinary way. In fifteen days the plant 'was covered with flowers. A plant of the same ^species treated in the same way and in the same period, but not etherised, is shown for comparison. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) SOWING ONIONS UNDER GLA8S.— The labour attached to this process is in itself quite suffi- cient to prevent its being adopted generally, especially as there is no real need for such a departure being made in raising an ordinary kitchen-garden crop — a crop that has been secured from time immemorial from seed sown out-of- doors. I have raised young plants of Onions under glass for exhibition purposes, the seed being sown in January, and afterwards treated as so clearly described by " B.," the bulbs thus raised being staged at the August shows in the class provided for " spring onions." This circumstance implied no deception on the part of any individual exhibitor, as the fact was well known to one and all of the lead- ing exhibitors in the vegetable classes, as well as to the show management. " B." says in the beginning of the second paragraph of his article on p. 140, " I have tried all kinds of treat- FlG. 77.— SHOWING THE EFFECT OF ETHER IN FORCING LILAC. Fig. 77 represents three branches of Lilac. No. 1 is a branch not subjected to ether- vapour. No. 2 ■shows a branch which has been subjected to the ■ether and to a temperature of 16° to 17° C. (62° to ■64° F.). No. 3 is a branch forced in the ordinary way, with a temperature of 30° C. (86° F.). No. 1, ■not etherised, was placed in the forcing-house at the same time as No. 2. We must refer to our previous articles on the subject for full details, merely repeating that the operator must exercise the greatest caution not to bring a light of any kind near the appa- ratus, and that except for experiment sake it is hardly worth while to try the process commerci- ally at this late period of the forcing-season. This is one of many experiments that might have been carried out at Chiswick at a small cost ■without any costly laboratory. We may hope to see some trials of this new process made at "Wisley, as the matter is clearly one of great practical importance. "Publications Received.- Prediction of the weather for al parts of th' World for March. By Hugh Clements. Mr. Clements claims to have discovered how to fore- cast the weather correctly. It is, he says, due to natural causes — i lie tidal action of the moon aud sun. The prediction for March is not very cheerful, but indicates a continuation of unsettled weather. ment in the endeavour to secure spring-sown Onions free from maggot, but in every instance the result was a failure till, trying the large- growing varieties from early-raised plants, the continued absence of maggot induced me to attempt the production of the whole crop in the same way, with the result that maggot is now, and has been for some years, a hearsay difficulty only." In view of '• B's." statement, it may be as useful as the subject is opportune if I give for the benefit of young readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle particulars of the way in which I grew heavy crops of spring-sown Unions annually for over a quarter of a century without any loss from attacks of the maggot. My crop of Onions was always raised from seed sown in ground previously cropped with Celery. The ground was simply dug over, trodden down, the surface dressed with new soot in sufficient thickness to discolour the soil prior to raking the ground level, and drawing shallow drills about 1 inch deep at 1 foot apart, running north and south. The seed was sown thinly in these, the soil being afterwards closed in with the feet, trodden over, and raked over once more in the same direction as the drills. The operation was carried out as early in February as the con- dition of the ground would permit of its being done without the soil adhering to the boots of those engaged in the work — usually between February 8 and 20. The ground being light, rich, and from 2 to 3 feet in depth and resting on a gravelly subsoil, dried up quickly. I once had the Onion-bed in the firm grip of " Jack Frost " for three weeks after the seed was sown, without experiencing any bad effect therefrom. Onions raised thus were never molested by the maggot, for the very good reason that there were none. The perfect freedom of the ground treated in this manner from the maggot and other creatures that prey upon underground growth, must be attributed to the combined efficacy of deep and generous cultivation, early sowing of the seed, solidifying of the ground before and after the seed was sown, and in a great measure to the free use made of soot before sowing the seed. The same remarks will apply to other root crop3, Parsley, Lettuces, &c , which in ordi- nary circumstances are attacked by the grub, &c. As soon as the young plants appeared above- ground, the Dutch-hoe was run pretty deeply between the rows, the operation being repeated once or twice in April and three following months, as much with a view to accelerate growth in the plants as to destroy seedling weeds. The young plants were thinned out as soon as large enough to handle to 2 or 3 inches in the rows, weeds being removed at the same time, showery weather being preferred for doing the work, as the weeds and plants can be removed more FlS. 78.— SPIR.EV. THUNBERGII. To the left, plant subjected to Ether previous to forcing: to the right, plaDt forced in the ordi- nary way, other conditions being Identical. expeditiously and effectively when the soil is moist. At the time of thinning-out the rows, I extended the crop by transplanting some twenty or thirty rows of the thinnings in the same plot of ground from which the few remaining ridges of late Celery had just been removed and laid- in their full depth in the soil in a border under a north wall tor future use. The roots of these little plants were shortened back nearly to the embryo bulbs, the plants being let into the ground, prepared as advised for the reception of the seed, the same depth as they were before, making the soil fairly firm about them with the setting-stick in planting. I never noticed any difference in the weight and quality of the produce obtained from transplanted plants and those which were left undisturbed in the rows, the crops in both cases being excellent. H. W. Ward, Lime House, Rayleigh. CYANIDE OF POTA88IUM AS A FUMIGATOR. — I was very interested in reading in the Gar- deners' Chronicle for February 27, Dr. Bonavia's note on the new gardens at Wisley. I quite agree with him that nicotine as a fumigator is expensive. He mentioned the use of cyanide of potassium treated with sulphuric acid and water, by which hydrocjanic acid gas is evolved. I have used this for more than a year, and have saved myself a lot of time, trouble, and expense. It will kill mealy-bug, scale of all kinds, wood- lice, ants, thrip, cockroaches — in fact, anything that has life, just as easily as nicotine will kill aphis. I have been most successful with it, so much so that some of my friends have advised me to give up gardening and become a professional. Of course it is a very dangerous poison, and should be 188 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 19, 190*. ■used only by a responsible person. Some time, if you will allow me space in the Gardeners' Chronicle, I will give some of my experience as to what plants I have fumigated, and the results. 1 enclose a spray of Camellia-tree which had been infested with the mealy-scale — which we so often find on Camellias— for twenty-five years previous to my coming here. They have cost pounds for cleaning. Now they have no scale on them at all. I have cut in one week this year from one tree of the variety alba plena twelve dozen good flowers. There is not a spot of dirt on the leaves, though they used to be quite black at the time the flowers opened. W. G. Bushell, The Gardens, Rownhams House, Rownhams, South- ampton. [The leaves are perfectly clean, and unusually bright in appearance. Ed.] THE GARDEN RUBBISH-HEAP.— After reading the remarks of your various correspondents on this subject, I must confess to being one of the old school, and having a refuse heap, I treat it as a choice subject. Here we have a large kitchen - garden and orchard, and very little manure, the stud being small, conse- quently we are obliged to save every scrap of refuse for manure. Our soil, being on the clay, is heavy and wet, and it is only a few feet above sea level. My practice has been for many years to use all the rough refuse for trenching, placing this at the bottom of the trench and using the shorter refuse for single-digging. This adds to the subsoil after its decay, and at the next trenching one can go a little deeper. I do not object to the trench being nearly filled with this rough stuff ; it keeps the ground open and allows water to drain away better. We do this every season for crops such as Onions, Parsnips, Carrots, Beet, 4c, and have no reason to complain of the result. I use the ashes from the bonfire heap to put in the drills at sowing time, which helps the young seedling plants to grow, and adds potash to the soil. By the spring our rubbish corner is cleared out and made ready for the next season's refuse. I always advocate digging-in green refuse or crops, even the grass mowings from pleasure-grounds, which suits Potatos and such crops, and keeps the ground open. I do not like digging-in stumps of the Brassica tribe or old Turnips, as I fancy they tend to produce clubbing. All these I burn and make ashes of them. As your correspondent Mr. Miller says, " It is not wise to be prejudiced against any new system; circumstances alter cases." A. Lee, Beaulieu. I have read with interest the various letters criticising Mr. Simpson's article on " The Garden Rubbish Heap," 1 ut none has given his method encouragement, as the results of his system would prove disastrous to the soil. The practice of digging - in all garden rubbish was at one time carried on extensively in this garden, for last jear the weeds were entirely beyond the power of manual labour to get rid of. When I came here last April weeds were everywhere, in some places 2 feet hi°h, which was in anything but accordance with the reputation of the place. Much trenching and deep digging have been done this winter, and it may not surprise the readers of Mi. Simpson's article to know that Cabbage - stalks, hard prunings, and even Pea-stakes have been turned up in quantities, after having been buried for nearly six years. Surely, common-sense must have a wider distribution nowadays. A Young Gardener. SPECIFIC AND VARIETAL FERN NAMES— The awards made at a recent meeting of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society to two new Ferns, named respectively Pteris Hillii and Cyrtomium Butterfieldii, lead me to point out the inadrisability of naming Ferns in this unscientific manner. A glance through the awards of recent years will show that this sort of thing is becoming the rule rather than the excep- tion. This means a constantly increasing source of confusion, which should be checked by some rule prohibiting awards in such cases until duly authorised specific names can be attached. With regard to Pteris Hillii, " said to have been intro- duced from Brazil," there were certain characters in it, especially the curious right-angled arrange- ment of the subdivisions of the basal pinnae, that may indeed constitute it a new species ; but if so, it would be very desirable that the authority for the specific name should be stated or confirmed by the authorities at Kew. Otherwise it is quite possible that the species may already figure there under another name, and thus increase the already appalling synonymic fog. With the Cyrtomium, however, it is quite different, since it is undoubtedly no new species, as the name given implies, but merely a sub- fimbriate variety of Cyrtomium falcatum, so that it should be named Cyrtomium falcatum var. Butterfieldi. To my mind, the [correct names of] species of new plants should always be stated and insisted upon by the Committee. Except in the case of accidental hybrids this should always be ascertainable by reference to Kew, and by attaching it with the varietal name appended, we should have a proper record instead of a misleading one. Furthermore, if this is not insisted upon when the plant is put before the Committee, it is never likely to be done later, and in time its origin is very likely to become obscured. Why, too, should P. Hillii be merely " said " to have been introduced from Brazil ? Surely the exhibitor should know its origin, especially as his name is attached to it, as it would have been had he discovered it ! These points constitute precisely that sort of information which the Royal Horticultural So- ciety should aim at securing, while as matters stand the great bulk of new plants is put forward with an utter absence of historical and guiding data. With British Fern varieties these data are always given, and I should never think of giving a new variety the name of the finder or raiser in a specific fashion, as is done with so many exotics. Polypodium Knightii, certificated some time back, is undoubtedly a plumose variety of a species ; and I then pro- tested against an award being given under a specific name, richly as the plant merited one per se. This and the others above cited are types of scores. Chas. T. Druery, F.L.S., V.M.B. [A very old story. We entirely sympathise with our correspondent. He probably knows, as well as we, that repeated efforts have been made to induce the Society to do its duty in this matter. He probably knows also that in former jears meetings have beenheld and committees appointed to deal with this very question, and that excel- lent rules for the guidance of the Committees have been laid down ; but we fear they have been observed only on rare exceptions. Ed.] DATES OF FLOWER 8HOWS— It IS to be desired that in arranging for annual flower shows societies near to each other should avoid clashing. I note that the Ealing Society has fixed on June 29 for their summer show, which they hope may be held in Gunnersbury Park. That is, as the crow flies, not more than two miles from the Old Deer Park, Richmond, where the usual great summer show will be held on the same day. The Richmond Society has had its schedules out for several weeks past. It is so obvious that two great local shows such as these are cannot be held with success so close together. The Ealing people fear, if held a week later, to clash with the National Rose Society's show at the Temple. Croydon show did so last year, but obtained a splendid display of Roses. Croydon show comes on July G this year, and the committee have no fear as to the result. Roses then are in abundance, and there would be plenty for Ealing. D. THE WAY TO WISLEY.— In your number for January 23, there appeared an account of the Royal Horticultural Society's new gardens at Wisley. I must take exception to the directions given as to reaching the gardens by rail. The directions were evidently written by someone who was a stranger to the district. I have lived in By fleet for a number of years, and of my own per- sonal knowledge should like to state: (1) that the nearest station to the gardens is Byfleet, the distance being under four miles. (2) That the roads are not "exceedingly tortuous," and, except in extremely wet weather, are equal to the others in the neighbourhood. (3) That the road from the station to the gardens is exceedingly pretty and picturesque, and is frequently chosen by people for drives. (4) That there is a good service of trains from London to Byfleet, which is on the L. & S.W. main line, and the next station to Wey- bridge. (5) The Railway Company already grants cheap tickets to other Societies visiting this neigh- bourhood, and would, if approached, no doubt afford the same facilities to the Royal Horticul- tural Society. (G) Conveyances meet every train, and special arrangements could be made for parties by writing to Mr. E. Finch, Byfleet Station. G. Carpenter, West Hall Gardens, Byfleet. [If our correspondent will refer to the note mentioned, he will see that the particulars were extracted from The Book of Arrangements issued by the Royal Horticultural Society. We are thereforo- not responsible for them. Ed.] THE CLIMATE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA.— On p. 105, under the heading " Fruits from British Columbia," you speak of the climate of that country as being "less cold in winter and less bright in summer than that of Nova Scotia.'^ The first part of this comment is quite correct, but the summers are as bright if not brighter than those of Nova Scotia, particularly in th'> interior, where probably the best Apples are grown. J. A. Turner, Secretary to the Agent-Genera?- for British Columbia. Strawberry CULTURE.— I have read with much interest the discussion on Strawberry plantations, and I can fully endorse all that, has been said by Mr. McCallum on p. 155. My mode of cultivation is to plant or* ground that has carried a crop of early Potatos by the end of July, levelling, and dressing the soil with bone-meal, and lightly forking this in. Plant early in August with runners taken front a one-year-old plantation which has not been allowed to carry a crop of fruit, and only the re- quired number of layers. In my experience I find' that runners from such plants take more kindly- to the soil and start away more strongly than, when taken from plants that have carried a full crop. The second autumn after planting they are mulched with spent hot-bed manure, which- by the following spring is well decomposed, and> requires no raking off. The hoe is brought into- use and well plied between the rows, and all runners are cut off. When the flower-scapes are- well up they are bedded with long manure. Immediately the crop is gathered the plants are cleared of runners, weeds, and straw. The hoe- is kept going until they are mulched again in the autumn. This system obtains for three- years, when the whole is trenched, and a good? coating of manure applied, the ground being planted the following spring with early Potatos* or early Cauliflowers, which is cleared off by August, when it is again planted with Straw- berries. Our soil being very shallow, and over- lying gravel, I think it well to apply a winter- mulch. I may state that under this treatment we- never fail to get a heavy crop ; even last year we had an exceedingly good one ; and after repeated- trials of many varieties I find, with Mr. McCallum, that Royal Sovereign and Vicomtesse Hericart de Tbury respond to my treatment best. R. Kidd^ Hope Park, Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire. INCOME-TAX REPAYMENTS — The Income Tax. Acts provide that no repayment can be made, save in certain quite exceptional cases, unless the- claim is made within three years. April 5 next- is, therefore, the last possible day on which a claim for the year ended April 5, 1901, can be lodged. Claims for repayment can be made on. various grounds in respect of income from all sources, even when said to be paid " free of income tax," and we shall be happy to advise any of your readers, without charge, whether or not- they can make a claim for repayment, on re- ceiving full particulars of their incomes, and a stamped envelope for reply. The Income-Tan: Adjustment Agency, Limited {W. J. Andrews, Secretary), Poultry, London, E.C., March 2, 1904. THE VITALITY OF SEEDS. — With reference- to the recent correspondence which has been appearing in the Standard on " The Vitality of Seeds," I feel sure the following will be of interest to your readers. " During last year a collection of vegetable and flower-seeds, specially packed in a sealed tin box, came into my possession at. Dawson, Yukon Territory. The box and its con- tents, which had been given to a missionary in March 10, 1901.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 189 1895, had been left unopened by him on leaving the Klondike in 1900, and for years these seeds lay amongst a lot of rubbish subjected to a winter temperature ranging as low as 08° Fahrenheit below zero, followed by as much as 90° Fahrenheit each summer. Planted by me in 1903, these seeds grew perfectly well, a circumstance which not only throws light- on the vitality controversy, but testifies to the fact not generally, I believe, realised by people in this country that Dawson, situated as it is in a portion of Canada almost within the Arctic Circle, is yet not entirely a barren waste from a horticultural point of view. C. C. Chataway." To this Mr. Martin Sutton appends a note as follows : — " Some five-and-twenty years since I read a Keport, written early in the nineteenth century, from an Indian Government official, calling at- tention to the fact that he had had seeds raised by his gardener in his English country home for his use in India; that while some of these seeds had proved excellent, others were absolutely worthless. On enquiry he found that in the one case the pods containing the seeds had been hung up in the chimney corner of the kitchen of the English mansion for some time and the seeds placed while warm in bottles and sealed. The seeds that failed, although dried in a similar way, had not been bottled for a considerable time afterwards. This hint was sufficient to start me on a long series of experiments, having for their ob- ject the safe elimination of the excess of moisture which all seeds contain as harvested in the English climate, however dry they appear when handled. This moisture las been a cause of very great trouble when English seeds, packed in hermetically sealed boxes, passed through the tropics, where the heat in the ship's hold caused the seeds to sweat and become mouldy. Natu- rally, I found there was a very great diversity in the amount of such moisture contained in the different varieties of seeds, and that, while some seeds could safely lose an amount of moisture equal to ten per cent, of their weight, others could not part with more than five per cent, with- out injury; consequently, the degree of dry heat to which seeds could be safely exposed, and the proper duration of such exposure before packing, varied very much, while some seeds required much more gradual desiccation than others. But before the experiments were completed, know- ledge on these details W£8 acquired, with the result that there seems hardly any limit to the period during which the germination of seeds may be conserved if they are properly prepared by drying in a suitable high temperature and hermetically sealed in that temperature. For many years past, seeds thus packed by my firm have been successfully used in all climates, and the box Mr. Chataway mentions was one of those which every agent of the Church Missionary So- ciety, the London Missionary Society, and the Baptist Missionary Society receives annually, containing seeds for his personal use in Mission gardens from the Tropics to the Arctic Circle. Martin J. Sutton, Reading, February 23." LAURELS AND TELEPHONE - WIRES. — Last February I planted a bank, previously covered with grass, with three-year-old transplanted Laurels that were well rooted. The bank con- tained five rows of plants. After a few weeks the foliage of the plants in the second and third rows commenced to fall in an alarming manner. Water from a hose-pipe was applied frequently during the few days of fine weather in early summer, but without effect so far as the loss of foliage was concerned. At the present time the plants are mere skeletons; the old wood is quite sound. The young wood I cut well back in the latter part of April. The first row and the fourth and fifth rows are all right, and have become well estab- lished ; yet the foliage of these in places has the appearance of being burned, as if by some caustic substance. Directly over the two rows that have suffered so much are twenty or thirty telephone- wires (20 feet or so high). Is it possible these wires are responsible for the failure of the two rows ? Most of the wires are new, having been put up since the bank was planted. Have any readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle experienced anything of the sort ? Vanda, Yorkshire. THE PROPOSED GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. -UDe of the most lamentaole incidents in the gardener's career is one that happens to a great many at one period or other, viz., the weary waiting for and the constant striving to obtain another place. If the Association can remedy this state of affurs, then it will be a boon to the gardening profession. Mr. Owen Thomas would exclude gardeners who have less than five men under them. This would be un fair, as there are many gardeners in smaller places v ho are equally as in- telligent and have as much love of their profes- sion, whose knowledge and abilities are far beyond ■.■.hat, is demanded in the place they happen to fill, having been trained In the greater establishments. But what have we to do with commercial gardeners, and what have they in common with us ? Tne Commercial Gardeners' Association should be a separate branch for the interestand benefit of those in iradeestabiishments. Mr. Watson's speech is sanguine and enthusiastic, but his remark that gardeners are themselves to olame for the low state of wages is hardly borne out by facts. If an employer or his agent stipulates a certain yearly salary, the gardener who is an applicant must either accept those terms or lose the appointment. Mr. Watson truly says lhere is a great amount of inefficiency in the gardening fraternity ; but there are also gardens which are under-manned, and which from constant changes of gardeners have become most disorderly. In such places many gardeners of ability submerge their lives in constant and unremitting toil, and obtain little or no encouragement. The bothy system is undoubtedly at the root of this congested state of our calling. Whv have some gardeners a preference for young men? Labourers can do much of the work equally as well, if not better, and are more settled. F. Street, The Garden*, Ardwell, Wigtownshire. To prevent confusion (with other societies), and to include all branches, might not this be called the National Horticultural League? Could it not be managed by twenty-one or more Councillors, who would meet once a quarter, and form committees to deal with the various subjects in detail. These to a great extent must be local men (London), and would meet as occasion required, work up reports, &a„ to be brought before the quarterly meeticg (of council). Rules ought to be few at firat, for they can always be improved upon and added to. Councillors and all officials should have been engaged in horti- cultural pursuits for at least ten years, other members not less than seven years. Subscriptions should be if possible as low as 2s. Gd. per annum- All head gardeners, Durserymen nursery and market foremen who have hell appointments for at least five years, and whose wages have been equivalent to a minimum of 30a. per week, should be able to join, for the first year at least, without nomination. All others eligible t o become members to be proposed by two mem- bers and elected by the Council. The other questions, such as hours of working, wages, examinations, &c, ought not to be brought forward till an Association has been formed. These and other important questions should then be taken up by the Council, who might, perhaps. Invite a lew outside members interested in particular subjects to give opinions, ) shows them pale violet-coloured. A Botanical Certificate, proposed by Mr. Veitch and seconded by Mr. Chittenden, was unanimously awarded to Messrs. Paul. Jasmine ivith Tuberous Growths.— Specimens received from Mrs. Street, Woodside, Caterham, were examined by Mr. Saunders, who reports as follows :— " It is diffi- cult, to account for the growths, as there are no signs of insect or fungus. Growths of a similar appear- ance occur on the roots of Roses, being caused by the irritation set up by ants." Palms and Sale Insects — Mr. Hall, of Mowbray Park, Sunderland, sent some specimens, upon which Mr. Saunders reports : — " Ihe insects unfortunately arrived in a bad condition. (1) a parasitic fly (?), nearly allied to the Ichneumons; (2) undiscoverable; (3 and I) two-winged fiies (fam. Mycetophilidse), or ' tungus gnats,' as the grubs feed on fungi or decaying vegetable matter; they are of no importance ; (5) scale insects, but so covered with germs as not to be identifiable." NATIONAL FRUIT GROWERS' FEDERATION. March 11 —The monthly meeting of the Council was held at the Westminster Palace Hotel on Monday last. Colonel Long, MP., took the chair, but, being com- pelled to leave at an early stage of the proceedings, his place was filled by Mr. F. S. W. Cornwallis, the President-Elect. A letter was read from Messrs. W. & H. Bracey, of Martham, near Great Yarmouth, respecting their claim against the Midland and Great Northern Railway Com- panies under owners' risk, which had recently been tried in the Yarmouth County Court, where a verdict was given in their favour, but against which the railway companies appealed. As the Board of General Managers have promised to furtherconsider and define the conditions of conveyance of fruit at owners' risk, and as the matter is also being dealt with by the De- partmental Inquiry, it was decided to defer the con- sideration of Messrs. Bracey's case. A discussion took place on the question of Preferen- tial Rates, which was raised by an Instruction to the Committee in the House of Commons on the Lanca- shire and Yorkshire Railway (Steam Vessels) Bill, to be moved by Sir W. Tomlinson after the Second Reading. The Instruction reads as follows : — "That it be an Instruction to the Committee that they insert provisions in the Bill requiring the Lanca- shire and Yorkshire Railway Company, in respect of any through rates for the carriage of merchandise between foreign countries and places in the United Kingdom which the Company make or charge, or to which they are party, to set out in their public rate- books at the ports of Goole and Hull, and any ports which may be hereafter established between those places, how much of each such rate is justly and reasonably appropriated by them, or is paid, payable, or agreed to be paid to or by them for tl) land carriage abroad; U') dock, harbour, and shipping charges abroad ; (3) conveyance by sea ; (1) oock, harbour, and shipping charges at the British port; to) and convey- ance by railway, either by goods or passenger trains, ilk hiding any terminal and cartage charges in the United Kingdom." The Council passed a resolution fully approving of this Instruction, and calling on all Memoers of the House of Commons who are members of the Federa- tion to support it. The next meeting of the Council was fixed for Mod- day, April is, and theannual general meeting lor May 9. THE UNITED HOETICULTUEAL BENEFIT AND PEOVIDENT. March 14.— The annual meeting of this Society was held at the Caledonian Hotel, Adelphi, LondoD, on the above date ; Mr. Horace J. Wright in the cbatr. Never in the history ot this organisation has the Committee been able to place before the members a more gratifying report, as on every hand there are signs of substantial progress. Ihe actual gain in membership during the year was fifty, giving a total of lnl6. As far as it goes this is satistactory, but it does not go far to prove the anxiety of the your, g gardeners of the day to make substantial provision lor their old age. It is probable that hundreds of men know nothing of the "United " beyond the mere name, and those in rural districts, if they join a benefit society at all, which is by no means certain, are attached by one of > he general associations, which cannot provide similar advantages to those which accrue to membership of the Society which was established by gardeners for gardeners, and for whose benefit it is still maintained. The organisation is a benefit society and a bank as well, and in this bank the depositor secures a higher rate of interest than is given by any (except one or two) of the reputable banks of the country. The sum of £1,600 has been invested during the last year, which goes to swell the total of the funds to £22 018 1-8. Id., which justified the chairman in describ- ing the financial position as impregnable. A little upwards of £300 was disbursed in sick pay, this involving a levy of U. 2d. from members payiDg under the society's higher scale, and is. lOd. from those under the lower scale. About £130 have been paid from the Benevolent Fund durirg the year, and the Convalescent Fund distributed £1 10s. between tnree applicants. This is given in sums of 108. a week, and it appeared to be the one thing for which the Chairman uad small respect, he evidently considering that it could not be of material advantage as disbursed at present. In moving the adoption of the Report the Chairman was emphatic in praise of the society and its manage- ment, and failed to understand why the voung gardeners of the kingdom did not rush to jo'n its ranks. As they did not do so he urged the society to advertise the substantial claims of the " United." but recognised the difficulty of finding adequate means of distributing reliable knowledge. Mr. Chas. H. Curtis seconded the adoption of the Report arjd Balance-sheet, which was carried without dissent. It was resolved to print and distribute 3.000 copies of the Report. 190 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 19, 1904. BOYAL BOTANIC. Mabch 16. — An exhibition of plants and flowers was held by the above Society in their gardens at Regent's Park on Ill's date, many in'eresting exhibits being brought forward. Hold in the conservatory, and with more suitable surrounoings than are the exhibitions of the Royal Horticultural Society at the Drill Hall, the plants and flo st. Toe introductory part of the lecture was devoted to a de-cription of the external characters of some typical insects. Life-histories of the noteworthy posts were given special reference being made to those occurring in the county of Cheshire. These included the Crane-fly, the larva of which is gauerally known as the "Leather Jacket.'' Observations with r« gird lo the last-named were made on the golf links near Chester, where many acres of grass were completely destroyed. The White Clover, however, proved immune, and not a particle of the plants was found in any way injured. Thecompara tively new Potato-disease, which has proved so de- structive to the tubers in certain localities in Cheshire, was dealt wilh; experiments proved that the disease readily perpetuated itself if infected tubers were planted. The lee ure was illustrated by lantern- pictures, and a series of specimens of the various pests and examples of the injury caused by the latter. REDHILL, REIGATE, AND DISTRICT -On March 1, Mr. Magner gave a very interesting lecture on the " Ventilation of Greenhouses " The lecturer said it was not possible to grown healthy plants without ventilation and other sanitary conditions. In ventila- tion tie priociple advocated was, that air should be warmed before it reached the plants. A good dis- cussion followed. Ahearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Magner for his lecture. Mr. Blackwood showed an abnormal flower of Richardia tethiopica. CROYDON AND DISTRICT.— This society held a meeting on Tuesday, March 1, when a paper was read by Mr. W. Harris on " Hardy Summer and Autumn Bulbs." In openiDg his subject the lecturer alluded to (he apparent neglect of many of these beautiful flowers, which for beauty and fragrance are unsurpassed. Passing on to the Gladiolus, he discoursed on the treat- ment required by these showy plants, which rank high as herbaceous border flowers. The Ranunculus, Ixia, Sparaxis, Fritillarias, Alstromerias, Montbretias. TJLrridias, Crccosmias, Colchicums or Meadow Saffron, Sternbjrgia, Zephyranthes or Zephyr Flower, and Cyclamens were amongst some others mentioned, and for each species cultural directions were given. A discussion followed. A hearty vote of thanks was given to Mr. Harris for his paper. HULL HORTICULTURAL. -Mr. Clayton, of Grimston Gardens, Tadcaster. read a paper on "Gardens and their Management" before this Society on Tuesday, March s; Mr J. P. Leadbetter in the chair. The essayist referred to the antiquity of gardens. The making of gardens probably received its greatest stimulus during the Victorian era when there was great wealth in the country. Speaking of public gardens, he was of opinion that much money now directed to other channels could be utilised to more advantage in these places. Mr. Clayton gave some sound advice on the relations between employers and emplnin'.i, and expressed an opinion that young men should commence at the bottom and work upwards, not neglecting a thorough grounding in the kitchen garden and other outdoor work, for the more alluring department under glass. II". R. DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS'.-The meeting held on the nth iust. was an open one For convenience the place of meeting was in the lecture-room of the Royal Albert Memorial College, and the lecture was illustrated by limelight pictures thrown on a large screen. The lecturer was Mr. Ralph Morgan, a local botanist and icience student, the subject being "In- sectivorous Plants." such as Droseras, Dionieis, Nepenthes, Sarracenias, and similar well - known subjects. CHISLEHURST GARDENERS'. -On Tuesday.March 8, Mr. A. Hemsley gave a very interesting lecture upon "Rock and Alpine Plants," illustrated with lantern- slides. Many pictures of Alpine scenery, together with views of rockeries (both natural and artificial) in this country, were thrown on the screen. The whole lecture was full of valuable information regarding the formation and management of the rock-garden, and a profitable evening was spent by those interested. LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL. - On Saturday, March 1L', Mr. Sheiry, Botanic Gardens, delivered. the last lecture of the session in connection with the above Society before a good attendance of members. "Troublesome Pests under Glass" was the subject dealt with, aud the life-history of beetles, tlirips, red- spider, and mealy-bug was fully explained. Remedies for trapping and kill icg these insects, which the lecturer had adopted successfully, were described. At the con- clusion a brisk discussion took place in regard to era- dicating mealy-bug and red-spider, several members advocating washing the rods when in a dormant state ten or twelve times with soft-soap. &;. A novel Idea was brought forward by Mr. Hazelton, that of plac- ing sulphur In frying-pans over ordinary portable oil -stoves to tet rid of tlirips and spider. READING AND DISTRICT. — The last fortnightly meeting of the above Associal ion was held in the Abbey Hall, and there was a good attendance of members, Mr. W. Barnes presiding. Mr. J Crook, of Forde Abbey, Chard, gave a most Interesting lecture on "Spring Flowers," enfiniog himself principally to the Snow drop, Narcissus, Primrose, Iris, Myosotis, Anemone, and Chlonodoxa. He Btrongly advocated that these should be planted in as natural a manner as possible, doing away with all formality in their arrangement,' and growing them as far ai circumstances would permit In the grass. The exhibits consisted chiefly of spring flowers. ©bttuar$. WALTER Hill. — I regret to have to inform you of the death of one of your constant readers, Mr. Walter Hill, who died, at the age of eighty- three years, on the 4th inst. He was the first Colonial Botanist and Director of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. Since his retirement in 1881, he has been living upon his property about eight miles from Brisbane, where he devoted his attention to the introduction of fruits, and in some instances met with remarkable success, especially with Japanese Plums, which he has freely distributed among growers. Mr. Hill was always more of a gardener than a botanist, although in the early days of the Colony he collected the indigenous plants and forwarded specimens of them to Kew, and to Baron von Mueller for determination. However, the econo- mic interest was always uppermost in his mind, thus in his early days at the Gardens might be seen plots of a vast number of economic plants ; and doubtless this was the means of starting in the minds of a number of colonists the idea of planting such plants, many of which he either imported himself or they were imported at his suggestion. This is enough to show that his life at the Botanic Gardens was a busy and useful one. His official duties often caused him to visit distant localities, and on his travels he made a point of collecting specimens of the in- digenous flora. Several botanists have attached his name to plants, of which probably the most important are the following : — Keraudrenia Hillii, P. v. M, a pretty Ster- culiaceous under - shrub with blue flowers ; Tecoma Hillii, P. v. M., a beautiful climber; Grevillea Hilliana, F. v. M., a handsome tree, producing a useful wood for the cabinet- maker j Musa Hillii, F. v. M., an indige- nous erect - fruiting Banana (vide Botanical Magazine, 7401) ; Dendrobium Hillii, Hook. f. (now placed as a variety of D. speciosum), a superb Orchid ; Myitus Hillii, Benth., which forms a beautiful tree with a thin smooth bark, the wood being so extremely hard that few axes will cut it, hence its vernacular name " Scrub Ironwood ; " Syncarpia Hillii, Bail., the Peebeen or Praser Island Turpentine, a very large tree pro- ducing one of the most valuable of our hard woods; Platycerium Hillii, Polypodium Hillii, Baker, a somewhat rare Pern useful for clothing damp rockwork; Ectropothecium Hillianum, Hampe — this little moss being the most humble plant that bears the name of the deceased colonist. Standing at the grave-side yesterday at his funeral, I noticed several old acquaintances and the sons of former friends of the deceased, as well as several nurserymen and gardeners. It was refreshing to find that all those present remembered and spoke only of the good which had been done by Mr. Hill. It was in fact a company of mourners — no pomp, no show, which was a great relief from that usually displayed at such gatherings. F. Manson Bailey, Brisbane, Queensland, February 7. Samuel Ainsworth. — On Saturday last, there passed away at Kilburn, in the person of Samuel Ainsworth, an interesting old link in the seed trade. Originally intended for a doctor, he studied for his degrees in London, but never practised, having become connected with the late James Carter, at that time at the height of his fame as a seedsman. Mr. Ainsworth's knowledge of foreign languages including Latin, brought his services into request in the compilation of the scientific section of the exhaustive catalogues for which Mr. Carter had a reputation. In those days he was also an active member of the Floral Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society, and frequently occupied the Chair. About 1870, Mr. Ainsworth took a trip round the world, and on returning.againfound a position in hisold firm, where he remained in harness until last year — his association with Messrs. James Carter & Co., of High Holborn, having extended over a period of more than fifty years. Those of the old school still left will remember " Sam " Ainsworth as a hearty and cheery individual, and one of those men who could never have made an enemy. David Drummond.— The death is reported of Mr. David Drummond at Dublin, age 91 ; founder of the firm of Drummond & Co., Nurserymen. March 19, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 191 a.d. 8 d. I MARKETS. « COVENT GARDEN, March 1(5. [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 are responsible for the quota- tions. It must be remembered that these quota- tions 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 de- pend upon the quality of the samples, the way in which they are packed, 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. &o. : Average Wholesale Prioes. a.d. s.d. Narcissus, Soleil d'Or. per dozen 10-20 Orchids : Odout.o- §1 ■ > -■ . -i 1 1 1 1 1 - per ozen blooms 2 0-HO — Cattleya, doz. 10 0-12 0 — Cypripedium lnsigne, per dozen ... 0 9-16 — Coalogyne. doz. lo-it Pelargoniums, zonal, dozen bunches ... 4 0- 9 0 — white, dozen bunches ... 4 0-60 — double scarlet, p doz bunches 4 0-60 Koman Hyacinths, doz bunches ... 10-80 Koses, Mermet, per bunch ... 2 0- i 0 — white, bunch 1 0- :t 0 — pick, buuch H-3 11 — red. bunch :i 0- 6 o — Safranos, bch. 1 u- 2 0 — French, bunch 1O-20 Smilax, per doz. trails 16-20 Snowdrops, doz. . 10-16 Suiueas bunch... 0 6- 0 it Stocks, per doz... 2 0-26 Tulips. Ked, per bunch 0 6-09 per 0 9-16 10-20 4 0-60 0 4-06 2 0-40 1 6 2 0 10-30 1 0- 1 0 0 3 Anemones, per doz. bunches ... Azalea mollis, bun Azaieas, per doz. Bouvardlas bnch. Callas, per dozen. Camellias, box ... Carnations. bnch. Croton leaves. bun. 0 6-16 Daffodils, perdoz. bunches 2 0-60 Eucharis, perdoz. 16 2 6 Euphorbia, bun. Ferns, Asparagus, per buuch .. — French, per doz. bunches — Maidenhair, doz. bunches Freesia. per doz. Gardenias, box ... Lilac (French), per bunch Lilium auratum per bunch ... — longiflorum, bunch — lancifolium... LUy of the Valley, p. doz bunches Marguerites, yel- low, doz bunch — whiteiloz buu 10-30 Mimosa (Acacia), bunch 0 6-10 Narcissus, dz.bun. 10-20 — Pheasant Eye, per doz. .. 2 0-40 3 0 2 6 0 4 4 0 6 0 10-20 2 0-60 16-30 2 0-40 16-60 16-26 6 0-15 0 0 — various bunch.. Violets, p. dozen bunches 0 6-16 10-16 Parma, p. bun. 16-26 Plants in Pots, &o. : Average Wholesale Prioe3. s.d. s.d. 12 0-60 0 4 0-80 4 0-80 9 0-18 0 Acacias, per doz. Adiantums, doz. Aralias, per doz. Arbor Vitee, doz. Arum Lilies, per doz 6 0- 8 o Aspidistras, doz. IS 0-38 o Aucubas, perdoz. 4 0- s o Azalea mollis, pot 16-30 Azaleas, each ... 16-30 Begonia, per doz. i o- 8 o Cinerarias, per doz 4 0-80 Croton s, per doz. 12 o 24 u Cyclamens, doz. 9 0-18 0 Cyperus, per doz. 3 0-40 Daffodils. per doz. 6 0-80 DracEenas.variety, dozen 12 0-48 o Ericas, per dozen 6 0-12 0 Euonymus, vars., per dozen ... 4 0-60 Ferns in variety doz 4 0-30 0 Ficus elastica, per doz 9 o 24 o Genistas, per doz. 6 0-10 0 s.d. s.d. Hyacinths, Roman (48 po s), d z. 8 0-90 — Dutch p doz. 8 0-12 0 Lilac-trees, each . 3 0-40 Lycopodiums.per dozeo 3 0-40 Marguerites, per dozen 6 0-80 Orange-trees, each 3 6-10 6 Palms, var.. each 3 0-20 0 Pelargoniums, doable scarlet, perdoz. ... 6 0-80 Poinsettias doz 8 0-15 0 Primulas, perdoz. 4 0-60 Pteris tremula, dozen 4 0-80 — Wimsettl, per dozen 4 0-80 — major, dozen 4 0-60 Solanums, dozen 4 0-60 Spiral, per doz. . 6 0-80 Tulips, red, doz. roots 10 — — yellow, dozen roots 0 9-10 — various ... 10-16 Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prioes. s.d. s.d. Artichokes.Globe, per dozen ... 3 0-36 — Jerusalem, p. sieve 10-13 Asparagus, Sprue, bundle ... 0 11 — — Paris Green... 4 6- 5 o — English, bun. Beans, dwarf, lb. — Madeira, per basket Beetroots, bushel Brussels 8prouts, per sieve 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, doz. bun... Lettuces.Cabbage, - oer dozen ... o 10- l 0 Mint, doz 4 0-60 6 0- 7 6 1 0 — 2 0 2 6-30 1 0- 1 6 2 0- 2 6 2 6- 4 0 1 6- 3 0 .0 0- .'0 0 0 8- 1 0 4 0- 5 0 1 6- 1 9 0 3 — 1 n- 1 3 1 0- 1 3 s.d. a.d. Mushrooms(house) per lb 10-1 3 Onions, per case. 76 — — per bag ... 3 6-66 — picklers.sieve 3 0-50 — English, cwt. so - Parsley, doz bun. 3 0-40 — sieve 2 0 — Parsnips, per bag 2 0-26 Potatos, per ton 70 0-140 0 — frame, lb . 0 5-06 — NewTeneriffe, per cwt. ... 12 0- 14 0 Radishes, per dozen bunches 0 8-20 Rhubarb. Yorks, per dozen ... 0 11- 1 2 Salad, small, pun- nets, per doz.... 0 8-10 Savoys tally ... 4 0-60 Seak&le, per doz. punnets 15 0-20 0 Shallots, lb. ... 0 2-03 Spinach, p. bush. 3 0-40 Tomatos, Canary Deeps . ... 3 0- 3 6 Turnips.doz.bun. 16-20 — per bag ... 2 0 — Watercress, per dozen bunches 0 4-06 Fruit : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Apples, home- grown, cookers, per bushel barrel — American, In cases Bananas, per bunch — loose, dozen Cobnuts, per lb. Cranberries, per case 12 0 — Figs, per doz. ... 12 o-ls 0 4 0-60 18 0-35 0 9 0-15 0 6 0-13 0 line o 7.; — Grapes, Alicante, per lb — Almeria, doz. — Gros Colmar, A , per lb.... B., per lb. . Lemons, per case Oranges, per case Pears, per case... Pines, each Strawberries, A., per lb — B , per lb. ... s.d. s.d. 10-30 .0-80 I 6- 3 0 .6- 2 o 0-lfl 6 i 0-35 0 C-14 0 ,1-40 0-9 0 10-50 Remarks.— Homegrown Radishes are dow upon the market Broccoli and Rhubarb are lower in price. Cape Fruits include Peaches In oat 69, 7s., 10s. ; Plums, 38., 5s.; Pears, 4s.. 10«. ; Grapes. 15s., 18a. Old Potatos remain much the same in price. Cherbourg Broccoli, perdoz are 18. ft/ to is ; Cornish Crates, 108 to 121. ; Green Onions, per doz , 8s. ; American Apples afford great variety in barrels and cases, the Oregon and Albe- marle are now the best. Madeira Beans are nearly over. Potatos. Home-grown, 100«. to 120s. per ton ; foreign, 80a. to 1108. do.; Dunbars, 1308. to 140s. do Seed-tubers in variety. John Bath, 32 & 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. With a brighter week trade has revived a little, and growers have been tempted to set d in larger supplies. Messrs. T. Rochl'ord ■& Sons have kept their standsclear o: large Palms for some lime, but last week they made a fresh start and had a fine lot of large specimens on sale. There had been a little trade for them during the week, but on Saturday there were very few moved. Ferns now sell better, and with continued fine weather further improvement may be expected. No great improvement has yet been made in flowering plants. Cyclamens are very fine, but on Saturday morning some remained unsold at closing time. Spiueas are now plentiful and are better II jwered than earlier samples ; Genistas continue good. Several growers have Cine- rarias in large quantities, and some are very Kood, those on Mr. Sweet's stands being exceptionally bright. Some very fine pots o! Lily of the Valley are now arriving. Indian Azaleas are plentiful. A lew double scarlet Pelargoniums are also coming in. but they are not of first quality, being rather tall. Haroy lloweriDir plants include Lilacs, Pyrus. Prunus triloba, Prunus sinensis fl.-pl., and Deutzia Lemoinei. Azalea mollis is plentiful and good; Genistas continue very good, but one or two growers who start early have now finished. Some of the finest lljwered Erica Wil- moreana I have seen were in on Saturday, but the trade for these does not seem very brisk. E persoluta alba sells better; Hyacinths and Daffodils continue plentiful. Cut Flowehs. There is a considerable improvement in the cut- lljwer trade, and brightly coloured llowers are more abundant. Scarlet Ptlitgonium is lower in price. Car nations are also cheaper, the supply of bright colours being considerably augmented, the American varieties with long stems now being a leading feature. A few Malmaisons are to be seen, but the? are not of high quality. I have not yet observed any good yellows. One salesman had some very fine Euglioh Violets, which were making 6a. per dozen buncoes, with six blooms only in a bunch. Ordinary blue Violets continue plentiful, also Parma Violets. Of Orchids, Odontcglossums, Dendrobiums, Ceelo- gynes, and a few Cypripediums are still to be seen. Some good Cattleyas are also arriving, but they are not yet very plentiful. Eucharis, Gardenias, White Azalea, Liliums, Callas, and Lily of the Valley, vary but little. Daffodils continue to come in from all sources in fine quality. Roses are now getting very plentiful, Caroline Testout on long stems with good foliage is very fine; also Catherine Mermet, Brides- maid, and the Bride, the strong stems giving this a great advantage over Niphetos; but tliis good white Hose will take somethug very good entirely to super- sede it for many purposes, and very fine blooms are now coming in. Anemones are now a great feature, the St. Brigid varieties are very fine. A. stellata double and single, and the scarlet fulgens. Large quantities of scarlet Coronaria are also seen; Ranunculus flowers In several colours are very good. FETJITS AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow, March 16.— The following are the averages of the prices during the past week :— Apples, Maine (U.S.), 158. to 20s. per barrel; Califorman Newtown Pippin, 9s. 6d. to 16s per box ; Canadian, 16s. to 28s. per barrel, and 8s. to 12a, per box ; Oranges, Valencia, 420's, (is. 6d. to lis. per box ; large, 13s. to 15s. ; 714's, lis to 13s. 6d. ; Lemons, is. to 68. per box, and 8s. to 12s. per case; Grapes, home, Is. tid. to 2s. tid. per lb. ; Tomatos, Teneriffe, 3s. «d. to 58. per box ; Mushrooms, Is. 3d. to is. 6d. per lb. : Cucumbers, 8s. per dozen ; Onions, Valencia, 98. to 10s. per case. Liverpool, March 16. — Wholesale Vegetable Market {North Hay).— The following are the averages of the current prices during the past week— prices varying according to supply :— Potaios, per cwt. Main Crop, 4s 9d. to 5s. 3d.; Uo-to-Oa'e, 4s. :i I. to 4s. 9d. : Bruce, a. 6d. to 5s. 6d. ; British Queen 4s. 3d to is. yd. ; Turnips, 8d. to lOd per dozen bunches ; swedes, Is. 3d. to Is. id. per cwt. ; Carrots, 3s. 6d. to 4s. do. ; Parsley 8d. to lOd. per dozen bunches ; Omons, foreign, 4s. ed. to 58. per bag; Cauliflowers. 2s. 6d. to 3a. per d.,z u ; Cabbages, lid. to 18. 2d do. ; Celery fid. to Is. do.— Fruit : Oranges, 7s. 3d. to 9s ft/ per case; do selected, 10a. to Its do. ; large, lis. to 20s., do ; Jaffa 7s 6d 10 9e. ft/, per box; Palermo bitters 5s to 8s.; Mei-siua. 68. 6d. to 9s. 6d. ; Syrian, 88 Sd. uer bi.x; Lemons, Palermo and Messlua, 4s e.d to 5a ; lane cases, 5s 3d. to sis. 6d. ; Naples, 7s. to 9a ; Apple*. American, 12a, to l«s. per barrel; CaLadtau 13a. to 22s. 6 1. ; Newtown, 78. 6d. to 9a. ft' do —Si. Johns : Potatos, Is. to Is. 2d. per peck ; Cucumbers, tid. to Is. each ; Grapes, English, 2s. to 2s. 6d. per lb. ; do. foreign, 8d. to lod. do.; Pines, foreign, 3s ed. to 6s each; Mush- rooms, Is 6d. per lb. — biikenhead: Potatos, Is. to Is. 2d. per peck; Cucumbers, sd lo Is. each ; Cobnuts, Sri. to lOd. per lb. ; Grape*, Euglish, 2s. 6d. co 4s. per lb.; do., foreign, ft/, to sd. dj ; Tomatos. English, ««'. to 8d. do. ; Mushrooms, French la. to is. 4d. do. SEEDS. London, March 15— Owing to finer weather, we have to report an increased demand lor agricultural seeds. Red Clover, White Glover, and Alsike remain un- changed in value. Lower grades of the new crop English Trefoil are beiug sold at easier rates. Peren- nial and Iri>h Itallau Rje grasses are also easier, owing to forced sales by dealers. Hurst <£ Son, 152, Hoimdsditch. i CORN. Average Phices of British Corn (per imperial qr.), for the week ending March 12 1904, aud for ihe corre- sponding period ot 1903 together with the difference in the quotations These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :— Description. 1903. 1904. Difference. Wheat a. d. 25 1 a. d. 29 1 8. d. + 40 Barley 22 1 ' 22 5 — 0 5 Oats 17 ii 16 8 — 0 4 THE WEATHER. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Thb following Summabs recohd of the weather throughout the British islands, for the week ending Mir. 12, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :— "The weather during this period underwent many changes, especially in the south. It, was, on the whole, fairer than of late, aud at about the middle of the week brilliantly fiue in nearly all districts. Tnucder was experienced on Wednesday at Chiton, Portland Bill, and in London. "The temperature was belo^v the mean generally, but owing to some Lvg a readings on Tuesday and Wednes- day, it just equalled tL.e normal in Ejglaud, 3. and E. and the Channel Islands. The highest of the maxima, registered as a rale on the 8th or '.) h. ranged from 60" in England, S. aud the Midland Couuties (London, Southampton, and Oxford), to 01° in Scotland, W. and Ireland, N., and to 4^° in Scotland, N. The lowest of the minima occurred towards the end of the week, except at some Scotch sta. ious. la Scotland, N., the thermometer fell to 2tn, and in Eug'and, E., the Mid- land Counties, and Ireland, N . to ~'3° , elsewhere the readings ranged from between 24° auu i'ti, except in the Channel Islands, where the thermometer fell no lower than 36°. "The rainfall was less than the mean generally, but equal to it in England, N.E, the Midland Counties, and England, S.E "The bright sunthine was more abundant than for many weeks pas', and exceeded the mean in almost all districts. The peiceutage of the possible duration ranged from 17 tn the Channel Islands, 42 in Ireland, IW.and 40 in England, S.W., to 21 in Eugiana, N.E., and 22 in Scotland, N. At Bournemouth aud Jerety the percentage was as high as 54, and at Aberdovey as bQ. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Six consecutive rainless da%s.— The first day of the past week proved very warm for the time of year, the temperature in the thermometer tcreeu rising in the middle of the day to 50°. Owing to the previous cold spell, whichhadlastedexactlyafortnight, it wasdifficult on that occasion to believe that the thermometer had not 192 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 19, 1904. understated the actual temperature by at least 10°. On the other hand on the coldest night the thermometer on the lawn showed 13° of frost. Both at 1 and 2 feet deep the ground is now of about seasonable warmth. No rain at all fell during the six days ending the 13th, and the percolation through both the bare soil gauge and that covered with short grass has now nearly caased. The sun shone on an average during the week for 4j hours a day. or for about | hour a day longer than is usual at this season. Light airs and calms mostly prevailed. Tne direction from which these light currents came was, however, very variable, nearly all points of the compass being represented. The atmosphere was drier than in any previous week this year. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon was six per cent, less than is seasonable. A selected clump of Chionodoxa Lucilia> came into flower in my garden on the 8 th, which is one day later than its average date for the previous sixteen years, and as much as seventeen days later than last year. E. it., Btrkhamsted, March 15, 1S04. 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 <|uite distinct, and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. Apple-shoots Diseased: Hops. Your trees are affected with a fungus called Eutypella Prunastri. See p 235 of the Gardeners' Chronicle, September 27, 1902, which contains an illus- trated article on the subject. Apples : F. E. S. The result of American blight. Cut out the affected branches and burn them so far as you can. Dress the trees with paraffin, i-oz. to a gallon of soap-suds, keeping the liquid stirred constantly. Cinerarias : Anxious. The plants are unable to withstand bright sunshine, because they are unused to it, the winter having been more sunless than usual. Afford them plenty of fresh air, and do not over water the roots nor apply strong manures. It will be best to dis- continue the manure-water altogether. Cucumbers and Tomatos : W. Some societies, including the Royal Horticultural and Royal Caledonian Societies, publish the papers read before the meetings of members ; but the majority of societies do not do so. You would do well to obtain a book upon the cultivation of vegetables and salads. Currant-bud Mite : W. S. Y our assumption is correct ; they are badly infested with the Currant-bud mite. Prune and burn all affected shoots, and scrape the soil from around the stem and burn that also. If badly infested, it would be advisable to replant in another site of the garden some healthy bushes, and grub up those having the disease, taking care to burn them. Cyclamen Flower : E. 67. C. The flower fre- quently takes on this character ; the fusion of stalks is probably induced by high cultivation. The grubs were received safely ; see next issue. Double Arum : B. K. See answer to " A. S." under " Sport in Calla." Fertilisation : Constant Reader. Any text-book on botany will furnish the information you require. A good and cheap work is Scott's Structural Botany, in two parts, published by A. & C. Black, Soho Square, London. The volume on Flowering Plants is the one jou should purchase. Garden Walks : J. W. If the work of repairing the walks has not been done, it should be given attention at once. Salting and weeding must be done as often as the condition of the walks renders this necessary. Genista monosperma : Gf. C, Montreal. Several plants have been called by this name. The one retained is a native of the West Mediterranean region. Another is synonymous with G. Retama, figured in an early volume of the Bot. Mag., t. 683. German Gardenino Papers : Correspondent. Moller's Deutsche Gartner Zeitung, published weekly at Erfurt; Der Deutsche Garten Rat, published weekly in Berlin ; Die Gartenwelt, weekly, Leipsig, Lindenstrasse, 2. Hyacinth, Tulip, and Daffodil Bulbs : S. D. $' Sons. The Hyacinth appears to have been forced quickly, and has not made many roots. The bulb is small. The Narcissus bulb is doing well in the matter of growth and root- action, but it had no embryo flower present in it, which accounts for its non-flowering. The Tulip is a very good bulb, and has no doubt failed owing to bad cultural treatment. Ivy : J. W. Ivy on walls, and Ivy generally, may be cut back in April. The plants will then appear bare of foliage only for a very short time. Lawns : J. W. You may apply a top-dressing of rich light soil at the present time, making the dressing about i inch thick. The soot can be added to this soil, and will have a good effect upon the grasses. Loam for Vines: A. S. We cannot undertake to analyse samples of loam received at this office. In appearance the sample is good, and would not be likely to prove so injurious to Vines as you suspect. Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society can have soil tested by an eminent analyst by paying a very small fee. Address Dr. J. Augustus Voelcker, 22, Tudor Street, New Bridge Street, London, EC. Melons : W. J. B. See under " The Week's Work" for last issue an article on " Melons " by Mr. W. Fyfe. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — Pimus 1, Thuya gigantea; 2, Cupressus Lawsoniana var. erecta viridis ; 3, Abies concolor ; 4, Pseudo- tsuga Douglasi (the Douglas Fir) ; 5, Picea Engelmanni (?) ; (>, Picea Khutrow. — J. G. W. Iris japonica, often called Iris chinensis, and commonly known in gardens as Iris fimbriata. — D. R. F. Agathsea coelestis. — A. I. C. Gerbera Jamesoni (Transvaal Daisy). — H. M. 1, Cu- pressus sempervirens ; 2, Ilex latifolia ; 3, Quereus Ilex var. latifolia ; 4, Photinia serru- lata ; 5, Cupressus sempervirens. — L.M.A. 1, Berberis Wallichiana; 2, B. Neuberti ; 3, B. stenophylla ; 4, Elaeagnus macrophylla ; 5, 'i Lonicera sp. ; 6, ? Ceanothus sp. ; send better specimens. — A. W. G. 1, Ophrys insectifera ; 2, Ornithogalum lacteum ; 3, Ledum palustre ; 4, Cupressus funebris, young stage. — 07. F. G. You send twice the number you should have done, but as the specimens are good and well labelled, we will oblige you. 1, Juni- perus sinensis ; 2, Cupressus nootkatensis ; 3, Thuya gigantea; 4, Retinospora plumosa of gardens; 5, Juniperus Sabina; 6, Cu- pressus Lawsoniana variety ; 7, Thuya oc- cidentalis var. Vervteneana ; 8, Cupressus nootkatensis variegata ; 9, Thuya orientalis var.; 10, Cupressus Lawsoniana; 11, Thuya orientalis var. — F. D. Heuchera sanguinea, easily grown as a border plant; propagate by parting the root, or from seed, a slower method. — Caldecote. Dendrobium speciosum; an Australian species, growing well in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in full sud. It may be put out-of-doors with advantage in the summer. — Constant Reader. 1, Dendrobium bigibbum; 2, Cypripedium villosum. — J. J. D. 1, Nephrolepis exaltata ; 2, Asplenium lucidum ; 3, Begonia Prince Wallenstein ; 4, Adiantum hispidulum ; 5, Crassula (Rochea) falcata ; 6, Begonia ricinifolia manicata; 7, Adiantum formosum ; 8, Pellaia falcata. — Subscriber. 1, Eranthemum pulchellum ; 1, Jacobinia (Seri- cographis) Ghiesbreghtiana, probably ; 3, Juniperus Sabina ; 4, Thuya orientalis ; 5, Retinospora plumosa aurea ; G, Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 7, Thuyopsis dolabrata ; 8, Abies concolor; 9, Abies Pinsapo. — R. 67. Ayrshire. 1, Rosa, White Banksian ; 2, Pelargonium Little Trot ; 3, Selaginella Wilde- novi ; 4, Todea superba; 5, Ccelogyne cristata; tj, Dendrobium nobile. — W. D. C. One of the garden forms of Begonia subpeltata. — B. S. N. Gladiolus tristis, illustrated in the Botanical Magazine, t. 272. It may be grown as a pot- plant, and dried off after flowering, or in the open garden, lifted and dried-off in early winter. — Artis. 1, Epidendrum virens ; 2, On- cidium barbatum ; 3, Oncidium flexuosum; 4, Odontoglossum constrictum ; 5, Maxillaria variabilis. — Wartus. 1, Quercus Cerris; 2, Phlox frondosa; 3 and 5, send flowers; 4, Arabis albida; 5, Arabia albida flore-pleno. — C. E. F. We are unable to trace the other Cypripedium. Odontoglossum Leaf : F. H. The leaves are affected by a fungus, and should be burned. Wash the healthy ones with liver-of-sulphur solution, at the rate of \ oz. to a gallon of water. Orchid Bulbs : G. T. Your treatment of the Orchids has been proper in every respect. The leading growths have of course the first and main support of the active roots, and if some of the old back bulbs do not look plump and green, it is of no consequence. In fact all such had better be removed. Pelargoniums Decayed : T. K. The Pelargo- niums have been injured by excessive damp. The prolonged dull weather we have passed through has been partly accountable for this. You may take off the healthy portions and root them if further stock is desired. Potatos : Young Gardener. Yes ; one of the tubers is affected by the disease figured in these columns on p. 187, fig. 81, March 21, 1903. Rainfall : A. B. The weight of an inch of rain per acre is 101 tons, or 4£ gallons per square yard. Scarlet Narcissus ; 67. T. The stalks have been placed in some aniline dye. Sphagnum-moss : W. L. Spread the moss out thinly on a board floor if available, or upon an empty stage in a cool shady house. Keep it turned over until nearly dry, afterwards syringe it over very lightly occasionally, it will then commence to grow and last a long time in a fresh condition. Sport in Calla : A. S. The sport is what is commonly called a double Arum, although of course it is only the spathe which is duplicated. They are quite common, but no one tries to perpetuate the variation ; we have received many similar cases this season. Tomato Plants Affected : W. B. You are right in assuming the cause to be eel-worms. Burn the plants which have the pest, and sterilise the soil before using by baking it. Syringing overhead with Veltha emulsion would be of no use in this case. Tomato Seedlings : A. K. The seedling are affected with the damping-off fungus, which is induced by growing your seedlings too thick and keeping them over moist. The soil appears to be a very good compost, and has had no injurious effect on your plants. Sow thinly, and when removed from the seed-pan, keep the seedlings in a position exposed to the light, and allow the air to circulate freely amongst them, being careful not to apply water in excess of the needs of the plants. Violets : A. J. M. Many thanks. A good sample of a good variety, pleasing in colour. Water-glass for Preserving . Eggs : W. D. Apply to Mr. K. B. Baghot de la Bere, Burbage Hall, Leicestershire. Communications Received.— A. D— Country Life in America.-A. H.— c. H. is., Canada. -T. G. Peaches, next, week -J G.-W. T. H.-W. J B.-Prof. Ward- J. Odeli-D. K W.-K A. T.-C. E F.-A M.-D. McD. -J. S.-C. B. P.-G. H. H.-J. C.-T. S.-J. B. P.-T-G- —J. Me., ^ew Zealand— Ji. G. C— G. 3.— W. H.-W. P. L. &3., Ltd— T. B.-W. Veebles.-W. P.— Cordmgles & LO.-J. 8. U.-G. H -L>r. E. B.-A. J. B.-S. A.-- B. M.-R. D.-J. S— K. P. B.-T. H— K. H. J.— H. I. H.-Kev. D. W.-W. M. a w ►J o w u o N t/5 t/3 (/] w o M o 00 now, including many plants of economic interest. The number of visitors has decidedly increased, with the excep- tion of the elephants and other wild creatures now excluded ! LOBELIA NICOTIAN^FOLIA. The species illustrated (see fig. 79, p. 195) was shown by Messrs. Paul & Sons, Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, at a meeting of the Royal Horticul- tural Society on March 8, and again on Tuesday last. The habit of the plant, form of leaves, and character of inflorescence are shown well in the illustration. The plants were more than 6 feet high, and the flowers are white, being produced on an inflorescence more than 2 feet in length. Messrs. Paul obtained seeds from Southern India, and have found that the plants succeed well out-of-doors during the summer, but require to be removed to a cool house in September. If afforded such treatment as this the plants flower at the beginning of March. The species was figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 5507, where*' the flowers are shown as of a pale lilac colour. March 26, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 195 Fig. 79.— lobelia nicotian.efolia, a species from southern india : height 6 feet ; flowers white or pale lilac. (see p. 194) 196 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 26, 1904. ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM "DE BAKRI." This handsome variety was shown at a meet- ing of the Royal Horticultural Society on March 8 by Mr. de Barri Crawshay, Rosefield, Sevenoaks. The flowers were of perfect shape, large size, and were heavily tinged with purple on the reverse side, the colour showing through to the surface, each segment of which bears clusters of irregular reddish-purple blotches. (See fig. SO.) PLANT NOTES. M03CHOSMA RIPARIUM. Has not the usefulness of this plant a3 a winter decorative subject been exaggerated ? I quite grant its beauty when in full flower, the five to seven heads of flower can be had by the middle of March, just twelve months from in- serting the cuttings, as may be seen by the specimens sent to Editor. To procure cuttings so early in the year it is necessary to put an old plant or two into a moist temperature of C0° early in February, giving it a light position to encourage short- jointed growths, or they quickly damp off when placed in a close propagating- box having a bottom-heat of 70°. The temperature of the house may range from 60° to 65°. From four to six cut- tings may be placed around the edge of a 4-inch pot, filled with equal parts loam and leaf-soil, with a dash of silver-sand on the surface to work down with the cutting. Then apply water through a fine-rosed can ; place them in the propagating frame, and shade from sun until the cuttings have made roots, which will take from two to Fig. 80.— ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISPUM "DE barki." pleasing fragrance of its leaves and shoots, its general healthiness and ease of culture ; but what makes it a disappointing winter-flowering plant is the fugacious character of its flowers, which are scarcely fully open before they com- mence to drop ; and the succession of flowers is not for long. Fugaciousness is a great fault in a winter-flowering plant, which has taken months to grow, and which during that period has occupied valuable space. One can understand the fine effect of a good group of this in the Brill Hall or elsewhere on a dull winter's day, but there are not many private gardens where room can be found for the growth of short-lived flowers during winter. J. C. Tallach. Hydrangea Hortensia var. Thomas Hogg. There are two seasons in which cuttings may be inserted, viz., the month of March and early August, but when the latter month is ohosen only one head of flower can be got, whereas by the former method good decorative plants with from three weeks. Keep the cuttings moistened daily, and as soon as rooted and duly hardened to the temperature of the house, pot them off into 2J or 3-inch pots, using a similar soil. Shade them from sunshine for a few days, and afterwards place them near to the roof-glass. When grow- ing freely, pinch out the point above the third pair of leaves, which will cause the stem to pro- duce six or eight shoots, and as soon as these appear shift the plants into 5 and 5|-inch pots respectively, according to strength, using loam principally with a little well-rotted manure and coarse sand for this final potting. At the end of May the plants may be stood out in cold frames, syringing them about 3.30 p.m., and closing the lights. Here they should remain until the middle of July, when they may be removed outdoors where the full sun can shine upon them. The secret of success is to get the growths thoroughly ripened before winter. Remove the plants into a cool greenhouse from which frost is merely excluded before severe frosts occur, giving them a light position, ai keeping the roots comparatively dry until tl plants are introduced to a temperature of 5 early in January. As soon as growth commence the roots will need much water, and when tb flower-heads show, applications of weak guan* water about twice each week will produce tb excellent results. Feeding may also be done whe the plants are once established in their flowering pots during summer. Perhaps someone will te ' us how the growers for market treat these plant and whether the splendid plants they market ai one year old, or more. J. Mayne, Bicton Garden Devonshire, March 18. [Our correspondent, Mr. Mayne, has sent us very well cultivated plant of this pure whit Hydrangea. It is in a 5-inch pot, is 12 inche high, and possesses six heads of flowers. 0: p. 203 Mr. Hemsley has described the cultivatio: practised by growers for market. Ed.] Jasminum nudiflorum. Now that this old favourite has gone out o flower it should receive the pruning and thinnin it requires. One of the best examples I hav seen was planted against a fence in a cottag garden. It could not in its position receive : great amount of sunshine, but the soil wa evidently suitable, and it no doubt receivei plenty of water during the growing seasor When I saw it during a mild winter it was . mass of flowering shoots, which are very usefu at such a season for cutting purposes. Although one can admire the grand example of topiary work at such places as Elvastoi Castle (the creation of the garden-making Ear and his able lieutenant, Barron, and well main tained by their successors), yet in some smal gardens the beauty of many flowering subjects i entirely spoiled by the individual whose missioi appears to be to " make things neat and tidy, and whose clipping of shrubs and trees with th shears is to be deprecated and discouraged Georye Potts, Slreatham, S.W. DENDROBIUMS AT WO0DHATCE LODGE. In our issue for March 12 our correspondent, Mr W. H. White, described the unusually fine hybric Bendrobiums now in flower at Mrs. Haywood't garden at Woodhatch Lodge, near Reigate. The illustration at fig. 81, p. 197, will convey an ides of the plants, and the extraordinary pseudo-bulbs which, although so large in size, have flowered sc well under Mr. C. J. Salter's care. A further photograph showing a single plant we must hold over until next week. NOTES FROM ISLE WORTH FOE 1903. (Concluded from p. 165.) Biseases. — "Big Bud" in Black Currants caused by the Currant-bud mite (Phytoptus ribis), seems to be spreading. I know of no cure beyond hand-picking during winter. The damage done by this mite is not generally serious. It is a parasite constantly present to some extent, especially where Black Currants have been grown for many years in one place. To completely eradicate the mite is only possible by planting sterilised cuttings in soil which has not for some years carried Currant crops. Last season seems to have favoured the mite, and in this garden it became necessary to make use of the latter cure. Bisease of CactacevE. Symptom*. — (1) Bark, hard, scabby marks; and. (2) dark marginal confluent marks, followed by withering. Possibly these are distinct diseases ; the latte*~ March 26, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CDROXTCLE. 197 198 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 26, 1904. seems to be induced by excessive desiccation of the soil, especially in the case of young plants. On two occasions diseased growths were kindly examined by Dr. Cooke, who was unable to discern any fungi thereon. Certainly none were visible under a pocket microscope on several occasions when I examined plants, yet I think disease un- doubtedly exists, and that the original lesion is probably caused by thrips gnawing through the epidermis. Red-spot on Hippeasteum-bulbs. In a dry state red-spots often appear on the outer tunic and remain in a dormant state until introduced to a moist, warm atmosphere, when rotting of the tunic occurs and may spread inwards. I have found this to occur invariably. Dr. Cooke queried some Gloeosporium as the cause, but, if so, it is probably a " new " species, as none seem to have been recorded on bulbs. TWO WELL-KNOWN ABNORMAL STATES IN SENECIO. In garden Cinerarias two diseases have long been known. In one case lower leaves and stems are affected, the plant suddenly flags, and as surely dies. In the other case the leaves suddenly curl upwards at their edges. Whatever is the cause of this latter abnormal condition, sunlight is the remedy for it. As to the former, Dr. Cooke noted the presence of a white mould, which seemed to be identical with that which has for so many years been noted as attacking various Composite, Solanacea?, and Cucurbitaceae. Scle- rotia are ultimately discernible in advanced stages of this disease, and, earlier, the black nodules of sclerotia in the stems, &c. Yet it is ■doubtful to me whether such organisms are not always present on even the healthiest plants in considerable numbers, and, if so, we must set down " the disease " as one more instance of an upset in that equipoise of forces which constitutes ife. A. Worsley, February, 1904. The Week's Work. THE OECHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Grower to Sir Trevob Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Deciduous Calanthes. — As soon as the new growths are about 1 \ inches long, turn the plants out of the pots, remove the'old soil and cut away the dead roots to about 1 inch ; the portions left will help to keep the plants firmly fixed in the new compost. For potting use good clean pots, selecting the sizes according to the requirements of each plant. Where space is limited and Jarge quantities of flowers are necessary for cutting, small 24's or 7-inch pots are suitable, and five or six moderate-sized bulbs can be conveniently placed in each. The same number of bulbs of a smaller size may be put into 6-inch pots. If house-room is of little consequence it is an advantage to grow them singly, using pots in proportion to the size of the pseudo-bulbs. Potting. — The pots should be rather more than half filled with clean broken crocks, over which place some rough sphagnum-moss or turfy loam. Successful culture depends largely on the pro- vision of good drainage, the importance of which will be readily understood by those who know the large amount of water these Calanthes require during their season of growth. The soil should -consist of one-half of good fibrous loam, one- fourth of ordinary garden leaf-mould, one-fourth of finely-chopped sphagnum-mo3s, and a good sprinkling of coarse silver sand; these ingre- dients must be well mixed together. If it is difficult to obtain good fibrous loam, extra moss and a little fibrous peat may be used with ad- vantage. Last season I potted singly several strong pseudo-bulbs in Belgian leaf-soil ; and although the plants made satisfactory growth, the flower spikes were weak, and the flowers deficient in size and colour, and I find that leaf-soil is not to be recommended for deciduous Calanthes. In filling the pots shake the soil down moderately firm to within 2 inches of the rim, and place the plants on the surface, adding enough soil to cover the base of the plant about \ an inch deep. When the plants have been potted place them in a warm position in the East Indian house ; they will also grow well in the ordinary plant stove, Cucumber, or Melon-house. Watering. — For the first month after potting no water is needed at the roots, but an occasional damping between the pots in warm sunny weather is beneficial. By slightly sprinkling the soil after this period the roots soon obtain a firm hold on the sides of the pot, and the quantity of water may then be gradually increased. When thoroughly well rooted abundance of water is necessary. At Burford the houses being in a very sheltered, low, and warm position, it is necessary to protect the plants from strong sunshine, from the time they are repotted until the plants commence to form their new pseudo-bulbs. After these are formed they are gradually exposed to the sun's rays, and when the pseudo-bulbs are made up and the foliage begins to change colour, the shading is removed and the plants allowed all the sunlight possible. Propagation. — The stock of any of the deciduous Calanthes may be increased by taking off the old back bulbs when repotting, and inserting them thickly in small pots filled with sphagnum-moss and a little sand. When they commence to root they may be divided and repotted as recommended for the older examples. All the following hybrids are worth growing, their large flower-spikes being useful for general decorative purposes, and when they are blooming together the combination of their colours is very pleasing — C. Veitchii, C. V. alba, C. Sedenii, C. Victoria Kegina, C. bur- fordiensis, C. Harrisii, C. bella, C. Cooksoni, C. Phoebe, C. Bryan, C. Wm. Murray, >»y contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The, Editor does wt hold himself re- sponsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations.— The Editor will be glad to receive and se'ect photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of _gardens, or of remarkable plants, Jlowrs, trees, &'<:. ; hut he cannot be. responsible for loss or injury. "Looal News. — Cm respondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark t lie paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS. The Arnold Arboretum. MONDAY, MAR. SATURDAY, Ape. TUESDAY, Apr. THURSDAY, Ape. SATURDAY, Ape. MONDAY, Ape, {Birmingham Gardeners' Mu- tual Improvement Society, meetiog. iSocieie Fraccaise d'Hort. de Londres meet German Gardeners' Club meet. 5— Roy. Hort. Sac. Com. meet. 7— Linnean Society meet. 9— Scottish Hort. Assoc, meet. ( Birmingham Gardeners' Mut. ,, I Imp. Soc. meet. "I United Hort Ben. and Prov. L Soc. Committee meeting. {Devon Daffodil and Spring Show at Plymouth (2 days). Brighton Hort. Soc. Spring Show (2 days). I Liverpool Hort. S03. SpriDg I Show. 13 < Roy. Bot. Soc. Exhibition. I Ipswich and East of England \ Hort. Soc. Daffodil Show. SATURDAY, Ape. 16-German Gardeners' Cub meet. ( Royal Hort. Soc. Com. meet. TUESDAY ap» .n I Nat. Auricula and Primula So- " ' AFs.m elety,a show a). DrU1 HaJJj I Westminster. /"Norwich Hort. Soc. Spring Show. THUR3DAY, Ape. 21- Linnean Society meet. Daffodil Show in Birmingham I. Botanic Gardens (probably). FRIDAY, Ape. 22 -Roy. Bot. Soc. meet. MONDAY, Ape TUESDAY, Ape, WEDNESDAY. APE TUESDAY, Ape, .,- I Birmingham Gard. Mut. Imp. ~° ( Soc. Meet. ("Midland Auricula Soc. Show 20< in Birmingham Bot. Gardens I (probably). 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY NEXT— 700 Roses, 100 Azaleas, &c, 1500 Begonias. Fruit Trees, Perennials, Border Plants, &c , at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 TUESDAY NEXT- Special Sale of Orchids in Flower, Established Orchids, e most cultivated. They not only produce long flower-stems often 15 inches in length, but these stems are sufficiently strong to hold the flowers -quite erect without the use of wires or stakes. -When this characteristic has been obtained in varieties having smooth petals (in place of the •fringed petals common in America) and brightly- coloured fragrant flowers, they will be of exactly the kind most appreciated in English markets. In the meantime, Mr. Spinks had much to say in favour of the variety Mdlle. Therese Franco, and those who have not cultivated this would do well to give it a trial. In Mr. James Douglas's •catalogue, it is described as a charming Italian variety with delicate pink-coloured flowers. The Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society recognized its merit as long ago as October 10, 1893, and gave the variety an Award -of Merit when exhibited by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea. Other varieties of excellence for market nurseries are named on p. 207. Messrs. Hewitt & Co. cultivate a large number of Roses in borders and in pots, and of Pelargoniums, including the decorative section that formerly enjoyed greater appreciation than is accorded them now. The old double Primula too is culti- vated there still from off-sets, which in most gardens have been ousted by the semi-double varieties raised from seeds each year. These and the well-known Birmingham type of Primula sinensis are interesting features in this nursery, which is one of the largest in the neighbourhood of Birmingham. CARNATIONS. — The American Florist, The Weekly Florists' Review, published at Chicago on March 3, and The Florists' Exchange of New York, have a full account, with illustrations, of the exhibition of Carnations held at Detroit. In some of the classes as many as 800 blooms were staged, and several of the exhibitors showed from 1,000 to 4,000 blooms. The quality is reported good throughout. Numerous figures of leading varieties are given ; but process blocks are not well suited to display the beauties, still less the distinguishing characteristics of the flowers. Henry de Vilmorin.— A Committee is in course of formation with the object of raising a monument to the memory of Henry de Vilmorin and of his ancestors, who for more than 150 years have continuously rendered substantial services to agriculture and horticulture. At the head of the Committee are M. Viger, formerly Minister of Agriculture and now President of the National Horticultural Society of France; M. Tisserand, President of the National Agricul- tural Society; the Marquis de Vogue, member of the French Academy and President of the Society of French Agriculturists. Henry de Vilmorin was so much respected — we may say, beloved — by those who knew him in this country, that we have no doubt that several of his friends and associates here will be eager to testify to their sense of the great work done by the Vilmorin family, and to the regard they had for one familiarly known as Henry Vilmorin. The Atlantic Mail Service.— In view of the fact that Plymouth has now become the first poit of call on the homeward journey for all the Atlantic mail steamers of the American Line proceeding to Southampton, the London and South-Western Railway Company have, at Stone- house Pool, erected a new ocean quay station, which is connected with their main line at Devonport. The journey to London without a stop, covering the distance of 230 miles, will be completed in about 4J hours. For this service the London and South-Western Company have just built a handsome corridor-train, containing restaurant-cars, and this will carry the passen- gers who, on April 9, disembark at Plymouth from the steamship St. Louis. Appley Towers.— We hear with regret that Appley Towers, near Ryde, in the Isle of Wight, has been destroyed by fire. The garden is inter- esting to us, for we discovered there some years ago the original type of Primula sinensis, the Chinese Primula, which had just been raised from seeds imported frem China. Our readers will also remember that one of the newer varieties of Grape-vine has been named after the house. Schedules Received :— Croydon Chrysan- themum Society's list of prizes to be offered on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 25 and 26, 1904, at the Public Halls, George Street, Croydon. The Richmond Horticultural Society's annual flower-show takes place on Wednesday, June 29, in the Old Deer Park, Richmond. The prize-list is comprehensive, and includes many valuable awards in the different classes, over thirty special prizes, the gifts of various patrons, being included. Last year a total amount of ,£166 4s. was awarded in prize-money, besides medals. To meet a deficit of .£70 on the year's working, Mr. George Dance generously placed the Richmond Theatre at the disposal of the Committee for holding a musical and dramatic matinee. This was entirely successful, and re- sulted in a profit of .£54 to the Society's funds. The Committee appeals for a large increase in the list of supporters and subscribers. The Hon. Secretary is Mr. C. R. King, 61 atd 62, George, Street, Richmond. Preliminary Schedule of the Great Inter- national Horticultural Exhibition to be held by the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society on September 13, 14, and 15, 1905. Shropshire Horticultural Society's Sche- dule of prizes to be offered at an exhibition on August 17 and 18. Narcissi in Cornwall.— We hear that the growers are getting very low prices for their flowers. Instead of 4s. 6 people, children in particular. Horses which are- allowed to graze where it is prevalent, suffer from- its attacks, and generally disfigure themselves by rubbing the hair off their heads and necks. It was not so troublesome where the grass was kept closely cut. The night temperature rarely fell below 75° F. in the locality where I saw most of it. The question of temperature may therefore- render it doubtful if the two insects are identical. 31. McN. FUMIGATION BY MEANS OF CYANIDE OF POTASSIUM.— I hope Mr. W. G. Bushell will give further information in the Gardeners' Chronicle on his method of using cyanide of potassium, and would like to ask him if he has- used it in vineries when the Yines were in growth, and at what stage of growth the Grapes were in ?■ Also if he has tried it in Peach-houses ? These structures are often used for forcing Strawberries, and in high-pitched, light and airy houses, red- spider gives much trouble. The pest generally appears first on the Strawberry plants. If red- spider and mealy-bug can be safely and success- fully exterminated from Vines and Peach-trees when in fruit with such cheap material, it wil! prove a great boon. Most of us know how deadly the fumes emanating from cyanide of potassium when dissolved in water are when introduced intc the entrance or passage to a wasps' nest ; it ie therefore to be hoped Mr. Bushell will give in- formation upon the proportions he has used- J. Easter, Nostell Priory Gardens. Under what conditions did Mr. W. G- Bushell use cyanide of potassium as a fumigator r ; Also what quantity is needed to fumigate an at- mosphere of 1,000 cubic feet ? May it be usee without injury upon tender plants in the earlj stages of growth ? It appears no expensive utensils are necessary to contain the cyanide C MABCH 2(5, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 203 potassium and sulphuric acid whilst the chemical action is taking place. Is the gas which is emitted of an explosive nature ? C. E. B. Welsh, Dartford. Is the gas generated likely to be injurious to plant life ? What quantities may be safely used per 1000 cubic feet ? Will the fumes destroy •everything in the way of insect life, including the ova? The fumes being so deadly poisonous, how- soon may the house be entered after fumigation ? A cheap and effective fumigator would be an in- estimable boon to myself and all gardeners. Thos. H. World. ECKLINVILLE SEEDLING APPLE.— I was much interested in Mr. Crump's note in the Gardeners' Chronicle for March 5, p. 149, on the non-fruiting of this variety of Apple. My own experience of Ecklinville is not at all satisfactory, for while in ■many places the trees fruit freely, the reverse is the case in this garden. There are only six bush trees, planted in different parts of the garden, but they are all alike unsatisfactory. They are about ten or twelve years old, and have not yet produced a full crop of fruit. I have not gathered at the most more than a stone of Apples rirom the six trees in one season ; some years only about six or eight fruits. Bad as last season was, my crop of Ecklinville then was the best it has ever been. About fifty varieties of Apples are grown, most of them being quite satisfactory; the non- fruiting of Ecklinville has been a mystery to me for some time. The soil here is a light loam overlaying sandstone. I have mentioned the fact to several friends, but none could give me a satisfactory reason. My trees always flower well, but I have not ex- amined them closely, so cannot say if they are somewhat deformed, as those noticed by Mr. Crump. The bushes are thickly studded with fruit-buds at the present time, and many other varieties, I am glad to say, are in a similar con- dition. Let us hope that 1901 will be a good fruit year. In common with other gardeners, I am often asked by farmers and cottagers living in the neighbourhood to recommend what I consider the best varieties of Apples to plant. Although Ecklin- ville is sometimes included, I qualify my recom- mendation by giving my own experience of it as grown in this garden. J. S. Vpex, Wigganthorpe, Sorts. POTAT08. — I strongly advise gardeners to plant the variety Sir John Llewelyn very sparingly until they have tested it. The soil in these gardens is heavy, with a clay subsoil. I have grown it here for three years, and, although it is a handsome Potato and a good cropper, it is quite unfit for table use, whether cooked when lifted or left until later. Syon House Prolific (though not so much boomed) is a grand variety and a splendid keeper, and of extra good quality when eooked. In the past year we had fifteen rows, each 51 yards long, and although the tops were diseased there was not a speck of disease in the tubers, and the whole of them at the present time are perfectly sound. The variety Snowdrop, on a similar - sized brake, was three-parts bad, but the tubers possess splen- did table quality when good. Flourball cropped well, and few were diseased. Centenary gave a small crop of badly-shaped tubers, the bulk of which were diseased. Ninety-fold fully justified its name as regards quantity. We planted 2J bushels of seed and got barely one bushel of sound tubers in return ; the previous year this variety was bad also. Up-to-date has produced first- class crops each year I have grown it ; out of the <30 bushels, when lifted, there was only half a bushel of bad tubers. Its flavour leaves little to be desired if not used until January. It is a good keeper, and the most reliable variety in this neighbourhood. A. Jefferies, Moor Hall Gardens, Essex, BEGONIA GLOIRE DE LORRAINE.— In the notes that have appeared respecting the increase of this plant no mention is made of propagation by ieaves. I look on this as one of the best methods, for by it one gets an absolutely new plant from the very base, and this means something to the grower of these Begonias. When I first tried this method 1 made the mistake of waiting till March before inserting the leaves, and got rather undersized plants in consequence. Now I take them in November, and have then a good choice of bold leaves to pick from, which soon root in a very sandy mixture of soil, or in Cocoanut- fibre, and if grown in a warm propagating-pit they are ready for potting off by February. I do not advise waiting for the appearance of the new growths before potting, as the root-growth is enormous, and many would be sacrificed by waiting, but we find that the callus from each leaf shows from two to four embryo shoots which grow away quickly and strongly. Stem cuttings, though not impossible to grow, present already the hard condition which one wants to avoid in the growing plant, and as a rule good basal shoots which appear a week or two after the flowering period are much better. /. C. Tallack. THE GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.— Men such as those whose names have appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle have shown an exceedingly good spirit in taking up the cause of those who are not so highly favoured as themselves. The best thanks of gardeners everywhere are due to everyone taking an interest in the formation of the Association. I have read the reports in the Gardeners' Chronicle each week with groat inte- rest. In the issue for February 27 the Chair- man of the meeting held at the Hotel Windsor wa3 in favour of admitting only gardeners with five men under them as members. If this became a rule, I for one should have to remain outside, as I have only four. But would not this be admitting men as members rather for their position than for their experience and ability ? Mr. Watson regards gardening as a dumping-ground for duffers ; and rightly so. I think that only gardeners of undoubted experi- ence and ability, regardless of position, should be admitted as members of such a society ; and that employers requiring gardeners should be able to depend that members of the Gardeners' Associa- tion are men fully qualified for the branch of gardening to which they may belong, either public, trade, or private. If this was the case, employers who valued their gardens would soon appreciate the value of such an association. It may be asked — How can this be accomplished 'i The answer is by first accepting as members a few thoroughly good gardeners, whose only qualification should be that they are good gar- deners ; and these, forming small committees wherever possible throughout the kingdom, should then recommend to the Association for membership only such persons as have a right to call themselves gardeners, and thus prevent " duffers " of whatever position from ever enter- ing the Association. H. Kv.se, Brookfield, Crown- hill, Devon. MARKET GARDENING NOTES. CULTURAL MEMORANDA. CINERARIAS. The Cineraria is one of the most useful spring, flowering plants for the decoration of the con- servatory or greenhouse. Sow seeds in pots filled with a compost consisting of three parts sifted loam and one part leaf-mould, adding some coarse silver-sand. Afterwards place the pots con- taining the seeds in a cold frame, water them through a fine-rosed can, and cover with a sheet of glass. When the seedlings appear, place them near to the light. As soon as they are large enough to handle, pot them off singly into small pots, using a similar compost, with the addition of a little decayed manure. When the roots have reached the sides of the pots, shift into 5-inch pots, and subsequently into 7 and 8-inch pots, as they require further rooting-space. After the final shift, and the pots are well filled with roots, afford them a weak stimulant at intervals of about ten days. The plants are very im- patient of bright sunshine, and a cool, shady position should be afforded them. The enclosed flowers are from plants raised from Messrs. Webb & Sons' seeds. R. Milnes, Ufargam Park Gardens, S. Wales. HYDRANGEAS. These begin to come into the market in April! and continue until the end of the London season, or well through the summer. The ordinary form of H. Hortensia is largely grown ; and Otaksa, which is a deeper shade of pink, is a favourite variety, but it does not make quite such large heads of flower. The white variety, Thomas Hogg [see also p. 196 j , should be grown with at least from four to six heads of flower to be of any service, and the one-year-old plants must be pro- pagated from the earliest cuttings obtainable, and stopped once. It is better to depend upon plants of the previous year ; and larger plants are of still greater value ; they may be two or three years old. Very large quantities of H. Hortensia are sold with single heads of bloom, but within recent years larger plants sell well. Most growers will now be commencing to pro- pagate. The cuttings are obtained from the plants that are started for early flowering ; there are always many shoots which do not flower, and these make good cuttings. They may be put in singly in small pots, using good loamy com- post, and a little sand at the base of the cuttings. They strike be3t in a close frame where there is a moderate bottom-heat, or an ordinary hot-bed may be used. It is important to remove them to where they get light and air as soon as they are rooted, for if this be neglected only a few days they start to make weak growth. The most im- portant paint is to get short sturdy growths. As soon as safe from frost they may be put into a cold frame, and remain there until it is safe to put them in the open, or if pit] room can be spared they may be potted-on into -13-size pots, and replaced in the pit for a time. A good rich loam should be used for potting, and firm potting is essential. In the early stages of growth over-watering must be strictly avoided ; later on it will be hardly possible to give them too much water ; but the variety Thomas^Hogg especially becomes very sickly if it gets too much before the pots are well filled with roots. After they have been potted and put in the open they give little trouble until it is time to take the m under cover in the autumn. If they have not naturally ripened off they should be kept rather dry after the middle of September. In a bright sunny season they will set their flower-heads early in September and cease to grow. The older plants may be cut back and potted in June, and about that time any |of the young plants that are likely to get too tall may be stopped : this applies mostly to the plants of the variety Thomas Hogg. Full exposure to the sun, with plenty of room and liberal supplies of manure while growing, will ensure good growth ; but manure must be withheld early in the autumn. During the early part of the winter, or up to the time of starting them, they may.be kept anywhere where frost will not reach them, but they need a dry atmosphere and plenty of fresh air. I have seen plants shut up closely in a cold pit lose their buds owing to damping. For early forcing plenty of light is more essen- tial than a high temperature. All surplus or blind shoots are taken off as early as possible, and as Eoon as the flower-heads show manure is given, starting with rather weak or small doses and gradually increasing them in strength. Care must be taken not to apply too much manure or the leaves will burn, especially when the sun becomes more powerful. A fair average price for good plants in -iS-size pots is 9c to 12s. per doz , or the early ones may fetch as much as 18s. ; the larger plants may vary according to quality from 2s. to 5s. each, or extra fine plants may make even more than this. I may add that some growers propagate the plants in the autumn. The strong shoots that have 204 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 26; 1904. already set their buds will root freely in a parti- ally-spent hot-bed ; but they must not be kept warm enough to induce them to start into growth. They will be ready for 4S-size pots very soon after they have started to make roots, and may be stood out in the open for a time after they have been potted. These late-struck tops may be used for early forcing, and will make dwarf plants with large heads of bloom. A. Hemsley. ©bituarp, DAVID DRUMMOND.— The death of Mr. David Drurnmond, J. P., which we announced last week, has awakened feelings of deep regret amongst a wide circle. At the ripe age of 91 years he passed to his rest at Dunfillan, Eathgar, where he had resided for many years. As head of the well-known firm of William Drummond & Sons, seed merchants and nurserymen, Mr. Drummond held a prominent place and was highly esteemed for his unswerving sense of honour, unquestioned probity, and un- compromising dislike of anything having a ten- dency to turn him aside from the high ideal which influenced all his actions in commercial and social life. It is more than 60 years since Mr. Drummond left Scotland, his native country, and settled in Dublin, where his business prospered with the passing years until he found himself prominent among the most successful city merchants. On Friday, March 18, the remains were removed from his late residence, Dunfillan, Eathgar, and laid to rest in the family burj ing- place, Mount Jerome Cemetery. The attendance at the funeral was large and representative, and gave abundant evidence of the esteem in which the late Mr. Drummond was held by every class in the community. HERMANN Herbst. — It is with great regret that we have to chronicle the decease of Hermann Herbst, V.M.H., at his residence at Stanmore, Eichmond, on Friday, ISth instant, at the age of seventy-four years, after a brief attack of pneumonia supervening upon influ- enza. Although for a number of years Mr. Herbst had been debarred from attending the meetings of the Ecyal Horticultural Society, owing to two paralytic strokes, the last of which entirely disabled him, his memory will be long cherished by all who knew him personally, both on account of his amiable, cultured, and kindly disposition, and of the recollection that in some of the chief developments of market horticulture he was the pioneer, especially in the direction of forced Lily of the Valley culture, and the in- troduction of certain Palms, Adiantums, and similar exotics on a wide commercial scale. Cocos Weddeliana, Iresine Herbstii, Dipteracanthus Herbstii, and many other plants were introduced by him either to this country or to the public ; and the popularity of Epiphyllum truncatum was first stimulated by his recognition of its peculiar decorative value. During his long career he had travelled much, having spent many years in Brazil, where he was Director of the Botanic Gardens in Eio de Janeiro, and went thence to Mauritius and the Cape, by command of the Emperor of Brazil, to collect the best varieties of Coffee and Sugar- cane, prior to settling in this country upon the very ground where he died. From the mass of certificates of character placed at the disposal of the writer, it is abundantly evident that his career from beginning to end was an exemplary one for the young and ambitious gardener to follow. Thoroughness in both study and labour, coupled with intelligent appreciation, not merely f the plants themselves but of their suitability for the public taste, characterised it throughout, conjoined with a keen business instinct. On reaching England from Brazil, he looked about for an eligible nursery site, and having fixed upon the selected one*'at Eichmond, he visited Covent Garden, to see, not what was already in vogue, but "what they had not got," and as a result commenced to remedy the shortcomings noted by the cultivation on a large scale of the several classes of plants above cited. These being afterwards well grown and well exhibited, at once created a demand, which, to judge by a marked catalogue of an auction sale by Messrs. Protheroe & Morris, in 1877, of some 25,000 rare and new Palms, &c, must have well repaid him for his acumen and outlay. It was in recognition of these tangible public services and the horticultural talent which underlay them that the Eoyal_Hortieultural Society selected Mr. Herbst as one of the first recipients of their Victoria Medal of Honour ; and he was undoubtedly one of the most worthy of that distinction. Prior to his disablement by paralysis he constantly attended the Floral Committee, where, on account of his extensive knowledge, he was recognised as a high authority. His death will be mourned by a large circle of appreciative friends. By his own desire his body The Late HERMANN HERBST. was cremated at Woking Cemetery, where on Tuesday the 22nd instant, this function was attended by many of those who knew him. C.T.D. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. March 22.— A very interesting exhibition was held in the Drill Hall, Buckingbam Gate, Westminster, on Tuesday last, on the occasion of the usual fortnigbtly meeting of the Committees. Orchids were numerous, and of these the Dendrobiums were a prominent feature. Groups of Clematis in pots, Camellias in pots, profusely flowered groups of forced trees and shrubs, Hydrangea Hortensia in pots, Cyclamens, cut Roses, and hardy and alpine plants together afforded a varied and plcising effect. The Oechid Committee recommended awards, in- cluding two First-class Certificates, and five Awards of Merit. The Floral Committee recommended an Award of Merit to a white variety of Hepatica angulosa. The Fbuit and Vegetable Committee had several exhibits before them, including a collection of Potato tubers from Messrs. Dobbie & Co. The Narcissus Committee sat for the second time this season, but flowers come slowly, and most of those stown were not of the best Eize and quality. At the general meeting in the afternoon, a cumber of new Fellows was elected, and it was decided to send an address to His Majesty the King, thanking His Majesty for his consent to become a patron of the SDciety in connection with the Centenary, and ex- pressing the Society's sympathy with His Majesty in the loss the Royal House has sustained in the death of H.R.H. The Duke of Cambridge. The Rev. Geo. Henslow gave a lee '.ure upon "The Heredity of Acquired Characters." Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman); and Messrs. H. B. May, C. T. Druery, R. Dean, Jno. Green, Jno. Jennings, W. Howe, Chas. Dixon, C. J. Salter, Chas Jeffries, Geo. Gordon, H. J. Cutbush, R. W. Wallace, W. Cuthbertson, C. E. Shea, W. P. Thompson, E. H. Jenkins, Geo. Paul, Chas. Blick, E. T. Cook, and H. J. Jones. Camellias from Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Herts, made a grand display, both in pots and as cut flowers. The varieties included were numerous, and ranged from the old alba plena to seedling varieties raised by Messrs. W. Paul & Sons. Some of the plants were 8 feet high, and the foliage on all of them glistened with healthy green colour. Messrs, Paul are almost the only firm that has continued to cultivate Camellias upon this scale during a period in which the flower has lost much of its popularity (3ilver-gilt Flora Medal). Mr. John May, Gordon Nurseries, St. Margarets, Twickenham, made another display of Cyclamen. This grower has staged several good exhibits this season of7 these popular flowers, and has indicated by his plants the possibilities attainable in this well-known florist's flower. A large table near the entrance was filled with well-grown specimens, with flowers having pleasing colours, good form and substance (Silver Flora Medals Au interesting batch of well-grown Primula Forbesi was shown by Mr. W. C. Modral, The Gardens, Big- gleswade, some of the colours being very distinct, and the whole very freely flowering (Bronze Banksian Medal). Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, made a feiture of Clemat's in his group; but other pretty members were arranged beneath the Clematis, and included Gardenias, Boronias, Spirseas, and Ferns. Among the Clematis, Nellie Moser (fine large flower with faint pink striping on a paler petal), Miss Crawshay (delicate blush pink), Lord Wolseley, Fair Rosamond, and Albert Victor were noticed. Mr. Chas. Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, brought a new dwarf Polyanthus Rose Madame N. Le- vavasseur, flowers somewhat similar to those of Crimson Rambler, of a rather lighter shade— a useful variety for cultivation in pots. Also baskets of Violets, single and double varieties of various shades of colour —Mrs. J. J. Astor (fine double mauve), Princess of Wales (fine colour, large size), La France, and Marie Louise among others. A yellow Viola, Constancy, was also displayed by this firm (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, staged a number of Cineraria plants of the stellata type. The group was arranged in a pretty manner, so as to slope towards the floor from a higher centre. The flowers, although not large, were very numerous, the colours being good, and some blues especially fine. Messrs. Thos. Chipps & Son, The Tunbridge Wells Nurseries, Kent, set up a group of fancy Japanese Maples, for which this firm has a reputation. It was a very nice collection of these ornamental plants, the individuals being well coloured, and many with deli- cately-dissected leaves. They are hardy for the most part, and should be appreciated for the conserva- tory and borders. Some nice types of the palmatum section were noticeable, A. p. roseo-marginatum, A. p. versicolor, A. p. dissectum purpureum, A, p. lineari- lobum purpureum Crippsii, and the rarer A. p. involutum. The bolder japonicum type was also represented by many fine forms (Silver Flora Medal). The Misses Hopkins, Mere, Knutsford, again dis- played Alpine plants, largely comprised of double and coloured Primroses, which included a good blue variety; Primula Cashmeriana and Sclllabifolia rubra were also nicely flowering. From Mrs. Brassey, Heythrop, Chipping Norton, Oxon (gr., Mr. W. B. Jeffreys) came a few plants .of Violet Countess of Caledon, with large pale-coloured double flowers. From the Royal Horticultural Society's new garden, at Wlsley, came many interesting flowers, including March 26, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 205 Pierls japonica, Violets, among which were excellent specimens of the double white Comte de Brazza, &c. Koses from Mr. Geoege Mount, of Canterbury, were delightful. Shown on long stems, such varieties as Mrs. W. J. Grant, Captain Hayward, Ulrich Brunner, La France, Mrs. John Laing, and Mrs. Sharman Craw- fori Here brightly coloured, very fragrant, and attrac- tive (Silver Flora Medal). Mrs. Denison, Bcrkhamsted (gr., Mr. A. G. Gentle), exhibited fl owering sprays of Acacia cult riformis. The sprays were arranged in silvered rustic stands, as if for dinner-table decoralion, and they had a very pretty effect. Mr. RoiiEET Sydenham, Tenby Street, Birmingham, exhibited Narcissus (the Tenby Daffodil), and a Tulip growing in most-fibre, a material recommended for growing bulbs in dwelling-rooms. They are grown in vases in this material, and it is found they succeed well, requiring even no outlet for the water, if care be taken not to apply more at one time than is needed. Messrs. W. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Ches- hunt, had Rosa rugosarepens alba. Lobelia nicolianie- folia (shown at the last meeting, see fig. ~,v, p. 196), and the single variety of Prunus triloba. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nurseries, King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited some nice plants of Hydrangea Hortensii in pots, the flowers being of a bright blue colour— much more blue than is usually seen. The leaves were of dark colour and metallic appearance. The plants were several years old, and carried fine heads of flower. This firm also showed Corylopsis pauciflora, dwarf little plants with nume- rous pale yellow flowers, in t> and 7 inch pots; Rhodo- dendron Veitchii, and the variety Ne Plus Ultra, made even a more gorgeous display than on the last occasion (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Wm. Cdtbusb & Son, Highgate, London, N., and Barnet, Herts, made an exhibit of Alpine plants, set up very naturally with artificial stone facing, and flowering shrubs at the back, Shortia galacifolia was represented by a fine batch of plants in (lower ; Primula denticulata, Primula Sieboldii, and other species were very showy; Iris Haynei, a deep violet- purple flower something like atrc-purpurea, but larger and bolder; a nice plant of Arnebia echoides was in flower, also a number of early varieties of Narcissus, Fritillarias, and Irises. Among the shrubs were Spiral arguta, Audromedi japonica, Wistaria sinensis, &c. The same firm also showed cut flowers of new varieties of Tree-Carnations (Silver- gilt Banksian Medal). Messrs. Jno. Peed & Son, West Norwood, London. S.E., exhibited Alpine plants, in which varieties of Primula were conspicuous. A number of plants of Primula obconica exhibited considerable variation in colour. Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens, Col- chester, had a very pretty exhibit. A large potful of Iris sindjarensis looked very nice, also a large batch of Shortia galacifolia, Anemone Pulsatilla, Scilla sibirica alba, Primula megaseajfolia, P. rosea, ic. A number of species of Crocus was shown, and varieties of Narcissus, &c. Messrs. Bark & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, exhibited alpines, including a pan of Hepatica angu- losaalba. This plant has a pleasiDg white flower of large size and purity, the individual blooms measuring Hto H inches across. Iris stylosa, I. reticulata, Fri- tillaria meleagris alba, Primula rosea, Shortia galaci- folia, and Saxifragas in variety, among other plants, were included. We also noticed a good pan of Ery- thronium dens canis purpurea majus (!). Mr. Richard Ankeh, Addison Nursery, Napier Road, Kensington, agent for Franz de liiet, Belgium, staged some small pots of Trif olium repens var. atro purpurea, a four or five-leaved Shamrock with deeply-spotted leaflets. A nice group of hardy p ants was set up by Mess rs. T. S.Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middlesex, the plants being displayed in pots and pans. Some pans along the front of the table contained Saxifragas, Anemones, a variegated-leaved Arabia, Primula acaulis purpurea fl.-pl., and other plants of this class. Among the Irises were Iris Susiana, I. atrofusca, I. Haynei, I. iberica. Primula Wulfeniana. and P.viscosanivalis.wcrenoticed, together with some good forms of P. Sieboldi; Tropaalum pentaphyllum was interesting. The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery, Millmead, Guildford, brought some of their alpine and hardy Plants. Some fine pans of Saxifragas, including S. oppositifolia splendens alba, and S. apiculata; also Anemone blanda some Veronicas, Irises, dark scarlet Primrose Mils Massey, P. denticulata, and Pulmonaria rosea. Arranged on either side of the entrance were two handsome groups of forced flowering shrubs and plants, which at once impressed the visitor, that to the left being brought by Messrs. R. & G. Cuthbert, Southgate, Middlesex, the other by Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Upper Holloway, London, N. The group arranged by Messrs. Cuthbert was artis- tically displayed, and was a profusion of flowers, with sufficient green to lend suitable relief. Some good standard Ribes, Lilacs, Wistarias, Laburnums, Staphy- leas, and Azaleas, with dwarfer forms of the same plants, and a frontage of Azileas were the principal features of this pretty group. A pretty rose coloured leguminous plant, Cytisus purpureus incarnatus, was also displayed by the same firm (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). The group set up by Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son was also bright with colour, and included some good standard plants of Azileas, Prunus sp, Lilacs, Staphy- leas, Viburnums, and dwarfer members of the same, the whole interspersed with suitable foliage plants. The same firm also staged Tulips and Narcissus in pots (Silver Banksian Medal). Adjoining this collection was another cf a similar nature, consisting of forced shrubs displayed by Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N. Some pleas- ing plants of Wistarli sinensis, a striking Magnolia, M Lenne, with claret coloured petals. Cytisus An- dreanus, and a double lilac, Madame Lemoine. were noticed. Ribes, Viburnums, Laburnums, and plants for effective staging completed a pretty group. Mr. J. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey, ex- hibited a group of forced Shrubs, Including Wistaria sinensis, varieties of Clematis, Forsythia suspsnsa, &c. (Silver Banksian Medal). Award of Merit. Hrpaticft angalosa alba.— This is a pure white flowering variety of the type, and the tlowers upon the plant shown were very large, being 1J inch across. From Messrs. Barr & Sons. Orohid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq , in the Chair; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), Norman C. Cookson, J. W. Potter, F. Sander, H. A. Tracy, H. G. Morris, W. H. Young, J. W. Odell, W. Boxall, M. Gleeson, F. W. Ashton, A A. McBean, J. Charlesworth, H. T. Pitt, W. A. Bilney, F. A. Rshder, J. Colman, W. Cobb, H. Ballantine, de B. Crawshay, and H. Little. There was a very fine show of Orchids, the group of rare Odontoglossums for which Norman C. Cookson, Esq.lgr., Mr H. A. Chapman), was awarded the Gold Medal; and the group of Dendrobiums, with which W. A. Bilney, Esq., of Wevbridge, secured a similar award, being equal to the best of the kind ever staged. In Mr. Cookson'.h group the handsome blotched Odontoglossums and hybrids were the feature O. x ardentisslmum Cooksona>, which secured a First- class Certificate ; and O. crispum Sibyl beiDg superb novelties (see Awards). Also very beautiful were O. x loochristyense Cookson a?, a perfectly formed bright yellow evenly spotted flower; the magnificent O. cris- pum Lucianl, a noble flower richly marked with claret- purple, and of which the plant shown was a fine example of culture, it carrying one strong sptke of large, fully expanded flowers, and another in the course of formation. Other very handsome varieties were the purple- blotched O. crispum tessellatum. O. c. Marine, which had previously secured an award ; and other spotted forms; a very darkly-coloured O. x Vuylstekei.O. x Rolfe:e, some hybrids of O. sceptrum x crispum and O. sceptrum x Pescatorei, varieties of O. x Wilckeanum.iic. Iu the group arranged by Mr. Whitlock, gr. to W. A. Bilney, Esq., composed of Dendrobiums, the. varieties of Dendrobium nobile were very fine, the pure white and the other rare varieties being well represented, several grand specimens of D. n. nobilius were striking objects. Most of the best Dendrobiums of the season were also in the group, the quality of the D. Wardianum and others being excellent. Two novelties were D. x Nancy (aureum x Curtisii), and D. x Gwendoline, of the Ainsworthii class; and specially noteworthy were D. x Sibyl, D. x Ainsworthii "Haz'e- bourne var.," D. Brymerianum, D. x Cybele nobilius, D. Findlayanum, D. x Luna, and other fine forms seldom seen in such good condition. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, secured a Silver- gilt Flora Medal for a very select grcup, for the best of which see awards. Tte group contained many line Odontoglossums and L.-e'io - Cattleyas, among those noted being O. x Wilckcmum Emperor, a very richly marked and fine flower ; good forms of O. x Adrianae, O. x elegans Coming's variety, O. xcrispo-Harryanum, L;clio-Cattleya x lumiro3a triumphans, a grandly coloured flower; Miltonia x Bleuana nobilior, and other fine forms of it ; Cattleya x calummata, &c. In Ihc botanical section were the floriferous Epidendrum panioulatum and Bulbophyllum miniatum, a very re- markable species from the Congo, with the general appearance of B. tarbigerum, but with broader labellum of white leather like processes. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford (gr., Mr. W. H. White), had an interesting selection of Masde- vallias, ineluding the purple M. x Bocking hybrid ; three varying forms of M. x igneo-Estradie ; M. leon- toglos;a, and the large and finely coloured M. ignea Burford variety. Also included were the yellow Den- drobium x Myra (Linawianum x signatum), and the very large and showy D. x Clio giganteum. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group principally of hybrids, and including forms of Epidendrum x elegantulum, Lallo-Cattleya x Highburyensis, L.-C. Warnhamensis, Liclia x Digbyano purpurata, L. :•; Mrf. Gratrix, &C. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, received a Silver Banksian Medal for a bright group, in which their fine type of Dendrobium Wardianum was well displayed, also D x Sibyl, D. Brymerianum. D. nobile varieties, Miltonia Roezlli, Cymbldium ebur- neum and its hybrid C. x eburneo-Lowianum, the finely coloured Cattleya Triauee Mafeking, which has feathered petals; good C. Schrodersc. &c. Messrs. Chaklesworth ,t Co., Heaton, Bradford, were awarded a Silver Binksian Medal for a number of their fine hybrids. In their group the handsome Odontoglossum crispum Victoria Regina was con- spicuous for its bright spotting; the yellow O. lute:- purpureum Vuylstekei, a bright hybrid between O. triumphans and O Harryanum, and other good Odon- toglossums also appeared. Of other hjbrids, Cattleya x Enid, a very handsome C. x Wellsiana, Itelia x Bryzi varieties, and others were remarked. H. I. Bischoffsheim. The Warren House, Stanmore (jr., Mr. C. J. Ellis), showed several Odontoglossums. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Streatham (gr., Mr. Black), sent the beautiful Dendrobium x Thwaitesue which had previously been given an Award. Mr. Chas. Vuylsteke, Loochristy, Ghent, showed several interesting and pretty hybrid Odontoglossums. C J. Lucas, Esq., Warnham Court (gr., Mr. Duncan), sent several well-grown hybrid Dendrobiums of the D. x Wiganire class. The Hon. Walter Rothschild, MP, sent the in- florescence of a neit rose coloured hybrid between L i Iu rupestris and Cattleya Triana- H. Dhuce, Esq., St. John's Wood (gr., Mr. Walker), showed Cattleya Luddemanniana, Lycas'e Skinneri rubella, and Miltonii flavescens. R. Briggs-Bury, Esq , Accringtoo, had the finely- spotted Odontoglossum crispum Empress of India, and Odontoglossum x Empress Frederick. Mr. H. Whateley, Kenilworth, showed Odonto- glossum x loochristyense Eric Whateley and 0. triumphans. Sir F. Wig an, Bart, (gr., Mr. W. H. Young), showed Odontoglossum crispum marmoratum, a showy white variety in which the middles of the segments are marbled purple. De B. Crawshay, Esq. (gr. , Mr. Stables), showed the fine Odontoglossum triumphans Theodora. Awards. First-class Certificate. Odontoglossum x drdentis&imum Cooksonse, from Nor- man C. Cookson, Esq., Oikwood, Wylam (gr , Mr. H. J. Chapman).— A triumph of the hybridists', art, and one of the brightest and most richly marked of hybrid Odontoglossums. Flowers of fine form, white heavily tinted with purple, the greater part of the surface of each segment being heavily marked with bright clear purple, the shades varying most beautifully indifferent degrees of ligh». Tne lighter margin of the flower well shows up the colour. Lxlio-Cattley i x huninota var. The Mikado (L. tene- brosa X C. aurea). from Messrs. Sander & Sons.— One of the largest and richest in colour of its section. The broad sepals and petals have a ground colour of reddish-orange, beautifully shaded and marbled with purple, the very large labellum being of a glowirg claret-purple colour 206 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 26, 1904. Awards ok Merit. L&lio-Oattleya x Mme. M. Fournier var. W. H. Young, from Messrs Sander &. Sons —A fine hybrid resembling L-C. xDigbyano Mossiie In its richly-fringed labellum, bat the segments are all more or less tinged with bluish-rose, the disc of the lip pale yellow with a few purple markings. Odonlogloisum crispum Sibyl, from Norman C. Cook- son, Esq (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman). Another of the' finely- blotched varieties of O. crispum, for which the Oakwood collection is noted. Flowers broadly proportioned, white, heavily tinged with purple at the back, each segment being decorated with clusters of purplish-red blotches. Odontoglostum Pescatorei Kathleen, from Messrs. A. A. McBean, Cooksbriijge. A very large flower of fine sab- stance, with one or two distinct dark purple blotches on each segment, and a tinge of purple on the reverse side. Odontoglossum crispum Prebendary Bevan. from H. T. Pitt, Esq (gr , Mr. Thurgood), a very showy white flower heavily blotched with claret-purple. Odontoglossum x Waltoniense Roiefieldiense (crispum x polyxanthum), from De B. Crawshay, Esq. (gr., Mr. Stables), This is the plant shown at the last meeting, and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle as bearing better evidence of O. polyxanthum than any shown before. Flowers large einary-yellow with white bases to the pe.als, which have each a cluster of brown markings as in O. polyxanthum. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present : Geo Bunyard, Esq.. Chairman ; and Messrs. 8. Mortimer. A. Dean. H. J. Wright, Ed. Beckett, Geo. Keif, P. C M. Veitch, H. Parr, Geo. Reynolds, J. Jaques. F. Q. Lane, Geo. Wylhes, A. H. Pearson, and Owen Thomas. Messrs. DobbieA Co , Rothesay, N.B , staged twenty- three baskets of Potatos, comprising some of the older as well as of the newer sorts. The Ninety-fold was dis- played side by side with such newer varieties as King Edward and Northern Star. Good types of tubers were seen in such varieties as The Factor, Beauty of Hebron, Sir John Llewelyn, and others. Purple and Reds were represented, Edgecotte Purple being almost black in colour. Mr. Bresse was another coloured variety, the tubers of which were large and of a very pronounced kidney shape (Silver Knightian Medal). Narcissus Committee. Present: H. B. May, Chairman; and Messrs. C. H. Curtis, W. M. Copeland, P. Rudolph Barr, R. Syden- ham, Jno. Pope, E. A. Bowles, Rev. Geo. H. Engleheart, A. Kiugsimll, Jas. Walker, and N. Poupart. Lady Tate (gr., Mr. W. Howe), Park Hill, Sireatham Common, brought a collection of Tulips and Daffodils in pots, interspersed with pots of Lily of the Valley, Solomon's Seal, ani edged with Isolepis gracilis. Some very creditable blooms of these flowers were dis- played, including N. Glory of Leiden, N. Victoria, Tulip Duchesse de Parma, and T. Unique (Silver Flora Medal) Messrs. Bare & Sons contributed Narcissus flowers stage! in vases. Among such an extensive collection it is dillijult to discriminate, but Golden Spur and Gloria mundi were especially good. Some good vases of the Poeticus type and the double varieties repre- sented by Codlins and Cream were noticeable. In- cluded in the group were some good bowls of Anemone fulgens, Freezias, and Christmas Roses (Silver Banksian Medal). The Lecture. A lecture was given in the afternoon by the Rev. Professor Henslow on the " Heredity of Acquired Characters." Mr. G. Bunyard occupied the Chair, and, before calliDg on the speaker, he asked the Assistant Secretary to read the correspondence between the Council and His Majesty's Secretary, whereby the King had signified his consent to be Patron of the Society. The lecturer adverted to the hypotheses of Darwin and Weissman, and gave several illustrations of the effect of external conditions or environment on plants, in virtue of which plants of very different family affinity, nevertheless put on the same general appear- ance. The plants of dry localities (xerophytes) have the same general appearance whether at the Cape, in Australia, Mexico, or Egypt. The lecturer concluded by assuming that the characters induced by circum- stances can be Impressed upon the embryo itself, and reproduced as an hereditary characteristic. H M. the King and the Royal Horti- cultural Society. At the General Meeting of the Fellows, held during the afternoon of the 22nd inst., the following letter from his Majesty the King was read :— Buskingham Palace, March 10, 1901. Gentlemek, — I am commanded by the King to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th inst., sent to His Majesty through the Home Secretary, and to inform you that His Majesty is pleased to accede to the request of the President and Council of the Royal Horticultural Society to become Patron of the Society. I have the honour to be, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, D. M. PROBYN, General. Keeper of His Majesty's Privy Purse. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O. J.Gurney Fowler, Esq. Rev. W. Wilks, M.A. This letter was unanimously ordered to be entered on the Minutes, and the following reply was ordered to be sent to His Majesty :— Royal Horticultural Society, March 22, 1904. To the King's Most Excellent Majesty. May it please Your Majesty, We, the President, Council, and Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society, being this day in General Meeting assembled, would most humbly and dutifully convey to Your Majesty our most grateful thanks for bestowing on us the favour and support of your most gracious patronage, conjointly with that o Her Majesty the Queen, in commemoration of the com- pletion of the first century of our Society's efforts for the benefit and improvement of British horticulture. At the same time we would also venture to approach Your Majesty with the expression of our deep sense of grief at the heavy loss whicli Your Majesty's Royal House has sustained by the death of his Royal High- ness the Duke of Cambridge, KG., beside whose grave the whole nation mourns at heart to-day. No class of Your Majesty's subjects is more de- votedly attached to your Throne and person than the horticulturists of this country, who will ever pray that Your Majesty may long be spared to reign over this happy realm. Signed on behalf of the Fellows, TREVOR LAWRENCE, President. J. GURNEY FOWLER, Treasurer. W. WILKS, Secretary. THE NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY'S NEW EXHIBITION. The National Chrysanthemum Society is, as we have previously announced, makiDg a new departure and adding one more to the number of exhibitions in its programme for the present yeir by arranging for a show of Chrysanthemums grown for market, an aspect of Chrysanthemum culture which has developed into a huge industry. The market growers and salesmen have been approached in the matter, and several repre- sentative men in the market trade having given their adhesion to the scheme, a special committee has been appointed, of which Mr. Robert Ballantine is the Chair- man, to arrange the details of and carry out such an exhibition. On consultation with the market growers and salesmen, the date for this exhibition has been fixed for Wednesday, December 14, next, and as it appeared desirable the display should take place as near Covent Garden as possible, the large Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, has been engaged for the purpose. A preliminary schedule of prizes has been prepared and issued among those immediately interested in the matter; an explanatory circular accompanies the schedule, in which it is set forth that should the response to the appeal for assist- ance be adequate, additions will be made to the schedule of prizes. The prizes offered are the Medals of the National Chrysanthemum Society. Though held with the sanction and under the auspices of the National Chrysanthemum Society, the expenses of the market show will be defrayed by volun- tary contributions, a sufficient sum being already sub- scribed to justify the Committee in issuing the pre- liminary schedule of seven classes, of which three are set apart for market growers, viz., 1, a collection of market Chrysanthemums in bunches, disbudded, to fill a table space of 12 feet by 3 feet, the bunches to be shown in vases ; 2, twelve vases of market Chrys- anthemums in not fewer than six varieties, twelve blooms in a vase, disbudded; and 3, twelve vases of market Chrysanthemums in not fewer than six varie- ties, not disbudded. The blooms exhibited in the three foregoing classes must have been grown by the exhi- bitors. Class 4 is similarly worded to Class 1, and is open to nurserymen and Chrysanthemum specialists. Class 5 is worded in the same manner, andis formarket salesmen The remaining two classes are open to all : 6 Is for the best novelty in market Chrysanthemums not introduced prior to 1904, and it can be shown as a plant or in a cut state, but if in the latter form it is desired that as much evidence as possible be forthcoming of the habit of growth ; 7 is for the two best packed boxes of cut market Chrysanthemums, one a box of blooms the other a box of bunches. In the four last classes it is not required that the blooms be grown by the exhi- bitors. The market contributions will be on view during the afternoon and evening, to as to be judged both by daylight and under artificial light. The latter will afford an opportunity for determining the colours most effective under the electric light. GAKDENEHS' DEBATING SOCIETIES. BIRMINGHAM GARDENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVE- MENT.—On March 14, a lecture was given in the Athletic Institute, Birmingham, by Mr. R. Hooper Pearson, upon the subject of " Gardeners and Garden- ing," in which he urged gardeners to study the subjects of fungous diseases and insect pests, by the help of such books as A Text-Book of Plant Diseases (Geo. Massee). and A Manual of Injurious Insects (E. A. Ormerod), and to make simple experiments as means may permit in order to find out for themselves the "why and wherefore" of garden matters, the full significance of which was in danger of being over- looked when the details of cultivation are carried out by a system of routine. He suggested there was much effort wasted by the habit of creating new societies to do work that could be performed well by societies already existing. A better system would be to have all societies in any large town amalgamated, and if these representative bodies were in turn affiliated with the Royal Horticultural Society, there would be a proper and systematic connection between every centre of horticultural activity in the kingdom and the premier Society. All would benefit by this at- tachment, and a stronger feeling of sympathy would be gradually encouraged between gardeners in distant localities. Professor Hillhouse. of the Birmingham University, who presided over a large meeting, contri- buted a speech full of excellent advice upon experi- mental gardening. CROYDON AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. — The lecture arranged for March IS was one on "Fungi," but owing to an attack of influenza the lecturer, Mr. G. Massee, was unable to attend. Dr. Brook Ridley, Croydon, entertained the members with a talk on " Insectivorous Plants." Mr. J. H. Baldock again placed his services with the lantern at the disposal of the Society, showing some splendid views of these plants. The lecturer remarked on the researches made by Darwin in this class of plant. The number of species known is about 500. When we search into the habits of these plants, whereby they catch their food, afterwards digesting it with the aid of acids similar to those pertaining to the human frame, it is indeed a wonderful study, and clearly shows how Nature endows her subjects with the necessary functions to live and thrive. Most of this class of plant are natives of the tropics, but some are to be found growing wild in this country. Some of the species illustrated were the Bladderwort, which is rootless and lives suspended in water; Nepenthes or Pitcher-plant, Sarracenias and Darlingtonias, Drosera or Sundews, and Dioncea or Venus's Flytrap. An exhibition of spring flowers and plants will be held at the Art Galleries, Park Lane, Croydon, on Wednesday, April 20, from 3 to 10 p.m. Sale of Orchids at Harefield Hall, WILM8LOW. — The first day's sale of duplicates in the collection of Elijah Ashworth, Esq., was suc- cessfully carried out by Mr. Harold G. Morris, of the firm of Messrs. Protheroe & Morris, on Wed- nesday, March 23, and the occasion was remarkable on account of the lot 103 — Odontoglossum crispum Ashworthianum — realising 340 guineas, Messrs. McBean, of Cooksbridge, being the purchasers. The plant consisted of one healthy bulb and one new growth just visible, and the auctioneer stated that the price was the highest which a single plant had ever fetched under the hammer. The fine pure white Cattleya amethys- toglossa Sanders was purchased by Mr. Duck- worth for 200 guineas, and beyond that but few high prices were realised. Promising seedlings of Cypripediums realised 2 or 3 guineas each, though fine plants of standard old kinds went for a few shillings. The plants of Cypripedium iusigne, Harefield Hall variety, maintained an average of 11 or 12 guineas, and the prices obtained for most good things were in proportion to their merits. MAECH 26, 1904.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 207 TRADE NOTICE. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Messrs. Ransomes, Sims & Jeffekies, Ltd., Orwell Works, Ipswich. — This firm has shown at the Automobile Show at the Agricultural Hall, some patent Motor Lawn-mowers. One has a 42-inch cutting cylinder, driven by a G-BHP petrol motor, with " Simms- Bosch " magneto ignition. The driver rides on the machine, which can be steered with the greatest ease. This machine is intended for use on large grounds, such as cricket grouads, and many places where the lay of the land is not too hilly. It can be used as a roller when desired. Another motor lawn-mower has a 30-inch cutting cylinder, driven by a 3J-BHP motor; this machine is specially recommended for golf-links. It is fitted with handles for steering, and the man walks behind. They also have a small motor lawn- mower with 21-inch cutting cylinder, driven by a 2|-BHP motor. This machine is specially ar- ranged for use on smaller grounds, say of 1 to 3 acres — a very simple and compact machine. An intelligent man can soon learn to manage any of these machines. It may be well to point out Messrs. Eansomes were the first in the field with motor lawn-mowers. THE WEATHER. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. Thtb following 80MMAHY Recoed of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending Mir. in, Is furnished from the Meteorological Office :— "The iveather during this period was of a rather cloudy and unsettled character, but little rain was ex perienced, except in the most western and north- western parts of the kingdom, and a few very fair intervals occurred in the south and east. "The temperature was slightly tclow or just equal to the normal as a whole, but in Scotland. N., and Ire- land, N., it was a degree above. The highest of the maxima occurred on Saturday, and ranged from 61° in England, S, and iio" in Scotland, E., and England, E., to 51° in Scotland, W., and the Channel Islands. The lowest of the minima were recorded on rather irregular dates, but mostly between the l-'thand 18th. In Scot- land, N, the thermometer fell to in, and in Scotland, I, to 19°, while elsewhere the minima ranged from 22° in Scotland, W„ and 23' in England, X.W , and the Midland Counties, to 28° in England, S.W., and to 32° in the Channel Islands. "The raivjnll exceeded the mean in Scotland, \V., England, N.W , and in Ireland, but was less than the normal over the remainder of the kingdom. "The bright sunMne just equalled the mean in the Midland Counties, and slightly exceeded it in England E. ; in all other districts it was deficient. The per- centage of the possible duration ranged from 42 in England, E., sa in the Channel Is'ands, and 34 in England, S., to 20 in Scotland, N., and Ireland, 8. ,11 in England, N.W., and to 31 in Scotland, W. The highest percentage at any individual station was :>!, at Cromer, and the lowest 8, at Newcastle-on-Tyne." THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Another Dry Week.— The first three days of the past week proved cold, but since then the night readings have been mostly very high for the time of year. The sudden change in the night temperatures was very remarkable, the thermometer on the grass on those preceding the 17th and 18th showing respectively 12° and U° of frost, whereas two nights later the same thermometer never fell lower than Ji>°. On only three previous occasions has such a high minimum reading as the latter been recorded here in March. Both at 1 and 2 feet deep the ground is at the present time about 2" warmer than is seasonable. During the past fortnight rain has fallen on only three days, and to the total depth of not much more than a tenth of an inch. No measurablclquantity of rain water has come through either the bare or turfed soil percolation- gauge for a week. The record of bright sunshine for the first four days of the week averaged .V, hours a day ; but since then less than an hour's sunshine has been recorded. Calms and light airs again prevailed, the direction being easterly at the beginning of the week, and westerly at the end. The mean amount of humidity in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded the average for March by about 3 per cent. ■E. Id., Berkhamsted, March £2, 1904. *#* 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. Agapanthus umbellatus : A. K. You should have divided these plants a little earlier than this date ; but no harm will result from doing the work now. The soil should be of good rich, fibrous loam, leaf-mould, river-sand, and well rotted, rather dry horse-dung. If the plants are to be put in tub3 where they will be likely to remain for some years, it will be well to mix with the soil a quantity of half-inch bones, also parings from horses' feet, or other such manures that will decay very slowly, and thus part with their nutriment in slow degrees. This Agapanthus responds well to liberal culti- vation, our own experience having shown that the stronger the plants are grown, with a limited rooting- space, the better they will flower. Apple and Pear-growing District in Healthy Locality : W. T. L. You cannot do better than remove to the middle portion of the county of Kent, and select a site in a district having a considerable elevation above the sea level. Apples from New Zealand : J. M. I., Dunedin. The disease known as Apple-rot is caused by a Via. -•'■ —spot on apples, gl t.ospohicm frtjctigencm, Showing the depressed shiny spot on the fruit real size, and the fungus much magnified. fun gus called GlEeosporium f ructigenum. Spray- ing with dilute Bordeaux-mixture checks the disease if spraying is commenced just after the fruit is set, and repeated at intervals depending on local conditions. All diseased fruits, whether hanging on the trees or lying on the ground, should be collected and burned, otherwise the disease will continue. This disease also attacks other kinds of fruit. Carnations for Market : F. P., Sutton. The American varieties are now preferred by culti- vators of flowers for market, the long, stiff flower-stems being a great advantage. Among the best varieties now in cultivation in this country are Mr. T. W. Lawson (deep rose- pink), G. H. Crane (scarlet), Melba (soft pink), Governor Eoosevelt (crimson), Queen Louise (white), Sybil (a lovely shade of pink),Floraina (pale flesh-pink), Ethel Crocker (a deeper shade of rose-pink than Mrs. Lawson), General Maceo (crimson), Eoyalty (salmon-pink), and America (scarlet). Several other American varieties are grown for market, and we are promised still greater improvements from America. A variety known as The Bride is to excel all other whites, and Cardinal is described as better than all other scarlet varieties ; and from the distinc- tions they have won in their own country they should certainly be worth a trial. Of English varieties, Madame Therese Franco (or Mrs. L. de Rothschild) has quite taken the place of the old favourite, Miss Jolliffe ; and in Pride of Exmouth we have a further improve- ment. Mrs. S. J. Brookes is a very fine white variety ; Countess of Warwick and Prince of Wales crimson, Winter Cheer and Resplendent scarlets. Cecilia is the best yellow variety, but does not properly belong to the Tree-Carnations. The variety Miss Audrey Campbell may also be flowered well in pots early in the spriDg. See also p. 201. Chrysanthemum Leaves : W. T., Tories. Afford the plants a little clear soot-water occasionally, and water them with a solution of sulphate of iron, at the strength of J oz. of sulphate of iron to a gallon of water. This will increase the amount of green chlorophyll in the leaves. Clematis : C. D. Clematis have lately been the subject of a fungous disease, which has proved very destructive. Probably your scions were diseased. The stocks also are dead. Cucumber and Tomato Fungus : G. Mr. MasEee recommends as a preventive the adoption of the following plan : — Commence watering Cucumber and Tomato seedlings when a fortnight old every third day with a solution of 1 oz. of copper-sulphate in 50 gallons of rain-water. After six weeks com- mence watering every fourth day with a solution of 1 oz. copper-sulphate to 35 gallons of rain-water. Dahlia-cuttings : D. E. H. Having the means you describe, it will be an easy matter to in- crease the stock. Put the tubers in a little leaf-mould over the bottom-heat in the frame, and keep them moist. They will soon produce growths, and these should be removed when about 4 inches long, and inserted in thumb- pots filled with very sandy soil. Plunge the little pots in the hot-bed, and the cuttings will make roots in a short time. They may then be shifted into 3-inch pots, and afterwards it will be necessary to remove them to a cooler atmo- sphere, and finally harden them off for planting out-of-doors. More growths will appear in the meantime, and these may be rooted in the same manner. At the commencement of May a few shoots should be left on the old tubers, and these tubers potted-up and gradually hardened for planting out-of-doors. Earthworms in Soil : E. G. C. The small worms you sent are often abundant in loamy soil, but hitherto they have not been known to cause any Eerious injury to plant life. You could, however, easily destroy them by heating the loam to a temperature of 120° F. ; and as we have proved by experiment that lime-water will readily destroy them, you might make an application of this to any of the infected plants that you think would withstand it. Ether - forcing : B. You should obtain M. Maumene'a pamphlet. There is also an article on the subject in the last number of the Revue Horticole. Chloroform has the advantage over ether in that its vapour is not inflammable, and does not explode when mixed with air. It is obvious that you should not entrust the work to a garden-labourer, but only to some com- petent and responsible operator, who knows the dangers he has to avoid and may be trusted to do so. A gain of a fortnight is a matter of great importance to a market man, to say nothing of the economy in fuel and labour. Ficus elastica : J. T. The plant has received a check from some cause or other, possibly cold. It will probably commence to make fresh growth soon ; but you cannot destroy the effects of a check already received. Foreman Gardener : Much Annoyed. We are afraid you could not compel your employer to pay you for the remaining part of the month. You gave a month's notice, and were unable through illness to work during three weeks out of the four. Grubs in Bark of Pear Tree : H. 31. The specimens sent are the larva? of the so-called Plum-tree boring tortrix moth (Sesamia Wce- berana), an unfortunate name, as the insect attacks the bark of numerous trees — Apple, Cherry, Peach, &c. The larva? feed chiefly upon the inner bark, and often cause exudation of the sap, and on certain trees "gumming" follows. The insect is double-brooded, the first brood of moths appearing in May, the second 208 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [March 26, 1901. in September. Carefully scrape away the dead bark harbouring the grubs, and paint the infected area with caustic soda wash of the following proportions :— Ground caustic soda, 1 lb. ; pearl ash, | lb. ; soft soap, 10 oz. ; water, 10 gallons. You might also try the effect of i lime-washing the trunk and main branches early in May, and again in September. >i Insects on Fern Roots : Geo. H. H. The insects are a small species of Coccid, closely allied to the mealy-bugs, known to scientists as Bipersia terrestris. The species was first discovered in this country, near London, in the year 1901, on Palm-roots, and subsequently on the roots of a species of Adiantum. In the latter instance they proved most injurious to the plants. In re- potting the plants wash the roots thoroughly in clean water, and destroy the bugs that may float on it. Bisulphide of carbon will destroy them, and to apply it make four holes close to the side of the pot with a 4-inch wire-nail, and charge each hole with a small quantity of the fluid by means of a glass syringe, at the rate of about two teaspoonfuls to a 6-inch pot. Close the holes after the application has been made, and keep the plants in the shade for a week afterwards. Caution — Bisulphide of carbon is highly inflammable and poisonous, and its application should be made in the open-air. Lawn Tennis Court : W. H. The dimensions for a single and double tennis court are as follows : — k s c 78 feet c H 42 feet n I- C 78 feet 0 L B A e, b A, double court for three or four players ; s s, s s, single court for two players. A A and B b are the base lines ; A b, a b, and s s, s s, side lines; c c and c c, service lines ; h h, half court line ; n n, net. A court for the single game is 27 feet wide and 78 feet long ; and for the double game, 78 feet long and 36 feet wide. The posts for supporting the net should be placed 3 feet beyond the sides. The service lines run parallel to the net, and arc 21 feet distant from the same. Mandevilla suaveolens : Enquirer. It is not usual for the pods to be produced in the open- air, and not common under glass. We have occasionally figured the pods. The Anemone is one of the many forms of A. coronaria. Melon Plants : T. S. The plants are attacked k by Botrytis cinerea, due mostly to the pre- , sence of an excess of moisture. Admit more air, and spray every fourth day with a dilute solution of permanganate of potash (pale rose colour) until the trouble disappears. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — E. J. W. Cornus mas. — T. H. Maxillaria porphyrostele. W. H. Saxifraga species ; send when in flower. W. P. L. $( 8., Ltd. Leucothoe Catesbsi, some- times called Andromeda Catesbaei. — A. S. 1, Sequoia gigantea, or Wellingtonia ; 2, Santo- lina incana ; 3, Asphodelus luteus (Asphodeline lutea). — E. G. Hypericum calycinum. — Mop. 1, Scilla bifolia ; 2, Chionodoxa Lucilise ; 3, Andromeda floribunda ; 4, apparently Agro- stemma coronaria, but there are no flowers ; 5, Doronicum caucasicum ; 6, Erythronium denscanis. — J. J. D. 1, Cupressus Lawsoniana; 2, Eetinospora obtusa; 3, Juniperus sinensis; 4, Cupressus (?) ; 5, 6, 7, next week.— C. E. J, Cupressus Lawsoniana; 2, C. Lawsoniana var. aurea ; 3, Cupressus Goveniana probably ; 4, Abies grandis ; 5, Eetinospora leptoclada ; 6, Juniperus communis ; 7, Eurya latifolia ; 8, Sequoia gigantea (Wellingtonia) ; 9, Juniperus sinensis; 10, Arbutus Unedo; 11, Thuiopsis dolabrata ; 12, Abies Pinsipo. — T. B. It is not fair to send such specimens and expect us to name them. Send better specimens. — J. M. 1, Cornus mas ; 2, leafless twig, probably Forsy- thia viridissima ; 3, Leycesteria formosa ; 4, Andromeda; 5, a leafless twig; 6, Eetinospora plumosa of gardens, a stage of growth of Cupressus pisifera. — E. M. Bouganvillea spec- tabilis. Nectarines : M. You cannot do better than apply the sulphide of potassium as recommended in the note to which you refer. You are quite right in supposing the potassium sulphide to be identical with liver-of-sulphur. The disease is not likely to be propagated in the manure used as a mulch over the border. Nectarine Shoots and Bods Dying : T. G. A minute fungus called Botrytis cinerea is the cause of the mischief, killing the shoots and also causing gumming. Cut away diseased Hryyj X-.400 Fig. 87.— disease of snowdrops : bothttis (polyactis) GilANTHINA. X 400 d'.am. shoots and spray the entire tree with a solution of potassium permanganate in water, 1 oz. to a gallon, at intervals of six days, for a month or six weeks. Pelargonium : J. B. P. A little fungus called Septoria geranii is causing the trouble. Ee- move diseased leaves and admit as much air as possible, also apply a fertiliser so as to enable the plants to grow away from the disease. Potato, Northern Star : M. V. Plant the tubers about the end of April, and they will be ready to lift in October. Potatos for a Clay Soil : W. P. To procure good crops of Potatos from a clay soil with the minimum of labour, it is necessary to die or trench the ground as early in the winter as possible and the rougher it is turned up the better. In the month of March there will then be no trouble in preparing the soil for the crop, as it will readily fall to pieces when worked. Out of a recent trial of seventeen varieties of Potatos upon such a soil, Up-to- Date has proved to be the heaviest cropper, and the tubers are best in quality, either for supplying the table or market. You would require about 3 cwt. of seed tubers ; but much will depend on the size of the tubers and the distance allowed between each set. The variety Up -to-Date, planted at 23 inches between the rows, and 12 inches from set to set in the rows, produced a crop of 12 tons per acre on a stiff clay soil. Your ground may be very much improved in course of time if you take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself to add scrapings from the road-side, wood- ashes, old mortar rubble, &c, to the staple soil. Eichardia Eoots, and Wobms : M. F. The slight injury to the growing points of the roots of the Eichardia, is, we think, attributable to some cause other than the presence of the small worms you have sent to us ; and that the insect which you describe as possessing " a black head with a transparent body" is probably the delinquent. But as you did not enclose exam- ples of this we are unable to offer an opinion. The roots have the appearance of having been eaten by an insect, as the tips were quite hollowed out, and the rusty-brown stains are evidently the result of the injury as there was no trace of fungi present. With regard to the small worms they are the same as those sent to us by our correspondent, E. G. Creek. Please refer to the reply given to him on p. 207. Eiviera Flora : Correspondent. See the Flore de la Region Mediterran4enne par A. Acloque (Bailliere, 19, Eue HautefeuiUe, Paris). Snowdrops : J. C. The disease is caused by a fungus — Botrytis galanthina. Eemove diseased portions and add quick-lime to the soil. When the leaves die down remove the surface soil 2 inches deep and replace by fresh soil mixed with quick-lime; see fig. 87. Vanda teres : Edlinevelde, Contich. This Orchid is widely distributed in Assam, Burmah, and other parts of India. It is very easily grown if placed in a warm and moist plant-house, and is an excellent plant for supplying flowers for cutting. In winter a temperature of 60° F. by night, and 65° by day is sufficient, but in summer, under the influence of bright sunshine scarcely too much heat can be afforded, as ths plants grow and flower better if the tempera- ture often reaches 90° in sunny weather. The plants should be grown in sphagnum-moss, and when there are quantities for supplying flowers for cutting, the best way is to plant the Vanda teresinabed of sphagnum-moss placed on a warm staging in the front of a stove-house, Cucumber, Melon, or other forcing house. They will require a liberal supply of rain-water, especially when growing and until the flowers appear. There are two or three white or nearly white varieties, but the ordinary coloured form is the best for all purposes. Vanda teres is a very easy plant to import. It merely needs to be collected in the resting season (or at almost any time), and packed in boxes, pressing the plants firmly in and using no packing material of any kind. Quick transit is, of course, of the highest importance. The species may be easily propagated by cutting up the long pieces and repotting or planting them. The plants flower in summer, but blooms may be obtained earlier or later by the usual means of retarding or forcing. Violets : C. G. S. We have sent your Violets to an expert. The purple variety does not differ much, if at all, from the old Russian. The white is, we believe, Comte de Brazza. Communications Received.— \V. G. P., next week.— Sir M. F.— Sir C. W. D — J M. T.— w. B.— W. J. B.— R. A. R— E. J. A.— H. N. E.— H. W. W.t many thanks- T. H. West (the photograph is unsuitable)-C. Hard- ing (photograph).— A. H., Herrnhut— Sec. Royal Hort. Society— A. W. W— C. T. D.— W. Honess-J. G— C. M P.-R. T. G.— J. P.— A Young Gardener-T. B.— D. C- W. T. H.— T. J. G.-J. McKerchar-J. W. O.-J. O'B- W. J. B.-R. D.— E. H. J.— W. Mitler-J. J. W.-l M. E.-M.— W. H.-Attwood & Binsted-N. E. B —J. G — F. D.— W. G. P.— T. E J.— H. Jones (For Marietta tee p. xviii. Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle." Keble's favourite walk in Hursi.ey Park, Hampshire. From a photograph by F. Mason Good. APRIL 2, 1904.5 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 209 THE No. 901.— SATURDAY, April 2, 1904. CONTENTS. A'pine garden, the ... Apple Ecklioville SeedliDg Begonia Qloire de Lor- raine Books, notices o£— Flora and Sylva ... Formation of Vege- table Mould tbiough the Ac- tion of Worms ... Ken Bulletin jLittlehanipton and Neighbourhood, Guide to Publications re- ceived Spring Gardening ... Timber Trades Journal Burrell, Mr. E., pre- sentation to •Cambral exhibition, the Carnations, autumn planting of Clinkers as a drainage medium Clover, a four-leaved variety of Cotton-growing in the Colonies Cynripediums. winter- floweringvarietlesof Etherisation of plants for forclDg purposes " Everlasting" (lowers, culture of, in Cape Colony Fig-tree, prolific Fruit-growing in Nova Scotia and British Columbia Fungi, origin of para sitism in Gardeners' associa- tion, a Bippeastrums at Tricg Parle Hewell Grange Keif noie§ Lobelia nicotiana?- folia Marguerite or Paris Daisy, the Markets Obituary— Bedinghaus, M. Lunt, Wi liam Schumann Prof. ... Spencer, Mrs. Osnoema albo roseum Orchids at Westonbirt Plant portraits Plants, new or note- worthy— Kalancboe prasina . Pectinaria saxatilis t'otatos, remarks on some varieties of ... Primrose flowers de- stroyed by birds ... Rose show fixtures for 1904 " Shasta " Daisies, the Shirley Poppies, varia- tion in Societies— Gardeners' Debating I.IIIIKMM ... ill. Lou don Dahlia Union Nice Agricultural and Horticultural Royal Horticultural Trees and Shrubs- Genista monospcrma Laurel-Cherry, the . Tulip, duplication of name of a Week's work- Aplary, the Flower garden, the . Fruits under glass... Bardy fruit garden . Kitchen-garden, the Orchid-houses, the . Plants under glass... 209 213 220 21 ft 221 221 221 221 218 212 215 211 811 217 218 222 831 222 218 .'17, 221 220 220 215 215 215 214 211 -•14 215 333 213 219 211 210 ILLU8TRATION8 Anona cherimolia (Custard Apple), fruit of Cypripediums, winter-flowering varieties of Dendrobium x melanodiscus var. glorlosa " Everlasting " Flowers, marketculture of, in Cape Colony Hewell Grange, Worcestershire Marguerite, or Paris Daisy, a specimen plant of, grown at Catmose Gardens, Oakham (Supple- mentary Illustration'. HEWELL GKANGE. TT would be impossible to visit the two resi- -*■ dences of Lord and Lady Windsor with- out being impressed by the evidences there are at each place of the personal interest the owners have in gardening. At St. Fagans, in Glamorganshire, and at Hewell Grange, in Worcestershire, the practice of garden- ing is encouraged with generous enthu- siasm. Hewell Grange is situated on rather high land, about midway between Broms- grove and Eedditch, 4 miles from either town. The estate of Hewell comprises 12,000 acres, and includes a beautiful park. The pleasure grounds are 45 acres in extent, including the flower-garden of 3 acres, but excluding the lake, which has an area of 24 acres. Hewell was mentioned in the Gardeners' Chronicle as long ago as Nov. 4, 1843, when an illustration was given of a Pine-pit, constructed by Mr. J. Jones, of Birmingham, in which the bottom-heat was to be supplied by hot-water and the atmo- spheric heat by a common flue. Such a structure was very uncommon in those days, when heating by means of hot-water wns in its infancy. Hewell was then the residence of the Lady Harriet Clive (afterwards Baroness Windsor in her own right), and the gardener was Mr. Markham. The mansion is a fine Jacobean building of red Buncorn stone, and was completed as recently as 1891. Its rooms, furniture and pictures are famous and interesting. The Flower-Garden. On the south side the view is over one of the most remarkable flower - gardens (see fig. 88) in this country, and we do not know a similar one. This French garden may be said to embrace the most diverse characteristics. Beneath the windows is a terrace with stone balustrade, with bushes of Lavender in a little border at the foot of the balustrade. Beyond, the flower-garden is enclosed by hedges of Lime about 5 feet high. Three paths, one in the centre and one at either side, pass from the house through the flower-garden. Each of the four divisions of which the flower garden consists, is crossed both ways with grass-covered walks, spanned by arches at distances of about 20 feet, and on these arches are Roses and other climbing and trailing flowering plants. The grass walks are lined by chains that in summer become festoons of Boses, Clematis, &c. Trim Laurels and Box-edgings 1§ feet high are associated with large beds, in which the most informal annuals and herbaceous perennial plants, Lavatera, Erigeron mucro- natum, Sedum spectabile, &c, are culti- vated. From the ground-level it is not pos- sible to obtain a view of the plan of this garden for the arches and festoons, but we had the opportunity to s<*e it from the upper windows of the mansion, whence it may be clearly viewed in its completeness. The one great advantage that might be claimed for such a garden is it-- possession of variety, and its oppositenes> to the flat monotony of many formal flower-parterres that lie open to the gaze like a page in a book. If the visitor walks from the mansion through the centre of this garden his objec- tive will be a large terra-cotta fountain, and from this point he may look towards one of the most imposing features of Hewell. A Series of Terraces. vVe will suppose he turns himself first to the east of the house and looks down the wide path leading to the lake, then turning again right about, he will see that the same path is continued up rather a steep slope to the west of the house, where in the distance and at the highest point there is an orna- mental water-tower. The distance from the lake to the tower is 1,900 feet, and the difference in altitude from the lake to the base of tower 140 feet. From the flower- garden to the tower the path lies between two hedges of Yew, 40 feet distant from each other. Until recently this avenue, 40 feet wide, was just a grass slope, but under the direction of the present gardener it has been converted into fifteen terraces divided by as many flights of grass - covered steps (see fig. 88). There are eight steps to each ter- race, and whether viewed downwards from the tower or upwards from the flower-garden or lake, these terraces are very striking and constitute a feature that could be seen on the same scale in very few gardens. The work the alteration necessitated must have been very considerable, but it has been done well and accurately, and its effect, though formal, is not inappropriate. On the north side of the mansion is the carriage-drive and courtyard, enclosed by a wall of Forest of Dean stone. On the east side of the mansion one enters a pretty dell, in which some of the very oldest and most welcome herbaceous plants grow and flower well ; and then, by moving a balanced stone of great weight, a rockery appears in view. In the centre is a fountain and dolphins, and around it are beds of Heaths and similar plants, including Ferns. Conifers and other Fine Trees. Having thus far traversed the immediate environs of the mansion, very great pleasure may be had by taking a walk through the grounds to the south and east. The lover of trees will have much to interest him for a long time, there being many magnificent specimens. Some of them may be men- tioned here, but they are only those of which a note was taken during a short visit at the end of last summer, and the heights given are what we estimated them to be. C'edrus atlantica, 93 feet; Cupressus noot- katensis, Sciadopitys verticillata, 18 feet ; Picea morinda (Smithiana), 70 feet; Abies Webbiana, 00 feet; A. W. var. Pindrow, the leaves of which are not glaucous underneath, 60 feet; Pinus excelsa, 87 feet high, pro- bably the highest in this country ; Fitzroya patagonica, a very pretty specimen of this species, introduced by Messrs. Yeitch in 1849, 25 feet high ; Thuya gigantea (Lobbii), Pinus Pinaster, 77 feet ; P. ponderosa, Libocedrus decurrens (very good specimen), Picea orientalis, 50 to 60 feet; Abies cepha- lonica, 70 to 80 feet; Sequoia semper- virens (magnificent), and S. gigantea. Hollies are abundant, and many of them are good specimens, 30 feet high. Of deciduous trees, Beeches and Limes are extremely good, and in the park there is an unusually large tree of the Spanish Chestnut, besides some fine Oaks. Many of the handsome trees men- tioned above are near to the side of the lake, a sheet of water covering 24 acres, and containing an island half an acre in extent. A little Dutch garden, with its white granite paths, and beds filled with white Marguerites, and deep Box edgings, had a very quaint effect; and an old wall thereby, covered with Roses and Clematis, looked homely and pretty. Kitchen Garden and Plant-Houses. The glasshouses at Hewell are neither modern nor pretentious, but they afford means for growing indoor fruits and plants. We saw excellent Grapes of the varieties 210 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 2, 1904. Muscat of Alexandria, Lady Hutt, Black Hamburgh, and Syrian; also Peaches and Nectarines, Figs, Pineapples, and Melons, of which the variety Royalty is made a favourite, &c. The col- lection of plants is a general one, and, ex- cepting the Orchids, most of them are such as can be used in the dwelling-rooms for decoration, or that ■will afford flowers for cutting. As in most other gardens, the col- lection includes Be- gonia Gloire de Lor- raine and B. Gloire de Sceaux for bloom1 ing in winter. In great pans out - of - doors we admired Lilium speciosum and L. tigrinum, with from eighteen to two-dozen flower-spikes in each pan, being excellent and is very much more interesting than kitchen-gardens are usually, because here and there, over the whole area, bright and a great variety of flowering plants wei grouped in the borders. Near to the ga dener's house were some Bose beds c;; Pig. 88. — hewell grange, the Worcestershire residence of lord Windsor, showing the flower garden in front of the mansion and a series of terraces in turf, described on p. 209. instances of good cultivation ; also Hydran- gea paniculata, cultivated similarly, and with the best results. The kitchen-garden is 8J acres in extent, patches of flowers may be seen in summer. On a wall we noticed the delicately-coloured and charming flowers of Ceanothus " Gloire de Versailles"; whilst Alonsoa, Pentstemons, out in the turf. These had been filled with loam and planted witb young bushes, the re- sult being just what one would have ex- pected — unqualified success. Some of the varieties were Mrs. 9 Tresedcr, Liberty, Co? rallina, Marie Van Houtte, Antoine Bivoire, Anna Olivier, Caroline Testout, L'ldeale, Ma .Capur cine, Clara Watson, &c. Notwithstand- ing the flowers, how- ever, there is sufficient room available in 8i acres for ample crops of vegetables, and for fruit - trees against- walls and as bushes. Mr. A. A. Pettigrew, who has been gardener at Hewell throe years, is the youngest sod of the late Mr. Pettigrew, of Cardiff Castle Gardens, and went direct from Kew to take charge of the important gardens at Hewell. Apbil 2, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 211 EW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. ECTINARIA SAXATILIS, N.E. Brown (n.sp.).r The remarkable genus Peetinaria has hitherto sen monotypie, the only known species being the irious plant figured in Masson's Stapeliem Nova -, t. 30 as Stapelia articulata, apparently a very ire or very local plant, which has not been illected since Masson brought it from the oggeveld over one hundred years ago, and }thing appears to be known of it as a garden lant since Haworth published his description of '< in his Sttpplemcntum Planlarum Succulcntariim, . 14, in 1819. This year, however, an entirely ew and very distinct species has been added to le genus by Mr. N. S. Pillans (No. 115), who iscovered it growing among rocks near Laings- urg, in South Africa, and who has sent a living lant and some flowers in fluid to Kew, from ■hich the description below is made. N. E. Brown. * Peclinaria saxatilis, N. E. Brown (n. sp.)— Branches ccuuibent or at first growing downwards into the oil and then curving upwards. 4-angled, lj to 2 inches )ng, i to S inch square, glabrous ; angles compressed, cute, acutely toothed; teeth horizontally spreading, to i lines apart, J to 1} line long, broadly deltoid, eute, with a small prominent bud in the axil of each. lowers in fascicle* of four to seven in the grooves etween the angles, near the base of the branches, eveloping successively. Pedicels very short, about line long, glabrous. Sepals about 1 line long, ovate- ubulate, with very acute recurved tips, glabrous. :orolla tj to -r^ lines long, l to 5 lines in diameter, labroue outside, bud-like, broadly ovoid, acute, with belobcs cohering at the tips, slightly separating and 3raiog a narrow Assure between them in the lower art, they are 3 lines long, 2', lines broad, deltoid, cute, blackish-purple, covered with fine hairs and aviDg a frosted appearance inside, not ciliate. Outer oronal-lobes minute, J line long, spreading, broadly vate or deltoid, subacute, glabrous, dark purple- rown. Inner coronal-lobes 1', line long, muchexceed- og the staminal-column and conniveut-erect over it, ather thick and fleshy, linear, obtuse, with a small hickened crest on the back at the base, dark purplc- rown. Staminal-column , line lODg; anthers sub- uadrate, obtuse, unappendageil, incumbent on the mter part of the truncate style-apex. Kalanchoe prasina, N. E. Brown (n. sp.).i This is a very distinct species, .|uite unlike any >ther known to me, but as the flowers are un- ittraetive it is not likely to prove of much lorticultural value. It is a native of Nyasaland, jfhence it was sent by Mr. J. McClunie to Kew, .vhere it was lately in flower. N. E. Brown. t h'abmchoe prasina.fl. E. Brown (o. sp )— Leafy stems n the plant seen about lj inch long, j inch thick, purple, very slightly glaucous, with internodes 1 to 1 Hoes long. Leaves opposite, 2 to ,3 inches long, to 1 ; inch broad, spreading, obovate or spatulate- obovate, flat, very obtusely rounded at the apex, cuneately tapering at the base into a short petiole or subsessile, obscurely crenate or entire, green with a slight glaucous bloom on both sides or the lower leaves aot glaucous, more or less distinctly marked with whitish veins. Peduncle terminal, atout 1 foot long, erect, slender, terete, green, faintly glaucous telow, with 1 pair of barren, lanceolate, acute bracts near the middle or towards the base, cymosely paniculate at the top, with 2 to 3 pairs of dichotomous branches -' to :', inches Ioeu, with a flower in the fork and ( to * pedicellate flowers racemostly scatiered along each branchlet in a secund manner. Bracts minute, subulate, much shorter than the 1 to 2 line long pedicels, which thicken upwards. Calyx scarcely l line long, deeply 4 lobed. faintly glaucous, lobes deltoid, acute. Corolla small, erect, 4-lobed; tube -) lines long, tubular, obscurely t anpled, green , lobes nearly 1 line long, slightly spreading, oblong, obtuse, white, with the mediin part greenish; stamens S, included; carpels i, included. FLOWERS FOE EASTER DECOKATIONS. The gathering, drying, and packing for expoit of theHelichrysumvestitum (Everlasting Flower) constitutes a very important industry in Her- manus, Stanford, and one or two other villages and hamlets in the division of Caledon, on the south-west coast of the Cape Colony. The area over which these flowers grow is limited to this corner of the colony, and the whole industry is monopolised by two or three men, who partly own and further lease the right of gathering, and who have erected extensive buildings for drying and packing the flowers. These are locally known as "flower-houses," and their strange gaol-like appearance, with large sheets of peiforated iron obtain the necessary drying space every avail- able loft in the place is hired, the price paid varying from 5s. to £1 per month per loft. Having enly within the last six months taken Fig. 89.— a waggon-load of "everlastings" (heliciirysum vestitum) on the way to the flower-house at hermanus, cape colony. substituted for ordinary windows (to insure a constant draught) greatly puzzlos the uninitiated as to their origin and use. During the season such enormous quantities of these Everlastings daily come in from the up my abode at the lovely and popular seaside resort of Hermanus, and knowing nothing pre- viously of this curious industry, I was not a little surprised when abruptly asked a few days ago by an agent of the monopoliser of the industry in Fig. 90.— packing white '■ everlastings" for export in the flower-house, hermanus, cape colony. veld— borne not only on the heads of women and children, but in bullock-waggon-loads at a time- that, especially in such an exceptionally good season as we are having this year, these flower- houses prove quite too small for the purpose for which they were erected, so that in order to these parts, whether I would mind letting my loft for fifteen or twenty days. Not caring to have my privacy invaded, I at first strongly objected, and only consented after having ascer- tained that almost every loft in the- town- containing about 120 houses — was hired, and 212 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. |Apbil 2, 1904. most of them already full of these flowers. So, not to be more churlish than my neighbours, I, upon being assured that access to my loft could be had from a door in the gable, and that 1 should not be disturbed, I agreed, in considera- tion of the payment of a moderate sum, to have immortelles dumped down over my body whilst yet numbered with the living, for a period of one calendar month. On the following morning at break of day I had already cause to regret my bargain, as, roused from my slumbers by men noisily empty- ing sackfuls of the flowers over my drowsy head, I tried to imagine the feelings of one buried alive, with wreaths of these same immortelles rattling on his or her coffin ! It was a gruesome thought, but which I found a difficulty in dis- missing. So that literally as well as metaphori- cally I had had a sad awakening — an awakening that is, alas! repeated daily, when at dawn of day I and my wife are aroused from our slumbers by two or three niggers, armed with long wooden hoes, scraping the flowers about directly over our sleepy heads ; and this despite the assurance that the flowers would only require "two turnings over," and that we should not be disturbed. I had frequently passed the " Flower House " — situated in one of the main streets of Hermanus — and had been told, in answer to my enquiries, why it was thus called, and for what special purpose it had been built; but as it was always locked and [empty (save when the local musical society occasionally held a concert in it for some charitable purpose) I had concluded that the one- time flourishing Helichrysum industry had met the fate of many similar ventures and come to a bad end, unaware that the whole business, upon which a few men had grown wealthy, was carried on only during the months of November and December. Although I have had experience enough and to spare of the drying process, I find it difficult to get information respecting the business side of this industry. In reply to my enquiries I have been politely told that the prices given and obtained were " business matters " — affairs of Egypt, in fact, and not communicable. I know, however, that the price paid to the gatherers — who pluck the flower with about an inch of stem attached — is only Is. Gd. per three-bushel bag, whose contents, when dried, would weigh prob- ably 30 lb. I have also been assured by a man whose father was one of the pioneers of this in- dustry that some twelve or fifteen years ago these flowers sold in Cape Town for .£1 sterling per pound ! It is well known that this same pioneer was a comparatively poor man upon his entering upon a lease of a farm on which these flowers grow iu great profusion, and that after a few years' tenancy he purchased the farm for .£6,000, being mostly money made out of ever- lastings ! From all I can glean they now fetch on the European continent from 5s. to 10s. per lb. They are exported through a German house in Cape Town, and go to Hamburgh in the first instance. Messrs. Haage & Schmidt, of Erfurt, a wholesale seed house, used to do a large trade in these flowers, selling the best quality in white as imported, and dyeing the inferior or off-coloured flowers in the endless series of aniline colours. For carefully collected seed of the Helichrysum vestitum as high as 10s. per ounce has been paid to the collectors. This was sold — " at a good profit," says my informant — to Messrs. Yil- morin & Andrieux, of Paris, under agreement to let them have a monopoly of the gathering. Hence, presumably, these flowers are now pro- duced under cultivation in the South of France, and this may account for the decline in price here. The huge snow-white heaps of these flowers in the packing- house are a most entrancing sight. They are packed for export in large paper- lined boxes, made speoially for the purpose, measuring 5J feet long by about 4J feet wide and deep. Every layer of flowers of a foot or so deep is pressed down by boards and weights, by which means about 100 to 130 lb. weight of flowers is got into one of these large boxes. They are con- veyed by bullock waggon to the nearest railway station (some 20 miles off) en route to Hamburg via Cape Town. It is doubtful whether there is a spot on earth where such a profusion and variety of wild flowers are to be seen all the year through as in the Caledon district of Cape Colony. The annually held wild-flower shows of the towns of Caledon and Hermanus attract visitors from great distances. According to the Cape Government Official Handbook, there are to be found in this region alone probably 350 species of true Heaths. For the greater part of the year the veld is aglow with the flowers of the numerous plants of the Orchidese, Irideee, Amaryllidese, Liliacese, and Proteacese orders. For flowering grasses a lady was awarded a handsome prize at the recently held Hermanus wild-flower show, her exhibit consisting of no less than eighty different varieties of flowering grasses. A gentleman who has for some years past been engaged in the Everlasting flower industry, and who, besides possessing in his own right exten- sive properties, has acquired concessionary rights for gathering these flowers over many other farms, has recently sold such rights to a syndi- cate for the sum of £ 45,000 sterling! This fact serves to convey some idea of the extent and value of this curious industry. S. A. Deacon. ORCHID ROTES ARD GLEAHIR6S. ORCHIDS AT WESTONBIRT. Captain Holford is justly known as one of the leading amateur Orchid cultivators ; he is a keen collector of the best and rarest of Orchids, and at the same time takes a real in- terest in the welfare of his plants. In the large lean-to house the number of splendid specimens of Cypripediums is unusual, their health and vigour are excellent. In many instances the luxu- riant foliage is sufficiently dense to almost hide the sides of the pots from view. Here might be seen during the depth of winter in profuse flower many grand plants of the best varieties of Cypripedium Leeanum, one of them, C. L. burfordiense, carry- ing over thirty fine blooms ; the fine C. L. giganteum with eighteen blooms, and many others varying from ten to twenty-five flowers on a plant. Very recently there were several hand- some specimens of C. Lathamianum in bloom, one plant measuring over 4 feet across, carrying thirty flowers ; another with seventeen flowers, and a pretty distinct variety with rose-coloured dorsal sepals bearing ten flowers. A fine plant of the yellow C. Sallierii Hyeanum with thirteen large blooms, each one of them fertilised with the very best varieties obtainable ; C. nitens super- bum with twelve blooms ; a pretty distinct hybrid, not named, the supposed parentage being C. hirsutissimum x C. Godseffianum, carrying thirteen fine blooms ; C. Hera euryades, eleven blooms j also several beautiful and distinct varieties of the same hybrid raised by Mr. Alexander at Westonbirt ; C. Calyp30 with eight blooms, and a large specimen of C. cardiuale, which seems to flower continually. The beautiful C. aureum (Edippe, which secured an Award of Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society on February 9, has certainly improved in colour since it was exhibited, and when as finely culti- vated as the other Cypripediums mentioned, it will undoubtedly prove a first-class addition in the class to which it belongs. In this house, in the best of health, are a number of Vandas of the tricolor and suavis section, which were exhibited between thirty and forty years ago by the late Mr. Cypher at various horticultural shows. The rare Zygo- petalum Perrenoudi is also thriving here; it has three fine growths, and is showing flower- spikes. Standing in a conspicuous position u the new Z. Sanderianum, a lovely Orchid, with three flowers nearly open. Suspended to the roof was noted the old but still rare Lselia prsestan* purpurea in flower. In the next house, a lean-to and comparatively cool, were several fine specimens of Cymbidiuro Lowianum with numerous flower-spikes, one spike carrying thirty-two flower-buds ; a grand healthy plant of C. eburneo-Lowianum has fourteen strong spikes with about seventy flower-buds, which when in full bloom will produce a fine effect The reverse cross C. Lowio-ebumeum has four spikes and seventeen flower-buds. Especially noticeable were several healthy specimens in bloom of C. eburneum, also the rare C. Ballianum, and a strong plant of C. Lowianum concolor carrying a fine spike of bloom. All of these Cymbidiums are in vigorous health, and have clean firm foliage, which may be accounted for by their not being grown in too much heat. Among other Orchids in flower are some well-flowered examples of the brilliant scarlet Sophronitis grandiflora, several plants carrying twenty-four flowers, also a pretty plant in bloom of the rare S. rosea. Also in bloom were two well-grown plants of Odontoglossum Edwardi, each carrying exceptionally strong spikes of bloom. Ada aurantiaca, a very fine variety with several flower- spikes, and ayellow variety of Cypripedium insigne with five flowers. Several good plants of Lycaste Skinneri were in bloom, prominent among them being the rare variety of L. Ballse Mary Gratrix, which was deservedly awarded a Cultural Com- mendation at the Drill Hall last year. The large Cattleya-house, which is built on th( most modern principles, contains a splendid as- sortment of Cattleyas, Loelias, and many rare and beautiful hybrids obtained from them and other , species. Among the numerous varieties of C. | Trianee in flower, one named Imperator was prominent, being perfect in form and substance, and having brilliant purple-crimson colouring or> the labellum ; it is one of the finest varieties known in this country. There are several fine specimens of C. Skinneri, some of them nearly 3 feet over ; C. Bowringiana, one of the largest in the country, quite 3 feet through ; last season it i produced 190 blooms, the largest spike having twenty-six blooms ; Lailia elegana with twenty leading growths ; L. Charlesworthii, L. Sunray, fine plants of L. purpurata, Ac. — on many of tht plants a quantity of seed-pods were noted ; LaeUa anceps, white var., very near the rare L. »• Waddonensis, of which several plants were id bloom. In the Dendrobium house the plants in flower made a charming display — D. Juno, D. melano- discus, D. Ophir, very rare, D. Wiganre, and tht yellow variety D. W. xanthooheilum, D. Domini- anum, D. xanthocentrum, D. Hebe, D. primulinum. and several large D. Wardianum carrying ISO flowers. Dendrobium Phalcenopsis is exceptionally well grown here, several of the strongest bulb? havingproduced three and four beautiful spikes of bloom each. In the next house were several fine plants of Cypripedium callosum Sandera\ C. Law- renceanum Hyeanum, C. Maudise, C. Morgani;c burfordiense, C. Lawrebelx, and several splendid specimens of C. Rothschildianum, one plant pro- ducing eleven strong spikes, which when the flowers open will undoubtedly make a finr specimen for exhibition purposes. The Odontoglossums in another house were it fine condition, the plants are grown in a mixture of poly podium fibre and sphagnum moss — in f ac\ i the majority of the plants at Westonbirt are beuv repotted into this mixture in preference to tfr.' Belgian leaf-soil. W. H. W. APBIL 2, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 213 KEW NOTES. ' Pleurothallis Roezlii, Rchb. — Few species of this genu3 are worth cultivating otherwise than as curiosities. The species Eoezlii is one of the exceptions, although it is somewhat shy. The plants now in flower are in 6-inch pots, each plant having four fine spikes of flowers. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate, 5 to 8 inches long and lj inch in width; the stems on which the leaves are borne are from 3 to 6 inches high, giving the plant a total height of from 8 to 14 inches ; the inflorescence is a one-sided raceme, carrying from sis to nine deep blood-purple flowers, each flower measuring about an inch long, the sepals being about twice the size of the petals ; the lip is tongue-shaped and densely covered with stiff whitish hairs. It is a native of Colombia, and should be grown with the Masdevallias. Dendrobium linguiforme, Swarz. This rare species from N.E. Australia is now flowering in the warm Orchid-houee. The habit and growth of the plant is quite unlike those of the typical Dendrobium. Instead of having erect pseudo-bulbs, it has quite a prostrate habit, clinging around the teak basket after the manner of a Bulbopbyllum. The alternate elliptic leaves are about 1J inch long and J inch broad ; they are very thick, fleshy, and furrowed. The grace- ful racemes of flower are from 4 to G inohes long, and carry from eighteen to thirty pure white flowers. The sepals and petals are rather long and linear-lanceolate, recurved at the tips, making a delightful inflorescence. It is figured in the Botanical Magazine, tab. 5,249, and according to that authority it was fir3t discovered by Sir Joseph Banks in the Pacific Islands during Captain Cook's celebrated voyage, and was found growing upon rocks near to the sea-shore. Ctmeidicm vireecens, Lindley. This is a distinct Cymbidium. If one judged it from general appearance it might easily be mistaken for a Maxillaria, many of the species of which genus are very similar in habit, both in leaf and flower. The leaves are in tufts, about 10 to 15 inches long, dark green and grass-like. The inflorescence is erect, about 5 inches high, and, unlike other Cymbidiums, produces but a solitary flower which droops slightly. It measures nearly 2 inches across ; the sepals and petals are light green, the latter being ourved towards the column. The lip is white and blotched with red. It is a pretty and interesting species, fairly free- flowered, and is a native of Japan ; growing well in the Odontoglossum-house at Kew. W. H. GARDEN NOTES. HIPPEASTRTJMS AT TRING PARK. The Amaryllis, as they are popularly called, are great favourites with the Right Hon. Lord Rothschild, who has had a fine house specially Constructed for their culture, and has personally superintended the efforts of Mr. E. Hill, his gardener, in perfecting the fine strain cultivated at Tring Park. Already there are many very handsome varieties in flower that have been raised there, and stout spikes in all stages promise a good supply of flowers for a long time. The object in the Tring Park strain is to produce the best possible varieties in certain well-defined sections, and among those now in bloom the excellent results in some of the classes can be plainly seen. One aim is to secure a race of pure scarlet flowers of different shades, and in which the brick-red tints which mar many otherwise good varieties do not appear. Most of these scarlet flowers have a star-like centre of dark velvety crimson which gives a glow to the colour of the bloom. One such with four fine flowers all expanded together is one of the brightest yet raised, and others approaching maturity are very promising. Another object is the production of a pure white variety, equal in size to the other large- flowered kinds. The best-known pure white is in the Tring Park collection, but it is not a free prower, and has a rather small flower. This Lord Rothschild is crossing with a very finely- formed large white raised at Tring, but which shows an occasional rose line on the lower seg- ments. By crossing both ways it is hoped to secure the desired result. Another very handsome class results from the improvement of the old Amaryllis marginata venusta, whose showily-marked clear- white and bright scarlet flowers are among the most attrac- tive in the genus. This type has been sadly neglected by raisers, and it is pleasant to see its revival and marked improvement at Tring. There are large quantities as yet unproved, and more will be raised this year. J. O'B. centre is the specimen plant of Cypripediumv insigne Sanderje, carrying ten flowers ; in front of it, with two flowers, is the Oakwood Seedling, raised from fertilising C. i. Sanderse with its own pollen; many varieties of C. x Leeanum, C. x Actseus (insigne Sanderse x Leeanum), a cross from which many varied seedlings have been raised at Oakwood ; C. insigne Harefield Hall variety, C. x Measuresise (bellatulum x super- biens) ; a series of seven hybrids derived from the influence of C. Fairieanum, as one of the parents in C. x Baron Schroder (cenanthum superbum x Fairieanum), C. x Arthurianum (insigne x Fairieanum), C. x A. pulchellum, C. x Juno (callosum x Fairieanum), C. x Niobe (Spicer- ianum x Fairieanum), C. x vexillarium (bar- batum x Fairieanum), and C. x Norma (Niobe x Spicerianum). Other yellow varieties of C. insigne are also represented in the group. There are no Orchids more amenable to culti- vation than the winter -flowering eection oft FIG. 91.— WINTER-FLOWERING CYPRIPEDIUMS IN JIR. N. C. COOKSOS'S COLLECTION. WINTER-FLOWERING CYPRIPE- DIUMS. An illustration of the popularity of the winter- flowering Cypripediums was afford. d at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on Decem- ber 15 last. It was one of the most interesting meetings, in so far as Orchids were concerned, that has been held, and seemed to suggest that the Royal Horticultural Society would do well to set apart a meeting in mid-winter for the display of Orchids, if suitable accommodation can be provided in the new hall. Orchids have been of late years one of the greatest attractions to the summer shows, and an annual show in December would be equally successful. Winter-flowering Cypripediums are especially suitable for cultiva- tion by amateurs and gardeners, therefore this class of exhibitor would be better represented than is the case at the summer shows of the Society, which have developed into little else than showy advertisements for the horticultural trade. The illustration at fig. 91 is from a photograph of some of Mr. N. C. Cookson's plants in Decem- ber, and includes many of the plants that were exhibited in his group at the Drill Hall. In the Cypripediums, and they require only a tempera- ture of 55° in winter, and 60° to 65° in summer. They are extremely serviceable as cut flowers, fos they will last in perfect condition for weeks after they are cut. On the plants they will last an indefinite period ; several of the flowers which were taken to London on December 15 were still fresh and in good condition on March 1. . It is advisable to overhaul this section of Cypripediums annually at the end of February or the beginning of March. If the compost is in good condition the plants need not be repotted each year, but any decayed material about the bas& should be removed and some fresh compost added. For use when repotting let the compost be one- containing equal portions of fibrous peat, yellow turfy loam, and chopped sphagnum-moss, with sufficient broken crocks added, and rough sand to render the compost free and porous. Prepare perfect drainage for the plants, and supply them liberally with water during the summer and autumn months. Insect pests are often troublesome, but they may be held in check by spraying the plants at regular intervals. H. J. C. 214 THE GARDENERS' CERONIOLE. [Apbil 2, 1904. ALPINE GARDEN. SAXIFRAGA GEISEBACHII. I know of no more beautiful or interesting alpine plant than this, which is perfectly hardy, and flowers week after week early in the season. The species belongs to the incrusted section, and appears to be somewhat variable, yet one of the (most easy to cultivate. It seems to be able to grow anywhere, and a rootless rosette or two merely laid on ashes in the open last year rooted there, and two at least are now in bloom. The silvery - margined leaves forming the rosette, which is about 1| inch across at the time of flowering, werequite attractive through the winter, and January had scarcely passed when the red- dish-crimson inflorescence, now 4 inches high, began to develop. The colouring of the leafy glandular stems is perhaps a greater attraction than the small crimson blossoms, and to secure the fullest development of this colouring the plant should be exposed at all times. Frame culture, or anyprotection whatever, greatly minimises the richness and beauty of the colour; and as the - plant is obviously one of the most perfectly hardy, the occasion for prptection; does not arise. . . An established group of these plants on the (rockery would make a feature in February and March. Arabis albida fl. pl. (Coebeilij! d'Argent).* There is just the possibility that this excellent i plant will prove too rampant for the roek garden unless the latter is of large size. On the level ground the plants have reached a yard in width in about eighteen months. It will be well to plant in a good-sized ledge or poc&et, using soil consisting of nearly one-half stones, or old mortar and gravel stones, making the whole quite firm. This may modify its growth. The spikes of white flowers have been compared with a small double Stock, but I think the general appearance is more that of a branchlet of the double Rocket. The flowers are valuable when cut, and large quantities of them were sent to market last season. The spikes are wiry and useful to the florist in wreath- making, &c. I know of nothing better than this Arabis as a carpet plant for the taller red Tulips. Primula Forbesi. A little group of these plants exhibited at the Drill Hall recently fully demonstrated the value of the species as a pot plant for the cool or even quite ■cold greenhouse. Flowering so abundantly and profusely in pots 3 inches or 4 inches in diameter, the plants with their numerous flowering stems were remarkable. Happily, there is no difficulty in obtaining such a result, but the hint may be taken that the roots should be confined in small pots. With more liberal treatment the plants flower less abundantly. Narcissus ctclamineus. Visitors to the Drill Hall often see the above plants, but very rarely of such vigour and almost giant stature as those that came from the Society's new garden at Wisley on the 22nd ult. Obviously the plant requires to become well established, and succeeds best in a moist rooting medium. There were many flowers of this plant at the same meet- ing, only about 4 in. in height and feeble withal, so that the examples from Wisley were the more (remarkable. In all probability there will be cnany such instances of good cultivation from Wisley, and the Council should bring into pro- minence any further examples, together with the conditions under which they are growing. Saxifraga apiculata. The charming mass of pale-primrose blossoms, on a specimen from the Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery, was one of the best exhibits of this plant ever seen at the Drill Hall. The example was about 12 inches across, and bore 200 or 300 spikes of blossoms on stems barely 3 in. high. It is to be regretted that nurserymen do not make a point of growing and showing such examples in place of the tiny chance flowering bits so often ex- hibited. This Saxifrage is one of the earliest and most abundant to flower, and one of the easiest to cultivate. E. Jenkins. The Week's Work. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Firth, Esq., Ashwicke Hall, Marshfield, Chippenham. Seakale may now be planted. If the ground was dug up roughly previous to the frost, and a rich dressing of manure applied, it will be in good working condition, and may easily be levelled down and made smooth with the rake. Select the crowns into grades, and plant the strongest first, continuing in this way until finished. If the plants are afterwards to be forced under pots, select the largest crowns, and make them into clumps consisting of not less than six plants in each clump. Make the clump so that all the plants may be covered with the rim of the pot when forcing is commenced next season. The clumps should be formed in lines from 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet either way, so asto allow of stable-manure being placed between the pats to generate heat. . If the plants are to be taken indoors to be forced, put them in lines 18 inches apart, and 1 ft. apart in the rows. Where the soil is or a heavy nature let the crowns be planted level •with the surface of the ground. If there are slugs about place a handful of ashes or sawdust on each crown to protect it, as slugs are liable to eat into the heart of the crown itself. '.By planting them at the distances described, it will be found convenient to bring late crowns forward as recommended in a previous Calendar, and this is preferable to planting at a greater distance and earthing-up, afterwards cutting with a spade for the table, which would spoil the appearance of the Seakale if grown on a sticky clay soil. Seed Sowing should be pushed ahead without delay whenever the ground is in good condition. Look over all seedlings from early sowings, and if any failures are found, make another sowing as soon as possible. Much of the season's supply will depend on an early start being made, and those who are experienced know that to be short of any crop causes perpetual worry, as it is sure to be demanded day after day until it is provided in quantity. Make a sowing of second early Peas, and keep a look-out for slugs on those already through the ground. Sparrows, unless checked, may pick the points out of the leading stems, and eat the leaves in a short time. Sow Salsafy, Seorzonera, Carrots, Lettuce, Parsley, Radishes, Borage, and on a warm, well-sheltered border a few B>ench Beans may be put in with the chance of getting a crop. Lose no time before sowing Broccoli, Savoys, and Brussels-Sprouts, if this work has not been done. Another sowing of Broad Beans may be made. Under glass, or on a slight hotbed, sow seeds of Capsicum and Tomatos in pans or pots. Pay attention to early plants of Tomatos in pits ; keep them to a single stem by stopping the side shoots as they. appear. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Grower to Sir Tbevob Lawrence, Bart., Buriord, Dorking. Dendrobiums. — Somany species andhybrid forms of Dendrobium have recently flowered that I cannot enumerate them all here, but a few may be men- tioned, as D. Wardianum, D. crassinode, D. nobile and its allies, D. Cassiope, D. melanodiscus, D. chrysodiscus, D. Wiganiai, D. Clio, D. Ainsworthii and its co-generic crosses, D. Melpomene, D. pri- mulinum, D. Dominii, D. Burfordiense, D, signa- tum, D. Cybele, and many of the fine hybrids re- cently introduced. These and others will require early attention in the matter of repotting. In some cases the new growths have made considerable progress, and will soon form young roots. All strong, upright-growing varieties succeed well in pots, but for those of pendulous habit, as D. primulinum, D. Pierardi, D. cretaceum, D. cucul- latum, D. crepidatum, D. superbum, &c, pots with wire handles attached are preferable, so that they may be suspended to the roof. For. years past shallow pans with perforated holes in their sides and teak wood baskets have been advocated for these varieties, but I am gradually discarding them in favour of the ordinary flower- pot, in which the plants root better and produce stronger growths. When repotting Dendrobiums do no°t retain all the old pseudo-bulbs that have already bloomed, but leave about three stems at the back of each new growth ; large, unwieldy plants may then be easily made up into moderate- sized compact specimens. The stems that are removed may be laid upon a bed of living sphagnum-moss in a hot, moist propagating-case, where in a few weeks new growths will appear upon the stems, and immediately they commence to emit new roots, the growths should be taken off and put into small pots. Another method is to cut the stems below the joints into small pieces and insert them thickly into pots filled with sphagnum-moss, and place them on a shelf in the warmest house. By adopting the former method the young plants are more quickly raised ; by the latter process propagation is much, slower, but stronger plants are generally obtained. Propagate a few plants of each variety every year, because older plants deteriorate and become worn out. A few days ago, when repotting some of the Dendrobiums that bloomed early, I found that the best rooted plants were those that were potted last year in a mixture of sphagnum-moss three parts, and leaf soil one part, with a • moderate quantity of coarse silver sand added. For drainage purposes use Fern-rhizomes from 1 inch to about 4 inches in thickness, according to the size of the pots, and fill the pots nearly up' to the rim with the compost, pressing it down among the roots moderately firm, but avoiding that hardness which prevents the water from, passing rapidly away. Tall and slender pseudo: bulbs should be tied to neat stakes. For a few weeks after repotting keep the roots of the plants rather dry, but when new roots become numerous, and are seen clinging to the sides of the pot, the surface of the compost should be kept moistened, increasing the supply as the growths lengthen. Plants that do not need repotting should have a good share of the old compost carefully removed and be neatly top-dressed with fresh material. D. Parishii, D. rhodopterygium, D. Bensome, D. Virginium, and D. crystallinum, will not require much water until their flowers appear. Dendro- biums, with few exceptions, require a hot, moist atmosphere when making their growth. When the growths are nearly made up they should be shaded from strong direct sunshine. THE HARDY FBTJIT GABDEN. By H. Maekham, gr., Wrotham Park, Barnet. Fruit Prospects. — Most kinds of fruit-trees promise exceptionally well for good crops of fruits. Standard, pyramid, and bush Apple-trees are studded with flower-buds; also Pears, Plums, and Cherries. The small crop last year is un- doubtedly the cause of this wealth of blossom, and the crops will now depend on the weather during the period the flowers are expanded. I many gardens sparrows and other birds will destroy many of the buds just when they are bursting, unless means are taken to prevent them. Nets may be employed for a limited number of bush-trees, but for those of larger size I find syringing the branches at intervals with a mixture of lime, soot, and a little paraffin to be a deterrent, and it also serves as an insecticide for American blight. Although this dressing gives the trees an objectionable appearance, the branches are soon cleansed with the rain. Espalier Pear-trees, $c. — Late-planted trees should now be given attention. Make the soil around the roots firm, so as to prevent further sinking, and if the plants have not been pruned, cut the leading shoot just above a bud. This will break and form the leader, and if more hori- zontal branches are required, the nearest buds on the same shoot will form them. For espaliers, about five pairs of branches to a tree is the rule, trained at distances of 1 2 inches apart.' Young trees should ba trained to wire3, but in the absence OI April 2, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 215 these they may be trained to stakes driven into the ground at suitable distances, with light cross- pieces upon which to train the horizontal shoots. These temporary supports will answer admirably for a few seasons. In older espalier trees, where branches are required to fill in vacancies, they may be induced to grow by cutting into the wood just above a dormant bud. The first season this operation is done a small bud is usually formed, and the following year a shoot 1 to 3 feet long is pushed forth This notching should be more extensively practised where trees are not evenly balanced. Blackberries. — There are several varieties of the Bramble, some of which are well woith growing, and they may be trained to arches, or planted for the covering of old fences, &c. When Blackberries are trained to wires or arches, the old wood and dead pieces should be cut out annually. Some of 'the American varieties produce large fruits ; Wilson Junior is probably one of the best. Berberis vulgaris. — -In some establishments the fruit of the Barberry is appreciated for dessert and preserving purposes. The plants should be .cultivated in a position where they may be protected conveniently. Old bushes some- times fruit heavily, and in addition to the fruit being useful for making taits and jams, the smaller branches are suitable for garnishing and decoration. THE PLOWEB GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. I Dahlias. — Old tubers will now be making growth, and where there is a large demand for cut flowers they will be found very useful. By affording flowers for cutting they will serve to relieve younger plants till they get strong enough for that purpose. They may now be planted out- side, placing a Seakale-pot or some other suitable covering over them at night, in case of frost. If the old stools that have supplied cuttings during the spring are required for planting in the open, they must be gradually hardened off. When they have been planted out-of-doors, place some Wood-ashes round the plants, and keep a sharp look-out for slugs. Young plants should be potted-on in some good leaf-mould and loam, and plunged in a slight bottom-heat, keeping them syringed well till the roots are active. Good- sized labels should be made ready to place against them. ■ Annuals. — Seeds of Asters and Stocks may now be sown on a slight hot-bed prepared some weeks previously. Make the soil firm and sow in shallow drills. Of Asters the dwarfer varieties are best for bedding or massing purposes, such varieties as Dwarf Victoria, Chrysanthemum- flowered, Pseony, Perfection and Comet. Taller Varieties may be grown for borders, and if placed among other plants and shrubs they will have some protection from the wind ; suitable varieties for this purpose are Giant French and Giant Comet. The large Ten-weeks Stocks are best for flowering early, followed by the Intermediate and Emperor varieties. Antirrhinums also may be sown. The Tom Thumb varieties are very beautiful for edging purposes, and the taller ones, of which there is a useful collection to choose from, are suitable for borders. Marigolds, Tagetes, Zinnias, and Petunias may be sown. ' Sowing Seeds in Pots and Out-of-doors. — Some annuals produce better results if sown in pots ; for example, Sunflowers, Convolvulus, Nastur- tiums, Tropoeolum peregrinum, and Japanese Maize (striped). Other annuals can be sown out-of-doors, such as Mignonette, Candytuft, and Sweet Sultan. Make the ground somewhat firm before sowing. After sowing, place a few boughs bver the beds to keep the surface from drying, and prevent birds from dusting in them. Lobelia Seedlings that have been raised in heat may now be ready to be pricked off into boxes. They should not be allowed to get crowded in the seed-pans, or damping off will occur. After pricking them out into the boxes, place them in a warm but not too moist an atmosphere and shade them for a few days. i Lavender and Rosemary. — Plants that were rooted last autumn may now be planted out. Lavender should be planted in bold beds, or to cover the ground beneath standard shrubs, such as Lilacs, Viburnum Opulus, or Laburnums, if these are far enough apart to allow the light to reach the plants beneath them. The Rosemary is an effective climbing plant, especially the golden- leaved variety. Ivy on buildings and elsewhere may now be trimmed. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Locklnge Park, Wantage. Peaches and Nectarines. — The fruits in the early house will now be stoning, and to force unduly the trees during that period, which may be con- sidered to be about six weeks, would be to tax them severely without yielding a corresponding advantage. The probable result would be that many of the fruits would drop, and the quality of (he general crop would be reduced considerably. There is not much danger of well-managed trees casting their fruits, but much caution is neces- sary in early forcing. The general condition of the trees must be understood before deter- mining the amount of crop they shall be per- mitted to ripen. A very vigorous young tree may with advantage carry a fruit to every 0 square inches of surface, but a tree covering its allotted space, having wood of fine bearing quality, may be considered sufficiently cropped with one fruit to the 12 square inches, to be repeated year after year. It is not good prac- tise to over-burden the trees in the early stages ; but should it be considered necessary, the final thinning may be deferred until the fruits have stoned. Upon the first indication that they have passed the stoning period, harder forcing may be applied advantageously. The night tem- perature should then be CO0, and during the day with bright sunshine it may be 15° or 20° higher. It is not easy to say when water should be applied to the roots of the trees, but if the border has been mulched well and the syringe is freely used, watering cannot be a very urgent matter at this season. This applies to the inside borders, and the outside borders require warmer and drier weather before water is needed. Succession Houses. — The trees will claim atten- tion daily in matters of syringing and in dis- budding and thinning of the fruit. Fat buds with flowers of good colour have been the rule here this season, and these are necessary to the production of good fruits as well as being favourable to a good " set " ; but there should be a free circulation of warm air properly to mature the pollen. Bud dropping has been scarcely seen here this season. I incline to the belief that over- ripe wood is in a great measure accountable for the habit of bud-dropping seen in many of the useful early varieties. We make a rule to top-dress all borders whetherthe treesare youngor old, when the cleaning and tying have been completed. • "We do not afford heavy coverings, which would exclude light and air, but the top dressing includes variety and quality, such as chemical manure, wood ashes, and well-prepared stable droppings, with the addition of soot at intervals during the season, and of air-slaked lime at least once a year. This applies principally to inside borders. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fielder. Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Mymms Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Begonia, Gloxinia, and Streptocarpus seedlings. — If seeds of these were sown as advised at the end of January, the seedlings will now require to be pricked-out an inch apart in well-drained pans or boxes, which have been previously filled with a compost consisting of two parts loam and one-pait leaf-soil, together with plenty of silver sand. After the strongest of the seedliDgs have been carefully transplanted, there usually remains a number of small ones which are not quite strong enough to be handled. Let the soil be levelled among these, affording a watering if necessary to settle the soil about them, and in ten days or so afterwards these may also be pricked out. Flowering Shrubs. — Steps should be taken to afford some kind of protection to shrubs which have been forced, and have done duty in the conservatory, if it is intended to use them for the same purpose another year. Ghent Azaleas, double-flowered Cherrie3, Staphylea colchica, Rho- dodendrons, Lilacs, Gueldres Roses, the shrubby Spirseas, &c, should, after being hardened off„ be plunged in the reserve ground or planted out. It is not advisable to attempt to force these plants two years in succession ; but if they are properly attended to in regard to watering., thinning the growth, &c, they will form a useful reserve. Deutsia gracilis. — Let these be cut hard back directly after going out of flower, preserving any strong young growths which may have started from the base of the plants. Place the plants in a cool-house or pit, and encourage them to make- strong growth. More growths are produced usually than are necessary, and if the number be reduced by removing the weakest, the remaining shoots will greatly benefit. Plants, that were potted in the autumn will not need repotting now, but where this wa3 not done, it will be necessary to afford them a shift into- larger pots. A suitable compost is one of three- parts loam, one part well-rotted manure, and some silver-sand. Towards the end of spring the plants may be plunged in ashes in the open-air. Cinerarias, Primula sinensis, and P. stellata.— Where these are required to be in flower during: the autumn and early winter months a sowing should be made at the present time ; while for succession it will be necessary to sow at intervals- as may be required until July, when the late- sowing for spring - flowering should be made. Sow the seeds thinly in well-drained pans or pots which have been previously filled with a finely - sifted compost, consisting of three- parts loam, one part leaf - soil, and some- silver - sand. Let the soil be well watered before sowing the seeds. The Primula -seed should only be partly covered with fine silver- sand, while the Cineraria-seed may have a suffi- cient quantity of the compost sifted over it- through a fine sieve to cover it. The pans should then be covered with a sheet of glass, and placed in a temperature of from 50° to 55°, and shaded carefully. The main sowing of Primula obconica. should also be made now, under the same con- ditions as those recommended for P. sinensis. Great care should be exercised in affording water to Primulas while the seedlings are small, the- root-hold during the early stages of germination, being so extremely precarious that a pan of seed- lings might easily be ruined by one careless* watering through too coarse a rose. THE APIARY. Seasonable Notes. — The mild weather will be> causing the bee-keeper to become restless as he sees the Crocuses out in full bloom. Very little- can be done at present ; but a continuation of candy -cake may be supplied in necessary cases. Pea-flour may be placed in small quantities- about the garden in warm sunny spots in little boxes or troughs, with shavings placed over the- flour to enable the bees to collect it without getting their bodies coated too heavily. Sprinkle a little inside the Crocus-blooms. The coverings of skeps should be removed for the bee-keeper to- see if mice have been doing any harm through the- winter. If they have done so, place candy-cake- over the top of the skep. Should the mice have made only a small hole, lift up the skep to ascertain^ if there are any mice inside, and cut out a hole- in the skep for the bees to feed on the candy-cake. Lay a small flower-saucer on the top of the skep, and cut round it with a sharp pocket-knife, after placing candy on the top. Cover up in such a. way as to prevent the mice from getting to it ;. have a piece of wire about f in. mesh and lay on the top, drawing it down half over the skep, and secure it with tacks. Do not disturb the bees, more than can be helped in doing this. PLANT PORTRAITS. Kalanchoe flammea.— Revue Borticole, March 1. Pteris asTericaui.is var. tricolor. — Monileur d" Horticulture, March 10. Richabdia Eiliottiana.— Revue Horticole. March 16, with historical details and mention of allied forms. Antirrhinum majus var. Pelobia.— Wittmack in. Garten Flora, tab. 1524, March. 216 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 2, 1904. 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 as a guarantee of good faith. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editor dors 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. illustrations.— The Editor will be glad to receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for /'production, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, there is no doubt that it has raised in many minds some reflections as to the nature and prospects of the pro- ducts of the earth that might be influenced, either for good or bad, by the operation of Free Trade or of Protection. From this point of view it is satisfactory to note the interest that has of late been taken in the economic side of botanical science, ■the side which is now generally acknow- ledged as that upon which the commercial prosperity of the world largely depends. A proof of this may be seen in the frequent references now made in the daily Press as to the extent of cultivation, demand, rise or ■fall of prices, &c, of commercial vegetable •products, matters scarcely ever spoken of in former years. The distress in the Cotton districts of Lanca- shire has also raised a considerable amount of interest with regard to the extended cultivation ef Cotton in such British Dependencies as are known to be adapted to the growth of the plant ; and for the purpose of promoting its growth in the West Indies, Sir Daniel Morris, the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture, has* as we have already mentioned, recently visited the Cotton-growing districts in the United States for the purpose of studying the methods adopted there, both in cultivation and preparation for market. With reference to West Indian Cotton, "there is every prospect of a prosperous in- dustry being established in the various islands. The Governors are doing all in their power to encourage the movement, and substantial help has been rendered by the British Cotton-growing Association, who, in addition to giving a large sum to be distributed in prizes, has provided machinery for preparing the Cotton, and is also sending out agents to see to the proper treatment and marketing of the crops. Sea Island Cotton grows well in the West Indies, and several lots already received in England have fetched high and remunerative prices." From the Agricultural News of Barbados we extract the following items. " However desirable it may be for the West Indies to cultivate a substitute for the cheaper varieties of Cotton exported from America, the chief strength in the future will be in that spe- cialty of finer long staple Cotton corresponding to Sea Island, which was originally introduced to the United States from the West Indies, and which can be produced in these Colonies better than anywhere else in the world." The following notes are based on a report on Cotton cultivation in Montserrat : Over a ton of Cotton seed was distributed from the Grove Station to sixty-three persons during the months of July, August and September. About 700 acres were planted, and despite the ravages of the Cotton worm and the leaf blister mite, prepa- rations were already being made to increase the area next season. It is estimated that there are about 10,000 acres of land suited to the growing of Sea Island Cotton in Montserrat, and with a three years' rotation this would enable planters to have over 3,300 acres annually in Cotton. From experiments it is evident that with a good supply of Paris - green at hand, the Cotton worm can be kept under, and, so far as can be ascertained from some small experiments in progress at Grove Station, it appears that the leaf blister mite can be kept in check by the application of sulphur and lime. Five different compounds are being tried upon affected plants, and while in the other cases the disease has steadily gained, there is less disease now than at the commencement of the experiment on the plants treated with sulphur and lime. About 5,000 lb. of lint of the present season's crop were shipped from Trant's estate to the British Cotton-Growing Association. With regard to Antigua, the following notes were published in the Antigua Standard : — " We have, through the instrumentality of Sir Gerald Strickland, secured the assurance of financial help from the Imperial Exchequer for the promo- tion of the Cotton industry in this island. We have also the sympathy and material aid of the British Cotton - Growing Association, and the immediate oversight and propaganda of the Imperial Department of Agriculture in all its ramifications and with its well-equipped staff of scientists and able officers. If the peasant culti- vator be desirous of trying the planting of Cotton he will be able to dispose of his crop for ready cash at the cotton-factory which will soon be erected." It is further stated that an Imperial loan of ,£4,000 or .£5,000 will be appropriated preferably in aid of the peasantry and of overseers and managers who have the privilege of cultivating plots on the estates where they are employed. An important point in the packing of -Sea Island Cotton for export is referred to in the following terms : — " In consequence of the system by which steamship companies charge freight according to cubic measurement, endeavours are made to com- press Cotton into as small a space as possible. There appears, however, to be a risk of injuring the fibre by too severe pressure. On this question some experts at Liverpool have given their opinion as follows : — 'As to probable injury to this class of Cotton by hard pressure, this has not been tested; Georgia Sea Island Cotton is pressed lightly, but each season it is pressed a little tighter. The latest fashion is to iron-hoop the bales ; average weight about 3 cwt. 3 qr., gross dimensions 5J by 2J by 2\ feet— about 27 cubic feet. Soon they will be pressed as hard, or nearly so, as American bales, but wrapped with finer canvas. Mr. J. R. Bovell, who accompanied Sir Daniel Morris to the United States, reports on this subject that, so far as he could ascertain, short staple or Upland Cotton was pressed more than the long staple or Sea Island kind. This was particularly so in the Sea Islands, where the very best long staple Cotton is grown. On the other hand, in Georgia, where the staple of the Sea Island is not so long, the bales are pressed more.' " With regard to Sea Island seed for distribu- tion in the colony, the Imperial Commissioner when in the States made arrangements for seeds of the best quality of this variety to be supplied to the Department for the next planting season, the cost of which it was estimated would be about 7 cents per lb. delivered to the planter. The British Cotton-Growing Association is also interesting itself in behalf of the produce of Lagos, West Africa, and has expressed its intention of placing ginning and pressing machines at the disposal of Cotton growers, and to purchase any Cotton grown in the colony. The Colonial Secre- tary at Lagos, in a recently-issued Eeport, says : " The establishment of Cotton-growing has been received everywhere with a good deal of interest, and planters seem to realise the importance of this industry, especially in the Egba country, where the people have availed themselves of the assistance of the Forest and Agricultural Depart- ment, several thousand acres having been planted with Cotton at Abeokuta. That the present is an opportune time for embarking in Cotton cultiva- tion doe3 not admit of question, that it is a suitable industry is incontestable. To assist in establishing it, a grant has been made by the Government of .£1,000. The quality of the Cotton said to be capable of production at Lagos is described as of the finest grade, which would compete with or even be superior to any produced in America. At a conference on the subject held recently at Manchester, the President of the British Cotton-growing Association expressed himself as confident that in twelve months' time Great Britain would be receiving large quantities of West African Cotton." Parts of Nigeria, Egypt, Queensland, and other tropical or sub- tropical colonies are also suitable for the growth of Cotton. The Marguerite on Paris Daisy (Chrys- anthemum FRUTE8CEN8).— Our Supplementary Illustration this week represents the familiar Mar- guerite, in the shape of a specimen grown by Mr. S. A. Cheffins, gr. in the gardens of the Et. Hon. Gerard Noel, Catmose, Oakham. There are few better known decorative plants than the Mar- guerite, and fewer that are capable of affording such a profusion of flowers. In this country it is used in thousands of caces for bedding-out in summer, and less frequently it is grown as large specimens in pot3 and tub3. Such specimens are exceedingly decorative, and suitable positions for them may be found in large conservatories, or on the terrace out-of-doors. The plant shown in the illustration measured 18 ft. in circumference, being similar to those frequently seen in the Paris cafes. The yellow variety, Etoile d'Or, also makes a good pot plant, and a more recent variety, , Aran, ?, 1904.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 217 •Coronation, has white flowers, in which the disc florets, being tubular, resemble somewhat the Anemone-flowered Chrysanthemum. The cultiva- tion of the Marguerite is a very simple matter, if the plants be afforded a rooting medium of rich loam, leaf-mould, and sand. The stock smay be increased by cuttings, which will make roots with great freedom. The plants are seldom attacked by pests other than the leaf-miner, the •moth of which lays its eggs in the interior of the ■leaves, and the larva? mine between the tissues, sucking away the nourishment they contain and • disfiguring the foliage. It has been found that by .spraying the plants with a solution of Quassia or •other distasteful substance the female moth may »be prevented from depositingher eggs in the leaves. ■Any leaves that bear evidence that they contain grubs should be removed and destroyed by burning. The White Marguerite figured was, says Mr. COLUMBIA. — In the Gardeners' Chronicle (see> pp. 105, 186, and 188) there have been some- remarks anent fruit-growing in Nova Scotia and British Columbia. The geographical position off Nova Scotia gives it a great advantage over that of British Columbia. A line of 45" of north latitude passes through the centre of Nova Scotia. — say at about Halifax, and a line of 55' passes through the centre of British Columbia — say at about Fort George. We are informed that the- best fruit grows in the interior. It will therefore- be seen that there is a difference of 10°, equal to 690 geographical miles, in favour of Nova. Scotia, which is in a corresponding latitude to- that of the north of Italy. I note this, as I. think we do not sufficiently take into considera- tion the respective geographical positions of our- hardy fruit-growing districts. Who, for instance, would ever think of looking for our parallel of latitude in the cold, miserable, frozen country of- Labrador ? Yet this is exactly our corresponding" parallel in which we have to grow our Apples, as. against those countries which are favoured with> an incomparably more sunny geographical position in a range of say 20° further south. But it should be remembered that the iso- thermal lines of equal temperature run high, up into north-western Canada, including British- Columbia, part of Athabasca, Saskatchewan, Mani- toba, Ontario, &c, which place those provinces on almost equal level as regards temperature to- those lying more southerly. But even if all that be admitted, it seems obvious that British Columbia, handicapped by 10° of a northern lati- tude, must be placed, as a fruit-growing country., to great disadvantage as compared with Nova- Scotia. It should also be remembered that Nova Scotia was a fruit-growing country long before very much was known of British Columbia, therefore- let us hope that the latter may yet become a. fruit-growing country of acknowledged reputa- tion. To our unfavourable home climate we have- hitherto also added the grave error of planting. our orchards with a promiscuous lot of rubbishy- varieties, merely with the idea of being able to show a large collection ; and I am not- sure whether some of our great horticultural societies, to whom we look for light and leadings have not themselves egregiously erred in this> matter by offering prizes for the largest and most- varied collections. In the Gardeners' Chronicle of June 0, 1900, p. 368, there is an excellent article, having for its heading " Apple Election,"" by Mr. A. H. Pearson, of Lowdham, Notts, which those who are about to plant an orchard would do- well to peruse. W. Miller, Berkswell. THE SHASTA DAISIES. — Having purchased the original Shastas, and planted them in two- places, I regret to say that with me they are- complete failures — very "miffy" in growth, and the flowers are no better than the common Horse- Daisies of the fields. They cannot in any way compare with the recent varieties of Chrys- anthemum maximum, either as border flowers or- for cutting. I shall be glad to know if other- growers have been more fortunate with them. George Bunyard, Maidstone. PROLIFIC FIG-TREES. — It would have been, interesting if your correspondent Mr. L. Bv. Husbands, in his note on p. 121, had given the- name of the Fig he described, which is a remark- able instance of prolificacy. A crop of 300 Figs- on a space of about 4J feet square is truly a. prodigious one. B. W. D. ONOSMA ALBO-ROSEUM.— I can fully endorse- all that Mr. Arnott said concerning this plant on p. 150. It is most important that the posi- tion afforded the plants should be hot and dry„ One of the most suitable positions is a slightly- raised bank of earth near some superficial-rooting, tree. Mr. Arnott's experience of the plant is- practically identical with my own, and this in districts widely apart. If afforded such a position a3 I have indicated, and a stony soil quite free of manure, the plant will give very little trouble to the cultivator. E. H. Jenkins, Haiwpton Bill,- \ Middlesex. April % 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 219 CLINKERS FOR DRAINAGE.— Some time ago the reviewer of Mr. Ward's Book on the Peach took exception to the use of clinkers as drainage for Peach-borders. In making the four Peach- borders here I had no occasion to use what •clinkers we had, for we possess an abundance of brick-bats from old buildings ; but I use clinkers •for draining 8-inch pots for French Beans, 9-inch ■for Chrysanthemums, 10^-inch for Pines, and 12-inch for pot Vines, and always find the per- forations permeated with roots. I resorted to their use to save time, for a man will prepare < jalf a-dozen pots with clinkers whilst doing one with crocks, for he can often alight on a clinker that will cover the bottom of an 8-inch or 9-inch . 1904. Mr. W. F. Kirby refers it to Mantis religiosa, Linn. (2) A photograph of a cat playing with a snake before killing it, and calling to her kit ens in a loud and peculiar way to come and share iu tbe sport; it was snapped by Mr. George Bonsor in 190.3, in thepaliooi his house in the Necropolis Romana, Carmona Mr. A. O. Walker brought a branch of Blackcurrant from his garden near Maidstone, with tbe swollen buds indicative of the destructive mite Enophjes riois. An account of the Bryozoa from Fiaoz-Josef-Land, collected by tbe Jaekson-Harmsworth Expedition, 189a, 1^-37, was contributed by Arthur Wm Waters F.L 8. The Rev. T. R. R. Stebbing, Sec.L.S.. also exhibited a series of specimens, collected by H.M.S. Baltlesnalu 222 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 2, 1904. and determined by Mr. John Macgillivray, one ot the naturalists on board, in illustration ot Mr. Waters's paper, which was further illustrated by lantern-slides. The General Secretary, Mr. B. Daydon Jackson, then gave an exhibition and lantern demonstration of " Bo- tanic Illustration from the Fifteenth to the Twentieth Centuries." After explaining that he practically con- fined his remarks to monochromatic processes, he gave a chronological account of the various methods employed, from the earliest known period of printing with movable type, from the anonymous Herbarium in list, and the undated Ortus Sanitalis to recent times. The' works of the eirly herbalists were used as speci- mens of wood-engraving, from Brunfels in 15"0 to Par- kinson in 1629; etching from Colonna in 1592 tp Dillenius 1732, and Hill (drypoint) in 17:8; copper engraving in line, represented by Vaillant, 1727i and Ehr'et in Linnceus's Borlus CVffortianus, 1735; and mezzotint by John Martyn's Historic in 1728. A later state of wood-engraving was then described. Thomas Bewick's engravings of plants in Thornton's Herbal WW (ed 2, ill i) were shown, but as the drawings by Henderson in that work did not allow the engraver to do himself justice, a figure of his "Grasshopper Warbler," from, his .BriM^i Birdi, 1795-1805,, was thrown on the screen, to demonstrate his use of the white line and the flat black. A Japanese representation in the Kwa-wi of Podoearpu3, macrophylla, D. pan, was then shown.' to exemplify the use of the black masses in their work, and a modern French woodcut, for the skill shown in depicticg various visual planes. A later period of copper or steel engraving was then mentioned, as shown by P. .1. Redou'fi in his stippled engravings, which were finished by hand-oolourinsr, and the exquisite rendering of some' of Thuret'a algplogio plates also by stippling; other illustrations from a plate in Boott'a Carex. showing a mixture of line and stipple, brought up the subject of lithography, and a specimen of a plate, drawn by Riocreux and litho- graphed by J. N. Filch, was shown. The process of mechanical reproduction was then entered upon. After displaying two specimens of eetypa, or impressions in printei's-ink from actual specimens, Bradbury's Nature printing and a Viennese modification of it were displayel on the screen: In succession, the various methods of Line-blocks, Half- tone blocks, and Photogravure were explained, with illustrative examples, closing with collotype and Woodbury-type, speiimens of which from the same silver print were handed round for inspection/ ■- The Chairman iniliated a discussion, in which Mr. A. D. Michael pointed out that the cost of several of the best processes was prohibitiveas regards Iheir employ- ment in matters of natural history, and Mr. C. A. Ferrier pointed out that Bewick's technique was actually wood-engraving, and not mere wood-cutliog. He further mentioned that in his early days in London' he. was introduced to William Harvey, a famous draughtsman in the middle of the nineteenth century, and the last surviving pupil of Thomas Bewick. LONDON DAHLIA. UNION. The annual exhibition by the London Dahlia Union will take place, as lastyear, in the Prince's Hall of the London Exhibitions, Ltd., Earl's Court, on Thursday and Friday, September 15 and 16. A feature of more than ordinary interest will bethecompetltion for some special prizes offered by Mr. F. G. Gledstanes. Mr. Gl'edstanes is a great admirer of the Cactus Dahlia as a garden plart, and he is desirous of bringlrg to the fore the varieties, old and new, best adap'.ed for the pur- pose, and to that end he is offering special prizes for six vases of distinct varieties of Cactus Dahlias, three blooms of one variety only in a bunch, to be shown on stems without any supports. A stiff, erect stem, with the flower well displayed, is what is required. Such a class will have an educational interest. The Secretary i i Mr. E. Dean, Ealing, London, W. GARDENERS' DEBATING SOCIETIES, WARE AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.-The fort- nightly meetiDg was held on Tuesday. March 15, when Mr. W. Durrant read a paper on '-The Culture of Gloxinias." He dealt with the introduction of the Gloxinia, with seed-sowing, propagation by cuttings and leaves the ripening of the tubers and restarting, ana general cultivation. The various insects that attack the plants and the best method of destroying, them were also dealt with. A good discussion followed. The ' Secretary read a letter from the Rev. W. Wilks thanking the members for their liberal donation of cigrit guineas towards the new Hall of the Royal Horti- cultural Society. The Secretary wishes to thank all the members and friends who so kindly enabled him to make this donation such a success. CHESTER PAXTON. - The last meeting of the present seas ion was held in the Grosvenor Museum on Saturday, March 19, under the presidency of Mr. A. W. Armstrong. A paper was contributed by Mr. W. White entitled " Tte Value of Education and Science to those employed in horticultural pursuits." In the absence of Mr. White the manuscript was read by the Secretary, Mr. Miln. Toe desirability of horticulturists acquiring a better and more complete knowledge of the sciences bearing upon their profession was strongly emphasised by the writer, especially if we in this country are to hold our own in regard to foreign competition. It is proposed to hold an exhibition of spring flowers in the Grosvenor Museum on or about April 13 and 14. EGHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'.-On Wednes- day evening, March 16, a very successful meeting was held of this new Society. An excellent paper, read by Mr. G. Biskett, on "The Hybridisation of the Rose," was much appreciated by the members. Mr. Baskett illustrated his remarks by showing specimens of the wood of Roses and Sweet Briars, and of the various crosses that had been obtained by hybridising these plants. The next meetiDg will be held on Wednesday, April 6, when Mr. Swan will give a lecture on " Phases of Modern Gardening." BRISTOL AND DISTRICT ASSOCIATION.— "Ancient and Modern Gardens " was the subj ect of an interesting lecture by Mr. Meyer, of Exeter, on March 17. Mr. W. E. Budgett occupied the chair. With the aid of about eighty lantern-slides the lecturer was enabled to explain the difference between old-lime gardening and the present' modern style. Views from the hanging gardensof Babylon (!>, the old style Roman gardens, those of Jamaica, Japan, France, and many others were shown. Views of some of our English parks and gardens were very pleasing, notably Sefton Park at Liverpool, Batt'ersea, Chatsworth, and others. Several views of rock-gardens which the lecturer had himself constructed were shown. CHISLEHURST HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION.— On Tuesday the loth ul'., Mr. John McKerchar, delivered at the Hall, Cbislehurst, a lecture on the "Landscape of the Brittsh I:les, from the Glacial Period to the Present Time " The lecturer described the indigenous flora of these Islands, and dwelt upon the changes effected from lime to time through the interference of man; lsf, in the provision he had to make to protect himself from the inclemency of the weather; 2ad, the arrangements he had to make to provide food for himself and the animals that he had domesticated ; 3rd, the arrangements he had to make to beautify his environment as he advanced in civilisa- tion by the introduction of trees and plants from foreign countries, some of which the lecturer described. ALTRINCHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENERS. - On March 22 Mr. C. Paul, of the Botanical Gardens, Man- chester, read a paper \ipon "Lilies." Mr. F. Robin- son in the chair. Mr. Paul mentioned the great Lily Conferences held at Manchester in 1895. and Chiswick i a 1901. He gava a list of the most suitable varieties for outdoor cultivation in the North, the Midlands, and the South. Such varieties as L. exce'sum, L. can- didum, L. umbellatum varieties, L. Thunbergianum varieties were recommended for herbaceous borders In almost all districts ; whilst L. auratum, L. specio- sum, L Hansoni, and some of the more delicate varie- ties thrive and do well in the Southern districts. He described fully tue requirements, individually, for each class of Lilium. Where they fail to grow success- fully in the borders, growing them in pots in a cool greenhouse or frame was recommended, and if required in beds or borders, plunging them where required for flowering just before they come into bloom. After floweripg, they could be removed to their winter quarters and rested. A number of drawings of Lilies were exhibited at the meetirg. HULL AND DISTRICT —On March 22 Dr. Wilson, M A, read a paper on 'Cactaceous Plants and their Culture." Cacti, he mentioned, had lost a great deal of their popularity, mainly on account of the rise in favour of such plants as Orchids, Begonias, and Chrys- anthemums. The majority of Cacti now in cultivation arc natives of the New World. Nature has specially endowed them with a power of conserving moisture, and consequently withstanding drought. In cultiva- tion we should imitate the conditions of their native habitat as far as possible. Cacti should ba grown in loamy soil with chalk or lime, and a little bone-meal and coarse sand. Established plants should bo potted in spriDg, having most of the soil shaken out and shortening the largo roots. April to September is their growing period, during which time tbey should be kept moist but not saturated, and fully exposed to the sun. Dr. Wilson .afterwards treited of propagation by seed, cuttings, and grafting; and the insect pests and diseases to which the Cacti are subject. W. R. DEVON AND EXETER GARDENERS. — The con- cluding meeting of the Spring Session was held on the 24th ult., when Mr. T. H. Slade, Poltimore Park Gardens, gave a paper on " Gardeners and their Duties." After offering much valuable advice, Mr. Slade said that taking pains always brings its own reward, and young men who are tlic best equipped for their profession as gardeners, have the best chances of the good appointments which now and again become vacant. MARKETS. — •— COVENT GARDEN, March 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 are responsible for the quota- tions. It must be remembered that these quota- tions 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 de- pend upon the quality of the samples, the way in which they are packed, 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.] Out Flowers. &o. ■. Average Wholesale Prioes. s.d. jtt. Anemones, per doz bunches ... 0 9-16 Azalea mollis-, bun. 10-20 Azaieas, per doz. 4 0-60 Bouvardlas.bnch. 0 4-06 Callas, per dozen. 2 0-40 Camellias, box ... 10-20 Carnations.bnch. 10-30 Croton leaves. bun. 0 6-16 Daffodils, per doz. bunches 2 0-60 Eucharis.perdoz. 16-26 Euphorbia, bun. 1 0-. 3 0 Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... 10-26 — French, per doz. bunches 0 3-04 — Maidenhair, doz. bunches 4 0-60 Freesia, per doz. 10-20 Gardenias, box ... 2 0-40 Iris, doz. bunches no — Lilac (French), per bunch ... 16-30 Lilium auratum per bunch ... 2 0-40 — longiflorum, bunch ... 16-60 — lancifollum... 16-26 Lily of the Valley,. p. doz. bunches 9 0-15 0 Marguerites, yel- low, doz bunch. 10-20 — white doz. bun 10-30 Mimosa (Acacia;, bunch 0 6-10 Narcissus.dz.bun. 16-40 — Pheasant Eye, per doz. .. 16-40 s.d. s.d. Narcissus, Soleil d'Or, per dozen 2 0-10 Orchids : Odonto- tlossums, per ozen blooms 2 0-60 — Cattleya, doz. 10 0-12 0 — Cypripedium inslgne, per dozen ... 0 8-16 — Ceelogyne.doz. 1 C- 1 8 Pelargoniums, zonal, ' dozen bunches ... 4 0-90 — white, dozen bunches ... 4 0-60 — double scarlet, ..a p. doz. bunches 6 0-80 Primroses, per dozen bunohes 0 9-10 Roman Hyacinths, 4 0-80 doz. bunches Roses, Mermet, per bunch ... — white, bunch — pink, bunch — red. bunch — Safranos, bch. — French, bunch 10-20 Smilax. per doz. trails Spirtflas, bunch... Stocks, per doz... Tulips, Red, per bunch — various, per bunch... Violets, p. dozen bunches — Parma, p. bun. 2 0- 4 P 1 4- 30 16-30 2 0-40 10-20 16-20 0 6-0 9 2 0-26 0 6-09 0 6-10 10-16 16-26 Plants in Pots, &o. : Average Wholesale Prioes. s.d. s.d. >■&■ »■<*• Acacias, per doz. 12 0-50 0 Adiantums, doz. 4 0-80 Aralias, per doz. 4 0-80 Arbor Vitas, doz. 9 0-18 0 Arum Lilies, doz. 6 0-80 Aspidistras, doz. 18 0-36 0 Aucubas, per doz. 4 0-80 Azalea mollis, pot 16-30 Azaleas, each ... 16-30 Begonia, per doz. 4 0- 8 o Cinerarias, dozen 4 0-80 Crotons, per doz. 12 0-24 0 Cyclamens, doz. 9 0-18 0 Cyperus, per doz. 3 0-40 Daffodils.perdoz. 6 0-80 Diehtra specta- bilis, per dozen 12 0 18 0 Dracsenas.variety, dozen 12 0-48 0 Ericas, per dozen 6 0-12 0 Euonymus, vara., per dozen ... 4 0-60 Ferns in variety doz 4 0-30 0 Ficus elastica, per doz 9 0-24 0 Genistas, per doz. 6 0-10 0 Herbaceous plants and perennials, per box Hyacinths.Roman (48-pote), doz. — Dutch, p. doz. Lilac-trees, eaob . Lycopodiuma.per dozen Marguerite8, per doz Orange-trees, each 3 6-10 6 Palms, var., each 3 0-20 0 Pelargoniums, double scarlet, per doz. Primulas, perdoz. Pteris tremula, 12 — Wimsetti, per doz — major, dozen Spiraea, per doz. . Tulips, red, doz. roots — yellow, dozen roots — various 10-20 8 0-90 8 0-12 0 3 0-40 3 0-40 6 0- 8.0 8 0- 8 '0 4 0-60 4 0-80 4 0- 8.0 4 0-60 6 0-80 10 — 0 9-10 10-16 Vegetables : Artichokes, Globe, ?er dozen ... eruaalem, p. sieve Aaparagua, Sprue, bundle — Paria Green... — English, bun. Beans, dwarf, lb. — Madeira, per basket Beetroots, bushel Brussels Sprouts, per sieve Carrots, per doz. bunches — per bag Cauliflowers, per dozen Celery, per dozen bunclies Cress, doz. pun. Cucumbers, per dozen Endive, per doz. Garlic, per lb. ... Horseradish, fo- reign, p. bunch Leeks, doz. bun... Lettuces, Cabbage, per dozen Mint, doz Average Wholesale Prioes. s.d. s.d. s.d. t.d. 1 Mushrooms(housc) 3 0-36' per lb 10-13 Onions, per case. 7 6 — 10-13 — per bag ... 39-70 — picklers.sieve 3 0-60 0 9 — — English, owt. 8 6-90 5 0-56 Parsley, doz. bun. 40-50 7 6 — — sieve 2 0 — 16-19 Parsnips, per bag 2 0 — Potatos, per ton 1C0 0-140 0 10-16 — frame, lb. ... 05-07 2 6-30 — NewTeneriffe, per cwt. ... 12 0- 14 0 16-20 Radishes, per dozen bunches 2 0-26 Rhubarb, Yorks, 2 6-40 per dozen Salad, small, pun- 16-26 nets, per doz.... ; Savoys, tally ... 8 0-18 0 ' Seakale, per doz. 0 8-10 punnets 1 Shallots, lb. 3 6-501 Spinach, p. bush. 16-19 Tomatos, Canary 0 3 — ; Deeps ' Turnips, doz.bun. 1 0- 1 3 [ — per bag 10-131 Vegetable Mar- : rows, per doz. 8 0-12 0 1 0- l 3 I Watercress, per 4 0-60 dozen bunches 04- O 0 8-13 0 9-10 0 8-10 5 0-60 10 0-15 0 0 2-03 4 0-50 2 6-36 16-20 2 0 — April 2, 1904.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 223 Fruit : Average Wholesale Prioes. s.d. sd. t.d. s.d. Apples, cookers, Cranberries, case 13 0 — per bushel 6 0 — Figs, per doz. ... 12 0-18 0 — Australian, in Grapes. Alicante, cases 10 0-16 0 per lb. 3 0-30 Californian.in — Almeria, doz. 4 6-80 cases 8 0-10 0 — Gros Colmar, — OregoD, cases 10 0-15 0 A, per lb..,. 3 0-40 — Nova Scotia, B., per lb. . 19-20 per barrel... 15 0-20 0 Lemons, per case 8 0-14 6 — Albemarles, Oranges, per case 8 0-18 0 per barrel... 22 0-30 0 Pears, per case... 7 0-17 3 Bananas, per Pines, each 2 0-40 bunch 6 0-12 0 Strawberries, A., — loose, dozen 10-16 per lb 5 0-80 Cobnuts, per lb. 0 7J — — B., per lb. ... 2 0-40 Remarks.— The Australian Apples (Victorian) are very bright, and of fine quality. Cape Grapes, per case, 12s. to 18s, ; Peaches, 4s to 6s. per case ; Plums, cases, 8s. to 108. each. New French Carrots, Sd. to Is. 3d. per bunch; Turnips, 9d. per bunch; Sweet Potatos, lis. per cwt. ; Egyptian Onions, 6s 9d. to 7s. per bag; Algerine Kidney Potatos, per cwt., lite. toISs ; Cornish Broccoli, of good quality, 8s. to 10s. per crate ; Cherbourg, do , Is. 3d. to 2s. per dozen ; Italian do., 3s. per basket. Celery is now nearly over. Potatos. Home-grown, 100s. to 120s. per ton ; foreign, 80s. to 110«. do. ; Dunbars, 130s. to 140s. do. Seed-tubers in variety. John Bath, 32 & 34, Wellington Street, Covent Garden. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Eahlt on Saturday morning, the 26th ult., the market presented a very gay appearance, there beiDg a wealth of flowering plants and cut flowers. Among pot plants the Indian Azaleas are the most showy; Genistas are now at their best, and make a fair price. Cinerarias continue plentiful and good, those offered by Mr. Mott being very fine. Mr Sweet, whose stands are always so well filled with flowering plants, lad good Cinerarias and Marguerites, also Acacias, Erica -persoluta alba, E. Wilmoreana, Boronia megasligma and B. heterophylla. In Messrs. T. Rochford's col- lection were some good Hydrangea Thomas Hogg, making from 12s. to 18s. per dozen. On the same stands were also some good standard Laburnums in flower, making from 2s. 6d. to is. each; also double- flowered Cherries at about the same prices. Mr. E. Bochford also had good Hydrangeas, botli the variety T. Hogg, and the pink H. Hortensia; his Genistas were very good. Azalea mollis were very tine on Mr. Drost's and several other stands. Tulips, Hyacinths, and Daffodils were very good as offered by Messrs. Whiteley, and Clematis and zonal Pelargoniums King of Denmark and Raspail Improved on Mr. H. B.May's stand. Messrs. Williams & Co. had a splendid lot of Hyacinths, ' Narcissus, and Azaleas. Messrs. Gregory & Evans pink Hyacinths, Heaths, and Ferns. Messrs. Low & Co. are bringing in good Keutias from small plants to large specimens, and theirs is the only stand I on which I have yet seen Crimson Rambler Roses; but I their best plants, which make about 7s. ed. each, do not come into market. Dendrobiums in pots are very good. In one case I saw some very good well- .flowered show Pelargoniums, making lSs. per doz. Messrs. J. Hill & Son fill their stands well with good jFerns ; also Mr. W. Cull, and many others. Of sorts noted, the Japarese Balls and other designs well covered with bright fresh fronds ; Asplenium Hilli, A. biforme, Nepbrolepls exaltata, Cyrtomium falcatum Fensom's variety, with new fronds, Pteris major and P. tremula, Lomaria gibba, and other useful sorts arc plentiful. A few Dicksonias and Todea arborea are also seen. Palms are plentiful. In Mr. Bause's and Mr. Ouvrard's collections, beautiful clean, healthy plants were seen. The trade for pot plants was not over brisk, the cold weather being against buyers taking more than was actually wanted. ■ Cut Flowebs. In cut flowers the supplies are equally good. Lilium longlflorum are higher in price, and next week may see a further advance. Auratums, tigrinums, and specie- sum rubrum are good. Callas are very plentiful and cheap, but growers would not accept orders for next week, except on conditional prices. Lily of the Valley was much in excess of the ordinary demand, and some was cleared out at very low prices. Daffodils continue in great abundance ; those from the Channel Islands, which are now coming in in very large quantities, are not so good as the English flowers, but they keep the prices low. Red Roses are now very abundant, and some growers cut and send in the same morning. Some buyers wait especially for these, and when they arrive there is quite a rush for them. All Roses are good and prices are moderate. There were not quite so many Carnations to be seen. , I have not yet seen any American scarlet variety equal in colour to Winter Cheer at its best. Tulips are still very good. Some grand double yellow Murillos, crimsons, and single whites were seen on Messrs. '. Low's, Cxbridge, stands. Azaleas are not quite ao plentiful and make better prices. Gardenias are down very low. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Glassow, March 30.— The following are the averages of the prices during the past week :— Apples, Maine (U.S.), 15s. to 26s. per barrel; Californian Newtown Pippin, 9s. Si. to 10s, ikl. per box ; Canadian, 16s. to 28s. per barrel, and 8s. to 12s. per box ; Oranges, Jaffa, lis. to 12s. per box ; Valencia. 420s, 9s. ed. to Us. do. ; large, 13s. to 15s.; 714's, lis. to 13s. ed. ; Lemons, 4s. to 6s. per box, and 8s. to 12s. per case; Grapes, is. ad. to 3s. per lb. ; Beans, is. ed to is. 9d. per lb. ; Mushrooms, Is. 6d. to Is. id. per lb. ; Cucumbers, .ws. per doz ; Tomatos, Tencriffe, 3s. 6d. to 5s. per box; Onions, Valencia, 9s. to 10s. per case. Liverpool, March 30. — Wholesale Vegetable Market (North Hay). — The following are the averages of the current prices during the past; week — prices FlQ. 93.— CUSTARD-API'LE, ANOKA CHEHIMOLIA: FRUIT EEAL S1ZS; COLOUR GREENISH. varying according to supply :— Potatos, per cwt. Main Crop, 4s. 9d. to 5s. 3d. ; British Queens, 4s 2d. to 4s. 8d ; Op -to -Date, 4s. 2d. to 4s. 8d. ; Bruce, 4s. 4d. to 4s. lOd. ; Turnips, ed. to lOd per dozen bunches; Swedes, Is. 3d. to is. 6d. per cwt. ; Carrots, 3s. 6d. to 4s. do. ; Onions, foreign, 5s. 6d. to 6s. per bag ; Parsley, »d. to is per dozen bunches ; Cabbages, 6d. to is. per dozen ; Cauliflowers, 2s. fid to 3s. do. Fruit ; Oranges, Valencia, 7s. 6d. to 8s. ed. per case, and 9.>. to 158. ; large cases, 10s. 6d. to 12s. 6 1. ; Jaffa, 7s. to 8s. 6d ; bitters, 2s. 6d. to 3s. ed. per box ; Apples, Canadian, ]0«. to 15s. 6d per barrel, and Us. 6d. to 22s 6d.. do ; States. 9s. to 16s., and 15s. to 20s.; Newtowns. 6s to 8s. 9d. per box ; Lemons, Palermo and Messina, 3s. 3d. to 4s. per case ; large, 6s, to 7s. 6d., do —St. Johns : Potatos, Is. to Is. 2d. per peck ; Asparagus, 3s. 6d. to 5s. per loo ; Cucumbers, 6d. to Is. each ; Grapes, home, 2s. to 2s. ed. per lb. ; do., foreign, 8d. to lOd. do. ; Pines, foreign, 3s. 6d. to 6s. each ; Mushrooms, is 6d. per lb. — Birkenhead : Potatos, Is. to is. 2d. per peck; nev do., id. and 2 CER ONI CL E. 225 THE (farters' dprrarade No. 902.— SATURDAY, April 9, 1904. Alpine garden, the — Crocus banaticus ... 23C Colcbicum croc'.- florum 2.38 Apple Ecklinville Seed- ling 2.31 EegooiaGlolrede Lor raine 2.35 Boardman.Mr. Arthur, presentation to ... 2.34 Books, notices of— Botanical Magazine 23.3 Cassell's Popular Gardening 2?4 Electroculture, the present condition Of 2C Flora and Sylva ... 2.31 Orchid Stud- Book. the 228 Publications re- ceived ... 2.31 Burnham Beeches ... 232 Charlock, the destruc- tion of 2.32 Currant bud mite, the 2.3s Dusseldorf Exhibition 23.3 Evergreens without leaves 225 Ferns, the destruction of, in Devon 233 Florists' llowers- Aurlcula. the ... 2.30 Gardeners' Associa- tion, the proposed 2.35 Gardening and the labour problem ... 23.3 Gardening book, an old 233 Hippeastrum, a white variety of 234 Hurslcy, the village of 2.3! Koble 234 Kew notes 227 Larch, fungus in ... 231 Law note 239 Lindley Library, the . 232 CONTENTS. r.unt, Wm , the late ... Manure for Potalos ... Market Gardeners' Compensation Act... New or noteworthy plants- Aloe Baumli Obituary- Peerless, Geo. Read Odontoglossum Pesca- torel "Kathleen" ... Orchid notes and glean ings Path, a novel garden.. Potato, an alleged disease proof variety of Potato Sir John Llew- elyn Potatos, prices of Rats, destruction of... 11 Shasta " Daisies ... Societies- Manchester and N". of England Orchid Royal Botanic Royal Caledonian 23.3, Royal Horticultural Surveyors' Institu- tion Strawberry beds Trees and shrubs - Neviuslaalabamensis Robinia neo-mexi- cana Villa garden, a model Weather observations Week's work - Apiary, the Flower garden, the . Fruits under glass .. Hardy fruit garden . Kitcben-garden. the Orchid-houses, the . P. ants under glass... Wlsley gardens, pro- posed excursion to 833 2 1 22 i 240 235 235 233 2.39 2411 2.31 231 2.30 231 2.1 231 ILLUSTRATIONS Aloe Banmii Burnham Beeches the •'•"Elepnant" Beej'n " (Supplementaiy Illustration) Uerodendron myimec jphilum ... Cynorchis purpurascens ... Neviuslaalabameasls Odontoglossum Pejcatorei var. Kathleen -\ylana vaporana In Mushroom-bed 237 227 229 240 EVERGREENS WITHOUT LEAVES. 'TWERE is no trick in this heading. It looks at the first blush like a contradiction : in reality «t is a sober fact. We usually think of evergreens as bushes, shrubs, climbers, trees which have leaves all the year round. Our mind reverts at once to the Ivy trailing gracefully over the wall or up the stem of the forest-tree ; the Mistletoe, the Holly, Yew and Cypress, the Laurel and Holm-Oak ; and in each of these cases there certainly areleaves. Indeed, if we were asked in what country one might hope to find an evergreen without leaves we should be puzzled to find an answer, and should probably reply point-blank, "The thing •s impossible." Let us see. We will, first of alf, look around our own doors, examine our own flora, inspect the plants which our own country produces, and after that we may, perhaps, go further afield. Who can call up the Butcher's Broom (Euscus aculeatus) ? It bears sundry names in English, vJBt this is the most familiar. It is a truelver- green, and it belongs to the class I am about to illustrate— evergreens without leaves. I grant that in this case there seem to be leaves, very similar to those of the Myrtle, only that each has a sharp point or prickle which makes the plant somewhat difficult to gather. These apparent leaves, as in the so-called Asparagus Fern, and in the " Smilax " so much used for decorative pur- poses, are in reality transmuted branches, and are sometimes called " cladodes," or " phyllodes." The former name is incorrect, because it mean3 "branch-like"; the latter name is exceedingly expressive because it means " leaf-like." The lit tie branches have become like leaves, and the true leaves have disappeared, or are present only as inconspicuous scales. How do we know this ? In different ways. We argue in the first place from analogy. All pUnts have leaves, therefore this has. But the trus leaves sometimes dis- appear, and these have done so. We know it by studying the life-history. If we examine the young shoots in spring we shall find the true leaves are there. When the phyllodes have de- veloped, however, there i3 no further need of the leaves, so the plant quietly lets them disappear. They drop off one by one, devolving their duties and functions on the phyllode3. I used to think all this was a bit of botanical refinement, and introduced to baffl; beginners. Now I see that the fact has a delightful bearing on the history of plant-life, and supplies one of the many illus- trations which are continually turning up to show the fertility of Nature's shifts for a living. Let us state the case before us. The Butcher's Broom is very closely related to the Asparagus and to the Solomon's Seal. These plants and all their near allie3 are soft herbs, and die down in the winter, though they may possess perennial roots. The Butcher's Broom was once a soft herb. It3 young shoots are still so delicate in spring that they have often been employed as Asparagus. But when times were hard, and the Butcher's Broom had to devise a method of holding its own against aggressors, it gradually hardened its tissues and became woody. It became a shrub, in fact, and ceased to be a herb. Hence it happens that it stands alone in the British flora, for it is the only case of a Mono- cotyledon with a woody stem. All the rest of this great division of plants, including Lilies, Daffodils, Orchids, Cereals, and Grasses, are hert>3. That in itself is a fact to make one reflect. Xow when the Butcher's Broom began to assume the form of a hardy shrub it encoun- tered new dangers. Its green leaves were excel- lent browsing for cattle, rabbits, and other herb- feeders in winter. It must protect itself from these. Its leaves, moreover, will collect the snow, and render it liable to be broken down. So it gradually resolved its little branchlets into the semblance of leaves, and armed them each with a rigid spine. These at once pierce the fall- ing snow and break it up, and keep away browsing animals which might be tempted to feed on the attractive plant in winter when everything else is brown and bare ! What an interesting story of development this is ! But we know the phyllodes are not true leaves in another way. Even if we had never seen the true leaves on the young shoots, coming year by year to give us a clue to the story, we could tell it by the strange position of the flowers. These seem to spring from the centres of the leaves, and if you find the plant in fruit, it will be seen that the scarlet berry i3 attached to the upper surface of the phyllode by a little stalk. The position is so peculiar, the method of displaying flower and fruit is so unique and peculiar, that we are forced to examine the matter, as Moses was compelled by curiosity to inspect the burning bush. This inspection reveals to us the fact that the flower is in reality growing, as flowers usually do, from the branches and not from the leaves. It will be well to confirm our conclusion by inspecting some other plants with a view of ascertaining if Nature has at any other time worked on similar lines. A little research among our common British plants will show that this is not a solitary ca3e. Similar problems had to be solved elsewhere in our flora, and in more than one instance the solution was practically on the same lines. Here on a piece of common land I find three or four other evergreens without leaves. They belong to one order, and are closely related to our Beans and Peas, Vetches and Clovers. One is the common Gorse. Where are its leaves? Here is a spray — show me its leaves if you can. Ah ! I see you have studied botany before, for you paint me to the spines. That is correct ; for here the leaves have become aborted, and changed into exceedingly strong, sharp prickles. To prove this, so w some Gorse-seeds in a pot, and rear the young plants where you can const tntly observe them. You will find that the seedlings have leaves similar in shape to those of the Trefoils ; but when the plants begin to develop branches, the leaves cei3e to appear, and spines take their place. Like the Butcher's Broom, the Gorse is impatient of cold, on which account they are rarely found in the North, and perish before the eeverity of the clime of Sweden, where Linnaeus, the prince of botanists, lived. Hence hi3 eC3tasy at the sight of the golden Gorse in our more Southern regions. Then there is the Needle-Whin (Genista ang- lica), which I find thu3 described in one of my botanical works. I give the words of another to show that my own interpretation is supported by other botanists. " The stem3 are much branched, about a foot high, reclining, and furnished with acute thorns. Toe old branches are tough, with- out leaves, and beset with thorns. The thorn3 are very slender and sharp, a quarter to half an inch long. The leafy branches of the present year become next season woody, awl - shaped thorns." There are several other species of Genista at home and abroad with which this may be compared in order to confirm the statement that the leaves have been converted into thorns. However commendable this abortive and degene- rating process may be in an exposed plant, we always grieve when we see the same process in human life. In the common Broom we have a most interest- ing illustration of the way in which this tendency to drop the leaves progresses. It does not take place all at once. The Broom has developed evergreen stems, and these stems are capable of carrying on the functions of leaves. Hence the leaves are small and deciduous, while the bitter qualities of the plant protect it as effectually as spines would do from animals browsing in the winter. Thu3 we have examined a few of our British evergreens which are without leaves. What of foreign plants ? Do such peculiarities exist abroad ? Indeed they do ; and if we cannot visit foreign lands, it is a most pleasing exercise ta try to discover whence our treasures came, and what are the circumstances in which they are placed by Nature, through an investigation of their various organs. Boots, leaves, stems, flowers — all have their story to tell, and throw light on the environment, exigencies, and life-history of the plants. Look, for example, at that wonderful group of plants known as Cacti. Where are their leaves ? We grow scores of different species in our win- dows, greenhouses, and conservatories, and we know them to be evergreen ; yet who has ever observed their leaves ? Here, again, as in the case of the Gorse and Needle-Whin, the leaves are undeveloped, but now appear as spines. These are invariably very sharp, and often ex- ceedingly poisonous. Hence the Cacti are favourite plants in many lands for enclosing gardens, orchards, and vineyards. Wild beasts will turn before a Cactus-fence as our adversaries flee from the bayonets of the British soldier. It may be asked — How can plants live without leaves ? The answer is that in all these cases the phyllodes or the stems do duty instead of 226' THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Apbil 9, 1904. the leaves. The Prickly Pear, and other of the Cacti, possess flattened or enlarged stems, which are adapted for taking ia the carbon that is needed from the atmosphere. Dr. Brown tells us that "some plants, like the Dodder, have no leaves, while in others they are reduced to the form of spines, the whole stem of the plant performing the functions of leaves. In one genus of the Cactus order there are regularly developed leaves, while on others, like the Prickly Pear, there are caducous leaves in the young state of the plant, the old ones being leafless, unless the spines scattered over them be looked upon as leaves." Curiously enough in South Africa, where the Cactus is unknown, there are Spurges which so exactly mimics some of these spiny plants that only a botanist can tell the difference. Even he would be misled if he had only a stem to go by, for it is in the flower alone that the resemblance fails. Leaves in dry arid plains and hot regions are often liable to droop and die, hence these curious modifications. The Acacias are another group of foreign plants which show us how leaves may be changed into phyllodes. Before I close it may be well to remark that there is a group of plants found abroad which in some respects resemble our own Butcher's Broom. On account of its flattened phyllodes and the position of the flowers, these plants have been named Phyllanthus. The name implies plants whose flowers grow on their leaves. Many of my readers will have seen one or other of the different species which may be found under cultivation in England, and will recall the feeling of surprise which first possessed them as they saw the blossoms on the edges of the leaves. They are nearly all evergreen shrubs, and are found in China, India, the West Indies, and South America. I have shown, then, that, curious as it may appear, many leafless evergreens exist at home and abroad. It is clear that this is the result of the struggle for life, and shows how variously Nature enables her productions to meet life's difficulties. We learn that the functions of true leaves may be performed by flattened leaf-stalks, modified branches, or even stems, and finally we see how, in shifts for a living, Nature has become infinitely varied, complex and interesting. It is the study of such peculiarities and problems as that that give the highest zest to botanical pursuits, while they serve to throw a wonderful flood of light on the intricate problems of life. Hilderic Friend. are some differences between the original descrip- tion and our plant. Acaulescent, with about fifteen leaves in a dense rosette. Leaves very patent, lice ir-lanceolate, tapering NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. ALOE BAUMII, Engleb and Gilo. This new species of Aloe was discovered by H. Baum on his Kunene-Sambesi expedition, an account of which has now been published, and wherein this plant is described for the first time. It was found in flower, in October, 1899, close to the river Kubango, near Chirumba, in sandy and stony soil, at about 1,200 metres above the sea. Mr. Baum says that the natives call the plant "Mantombo," and use the flowers to make a sort of cake. It belongs to the group which I call " Sapo- naria." The shape of the flowers is, however, singular • the inflation round the ovary is very conspicuous, and the tube is slightly bent down- wards. The original description of Engler and Gilg does not allude to this fact, but the pho- tograph, which Mr. Baum took on the spot and which he lent me, clearly shows it well. Besides, the flowers are said to be yellowish-red, but they are of a dirty dark-red in our specimen. Our plant was received from the Berlin Botanic Garden. I further have two type specimens from my friend Mr. Baum, and Eeveral seedlings from Messrs. Haage & Schmidt, Erfurt, which all agree well with the photograph. No doubt remains, therefore, as to the identification, although there Fig. .m— aloe bacmii (reducei). l, Eiofle iioiver (real size); 2, single flower cut transversely and irregularly variegated, from broaa often zlg-zig-like bauds of coDfluent white and longi- tudinally-striped spots; the underside of the leaves quite white, darker green toward* the top, regularly bejet at the margins with horny, yellowish-brown, deltoid teeth about 5 inch apart, with the sinus between them rounded and nearly semiorbicular. Inflorescence about 36 inches high, branched above the middle in our plant. Scape glaucous. Racemes elongated, many flowered, flowers lixly disposed. Pedicels about j of an inch long, bracts longer, from a deltoid base subu- late. Perianth over 1J inch long, much inflated round tbe ovary, then constricted with a decidedly decurveci and laterally compressed tube. red. Segments free to about one-third ot the whole flower, outer ones acute, inner ones broader and obtuse, all with apaler margin. Stamens as long as the perianth, the three of the outer whorl flattened and thickened at the base; anthers little exserted. Alwin Berger, La Mortola. [A coloured figure of this species is given in the April number ol the Botanical Magazine, tab. 7i*18.] KlCHABDIA CANTABEIQIENSIS X . This year and last, in the Cambridge Botanic Garden, has flowered a charming pair of hybrids which I have made reciprocally between R. Reh- nianni and R. melanoleuca. They appear to be identical, and besides having an elegant shape, conferred by R. melanoleuca, appear to possess an important point of interest in the fact that the slight tendency of the spathe in R. Rehmanni to- be pink is greatly intensified. This species ha3 been called the pink Richardia, but an African sun is apparently necessary to bring out the colour ; while in these hybrids, under conditions which induce no trace of colou'r in R. Rehmannii, the pink colour is very clearly in evidence, slightly perhaps on the inside of the spathe, but more deeply on the outside. It may be said that they are ivory - white flushed with pink. R. melanoleuca is yellow ; and as R. Reh-, mannii is ivory-white or white under ordinary circumstances, the case reminds one of instances like Begonia weltoniensis x , in which parents, orange and white respectively, give rise to pink, the parents here being the orange B. Suther- landi and the white B. Dregei. As in R. melano- leuca, these hybrids have a splendid dark "eye," and in this particular they are governed by that parent, whichever way the cross is made, R. Reh- manni having no trace of it. The leaves ia outline and general character are nearly inter- mediate ; the stalks are coloured much as in R. melanoleuca, but have little or nothing of the hispidity characteristic of that species. Small Richardias, especially those, I think, with a half open spathe like R. melanoleuca and these hybrids, are especially good for cutting. One of these hybrids and the parents made, with slight additions, an excaedingty elegant arrangement in a silver vase in the Queen's Room at the Fitz- william Museum on the occasion of the recent Royal visit to Cambridge, when the new schools and other buildings were opened by the King. Other hybrids of Richardia are albo-maculata x Ellioti, flowered last year by Mr. W. B. Latham, then of the Birmingham Botanic Garden; and R. Taylori (Ellioti x aurata), raised by Messrs. Clibran & Sons. An object in crossing Rich- ardias should be to obtain a free- flowering habit in combination with the brilliant qualities in colour of such fine plants as R. Pentlandi. R. Irwin Lynch. longitudinal]}. from the middle gradually to the point, flat above, and slightly canaliculate at the verytip, convex under- neath, in our specimen about 12 inches long and 1'J to 3 inches broad, of a dull green, often turning to a brownish-red. covered by a fine glaucous hue, all over BOOK NOTICE. % The Present Condition of Electroculture (L'Etat actuel de l'Electroculture). by M. E. Guarini.* The author states that the Agrarian Society of Lombardy has just opened a session for the- further consideration of the application of electricity to vegetation. The electric treatment- comprises two stages : the electrisation of the seeds, and electroculture properly so-called. In- direct electroculture consists in growing the plant in the light of the voltaic arc, Cooper- » Revue Bcientifiqm, August 22, 1903 (extract). APBIL 9, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 227 Hewitt lamps, &c. Direct electroculture consists in electrifying the plants, the air, and the soil. In this latter every species of current can be em- ployed, viz., atmospheric, dynamic, that of static machines, even Hertzian waves. The electrifica- tion of seeds aims at producing in them physio- logical effects favourable to germination, and the further development of the plants. The method of operation is then described. The seeds must he moistened, as they are then better able to conduct electricity and to withstand the effects of Seating. Seeds which have lain dormant for twenty years are by this means induced to germinate. Spechniew, the Russian botanist, who first paid attention to the matter, found that the develop- ment of the plant is more rapid and vigorous under the induction current j but a greater .harvest of seed was obtained when a continuous current was employed. Under every mode of treatment germination was powerfully stimu- lated. A table of comparative results of the ex- periments he made is given. From certain ■experiments of his Mr. Asa S. Kermey drew the following conclusions : the electrification of seeds ■exerts a considerable influence on their germina- tion and the development of the seedling; the .-application of an electric current at short intervals accelerates germination 30 per cent, at the end of twenty-four hours, 20 per cent, in forty-eight hours, and 0 per cent, in seventy-two hours; the maximum electromotive force which can be used is 1 volt for germination and 3 volts -of the induction current for the growth of plu- mule and radicle ; the effect on the development of stems is 13 per cent, less than that on the growth of roots. And as regards the mode in which the current exerts the influence, he holds that it stimulates the vitality of the germ, the germination of very old seeds appearing to prove this ; it hastens the chemical transforma- tion of the albuminoids j starch and oil stored in the cotyledons are more rapidly rendered assimil- able by the seedling ; it is accompanied by elec- trolysis, by which the water either of the tissues or of the moist surroundings is decomposed into •oxygen and hydrogen— the former of these thus produced would stimulate the respiration of the embryo and seedling; by the passage of the current through the resisting substance of the seed heat is generated, which is beneficial to the development of the seed. By indirect electroculture the plants are caused to assimilate food night and day without interruption. Siemens found that it was neces- sary to interpose a thick plate of glass between the plant and the rays of the arc, otherwise the former became etiolated. Various experiments are cited proving the highly beneficient effect on plants of the electric light. In Spitzbergen, North Norway, and Lapland, cultivated plants attain a development far surpassing that of plants in more southern climes ; and in Finland at has been noticed that a periodic variation in the harvest results coincides with variations in the sun-spots and the aurora borealis, atmo- spheric electricity being the prime agent here concerned. Several interesting methods by means of in- genious forms of apparatus, for fixing atmospheric ■electricity and conducting it into the immediate neighbourhood of the plants under cultivation are described. From trials which Lemstroem made with current produced from static machines he drew the following conclusions : the plant exhibited an increase in growth of 45 per cent., this proportion is in direct ratio to the fertility of the soil, •certain plants can only endure electric treatment if well watered. Under these conditions their over-production is remarkable. Electric treat- ment is injurious under strong sun-heat, and should be discontinued in the middle of the day. The author's views as to the rule played by electricity are as follows : it electrolyses the salts contained in the soil, decomposing them and forming others more easily assimilable by the plants; it accelerates respiration, the fixation of carbon, transpiration, and the nutrition and multiplication of the calls; it influences the ascent of the sap, stimulating osmosis, and causing a rise of the sap through the capillary tubes of the tissues — evidence for this last has been afforded by one of Lemstroem's experiments. He surmises that the r6U of electricity in its influence upon plant life is probably far more important than we at present have any suspicion of. Its future importance for agriculture is probably great, and the introduction of electric the beginning of May, during which time they are leafless. In May, the resting bud with its fleshy roots should be carefully removed from the old soil, and potted in a compost consisting of equal parts peat, chopped sphagnum, and Belgian leaf-mould, with additions of sand and charcoal. Pot the plants lightly, and place them in a moist atmosphere having a temperature of G0° to 65° during the day and 55J at night. Although good plants can be grown under cooler conditions, finer specimens are produced under the conditions and tjmperatures described. The species was introduced to Kew from Madagascar in 1S99, and first flowered in 1900, being figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7,852. The illustration (fig 95) has been prepared from a photograph by Mr. Wallis. W. H. Fig. 95.— cyxobi his pukpurascens, as grown at kew. {From a photograph by E. J. Walli/.) treatment into this industry would in all likelihood react favourably upon others which, directly or indirectly, are allied or tributary to it. W. C. W. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. KEW NOTES. Cynokchis purpurascens. — Several fine pans of this beautiful species have flowered in the Orchid-house at Kew. This species is undoubt- edly one of the most handsome of all terrestrial Orchids, and it thrives well under simple cultural conditions. C. purpurascens is worthy a place in all Orchid collections, including those belonging to amateurs. Generally the plant is mono- phyllous ; it rarely produces two leaves at once. The leaf is large and fleshy, light green in colour, often measuring 2 feet in length and 7 inches in breadth ; the inflorescence is about 9 inches to 1 foot high, carry ing from fifteen to thirty flowers, borne on a rather long pedicel, each with a large whitish bract at the base ; the colour is a pleasing shade of rosy-mauve ; the lip is a shade darker in colour than the segments, having a conspicuous white blotch in the centre. The following cultural conditions have been found very successful with this Orchid : — The plants should rest from the end of December till MASDEVALLIAS, Ac, AT TRING PARK. Collections of these pretty Orchids are getting very rare in gardens, and yet in propor- tion to the space they occupy no class of plants can afford a more continuous supply of showy or curious flowers. The collection formed by the Hon. Walter Rothschild, M.P., at Tring Park is one of the most complete, as it includes all procurable species and hybrids, a good show of flowers being on one or other of the plants every day in the year. Mr. Rothschild is crossing and raising new varieties of Masdevallia, Pleuro- thallis, Restrepia, &c. ; and the value of the garden-raised hybrids is well demonstrated by those now in flower, the majority of which are hybrids. Among the most beautiful are M. x Curlei (mucrura x tovarensis) ; M. x Henrietta, M. x Kimballiana and M. x Pourbaixii, both between Veitchiana and Shuttleworthii ; M. x Rushtoni (racemosa x ignea var.), M. x Booking hybrid ('cucullata x Veitchiana), M. x Shuttry- ana (Shuttleworthii X Harryana), M. x Court- auldiana (Shuttleworthii ■: rosea), M. x Gelengi- ana i Shuttleworthii x xanthina), and M. x Stella i Estrada; x coccinea). Many other less showy hybrids are in bloom, and among the 228 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [APBIL 9, 1904. species were noted several varieties of M. angulata, M. torta, M. Swertieefolia, M. ignea, M. Veitch- iana, &e. Of allied plants the Restrepias have representatives of most of the species, including the singular and distinct R. aspasicensium in flower; and the Pleurothallis have the rather showy P. scapha and P. Roezlii, the gnat-like P. maeroblepharis, and other curious insect-like species. PHALiENOPSIS AT TrING PARK. The house of noble specimens of Phalaenopsis in Lord Rothschild's gardens at Tring Park can claim to have among them the largest and oldest plants in cultivation, one huge plant of P. Schil- leriana having been in cultivation since 1862, and it has flowered regularly and increased steadily in size until it has attained gigantic proportions. The P. x intermedia Portei, which has this year produced a fine branched spike, has been thirty years in attaining its present large size, it having been obtained from Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.'s original importation. known as the thousand-guinea Orchid, is again in flower in the collection of its owner, H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr. Thurgood). Its flowers are quite equal to the illustration, and the labellum, the large size of which is a gTeat feature, has still further developed. Mr. Pitt justly alleges that while his Persimmon is equal to the best in size, form, and richness of its red dish- purple markings, the labellum, which is the defective feature in most others, is pro- portionally large and showy to correspond with the other segments. The unique O. X Adrianae Cobbianum, the finest and darkest of Adrianaes, and many other Odontoglossums are also in flower in the splendidly- grown collection. J. O'B. Dendrobium Victoria Regin.e, Loher. The blue Dendrobium of the Victorian era was described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, June 19, 1897, p. 399, and during the year some plants of it were introduced into cultivation, one of which w Hr * 1L + ■fee • 4^ t J mm -^ •«• ' 9b- ' ^dfl * •< « ^.v Kgk Fig. 96.— odontoglossum pescatorei var. kathi.eex. Of P. Aphrodite and its variety Dayana, there are some very large plants flowering well, and also some very old specimens of P. amabilie (grandiflora), of which species the more re- cently introduced variety Rimestadiana gives indication of being a much more robust grower and better flowerer than the old form. Most of the other species and varieties are well repre- sented in the Tring Park collection, and all are in splendid health. The house in which they are grown is kept at an even temperature, and never unpleasantly warm. During the years Mr. E. Hill, the gar- dener at Tring Park, has so successfully grown these plants he says that he has often had an anxious time during protracted dull winters or excessively hot and dry periods in summer, and on several occasions his plants seemed to look not quite so happy as he would like. But invariably they responded to the treatment which had been found to answer before, and quickly recovered. Odontoglossum crispdm Persimmon. This remarkably beautiful Odontoglossum, which was illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, May 2, 1903, p. 275, and which is commonly was illustrated in our issue of August 21, 1897, p. 121, when the accompanying note, stating that it was a native of the Philippines, growing at an altitude of G,000 feet, ought to have indicated that it was not a hothouse plant. Nevertheless the plant was generally grown with other Den- drobiums, and the result wa3 not often satis- factory. A few cultivators took the hint and secured better results; but the best example of its culture in quantity which we have seen is in the collection of Elijah Ashworth, Esq. (gr., Mr. Hol- brook), Harefield Hall, Wilmslow, where a goodly number of sturdy plants are growing suspended from the roof of the cool Odontoglossum-house, where they have been increasing in strength for some years. The pseudo - bulbs branch and produce aerial roots, and the flowers now on them are larger, and the intensity of the dark blue of the outer halves of the segments is more intense than any we have seen before. The plants are dwarf and bushy, and bear stouter pseudo-bulbs than they did when imported. It is a very beautiful and remarkable plant. Apropos of this species, has anyone succeeded in growing Dendrobium Papilio, Loher, described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, June 26,1897, p. 116? It should be a very showy specie3, although the flowers are slid not to last long. A few plants were imported, but in bad condition. The Orchid Stud Book. Orchid growers will hail with satisfaction the ap- proaching publication of this work. It will supply what we all want, as complete, accurate and up-to- date a register as possible. That is essential for our everyday work ; but beyond that we require a solid basis of ascertained fact in order to study the problems of hybridity and heredity, and so replace empirical practice by methods based on accurate knowledge and well-balanced co-ordi- nation of observed phenomena. It is not Orchid growers alone who will profit by this — it will be cultivators generally. The Orchid Stud Book has been compiled by Messrs. Rolfe and Hurst. Two- men more competent could not be found, and no two could have had better opportunities. Their object has been to provide a list of existing Orchid hybrids, arranged on a uniform system, giving (1) the adopted name ; (2) the parentage; (3) the original publication, with (4) a reference to published figures or other important addi- tional information ; (5) the name of the raiser or exhibitor; (6) the date of appearance; and (7-) the synonymy. It is divided into two parts, Part I. giving an alphabetical list of the parents, with the names of the resulting hybrids ; and Part II. an alpha- betical list of the hybrids on the plan above- mentioned. Hybrids of identical parentage which have received separate names are treated as forms of one, and as synonyms cannot be arranged alpha- betically in the body of the work, an index of them is given, by which their position may be immediately found. The work also aims at providing a standard of nomenclature for Orchid hybrids, aB well as a ready means of ascertaining what hybrids have already been raised, and for these reasons it is hoped that it will be widely supported by those interested in this fascinating branch of Orchidology. In order to prevent the list from becoming out of date, it is intended to record all additions as they appear in monthly supplements in the Orchid Review, and these would naturally be incorporated in the text in the event of a second edition being called for at a future period. It is hoped that this enumeration will prove an effective means of checking the rapidly growing confusion in the nomenclature of hybrids, which so many deplore, and which we believe has largely arisen from the difficulty of ascertaining what hybrids have already been raised. Intending subscribers should communicate at once with the Editor of the Orchid Review, Lawn Crescent, Kew. ODONTOGLOSSUM PESCATOREI "KATHLEEN." Our illustration (fig. 96) represents a flower of Odontoglossum Pescatorei " Kathleen," for which Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, of Cooksbridge, secured an Award of Merit at the Koyal Horti- cultural Society, March 22, and which is one of the most perfect in shape which has yet appeared. The distinct blotches of purple, too, give an addi- tional attraction to the flower. Odontoglossum crispum, whose spotted forms are now so greatly in favour with orchidists, yielded but few of the coveted highly coloured forms until a few years ago, and possibly when some new locality is found for O. Pescatorei, it may be more prolific in blotched forms, which are at present by no means plentiful. It should be said that by right of priority Odontoglossum nobile is the correct name, but in gardens O. Pescatorei is invariably used. Apbil 9, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 229 TREES AND SHRUBS. NEVIUSIA ALABAMENSIS, Asa Geat. A rERT rare North American ahrub growing only in Alabama, but hardy in the Arnold Arboretum, Massachusetts. Its long, slender, wand-like branches are like those of Kerria. The the shrub is easily i;rown, requiring a rich loamy, well-drained soil and a warm position. It is freely propagated by cuttings. Kobinia Neo-Mexicana. Although discovered fifty-three years ago in the south-western States of North America, this beautiful tree does not appear to have reached cultivation until 1882. In that year it was intro- r Three"species of Robinia'' were" in**cultivation previous to this— namely, R. Pseudacacia, R. his- pida, and R. viscosa, all from Eastern North America. The New Mexican species is most nearly allied to R. viscosa ; it is, in fact, con- sidered to be the West American representative of that species. It is a small tree, not unlike the common " Acacia " (R. Pseudacacia) in habit. The young shoots are covered with bristles, and Fig. 97.— neviusia alabamensis (hardy shrub) : flowers white. flowers are about 1 inch across, six to eight in a cluster, and the clusters are disposed along the branches, forming ropes of feathery bloom. There are no petals, but the stamens give a fringe- like appearance. The plant is a member of the Rosacete, and is allied both to Rubus and to Spirsea. The shrub is 3 to G feet in height, with leaves 1 to 3£ inches long, pale green, ovate or oblong-ovate, doubly serrulate, Botanical Magazine, tab. 680G. Our specimen was obligingly furnished from the Royal Gardens, Kew. Mr. Bean tells us that duced to the Botanic Garden at Harvard, in Massachusetts, and five years later (in 1887) it was sent by the Harvard authorities to Kew. The tree they sent is now 20 feet or so high, and for several years was the only one in this country. Now, however, the species is spreading in culti- vation, and it is not difficult to obtain. It is certainly worth recommending to all arbori- culturists who have a liking for trees of small size but of great flower beauty. It is found wild in Colorado, Arizona, and the State from which it takes its name — New Mexico. bear the usual pinnate leaves of the Robinias ; the numerous leaflets are about 1 inch long, and rich green. In regard to its foliage, the species has all the peculiar feathery, Fern-like aspect which makes the Robinias so charming and dis- tinct amoDg our hardy trees. It blossoms in June, and carries its flowers in pendulous race- mose clusters about G inches long and 2 or 3 in. in diameter. The pale-rose hue of the flowers is very beautiful, and the tree, when at its best, is one of the loveliest of our later- flowering trees. It ripens seed in plenty, and they are produced 230 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 9, 1904. in p)cU coveral with glandular bristles. It is perfectly hardy at Kew, but no doubt it likes abundant sunshine. We should judge that to be ifche case from the regions whence it comes. It flowered much better during the latter part of the cycle of dry, hot summers (from 1899 to 1901) than it did last year, or, I expect, will do this. W. J. Bean. A MODEL VILLA GARDEN. Much has been said in praise of large gardens in which money often plays a more important ■part than skill ; but in some small suburban jgardens, where the owner and his family do the greater part of the work, a much greater amount of interest and effect is sometimes obtained when the relative proportions of the gardens are con- sidered. Mr. George Baldry, Bessborough Villa, iHarrow-on-the-Hill, with the assistance of Mrs. Baldry, who takes equal interest in the garden, has in his garden, 60 feet in length and 21 feet in width, accomplished apparently the utmost possible in the way of model gardening on a small scale. The garden has a small greenhouse, 3, frame, an alpine rockery, a sheltered place beside the house where show and fancy Auriculas •are kept, and an effective arrangement of beds and borders. One great point in this pretty little garden is that everything is kept within reasonable limits, the shrub3 and fruit- trees being carefully pruned. This is very important, or •otherwise, especially with herbaceous perennials, the stronger overgrow the weaker. There is such an interesting collection that an •enumeration of some of the principal things might be useful. On and around the rockery are Saxifragas Burseriana, longifolia, Aizoon, rotate, Hosti, Valdensis, crustata, hypnoides, and other mossy Saxifrages, Wallacei, and muscosa ; Sempervivums arachnoideum,triste, californicum, tectorum, montanum, and others ; Sedums acre •aureum, album, spectabile, Sieboldi, &c. ; Arabis ■albida, albida fl.-pl., variegate; Draba brunia?- folia, varieties of Armeria, several varieties of Aubrietia, Lychnis alpina, Anemone appenina, A. nemorosa fl.-pl., A. St. Bridgid vara., a selec- ■fcion of the smaller British Spleenworts, a very interesting set of alpine Pinks, Gentians, blue and ■other Primroses, Aconites, Hellebores, ScillaB, Crocuses, and Narcissi. The borders have a good selection of named ■Carnations, Koses, Campanulas, Delphiniums, Pansies, Iris, Phloxes, Asters, Montbretias, &c. ; •and, indeed, one or two of the best of most favourite flowers ; and for spring - flowering, •Crocuses, Tulips, Narcissi, &c. Nor is the useful part of gardening forgotten, for compact bushes ■of six good Apples, a few of each of the fruiting Currants and Gooseberries, &c, are provided. And in the front porch during the summer was •a very effective display of Campanula pyramidalis and Lilies, the arch over the entrance having an -effective hanging basket of flowers. In the greenhouse is a good selection of Palms, Begonias, Pelargoniums, &c, ' the one Orchid •being Ccelogyne cristata. In the frame, Auriculas Mrs. Potts, Rev. F. D. Horner, John Garrett, Acme, Miss Prim, Richard Headley, George Rudd, •a,nd other named sorts, and about 100 seedlings. THE ROSARY. In the February number of the Rosen Zeitung is given a coloured illustration of a new Tea Rose -called Comte Amedee de Foras. The flowers are of moderate size, well formed, pale yellow flushed with red. Mr. Lambert, of Treves, accords to it •his recommendation. A coloured figure of " Papa ■Lambert," H.T., is given in the Journal des Roses ■for January, flowers large, rose pink ; and Mme. Antoine Mari, T., delicate yellow flushed with irose. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fielder, Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Mymms Park, Hatfleld, Hertfordshire. Azalea indiea. — As these plants go out of flower, place them in a warm and moist atmosphere to induce them to make growth. Those in- tended for late -flowering may be retarded by placing them in a cool house having a northern aspect. If the plants cannot be given this ac- commodation admit air freely to the house in which they are growing, and shade them during the hottest part of the day. Plants in need of repotting should be attended to when they have started well into growth. Use clean and well- drained pots, a full size larger than those in which they have been growing, and use good hard fibrous peat, a little broken charcoal, and coarse silver-sand for the potting compost. Work the soil firmly and evenly round the old ball with a thin rammer, making it as firm as that of the old ball. While the plants are making their growth a temperature of from 55° to 00° will be suitable. Maintain a moist atmosphere, and syringe the plants freely. As growth progresses afford more air, and when it is completed the plants may be stood on an ash bottom in the open air. Climbers. — Most of these are now making new growth, and the young shoots should be regu- lated in order to furnish the allotted space on the trellis, and to prevent crowding and en- tanglement. This applies pirticularly to such plants as Tacsonias, Lapagerias, Hibbertia, Thunbergias, and Dipladenias. The latter should be grown at the warmest end of the stove. Allamaudas should be repotted when they have made a few inches of new growth. If the plants are in large pots the balls may be reduced, and the plants repotted into pots of the same size. Allamandas, Dipladenias, and Stephanotis, when grown in pots, flower much more freely where the convenience exists for training the young growths near to the glass until the flower-buds are formed, when the plants may be trained over a balloon or other trellis. Of the climbers that are raised annually from seeds, the Ipomceas, Thunbergias, and Maurandya Barclayana are among the most useful. Ipomoea rubro-ccerulea, and I. Quamoclit are very beautiful subjects for the conservatory wi en well grown. This may be easily done if a warm temperature during the earlier stages of growth be afforded. At the end of the spring they may be transferred to the conservatory and potted on once or twice. They will then continue to grow and will flower throughout the summer. The annual varieties of Thunbergia and the blue and white varieties of Maurandya Barclayana are also very useful. Achimenes, Tyd&as,and Oesneras. — If itisdesired to increase the stock of these plants, cuttings about 3 inches in length may be taken off the tops of the plants and inserted in 5-inch pots to the number of eight or ten in the case of Achimenes, and of Ave or six in that of the Tydoeas. They will take root readily, and will afterwards flower, as will also the plants from which the cuttings were taken. When rooted, place the plants in a moist part of the stove, and keep them near to the glass. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. Roses. — The work of pruning, having been delayed by the weather, should be finished as soon as possible. Some varieties are still dor- mant, and we may hope for a good Rose season. Remove all prunings, as well as the old dry manure that has served as a mulch for the winter. Give a dressing of turfy loam to beds on light soils, and lightly fork in a dressing of bone meal to others on heavy ground. Newly-planted beds will not require digging, nor need the mulch- ing be removed unless some fresh material can be applied, but the ground should be made firm round the plants, in cases where the winds have loosened them. Wild Garden. — Varieties of wild flowers of tall and dwarf habits should be sown in large areas. Mix the seed with some finely-sifted soil and sow broadcast. In addition to the wild flowers, sow seeds of Shirley and Iceland Poppies, Malvas, the best varieties of Foxgloves, and the common sweet - scented Mignonette. It is not necessary to clear the ground for sowing, ex- cepting of ths underwood, as at this time of the year the seeds will soon germinate. Rooteries may be made to look very picturesque and afford relief to well-kept lawns and flower- beds, especially where the ground is uneven or rugged in appearance. The roots should be cleaned now, and made ready for the reception of plants. Some fresh, rich soil should be applied to those requiring it, and if lime -rubble be mixed in it will counteract the effects from the drip of trees above. A change may be made in forming the roots to suit the plants required, adding to the height of the clump where necessary, and placing other roots at the side of the walk, taking care not to make it appear formal. Crevices and corners should be made into pockets, which may be planted with Nasturtiums, Canary Creepers, Campanulas, Ivy-leafed Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, &c. Old stumps may be covered with slow-growing Ivies, especially the silver-edged varieties ; the common wood Ivy is also suitable for this work, but the Irish Ivy is too robust in growth, and would smother the other species and rob the ground of all nutriment. Other creeping plants suitable are Clematis, Honeysuckle, and Tropseolum speciosum. A clump of Gorse and a centre plant of Pampas-Grass, just allow- ing the roots to be seen through the Gorse, has a very good effect. Thick ground-plant- ing should be avoided. A good clump of Daffodils surrounded by Erica carnea is now very effective. Creeping plants, such as Au- brietias, Arabis, Alyssum saxatile compactum, and Saxifragas, may be used, and will look bright in early spring. Hardy Ferns, which should be planted now, must not be omitted ; they have the effect of appearing cool in summer. Such kinds as Polystichums, Scolopendrium ( Hart's- tongue), Osmunda regalis (Royal Fern), and the like, are suitable. Afford fresh soil to Ferns already planted. A rootery tends to harbour rats and mice, and unle3s these can be destroyed there cannot be much success. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Grower to Sir Teevob Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Racemose section of Dendrobiums. — The following Dendrobiums, as D. thyrsiflorum, D. densiflorum, D. Farmeri, D. Schroderi, D. Griffithianum, D. fimbriatum, D. suavissimum, and D. chrysotoxum, belong to the racemose section of this genus, and many of the pseudo-bulbs will now be pushing out their flower-buds. In order to assist the development of these, place the plants in a warm corner of the Cattleya-house, and afford more water to the roots, and more atmospheric moisture than they have received in the resting-house, shading them from direct sunshine. The tall- growing D. Dalhousieanum, D. moschatum, D. calceolus, D. clavatum, and the rare hybrids D. illustre, D. Dalhou-nobile, and D. porphyro- gastrum, are also of this section, but as they generally flower later they may be kept rather dry at the roots until the flower-buds appear. Plants of D. Brymerianum showing for flower should be placed in the warmest house. The best time to repot these Dendrobiums is soon after the flowers fade, and when the young growths are commencing to make roots. When repotting do not cut away so many of the back pseudo- bulbs that are healthy as was recommended in my last Calendar for others of this genus, as sometimes the old bulbs continue to produce flower-spikes for some years, even if they have no leaves. Temperatures. — Under the influence of an in- creasing amount of sunlight there are signs of greater activity in the plants generally, either in the development of new roots, or the commence- ment of young growths. The temperature in each house should therefore be allowed to rise a few degrees higher. The East Indian or warmest house should be maintained by fire-heat at night at 07° ; Cattleya-house, at 03°. The Mexican and intermediate-houses should not fall below G0°, Apbil 9, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 231 while the temperature of the cool or Odonto- glossum-house should range from 50° to 55°, according to the weather. The less fire-heat that is used in the Odontoglossum-house the better it will be for the plants. A rise of several degrees more in each department by sun-heat will do good. The East Indian-house at Burford being a rather large structure, we do not use the ventilators by night, as sufficient air is forced through the laps in the glass to preserve an equable tempera- ture, but iu all the other divisions the lower ventilators are left partly open. During the daytime admit air in all the houses freely through the bottom ventilators when the ex- ternal air is rising above 50°. When it has reached 55° to 60°, the top lights may be opened a little, but judgment is necessary, especially when sudden changes of sunshine and showers occur. In April the changes between sun- shine, shade, heat, and cold are so numerous, that it is sometimes impossible to keep the atmo- spheric conditions inside as regular as they should be. To avoid any extreme fall in the temperatures at such times keep the blinds down and close or open the ventilators according to the conditions of the external atmosphere. *»* Iq the concluding sentence of last week's Calendar, the word "when" should have read "until." THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. Markham, gr., Wrotham Park, Barnet. Roots should not be buried deeply. — Make a careful examination of all kinds of fruit-trees, including those that have been planted recently, those that have been lifted and root-pruned, and permanent trees, to ascertain whether or not the roots have become buried too deeply. I know of nothing more detrimental to fruit-trees than deep planting. In the kitchen-garden the soil is apt to get shifted, and placed over and about the roots from time to time, until the steni3 of the trees are covered up several inches higher than they should be. If the situation is not a wet one, the roots near the stem may be allowed to be a trifle below the ground level, and the fibrous portions very slightly inclining downwards. Good soil should be worked well amongst them, and if the trees are aged, a little well- decayed manure or bone-meal may be mixed with the soil, afterwards covering the surface of the ground with a thin mulch of suitable manure. In wet, cold soils, it is not only necessary to pro- vide good drainage, but I prefer to plant a little above the ground - level, and employ liberal mulches in dry weather. In all cases the roots should be spread out evenly, so as to give them every opportunity to strike out in various direc- tions during the growing season. Young Pear tree3 which from any cause have received a check, and are showing flowers in abundance on all the shoots, leaders and otherwise, should have the trusses reduced in number. Any that appear on the principal leaders should be removed entirely, taking care not to damage the wood when remov- ing them, as from their centres usually pushes forth a young shoot. Keep a watchful eye on all fruit trees showing blossom, and should sparrows attaok them, afford protection by means of fish- netting. Perpetual-fruiting Strawberries. — The variety St. Joseph may be induced to fruit late in the season. Young plants put out for that purpose should be kept clean and free from weeds, &c, and during the early part of the season all flowers that show should be removed. At this season of the year, if the land is in a moderately dry state, suitable to be trampled upon, see that the plants are made firm, for some may have been loosened by frosts, &c. The alpine Strawberries are usually raised from seeds sown in pans in the month of March. The seedlings are pricked off, and subsequently transplanted on borders where the soil is not very rich or heavy. The smaller- growing varieties should be planted about 12 in. apart. Gunnersbury and the Red - and - white Alpine are excellent varieties. Fruit-room. — In wet weather, when the men cannot work outside, have the ceilings thoroughly whitewashed, and all the shelves and woodwork washed and made clean and sweet. Let the fruit-room be ventilated freely throughout the summer, so that it may be free from mould and damp. Many late-keeping Apples are frequently spoiled in flavour by storing them in dunp, musty places, especially if the fruits are placed on straw, which, when damp, imparts a disagree- able flavour to the Apples. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Firth, Esq., Ashwicke Hall, Marshneld, Chippenham. Asparagus - beds. — New bBds should be pre- pared and planted without delay. Trench the ground not less than 2 feet deep, adding plenty of manure, and mixing it well with the soil as the work proceeds. Should there be a choice of position, choose that part of the garden where the soil is deepest, and which retains a uniform degree of moisture, in preference to any part of the garden that is likely to become dried up during dry weather. Avoid a low-lying spot where the soit becomes sour and wet from the accumu- lation of stagnant water. Let the site chosen be one well exposed to the sun, but sheltered from strong winds, and having a level surface. When the ground has been made ready, peg off beds ■i feet G inches in breadth, at distances of 18 in. apart. Planting. — Take out a trench on the bed 3 inches from the edge, wide and deep enough to take the plants, and permit the roots to be well spread out, allowing 15 inches between each plant, bury- ing the crowns about 2 inches deep. When this row is planted, proceed to plant the other rows in the same manner, 1 foot apart, which will thus make four trenches on each bed. Use one-year- old crowns for planting. Work the soil well amongst the roots, and when all is finished rake the surface level, and give a mulching of manure. Although this is an old system of planting, I consider it equal to any if a proper choice of soil and situation be made, and the work of mulching, cutting, cleaning. &c, is attended to at the proper time. Seed sowing. — Seeds of Celery should not be sown in heat at this season ; rather sow in a cool pit or frame and let the plants come on gradually, thu3 avoiding checks, which are detrimental to their growth. Sow seeds of Celeriac, and treat the seedlings similarly to those of Celery. Early- sown Celery should be pricked off before the plants become overcrowded and drawn. Place a few barrowfuls of short manure in a frame on a hard bottom ; cover this with about 3 inches of rich soil and make it firm. No more manure should be used than will be necessary to generate heat sufficient to start the plants. Prick out the seedlings 1 inches apart, and keep the atmo- sphere of the frame rather close for a day or two until the plants establish themselves in the soil. Gradually inure the plants to sun and air until they are finally hardened off, when they will be ready for planting in the trenches when conditions are favourable. Early Carrots in frames require thinning-out, and where Eadishes have been sown amongst them, the latter should be pulled for table use as soon as fit in order to give the Carrots more room. Herbs. — Divide and make beds of Sage, Mint, Tarragon, and Thyme. Sow seeds of Parsley, Chervil, and Fennel on a well-tilled border. Round Spinach should be sown between the rows of tall and medium growing Peas. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge Park, Wantage. Pines. — Plants which were started with the object of ripening fruits early in June will now be swelling their fruit. Examine the plants indi- vidually at least twice a week, giving them every encouragement to grow strongly. Thi3 will be helped by supplies, when dry, of diluted liquid- manure or guano water, taking care to maintain a genial atmosphere by damping and sprinkling with water overhead and about the collars of the plants. Give attention to the progress of suckers and crowns, which afford indications that the plant is receiving proper treatment. With an excess of moisture and deficient venti- lation these develop at the expense of the fruit both in size and appsarance. Afford stakes to- any of the plants that require supports for the fruit. Remove all suckers not needed for further- stock. To prevent extreme rises in the tempera- ture, and perhaps scalding, drop the blinds for an hour or t to in the middle of the day, when the sun is very bright. Maintain a night temperature- of 70° to 75°, with 10° or 15° rise during the day, according to the state of the weather. Lass- moisture will be necessary in the atmosphere and less water at the roots when the plants are in flower. Ventilate at every favourable opportunity early in the morning, closing the house early in, the afternoon. When the flowering stage is past, sprinkle the plants overhead with clear rain- water of the same temperature as that of the- hou3e. Keep those plints which are intended for winter fruiting, sturdy, by regular feeding, maintaining a bottom heat of 80° to 85°. Vines. — The fruit in the early house will now b9 changing colour, and at this stage it is most important there should be no lack of water at the roots. Any approach to dryness will soon show itself by the appearance of red-spider and other bad effects. But it must also be re- membered that by over-watering the necessary properties of the soil would get washed down to- the drainage. The variety Black Hamburgh is the recognised favourite for early work, as it is so well suited for that purpose. Yet Madresfield Court has a claim for this reason also, and it is only a very few days later in ripening. In this latter variety a deficiency of water at the roots in the early stages is even more injurious; and simi- larly more ventilation is necessary upon the approach of colouring, together with a less re- striction of lateral growth. In the case of all Dlack Grapes abundance of good foliage is- indicative of a good finish. Cropping. — About 2 lb. of Grapes to every foot run of the main rod may be considered a fair crop, but the exact weight of crop should depend upon the condition of the Vine. Damp the- borders and paths occasionally when a little air is left on the house, to prevent the atmosphere's- becoming over dry. THE APIARY. By Expert. Bar Framis. — Bee keepers wishing to increase their stock of bar-frames from skeps should do so- as Eooa as possible. The first thing necessary is to prepare the hive and place it where it is to remain, commencing with 6 or 8- frames, several of which should be filled with honey, &c, taken from other strong stocks, one or two from eich. In no case should they be re- moved from weak stocks which would suffer from the lo3s. Place two moderately-filled frames in the front of the hive, following on with two- or three frames filled perfectly with good founda- tion, making up the remainder with filled ones taken from the stronger stocks. As soon as the bees- have been placed into the hive feed them gently either with a bottle feeder, costing Is. 3d. each, or with a 2-lb. jatu-ja,r, the mouth of which should be covered over twice with new butter cloth and turned upside down. A piece of perforated zinc should be placed on the top bars to prevent the bee3 from getting all over the top of the hive and also to keep the bees from being a bother to you in removing the bottles to be re- filled. Care should also be taken to prevent robbing. As soon as this is noticed, the entrance should°be closed up, allowing only sufficient room for one or two bees to pass in and out. A little- carbolic powder should also be sprinkled on the alighting-board. The hive should be kept as level as "possible to prevent the syrup from running out. By far the safest way would be to purchase a bottle-feeder, by which the quantity given may be regulated. The bees from the skep should be driven on a fine afternoon by the method described in these articles from time to time. Any coml> from the skeps with honey can be placed on the top of the bars or at the back of the hive for the bees to clear out, and then can be removed. General feeding should be slowly proceeded with- to encourage the bees to breed. Any syrup spilt in feeding should be covered over with earth, and a little Pea-flour should also be placed about and sprinkled over the Crocuses, &o. 232 THE GARDENERS' CHR ON I CLE. [April 9, 1904. 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, 4-1, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side only of the papeb, sent as early in the meek 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 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 correspondents. Illustrations. — The Editor will be glad to receive and se'tct photographs or drawings* suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, fiowers, trees, d-c; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, Apb, ,{; SATURDAY, Apb. p. —Scottish Hort. Assoc, meeting (Birmingham Gardeners' Mat. ! Imp. Soo. meeting. | United Hort Ben. and Prov. Soc. Committee meeting. {Devon Daffodil and Spring Show at Plymouth (2 days). Brighton Hort. Soc. Spring Shorn (2 days). (Liverpool Hort. Soo. Spring Show. Royal Botanic Soc. Exhibition, Regents Park. Ipswich and Ea9t of England Hort. Soc. Daffodil Show. SATURDAY, Ape. 16-German Gardeners' Club meet. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY NEXT. Apbil 11- Choice Perennials and Border Plants, Japanese Ltliums, Begonias. Ferns, &c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. WEDNESDAY NEXT. Aphil 13- 1,000 Roses, 375 Azaleas, Palms, Begonias, Herba- ceous and Border Plants. Ferns, &c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12; 224 caseB Japanese Liliums, Davallias <&c., at 3 Davallias, Lilies, Roses, Shrubs, Gladioli, 4c, at Stevens' Rooms. FRIDAY NEXT, Apbil 15- 6,000 Imported Odontoglossum crispum and other Orchids, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe 4 Morris, at 12 30. (For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Avebage Tempebatube for the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -477. Actual Temfebatubes :— London. -April 6 (6 p.m.) : Max. 69' : Min. 43°. April 1. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden (10 a.m.): Temp 60' ; Bar , 29 8 Dull, windy. Pbovinces. — April 6 (6 p.m.): Max. 55% South- east coast of England; Min. 45°, North of Ireland. The Lindiey WlTH reference to the affairs Library. of *he R°yal Horticultural Society at the present junc- ture, it is requisite that the well wishers of the centenarian Society should exert them- selves to the utmost to make sure that no financial embarrassment shall stand in the way of its progress. It is not necessary to urge its claims upon our readers, because, at least theoretically, they are universally admitted. The new hall, library and offices are approaching completion. To gain an idea of their absolute necessity, one has only to pay a visit to the present offices and library. Everyone who does so will feel surprised that the work of the Society can have been carried on at all under such unfavourable condi- tions ; and if he further visit the fortnightly meetings at the Drill Hall in the after- noon, he will get sufficient experience of the inadequacy of the building and of the inconvenience due to overcrowding, both of ■exhibits and of spectators. When the Society made its exodus from South Kensington, the Drill Hall and the offices were taken as affording temporary accommodation, and for a time they answered the purpose sufficiently well. Such, how- ever, has been the growth of the Society under the fostering care of the Secretary, that what was sufficient when he took office is totally inadequate now. But this is not all. Not only are we in sight of a home for the Society such as it never had before, but a new garden on a very much larger scale than any previous establish- ment of the kind has virtually become the property of the Society through the muni- ficence of Sir Thomas Hanbury. This is destined to replace the time-honoured gar- den at Chiswick, or what remains of it. It is obvious that large sums must be expended in order to fit the new garden for its purpose. Money, therefore, is required to complete the Hall and offices. Money is wanted for the removal of the goods and chattels of the Society. Money is needed for the equip- ment and furnishing of the new building. Money is a necessity for the establishment of an adequate experimental garden at Wisley. For all these purposes, if debt and encum- brances are to be avoided, comparatively large sums are required to supplement the funds now at the disposal of the Society; but with so large a body of Fellows there surely ought to be no difficulty on this score ! There is another requirement, in its way quite as urgent though, financially speaking, less serious. We allude to the Lindiey Library. That Library, from a horticul- tural standpoint, is the finest of its kind in the kingdom. The nucleus was formed by the purchase of Dr. Lindley's collection, by means of funds accruing from the ever- memorable International Exhibition and Botanical Congress of 1866. At that time the Royal Horticultural Society, owing to financial difficulties, had been compelled to part with its possessions, including a valuable collection of books. To replace so essential an asset the Committee of the exhibition in question bought the Lindiey Library and placed it in trust for the benefit of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. Thus the Society came into possession once more of a library now more complete and valuable than its predecessor, and one that cannot be alienated. The books have been added to yearly, partly by funds at the disposal of the trustees, party by grants in aid from the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society. Unfortunately the income of the Trustees, some forty pounds a year, is ridi- culously inadequate even to maintain the library as it is, much less to bear the cost of removal, new cases, and rearrangement in its new quarters. The demands made on the Society at the present crisis forbid the hope of any very sub- stantial assistance being forthcoming from that source. It is evident, therefore, that the Trustees stand in urgent need of a relatively small sum, say £300 or £400, to instal the books and portraits in their new quarters, and to effect such cleansing, repairs, and renovations as a London atmosphere neces- sitates. The present trustees are Mr. Ben- nett Poii, Mr. William Carruthers, Mr. Harry Veitch, Dr. Maxwell Masters, and the Secretary and Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society by virtue of their office. Any one of these gentlemen will gladly receive donations in aid of the Library Fund, and in the interests of horticulture we plead most earnestly that such gifts may be forthcoming. If a deaf ear is turned to this appeal, the books must be stored in boxes, inaccessible to the Fellows, and the humiliating fate that once befell this noble library when at South Kensington will be repeated. Of those in a measure originally responsible for the books and portraits, only one remains who can remember the bitter humiliation experienced in those evil days, when the portraits were sheltered in the back premises of the Albert Hall, and when the books were heaped pell-mell on the floor of a corridor leading out of one of the arcades at South Kensington. Whether such a disgrace shall be repeated or not depends very much on the result of the appeal now made to the Fellows of the Royal Horticultural Society. BURNHAM BEECHES. — Our Supplementary Illustration shows one of the veterans of the forest that has been cruelly pollarded at some remote period. Nature has done her best to repair the injury, and the result is certainly picturesque. It is much to the credit of the City of London that the forest area known as the Beeches and the moor or common adjoining have been secured as a recreation ground for the people. Our illustration shows the tree in its present state, when it is sufficiently striking, but in a few short weeks it will be covered with nascent, light green foliage, through which the sun rays will filter and the flecks of light and shade, and the delicate tints of green, relieved it may be by the rich brown of the bud scales, will produce an exquisite effect. Among the plants that grow wild hereabouts, the common Juniper is noteworthy for the size it attains and the great variety in habit that it presents. It is desirable that the "Beeches" should be retained as much as possible in its present state, and that no foreign intruders should be allowed among the native vegetation of Beeche3, Birches, Hollies, and the like. Close by is the interesting pinetum at Dropmore, where abundant opportunity is furnished for studying the trees from foreign climes, so that the Little Englander and the visitor who thinks imperially in the matter of trees are both pro- vided with the means of gratifying their instincts. Dropmore, we ought to add, is private property. The Surveyors' Institution.— The next ordinary General Meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall of the Institution on Monday, April 18, 1904, when a paper will be read by Mr. Thomas Blashill (Fellow), entitled "London Streets and London Street Traffic." The Chair will be taken at 8 o'clock, instead of at the earlier hour indicated on the Kalendar. "The Destruction of Charlock."— The fifth annual report on the Destruction of Charlock in Corn Crops (for 1903) is additional proof of the value of the means employed. Mr. 6. F. Stbawson says that "the progress of destroy- ing Charlock by spraying in 1903 has been steady and successful. Larger areas have been dealt with than in former years, and it only remains to bring this very profitable' farm opera- tion clearly to the knowledge of all concerned. A destruction of 95 per cent, of Charlock is suffi- cient to ensure a handsome profit from a field of Barley infested with this weed, and, with five sprayings in alternate years, the Corn-crop can be brought to dominate the weed and spray- ing be no longer necessary. Charlock can be Apbil 9, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 233 destroyed at any period of its growth by applying a solution of copper sulphate, but a less quantity is required for young than for old growth. It is now admitted that Mangels, Beans, Peas, Tares, Wheat, Oats, and Barley can be sprayed without injury, and the Charlock among them destroyed without harm being done to young grass-seeds, Clover, Sainfoin, &c, growing in the crop. There is no technical difficulty in spraying successfully ; fine weather is necessary, and the spray should tie fine enough to cover every leaf. Any slight •discoloration to the blades of Corn is temporary end harmless. The following conclusions have stood the test of three years and remain un- shaken : — ' 1. That young Charlock can be de- stroyed in growing Corn-crops without injury to the latter by spraying with 50 gallons of 3 -per- cent, solution of copper sulphate (15 lb. to 50 gallons) per statute acre, and older Charlock with a stronger solution; 2. That the Corn- crops are much improved and give a better yield where the Charlock is destroyed, and that young grass-seeds and Clover in the Corn remain uninjured ; 3. That spraying early when the weed is young and in soft fibre is most pro- fitable ; 4. That the larger machines are more snccessful than the smaller ; 5. That the profit derived from the increased yield of Corn is •diminished in proportion to the delay which ■occurs after the Charlock is first fit to spray ; 6. That the increased yield of Corn by the •destruction of the Charlock yields a substantial profit after all the expenses of spraying have been defrayed, and that the value of all Charlock- infested land will increase until the extermina- tion of the weed is complete.' " Botanical Magazine.— The plants figured in the April number are : — Arundinaria Falconeri, Gamble, tab. 7917. — A native of the temperate Himalayas, originally, but erroneously, grown under the name of A. falcata ; it is the A. nobilis of Mitford (Lord Kedesdale) in The Bamboo Garden. Aloe Baumii., Engler and Gilg., tab. 7498. — A handsome species from South-west Africa, with mottled, spiny leaves and tall stalked, many flowered panicles of reddish flowers (see fig. on p. 226). Crossosoma californicum, Nuttall, tab. 7919. — A fcighly interesting Californian shrub first flowered by Mr. Gumbleton at Queenstown, see Gardeners' Chronicle, 1903, ii., p. 130, fig. 50. Crotalaria capensis, Jacquin, tab. 7950. — A South African shrub originally introduced to Kew in 1774, but little known in gardens. It flowers freely in the Temperate - house every ■autumn. Its foliage and racemes of flowers are like those of Laburnum, but the yellow petals ^re marked with reddish veins. Dipodium pictum, Reichenbach fil. — A Malayan Orchid which formed the subject of a communi- cation to these pages by Mr. Watson in 1903, »i., p. 209, Hort. Kew. Royal Caledonian.— We have received a copy of the preliminary prize list for the great International Exhibition that is to be held in Edinburgh from September 13 to 15, 1905 (inclu- | eive). The King has presented a Silver Cup for i the best competitive exhibition in the Fruit i classes. Various other prizes are offered, in- cluding the Challenge Trophy for Grapes, value fifty guineas. We are glad to observe that a i series of awards will be made to exhibits illus- ! trative of experiments and research on matters I calculated to extend our knowledge and be of immediate benefit to practical horticulture. Royal Botanic Society. — During the I show to be held on Wednesday next, April 13, we are informed there will be a trial of motor i and other lawn mowers conducted in the pleasure grounds. STEALING Ferns.— The Devonshire magis- trates, we are glad to note, continue to dis- courage the stealing of Ferns and wild flowers. At the Axminster Court, on March 29, three persons were charged with removing from a plantation, on the Barnes estate, at Hawkhurtt, a quantity of Ferns contained in three bags, and weighing 3 cwt. Two of the prisoners, who had been fined previously, were sent to prison for one month, and the other was fined JB1 and costs. Dusseldorf Exhibition. —The series of flower-shows in connection with the International Fine Art Exhibition at Dusseldorf, commencing in May, promises to be a very great success. Every detail has been well worked up by the various heads of departments, who have a capital of .£175,000 at their disposal. Mr. Otto Betkodt, of Marienfelde, Berlin, who takes the lead in the Orchid section, informs us that already M. Vtjyl- steke, of Ghent, enters what is said to be one of the grandest exhibitions of hybrid Odontoglos- sums jet seen. M. Chas. Maeon, the French hybridist, also secures space for a group of his productions, and M. le Marquis de Wavrin, Madame la Comtesse d'Hemptine, and a large number of other exhibitors have entered. British growers should bear in mind that the Orchid entries close April 15, as announced. Exterminating Rats.— A recent number of Le Jardin mentions some experiments that have lately been made with a view to exterminating these pestB. The work was undertaken by some members of the Pasteur Institute, under the superintendence of Dr. Eoux. An area of nearly 3,000 acres was treated ; 1,190 bottles of " Danysz virus" were used, with more than 4 tons of bread and double the quantity of Oats. The results were surprising, and Dr. Roux estimates that 95 per cent, of the rodents were destroyed. The means used were quite simple. Blocks of bread about g of an inch square, or of pounded Oats, were steeped in the mixture specially prepared at the Pasteur Institute, and the whole was scattered in small quantities round the rat - holes. A further series of experiments was also made. On a field measuring about 2 acre3, and where Vines grew, 12,484 rat-holes were counted. All these were carefully closed up. Two days later 1,304 freshly-made holes were counted. The whole field was then scattered with virus-infected Oats, the mixture being put near the holes. Eight days later, when many of the rats must have died, their holes were again closed. After two more days only thirty-seven new runs had been made. This furnished an approximate estimate of the number of rats in the district. The experiment is therefore conclusive, and no harm was done either to any human being or domestic animal through the distribution of the poison. Dr. Boux has been warmly congratulated by the authorities, who have suitably acknowledged his useful work. The Labour Employed in Gardening.— In connection with the steps that are being taken to form a National Association of Gardeners, it is interesting to read the following notes upon the labour question as affecting gardening in America. The extract is taken from The American Florist for March 19 last, and refers principally to the commercial branch of gardening in America : — *■ When a man's establishment has grown too large for his own hands to do all the work in it, and he is compelled to employ others, he is pretty certain to encounter difficulties which will keep him awake late into the night trying to puzzle out. The help problem in its most aggra- vated form makes a grower often wish that he had been anything in the wide world but a florist. To read the advertising columns of our trade weeklies one would be inclined to take an optimistic view of the situation. As one's eye runs over the page we find it bristles with talent and experience all waiting to serve the man lucky enough to secure it; each applicant tho- roughly fitted for any position of trust and re- sponsibility : " capable of taking charge " is the stereotyped phrase. With so much talent, all the best, how is a man to make a choice ? We make a venture ; the sequel you all know. The man who knew it all, when put to work and given the test, knew almost nothing, or else hid stored up all the knowledge there was and immediately took upon himself the benevolent task of instructing his ignorant employer. The itinerant florist is a wonder. When a man pulls out a pocketful of testimonials you had better have a hurry call to the telephone, slip out of the back door, and never come back that day. It seems to me that in trying to solve the labour problem we shall have to do one of two things : employ only unskilled labour and furnish the brains and intelligence ourselves, so that the men will simply need to execute orders and work michine- fashion ; or else we must try to secure journey- men florists of a higher stamp of morality and intelligence than those we have at the present time. A number of growers that I have talked with are trying the former method with more or less success ; they at least have the satisfaction of running their business in their own way, and having the work done as experience and common sense dictate. One very serious draw- back to this method, however, will be found in the fact that if the intelligence of the overseer is, through sickness or any other cause, withdrawn for any length of time, some- thing serious is liable to happen. If we adopt the other suggestion, I believe we will have to make our business more attractive, and offer greater inducements for young men of education and intelligence to seek such employment. Bright bays to-day will not choose a business for life that pays them no better and gives them no higher rank than that of a common labourer. The treatment which some employers give their men in the way of long hours, little recreation, scanty and poor food, and utter disregard for all the comforts of life, is scandalous in the extreme. I have passed through it." Schedules Received.— National Carna- tion and Picotee Society's Show to be held on Tuesday, July 2G, in the new Hall of the Koyal Horticultural Society, Vincent Square, West- minster, London. National Auricula and Pbimula Society's (Southern Section) Show to be held in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster, on Tues- day, April 19, 1904. National Rose Society's Summer Show on Wednesday, July 6, 1904, in the Inner Temple Gardens, Thames Embankment, London, E.C. Autumn Show in the new Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Tuesday, Sept- ember 20, 1901. St. John's Horticultural Society, Lea- mington.— Annual Show on Thursday, July 21, 1904, in a field adjoining Shrubland Hall, Tach- brook Eoad, Leamington. "The Gardeners' Daily Assistant."— Mr. T. A. Stephens, of Brondesbury, has re- cently presented to the Trustees of the Lindley Library a copy of this work. It was published in 1786, and is interesting as containing lists of plants in cultivation at that date, as well as of the names of the leading nurserymen and seeds- men of the day. The full title runs thu3 : The Gardeners' Daily Assistant in the Modern Practice of English Gardening for Every Month in the Year on an Entire New Plan, by John Abercrombie. By coincidence a short biographical notice of John Abercrombie, with a portrait, appears in the la3t number of the Journal of Horticulture. We borrow the following condensed extracts from the pages of our contemporary, feeling 234 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Apbil 9, 1904. assured that, in the interests of the Lindley Library, we shall have a free pardon : — "John Abcrcrombic, the author of the book, was -_»orn at Edinburgh in 1726, near which city his father conducted a considerable market garden. Soon after his apprenticeship expired, being about eighteen, he came ti Loadon, wbere he obtained employment in fome of tbc Royal Gardens, at Kew, and at Leicester House. Afterwards he became gardener to Dr. Munro and other gentlemen. About 1751-52 he became gar- dener to Sir James TougHs, during his continuance ia whose service he rnarrier". Fearing his family might become troublesome, he left his situation in 1751) and returned to fcolland with the intention of becoming kitchen and market gardener, but came again to England after au absence of only ten months. He was engaged in the service of several noblemen and gentlemen until 1770 when he engaged a kitchen garden and small nursery ground between Mile End Road and Haekney attending Splta'fields Market with tie products until 1771-7-'. At this period he became a publican in Dog Row, Mile End. His house was after- wards converted into the Artichcke Tea Gardens. By the importuait/ of his wife he left this and entered into the seed and nursery business at Newington and Tottenham Court, carrying on at the same time an ftstensive trade asa kitchen gardener and florist. His Q irdyntrs Pocket Journal or Daily Asihtanl obtained a vjry extensive sale, and has since passed through many edition*'. Besides the-e he compiled many ot ler book?. He died from an accident on May 2, 1806. Heat one perioi after t:e publication of his Every Man Jit's Own Gardener, 1 ad actually embarked to superin- tend the gardens of the Empress of Russia, but the sight of the ocean inspired him with terrors which he could not overcome," Presentation. — The members of the Altrin- cham and District Gardeners' Society recently presented Mr. Arthur Boardman with a silver tei service aL. the general meeting on Tuesday, March 29 last. Mr. Boardman, who has been employed by Messrs. Clibran & Son for several years, has been secretary to the Society for six j ear?, and is about to retire and be married. "Flora AND Sylva."— The April number is renden d exceptionally interesting frcm a freshly- written article oi "Spring Crocuses" by Mr. E. A. Bowles. An article on Correas is rendered misleading by the application of the term " Australian Fuchsias." Of course they have nothing to do with Fuchsias. The word " Correa " is surely not difficult for the least receptive gar- dener to make use of. An aiticle on the Brooms of the Cytisus group may serve to call attention to the wealth of beauty possessed by these plants. Fungus Disease in Larch.— Professor C. A. T. A. Oudemans describes, in the Koninklijke Academic van Wetenschappen, of Amsterdam, February 25, 1904-, a newly - discovered micro- s-.opic fungus attacking the leaves of the Larch. Tje leaves have a sickly appearance, and their light green colour is exchanged for a brown hue. In outward appearance the fungus con- sists of very minute black spots, scattered ir- regularly over both surfaces of the leaf. Their internal organisation shows that they belong to a new genus of Deuteromycetse, described and figured under the name of Exosporina laricis. It seems potential for mischief, but no remedy beyond collecting and burning the affected leaves is suggested. The paper is in English. A White Hippeastrum. — In the March number of the lllvsirierte Garten- Zeitung is given a coloured illustration of an albino form of Hippeastrum vittatum, which flowered in the Imperial garden at Schonbrunn. "Cassell's Popular Gardening."— The fi -st part of a new fortnightly publication is befoieus. It is intended as an illustrated cul- tural guide for amateur and professional gar- deners. It is edited by W. P. Wright, and pub- lished by Cassell & Co. Gardening, the editor tells us, throbs with " virile " activity, and the statement is tiue if the term virile is made com- prehensive enough to include the lady-gardener. Every article, we are further told, *' has its pur- pose, every paragraph its germ of hopefulness, every illustration its lesson of cultural value or beauty." Beginning with herbaceous plants, we have lists of those that are most serviceable, together with indications of the best method of arranging them. Pruning Boses is an appro- priate subject at this season, and so are seed- sowing and Potato-planting. The hints given on these subjects supply just the kind of informa- tion that the amateur wants. The greenhouse is not neglected, nor the lawn overlooked. Even Box-edging, the proper planting of which is almost a lost art, has a paragraph to itself. Ferns, Alpine plants, Orchids, Chrysanthemums, bulbs, florists' flowers, Melons, grafting, window gar- dening, hedges — all these and many more sub- jects are treated of. This shows how compre- hensive Popular Gardening is intended to be ; but it also shows how necessary it will be to give in due time a table of contents and a comprehensive index. The articles are so instructive and the illustrations so serviceable that we have no doubt the periodical will amply justify the appellation " Popular." MANURE FOR POTATOS.— The Irish Depart- ment of Agriculture has issued a leaflet showing the results of experiments made at twenty stations as to the value of manures in thi3 crop. Briefly, it may be said that the use of artificial manures along with 15 tons of farmyard manure per acre is more profitable than the employment of 20 tons of farmyard manure without artificial fertilisers. The fertilisers employed should con- tain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. If either of these be omitted the results are less favourable. The most efficient mixture and the most profitable was one consisting of 15 tons farmyard manure, 1 cwt. sulphate of ammonia, 4 cwt. superphosphate, 1 cwt. muriate of potash. Of the varieties, Up-to-Date and Beauty of Bute produced the heaviest crops, but much depends on the nature of the soil. RADIUM AND VEGETATION.— American Gar- dening pleasantly looks forward to the time when Strawberries will be as big as Water Melons, Peas the size of Apples, and so forth. The realisation of these possibilities is to result from the use of the silt dredged from the Potomac river, which is alleged to contain minute pro- portions of radium. Does American imagination feed on radium ? Alleged Disease - proof Potato. — It appears that some of Mr. Burbank's Potatos have been tried in Ireland, and found immune from disease. We have no precise indications as to the experiments made, but shall look forward with interest to their continuance. Mr. Bur- bank has done great things already, and if he has really been successful in raising a disease-proof Potato his fame will be even greater in the future than it is now. Hyacinth Bulb Produces Nine Spikes OF Flowers. — We have received a photograph from a correspondent at Hatnpstead (Mr. West, Windsor Terrace), showing a Hyacinth bulb with nine spikes of flowers. This extraordinary bulb was bought at a sale-room ! Leaf-mould.— M. Henry, in the Revue des Eaux et Fonts, calls attention to the fixation of nitrogen by dead leaves, especially on damp sub- soils. Whether this is effected by bacterial agency or in what other way is not known. The fact however may account for the beneficial results observed from the use of leaf-mould. Publications Received.— Annual R.port on the Department of Public Gardens awl Plantations, and Bnard oi Agriculture. Jamaica, for the year ending March 31, 1!>:3 The woik of instructing the peasantry in im- proved methods of cultivating and curing their crops, has been most successful, frof. Drban continues to work out the immense botanical treasures of the West Indies, and the important book undertaken relating to the W. Indian plants is making progress. Various new plants from Jamaica are notified as having been discovered^ HOME CORRESPONDENCE. ( The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) STRAWBERRY BEDS.— In reply to Mr. Jef- feries' remarks on p. 202, 1 may say that I had ari excellent crop of Strawberries in 1903, and could have provided twice the quantity required for preserving, in addition to keeping the table sup- plied twice and three times daily, according to- circumstances. I also lost considerably over 50 lb. of Strawberries in one day in July through a thunderstorm and deluge of rain, which reduced the fruits to a pulp. As to the comparison be- tween Strawberries grown for forcing witb restiicted root-room and those grown in the open, ground, if the former requires the soil to be- rammed, the soil of the latter should be made- firm. Loose soil generally produces large foliage, whereas firm soil induces the growth of shorter and more leathery leaves. As to planting 1 foot apart in the rows, this is a necessity here, as space is limited ; and I do not think I should alter my method had I more space, as the extra, room given to each individual plant would not produce fruit equivalent to that of the extra, plants in the row. J. Stocks, Fen Place Gardens* Turner's Hill, Sussex. A NOVEL GARDEN PATH. — We have this- winter put down a path in the pleasure- garden here composed of the round, flat saddle-stones- used for supporting corn stacks, set at regular intervals, bordered by two rows of bricks on either side, and two bricks in width, set at right- angles with the outer rows between each stone, the spaces between the stones and the angles of the bricks being filled with soil, which will be encouraged to moss over. This mixture of brick and stone has a very good appearance. fi. W. Dean, Wainsford, Hants. APPLE ECKLINVILLE 8EEDLING.— Mr. Crump's- note on the non-fruiting of this Apple reminded me- of a similar experience with the variety Lord Suf- field. About 1 acre of ground was planted with- bush-trained trees of the latter variety. The trees- grew well and flowered profusely, but bad only one- small crop of fruit in twelve years. I examined the blooms in several seasons, and the organs seemed1 perfect and had plenty of pollen. No manure was- applied to the land, as the trees made much, growth. The same variety in a private garden- not 100 yards away always fruited well, but the land in this case was manured for ordinary kitchen-garden crops. The owner of the un- fruitful trees was naturally disappointed, as the rent, &c, was rather heavy. He took the advice- of experts, and was recommended to root-prune- by some and to graft the trees by others. He gave orders to have the trees grubbed, but after- starting he altered his mind and gave the- remainder a heavy top-dressing of farm-yard manure. The following year the trees bore a. tremendous crop of fruit, and have always cropped since in degree according to the season. It appears there was some element essential to the growth of.' the fruit lacking in the soil, and this was supplied by the manure. The variety Ecklinville Seedling is not esteemed much in this district, as many ot; the fruits drop before coming to perfection. Stirling Castle, Golden Noble, and Lane's Prince- Albert are very reliable. A. J. Bridges, Staines* Road Nursery, Hounslow. HURSLEY (see pp. 201, 202). — As having well known Hursley, Keble, and the then Sir William- Heathcote, in long past years, I am grateful for- the excellent photograph and interesting notice in the Gardeners' Chronicle for March 27. But has Mr. Boulger considered his statement that Keble " evinces but little interest in the beauties- of nature in any of his works " ? Let me call his attention to the opening lines of Mornin} ■ with its correspondent evening sketch of the twenty-third Sunday after Trinity, to the "soft green Willow " of first Epiphany, which caught his eye on the road near Fairford ; to the ideal Palestine scenery in third Lent, the twin streamlets of Easter Monday, the Snowdrops of Easter Tuesday, the wild - flower wreaths of Whit Monday, the " many twinkling smile of ocean" in second Trinity, the Lilies of the field in fifteenth Trinity, the lone hiU-top of twentieth Trinity. I would refer him also to April 9, 1904.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 235 "the winter thrush of the Lyra Apostolica, the midnight outlook in the Penance, to the " Birds' mest," the "Gleaners," of Lyra Innoeentium, and to Keble's eloquent expansions of classical Nature- worship scattered through his Preelections. Many anore I might add, but ex ungue leonem. Corycius Senex, March 31, 1901. BEGONIA QLOIRE DE LORRAINE.— Mr. Tallack .-advocated, on p. 203, propagation by leaves. This method has given me the greatest satisfaction, but the leaves should not be potted-up before the .growths appear. The first time I tiied leaf pro- pagation I put in 150 good stout leaves, and quite 140 rooted ; but I did not disturb them until I saw the tiny growths pushing up. I then carefully ■cut away the old leaf, and three days afterwards they were potted up into small CO size pots, and I ■did not lose one after potting. The next year I jut in about the same number, and they rooted ; •but as I wanted to put a second batch of leaves in the same case I did not wait to see the growths ■appear, but as soon as they were well rooted, they were potted-up into pots of the same size as the •others, and I do not think I got a dozen to start into growth. It was not for lack of roots, as in .nbout ten days after potting- up the small pots were quite full of roots. The plants raised from leaves seem more vigorous, make bushier plants, .and are not so apt to keep flowering during the growing season as plants raised from base cuttings, .and there is not the necessity to pinch them. It is quite possible Mr. Fielder's leaves were put in too late. Mine were inserted in October. I have grown plants propagated both ways. 1 ■carefully labelled the leaf-struck plants in the first year, but there was no necessity to look .for the label, a9 the vigour of these plants told their own tale. Henry Lydiatt. Warren Tower Gardens, Xewmarkct. I agree with what Mr. Fielder wrote on ,p. 220. Having a considerable amount of deco- rating to do in the shooting season I have grown •a large quantity of these plants, and always unsert the cuttings in the first week in April, and obtain plants large enough for any purpose. "There is much written about these plants, as if they were hard to grow, but their culture is very ■simple. I enclose a photograph of my exhibit at St. Neots Chrysanthemum Show, November, 1903. i Thank you; but the photograph is unsuitable for reproduction. Ed.]. J. Barson, Hinchingbrook Gardens, Huntingdon. I can fully endorse Mr. Tallack's remarks •on p. 203, on the propagation by leaves of the Above plant. I have always found such to be a ■very successful method of propagation, and one to be recommended where the gardener has a very limited stock of plants. I do not start quite so early as Mr. Tallack. The first batch of leaves us inserted early in January, with occasional batches until March, and I find all root readily and produce fine young plants, which are grown •aide by side with those struck from the cuttings. Those raised from leaves produce more sturdy and robust specimens than those from the cuttings. ■G. Claridge, Copt Hall Gardens, Mill Hill, N. W. THE LATE WM. LUNT.— It was with a shock I (read the obituary notice in the Gardeners' Chronicle of the late Wm. Lunt, as he could not have been more than thirty-two years of age. He came to Longford Hall, near Manchester, when eighteen, as improver, and was under me for ■a year or so when I was general foreman there. He left and went to Welbeck. He was an im- prover in more senses than one, as during the whole time he was at Longford his spare time was occupied in the study of botany, both at meal- times and at evening. His was an ex- ample that other young men might copy with profit to themselves. He attended the advanced ■class of botany in Manchester regularly once a week, and I well remember, on the night of the examination, him coming to me with a piece •of Weigela rosea in his button-hole, asking me to name it for him, as that bad been the subject of the examination. Of course »t had been sent from the South— ours in the garden had n&t opened their flowers. I also remember his brother sending some spikes of the Horse Chestnut from Ealing, and how he went in raptures over them, having never seen such tlowers so far north. Before coming to Long- ford Hall he passed the elementary stage of botany, under the tutelage of his father, whom he worked under. His father is (or was) Super- intendent of Stamford Park, Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, to whom and his mother 1 tender my sympathy in their loss. E. Young, Grendoa Hall Gardens, Aylesbury. THE "SHASTA" DAISIES."— Unlike Mr. Bun- yard, I find the Shasta Daisies strong and vigorous growers, possessing a habit something like that of Chrysanthemum maximum, but having flowers not nearly so good as some of the varieties of C. maximum, such as C. m. G. H. Sage, C. m. Maurice Prichard, C. m. W. H. Gabb, and others. The raiser, a well-known American hybridist, 13 sending out three new Shasta Daisies selected from the original stock. The first is described as having flowers of glistening white, from 4j to 5 inches across, and on stems 2\ feet high. The second one, when in bud and in a half-opened state, the flowers are of a clear lemon-yellow, gradually changing when fully expanded to a pure white. The third is dis- tinguished by its branching habit, with flowers of a pleasing cream colour, semi-double, 3 to 4 inches across, and produced on fairly long stems in bewildering profusion. We are looking for something better in these three new ones than we have experienced in the original Shasta Daisies. Arthur IV. Wade, Hale, Cheshire. THE PROPOSED GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. — Beyond thinking with him that it would be advantageous for the Gardeners' Association — when it is formed — to have its offices situated in the new Horticultural Hall, I cannot agree with " H. W. W." that it would be a good thing for the Association to have any more intimate rela- tions with the Royal Horticultural Society. If the project is to be carried through, as I hope it will be, the Committee must have time, patience, and perseverance at their disposal, and be in- spired with that complete confidence which is requisite to success. It seems to me that, if anything definite is to be obtained, the strong Provisional Committee must be given the support of all branches of Horticulture, whether private, commercial, municipal, or public. This is most important. L;tme urge upon ail gardeners the necessity of strongly supporting, both by word and deed, the Committee which is now working for the welfare of the gardening profession. T. M. Writing as a young gardener who is keenly interested in the proposed Gardeners' Association, I should like to urge gardeners to send word of their support, preferably accom- panied by a donation towards the preliminary expenses to the Hon. Secretary of the movement, which I think to be the duty of all thoughtful and progressive gardeners. I consider the Provisional Committee to be a remarkably strong one, and firmly believe that if only these gentlemen receive adequate support from the rank and file of the profession, great benefits will eventually result from their labours. Spero meliora. PROPOSED VISIT TO WI8LEY GARDEN.— I ask your permission to mention in the Gardeners' Chronicle that not only have some members of the Royal Horticultural Society's Fruit Committee mentioned to me a desire to see Wisley Garden in all its spring beauty, but have also gone ro far as to wish me to make up a party for such purpose if pos- sible. I have ascertained from Mr. S. T. Wright that the Garden may be found in great beauty about the last week in the month. That is not a Drill Hall week. I therefore propose, provided a sufficient number of Fellows so wish, to fix Tues- day, April 2G, for the visit. I suggest that by far the simplest way and both the most enjoyable and cheapest, is to accept the offer of the Suburban Omnibus Company to carry visitors from Kingston or Surbiton stations in number not less than twelve per brake, or four-horse char- a-banc, according to number, to and from Wisley, at a charge of 2s. Gd. per head. The distance is 10 miles by road, presenting a very delightful ride of, inclusive of both ways, 20 miles. The vehicle would meet at Kingston Station trains from Waterloo via Wimbledon at 1.13 p.m., and also from Waterloo t'ia Richmond and Twickenham, picking up at Richmond from the North London and Metropolitan lines, and at Twickenham from the Reading and Windsor lines. The train via Wimbledon leaves Waterloo at 12.37 p.m , the one via Richmond at 12.20 p.m. Visitors coming to Sarbiton Station from Waterloo can get a fast train (main-line) at 1 15 p.m., and be picked up there at 1.35 p.m. Third-class return fares to Kingston and Surbiton from Waterloo are Is. 8rf. Wi*ley should be reached about 3 pm. Afttr seeing the gardens tea can be had at the Wisley Hut Hotel near by. Any Fellows purpjsing to join the party must give me notice not later than April 24. Alex. Dean, 02, Richmond Road, Kingston. POTATO SIR JOHN LLEWELYN. — I have grown this Potato for four or five season?, and on similar soil mentioned by your correspondent on p. 203 — heavy, on a clay subsoil — and with me the quality has left nothing to be desired, the tubers being very mealy and of fine flavour. It is also a very heavy cropper; and although last season such varieties as Duke of York, Snowdrop, Windsor Castle, and Syon House Prolific were badly diseased, and the crop almost useless, we found sc ireely a trace of disease in the variety Sir J. L'.ewelyn. I have also found thit, although an early variety, it will keep sound and cook well int i the new year. I saw a very fine crop of it on light loam in Worcestershire last autumn, the grower telling me he had formed a very high opinion of it for cooking and cropping and disease- resisting properties. Evergood did remarkably well with us last season. Th^re is probably no Potato grown with such a hirdy constitution as this ; it is a tremendous cropper, and of gool quality when cooked ; and although growing close t) other sorts which were badly diseased, we could find no traee of diseise in Evergood. Dalmeny Beauty and Charles Pidler, both said ti be disease-resisters, were bidly diseased, and the tubers were quite three-pirts rotten when lifted. F. G. G., Pendley Gardens, Tring. ■ This Potato proved t) be the best variety we grow here. 1 planted about 3 lb. of t ibers anl when they were lifted we had just over 70 lb.; our soil here is very heavy, and rests on clay at a depth of 15 to 18 inches. Having planted Sir John Llewelyn two years ago oa light soil, the tubers were not nearly so good. As Mr. Slade says, the quality of Potatos varies in different soils, but I do not think tx> much can be said in favour of t lis splendid variety, it being such a good addition to the early varieties. We have a nice batch Doming on in pots planted the first week in February, and I hope to have them ready for the table in another week. W. E. Barnett, Roiburgh Court Gaidens, Stroud, Glos. POTATO PRICES. — It is interesting to note that whilst in so many directions last year's crop of Potatos was much restricted by various causes, yet it can hardly be said that they are dearer, either for consumption or for planting, than they usually are in the spring. We purchase very good Potatos indeed, and apparently home-grown ones retail at Gd. per 7 lbs., that is but 4s. per bushel. The retailer doubtless purchases at about 5s. to Gs. per cwt., and possibly rather less. That would be about £o per ton, certainly far from being an exceptional price. Is it a fact that the produce here was, after all, sufficient to satisfy the nation's needs, or are we dependent largely upon foreign importations so much that what otherwise would be a deficiency is thu3 made good ? The Board of Trade Returns for the past month show an enormius increase of Potato imports, hence it is fair to conclude that it is these im- ports which keep prices so even. But then we find home-grown seed-tubers to be very reasonable in price also, as may be seen in the numerous lists offered in advertisements. Generally, prices of seed -tubers seem to be very moderate, and as these are hardly likely to be of imported stocks, it is fair to assume that there is at home no lack of good planting tubers. When prices for really good standard varieties range from 2s. to 4s. per peck of 14 lb., it is difficult to find room for complaint, especially when the tubers have all been carefully hand-picked. Even the famous Northern Star can now be had at 2s. Gd. per lb., a material drop on the autumn and winter prices, leading to the inference that after all efforts at inflation may fail. My ex- perience of seed-tubers this spring is that they have wintered unusually well, and are a capital 236 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [ArKiL 9, UX»4. sound sample. That fact, allied to the moderate prices at which seed Potatos are offered, should lead to very large plantings. A. D.. March. THE CURRANT BUD mite.— I hare an idea that this trcuble is caused through dryness at the roots. I have for forty years had dealings with thousands of Black Currant trees, but have never been troubled with the mite. The scil is of a clayey nature on the millstone grit, situated in a valley, therefore naturally very wet, especially the subsoiL I have in another locality stood before flats or borders of Black Currants growing in sandy soil of the red sandstone, and the mite prevailed; also I have seen the swelled buds on trees growing on dry banks, and not long ago I visited a garden situated on boulder clay, which has a naturally dry subsoil, and to my enquiry where the Black Currant trees had gone, the gardener said he had destroyed them, as they had become infested with the mite. I said the trees would be dry at the root ; " Nay," was his reply, "the ground is wetenough." "Well," Isaid, " had you flooded the trees with water when hard at work, there would have been no mite, but healthy trees/' It is my opinion that any soil or situation, excluding towns, will grow Black Currant bushes free from mite, providing they are afforded sufficient moisture at the roots. I would rather plant them in a ditch than on dry headland. T. B , Blackburn. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. THE PROSPECTS OF THE AURICULA. The lateness of the season, in combination with the fact that the exhibition of the National Auricula Society on the 19th, a date a little earlier than usual, leads to the presumption that Auriculas, both show and Alpine, can scarcely be as numerously exhibited as last year, when the spring season was decidedly earlier. We get glimpses of warm sunshine sometimes by day — too few indeed — but at night the temperature is very low, with occasional sharp frosts towards morning. Those growers are fortunate who can apply a little warmth by night— not, of course, to force the plants in any way, for no greater mistake can be made with the Auricula than to attempt to drive it, but simply for the purpose of equalising the night temperature as closely as possible to that of the day. It is the invariable practice of many Auricula- growers to give their plants a southern aspect from October until the blooming-time, of course shading from the sun when necessary, and at all times giving abundance of air. The position of the house or frame has its influence on the progress of the plants. If in a warm and sheltered position, shut out from northerly and easterly winds, development is much hastened as compared with the inmatesof a house orframefully exposed on all sides ; and here the development is always slow. In my cold-house, which faces the north, and is exposed to both east and west, I have no signs of an Auricula showing colour ; but a few days of warm sunshine might work wonders. And not only Auriculas, but Poly- anthus and Primroses, are much later than they were last year. In 1903 the difficulty was to hold Primroses over for the show, as they were in full bloom in March ; this year, in the case of the finest varieties, the difficulty will be to get them into bloom so fully as is desired. But my soil is heavy and late, and I have no doubt that from other places the Primrose and Polyanthus will be well represented. A good display of the Primula tribe is what all interested in so fasci- nating a subject are desiring. The Crusade against the Pin-eye (Long- style). Following upon the action of the Midland Auricula Society two years ago, the Northern section of the National Auricula Society, which holds an exhibition in Manchester, has declared against the pin-eye : and at a reoent_meeting of the members amended Rule XII. of the Society so as to read : — " In consequence of disputes as to what degree of prominence constitutes a pin-eye in an Alpine Auricula, it is ruled that the pin shall not be visibleamong erabove the anthers." In commenting on this rule Mr. J. W. Bentley, the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, remarks. "The alteration of Rule XII. is another attempt to settle the vexed pin-eye question. It was the opinion of the meeting that if the pin could not be seen among or above the anthers, the flower ought to pass without disqualification. This does not mean that pins can be removed, for this is an absolute disqualification ; nor does it mean that a pin visible below the anthers ■Kill dis- qualify the flower. It is designed to qualify flowers like Alpine Duke of York, in which, though the pin rises high, yet the anthers so block up the tube and cover the pin that it is invisible, and therefore no eyesore.'' It will be interesting to note the working of this rule in practice ; it is designed, at all events, to make matters easier for exhibitors. The Southern section of the National Auricula Society has not as yet made any pronouncement on the subject. R. D. . are always present. It conies from Kokan, whilst spurious C. crociflornm hails from the European mountain ranges that border the Mediterranean. G. B. Malh-tt. ALPINE GARDEN. CROCUS BANATICTJS. One of the more distinct of Crocus species now flowering is C. banatieus from Transylvania. It is a good-sized plant of the vernus type with small corms, the tunics of which are netted as in the true C. retieulatus. The tubes are purplish, the segments broadly ovate, - inches long, coloured mauve, with curiously marked apices of heliotrope colourir g, the upper third of the petals appear- ing as 'hough dipped in heliotrope colouring artificially. Its singular markings attract atten- tion at once, and though the general colouring varies somewhat from light to dark mauve, the curious dark tips are always the same, and when the flowers expand under warm sunshine the colouring shows on the inside of the petals in the form of inverted arrowheads. The stigmata are fringed and coloured orange-scarlet. It is a handsome Crocus, quite easy to grow in an ordinary bolder, and is one of the many species that one could recommend as showy plants, full of interest to gardener and amateur alike, and invaluable for rockery planting at this season. CoLCHicuM crocifloruji, liejel. The best and the rarest of spring-flowering Colchicums is, doubtless, C. crociflorum, a charm- ing little plant that has been flowering bravely for the past six weeks, and is still pushing fresh blooms. It has a conical corm, covered with a thick, horny, brown tunic, and bears several tufts of flowers, generally six to eight in each tuft, with long tubes, purplish at the top ; a spreading limb, which reminds one of Crocus hyemalis, the petals of which are white, above an inch long, markedly keeled, purple on the outside, the colouring showing on the inside also in a slighter degree. The rich and powerful fragrance re- sembles that of Hawthorn. Like most Colchi- cums, this species prefers a damp and strong soil, and in dry places it is better to insert the bulbs 6 to 8 inches deep, to protect them from drought. It increases very slowly as compared with the autumn-flowering species, and the time of flower- ing is not helpful to seed production, hence its scarcity ; but it is in nowise difficult to grow. The leaves are blunt and tapering, and highly lustrous. The characters of this plant are so distinct and good that there can be no justifica- tion for the forms of C. montanum passing as C. crociflornm. Its outer purple stripes and sweet fragrance, though probably variable in degree, SOCIETIES. BOYAL HORTICULTURAL. Aran o— The usual fortnightly meeting of the Com- mittees was held iu the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate. Westminster, and, considering that the previous day- was a Bant Holiday, a good display was made. The Oechid Committee recommended one First- class Certificate and three Awards of Merit to novelties, and Uie Odontoglossum awarded a First-class Certifi- cate was one of unusual merit. The recommendations of the Floral Commvttei included one First-class Certificate and five Awards of Merit. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee met, and had little to do. The Narcissus Committee was present in consider- able force, and recommended nn Award of Merit to a seedling variety of Narcissus obvallaris, the Tenby Daffodil. In the afternoon there were forty new Fellows elected to the privileges of the Society, and a Lecture en " Designs in Villa Gardens " was given by Mr. Mule. Floral Committee. Preeent : YV. Marshall, Esq., Chairman ; and Messr?. K Dean, Jno. Green, J. F. MoLeod, W..Howe, K. Hooper Tearson, J. Jennings, C K. Fielder, Chas. Dixon, G. Keuthe, H. J. Cutbush, Chas. K. Pearson, J. YV.Barr, Geo. Gordon. W. Cutlibertson.H. J. Jones, W. P. Thom- son, E. H. Jenkins, M. J. James, C. E. Shea, George Nicholson, James Walker, George Paul, and C. X. Druery. Mr.GEOHciE Mount, The Nurseries, Canterbury, set up a most charmiog group of Roses, having varieties of a llgbter shade on either side of the handsome dark variety Captain llayward. Such varieties as Mrs. John Lairg, Dlrich Brunner, Baroness Rothschild, and Mrs. R. G. S. Crawford were all shown in beautiful condi- tion, the high-class culture being evident not only in their flowers but iu the foliage and wood (Silver-gilt Flora Medal). Another fine exhibit of Roses was frcm Messrs. Fhank Cant oV Co., Braisnick Nurseries, Colchester, who had numerous varieties in excellent condition (Silver gilt Flora Medal). Mr. E. Potten, Camden Nursery, Cranbrook, Kent, contributed Roses in pots and also cut flowers. Th» Polyanthus variety Dorothy Perkins, with light pink flowers of very free habit, Boadicea, Corallina, and Comtesse Sophy Forby were some of the best. Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons, Colohester, exhibited plants five feet or more high of the Rose Blush, Rambler, and Maharajah, a new pillar Rose with single crimson flowers four inches across. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, presented in an artistic manner a collection of zonal Pelargonium bloom set up in fancy vases on a white table ground with sprigs of Berberis between the glares. These old favourites were presented in surprising size, form, and colour. The varieties included Duke of Norfolk, large flowers, dark magenta, almost crimson in colour ; The Ghost, flowers pure white of fine form and sub- stance; Lady E. Malet, a unique coloured flower with delicate blush petals, having a darker edge ; Prince of OraDge, a very striking scarlet; The Sirdar, scarlet; Countess of Hopetoun, faint salmon pink almost white ; Lilacina Improved very fine, and Fire Dragon, a scarlet form of the Cactus type, all being striking varieties (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. \V. Bull & Sons, King's Road, Chelsea, showed decorative foliage plants, Dracaenas, Palms, Codiseunis tCrotons\ and some .Amaryllis in Uower. The Drachmas were very good, D. Victoria and D. Goldleana especially so. Several good varieties ot Codlieuni were included. Ntdularia Innocenti.striatl was represented by a nice plant. H. Little, Esq., The Barons, Twickenham (gr„ Mr. G. Watts), brought a batch of Clivia miniata carrying fine heads of flowers, many with large individual , blooms. A variety named " Firelly " was very massive • and the colour good; Aurea was a seedling of a pal© shade of colour Some well Uc-wered plants of Azalea* April *', 1904. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Ml 37 werealsol ro.g'it '■■•-, t esamcgerjileinan. 8oineplaDts of Amaryllis were alto shown (Silver Banksian Medal . Mr. Chas. ToiiNEft, The Koyal Nurseries, Slough, presented some seedllog \/ileas for Cerliiieaie— Spitfire, dark red ; Temperance, Klaine, a line coloured red, with large well shaped (lowers; aid Mdlle Kmnia Eekhaul, a we 1-sbnped flower with light pink petals Messrs. Geo. Jackman 4 Son, Woking. Surrey, brought three trays of alpine plants, one of which was entirely filled with coloured Primroses and Polyan- thus of very pleasing colours. The alplnes were minia- ture specimens, and comprised a large (election In a small ".ompsss. Among them were noticed Echlzoccdon soldanelloldes, Morisfa ;hyrci»a. Art mere vernalir, interesting from the absenee of leaves , Soldaotl la moa- tana was Dowering nicely, as was also Primula Clusiana , Synthyrls reniformis was also in flower; PUEchkinU libanotica. MorisiaLypogrea, Dodecatbeon Henderson!, and Androsace carnea were all noticed. A fine pau of Anbrietia Perry's Blue, Primulas, Irises, Saxi- frages, Anemones, and other hardy plants, all well Fig. 98— clebodendboh mybmecophixum : awabded a ftjbst-class certificate on Tuesday i j lowers orange colour (-ee p. 238.) having ao outer edge of while. The dwarf Polyanthus Rose, Mmc. N. Lcvavasscur, was again shown by this firm. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park Nurseries, near Enfield, had Schizinthus Wisetonensis, prettily staged with Boronias and Maidenhair Ferns, and set off at the back with some plants of Crimson Rambler Rose. The plants of Schizanthus were well grown and full of bloom, and exemplified their adaptability for use in the greenhouse and conservatory. Clayton ia americana. Megasea ciliata was doing well ; Adonis vernalis was bold, and its yellow colour very pure ; Primula rosea, P. frondosa, and P. nivalis were represented; Iris Buehirica ard I. sindjarensis were two fine Irises displayed in the collection (Silver Bankslan Medal). Mr. Amos Pebby, Hardy Plant Farm, Winchmore Hill, London, staged a group of alpine;, and brought forward many interesting plants of this section. Bubus australis, a very tortuouE -looking plant, was shown, constituted a most creditable display of these interesting plants Silver Eanksian Medal). Trays of alpines were also exhibited by Messrs. J. Cheal&Sons, Crawley, some taller members of the same class beingusedasabaekir^. Dodecatheon Jeflreyanum was Uowerirg nicely, Primula rosea was of a good colour, and some nice forms of Pi imula Sieboldi were noticed. Lithospermum prostratum was a lovely blue, Tiarella cordiiolia was interesting, and several trays contained plants of Primroses of nice colours and form. 238 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 9, 1904. Mr. Q. Reothf, KestoD, Kent, had also of group of hardy and Alpine plants (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. R.4 a. Cuthbebt, The Nurseries, Bouthgate. displayed a group of forced plants. This collection was most tastefully put up. and being adjacent to the entrance, was especially slriking to visitors on entering. Not oily the arrangement, but the indivi- dual plants were of merit, for Azaleas, Wistarias, Vi- burnums, Spircea Thunbergi, Cylisus Andreana, Sta- phyleas, and plants of a similar character were all flowering profusely on standards, bush, and other forms, the whole being tastefully interspersed with farcy Maples, Palms, and other decorative plants to afford a groundwork and a suitable backing for the whole (Silver Flora Medal). Mr. John Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey, exhibited a group of plant3 of Wistaria sinensis and of Clematis. The Wistarias were abundantly flowered, and the group presented a most pleasing effect (3ilver Banksian MedaD. Messrs. Ww. Cuthush 4 Son, Highgate, London, N., set op a very handsome and large group of forced flowering shrubs and plants. Some well- flowered plants of Magnolias were conspicuous along the front of the group, and standard Lilacs, Viburnums, Prunus triloba, Staphyleas, with a backing of nice Palms, com- prised 'he main features, to which an edglrg of Azileas and Fatsia japonica gave a finish. Some plants of Cytisus Andreana were also noticed. The same firm had an extensive collection of hardy and alpine plants adjoining their forced plants, which was displayed with nice effect, and comprised some well grown and rarer members of this pretty class of flowers, Irises Primula*, Anemones, Sliortias, Narcissus, &c. Primula denticulata alba was fine. Among Ihe Iiises we noticed I. orchioides, I. sindjirensis, I iberica, I. Bucharica, I. .Susiana. I. atropurpurea, (very fine), and I. Haynei. The Primulas were good - P. Sieboldi in variety, "grandifljra," a large flowered variety, of a pleasing magenta colour; "Zephyr." having white flowers with pink colour on the under surface. Tee beautiful blue of the Gentians was striking, G. tcaulis and G. verna far ec ipsing the blue Primroses (although good), also Hepaticas, Pulmonarias, and Chionodoxas. Some very pretty forc?d plants were arranged at the back, and a ceatre of tree Preonies graced the whole; Khodcra canadensis and Weigela rosea var. Eva Rathke were especially notable (Silver-gilt Flora Medal). Messrs. Jas. Veitch 4 Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, S.W , staged three dozen large plants of Xanthocera sorbi- folla, which made quite a feature of the table on which they were exhibited This display was illustrative of the usefulness of this species for forcing purposes, the shrubs being literally crowded with pure white flowers, and having just an indication of foliage at the tips which showed themselves as drooping tufts. This plant is not difficult to manage, and should find a place among such plants as Lilacs, Staphyleas, 4c, for forcirg purposes (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Jas. Veitch 4 Sons also exhibited several varieties of Hippeaslrura (Amaryllis). The best of these was named Lela, a large flower of reddish crimson colour, wilh green base; Acis was a white dower with scarlet maikings. especially on the upper segments; Sirius is a better flower of the same type, and Haitus, a self coloured flower of deepest crimson The same firm had a group of Shortia galacifolia flowering Trcely in pots, and a basketful of Begonia x A?atha. These plants commenced to flower last Octo- ber, and having been since cut quite over for supplying "cuttings," are now flowering again as abundantly as ever. Corydalis WiUoni.-This is another new species of Corydalis introduced by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons from Central China, and suitable for culture in pots in the Alpine-house, or on the rcckery in favourable localities in the south western counties. The flowers are of deeper yellow oolour than C. tr alieti ifolia, figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, October 18, 1902, and the foliage is exceedingly glaucous. Freesia Armstrongi was showu growing in a pan by C. G. Tuhebgen, Holland. The flowers were small and of light purple colour, with deeper coloured stripes on the three lower segments. The plants appeared very free iloweriog, and Ihe blooms may become larger in size when the corms are stronger. Mcjsrs-. Thos. S. Ware 4 Co., Ltd., Fellbam, placed a collection of Clematis upon thB table, interspersed with Asparagus plumosus and trailing sprays of Ampe- lopsls Veitchii The Clematis were very bright, and included some of the finer varieties, such as Mrs Cholmondeley Marcel Moser. Nellie Moser, Beauty of Worcester (very fine large Hower of splendid blue shade) and Lord Neville Awards. Azalea indica, itdlle. Emma Eeckhaut —An excellent variety of the "edged" type; the flowers of consider- able size, good form, and rosy-pink colour edeed with white. Shown by Mr. C. Turner (Award of Merit). Clerodendron myrmecophilum (see illustration on p. 237).— This handsome stove flowering species, intro- duced to Kew from Singapore by Mr. Ridley, was described in the Gardeners' Chronicle for March 28, 1903, p. 103. Shown by Messrs. Sandeb & Sons, St. Albans (First class Certificate). CUvia (Imantophyllum) Lord Bathurst.-A.Ti excellent varie'y, shown by Lady Bathurst, Cirencester House (gr., Mr. Thomas Arnold). The plant bore one in- florescence with about twenty round-shaped flowers arranged compactly upon it. The centre of the flower is cream-coloured and the segments rich red colour (Award of Merit). Cyrtardhus x "Marian."— This is a hybrid between C. lutescens and C. angustifolius, raised by Mr. James O'Brien, Harrow-on-the-Hill. The 5 inch pot shown contained about twelve bulbs, and all were flowering. The spikes are about 14 inches long and produce five or seven long, slender, pale-red flowers. Shown by Mr. Jas. O'Brien (Award of Merit). In/ Haynei.— This is a new and very fine Oncocyclus species from Palestine. In general appearance the bold handsome flowers have a resemblance to those ot I. atrofusca, though the " falls " are suggestive of those of I. so far ana. We hope to refer to the plant; again next week. From Messrs. W. Cot-bush 4 Sons, Highgate, N. (Award of Merit). Primula obcon'.ca.-Mr. Geo. Schneider, 17, Ifield Road, Fnlhani, S.W., showed three very fine varieties of Primula obconica. One had fljwers that were very nearly white, and friDged at the edges, another flowers of rich rosy-purple. The Committee recognised them as being superior in colour and habit, and recom- mended an Award of Merit for the strain. Orchid Committee. Present : Norman C. Cookson, Esq., in the Chair; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon Sec), De B. Crawshay, R. Brooman- White, H. M. Pollett, H. Ballantirje, W. Cobb, J. Douglas, F. Wellesley, R. G. Thwaites, H. T. Pitt, A. A. McBean, F. W. Ashton, M. Gleeson, W Boxall, W. H. Young, H. A. Tracy, H. C. Morris, and H. Little. There was a less extensive show of Orchids than at some of the recent mectiDgs, but many of the exhibits, especially Odontoglossums, were exceptionally fine. The Gold Medal was awarded to H. T. Pitt, Esq , Ro3slyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr. Thurgocd), for a splendid group, piincipally of line Odoutoglossums, the blotched formsof O. crispum embracing some of the best. Thechief attraction toOdontoglossum-expertswas o crispum F. K. Sander, first shown by Messrs. Sander at the Temple Show last year. The flower has now developed, and proves one of the largest and best in form. The colouring of the flower is so heavy (bat it maybe best described as of a reddish port-wine tint, the margins and tips of the sepals and petals white; lip white with a number of dark blotches. Another fine blotched form was O. c. Abner Hassel, and among the best were O. c. Prebendary Bevan, O. c. British Queen, O. c. Maude Rochford, and O. c. Pitt's variety. Of other species and varieties, the gigantic O. cirrosum Pitt's variety (see awards), O. x loochristyense, O. x bellatulum, O. Pescatorei Pitt's variety, a pretty rose and purple marked flower; O. Hallil, O. trium- phans, O. X Humeanum, Cymbidium eburneum, and other Cymbidiums, Maxillaria luteo-alba, with many flowers, 4c, were noted. Messrs. Sander 4 Sons, St. Albans, secured a Bilver Flora Medal for a fine group, in which also the Odontoglossums were well represented, some blotched forms of O. crispum beiDg present. Others remarked were good O. x Adriana-, O. luteo-purpureum Vuyl- stekel, O. x Wilckeanum, O. x loochristyense, and other hybrids; also the rich purplish-rose Miltonia vexillaria Empress Augusta, a finely flowered lot of Oncidium coneolor. Angrrecum Sanderianum, Maxil- laria Sanderiana, Zygo - Colax x Amesiana, Iffllio- Cattleya x luminosa Fascinator, L.-C. x blelchley- ensis varieties, and other L.clio-Cattleyas ; Phaius Sanderianus, and hybrids of it; and the' curious natural hybrid Cattleya x guatemalensis. W. Thompson, Esq , Walton Grange, Stone (gr., Mr. Stevens), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a select group of Odontoglos-um3, which included O. luteo- purpureum var. nobilior, a very handsome and large flower; varieties of O. crispum, O. x Adriame, O. Pescatorei, 4c, all remarkably well grown and finely bloomed. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co , Bush Hill Park, received a Silver Banksian Medal for an effective group, in which were good Dendrobium x Boxallii, D. x Venus, D. x Sibyl, D. Jamesianum, Ada aurantiaca, Cypripedium Rocbeltni, with three spikes of its elegant flowers; C. niveum, Lycaste costata, Cattleya intermedia alba, C. Mendeli, and C. Triana:, Cymbidium x eburneo- Lowianum, 4c. Sir H. Schroder, Bart. (gr.,Mr. Ballanline), sent fine spikes of the very rare Odontoglossum x Leeanum, the richly spotted O. crispum Princess Christian, the very large O. x Adrian % Orient, and oLhers. Nob man C. Cookson, Esq. (gr. Mr. Chapman), showed a spike cf a fine blotched O. crispum taken from a weak plant, and in which the two lower flowers were well developed, but the remaining buds could not exoand. There was a suggestion that to remove the superfluous buds would be right and proper, and that the rule as to curtailed inflorescences was not a wise one. C. J. Lucas, Esq. (gr. Mr. Duncan), sent a good Odon- toglossum x Andersonianum, and a rose tinted O. crispum. Messrs Linden 4 Co., Brussels, showed Selenipedium x Madame Linden (grande x caudatum Wallisii) with large cream-white flowers tinged with green and rose colour. J. Bradshaw, Esq., Southgate (gr. Mr. Whitelegge), sent Odontoglossums x excellena Lowirc, Cattleya Triana: perfecta, and Lo;lio- Cattleya x Digbyano- Schroder;e alba, which last secured an Award of Merit. F. Wellfslet, Esq., Westfleld (gr., Mr. Hopkins), sent Cattleya guttata Prinzii var. Dom Pedro, a fine form wilh pink tinted flowers profusely spotted with purple; and Cypripedium x Allertonense Westfleld variety (bellatulum villosum), a large finely-shaped flower. F. A. Rehder, Esq., Gipsy Hill (gr., Mr. Norris), sent Cypripedium ■ Harrisianum var. excelsior, very large and fine in shape. Mr. Jas. Douglas, Edenside, sent a light form of Cypripedium • Deedmatiarjum. W. C. Walker, Esq , Winchmore Hill (gr. Mr. Bunneyi, sent Eriopsis lutidobulbon and Odonto- glossum Iutec-purpureum. H. Little, Esq., Baronshalt, Twickenham (gr., Mr. Howard), showed four good varieties of Cattleya Schrode a\ C. S. Miss Little being a fine white with yellow disc to the lip, and C. S. Little's variety, a large coloured form. Awards. First-class Certificate, Odontoglossum cirrosum Pitt's variety, from H. T. PITT, Esq (gr , Mr. Thurgood).— A giant among cirrosums, and fine in every respect, the large petals developing broadly on their lower halves, the whole flower being much more massive than in other varieties. Flowers white, prettily marked with dark chocolate-purple. The same plant secured an Award of Merit when shown before. Awards of Merit. LselioCattleya x Mona (L. flava x C Schroderae) from Messrs. Jas Veitch 4 Sons.— A neat flower, of a clear cowslip-yellow colour. Lselio-Catlleya x DigbyanoSchrodtrx alba, from J. Bradshaw, Esq , Southgate (gr., Mr. Whitelegge). - Flowers white, tinted at the backs of the sepals with pale lilac ; lip white with a sulphur-yellow disc and well-developed marginal fringe. Cymbidium Lowianum Luciani, from Messrs. Linden 4 Co., Brussels.— A very large flower with green sepals, and petals tinted with purple, the band on the front of the Up of an intense chestnut-red. Cultural Commendation. To Mr. J. Davis, gr. to J. Gurnet Fowler, Esq . Glebelands, South Woodford, for a fine plant of Den- drobium Wardianum Fowleril, which has been grown and improved during several years, the peculiarity (trilabellia in the lower sepals) proviDg constant. Narcissus Committee. Present : Rev. G. H. Kngleheart (Deputy Chairman), and Messrs. Ctias. Mac Michael, Chas. T. Digby, A. B. Goodwin, R. Dean, E. A. Bowles, G. L. Titberidge, W. M.Copeland, J. D. Pearson, A. Kingsmill, E. Will ; mott (Miss), R. Sydenham, John Pope, W. T. Ware, Van de Graall, P. Rudolph Barr, Jas. Walker, and C. H. Curtis. Miss F. W. Curret, The Warren Gardens, Lismore Ireland, brought a large and comprehensive col . lection of Daffodils, and although a very credit-1 able collection of blooms, they were not of In*-'. April 9, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 239 size, substance, and purity of colour one sees in some seasons. Narcissus bicolor Cuke of Bedford was very fine, the trumpet being finely shaped and coloured ; King Alfred was also shown well ; Horsedeldi was very fair; Incomparabilis Flambeau was nicely coloured, the corona being delicately shaded with red. Sirius in tins section was also presented in good form; Lcia, William Goldring, Artemis, P. R. Barr, Telemonius plenus, it™. (Silver iimksian Medal). Mr. Chas. D.uvsjn, Rosemorran, Penzance, staged a group of Daffodil bloom?, whose quality was indicative of the climate and early season of the district where they were grown. Among those especially deserving of note were Emperor, very fine; Silver Spray, a new variety having a li^ht yellow corona with cream petals, Homespun, Northern Light, Sirius, White Slave, new ; Blood Orange, Kittywako, pale cream-yellow coloured corona ; Fair Lady (Silver Flora Medal). Mr. E. II. Jenkins, Queen's Road Nursery, Hampton Hill, Middlesex, showed flowers of Narcissus, a sport from the variety " princeps," the trumpet hiving crests around the margin. Messrs. Hogg & Roisertson, 22, Mary Street, Dublin, exhibited a collection of Narcissus blooms of con- siderable interest' for their size and rich colouring. Among the newer ones were the varieties P. R. Barr, Victoria, Henry Irving, in England, N.E., and 39 in England, E.. the Midland Counties, and the Channel Islands, to 21 in Ireland, S , 21 in Scotland, N., and to m in Ireland, N." THE WEATHER IN WE5T HERTS. April skower8.~ The past week was of about average temperature. On no day did any reading In the ther- mometer-screen exceed 53*, and on the coldest nigh*t the exposed thermometer only registered T of frost. Either rain, hall, sleet, or soft hail fell on all but one day, but the total measurement was only about half an inch. The amounts deposited were, however, sufficient to restart the percolation gauges, through both of which small amounts of rain water passed each day during the week. Tbe sun shone on an average for about an hour a day longer than usual, and on the 1st inst the record amounted to neirly 9$ hours, making it the sunniest day as yet this year. Tbe winds were, as a rule, high, and came principally from some southerly or westerly point. The mean velocity for no hour, however, exceeded 20 miles. The amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon was about seasonable. March. Cold dry, and lunlcrs.— This spring month, taken as a whole, was below the average in temperature. The first week proved very cold during the daytime, but after that time the day readings continued about seasonable, while those at night were, as a rule, below the mean. On the coldest night the thermometer on the lawn registered only 13* of frost, which is, with three exceptions the highest extreme minimum tem- perature recorded here in March. Rain, snow, hail, sleet, or soft hail, fell on seventeen days, but to the aggregate depth of less than 1". inch, which is about half an inch below the average quantity for the month. On the 4th snow !•> for a short tirre tc tte depth of 240 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 9, 1904. about an inch, or to a greater depth than in any of the three previous winter months. With the exception of 1901, this was the dullest March for fifteen years, the average record of bright sunshine falling short of a seasonable duration by nearly an hour a day. The winds were, as a rule, very light— in fact, with the exception of the same month in 1900 this was the cilmest March yet recorded here. In no hour did the mean velocity exceed 16 miles, and for 357 honrs, or 15 days, the direction was some point between north and east. With the exception of 1901, the air was more humid than in any March for sixteen years. Our Dndeeoround Water-Supply. With March came to an end the winter half of the present drainage year. The total rainfall for those six months exceeded the avenge quantity by 5j inches, which is equivalent to an excess of 118 766 gallons on each acre of land in this district. Last year there was a deficit fall for the same six months of 2j inches, or of 59 000 ga'lons on each acre. E. M , Berkhamilcd, April 5, 1904. ©bttuarp. George Read Peerless, of Park Hill House, Clapham, S.W., and 61, Old Street, E.C., died, in his seventy-second year, on April 2, 1904. The deceased gentleman was a keen grower of Chrysanthemums. ENQUIRY. Ericas. — Can any reader suggest a reason, other than that of drought, for Ericas withering, and the young shoots drooping ? ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Abatina : W. K. We are unable to guess what is meant by this name or by Maloncreeana. The illustration sent affords no clue and is of no value. We will return it to you when you send your name and address. Beetles in Plant Houses : J. H. The beetle is one of the weevils. They appear during the night, which is the best time to inspect the pieces of Carrot, &c, laid a? traps. Books : J. G. Garden Lawns, Tennis Lawns, Bowling Greens, <$fc., by Sutton & Sons, Reading, price Is ; published by Simpkin, Marshall & Co., Ltd., London. Country Gentlemen's Association : J. W. R. The address is, The Country Gentlemen's Association, Ltd., 16, Cockspur Street, Pall Mall, S W. It is not a registry office in the way you suggest. Cucumber : B. Jordan. Eelworm is present in small quintity in the roots. Water with as strong a solution of nitrate of soda as can be used without injury to the plants. Editorial Notices and Advertisements : B. B. Under no circumstances whatever is payment received or expected for anything that appears in the Editorial columns. Indeed, we have a great objection to insert any paragraph if we know that an advertisement relating to the same subject is to appear at or about the same time. The reason is that we do not wish to create the impression that the insertion of an editorial notice is in any way influenced by the prospect of an advertisement. Such an im- pression would injure our reputation without any advantage to the advertiser. It seems, however, to be thought by a certain class of advertisers, and especially by ad vertising agents, that they have an implied right to an editorial notice simply on the ground that they send us advertisements. As obviously we could not accommodate all our advertising friends in this way, it would be very uujust to do it for some only, and not only unjust but disastrous to our fair fame. Gardeners' Notice : F. B , Loughborough. We think you should be paid for the Saturday, but are not sme you could demand it successfully in a court of law Gardeners' Travelling Expenses: Jas. Latimer. It is usual to stay at a place a reasonable time after the appointment if travelling expenses are allowed. Six months does not appear excessive. Kecksies : C. A word applied to the hollow stalks of umbelliferous plants from an old English word keek or kike, said to be still in use in the northern counties in the sense of peep or Bpy, from the circumstance that one may look through them. The Cow-Parsnip and the Cow-Parsley are the plants most com- monly called Kecksies. See Prior, Popular Names of British Plants. Shakspeare mentions them in association with Thistles and Burrs. Mushroom Bed : J. D., Norton. It is the old trouble, called Xylaria vaporaria (fig. 99). The bed will be no use now. The house must be disinfected before used again for Mushrooms. Do not suppose any blame attaches to the nurseryman who supplied the spawn. M.C.C. Fig. 99 — xylaria vaporaeia in mushroom-ised. Names op Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — A. K. H. 1, Aconitum leaf only ; 2, Saxifraga geum : 3, send better specimen ; 4, Andromeda floribunda ; 5, perhaps Stachys lanata. It is of little use sending such scraps. The Eose is Eeine Marie Henriette, sometimes called the red Gloire de Dijon. — F. F., Woodbridge. Myoporum latum, New Zealand. Thank you for sending such good specimens. Oh ! that all who send plants for name would send as good samples. — J. F. Rhododendron grande, alias argenteum. — J. D., Norton. Tibouchina semi-decandra, known also as Pleroma macrantha. — R. T., Surrey. 1, Coelogyne cristata ; 2, Odontoglossum Edwardii ; It will grow best in the cool-house with the other Odontoglossums. — T. O , Finchley. 1, Cypripedium >; Sedeni of gardens, but more correctly Selenipedium x Sedeni; 2, Odonto- glossum maculatum ; 3, Odontoglossum glorio- sum ; 4, Odontoglossum Pescatorei ; 5, Odonto- glossum pulchellum; 6, Lalia anceps. — C. C. 1, Oncidium barbatum ; 2, Odontoglossum cordatum : 3, Eria ajervata ; 4, Odontoglossum Wallisii. — H. S. S. Dendrobium Draconis, generally called Dendrobium eburneum in gardens. It will be safe to fumigate with the preparation you mention if done late in the after- noon and carried out carefully. — Young Reader. 1, Buddleia globosa ; 2, Stephanotis floribunda; 3, Saxifraga crassifolia ; 4, Gazania splendens ; 5, Polystichum angulare ; 6, Nephrolepis exal- tata; 7, Pteris cretica albo-lineata; 8, Onychium japonicum ; 9, Eupatorium Weinmannianum ; 10, garden-raised hybrid of Begonia argyro- stigma ; 11, Agave americana aureo-marginata ; 12, Cotoneaster microphylla ; 13, Ribes san- guineum. — F. E. S , Oxon. 1, Dendrobium x Cassiope, or other hybrid of D. japonicum near it, of which there are several ; 2, D. suavissi- mum ; 3, Acacia armata ; 4, Adiantum Capillus- Veneris ; 5, Ballota nigra ; 6, Achillea ptarmica. — A. F. T. 1, Dendrobium Devonianum ; 2, 3, 4, varieties of Dendrobium nobile, showing variation common in freshly-imported plants, 4 is an exceptionally fine one ; 5, Nephrolepis tuberosa. — Omega. 1, Chamoerops humilis ; 2, Tracbycarpus (Chamaerops) excelsa ; 3, Cono- clinium ianthinum of gardens, more correctly, Eupatorium. — J. W. Holt. Acacia armata. — C. G. All forms of Narcissus pseudo-Narcissus, but we cannot undertake to name the varieties. — G. M. Narcissus Sir Watkin — S. P. The specimens were withered when we received them; they appear to us to be both forms of Scilla bifolia— J. H. B. 1, Scilla sibirica; 2, Saxifraga crassifolia; 3, Ribes sanguineum.— D. R. F. Prom the scrap you send we take it to be a Pyrethrum of some sort. — C. A., Nant- wich. Sparmannia africana. New Zealand Seeds : W. G. Apply to Nimmo & Blair, Dunedin, N.Z. Peaches : P. F. Your fruits are covered with Peach-mildew. Dust the plants with sulphur. Pelargoniums : T. Cross. The fungus present and causing the mischief is Botrytis cinerea, which often attacks leaves and growing parts when there is too much stagnant moisture in the air. Better ventilation will effect a remedy. Railway Fare : G. K. You should have agreed with the advertiser beforehand. As you accepted the half-fare, we do not think you can claim the remainder in the absence of any agreement. Sweet Peas: Gardener. Sweet Peas raised in pots should be planted-out as they are taken from the pots. To attempt to divide each plant would cause an unnecessary check. Tomato : F. D. There is no trace of insect or fungus-injury, and the curling of the leaves is due probably to too great a difference between day and night temperature. Tulips : F. E. S. 8( Co. The appearance of punc- tures is not due to the action of fungi, nor can we discover any insects. United Horticultural Benefit and Provi- dent Association: Beds. The Secretary is W. Collins, 9, Martindale Road, Balham, London, S.W. Vines : T. N. D. We find neither insect nor fungus, and suppose the condition must arise from some error in management, of which you should be a better judge than we can be. — E. B. Vines in a dormant condition may with advantage be syringed at any time from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. But when the buds have burst the syringing should be done between the hours of 6 and 9 in the morning, when the temperature may range from 55° to 70°. The house may be closed in the afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., according to the external con- ditions. But the maximum temperature of the atmosphere of the house after closing should not exceed 85°. If the Vines are clean there is little reason to syringe them after the bunches show. Communications Received.— Hart non Weir— W. C— W. J 8.— YoUDg Gardener, France— W. Chitty— D. Storrie(with thanks)— Coryciussenex— W. B.— A. C.F —Rev. H. Friend.— Bradley Brothers-D. R. W.— W. J. B.-G. S., Boston, U.S.A.-Caldecote-J. P.— E D. R.. Anifirii-a-H. W. D., Stirlicg-J. C— K. P. B. — W. G. S -W. K— W. H. A Pettlgiew-L. S.-H B. —J. Snell-W. B.-An Interested;Reader-W. B.-W.T. — K. U. G., NorthampiOD-J. E. J.— W. J.— J. N.— G. A. —J. 8.— C. 8.— T. H.New Zea)and-C. M. P.— E. C — A. J. B.— C. e. F.-A. J. M.— R. B. T.-J. 0\B.-3. A — R. W. D. ( For Markets see p. xiv ) Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle.' The Elephant Beech, Bukxham Beeches. Photo, by F. Mason Good, April 16, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 241 THE No. 90S.— SATURDAY, April 16, 1904. CONTENTS. , Bird protection Books, notices of— Agriculture in Italy French Garden Ma- nuals Camellia reticulata and Rose "Fortune's Yellow" Canker in Roses Cauliflowers, trans- planting spring - raised Cliantbus puniceus ... Colonial notes — Mosquito-plant, the Peari-diving in Cey- lon Cross - breeding of plants Cross -fertilisation, some results of Daffodil, the Daubeny Laboratory at Oxford Diamond wedding, a Drugs, spurious forms of, from Hamburg... Florists' flowers- Auriculas Blue Primroses Polyanthus, gold- laced varieties of Flowers In season at Ardwell. Scotland... gardeners' Association, the M9 Haughton Hall, Che shire Iris Hausskneehlii ... Kew Gardeners and the proposed Asso- ciation Kew notes A'ew or noteworthy plants— Stapelia Fillansii ... Trichocaulon Pli- lansii ILLUSTRATIONS Flowers, preparation of, for hybridising 248 Haughton Hall, Cheshire (Supplementary Illus- tration) Iris Hausskneehtii 281 I.onlcera pileata 243 Primula obconica, a good white-flowered variety of 245 Stapelia Pillansli ... 242 Summer-house in a Lime-tree at Pitchford Hall, Shrewsbury 344 250 Laurent, Prof. Emile, his collections from 24'J the Congo 244 Law notes ''o'J- 249 Obituary— Dixon Mrs a's Hill, E 261 Pitchford Hall, 250 Shrewsbury Primula obconica, 244 new varieties of ... 344 253 Societies- 251 Brighton and Sussex Horticultural SRI 2411 Cornwall Daffodil andSpring Flower 2f.3 242 Ealing Horticultural Gardeners' Debating 255 218 Societies 255 German Gardeners' 255 24 it Horticultural Club 249 251 Linnean Nurserymen, &c, 219 241 Hailstorm Insur- 249 ance Corporation 255 Royal Botanic 251 2.52 Rosal Horticultural 249, 214 Southampton Horti- 245 cultural andSouth- ern Carnation ... ■i55 21S Stock-taking Stones, utilising sur- asp 2,,2 plus, in the garden 253 Strawberrj-culture ... 252 252 Sunflowers, perennial Trees and shrubs— 253 251' Ellioltla racemosa 243 161 Lonicerapilcita ... Vine -mildew, winter £43 stage of the 249 249 Week's work- 246 Flower garden, the . 217 Fruits under glass... :'I7 Hardy frutt garden . Kitchen-garden, the 24H 242 217 Orchid-houses, the . 2 it; L'U Plants under glass... 217 DAUBENY E E D I V I V U S.* "Y/TEN resident at Oxford in the forties or ■**■*- the fifties, crossing the Cherwell on their way home from a Sunday afternoon walk, might often see a quaint-looking, little, spectacled gentleman, in trencher cap, sur- plice, and doctor's hood, tripping across the street from the Botanic Garden, then called ■the Physic Garden, to Magdalen College gate. It was Dr. Daubeny, the Professor of Botany, on his way to the College Chapel, which he usually entered while the Psalms were being sung, dispossessing some embarrassed stranger who had occupied his seat in the stalls, and who was, on his belated entrance, compelled with shame to take a lower place. He was one of the most energetic savans of his time, a friend of Liebigandof De Candolle, a pioneer of science in Oxford. Appointed to the Professorship in 1834, he was already well known by his works on the Atomic Theory and on Volcanos, and by many original memoirs in the Philosophical Trans- actions. He at once set himself to recon- struct the chaotic garden. He found it, strange to say, arranged on a geographical system; plants indigenous respectively to * A History of tne Daubeny Laboratory, Magdalen College, Oxford, by R. T. Giiather, Fellow and Tutor. with a Preface by the President of Magdalen. Oxford University Press, 1904. Great Britain, or the European, American, Asiatic continents, being placed together in separate and sometimes remote compart- ments. The trees had to remain, but as regards herbaceous plants the system was at once altered. The Linnrean classification was slowly giving way to the recognition of natural affinities ; both were now represented in the garden, and so continued till long after Daubeny's death. He also converted a badly devised greenhouse into a lecture- room, and with some aid from friends and large private outlay of his own built new glasshouses and a professor's residence. His physiological research was unceasing ; he investigated the processes of absorp- tion, irritability, and metamorphosis in plants, and the action of light upon their growth ; experimented largely on manures, and on the dormant or active ingredients of soils; tested the vitality of seeds, and the evidence for mummy Wheat survival ; wrote a Life of De Candolle, published monographs on vegetable life in glaciers, on Bromelia, on the fungoid Sphieria, on the newly-discovered Mexican Cheirostemon [?]. The Gardeners' Chronide for 1861 contains a report of his lecture on the " Physical Forces contained in the Pheno- mena of Vegetation." His address to the University on its acquisition of the Fielding Herbarium shows his comprehensive grasp of the aims of botanical science, his predic- tive onlook into its future, his lucid faculty of exposition. All these achievements represented barely one-half of his activity. He was Professor not only of Bjtany, but of Chemistry, both Chairs poorly endowed, and the latter in the past filled perfunctorily. His literary and reforming energy gave an immediate rather perhaps than an abiding impulse to chemical studies; his lectures drew the most noted university men ; in the numerous pages of his pupil-book we read the names of men known then or afterwards as Professor Baden Powell, Dr. Pusey, Sir Edmund Head, Archbishops Whately, Tait, Thomson, Dr. Symonds (the famous Bristol physician), Professor Walker (the mathematician and physicist), Charles Neate, Mark Pattison, Dean Liddell, Sir Henry Acland, John Kuskin, Frank Buckland. His interleaved Foirnes1 Chemistry, showing the course of his regular teaching, with his papers on the Principles of Inorganic Chemistry, on Mineral Waters, on the Hot Springs of Bath, on the Salt in Sea-water, on Guano, on the Constituents of Beetle-stones, and many more, are preserved in the laboratory which bears his name. For in 1848 he erected, at his own cost on land adjoin- ing his house, a chemical lecture-room and laboratory, which still remain, and which, in their inception and their later enlargement by his College, form the subject of this very interestingmemoir, compiled by Mr. Giinther, himself, if I mistake not, a hereditary scientist, with a preface by the accomplished President of Magdalen. There are to be found the apparatus and instruments used in his earlier researches, quaint and clumsy to modern eyes, some of the vessels still bearing stains of the port wine which was used as a red screen. There, too, is his vast collection of chemical substances and of minerals, with more than 400 drawers of geological specimens gathered by him in all parts of the world, duly arranged, labelled, and catalogued. All these, with money necessary for their preservation, he bequeathed to his beloved College, which he had already endowed with Science Scholar- ships, and with a medal to be given annually for scientific proficiency to the school con- nected with it. He was, I believe, the first to plead for the inclusion of science in the recognised Oxford curriculum; its intro- duction into the Degree examinations was due in no small measure to his advocacy; and his " Dream of the New Museum," a charming little predictive brochure, may still be read with pleasure. In 1854 he resigned his Chemical Chair to a worthy successor, Mr. (afterwards Sir Benjamin) Brodie, but continued his botanical superintendence, compelled, however, to winter at Torquay, where he frequently lectured at the Museum, and supported, with his friend Mr. Vivian, the Devonshire Association for the Advancement of Science. He died in 1867. "I knew him, Horatio," though he was by no means a Yorick. A friend of my father, he showed me kindness as an undergraduate, and finding out later that I was a humble but enthusiastic botanist, he employed me to fill up gaps in the herbaceous beds with plants brought in from the neighbourhood. That would be not so easy to do now ; wild nature in the environs of Oxford has been expelled by the builder and by tillage ; but in those days I could bring home Oreopteris, Par- nassia, Butterwort, Bogbcan, and many more from an afternoon walk. One rarity I procured for him through a friend, Lobelia urens, from its one habitat in the Axe Valley, and I remember how old Baxter gloated over it. It was pleasant to dine with Daubeny in Hall, amid that strange gathering of Fellows, which included some of the most refined and intellectual along with the most raffish and Bohemian Oxford men ; pleasant too to walk with him round the garden, and hear his disquisitions on the Scammony and Christ's Thorn, the Weeping Willow from Pope's Twickenham garden— so he daringly assumed — the Pa?stum Rose — Corycius was not likely to forget that — the Birthwort from Godstow ruins, the Mandrake under the conservatory wall, the Sibthorpia and Orontium in the curious copper cistern long since swept away. In after years, when conducting round the garden groups of working men from Birm- ingham and Wolverhampton, I often found myself repeating his remarks, and could almost see the quaint little figure, in blue coat with red bandana handkerchief hanging out behind, hands in pockets, copious black satin scarf around his neck. An excellent portrait of him hangs in the Botanical Garden Library, and is reproduced in this volume; I possess a later photograph, taken in 1860. He lies beneath the famous stone pulpit in the outer quadrangle of the College: more than once in recent years I have, like Old Mortality, scraped away the moss obscuring the letters on his tombstone. A memorial tablet in the ante-chapel bears a Latin epitaph from the scholarly pen of his old friend, John Kigaud. Its closing line well sums the record of his life — Ave Anima, Simplex, Pia, Desideratissima ! Corycius Senex. [Much more might be said of Daubeny's researches in meteorology, in scientific agri- culture (for he was Professor of Sural 242 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 16, 1904. Economy as well as of Botany and Che- mistry !), of his incursions into the literature of Roman husbandry, his never - failing kindness, his imperturbable good temper. Alone, or with the sympathy of Dean Buck- land, and subsequently of Henry Acland, he upheld the claims of science amid a singularly inappreciative and unsympa- thetic body of Oxford Dons, who, whilst they did their best to oppose his schemes, never extended their hostility to their originator. He could hold his own with classical scholars ; his purpose was trans- parently simple and honest; his personality, if whimsical, was eminently engaging. Possessed of means, he was able to supple- complicated coronal structure, as described below, is unlike that of any other species known to me. Our figure of the plant is from a photograph sent by Mr. N. S. Pillans. Stems erect or decumbent at the base, 3—5 inches long, 5-6 lines square, obtusely 4-angled, pubescent; angles very si iehtly compressed, with slightly promi- ment teeth, \ — f inch apart, bearing rudimentary erect leaves, 1—2 lines long. Flowers 2-1 together, near the base of the young stems. Pedicels 1— 1$ inch long, 21 lines thick, velvety-pubescent. Sepals 3—4 lines long. 1— 1} line broad, lanceolate, acute or acuminate, pubescent. Corolla 4-5 inches in diameter, star-like, pubescent on the back, glabrous and slightly rugose on the inner face, ciliate almost to the tips of the lobes, wilh long simple purple hairs, surface dark purple- brown, without transverse markings. Outer corona rather variable ; 10-lobed, dark purple-brown, glabrous ; five of the lobes alternating with the inner coronal lobes, free to the base or connate with the other live Fig. 100.— stapelia pillansii : flowers purplish-brown. ment the exiguous income of the garden and to support his position with complete independence, whilst the full extent of his benevolence will never be known.] NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. STAPELIA PILLANSII, N. E. Brown (n. sp.) (fig. 100). This is a fine and very distinct species, of which a living plant and herbarium specimens have been sent to the Koyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, by Mr. N. S. Pillans, who collected it near Matjes Fontein, in South Africa. The stems are something like those of S. patula, producing clusters of star-like flowers 4—5 inches in diameter, of a dark purple-brown colour. The iDto a cup, 2j lines long, lj line broad at the top obovate or oblong, more or less three-toothed at the apex, the middle tooth longest, and shortly deltoid- quadrate, obtuse ; the other five lobe9 opposite the inner coronal lobes, 2'. lines long, } line broad, oblong or linear - oblong, obtuse, emarginate, irregularly toothed or bifid, or divided to the middle into two diverging narrow segments, sometimes quite free from the other outer coronal lobes, and more or less adnate to the dorsal wing of the inner coronal lobes, some- times quite free from the inner coronal lobes, and more or less connate with the other outer coronal lobes, forming a ten or more lobed cup, of which the apical toothing of the component lobes is often very irregular. Inner coronal lobes 3—35 lines long, erect, unequally bifid; inner free part horn-like, 1-1} line long, triquetrous, acute, stout, recurved ; dorsal part wing-like adnate to the middle of the inner part or beyond, lj line broad, oblong, very obtusely rounded at the short free apex, entire or obscurely crenate, dark purple-brown, glabrous. Karoo, near Matjes Fontein, Pillans, No. 38, and near Groot Fontein, Pillans, No. 104. N. E. Brown. Trichocatjlon Pillansii, N. E. Brown (n. sp.). This novelty is an interesting addition to a very curious genus of the Stapelia tribe, of which living plants and herbarium specimens have been sent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, from South Africa by Mr. N. S. Pillans, who collected it near Laingsburg. It is very rarely that a species of Trichocaulon is to be found in cultivation in Europe, for they are very difficult to increase by cuttings, and as they inhabit the very driest parts of South Africa, under cultiva- tion they usually get too much moisture and soon die. The stems are very thick and fleshy, cylin- dric, with numerous small angles, beset with stiff bristles, and by the uninitiated the plant would probably be mistaken for a Cactus. The flowers- are small, yellow, and are produced in the grooves near the top of the stems. Plant 5— 9 inches high, branching at the base, main stem and branches l|— 2i inches in diameter, cylindric, with very numerous tuberculate angles, glaucous- green, glabrous; tubercles ending in a stiff bristle, 2— 2J- lines long. Flowers in small clusters between the angles towards the top of the stems. Pedicels |-3 line long, nearly 1 line thick, glabrous. Sepals 1— 1.'[ line long, |— | line broad, ovate, very acuminate, glabrous. Corolla bright creamy-yellow, glabrous and smooth outside and within the tube, densely papillate on the inner face of ttte lobes ; tube distinct, cam- panulate, i-lj line long, lj line in diameter at the mouth inside; lobes slightly spreading, lj-lj line long, Jh— 1^ line broad, broadly deltoid-ovate, very acuta, not ciliate. Outer corona somewhat cup-shaped, equally lo-toothed ; teeth |-j line long, deltoid or linear-deltoid, acute or obtuse, ascending-spreading, quite straight, not curved towards each other in pairs, lightyellow. Inner coronal-lobes \ line long, oblong,, dorsally adnate to the outer corona, much shorter than the anthers, light yellow. Near Laingsburg. Pillans, No. 9. Var. major, N. E. Br.— Plant and flowers larger. Corolla-tube lj line long, 2 lines in diameter; lobes about 2 lines long, and the same in breadth. Teeth of the outer corona about 'line long, in slightly diverging. pairs. Near Laingsburg, Pillans, No. 160. N, E. Brown. COLONIAL NOTES. CEYLON. The Pearl Harvest. — Our correspondent, Mr. Iir> Thurn (Lieutenant-Governor of Ceylon), contri- butes to a recent number of the Tropical Agri- culturist an account of his experiences as a diver. His descents were made in the " shallow tropical sea which is shut in by Ceylon on the east, the coast of Southern India on the west, and on the north by Adam's Bridge, a reef partly just awash, and partly cropping up in the form of a- chain of islands which connects Ceylon with India. In the Gulf of Mannar thus formed it was found, at least 300 years before Christ, that there was an abundant growth of pearl-pro- ducing mussels, locally called oysters. . . . The sensation of being put into the diver's dress is," he says, " at first certainly rather trying." The weight is, of course, enormous, and most oppres- sive, and I found the operation of screwing up- the rivets fastening on the very heavy helmet on. to the rest of the dress was distinctly painful. But a few months later, when I was at the Maldive Islands with H.M.S. Highflyer, and, moved by a desire to see for myself the wonderful coral forests and jungles and underground cliffs of those atolls, I again donned diver's dress as supplied to H.M. ships. I found both the weight and the painfulness of being screwed up were- considerably less, and the more slowly I descended the less intense was the pain in my ears." On reaching the bottom this pain ceased, and Mr. Im Thurn was able to move about, finding it easiest to proceed on all-fours. " The coast land of Ceylon nearest to the oyster banks is, for the most part, very sparsely inhabited, and, like the opposite coast of Southern India, consists chiefly of rolling sand plains, with here and there a little coarse grass or low sparse vegetation, or even occasional scrubby jungle.'' Intervals of April 16, 1904.] THE GARB ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E. 243 years elapse frequently between the pearl harvests, and when one is reported to he ready, natives throng from all parts, and quite a town springs up for the season near the spot. Mysore. The Mosquito-plant, Ocimum viride. — This plant, which has obtained some notoriety as con- ferring, as alleged, immunity from mosquito- bites, is figured in the last Annual Report of the Government Gardens in Mysore. The Curator of the Botanic Station at Sierra Leone is quoted with reference to a statement made that four Basil plants around a bed were better than a mosquito - curtain. *' I should like to take the writer up-country a bit and dot him down with four Basil plants around his bed." It is clear that those on the spot have not much faith in the efficacy of Basil. It has, however, diaphoretic qualities. Mr. Cameron adds a valuable report on rubber-yielding plants. Malaya. The Mosquito-plant. — The January Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated Malay States also contains an interesting note by the Editor, Mr. H. N. Ridley, on the Mosquito-plant, Ocimum viride. This species has now fully de- veloped and flowered in the Botanic Gardens in Singapore. "The leaves have a pungent taste ; the ■flowers are small, greenish-white, and inconspic- uous. Various experiments were tried with it ; three plants in a pot were kept in the verandah, and the behaviour of the mosquitos with respect to them observed. Large sprays of the plants were put in water, also in the verandah. In neither of these circumstances had it any perceptible effect on the insects. They were neither attracted nor repelled, and were just as annoying whentheplant was there as when it was not. Mr. Kloss, besides trying these experiments, rubbed a long chair all over with the leaves of the plant, to see if that would keep the pest away ; it had no more result than the other experiments. The mosquitos, in fact, quite ignored the Mosquito-plant and took no notice of it at all. It thus appears that here at least the Ocimum viride must be relegated to the increasing class of plants like Castor-oil (Rieinus), which have obtained a reputation for killing off mosquitos which they do not deserve." TREES AND SHRUBS. __ This is an interesting shrub, originally found by Dr. Henry at Ichang, and introduced into cultivation by Messrs. James Veiteh & Sons through their collector, Mr. E. H. Wilson. It is now growing at Kew, whence specimens were obligingly sent us. Mr. Bean tells us that it is of evergreen nature, dwarf and spreading in habit, like Cotoneaster horizontalis. The illus- tration by Mr. Worthington Smith shows the character of the plant, though, no doubt, as it •develops, the number and size of the flowers will be increased. There is a curious outgrowth from the base of the calyx which invests the top of the young fruit like a cap, whence the name pileatum, from pileus — a cap. The flowers are white. Elliottia racemosa, etc. Elliottia is one of the very rarest and least known of the genera belonging to the Ericacete. For a long time only one species was known to «xist — E. racemo3a — a North American shrub of very restricted distribution. Two other species have, however, been discovered in Yesso and other parts of Japan by the late Mr. Maries and other collectors. The genus was named in honour of Stephen Elliott, a botanist who made the flora of the South-eastern United States his especial study, and who died in 1830. He dis- covered Elliottia racemosa, and one of his speci- mens is in the Kew herbarium. The species is one to which peculiar interest is attached, The first attempt to introduce this shrub to the British Isles was made about ten years ago. Mr. P. J. Berckmans, of Augusta, Georgia, appears to have had in his nursery the whole of the stock of this plant that was then known to exist, and he DC" n^o N Fig. 101. — lonicera pileata : an evergreen honeysuckle. * Lonicera pileata, Oliver, in [cones Plant., June, 1SS7 t. 15S5 ; Hemsley, in Journ. Linn. Soc, xxiii , p. 365. because the only places where it is known to have occurred wild — which are in the valley of the Savannah, Georgia — were, some years ago, brought under cultivation. Unless, therefore, it has recently been found elsewhere, it is now unknown in a wild state. kindly sent a piece to Kew. This, however, never became established and eventually died. Two years ago Mr. Berckmans again sent it, and now, to all appearance, two plants are established. They are about 18 inches high. Elliottia racemosa is represented by some good 244 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Apeil 16, 1904. specimens in the Kew Herbarium, and it was figured in Garden and Forest for 1894 (fig. 37), where a full description and history of the plant are given by Professor Sargent. From these two sources the following particulars have been obtained:— It i3 a shrub 4 to 10 feet high, with alternate, oblong leaves tapering towards both ends, 2 to 4 inches long, glabrous above and sparsely hairy beneath. The flowers, borne in terminal racemes 6 to 10 inches long, are white and about 1 inch in diameter with four petals. Each flower is borne on a slender stalk, upon which a pair of tiny bracts are set midway. E.paniculata is a native of Yesso (where it was collected by Maries), also of Central Japan, where it occurs up to elevations of 7,000 feet. It has triangular stems and obovate-pointed leaves 1£ to 2 inches long. The flowers are borne on terminal panicles, 2 to 4 inches long. E. bracteata is found in the forests of Yesso, where it also was collected by Maries. The leaves are obovate and as long as in E. paniculata, but they are rounded at the apex. The short terminal spikes of flowers are 2 to 3 inches long, and the two median bracts on the pedicel larger than in E. racemosa. Neither of these Japanese species is so ornamental as the North American one. W. J. Bean. BRUSSELS. — t — THE LAURENT BOTANICAL EXPEDITIONS. The botanical treasures collected in the Belgian Congo by the late Prof. Emile Laurent and his nephew, M. Marcel Laurent, have arrived at the Brussels Botanic Garden. They are con- tained in some fifty cases. Twelve of these are devoted to a herbarium of about 3,000 specimens. The others contain various fruits preserved in spirit, or bulky objects, such as complete racemes of many species of Raphia measuring about 5 feet long. There are also samples of soils, waters, rubber of divers kinds, Lianas, seeds, and so on. M. De Wildeman has begun to arrange the herbarium specimens, among which he has already found a remarkable set of varieties of Coffee, Kickxias, and especially a great number of myrmecophytes and of acarophytes. After his second expedition in 1695— 1896, M. E. Laurent devoted attention to these curious plants, which in their stems or the folds of their leaves provide shelter for numerous ants. He had gathered some whose " myrmecophytic " characters were already known. His new ex- pedition has furnished some six or seven of these plants, some of which are probably new. From a scientific point of view, this discovery . is the more interesting as for a long time it has been surmised that America was richer in "myrmecophytes" and "acarophytes" than is Africa. Acarophytic plants, which harbour mites in the folds and even in the tissues of the leaves and at the angles of the veins, are fairly common in Africa. One of the best examples of acaro- phytism is the Liberian Coffee-plant, as in its " pockets " they can plainly be seen forming on the upper surface of the leaves at the junction of the midrib and side veins small semiglobular swellings. Among acarophytic plants may be mentioned also the well-known Funtunia elastica, one of the most important rubber-trees of the Free State. There are numerous species of ants in Africa, and of all sizes, from those as small as a pin's head to those as large as a big beetle. They inhabit certain trees, and we can here only briefly observe that in the clearings a myrmecophytic tree is spared by the natives owing to the dangerous ants it harbours. The sting of these ants is piercing ; repeated, it is mortal to some animals and dangerous even to men. The natives are so well aware of this that to punish a criminal they tie him to one of these trees, whereupon the stings of the ants inflict severe injuries upon him. No parasites are observable on such trees. It is to be hoped that the results of the Laurent expedition will not be lost to science, and that a detailed report of them will be pub- lished, making public the services rendered by the African traveller and botanist whose recent death is so deplored in Belgium. L. Gentil. PITCHF0RD HALL, SHREWSBURY. The above-named house is the residence of Colonel Cotes, in whose family the estate has been for many generations. It is a splendid specimen of the half-timbered type prevalent in Shropshire. The contents of the mansion are of a choice character, in some cases being more or less connected with what goes to make up our country's history. Fortunately, too, the arboreal vegetation that surrounds it is of the same nature, thus showing that amongst its several owners none has done anything to destroy its old-time look. Amongst the indigenous trees there are splendid specimens of Beech, Lime, and Oaks. In a grassy FIG. 102.— P1TCHFOBD HALL, SHREWSBURY. Summer-house, 200 years old, in Lime-tree. Circum- ference of tree :tft. from ground, 23 ft. ti in. ; circum- ference of large bough at :sft. from main stem, 11 ft. ; length ot large bough, 4uJ ft. dell near to the mansion there is a group of Beech with massive cylindrical shafts rising up fully 50 feet without a limb on them. Being crowned with healthy heads of foliage, I need hardly say they appeal strongly to anyone who has the least appreciation for tree-growth. Per- sonally, I felt disposed to raise my hat to them. Limes, too, are grand in stem, limb, and branch growth. I enclose a photograph of one of them, on which there is situate, some 16 feet from the ground, the most antique summer- house in the country (fig. 102). As will be seen, it is approached by a set of wooden steps. The owner very kindly gave me the information that it is fully 200 years old. Amongst the many thousands who must have sat therein none was so illustrious as our late good Queen Victoria. Coniferous trees generally grow well at Pitch- ford, as shown by the fine young specimens of nearly all the species and varieties growing in a pinetum near a lake in the home wood- lands. Unlike the general way of planting a pinetum, viz., in single specimens on grass, the whole ground was planted with the commoner coniferous trees, after each of what were to be the permanent ones were planted. There can be no doubt that if due care is taken in thinning out the nurses this is by far the wisest way of estab- lishing a pinetum. I noticed a very fine speci- men of Tsuga Hookeriana, some 16 feet in height. For prominent positions in rock gardens, as a point plant in front of shrubberies, or as a lawn specimen in smaller gardens, this Californian alpine conifer is not nearly enough used. It is quite hardy, seeing that it has gone unscathed through zero winters herein Yorkshire. On the red sandstone formation in Salop it acquires a more beautiful glaucous hue than with us on the limestone formation. Adjacent to the Hall, but quite hidden there- from, are the kitchen-garden and fruit and plant- houses. Alongside the walks of the former there are numerous borders for growing a quantity of flowers for house decoration and general effect. As need scarcely be mentioned, there are none of the usual flower-beds around the Hall. Mr. Bobinson, the head-gardener, tells me that while he found Northern Star Potato a most excellent cropping variety, it was not disease-proof by any means. In the fruit-house3 are some Vines of what I conceive to be the true Black Hamburgh (not Frankenthal), which have been fruiting fully eighty years. Colonel Cotes being a lover of really ripe Apricots, he had recently put up a lean-to house on a wall facing east for their culture. The trees were very promising. It was evident that Mr. Bobinson is a painstaking and successful gardener. B. J. Clayton, Grimsto* Gardens, Tadcaster. PRIMULA 0BC0NICA. This species of Primula has shown consider- able variation in late years, and from selected seedliugs varieties have been obtained that pro- duce larger flowers and greater variety of colour. Some of the best we have seen were shown by Mr. George Schneider at the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society. The plant shown in fig. 103, p. 245, had white flowers, or as nearly white as possible, and in size and form they were superior, being a type very suitable for supplying plants to the market, or blooms for the florist. Another plant had flowers of unusually deep rosy-pink colour, and was much admired. The Floral Committee, recognising that varieties-of such plants will not always come true from seeds, recommended an Award of Merit for the strain. The culture of this Chinese species is so simple, that in view of the improved strains now obtainable it should be grown in every garden ; and if the handling of its leaves is found to cause irritation to the skin, the difficulty can be overcome by the use of gloves. Our illustra- tion is from a photograph by Mr. J. Gregory. FLORISTS' FLOWERS. THE SHOW AURICULA. The lovers of this and kindred spring flowers are looking forward to the making of their annual pilgrimage to their floral Mecca. The Auricula and Primula Society's yearly exhibi- tion will be held in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, on the 19th inst., under the aegis of the Royal Horticultural Society. These devoted pilgrims, those who make a specialty of raising and exhibiting seedlings of good character, will, it is hoped, have some acceptable surprises for them. It is not'extrava- gant to predict that the permanent existence of the Auricula Society is in the hands of such praiseworthy specialists simply because it is common knowledge that a perceptible deteriora- April 16, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 245 tion is gradually taking place in the old named plants which continue to be reproduced by the detaching of their offsets. As an old grower I affirm, in spite of the charge that I am guilty of reiteration, that to avoid the inevitable degeneracy of this spring flower, it is imperative to raise new varieties of equal or better form than the old. This must be the object of every grower. We may go on serenely propagating by off- sets, but a new life is not established thereby, as the offsets will be offsets merely from the old parent, and new and more vigorous types can be produced from seedlings only, which in the ordi- nary course of nature will be the young of plants of diminishing strength. In illustration of this fact take the case of the beautiful and up to the present time the unmatched grey-edged Auricula Geo. Lightbody, raised by Richard Headly more than half a century ago, and which has been grown since from its annual offsets. It is exhi- bited still, but its flower, and especially its foliage, are not what they were. It started with a vigorous constitution, and in good hands has struggled well to maintain perpetual youth ; but its failure to overcome the weakness of age is evident. Others as well as myself have failed for some years past to grow it in anything like its original form. Such is the case with all the plants of equal age, and we must therefore strive to replace our very old and declining favourites with robust varieties of the same types. For this purpose, and also to meet prospective losses, every grower should each year cross-ferti- lise his best plants. To do so successfully it is necessary to isolate those on which it is intended to operate, in order to avoid the interference of insects, and when the trusses are well developed by the aid of a very small camel's-hair brush, to convey the pollen from the anthers to the stigma, which is the receptive part of the pistil, on each of the pips or single flowers on the trusses of the plants which have been selected for pollination. Choose the middle of a fine day for this opera- tion, and when the seed is ripe preserve it in the seed vessels in a dry place till the early part of the following spring. It is customary to sow the seeds in rather shallow pans and place them in a cold frame in the shadiest part of the garden, and to afford sufficient ventilation. A portion of the seed will germinate the first year, but the other portion will take two or more years before it makes its appearance. As the seed of the Auricula is so uncertain in its growth, raisers do not discard their seed-pans till three years at least have elapsed after the first sowing. This mode is a tediously slow one, and limits the production of seedlings to such an extent that many growers will be reluctant to start or continue the raising from seed under such disadvantages. The saving of valuable time, and the securing of uniformity in the germination of seeds, are possible by adopting the following plan, which I have seen tried with very good results : Place the seed-pans in a frame on a prepared hot-bed in the early part of the year, giving very careful attention to the ventilation so as to maintain an even temperature, and in due time every active seed will appear, after which it would be ne- cessary to harden off the seedlings gradually, and when large enough to remove them to suitable pots. My experience is not in accordance with the advice to re-pot annually, without considering whether the plants are healthy or in weak condition. To turn out good vigorous plants, and thereby to disintegrate their compact and delicate fibres from the soil in which they : are well established i3 a-suredly a very drastic proceeding, particularly as the [operation usually takes place at that time of the year when the plants are in a comparatively dormant state. After the flowering season by all means turn out the plants for the purpose of ejecting any worms there may be, and for the overhauling of the drainage and cleansing of the pots. In this examination care should be taken not to disturb the ball of earth attached to the healthy plants, but return them to the same pots, or to larger ones where found necessary, after taking from each plant as much of the old soil as can be safely an added lustre without causing too muciV stimulation. So soon as the flower-trusses are visible in March, give once a week to each plant when fairly moist a little superphosphate of lime, using half an ounce to each gallon of rain-water, but discontinuing it when tbe plants have- finished their flowering in June. As the Auricula was an old British favourite- with our forefathers, who strove to cultivate andi Fig. 103.— an excellent variety of primula obconica: flowers white. Shown at the Meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on April 5 by Mr. G. Schneider. (See p. 2M.J withdrawn, and in its place give some new and richer soil. If any plants are turning yellow it is a certain indication of disease, and they should be destroyed if on inspection they are found to be in a very bad condition. The Auricula is a flower which resents any attempt at forcing, bat during the summer and winter months a certain amount of exhaustion takes place, and growing them in pots is an artificial state of existence. The following application has been found to restore the plants to a normal condition, and also to clothe the beautiful flowers prior to their exhibition with hand it down to us for our emulation, let us accept the inheritance with gratitude, and work with renewed ardour to increase our knowledge in the adaptation of newer and more satisfactory methods of cultivation to enable us to transmit it to our descendants in greater excellence. S. J. Cu'peck, Knijhton Pai k ltd , Sydenham, April, 190^. The Blue Primrose. There is an old Kentnh saying which is, " That the land determines the crop," and in some- instances this is so ; but the gardener laughs the theory to scorn, for in his garden, be it where it 246 THE GARB ENER S ' CHE ONI CL E. [April 16, 1904. may, lie tries to grow which he loves most. In «ny soil, which is of a cold moisture retentive kind resting on a frequently (in winter) water- logged clay subsoil, I find it is impossible to keep •Carnations, Pinks, and some other families of plants, which silently depart, whilst others do well and some luxuriate. Therefore it is that I cannot but admire the never tiring and persistent endeavour as is shown by such excel- lent and experienced florists as " E. D." in struggling against the difficult ; yet because success is not fully attained it does not prove that it may not be gained elsewhere, for it is more the result of locality than the actual shortcomings of the plant. I think this is the •case with the blue Primrose (Primula Wilsoni), but because it does not thrive in "E. D's." garden, he says it is delicate and almost un- manageable. But is it always so ? or does it require a different soil, aspect, locality, and treatment ? Three springs ago I bought a dozen roots ; they grew fairly well and gave me much pleasure, now I have over eighty plants and have given away many. They bloom, and the seed falls and young arise, and these mostly of the beautiful dark azure-blue colour. Some of the tufts are large — one was measured yester- day 19 inches in diameter, another 16 inches, another 15 inches, and one that was divided for next year's b'ne gave a result of twenty-six strong plants. Altogether they are delightful and much- loved favourites, yet no trouble whatever is taken in raising and keeping them. I have a fair number of large white Polyanthus. The insects have crossed some of these with the blue Primrose with charming results, one or two being of a deep, ■clear blue with a carmine edging and a white spot at the apex of each petal. I think therefore that my experience of the blue Primrose differs widely from that of "K. D.," whose failure I must attribute to soil and locality, as is proved by its vigour and hardiness in my somewhat sheltered borders. Primroses will not grow any- where, and need a south or south-west aspect, with leaf-mould as a stimulant. Harrison Weir, P outer Hall, Appledore, Kent. Gold-laced Polyanthus. More than ordinary interest will centre about the competition with Gold-laced Polyanthus in the Drill Hall on Tuesday next. There has been a distinct revival of interest in the Gold-laced Polyanthus during the past year, and enquiries for new varieties have been frequent. The latest variety is Mrs. Holden, raised, I believe, at Middleton. I have seen only an early pip, but I formed a high opinion of it as a highly refined black-ground. It is to be hoped that Mr. J. W. Bentley and others will come South on Tuosday, bringing this floral treasure with them. Tiny and Miss Turner are comparatively new additions to the black-ground section, and report speaks of other novelties which may be seen at Birmingham and Manchester, if not in London. No new addition that I am aware of has been made to the red-ground section, though there is ample room for new varieties. It is satisfactory to know that George IV. is still in cultivation, though very scarce ; but there is reason to fear Lancer, once so plentiful about Woverhampton, has become very scarce indeed, if not altogether lost. At the same time there is room for hope it may yet be preserved, for about the country, including Ireland, there are devotees of the Gold-laced Polyanthus who cultivate a collection of varieties, though their names are rarely made public. Any hope of an augmentation of varieties of high quality must depend upon seedlings from carefully fertilised flowers. Occasionally a good variety may be found in a batch of ordinary seedlings, but very rarely. One may raise a thousand seedlings, and look in vain for one equal in merit to Lancashire Hero or Middleton Favourite. But from carefully fertilised seeds there is always hope of success. If Mr. J. W. Bentley, of Stakehill, would take in hand this work, he would be doing real service in endeavouring to per- petuate in its finest character this interesting and highly refined section of the Polyanthus family. R. D. KEW NOTES. Cereus amecamensis. — During the past week this grand species has been flowering in the Suc- culent-house. It has the habit of Cereus speeio- sissimus, and in growth and spines is similar to that species ; but the flowers are very different in colour, being of the purest white, measuring 5 inches in diameter, and having a mass of stamens equally white. Plants of small size produce four to six fine flowers. W. H. Maqnolia stellata. It is seldom this lovely species is seen at its best in the open border at Kew. In ordinary seasons the plants commence to flower in the early part of April, and are injured by frost. For this reason it has become the practice at Kew during the last few years to lift several plants with large balls from the open, and plant them in the Himalayan and temperate-houses for the season. The success of this method is apparent from the several fine plants at present in flower in those houses ; and it well repays the trouble entailed in the operation of removal. The pro- tection afforded them in the Himalayan-house (where frost i3 just kept out) during this season of the year adds greatly to the beauty of the flowers, these being much cleaner, of a purer white in colour, and free from the ugly brown petals which result after a frosty night in the open. Those who may follow this plan should bear in mind that all Magnolias are difficult to move successfully, and care should be taken to ensure a large ball, so as not to disturb the roots more than is necessary. Any rough handling of the roots will almost certainly cause the death of the plants. The plants in the open ground are a fortnight later than usual this year. Charles P. Baffill. The Week's Work. THE OECHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Grower to Sir Teevob IiAWBENCE, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Mormodes, Catasetums, and Cycnoches. — All these plants should be shaken out of their old compost and be re-potted into a mixture consisting of peat, leaf-soil, and sphagnum-moss, in equal parts, top-dressing them afterwards with living sphagnum - moss to about J-inch in depth. Mormodes luxatum, M. pardinum, M. buccinator, and its several varieties succeed best in the Cattleya-house. All the other species delight in a strong, moist heat while making their growth. After re-potting the plants suspend them close to the roof glass on the lightest side of the house, and water them rather sparingly for a time, but as the roots and growths advance gradually increase the supply. Eulophia guineensis and K. congoensis should be given the same treatment as the above-mentioned species. Such Habenarias as H. militaris, H. carnea, and H. Susannas are also starting to grow, and should at once be turned out of their pots. Remove the old soil, and divide the tubers which will be found clinging to the sides of the pots or among the crocks. Pot them singly into long thumbs, affording them plenty of drainage around the base of each tuber, and fill up with a mixture of one-half good fibrous loam, one-half chopped sphagnum-moss, some finely broken crocks, and a sprinkling of coarse silver -sand. Make thi3 compost moderately firm, and stand the pots in a shady position in the hottest house, placing them near to the roof glass, or the growths will become drawn and the flower-spikes weak. Water should be afforded as advised for the Mormodes, &c. A light spraying overhead two or three times a day during bright sunshine will assist growth and help to keep insect pests in check. H. rhodoehila is now in full growth, and some plants are already showing their flower-spikes. Keep them well supplied with water until the flower- spikes fade, after which they should be gradually dried off and placed upon a dry shelf in the Cattleya-house. Oncidiums. — Such species as O. crispum, 0. praetextum, O. Forbesii, and O. varicosum are now rooting freely from the young growths, and if any of the plants require to be repotted, this work should be done at once. Select pots of suitable size, and place a few crocks over the bottom for drainage. The best compost for the plants to root in is one consisting of leaf soil two parts, and peat and sphagnum-moss one part each. Pot them as one would an ordinary stove or greenhouse plant ; keep the soil to within J inch of the top, and surface with a layer of chopped sphagnum - moss. Carefully spray the plants over daily with rain-water, which will be sufficient till the growths have advanced, after which the surface moss should be kept in a moderately moist condition until the new pseudo-bulbs are made up. These On- cidiums thrive in the cool - house during the whole year. Sophronitis grandifiora. — Plants that have flowered will soon commence to push forth new roots from the flowering growths, therefore no time should be lost in affording fresh material to those that require it. Keep the plants well to the light until the growths have matured fully, after which time and during very hot weather they may be stood down amongst the Odonto- glossums, &c. Afford them a moderate supply of water at the root at all seasons. THE HABDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. Markham, gr., Wrotham Park, Barnet. Stone Fruits. — Trees whose flower-buds are bursting, or which have already fully opened, require as much light as possible. If protected with blinds these should be rolled up early each morning, except when there is frost or the wind is cold and cutting. The bloom, when close to the wall, will survive several degrees of frost without being injured ; but it is as well to pro- tect them whenever it appears likely there will be a frost. If nets are used, see that they do not injure the blossoms in stormy weather. Where blinds or nets are not available, get a quantity of Laurel or Spruce branches in readiness, and should frost appear likely, fasten a few at intervals among the trees. In many seasons, with no protection whatever, heavy crops of fruit can be obtained , but last year the weather was too severe, the fruits that did set were frozen through. In the case of Pears a few branches of evergreens or some bracken Fern interlaced amongst the most important branches will be helpful should severe frosts set in. Snails are especially troublesome after a mild season and destroy young Apricot fruits, being also destructive as the fruits approach ripe- ness. Search for them now along the walls, behind the trees, &c, for if attention is devoted to their destruction now and during the month of May it will save a deal of annoyance at a later period. Cuttings of Gooseberries, Currants, <$'c., should be examined, and if they have been displaced by frost push them into position, treading along the sides of each row to make them firm. Plants intended for cordons, &c, should have stakes put to them on which to train the leaders. I was very favourably impressed recently with some rows of cordons at North Mymms Park, the plant* occupying an open position, being planted 2 feet apart and trained to stakes. The leaden were pruned very closely, and they produce exceptionally large berries. The best dessert varieties only were grown in this way. Althougl, Gooseberry-flowers will survive several degrees oM frost, a little protection on severe nights will l* useful, especially inthecaseof those flowering early Peach and other Wall-trees may be bought fro.i the nurseries when small, and afterwards trains for filling up gaps or replacing worthless varieties ' Apbil 16, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 247 They may be trained either on a spare wall or on temporary supports. By following this practice a useless tree may be replaced with a strong healthy one as occasion arises ; and the new tree will fill a considerable space in the first season after being planted. I strongly advise that this practice should be followed where the trees are aged and unprofitable. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fielder. Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Mymms Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Euphorbia Jacquiniceflora. — Plants which hare been resting in a cool-house may now be placed in a house having a temperature of from 60° to 65°, where they will produce a plentiful supply of young shoots suitable for the making of cuttings for propagation When the shoot3 have attained a length of 3 inches, cut them off close to the stem, and insert them in small pots filled with loam and silver- sand in equal parts. Afford a watering, and plunge the pots in the propa- gating-frame. When the cuttings have made sufficient roots, repot them into pots 5 inches in diameter, affording them a compost of loam, a little leaf - soil, and plenty of silver- sand. Some of the plants may be grown-on without stopping, and the points of the remainder may be pinched out when they are about 6 or 8 inches in length. This will cause the plants to produce two or three smaller sprays of flowers, which are sometimes more useful than the much stronger sprays of the unstopped plants. Centropogon Lucyanus is a very useful old plant for conservatory and house decoration. It may be used in the cut state if the ends of the stems be dipped for a moment in hot water. If this is not done the foliage sometimes flags in hot and dry rooms. Cuttings may be inserted at the present time in sandy soil. The old plants may be cut hard back, and after reducing the size of the balls considerably, repot them, using a compost of loam, leaf-soil, and sand. Afford water sparingly until the roots are active. Place them in the stove until midsummer, when the plants may be I removed to a position near to the glass in a pit until the autumD. Bouvardias. — Old plants which have been cut back and placed in small pots will shortly need to be transferred to their flowering pots. Where the convenience exists they may be planted out in a pit, or on a warm border in the open air in the middle of June. Whether in pots or planted out, the points of the shoots should be I pinched out several times during the growing season, stopping them for the last time at the end of July. Young plants raised from cuttings this spring should be grown on in a moist and warm atmosphere, repotting them when neces- sary, a final shift into 5-inch pots being sufficient for spring-struck plants. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddockburst, Sussex. Bulbs. — Hyacinths and other bulbous flowers in beds should be afforded stakes, securing the spikes with a running tie, so that they will not get cramped or doubled up. Hoe the ground frequently among all flowering bulbs. Bedding Plants. — Pelargoniums may be trans- ferred to cold frames, placed upon a hard ash bottom ; cover the lights at night, and have a 1 temperature by day of 58° in the shade, and 31° at night ; watering should be carried out with care in the middle of the day. Any propagating . Btill to be done should be finished within the next i week. Transplant into pots or boxes any cuttings i that have made roots. Any old plants of Fuch- ■ sias, Heliotropes, &e, required for bedding should be cut into shape and repotted. Carpet Bedding. — Fork over the beds to be 'planted, and if manure was not applied in the autumn, as it Should have been, afford themaslight '■ dressing of suitable material. Alternantheras are now making numerous growths, and if a large 1 stock is required, remove these as soon as they 'are long enough. They will form roots very freely ). at this season, and subsequently they should be f potted-off into thumb -pots or 60-sized pots. Mesembryanthemums should also be put into pots for transference to the beds. Coleus and Golden Feather (Pyrethrum) may be mossed and boxed if preferred. Antennaria, Cerastium, Herniaria, Saxifrages, and Sedum3 may be planted now. Calceolarias should be planted out on a quiet dull day, and afforded water afterwards. Evergreen Shrubs, such as Hollies, Yews, and Laurels, may now be planted successfully. Place some good short manure around their roots, and afford them plenty of water immediately after planting. If the weather continues to be dry and windy, damp them overhead once a day. Yews planted to form hedges should not be clipped into shape till they show signs of growing. Stake or wire up all trees freshly planted that may require support. Wild Garden. — Bulbs that have been grown in the greenhouse, also any surplus plants of Deutzia, Lilac, Azalea mollis, and Staphylea that are not required again for forcing may be planted at once. This will decrease the amount of watering to be done, and provide room for other plants. Old roots of Violets from which runners have been taken may be planted out. Seeds of climbers (annuals) may be sown. Nas- turtiums, Convolvulus, Canary-creeper, and other climbing plants may be planted. Aristolochia Sipho, Wistarias, Clematis, Loniceras, and many others ; Tropseolum speciosum is one of the most beautiful climbers. Hardy Ferns. — Clean these and top-dress any that require it with some fresh peat or leaf- mould. Ferns may still be planted in shady positions to fill any unsightly places. The Royal Fern (Os- ruunda regalis) and Adiantum pedatum should be planted liberally in a shady position. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Firth, Esq., Ashwicke Hall, Marshfleld, Chippenham. Potatos. — No time should now be lost in getting the main crop planted. We usually finish plant- ing by the end of March, but owing to the wet condition of the soil planting will be three weeks later this season, which, under the circumstances, will be advisable. The seed tubers of TJp-to- Date, a variety we plant in large quantity, have made less progress in growth this spring than in any previous season, although they have been stored under similar conditions. At the end of March the eyes were well developed and in good condition for planting, but now they are making a start ; therefore, although they will be planted later than usual, should the season prove favour- able, their growth will be more rapid than if they had been lying for three weeks in cold, wet soil. Look over early varieties, the tubers of which were sprouted when they were planted on warm borders, and if any are showing through the ground, take a hoe and pull sufficient soil over them to protect them from frost. Scarlet Runners, if sown as advised in a pre- vious Calendar, will now require to be staked and removed to a cold frame, where they should be protected by covering the lights at night with mats. Careful ventilation will be necessary during the day until the plants have been hardened to a degree that they will not suffer when fully exposed. All similar plants raised in heat are liable to suffer much injury from sudden changes in temperature. Cucumbers on Hot-beds. — Now that the sun is becoming more powerful these will require careful ventilation, for if the atmosphere is kept close for a short time under hot sunshine the leaves will be scorched. When the sun shines on the lights in the morning, and the temperature has risen about 5° in consequence, admit a little air, increasing the amount if necessary to keep the temperature from rising above 70° to 75°. Close the lights early in the afternoon to husband the sunheat, and if the temperature rises to 80° or 85° no harm will result, but it is better to err on the safe side. Ridge Cucumbers and Vegetable-Marrows. — Sow seeds of Ridge Cucumbers, Vegetable-Marrows, and Gourds in pots, on a slight hot-bed if this has not already been done. Afford stakes to Vege- table-Marrows raised from seeds sown some time since, and remove them to a cold frame to- prepare them for planting-out later, or if hand- lights are plentiful they can be planted-out at once. Take out holes 2 feet deep by 3 feet wide, fill these with stable-manure, and make firm, leaving the mounds a little higher than the sur- rounding ground. Around and over this jlice the soil that was taken out of the hole, then put on lights on this mound, and plant one or two plants in each light. Protect them from frost at night, and afford ventilation during the day. General Work. — Clear the ground lately occu- pied by Brussels - Sprouts, and after applying sufficient manure, prepare it for other crops by digging or trenching. We always have the Celery to follow Brussels - Sprouts, and the trenches should be made as soon as possible, so- that the soil between them may be utilised for Turnips, French Beans, Lettuce, and Spinach. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockings Park, Wantage. Muscat Vines. — Canes that are approaching the> flowering stage should have all the growing points stopped, that it will not be necessary to- check them during the time they are in flower. Water of a temperature not lower than that of the house should be given occasionally when the Grapes are set, according as is necessary. The- flowering period being so short, and pollen often not over abundant, all bunches should be allowed to remain until after flowering, when those not required should be promptly removed. During the month of April, when Muscats are in flower, a night temperature of about 70° should be main- tained, with a corresponding rise during the day. Tapping the rods early in the morning and again about mid-day, and allowing a free circulation of warm air, is all that we find necessary to secure a good setting of the fruits. Vines in Late-houses. — To produce Grapes with good keeping qualities it is necessary to secure a sturdy habit in the Vines, short-jointed wood, and thick, leathery foliage, with short and strong leaf-stalks. These Vines are now upon the point of breaking into leaf, and to secure the above conditions free ventilation must be provided. If the weather is favourable, a little air may be ad- mitted constantly at the apex of the house ; and, as advised in a previous Calendar, a little fire- heat maintained to keep the night temperature from falling below 55°. Admit air freely when the temperature reaches 65\ Syringe the Vines morning and afternoon until the bunches show ;. afterwards it will be less necessary; and we never syringe any Vines that have passed that sta»e. The atmosphere is sufficiently moistened by damping at intervals during the day all the available surfaces in the house. Figs. — Early fruits will now be showing that fertilisation is completed, and when this stage is. reached maturity quickly follows. A drier atmo- sphere with a free circulation of warm air is indis- pensable to the obtaining of high flavour. A temperature ranging from 65° in the morning to 90° after closing the house in the afternoon will be found suitable at the ripening stage. Those trees intended for fruiting later for succession should have all weakly shoots removed that are not required to furnish the trees, and the stronger or fruiting shoots stopped at the fifth or sixth leaf Syringe the trees twice daily to check red spider, and keep them well supplied with water at the roots. Maintain a temperature of from 55° to 75° until the flowering stage is passed. Cherries.— The earliest fruits have now stoned. Keep a sharp look-out for aphis, and if required1 lightly fumigate with XL-All, which should not be done when the fruit is coloured. The most destructive pest to both fruit and foliage is the weevil, which wiU be found in every curled leaf ; these must be hand-picked or squeezed between, the finger and thumb. Give constant attention to proper watering, excess of which will cause the fruits to split. Eipe Cherries wiU hang for a considerable time and keep in good condition, provided the atmosphere is kept cool and dry. Afford abundance of ventilation to plants in flower. 248 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 16, 1904. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. Cetters 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 as a guarantee 0/ good faith. Special Notice to Correspondents. — Th? 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 correspondents. "illustrations. — The Editor •will he glad to receive and se'ect photographs or dratvings, 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 ariff 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 APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK. SATURDAY, App. lis-Qerman Gardeners' Club meet. /"Royal Hort. Poc. Com?, meet. „,„..= „.„ and National Auricula and TUESDAY, Apb.19-! Primula Society's Show eom- Moed; Horticultural Club THURSDAY, Aph FRIDAY, 1 TNorw] 2U Sho (Lime rwich Hort. Sec. on. ean Society meet. Apb. 22-Roy. Bot. Soc. meet. Spring BALE8 FOR THE WEEK. WEDNESDAY NEXT. April £0- Azileas, Koses, Perennial", Border Plants Ferns Palms, &c, at 67 & 68. Cheapside, EC, bv Pro- iberoe . a week, chary of any step likely to deprive them of it. However 'honest' the intentions are of those who are trying to form this Association, I feel certain that they will only make enemies of employers instead of making them friends. Nurserymen are always ready to serve the purpose of a Registry of Gardeners, and it would not be to tbe Interest of the private gardener at any rate to make enemies of them. There Is often a great deal more in the way of emoluments for gardeners than is revealed by the weekly wa^es they receive (!), and all generous employers recognise in some form the long hours the men are forced to labour in trying seasons or when work is behind. No doubt men who are out of situa- tions will welcome the proposed Society In the hope that it will help them, bat they will scarcely expect the more fortunate to assist at a game not unlike that known as the 'confidence trick.'" KEW GARDENER8 AND ORGANISATION.— The gardeners at Kew are taking a lead in supporting the movement for forming a British Gardeners' Association. The following report of a meeting held at Kew on the 11th inst. has reached us as these pages are being prepared for Press : — "A meeting of gardeners employed in the Royal Botanic Gardens was held on the nth inst., sixty being present, Mr. J. Besant occupying the chair. After a lengthy and interesting discussion of the tendencies and results of associated effort, the following resolu- tion was put to the meeting and adopted with enthu- siasm : -' That this meeting of gardeners employed in the Royal Gardens, Kew, heartily supports the action of the Provisional Committee of the proposed British Gardeners' Association in its efforts to secure (1) the registration of gardeners ; (2) regulation of wages ; and (:i) regulation of working hours ; and urges all gar- deners and gardeners' societies to support the move- ment by every means in their power.' Donations towards the initial expenses amounting to several pounds were subsequently collected." Cinerarias. — We have received a quantity of Cineraria flowers from Messrs. Jno. Laing 4 Sons, Forest Hill Nurseries, S.E., which, from the point of view of the florist, are excellent in size and colouring. Mr. Charles Mason, C.E , a Director of Messrs. Foster 4 Pearson, Limited, horticul- tural and heating engineers, of Beeston, Notts, has been elected a member of the sub-committee of the Engineering Standards Committee now meeting at Westminster, to discuss the question with relation to cast-iron pipe3 for heating, ventilation, and drainage. 250 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. IApbil 16, 1904. Stock-taking : March. — Owing to the Easter holidays, the Trade and Navigation Returns for March were not published^ until the 9th inst. — rather, we might say, the 11th inst. — Sunday intervening, and the result of the month's trade shows a gain of .£1, 775,751, as compared with the month of March, 1903, the figures being for last month £48,692,275, against £46,916,524 for the same period in 1903. The increases are in value more than quantity — witness the greatly easily kept in check. I see no reason ■why this species should not be used for bedding purposes, the plants would form excellent dot plants ; and I think you will agree with me from the enclosed sprays that it is adapted for that purpose. W. H. Clarke, Aston Rowant Gardens, Oxon. [Our correspondent has sent us a number of growths, some of which are 4 feet or more in length, with scarlet flowers from almost every leaf-axil. This leguminous plant, sometimes called " Parrot's Bill," may usually be seen grow- ing in the greenhouse at Kew, and we believe the plant is used also for bedding purposes in some of the London parks, and at Hampton Court. We have never seen better specimens than those sent by our correspondent. Ed.] IRIS HAUSSKNECHTII (Sub-gen. Ai-ogon). Among the spring-flowering Irises this is one of the most interesting. The specimen from which our figure (fig. 107) was taken was supplied by Mr. Eeuthe, of Fox Hill Nursery, Keston, Kent. It is nearly related to Iris persica, and so good an observer and cultivator as Sir Michael Foster tells us that, were we to depend solely on variations of colour for points of specific differ- ence, it would be necessary to make twenty or thirty new species. Sir Michael's observations are supported by the flowers shown by other exhibitors than Mr. Eeuthe at recent meetings in the Drill Hall. The species is a native of Asia Minor (Amasia). It has a short, thick root-stock, linear leaves, and Fig. 107. -iris haussknechtii. the perianth segments are destitute of any beard. In Mr. Eeuthe's specimen the flower was of a dark purple colour, with the centre of the "falls" pale yellow dotted with small brown spots. THE DAFFODIL. That the Daffodil is the finest of vernal flowers no lover of Nature will be disposed to deny. It is also unquestionably the most classical of them all. One of its fairest forms, the sweetly odorous Narcissus Tazetta, was im- mortalised by Homer; while Sophocles, the grandest of Grecian dramatists, sang of its beauty in imperishable strains. Shakespeare has a memorable passage on the Daffodil, much too familiar to necessitate quotation ; Keats sings with loving tenderness of its golden flowers " and the green world they live in " ; and we know how they inspired the great soul of Words- worth, the High Priest of Nature, amid his mountain solitudes. I have never felt their inspiration so pro- foundly as I did when last I visited the famous nurseries of Messrs. Barr & Sons, at Long Ditton, in Surrey, where certain varieties are grown by the hundred thousand. This affirma- tion is especially expressive of the extensive cultivation of one of their finest hybrids, of which no fewer than 50,000 are found growing in one place. Some of the Messrs. Barr's most recent and most distinguished creations are not quite so accessible, from a financial point of view, as Barri conspicuus ; Peter Barr, for example, which is supposed to be the nearest approxima- tion to a pure white Daffodil of its own dimen- sions hitherto given to an admiring world. This grand Daffodil has been appropriately asso- ciated with the name of the greatest living culti- vator of flowers of this special and fascinating class, who has been a great traveller (chiefly for botanical and horticultural purposjs) in distant lands, and who has given us, as the enduring results of his labours, many precious introduc- tions, among the most attractive of which are those veritable gems " of purest ray serene " — Narcissus minimus, invaluable for rockeries ; Angel's Tears, and the beautiful Queen of Spain. These should keep Mr. Barr's memory green. At exhibitions Daffodils are not more in har- mony with their artificial surroundings than the Lily or the Eose. Yet it is only there (unless we go to Long Ditton) that ordinary cultivators can see Peter Barr ; also such of his contemporaries and predecessors as Lord Eoberts, Osiris, Queen Christina, Monarch.and Weardale Perfection ; and that, undoubtedly, is a great consolation. For my own part, I am supremely satisfied with such older varieties (which in virtue of their loveli- ness can never grow old) as Emperor, a Daffodil worthy of its imperial name, and not yet quite supplanted by more modern introductions ; Glory of Leiden, Maximus, whose perianth is most artistically serrated ; Ard Eigh, and the beautiful Alvarez, which may be regarded as leading representatives of the Magni-Coronati ; while equally inspiring to the earnest cultivator are the superbly beautiful Empress, grandis, J. B. M. Camm, greatly distinguished for perfect symmetry of form and delicate beauty ; the venerable Horsfieldii, and the modern Vic- toria, one of the noblest of the Messrs. Barr's introductions. Other Daffodils of great interest, pertaining to different classes, whose prevailing characteristics need not here be described, are Narcissus albicans, whose pale primrose trumpet gradually changes into wbite — a native of Spain ; Colleen Bawn, of pendulous habit ; Madame de Graaf, one of the greatest of white trumpet Daffodils — a peerless beauty; Moschatus of Haworth, snowy-white in colour and extremely refined ; C. J. Backhouse, Frank Miles, Mary Anderson, Piinces3 Mary, the great Sir Watkin, and Queen Sophia, conspicuous among the varieties of " Narcissus incompara- bilis." Very beautiful also are the various forms of Narcissus Leedsi, whose uniquely graceful aspect makes them quite invaluable for garden ornamentation. They are so delicately lovely that they invariably remind me of Charlotte Fry's exquisite description of Humility. Few flowers are more easily cultivated than those glories of the spring, which '* come before the swallow dares, and take the winds of March with beauty." All that they require is a shel- tered position, a half -sunny situation, and a deep, moist, loamy, fibrous soil. Artificial stimu- lants which involve ammoniacal properties should be severely withheld. Some of the finest and most effective varieties, such as Emperor and Empress, albicans, Queen of Spain, and the charming Moschatus of Haworth can be natura- lised in grass ; while the Scottish Garland Lily, the English Lent Lily, and Countess of Annesley luxuriate there. David R. Williamson. 252 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 16, 1904. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. ( The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) HYBRID RHODODENDRON8, ETC.— I send some Rhododendron flowers that grow around the house here. The beds of these hybrids and of Ghent Azaleas contain fifty large bushes at least. The Rhododendrons have been planted more than forty years, and aie 15 feet in height and of similar diameter ; many of them have a dozen limbs each a foot in circumference. The flower- ing period extends generally from early January to the end of June. The scarlet one has been in flower since the end of January. Unfortunately most of the names are lost through the lapse of time. Double Primroses luxuriate around the margins of the Azalea beds, and we have them in lilac, rose, and sulphur colours. The blue Prim- rose G. F. Wilson does very well here. Myosotis dis8itiflora as a broad edging to a border cf spring flowers is very fine. It was raised from cuttings rooted in June last in boxes in a shady place, and afterwards planted-out in a shady border until autumn. F. Street, Ardwell, N.B. [The Rhododendron flowers were beautiful, and the trusses unusually vigorous. Ed.] THE GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. — The question before the gardening community just now — viz., the Head Gardeners' Association — appears to me all very well in its way, and no doubt will be a recreation to those head men who can devote time to attend such societies ; but what effect it will develop among the gardeners I fail to see ; personally, I cannot agree that it will benefit the gardener. The aspirants to the title of gardener are many, and chaos reigns supreme ; and until the real and true gar- dener is unearthed and thoroughly represented it cannot be a success. Why a handful of bailiffs, misnamed gardeners, represent in this country a ten times greater number of gardeners I cannot imagine ; for when we glance at the present rapid rate of progress of small properties springing up we find the larger estates getting sadly in the minority, and therefore the require- ments are entirely different in the smaller holdings. It then behoves the present masters of the profession to train young men to meet these existing conditions and to adapt themselves to modern times. I thoroughly appreciate any effort that would tend to raise the position of the gar- dener to the level of other trades, and this is without doubt greatly needed ; but this must be done by the gardeners themselves, and until that occurs very little benefit will accrue from any association. A society formed by gar- deners with this sole object in view would become a very powerful machine ; but sacrifices in this direction are very hard to make at the present rate of wage, and would require a great deal of pluck and determination upon the part of the gardener. M. E. Mills, The Gardens, Coombe House, Croydon. [Our coi respondent, and several others whose letters we cannot publish, seem unaware that the proposal to form a " Head " Gardeners' Association was dropped in favour of a much more comprehensive scheme for the very purpose he advocates. Ed.] I have heard it stated that on the Con- tinent (notably in several parts of Germany) gardeners have already successfully combined to obtain better conditions for themselves. Perhaps some of your readers who have lived abroad could supply particulars of what has been accom- plished in this direction, and of how it has been done. I feel sure these would interest and en- courage those who are working for the promotion of the proposed Association, in which I for one heartily hope they will be entirely successful. Regent Spark. THE "DUMPING" OF HAMBURG DRUGS.— So many kinds of spurious Ipecacuanha appear in the market from time to time that it is interest- ing to read of an incident that recently occurred at one of the London drug auctions, which is thus told by our pharmaceutical contemporary, the Chemist and Druggist. It appears that at the drug auction in question a bale of spurious Ipecacuanha from Hamburg was catalogued as "picked Cartagena Ipecacuanha," without reserve. When the broker who offered it was about to commence his sale, Mr. Charles Umney rose to protest against what he called the offering of " these Hamburg rejections." Some thirty years ago, he said, this spurious stuff, Richardsonia scabra, made its appearance on the market, and as it contained no alkaloids whatever, the sooner the trade was put on its guard against it the better. The broker, in reply, said that his firm was instructed in writing to call attention to it. The root was not unlike genuine Ipecacuanha in appearance, being well annulated, and as there is only one purpose for which this stuff can be used, it is only fit and proper that the protest should be made. After this description of the goods, it is needless to say that nobody had the temerity to bid for it. It may be said that Richardsonia scabra is a very common plant in Brazil, and is closely allied botanically to the true Ipecacuanha. John R. Jackson. STRAWBERRY CULTURE.— Market growers of Strawberries, not by the thousand of plants but rather by the hundred -thousands, and whose cultural methods are rather rough-and-ready, doubtless smile when they read the discussion recently published between various good gar- deners as to how the beds or breadths should be treated. I fear some of the disputants would be greatly shocked did they see, as soon as time would admit, men and women turned into the huge breadths seen about Swanley, Kent, and elsewhere, trimming off the runner-strings from the plants. Then come the horse-hoes, tearing up soil, runners, weeds, and plant- roots to a depth of some 2 or 3 inches. When all this refuse is collected and carted away, the moulding-plough is used down the centre of each pair of rows, splitting the soil, and casting up a moderate ridge on either side. These ridges of soil serve the useful purpose of breaking the force of bitterly keen east and northerly winds, thus partially sheltering the leafage and crowns. In the spring again the horse-hoe appears, followed by men with hand-hoes, and thus the soil is made level or well pulverised on the surface, and is clean. Then, when manure dressings are given, come the manure-carts, and the dressing is laid on ; later, a long litter or straw dressing follows. Of course this is not garden treatment, but these plants produce, as a rule, splendid crops of fine fruit ; and it is shown that the injury to the plant assumed to be done by destroying any portion of the surface roots is more imaginary than real. What probably happens is that the destruction of some old roots induces the creation of other more active roots ; hence the fine crops' seen. Until recently I had never heard of anyone who planted-out forced Strawberry-plants from pots at only 12 inches apart. Young plants so treated on a warm border, to give early fruit, and then at once cleared away, answer admirably. Old forced plants may be so treated, if to give autumn gatherings only ; still the results are always uncertain. With such fine natural autumn-fruiters as we have now, it is better to trust to them. D. UTILIZING STONE IN THE GARDEN.— Having a quantity of small stones on hand after construct- ing a rockery last winter, I conceived the idea of turning them to account in the formation of peat beds for Azaleas, Heaths, and similar plants which we were about to make, so, instead of digging the soil out and filling up with peat in the usual way, we built dry walls of small stone about a foot high, backing up the stones with a wall of clay so as to support them, and also to guard against dry- ing of the peat, the combined width of stone and clay being about 12 inches. We dug the soil 2 feet deep, taking the bottom spit right away, leaving the upper one to be incorporated with the peat, as the soil here is free from lime, which is so prejudicial to the afore-mentioned plants. The front wall of the Azalea bed is constructed of small pieces of paving and other thin stones about 1 inch to 2 inches thick, into which is introduced some herring-bone work. The surface of the beds is made flat, with the idea of facilitating water- ing operations in dry seasons. The tops of the walls, and also the fronts, are planted with rock plants, and with the principal plants in the beds, amongst which Liliums of various species and other bulbs are included, form an effective and pleasing addition to the flower-garden. R. W. Dean, Waintford Gardens, Lymington. HERBACEOUS BORDER. PERENNIAL SUNFLOWERS. It is not every group of perennials that either require or repay for annual replanting, but in a- large degree this group of Sunflowers is generally the better for being replanted annually. It is of more than ordinary assistance to the stoloniferous section, of which we may instance Harpaliunos as the representative. The strong points of these will transplant quite well now, hardly feeling the shift. Although the Helianthus multiflorus sec- tion do not necessarily require planting each year, yet it frequently happens that the older clumps suffer when snow settles- in the tuft, and in all such instances a. greater vigour follows the replanting and free division of the roots. Weakened or decaying plants will be best if washed free of soil and potted? for propagating from later. Cuttings root very freely in slight warmth, and make flowering plants the same year. I have also flowered) plants the same season that were propagated from single eyes. I do not include H. decapa- talus and H. orgyalis in the above remarks o» planting. E. J. LAW NOTES. "WHITE ELEPHANTS" IN COURT. In the City of London Court, on Monday lasi, before his Honour, Judge Rentoul, K.C., and a jury, an action was brought to recover the sum of £Q7 for Potato " seeds " supplied. It was admitted that the seed had been supplied, but the defendant raised a counterclaim for .£75, alleging that the whole of the season's crop had been spoiled in> consequence of the Potato seed not being as represented. Mr. Mallinson, in support of the defendants'' counter-claim, said that the defendant, in conse- quence of using some Potato tubers which the plaintiffs supplied, lost the whole of his season's Potato crop. The defendant bought from the plaintiffs upon a warranty certain " White Ele- phant " seed Potatos. After they were planted they turned out not to be White Elephants. Mr. Oolam, for plaintiffs, said there was no warranty on the part of the plaintiffs that White Elephant seed Potatos would be suppb'ed. It was well known that no seed merchant ever dreamt of guaranteeing that any ordinary seed would come up true to its name. At the same time the plaintiffs were quite sure that they sold White Elephant seed - Potatos, and therefore they were entitled to recover the amount of their claim. The defendant, however, was entitled to no damages, because it was ridiculous to suggest that the bad crop had been. due to the alleged bad seed. Everybody knew that last year was the very worst season that had ever been known in the Potato-trade, and indeed in the seed trade generally. Mr. Exall, in his- evidence, said he paid the plaintiffs twice as much for the White Elephants as he did for the other varieties. Mr. Mallinson said that, from the evidence which he would call, there was no doubt that the Potato-seeds were "bastard Puritans." He had experts present to testify to that. A Puritan Potato might be sold one year, and it would come up a White Elephant the next year. Sometimes Potatos would go from fifteen to twenty years without change, and then they would go back to the parent stock. Mr. Nye, Potato dealer of Plumstead, said in his opinion the Potatos were exhausted Puritans and APKIL 16, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 253 not White Elephants at all. Other witnesses were called to prove that the Potatos were not White Elephants. In answer to the counter-claim the plaintiffs called several witnesses, who said there was very little doubt that the seed in question was that of White Elephant, and that the poorness of the crop was due to the inclement weather prevailing last year, and not to the inferiority of the tubers. Mr. Zachary Gray, farmer of Everton, Bedfordshire, said he had twenty-five years' experience of Potatos, and he had recently bought some of the world-renowned Eldorado tubers. He bought a stone, and paid £20, and was very glad he did so because 2oz. were now worth the same money. In his opinion it was difficult to swear that the Potatos in question were White Elephants, seeing there were 500 different varieties to be discrimi- nated. Last year he sold some of his Potatos at £22 an acre, and within 150 yards of the same spot the same Potatos were not worth £1 an acre. That was entirely attributable to the bad season ; he had never known such variability before. The jury found a verdict for the plaintiffs on the claim and for the defendant on the counter- claim, assessing his damages at .£50. Heavy Failure of a Nurseryman. On April 7 a meeting was held at the London Bankruptcy Court of the creditors of Eobert Green, lately residing and carrying on business in partnership as Robert Green, Florists, at 23 and 29, Crawford Street, W., and 1 and 5, Thornton Place, Baker Street, W., and at Southfield Paddock, Ealing, W., in partnership as jobmasters ; and at the Nurse- ries, Hounslow, and the Bedford Conservatories, Covent Garden, by himself. The Official Re- ceiver, who presided, said the debtor had not yet filed a statement of affairs, but he estimated his total liabilities at £11,000, and his assets nil. The receiving order was made on March 24 last on the debtor's own petition. He alleged his failure to have been caused through bad trade, loss of horses, bad debts, and want of capital. His household furniture belonged to his wife under an ante-nuptial settlement, she being a ward in Chancery at the time. One of the cre- ditors complained that when he supplied the goods for which he now claimed, the debtor's wife was carrying on the business. Debtor explained that his wife did carry on one of the businesses in a small way, after one of the com- panies failed, but he thought all her creditors had been paid. The Official Receiver said that there was no prospect of any dividend being paid to the creditors. The estate was formally left in the hands of the Official Receiver, to be dealt with in the usual manner. VEGETABLES. TRANSPLANTING SPRING-RAISED CAULIFLOWERS. The time has arrived when a free admission of air day and night should be admitted among the young Cauliflower plants, to harden them off a few days prior to planting them out. They should have been raised from seed sown in heat in January, and subsequently pricked out a few inches apart in 4 or 5 inches deep of garden soil placed over a bed of fermenting Oak or other tree-leaves in a pit or frame of su fficient depth — say 18 inches, to afford a gentle bottom-heat, so as to stimulate active growth in the plants, the sturdiness of growth being regulated by a judi- cious admission of fresh air up to the time the plants are ready for transplanting. Give the soil in which the young Cauliflowers are growing a good watering the day before trans- planting them, in order to be able to lift them with nice little balls of earth attached to the roots, transplanting these with a garden trowel into a favourable situation in drills about 3 inches deep and from 20 to 24 inches apart, according to the variety grown and the richness or otherwise of the soil, affording the same distance from plant to plant in the rows. Press the soil firmly about the balls of earth and roots in planting. Then dust a mixture of lime and soot around the individual plants, so as to prevent slugs from interfering with them, afterwards sticking Spruce-boughs firmly in the ground on the north- east side of the plants as a protection from cut- ting winds and frosts. These may be removed after an interval of four or five days, by which time the roots will have pushed into the sur- rounding soil, and the plants become thoroughly inured to the weather. Later on a little soil should be drawn up to the plants on both sides. Plants thus raised and transplanted will yield a good succession of Cauliflowers to those pre- viously obtained from autumn - raised plants wintered in cold frames and pits, and trans- planted in February or early in March in the manner indicated above. H. W. W. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HOBTICULTTJBAL. Scientific Committee. April 6.— Present : Dr. M. T. Masters, F.R.S. (in the chair); Messrs. Massee. Chittenden, Saunders, Bate- son, F.R S., Shea, Baker, Hurst, Odell, Douglas, Holmes, and Druery, Drs. Cooke and Rendle, Prof. Boulger, Revs. W. Wilks and G. Henslow (hon. sec >. Richardia with Coloured Leaf.— Mr. Shba exhibited a specimen of R. Elliottiana with the leaf half yellow and hall green. The quest ion as to t lie cause was raised; but at present there is no known explanation. Daffodil with Fringed Trumpet —Mr. Jenkins sent Bowers exhibiting this peculiarity. It is analogous to "cresting," but was confined to the eilje of the corona only. Scientific Experiments at WUlei/.—A prolonged discus- sion took place upon th:s subject, many valuable sug- gestions and communications being made by several of the members. Finally a subcommittee was formed to present a report to the Council, consisting of Dr. M. T. Masters, Professor Marshall Ward, Professor G. S. Boulger. Dr. Rendle, Messrs. Chittenden, Bateson, Massee, Farmer, and Hurst, and Rev. G. Henslow, with power to add to the number. CORNWALL DAFFODIL AND SPRING FLOWER. April s.— This Society held its annual exhibition in the Market Hall, Truro, on the above date. Though the season has been a backward one, and complaints of the poor quality of the Daffodils are rife in other portions of the country, the Cornish flowers exhibited little, if any, decadence from the high standard of former years. In some cases the blooms were perhaps slightly smaller than usual, but the entries were numerous ; and the excellence of the many new seed- liogs exhibited, of which the greater number were raised in the couDty of Cornwall, rendered the show especially interesting. Rhododendron -blooms were present in quantity, and lighted up the hall with their bright colours. Mr. D. H. Shilson's splendid 1st prize collection contained a newly-flowered, dark crimson seedling, with very large leaves, named Duke of Corn- wall, which was awarded a First class Certificate. Mr. E. Backhouse also obtained an Award of Merit for a fine seedling Aucklandi (Sriffithianum). The wealth of flower shown in the classes for hardy herbaceous plants and hard-wooded shrubs must have been a reve- lation to dwellers in colder climates than the favoured south-west, the competition beicg exceedingly keen. A long table was entirely covered by Violets, which diffused their fragrance around, and by their size and beauty gave evidence of successful cultivation. Awards of Merit were granted to Rev. A T. Bos- ciwen for blooms of Madge Matthew, as the best Incomparabilts Narcissus in the show; to Mrs. A. T. Boscawen for Frltillaria obliqua and F. lietifolia major; to Messrs. Barb & Sons for Narcissi Ariadne aod Janet Image, while their white trumpet Henry Vilmorin would undoubtedly have shared a similar honour had the requisite three blooms been staged ; to Mr. G. Reuthe for the new Iris Haynei, and for Cyrtanthus Flambeau and C. Marian. Silver -gilt Medals were awarded to Messrs. Barr & Sons and Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter; Sliver Medals to Messrs. T. P. Ware & Co. and to Messrs. Reams- bottom & Co., Ireland; and Brorze Medals to the Devon Rosery, Torquay, and to Messrs. Treseder & Co., Truro. All the arrangements were excellently carried out by the Hon. John Boscawen, Hon. Secretary, and the hall was filled during the afternoon by a large con- course of visitors, not only from Cornwall and the adjoining county of Devon, but from distant parts of the kingdom. Competitive Classes. The belt collection of not fewer than thirty varietits of Daffodils.— 1st prize Mr. J. C. Williams, with an excel- lent stand containing seventeen unnamed seedlings of high merit— Minor Poet (with wide orange -red cup resembling that of Will Scarlet), Dante. Firebrand (very bright), Cardinal, Buttercup, Firework (striking), the distinct Incognita, White Queen, Weardale Perfection, Homespun (a self yellow, good and unique). Hector, Monarch, Jacko and King Alfred. 2nd prize, Rev. A. T. Boscawen, with a good stand including the matchless Lucifer (!), and other bright flowers in fine condition. 3rd prize, Lady Margaret Boscawen. Nine distinct Mpgni-Coronati. — 1st prize Mr. P. D. Williams with Tenby Seedling, Mme. de Graaff, Emperor, J. B M. CammO), P. R Barr, Victoria, M J. Berkeley, Empress, Maximus. 2nd priie, Lady Mar- garet Boscawen. 3rd priie, Mr. A. P. Nix. Nine distinct Medio-Coronoli.— 1st prize. Rev. A. T. Boscawen, with Albatross, Seagull, Lucifer, Mrs. Langtry, Bridesmaid, Majge Matthew. Gloria Mundi, Peach, Ensign. 2adpriz3. Mr. P. D. Williams, whose stand contained Bullfinch, Kitliwake and other novelties. Six distinct Parvi-Coronati. — 1st prize, Mr. P. D. Williams, with Horace (a perfect poeticus). Blood Orange, Redbreast, Ptarmigan, Incognita, and Chaucer. Finest bloom of Mo;/ni-Coronati in commerce. — 1st prize, Mr. A. Blenkinsop, with Weirdale Perfection. 2nd prize, Mr. P. D. Williams, with the same. Finest bloom of Medio-Coronati in commerce — 1st prize, Rev. A. T. Boscawen, with Lady Margaret Boscawen. 2nd prize, Mr. P. D. Williams, with Diana. Finett bloom of Parvi-Coronati in commerce-— 1st prize, Mr. P. D. Williams, with Horace. 2nd prize, Mr. E. H. Williams, wit h Oriflamme. 3rd prize, Mr. C. Dawson, with Dante. The next three classes were confined to flowers raised in Eagland and not in commerce, and produced close competition, thirty-five blooms being staged, most of which were of excellent quality. Fined bloom of Magni-Coronati. — 1st prize, Mr. J. C. Williams, with a beautiful unnamed white trumpet. 2nd piize, Mr. J. C. Williams, with an unnamed bijolor. :ird prize. Mr. P. D. Williams, with Averil, having white petals aLd pale yellow trumpet. Finest bloom of Medio-Coronati.— 1st prize, Mr. P. D. Williams, with a fine unearned seedling with white petals and orange-edged cup. 2nd prize, Mr. J. C, Williams, with Pilgrim,* seedling of Mr. Eogleheart's. A clear yellow flower of good form, with straight, un- flanged trumpet, in this class, was thought by good judges to merit the premier award. Finest Bloom of Pari'i-Coronati— 1st prize, Mr. J. C. Williams, with an unnamed seedling having white petals and spreading orange-buff cup. 2nd prize, Mr. P. D. Williams, with Chaffinch, a striking flower, with cup bordered by brilliant orange-scarlet. In the foregoing classes no restriction was placed on the price of bulbs, so that in each class seedlings not yet in commerce were to be seen which were of great interest to the Daffodil expert. Ten classes were also provided under restrictions that made them suitable for small growers. Other Flowees. Of spring flowers, Anemones, Polyanthi, and Prim- roses were well shown ; and four classes were allotted to Violets, Mr. R. Fox winning 1st prize in each class with bunches of splendid flowers. Of hardy, unforced herbaceous plants and bulbs there were some excellent exhibits. 1st prize in the class for thirty varieties being won by Mr. P. D. Williams with a good collection ; and that for twelve varieties by Mrp. A. T. Boscawen, whose stand contained magnificent Iris tingitana and two Fritlllarias that obtained Awards of Merit. In flowering shrubs, Mr. D. H. Shilscn as usual carried off the 1st prize for the best collection of Rho- dodendron blooms, staging about ISO trusses, including the new Duke of Cornwall, which took a First-class Certificate. In the class for six trusses, Mr. E. Back- house won the 1st pr.ze; and otter winners in Rho- dodendrons were Mr. R. Fox, Mrs. J Williams, Mr. Jonathan Rashleigh, and Mr. J. C. Danbdz. The Camellia classes brought out splendid specimens of C. reticulata, one of which with flowers over 7 inches across, had no difficulty in winning the prize for the best bloom in the show. Competition in the class for twenty vai ieties of bard-wooded flowering shrubs was very close, the eight exhibits all being of a high order of merit. 1st prizs was won by Mr. R Fox ; and in other 264 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [APBIL 18, 1904. stands such Cue tl tag* lis Magnolia I ampholll, Smbothrium oocolnenm, .mJ Grevlllei sulphurea woro PICSOUt. Trade EXHIBIT*. la nurserymen a exhibits, Messrs. B, \ im b A son, Exeter, stand a bright collection, including Magnolias, Aziilnas, Ertosteinons, Spiv. ims, Oorydalte tii:ii i.t i ifoiia. Primal* kewenslf Jusmlsum ^prlmull du li. ami i.iio orange oolourodArototia robust*, Mr.G. RBUTHB, Koslou, Kent, had a lino pan of Uio lovoly Tivi>i'iiUeaoy»uoorocti9 in full flower, Lltbospermum rosmerlolfollum, Irlaatro purpurea, and oilier plants. Messrs haki; & son. showed a tarn assortment of Daffodils, Potor Barr, King Allied, Lord Roberts, Lu- cifir, and Coiisteiiaii.'n being ootewortby, besides those varieties that received Awards of Mont. Messrs. T 8, W vkk.v. IV. showed adlvorsooollcctloiu I Alpluos.Daffo iiiis, and Dowering shrubs. Tho Dbvon Rosbby, Tor quay, oxhihitod an excellent stand of pot Roses lu flower. Messrs. Ti, km dkh iS Co . Truro, staged Palms, Troc Forus, and Eucalypti Messrs, BBAMSBOTTOH A Co., Aldcrborough, Ireland, sbowod double St. Rrlgid Anemones; and Messrs. B. w.u i li I .v. Co , Colchostor, had lierhera .i.unosoul Shortta galaotfolla. Iris stud- jarousls. 1. Wlllmotttaua aod other plants. S. II'. F. BRIGHTON AND SUSSEX HOBTI- CULTTJHAL. \ri.ii liandli Tho show oi Bowerlng aud [ollago plants was hold iu the I'otno aud Corn Exchange on tho abovo dates, the weathor on the opening day being all that a Socrot.iry ol .\ 1 1 at unit innl Soeioty could desire, aud the exhibits themselves woro moro abun- dant than over before at auy spring show of Ibis Society. Non competitive subject", as tho Palms and Uoworlng plants ol Messrs. IHunix ,vso\\ ol Hassocks; tho rook plants of Mc-srs. J. Ciikai & sow, Lowlleld, Crawley; Uio Honoring shrubs and klplnes of Mossrs. W. Ci'inesn & Son-, ol Highgate aud Barnot, and the collection oi Anemones oontribntsd by Mossrs. i,ii i;m;i i son. of Dyke, iloiune, Lincolnshire, added uot a little to the interest of the shoiv. Tho more pronuuout features may bS said to havo boon tho Narcissus of the largo trumpet -oclions, the vory beautiful rigorous SBtt uncus ol DaUtlla gracilis aud hybrids, tho hardy Primulas and I'll inula polyan- thus, Cluorarias ol tho large llowcrcl typos, and Hya ciulhs and Tulips growing In pots. Koscs formed a week Contingent; Orobld were not ahuudaut, and I tie exhibitors of ornamental groups creed in the employ mcut of too many species ami tho laok of doiinito Ideas of composition. Tho exhibition, liowovor, lakeu in Its entirety, would uot bo easily beaten. Opbn Classbs. StOHp q Tho 1st prize was taken by Mr \V. L". Audersou. gr. to B. PARISH, Esq , " Melodla Preston Park, who had much variety in his (lowering plants aud tollsga SUbjeota. wboro more greenery would havo added considerably to Uo effect Mr. It. Mu ks. Victoria Nursery, was rod. with Clematis as tho more attractive plants, and Narcissus omployod in combination with Carnatious of varied tints, Cinerarias and Spit .'-as forming tho subsidiary subject-, Asparagus of species, Cod uins, Adianlum, and Cocos Weddcll.iua supplying the foils to tho colouring of the flowers. The -rd prize fell to Mr. G. Btbati obd, gr , Totterldge. Tablt ' 1st, Mr. II. Norman, gr. to P. R. BAYBB, Esq., Hatch Beauchamp, Witlutean. a showy table woll arranged. 2nd, Mr. «. MILB8, Victoria N ursory, whoso plants consisted of Azaleas. Palms, Deutalas, Nmcissiis, and Primula Yellow Gem. Tabtt of 0 , arranged 1st, Mr. H. Garrett, gr to 11. G. Fikiuik, Esq., Mount Harry, Worthing. Wo remarked Cymbidium Lowianum, a quantity of Cattleya Harrisonho, C. Mossue, Hen droblums, Cypripodiums, One alums, interspersed ivrli r.iuicum variegatum, Isolepis. &o, Mr. J, Harper gr. to E A Tcvkkk, Esq., Vernon Lodge, Preston, was and; bis table cou-lstod of small plants of Cattleya Harrisons), C. Sehrodenc, Oncidium concolor. Odonto glossiiins. Sopbromtis graudiflora, Lycasle Sklonori, aud Doudrobiuiu tbyrsiilorum ; 3rd, Mr. Q. Strotford] gr. to E. J Tci k-Habt, Tottendge, i>jke Road. Thoro woro here Phaiusgraudiflorus.Deudrot liums lu varloly Oni'ldiuiu-, wiih i Dioe plant of Cocos Weddoluia In the ceutre. 1st, Mr. 11 MlLBS, the material employed being Onci- dium eoncolor. trumpet Daffodils, Farfugium grande varlogalum, yellow Primulas, and Dcndrobiuui noblle. aud, Mr H. GOLDSMITH, with a pretty arrangement of Laebenalii pcnduia. Euphorbia JaoqnlnlasQora, Sobl- zintiius retuaua, h ppeastrums, foliage Begonias Forns, Ac. " -1st, Mr. W, Adams, gr.. Balling- tuny Copse, with plants having close, compact spikes, mounted on abort shafts, and. Mr. A. E. (iolding, gr to II. St. GXOBOB VOUXHS, K-i| , Uplands, Dyke Road. ."rd, Mr. J. ll.Mii'Ki;. 7'nr/rc pels 0/ 7Vi>». 1st, Mr. W. E. Andkiison. Mr. T. Wki.is, "The Buglo" Inn, Brighton, Bod. Tlio host twolve l'roosias wero shown by Mr. A. E. QOl niNii. and tho Jud best b> Mr. \V. K. Anokhson. t'or twolvo Lily of the Valley tho last uamod ox'nl- bifor was 1st, and Mr. GO! outNci, Sud. Mlgnonetlo was nuusually lino, and for six pots Mr. W. K. Anhkhson was 1st, aud tho BuiiiuroN PLOSISTS' BTORBS, -nd. Violets In pots (six) woro shown by Mr. J. Aiams, nurseryman, Haussoy, Lowos. Tnolve Polyanthiia oaino from Mr. ()■ Cdanoi.kr, who was 1st; Mr, E. Hknson, Uppor Boedlug. Dud. I'llm rosos woro plontlfully shown in pots. Six sing'.o- ilowered Primulas were woll shown by Mr, Collis, gr. to Mrs. HUGRS9, 1st. Mr. (J, si i;i- 1 1 oiio was 1st for six Auriculas; aud Mossrs. W. Milks A Co. woro "rd. Fbr *i'.r Ifi/ttraHgtae. 1st. Mr. t). Eastwood, gr., Downs Hotel, Hassock; plants with from four to six big heads of bloom. Tuvlri- jio/s o von ■. (UW .-1st. Mr. n. Noiimax; jnd, Mr. W. K. Anokkson ; and Urd, Mr. J. Hakikk. (fenistas (twolve) wero woll shown, and Messrs. W. Mnis & Co. woro 1st, with plants nioasuring :>$ to 3 feet in diamotor. Tho bost table plants camo from Mossrs Miiks&Co.; Mr. .1. HAui'KW, i'ud, and Mr. Sio\ 11 , 3rd. ''"' ' ■ Wit, 1st, Mr. C Murrell, gr. to R. Bknnkit. Esq.. Franklands, Burgoss Hill. Those plants woro sovou yoirs old. having eorms 8 to B inches iu diameter, vigorous foliago, and imiueose heads of bloom. Mr. 11. Skinnku. showod tho lincst dozen Cinerarias, tlio llowor-::eads woro of a good typo aud the foliago perfect, -nd, Mr. BTOVBt,, In tho class for stx Marguoritos, Mr Mii.ks, South- down Nurseries was 1st. This exhibitor showod some capital Miguoucttc. 7V,(ir SpirBKU.— 1st, Messrs. W. Mii.ks ,t Co.. Hove vory line plants woll blooomed. Sinalloi plants, shown by the Brighton Florists' Storos, 176, Western Road, soeurod lor thorn the :'nd prize; ;;rd, Mr. (;. K im wooo.' Six Doul.us In bushy, vory woll -Honored oxamplos were shown by Mr. (J. Ml] IS, \ Ictoria Nurseries, Dyke Road, who so ii red 1st prize Mr. 11. Hkad, tho Drive Nurseries, llovo, was L'nd. Tlio l3t prlzs for six double and single flowered Pelargoniums was takou by Mr. G. Eastwood. .Vi';ii' STOMAS I * -1st, Mr. G. Sims. gr. to E. A Wam.is, Ksi;., Suunysido, Ltwjs Road, with uoat globular shaped plants, i feet high, »nd nicely bloomod. and. Mr. P. Collis, gr. to Mrs. HUOHBS Preston Park Avonuo, with ralhor larger if moro irrogularly-shapod plants, -rd. Mr. W. E. Anderson. Mr H. Hkap was 1st for Ghout aud mollis A z ilea's • Mossrs. Mii.ks & CO., Sad; and Mr. W. E. Anderson" ■ ird. Somo very vigorous plants oi Kichai.lia africanawero shown, aiul tor six potfuls, Mr. w. E. Anderson was 1st; l'nd, Mr. G. Sam- Mi H. Head was 1st for six specimens of Hiolytra speistabilis, pretty specimens of this non raroly scon plant. Cut Flowers, Box of eat Rose?.— These wore of medium quality only, and Micro was little compotitiou 1st, Mr. R. E Km n, n, t, windmill Street, Brighton; gnd, Mr. a' Eastwood; 3rd, Mr.G, Mtlbs. rue lots worosiiown] and theso eouststod entirely of Teas. Tliero were other cut flowers, but nothing of much momcut. I.KMLEMEN'S GARDKNKlis' CLASSES. GVoupi.— The 1st prize was taken by Mr. J, Harikr Cinerarlin aud l.llluni longlllorum being the more tolling subjects ; others being Freoslas, Tulips. Be- gonias, Codiicuins, Cocos, Adlantnm, to. i'ud, Mr, G. sims, whose design was very satisfactory. Table arranged for nffeoU— One of those was flllod with Narcissus aud other bulbs. Spireme, and set oil Willi Abutllon Tliompsoul aud Adlautuin, and seourod for Mr. H, Skinner, gr. to J. DUNK, Esq , Rose Villa, Stan- ford Avenue, the 1st place. The best four Deulz'.as were shown by Mr. G. Mann, gr., East Hall Houso, Portslado, vory lino oxamplos, 1st ; Mr. G. Norman, and, with much smaller plants. Tlio best single-Honored Primulas woro shown by Mr. G. Chandler, gr. to R. J. BlLLINQTON, Esq., Loa Hurst, Withieane. These were of the fern-leaved variety. In tho six CyoUmcn classes Mr G. Covell was 1st for woll-llowerod medium-sized plants; and for six Tulips in pots, Mr. H. Skinner. Rose Villa, was 1st; Mr. G, Sims, and. For six Genistas, 1st, Mr. W. Adams, ur. to S. E. Wuu i in,;. Esq., Hoi lii -bury Copse, with small plants. Mr. V. Collis, was 1st for six Cinerarias of tlio ordi- nary typo; and Mr. G. Chandler took Hie and prizo. The best six Spineas woro those shown by Mr. W. E. Anderson, very vigorous finely bloomed specimens. UlSCBl I ANKOl S Cl ASSKS. Special prises lor Hyacinths grown in glasses, and lor Tulips and Hyacinths tu pots, woro oilored by Mossrs. Tllloy Bros. ; and for tho latter Mr. W. E. Anderson was 1st, aud Mr. T. Will s, and. Table decorations numborod six, tho 1st prize falling to Mr. H GABNBTT, gr . Mount Harry, the materials omployod bolng small Narcissus, Hendrobium uobile, Ltly of tho Valley, Adianlum eapillus Vouoris, and Asparagus. Miss Mabbi Howi-.ii was and, the tlowera consisting of Violets, Primula Sloboldl, and Narcissus, together with Asparagus. Thoro was a number ol small competitions tor Dutch bulbs, Narcissus, Froosias, aud Lily of tho Valley, shown in responso to oilers of speotal prizes and In ordinary competition which caunot bo noticed lu full. NON-l'OMI'KI lll\ fl Ex II in I I s. The following exhibits woro arraniod iu tho Corn Exchapgo, adjoining tho Homo. Tho end group, tho place of honour, was appropriated by Messrs. W. Hai.ciiin .v. Sons, Hassocks. Hove, and Brighton. Tlio group, an ascending ouo with its b.\ok to tho largo window, con- sisted of largo massos of Anthuilum Schorlzortanum, full of ■patties, of Hippcastrums of Hue quality, the colouring hoightoned by Lillum longlllorum var. itarrisi, underneath which wero placed Totrathcca, and dwarf plauts of T. Hogg Hydrangea In one Instance, aud white Indian Azaloa in anothor. A lino group ol Dendroblum uob'lo (eut-donn plauts), Acacia annate as small plauts, and A. diffusa as naturally grown plants (bountifully bloom cd>. Cyclamens of good slralna, and Palms. Mossrs Balcbtn contributed somo tine largo Palms tlnnkliig Hie orchestra In tlio Dome. Mossrs. J. i'im. vi ,t Sons, Cranlcy, stagod a largo number of rock and nlpino plants, including Poly- anthus, Primula, IV j upon lea var. rosea, P. cash in c nana, P. japoniea rosea, P. Bruce Fiudlay, Anemone blanda c rruloa, lboris Little Gem, Lithosperiiium prostratum. Phlox canadensis, and I'oleiiioninni rubrum. Mossrs. W. Ciri'imsii & Sons, Hlgbgato and tlarnel, exhibited hardy herbaceous, alpine, aud bulbous plants tu bloom, an excellent educational display. besides Hie.o thoro wero lloweriug shrubs iu pots as Aaaleas, Woigola, Rhododendron, l aonios, Magnolia Leuno, and Primus triloba (Silver gilt Modal). Mossrs. Gil nna A son, Anemone Nurseries, Dyke, Bourne, Linos,, exhibited a vory largo ropresoutative collection of Anemones, including Pulsatilla, fulgona, St. Hrldgld, blanda, stollala, &c. (Silver Modal). Miss Ai ice Smith, F.r.h.s., oxhiblted a table ol Primulas, single aud double-Honored. Wo remarked Marie Crousso, several forms and shades of Wilson ': Blue wlutor iloworlug. Cloth of Gold ia double Honored pale yellow), Madamo Pompadour (doep crimson) AmarauMiina— a vory tntorestlngeollocllou of varieties Uardeu ornamental pottery was shown by Mossrs Mi i os .t Son, Burgoss Hill, which recoivod an award of a silver Modal. Mr. 11. Goldsmith, Fir Croft, Wlthdeauo, showed Trco Carnations In many varieties, aud was awarded a Sllvor Gilt Medal. ROYAL BOTANIC. April IP— The monthly exhibition of plants and Honors tool; place on Wednesday last, some very creditable displays being presented, including some most charming trays of Rose blooms, forced tloworlni plants, aud somo good oxhibits of Narcissus-flowers Tlio long corridor was ablazo wllb colour, and the great conservatory was requisitioned also to display tho various groups. Mr. R. H. Hath, Tho Floral Farms, Wisbooh, staged n collection of Daffodil-blooms, the collection being very comprehensive and Hie Individual flowers equal toanj we have aeon presented Mils soason. Most of the S colours woro good, and the Honors were of good sist aud shape. White tjuoeu was very notieoablo, tin llowors being largo and colour pure; Glory oi l.eyitci was good, the yollow trumpet bolug very rich. Em press, Duko of Bedford, Mluuio Humo, aud Flambeaii wero all linely displayed (Large Silver gilt Modal). Mossrs. Bark cs Sons, King Street.. Corent Gardoe London, had a most extensive group of Narcissus am other bulbous llowors, for winch this lirm is instlj famous. The Daffodils aro now showing their ohs raclor bettor, and Mils largo display contained sonu vory fine flowers. Sir Watkln, Hlaekwoll. Victoria Constollatlou, Vivid (very swoot) Lord Roberts, LuoltSl (nicely coloured), Gloria Mundt. Primrose DamoamoDi others woro shown well ; aud Irisos. Anemones. SolUaa and a tray of prctly dwarf Primulas (P. nivalis, P viscosa, aud P. rosea), a'l contributed to the eomple tiou of a very effeclive ili-iday (Gold Medal). Messrs. Frank Cant A Co., Bralswlck Rose Gardens ' Colchester, staged live trays of Rose blooms, with vasei; of Polyauthiis and other vaiiotios in tailor vases, in eluding their now Toa Hose naniod Lady Roberts, witr petals reddish-orange at tho baie, morglug to a lighten edglrg. Tlio varieties in tho trays Included son\. lovely blooms, one being tilled witli the old favourite Marcohel Nlel. Othor varlotlos noticed wore Madami,' April 10, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 265 lean Uupuy, Princess Beatrice, Madam* Corihet, Bridesmaid, Madame do WaUevillo, Liberty 'line dirk variety;, and Souvenir do Plerro Netting (Gold Medal) AnotJjer charming group ol Hoses was set up by Messrs. Bknj. I'. Cam A Sons, Tim Old Hone 'Jardens, Colchester, and although the style ol staging wai dlf ierent to that' ol the former group, It was none the lets elective. A number ol I'.lusb Rambler in pot* (aimed a nice setting at the back ; f.rldcsmald, Fisher ' ol Ino Testout, Oen. JapqiMWilflftt! and »: Wfattcvltlo were all noticeable varieties (Sliver gilt Medal). Messrs Wn Bui.r. .<; Boss. Klri"'s Koad, Chelsea, net up a Dumber of Hlppoanlrum plant*, with a suitable of small Palms. Firebrand Achilles, and Mikado were among the best varieties (Silver gilt Medal ;. Mr. HENRY I'aiih, Trent Park Garden, presented a basket of a new Verbena, B\ A. Uevan, tall growing, with pale pink dowers. The variety appears to bo very Iree in producing llowcr heads, but needs rather more colour in the petals to he a serviceable acquisition. Mr. Jojih Ki Hi km., Itlcbmond, Surrey, arranged a bank of (lowering Clematis on the floor, and worked in some dwarf Palms with advantage. Borne good Dowers oftheMoser varieties were noticed (Large Silver Medal). Very showy were the forced shrubs and trees of Messrs. K A<;. Ci ninKiiT, the Nurseries, Bouthgate, a floe bank ol Azilea mollis " Consul Cerezolo" occupying the centre. Azaleas, Klbei, Pyrus Malus Moribund!. Staphylea, and Lilac* were the principal features, Some (I ants of Japanese Maples, used for Interspersing, were not the loast cil.:ctlve of the display (Gold Medal;. Another group of this class was shown by Messrs. Wm Paul A Bon, Wallham Cross, Herts, who intrc duced some beautiful pot Hoses among their exhibits. i Botes are be In g shown In fine condition this season, and those contributed by this firm were no exception, although several of the blooms were rather loo fully expandod, the recent favourable weather having hastened their period of flowering. The other members of the group were principally double and single terms of Peaches and Almonds (Large Silver gilt Medal). Forced plants were alio shown by Messrs. Wm. Cut busiiAHon, Hlghgate, London, N , and another feast of ■olour was thus presented to the visitor. Magnolia', : Lilacs, Azaleas, Laburnums, Cytlsus Andreanus, and ither plants of this typo were represented, and very I prettily grouped. Thesauieflrm ahobroughtajapanese Daphne, I). <> wcoka, a hardy species with numerous llac flowers 'Silver-gilt Medal). A Botanical Certificate was awarded Die same firm I'Or Calanthc discolor var. specloia, a hardy species I com Northern Japan — light brown petals with a rosy lip, the spikes carrying about eight II i The exhibit of plants from M i is Aoa i on (gr., Mr. G. Kell), South Villi, Regent's Park, was Interesting from ' .be lact that this largo group was not contributed by '. .he trade, and also lor tho tasteful manner In which It vas presented. A choice bank of Azaleas on the one .tide, and some very credltab.e plants of Dendroblums in the other, with brilliant spalhcs of Anlhurliini Icherzerlanum occupying the eout.ro, and highly toionrcd stove! plants, such a Coui., inn (Crotons), I3*l*diuras, lirai anas, Ac , with Cinerarias, Begonias, Hyacinths, Tulips, Ac, Interspersed among the whole, .ogether formed one of the nicest displays In the ex ilbltion (Gold Medal). I Lathra.aCJandestlna, an interesting parasitle plant trowing on the roots of Beech and Willow, was shown rom the Society's Gardens. The' plant, entirely devoid • )l leaves, was pushing up Its lilac-coloured Mowers lifer- illy lu hundreds. Obcuios were represented by a contribution from Messrs. -taw kv, A tiiMV.JiCo., Bouthgate, N., occupy- > table in the great conteivaloiy. A fine spray of I'ymbldlum Lowianum, var. concolor, good flowers of Lycaste Bklnnerl, a grand spike of three blooms of Jypripedlum Rotbschlldlanum, ODddlnm concolor, plants with well dowered spikes ol a rich colour; Cattleya Schrocdoi.e and Odontoglossum Peecatorei »ar. i agnlflca, cairjlng a good spike with tiventy Bowers, were some ol the best ol this collection, to which a Gold Medal was awarded. A trial ol motor lawn mowers look place in the grounds ol the Society in the alternoon, EAXINGHORTICULTLTBAL SOCIETY. The annual exhibition of this Bolety will now take Place In Gunneisbury Park, on July 6. The fixture made for June w was due to the aclion of a small minority of the Committee who were quite unaware that Richmond would have its annual show on that date. Ealing makes a speciality of cut Roses, and the competition with these is the only one open to all comers, and therefore it Is unfortunate the National liose Society's exhibition should be held on July • in 'addition to a large exhibition ol Rosea at llanlcy. XnrcTEDHOBTICULTTJBAIi BENEFIT AND PBOVIDENT. At the monthly meeting he!d on Monday evening fast three new members were elected. Nine members I were reported on the Sick Fund. The sick pay for the i.ionth was t. DEUTSCHEB GAEBTNEB VEBEIN, LONDON. Tun German '.ardener* Society In London, which was founded in tho year 1-77. endeavours to give Gorman speaking gardeners an opportunity to enlarge their knowledge by debating horticultural questions. During llio past year the mec'.lngs were held every first and third Baturd iy In the month at Wcdde's Hotel, la, Greek street, folio, vv , and were always well attended. Among the many lectures held we quote the following 'Garden Cities ol To-morrow," by Mr. VV. Uaenhardt; " Gardener fjoslctlci ," by Mr. Vogel; 'The Natural and Artificial Propagating of Plants,'' by Mr. E Morell ; "Forcing ol Roses in America, " by Mr. W. Koetteher; "Forcing of CncnmbeTl In Eng and, by Mr. A Lutz; 'The Cultivation ol Cacti." by Mr p.. Anker; "The Cultivation ol Pancratium, by Mr. A. Lull. Excursions were male to Mr I h, Ko'hford's nurseries at liroxbourne, and to Epping Forest. There are one Emdlsli ( Qar&mert ChronUte), seven German, and one Dutch garden papers, a,nd a lihrary containing a great deal of German and English garden literature, ■ table to the members. The Secretary Is Mr. E. Morell, 36, Devooport Road, Shepherd's Stub. W. AMALGAMATION OF SOUTHEBN COUNTIES CABNATION hOCIETY AND SODTHAMPTON IIOBTICCTL- TUBAL 80CIETY. Tiik sixth Annual Report ol the Southern Counties Carnation Society, lately published, will be the last issued by that Society. The report winds up as follows:— "After most careiul consideration. It ha deeided to accept Mr. Garlon's resignation, with the greatest regret ; and as your Committee are ol opinion that, under the circumstances, it will not be possible to make the Society self supporting, they have decided to close the same as from December 11, l:n: Since the above report was written the Council ol the Southamp- ton Royal Horticultural Society has been approached Willi a request that they would take up the work ol the late Carnation society. The members of the last- named Boelety have been eanvas ed by circular, and a very large majority have consented to transfer their subscriptions to the Horticultural Society, several doubling the amount condition.! ly upon thai Society continuing the Carnation showr. The representatives ol Hie committee! of the two societies met on the :.".ith ultimo, and arranged sat lefactory terms for Ibeama' gamalion of the societies; act. provision* ly on cot i, million by the Council ol the Si'.. If B., a committee was appointed to revise the schedule ol prizes, to which some very handsome donations have been promised. It was also resolved to hold the show on the Pier at the end of July, the precise date being left open for the present. The Council of the Society met on the following Tnurtday evening, and unanimously confirmed the arrangement made by the Committee lor the amalga- mation. The -pedal Committee will Include Mr. W. "■arlon, ;un , and several members of the late Carnation Society. Schedules will be ready shortly, and may be obtained of the Secretary, .Mr. C. S. Fuldgc, London Road, Southampton. NUBSEBYMEN, MARKET GAB- DENEBS' AND GENEBAL HAIL- 8TOBM INSOBANCE CORPORA - TION, LTD. Ainu -.-The ninth annual general meeling ol Die Nurserymen, Market Gardeners' and General Hail- storm Insurance Corporation. Ltd , was held at the P.egistercd Office, 11 A iS, King street, Covent Gardei. I on the above date. The Chairman, Mr. Harry J. Veltch, presided over a good attendance of Shareholders The premium in- come for the year amounted to ): ■ on 34 133 363 square feet of glass. The interest and ground rents from investments amounted to £o>3 Is*, id The business done by the Company iu all its branches showed a satisfactory increase, whilst the working expenses were at the ratio of I'l't I3t. id. percent., a very low one lor an Accident Insurance Company. A dividend of B per cent, and a bonus ol 2j per cent, was declared, Ireeof income tax ; £1,480 was carried to the Reserve Fund, making the reserves *?7.M0| and It, 2<1. was carried forward. Toe shareholders expressed their satisfaction at the continued progress and the economical management of the business. Seven claims were paid for damage done by hail during the year in six different counties. LONGTON DAHLIA SOCIETY. Toe cultivation of the Dahlia as an exhibition flower seems to be catching on in the Midlands, as a Society to promote interest In the liahlia lias just been formed in the Potteries district, and an exhibition ii fixed for Monday, September ).-. The Hon. Seeretary is Mr. H. Boulton, ;■'', Caroline Street, LoDgton. GABDENEB8' DEBATING SOCIETIES. THORNTON HEATH AND DI8TR1CT.- Mr. John Gregory ■in the boll d iconrsed on " Some Gardens 1 have Visited, Illustrating the same With limelight views ol original photograph! taken by the lecturer. On April •< Mr. C. H. Curtis lectured on "Easily- grown Orchids." These w Sling arc field In the Poly monthly, c -.1 Ot centner. A small exhibition of plants, Ac., grown by the members is made at these meetings. READING AND DI8TRICT GARDENERS' ASSOCIA- TION.-The subject a', the last fortnightly meeting was ,/ Mr. 'V. Barnes, ol Bearwood Gar dens, who confined his remarks solely to Peaeties and no ontot-dOOn Ull paper .as ol a very aracter, treating wii.li planting, training, disbudding, selection ol arletles, An Although the paper was short, a very animated discussion followed. The exhibits were Interesting, and consisted mainly ol Narcissi, Hyacinths, I ullp 3, Cinerarias, Violets, and a specimen plant of Cllvia mlnlata. WARE AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL. - The .g was held on evening, when Mr Hertford, read a paper on " Potato Bcab. He also staged some seed Potato* to prove ttLAt bis practice was Ol gre He ad- vocated giving a good dre« ng ol soot or lime at the planting time, and to well till the gronnd before planting. An interest ug discussion lollowed, Ihe general opinion being that Potato-seab was caused by some insects In the soil, usually carried there by the manure used. The best remedy suggested was to avoid using animal manure as much as poss.ble, addiog lime or soot w. Hi a good dress ng 01 burnt reins* Instead. The next meet ng will be on Apr ELTHAM AND DI8TRICT HORTICULTURAL. The monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, Api I the President, L Bosselll, Esq., In the chair Tnere was a fine exhibit of plants by members, and Messrs. Caonell '. Sons, Swanley, exb.blted a large collection ol Cae'.i. Mr Wellham read a paper on " Cac good discussion lollowed, The Pre* dent. Intimated bis Intention of supplying a quantity of books to the library which Is now being formed. CROYDON AND DI8TRICT HORTICULTURAL. - "Kosci'was the subject of a paper read on Tuesday, April , by Mr. W. Easlea. A good deep loam he recommended as the ideal soil to grow them In, and where not naturally existing should be made up by deep trenching, with the incorporation ol fresh yellow loam and well turned ■ armyard manure. Planting Is best done in October and November, but may be accomplished in I sbruary and March, or even to the middle of April. Toe propagation by means of cut- tings, budding, Ac, received attention, as also did 'he pruning operations. MRS. Dixon.— It Li our sad duty to re ord the death of Mrs. Dixon, the. beloved wife of Mr. Charles Dixon* Holland Hon e QaxdeUB, KenF-ine;- ton, after many years of patient aufferini;. D« ceased will be remembered by many kind friend* who uaed to viait her in her affliction. She bote her eight years' Bufferings with great patience. Edwin Hill.— We deeply regTet to have to announce the death of Mr. Edwin Hill, who ha» been for many yearn head-gardener to the Right Hon. Lord Rothschild at Tring Park, Tring. Mr. Hill, who was a comparatively young man, had excellent health until some time ago, when an internal malady set in. Needless to aay he had the best advice procurable, and recently it was decided that an operation should be performed, and that it should be done at St. BartholomeVe Hospital in London, in order that the best chance of recovery might be had. He kept on with hie duties, and even gave instructions before going up on Monday la-.t. 'Jn Tuesday afternoon the operation wai performed) but early on Wednes- day morning, April 13, be died. Mr. Hill wee ne of the best-known and elevere-st gardeners of our day, and theexcellenl condition in which he maintained every deriart- ment of the extensive gardens and pleasure ground* at Tring Park was a source of admiration to tho many visitors there. He was for many years a member of the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society, and a familiar figure at most of the principal horticultural gatherings. 256 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 16, 1904. ENQUIRIES. Transplanting Elms. — Is it a fact that some large Elnis were once blown down at Eugby School, and at a great cost were removed and planted successfully elsewhere ? When did this happen, and what was the height and diameter of these trees ? J. S. Death of Gold Fish.— I have a small fish- pond, in which there are silver and gold fish, and recently six of them have died. The pond faces full south, and is in the open air. In the middle there is a small rockery made up of different pieces of stone. Around the outside the Ground- Ivy grows, and this falls down and grows to the bottom. It has been suggested that the fish eat the Ivy, and so are poisoned ; but I do not think this is the case. The pond is daily supplied with fresh water, which is pumped into it by machinery. Can any reader give advice ? W. A. Scum on Pond —We are troubled very much with a green scum-like growth on our Water- Lily pond, which grows with amazing rapidity. If it is raked off one day there is nearly as much the next. Can anything be done to prevent its growth. The pond is dependent on rain-water for its supply. The weed is more troublesome in dry weather when there is not much water running in. It gives the pond a very unsightly appearance, and is a cause of much trouble. R. W. D. Qnsfm to — Lormfoondcnk %* 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. Ants in Houses : C. 8. The Ballikinrain Ant Destroyer, to be obtained from A. Cross & Sons, nurserymen and seedsmen, 19, Hope Street, Glasgow. It is frightfully poisonous, hence the greatest care should be exercised in using it. In many cases it is useful to pour boiling water over the spot where a nest is discovered. Benefit Society : H. B. The United Horticul- tural Benefit and Provident Society is exclu- sively for gardeners. Secretary, W. Collins, 9, Martindale Road, Balham. Books : A. J. B. Orchids, their Culture and Management, by W. Watson and H. J. Chap- man, or a cheaper work, The Book of Orchids by W. H. White. Either may be obtained on application to the publisher of this journal. — B. B. You do not state what price you are prepared to pay. The best general book upon gardening is Thompson's Gardener's Assistant, a new edition of which has just been brought out under the editorship of Mr. W. Watson. The price is about 50s. If to this work you added the Dictionary of Gardening, by Geo. Nicholson, price £4 2s , you might be said to possess a garden library. The first book contains excel- lent descriptions of garden operations, and the Dictionary affords invaluable information upon almost every plant that comes under the care of a gardener. The publisher of this journal can supply either book. — E. H. G. We do not know of a book dealing exclusively with Palms. Canker in Eose-tree : E. H. G. and C. M. P. The cause of the canker on the plant of Mare- chal Niel is probably a slime-fungus. Cut away any decayed bark and wood, fellow-ins- the streaks in the wood until they have been re- moved. Then apply a good fuDgicide to the wound, such as Bordeaux-mixture or sulphide of potassium, at the rate of 1 oz. of potassium to 12 oz of water. The case described by C. M. P. being one that has existed for a very long time, there is little chance of complete recovery. Correction : Pines of Cuba, p. 179. — In the article on "The Pines of Cuba," March 19, 1901, the printer has inserted at the head of the second paragraph "P. Wrightii"an italics. To be consistent with the rest of the text and with the plate this heading should be "P. cubensis." In the last paragraph of the fame article, "P. occidentals, south-west of Hayti," should read " P. occidentalis, Swarz., Hayti." G. R. S. Dieffenbachia Leaf Injured : H. E., Gisburn. The injury seems to have been caused by ex- cessive moisture in the air in the house in which it is growing. Probably the moisture condensed when the temperature fell at night, and caused drip. Such moisture is very in j urious. Fruit Farm : W. T. You had better insert an advertisement in our columns and in The Field. Gardener's Notice: W. E. J. We think you are entitled to one month's notice, whether or not, but in view of the agreement you mention, this is certainly the case. Insects on Roots of Marguerites : H. A. The insects are known as Ripersia terrestris, an allied species to the Mealy-bug. They were first discovered in this country, near London, in 1901, on Palm-roots, and later on those of Adiantum. In potting the plants wash the roots thoroughly with water, and destroy the bugs that float on it. Bisulphide of carbon will destroy them. To apply this make holes close to the pots with a 4-mch wire-nail, and with a small syringe apply the fluid at the rate of two table spoonfulls to a 6-inch pot. Close the holes after the application, and keep the plants in the shade for a week afterwards. Caution : Bisulphide of carbon is highly in- flammable and poisonous, and it should be applied in the open air, and no light allowed near it. Insects on Yines : E. T. The grubs are weevils, and are very destructive to vegetation. They feed principally when it is dark; hunt for them then. Lay pieces of Carrot, Potato, &c, for traps. Mushroom House : J. N. Gather the Mushrooms that are large enough to be of use, and then subject the house to fumigation on two suc- cessive days. The remaining portion of the crop may then be clean. Names op Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — A. R. The Dog's-tooth Violet (Erythronium dens canis). — W. H. S. 1, Rhododendron ciliatum x for- mosum; 2, Rhododendron formosum; 3, Rho- dodendron "Princess Alice." — W. Owen. l.Ilex latifolia ; 2, I. Perado.— J. P. Cattleya Schro- derse. The answer respecting summer-flowering Orchids was given in our issue for April 2, p. 224.— IT. D. Helleborus fcetidus, a native of Britain. — Caldicote. The Orchid tied up with Maidenhair Fern like a buttonhole is Epiden- drum elongatum. This is not a Ceylon plant, though it has a wide range in West Indies and S. America. It may be a cultivated or accli- matised plant in Ceylon. — Hants. 1, Den- drobium Brymerianum; 2, Dendrobium Devo- nianum ; 3, Dendrobium pulchellum of gardens ; 4, Dendrobium nobile. — Haselmere. 1, Den- drobium fimbriatum oculatum ; 2, Odonto- glossum Rossii ; 3, Selaginella Wildenovii ; 4, Ophiopogon Jaburan variegatum. — H. P., Cardiff. Dendrobium chrysotoxum. — H. C. The S. African Orchid is Angrrecum arcuatum. — Brown Cross. Odontoglossum triumphans. — E. W. Templetonia glauca. Peach-trees : G. A. Care should be taken to clean Peach-trees of aphis before the flower- buds open, because it is not advisable to fumigate or syringe the trees during that period. In your case you had better vaporise with XL-All as soon as the flowers have set, and use the syringe or garden engine well afterwards. Black-aphis is a destructive pest, and must be cleared out. Palm : E. H. G. We have had no experience with green paint as a means of adding green colouring to the tips of Palm leaves that have become brown. Many cultivators cut these brown tips off, and although we do not like to see a " clipped " Palm, this would be preferable to one that was painted ! But if you think otherwise you have only to mix some paint to a shade resembling that of a Palm, and apply it to the tips. Its application will not hurt the Palm, because the tips, if brown, are dead already. Phosnix : W. J. All Palms require a little shade from hot sunshine. The Phcenix would have a good effect in the sub-tropical garden, but it would be prudent to select a position where it would get comparative shade, or the leaves would be likely to lose their green colouring. Starlings : J. E. J. Though we are not pre- pared to assert that starlings will not help themselves to ripe Cherries, we do say that they are essentially insectivorous birds, and the good they will do during the year will greatly outbalance the lo3s they may cause by an occasional indulgence in dessert. They are not fond of ripe fruits in the sense that Blackbirds are. Tomatos : Beginner. Some of the best varieties for out-of-door cultivation are Holme's Su- preme, Laxton's Open Air, Carter's Outdoor, Comet, and Early Empress. You may obtain seeds from any respectable firm of seedsmen. Trials at Chiswick : W. B. Owing to the Royal Horticultural Society having given up possession of the Chiswick Gardens as from May 1, there can be no more trials carried out there. It is, however, most likely that similar experiments will be conducted at the new gar- den at Wisley. If you address an enquiry to the Secretary, 117, Victoria Street, Westmin- ster, he will no doubt supply you with parti- culars of the regulations that govern the trials. Xtlaria in Mushroom-bed : E~. S. R. This fungus is no d^ubt introduced with the manure. Many sorts of fungi come up even in the most carefully prepared spawn. It is no fault of the spawn-maker. When the pure culture is per- fected these accidents will not happen; at present it is only in the experimental stage. " Veltha : " R. H., Belgrave. We do not know the constituents of this, and can therefore pronounce no opinion on it. It is recommended by the makers as a fungicide, and would there- fore not be specially suitable for employment against red spider. Vine Border: R. H, Belgrave. If you have " earthworms, eel-worms, and wireworms " in your early vine border indoors, you had best get rid of the border itself. Lime-water is much too mild a remedy for use against such hardened foes. Communications Received.— J. W.— E. M.— C. P. B.— W. C.-A. D.-G. B. M. R.— C. T.— J. M.— W. & 8.. Coveni Garden— J. B.— E B , Braintree— H. T. B.— J. IX— T. H. T— H. F. T.-Dn. B. F.— W. C— R. N.- Lacey— G. A. B.-W. C. & Son— T. Wiokworth (with thanks)- J V. & Sons— W. T H.— J. O'B.— E. H. G.~ J. F. Duthie— L. B. & Co., Yokohama— W. W. Pettl- grew-F. P.-W. K.-R. P. B.— Expert-R. A. R.-W. J. Dsson— Young Gardener, rrance-S. A.— C. T. D. Continued Increase in the Circulation of tn* "GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. IMPORTANT TO ADVERTISER8. — The Publisher Hat the satisfaction of announcing that the circulation of the " Gardeners' Chronicle " has, since the reduction in IM price of the paper, more than **■ TREBLED. "W (For Markets and Weather, see pp. xiv. & xv.) April 23, 1904.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 257 THE (Santera' 0|hnmiclc No. 90* —SATURDAY, April 23, 1904. CONTENTS. Alpine garden, the— Mountain gardens ... 265 Anemone Pulsatilla 287 New or noteworthy Friiillarla Sieheana 267 plants— Iris atro-purpurea... 2(i8 ro;logvne venusta... 259 Primula mini ma ... 26 -i Ddudrobium bella- Primulas megasese- tnlum 268 folia, var. superoa 267 New Zealand, emlgra Schizocodon solda- tion to 266 nelloides 268 Nursery notes— S lortia galacifolia Veitch. Jas. & Sons. 250 and S. uniflorA 267 26 i Dean, R , llounslow 361' A pple Ecklinville Seed- Obituary— ling 167 Carmichael, WilJUu) 267 Belvoir Castle, spring Youog. Alexander... 267 (loners at 261 Odontoglossutns, Hie Books, notices of— Oikwooi collection Field Operations of of 2*1 the Bureau of Soils 265 Pond, scum on 272 Bulbs in the Royal I'oia I,, diseases 257 Parks 264 Societies- Carbonic acid gas and Devon Daffodil and vegetation 265 Spring Flower ... 271 Celsia cretica 267 Glamorgan Itttlodil Departmental Fruit and Spring Flower 271 Committee, the 26S National Auricula Ciisseldorf Horticul- and Primula 270 tural Exhibition, the 261 Royal Botauic 271 lEucharis, note on the Royal Horticultural 368 [lowering of 272 Royal Horticultural Freemasonry aud gir- of Ireland 271 deniDg 262 Soil, the nature of the 266 .— diseased potato : internal spotting. very freely. The pseudo-bulbs are fusiform- oblong, about 3 inches long, and they bear three to four oblong or elliptical-oblong leaves, 1 to If inch long by 5 to 9 lines broad, and one to three terminal flowers, which are very large for the size of the plant ; the sepals measuring 9 to 10 lines, and the petals 10 to 12 lines long. The latter are united with the foot of the column and prolonged behind into a broad mentum or * Rolfe in Journ. Linn. Snc.t xxxvi., p 10. t Vrch Rev., 1903, p. 103. sac some 4 to 5 lines long, which is obtuse, not acute, as in all other members of the Formosse group, to which it evidently belongs, for it haa the characteristic black hairiness on the pseudo- bulbs and leaves from which the other name of the group, Nigro-hirsutae, was derived. The lip- is pandurately trilobed, and 13 to 15 lines long, with the side lobes rounded, and the front lobe- obcordately bilobed, while the disc bears five "ivfFj.J' Fig. do.— plant of piiytophthora infestans showing the conidial stage. (Highly magnified.) verrucose keels. Micholitz describes the plant as growing in dense tufts, the leaves as glaueons> the sepals and petals as white, the front lobe of Fig. in.— winter-hot (nectbia solani! Showing outward appearance. Natural size.) April 23, 1904.] THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E. 259 the lip reddish - orange, the side lobes pale cinnabar to carmine, and the disc and basal parts of the lip and column as generally dark cinnabar or carmine, but in some flowers he says the whole flower is light cinnabar coloured. It is a very striking little plant. It may be interesting to mention that the Indian Dendrobiums, chrysanthum, clavatum, and Gibsoni, were all found in the Yunnan collections, together with a new yellow-flowered species described as D. Hancockii ; also Cyin- bidium grandiflorum and Paphiopedilum Parishii, from which it is evident that the flora of Yunnan is of a remarkable character. R. A. Rolfe. Chown). D. A Fusaiium snore, germinatiue and producing a third iorm oi truit (Cephalosporiiini!. Highly magnified, i A-eigerous form of fruit (Sectria), developing on the pustule that previously bore the conidial forms of fruit. Highly magnified, p. A'.u? containing eight spores, produced by the Nectria iorm of fruit. Highly magnified. a plant which has enough oxalic acid in its stem to take out ink-stains ; the interesting Squirting Cucumber (Ecbalium Elaterium), once so largely used in medicine ; the hoary foliage and yellow flowers of Cineraria maritima, and the brilliant blue of Borago officinalis remind one of an English garden, while the brilliant red and blue of Ana"allis arvensis, the common Pimpernel, take3 Fig. hi.— black scab ob wabty disease of potatos. 260 THE GARD ENER S ' CUR ONI CL E. [APBIL 23, 190#. one back in an instant to our own fields and hedge-banks. The pretty white-tufted heads of Alyssum maritimum, with its smell of honey ; the elegant Fumaria capreolata, the stately Asphodelus albus, the quaint Monkey's Pipe (Arisarum vulgare), with its chocolate-coloured spathe, and the vivid purple blossoms of Mesem- bryanthemum acinaciforme, tell us that we are in the sunDy South. How odd it looks to see the rubbish-heaps on the side of the new dock covered with orange-red Nasturtiums, and the dusty roadsides brightened with our common garden Marigold! A burnt patch pro- duces Fumaria hygrometrica, just as it does in England, while a few yards off is a red Geranium bush apparently killed by Schizophyllum com- mune— for if this odd Agaric is not a parasite here, it looks uncommonly like one. Fungi, too, are represented ; the Hollyhocks and Mallows are covered by Puccinia malvacearum, while the dark- green leaves of Smyrnium olustratun are spotted with the golden aecidicspores of P. Smyrnii. These are a few of the points which strike an THE OAKWOOD ODONTO- GLOSSUMS. The Orchid collection belonging to Mr. Norman Cookson at Oakwood, Wylam-on-Tyne, has for years past been among the most prominent of private collections in this country. A few of the Odontoglossums for which the garden i3 famous are represented in the illustration (see fig. 115, p. 201), which is reproduced from a photograph taken early in March. Most of the plants were afterwards exhibited at the Koyal Horticultural Society's meeting on March 22 last, when the Society's Gold Medal was awarded to the group. Asmany of the varieties of O. crispum and the several hybrids named above have within the past jear or two received awards and certi- ficates, there will be no need to dwell on their description, as any record required can be found by reference to the reports in the Gardeners' Chronicle of the meetings when such awards were made. A great deal has been written both for and against the uc.e of leaf-soil as an ingredient in the Fig. 114. — odontoglobsum x ardentjssimum "cooksonje.' ordinary observer who had never visited Spain before. The Agave is largely used as a hedge plant along the railways; in many cases it had evidently flowered, as the old plants were dying down and being replaced by scores of young ones. The Cork woods are a great place of resort for picnics by those who live near them Many interesting plants grow here, for in-' stance, on the old trees the Hare's-foot Fern (Davallia) takes the place of our Polypodium vul- gare. Two species of blue Iris were in flower, while plants of our own I. fcetidissima and pseudo-acorus were frequent. The shiny leaves of Smilax aspera, and a prickly Solanum were dis- tinctly Spanish. In Seville the grand Palms (Phcenix dactylifera) in the public square give a very Oriental look to the city, while the air was simply loaded with the perfume of the Orange- flowers. Around Granada the corn-fields were brightened by the purple heads of the wild Gladiolus, while on the railway banks the pale pink blossom of the Cistus and the blue and yellow Lupines brightened the vegetation. Charles B. Plowright, M.D.,of King's Lynn, in the Mediter- ranean, 36° 09' N., 5° 03' W , April 13, 1904, R.M.8. " Oratava." potting compost. Many cultivators I know have not found the success they expected from its use, and have concluded that no advantages are to be obtained from it. I do not suppose there is a trade collection in the country where plants have been propagated to the extent they are at Oakwood. As these results are produced by the inclusion of a considerable proportion of leaf-soil in the potting compost, there can be no doubt that its use is advantageous. Success or failure with it depends almost entirely upon the treat- ment afforded the plants by those having charge of them. No one should adopt leaf- soil cultivation for Orchids who is unable to afford root waterings with discretion and care. It is a difficult matter to get young gardeners to give sufficient attention to this matter ; a large col- lection of plants can only be partly overlooked by the " responsible head." Where the use of leaf- soil is properly understood there is little fear of its being d iscarded. Not only does it save using so much peat, but the labour in potting and general attention is so greatly diminished that a man can attend to nearly twice the number of plants that he could manage under the old system. Complaints are made as to the quality of the flowers, many contending that with leaf-soil inr the potting compost there is an absence of texture which affects the durability of the flowers. This also depends upon the treatment given the plants. With the greater amount of compost the plants obtain more feeding matter, and the larger pseudo-bulbs take so much more ripening than small ones that considerably more- light is necessary properly to mature the growths. Unless proper ripening is effected, unsatisfactory results are, as a natural course, bound to occur. The plants in the illustration will show that satis- factory results are obtained even as far north as- Newcastle-on-Tyne from the inclusion of leaf-soih to the extent of one-third, and there is no reason why better results should not be obtainable in more favourable situations. Odontoglo3sum x ardentissimum var. Cooksonfe- (see fig. 114-) is one of the beautiful hybrids de- rived from the intercrossing of O. crispum Franz. Masereeland O. Pescatorei. It is remarkable the- influence the O. crispum parent has had on the- colouring matter of the offspring, the rich violet- purple markings being ODly slightly less in degree; than in the above-named species. It is a distinct and desirable addition, and was awarded a F.C.C.. when exhibited in the group of plants mentioned above. NURSERY NOTES. MESSRS. JAMES VEITCH & SONS. One of the attractions at the famous nursery in the King's Road, Chelsea, at the present timet is the collection of Hippeastrums or Amaryllis, as. these showy bulbous plants are still called by many gardeners. Most readers of the Gardeners" Chronicle know that Messrs. Veitch have given close attention to these plants for many years past, and the persistent cross-breeding in this establishment and in others has been followed by very satisfactory results. If the measure- of progress obtained now is rather less than formerly, it is because the field for improvement, has become narrower after each attainment. Trie- visitor to-day sees more than the result of one year's work ; he sees in the seedling plants now in flower the cumulative effort of all the skilT and care which have been exercised since the- commencemeiit. The Hippcastrum is now a decorative plant from every point of view, and a. collection of plants affords flowers of great va- riation in colour. For this reason, Hippeastrums- are increasingly popular in gardens, as we have reason to know from observation, but at the- same time it may be doubted whether their- l>eauty and utility are appraised generally so highly as they should be. A conspicuous feature of the Chelsea plants is- their good condition. The cultivation afforded them appears to be perfect. They throw up their spikes of flowers with surprising freedom and" strength ; in one case we measured a spike that was 2 feet 9 inches in length, and being unusually strong they bear numerous large flowers. In many instances four wide-mouthed, brilliantly-coloured flowers are expanded at the same time. The- plants were potted and started into growth in the middle of February, and the pots are plunged to the rim in tan, which generates a little warmth that induces root action in proportion to growth. Young gardeners may be reminded that all such bulbs as Hippeastrums are greatly benefited by such plunging in moderate warmth; not only are. the roots maintained in conditions of greater uniformity, but the plants make stronger growth if the roots become active first. The varieties are so numerous that we shall con- tent ourselves by naming a few only that appeared to possess greatest merit. Ronda is a spreading flower, having a white ground and scarlet veining » there is a little green colour at the base, and each, segment is unusually wile. Finedon is a crimson. APBIL 23, 1904.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 261 self, very rich in colour, but equally bright in appearance. Acia has the three lower segments white, but possesses a little veining of colour on the upper segments ; it is a very attractive variety of high quality. Verna is very deep crimson ; the flowers are of good form, but the tips of the segments are pointed, and the general shape preserves more of the true character of the Hippeastrum than some of the varieties that more nearly approximate to the regularity and uncharacteristic form preferred by the florists. Dante is such an one, being as round as a Hippe- astrum-flower is often seen ; it is white marked with scarlet, and has a green centre. Norma is very attractive, its flowers expand widely, and in not until they are four or even five years old, even though they are produced by seeds from the same pod. The average time may be said to be three years. In the other houses may be seen plants of one kind or another, most of them having the attractive condition consequent upon making the first spring growth. The house of Caladiums. for instance, is already beautiful, and full of promise. The colour tints are almost innu- merable, and there are several unnamed seed- Hags that will add further variety to the collec- tion. At present the plants are in a warm atmosphere in one of the newer houses with a narrow doorway; but some time before the date „ balsaminiSorum, in several colours, are specially useful to the florists. The packing-shed was gay with Orchids, destined, to be taken to the Drill Hall on the day following,. April 19, see p. 269. The effect in the warm rocker y was most pleasing of all. The pretty Ferns, witk a little fresh growth upon them, studded here and. there by handsome foliage plants, and Tillandsias- and VrieBias placed in suitable positions by some one well used to effective arrangement, were brightened by a considerable number of An- thuriums carrying highly-coloured spathes. Some of the varieties of A. Scherzerianum were remark- able ; one of them had a spathe measuring. ,tik~>h inches by 6 inches, and possessed high colour. Fig. 115. — a GRour of mb. cooksox's odoxtoglossums. It '• 1, l, Typical O. crispum; 2. C. X exccllcns " Prince oi Orange"; 3. O. x Ruliea' " Oakwood variety "; 4, O x Andersoniaimrir Cooksonianum ; P, O. Wilckeanum "Sibyl " ; H, O crispunr Kinlesideanum : 7. O. c. purpurascens ; 8, O. e. Lucrum ; 9, O. c. Maria;; lt>. O. loocliristyense Cooksome ; V, O. c. Massangeauuni. (See p. '260.) The figures, >n white, art placed on the respective flowers, but an so inconspicuous thai a glass is necessary to enable them to be seen distinctly. colour they are rich shrimp -pink with white. Marsus is a good type of a mottled flower ; colour scarlet-and-white. Lyso has also mottled flowers with veins of pale pea- green colour. An unnamed seedling is one of the deepest crimson, having no sign of any other colour ; like most of these self-coloured crimson varieties the flowers are of moderate size only. Clonia is one of the varieties nearly approaching to pure white; but the purest is named Cyrus, whose flowers are smaller than those of Her Majesty, which for some years was among the lightest-coloured in the collection. [Since this note wa3 written Mrs. Burns has exhibited a pure white variety at the Royal Horticultural Society's meetmg, see p. 269.] Tbe largest flowers of all were those of a variety named Brabanti, which has segments 4> inches across, and flowers 9 inches across ; the colour is red with green centre. We may add that some seed- lings flower when they are two years old, others of the Temple Show they will be taken from thence into the Palm-house, for such specimens as are shown at " the Temple " would never pass through this doorway. There are stocks of most stove-plant? still at Chelsea, and they can be cultivated there perfectly well. Those plants that fail, and are perforce removed to country quarters at Feltham, <&c, are species that make some growth, or flower during the winter months. In the " flower-house " were double Lilac?, Richardia Childsii (suitable for a vase), Astilbes, Heaths, double-flowered Stocks, Boronias, re- tarded Liliums, Rhododendrons, &c. Among the Himalayan Rhododendrons were those well-known varieties Veitchii, exoniensis, and Lady Alice Fitzwilliam. The Javanicum type is in a separate structure, where the three yellow varieties, Cloth of Gold, King Edward, and Exquisite, are now very beautiful. Purity is an attractive white variety ; and the double-flowered varieties of R. Mr. Dean's Coloured Primroses. The genus Primula includes some of our most interesting and beautiful spring flowers. Among the many flowers which adorn our native woods and hedge-rows, none is more popular or better loved than the common Prim- rose— Primula vulgaris. In many gardens, too, the humble Primrose is planted, and occupies a place along with its showy relatives, the Poly- anthus and Auricula. Of late years a new class of Primroses has arisen, called Coloured Prim- roses, for by careful selection and cross-breeding the raisers of these flowers have been enabled to present to u? most charming colours, ranging from white to deep crimson, and further still to lilac-blue. Foremost amongst those- persons who have worked for this attain- ment is that well - known authority on florists' flowers, Mr. Richard Dean. We |were recently invited by this gentleman to visit his. 262 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 23, 1904. stock of coloured Primroses in bis nursery at Hounslow, on the Bath Road, and were there shown a fine collection of these pretty flowers. One could not but feel impressed with the great break which has been made in colour from the ordinary yellow of our native species ; and it would be interesting to know what blood has been introduced to produce such a distinct acqui- sition. We noticed in many of the plants a ten- dency to "truss," and assume a habit resem- bling that of the "Fancy" or " Giant " Poly- anthus, and half suspect that it is through this source that many of the colours owe their origin. The Polyanthus itself is supposed to have origi- nated through Primula vulgaris, in which the common Cowslip, P. veris, may have played a part. In selection, all those showing a Poly- anthus tendency are eliminated, and only seed is saved from those of the true Primrose type. A further rule which obtains among authorities upon these flowers is that the bloom should possess a, thrum eye, and all with the pin eye or pro- truded style are ignored, whatever other -qualities the flower may possess. This to us seems arbitrary, and involves the seclusion of many otherwise good plants. Nature has en- dowed the Primrose tribe with an admirable arrangement to avoid self-fertilisation. In some plants the stigma is long and at the top of the ■eye, with stamens situated some distance down the tube ; in other flowers this order is reversed, the stamens occupying the upper portion of the tube with the stigma below. It is only that pollen which is shed from upper stamens which ■can fertilise the flowers with the long stigmas, and vice versa. The reason for this is found in the comparative size of the pollen grain, which differs in the two forms of flowers, the upper anthers shedding larger pollen grains with enough substance to produce a pollen tube long ■enough to penetrate the longer style, while the pollen from the other kind of anthers is smaller, and only adapted to fertilise those flowers which possess a shorter style. For our own part we were as much taken with the pin- eyed varieties, provided they possessed suitable qualities, as with the thrum-eyed ones. Nevertheless, in showing these flowers one must not lose sight of these facts. A bed of white varieties included plants with flowers of good form, substance, and purity ; and the numbers of flowers on each plant was indicative of their proliferous character. The varieties also included flowers of yellow, lilac, purple, mauve, crimson, and almost every shade ■of red, and a fine strain of "blue." The blue varieties seem less hardy than the others, and appear to require a more favourable situa- tion, or even a cold frame, in order to cul- tivate them successfully ; still they are probably the most fascinating of the whole class, and are deservedly the mo3t popular. Many of the crimson flowers were over an inch across, and when it is mentioned that several plants were bearing several dozen flowers, some idea of their beauty may be imagined. We were much struck with the pleasing appearance of some double-flowered varieties, which, although by no means new, will not easily be surpassed for effect. These included Cecil Ehodes, fine rosy-pink ; Arthur Dumollin, a deep violet; and Marie Crousse, lilac. Some other beds contained plants of Polyanthus, of which some of the Hose-in-Hose varieties were most interesting ; the calyx of this class, being transformed into a petaloid disc, thus give the appearance of one flower superposed on another. TREES AND SHRUBS. RHODODENDRON DELAVATI. This is one of the many species of Rhodo- dendron from Western China which we owe to the Abbe Delavay, Dr. Henry, and other col- lectors. Although it has been in cultivation at least fifteen years (I saw seedlings of it in the Jardin des Plantes, Paris, in 1889), it is only now flowering for the first time in the garden of Thomas Acton, Esq , Kilmacurragh, Co. Wicklow, to whom I am indebted for a flower-head, with the information that the plant was sent to him from Kew in 1894. Mr. Moore also writes to say that he saw the plant at Kilmacurragh, where it has formed a large bush, and is now bearing twelve trusses of very fine dark-red flowers. On comparing Mr. Acton's flowers with the type in the Kew Herbarium, I find it is R. Delavayi without a doubt ; at the same time it bears a very close resemblance to R. arboreum, one of the most variable and widely distributed of the Indian species of Rhododendron. The Kew examples of R. Delavayi have not yet flowered, and it is possible that the conditions in the temperate - house, where they are grown, are not so favourable to the plant as are those of the open air at Kilmacurragh. In the specimen received the leaves are from 5 to 7 inches lonsj, not more than 1| inch long, narrowing gradually to the ba;e, more abruptly to the apex, shining dark-green above, the im- pressed nerves giving a wrinkled appearance ; the under surface pale ferruginous tomentose. Flower-head comprising about thirty bell-shaped flowers on woolly pedicels about ^ inch long, calyx-lobes short and angular, corolla 1-J inch long. 2 inches across, resembling in every detail a good dark form of R. arboreum. R Delavayi is found in the chalk mountains of Houang-lipin, Yunnan, at an elevation of over 8,000 feet. There are said to be over seventy distinct species of Rho- dodendron in Western China, of which only about one-tenth are in cultivation, unless more have lately been added by Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons' collector, Mr. H. Wilson. W. W. Freemasonry and Gardening. — A new Lodge has been formed by members of the National Amateur Gardeners' Association, and Mr. T. W. Sandeks installed as Master. The name of the Lodge is "Philanthic," combining the words " love " and " flowers." The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Grower to Sir Thevob Lawrence. Bart., Burtord, Dorking. Cattleyas and Loelio-Cattleyas. — Many of these plants are now commencing to make numerous roots from the last-made pseudo-bulbs ; others are beginning to push forth new growths, and these will also make roots quickly. If such plants need to be repotted, the work should be done at once, for by delaying the operation until the roots are longer there will be danger of these being injured in the process. Healthy plants having sufficient room for further growth should have the surface moss removed and fresh moss applied. If the plants have been previously potted in the new leaf-soil mixture it will be found in some cases that the compost has become somewhat loose ; this, if in bad condition, should be carefully picked out ; but if the soil has not deteriorated in any way it may be gently pushed down among the roots, and the pot refilled with new compost. Unhealthy plants should be turned out of their pots, thoroughly cleansed, cutting away all dead parts, repotting them afterwards into pots as small in size as can be used for them. When repotting thriving speci- mens that are well rooted, carefully break the old pot with a hammer, removing the pieces of crock by degrees, taking care to avoid injuring the roots more than can be helped, many of these inside the pot being in full activity. Cut away any old leafless pseudo-bulbs, as about three bulbs behind each young growth are suffi- cient to assist its proper development ; but where the whole of the plant is in good condition and the leaves are perfect, it is advisable to cut the rhizome halfway through in several places, and if the back eyes are souud, they will in time commence to grow, and so greatly assist to form a fine compact specimen. Make use of plenty of dry Fern-rhizome from the peat as drainage materials, especially for the large plants, and over this place a layer of rough moss or peat to sup- port the compost, which should consist of fibrous peat, leaf-soil and sphagnum-moss in equal parts, thepeat and moss beingcut up roughly. Addamode- rate quantity of coarse silver sand, and mix the whole together thoroughly. Mike the compost around each plant moderately firm, and fill up to within half an inch of the rim of the pot, then surface with chopped living sphagnum-moss. When the operation is completed, afterwards supply each plant with a moderate amount of water, and sub- sequently afford the surface moss only just suffi- cient moisture to keep it fresh and green. When affording water, use a fine rose watering-can, there being less danger of over-watering than when the spout only is used. It is very necessary that those who are inexperienced in the use of this potting material, and especially now that the plants have a greater depth of compost to root into, should bear these directions in mind as re- gards watering, for more Cattleyas and Lselias have been ruined by over- watering than by any other cause. During the past week I have re- potted many of these plants, including C. exoni- ensis, C. Percivalliana, C. labiata (autumn- flowering), C. Gaskelliana, C. maxima, C. Dor- maniana, C. Warneri, C. Iris, C. Maronii, C. Wm. Murray, &c. ; also such Laelio-Cattleyasas elegans, Normanii, Ingrami, Lucasiana, Charlesworthi, Ophir, Senartii, purpuiato-Schilleriana, Lselia Helen, &c.,and numerous seedlings. In every case I have found that the best-rooted plantswere those which had been kept moderately dry underneath and the moss on the surface just moist. After repotting, and until growth is well advanced and the roots are again in full activity, the plants should be shaded from strong sunshine. Syringe well between the pots several times each day. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. Mabkham, gr., Wrotham Park, Barnet. Dishudding. — The growth of fruit-trees will now be more rapid, and Peach and Nectarine trees against south walls protected with glass coping will be among the first to require atten- tion in the matter of disbudding, which should be commenced when the young shoots are 2 inches long. Disbudding is a very important operation, and should never be left to inexperi- enced men. When disbudding at this early period do not be too severe, but remove a few of the foreright shoots and those at the back of the shoots. After this, gradually remove in the course of a few dajs any other superfluous 6hoots until only sufficient for fruiting next year remain. The operations of disbudding and thinning of the shoots of Peach and Nectarine trees should extend over a long period. In many cases the young wood upon wall trees is allowed to become cio*>ded, and consequently the shoots fail to ripen. More especially does this occur in old trees. When disbudding take care to select and preserve one shoot at the base of each bearing branch, and on the upper side when possible ; also another at the top to form the leader. Others may be left at intervals, some for training over old branches and others for covering wall space. The leaders must not be stopped if there be room fur them to extend, but those which have reached their limitation should be pinched at three joints from the base, and the shoot trained from the base should replace this as soon as the fruits have been gathered. Let the aim be to keep the trees from bottom to top well furnished with healthy fruiting wood. Keep a watchful eje on the trees for aphides, and should they put in an appearance lose no time in checking them, otherwise much harm will be done to the new growth. Quassia extract is a safe and effective remedy. See that the leaves are made thoroughly wet with the extract, and repeat the operation at intervals, until the leaves have been thoroughly cleansed. Occasional use of the extract will be better than employing one or two heavy dressings at this early stage of growth. April 23, 1904.] THE GARD EN Ell S ' C II R ONI CL E. ^0o Apricots. — Look over the trees and reduce the number of new shoots where they are likely to be too numerous. Young trees should be attended to early in this respect — selecting the most suit- able shoots for training to mak^ the foundation of a tree. The fruits of the Apricot frequently set in clusters, and these clusters should be thinned early, removing, as a matter of course, some of the smaller fruits, and those that are ill-placed; but the final thinning should be left for some time yet. Trees having a protection of glass-coping should be examined, and if the roots are found to be dry, afford them water before the trees suffer. Although the rain- fall last season was heavy, borders that are raised above the ground-level, provided with good drainage, and screened with glass copings, very quickly become drier than is good for the trees. PLANTS UNDEB GLASS. By C. K. Fieldeb, Gardener to Mrs. bcbns. North Mymms Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Violets. — Young plants should now be planted to form clumps for winter flowering. Where runners were taken off au the end of the autumn, and dibbled into a few inches of soil in a cold frame from which the lights have been removed for the last week or two, hardy well-rooted little plants will be available. If no provision of this kind has been made, it will be necessary to divide the old plants and make use of the rooted side- shoots or crowns which are to be found around the centre crown; and provided these young crowns are healthy and free from red-spider, they will make good clumps by the autumn. The plantation should, if possible, be made in a posi- tion where partial shade will be afforded during the hottest part of the summer. We get the best results here from plants grown in the kitchen-garden on the north side of the rows of Eunner Beans. The soil should have been deeply dug during the winter, and manured with well- rotted dung. The large-flowered single varieties Princess of Wales, Luxonne, La France, &c, flower wonderfully well if, instead of being trans- planted into pits in the autumn, rough shallow frames be placed over the plants where they are grown. If this plan is adopted the plantation should be made of a width to suit the frames, which should be placed over the plants upon the approach of frost in autumn. The single varieties may be planted about 14 inches asunder, while 12 inches will be sufficient for the doubles. Sprinkle the plants with water through a rose- can, or syringe in the evenings during hot weather ; it will check the attacks of red-spider. Hoe between the plants frequently, and remove all runners as soon as they appear. Chrysanthemums. — The earliest struck plants, now in 3-inch and 4^inch pots, should be suffi- ciently well rooted to require potting into others 6 inches in diameter. Let the strongest plants be taken in hand first, but if when turned out of their pots any of the plants are found to be insufficiently rooted, these should be left for another week or ten days. The compost for this potting may consist of three parts good fibrous loam, half part flaky leaf-soil, halt part well- rotted manure, together with sufficient coarse silver or river sand to keep the soil porous. In potting make the soil moderately firm; but in connection with this, allowance should be made for the character of the loam employed. After potting return the plants to a pit or frame, and keep the atmosphere somewhat close for a few days, after which the lights may again be re- moved during the daytime. If the potting soil is sufficiently moist at the time it is used, the plants should not require water for several days after being repotted. THE KITCHEN GABDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C H. B. Fibth, Esq., Asbwieke Hall Marsh field. ChippeDham. Walltsand Alleys. — Now that the work of wheeling manure to the quarters, nlso digging and trenching the ground is nearly finished, tr.e garden should be made as tidy as possible. Where borders are formed to large quarters with an alley between them, let these alleys be made now. The usual width varies from 18 inches to 2 feet. Peg off the breadth of the alley, allowing for 1 inch at least to be cut off when the line is laid on. Make the centre about 2 inches deep, placing the soil on either side. Tread and make level on the surface with the back of the spade, and when finished stretch the line at the distance required, and form a neat edge by striking the back of the spade towards the line and the edge downwards at the same time. This movement with the spade can only be gained by practice, and it is seldom a man is found who can do it well, yet the appearance of the work when finished is very much superior to that made with the down cut only. Walks. — Examine the edgings, and get all put straight before commencing to hoe and clean the walks, which should be done thoroughly well. We prefer asphalt walks to all others for the kitchen-garden. Such walks, though a little more expensive to make, are cheapest in the end if well made. Little labour is required to keep them clean and free from weeds. The best time to make asphalt walks is in dry, warm weather, and those who intend making these should have everything in preparation, so that the work may be done expeditiously when the weather becomes favourable. As a foundation we have 3 or 4 inches of broken stones placed level, over which we spread the asphalt. The asphalt, if well rolled, will work into the crevices between the stones and bind them together, so that the walk when finished will become like a rock, and not so liable to crack as when the asphalt is laid on a level surface. French Beans that were sown in gentle warmth' and intended for planting- out, should be removed to a cold frame to harden. If the ground is of a heavy nature and wet, make another sowing in small pots for planting-out. Place these also in a cold frame, and keep the lights close until the seed has germinated. Afford air to crops indoors, and keep the atmosphere in a suitable condition by damping the surfaces in the house when required. A dry atmosphere is favourable to red-spider, thrip, and other pests. Seed Sowing. — Seeds of Beetroot may now be sown for an early crop on light soil. Dell's Black we consider to be a good all-round variety. A small sowing of the Spinach variety will be found useful. Sow main crop of Carrots when the ground is in a good condition. Rake the soil into a fine mould, draw shallow drills, and cover the seeds lightly. Sow seeds of Endive, Lettuce, Radish, and Turnip for succes- sion. Maintain a supply of salads. The Weather and Slugs. — Inspect growing crops, particularly seedlings that are coming through the ground, for owing to the showery weather slugs are everywhere on rough or heavy soil. We find it a continual fight to get plants beyond their reach. FRUITS UNDEB GLASS. By W. Ftfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge Park, Wantage. Melons. — In the case of plants growing on a trellis some kind of support will be necessary for the laterals carrying fruit. Ties of raffia round the stalk of the fruit will be found sufficient for them whilst of small size, but as the fruits in- crease in weight nothing is more effective or neat than a piece of netting 9 inches square supported at each corner to receive the entire weight of the fruit. When the fruits near ma- turity there is danger of some varieties split- ting, if the house is closed with a high temperature and much moisture. A drier and cooler atmosphere, with a corresponding dryness at the roots, is therefore necessary for some days previous to gathering the fruits. A true indica- tion of maturity is a partial severance of the fruit from the stem ; and if the fruit be detached too soon it will detract from its appearance. Canker in many instances is caused by a twist or bruise when the plants are young, and in others by employing too rich a soil and making it insuffi- ciently firm. The collar of our plants is kept high ; our soil is only moderately rich, and is made firm, and we apply all water direct upon the stem. Attend to succession plants as pre- viously advised ; and keep up the supply by further sowings. Cucumbers. — Almost daily attention will be- required to the stopping, thinning, and tying of the shoots. Do not overcrop the plants. Main- tain a moist atmosphere, and afford copious appli- cations of tepid liquid-manure. Whenever the roots appear on the surface give the plants light dressings of loam, half -decayed leaves, and stable droppings, and occasionally a little soot. Remove old leaves as they become discoloured. Do not overheat the water-pipes or admit air on. cold, windy days, which would favour red-spider. Let the night temperature be 653 to 70°, and by day with sunheat 103 or 15" higher. Admit air- when the temperature is 75°, and increase the amount gradually as the temperature rises. Close the house early, and syringe with tepid water. Make preparations for planting Cucum- bers in frames. Sow seeds every few weeks for succession. Tomatos. — Plants raised from seeds sown in, the autumn and treated as I advised, will be- making rapid progress. A free circulation of warm air has induced the fruits to "set," and has kept in check the much-dreaded disease. If too much moisture be afforded at the roots or in the atmosphere, aerial roots will form on the- stem, and 6pots on the leaves. The leaves, will sometimes curl from the same cause, or it may be from extreme temperature or draughts. If space was allowed for top-dressing plants in pots, light applications of wood-ashes will be beneficial. Gather the fruits as soon as- they commence to colour. Repots plants for- fruiting later and for planting out-of-doors. THE FLOWEB GABDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Peajbson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. Lawns.— Recently-laid turf should be rolled as> often as is practicable. Low turves will require- to be lifted, and if there are signs of moss, sow finely-sifted wood ashes, and lightly brush this- into the surface. If the same ground be used for playing tennis every year, apply a good dressing; of soot at this season. Should it be necessary, seeds may be sown mixed with fine soil, but this> should not be brushed in on new turf. Herbaceous Phloxes and Pentstemons. — Plant these in good soil that has been manured, and mulch the ground afterwards. Iceland Poppies. — Plants from seeds sown in boxes a few weeks ago that have been properly hardened off, will now be ready for transplanting into beds or borders. Choose a dull quiet day for the work. If the weather afterwards becomes dry and windy place a few boughs of Yew or other evergreen tree among them. Subtropical Plants. — Harden these as they become established, but do not place them in a cold frame for another fortnight. Do not allow the plants to become root-bound or they will lose- their bottom leaves. Fork over the beds in which the subtropical species will be planted, but dc- not apply manure at this date unless the ground, be very poor. The Rock Garden. — Soil will have been got in readiness for the plants, which may now be over- hauled. Strong-growing species must be kept in. check. If climbers are planted they should not be allowed to cover up all the stone, as this was- put there partly for effect. The small-leafedi green and variegated Ivies may be planted, also Hedera obovata, Schizophragma hydrange- oides, and Cotoneaster horizontalis. Ramondia pyrenaica, Primula marginata, Saxifraga api- eulata, and several of the Sedums, are useful for planting in crevices. Where Saxifrages and Sedums can be spared, these may be planted between the stone steps. Meconopsis cambrica (yellow Welsh Poppy) should be planted largely, also the Gentianas, Primulas, and Sedum spec- tabile. Herniaria glabra is useful for covering; unsightly places. Aubrietia Dr. Mules and Primula rosea are among the brightest plants when in flower. Of shrubs, Cistus and Acers- are suitable; and the shrubby Phloxes may be- planted. Cleanse all the ground of weeds, and move the surface of the soil by means of a small hand-fork. 264 THE GARDENERS' CUR ON I CLE. [April 23, 1904. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the Publisher. !_etters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 4lf 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 prmted, but kept as a guarantee of 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 his correspondents. Cllustrations. — The Editor will be glad to 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. Cocal 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. MONDAY, • _„ .,- ( Birmingham Gard. Mut. Imp. APR.-o-j g00 Meet /'Midland Daffodil Society's Show TUESDAY, Ape. 26{ (idays) in the Birmingham [ Botanic Gardens. BALES FOR THE WEEK. WEDNESDAY NEXT, Apbil 27- Azileas, Palms, Nananised Trees. Cannas, Phrcaix, Koses, Liliums, &c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, En., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. — Palms, Azalea indica, Cannas, Violets, Carnations, Lily of the Valley, &e., a'. Stevens' Rooms, 58, Kins; St., Covent Garden, W.C., at 12.30. FKIDvY NEXT, April 29- 6,0»0 Odoutoglossuoi crlspum, 250 Cattleya Men- aeiii, Established Orchids, <&c, at 67 & 68, Cheap- side. E C . by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 30. {Far further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Average Temperature for the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -498. Actual Temperatures :— London. -April 20 (6 p.m.) : Max. 65°; Min. 4i°. April 21, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden (10 a.m.): Temp., 62° ; Bar , 50 5 Weather dull, with cold winds. Provinces. April 20 (6 p.m.): Max. 59°. South-ea!t of England; Min. 44°, Newcastle-on Tyne. The Di'isseldorf Exhibition, na^iona* n'„. which °PfnS >n May- Pr°" Art Exhibition mises to be of exceptional and great importance. It will remain r^>rtic^,tura.' °Pen for some months, and -Show, Dussel- . ' , dorf, 1904. consist, so far as horticul- ture is concerned, of a permanent general exhibition and special periodical meetings. From documents sub- mitted to us we extract the following par- ticulars, which will give some idea of the ■extent and thoroughness of the exhibition. We omit all mention of the department of tine arts, and confine ourselves exclusively to horticultural matters. A committee of more than three hundred persons, comprising the leading home and foreign horticulturists and experts, has been appointed. The general Chairman of the united exhibitions is Professor Fe. Roerer; the departmental work has been entrusted to thirteen sub-committees. The horticul- tural sub-committee consists of the principal nurserymen in Di'isseldorf and its neigh- bourhood. Experts are entrusted with the direction of the separate divisions of the horticultural shows — for example, Pro- fessor Zacharias, Director of the Hamburg botanical gardens, has undertaken the super- intendence of the exhibition of aquatic plants and Lilies ; Otto Beyrodt, of Berlin, that of the Orchids ; Herr Lambert, of Trier, the Roses ; Herr Bornemann, of Dahlias, Herr Schumacher, of Chrysanthemums ; .I. Olbertz, of Erfurt, superintends the wreaths and bouquets; Professor Dr. Noll, of Bonn, the scientific department; Pro- fessor Dr. Hoffmann, of Di'isseldorf, super- vises the exhibition from those German cities that send representations of their public gardens, &c. ; Messrs. B. Seidel, of Dresden, and R. Jprgeks, of Hamburg, act as technical advisers to the general direction of the exhibition; Baron A. von Solemacher-Antweiler, president of the garden, fruit and vegetable committee of the Chamber of Agriculture for the Ehenish provinces, will organise the fruit and vege- table shows, and will arrange the nursery plantations. In addition to the permanent exhibition in the pavilions and in the open-air, the horticultural department will embrace twenty-two special displays at regular in- tervals. One hundred and fifty thousand marks (£7,500) have already been subscribed for money prizes for excellence in horticulture ; the German Emperor has also presented a large and artistic vase as a prize of honour for the best work exhibited. More than thirty towns, with a very large aggregate population, have promised their aid to the undertaking. They will enrich the exhibition with plans, models, and docu- ments as to the laying-out of parks, public institutions, and similar matters. The Scientific Department will furnish information on the many noxious influences which are the plague of every gardener, and will also give advice as to the best means of overcoming them. With the flower, plant, and arboricultural shows proper, there will be associated a comprehensive exhibition of all the technical and industrial products connected with horticulture, the marketing of fruit or the embellishment of parks and gardens. Active participation in this de- partment of theexhibition is already ensured. Director Deneken, of the Kaiser Wilhelm Museum in Crefeld, will institute an inter- national exhibition of vases and other re- ceptacles for displaying flowers ; for this section numerous and interesting articles have been already entered from all European countries. The building, in which the artists of Di'isseldorf will arrange the dioramas de- picting the historical development of the science of horticulture, comprises an area of nearly 5,000 square yards. The building, erected in the purest style of Grecian temple architecture, encloses a courtyard with fountains and garden, at the back of which stands a colossal statue of Ceres over 15 feet high. The courtyard is in addition embellished with suitable mural pictures. The interior proper consists of a series of compartments extending the whole length on both sides, each of which illustrates a certain episode in the historical develop- ment of horticulture, commencing with the Garden of Eden ! and continuing up to the English garden of to-day. Every striking phase in that history is depicted in plastic and picturesque representations. Various congresses will be held during the continuance of the Exhibition, as, for instance, that of the German Dcndrological Society, the Cactus Society, the Chrysanthe- mum Society, the Pomological Society, the Rose Society, the Dahlia Society, the Asso- ciation of German Nurserymen, the Society of Landscape Gardeners, the Society of Ger- man Florists, the "Allgemeiner Gartner Tag," the Congress of Women-Workers in Art and Gardening, and others. Special shows will be held from May 1 to May 3 for Orchid3 ; May 6 to 9, French, Dutch, and Italian cut flowers; May 12 to 15, forced fruit and vegetables, floral deco- rations, bouquets, &c. ; 19 to 24, cut flowers; June 2 to 7, cut flowers from Quedlinburgh. Of other arrangements we may speak later on. An official tourist office (Verkehrsbureau), Emil Hess, No. 10, Wilhelmsplatz, opposite the principal railway station, supplies travellers with every possible information as to lodgings, means of communication, &c. Mr. S. T. Wright.— The address of Mr. S. T. Wright, Garden Superintendent to the Royal Horticultural Society, after April 23 will be Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Wisley, Eipley, Surrey. Spring Flowers at Belvoir Castle.— Our valued correspondent Mr. W. H. Divers writes us that "owing to the lateness of the season the gardens will not be at their best until May 2, but many of the earliest flowers are now very good, especially Aubrietia Hendersoni, white and yellow Polyanthus, Hyacinths in variety, Rho- dodendrons altaclarense and Nobleanum, and various kinds of Narcissi. Saxifraga ligulata is unusually fine this season. The flower gardens are open to the public, and no order to view is required." Presentation. — Upon taking up the duties of General Superintendent of the Birmingham Parks, Mr. W. H. Morter, who was one of the original promoters of the Farnborough Horticul- tural Society, and for eight years Honorary Secretary, has been presented with a handsome marble time-piece and a pair of ornaments to match. A brass plate on the clock bears the following inscription : — " Presented to Mr. W. H. Morter by the members of the Farnborough Horticultural Society in recognition of his ser- vices as Honorary Secretary, on his resignation to take up his duties at Birmingham, 1903." The Late H. Herbst and the Gardening Charities. — We learn from Messrs. G. Nichol- son and W. Bottinq Hemsley, the executors under the will of the late Mr. H. Herbst, that the deceased bequeathed .£100 each to the Royal Gardeners' Benevolent Institution and to the Boyal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. Trinity College, Dublin. — We are glad to be able to announce that Dr. H. H. Dixon has been appointed to succeed Dr. Perceval Wright as Professor of Botany in Trinity College. Dr. Dixon has already won for himself a distinguished position among botanical physiologists. Gardeners' Association for Kingston and District, SURREY.— From a note in the Surrey Comet, sent us by Mr. A. Dean, we obEerve that, at a meeting held in Kingston, it has been decided to establish a Society similar to the mutual improvement societies now so popular over the country. The Secretary pro. tern,, ia Mr. Blencowe, of Kingston Hill. Hyacinths in the Royal Parks. — We are reminded by Messrs. Jas. Carter & Co. that the bulbs are in full flower in the royal parks at the present time, and that they are in fine condition. Displays may be seen in Hyde Park, Kegent's Park, and Kensington Gardens. April 23, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 265 Vegetation under the Influence of Car- gonic Acid Gas. — It has long been known that under certain circumstances growth is stimulated by exposure to carbon dioxide, the assimilation of cirbon by the green leaves under the influence of light being increased. By cultivating on •manure plants under bell-glasses, the quantity of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increased and the vegetation proportionately promoted. 'Previous experiments in this direction have •aither failed or not been attended with successful admit. The soil is of a black, sandy nature^ and has no great staying power. This is just one of the cases in which the exception which heads- this note applies. It is an exception that may apply in various other cases. Of course, in» reporting results as to crop, &c, the cultural difficulties presented in the spring will have tc- be detailed ; but in every case conditions would be more equalised another year were the plots- thus used for the various trials trenched 2 feet deep, and well manured low down during the- winter, certainly some two months or so before planting-time. It is equality of condition in alL respects — which means the same thing as the Socialists' equality of opportunity — which gives to Potato trials so much value and interest. A. crop of Tares, sown as soon as the Potato3 were lifted, to be trenched-in in the winter, would do- great good. A. D. FORCING STRAWBERRY PLANT8.— May I be- permitted to make a few remarks upon the cul- ture of Strawberries for forcing? The first batch- of plants under my charge has not turned out so well as expected. The varieties we grow are Royal Sovereign and Veitch's Perfection ; these- were layered in 3-inch pots, from plants- which had borne fruit for two seasons. I should have preferred layers from youngr plants set out for that purpose. When well rooted they were potted into G-inch pots, iri. a compost of loam, charred refuse, bone meal, with a little soot, also lime-rubble, and some- spent Mushroom-bed manure, to keep it porous... the loam being of a close and retentive nature.. When potted they were placed in the most ex- posed part of the garden, where they would, get all the light, air, and sun possible. Here they remained until they finished their growth. The- first batch was placed in an early vinery, which- had been made ready for forcing, haviDg no other- convenience to shelter them from the continual- bad weather. The Vines were started in the- third week in December. The Strawberries were arranged beneath the Vines, there being no shelves- near the roof. When growth commenced I stirred the surface soil in the pots (where roots would allow) and applied a little guano. This, I am told, is the cause of the plants not doing well. I con- sider it is owing to the dull, sunless season we experienced last year. The plants, having so- little rest and having been exposed to so much wet, were not sufficiently ripened, and did not get sufficient light while under the Vines. I main- tain that to a certain extent the plant is like a bulb, and that, unless the crown (like a bulb) is- well ripened and matured, and given plenty of light, good results cannot be obtained. In other- gardens I have given plants the same treatment, with good results ; I may add that a later batch here, treated in the same manner, but exposed to more light and sun, show all that can be desired. This I consider proof that the plants, having had longer rest, are better ripened, and can stand forcing better. Would some readers who are April 28, 1901.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 267 tpractical cultivators express their opinion on this matter, that, if right, I may be able to convince those with whom I have to deal ? An Interested, Header. CELSIA CRETICA. — During the wet season of 1903 this plant succeeded remarkably well, pre- senting a good appearance till late in the autumn. It grew in several positions in the garden, but, appeared to best advantage at the back of the rockery, where its spikes of yellow flowers of Fox- glove-like growth formed a pleasing contrast to the rock-plants. The plant has also the merit of being a good " bee-flower." E. W. Dean, Wainsford, jLymington. APPLE ECKLINVILLE Seedling— Nearly every- -one in this county (Somerset) who has grown this Apple speaks well of it. As an orchard tree it is being very largely planted, as it is a fine grower, ■making a straight clean stem and a shapely head, and is, when climatic conditions are favourable, a heavy and constant bearer. Certainly the fruits are not good travellers, but they are as good as those of Lord Suffield, Keswick Codlin, and several others. The trees bear well when very young, and will pay for themselves before some, such as Bramley's Seedling and Blenheim Orange Pippin, *>ear at all, when worked on the free stock and ^grown as standard orchard trees. John Etlle, Somerset County Council Agricultural Instruction 'Committee. THE PROPOSED GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. — It is generally admitted that gardeners are •underpaid, therefore if anything can be done to ■secure better pay it surely ought to be supported. There are reasonable employers as well as reason- able employes, and we, the rank and file, who •cannot take part in the organisation, can trust the leaders in this important matter not to do anything unreasonable. Many of these men have nothing to gain but the gratitude of those who will be benefited. Among other subjects which the Association might take up is the bothy question ; it is well known that some bothies are barely 'fit for human habitation. A subject perhaps more important than any other is the training of young gardeners. "What code of rules or system is there in use for definite training in private .gardens ? Do head gardeners generally take a kindly interest in their young men, and en- tourage them to study, giving them- definite lines to work on ? What do we hear about developing our powers of observation ? We are sometimes told to " keep our eyes open." What ■do we hear about the underlying principles of horticulture ? What we do know is often what we find out for ourselves by reading, and which perhaps is best, or by joining a correspondence class, which is expensive to improvers or journey- men. We are often told to do things and shown how to do it : but why do we do it ? Many ex- cellent gardeners have been trained on the old methods — by hard work, endurance, and by find- ing out for themselves ; and their successors are not afraid of any of these methods ; but new prin- ciples, greater knowledge of plants and their requirements, are the order of to-day, and we want to know them. I believe I voice the desire of many a young gardener in England, and we ask the Association to help in this important •question. Shorter hours are not so much a con- sideration with earnest fellows. Geo. H. Head, JCingsdon, Taunton. I have read the correspondence in the Gardeners' Chronicle week by week concerning the -above Association, feeling grateful to those -gentlemen who are giving time and trouble in "trying to better the condition of gardeners. When I say " gardeners " I mean properly-trained men. If the Association does something towards •keeping men from making gardening a dumping- ground it will be doing a grand work. Mr. Mills states he cannot see that it will benefit the gar- dener, and that the real and true gardener has not been unearthed. I do not know Mr. Mills, but I do know there are plenty of real and true gardeners who are being ousted from the pro- fession by men who think they are gardeners, the majority of whom scarcely know a Rose from a ■Carnation, and who will work for a low wage to get a footing. I wish those gentlemen every success who are trying to better the condition of the trained gardener. I hope to join the Associa- tion as soon as formed. W. Newberry, gr. to the Earl of Verulam, Gorhambury, St. Albans. Alexander Young.— We regret to record the death, on the 15th inst., of Mr. Young, late of Annesley Park Gardens, Nottingham. Deceased was seventy-five years of age last February, and retired from the position of estate steward and gardener in 1899, a position he had held for forty- four years. During the past five years he enjoyed a pension. He leaves two daughters, both mar- ried. An account of Mr. Young's career was given in our issue for January 28, 1899, p. 61. The Late ALEXANDER YJUNG. William Carmichael.— On Wednesday the 0th inst., at the advanced age of eighty-eight years, this well-known gardener passed away at Edinburgh, where he hid lived for some time. It was in this city that Mr. Carmichael commenced his gardening career, working in the Botanic Gardens there, and eventually rising to the position of foreman in that institution. Mr. Carmichael had charge at one time of the gardens and farm at Drummore, Stirling, and it was from this place that he proceeded to Sandringham. When the King was Prince of Wales, Mr. Carmichael occupied the post of head gardener at Sandringham for nearly ten years, carrying out many improvements in the grounds, and showing great capacity. On leaving Sandringham he took charge of the gardens at Crowe Hall, Bith, the residence of H. W. Tugwell, Esq., and while in these gardens devoted much time and attention to Azaleas, raising many new hybrids. He crossed A. amcena with A. indica, and exhibited the hybrids at meetings of the Royal Horticul- tural Society. Azalea William Carmichael re- ceived a First-class Certificate on March 5, 1878. He wa3 an able gardener, and cultivated successfully plants and fruits of various kinds. At the first of the great provincial shows held by the Royal Horticultural Society at Bury St. Edmunds in lsGThe was a prominent exhibitorof fruit and other subjects, gaining a special service of plate for a very fine collection of fruit at that meeting. Deceased retained his interest in gar- dening to the last, and fruit culture being one of his favourite occupations he devoted much time and interest to it, and was successful quite re- cently in raising some new varieties of Straw- berries which have been put into commerce. He was a native of Comrie, in Perthshire, a county that has produced many ether famous horticul- turists. For sometime past he had been in very feeble health. His remains were interred in Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh, on the 9th inst. ALPINE GARDEN. •— ■ SHORTIA GA.LACIFOLIA. This plant increases in popularity with each succeeding year, and with a little attention to a few cultural details the plants, once established, are as long-lived as Gaultherias, increase freely, and produce hundreds of flowers each spring. The roots are of the nature of those of a moun- tain plant inhabiting leaf-soil or peat, very fibrous, and ill - adapted to withstand either drought or excess of moisture. The leaves are rounded in shape, dentate at the edge, leathery in texture, prominently veined, and coloured a deep crimson-scarlet on all exposed surfaces, forming a pretty tuft, welcome in itself for its warm colour- ing. The flowers arise from the crowns in March and April, and have flesh-tinted peduncles 6 to 9 inches high ; crimson-tipped bracts surround the corolla, which is bell-shaped, deeply lobed and fringed, and are white, flesh, or rose- coloured, the centre of the flower being occupied by the five incurved lemon-yellow anthers. The rosy-tinted forms in a wild state have always been rare. The best way to establish these plants is to grow them in a frame for a few months until they have made and perfected leaves under cultivation, inserting them in sandy peat in clump3 0 to 9 inches square, and afterwards planting them in the open in a cool yet not shady situation when the drought of summer has passed. Thus treated, they feel no disturbance, and if well watered and made firm at the time of planting they will thrive. Primula megase.efolia vie. superba. This pretty winter-flowering Primrose appears to grow so badly in some gardens that many regard it as quite a worthless plant for outside planting, whilst introduction to heat speedily spoils the best specimens. That there are weedy forms in cultivation one must admit ; probably most are derived from a parent stock by division ; but seedlings show a maiked improvement on the original type, and one of these is so good that a distinctive name has been proposed for it. The leaves do not differ much from typical P. megaseaefolia, but the flower3 are greatly improved, being twice the size of those of the older form, the colouring being a rich velvety reddish-mauve. The yellow-and-white eye is very vivid and in the form of a star, the white colouring forming a thin zone around the yellow throat. The habit of this Primula is vigorous. Fkitillaria Sieheana. This Fritillary was received from Cilicia two years ago, but the bulb3 arrived in such a poor condition that their value as garden plants could not be determined at that time. This season they are flowering vigorously, and though devoid of bright colouring — like most of their fellows — they are pretty in outline, and when fully ex- panded under sunshine are very pleasing. The bulbs are rounded, and 2 inches in circumference. The stems are 18 inches high, and are furnished with six to ten glaucous, linear, erect leaves. The flowers are borne in paii-3, the petals being an inch or more long, ovate, coloured reddish- chocolate, banded on the outside with green, and slightly marbled green on the inside. The form of the flower when iully expanded is narrowly bell-shaped, bearing some resemblance to F. coc- cinea or F. recurva, but it is not so showy as these species. Its closest ally appears to be F. Elwesii, and the colour scheme is similar. It grows well here in an ordinary border, and is effective only when massed in colonies of a dozen or more. Anemone Pulsatilla. The garden variety of this British plant is so beautiful that one can recommend it to all who value spring flowers. In the wild plant the 268 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. [Apbil 23, 1901. flowers and leaves are scarcely raised above the ground-level, and the petals are so small that the tuft of anthers almost hides them. In culti- vated specimens the stems are very stout, 6 to 12 inches high, arising in dozens from a common root-stock, and bearing flowers of a soft mauve or blue colouring. The felt-like covering of the petals, stems, and foliage gives the whole plant an appearance as though covered with grey silk. The flowers are nearly 2 inches in length, and measure 1 J inch across the throat. There is no alpine plant that flowers at the same season that can compare with the cultivated A. Pulsatilla. The limestone in which the wilding grows should find no place in the soil for cultivated forms, and the open exposure of the Surrey downs_must not influence one when selecting places for planting them. A well-cultivated border that does not dry out quickly, or rock work built on a good soil, and in semi-shade, will suit this Anemone well, whilst effective use may be made of them in fur- nishing the ground beneath Cornus, Forsythia, and kindred shrubs, that do not throw a dense shade. The white Pulsatilla is seemingly of a different stamp ; it revels in the light sandy soil of warm slopes, and invariably dies in places where A. Pulsatilla thrives. G. B. Mallett. Shoetia uniflora. This is evidently a th:rsty plant, as it has flourished with me dur^Dg the execrable season that has played mi ch ef with many a choice alpine. Referring to my notes in the Gardeners' Chronicle of May 21, 1902, I may say my large plant has had this season about twenty-seven flowers, which are the finest it has produced, most of them measuring 1J inch in diameter. The deep rose-coloured v iritty, which missed blooming last year, is also flowering, but it dots not rapidly increase in s-'ze. ScHIZOCODON SOLDANELLOIDES. Like the Shortia this plant ba3 evidently enjoyed the rain, and crowns have appeared in different parts of the rockery pocket. Primula minima. Primula minima 1 as refused for ten years to flower, but is this year going to do so. W. T. H., Alnbank, Alnwick. Iris atrc purpurea. With the exception of I. nigricans, the flower of I. atropurpurea is perhaps the darkest-coloured of its group. The whole flower, save for the black blotch and the golden beard-like crest, is of the deepest purple ; the falls are also of a dark hue generally. The flower is of medium size, the standard being 2 inches in length and breadth, whilst the strongly recurving falls are rather more than an inch wide, and some 2J inches long. When flowering the full-grown plant is about 9 inches in height. It is certainly one of the gems among these plants. E. J. SOCIETIES. TRADE NOTICE. Japan.— We are requested by our correspondent, AJr. A. TJnoer, of Yokohama, to say that no mails that left Europe between the middle of January and the middle of February, and de- spatched vvl Siberia, have been delivered owing to the outbreak of the war, so that if any corre- spondents should have received no replies to their communications they will know to what cause to attribute the delay. Messrs. Boehmer & Co., however, state that their business is not affected by the war, and that they are in a position to execute orders as usual. Messrs. Boehmer have opened a branch at 9a, Hankow Road, Shanghai China, where they will be glad to receive catalogues and other documents. EOYAL HORTICULTURAL. April 19 —In conjunction with the ordinary meeting oE the Committees of this Society in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster, on Tuesday last, the annual exhibition of the National Auricula and Primula Society was held. The result was a very crowded Hall, and considerable confusion and inconvenience. The space usually reserved for the sittings of the various Committees was nearly all devoted to the displays exhibits, and the Floral, Orchid, and Fruit Committees sat upstairs in the Canteen. There were no conveniences for keeping together the various plants and Sowers submitted for inspection, and they were placed here and there wherever there haprened to be room for them. Partly owing to this the Floral Committee sat for one hour only. Immediately the Committees rose the exhibits were removed from the room, and some were placed on the lloo : of the gallery, and others in various parts of the Hall, whilst several appeared to vanish altogether, for we were unable to discover them afterwards. The Orchid Committee recommended awards, in- cluding three First-class Certificates, three Awards of Merit, and one Botanical Certificate. The Floral Committee recommended two First- cla' s Certificates and seven Awards of Merit. The First- class Certificate was awarded to a pure white flowering Hippeastrum named Snowdon. This variety, which has been raised by Mr. C. R. Fielder, gr. to Mrs. Bubn3, at North Mymms Paik, the wiiter of our weekly Ca endar on "Plants under Gliss," may be said to lis v.; been the most remarkable plant at the meeting. The Narcissus Committee recommended one First- Class certificate and nine Awards of Merit. The Feuit Committee had not a great deal to do, and made no award to a novelty. In the aiternoon fifty one new Fellows were elected, and Mr. Georoe Massee delivered a lecture in the canteen on "Sjme diseases of the Potato," a summary of which will be found on p. 357. Floral Committee. Present : W. Marshall, Esq., Chairman ; and Messrs. C. T. Druery, R. Dean, C. E. Shei, A. Perry, Jno. Jenntng', J. A. Nil, C. R. Fielder, Charles Dixon, R. Hooper Pd&rson, H. Turner, H. J. Cutbush.E. T. Cook, R. C. Notcu t, C. E. Pea-son, W. Culhbertson, H. J. Jones, R. Wilson Ker, W. P. T lomson, E. H. Jenkins, Geo. Paul, Ed. Mawley, and James Hudson. Mr. G. Reothe, The Frx Hill Hardy Plant Nursery, Keston, Kent, showed well-flowered alpine and other hardy plants. Cypripedium Calceolus was flowering nicely. Other plants noticed were Erythronium gigan- teum, Orchis longicornis, Ophrys Speculum, O. ten- thredinifera, and Trillium sessile californicum. Ra- mondia Natalia? was doing well in a large pan; and another pan contained a fine double flowered lilac- coloured Primrose (3ilver Banksian Medal). Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Kilnfield Gardens, Col- chester, brought a variety of alpine plants and Japan- ese Maples. FritillariaB were a feature ; Anemones, Trilliums, Arabia, Erythroniums. and other similar plants were shown well, and Fritillaria recurva was very fine. The Craven Nubseby Co., Clapham, Lancaster, had alpine plants tastefully arranged in a portable stand. An interesting feature consisted in the pans being arranged as complete gardens, miniature temples bridges, arches, streams, 4c. Messrs J Cheal & Jons, Crawley, showed trays of alpine plants, including some good forms of Primula japonica, Dodecatheon Media, , Zygo- petalum x Peirenoodi Cecil Rhodes, '/.. x Sanderi, Cynibidiuni eburneo-Lowianum, Oncidium pbymato- chilum.Cattleya Seurodera; alba, &c. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Giebelands, South Wood- ford (gr., Mr. J. Davis), was awarded a Silver F.ora Medal lor a fine group, the body of which was made up of extraordinarily large and heavily bloomed speci- mens of Dendrobium Dcvoniauum, the plants being literally sheaves of bloom. With Iheni were a good form of D. Wardianum album, a very laige and finely shaped D. W. giganteum, some very handsome forms of Cattleya Schroderse, the best of which secured an Award of Merit; C. intermedia Fowleri, Cymbidium Lowianum concolor, C. x eburneo-Lowianum, Cypr.- pedium x W. R. Lee, in fine form, &c. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chel^ea, received a Silver Flora Medal for a good group, priLcipally hybrids, the gem in which was Dendrobium x Thwaitesire Veitch's var., which secured a Fir6t-class Certificate (see Awards). With it were D. x crepidato- nobile, the dark scarlet Epidendrum x Delphi, a pretty set of varieties of E. x eiegantuium, Lxlio-Cattleya x Zephyra, L.-C. x Frederick Boyle, E.-C. x highburj- ensis, Laslia x Latona, L. x Mrs. Gratrir, &e. Messrs. eandeh & Co , St. Albans, secired a Silver Flora Medal for a very bright and effective group, the novelties in which were the line new Zygopetalum x Gottianum (see Awards), Lielio-Cattlesa x Ruby Gem var. Flambeau (C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum x L.-C. x Schilleriana), L.-C. x Bird of Paradise (L flava x C. Mendelli), a very attractive bright yellow flower with ruby crimson front to the lip; Lycaste Schilleriana magnifica, with very long olive tinted sepals and white petals and lip; andL. AmcsiaLa. a smaller Ilower allied lo L. xytriophora. Also Lo'.ed were L:clio-Catt- leya x Dominiana. a number of varieties of Sobralias 8. Amesiana being a very fine yellow, rose tinted' ilower, tic. Messrs. Jas. & A. A. McBean, Cook:bridge, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a fine group of OdontogloEsums, chiefly O. crispum, all grown in their 270 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [APRIL 23, 1904. well-known excellent manner. With the varieties of O. crispuni were O. x Adrian re, O. X Loocliristyense, O. Hallii, O. luteo purpureum, &o. Norman C. Cookson, Esq , Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman) tent Odontoglossum crispum Smeeanum, a pretty rose-tinted flower with many small brown spots ; Dendrobium x Venus, Oakwood variety, and Odontoglossum crispum xanthotes Cooksonte (see Awards). Captain G. L. HoifOBD, Westonbirt (gr., Mr. Alex- ander), sent Odontoglossum xAndersonianum, Weston- birt variety, a good flower heavily marked with purple- brown. Drewett O. Drewett, Esq., Riding Mill-on-Tyne (gr., Mr. J. Renwick) showed an inflorescence and leaf of Cypripedium >: Lowio-Parishii (Lowianum x Parishii). It had four flowers with sepals and lip yellowish, the upper sepal having some purple lines; petal 6 inches long, decurved, greenish at ba6e, spotted brown, the rest purple. De B. Cbawshay, Esq , Rosen eld, Sevenoaks (gr , Mr. Stables), again snowed the magnificent Odontoglossum triumphans Lionel Crawshay and O. crispum Venus, which latter secured an Award of Merit. A. WAHnoHTON, Esq , Haslingden, sent Odonto- glossum x ardentissimum, Warburton's variety, a fine white flower showily marked with purple. Sir Frederick Wig an, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen (gr.. Mr. W. H. Young), showed Odontoglossum poly- xanthum granaiflorum with sixteen flowers onaspike; the unique and beautiful Cymbidiuin x I'Ansoni, two good varieties of Odontoglossum x Adrianse, and a strong spike of Eulophiella Elisabethrc taken from a plant of the oiiginal importation. M. Chas Vuyl&thke. Loochristy, Ghent, showed a small group of Odontoglossums. Mr. H. Wiiatei-ey, Kenilworth. showed several good Odontoglossums, one purple - marked form of O. crispum being very promising. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, showed a pretty group, made up of Dendrobium crepidatum, D. Utuiflorum, D. tortile, D. Picrardi, D. chrysotoxum, and other Den d robes; Lycaste Skinneri alba, Cattleja intermedia alba, the singular Cypripedium x Drurio- Hookerse, the very distinct Cymbidium Lowianum, Bush Hill Park variety, a sellowlsh flower slightly marked with brown, and with a light-reddish zone on the lip, &c. Ludwig Mond, Esq., The Poplars, Avenue Road, Regent's Park (gr., Mr. J. O. Clarke), sent Cymbidium Lowianum exqaisitum, a good flower with nearly scarlet markings oa the lip; the plant sent had two fine spikes. Also IepUo - Cattleya x inter clegans "Blanche Gertrude," somewhat resembling L,-C. x Schilleriana. Awards. First- class Certificate. Dendrobium x Thwaitesise, Vettch'a variety (D. x splen- aidissimum grandiflorum x Wigamie'.— This may he pronounced the finest of the yellow Dendrobes of its class, and it resembles D. splendidissimum grandi- florum in every respect, except that the flowers are rich yellow with a slight buff shade in some stages, and with a violet-purple disc to the lip. Odontoglossum crispum xanthotes Cooksonte, from Nob- man C. Cookson. Esq. (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman).— A model flower, of a clear white colour, the lip having a few, and the other segments occasional orange-coloured spots. Xygopetalum X Gotlianum (maxillare Qautieri X Per- renoudii), from Messrs. Sander & Sons.— A pretty and very distinct hybrid. Sepals and petals dark bronzy-purple with a slight whitish margin and apex to the segments Lip white with blue lines from the base. Award of Merit. Cypripedium, x Willesleyanvm, from Francis Wei.les- ley, Esq , Westfiell, Woking (gr , Mr. Hopkins), said to be an imported plant, and resembling a natural hybrid between C bellatulum album and C. concolor. In shape the flower very closely resembles C. bellatu- lum album, but the flowers are pale yellow, the lower part of the dorsal sepal the upper part of the lip, and the petals having numerous small purple spots. The flower is altogether different in form to C. concolor, and much broader in all its parts, and especially the lip. The foliage also is very beautifijl-daik green with closely arranged transverse silver lines. Cattleya Srhroderx, Fowler's variety, from J. Gubney Fowler, Esq. (gr , Mr. J. Davis).— Perhaps the hand- somest and largest form shown. Flower peach blossom coloured, the disc and tube of the lip orange, with a line of yellowalso extending down each lateral sepal. .Odontoglossum crispum Venus, from De B. Crawshay, Esq (gr., Mr. Stables).- A very fine form of the typical O. crispum ; flowers white tinted slightly with purple. Botanical Cebtificate. Calanthe discolor, from Messrs. Cutbush, The Nur- series, Highgate.— A pretty Japanese Orchid, said to be hardy. Leaves broad, plicate ; flowers in neat heads, sepals and petals brownish, lip white with a slight rose tint. Two varieties were shown. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present : A. Hear. Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. J. Willard, Ed. Beckett, W. Pope, W. Fyfe, H. Parr, J. Lyne. Geo. Norman. W. Crump, Geo. Reynolds, R. Lewis Castle, H. J. Wright, G. Keif, F. Q. Lane, Geo. Wythes, J. Mclndoe. and S. Mortimer. ACultural Commendation was awarded to Mr. A. H. J. Montmorency, The Grange, Dublin, for a very good sample of new tubers of Puritan Potato. Mr. Jno. Crook, Forde Abbey, Chard, exhibited two good Cucumbers of the variety Market Favourite, and other vegetables. NATIONAL ATTBICULA AND PRIMULA. April 19.— The Executive of the Society were in the best of spirits over the success of the twenty-seventh exhibition. Not only was it much more extensive than had been anticipated, but the qualily was surprisingly good, the genial weather of the previous few days having operated to heighten the quality of the blooms. In all the competitive classes Show Auriculas were well represented, and the class for fifty plants consti- tuted a record, for there were six collections stsged, though alpine varieties had to be called into requisition to make up the quantity in a few collections. The alpine varieties were both numerous and brilliant, size and quality of bloom being in happy combination. The Fancy Polyanthus were in strong force, and very fine in quality. The Primroses were not so numerous, still, very good. The gold-laced Poly- anthus were somewhat sparingly represented, as was only natural. Mr. J. W. Bentley brought some finely-grown plants from Manchester, showing one or two of the new varieties at tteir best. Species of Primulas were represented l>y one collection of twelve, but there was no collection of six, and not a single contribution of Double Primroses, though they were at the time about their best. The weather was all that could be desired, and there was a veiy large attend- ance, the crush during the afternoon being most inconvenient. Show Auriculas.— There was no lack of interest in this type of flower, as five collections of twelve plants were staged. It was Mr James Douglas's day, for he was placed 1st with an excellent dozen, well grown and bloomed anil generally refined. He had of green edges, Dr. Hardy, Abraham Barker, and Grasshopper (Douglas's) ; of grey edges, Lancashire Hero (almost as green), Amy Robsart, and George Lightbody; white edges. Magpie, Conservative, and Vesta; selfs, Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Potts, and Ruby. Mr. J. Sargent, Cobham, came in a very good 2nd, with green edges] Shirley Hibberd (fioelyldeveloped), F. D. Horner, and Abbe Liszt; grey edges, George Lightbody and Richard Headly ; white edges, Mr?. Dunsford, Perseverance, Acme, and Heather Bell; selfs, Gerald, Ruby, and Mrs' Potts. There were seven exhibitors of six Auriculas, Mr. J. Sargent takirg the 1st prize with admirable examples of —green edges, Gladiator and Abte Liszt ; grey edges, Richard Headly; white edges, Acme and Elaine; and self, Gerald. Mr. J.T.Bennett Pok, Ashley Place, came 2nd; he had -of green edges. Abbe Liszt and Mrs. Hen- wood; grey edgep, Richard Headly and George Rudd; white, Acme ; seif. Ruby. There was a good competition with four Auriculas, as many as seven collections being staged; aud here Mr. F. A. Wellesley, Westfield. Woking, came 1st with good examples of gretn edge Shirley Hibberd, grey edge Geoige Rudd, white edge Acme, and self Mrs. Potts. Mr. J H Wilson, Sheffield, came 2nd; he had gresn edge James Hannaford, white edge Acme, and selfs Cleopatra and Ruby. There was a good competition with two plants also, Mr. A. 9. Hampton, Reading, taking the 1st prize with grey edge George Lightbody and self Ruby, the latter unusually bright in colour. Mr. G. W. Bentley, Stake- htll, was Bad with white edge Heather Bell and self Ruby. Single specimen?.— As is usual, a goodly number of these were staged : -Green edees : 1st, Mr. C. Turner, Slough wilh F. D Horner; Mr. F. Sargent was 2nd with the same. Grey edges : these were sparingly shown, Mr. J. T. Bennett PoB taking 1st and 2nd prizes with Geo. Lightbody. White edges : 1st, Mr. J. Sargent with John Simonite, but sadly weak in the tube; and he was 2nd with Acme. Selfs: Mr. Wm. Smith came 1st with Mrs. Phillips, a nice smooth dark variety; Mr. Henwell came 2nd with Zulu, one of the darkest; and Mr. J. W. Bentley, 3rd. Fifty Auriculas.— The six collections of these filled a large space of tabling, and Mr. James Douglas was an easy 1st, with a very good representative group. He had of green edges. Diamond, Abbe Liszt, Rolls Green (with its red body colour), and seedlings ; of grey edges, Dinham, Ringleader, Amy Robsart, Geo. Rudd, LiDcashire Hero, Olympus, aod Ajax; white edges. Perseverance, Rachel, Heather Bell. Conservative, and Acme ; selfs; Ruby, Mrs. Phillips, Sapphire, Mrs. Potts, and Black Bess Mr Wm Smith was 2nd, he had an excellent representative collection for an amateur, chief among them— green edges, F. D. Horner and Shirley Hibberd ; grey edges Rachel, Dinham,' and George Lightbody; while edges, Venus and Mrs. Dod- well; selfs, a seedling, bright rose, well proportioned, flat, and highly promising, Ruby, Blackbird, Mrs. Phillips, and seedlings. Mr. C. Turner was 3rd. Maiden Growers.— In the class for four varieties, Mr. C. Blick, The Gardens, The Warren, Hayes Common, was 1st, though the only «xhibitor; he had Heather Bell (white edge), and three selfs, viz., Mrs. Potts, Bru- nette, aud Kuby. Premier Show Auricula.— This was green-edge Shirley Hibberd, a well grown p'ant with eight expanded pips, in Mr. J. Saboent's 2nd priza collection of twelve varieties. Alpine Auriculas— These were in many cases superb, highly finished and most attractive ; though there were only three collections of twelve varieties, but they were remarkably good, and the 1st prize twelve, which were staged by Mr. J Douglas, stood out from the others for their finish. He had of gold centres, Durnsford. Dean Hole, Urania, Rosy Morn, Duke of York, Firefly, and J. F. Kew; white centres, Teviotdale (an exquisite new variety), Thetis, Gany- mede, and Gillie— a really superb collection. Messrs, Phillips & Taylor, Bracknell, Berks, came 2nd, with gold centres Mrs. M. R. Smith. Firefly, Sol, Kathleen, Niphetos, Duke of York, Admiral Togo, and Mildred; and white centre Purity. Mr. C. Turner was 3rd. There were eight sixes of alpines, and again Mr. J. Douglas came 1st; he had Rosy Morn (a distinct and beau iif ul variety), Urania. Firefly, and Duke of York; and of white centres, Thetis and Gillie. Messrs. Phillips & Taylor were again 2nd, having of gold centres, Firefly, Triumph, Cassandra, and Duke of York; white centres, Thetis and Exquisite. Mr. Price came in 1st out of eight competitors with four superb varieties, splendidly grown and bloomed; they were Urania, Sunset, Duke of York, and a seed- ling. Mr. Holding came in a good 2nd with Mrs. Gorton, Mrs. Danks, Thetis, and J. F. Kew. The best single specimen gold centres were Cbarmer, from Messrs. Phili ips & Taylor, a finely-finished new variety. Mr. Hampton came 2nd with Ziska ; and Mr. Price 3rd with Duke of York. Mr. Purnell-Pubnell had the best white centre in Mrs. Harry Turner. Thetis, from Messrs. Phillips & Taylor, was 2nd. Seedling Alpines.— A few scedliug Alpines were shown. The best gold centres were Mabel of the Manor, from Mr. R Holding ; Messrs. Phillips & Taylob coming i'nd with an unnamed seedling. Messrs. Phillips & Taylor were 1st with a white centre, and Mr. C. Turner 2nd, both with unnamed seedlings. The Silver Modal of the Royal Horticultural Society, offered by Mr. J. Douglas lor six plants of seedling Alpines raised from seeds presented by him, was won by Mr. R. Holding. Premier Alpine.— This was Teviotdale, a beautiful smooth and refined new white centre, with a slight dark grounding shading to bright deep lilac, from Mr. Tames Douglas. Fancy Auriculas.— Mr. J. Douglas was the only exhi- bitor of twelve fancy Auriculas, generally eccentri- cities. Roll's Green, with its red instead of a black ground, was a conspicuous feature. Primu'a species.— There was but one collection of twelve plants, a very fine lot, from Mr. Purnell- Purnell, which consisted of fine forms of obconica, Sieboldi in varieties, denticulata and its white form, japouica, verticillata, floiibunda, intermedia, margl- nata, and frondosa. The class for six species brought no exhibitors, but their absence was compensated for by the very fineand interesting di-play made in the class for a box or basket of species tastefully arranged. Mr. J. Grand- riELD, Hayes, was placed 1-t with a large oblong box lontainlng quite an interestirg and representative collection, arranged with considerable taste and hiehly effective. It contained cortusoides, obconiea invaiiety, sieboldi, verlicillata, roseo-capitata, fron- dosa, some good jellow varieties of Auricula, &c. Mr. J. H. Wilson, Handsworth, Sliellifld, who had an ex- cellent collection somewhat similarly arranged, came 2nd. Fancy Polyanthus.— The improved garden form of. these made a brilliant display Messrs. S. MORTIMK& and J. Douglas making a rare fight for the 1st prize,. Apbil 23, 1904.] THE GARD ENER S ' C BR ONI CL E. 271 which (ell to Mr. Mortimer. They had very fine and varied examples In large pots ; Mr. R. Dean was 3rd. With single specimens in 8 inch pots. M. P. D. Wil- liams, St. Keverne. who grows his flowers to an enormons size, was 1st with a rich dark; Mr. Mor- timer coming 2nd with a fine yellow variety. Primroses.— Mr J. Douglas was 1st with fine speci- mens in large pots ; Mr R. Dean was 2nd with smaller plants butof good colours. Mr. P. D. Williams had the best single specimens, staging very fine varieties. Groups of Polyanthus and Primroses arranged on a given space were delightful. Mr. 8. Mobtimeb was 1st with a brilliant dnplay, colours varied and re- markably good, and quality excellent. Mr. J. Gband- field was 2nd, and Mr. T. H. Barnard, Bedford, 3rd, all having good displays. Qold-laced Polyanthus. — With three dissimilar, Mr. J. W. Bentley. Stakehill, Manchester, was 1st with finely-grown and bloomed plants of Sarah Holden, a line new black ground ; Middleton Favourite and George IV., red grounds. Mr. R. Dean came 2nd with smaller but correctly-marked flowers of Tiny and Lancashire Hero, black grounds; and Middleton Favourite, red ground. In the class for a single plant, Mr. Bentley was 1st and 2nd with Sarah Holden and Mrs Brownhill ■ and Mr. R. Dean 3rd with Middleton Favourite. No Certificates of Merit were awarded to seedling Auriculas. THE DEVON DAFFODIL & SPRING FLOWER SOCIETY". Plymouth, April 12. - This Society, which was formed last year under the Presidency of the Earl of Morley, held its first show on the above date, in the Guildhall, Plymouth. Such success has followed the sister Society of Cornwall In its endeavour to popularise the culture of the Narcissus in that county, that it was determined by Devonshire flower-lovers to inaugurate a similar Society hiving a like object in view. Corni6h growers did much to ensure the success of the Devon Society's initial show by entering in considerable num- bers for the liberal prizes offered, thereby affording an object-lesson to dwellers in the neighbouring county of the wide field of beauty opened by the culture of the newer and rarer Narcissi, a lesson which it is to be hoped the Devon gardeners will take to heart. The entries were large, especially in (lie division confined to the county of Davon, and the large hall was filled with a lovely array of Narcissi and spring flowers, while the handsome exhibits staged by nurserymen created a fine display. Certificates of Merit were granted to Messrs. Barr & Sons for Narcissus Gipsy Lid; to Mr. G. Reuthe Keston, Kent, for Nai elssus Maud and Iris Haynei • to Messrs. T. Challice & ion, Plympton, for Clianthus puniceus albus and the spotted Rhododendron Princess of Wurtemburg ; to Messrs. B. Veitch & Son Exeter for Tree-Pceony Ellen Willmott; to Mrs. Bainbridge' lor Mignonette in pots (very fine); to Mr. T. Batson' lor seedling Narcissus Doreen, a pretty white (lower two and three on a stem, a cross between Emperor and N. calathinus ; to Mrs. E. H. Williams, for seedling Narcissus Rajah Brooke; to Rev. E. Bourne, for seed- ling Narcissus ; to Mr. R. Sydenham, tor bulbs grown in moss-fibre ; and to Miss Carew, for Cyclamen. Among the prize winners were Messrs. Pope & Son* Lady Margaret Boscawen, Rev. A. T. Boscawen c' Dawson, P. D Williams, Mrs. W. Tyacke. Mrs E.'h Williams, Mr. T. Batson (with Cymry, a good clear yellow seedling with short perianth and broad trum- pet), Mr. F. Bradshaw, Mr. H. G. Hawker, the Earl of Morley, Captain Parley, Mr. G. Soltan Symons, and Mr. C. Bain. The Sliver Cup for the best collection of forty va- rieties was won by the Rev. A. T. Boscawen, with a fine stand containing excellent examples of Madame Be Graaff, Pead, Mrs. Latgiry. Beatrice Heseltine, Flamingo, Seagull, Horace, Lucifer. Ensign, Madge Matthew, Resolute. Messrs. Pope & Sons were >nd ' J or a collection of twenty varieties Mrs E H Williams was 1st, with a seedling Rajah Brooke Fire- brand, Falstaff, Cassandra, and others. Rhododendrons, hard - wooded flowering shrubs herbaceous plants. Camellias. Anemones, Primroses! Polyanthi, Auriculas, Violets, Begonias. Cyclamens azaleas, Rosea, Cinerarias, Riehardia sethlopica, Pelar- goniums, Calceolarias, Frecias, Lily of the Valley Hyacinths, Tulips, Primulas, and miscellaneous stove and greenhouse plants were well shown. The Silver Lup lor thirty varieties of hardy flowering shrubs was T>ZJu Mrf- w- Cohyton, and that for the best Liaaodils exhibited in the Devon division by Mr G aOLTAN-SYMONS. The nurserymen's exhibits made a bright show. iSi™- -r V,"oCH & S0N' E,eter- 8taeed fine Hipp e- astrums, Tree Peonies, Clemaiis. Magnolias, Acacias, Lanarina Campanula, Corylopsis pauclflora, Lotus peiioihyncus. and other greenhouse and hardy plants Ihe Devon Rosery, Torquay, had a large collection of 8ta«^°Sn lUJ?l[ flower- Mr- G" Rt-CTHE, Keston, M?,!! • Daffjdlls- Anemones, Saxifrages. Primulas muscans. Eryttironiums, a fioe pan of Tecophiltea cyanoerocus in good flower, Trillium ovatum and Cyrtanthi. Messrs. Barr & Sons exhibited a large and representative stand of Daffodils, including the new Peter Barr, Gipsy Lad, Firebrand. &c. Messrs. T. Cballke & Son, Plympton, showed Bamboos, Andro- niedas, the certificated wblte Clianthus, Chorizemas, Anthuriums, and Callistemons. Messrs. Wallace, Colchester, had Galax aphylH, Shortia galacifolia, Tulipa prrestans, Gerbera Jamesoni, Iris warleyensis, I. sindjarensis, Bellis sylvestris, Cypripediums, Anemones, and Fritillarias. Messrs. T. S. Ware, Feltham, exhibited Ramondias, Primulas, Tiarella cordifolia, Polygala chamrebuxus, Cypripedium ji- ponicum, Calochorti, Echinocactl, Iris Eggeri, I. Korolkowi Leitclilini, and many olher interesting plants. Mr. R. Sydenham had a table of bulbs well grown in moss-fibre; and Messrs. Saunders & Biss, Exeter, showed models and photographs of greenhouses, illustrating their patent system of glazing. GLAMORGAN DAFFODIL AND SPRING FLOWER. April 13.— The first annual show of the Glamorgan Daffodil and Spring Flower Society was held in the Town Hall, Bridgend, on ihe above date, and proved a great success. The entries were very numerous, some of the classes having as many as twenty - four competitors. Competition in Class I. for twenty distinct varieties of Daffodils was most keen, Mrs. Rhoda Williams taking 1st prize and Winnies the valuable Silver Cup presented byMiss Talbot, the 2nd prize going to Lady Windsor, St. Pagan's Castle, near drditligr., Mr. II. A. Petti grew). Sir John Llewelyn was 1st in the class for thirty distinct varieties with a magnificent collection of Daffodils, winning the Cup presented by Messrs. Barr it Sons; Lady Windsor was 2nd with a meritorious exhibit. Mrs. Williams, Miskin Manor, won 1st prizs in the class for fifteen varieties with a very fine group of Daffodils. The three classes for Violets brought some very fine exhibits. For the best bunch of singles, Miss Talbot, Margam Park, was placed 1st and 2nd; and the two succeeding classes for three bunches were won by Mrs. Ebswohth, Lindrugb Castle, with exceptionally fine exhibits. One of the great features of the show was the fine exhibit of cut flowers of Rhododendrons. For the best group of outdoor Rhododendrons, Sir .Ions Llewelyn, Penllergaer, S.vansea was Htwith a very fine collection of forty-eight distinct varieties, In- cluding many rare hybrids. Credit is due to Miss Williams, Mickln Manor, and Mrs. Nicholl, sen , for the courteous and able manner in which they carried out the duties of Secretary and Treasurer. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL OF IRELAND. The grand floral fete, organised under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland, was held recently in the Royal University Buildings. Mrs Goodbody, of Obelisk Park, secured a number of distinctions in the classes ior exotic Ferns, Azaleas, Freesias, Spirals, and Tulips, and also for the best table of plants and Ferns. Mr. Ernest Bewley was, as usual, well to the foie in the Rose classes, securing two 1st prizes. Other leading prize-winners were Mr. R. W. Booth, J.P. ; Mr. A. H. Pim. Mr. Westby, J.P. ; Mr. John Millab, Sandymount; Mrs. Mkadb Coffey, Mr. C. M. Doyne, Lord Ashtown, Mr. E Dolieb, Miss Pim, Lord Plunket, and Miss R. Wrench. The nurserymen made a splendid contribution to the display. Messrs. Alex Dickson & Sons, of Newtownards, had a magnificent collection of Roses, and also of Narcissus, Daffodils, Tulips, <&c. Among the Roses shown by them were some wonderful specimens of their choicest varieties. These includa Catherine Mermet, Captain Hayward. Margaret Dickson, Helen Keller, Lady Roberts, Ulricn Brunner, Mrs. John Laing, Mrs. W. J. Grant, and Muriel Grahame. Messrs. Hogg & Robertson had also an interesting and beautiful display from their bulb farm at Rush Tnis included Narcissus and TuliDS— some of the latter being of particularly large size. Tne varieties include d such favoured flowers as King Alfred Sir Francis Drake. Mme. de Graaff, Mr. George F. Brooke, Lady Arnott, Lady Margaret Boscawen, Brigadier, Mr Charles Hamilton, Mona, Lady Gore Booth, &c. The exhibit was awarded the Society's Silver Medal. Another very noteworthy exhibit was that of Messrs Habtland & Co., of the Royal Nurseries, Cork. This comprised principally Daffodils and Cinerarias. Miss F. W. Curbey, of Lismore, had a very pretty stand of similar flowers. She was awarded the Society's Medal for her admirable display. Another feature of the show was the fine collection of flowering shrubs shown by Messrs. Pennick, Del- gany. For this they were highly commended. The display included a number of Aucubas, a grand assort- ment of Rhododendrons 1 ich in bloom, Japanese Maples of remarkable colouring, and Azaleas also exceedingly rich In tints. Sir Josslyn Gobe Booth showed a fine stand of Daffodils from his gardens at Lissadell, county Sligo. ROYAL BOTANIC. THE USE OF HYDROCYANIC ACID GAS AS AN ISSE3TICIDr. Considering the great valua attached to (he use of " cyan ide " or hydrocyanic acid gas in ihe United States for the destruction of insect pests on fruit-trees in the open-air, it seems scarcely conceivable that the prac- tice should have remained for so long more or less a mystery rather than a true friend to the growers of this country. Vague recommendations have been set forth from time to time as to the strength and maierials to be used. But in manyca^ei the results which followed were asdesiruciive to plant life as to the Insects them- selves, while in other cases both escaped uninjured. This clearly demonstrated the want of true knowledge regarding the properties and uses of hydrocyanic acid gas as a fumigantin Hits country. Tne conditions pre- vailing here are totally different iromthosea broad, and it was recognised that to be successful the process must be adapted to meet our requirements. Witha view of arriv- ing at these requirements, and removing ihe operation of ''cyanidirg" from an experimental to an established basis, a series of tests were carried out at the Gardens of the Society. One large range 150 feet long, 20 feet wide, and 13 feet high, was successlully done, and followed by a smaller one. In these ranges plants infested with mealy bugs, thrips, red - spider, scale, green-fly, &c , were collected, and in the short space of two hours from start to fiuiih all above pests were completely destroyed without injury to plant-life. The preparations consisted in arranging all ventilators doors, &c , to open from the outside, and safely fastening the same to prevent any person entering during the operation. Tne amount of cublo air space having been previously calculated and 1,000 feet adopted as a unit, the proper proportions of cyanide and sulphuric acid required were to hand reaay for use. Snallow earthenware pans were adopted as generators, and into these the required volume of water and BUlphurlc acid was placed respectively. Boards about 11 inches wide and 6 feet long were hung over each generator for the purpose of evenly distri- buting the gas, and are worked by attached cords from the exterior of house during generation. The cyanide is Ihen arranged in a shallow tin with a special tipping arrangement attached to the air fin. Alter carefully placing the cyanide tius in their proper position, beginuing at the farthest end of thehouseand finishing near the door, the operator leaves the struc- ture and makes the door fast. The fans are then started, the cyanide tipped and the gas rapidly gene- rated. The air fan should be worked lor a period not exceeding ten minutes, and five is ofttimes sufficient. The time of commencing to generate gas is noted and the period of exposure commences. ThlB varies ac- cording to the temperature, atmospheric moisture, nature and condition of plant and peats to be de- stroyed. At the expiration of this period the ventilators and doors may he opened, and the house fully cleared from gas before any person is allowed to enter. No person must either remain in the building after mixing the cyanide and acid or enter until quite clear. Ma- terials of standard quality should be used, and the English method of using " sodium cyanide " in place of potassium cyanide should be adopied. Better results are obtained by doing this, and tue cyanide is of an even quality and a more concentrated form. This is known as the ' Strawsou soaium cyanide process," in- vented by Mr. G. F. Strawson, who, in conjunction with Mr. W. f. Emptage and myself, carritd out and recorded the experiments. Other testa carried out in Messrs. l.adds' nurseries at Swanley, in Scotland, and elsewhere, on the above lines, thoroughly endorse onr opinion as to the value of "cyaniding" when carefully carried out. The folloniog "proportions and uses" have been drawn up by Mr. W. F. Emptage, and are endorsed by me :— Proportions and Uses fob 1.000 feet Unit. (1) For nurserymen in cleaiicp dormant stock of outdoor shrubs and trees ol scale, American blight, &c, the plants should be stood ihickly together in a glasshouse or in acyaniding shed, which should become part of the outfit of every nursery place. 2£ oz of the sodium cyanide, 130 per cent, strength, .5 fluid oz. sul- phuric acid spec. grav. is, 15 fluid oz. water, will be ample for the purpose; 50 to 60 minutes may be given as the period of exposure. Tue trees will he best dry and the temperature of the shed at about 50°. Nurserymen buying in stock from fresh places, where scale, 1V-3 , are found on them or are to beieared, should always suoject the plants, vals of 21 hours of 2\ oz. sodium cyanide. 5 fl lid oz. sulphuric acid l.'ioz water, exposure 50 minutes, temperature of house 51 to 55'. Fly and other Infects among Growing Plants —For all plants such as Pelargoniums, when not in flower. Azaleas, and general greenhouse plants, ljoz. sodium cyanide. 34 fluid oz sulphuric acid 10J fluid oz. water, may be used with perfect safety, providing the plants are dry and the temperature of the house not above 55" exposure 40 minutes. For Fig Thrip-, tt-c , on more delicate subjects.— 1\ oz. sodium cyanide 3 fluid oz. sulphuric acid, 9 oz water, exposure 40 mi ute9. The plants should be quite dry, and the temperature be lowered to 55" if possible. Where this is not possible. 1 oz. sodium cyanide will probably be sufficient. 2 fluid cz sulphuric acid, 0 oz. wa'er, repelling the operation if needed. Tomato Fly {Aleyrodts). -This is a pest that only those who have large Tomato homes infected can fully com- prehend. There need be no further trouble in this respect, as the Ij oz. formula (No. 2) will bring every one down to d-sath. Repeated every two days until all eggs are hatched, there will be a thorough clearance made. There Is no other method of insect destruction, espe- cially for Vines. &• ., that is so cheap and so efficient as the sodium cyanide process. We hall be pleased to give advice on the use of the gas to all who need it EHerbert F. Hawes, Royal Botanic Garden-, Regent's Park. N. W. [We have no doubt as to the value of this process, but the vapours are >o highly poisonous that we cannot but emphasise the necessity for extreme caution on the part of the operators. Ed.] E N O U I R I E S. Apricots and Wasps. — I have Apricot- trees trained on several walls, but in the last two or three years, a3 soon as the fruit has appeared, so has an army of wasps, which has destroyed all prospects of having ripened fruits. Can any reader suggest a remedy by naming a wash for trees, or anything likely to prevent such depre- dation of my favourite fruit? Enquirer. [It is possible to obtain " wasp-proof " netting. Ed .] Retarding Plants — At what temperature should Lily of the Valley crown9, bulbs of Liliums, Tuberoses, &c, be kept when in cold stores for purpose of retarding ? ff. W., New South Wales. REPLY. Scum on Ponds. — In reply to your corre- spondent, "E W. D .," as to removing "scum on a pond," Gardeners' Chronicle, April 16, p. 256, I believe he will find spraying the surface of the water with " Bordeaux-mixture" most effec- tual. Care should be taken not to use it too strong or some of the water-plants may be in- jured. I think one correspondent had to renew the operation in the course of three weeks' time, and then had no more trouble. The spraying did no harm to the fish which were in the pond. Geo. S. Saunders. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Anemones: D. E. Not uncommon. On the Riviera, where they grow wild, they may often be Been in this condition. It is due to a partial reversion to leaves. It may not be repeated next year. Bulbs : Simpson. If you do not mind waiting, you might plant them as you suggest; but they would probably not do much for the first year. Cucumbers : J. T. The plant is attacked with Cercospora melonis. Burn affected leaves and stems, and try spraying with sulphide of potassium \ oz. to a gallon of water. Eucharis Plants : Novice The manner in which growers induce Eucharis plants to flower twice in oach year is as follows : — Being tropical plants they are usually cultivated in a stove, and the pots are plunged in a hot bed formed of decaying leaves, &c , with pos- sibly a hot-water pipe passing through it. Some time after the plants have flowered the pots are removed from the hot-bed, the tempe- rature of the house is permitted to decline a little, and very much less water is afforded to the roots of the plants than previously. These changed conditions cause a check to the plint?, which is sometimes described as a rest. They are allowed to remain six weeks or two months in this comparatively dry condition, and are started into growth again by plunging the pots in a freshly-made hot- bed, and affording water and liquid-manure to the roots, and heat and moisture in the atmosphere. The plants are started into growth about two months before they are required to flower. Such a system we have seen practised with good results for several years, but the plants eventually deteriorate under this arti- tici il treatment and the bulbs become a prey to the bulb-mite. At the present time gardeners do not risk the life of their bulbs so freely as they did fifteen or twenty years ago when the mite was scarcely known. Nowadays Eucharis plants are afforded water throughout the year, and they bloom naturally. By this system there are few periods when a flower cannot be obtained from the plants, but at no period do they produce such a harvest of flowers as they did under the drying-off process, which we cannot recommend. Pigs : ff. T. B. Your Pigs are affected with a fungus figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, July 7, 1900, p. 5, Cercospora Bolleana. Burn the tree ; spray the others with weak Bordeaux- mixture. Gardeners' Wages : K. R. We believe you could successfully claim a month's notice or wages in lieu of notice. Gas Limb : R P. Four to six ounces per square yard applied in winter would be more likely to do good than otherwise. Bat such lime con- tains poisonous compound.] of sulphur, and we should not apply it to growing crops, nor plant a crop immediately after affording a heavy dressing. Gooseberry Shoots : Gooseberry. The roots appear healthy. If the application of the gas- lime were the cause of the mischief all the bushes would have been affected. Possibly the appearances are due to the action of frost on the young leaves. Hyacinths; ff. F. We find no disease, but the bulbs have formed no roots, and in one case no flower even has been formed in the bulb. This is probably due to the bad season of last year. Landscape Gardeners : L. G. Most of the large and reputable nurserymen employ com- petent landscape gardeners, but it is not our practice to recommend particular firms. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good os to consult the following number. — T. ff. T. Corn Salad, Valerianella olitoria. — C. B. B. Cymbidium Lowianum — C. T. Odontoglossum Hallii — Correspondent. 1, Spirfea media; 2, Gladiolus illyri ;us ? 3, Pteris tremula — J. M., Clewer Parle. Rhododendron formosum x Dalhousia?. There are very many crosses of this type, some named, but many unnamed. — Licey. Populus canadensis. — J. D. Dendro- bium Wardianum album. — ff. T. 1, Dendrobium aggregatum ; 2, Lycaste aromatica ; 3, Dendro- bium Pterardi ; 4, Aerides crispum ; 5, Dendro- bium chrysotoxum ; 6, Dendrobium Draconis, often called D. eburneum in gardens. — F. W.. Ventnor. Heuchera sanguinea. — In Doubt. 1, Clivia miniata; 2, Asclepias curassavica; 3, Euphorbia splendens. — A. Y. Anemone apen- nina. — A. F. T., Llanfair. 1, Odontoglossum luteo-purpureum ; 2, Bifrenaria Harrisonise, often called Lycaste Harrisoniae in gardens. — D. Sr W. C. Ilex aquifolium var. Marnockii. — J. B. Acacia pubescens. — W. C. 1, Rhodo- dendron x Countess of Haddington ; 2, a hybrid of R. arboreum — G. B. M. R. Specimen very poor; probibly Stauntonia hexaphylla. — V. T. 1, Gileandra dives; 2, G. nivalis. — W. G. P. Trichopilia suavis. — A. B. Y. Z. 1, Dendrobium Wardianum; 2, D. chrysotoxum — neither of special merit. — Ecuador. B_>th O iontoglossum ctrrosurn — W. K. Ddutzia, garden variety. — F. S. Amelanchier vulgaris. — Correspondent. 1, Waldsteinia trifoliata ; 2, Anthericum lineare, variegated form ; 3, Oraithogaluin nutans. — H. E. Narcissus Barrii conspicuus. — R. B. Fuchsia procumbens, a very pretty basket plant for greenhouse or conservatory. — A. E. G., Wales. 1, Primula verticillata simensis ; 2, Abutilon megapotamicum variegatum ; 3, Be- gonia incarnata ; 4, Eriostemon intermedium ; 5, Boronia mega-tignia. Peach Shoots Diseased : G. A. B. The leaves are affected with the Silver-leaf disease. Cut out all the diseased shoots that can possibly be removed, and burn them. Apply sulphate of iron to the roots, at the rate of 2 oz. to a gallon of water. Peaches : A. B. We can find neither insect nor fungus. The appearance points to a check to growth, perhaps from a cold draught. Pear Lbaves : ff. W. D. Although undeveloped and without fructification, we have no doubt that the disease of Pear leave3 and shoots is a form of the multiform Apple and Pear scab Fusicladium pyrinum or dendriticum, so often alluded to and described in these columns. Spray the plants with weak Bordeaux-mixture two or thrte times during the period of growth. Richardia Root : E. D. R. The specimen arrived in such a condition we cannot determine the exact cause of decay, but there are no indications of fungoid disease. To Destroy Gooseberry Caterpillar : R. ff, Belgrave. Take 2 oz. soft-soap, 3 oz. of washing soda, 2 oz. white hellebore in powder, and 2 oz. quassia chips ; put these into a 2-gallon stone bottle, and pour upon them 1 gallon of boiling rain-water; stir till the whole is thoroughly mixed. Then add petroleum 4 oz., stir again, and then fill up the bottle with another gallon of boiliDg rain-water. After standing for twenty - Jour hours this must be strained through a fine cloth or muslin, and applied with a spray-distributor. Veltha : E. S. B. Some of our correspondents have spoken of good results following its use against club-root, and if you wish to test its efficacy yourself this may easily be done. In Mr. Maasee's book, " A Text-book of Plant Dis- eases," lime is stated to be an excellent pre- ventative, using from 40 to 70 bushels per acre. Plants are most susceptible to the disease dur- ing the first three weeks after germination, therefore do not neglect to thoroughly lime your seed bed. Wash for Shading : A. E. T. A good wash may be made as follows : — Take 1 lb. of Wheat flour, 1 lb. of common candle or Bussian ttllow, and 3 lb. of whiting. Make the flour into a paste with hot water, and then put in the candles while the paste is hot. Crush the whiting into a powder, mix with cold water, and the a add to the paste, with as much Brunswick-greeft (Poison) as is needed. When required for use, warm ic in a pail, and paint the glass when the sun is shining upon it. Water-finder : Lady M. C. We do not know the address of any such functionary, but as there ate many springs immediately adjacent, anyone conversant with the lie of the ground, the character of the soil, and the vegetation, should be able to be successful without the aid of any magic wand. Communications Received —A. B. R.— B. B. W.- C. T. D.— Mrs. A. W. M -Geo. F.— B. & 8ons-M. H. Walsh, Mass., U.S.A. (photograph 9)-A. F.— A. Mo.— A. P.— F. P.— Q. L.— H W —Irish Subscriber— Vails & Co.-A. E 8.— Nalional Fruit Growers' Federation- H. M.-G. N.— H. P. H. 8— J. Mc.C— W. K.— C. J. P.— 8. S. U— E. Y.-T. M — T. Humphreys— K. Haglwara, Tokyo-F. A. Eaton -R. A.-E T.-W. M.-C. P. R- J. O'B.— C. H. K.— L. G. P.— J. E. H.-F. C. Guildford -P. M.-F. J.-W. H. W.-A. W.-W. G.-T. R- W. H. 8.-9. H. W.-E T. {For Markets and Weather, see pp. xiv.) ■ Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle.' Cabpchf^ojJ Iris Hayxei, a new species from Palestine, allied to I. atro-fusca: colour of standards PURPLE, WITH SILVERY SHEEN; FALLS DARK-BROWN COLOUR WITH BLACK BLOTCH. APRIL 30, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 273 THE No. 905.— SATURDAY, April 30, 1904. CONTENTS. AJpicc garden, (lie ... 277 Apple, a pew species ot 280 Auricula show, the recent 283 Bambusa palmata ... 280 Benevolent Io si itut iuii, Gardeners' Royal ... 280 Blackmore, R. D., Me- morial to the late ... 281 Belgian botanists, Me- morials to 281 Books in the library of the Birmingham Gardeners' Society.. 2M Books, notices of— Calendar of Garden Operations 281 Chelsea Physic Gar- dens, lectures at ... 282 Chrysanthemums, single varieties of ... 2ss Compensation to a gardener JS2 Dailodils from Ire'and 281 Dendrobium x Thwaitesise Vei'.ch's variety 274 Foreign correspond- ence— A letter from Japan 275 Synonymous names in plants 27ft Fruit farms and the Small Holdings Act. 281 Gardeners' Associa- tion, the proposed... S81 Gumbleton, Mr. W. ... 278 Hippeastrum, a pure white variety of ... 282 Iris Haussknechtii ... 282 Kew notes 282 Letters, Cockburn's, to a gardener in 1727 ... 273 Market returns of the Board of Agri- culture 281 NareissusGreat •■ War- ley" New or noeworthy plants- Hie man thus Les- crauwaetii Nursery notes- Alpine plants at Comely Bank, Edinburgh Dailodils at Ditton Orchids for warm greenhouses Orchid notes and gleanings ... 273, Ornamental water, surface growth on... Societies- Gardeners' Debating societies Horticultural Club Lionean ... 281, Midland Daffodil ... National Auricula it Primula Nation al Fruit Growers' Federa- tion Royal Hovlietiltui.il Surveyors' Institu- tion Soils and manures for special crops Spinaoh for winter cutting St. Louis Exhibition... Sti a wberry forcing ... Sweet Peas, Algerian varieties of Tree - lifting in St. James's Park Trees and shrubs Vegetables Wasps Week's work, the 878, Wisley, a visit to 285 284 274 384 286 285 288 286 281 280, 285 284 281 28 J 27H 278 276 284 279 282 ILLUSTRATIONS Bambusa palmata (Supplementary Illustration). Dendrobium x Thwaitesite 'Veitch's variety" Hippeastrum "Snowdon" Narcissus " Great Warley " Tree-lifting in St. James' Park 2 274 283 27-i COCKBURN OF ORMISTON AND HIS GARDENER.* fTVHE part played as an agriculturist by -■- John Coekburn, an East Lothian laird who flourished in the first half of the eighteenth century, is fairly well known from letters he wrote to one or more of his tenants, and which were published exactly a century ago. Another instalment of his letters has just been published by the Scottish History Society, from which it appears he was equally keen as a tree- planter, pigeon - fancier, poultry - keeper and gardener. The letters number thirty- six in all, of which thirty-five were written to Charles Bell, his gardener, head forester, and supervisor in general. While they display the strong points of the writer, they at the same time reveal his palpable weak- ness— an overmastering desire to induce everybody on his property to adopt his views on rural economy, which, to say the truth, were far in advance of his age, coupled with an inability, distressing to con- template even now, to get his own servants to do his bidding. Coekburn was M.P. for his native county from the year of the Union till 1741, and his letters, written from 1727 to 1744, indicate that he was * Letters oj John Coekburn of Or/nistoun to his Gardener, 1727-1741. Edited with Introduction and Notes by James Colville, M.A., DSc. (Edin), Edinburgh, for the Scottish History Society, 1904. to a great extent a sojourner in the suburbs of London, where a man of his keen perception could not fail to gather nume- rous hints. So convinced was he of the superiority of English methods that he had Bell up to learn what he could, and con- tinually mentions in his letters points that strike him as worthy of adoption by the Scot. At the same time it should not be over- looked that lie was in the rear rather than in advance of some of his neighbours, his cousin. Lord Haddington, for instance, having introduced many improvements in forestry and agriculture previous to Cockburn's taking up the matter. Hepburn of Smeaton, Hay of Whittinghame, Tweedale of Zester, are others who were quite up to the times, and who had improved their estates quite early in the century. In Letters VI. and VIII. the undoubted kind-heartedness of Coekburn is very clearly displayed. These are almost wholly filled with advice to Bell about the management of the orchard and garden, of which Bell's father was tenant; and he not only advised, but urged him to go on every occasion he possibly could to see that the garden was properly cropped, the old Apple trees re- placed with better sorts, to try Mulberries and Quinces, to plant quantities of Rasp- berries, for which there was a demand greater than could be met, above all to grow plenty of vegetables even if he should have to sell cheaper than the usual high prices charged in Scotland. Vegetables at that time were carried to Edinburgh on the backs of horses, and Coekburn points out how much cheaper it would be to send them in a cart. Inci- dentally he remarks on the price he pays for vegetables at Hampstead— Beans and Peas, Oct, a peck, fine" Colly flowers" at 3d. apiece, Cabbage at 2d.. Cos Lettuce at Id. The rent of market ground near London was 40*. an acre, and wages I8d. a day, while dung cost 6s. a load. Regarding gardening affairs, he repeatedly urges Bell to spare no trouble or labour in order to secure high-class produce. Fruit- trees were to be planted with a flat stone under each — a very old practice. Borders of new soil were to be made for wall-fruit, and where walks were too close they were to be filled under the gravel with new soil also. He also advised root-pruning, and adds as an inducement, " You may remember I did so by the Wall trees at Tottinham, and I have been assured they produce vast quan- tities of excellent fruit." Two Grape-vines were sent to Ormiston from London, not that he expected them to bear fruit, but because of the utility of their foliage. Yet we find Reid and Justice later mentioning vines as producing fruit. Quantities of young trees and seeds were sent by sea from London, his favourite nurseryman having been " Lowther," though he also dealt with '•Switzer," from whom he purchased Leek seeds and "a few of other kinds" on trial. Switzer at this date (1741) had still his shop in Westminster Hall. He also secured special sorts of Onions, prickly Cucumbers, Melons, which he thought could be grown in Scotland only fit for pickling, and quanti- ties of Elms from Hertfordshire. " Matts " were to be used to protect tender crops, and he was very particular that the ground should be thoroughly pulverised to induce free- rooting. Dung -heated frames and bell- glasses formed the only means of raising tender vegetation. At this time and previous to it, the practice of selling surplus garden produce was common, and it is not therefore surprising to find Coekburn according his gardener permission to do so, but only after his " wife " was served. The familiar tone of these letters, which refer to his " wife " and his "brothers," who are also sometimes mentioned by their Christian names, and to Bell himself, whom he calls Charles, is indeed quite refreshing. The exigencies of space preclude a refer- ence to his planting operations and his tree pruning, to ditching and dyking, to planting trees on the quiet in hedgerows without the knowledge of tenants; to his difficulties with sheep, and worse ones with cattle, which broke through imperfect fences ; to his horror of lazy workmen, and his " hope you've got men who won't refuse working in woods or nursery— as your two fine gentlemen did." I may conclude by noting a curious fact in connection with pigeons, where it is recommended to feed them as a means of attaching them to their own dovecot. The remarks show that pigeons were fed on tares, and the recipient of the letter is told, should tares not hold out, to " buy a Boll of mouse Pease." It seems almost impossible that these (Lathyrus macrorhizus) could be grown in Scotland, and perhaps were rather imported seeds of Lathyrus tuberosus, or " Dutch mice," so called from the tubers with roots resembling exactly these little creatures. The book as a whole forms a delightful study of the rural affairs of a bygone age. P. P. Brotherston. ORCHID NOTES AND 6LEANIN6S. DENDROBIUM TERETIPOLIUM. Interesting Orchids often appear from unex- pected quarters, and it is the amateurs rather than the growers of large collections who seem to cherish "botanical" species. On several occasions we have received curious Orchids from D. Camp- bell Brown, Esq , Bink of Scotland House, Oban, who lays no claim to being a grower of Orchids, and yet those which he possesses seem to thrive remarkably well. Recently there came a speci- men of the pretty white Australian Dendrobium teretifolium, which is a plant which has not proved tractable in some large collections. Its long fleshy terete leaves, with sprays of white flowers where they join the stems, make it a graceful plant when grown in a basket or on a block. It is said to have grown for several years as it came, in a half cocoa-nut, with a little sphagnum moss among the roots. Odontoglossdm crispum, with Three Petals. A singular peloriate fbwer of Odontoglossum crispum is sent by F. Menteith Ogilvie, Esq., The Shrubbery, Oxford (gr., Mr. Balmforth), who well describes its peculiarities : " You will see that the flower sent has three perfect petals, the lip being replaced by an inferior petal which is the exact counterpart in shape (including the frilling), size, and substance of the two lateral petals, the only difference being a small coloured line near the base. Malformed Orchids are common enough, but I should hardly call this a malformation so much as a case of reversion to the ancestral type. Presumably there was a time when the Odonto- glossum had regular flowers with three petals, the lower one changing, by altered circumstances as time went on, a lip exceedingly divergent in many cases from the primitive petal. My flower, it seems to me, has nearly returned to the primitive form. The column is approximately 274 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Apbil 30, 1904. normal, and furnished with the usual fringed wings on each side ; but in addition there is a third transverse wing corresponding with the petal, which takes the place of the lip." In these words Mr. Ogilvie well describes the flower, the only additional feature being that the column is straighter, and the stigmatic surface nearer the apex than in what are called normal forms, a change which is common when reversion in Orchids produce more regular flowers. J. O'B. Ancistkochilus Thomsonianus vab. Gentili. M. Charles Pynaert, iu the Revue de I'Horticul- ture Beige, March, gives a figure of this pretty epiphytal Orchid originally described by Eolfe. The variety was discovered by M. Gentil in the Belgian Congo, and differs from the type in its violet, not white, flowers and in thegreater breadth NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. • — H^EMANTHUS lescrauwaetii. Numerous species of Haemanthus have been discovered in the flora of the Congo Free State, and some of them have been much admired when exhibited in London. A new and pretty dwarf species has been recently brought over from the Congo by M. Lescrauwaet, Forest Inspector of the Congo State. M. E. de Wildeinan gives the following description of it : — " Hwmanthus Lescrauwaetii, De Wild., n. sp. — A somewhat miniature species with a root-stock, and long roots growing between the rocks. Leaves sheathed at the base, four to eight in a group, leaving on the root- stock scars about 1 mm. apart. Petiole somewhat slender, from ^ Fig. 118.— dendkobiuji x thwaitesle, veitch's variety: flowers yellow-buff, lip purple. and shorter length of the perianth- segments. The plant proves easy of cultivation at Brussels, the pseudo-bulbs being renewed annually. The pe- duncle bears a spike of four flowers each stel- lately about 3 inches across with oblong acute spreading segments. The lip projects and has two erect blunt lateral lobes, the median one being narrow, acuminate, hooked. Leaves oblong, tapering at both ends. DENDROBIUM x THWAITESLE, VEITCH'S VARIETY. The rich yellow colour of this Dendrobium with its slight buff shade entitles it to be con- sidered the finest of all the yellow - flowered Dendrobiums (see fig. 118). It somewhat re- sembles D. splendidissimum grandiflorum, but differs from that in that the lip possesses a violet - purple disc, and by the presence of a slight buff shading in some stages. The variety was awarded a First-class Certificate at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday, April 19, when it was shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Son?, Chelsaa. 3 to 4 cm. long between the widening of the membranous sheath and the blade ; this is wedge- shaped at the base, sub-obtuse or pointed at the tip, with eight to nine nerves on each side of the chief vein. Secondary veins transverse, sub- oblique ; blade 8 to 18 cm. long, and 4G to 5 cm. wide. Floral raceme lateral with regard to the tuft of leaves, and from 15 to 25 cm. long. Umbel rather close, sub-globular, from 6 to 10 cm. in diameter. Valves of the spathe four or five each, 15 to 2 cm. in length. Flowers on pedicels 16 30 cm. long; perianth rose-coloured with a short tube, 2\ mm. long; linear segments 9 to 20 mm. long; filaments longer than the segments, 12 to 24 mm. in length ; anthers about 2 mm. long; styles about as long as the stamens. Fruit red-orange, with one or two seeds owing to abortion, from 7 to 9 mm. in diameter. It grows on rocks bordering the western part of the Lake Leopold II., March, 1903 (E. Lescrauwaet, in coll. M. Laurent, n. 205) ; region of Lula-Lumene (district of Stanley Pool), 1902 (R. P. Hendrickx, coll. J. Gillet, s.n). " Observations. — Bulbs of this species were sent to the Laeken Colonial Garden. This plant is classed near to H. rupestris, Baker (cf. De Wilde- man, Les Especes du genre Hcemanthus, pp. 6 and 12). " It differs from the latter species, hitherto only found by Barter in the environs of Nupe (Guinea), by its smaller flowers, shorter stamen-filaments, by the almost equal length of the lobes of the perianth, and especially by the shorter tubes. Further, the Congo species has no bulb, but a sort of root-stock more or less creeping, on which the leaf-sheaths leave circular marks. This rhizome measures about 15 to 20 mm. in width." Louis Gentil, SOILS AND MANURES FOR SPECIAL CROPS. (Continued from p. 179.) Having dealt with the question of soils for Roses, and of soil sterilisation for all kinds of intensive work in the greenhouse, we now pro- ceed to deal with the subject, as recommended by Messrs. Woods and McKenny, of the proper course of manuring for Rose-growing under glass. Feeding with Organic or Farmyard-Manures After the Rose-plants are set in the beds no manurial feeding is advisable until growth has started vigorously, and the soil is filled with roots; then mulch not over one-half inch deep with well-rotted and properly- sterilised sheep, cow, or horse- manure. This first mulch should be followed by a second one as soon as the first is used up by the plants. Subsequently, espe- cially during the middle of winter (December and January), the plants should not be mulched, but liquid-manures should be used. These may be either liquid organic manures, or the so-called chemical fertilisers, or combinations of both. Animal manures, unless carefully saved and pro- tected from heavy rains and excessive fermenta- tion, are not rich, and are very variable in their manurial value. Farmyard manures are most effective and valuable when composted or mixed with the soil, or when used in a well-rotted state as a mulch for growing crops. Rapidly fermenting manure will injure the roots of almost any plant. Liquid-manures should therefore be made from materials that have already fermented or rotted under such conditions as to conserve their fer- tilising value. The following proportions will make capital solutions : Ten pounds of pulverised sheep-manure to 50 gallons of rain-water; or 20 lb. of cow or horse-manure (droppings, when in a comparatively dry condition) to 50 gallons of rain-water ; or 3 or 5 lb. of hen or pigeon-manure to 50 gallons of water. The best way is to put the manure (to which 2 lb. of soot may be added) into a coarse-fibred sack, and soak it in water for several days, sousing the sack up and down occasionally and mashing it with a blunt stick, se- as to thoroughly break up the contents. Strong- growing plants with good root-systems will be- benefited by feeding with such manure-solutions once in ten days or two weeks during the periods of most active growth. When growth is slow or checked by cold or cloudy weather, feeding should be discontinued till active growth again indicates its need. This is most likely to be in March and April. Over- feeding. There is much greater danger of over-manuring than of under-manuring. If there are indications of over-feeding, sow on the beds some quiok- growing grass, such as Poa annua, or some other quick-growing plant that will take out some of the excess of plant-food ; also give a liberal coating of gypsum or quick-lime (slaked), which will counteract an excess of soluble nitrogenous food, and yet help the plants later on. When the weather is favourable, an excess of soluble plant- food material in the soil can be reduced by thoroughly drenching it with water. J. J. Willis, Harpenden. t ( To be continued ) APEtt 3fl, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 275 NARCISSUS "GEEAT WARLEY." In fig. 119 may be seen an illustration of a magnificent Daffodil exhibited by Miss Willmott at the meeting of the Eoyal Horticultural Society ■on April 19, when the variety was awarded a First-class Certificate. In general appearance the flower may be described as a bi-coloured Sir Watkin. It will be noticed that one of its chief characteristics consists in the trumpet, which is cot only large and bold, but expanded to an unusual degree. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. A LETTER FROM JAPAN. "I take the liberty of sending to you the manuscript enclosed. I am a member of the Tokyo Botanical Society, and have often read jour Gardeners' Chronicle with much interest. I am fond of plants, and have kept a large col- lection in pots. My fondness towards them is not limited to the common species cultivated in the gardens of the professional florists. The col- lection of the wild plants in which I am inte- rested is occasionally indulged in to meet my •desire. In the summer season I (sometimes alone and at other times with my partner, who lias the same tastes with me) ascend to a high mountain for this purpose. Some of the plants I •collect are kept as dried specimens, and some are brought to my garden, where they are cultivated in pots. If these mountain plants are submitted to hybridisation, we shall be able to see an interest- ing result. The following were collected in Komaga-take in the last August, which I am now cultivating. When I attained the height of above 3,000 metres, I found Geum dryadoides with the stems prostrate on the cold beds, covered with cloud and growing together with Pinus pumila. There were tfound many other species in the same place or in the vicinity ; some of them are also grown on the ■opposite side from the summit. They are as fol- lows : — Geum caltha-folium, Menz., var. dilatata, Torr. et (Jr.; Trollius patulus, Salisb., var. genu- ,inus, Egl. et Til. ; Potentilla gelida, C. A. Mey. ; Ranunculus acer, Linn., var. Steveni, Egl. ; Ane- mone narcissiflora, Linn. ; Geranium eriostemon, JTisch. ; G. Eobertianum, Linn. ; G. davuricum, D. ■C. ; Gentiana frigida, Haenk., var. algida, Pall.; Pedicularis yezoensis, Maxim ; P. Chamissonis Steveni; Lilium avenaceum, Fisch. ; Fritillaria •camtschatensis, Gaud; Empetrum nigrum, Linn.; Phyllodoce Pallasiana, Don.; P. taxifolia, Salisb ; ■Cerastium schizopetalum, Maxim. ; Alsine are- tica, Fenzl. ; Yaccinium Oxycoccus, Linn. ; V. vitis-idsa, Linn. ; Arctous alpina, Niedz. ; Di- ■centra pusilla, S. et Z. ; Viola biflora, Linn., Campanula lasiocarpa, Cham. ; Arnica alpina, •Olin. ; Saxifraga cortusasfolia, S. et Z. ; Trientalis •europeea, Linn. Besides the above - mentioned species I col- lected others in another place on this moun- tain. They are Coptis quinquefolia, Miq , Coptis trifolia, Salisb. ; Cornus canadensis, Linn. ; Hy- pericum senanense, Maxim. ; Gentiana nipponica, Maxim.; Pteridophyllum racemosum, S. et Z ; Primula jessoana, Miq ; Vaocinium proestans, iLam. ; Trigonotis Guilielmi, Maxim. ; Eubus japonicus, Fock. ; Dactylostalix ringens,Echb.,&c. Oh, wildings of Nature ! It is true that the gardens eclipse them ; yet I dote upon their ■tender elegance. They are brought forth amid the storms of chill adversity on the solitary mountains, and bloom there in the middle of the summer season. When I am cultivating them myself I recollect the time of collecting them, recalling the blue Highland mountains and echoing streams to my imagination. A". Hagiwara, 105, Takehayacho, Koishikawa - ku, Tokyo, Japan," Are Synonyms always avoidable ? In the Gardeners' Chronicle for April 2 we read on p. 219 " How synonyms are manufactured." It is chiefly the last word which causes us to offer to the readers of this paper some supple- mentary information which we trust will put this question into quite a different light. It is now about twenty years ago that we means always a paying undertaking. All our fears, however, disappeared as soon as some high- born English ladies told us that this one and no other would be their Tulip for Valentine-day. We accordingly set to work, and the sort being easily propagated, we had in less than ten years sufficient stock to send cut blooms to lady friends who occasionally oblige us by judging. Fig. 119.— narcissus "great warley": segments white, corona yellow; real size. found a runaway amongst our stock of early single Tulip White Pottebakker ; it had sported from pure white into a curious mixture of lemon and sulphur-yellow. It was evident that it was a valuable sport. We took care of it and culti- vated a stock of it, feeling sure that as soon as we could offer it in anything like quantity that the public would accept this new shade as a great acquisition. Making stocks from one single bulb is rather slow work in this electrical world, and it is by no On every occasion the verdict was what we expected. The flowers possessed qualities to turn even the most obstinate into a lover of Tulips. Since that time our stock increased rapidly, and soon we commenced selling it to our fellow- growers, which is the safest method to make a quick profit. It was at about this time that we learned that it had sported in exactly the same way with more than one other grower. We hitherto had always called it " Pottebakker, white and yellow," but 276 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 3u, 1904. knowing full well that this was a very inappro- priate designation, and believing that there is a great deal in a name, we hunted for one with sufficient meaning. About that time your late beloved Queen was failing in health, and thinking it a ladies' flower in the first place we christened it " Memory," hoping that it might live and thrive. It has, however, always been our practice not to push a name too much at the beginning, but to see how things are running. We sold bulbs of this variety under the name of " Memory " to different nurserymen, when some years ago we found that the Royal Horticultural Society had certificated it under the name of " Brunhilde," which name had been given to it by a well-known London firm. At the same meeting it was shown by a Mid- lands firm under the name of " Unique," and shortly after that we found both firms discussing in trade papers their individual rights in these names. We had no reason to interfere as both names seemed to us to be good enough, and believing our friends to be better judges than ourselves, we accepted both names, and since that time it may be found in our list as Brunhilde synonymous with Unique ; we dropped the name of Memory unless a customer ordered some bulbs under this name, when of course we knew what he wanted. We remember last autumn one of our London friends ordered some, and in order to ascertain what he wanted we wrote and asked him if he wanted "Pottebakker, white and yellow." It now seems to us that the flowers named Memory were from this supply, and it will be clear to all that they were correctly named, though it is to be hoped that in future they will be known as Brunhilde or Unique. Had we at the time of the certificate stepped in and told what we knew we should only have complicated matters. Like true parents we kept silent, and should have remained so were it not that we now think that this Tulip can stand on its own legs. We hope hereby t) have made it clear that synonyms are not always manufactured, but are the very natural results of different people in different places working at the same time tD arrive at the same result. It now about two years since we withdrew our name and gave it to another sported Tulip, which will before long create as much sensation, and will mo3t likely give the same trouble, or perhaps more ; for this one possesses the same charms as to colours, and being less tall it stands the wind better, and is a better bedding plant. Thinking of the proverb, " Once bit twice shy," we will try to prevent more synonyms arising. The lemon- coloured sport of the well-known early single Tulip Cottage Maid (so far as we know has sported nowhere else yet) is henceforth called by us "Memory," in respectful remembrance of the late Queen Victoria. J. H. Kersten t$f Co., Heemstede, April 7, 1904.. VEGETABLES. GLOBE ARTICHOKES. These vegetables should be planted in deeply- dug or trenched, heavily manured ground. The best time for making new plantations is when the plants have started into growth, which in ordinary seasons they do towards the end of March or early in April. Having made good any gaps that may have occurred in the rows of existing plantations, proceed to plant fresh rows according to requirements, doing away with a like number of rows of the older plants. The rows should be from 3| to 4 feet apart, and the plants should be placed a like distance in the rows in triangular patches of three. Planting should be done with a garden-trowel, and the soil made firm about the roots. Water should be given to settle the soil, unless rain occurs at the time of planting, and then lay on a mulching of short dung of 2 or 3 inches thickness. These plants will yield a supply of " 'chokes " just as the heads from established plants are exhausted ; and the novelty of having this much-esteemed vegetable so late in the season is duly appreciated by employers and their guests. On the approach of severe weather — say-, in November or Decem- ber— a good surface-dressing of manure should be placed between the rows and plants, the latter being wrapped round with dry litter or Bracken rather more than three parts of the way up, as a protection from severe frosts. The green variety finds more favour than the purple one, but it is advisable to grow a row or two of the latter, as tastes differ. Tuknips. A good sowing should now be made of " Snow- ball " to succeed the supply previously obtained from the earlier varieties sown during February TREE-LIFTING IN ST. JAMES" PARK. The nation's tribute to the memory of the late Queen, which is to take the form of a monument in St. James' Park, has necessitated a vast amount of work by the Park authorities in the removal of beds, alterations of existing boundaries, the making of new approaches, &c. The old Mall is being replaced by a magnificent ] road running from the Palace front and terminat- ( ing eventually in Trafalgar Square. This hand- some broadway is being planted with avenues of Plane-trees, which withstand the London atmo- sphere better than any other tree. The road terminates in a magnificent crescent in front of Buckingham Palace, having a setting of masonry to form the sweep. This architectural feature- was, we suppose, unavoidable ; but it has de- stroyed one of the prettiest landscape effects in Fig. 120.— the thee raised and ready for transportation. and March. Sowing should be repeated at inter- vals of three weeks up to the end of July. A sowing of " Orange Jelly " or some other reliable late variety should be made early in August for winter and spring use. Assuming the soil is light rather than heavy in texture and of average fertility, do not manure the ground for the crop, but simply dig it a good spit deep. When dry make the bed firm, and apply a good surface-dressing of dry soot. Rake the surface level and sow the seeds thinly in drills about 1 inch deep and 15 inches apart. Fill in the trenches with the feet, treading the whole firmly and raking the surface once more. Protect each sowing from birds by a piece of small-meshed garden-netting supported on forked sticks. As soon as the plants are large enough to handle thin them to 3 or 4 inches apart in the rows ; when they have all started well into growth draw out every alter- nate plant, so as to insure a good even crop. Work the Dutch- hoe between the rows every fortnight or three weeks to destroy weeds and promote growth. H. W. W. London. In the centre is a round bed of Rho- dodendrons, which will form the site for the statue. To obtain an uninterrupted view of this monument from various points, wide vifetas are being constructed, radiating from the statue and extending through the Green Park and St. James' Park. This has rendered necessary the removal and re-planting of numerous trees. To facilitate this work, the Superintendent of the Royal Parks, Mr. C. Jordan, has constructed a tree-lifting machine, and by his courtesy wfr were enabled to see this machine at work. It consists of a strong steel carriage on four wheels, of which the front and sides are the principal features, the back being a movable structure, and only fixed after the tree is slung, to give rigidity to the machine when travelling. There is no body or back axle, a bifurcated support on either side, in which the wheels are fixed, taking the place of the back axle. Thus, when the machine is backed over the tree to be removed, there is nothing to impede it, or prevent its being so stationed that the tree is in the centre of the April 30, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 277 carriage. Running along on either side is a strong windlass or wincb, to which chains are attached. The tree having been prepared for removal by over the hole on strong planks, which are laid in a gauge the width of the wheels apart. The whole can now be raised by means of the chains Fir. IS -A GINERAL VIEW OF THE MACHINE, WITH A TREE IN COURSE OF TRANSIT. digging a suitable trench aiound it, and leaving sufficient soil to form a good ball round the roots, is undermined to enable two stout boards to be and windlasses, and is suspended in the centre of the vehicle. It can now be carted to any detired position in the grounds. The operation Fig. 122.— tree being lowered for replanting. placed beneath it. Next, boards on either side of these centre ones are placed in position, which completes a platform on which the tree with its soil is now standing. The machine is next brought is now repeated of placing the planks over the hole for the wheels, and additional ones in the centre for the horses. As soon as the machine is in position these centre boards are removed, leaving the tree suspended over its new situation. It is a simp'e matter to lower the tree and draw out the planks from beneath. The tree which we saw manipulated weighed, together with the soil, about half a ton ; but the machine is capable of lifting trees weighing 2 tons. A large number of Elm, Ash, Plane, and other trees have beea handled by the aid of this at paratus with greater ease, more rapidly, and with comparatively little- injury to the tree. The machine was made by Messrs. L. Faulkner & Sons, Engineers and Ironfounders, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames. ALPINE GARDEN. IEIS IBERICA. This dwarf and beautiful species was recently exhibited by Messrs. Cutbush & Sons. Not only is it one of the smallest, being about 8 inches high, but it is remarkable for its colour. The upper portion of the flower, when viewed at a short distance, is distinctly heart-shaped. The foliage, with its linear leaves, almost closely folded lengthwise, and forming a complete arch, is a characteristic feature. It is more nearly an evergreen than many kinds, therefore less liable to succeed if treated in the same manner as those species from Palestine, whijh require drying off. This species should not be so treated. I never grew, nor have I seen grown, any plants of Iris iberica to equal some I had in a large bed in the open years ago. The plants were imported pieces, and first flowered after being two years planted. The soil was nearly all yellow loam from the Banstead district, the surface of the bed being made firm with a turf- beater. The standards of this Iris are of a whitish colour, beautifully reticulated with dark lines ; the falls are of dull brown colour with tawny streaks and a blackish oval blotch. It is a perfectly hardy and enduring species, whose natural flowering period in this country is the first half of May. E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. The Great Hepatica (Anemone angulosa). Hepaticas are still favourites with everyone who cares for old-fashioned flowers. The many forms of the common Hepatica, as we still love to> call Anemone Hepatica of the botanists, are cherished ; and it cannot be said that they are of less beauty than the newer A. angulosa, the Great Hepatica, which has come into general cultivation within recent years. A. angulosa blooms less profusely than the common Hepatica but it has larger flowers, being almost the size of a crown piece, and in the type are of a fine sky- blue, although there are varieties having lilac, white, and rose - coloured blossoms. All are- beautiful, while the bolder growth of the plant, and its large fivelobed, toothed leaves, give it a distinct appearance from the other Hepaticas. It- is a free grower, but, like the Hepaticas, it prefers a little shade, and I have seen it flower nowhere as well as on an east exposure. It is essential to- prolong the duration of the leaves as long as possible, and one successful cultivator in the trade covers his beds of Hepaticas with light litter, such as branches, in summer, for this purpose. The typical Anemone, or Hepatica angulosa, beautiful as it is and fine as are its flowers, has in one of its forms a great defect. This is its paucity of blooms ; this variety seemingly de- voting its energies to the propagation of the species by sending out runners. This variety should be discarded for that which increases but slowly at the root, and which flowers more freely. Then there is the fine variety called major» which comes earlier^than the type, and is larger in all its parts. f No variety is prettier than. the type, which has, flowers of a fine shade of, blue ; but those who 278 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 30, 1904, wish can secure the lilac-coloured variety, which is more expensive to purchase. Also higher in price is the charming white variety, Anemone angulosa alba, sent out, I think, by Herr Max Leichtlin, and accompanied by the. lovely rose- coloured A. angulosa rosea. It is difficult to conceive any more beautiful spring flowers than these truly "noble Liver- worts," as our forefathers called the Hepaticas. They are natives of Transylvania, and require a little stronger soil than the light, sandy soil sometimes recommended for them. 8. Arnott, Carsethorn-by-Dumfries, N.B. The Week's Work. TREES AND SHRUBS. ENKIANTHUS SUBSESSILIS (stn. E. NIKOENSIS). Enkianthus is a genus of Ericaceous shrubs not much grown in English gardens, but still containing some very charming species. It is, indeed, the rarity of its species, and not their want of beauty, that is the cause of the genus being so little known in this country. Three or four species have, however, been cultivated at Kew — and probably a few other places — for some .years past. E. subsessilis is the last addition to ■the cultivated species. It was collected in Japan fey Maries in 1878, also by Mr. J. H. Veitch at Nikko in 1892 ; but for its introduction to culti- vation we are indebted to Professor Sargent. He collected seeds in Japan in 1892, and from them plants were raised at the Arnold Arboretum, one -of which was given to the Kew collection two vears ago. This Enkianthus is a deciduous shrub of close, bushy habit growing from 3 to 8 feet high in a wild state. The leaves, as in other species of Enkianthus, are borne in rosettes at the ends of the twigs; they vary in outline from ovate to obovate, are 1 to IS inch long with margins (minutely toothed, and are almost sessile. The flowers occur, ten or twelve together, on spikes 1| to 2 inches long ; they are borne on slender pedicels | inch in length, the urn- shaped corolla feeing white and J inch long. It is not, however, particularly attractive in its flowers, but, like all "the Enkianthus we cultivate, it is very beautiful in autumn through its leaves turning bright red feefore they fall. W. J. Bean, Kew. Rhododendron x Mooeei. There is now flowering in the garden of Thomas Acton, Esq., Kilmacurragh, Ireland, a Rhododen- -dron which was raised many year3 ago in the Glasnevin Botanic Garden by crossing B. arboreum with R. campanulatum. Its parentage is abun- dantly evident in both foliage and flowers, the former being large, duU green above, clothed with buff-coloured felt below ■ and the flowers are ■large, white, wavy, and spotted inside with purple. Mr. Moore informs me that this is one of a number -of seedlings and hybrids raised by his father, some of which he sent to Rhododendron-culti- vators in Cornwall more than twenty-five years ago, and some have since been distributed among friends in Ireland. It is probable that R. cam- panulatum, one of the most vigorous and hardy of the Himalayan species, has played an important ■part in the production of many of the popular garden Rhododendrons, notwithstanding the ab- sence of any record of its having been used by the -early breeders. W. Belgrove. — A sympathetic and appreciative notice of Mr. Gcmbleton's garden near Queens- town is published in the last number of the Revue Horticole. M. Andre, after enumerating several of the choice contents of this remarkable establishment, expresses his delight at his visit, and he declares that the garden surpassed his expectations. THE HABDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. Mabkham, gr., Wrotham Park, Barnet. Grafting. — This work should be finished as speedily as possible. The bark of the more for- ward trees wiU now part with ease, and if the scions have been embedded in the soil in a cool part of the garden, no difficulty should be experienced in getting every graft to grow. See that the bark of the scion and bark of stock meet, and do not bind them together too tightly. Broad material in a wet condition is best for use in making the ties, and when these have been made encase the whole with clay, &c, prepared specially for this purpose. Examine trees which have been grafted some time, and if the clay has cracked or parted from the wood, make this good. It is essential to keep the scions air-tight and in a moist con- dition until union has been effected. The foUowing varieties of Plums are good ones to work upon new stocks and headed-back trees — Victoria, Gisborne, Belgian Purple, Pond's Seedling, River's Early Prolific, The Czar, Monarch, and Waterloo. The Gages and other choice dessert varieties should be grown on walls, &c. Grafts of last Season. — Trees that were grafted last year may require to be afforded supports, &c. If there is the least danger of the grafts becoming damaged from the wind when in leaf, fasten suitable stakes to the stock on which the grafts are growing, and then secure the grafts to the stakes also. These should be kept in use, and inspected occasionally until danger of their getting blown off is past. See that all recent grafts are properly labelled, and make a note of the variety of stock each has been grafted upon. Figs. — Young trees that are growing in pots but are intended for planting in suitable posi- tions out-of-doors should be thoroughly soaked with water at the roots before they are turned out of the pots. Provide good drainage, suitably pre- pared soil, and make the soil firm before planting. Disentangle the roots of the trees, and shorten slightly any of the long roots. In planting spread out the roots at different angles and cover them with soil ; then afford water through a rosed water-can. Fasten the branches loosely to the wall, so that the trees will not be " hanged " as the ground subsides. Fig-trees on walls require much space for extension in order that they may be fruitful. General Work. — During fine weather hoe the ground amongst Gooseberry bushes and other fruit-trees, or between any crops, to destroy weeds, &c. This work should not be neglected on any account, or it will result in causing very much more labour later in the season. Seedling weeds will soon dry up in fine weather, but if allowed to grow they will seed and spread by such means to all parts of the garden. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White Orchid Grower to Sir Tbevob Lawbence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Cattleyas and Lcelias. — Plants of C. Mendeli and C. Mossi;e which have failed to produce flower-sheaths, or specimens that have deterior- ated will now commence to make roots, and may be repotted and started afresh. Unhealthy plants should not be allowed to bloom, therefore previous to repotting them remove any flower-sheaths they may have. Strong healthy plants of the above species.also C. Skinneri, C. speciosissima, C. Schil- leriana, C. intermedia, La?lia tenebrosa, L. pur- purata, and the various Cattleya and Lalia hybrids now showing for flower will require a light position, and rather more water at the roots until the flowers expand, when the supply of water may be lessened until growth recom- mences. C. Lawrenceana and C. Schroder* will now be passing out of bloom in most collections, and after the flowers have faded should be placed in the coolest part of the house and be kept comparatively dry at the root, but not so dry as to cause much shrivelling of the pseudo- bulbs ; a slight shrivelling will do no harm. Afford fresh rooting material when the plants commence to grow or make new roots, and treat them as was advised in my last calendar for others of the same species. C. gigas, C. Hardy- ana, C. Dowiana, and its variety aurea are commencing to grow afresh and require as much light as can be given them, but very little water will be needed at the roots until the young growths have become several inches high, when the supply should be carefully and gradually increased. Defer repotting until the plants have flowered, and until new roots are seen pushing out from the base of the current season's growth. The dwarf-growing C. citrina is now in flower, and should be suspended in a cool, dry house, and afforded a limited quantity of water. Several of the long-bulbed Cattleyas, as C. ainethysto- glossa, C. Leopoldi, C. Harrisonae, C. Schotield iana, &c, now commencing to grow, may safely be repotted if this process is necessary, and the young roots will quickly establish themselves in the new compost. Plants of C. superba may, when the new breaks appear, be afforded fresh rooting material. Plain shallow pans without perforated holes in their sides are preferable to pots or baskets. They should be suspended near to the roof in the warmest house. Until this species is well established in the new compost its roots need little water. Great care is neces- sary in this respect at all times, as the young growths are extremely liable to decay if too much moisture be afforded them. The thin-bulbed Lselia harpophylla, and the dwarf-growing L. pumila, and its varieties pra?stans and Dayana, will require less water now they are at rest, and should be placed in the coolest part of the inter- mediate-house. Towards the end of May, or as soon as the nights become warmer, they may be removed to a light, airy position in the Odonto- glossum-house. Such distinct Cattleyas as C. Walkeriana, C. dolosa, and C. nobilior, should be suspended close up to the roof-glass of the Cattleya or Mexican-house. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Locking* Park, Wantage. Strawberries. — Much care and attention are necessary in order to maintain a constant supply of Strawberries from pot plants until fruits ripen out-of-doors, especially if the plants have to be grown in vineries and Peach-houses. _ The plants require very frequent applications of water, and feeding with liquid manure, the neglect of which would weaken the plants, and favour red-spider. When the supply of ripe fruits from succession plants is likely to exceed the demand, the fruit may be retarded by re- moving the plants to a house or pit having a north aspect. H the cultivation afforded be suitable, the finest examples of forced Straw- berries are generally obtained during the month of April. Take care that late batches still in their winter quarters are supplied with water at the roots as often as is necessary. Unheated pits are suitable structures in which to fruit the latest plants, and if [the pots be plunged in coal- ashes, the plants will be benefited. The favourite autumn-fruiting variety St Joseph should receive attention. Prepare the plants now in small 60- size pots for repotting into 18-size and 32-size pots later on. Do not permit the plants to suffer from want of water. Let them stand on a bed of coal- ashes well exposed to the sun. Vines. — We are now thinning Grapes that will ripen in June. This operation should be done with care, and a knowledge is necessary of the different varieties and the size to which the berries are likely to attain. But in every case the crown berries are those which should be retained, and such varieties as Black Hamburgh must not be thinned severely. Before the berries commence to colour it is better to have a few berries to remove, and it may be stoneless berries, than to lament the thinness of the bunches. Give close atten- tion to pinching laterals and sub-laterals beyond the bunches, where space is available, other- wise remove the lateral altogether. Afford the plants moderate but frequent applications of stimulating manure, and admit air to the house on every favourable opportunity. Damp down the house at closing time in the afternoon with diluted drainings from the stable. Vine and Peach - borders out-of-doors. — The present is a favourable season to give attention Apbil 30, 1904.] THE GARD ENER S ' CUR ONI CL E. 279 to outside borders, and if necessary to remove all inert soil down to the roots, which are now active. For a top-dressing I have found nothing to equal light coverings of burnt ashes, the greatest proportion of which is wood -ashes. These remain in an open, sweet, and wholesome condition for a considerable time, and the roots revel in them. Such atop-dressing with specially prepared material from the stables answers well. Afford light and frequent waterings with the revolving sprayer. THE FIOWEB GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddockhuret, Sussex. Tropceolum speciosum. — Boots that were taken up in the winter and placed in boxes will have wade 3 or 4 inches growth. If they have been hardened off they may be planted out at once ; every small piece will grow. Tubers may also be planted and seeds sown in a cool, shaded frame. A compost of peat and loam is best. Slugs will eat away the young shoots if not checked by the use of slaked lime or some other means. Shelter these shoots from wind. A useful and pretty climbing plant to associate with, this species is Tropaeolum peregrinum, the Canary- creeper. Shrubs. — In consequence of the dry winds which have prevailed, all evergreen shrubs lately planted should be afforded water, and be well mulched with good rotten dung. Spray them over- head, if possible late in the afternoon, which is of more assistance to them than too much water at the roots, as there will be little root-action for some weeks to come. Camellias can be success- fully planted now, and it is necessary to mix some rough peat in with the soil. Camellias are not planted so frequently as they might be. The trees are perfectly hardy, and the foliage very bright. Large specimen evergreens requiring to be transplanted may have a few of their larger branches cut away, to give them a better chance of starting into growth. Annuals raised from seeds sown some weeks ago on the hot-bed will be ready for pricking-out into frames. Six or 8 inches of good soil should be placed in the frame upon a firm bottom, which will enable them to be lifted better, thus minimising the check at planting-out time. For the same reason do not place manure under them in the frame. Care should be taken not to press the dibber against the stem of the young seed- lings, or damping will occur. They will require shading until they have become established. Close the frames early in the afternoon, and for a few weeks cover them at night. Air must be given during the day to prevent damping. Keep asharp look-outforslugsand other insect-enemies. Should the weather be favourable, Stocks may be planted direct into their summer or flowering quarters. When this plan is followed protection Bhould be given them till they obtain a root- hold and the weather is more genial. The same treatment may be applied to Antirrhinums. Borders of Herbaceous Plants. — Use the hoe frequently, and afford mulches and root-water- ings to recently - planted roots. Late-flowering varieties of herbaceous plants may still be planted, and any roots left over from planting Bhould be placed in a reserve garden to supply flowers for cutting; it will obviate cutting from the main border. Climbers. — These may now be planted, and will at this time of the year soon start into growth ; as most of them can be obtained in pots. If the soil needs it fresh compost should be added. Wista- rias, Clematis, and Gaultherias like a mixture of peat. Young growths of the Clematis will require attention, while Jasminum nudiflorum will need thinning out and the strongest shoots tjing back. For planting in vacant places where there is plenty of room, suitable subjects are Wild Hop, Convolvulus, Lathyrus sylvestris, Solanum dul- camara (Bitter-sweet), and Akebia quinata. The latter is hardy here and makes a beautiful climber, doing best in a good mixture of peat and loam. Half-hardy climbers include Passiflora ccBrulea (one of the best), Cobsea scandens, and Bignonia radicans, most of which are hardy in the South, or need only slight protection in the winter. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. K. Fielder, Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Mymms Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Begonia Gloire de Sceaux, B. Ensign, B. Mrs. Heal, tfc. — Old plants of these varieties having been rested are starting into growth, and their propagation should now be undertaken. Cuttings of the first-named variety, if inserted at any time from the present date to the end of May, will flower from December until the beginning of April, during which time this plant is most useful. I do not find that B. Ensign produces cuttings so freely as Gloire de Sceaux, therefore a good stock should always be reserved for propagation. The cuttings of the above-named varieties are best inserted singly in small pots. Afford them a compost of loam, leaf-soil, and peat in equal proportions, adding some coarse silver sand. Cuttings of the tuberous-rooted Begonias may also be inserted at the present time. Propagation of the latter by means of cuttings is resorted to in the case of named varieties or very superior seedlings which it may be thought desirable to increase. Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima. — Place a few old plants of these in the stove to provide cuttings for an early batch of plants if required, and afford them a watering. When the growths are from 3 to 4 inches in length, take them off with a heel, and insert them singly in small pots filled with sandy soil. Afford a watering, and plunge the pots in the propagating-frame, or on a hotbed. Codiaums (Crototis). — These are now in ful growth, and tops taken off at the present time will make roots freely in sandy soil if the base of the cuttings be not too woody. Plants with good tops, but which are too tall for decorative pur- poses, may be utilised for propagation. Take off the tops about 6 inches in length, and after removing some of the bottom leaves, cut the base back to a point where it is moderately soft. Insert the cuttings singly in small pots, and plunge the pots in the propagating-frame. Cut- tings which have been rooted by the process of "ringing," as advised in a former Calendar, and are now established in small pots, must be trans- ferred to others 5 inches in diameter directly they are sufficiently well rooted, otherwise the young foliage will be prevented from developing as ic should do. Ixoras are very useful for room decoration when grown in small pots. For this purpose cuttings should be inserted as soon as half-ripenod shoots of the current season's growth can be obtained. Insert these singly in small pots previously filled with a compost of peat, leaf- soil, and a little loam, together with plenty of sand, and plunge the pots in a brisk bottom-heat. When the cut- tings are well rooted, transfer them to pots 44 inches in diameter. Grow the plants on with- out stopping, and in due course good trusses of flowers will be produced. When the flowers have faded, cut the plants back, and when they have made growths an inch long, shift them into pots a size larger, and grow on as before without stop- ping. These plants require a high temperature, abundance of atmospheric moisture, and shade from bright sunshine. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Firth, Esq , Ashwicke Hall, Marshfield, Chippenham. Mushrooms. — If Mushrooms are in demand all the year, collect manure, and having prepared it by frequent turnings make up new beds. During the summer months the beds should be made in the coolest situation at command, either indoors or out-of-doors. The north side of a wall, a cellar, or a plantation are suitable positions, but any situation will do that is shaded from the sun. When making beds out-of-doors prepare mounds or ridges 4 to 6 feet wide at the base, rising in height to about 3 or 4 feet, according to the width. Whatever the width or height, the mounds should be formed rounded at the top, and the sides made at an angle to allow the soil to keep in position after the spawn has been inserted. In commencing peg out the distance required, and when building make firm from start to finish by treading and beating the manure as the work pro- ceeds. Subsequently insert a few pegs along the bed to give an idea of the temperature. These should be tested every alternate day, and when the heat has declined to 80° insert pieces of spawn about the size of a bantam's egg at 3 inches apart over the bed, just a little under the surface of the manure. A day or two afterwards cover the bed about 3 inches deep either with loam from an old pasture, or with any good garden soil. Beat this firm, and make it smooth with the back of the spade, afterwards cover lightly with a little hay, and protect the bed from rain that would be likely to make it too wet. Examine the beds occasionally, and when the spawn commences to run be careful that it does not run into the hay, which it will do- if the hay has been applied too thickly, and has- since become damp. The covering of hay should be kept in a loose condition. Brussels-Sprouts from seeds sown early and that have been hardened off well may now be put out on the quarters where they are to remain. Plant them in lines 2 feet apart, and allow the same distance from plant to plant in the rows. If the- soil is deep and unusually rich a little more space may be necessary, but in our case the dis- tances stated are sufficient. If the plants are very small, plant them at distances of 0 inches- apart in the lines, and afterwards thin them out as required. If the garden is of limited extent only, these thinnings will be found nice sturdy plants for planting between the lines o Potatos- af ter the Potatos have been earthed up. Seeds. — Sow Chicory. Examine the seed-beds, note any failures, and ascertain if there has been, anything forgotten ; and if possible make good the omission. Failures should not always be attri- buted to the seedsmen ; we have oftener seen them result from mismanagement on the part of the cultivator. Causes of disappointment arise- from such mistakes as sowing too deeply, or at a. time when the soil is not in a proper condition, from neglect after sowing, allowing the birds to- steal the seeds or permitting the slugs to eat the seedlings as they are pushing through the soil. These things result from carelessness and want of observation. THE APIARY. By ExrERT. The spring cleaning of the apiary should be- proceeded with as quickly as possible. Carefully examine and number each stock. Make the smoker ready for use, and have a plentiful supply of fuel. Also prepare a carbolic cloth dipped in a solution of one part carbolic acid to five parts of water, with a little glycerine. The carbolic should be Calvert's No. 5. Cleaning operations should be commenced by giving the bees a little smoke andl removing the risers to enable one to have plenty of room. After drawing out the dummy examine each frame and scrape away all small pieces of wax, &c, on the ends and bottoms. Examine the frames upside down also, as wax grubs will often be found right up under the shoulder of the frames. To do this lower the frame in the left- hand till it is straight up the 14-inch way, turn the same round as if on a pivot, and then turrh upwards, when the other side of the frame is presented without any difficulty. If turned right up the weight of honey and bees is likely to- break the comb. Proceeding with each frame, scrape the floor board and sides, and when* all have been cleaned remove the scrapings on the floor board with a wide knife or small- brush, moving two or three frames forward, as room permits, until each one is in its proper position ; then replace the dummy. The top- of each frame should be scraped and the pieces of comb removed. Should they contain any honey, allow the comb containing it to remain- on the top bars for a few days for the bees to- clear out. The frames containing brood should not be kept out of the hive any longer than i& avoidable while cleaning, as it may become chilled. All small pieces of wax and scrapings should be cleared up, and not left about the apiary. By destroying wax grubs now, we may prevent a, great number infesting the bees later on. Continue a little gentle feeding when neces- sary. All stocks in a dirty condition should be placed in a fresh hive, and the old one removed for cleaning. 280 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [April 30, 1904. 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 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.— Tlie 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 correspondents. Otustrations. — The Editor will be glad to receive and select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, d-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 MAY. SUNDAY, TUESDAY, ... , ( Dusseldorf Exhibition (Or- A l1 chids) (three days). (Royal Horticultural Society'3 ,Y o/ Committees Meet. ) Scottish Horticultural Associa- (. t ion Meet. THURSDAY, Mat 5 -Linnean Society Meet. ( Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. FRIDAY, May 6-] Dusseldorf Exhibition (Cut I Flowers) (four days), SATURDAY, May i Sociele Francaise d'Horticul- 7-' ture de Londres Meet. ' German Gardeners' Club Meet. i United Horticultural Benevo- MONDAY, May 9-> lent and Provident Society's ( Committee Meet. WEDNESDAY, May 11 j R^bIitif^ani0 Societ*'3 E*" ( Dusseldorf Exhibition (Fruits > and Vegetables) (four days). May 1.3— Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. Royal Horticultural Society's Committees Meet, and Na- tional Tulip Society's Show combined. Horticultural Club Meet. Annual Festival Dinner of Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund at Hotel Cecil. IBath and West and Southern Counties Society's Exhibition at Swansea (five days). Brighton Horticultural Society Meet. Dusseldorf Exhibition (Cut Flowers) (six days). May 20 -Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. May 21— German Gardeners' Club Meet. M._. ... ( Linnean Society (Anniversary) may 24^ Meet, at 3 p.m. (Royal Caledonian Horlicul- WEDNESDAY, May S6-J tural Society's Show at Edln- ( burgh (two days). THURSDAY, May 1 FRIDAY, TUESDAY, MAY 17 THURSDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY, TUESDAY, FRIDAY, MONDAY, TUESDAY, May 31 May 27— Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. C Annual Meeting and Dinner May 3n- of Kew Guild at Holborn I Restaurant. Royal Horticultural Society's Show in the Temple Gardens, Thames Embankment (three days). 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. WEDNESDAY NEXT, May 4- Palms, Plants. Begonias. Cannas, Perennials, Gera- i niums, Ferns, Lilies, &c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.— Azaleas. Roses, "* Cannas, Palms, &c, at Stevens' Rooms, 38, King St., — Covent Garden, W.C., at 12 30. FRIDAY NEXT, May 6- 200 lots of Cypripedium niveum ; also Cattleya gigas, Establisbed Orchids, &c,. at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 30. /For fuiiher particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Average Temperatubb for the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -51'6. Actual Temperatures :— London. -April 27 (6 p.m.) : Max. 58"; Min. if. April 28, Qardenera' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden (10 a.m.) : Temp., 65°; Bar,30'l. Weather dull and warm. Provinces.— April 27 (6 p.m.): Max. 55*, South-east Coast of England ; Min. 45°, North-eaBt Coast of England. It is still a matter of dis- An Apple for putC) or rather of difference rop cs. qj opinion, whether the Apple and the Pear should be classed in one and the same genus (Pyrus), or whether the Pears should be held to constitute one genus (Pyrus), and the Apples be included in another (Malus). Whilst botanists are divided in opinion on the subject, common usage unhesitatingly affirms the distinction between Apples and Pears. In ordinary circumstances there is, of course, no difficulty whatever in distin- guishing an Apple from a Pear, whether in foliage, flower, or fruit ; but in the circum- stances under which the botanist dealing with a large number of wild species from various countries is placed, the distinction is not always easy to perceive. Speaking broadly, the only constant difference (if it be constant) is that the Pears have masses of " grit " or lumps of hardened cells in their tissues, whilst the Apples seem never to possess these " stone-cells." It may seem to some that these are matters of academic rather than of practical importance ; but whilst this is not wholly true in this specific instance, as a general statement it is safe to affirm that we never can tell when know- ledge of a fact may be turned to account. Many, perhaps most, of the important practical results of which we are now reaping the benefit owed their origin to some discovery deemed at the mo- ment to be of trifling, if of any conse- quence at all, from a practical point of view. We are reminded of these facts by the publication, in the February number of the Bulletin of the Botanical Society of France, of a new species of Pyrus (or as the author, M. Bois, prefers to write it, of Pirus), native of Annam. This tree, M. Bois tells us, was found by M. d'Andri^ at the summit of Lang-Bian, in Annam, at an altitude of 2,000 metres, on the edge of a forest. The discoverer speaks of the tree as an Apple. The external appearance of the fruit is indeed quite that of an Apple, but the numerous masses of grit (stone-cells) in the flesh are such as are characteristic of Pears. Unlike most wild Pears and Crabs, the tree is destitute of spines. The flowers have not yet been observed, but the fruits are globular, 4 to 6 cent, across, greenish-yellow, and with a rough flavour like that of a Crab Apple. The climate of Lang-Bian is like that of Southern Europe, and is such that a sanitarium has been proposed to be erected there, whilst an experimental station and a meteorological observatory have already been established. It is anticipated that the district will ultimately be of importance by supplying the colony with European fruit and vegetables, and for raising cattle, thus rendering Cochin China independent, as regards supplies, of China proper. From a cultural point of view the im- portance of the discovery of this new Pyrus rests in the circumstance that it may be used as a stock whereon European varieties may be grafted. If experiments made with this object prove successful, whether in the case of Apples or of Pears, the introduction of this new species into our own tropical and subtropical Colonies is much to be desired. Many thousands of seedlings have, we are told, already been raised, so that we shall not have long to wait for the proof of the utility of the tree. The new species has been called Pirus Doumeri by M. Bois, in compliment to M. Doumer, the founder of the experimental station above alluded to. So far as we can see, there is no species like it in the enumeration of Chinese plants now approaching its completion under the auspices of Mr. Hemsley. BAMBU8A PALMATA (See Supplementary Illus- tration). — For the opportunity of figuring this species we are indebted to Messrs. Gauntlett, of Redruth, who male a speciality of the culture of Bamboos. Lord Redesdalb speaks of it as a strikingly beautiful and most effective species, i conspicuous from the great size of its leaves, which are often used by the Japanese peasants to wrap up the bits of salt fish or other condiment which they eat with their rice. The leaves are from 12 to 13 inches long, and 3 to 3J inches broad, tapering suddenly into a fine point, bril- liant green, smooth and shiny, glaucous beneath. Lord Kedesdale finds it thrive equally well under full sunshine and in deep shade. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 3, in the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, Westminster. | At 3 o'clock a paper on " Enemies of the Apple Tree," by M. Chas. Baltet, will be read. A | total of 498 new Fellows have been elected since the beginning of the present year. The Rt. Hon. Lord Redesdale has been compelled to resign his seat on the Council of the Society, owing to illness in his family, compelling his absence from England. The Council has elected W. A. Bilney, Esq., of Fir Grange, I Weybridge, to the seat on the Council thus vacated by his Lordship. The Council has con- I: ferred upon Lord Redesdalb the Victoria Medal | of Honour in Horticulture. The Survet-ors' Institution.— The next Ordinary General Meeting will be held in the Lecture Hall, on Monday. May 16, 1904, when a I discussion will take place on the paper read by Mr. Thomas Blashill (Fellow), at the meeting of April 18, entitled " London Streets and Street | Traffic." The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Insti- TUTION. — We have received the following com- munication, which we leave to the earnest con- sideration of our readers : — " You are doubtless already aware that Mr. Harry J. Veitch, for the last fifteen years Treasurer of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, will, at the request of the Committee, occupy the Chair at the Festival Dinner in aid of the funds, at the Hotel Metropole, on June 28 next. No one probably has done so much for the benefit of necessitous gardeners and their widows as has Mr. Veitch, who has given unstintingly both of his time and of his money to assist the good cause, and the undersigned members of the parent Committee feel that the present is an excellent opportunity for the gardeners of Great Britain and Ireland, as well as of all interested in gardening, to show their appreciation of what Mr. Veitch has done and is doing by assisting to make this a record year in the financial annals of the Institution, Will you kindly assist us to do this ? With this object in view we ask you to very kindly bring the subject before every gardener in the country. The Institution is supporting 207 pensioners— 121 men at .£20 and 86 widows at £16 per annum respectively, at an annual cost of .£3,796. To meet this sum the only guaranteed income is about £860, leaving the remainder to be raised by voluntary contributions, subscriptions, and dona- tions. This is a great responsibility, and we ask our fellow-gardeners throughout the British Isles to help to lighten this heavy burden. Fifteen pensioners were placed on the funds at last Apeil 30, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 281 election, leaving thirty-eight unsuccessful candi- dates— several quite blind — on the list awaiting aid. The number of old and necessitous gar- deners and their widows applying for assistance continues to increase, and without more generous support from gardeners, for whose benefit, and that of their widows, the charity exists, there is ■nothing for the Committee to do but turn a deaf ear to the appeals which come before them. Votes are given for every guinea subscribed or •collected, and it is possible for a gardener by subscribing for a few years to be entitled to as many votes as will secure his election — in case of the landowner. (1) the ocean . - threefold burden he thought to be unnatural and prohibitive. In the circumstances, be niintained that a lai's chances were better in "he town than in the country. Mr. C. E. Pearson referred to the fait that the I farmer appeared to be incapable of co-operating with . ..-: i_e:r -.:-- : . : - -_ - - ;. 1 _ 11: 1 - 11 11 something to say also of cottages. Everyone appears satisfied that the provision of good and -oitable cot- tages has a bearing on this question, and air. Pearson stated that his firm has built good cottages, wh sufficient interest on capital at a weekly rent : They have abolished the ™ parlour, and have 1 room, a scullery and one bedroc:- downstairs, and two Mr. Dennis, of Covet an Market, and a F»iiitiT of Mr. Chant * : I Commission, dis- agreed with the lecturer . . Its the culHvi c steal crops in Britain, Much of the land was only suitable for cereals, and 11 should be remembered that the yield of cereals in Britain was greater per acre than in America or in ■ nap would pay now, as it has done before, if the conditions a Basse. The barriers were : incidence of local tar J2> imperial taxation (tan 0 _ai -. question of railway rates was the worst, and Mr. Dennis related that he imported Tomato 3 from the shores of the Mediterranean in bulk for the same price that his easterners bad to pay for the carriage 0 I goods from Covent Garden to Brighten V. had to be taken to Paris by rail, carted act 1 1 1 Pars I . -ed by train to Boulogne, ! i to Englai . by rail to London, and - - : - Mr. Geo. Monro. ■ roe pertinent remarks upon t: te Bon. D. Llewelyn ; is a pity that «hu meeting w_ . the Annual Festival of the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, at which function Sir • or La wren ie. NATIONAL AURICULA. & PBLMULA. 1 Royal Horticultura. Mr. J. docolas for the highest aggregate number of points in classes 1. . i -■-- won by Mr. a a : of Stoke DAbernct. The SOtec Medal of the Eoyai Herticnltnra. - 1 0 given by M r. -T. Doc. las for ' '■ - - ■ a-< - ■-- - 1 .:■ 1 :.!=;»: { •.6.7,8,11, 1- aad B, was awarded to Mr. an amateur ii zz Beading. The above awards could not b: Bforswages .-ai Eeport 0: the exhibition held on Tuesday thel/th inst pn in oar last i MIDLAND DAFFODIL. A7i:i 5? and 27.— As is usual s very nne exhibition was brought together on thia occasion, and though in a few cases the blooms hid passed t:.;-: was a good and varied disc'.a7. nasi :: the leading — :."i ::; and raisers beicc rrrresentei -_iec:e seedlings were staged, while ; e.lineous exhibits ^ontribnted many varied ari interesting features. The entries were very nnmeto 19 e specially in the case oi the iloral decorations, while bouquets oi Dazocils were 1 .1 1 . : :. - I -; -ere thirteen sm2l. tit i ie.iri :i :e same number cf cowls tfyarcissi several bowls of Polyanthus Xarctsit it: : er I »5odiis. and boxes of cut flowers packed icrcrausi: Iilifsmpots ere a very fine feature. in i.ass : toracct:-: .te :i : , tils in titty varieties, Mrs. E. M Cbo-stield, Wrexham, was 1st, showing "_icc atber novelties Saladin. and Maid Marian, to which Awards of Merit were made. Glory of Leyden. ...ct Weardale Perfection, Horses. i. .;.i- weil, Waverin Giant, Cassandra, Milady Seedling, Grandee, sThitc tTiais: Herrick, ic.. were aD of fine quality. Mr. A, L T.f^tvr Mbxttuj Z re .tin, and laans. Pope & 80s, Sinjs c."orton, both staged good groups in this class. Mr. H. B. Tanas, Lincoln, was 1st in the c-ass for a in of twenty-five varieties, witi dowers of very good quality, including Mrs- W. T. Ware, Emperor, .is. Crown Prince. Grandee, Barrii conspicuus, Capt. Xeison, Aurantia, Queen of Spain, Flora Wilson, Beauty, Ac , Mr. J. H. Habthtli, Alton, being .nd. WisB i radlenti n ct tarclm varieties of Dartodil itcitt-, Great Warley. was placed -st, several 0: her varieties gaining First-t'.ass Certi- ficates and Awards of Merit Messrs. Yak Wavzbzs i Soss, Hillegom, were 2nd. For six varieties of seedlings, Mrs. B. O. Backhouse, Hereford, was 1st with some pretty 1 Itss K. 8PUHBEIX, Sorwich, being placed .zz There was a good competition in the class for twelve tremtet liciii.s ant I B Babsodix, O.ttn, ti-ttcj 1st wit_ some very fine blooms, including Victoria, Mme. Plemp, Mme. de Graau. ;oeen of Spain. Maxi- mus, Ariadne, Horsfieldi, J. B. M. Camm, Glory oi Leyden, Ac. and. Mr. H. B. Yocsg, Lincoln. Forsix des eties of trumpet DarTodils the Bev. t Bt scojcbb's lEuabon) blooms oi Emperor. Mme. Plemp, Glory of Leyden, M. J. Berkeley, Mr_e. de GraatT. and J. B. M. Camm, were plated 1st. Mr. A. L. Melville was 1st with twelve varieties of oronati DarTodils, excellent blooms of Crown SeagulL Eathexine SpurrelL Beauty. Com- mander, and Leedsii Gem beicg shown. Mr. A. M. Wilsos, Spilsby, was ind. With six varieties of medio-coronatae the Rev. T. X3E was successful with Barri conspicuus. Sir Walfcin, Mrs. Langtry, Beauty, C. J. Backhouse, and Geo- Sicholson ; Mr. C. L, Beassos, ColeshiU, taking -oi prize. In the competition for six distinct varieties of parvt- :, equal 1st prizes were awarded to Messrs. Pope A Sos, who had delightful examples of Mr. C. Bowley. Flora Wilson. Picotee. Clarissa. John Bain, and O: md to Mr. A. L Leslie Mel- ville, who had. distinct from the foregoing, Agnes Bain, Baroness Heath, FalstirT, Vanessa, and Blood Orarre : ass for six;. e ties of Poeticus brought oarmire blooms. Mr. A. M. WrLsos was placed 1st with Sister Mary. Chancer. Poetamm, Dante, Al- mora, and Virgil. Mr. J. Docolas was a close 2nd. Messrs. Pope A Son offered special prizes for six varieties of Daffodils of a certain value ; and 1 : were awarded to the Bev. X Bcscomls twelve distinct range cups, Mr. F. A Walton {six ditto). Mr. B. C. Cas.7— 1 ■#/« Norton, was 1st for twelve varieties ct a certain value. For six distinct varieties of DarTodils, com t to have never won a 1st prize at a DarTodil show, Mr. A. K. Goodwts, Kidderminster, was placed 1st with some good flowers of well known s i Peemiee Blooms of Daffodils. 7 ( premier Trumpet Daffodil was a ace bloom of :•: :.ng Alfred, shown in the collection of Messrs. J. R. Peabson A Soss. In the nedic-coronati-e section a fine bloom of White Queen, shown by Messrs. Pope A 3oss, was successful ; while the premier of parvi-eoronatae -_ was Poetic Horlck, shown by Mrs. CE'. i-. ver Medal was also awarded in each case. A class for nine distinct varieties of cut Tulips brought Mr. B. C. Cast prize ; and Mr. 8. 8. ! _i Mr. B. C Cabtwbjght was tie only exhibitor of six vases of Spanish Iris, staging some charming blooms. Mr. J. A Keseicx was 1st with twelve bunches oi hardy spring flowers ; and the Bev. J. Jacob, 2nd. Daffodils in pots were shown in classes for twelve iter pots respectively. Mr. B. Caetw-eioht was 1st --:-.■ iss: Mr. J. A Ke.ve: e, 2nd For six pots Mr. J. Eeaset was 1st; Mr. W. D, Deet>xax, Edgbaston. 2nd. Mr. B C Caet* eight gained 1st prize with six pots of Polyanthus Narcissi ; and Mr. Deeduak was 2nd. Single I ics were a very rlae feature at Birmingham. Mr. B. C Cabiwbkhi was 1st with Queen of the Yellows, Fabiala, Uni te very one . Joost VanVondel (very fine white), S oaeodoefc. and Keizers Kroon. Mr. J. A Keseics was a close .ai. the latter exhibitor also s'aging Lily of the Valley, and winning 1st prize for Lilian Harrisii. Taole decorations were represented by thirteen small tables, each arrarged with DarTodils and their eery pretty. Messrs. Pope i Soss were : = t with a charming arrangement, and Messrs. CLiEiind. For a bouquet of Daffodils Messrs. Pope A Sox were 1st, and Messrs. Feltos A- Soss, Hanover Square, London, 2nd. In the class for bowU or centre-pieces of Daffodils, it was decided to give two series otprizes. one to bowls and vases, and one to centre-pieces. Messrs. Popb A Sox had the best bowl, and Mrs. MAErrs the best piece. Bowls of Polyanthus Narcissi grown in m:s; tore made a pleasing feature, the best three coming from Mr. Geegg 1 while Mr. B, C. CABrwEiGHT had the best three bowls similarly grown, but of ordinary Daffodils. The best box of cut blooms of Daffodils packed for market came from the MiDLABn Spbtno Gaedes? Co. ; the Rev. J. Jacob being 2nd. COLLECTtOSS of Plaxts asd Flowebs. Miscellaneous groups formed a considerable portion of the exhibition and furnished many interesting fea- tures. Messrs. Babe A Sons, King 8treet, Covent Garden, contributed a very fine collection of Narcissi, including many valuable novelties (Silver-Gilt Medal). Miss CrasFY. Lismore. Ireland, also had one of her unique collections of Daffodils. Messrs. Dickson A Co , Ltd., Chester, had an excellent group of Daffodils Silt Mela Messrs. Peasson A SONS. Chilwell Nurseries, Lowdham, had an excellent collection of : iils (Silver-Gilt MedaH. Messrs. Simpson A Sos, Harbome, had a group of Daffodils in pots ; Mr. J. W . ; 0 had a good assortment of Daffodils S.lrer-Gilt Medal). Mr. John Walkee. Nurseryman, Thame, had his double sulphur "Phoenix" in fine character : Sir H. Gobe Booth, Sligo, had a collection of Daffodils : Mr. R. Sydenham, Tenby Street, had DarTodils and Tulips. Messrs. Felton A Sons, Han- over Square had elaborate floral decorations (Gold Medal). Messrs. J Gilbebt A Sons. Bourne, had one of their usual collections of Anemones, and also one of Dii odils. Mr. W. A. Watts, St. Asaph, had fine Poly- anthus, the effect being spoiled by bad staging. Messrs. Beamsbottom A Co., Geashill. King's County, had a grand collection of their beautiful Anemones (Silver- Gilt Medal). Mrs. Thompson, Birmingham, had a collection of Cacti ; The Midlands Spring Gasdbss Company had Daffodils; Messrs. Hogg A Bobeetsoh, Nurserymen, Dublin, had Daffodils and brilliant Tulips (Silver-Gilt Medal). Mr. J. Klngsmill, Ripon, had DarTodil-. Messrs. W. F. Grxs, Olton, DarTodils and table decorations Sliver- jilt Medal); and some other small collections were sta|-:d. LTrTITRATT. April 21 —Professor H. 3. Vines, F.R 3., President 1 Mr. Clement Reid exhibited drawings b Mrs. Reid of fruits and seeds of British preglacial, interglacial, and Roman plants : cad series — Calyciflora. The mest interesting addition to the interglacial flora is the South European Cotoneaster Pyracantha, which occurs abundantly on the Sussex coast in deposits which yield also Acer monspessulanum, Najat minor, and at, gram nea. The preglacial Calycifiorae include Trapa natans ; but e rest of the species yet determined are still living in any 1 jrever, need further examination. Ihe plants from Roman Silchester include the Vine, Bullace, Damson, and Coriander. Mr. R. Morton Middleton exhibited a holograph m 1 11 ts lo Haller. dated Cpsala, May 12, mveyingtheintelligenceof Hallers being eletted a Foreign Member of the Royal Academy of Sciences, tlm.— Tne President and the General Secretary contributed some brief remarks. Dr. O. Stapf. on behalf of Mr. W. B. Hemsley. ex- hibited some specimens of Primula vulgaris. Buds., which displayed the phenomenon of pnyllody of the calyx in an unusual degree. GABDENEBS' DEBATING SOCIETIES. BIRMINGHAM AND MIDLAND COUNTIES. — A goodly number of members met on the nth inst to hear Mr. J. C. Tallack. of Shipley Hall Gardens. Derby, lecture on " Pruning of Hardy Fruit-trees." The lecturer advocated the extension system of pruning, which means, briefly, allowing the main branches to extend as rapidly as is consistent with (1 1 ripeness oi the wood. - strength to be self-supporting, and (3) a proper balance of the head. To prove lliat the extension method is not new, quotations were taken from a work by John Aoercrombte, of Tottenham Court, published in 1:"-, entitled Tv. Bri.uh Fruit Bnrdener and Art ef Pr-tting. The Apple was the first fruit dealt with. IB A:i:i '.':'.: THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. IwliiL a :r»n«ir:rl. the lecturer said always rat to aa outside bad. and m -je direction in which. tended to direct the branch. When oaee the tionisse ired tieleis shortening of the main t the trees get the mm I come into condition. Uc ripened tips ilr. Tallack more often than not be traced to il) be . teniion to than to the effects of IndiITi Mill weather, and should always te removed. Trees trained on the make comparative lea of Apples hare tl_e:r own pecs- :■. Some are te ■ i ant pendulous in others upr . come between these two extremes. Such varieties as Irish Peach, Margil, Ac . bsir y on the ends of the new wood, and ii they are subjected to indiseri- - - - : . 7 rery dwarf trees, the French Paradise wis recom- mended as a stock ; for trees ci larger .-rowth the Eng- lish Paradise : and far orchard trees the Crab or free stock. Speaking of Pears, he advised getting a thorough . ■ possible. If dwarf trees are 1 be used as a stock, which good for hea ii damp situations, and for sandy light soils in ;s not sneeeed . e ntay be given by doable grafting. Old wall trees, the fruit of which may have fallen eff : itry in n resuscitated by root pruning one ■ roots fresh s : : jllowing winter redu spurs by one-half, or even in bad cases by two-: The Plum abhor3 a too free use of the knife, and beyond removing the useless side-spray and ''-""t = _oots little need be done. IT mini pruning eft: id will trees should be . out to annul it and air to ii to remove aphides, which love to congregate at the ends of the new growths. Any leading shoot which shows signs of out-balancing the rest should have its point ninihwi oat dnrin j the early summer. The CLerry. like the P.uut. its ikes the ki wounds made en hard wood nearly always exude gam, which is frequently a source of canker. Summer winching is by far the best way to deaf with any too- exoberant grow Gross shoots of the .'.?r.:o; proceeding from the spars or breast wocd should be robbed the season, an.1 those of more mcder>:e growth pinched to within three or four lea vse. HULL HORTICULTURAL.-!: e pmper read on Tuesday. >.;rl l- wi? Sockwork. ' "c- Mr. Clarke, of York. Several errors in the formation of a rockwork were showe. and hints on the right way :o work explained In* rockery should be nx-_ __i se. -re 11 . e ;.i allowed a deep root run into good sou, for wt. -is recommended a mix id sand. Sand beds should te made in some pert c: which would serve as a hospital where weakly plants might be pot to recru:: The rockery should be made in autumn and planted .n sp-rinr n ■ and«ggres:-7e ; liu:; .-..: -i _ nthers,bott SHIRLEY (SOUTHAMPTON) GARDENERS'. — On in excellent address on "Tne XareissTJS and DarTodil ' was delivered by ifr. Ernest Ladhams Mr. Manama, after describing the method of classification, dealt with the oul ircissus.aud with various u.et_:i; :: ; . .:.: . P. BRISTOL AND OISTR CT GARDENERS'. — A weU- atteuded meeting — as held on hand wnenMr. P. J. Worsley gave a lecmre on DarTodi. ! i. Cave occupied the Chair. With tie aid of several diagrams :urer ; :iu:si tut :.. e iiueren: forms :: 1-:: dils. Raising Ian: nils from seed was a long process, and after war.ir g :;r Bin veirs Ban development was nmnnrimes not very encouraj . ngh the culti- vator was sometint -: s e - - _ - t _ i i -. obtaining cowers of a new form or colour. H. AT. EGHAM AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. -On Weii-; day evening. April S, i very interesting paper wi- . by Mr. W. Swan, entitled Phases of Modern Garden- ing. Taking his audieute mi t: the ttute wieu heating was done with bark. leaves, manures, and lues, and jointing :: tie o . _ • : si those systems. Mr. Swan traced lit grsit ingress made since in the :; rttug :: tables Itiiii: i ::.:: .. s .. .; May 4. READING AND DISTRICT GARDE'.E- J -lie last . . uteeting of theahcTe j.. in the [ :i naa Urg; : : subject foe tie ererirr was Present-day Culture, by Mr. W. Bound. Gatton Pari iriiis Many cf the ideas put forward with regard t: lire were entirely new t: e uu :r. 7 :f the tueuirers. jet they added inieti- i to be one ._ jot utir- r tints were of great be '_•;-.: -en v There I some extelleu =d _t tie feting .1 ii : 1 -tit.i tutt .e:l.-:':ttnttt:.i 17 Mr. E. Wynn, Cressingham Gardens. Five new iwereelc LOUGH BOROu 3H GARDENERS' ASSOCIATKH.— : sir :.rt :i:;_::.:. 1 t.e Ht-l H il: ' T - ;•.::; -.■-.-. • t : . » -. s ; : ■- : and tormed an a - : -play. The snaijixt for iuingwas - The Cultiva- 1 an of the Violet,' Mr. . t: -i.-ei; . 1: :: .: ; . -.- - : :-. with fine 1 a practical maimer, fully d> lining : e i.i.-i . 1 frtn 'us : ::: :i:--:; .1- A disenssjon followed. Votes of thanks to the Cfeasr- i_:l : . It . ■ -.: :'t_ -i i . '■ r . MARKETS. COTXST GARDES, Apri [We cannot accept any innom Trinity tor the subjufned mnachi rhu mil inrnnnand h» ns Thursday, by the rtndn#ae of VSBE-aa-H3 - - t.ZU-_E P=ICES. Li.!*- Uli. . - - - n. rnenaej lav tun. . - - . .-in - te: :u -1*. tun. . - .».-.. - -. 1 : " it itren t tines : '- •) 9 pernonm _ ' - -aL dot I •- 2 • i . . 1 • - :.u- 1? - - -.: . 1 . - n. a »- 3 -t pnnniln _ : a. I 1 • W»aTrta.lb. _ I J- • 3 _ S3 — Spinach, p bosh. . ; - - ._ :-ii te: :: r r -.. - - - Fruit : Avhsaqe Wholesale Pwccs. Apples, it-.n .tin in cases _ S C-l- C — >:va Scotia, _ rer barrel 1. ;-:- — . • u Cases ._ _ - }- J . mnennr bunch I o-u 0 — moon, donen I - er dot — , - • .-rares = u :: A. per lb. _ , - B, per lb. ... -rapes. Uinwls, .■ I • i - -.is.it. r . Lemons, per rase . ■ - -■•- Pears, per - - -. :- — . ii ii. ■ - tt ■ t =r et: ~iei lie; .n r : ■ - :: t : te; '-"- - - i : 11- it ,e 1 _i t. ii Petsnins in sower are atready to be seen, but the hksnaaaare not of the nest quality. Pansies are very fine this iwn'inei Xae .are:, sel tuont of seed every -. — . - t.-i s-:i 7 utts r-.'i-s i -:•■ : i.\- .:: : -iesi :: gttfain from ordinary seeds which a few growers are :: :::; riowstss. Tl_e :.-i ::- 1 :.:.!■ i.n :e ,. : ; .1 7 >-" e very 'gx i rade being in gocd reds. 288 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Apbil 30, 1904. All Liliums are still very plentiful ; auratums are very fine no* ; lODgiflorums are still at a low price, and this Keeps the price of CaLlas down, though these are not quite so plentiful as they were a few weeks ago. Car- nations are more abundant, and some fine blooms are to be seen ; a few good Malmaisons are included, but these are very choice. In Orchid blooms some good Cattleyas are on sale, and make good prices. Dendrobiums, Odontoglossums, and Lycastes are not much in demand. Oncidium concolor and O. flexuosum are favourites with the florists. 9panish Iris in all shades of colour are now plentiful. Gladiolus The Bride is obtainable, as is also the delicate flesh-pink variety. Lily of the Valley con- tinue) plentiful. Eucharis, Stephanotis, and Tube- roses are not plentiful, but Gardenias continue abun- dant and sell at a very low price. White Sweet Peas are no v to be seen on several stands ; there are also a few flowers of pinkand mauve shades. White Pinks are in, but the blooms are very small. Violets are getting scarce. Tulips are now mostly past, but there are a few good varieties of the choicer late-flowering sorts, such as Bouton d'Or, which is very bright; there are also some good Parrot Tulips. Daffoails are still over abundant. In the French Market, boxes of four and a half dozen blooms of Prlnceps were being sold at Is. 6d. per box. SEEDS. London, April 26 — We have to report a brisk demand for all agricultural seeds. Red Clover and Alsike fully maintain the advance in values already noted. White Clover has become scarce, and is now worth some shilliDgs per est. more than last week. Eye-grasses in good request aod firmly held. Trefoil steady. Hurst & Son, 152. Houndsditch. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow. April 27.— The following are the averages of the prices during the past week :— Apples. Maine (U.S.), 15s. to 26s. per barrel; Californian Newtown Pippins, 10s. to 12s per box ; Canadian, 16s. to 23s. per barrel, and 8s. to 12s. per box ; Tasmanian, 103. to 12s. per case ; Australian, 12s. to 14s per case: Oranges, Valencia, 420s, its. to 12s. per box ; large, 16s. to 20s. ; 714 a. 12s to 17s. ; Jaffas, 10s. to 12s. ; Lemons, 4s. to 6s. per box. and 8s. to 12s. per case : Grapes, 2s. to 3s. 9d per lb. (home); do. Belgian, Is M to Is 9d. ; Tomatos. Tenerlfie, 3s. to 6s. per box ; Beans, English, Is. per lb. ; Mushrooms, is. do. : Cucumbers, 6s. per doz • Onions, Egyptian, 6s. to 7s. per bag. ..fiy^E001-' JPril 21- — Wholesale Vegetable Market (North Bay). — The following are the averages of the current prices during the past week — prices varying according to supply :— Potatos, per cwt . Main Crop, is. 9d. to 5s. 6d. ; Dp -to -Date, 4s. 6- g S 7 & - W o X A -1 < < ■S. X ■z < in Pi < > pq £ May 7, 1904.] THE GARD ENER S ' CUR ONI CL E. 289 L.~~ THE No. 90t;.— SATURDAY, May 7, 1904. CONTENTS. Acer palmatum Aspar»gus culture ... Blrmingliam botanical gardens Black currant mile ... Bluebells Books, Dotlces of— Botanical Magazine Caseells' Popular Gardening Flora Braslliensls... Mango. The Cbelsea Gardens, lee lures at Diisseldorf Exhibition Foreign correspond- ence- Pests of the Apple... fruit committee, the national Fruit register- Apple, Ecklinville Seedling Fear, Charles Ernest Gardeners' Associa- tion, the proposed... Gardeners' Orphan Fund, Festival Din- ner of' German Gardeners ... Hippeastrum Snowdon Iris iberica Kew notes Latlmca clandestina . Markets Melons, early ins i Narcissus Elaine 304 i New or noteworthy plants— 292 Saxifraga lllacina ... 304 OrchtdsatCooksbrid&c 191 Ponds, scum on Rose Madame N. Leva vasseur Rose shows for 1901 ... Royal Academy, pic- i'.n I tures at the 2*1 SaxifragaFerdinandi- ! Coburgi 297 Societies— 296 Manchester Orchid Midland Dallodil ... National Auricula... ■JW National Fruit Growers' Federa- 2ii8 i turn Royal Botanic Royal Horticultural 'J.i'J 29* 2)2 , Soils and manures for special crops 298 ■ Strawberries, forcing of Surrey, cottage gar- 298 deningin 893 Week's work— 399 Flower garden, the . 299 Fruits under glass... 2P2 | Hardy fruit garden . 292 Kitchen-garden, the 303 Orchid-houses, the . 297 1 Plants under glass... 297 i90 29 1 299 L'99 298 £89 299 302 302 302 sh; 297 ! 290 299 299 294 2'.<.'t 293 294 295 ILLUSTRATIONS Bluebells growing in a plantation near Lancaster. Currant shoots showing buds atlected with mite... Otisseldorf Exhibition, view of the Orchid-house at the Lathrica clandestina 292, Saxifraga lllacina View in the Cattleya-houee of Messrs McBean at Cooksbridge (Supplementary Illustration) 293 290 PICTURES AT THE EOYAL ACADEMY. ,H, "A (,>uiet Evening," and 184, " Evening among the Surrey Pines " (B. W. Leader), in this artist's well-known facile manner. Gallery IV. — The strikingly powerful 258, ' Gleaners Coming Home " (George Clausen) ; 264, "Cluny Waters, Braemar' (Herman G. Herkomer) ; and a picture for colour effect, 312, " Geraniums" (Mary D. Holmes). GaUery 7.-326, "The Heat of the Day, Flatford, Suffolk," and " Flatford : Scene of Constable's picture of ' The Hay-wain,' " as at the present time, both by David Murray. 362, "A Frosty Night" (George H. Boughton), a study of winter with ice and folk sliding and a distant village. In this room is 361, " A Central Panel of a Reredos for the Church of the Holy Trinity, Paris" (E. A. Abbey); it obtrudes itself by its size, its gold background and raw colour; it repre- sents the crucifixion of the Lord, with St. Mary and St. John. Gallery IT.— 389, "The Last of the Season"; these are Roses — yes, no doubt — the last of the season. H8, "Daffodils"; we take the artist's word for it. 441, "Rhododen- drons" (William J. Muckley) ; the artist is an accomplished master of this kind of work, flowers and leaves correctly drawn and well painted ; we trust, however, that Mr. Muckley will not fall into the " dew- drop" down-grade. We venture to suggest that he has too many dew-drops in this work. Old and hardened observers of flower paintings despise dew-drops ; they do very well on Primroses and birds'-nests, as painted by young ladies in their teens, but older folk cannot do with them. Amongst figure sub- jects is 457, " The Gambler's Victim " (Arthur C. Cooke) ; a young gambler, ruined at card-playing, sits dejected in a chair; it is the early morning of a cold winter day, the candles have guttered in their sockets, a chair is overturned, and cards are littered over the floor, with broken glass and spilled wine. A notable picture, low in tone, drawn and painted with great care. Gallery VII— 462, "The Dancing Lesson," by the same artist (Arthur C. Cooke) ; this, like the last, is in the style of Wilkie or Hogarth, but more correctly drawn than the works of either of these artists. The fore- most girl in the dance looks exactly like the young wife in Hogarth's " Marriage a la Mode." The perspective of the Oak wains- coting and the blocks of Oak of which the floor is composed is excellent. Both pictures show close and time-exhausting preliminary study, and both are somewhat low in tone ; the latter picture is injured by being placed next to the strong and contrasted coloration of 465, "When We were Boys Together" (John R. Reid). Mr. Cooke is, we believe, the son of the well-known contributor to our pages, Dr. M. C. Cooke. 290 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. FMAY 7, 1904. Gallery VIII.— 525, "The Land of the Rising Sun ; Fuji-Yama from above Hakone" (Alfred East) ; a Japanese garden with the great snow-capped mountain in the distance, almost invisible against the bluish-white sky. 527, " Summer Floods, Flatford. Suffolk" (David Murray). 537, '-Bonnie Scotland" (Alfred Parsons): a landscape in this master's fine manner, foreground of Rhododendrons in flower. 559, " A Welsh River" (B. W. Leader). This gallery con- tains two very large and very startling pictures— one 540, "Mammon" (Rob. Sauber). We cannot explain this; it is in the style of the "Two Crowns" exhibited a year or two ago. Mammon is represented by a knight on horseback; both man and horse are in armour, the knight wears a large tilting helm with slits for the eyes, but the rider's head is up so that he cannot see. There is no provision on the armour for the knight's tiltingpiece, which seems a strange omission ; and the armour of both man and beast is yellow, as if of brass— a peculiar metal for a tournament; perhaps it is meant to represent gold, of which " brass " is the slang form, the title of the picture being "Mammon ': the work requires study. The other huge picture is 526, " Despised and Rejected of Men " (Sigismund Goetze). It represents the life sized Lord tied to a Roman altar. On the figure's right is a vile, modern, racing tipster, reading the betting news from a halfpenny pink newspaper; in the foreground is a well-dressed, cigarette- smoking ruffian in a shiny silk top-hat and white kid gloves ; just before this man is an over-dressed, pearl-ornamented frail woman : these arc meant for enemies of the Divine Teacher. Between the betting-man and the degraded wretch in the tall shiny hat is an inoffensive - looking man of science with gold-rimmed spectacles holding up a test- tube containing a Prussian-blue fluid— some form of prussic acid ; the face of this man is almost identical with that of a well-known man of science, but now deceased. NothiDg could be more offensive than this close asso- ciation of scientific research with the worst forms of blackguardism. Gallery IX.— 585, "Christmas Roses" (A. F. W. Haysvard), "Hellebores," in the good style of Muckley. 597, " Anemones," appa- rently accepted because it just fills up a little vacant space : struggling artists should send in a few triangular pic- tures; they would be sure of acceptance, because they would fill in the spaces just under the cornices of the doors. 664, "Wind Flowers," "Anemones" (Florence W. Whitfield ; better than the average. 676, "Dahlias" (E. Willis Maddox) ; inferior blooms. 686, "Rose Boule de Neige" (A. F. Hayward), and 724, "Pink Roses " (E. Grafton Green), are all above the average. 750, "A Corner of the Paris Flower Market" (Stuart Hobkirk); some floral novelties here. 750, " A Frosty March Morning " (George Clausen) ; gardeners at work in the open. Gallery X.— "Ii}iuna longiflorum" (H. M. Shaw); very pleasant to see these blooms well and correctly drawr. Great care has been taken in the production of this work. The Lilies are shown in a large olive-green vase. Water-colour Room. There are usually a few carefully studied drawings of garden and flower subjects in this room, and there is about the average this year. 969, "Autumn's Glory " (Maude Angell) ; these are white Chrysanthemums. 973, "Winter" (Woodhouse Stubbs) ; Helle- bores and Grapes. 975, "Lilac" (Arthur Englefield); white and coloured varieties. 1012, "Honeysuckle" (Bertha Maguire); a good drawing ; butterflies added. 1013, '• Gloire de Dijon Roses " (Woodhouse stubbs); very good. 1020, "Anemones," a suggestion by Hannah Mayor. 1050, "Har- bingers of Spring" (J. Jessop Hardwick) ; pretty Primroses, a pretty little birds-nest, and three pretty little darling eggs — yes, we have seen this kind of sweetly pretty subject before, and never wish to see another, whether in an oblong or a triangular frame ! NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. SAXrFRAGA LILACINA, Duthie.* This very attractive novelty, from the Western Himalaya, was raised in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew from seed received from the Botanical Department of Northern India in 1.s not provided with sufficient fibrous roM: naterial. A few manurial formulas for Rose-growi:ig vhich have been tried and proved successful, will )e given in our next contribution. J. J. WUlii. larpenden. Flora Brasiliensis Fasciculus cxxvii., Orchidace/e viii. In this M. Alfred Cogniaux continues the rnumeration and description of the Brasilian Orchids with Maxillariinae Pfitzer, including Maxillaria Ruiz et Pav., Scuticaria Lindl., Camaridium Lindl., Ornithidium, Salisb , Tri- gonidium Lindl. and Eulophidium Pfitz. Tele- pogon, Macradenia, Warmingia, Notylia, Tri- chocentrum, Rodriguezia, Ionopsis, Scelochilus, Comparettia and some other genera are also enumerated in so far as the Brazilian representa- tives are concerned, and a large number of them illustrated, including forty species of Maxillaria, Camaridium pendulum, Ornithidium squamatum. O. chloroleucum, 0. ceriferum and O. flavoviride, Trigonidiiimmacranthum,T.obtusum, Warmingia BLUEBELLS. The 1st of May in the vicinity of London, for once in a way, realised what the poets have imagined. The nonsensical rhapsodies of a Ruskin were indeed not needed to stir our sensibilities, as our eyes lighted on that day on just such a scene as that shown in our illustration. The Bluebells were so abundant that a soft halo of blue floated over the flowers like a fine mist. Cuckoos, nightingales, thrushes acclaimed the fact that spring, if not summer, had indeed come. The copse in which the Wood Hyacinths were growing is not more than eight or nine miles from London— and, indeed, within a mile or two of one of its most populous suburbs. New railway stations, hideous advertising-boards and builders notices, all give warning that copse and Bluebells must scon give place to rows and rows of unlovely 292 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Hay 7, 1904 cottages. With this anticipation before us it is no small satisfaction to know that the Bluebells are safe in one corner of Kew Gardens, near the Queen's Cottage. Long may they remain ! Our illustration was taken in the vicinity of Lancaster by Mr. R. W. Cole. FRUIT REGISTER. PEAR CHARLES ERNEST. A fruit described by M. Baltet as having the form of Beurre Bachelier and the colouring of Beurre d'Amanlis. The flesh is delicate, melting, sweet, and agreeable to the palate. It comes after Doyenne du Cornice, and before Beurre Diel. It is figured and described in the March number of the Bulletins d' Arboriculture, &c. ECELINVILLE SEEDLING APPLE. In the neighbourhood of West Drayton this variety does remarkably well, and in the fruit gardens at Heathrow, about 4 miles distant, it is a comparative failure. The soil in the Drayton district is a good loam resting upon several feet of first-class brick earth ; in the other instance the top soil is a medium loam, with a gravel sub- soil. The Heathrow trees always bloom well, but fail to carry more than a few stray fruits. The cultivation in both instances has been nearly the same. When lifting one and two-year-old trees in the nursery here, I have always noticed what a large quantity of roots this variety possesses ; so evidently by this it is a gross feeder, and requires more nourishment than many other sorts. The wood of the Heathrow trees is of a softer texture, and lacks the hard, wire-like nature of the Drayton trees. Looking at the matter from a market fruit- growers' point of view, it seems to me to be a mistake to plant a variety which under ordinary cultivation has proved itself to be a failure in a certain neighbourhood, or which does not come so fine and good as in a different locality ; jet how often this is the case, and as things are at present I do not see how it can be avoided. Beginners at fruit-growing for market have generally a preference for certain varieties ; but without ex- perience and a knowledge of the neighbourhood how can they tell whether any of the sorts they wish to plant will succeed in the locality or not ? I consider it would be a great boon to would-be fruit-growers if the Board of Agriculture (or some other body) would collect in every neigh- bourhood likely to be used for fruit-growing for market particulars with regard to the cropping and quality of all the popular market sorts of fruit. If this were printed in a concise form, anyone could then avoid planting trees likely to be unsuitable. E. T., Heathrow, Middlesex. KEW NOTES. Rudgea macrophtlla, Benth. — During the past three weeks a grand specimen of this fine evergreen stove plant has flowered in the Victoria - house. Although belonging to rather a large genus, very few species are in cultivation ; and from a decorative point of view R. macrophylla is by far the best of them. It makes a stout woody shrub some 6 feet in height, with opposite, shortly petioled, glabrous leaves, varying in length from 10 to 15 inches, and from 4 to 6 inches in width, with an acumi- nate apex. The flowers are produced in large, dense, globose heads at the apex of the stout growths ; they are light primrose-yellow when first expanded, turning to pure white in a day or so. The individual flowers very closely resemble those of a Stephanotis in shape and texture. The plant recently in flower was one measuring 0 feet in height and 3 feet through, and carried fifteen heads of these lovely blossoms, makinc a truly handsome display. It is a very old garden plant, and was introduced from Brazil many years ago. It grows freely under ordinary stove conditions, preferring a mixture of good fibrous loam, leaf -soil, and silver -sand; the head of the plant should be kept near to the glass during the winter. Under such treatment it will pro- duce a profusion of flower annually. Figured in Botanical Magazine, t. 5653. Dendrobium undulatum, R. Br. A plant of this species in flower has a growth measuring 7 feet in height and 1 h inch in diameter near the base ; the leaves are quite leathery in texture, 3 to 4 inches long, and 2 inches broad. The large racemes of brownish-yellow flowers are produced near the ends of the growths, being from 18 to 26 inches long, and carrying from twenty to thirty flowers, each having a diameter of about 2 inches ; the margins of the sepals and petals are very much undulated, like the flower of a Gloriosa. It is a native of N.E. Australia and New Guinea, and requires plenty of heat when making its growth, after which it should be rested BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GAKDENS. In the last annual report of the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society were the following words: — "The Committee have .... decided that the object in view may be best attained by .... a bold attempt to increase the attractiveness of the Gardens to subscribers and others by modernising the outdoor grounds and making the Society's headquarters .... the- centre of information as well as attraction to all who are interested in botany and horticulture." To carry out such a scheme more funds were necessary ; an appeal was therefore made for j£2,000,andasubstantial sum was obtained. Under the management of the new Curator, Mr. T. Humphreys, wh> sucjeeled Mr. Latham last Fig. 126.— latiirjea CLANDESTINA GROWING IN THE ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY S GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. under cooler conditions. It was figured in the Botanical Register in 1841, t. 41. The figure is that of a very small spike, and does not do justice to the species. W. H. LATHKEA CLANDESTINA. This beautiful parasitic plant was displayed in quantities at the last exhibition of the Royal Botanic Society at Regent's Park, and subse- quently the photograph reproduced at fig. 126 was taken by Mr. Gregory, showing the plant to be growing in great masses on the roots of the Beech and Willow in the society's garden. The species is a native of South-western France, but has been successfully introduced to many English gardens. At fig. 127 we have reproduced a sketch made by Lady Dyer fifteen years ago of the plant growing on the Willow near to the Palm-house at Kew. When growing in masses the plant is very effective by reason of the ivory-white fleshy bracts and rosy-lilac coloured flowers. October, improvements were commenced without delay, and much has been accomplished during the pa3t winter. The Water Lily-house, which had fallen into a positively dangerous condition, has been rebuilt, and at the time of our visit a- few weeks ago, appeared very promising for the coming season, when it is hoped this house will have an important attraction for the public of Birmingham. With a view to secure this end, preparations have been made for the cultivation of the Victoria regia. The Queen of Water Lilies was cultivated in these gardens many years ago, but as there have been no opportunities for the Bir- mingham folk to see the plant for nearly twenty years past, it will undoubtedly prove more in- teresting to them than the usual collection of Nymphteas. There is just the possibility that the Victoria will not thrive so well as could be wished, owing to a difficulty in getting the water warmed with the means that are available fos. that purpose. Every effort, however, is being made ' to overcome this, and if success is achieved thi. May 7, 1904. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 293 effect in the house, with the Lily in the central circular tank, and pretty climbing plants such as Cissus discolor and others growing beneath the roof from the pillars, with their growths hanging over the surface of the water, will be very pretty. The side stages afford room for plants with ornamental foliage and others in flower, whilst several additions have been made to the climbing flowering plants. By passing from the conservatory through part of the large exhibition hall, entrance is gained to two span-roofed houses, each divided into two compartments. On the right hand are the show house and an intermediate greenhouse, and on the left hand the stove and Orchid-house. Whilst passing through the exhibition hall it is noticed that the Curator's house opens into this hall, and that there are many good climbing plants growing % jps**-*** Fig. 127. — lathk^ea clandestina : flowers rosy-lilac, bracts white. (see p. 292.) Adjoining the Water Lily-house is the great Conservatory or Palm-house. It contains Palms and tree-Ferns mainly, and among the collection two are specially interesting from the fact that they were raised by Mr. Latham. One of these plants is Dicksonia x Lathami, obtained from a cross between D. aborescens and D. antarctica. The plant is about 12 feet high, and the hand- some fronds being very plumose, are much heavier than those of D. antarctica. The other plant is an unnamed bigeneric hybrid 20 feet high, being from a cross between Alsophila excelsa and Cyathea insignis princeps. there, and two fine Camellias. One of these is the old favourite variety Alba Plena, in a great tub, the plant weighing about 5 tons. It has been in these gardens for ten years, and has flowered abundantly each winter. The other spe- cimen is one of that handsome Camellia, C. reticu- lata, distinct in its foliage, and having flowers of larger size and more brilliant colouring than those of any other Camellia. Unfortunately the appearance of this one is such as to cause a certain amount of anxiety, but it may be hoped that Mr. Humphreys will succeed in restoring it to health. In the Orchid-house the following plants weie^ in flower : Cypripedium Morganiae (C. superbiens- x C. Stonei), with four strong spikes, each- bearing two flowers, havin g the handsome striped, sepals and spotted petals characteristic of this hybrid; C. villosum (a quantity), C. Latbami- anum (C. Spicerianum > C. insigne), another hybrid raised by Mr. Latham (this plant makes- a pretty Orchid for cultivation in pans ; when so suspended the flower-spikes droop and the flowers have a pleasing effect) ; Cymbidium eburneum, Ccelogyne cristata, Phalaenopsis Stuartiana, On- cidium tigrinum splendidum, Odontoglossum . pulchellum, Platyclinis glumacea, Dendrobium Eothschildianum (two excellent flower-spikes).. D. Ainsworthii, &c. Among the plants not in flower at the time were some well- cultivated specimens ; and in addition to the Orchids, w& noticed more than a dozen plants of Platyceriums^ including P. grande. In the adjoining stove a collection of representative plants is being worked up, with a view of making the house decorative, and including species possessing peculiar interest from one standpoint or another. The most notable plant in the greenhouse was one of the Vacciniacea?, Agapetes [Thibaudia] macran- tha, growing in a pot 10 inches in diameter. It is the largest plant we remember to have seen, and- has been flowering for the past four months. At the time we saw it there we computed that there were 250 flowers then open, and many of them, are produced in clusters of four or five directly from the old hard wood, almost as low as the rim of the pot. An illustration of the curiously - marked tubular flowers was given in the Gar- deners' Chronicle, Jan 19, 1901, p. 47. The general plants in this house were either bulbous species* or forced shrubs, and Cinerarias, Hhododendrons, Primulas, &c. Eupatorium ianthinum, strongly grown and flowering well, served to brighten the adjoining plant-house, for whhh, as in the stove, efforts are being made to obtain a good collection of species. Out-of-doors improvements are being made in all directions. Flower-borders have been over- hauled and replanted — one has been widened and- raised to give a better appearance ; the walks are being put in good repair, and the edgings renewed and straightened. Some of the shrubberies have been partly rearranged, and others require to be done. It is intended to plant a good collection of flowering trees and shrubs, and these will add further interest to the garden, the species already possessed being far from representative of tie wealth there is now available. At the same time the double-flowered Cherry is represented by a fine old tree that makes a glorious show, observable from nearly every part of the garden. The rockery is the most important feature at pre- sent in the outdoor garden, being of a very large extent. Previous to the flowers opening one of the most remarkable plants was Veronica cupres- soides, which grows there much better than in. most gardens. A new rosary, a quarter of an acre in extent, has been formed and planted. The Committee, with the honorary Treasurer, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, and the honorary Secre- tary, Professor W. Hillhouse, of Birmingham Uni- versity, are determined to make the gardens more attractive and useful, so that they may become in a greater degree than ever a centre for the dis- semination of horticultural knowledge, and for the encouragement of the practice of gardening. Means have recently been provided in the gardens for Professor Hillhouse to make personal experi- ments in regard to the etherisation of plants intended for extra early forcing, and we hope that their result may be to increase our know- ledge of the processes by which the change in the plants is brought about. That there is a change- is known perfectly, and cultivators are already able to make use of the changed condition ad- vantageously j but the " why " and " wherefore "* 294 TEE GAREEXERS' CHROXICLE. [May 7, 1904. must be fully determined by continued research. That the practical management of the garden is in capable hands is already proved by the manner in which Mr. Humphreys has carried out the initiatory improvements. ORCHIDS AT MESSRS. J. & A. A. McBEAN'S, COOKSBKIDGE. 'See Supplementary Illustration.] Odontoglossotis in the highest state of culti- vation occupy the greater part of the houses in this compact nursery. Father and son alike take an absorbing interest in Orchids, and especially in Odontoglossum crispum, with such astonishing results that the younger Mr. McBean, who con- trols their culture, has acquired for himself the title of " Champion Odontoglossum - grower." Experts declare that few collections in the world can rival the Odontoglossums at Cooksbridge ; and Odontoglossum-collectors assert that plants in their natural habitat are surpassed by those at Cooksbridge, Sussex. The largest plants are in three long span-roofed houses, whose interiors have a central stage brought well up to the light, with a rather lower staging running round the sides and end. The finest plants are arranged on the central staging, and a glance from the doorway affords a sight of magnificent spikes of the best type of O. crispum from one end of the house to the other. The plants which bear them have enormous pseudo- bulbs and fine thick, hard leaves, many of them being of a rich reddish-purple tint. The spikes are allowed to perfect all their blooms, and the presence of fifteen to twenty flowers on a spike is common. One superb clear white form had thirty - one very large flowers ; another vigorous specimen had a branched spike of over sixty blooms. Notwithstanding the profusion of flowers and the great size of the spikes, the plants are grow- ing with extraordinary vigour, pseudo-bulbs often having two strong growths each bearing a large flowering spike, which supports Mr. McBean's contention that if the plants are properly grown flowering heavily does not cause them to suffer. Details of Cultivation. The span-roofed houses are loftier than is gener- ally considered advisable for these plants. The staging in the first house ( which was originally a Palm-housej is of wood and of the ordinary open kind. There is no close staging to retain moisture, but the same result is obtained from the ground beneath, which has a sprinkling of ashes over the surface. There are ventilators both bottom and top, but the lower ones are rarely used, and the top ones very carefully so as not to cause a current of air in any part of the house. Mr. McBean stated that when too much air is admitted the excessive evaporation caused entails the dis- tribution of a much greater quantity of water, both in the pots and about the houses, than is good for the plants. His plan is to preserve a low, moist, and even temperature in the houses by carefully restricting the amount of artificial heat supplied and guarding against too much ventilation, which only results in the escape of heat and moisture to such a degree as to necessitate the use of an injurious amount of artificial heat in order to keep up the tempera- tare. This is especially to be guarded against in late winter and spring, when cold, dry winds often prevail. At that season the Odontoglossum builds itself up for the year, and if stunted then it cannot recover itself sufficiently. The other two houses of the block are similar to the first, except that the staging is composed of iron standards, with water-holding ba3es to prevent insects climbing up them, and an iron frame on which fla1', red porous tiles are laid on which to stand the plants. Spotted forms of Odontoglossum crispum are the chief object of this extensive culture. Recently Mr. McBean paid 340 guineas for one bulb of O. crispum Ashworthianum, yet he has several which he considers much finer. On one side of the first house is a batch of plants repre- senting some thousands of pounds in value. These are not all Mr. McBean's property, for other growers with refractories or forms which they would like to see at their best, send them for development. Several grandly -spotted forms are in flower and bud, the best being O. crispum Pittianum, O. c. Persimmon, and O. c. F. K. Sander, which, when seen to perfection, is expected to cause quite a sensation among experts in Odontoglossums. O. crispum Abner Hassel, now in flower, is a very handsomely blotched form ; O. c. Grace Ruby is large, finely shaped, and richly blotched. Some good O. Hallii, O. :■: Wilekeanum, O. x Adrianae, O. triumphans, and a pretty purple-spotted 0. Pes- catorei appear, and along the middle of the central stage in two of the houses the Oncidium macranthum have enormous bulbs, and send their long spikes of large yellow.and-purple flowers around in all directions. The specimens of the violet-coloured Odontoglossum Edwardi, and the brilliant scarlet Sophrontitis also do well and are flowering freely. The raising and cultivation of seedling Odontoglossums were recently com- menced, and the venture promises well. It should be said that the Odontoglossums are carefully shaded from bright sunlight by thin light shading. In the smaller houses the development of the Odontoglossums, from their arrival in cases as freshly-imported plants to their flowering stage, can be seen. On arrival the plants are carefully trimmed of all dead and useless parts, and lightly planted in beds of moist peat arranged on the staging, the pieces being placed close together so as to occupy as little rcom as possible. Here they are acclimatised, and when ready are potted into fibrous peat and sphagnum- mo38. The advan- tages of this method are obvious. By being closely planted the new arrivals take less room. Those which are fated to die are gone before the potting takes place, and as this is not done until the plants are ready to grow, the material about them is then fresh and sweet, which would not be the case if they were potted up when first received. Large quantities of Odontoglossums in all stages are in the various houses, and as they are the favourites they bid fair to crowd many other things out. Nevertheless, there is a goodly assortment of other Orchids. In the large Catt- leya-house is a fine selection of the large-flowered Cattleyas and Lcelias, and of which the forms of C. labiata at their last flowering in November, together with C. Warscewiczii, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis, &&, made a fine show (see Supple- mentary Illustration). In one house was a good display of varieties of Dendrobium nobile, a large quantity of D. atro- violaceum in bloom, a very large and showy form of D. x Juno ; whilst among a batch of seedlings a very fine and distinct hybrid was noticed, with large flowers of a delicate pink tint, the disc of the broad open labellum being sulphur-yellow, with some peculiar violet markings at the base. Other good plants remarked included a small lot of the best Cypripediums, including C. Law- renceanum Hyeanum, C. x aureum excelsior, a lot of C. insigne Sanders, and some C. i. Harefield Hall; a small lot of Phalaenopsis, Epidendrum bicornutum (very strong), and a quantity of good Cymbidiums, including the rare C. x eburneo-Lowianum concolor. The Week's Work. THE OHCHID HOUSES. By W. H. Whits. Orchid Grower to Sir Tbevob Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Laelia anceps. — In the Cattleya or Mexican- house plants of L. anceps and its numerous varieties that were repotted in February have been rooting freely for some time past, and are now commencing to push forth new growths; therefore it is necessary to afford them more atmospheric moisture by damping between the pots two_ or three times each day. For some time to come it will be sufficient if the surface- moss be lightly sprinkled over occasionally, to keep it in a growing condition. East Indian House. — Such plants as Aerides, Saecolabiums,.Angraecunis,Mystacidiums, Yandas, Renantheras. &c, that are making numerous aerial roots from their stems must now be afforded a hot and moist tropical atmosphere. This is their principal requirement during the growing season. At the same time fresh air and light must be afforded with discretion or the foliage will become spotted and unhealthy. Only a moderate supply of water for those roots con- tained in the pot is necessary, just sufficient to keep the surface of sphagnum mo3s in a healthy condition. Some plants of the above species are producing flower- spikes, but weakly growths or those which have failed to retain plenty of foliage at their base should not be allowed to flower for a year or two, the excessive production of flowers being one of the principal causes of so many of these plants becoming permanently injured. Vanda Hookeriana, V. teres, and V. x Miss Joaquim should be placed in the lightest position available, and be well syringed overhead several times each day whenever the weather is suitable. The Cypripediums in this house if well rooted should be afforded plenty of water all through the growing season, and a slight syring- ing overhead early on all warm, sunny after- noons will assist them to make clean, healthy growths. Do not allow water to remain in the growths or axils of the leaves of such species as C. Stonei, C. Lowii, C. Rothschildianum, and others of that section, as they are liable to decay from this cause. Commence to afford water in small quantities to all the Calanthes of the vestita section whose growths are rooting freely ; also to those Dendrobiums that were repotted early in the season. The present is the critical period with both Calanthes and Dendrobiums, for until the plant3 are thoroughly well rooted they may be easily injured by over- watering. The same remarks are also applicable to the Catasetums, Cycnoches, and Mormodes. The evergreen sec- tion of Calanthes should now be showing for flower, and until the blooms have faded should be afforded copious root-waterings. Eepot these plants, if necessary, two or three weeks after they have flowered. The Dutch Orchidophilen Club will hold its exhibition on May 28 and 29 next at Haar- lem, where there is always something interesting to horticulturists. FBUITS UNDEB GLASS. By W. Fife, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Locklnge Park, Wantage. Peaches. — If such varieties as Alexander and Waterloo are grown in the earliest house, the fruits will now be ripe, and those of Hale's Early Royal George, and Stirling Castle swelling and colouring fast. Upon trees covering their allotted space, remove all shoot3 that will not be required for fruiting next season. Place laths across the wires under the shoots carrying the fruit, to elevate them well above the foliage, and draw the leaves through the trellis in order to expose the fiuits to the sun. Syringing may be con- tinued provided water is available that will leave no stain upon the fruit. Maintain a free circulation of air in the houses, but be especially careful during cold winds. Afford water to the border, and loosen the covering material that no more water may be necessary until the crop has been gathered. Late Peach Houses. — By careful ventilation the fruits in these houses may be so retarded that they will not ripen before those on the open walls. Disbudding as advised for earlier houses May 7, 1904.] THE GA B DE NEBS' CHB ON I CLE. 295 must be given attention. If fruits have set freely these should be thinned, leaving very few more than will be required for the crop. Ketain the best placed fruits, and those properly fer- tilised may be distinguished by their increased size. Afford water to the borders if necessary. Syringe the trees twice daily in favourable weather, performing the second syringing in time for the trees to become fairly dry before night. Xewly-planted Vines must not be allowed to suffer from drought, nor watered excessively. Strong tendrils upon the advancing growths will indicate that the roots are active. Sprinkle the surface of the border morning and afternoon in bright weather. Regulate the growths, and secure them with loose ties. Allow all the shoots to remain that can be exposed to the light, but pinch individual shoots that are extra strong. Maintain a night temperature of 05° to 70=, rising during the day by sunheat 10° or 15°. Pines.— Give special care to ventilation, the sudden outburst of sun having an unfavourable effect upon the crowns, especially upon ripening fruit. Admit air at the top of the house or pit when the temperature reaches 80°, closing in the afternoon with much atmospheric moisture, and ■vith a temperature of 90° or 95°. Give ind ividual attention to plants in pots, and when any require water thoroughly moisten the soil with diluted guano-water, applied at a temperature of 85° to 90°, pouring some into the axils of the leaves at the same time. THE HABDY FBTJIT GARDEN. By H. Mabkham, gr., Wrotiam Part, Barnet. Strawberry Plants.— If any plants which have borne heavy crops of fruit under glass are required for planting in the open, they should be hardened prior to turning them out of the pots. Yiconitesse Hericart du Thury is a capital variety for producing fruits of medium size during the month of September and later. For this particular purpose the plants should be afforded a warm border where protection can be easily given them when necessity arises. Another method of obtaining late Strawberries is to reduce the balls of plants which have been previously forced, repot them, and plunge the pots to their rims in coal - ashes, removing all runners, &c, to encourage the plants to throw up late flowers. When the fruits have set, remove the pots under glass to ripen the berries. Valuable fruits for late use can often be obtained in this way. Land which is intended for beds of Strawberries to fruit next season should have been deeply dug and heavily manured some time since to allow it to consolidate. This applies more particularly to light, shallow, gravelly soils, on which the life of the plant is very short. After the land has been prepared for planting, apply a good dressing of fresh soot, taking care first to destroy all weeds. Planting.— Set out the rows 2 feet apart, and allow about 18 inches between each plant in the rows, the distance being determined by the variety and the nature and depth of the soil. For plants intended for autumn fruiting, 15 inches apart either way will be ample space to allow. Eefore turning the plants out of the pots, see that the soil and roots are thoroughly moistened with water. Dress the plants with a little Gis- hurst Compound and flowers-of-sulphur if red- spider or mildew is present. When planting Strawberry-plants on newly dug soil, keep the crowns rather low; do not reduce the balls too much, but loosen the roots with a pointed stick sufficient to allow of their being spread out. Plant firmly, using a potting-stick for this purpose. Should the weather prove dry after planting, afford water liberally whenever neces- sary. Apply the hoe between the plants, and mulch them with short, well-decayed manure. Plants thus treated should produce a heavy crop of fruits the following year. Peai -trees. — Most espaliers and trees trained on walls are this year producing a wealth of bloom, some of the individual trees being literally covered with blossoms from the bottom to the top of the tree. In such cases it will be well to go over them and thin some of the clusters. By thinning out the blooms a better set of fruits is often obtained. Pitmaston Duchess, and others of the larger fruiting kinds, together with the choice dessert varieties, should be among the first to be thinned. When time will not permit of the flowers being thinned, early thinning of the clusters of fruit should not be neglected if fruits of large size are desired. THE PLOWEE GABDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Peabson, Bart., Piddockhurat, Sussex. Bedding Plants. — These should be potted as they become rooted ; and in order to have good plants by the end of the month or the first week in June they should be ready for potting now. Those that were potted some weeks ago should be transferred to a cold frame j and as cold winds still prevail, air must be admitted with great care. Keep all bedding plants in their sorts ; this will save much time when they are required for planting. Pelargoniums should not be pinched after this date, but all flowers should be removed. Lantanas will still require to be pinched and to have their flowers removed. Th.- same treatment is required by Ageratums, Heliotrope, and Lobelias. Sweet Peas. — These are making slow progress, and where the soil is heavy the recent rains have made the surface hard. This should be stirred carefully with a small hand-fork or a pointed stick, and a small quantity of wood ashes applied along the rows. Wood ashes are very beneficial on stiff soils, and are especially useful along the rows after sowing any kind of seedson heavy land. As soon as the seedlings are through, draw the soil up to them, and at the same time give them a dusting of lime. A few small boughs may be placed along the rows before the final staking. Pinks.— Increase the stock as soon as possible, but do not take so many cuttiDgs from the plants as will make them appear thin and the beds bare. The cuttings are best placed round the sides of pots, and the pots plunged in a hot-bed. A little artificial manure may be applied to the old beds, and the Dutch-hoe should be worked through them. Dahlias. — Plants potted some weeks ago will be well rooted now, and may be placed in a cooler frame previous to removal out-of-doors. If old tubers have been planted, any shoots they may make should be covered up at night for some weeks to come, or they may suffer damage from frost. Bedding Begonias. — Both tuberous and fibrous- rooted Begonias will now be far enough advanced to be placed in a cool brick frame on a hard ash bottom. Water and air must be afforded care- fully, and the frames closed early to conserve a little heat. The frames must be covered up at night. PLANTS TJNDEB GLASS. By C. R. Fieldeb, Gardener to Mrs. Bubss, North Mymms Pars, Hatfield, Hertfordshire Salvias. — The best varieties for greenhouse and conservatory decoration in the autumn and early winter are S. splendens, S. Bethelli, S. rutilans, and S. patens ; and of these, S. splendens and S. patens are probably the most useful and effective. The chief point in their culture is to see that the plants do not become root-bound in the earlier period of their growth, and to use the syringe freely among them to prevent the attacks of red-spider. Cuttings made from soft young shoots take root very readily, and may be inserted at the present time to form plants for conservatory decoration. Insert the cuttings in 5-inch pots, and plunge them in a hot-bed. Where the cuttings have made roots, pot the little plants singlyintosmall pots, and grow them in an intermediate temperature. The plants may be allowed to flower in 6-inch pots, or pots of a larger size, according to the size of the plants it is desired to grow. Harden the plants off gradually, and when all danger of fro3t is past stand them on ashes in the open-air. Reinieardtia trigyna and R. tetragyna. — Cut- tings of these very showy yellow-flowered, winter- blooming plants may be inserted now in pots filled with sandy soil, and the pots plunged in a hot-bed. When the cuttings are sufficiently rooted, let them be potted singly into small pots and placed in an intermediate temperature. Afford them a shift into larger pots when necessary ; a shift into pots 5 or 6 inches in diameter being suitable for the final potting. The compost may consist of three-parts fibrous loam and one-pait leaf-soil, together with some coarse silver sand. The plants must be syringed freely to keep down red-spider. Towards the end of June place the plants in a cold frame until the autumn. Pinch out the points of the shoots occasionally to produce a bushy habit of growth. Indian Rhododendrons (Azaleas). — As these cease flowering remove the old seed-pods, and fumigate the plants or spray them with an in- secticide, in order to destroy thrips or other insects, which, if not destroyed before intro- ducing the plants into heat to make their growth, will spread rapidly and cause much injury to the foliage. Let those plants which require to be repotted be attended to, as advised in a former Calendar. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By Johs Pestland, Gardener to C. H. B. Fibth, Esq. Ashwicke Hall, Marshfield, Chippenham. Protection for Crops. — Although the month of May has commenced, we must be prepared to- protect tender plants should sharp frosts occur, and these are probable for a fortnight or more yet. Scarlet Runners. — Those raised in heat and which have been well hardened off are now ready for planting out in sheltered situations, but previous to doing this have the stakes put in their places, to which the Beans can be planted and fastened. The stakes should be made about 9 feet long, and placed in lines 7 feet apart, and at an angle, for each' two lines of stakes to be brought together at the tops and tied to rods, which are easily placed lengthways of the lines for the purpose. This system, though seldom adopted, is one of the best to protect the Beans against rough winds, as it matters not which way the wind blows there is ample support. It will keep the stakes steady and prevent them swaying about and destroying the crop. I strongly advise those who stake to adopt this plan, for besides its sta- bility it has an advantage at the time of gather- ing the crop, for owing to the angle at which the stakesareplacedthey bring the Beans better within the gatherer 's reach . A sowing may now be made in open ground which has been well manured and prepared by deep digging or trenching. We have had good results from making trenches about 2 feet 6 inches wide, and 2 feet deep ; these were three-parts filled with manure. This was trodden firmly, the soil was placed over it, and the seeds sown along the top. French or Dwarf Kidney Beans may be planted- out on sheltered borders in lines 2 feet apart; and if the roots are matted together in the pots it is not advisable to break them up. It will be better to thin the plants if too thick by pinch- ing some of them off at the top of the soil, and allow the remainder space enough in the lines t • develop properly. After they have been planted, shade them from strong sunshine for a few days, and afford protection from frost. Make sowings for succession out-of-doors. Sow seeds of the climbing variety Tender- and - True, or Mont d'Or. Peas. — Make another sowing for succession. Use the hoe often along the sides of the rows of Peas coming through the ground, and make the soil as fine as possible previous to earthing-up the plants before applying stakes. We prefer to stake twice. A few twigs, 18 inches long, put in after earthing-up, keep the Peas in their place, and do not draw them up unduly, as the taller stakes do if applied so early. Seed Sowing. — Make good any omissions as soon as possible. Sow lite varieties of Broccoli, such as Cattell's Eclipse, Late Queen, Teitch's Model, and Methuen's June. Sow seeds of Turnips and Radish for succession. Cucumbers and Tomatos. — Attend to the stop- ping and tying of the;e, and make another sow- ing of Cucumbers if necessary. Ventilate the pits containing Tomatos freely when the weather is favourable. 296 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. LMay 7, 1904. 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 op the PAPEE, 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 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 correspondents. ftllustrations.— The Editor will be glad to receive and se'ect photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, tie. ; but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. < Societe Franchise d'Hortlcul- SATURDAY, May 7^ ture de Londres Meet. f German Gardeners' Club Meet. TOiriMwariAv Mivii (Royal Botanic Society's Ex- WEDNESDAY, May 11 ^ nibition in Regent's Park. 'ITtlDAY, May 13— Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. WEDNESDAY NEXT, MAY 11— Ornamental Palms, Herbaceous Plants. Liliums, Crotons. Ferns, Begonias, &c, at 67 & 68, Cheapside. E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.— A well-placed Glasshouse Property, 15 Greenhouses, Sheds. &c., St. Mary's Nursery, Adelaide Koad, St. Mary's Grove. Richmond, by Protheroe & Morris, at the Mart, E.C.. at 2. 8FRIDAY NEXT, May 13- 8 500 Odontoglossoum crispum, 660 Cattleya Men- delii and Schroderie ; also Established Orchids, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., at 12.30. fFor further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Average Temperatube for the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -52-8. Actual Temperatures :— London.— May i (6 p.m.) : Max. 61°; Min. 43°. May o, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden (10 a.m.) : Temp., 66° ; Bar., 30. Weather bright and warm. PbOVINCES.— May 4 (6 p.m.) : Max. 57", Guildford ; Min. 48", West Coast of England. Dusseldorf. This exhibition was opened on May 1 by the Crown Prince of Germany, and from all points of view was a great success. Over twenty acres of land were tastefully laid out as model gardens, orchards, Kose - gardens, &c, in which many of the well-known nursery firms of Belgium, France, Germany and Holland •displayed their various specialities. Broad walks were edged with Tulips from Messrs. Krelage & Son, and shrubs from Fredk. Koemer, Quedlinburg. A large building was devoted to Palms, Azaleas, rock plants, «fec, but the whole was more or less of a commercial charac- ter, very few good specimen plants being shown. Some few clipped trees were planted out. In the gardens we noticed a model Japanese house with the typical small landscape-garden attached ; also a Roman villa, with water-garden and bath, a very pretty feature. The success of the Exhibition was the ■result of Herr Beyrodt's energy and work, and for this he was voted by the Jury an objet d'art as a Prize of Honour, in awarding which they expressed their entire satisfac- tion with the arrangements made. A mag- nificent banquet, which was attended by about five hundred persons, to which the Jury and the members of the Press were invited, was given on Sunday. Speeches were made by Prof. F. Boeber (who was in the chair), Prof. Clemen, Herr Von Rhein- baben, Minister of Finance, and others. At a reunion of the foreign representatives at the Park Hotel on Monday, Herr Beyrodt ex- pressed great pleasure at the way in which the Exhibition had been supported by the firms from other countries. They had done well; but they had much to learn, and looked forward to the hearty support of Belgium, England, France, and Holland for the success of their future endeavours. The Exhibition has been wonderfully well attended, the Orchid Pavilion especially so. On the second day the crush was so great that the doors, which had been closed to prevent too many coming in, were burst open by the crowd, and the police were power- less till aid was requisitioned. The Exhi- bition will remain open one day longer than at first intended. The Orchid Pavilion (fig. 128), a splendid structure about 105 feet by 95 feet, with semi - circular bays, lofty dome, and well lighted on all sides, was the chief centre of attraction. In this building was arranged one of the most extensive exhibits of Orchids ever held in Germany. Herr Otto Beyrodt, Marienfelde, Berlin, showed 450 plants of Odontoglossum crispum, each one carrying good spikes of flowers. Also a number of O. Adrianse, a few good spotted O. crispum, and some well-grown plants of Ladia pur- purata, one of which carried seven spikes of flowers with good dark lips. He also staged about fifty plants of Cypripedium Lawrence- anum with spotted foliage, and good groups ofvariousDendrobiumsandOdontoglossums. M. Charles Vuylsteke, Looehristi, Ghent, showed a splendid lot of thirty-three home-raised Odontoglossum hybrids, for which he was awarded the first prize of 700 marks and the large Gold Medal of the Society. This exhibit contained twelve dif- ferent hybrids, including five new ones not previously shown, most prominent of which were O. x ardentissimum Imperatice Au- gusta Victoria, O. a. jucundum and O. a. regale. The first is a perfectly round flower with a white ground, very heavily blotched, deep purple, and remarkably akin to O. Pescatorei Veitchii. In the group were six unspotted forms of O. ardentissimum with the name "exornatum" attached; one was an O. loseum. Two good types of mirificum (sceptrum x crispum) were shown, one having deep rose ground ; also two plants of O. concinnum (excelsum x delec- tum). The parentage of this hybrid is not absolutely certain, but there is no reason to doubt from its appearance that it is the result of crossing a natural hybrid O. x expansum with Pescatorei, it containing the distinct characters of both. Another remarkable plant was O. architypium, which appears to be a secondary hybrid, containing a large amount of trium- phans blood, but too closely marked for a direct hybrid between Harryanum and triumphans. It is difficult to say what the other parent is, but it appears to suggest triumphans x Rolfea\ The flower has a deep yellow ground, sepals and petals nearly covered with deep red-brown marbling, lip yellowish-white lightly spotted at the sides, and having two deep brown eye spots. Another of the new forms was O. amandum, which is undoubtedly from Pescatorei x Wilckeanum, its sepals being creamy-yellow with two bars of brown blotching; the petals contain one large blotch and two inferior spots, the lip almost white of Pescatorei form, with two small spots on the disc. Another new variety was O. f ormosum, pro- bably from Rolfere X Pescatorei. This plant, in its white loose form sparsely spotted with lilac, shows an evidence of a second cross. O. fuscum was shown, and is probably from sceptum x Wilckeanumalbens, which.though distinct from, much resembles in colour and form the handsome hybrids which have emanated from M. Vuylsteke under the name Vuylstekei. M. Chas. Maron, Brunoy, France, was awarded 700 marks and a Gold Medal for a very large group, comprising 100 hybrids of Lwlio-Cattleya, the best of which was L.-C. Kronprinz Frederick Wilhelm, a striking gem (L.-C. flavescens x L.-C. intermedio- flava), a secondary hybrid of exquisite yellow, the lip alone being tipped with crimson-purple. He also showed O. crispum spectatum, which in form is most like O. c. Bex, both petals and sepals having a heavy ground colour of brown-purple, overlayed with crimson- purple blotchings. A remark- able feature of this plant is that its column is deep crimson almost from head to base. A new and peculiar class was one for a group of Orchids in and out of flower, suitable for supplying cut flowers all the year round. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, England, were awarded a 1st prize with some 300 plants of well-known and useful species. Herr Francke, Magdeburg, was awarded a 2nd prize for a smaller group of well-grown plants. Mr. Charles Smissaert, Apeldoorn, Hol- land, showed a good group of various Odontoglossums and Vandas. One good spotted Odontoglossum was named Madame Smissaert, this coming in the smaller spotted section. M. Lamp.eau, Brussels, showed a nice lot of mixed Orchids, the finest plant being Miltonia Bleuana. M. Pauwells, Meirelbeke, Ghent, staged some well-grown plants of useful sorts. He had sixteen plants of Phala^nopsis amabilis variety Bimestadtiana, three or four of which were fine varieties, all carrying large spikes of white flowers. These plants were imported only fifteen months ago, and have bloomed three times since. It is a fine market plant, easily grown, and may when better known be a good rival to Odontoglos- sum crispum. M. Georges Magne, Boulogne-sur-Seine, had a miscellaneous lot of Orchids nicely arranged. Countess Louis de Hemptinne showed a fine collection of Cattleyas and Laslias. The best was,C. Schrodene La Diva, of a very beautiful soft rose colour and fine texture. On this stand was also Cyrtopodium punc- tatissimum, a wonderful plant over 5 feet high and carrying three huge spikes of flowers 4 feet in length, a fine specimen of a plant, but one seldom shown and not often seen in bloom. This exhibitor was awarded four first prizes. A fine collection of botanic Orchids was shown by Count Furstenberg, Schloss Hagerpoet, Dusseldorf, one of the best being Bifrenaria tyrianthiana. C. F. Karthaus, Potsdam, showed a fine blotched Odontoglossum crispum var. C. F. Karthaus, of good form and deep colour, carrying a fine spike of eleven flowers. Maurice Verdonck, Gentbrugge, Ghent, had a good collection of Cattleya Sehroderaa MAV 7, 1904. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 297 and Ltelia purpurata, small plants of very fine varieties with dark lips. .Herr Wauther, Frankfurt, had a fine croup of Cattleya Schroderse. Mr. Gustav Yinke-Dujardin, Seheepsdaal. Bruges, had also some good Cattleyas. in- eluding C. Schroder^, Mendelli alba, and Trianre. In the centre of the pavilion was staged by M. L. T. Draps-Dom, Laeken, Brussels, a crand group of specimen Crotons, twenty .large plants some 7 feet high and 5 feet in Narcissus "Elaine." — Messrs. Dkksons, Ltd., Chester, have sent us flowers of this pretty variety of the Leedsii section, raised by the Eev. G. H. Engleheart, and shown before the Royal Horticultural Society on May 7, 1901, when it was awarded a First-class Certificate. The flower his a circular perianth 3 inches across, the crown being three-eighths of an inch deep and seven- eighths of an inch across. The colour of the perianth is pale ivory, and of the crown a shade nearer that of lemon. Messrs. Dicksons inform us that they will distribute the variety in the coming autumn. National Fruit Growers' Federation. — Mr. A. T. Matthews, Secretary, informs us that the annual general meeting will be held at the Caxton Hall, Westminster, on Monday, May 9, at 2 30 p.m. EARLY MELONS. — Melon fruits, when ripened very early or very late in the year, generally lack flavour ; but this defect did not characterise an excellent fruit received on April 29 from Mr. F. Jordan, gr. to Dr. Talbot, Impney Hall, Droitwich. It is a s'edling variety raised from a cross between Frogmore Scarlet and Fig. 128.— the dCsseldorf exhibition: view of the orchid house and rhine bridge. diameter. They included Lord Eendell, Beauty, Baron James de Rothschild, and Paul Weber. On another stand were some good Cypripediums. M. Goossens. Angerghem, Brussels, had a large collection of water-colour paintings of various Orchids (Gold Medal). The Gar- ■.deners'' Chronicle was awarded a Silver-gilt Medal for its illustrations of Odonto- glossums. The "Temple " Flower-e how.— Intending exhibitors at the annual Flower-show of the Boyal Horticultural Society in the Inner Temple Gardens, London, E.C., on May 31, June 1, and i June 2, can obtain a schedule, with entry form, &c, on application to the Secretary, 117, Victoria ' Street, Westminster. A penny stamp should be enclosed to cover postage. Botanical Lectures at Chelsea.— The fourth lecture by Professor J. Reynolds Green, Sc.D., F.R.S., will take place on Wednesday next, May 11, at 4.30 p.m., upon the following sub- jects:— Photosynthesis. The observed facts. Theories based upon them. Hypotheses of Baeyer, Erlenmeyer, Crato, Bach, Lieben. The probable stages in the construction of sugars. Carbonic acid as a source of supply. Experiments in cultivating plants in the presence of CO. For- maldehyde and its position in the constructive processes. The vital action of the chloroplastid. The application of the solar energy. Con- struction of carbohydrate in the absence of chlorophyll. The Royal Botanic Society. —The next exhibition will be held on Wednesday next, when experiments with motor lawn-mowers will be continued. Turner's Scarlet Gem. The fruit was of large size, prettily netted, and possessed deep flesh of a bright scarlet colour. Mr. Jordan says that he has remarked that scarlet-fleshed Melons ripen a little earlier than others. In an accompanying letter he writes : — " I cut our first fruit on April 22, have cut eight since, and the whole batch will be ready next week. I always grow our first batch in 12-inch pots, plunged closely together in leaves, and sow the seeds direct in these pots, putting two seeds in each pot, and afterwards pulling out the weaker one. The plants are trained on the cordon system. These were sown on January 4. The plants carry two fruits each ; I have forty- one fruits on twenty plants. We have only once cut earlier Melons, and this was three years ago." Mr. Jordan's success with late Melons was de- scribed by us in a descriptive note upon the Impney Gardens published in these pages on February 20, 1904. 298 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 7, 1904. " Botanical Magazine."— No. 1,407 of the entire work, issued in May, still tears on the title the name of Curtis, as a survival. It includes plates 7952 to 7956 : — Epipremnum giganteum, H. Schott, t. 7952, is a climbiDg Aroid, with large cordate, oblong, leathery leaves, 6 to 8 feet long, 1 to 1J foot broad, and a convolute yellow spathe about a foot long, enclosing a cylindric spadix or spike covered with hermaphrodite flowers. The plant forms a very striking object in the Aroid-house at Kew, to which it was introduced by Mr. Ridley, of Singapore, the plant being a native of the Malay peninsula. Marsdenia Imthurnii, Hemsley, t. 7953, is a climbiDg Asclepiad, with cordate ovate, softly downy leaves, and purple flowers in globose heads, 1 to 2 inches acroES, the five lobes of the corolla margined with yellow, according to the figure. It is a native of British Guiana, whence seeds were sent to Kew by Mr. Im. Thurn, now Lieutenant-Governor of Ceylon. Dicentra chrysantha, Walpers, t. 7954, is a Cali- fornian perennial, with deeply - cut glaucous leaves, and loose panicles of yellow flowers with the peculiar shape proper to the genus. It flowered at Kew last year in the open-air, sheltered by a wall, but is spoken' of by Canon Ellacombe as " hardy, short-lived, and never producing seed." Chlorcea crispa, Lindley, t. 7955. — This is one of a set of terrestrial Orchids brought to Kew from Chile by Mr. Elwes. Its very striking characteristics and handsome appearance were noted in the Gardeners' Chronicle at the time of its flowering last year. Iris warteyensis, t. 7956, is one of the Xiphion section, described by Sir M. Foster in these columns in 1902, vol. xxxi., p. 386, fig. 134. Festival Dinner o? the Royal Gar- deners' Orphan Fund. — The sixteenth annual dinner in aid of the Eoyal Gardeners' Orphan Fund will take place, as we have already an- nounced, on Tuesday evening, May 17, at the Hotel Cecil, Strand, W.C. The chairman on this occasion will be Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart , Preside it of the Royal Horticultural Society, and it is hoped there will be a good company present. Oar readers know what excellent work the Fund is doing in alleviating the distress of gardeners' widows by providing sustenance for the orphans. The charity is now maintaining over one hundred children at a cost of some .£1,300 per annum. At the last election only ten candidates could be pro- vided for, and subscriptions are therefore urgently needed. Donations for '.the Chairman's list may be sent to the Secretary, Mr. B. Wynne, 30, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C, or to any member of the Committee. _ The Secretary will also be glad to hear from any one desirous of being present to support .the President of the Royal Horticultural Society. Cottage Gardening in Surrey. — The presentation of the first Silver Knightian Medal granted by the Royal Horticultural Society for special excellence in cottage gardening iu Surrey, took place in the Institute, Witley, on the evening of the 29th ult. The recipient was C. Bridg- water, a carter on Lord Derby's estate, who has ha 1 for three years the best garden in the four extensi 72 parishes forming ' the local Cottage Garden Society's district. The competitor last year obtained the very high total of 184 marks, having a very fine garden, admirably cropped, and kept in perfect condition. The'gathering at the presentation was presided over by Lord Middleton, Lord- Lieutenant; of Surrey, the presentation being made by the wife of Mr. St. John Brodrick, the Secretary for India and MP. for the division. Short addresses elucidatory of the work of the Surrey EducationiCommittee and methods in garden judging were given by the County Horticultural Instructors, Messrs. J. Wright, V.M.H.,and A. Dean. A similar medal for the best county allotment is to be given to F. Reynolds, of Merton. Schedules Received. — The Southern Counties Carnation Show (now included in the operations of the Southampton R.H.S.) is to be held on July 22 at the Royal Pier. The schedule of prizes comprises thirty-two classes for Carnations and Picotees. Encouragement is given to showing flowers in their natural state, nine classes being devoted to vases of undressed blooms. There are also some classes for Sweet Peas and hardy flowers. Mr. W. Garton, Jun., is still taking an active interest in the show, being chairman of the Special Committee for the Carnation show, and a donor of special prizes. Schoolteachers' Examination in Cot- tage and Allotment Gardening.— The Royal Horticultural Society will hold an examination in Cottage Gardening on Tuesday, June 21, 1904. This examination is intended for, and will be con- fined to, elementary school 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 to supply the want of any test whatever of such competeKce. The general con- duct of this examination will be on similar lines to that of the more general examination. A copy of the syllabus with full particulars may be obtained by sending a stamped and directed envelope to the Secretary, Royal Horticultural Society, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster. Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.— The Departmental Committee appointed by Lord Onslow to enquire into and report upon the fruit industry of Great Britain held sittings on the 27th, 28th, and 29th ult. The following membeis were present : — Mr. A. S. T. Griffith- Boscawen, M.P. (Chairman) ; Col. Long, M.P. ; Mr. C. W. Radcliffe-Cooke, Mr. Hodge, Mr. Monro, Mr. Vinson, Dr. Somerville, Mr. P. Spencer Pickering, and Mr. Ernest Garnsey (Secretary). The following witnesses gave evidence :— Mr. F. King, of St. Ives, Hunts ; Mr. Spencer-Pickering, M.A., F.R.S., a member of the Committee; Mr. C. D. Wills, of ToddingtoD, Gloucester : Mr.'John Idiens, of Evesham, Wor- cester ; Mr. W. Templeton, of Netherburn, Lanarkshire ; Mr. George Sinclair, of East Lin- ton, Midlothian ; and Mr. James Macdonald, of Welton, Blairgowrie. Ro8eShow Fixtures (see also p. 217).— The following additional Rose Show fixtures for 1904 have been received through the courtesy of Mr. Mawley: — June29 (Wednesday), Farningham and Richmond, Surrey ; July 4 (Monday), Maidstone; July 6 (Wednesday), Hanley*; July 12 (Tues- day), Gloucester ; July 13 (Wednesday), Harrow ; July 14 (Thursday), Southsea* ; July 16 (Satur- day), Manchester. Mr. Amos Perry.— We regret to hear that Mr. Perry, the well-known cultivator of hardy plants at the Winchmore Hill Nurseries, has met with a serious accident whilst trying to stop a pony belonging to himself, and which was attached to a governess car. We hope that Mr. Perry's expectation that he will be able to get about again in the course of ten days or so will be realised. " Cassell's Popular Gardening."— This is a new serial publication conducted by Mr. W. P. Wright, whose energy and industry seem to know no limitations. The work, so far as it has gone, is well got up, and the text is eminently practical, * Shows lasting two days. adapted to the season of the year, and appro-, priately illustrated. The plan adopted will ne* cessitate an elaborate table of contents, as well as a copious index. ©bttuarp. Market Gardener's Death.— Mr. Auoos- tine Buxton, aged 58, market gardener, of Crow Farm, Tarvin Bridge, Chester, met with his death on April 28. He left Chester at 7.30 in charge of a lorry loaded with vegetables for Birkenhead market. A subsequent examination showed that the deceased had been run over by the heavily-laden waggon. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for thf opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) THE PROPOSED GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. — May I, as a supporter of any movement towards organisation of labour, have a word with those "peaceably disposed " gentlemen who seem to be taking things "lying down." A conference seems to have been held in their little sphere, and the doom of a Gardeners' Association unanimously agreed upon. To my surprise they do give to " Trade Unionism " the credit of having raised or regulated wages ; for this favour they have my thanks. But the old tale is raked up — viz that such an Association would cause strife be- tween employers and employes. One might think that co-operation or combination among workers was unjust ! What a standpoint for a British worker ! I appeal to workers in the horticultural field to combine as other workers have done, anc bring their profession to a better standard. 1 submit Carlyle's words : *' This that they call tht Organisation of Labour is, if well understood, th< Problem of the Whole Future." Langdale Pikes. The spectacle of men asking themselves i they are justified in demanding sufficient to enabli them to live in reasonable comfort with a family and save something from their pay to provide fo: old age, is too ridiculous. In other walks of lifi we find men without a tithe of the gardeners knowledge or responsibilities whose pay is never theless higher, and whose liberties are greater It is true that the methods adopted for securinj those advantages have not always been altruistic This is regrettable, but it is scarcely so intoler able as the present outlook of the average skillet gardener. " The living wage " is a strictly legi timate ideal, even for gardeners, and the sugges tion that the efforts now being made for th improvement of their lot resemble the " confi dence trbk " is entirely unmerited. J. 8. GERMAN GARDENERS AND ORGANI8ATION.- It may interest "Regent Spark" and others t< learn that the " German Gardeners' Association has been in existence since 1891. Among thi more recent results of intelligent co-operation ii Germany may be mentioned the rate of pay t< journeyman landscape gardeners, which in Berlii amounted recently to 50pf. per hour — equal t' sd. per hour under English conditions. This wa solely due to the fact of their being members o an efficient organisation, recognised by employers Among the advantages offered by the Germai Society to its members are those of free lega advice, loans of books relating to gardening, : weekly journal, registration, and assistance whei unemployed. Pierre Boulante. BUD SCALES IN ACER PALMATUM, AND II GARDENS. — The splendid garden form "atro purpureum" pushes out its dark ruddy-purpl leaves from within very large, light-green scales No ono seeing this plant for the first time wouli expect to see purple leaves issuing from such i colourless envelope. The scale is much large and more conspicuous than in any other gardei form I have. In " viridans dissectum " th principal scale is not so large, and in many c the light red-leaved and variegated rosy forms i is in some cases abortive and always inconspicv ous. In some cases it becomes variegated C parti-coloured, like the leaves, and is not uncor* monly foliose and sub-partite at the apex. T* only form that seeds with me is the type A. pa* May 7. 1904. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 299 natum, having green leaves. This has seeded with me both in the open and in pots, and the seeds are plump and full of albumenoid matter, pet none of them have germinated. A. Worsley, fsleviorth. SURFACE WEED ON POND.— In the early part }f last year we were troubled with the growth of ' Blanket " or " Flannel Weed " in the Lily-pond lere. Trying to clear it by drawing it to the sides and scooping it out was of very little ivail, as in twenty-four hours the weed appeared igain as thickly as ever. At length a young wild duck, which had been reared with some tame oirds, took to wandering, and located itself in She pond, and from this time the weed dis- ippeared. Full-grown ducks attack Nympha?a leaves and do harm, but young ones, while their aills are soft, appear unable to do any injury ; vnd as young wild ducks, if not pinioned, take ;o a wild life when full-grown, there is no fear of ;beir remaining too long under artificial condi- ;ions ; consequently they would be safer than ;ame ones to introduce to a pond for cleansing purposes, unles3 the tame birds are to be killed iff young. Tame birds might not take so kindly to the weeds. J. C. Tallack, Shipley Hall Gardens, Derby. SAXIFRAGA FERDINANDI - COBURGI. — With reference to my question (p. 2N5) as to whether Saxifraga Ferdinandi-Coburgi had flowered else- where in this country than at Comely Bank, Edinburgh, I am glad to learn from Mr. Hind- marsh, Alnwick, and Mr. Beamish, Ashbourne, Co. 3,>rk, that this fine Saxifrage has flowered with them this year. 5. Arnott. EARLY FORCING OF STRAWBERRIES. — There has been much complaining this spring that early batches of pot Strawberries have not been so satisfactory as could be wished, and doubtless ' Interested Reader " is right in his surmise that the summer of 1003 was to a large extent answer- able for this. As regards the soil used, I think it would have been preferable had your corre- spondent left out the Mushroom-bed manure, con- sidering that the loam employed was of a heavy nature, and if he had relied more upon feeding the plants when the pots were filled with roots once or so each week with manurial waterings given in a weak state, though in my own case I find the plants grow strongly enough without even that aid. When placed under glass, however, and the plants make a start to push up new leavi s and flower-stalk?, we supply them with weak guano-water when root-waterings are necessary, which is not very frequently for the first six or eight weeks. One detail would have been better -omitted — namely, the stirring of the soil after growth was visible, because, let one be ever so careful, it must surely more or less damage roots that should be on the surface. When starting to force Strawberries in mid-winter the plants require all the light it is possible to give them, and they should not be more than 15 inches from the glass roof. Your correspondent did not state whether the plants showed well for flower -or not, but I presume they did not. Many an ■early batch has proved a failure through inatten- tion in regard to the pollination of the flowers. This is very important in the case of plants flowering in January and early in February. ■Growers who have no suitable shelves for the "Plants should start them on a mild hot-bed of fresh leaves, covering them with two or three light frames, and keeping the plants within a foot -of the glass. J. Mayne, Bicton. IRIS IBERICA.— In the third line of my note on p. 277 on this plant, the word "smallest" should read "dwarfest." So far as the flower alone is concerned, this is large in proportion to the plant when established. I consider strong loam with very firm planting to be of the greatest help in growing this plant ; also fullest exposure to the weather as opposed to drying off, &c. E. H. Jenkins. POLYANTHA ROSE MDE. N. LEVAVA8SEUR.— I find this charming Hose an excellent variety for early forcing. At the present time we have plants that were lifted from the open ground in November, 19u3, and potted into 8-inch pots. During the winter months they were placed in a Peach-case. Early in February last the plants were removed to a house having an atmospheric temperature of 50° to 55°. The plants grew strongly, and are now carrying from six to eight clusters of bright crimson flowers with a paler centre. This will make a grand bedding Rose, as a second crop of flowers form on the young growths when the first flowers have been re- moved. Chas. Page, Dropmore Gardens, Maiden- head. [Some pretty specimens accompanied this letter. Ed.] HIPPEASTRUM " SNOWOON."— Weare glad to learn of the advent of another good white Hippe- astrum. We gather from your report on p. 2t>5, and from the fact that it received a First-class Certificate, that it is really a fine kind ; but it is not the first white variety. We think the first one put into commerce was our variety Aphrodite, raised about twenty years ago. We tried to improve upon it in breadth of petal, and if Mr. Fielder has succeeded in this, we warmly con- gratulate him. Kelway Sf Son, Langport. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. INSECT AND OTHER PESTS OF THE APPLE. The Apple requires incessant attention to pro- tect it from insect and other injuries, some of which are the consequence of bad planting, un- suitable situation, and bad cultivation. These can be checked and the soil improved by : 1st, securing moisture for the trees which turn yellow when the roots are in dry earth; 2nd, by draining off the surplus water from soils and subsoils which, if constantly wet, impoverish vegetation, and con- sequently diminish the fruit crop. The leaves lose their vitality, turn black or pale, become weakened, and fall prematurely. Yellowing. — Where this is noticed, first remove the surface soil for some distance round the stems above the roots and replace it with fresh compost of sandy clay, turf, river mud, rotten turf, or animal or vegetable refuse ; water the whole with liquid manure or house refuse. When the trench is filled, cover in with a mulch of leaves, farmyard litter, or mud, through which the rain, enriched in its passage, will filter slowly. Blackening. — Blackness and withering of the young shoots and leaves caused by over-dampness of soil require the removal of the water by drain- age pipes of alder- wood or of terra-cotta, by trenches filled with stones and faggots, and by constant working of the soil round the tree. If the tree is still young it may be lifted and re-planted on a mound, then staked and pruned. Light sandy earth mixed with ashes and cinders should be mixed in with heavy soil. Canter. — Canker may proceed fromundue shade, a cold situation, over-pruning, not to mention unseen bacilli, and other fungi causing injury to the bark, - > • 4 0-80 Heliotropes, doz. 5 0- 6 i 9 0-18 0 Herbaceous plants 5 0-80 and perennials, 18 0-36 0 per box 4 0-80 Hyacinths, Dutch, 16-30 per doz 1 6- 3 0 | Ivy Geraniums, 4 0-80, per doz 4 0- 8 0 I Lilac-trees, each . 12 0-24 0 ! Lycopodiums.per 9 0-18 0 I dozen 3 0-40 Marguerites, doz. 6 0-80 Mignonette dcz Musk, per dozen 3 0 6 0 12 0 18 0 Orange-trees, each 3 6-10 6 Palms, var., each 3 0-20 o 12 0-48 0 Pansies, in boxes 1 •"• 2 o 6 0-24 0 Pelargoniums, double scarlet, 4 0-60 per doz ... 40-80 Petunias, in boxes 13-20 4 0-30 0 Primulas, perdoz. 4 0-60 Pteris tremula. 12 4 0-80 9 8-24 0 — Wimsetti.doz. 4 0-80 6 0-90 — major, dozen 40-60 6 0-10 0 Spiraea, per doz. . 5 0-80 Tulips, various, 4 0-80 dozen roots ... 10-20 8 0-13 0 6 0-80 3 0-40 3 0-40 6 0-80 I 0- 8 0 Vegetables: Averag: t.d. 8.d. I Artichokes. Globe, per dozen ... — Jerusalem, p. sieve Asparagus, Sprue, bundle — Paris Green... — English, bun. Beans, dwarf, lb. Beetroots, bushel Cabbages, p. doz. Carrots, per doz. bunches — per bag Cauliflowers.doz. Celery, per dozen bunches Cress, doz. pun. Cucumbers, doz. Endive, per doz. Garlic, per lb. ... Horseradish, fo- reign, p. bunch Leeks, doz. bun... Lettuces, Cabbage, per dozen Mint, doz Mushrooms(house) per lb unions, green, doz. bundles ... — per c»se 2 0-30 10-13 0 8 — 3 6 — 16-36 0 8-09 2 6-36 0 9-13 2 6-30 3 0-46 10-16 6 0-9 0 0 8-10 2 0-36 1 ;;- l 6 0 3 — 10-13 10-16 0 9-10 2 0 — 1O-20 9 6-10 6 10-16 : Wholesale Prioes. s_d. «.d. Onions, per bag... 7 n — — picklers, sieve 4 0-50 Parsley, doz. bun. 16-20 — sieve 10- — Parsnips, per bag 2 0 Peas, per lb. ... 0 6- 10 Potatos, per ton vo 0-140 0 frame, lb. ... 0 2J- o 3 — NewTeneriffe per cwt. Radishes, per dozen bunches Rhubarb, Yorks, per dozen — Natural, doz. Salad, small, pun- nets, per doz.... Seakale, per doz. punnets Shallots, lb. Spinach, p. bush. Tomatos, Canary Deeps — Channellslds. per lb — English, doz. Turnips, doz. bun. — per bag Vegetable Mar- rows, per doz. Watercress, per dozen bunches .. 12 0-16 0 0 6- 1 0- 8 0-10 0 0 2-03 1 6- 2 0 3 6-16 0 8- il 9 8 C-10 0 2 0 — 2 0 — 4 0-60 0 3- 0 Out Flowers. Anemones, per doz bunches ... Arums, per doz. Azaleamollis,pei bunch Azaleas, per doz Berberis, perdcz. Bouvardias, per bunch Camellias, box ... Carnations, Mai msison, dozen blooms Croton leaves. bun. Daffodils, per doz. bunches Eucharis.per doz. Euphorbia, bun. Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... — French, per doz. bunches — Maidenhair, doz. bunches Gardenias, box ... Gypsophila, doz. bunches Gladiolus, Blush- ing Bride, per doz bunches ... Iris, doz bun. ... Ixia, perdoz bun. Lilao (French), per bunch Lilium auratum per bunch ... — longiflorum, butch — lanclfolium... Lily of the Valley, p. doz. bunches 6 0-12 0 0 6-10 10-40 2 0- 3 0 10-30 0 6-20 0 3 0 4 6 0-80 16-40 &o.i Average Wholesale Prioes. >.d. s.d. e.d. s.d. Marguerites, yel- 0 9-16! low. doz bunch. 10-20 1 u- 4 0 — white doz. bun 3 0-40 Narcissus, p. dcz. 0 6-10 bunches 2 0-40 — Pheasant Eye, 0- 1 0 per doz Orchids : Odonto- 0 4-06 glossums, per 10-20 dozen blooms 20-60 — Cattleya, doz. 10 0-12 o — various, doz . 2 0-80 Pelargoniums, zonal, dozen ■ bunches j — white, dozen bunches — double scarlet, p. doz. bunches 3 0-40 Primroses, per dozen bunches 0 6-10 Roses, Mermet, per bunch ... — white, bunch — pink, bunch — red. bunch — Safranos. bch. — French, bunch 10-20 Smilsx.do/.trails 16-20 Spira as, bunch... 0 4-09 Star doz.bunchej Stoct s, per doz... Tuberoses on stem, bunch . 0 9-10 — short, p. doz. 0 3-04 Tulips, Red, per 4 0- ■". 0 10-60 3 0- 3 6 16-20 2 0-40 1 6-40 16-26 6 0-12 0 10-20 16-30 3 0-60 4 0-60 2 0-40 10-30 16-30 16-40 10-20 1 6- "■ 0 2 0-26 bunch 0 4-06 various, per buuch 0 6-10 Parrot. rer do i bunches 6 0 — Fruit : Average Wholesale Prioes, s d. s.d. id. e.d. Grapes Almeria, 8 0-12 0 I per doz. ... 6 0-10 0 — Muscat A, p. lb. il C- 8 0 15 0-17 6 - — B.p.lb. 3 0 I 0 i Lemons, per case 7 o-2.i 0 6 o—io 0 j Melons, each ... 10-26 Oranges, per case 9 0-40 o Peaches, A. p. doz. 24 0-30 n Apples, Austra- lian, in cases ... — Nova Scotia, per barrel... — Ta s m a nian Cases Bananas, bunch -!■ loose, dozen Figs, per doz ... Gooseberries, per peck Grapes, Hambro' A per lb. B, per lb. ... 7 0-12 0 ! 10-161 2 0- ' 0 3 6-46 2 6- 3 0 B Pears, per case.. Pines, each Strawberries, A. per lb — B., per lb. .. 10 0-15 4 0-1 II 0 2 0-40 2 0-30 10-16 B F.Marks.— Broccoli and Cabbage are both coming in fast. Kent crates of Broccoli fetch from it. 8ri to 6fc per crate ; pads, Is. 6d 2S. and 2s. C<1. each ; Worcester Cabbage not. Is. 6d to 2«. ; Cherbourg Cabbages. *d. to 1». per dozen; Gooseberries Is. per quart; pecks of ditto. 8.'. to lui ; Cherries, French, .per box Is. to Is. — A" Curious Bulb : J. W. B. The offset or new bulb is really the development of a bud in the axil of a scale leaf. In this case it commenced to grow as a shoot, which, becoming arrested, afterwards took on the bulbous form, and finished as such. Thanks for sending the interesting specimen. Asparagus: Spring. The culture of Asparagus in England and France is not the same. The French like to have all their Asparagus blanched, and therefore cover their plants 12 or 15 inches deep with soil, and cut the growths directly they appear above the surface. In England it is generally preferred to have an inch or two of green tip to the growth, and if the roots are covered 9 or 10 inches deep by throw- ing up extra soil over them in March, and the growths cut when they are 2 or 3 inches or so above the surface, you will have Asparagus in the condition it is most appreciated in this country. Never allow the growths to remain after they become loose. See note on Asparagus in our issue for January 2, or The Book of the Asparagus, by Chas. Ilott, obtainable at this office. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine : E. B. In our issues for March 20 and April 9 will be found information regarding the culture and propa- gation of this plant. Black Currant : J. B. R. The swollen condition of the buds (6g. 129) shows that the bushes are attacked by the destructive mite, which can only be seen by the use of a powerful micro- scope. The best remedy is to take away and burn the bushes badly affected; cut the affected shoots from those remaining, and rake away the surface soil from about the bushes, so far as can be done without damaging the roots, then top-dress with fresh soil. The variety of Black Currant known as Boskoop Giant is recommended as being less liable to attack. The Hazel and Filbert are attacked by a similar mite. Bowling Green : J. W. Our expert has given this matter his careful attention, and finds the turf to be affected by the trapeze worm (Allolobophora trapezoides), which is exceed- ingly tenacious of life, as is shown by its being one of the most widely distributed of all the earthworms. There were no traces in the turf of any other destructive organisms, so the mischief is attributed solely to this pest. No eggs were found in the turf. The eggs or cocoons are usually deposited in decaying matter, manure, &c. Hence the eggs of the trapeze worms may be expected to occur freely in the rotten manure and soil put under the turf. This may be nearly exhausted, in which case the worms may in time fail to find sufficient material to induce them to remain. That can only be proved by lifting the turf. If there still remains under the turf any of the mould and manure, the eggs will continue to be laid there, and chemicals will not destroy them. In this case the only remedy is to lift the turf, remove or burn all the offending soil, and prepare the bed for relaying the turf. For details respecting the worm, see forthcoming article in the Gardeners' Chronicle. Calanthes : Carnation. Tour Calanthes have become affected with a disease which sometimes attacks them even when they seem up to that point to be progressing satisfactorily. Once attacked in this way there is nothing to be done but to destroy the plants affected and rely on the healthy ones for future stock ; or, better still, get bulbs for next year from another garden. As with many other plants exten- sively grown year after year, a change of stock is beneficial. You do not say whether your Calanthes have always been grown from the same stock, but we conclude that they have. Claim for Wages : One Anxious. You had better consult a solicitor. Fig .— HUDS OF THE BLACK CURRANT AFFECTED WITH MITES. (The mites themselves are not shown.) Cowslips, Oxslips, " Covee-kets," Arc. : E.C.C.D. In A Dictionary of English Plant Names (Britten) it is stated that by Cover-keys, or Covey-keys, is meant the Oxlip, not the true Primula elatior, Jacquin, but the plant known as P. variabilis, Goupil. In the neighbour- hood of Ashford, Kent, the word Culverkeys is applied to Primula veris L., and the wine made from this plant is called " Culverkey-wine." We do not know if the name is applied to Primula veris elsewhere, but suppose that it is not. Aquilegia vulgaris and Scilla nutans have also been known as Culverkeys in other localities. " Skeat-legs " is a common name in Kent for Orchis mascula, and less generally for other Orchids. Its derivation, according to the book already cited, is from "scoet" or "sceat," meaning any description of wrapping or swathing, the stem or "leg" of the plant being partially enveloped in a sheathing-leaf. Fuchsia : J.M. A variegated sport. Cultivate it and see if it is of any value ; we cannot tell from the scrap sent. Grub : G. K. The larva you send is that of the goat-moth, most destructive to fruit-trees. Insects : J. Me. The winged flies are of some dipterous insect allied to the St. Mark's Fly- certainly not the Pear-mite, which is much smaller and has no wings. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — A. B. C, Lancashire. 1, 2, 3, 4, varieties of Odonto- glossum triumphans — 1 a very fine form, the others interesting on account of their remark- able variation ; 5, nearest to 0. x Anderson- ianum, and with distinct traces of O. gloriosum (which would be one of the parents) in the wings of the column. The texture is that of O. crispum, and, being unspotted, is in effect a bad O. crispum. The yellow flower is nearest to Odontoglossum x Adrian se aureum ; the rose-coloured is called Odontoglossum crispum roseum. — Odon. Not Odontoglossum bicton- ense, but Oncidium leucochiluni, one of the prettiest of cool-house Oncidiums. It is a native of Mexico and Guatemala. Under cul- tivation it grows better with Odontoglossums than with the Brazilian Oncidiums of the same habit of growth. It thrives with the cool-house Braz ilian Odontoglossums of the O. crispum class. — Botany. — Osmanthus ilicifolius. — J. McE. Dendrobium Falconeri; good, but not extra- ordinary.— No name, Price's box. Dendrobium teretifolium. — Cape. Satyrium coriifolium. — C. G. D. 1, Adiantum plumosum ; 2, A. cune- atum gracillimum ; 3, A. tenerum Victoria? ; 4, A. cuneatum ; 5, A. pulverulentum. — W. H. C. Celsia cretica. — L. B. W. Piptanthus nepal- ensis. — Z. Q. 1 and 2 are poor varieties of Cypripedium x Calypso (Boxallii x Spicer- ianum) ; 3, probably the result of crossing C. exul and C. barbatum. — Henlcel, Darmstadt. A form of Cattleya intermedia. — R. N. H. Onci- dium leucochilum. — Botanibt. Geranium stria- tum, probably an escape from some garden. — Westyl. 1, Trollius europieus. Globe-flower ; 2, yuercus Ilex ; 3, Primula denticulata ; 4, Aubrietia deltoidea ; 5, Alyssum saxatile ; 6, one of the Leedsi section of Narcissus, im- possible to name the particular variety. — J. H. B. 1, Kerria japonica ; 2, Eibes aureum ; 3, we cannot name the Tulip, send to some grower. — W. C. One of the many forms of the Japanese Acer palmatum. — J. B. 1, Berberis Darwinii ; 2, Berberis stenophylla ; 3, Funkia Sieboldi variegata ; 4, Fritillaria Meleagris, white variety ; 5, Triteleia uniflora ; 0, Hedera Eoegneriana ; 7, Hedera Helix variety ; 8, Cotoneaster microphylla. — J. A. Send when in flower ; we cannot name the specimens you send ; 1 is Doronicum caucasicum. — S. T. H. 1, Streptosolen Jamesoni ; 2, Abutilon Savitzi- anum ; 3, Choisya ternata ; 4, Glechoma hederacea, variegated form ; 5, Cupressus funebris. — /. McC. Narcissus Bernardi H. E. Buxton. — J. H. Narcissus Queen of Spain. " Shot-hole " Fungus : Fruit-grower. It is not caused by bad cultivation, but by a fungus, Cercospora circumscissa. Spray with the am- moniacal solution of copper carbonate, as pre- viously advised ; and refrain from using the Bordeaux -mixture on Peach, Nectarine, or Almond-trees. Surface Weeds on Pond : W. H. W. See further note on p. 299. Vine-leaves : Fruit-grower. There is no fungus disease ; the disfiguration is from scalding. The leaves have been wet when the sun has become suddenly bright and the ventilators in- sufficiently open. We presume you have not syringed the Vines with diluted liquid- manure ? Water-Finder : Lady McC. If you will kindly forward us your address we will send you a letter from a correspondent. Yew Hedge : Yew. In cases where the whole of the tree, or even greater part of tree is dead, remove them root and branch, and early next autumn plant specimens of considerable size in the vacancies thus caused. Cut away all dead branches from the other trees, and top-dress the roots with some rich soil. Communications Received.— H. J. C— L. M.— C. W. D. —A. W.— D. R. W.— W. H. D.-W. T.— M. Correvon— B B. W.— S. D.-W. W.-J. H., Haarlem— J. S.-J. G. — C. T. D.. thank you, correction noted— N. W. C— R. C. G.-M. Mottet, Paris -Borneo— V. N. G. six fine, healthy leaves, and several have produced spikes with from twelve to twenty flowers on each. I may add that it has been necessary to repot the majority of the plants again this season, many of them being placod in 8-inch pans, and all of them again promise to make strong vigorous growths. THE PLOWEE GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Pearson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. .Roses.— Many of the plants will be growing fast, and should be disbudded in degree varying according to the strength of the variety. Make use of the hoe after rain, before the ground gets too hard; this will make the surface-soil finer after digging, and prevent undue evaporation. Roses are looking well, and some are already show- ing for bloom. Now is the time to take measures against the many insects injurious to the plants. Spraying should be commenced as soon as the young shoots are ready to unfold their leaves, the Knapsack-sprayer being the most useful and econo- mical for this purpose. Green-fly is perhaps the ni st pest to put in an appearance, but a mixture of Quassia-extract and tobacco juice sprayed fre- quently will keep this in check ; other prepara- tions are sometimes used, but the above insecti- cide is safe and effective. One of the worst enemies to the foliage is the Rose-leaf Roller (Tortrix Bergmanniana), and for this pest spray- ing must be done vigorously, and in addition to this examine the plants each day and squeeze the grubs between the finger and thumb. The amount of damage done in one day by the insect vs enormous. As soon as mildew appears apply dry sulphur. The best time to do this is when the dew is on the leaves either at night or morn- lnf'ur they may be 8Prayed with water and the sulphur applied, but when sulphur is sprayed iu a liquid form it appears unsightly, and ruins the Roses, and is no more effective than if applied dry. Some varieties of Roses are more subject to mildew than others, especially when planted on a cold sub- soil A bed of the variety Margaret Dickson in these gardens always suffers from mildew, although the bed is raised 12 inches. An insect friend of the ^8iS ^e Ladybird (Coccinella septem punctata), which lives on aphides, and does not seem to injure the Roses in any way. Paonies.— Herbaceous and Moutan Pa;onies will both require attention in the matter of staking, and will need to be afforded protection from frost. Thanks to the seasonable weather, which has kept the Moutan varieties back, we may expect a good show of flower. The herbaceous varieties should be mulched as soon as the flower- buds can be seen, and they may need water if the weather becomes dry. Bamboos should be mulched with cow-manure if growing in light soil. If possible these should be allowed to a certain extent to grow naturally ; they will then afford a cool retreat in summer. If they have grown too thickly the plants may be thinned out and other beds formed, for which purpose the ground should be trenched and manured well, and be mulched after planting. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fielder, Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Mymms Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Bougainvillea glabra. — These should be re- potted when the young shoots are an inch or two in length, using pots sufficiently large to afford the plants a good shift. The size of the old bulbs may be somewhat reduced. A suitable compost consists of three-parts loam and one-part leaf-soil, with the addition of some silver-sand. After being repotted, the plants should be placed in a house having a temperature of about 60", with a moist atmosphere, until they have made sufficient growth, when they should be removed to a cooler and more airy house. Allow plenty of light to the plants, except in the case of those newly potted, which should be shaded lightly for a week or so. Overcrowding of the growths should be prevented by the early removal of the weaker shoots. Cytisus ractmosus. — As these plants go out of flower, cut them back and place them in a warm, moist house. When the new growth has started they should be repotted, using a compost of loam, leaf-soil, and sand. As growth progresses the amount of ventilation should be increased, and upon the completion of the growth the plants may be stood out-of-doors until the autumn. Thyrsacanthus rutilans. — Insert cuttings of these singly in small pots filled with sandy soil, and plunge them in the propagating-frame. Directly they are sufficiently rooted place them in 5-inch pots, using a compost of two parts loam, one part leaf-soil, and a little well-rotted manure, together with some silver-sand. Grow the plants in the stove until they are well established, when they may be removed to a houEe having an inter- mediate temperature. Begonia Gloire de Lorraine and B. Turn/ord Hall. — The earliest- struck plants should now be in o-inih pots, and their future treatment will chiefly depend on the required size of the plants. Well-flowered plants, suitable for con- servatory or house decoration, can be grown in an intermediate temperature in pots of the above- mentioned size, or even in smaller ones. Bat for growing specimens of these plants of the largest size, heat, atmospheric moisture, and shade are essential. It is also necessary to select plants for growing in this way, choosing those which exhibit a tendency to produce lateral shoots at each joint of the central stem. The shoots should not be pinched, as they branch freely naturally, and will grow into bushy plants with a central leader, which should be supported as soon as necessary by a neat stake. In due course the side shoots should be loosely slung to this stake, in order to secure the pyramidal habit of growth to which these plants so readily lend themselves. Take off all flower- buds once a week until about three weeks before the plants are required for flowering. Repot them once or twice according as it is necessary, finally using pots 7 or 8 inches in diameter, which are sufficient for the largest plants. Specimen plants, if afforded good culture, may be expected to approach 3 feet in height and 2J feet in dia- meter. A suitable compost consists of loam, leaf- soil, and peat in equal proportions, together with a liberal supply of coarse silver-sand. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Penttand. Gardener to C. H. B. Firth, Esq. Asbwlcke Hall, Marshfield, Chippenham. Lettuce. — Tie up the most forward plants in order that the leaves may become blanched well. They will then be crisp and tender when sent in for table. A quarter of an hour spent occasionally on such work will often prevent cause for fault- finding. Thin and prick out successional crops as required. Make a small sowing of seeds every fortnight, and let the quantity be regulated by the demand. Turnips. — Do not neglect to thin early crops on the open border, for if the plants are allowed to become drawn, the roots will be inferior. Make another sowing of the varieties Early Red or Early White Milan. Early Snowball and Orange Jelly are also good varieties. Orange Jelly is sometime3 in great demand here owing to the yellow colour being necessary for certain dishes. The roots have also an excellent flavour. If space is not limited, sow a pinch of seeds of a few noted varieties, and test them in regard to the soil and in regard to flavour. Rhubarb. — Clear away all pots that have been used for forcing, and if manure has been used, spread sufficient of it to form a good mulching amongst the crowns. If any remain over, have it taken to a spot where it will be required for digging-in. Remove flowering stems from the Rhubarb as they appear. Never pull the crop too severely, but allow sufficient leaves on each plant to keep it in health and the roots active. Seakale that has been forced in the bed out-of- doors requires similar treatment to that given the Rhubarb. Flowers are showing on the most forward crowns, and must be pinched out, but retain every leaf possible. General work. — Clear away any useless crops, and get the ground manured well and turned over, that it may have as long exposure to the action of the atmosphere as possible. Work of this kind must not be neglected, if rotation cropping is to be carried out successfully. Do not allow weeds to overgrow the crops. Keep the hoe at work on all favourable occasions, but when the ground is dry and the sun shining is the best time to kill weeds. On loamy soil, where the Dutch-hoe may be worked easily, a workman can go over a considerable area in the course of a day, but we find the work on stony clay very hard and slow. We have to hack them up with the draw-hoe, and every weed comes up with a ball sufficient to keep it growing unless there is a scorching sun. Potatos. — Draw a little soil over the growths of Potatos coming through the ground. New varie- ties which have been propagated in pots and boxes may be planted out on sheltered borders in the best soil procurable, so as to encourage a good crop of tubers. Maize. — Sow a few seeds of the variety Early Sweet Carey or Early Yellow in small pots in heat, and when the seedlings are up, harden them off for planting out when all danger of frost is past. PEUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Locklnge Park, Wantage. Peaches and Nectarines. — Fruits that will ripen in June have now passed the " stoning " stage. The shoots have hitherto been allowed to retain their natural position, but we have now commenced to tie them in. If these are at all crowded, thin them out ; and one frnit to every square foot of trellis covered with foliage means about one fruit to every shoot of last year. Vigorous-growing: shoots may be allowed to carry two fruits, which will assist in maintaining an evenness of growth over the trees. Expose the fruits well above the- foliage. Keep the roots moist, and maintain a moist atmosphere. We watered the border in this house in the first week in May, being the first time since the house was started. If it is not desired to hasten the ripening, a night temperature of 60° to 65°, with 10° or 15° rise> during the day, will be best to employ, but other- wise the maximum heat may be 10° higher. Succession-houses. — Fruits commencing " ston- ing " should be thinned if necessary. In every instance retain the best-placed fruits, and do not allow the shoots to become crowded. Afford venti- lation on every favourable opportunity. Use the syringe freely, and afford water to outside borders if necessary. On later trees the fruits are just swelling ; these should be thinned freely, retain- ing those that are most promising. Melons. — When the early fruits have been gathered, make preparations for replanting by thoroughly cleansing the house. The same com- post may be made to produce a second crop of fruits if a portion of the surface be removed, and the remainder well saturated with stable drain- ings, adding fresh loam on the surface for planting, as advised for earlier crops. At the same time maiden loam is preferable for each crop. It is sometimes the practice to take a second crop from the same plants, but better results may be obtained from young plants. Give close attention to fruits now setting, that they may swell regularly on the plant. Keep lateral growths stopped and thinned, and provide a warm circulation of drier air when the plants are in bloom. Sow seeds for succession singly in 3-inch pots. At this season from the time of sowing the seeds until the fruits will be ripe may be about twelve weeks. 312 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 14, 1904. 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 weitten 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 pr nted, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. 8pecial 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 correspondents. Illustrations. — The Editor will be glad to receive and se7ect 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 neivspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. 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. Royal Horticultural Society's Committees Meet, and Na- tional Tulip Society's Show combined. Annual Festival Dinner of Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund at Hotel Cecil. IBath and West and Southern Counties Society's Exhibition at Swansea (five days). Brighton Horticultural Society Meet. FRIDAY, Mat 20-Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. SATURDAY, May 21-German Gardeners' Club Meet. TUESDAY, MAY 17 THURSDAY, May 19 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. TUESDAY NEXT, May 17- Library, deluding books on Botany and Horti- culture, at Stevens' Room?, at 12 30, WEDNESDAY NEXT, May 18— P'lmp, Begonias. Perennials and Border Plants, Liliums, Ferns, Geraniums &c , at 67 & 68. Cheap- side. EC by Proiheroe & Morris, at 12.— Third Annual Sal« of Bedding and Greenhouse Plants at The Park Nursery, Stanmore, by order of Mr. J. Lion, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. FRIDAY NEXT, May 20- Established and Imported Orchids, at 67 &I68, Cheapside, E C, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.30." (For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Average Temperature tor the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick - 54 5 . Actual Temperatures:— London.— iloy 11 (6 p.m.) : Max. 66'; Min. 4.T. May 12, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden (10 a.m.) : Temp., 66°; Bar, 30 2 Weather dull. Provinces. — May 11 (6 p.m.): Max. 56". South of England; Min. 44°, North east of Scotland. _, _ _,„ Our French friends are as The Codlin , , ... ., . much concerned with this pest as ourselves, and they adopt various means of preventing the attack — amongst others, by enclosing the fruits (Apples or Pears) in little paper bags. The bags are slipped over the young fruit at about the middle of May and the beginning of June, just as similar bags are placed over the ripening fruits to protect them from wasps. The moth pierces the rind, and deposits her eggs in the fruit soon after the latter date ; but if she can be prevented doing this, the fruit does not become " wormy." M. Loiseau,* in a little treatise he has just published, is very emphatic in his recommendations, the increased crop and better quality of the fruit obtained more than balancing the extra cost of time and labour. Of course this method can only be adopted in certain cases. The bags remain * L. Loiseiu. 1H VEnsachine des Fruits. Paris : Slbis, Rue de Crenelle. on till the fruit is nearly ripe in autumn. If rich colour is required, the bags can be removed a little earlier. The advantages claimed are these : — 1. Protection against the codlin-moth. •2. Prevention of the cracking of the fruit caused by the fungus Fusicladium, the spores of which are prevented from settling on the fruit. 3. Shelter from hail. 4. Increased delicacy of texture of the rind and of the flesh. 5. Enhancement of the colour in autumn. 6. Protection against sunstroke. 7. Increased facility of cultivating certain varieties of Apples and Pears in bad aspects, or even when grown as standards. 8. Increase in the size of the fruit. 9. Preservation against slugs, snails, ear- wigs, moths, &c. ■^ Fir:. 1,14.— THE CODLIN MOTH. A— The caterpillar in an Apple, natural size. »— The chrysalis stage. c— The perfect moth, magnified. Beneath, the caterpillar magnified. Each of these statements is supported by evidence in the text of the little book before us, wherein full details are given as to the methods to be employed to ensure satis- factory results. Directions are also given for the produc- tion of designs or letters by means of stencil- plates, or letters in relief made of card, and affixed to the growing fruit, so that when ripe the letters appear dark or light, as the case may be, on the surface of the fruit. The likenesses of celebrities or armorial devices may also be imprinted on the rind of the fruit by means of photographic 1ilms. The Paris shops have afforded many illustrations of this process, the Russian arms being very common. The price asked for such Apples is a fancy one. Whether it be good taste to do this is doubt- ful, but it serves to amuse people ; and if the fruit-grower can make a little extra profit by such means he is fairly entitled to his reward. Hardy PALMS (see Supplementary Illustra- tion).— A good many of us have even now not got over the idea of strangeness when seeing Palms flourishing in the open-air. Nevertheless, there are specimens at Kew which show that the London climate is not wholly prejudicial to the Chamsrops excelsa. In the Isle of Wight we have seen scores of self-sown seedliDgs nestling beneath the parent Palm. At Swanage and, of course, in Devonshire the Palm flourishes. Etren in Gloucestershire it thrives in Canon Ella- combe's garden, the secret, as he tells us, con- sisting in shelter. The specimen figured in our Supplementary Illustration has an historic interest. It was for long in the possession of the late N. B. Ward, of fern- case fame, and formed one of his many treasures at Clapham, where that very lovable botanist was wont to show it with pride to his many friends. After his death two of his daughters took the treasure with them to their retreat at Penmaenmawr, where it still thrives and flowers every year, having the advantage, as at Bitton, of shelter. It is a fitting memorial to one of the kindest- hearted and simplest-minded of men. The Dusseldorf Exhibition. — Although Odontoglossums were shown very finely at the recent exhibition by M. Vvjylsteke, Loochristi, Ghent, and others, quite as much importance was attached to the excellent exhibit of Lffilio-Cat- tleyas shown by M. Chas. Maron, Brunoy, France. Consequently the awards of 700 marks and a Gold Medal made to each of these two collections were equal in value. The Temple Flower Show, May 31, JUNE 1 AND 2. — A letter from the Secretary states that every year the desire of growers to exhibit increases, and the officials of the' Society have a very anxious task in endeavouring to do justice to those who regularly support the fort- nightly shows of the Society, and yet at the same time to encourage others to come forward. The space is absolutely limited by order of the Temple authorities, no more or larger tents can he erected, hence every new exhibit which is accepted means curtailment of the space allotted to previous supporters. The Judges will meet at the Secre- tary's tent at 10 30 a.m. on May 31, at which hour punctually the tent will be cleared of all ex- hibitors and their assistants. The Fruit, Floral, and Orchid Committees will assemble at the Secretary's tent at 11 A m. sharp, and the show will be opened at 12 30. All plants for Certificate must be entered on or before Thursday, May 26. Address, Secretary, Eoyal Horticultural Society, 117, Victoria Street, London, S.W. Orchid Bouquets at Bradford.— Messrs. Charlesworth & Co. forward us two photo- graphs representing, the one the bouquet pre sented by the granddaughter of the Mayor of Bradford to H.K H. the Princess of Wales, on the occasion of her recent visit to Bradford ; the other, the basket placed on the table in the rail- way saloon carriage occupied by Her Royal Highness. The Orchids were, as might have been anticipated, of the choicest character. Those in the bouquet included, among others, Lselio- Cattleya Hyeana, L.-C. Myra, Cattleya Schro- derffl Oncidium Marshallianum, Odontoglossum Edwardi, and specially fine forms of the white and spotted variations of Odontoglossum crispum. In the basket placed by Messrs. Charlesworth May 14, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 313 in the saloon carriage were many rare and choice varieties, such as Brasso-Cattleya Digby- ana var. Schroderse, Laelio-Cattleya Wellsiana alba, L.-C. Lawrenceana, Trichopilia suavis, and magnificent spikes of OdontogloS6um crispum. The luncheon tables in St. George's Hall were also decorated with Orchids by Messrs. G'HARLES- WORTH & Co. Royal Botanic Society of London.— We are informed that Lord Eedesdale has con- sented to become President of the Horticultural section of the Exhibition to take place under the auspices of this Society in their gardens, Regent's Park, from June 6 to 11. EARLY PANSY.— Messrs. Cooper, Taber, & Co., write — " Wesend herewith a few flowers of the charming French Pansy Mme. Perret. This is a break from the Trimardeau Pansy, having a great range of colours, all the flowers being tinged with red wine colour. We may say that these flowers are picked from plants that have stood on our Witham farms all through the winter, and were raised from seeds sown in the open ground in June last. Comparing it with other strains of Pansy we find this to be the earliest large-flowering variety now in culture." The flowers were not only large in size, being 2| inches across, but also delightfully sweet. Schedules Received.— Dudley Horticul- tural Society's Exhibition and Fete, to be held in Buffery Park, Dudley, on Tuesday, Wed- nesday and Thursday, August 2, 3 and 4, 1904. Ramsey Horticultural Society's show of flowers, fruit and vegetables, to be held in the Abbey Grounds on Monday, August 1, 1904. Potters Bar and Northaw Cottage Horti- cultural Society's, and Potters Bar Amateur Rose Society's combined Show, on Thursday, July 14, 1904, at Little Heath Wood. International Printing Exhibition. — The International Printing and Allied Trades Exhibition was opened on Saturday, April 30, at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, N. It is the most representative exhibition since the great Caxton Centenary of 1877 at South Kensington. Since that date the photo-engraved half-tone block and the three-colour print have caused a complete revolution in the methods, machinery, and processes of the printing trade. This exhi- bition was originated and promoted by Mr. F. W. Bridges, the proprietor of The Caxton Magazine and various other trade journals, and is the first important exhibition in these trades for the 1 ast seven years. The exhibition will remain open until May 17. Warning ! — Gardeners and others are cau- tioned against a man who has, we are told, been very busy lately in the county of Surrey. He tells a pitiful tale in a plausible manner and obtains loans, to be repaid at the end of the first week after entering his new place. The chief mischief is that, after having been deceived in this manner, a deaf ear is turned to really deserving cases. ■Rhododendron Duchess of Portland.— Flowers of this beautiful variety are sent us by Messrs. Fisher, Son & Sibkay, Handsworth Nurseries, Sheffield. The trusses have fifteen flowers or more each, pure white, campanulate in form, and very attractive. The Edinburgh Seed Trade Assistants. — The first spring outing of the Edinburgh Seed Trades Assistants took place on the 30th ult., the drive being to see Mr. C. W. Cowan's grand col- lection of Daffodils at Dalhousie Castle. A party numbering thirty-one, and representing twelve trade firms, left the city by special char-a-banc at 2-15 p.m., arriving at Dalhousie Castle at 1 o'clock. In addition to the wonderful collection out-of-doors, which is arranged in sections and contains many of the best novelties, a collection of cut blooms in vases was displayed indoors, all distinctly named and classed in order of merit, which proved interesting and instructive. The company returned to the city at 9.30 p.m., all feeling that they had spent a most profitable and enjoyable afternoon. Stock-taking : April.— The Budget very naturally interferes with the even flow of com- merce, and Tea and Tobacco are the imports interfered with this year. Everybody knows all about this, and many are beginning to feel the effects of enhanced prices. Day by day also war and Cotton interest the world. As to the latter, it is interesting to read of the number of new areas for Cotton growing, and this lessens the area of disturbance in the market. By-the-way, we are now told that the Cotton boll worm de- stroyed .£10,000,000 worth of crops last year. The value of last month's imports is placed at .£45,181,763, as against .£43,802,327 for March, 1903, an increase of .£1,379,436. The main divisions of the imports are shown in the subjoined table : — • Imports. 1903. 1904. Difference. Articles of food and drink— duty free £ 8,911,286 e 9,1 >kh 535 6 + 178,249 Articles of food & drink— dutiable 7,765,638 8.917,415 + 1,161879 All other Imports... 27,125,505 27,174,813 +49,308 The most general of readers will have noticed that, as with Cotton, so the area devoted to Tea appear likely to be extended, and it is affirmed that Tea grown in the West Indies could compete successfully with that grown anywhere else ; so that between fruit, Cotton, and Tea, Jamaica and other " islands " ought to pay for nursing by capitalists. There is a falling off in the import of " wood and timber," as compared with April in last 3 ear, and the same is to be noted in the matter of wood-pulp. How about literature ! However much mo3t of us may be interested in " articles of food and drink dutiable," we are all interested in " fruits, roots, and vegetables," wherever they may be grown and whatever their name. Here are the import figures for April : — Imports. 1903. 1904. Difference. Fruits, raw- Cwt. Cwt. Cwt. Apples 177.421 231,579 +54,158 Apricots and Peaches 21 11 -10 Bananas ... bunches 216,885 240 233 +23,347 Gooseberries ... ... 68 1 -67 Grapes ... 1,782 1.289 —493 Lemons 81,037 69.467 -21,570 Nuts— Almonds ... 5,008 6 219 +1,211 Others used as fruit 46,037 31,872 —14,165 Oranges ... 719,269 706,912 -12,357 Pears ... 2.686 1,260 —1,426 Plums ... 15 -15 Strawberries ... 2 1 —1 Unenumerated ... 3,923 6,271 +2.348 Vegetables, raw- Onions bush. 644 375 721,143 + 76,768 Potatos owt. 421,489 1 463,641 +1 042,152 Tomatos » 104,353 81.166 -23,187 Vegetables, raw, enumerated ... un- ralue £47.349 £75,566 +££8,217 From the traffic manager of the Orient Steamship Company we learn that 127,500 represents the number of cases of Apples arrived during the past month or now nearing the port of " Dump." The figures from the Castle Union managers record a supply of 2,495 cases, of which one was of Pine- apples ! It seems as if more could be done in that commodity. The greater part of the importation was of Grapes. The figures for the four months' imports are .£184,071,560, against £177,385,167 for the same period last year — an increase of £6,686,393. Arrived at Exports, the figures for the past month are put at £23,484,834, against £23,136,373 for March, 1903 — an increase of £348,461 ; the four months' total is £95,714,808, compared with £95,923,639 for the same term last year — a decrease amount- ing to £208,831, which, considering all things, is a satisfactory return. Odontoglossum crispum "Grace Ruby." — With regard to this fine spotted variety of Odontoglossum mentioned in the note on Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean's plants in our last issue (p. 294), it should be stated that, although the plant originated with Messrs. McBean, none of it is now in their pos- session, as the stock passed into the hands of Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam, some time ago. Two plants will be included in the sale of Oakwood duplicates of Odontoglossums at Messrs. Protheroe Pig. 135.— narcissus furstin marie oettixgen. flowered in this country by Mrs. Lawrence, at Ealing Park, in April, 1849, the plant being 11 feet high. Cynoechis Keweksis. This pretty and interesting hybrid now flower- ing in the Orchid-house is a cros3 between C. Lowiana, female, and C. purpurascens, male ; the cross was effected in 1901, and the seedling first flowered in 1903, showing how quickly seedlings of this genus reach their flowering stage. Al- though it is certainly a good hybrid, there is scarcely as much evidence of C. purpurascens as could be desired, though other plants may show more influence from that parent when they flower. The plant now flowering has leaves three and which was illustrated on p. 275. We now present in figs. 135 and 130 two additional varieties from Miss Willmott's collection, which have been granted Awards of Merit. The variety Fiirstin Marie Oettingen, shown in fig. 135, belongs to the Johnstoni group. It is a bicoloured flower with white perianth and pale- yellow trumpet. An Award of Merit was re- commended to this variety by the Midland Daffodil Society in Birmingham Botanic Garden on April 20. The variety White Ensign (fig. 130, p. 315) is a. flower of the Leedsii group, having pure white seg- ments and a rich yellow-coloured, well-expandeo} crown. It gained an Award of Merit at a meeting' of the Koyal Horticultural Society on May 3. May H, 190*.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 315 RAISING PLANTS FOR SPRING BEDDING. Mat is the month in which to sow seeds and livide many plants for replenishing the beds in ariy autumn, when the summer-flowering species ire past their best. Polyanthus and Wallflowers equire a long season of growth ; to prepare them o flower well next spriog. and seeds should be own early in May. We generally raise Polyan- ,hus under glass, using " cutting " boxes. These ire filled with sandy soil, which is made quite level rad moist before the seed is scattered sparsely >n the surface. When the seed has been thinly covered with soil, the boxes are placed in a frame, named under glass in boxes, as the slugs soon devour them if left to take care of themselves in the open. All the plants enumerated require to be pricked out 6 to 9 inches apart when ready, and in the case of Stocks and Wallflowers, ex- cepting the double varieties, any that are inclined to run up without branching should have their points pinched- out early in the season, which will cause them to branch. When lifting old plants of Polyanthus, Daisies, and variegated Arabis, the most flourishing may be divided and planted on a shady border, as in the case of seedlings, affording frequent waterings during dry weather. Should red spider attack Fig. 136.— narcissus white ensign, (see r. 314.) which is kept dark until germination has taken place, when they are given exposure to all the light possible. As soon as large enough to con- veniently handle, we prick the seedings out ■on a north border, first getting the soil into a fine tilth. The plants are placed G inches asunder -each way so that a small flat hoe may be worked between them. Aubrietias should be treated simi- larly, and nothing makes a better show during April and May, the colouring being very rich. Wallflowers, Myosotis, and Alyssum saxatile may be sown in shallow drills 6 inches apart in the open, and if the soil is very dry it repays to soak the drill before sowing the seed. Inter- mediate Stocks, Pansies, and Silene pendula need not be sown until the end of July or the first week in August, sowing seeds of the first- the Polyanthus, as it sometimes will during a hot summer, afford the plants a dusting with flowers- of -sulphur or soot while the foliage is wet, work- ing it well on to the under side of the leaves. Myosotis dissitiflora can be easily increased by cuttings put in during early August, and if a cold frame or pit can be devoted to them, where they may be kept fairly moist and shaded from bright sunshine, few will fail to make roots ; these cut- tings will make better plants than the seedlings. I have been fairly successful with Iberis semper- virens by rooting cuttings quite early in the spring and planting them out in a sunny aspect so that growth may be ripened by planting-time in October ; Aubrietias may also be increased by this method, and probably it is the best way to maintain true stocks, as seedlings generally vary in colour. All who practise spring-bedding or rock-work should grow A. Leichtlini, a beautiful deep rose-coloured flower, and the plant is very robust, though A. deltoidea is more common. Arabis alpina, the Eock-cress, makes a good display in spring, and is effective for rock-work, but flowers much in advance of the plants enumerated above, being scarcely suitable for spring gardening. Nemophila insignis makes a pretty spring-flowering plant, and may be sown with the Silene, &c , giving the plants plenty of space when pricking out so as to grow them as hardy as possible. J. Mayne, Biclon Gardens, Devonshire. VEGETABLES. MULCHING. Rows of Peas and Beans will be considerably benefited by having a dressing l inches thick of half-decayed manure as a means of conserving the moisture at the roots, as well as stimulating growth. The mulching should be applied as soon as the rows of Peas and Beans are earthed up, and the former staked ; in the event of the wea- ther being dry at the time, a good watering should be given. Fruit-trees, such as Apricots, Peaches, Cherries, Plums, and Figs, growing against walls, will also yield better crops of finer fiuit by having a few inches thick of manure laid on the surface of the soil immediately over the roots, say to the extent of 1 or 5 feet from the ba?e of the trees, the soil having been previously loosened to a depth of 2 or 3 inches with a digging-fork. The whole should be well watered several times during the periol of active growth, that is, during April and the five following months. H. W. W. DOVER HOUSE, ROEHAMPTON. The Palm-house in the well-kept gardens of Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan has been rearranged in a manner that is not common, and the new effect obtained is as good as it is novel. The house is built against two walls, one end being against a wall with a south aspect, and the back against a wall facing the east. After the house was built the centre was filled with Palms in pots, many beautiful specimens being included ; and on a shelf around the front and south end were placed handsome stove plants with coloured or green foliage. But as in many similar structures it was found that, owing partly to the presence of the tall Palms in tie centre, the task of maintaining the wall at the back in an attractive and interesting con- dition was not an easy one. Accordingly both of the walls have been covered with imitation rockwork, and being provided with pockets and other suitable positions for plants, the effect of the walls has been much improved. A greater degree of light being needed than formerly existed, the group of Palms in the centre of the house was removed. In place of these, six vase-like structures have been made with the same kind of rockwork as was used on the walls, and in each of these receptacles, stand- ing several feet from the ground, Mr. J. F. McLeod has placed a pot containing a specimen Palm— one at each corner, and two others. The spaces between these Palms is filled with a selection of Ferns, dwarf Palms, and other species of decorative plants. The effect of this centre grouping may -be best described as similar to some of the groups of miscellaneous plants exhibited at Shrewsbury and other provincial shows. It is a great change, and the new arrangement affords very much more variety than did the group of Palms, the effect of which varied little from time to time. An abundance of light reaches to the walls, and the wall plants have therefore an opportunity to thrive. 316 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. LMAY 14, 1904. The Peaches and Nectarines indoors again promise to produce a heavy crop of fruits, the only trees beariDg lighter crops than usual being those forced earliest, the wood of which, owing to the weather last season, was not so perfectly matured as usual. There is an abundant crop of Figs ; and forced Strawberries have never succeeded better than they have this season. Melons are ripening, and the earliest crop has been very successful. Pot-Vines are ripening heavy crops of fruit, and the Vines generally are up to the average, with the exception of one house of canes it is intended to remove. The new plant-houses contain a very effective lot of plants, and a week or so ago the display of Dendrobiums and Cattleyas was excellent. The show of forced plant, in the house generally devoted to a floral display, contained specimens of almost every species of plant suitable for this purpose. The Codiceums and Caladiums are amongst the most important features in the houses. In the stove we noticed one of the very finest varieties of Anthurium Scherzerianum we have seen, and there were others of unusually good quality. The Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations are as attractive as usual, the plants being perfect specimens, and yielding great numbers of flowers of high quality. The flowering trees and shrubs that were planted two or three year3 ago in the remodelled borders of the pleasure garden are flowering profusely, and the flower-beds in front of the house, which this season have been planted almost exclusively with Tulips, have afforded a change from previous years, and have looked very pretty. A feature we have never remarked previously in these gardens shows the effect of the Potato " boom " even in private establishments. A large quantity of plants of the vaiieties Discovery, Eldorado, and Northern Star were in various stages of growth in pots, having been propagated by cuttings, &c, for raising stock for planting-out during the present month. Indoors and out-of- doors the excellent condition in which these gardens are always maintained was observable as usual. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. {The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITU- TION.— Surely it is possible for, say, 1,000 gar- deners to get on an average £1 each during the next two months. I know that subscriptions generally are difficult to get in large sums. While particularly thankful for all that has been done and is being done by the wealthy classes, I would say, Come down a bit, and appeal to that more numerous class who may give smaller sums. Eight half-crowns make a pound. Let me beg of gardeners to try their best, and I am sure they will succeed. The writer, who has no more influence than hundreds of other gar- deners, has already paid in over .£10. An Old Subscriber. RHODODENDRON ODORATUM. — I never re- member to have seen or heard of this plant being forced. We have at present half-a-dozen plants flowering in 10-inch pots. They were part of a consignment bought for planting in the grounds. These were potted in February at the same time as Kalmia latifolia, and placed in a greenhouse temperature. They are now in full beauty, each plant bearing on an average forty trusses of exquisitely-Ecented white flowers tiDged with the most delicate mauve. We intend to grow them in pots, similar to Azaleas and Himalayan Rhodo- ■ dendrons. F. Street, Ardwe.ll, May 5. [Some delicately-scented, pale mauve-coloured flowers accompanied this communication. It is one of the many varieties of K. ponticum. Ed.] SULPHURIC ACID IN SULPHUR.— We find on examination that many grades of sulphur now being sold contain sulphuric acid, sometimes in quantity sufficient to injure delicate foliage. It therefore behoves all users of sulphur for horti- cultural purposes to stipulate, when buying, for the very best flowers-of-sulphur, which, when shaken up with cold water, will not appreciably affect neutral litmus. We hope you will be able to publish this warning, as many of your readers are now using sulphur both for dusting and vaporising in our patent apparatus, and for either of these purposes acid sulphur will not do. Exors. R. Campbell. PHYLLOCACTUS. — We have here on the back wall of a late vinery a brilliant 3carlet Pbyllo- cactus, which commences to flower in March, and continues to do so for nearly two months. The plants are of large size, and form a complete hedge over 40 feet in length and from 4 to 5 feet in height. For table decoration these flowers have a most brilliant effect if arranged with suitable greenery in shallow glass baskets or in finger-bowls. We send the flowers to London during the season, and I believe they always travel well. Our Vines extend within 2 feet of the top of the house, so that the Phjllocactus obtains very little direct light during the greater part of the year. The plants are subject to attacks of mealy-bug, and this is a disadvantage in vineries, as they are difficult subjects to clean. F. Street, Ardwell, May 5. [Our correspondent sent some flowers with this communication. We know several such instances. Ed.] DR. BONAVIA ON THE AURICULA, — If Dr. Bonavia will carefully look through the schedule of prizes of the National Auricula and Primula Society, he will find that almost every form of the genus Primula in bloom at the spring season of the year is invited, and all types of the Auricula. In the class for "Fancy Auriculas," anything double or single can be shown — anything, indeed, that cannot be placed with the show and alpine varieties, provided it is good enough to be given a place on the exhibition table. What are all the fine show and alpine Auriculas recently seen in the Drill Hall but departures from those culti- vated by Parkinson and others in the past? And it is quite open to Dr. Bonavia to strike out in any direction he pleases from the popular varieties of the present day. If he can produce something which is an improvement upon them, I can promise it a hearty welcome. But why should the Auricula cultivator of the present day should set aside his show and alpine varieties because Dr. Bonavia thinks them characterised by too much sameness ? If he grew a collection of green, grey, white-edged and self show varieties, and also of the gold-centred and white-centred alpines, he would not only come to understand what a great amount of diversity can be found among them, but he would learn also something of the fascination they exercise over cultivators. Even the Daffo- dil, with all its manifold forms, has to be sub- ject to classification, and the various sections may be crossed with the certainty that some change will be forthcoming. Our forefathers classified the Auriculas upon an intelligible basis, and if Dr. Bonavia will set about the work of haphazard crossing of the show and alpine varieties he will not be enamoured with the results. Even in the case of the systematic crossing of green-edges with green-edges, or grey- edges with grey-edges, the raiser finds frequently intermediate forms, some of which may be good enough to be shown as "fancies," but which I correctly termed " eccentricities." But who troubles to grow them for exhibition purposes ? Mr. Douglas is now the sole exhibitor of the fancy varieties. I have been astonished at the great growth of interest in Auricula culture during the past two years; but the predilection is for the show and alpine varieties. Even the brilliant yellow selfs, which I greatly admire w ith the double varieties, do not suit the taste of the Auricula-loving public ; but that does not deter me from seeking to improve the doubles in every possible way. Dr. Bonavia should set about changing the character of the Auricula in any direction he thinks best. There is ample room in the world for the show and alpine Auri- culas, neither of which have been developed to anything like the extent of their possibilities, and also for Dr. Bonavia and his particular work. R Dean. FORCING STRAWBERRIES. — "An Interested Reader " (see p. 266) did wrong when he stirred the surface of the soil in his Strawberry pots, I for some of the roots must have been damaged thereby. Neither was it wise to apply guano at such an early stage of growth, as that would have a tendency to stimulate leaf - growth at the expense of the flower-trusses. I do not think the , faUure was due to unripened crowns, for out of our first batch of about 100 plants, which ripened March 25, there were only three failures, and not 1 per cent, since. We grow Royal Sovereign- only. We have usually stood our pots during- the summer season on boards on a sloping border facing south, but these boards having decayed, I had to look about for some other arrangements and was fortunate in getting some disused sparred flooring. The pots were placed on these at 6 to 12 inches from the ground, which allowed the water to pass away freely. Rains afforded sufficient water without artificial application on more than half-a-dozen occasions. Like those of " An Interested Reader," our plants are forced in vineries, and are often placed on the staging under the Vines until the flowers show, when they are removed to shelves, some 6 feet and others 2 feet from the glass. What little feeding ours get is afforded as soon as the fruits are- setting. W. P. Rob erts, Cuerden Hall Gardens, Preston. CASE OF GRAFTING HAVING NO EFFECT Or* GROWTH. — About nine years since two trees of the variety Pott's Seedling Apple were planted in a loamy soil a few yards from each other under equal conditions. Four years since one of them made some shoots below the graft. Having a favourable appearance and starting growth very late they were allowed to stand. These growths now form the largest part of the tree, being about 9 feet high. The grafted portion is- now in flower, and is, I think, a little earlier than the one close by, but the root-bearing portion has not started into growth, showing that grafting has not altered the natural course of either. With the view of hastening the fruiting of the stock, a portion was grafted on to a bush of Manx Codlin Apple, the graft being put in the central part of the tree. The Manx Codlin is- now in flower, but the graft has not shown any sign of growth yet, so in this case also grafting has not altered the natural course. The stock- has not fruited yet. Robt. Daws, Gunnersbury. WINTER SPINACH (see p. 284) — I should cer- tainly not sow Prickly Spinach for winter and spring use, but the New Zealand or Spinach Beet is very hardy. This variety should be sown about the middle of July, thinly, and be thinned out afterwards to 6 or 8 inches between the plants. It is grown extensively for the London markets. Prickly Spinach damps off during wet periods in the autumn, and is also attacked by wireworm. Summer or Round Spinach sown in July is most invaluable for autuinn use, but will not stand more than 12° or 14° of frost. Wm. Fulford, Castle Eden Gardens, Durham. THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE DAFFODIL.— The grouping of the new forms of N. triandrus hybrids now being introduced by Miss Willmott, and also of the wide-mouthed cupped varieties of the poeticus type produced by the Rev. G. H. Engleheart, was one of the topics discussed at the close of the dinner given by Messrs. John Pope and R. Sydenham on the evening of the first day of the Midland Daffodil Society's show at Edg- baston a short time ago. Following a stirring day and a convivial dinner is scarcely the best time to consider fully an important matter of this kind ; but a suggestion was made that the triandrus hybrids might be formed into a group to be known as Willmottii, and Mr. Engleheart's distinct seedlings as Engleheartii. No definite conclusion was come to, the matter being left for consideration. One thing is quite certain— that the medio-coronati and the parvi-coronati are nearly approaching each other ; also that the trian- drus group form a distinct type of the trumpet sec- tion. The matter came up for consideration at the last meeting of the Narcissus Committee, when a. motion was duly made and seconded to the effect- " That a sub-committee be appointed to enquire' as to the placing under the present system or' i Mat 14, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 317 classification of the new forms of Daffodils now being raised." This was carried, though not before Mr. John Pope had suggested that the old classification should be considered with a view to a new arrangement. The following were ap- pointed a sub committee — the Rev. G. H. Engle- heart, the Rev. S. E. Bourne, with Miss Will- mott, and Messrs. J. T. Bennett-Poe, F. W. Burbidge, K. Barr, and J. D. Pearson. In the event of Mis3 Willmott's declining, then Mr. W. P. M. Copeland to be added to the sub-committee. It is presumed the committee will meet during the summer and autumn, and prepare a report for presentation in due course. R. D. THE PROPOSED GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.— I think it is quite time for something to be done to improve the wages of gardeners, and the only way to effect this is for all to join in an association or union, as other trades have done. The majority of head-gardeners are so satisfied with themselves they would not care for their names to be seen as prominently in promoting such an association for fear of creating displeasure, but no doubt they would gladly ask for admittance for membership if such an association was on a fair way to success. The Temple Show will soon be with us once more. I wonder how many of the hundreds that view that magnificent show will give a thought to the labour that has been employed to produce it, and the price paid for that labour. How many of the firms represented there pay a man a fair wage ? In Yorkshire there is an association which the workmen have formed, and it is working satisfactorily both to the workman and the employer. The subscription for that is only \d. pei week, so that does not amount to much. Now, gardeners, wake up and stir your- selves ; do not take that motto, " Self first, self always," but think of your fellow-men, and by so doing you can become far stronger than you are. Remember that " unity is strength." J. P., Chelsea. In order to obtain the opinions and solely to assist in arriving at a correct solution of this question, may I ask all gardeners, nursery and market hands who have been employed in horti- cultural work for the past ten years to send a post-card, with their full name and address, and the figure 1, 2, 3, or 4, as best corresponds with their views — viz., (1) Are you in favour of a so- ciety to include gardeners, nursery and market growers, and horticulturists generally '/ (2) Are you in favour of a society for private gardeners only ? (3) Are you in favour of a society for market and nursery employes only ? (4) Are you against any association being formed ? Will all interested kindly respond, and I will en- deavour to tabulate and give the results in time for the meeting to be held on June 1 ? William E. Close, 28, Langthorne Street, Fulham, S.W. [The Secretary, Mr. W. Watson, Descanso House, Kew, has already heard from very many gardeners upon this question. Would it not be better if all the letters were to pass through the same channel ? Ed.] PROTECTING VEGETABLE CROPS FROM BIRD8. — It is unnecessary to go into any explanation with your readers in regard to the ravages of small birds in gardens in the home counties ; suffice it to say that having tried to protect fruit - trees and v< getables from destruction, I have been driven to seek for reasonably priced materials that are light, and with a mesh not exceeding three-quarters of an inch. Messrs. Rendall & Coombs, a firm of net makers in this country, have given me the benefit of their advice, for I wanted to try to protect a space 20 by 20 yards. This sized net in one piece was to a certain extent experimental, made with the diamond mesh, for we were not sure how it would hang when on the poles and wires. I wanted to cover low fruit-trees, and by leaving a wide passage between each row I could ensure a crop of early vegetables, and also get protection for seeds. My experience with the old fish-netting was that the cats and dogs soon made holes through it when pursuing the birds that got in. I have therefore 4 feet of galvanised J-inch wire netting all round, about 80 yards. This is fastened by staples to the posts, and keeps the whole rigid. I place props in the centre, about G feet high from the ground, and carry the wire3 over these props from the outside posts ; this gives more space over the plants, and the diamond mesh cotton net being so light must be well secured, or it will blow with each change of strong wind from side to side. It is cheaper than the square-mesh net. These coverings are excellent for Lettuces and young Cabbage plants, and for protecting rows of seed, and we have not seen one bird in the enclosure. When ordering my next cotton net I shall order it half the width, with the protecting ropes all round. I went into the calculation for covering with wire-netting, but found it too heavy, and not easily removed from one crop to the other. This white cotton net, although dearer in the first cost, is a great convenience compared with the old fish-netting. Thos. Christy, Manor House, Wallington. BULB GARDEN. FRITILLARIA THUNBERGI. This is one of the best of the Old World Fritillarias for grass-planting known to me. It shows close alliance to F. pallidiflora, but is altogether hardier, and thrives well in any good turf. The bulbs are rounded and remarkable for their yield of offsets, many hundreds of which surround the parent plant a3 a result of two or three years' cultivation. The stems are slender, a foot or more high, sparsely furnished with narrow leaves, which are occasionally whorled, and have markedly acuminate tips resembling tendrils. The short racemes bear white, green netted flowers with prominent shoulders, each an inch across and more than an inch in length, con- tracted at the middle as in F. pallidiflora. It is an old species, but little known, yet, properly disposed in a setting of grass, it is one of the prettiest plants for this purpose. It should be freely planted with F. Meleagris, which it precedes in time of flowering, and F. citrina, which it immediately follows. All of the round- bulbed species increase freely, both by seeds and offsets. E. B. M. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. May 3 .— Present : Dr. M. T. Misters, F.R.3. (in the chair); Messrs. Odell, Sutton, Worsdell, Saunders, Massee, Holmes, Douglas, and Chittenden ; Drs. Cooke and Rendle; Revs. W. Wilks and G. Henslow (Hon. Sec). Rockets attacked by Insects. -Mr. Saundebs reported upon plants sent to the last meetirg by Mr. Holmes : ' The Rockets are attacked by the caterpillar of a small moth, one of the Tineina, probably Plutella porrectella, which Stainton says is a qniet garden insect, always to be found amongst Hesperis matronalis. The moth measures rather more than half an inch across the wings when they are fully expanded; Hie wings are whitish, streaked with brownish-yellow." Arabis albida, proliferous. — Mr. Chittenden showed sprays illustrating this form of " doubling," in which the calyx and corolla only are repeated on an elongated axis. It was mentioned that sucn occurred also in Ranunculus amplexieaulis, Helianthemum sp., the " Harpur-Crewe " yellow Wallflower, Mr. Balchin's Mignonette. &c. Capsicum without pungency.— Mr. Holmes exhibited a depressed globular form of fruit from Spain, the usual form being oblong ; though possessing the scent of cayenne pepper, it has none of the pungency. It is the Pabrika of the Hungarians. Bulbophyllum saurocephahim. —Mr. Odell showed a spike of this remarkable Orchid, as the flower-stem is very thick, fleshy and purple, carrying small sessile flowers. Osinanthus ilicifolia, dimorphic— Dr. Masters showed a branch bearing both entire and spineicent leaves, proving that they were not different species, as some had supposed. The Holly not infrequentlyis similarly dimorphic. CHESTER PAXTON. At this Society's recent annual exhibition of spring flowers, a new departure was made by offerirg Medals and Certificates, with the result that the number of exhibits was nearly double that of prevkus years. The President of the Society, M».jor Mac3illycuddy, J. P., staged a mi-cellaneous grour> of plants and cut flowers, chiefly Daffodils, which included some well- grown specimens of Narcissus Johnston!, Qieen ol Spain, which gained a Culiural Certificate Dr. Mules, Tne Old Parsonage, Gresford, sent a unique exhibit of new and rare species of hardy Prim- roses, Daffodils, and also some remai kable specimens of Tulipi Greigii, which gained a Cultural Certificate The collection of Narcissi sent by Mr. Hugh Alder- sey, of Aldersey Hall, was exceptionally fine, the blooms being large and of good substance. The above- mentioned exhibits were all awarded Silver Medals and other collections giined awards as follows :— Large Bronze Medals.— Miss Humberston, Mr. Towr, send Currie, and Messrs. Dickions. Small Bronze Medals —Mrs. A. Potts, Mrs. Tyrer, Mr. J. M. Frost, Mr. T. Gibbons Frost, Mr. E. Dixon, Countess Grosvenor, Mr. J. Whynne, Mrs . Willis Taylor, and Messrs. McHattie. DUTCH HORTICULTURAL AND BOTANICAL. April 20— At a meeting held on the above date the Floral Committee awarded a First-class Certificate to Odontoglossum cirrosum, Klabochorum a beautiful varrety, from Mr. C. J. Kikke£.t, at Haarlem, having white flowers with dark spots, very large in size. Also Certificates of Merit to the following— Oiontoglossum triumphans Golden Queen, the flowers are spotted golden-yellow, and are lighter in colour aDd larger in size than those of the type; O. Ruckeri, a very fine variety with rose-coloured (lowers; O Coradinei x Ruckeri, flowers jellow spotted with brown; all from Mr. C. J. Kikkert, at Haarlem. Pterls Backeri, from Mr. Jhh. D. Bat Backer, at Apeldoom. The plant grows vary bushy and compact, has strong fronds and very floe crests. A collection of Gloxinia hybrids was shown by Mr. E. A. Lehman, at Amsterdam (Honourable Menlicn). UNITED HORTICULTUBAL BENE- FIT AND PROVIDENT. At the last meeting eleven new members were elected. The death certificate of the late Mr. James Pick, of Barkby, Leicester, was produced, and a cheque for £38 t)s. i\d. v as granted to his Luminee, the same being the amount standing to I lie late member's credit in the ledger. Five members were reported on the Sick Fund, the amount pridto sick members duriDg the month being £28 lCs. NATIONAL FRUIT GROWERS' FEDERATION. May ».— The anuual general meeting was held at the Caxton Hall, Westminster, on the above dale There was a fair attendance Co!. Long, M.P., lock the chair, and he was supported by Mr. F. S. W. Cornwallis, the President-Elect. Amongst those present were Messrs. \V. Craze, 8. Bowman, Jco. Wood, F. Smith, C. H. Hooper, E Vinson, G. E. Champion. W. C. Plowman, H. Leney, A. H. H. Matthew?, H. T Manwaiing, P. Man- waring, R. Hincks, W. Idiens, W. Home, C. C Moberley, W. H. Skinner, and other well-known growers. The Chairman presented the Report of the Executive Council, and in doing so he congratulated the members on the steady growth of the Federation, which had increased iu numbers by 121 since the last annual meeting. Referring to the Departmental Com mittee now sitting on fruit-culture, he mentioned several subjects which hid already occupied its atten- tion. Amongst these were the suggestions of a small Special Department being created to watch over the interests of fruit-growers, a scheme for instructing and training gardeners, assessment of farmland planted with fruit, railway rates, and sewage vegetables. He then alluded to the recent appoiutment of another Departmental Committee on preferential railway ra'es, and urged that members of the Federation should send in any information they possess on the subject, in order that it may be brought before the Committee. Mr. Craze seconded the adoption of the Report. Mr. A. H. H. Matthews, referring to the assessment cf fruit-land, said Ue question «aj affected by the Valuation BUI now before Parliament. He also dealt with the constitution of the Committee of Inquiry on Preferential Rates, and pointed out that the railway interest was unduly represented as cjmpartd to that of agriculture. Alter some further discussion the Reporl was adopted. Col. Long then vacated the Chair, which was taken by Mr. Cornv a lis, who addressed the meeting on 318 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 14, 1904. entering upon his year of ofl'ice as President. Being then compelled to leave, the Sliairwas resumed by Col. Long. Mr. A. H. H. Matthews then moved that Col. Long be appointed as President-Elect for 1905-6 Mr. Vinson seconded the motion, which was carried by acclama- tion. Mr. A. Miskin was appointed Hon. Treasurer, and eleven members of the Council, retiring by rota- tion, were, with one exception, re-appointed. A very inte-esting discussion took place on the im- portation of pulp for jam making, and Mr. Moore, of Tasmania, in the course of an address, brought forward many important fa?ts. In his opinion, although th3 soil and climate of Tasmania and some parts of Australia were well adapted to the growth of fruit, the difficulties attending the industry were such that the growers in this country need not fear their competi- tion. He admitted that the very best jam was, after all, made from freshly-gathered fruit, and the imported pulp arrived in this country at a different time of year to that of the ripening of British crops. Several members said they could not agrea with this view, as the fruit in a pulped state was indepen- dent of the season, and could be placed on the market at any time. Mr. Moore then pre3ented specimen jars of jam to most of those present, which was made from Tasmanian pulp, and also exhibited tins of Black Currant and Raspberry pulp, which were pronounced excellent, and far superior to much of that imported from the Continent. ROYAL BOTANIC. May 11.— Another very pretty exhibition of plants and flowers was held in the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society at Regent's Park on the above date. The collections of Tulip3 were especially fine; some large and varied exhibits of alpines, a collection of Azaleas, and a brilliant group of Cinerarias in the large conservatory comprised some of the main features. The grounds of the Society are looking well. A trial of motor lawn-mowers took place in the afternoon. Mr. R. H. Bath, The Floral Farms, Wisbech, exhi- lite la fine group of Tulips, the dark background used throwing the flowers well into relief. Most of the types were represented, including some good varieties Of Parrot Tulips, Cramoisie, Brilliant, and Fabiola being especially fine ; Auber (very dark crimson), and Madame Krelage (rosy pink) were both new. Pink Beauty, retroflexa (Cottage), and Picotee (very delicate) were also displayed well (Silver-gilt Medal). Messrs. Babb &. Sons, II, 12, and 13 King Street, Covent Garden, London, displayed a large collection of Tulips, principally varieties of the Darwin and Cottage types. Arranged in the centre was a small collection of good Daffodils. Among the Tulips ;the varieties Pink Beauty, Pride of Haarlem (rich scarlet with much substance), and May tjieen (salmon-rose) were all in fine condition, and received the Society's Certificate of Merit. Olher good varieties included Sultan (fine dark), Tak Van Poortvliet, Rose Pompon, Lion d'Orange (orange scarlet), Emperor of China. A few other bulbous flowers were included (Large Silver-gilt Medal). Messrs. F. Wallace & Co, Kilnfield Gardens, Colchester, brought a collection of Tulips and a few choice hardy plants, among the litter being Cypripe- dium parviflorum and C. pubescens, the latter being very fine. Among the Tulips we noticed strangulata, vitcllina, Gold Flake, Striped Beauty, La Merveille, and Yellow Queen (Large Silver Medal). Mr. A. Hemsley (agent for H. C. Rocholl, Manches- ter), exhibited a pretty display of flowers arranged In the Bruce flower-holders. Messrs. Hooo & Robertson, Dublin, displayed a large group of Tulip flowers in vases. The flowers were of good colour and substance, and made a fine show, notwithstanding the long journey they had undergone. Among this choice collection we noticed William Copeland, Erain Pasha (new scarlet Cottage, with fine substance), Auguste, Eonigs Kroon (new), Sullan (a fine dark Darwin', Mr. F. Saunders, vitellina (large, fine-formed flowers of delicate yellow colour) (Large Silver-gilt Medal). A col'ection of Daffodils and Tulips was staged by Dr. Boxall, Ingles-ide, Ahinger Common, Surrey. A very pretty group nicely staged (Silver Medal). Orchids were represented by a collection brought by Messrs. Stanley, Ashton, &Co., Southgate, N. Cypri- pedium Schroderce var. splendens, Odontoglossum Andersonianum, L:elio-Cattleya highburyensis, On- cidum Marshalliauum (with a fine spike), tome fine odontoglossum Pescatorei, Odontoglossum Adrlanre (fine spike with over two dozen flowers), and Odonto- glossum triumphans were some of the best (Large Silver-gilt Medal). Messrs. Thos. S. Wabe, Ltd , Ware's Nurseries, Feltham, Middlesex, staged a group of alpines and livrdy plants, including some striking forms of Primula Sieboldi; Veronica reptens, occupying a small pan, was crowded with flowers; Lithospermum pro- stntum was good, Lobelia laxiflora and Canarina Campanula" were interesting (Large Silver-gilt Medal). Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, exhibited trays of alpines relieved at the back with flowering sprays of Pyrus floribunda, Cerasus Sieboldi llore-pleno, and similar species (Silver Medal). Mr. G. Redthe, Hardy Plant Nursery, KestoD, Kent, brought a collection of hardy plants— Orchids, Prim- ulas, Saxifragas. including S. Rhei superba. Irises and other plants of this interestlrJg class (Silver Medal). Messrs. J. Peed & Son, West Norwood, London, also displayed alpines, staging several trays'of these plants. This firm had also a group of Japanese Maples and Clematis Indivisa lobata (Large Silver Medal). Messrs. Wm Cutbush & Son, Highgate London, N., staged a very extensive group of hardy plants. Hardy Orchids were good, also Irises ; I. Boissierei (beautiful rich blue), I. sofrana magnifica were noticed (Silver- gilt Medal). Quite a gorgeous display was presented in the large conservatory by Messrs. James Cabteb & Co.'s exhibit of Cinerarias and Schizanthus wisetonensis. The group of Cinerarias was most extensive, and included the stellata type, as well as varieties of sinen- sis. The colours were very rich, form of flowers good, and the whole pleasingly displayed (Gold Medal). Mr. Chas. Tdbneh, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, exhibited a very fine group of greenhouse Azaleas. This was a very striking and well flowered collection the colours being very bright and the flowers of good size. This firm also showed a nice batch of Auriculas (iilver-gilt Medal). Fig. 1.37.— a steam motob mowing machine Messrs. Wu. Bull & Son?, KiDg's Road, Chelsea, staged a group of foliage plants, Codiicums (Crotons), Draccna=, Aralias, &i. Blandlordia nobills was flowering well, and B. aurea was carrying a line spike of its bell - shaped oral ge- coloured ilowers (Silver Medal). Walpole Geeenwell, Esq. (gr.. Mr. W. Lintott), Maiden Park, Surrey, showed a well-flowered plant of Begonia Marie Bauchett (Certificate of Merit). Miss Adamson (gr., Mr. Keif), Soutli Villa, Regent's Park, exhibited a nice dish of fruits of Royal Sovereign Strawberry (Silver Medal). ; GARDENERS' DEBATING SOCIETIES. WARE AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL. —The monthly meeting was held on Tuesday, April 26th, Mr. H. Bales presiding. Mr. F. Heath, of Presdales Gardens, read a paper on ' The Culture of Irises." He dealt with their introduction and the best position for growing each section. He gave a list of the different species, aud described the best way to propagate and treat them so as to obtain a good display of blooms. There was a fine displiy of plants, flowers, and vege- tables. At the next meeting on May 34, Mr. Noyce will read a paper on " Carnation Culture." NEWCASTLE AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL.— By permission of Norman C. Cookson, Esq., of Oakwood Hall, Wylam-on Tyne, about thirty members recently visited the gardens. The Odontoglossums were espe- cially admired. Mr. Cookson had also for inspection paintings of the various Orchids that have flowered at Oakwood. The thousands of Daffodils and Narcissus in flower were greatly admired. The alpine plants were also good. Leaving Oakwood Gardens the party proceeded to Holleyn Hall, the seat of the Hon. Mr. Parsons, and inspected Ihe beautiful grounds of this estate. The outiDg was the most successful the Society has ever organised. SHERBORNE GARDENERS' MUTUAL IMPROVE- MENT.—At a recent meeting of this Society Mr. G. H. Copp gave a paper, choosing the word 'Don't" as bis subject. The paper contained excellent advice to gardeners generally, and treated both the grievances and delights of gardening in an impartial spirit. His advice to young gardeners was especially applicable, and a word to those who had reached the top of the ladder was not without its significance. The lecturer also alluded to the relations between employers and employes, advocating a spirit of reciprocity between the two. STEAM MOTOR MOWING MACHINE. Last year there was depicted in the Gardeners* Chronicle a motor mowiDg-machine. I enclose a photograph (see fig. 137) of a motor we have been using here for about twelve months which may be of some interest. The weather in the spring of 1903 was so wet that we could not get the horse-mower on the lawns until very late in the season, consequently much scythe work had to be done. My employer decided to try a motor. Accordingly the one represented in the photo- graph was purchased, and has proved very useful. Besides mowing and rolling of lawns we use it for rolling drives and walks, which are kept very firm by its use. The machine is easily worked by one man, although it weighs between 14 and 15 cwt., and is driven by steam, ordinary paraffin oil being used as fuel, of which it con- sumes from 4 to G gallons per day ; on calm days the lesser quantity being used. There is neither smoke nor smell (but smell would be the greatest objection to a petrol motor). The machine can be fitted with a pump and hose at extra cost, which would be very useful for those who have much pumping to do. Such machines are expensive at first, but I think they pay in the end. J. Stocks, Fen Place Gdns., Turners Hill, Susstx Qbituarv, Hugh Dickson. — We regret to record the death of Mr. Hugh Dickson, of the Royal Nurse- ries, Belmont, Ireland, which took place suddenly on Thursday, May 5. Deceased, who was seventy years of age, had been in delicate health for nearly a year past. His father, Mr. Alexander Dickson, came from Scotland, and founded the well-known firm of Alexander Dickson & Sons at Newtownards. For a time Hugh was a partner in the Newtownards business, but nearly forty years ago he struck out for himself, and founded the Belmont Nurseries, which from the first proved to be successful. He became one of the pioneers of the new method of Rose culture in Ireland. For years he won valuable prizes for Roses at exhibitions in the North of England and South and West of Scotland. Deceased was one of the founders of the Ulster Horticultural Society, and has always taken an active interest in its welfare. He leaves a widow and six child- ren, all grown up. Two of his sons, Alexander and Hugh, were associated with him in the nursery business. HORTICULTURAL Club. — The lecture by Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., and the house dinner, which had been arranged for Tuesday next, May 17, has been postponed owing to the Festival Dinner of the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund taking place on the same evening. The New Hall. — AmoDgst the most recent donations to the Building Fund of the Royal Horticultural Society's new Hall is one for ^£25 from Messrs. Smith & Ebbs, Ltd., cf Northum- berland Alley, Fenchurch Street, stationers to the Society. Mat 14, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 319 English ab Written.— The following note has been sent us as a curiosity, and so it is ; but before we indulge in adverse criticism let us re- member how very few young gardeners in this country would be able to make their meaning as clear in any language but their own as the writer of this letter has done : — " Esquire, — The obdient signer has the wish to occur in your esteemed estab- lishment as a gardener. I have an age of 20 years. I am great and violent and do not fear no any work. I visit still to the end of March the school of horticulture ; before this I have learn 3 years in a many-sided horticulture near , and I was after that employed 1 year for more largely im- provement in greenhouse plants and Orchids in the Botanical Garden, , what you can see from the copy of the certificat. Trusting of the accomplishment of his wish, Respectfully yours, ." THE WEATHER. METEOROLOGICAL ►— OBSERVATIONS taken in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Wisley, Surrey. Height above sea -level 150 feet. The following are the " mean " readings for the week ending May 7, 1904. in Tempera- Temperature o ture of the 1 OF THE AlH. 1 S 3 1 m % SOILat9A.M. A19A.M. i a 09 P. °j 5 a fc »d s Tl 'A z gd +3 43 3 D «3 O 3 n 3 M 00 or> CO 1 o o P? t 2 & A < < < a fc | W ►j M M u bo M bo M m hr. min. ■3 ■a -o •O •a •o V •a \ " Tot Means 51 46 56 43 36 51 50 49 0 38 5 26 quantity of rain-water has come for nearly a week. The early part of the week was sunny, but the last few flays have been very gloomy. Taking the week as a whole, the record of clear sunshine fell short of the average by nearly an hour a day. The winds were, as a rule, light, and came mostly from some southerly or westerly point. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 pm. was about seasonable. A Horse Chestnut tree growing in my garden first showed an open blossom on the 6th, which is six days in advance of its average date for the previous thirteen years, and a fortnight earlier than last year. E. M., Iierkhamsted, May 10, 1904. 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 GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending May 7, is furnished from the Meteorological Office :— " The weather during this week was characterised by cloudy or overcast skies generally, but by some bright intervals. Rain fell pretty frequently throughout the kingdom, and was sometimes heavy in the most western and northern districts. A thunderstorm occurred at Armagh on Sunday, while on Thursday thunderstorms were experienced in several parts of England. "The temperature was below the mean over the major portion of the kingdom, but equalled it in the Channel Islands, and was 1° above It iu England, E. and N.E. The highest of the maxima were recorded on the 1st at several stations, but on the 5th at many others. They ranged from 65° in Eogland, S. and E., to 59' in Scotland, W., and to 56' in Ireland, N. The lowest of the minima were mostly recorded about the middle of the week, and ranged from 31° in the Midland Counties and 32" in England, S., to 3&° in England, E., and to 43° in the Channel Islands. "The rainfall exceeded the normal in all districts except the Midland Counties and England, N.W. In Ireland, Scotland, and the North-east of England the fall was more than twice as much as the mean. "The bright sunshine was deficient generally, but just equalled the normal in England, N.E. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 41 in the Channel Islands and 39 in England, N.E., to 28 in Scotland, W., and to 26 in England, S.W." THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. A Blackthorn winter.—Tke present spell of cold weather is the first experienced here since March. On two days during the week the temperature in the ther- mometer screen at no time rose to ^u3, and on two con- secutive nights the exposed thermometer showed re- spectively 4° and 5° of frost. These are all low reading) for the time of year, but by no means exceptional for the first fortnight in May. Owing to the cold weather and the absence of sunshine during the last few days, the ground has become very cold. At 2 feet deep the temperature is at the present time about 3 colder, and at 1 foot deep as much as 6° colder, than is seasonable. Small quantities of rain fell on three dayp, but the amounts were not sufficient to affect even the bare soil percolation gauge, through which no measurable **?Or Fig. 138. — GOOSEBERRY DISEASE (/KCID1UM GRQSSULAKI-1.\ Affected leaves and fi nit. (Natural glsf.) 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. Arum Lilies (Eichardias) : In Doult. These may be planted-out in June on a warm border out-of-doors, or they may be kept in pots all season, in which case they will need to be re- potted in June or July and placed in a position out-of-doors. The plants require very rich soil and abundant watering. If you plant them out in a rich border, you should lift them again in the middle of September, pot them up, and place them in an atmosphere that will not become colder than 40° during winter. They will not feel much check when potted. Arum Lilt: W. H. D. Many thanks. We receive many such specimens. Bamboo : J. M. There is no disease in the specimens ; the reason must be found in some detail of cultivation. Bonemeal : '^Correspondent. We cannot under- take to offer an opinion upon quality in respect ^ to price. Books : W. J. L. — Mushrooms for the Million, by J. Wright, published, we believe, at 12, Mitre Court Chambers, EC, if still in print. Carnation : H. W. There is no disease present. The specimen sent is too hard and woody to form good roots, and now that the leaves are growing there is not sufficient nourishment for them. Favouring root-growth is the only course to follow. — Anxious. Please forward us examples of the infected plants, together with a further supply of the grubs, carefully packed in a tin box with a little damp moss. The specimens you sent to us had shrivelled up during transit. Caterpillars eating Leaves of Strawberry and Peach: Rolt. Maher. The pretty little caterpillars you have sent to us are the larvce of the common vapourer moth, Orgyia antiqua, and you will find that if you handle them care- lessly that the parti-coloured hairs are terribly irritating. The larva feeds on almost every kind of tree or shrub, but does not usually eat the foliage of herbaceous plants. When full fed it spins a loose, web-like cocoon on walls, trunks of trees, and other open spaces, and therein changes to a hairy chrysalis. The female moth is a very remarkable creature, inasmuch as she has the barest rudiments of wings, and might easily be mistaken for a huge fat spider. When she hatches from the chrysa- lis she simply crawls on the cocoon, and is said never to leave it, laying her eggs all over it. The male moth is furnished with ample wings, which are of a bright chestnut-brown or orange- brown colour, with dark transverse lines and a large white spot on each of the fore wings. It may often be seen dashing about in the streets of our towns, and is not uncommon in the squares of London. Cucumber : D. F. M. J. Your plants are affected with canker, due to excess of moisture in the soil and consequent fungus. Daphnes : Daphne. D. Blagayana should be planted in a sunny exposed position on the rockery in light soil, such as one composed of loam, leaf-mould, and peat. The root-stocks have a tendency to push above the soil, and if these are not covered with small boulders and moss, but are left exposed to the sun, the plants will not succeed. This method is illus- trated in Gardeners' Chronicle for October 25, 1902. D. cneorum and its variety major are by no means easy of cultivation. The best stock of D. c. major we ever saw was in a small nursery near Woking. The plants have large deeply-penetrating roots, and for this reason often suffer a severe check after transplantation. This species may be grown on the rockery, or as edgings or clumps in the flower- borders. Afford the plants a rich, light soil, and plant in a sunny position. D. Genkwa should be afford* d a somewhat sheltered position in your district, but is generally hardy. Dendrobium and Codijeum Leaves Spotted : J. B. The spots on the leaves are possibly due to condensed moisture during protracted dull weather. Possibly the temperature of the hou-e has fallen at night and the moisture condensed on the plants when in a low tem- perature. Remove all damaged foliage, and do not syringe the plants so freely, but keep up atmospheric moisture by damping the floors, stages, &c. Ferns : J. L. The crippled condition of the Ferns, and the very wet condition of their dead or inactive roots seem to indicate that the plants have received a check in their growth . They are probably old enough to be showy plants, but they appear to have been kept too cold (at times, if not continually) and wet. They should be shaken out and re-potted in small pots. Gooseberry Disease : Gooseberry. Theleavesand fruit are attacked with a fungus (^Ecidium grossulariie) (fig. 13b). It attacks Currants also, including at intervals the flowering Currants of our shiubbeiks. One stage in the life- history 320 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 14, 1904. of the fungus occurs on plants of the Sedge family. You may spray the plants with the Bordeaux-mixture, taking care to decrease the strength of the solution as the fruit approaches maturity, and to cease spraying altogether some time before the fruit is fully ripe. Per- manganate of potash solution is also a good preparation for use as a fungicide. Dissolve crystals of potassium permanganate in water until the so'ution is of a pale rose colour. Apply this in a fine spray, especially on the under surfaces of the leaves. iNDrAN Rhododendrons or Azaleas : In Doubt. Directly these have flowered they should be re- potted if the plants require additional rooting space. For the compost use one-half peat and the other half composed of fibrous loam, leaf- soil and silver-sand. Make the soil very firm between the old roots and the pots by use of a pottingstkk, and keep the roots round the stem of the plants rather higher than the rest of the soil, it being important that most of the water should not filter through the soil imme- diately around the stem. Whether the plants are re-potted or not they must be kept in a well-ventilated greenhouse until they have finished their growth and formed the flower- buds for next season. This may be at the end of July or the beginning of August. At that time remove them to a sunny position out-of- doors, and here, as in the greenhouse, let the plants be watered as often as necessary, and syringe them well each bright day with clear water, remembering that their worst enemy is thrip. The plants must be placed upon bricks or other material to prevent worms from entering, and they should be returned to the house before autumn rains become frequent. Insect: F. W. D. Dytiscus marginalis, common water-beetle. Market Gardening : C. H. Horsham should be a suitable place for market gardening, but we cannot undeitake the responsibility of advis- ing you which locality is the best. As a rule, it would be safe to commence a market-garden in a district where other such gardens have proved to be successful. Several essential points should be borne in mind, such as thefollowing: — Terms under which the land can be obtained, suitability of soil for the crops it is intended to cultivate, provision of shelter from east and north winds, convenience of railway station, distance from a good market, water supply, &c. If you write to Messrs. Protheroe & Morris, auctioneers, 07 and 68, Cheapside, London, E.C., they will probably send you a monthly register of market gardens to be let and sold, and of land suitable for conversion into market gardens. Melons to Ripen by August 22 : G. S. By giving close attention tothedetails of cultivation Melons of high quality may be ripened from plants raised from seeds twelve weeks previously. Names of Plants .- Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — T. W. R. 1 and 2, Ulmus campestris ; 3, U. montana. — W. S. C. Ornithogalum nutans. — A. C. D. N. Arabisalbida, double-flowered variety. — A.T.M. Sussex. Begonia Louise Closon. or one of the same set of the B. rex. hybrids. — C. B., Brain- tree. Cattleya intermedia. It is easily dis- tinguished from C. Loddigesii and the variety known as C. Harrisoniana by the stalked front lobe of the lip —X. Y. Z. 1, Dendrobiurn fim- briatum oculatum ; 2 & 4, varieties of Dendro- biurn nobile, 4 being an exceptionally fine flower ; 3, Dendrobiurn aureum. — J. F. A very poor variety of Rhododendron arboreum. — F. B '., Croydon. Choisya ternata, a native of Mexico. — C. 8. B., Oxted. Cattleya intermedia. — J. T. J, Odontoglossuin cordatum; 2 and 4, Odonto- glossum triumphans, though extreme varieties; 3, Odontoglossuin cirrosum ; 5, Cattleya Mendeli ; G, Odontoglossum Pescatorei. — B. Cottonia macrostachya, a rare highland Indian species. — E. G. 1, Cyrtomium caryotideum ; 2, Selaginella eaulescens ; 3, Adiantum hispi- dulum ; 4, Davallia dissecta ; 5, Blechnum polypodioides ; 0, Selaginella stolonifera. — H. W. T. Zephyranthes rosea. — Fern Dale. 1, Magnolia conspicua; 2, Acer polymorphum; 3, Asperula odorata (Woodruff) ; 4, Berberis Darwinii ; 5, Pernettya rnucronata ; G, Coto- neaster microphylla. — Cupressus. All are varie- ties of Cupressus Lawsoniana, except No. 7, which is C. Nootkatensis ; 1, Arabis albida ; 2, Forsythia suspensa ; 3, Berberis stenophylla ; 4, B. Darwinii ; 5, Cotoneaster Simonsii. — W. J. W. Orchis maseula. New Zealand Ferns : An Old Subscriber. All the Ferns in your list may be cultivated in the greenhouse, excepting Lomaria alpina, Todea superba, and T. hymenophylloides, which are half-hardy ; and the species of Polypodium and Hymenophyllum, together with Aspidium ocellatum, which require a stove temperature. The Hymenophyllums and Todeas being " Filmy " Ferns require to be kept in a moist, humid atmosphere, almost at saturation point. Shade is also essential, for the fronds are so Fig. 139.— sempervivum attacked by the fungus endoi'hyllum sempeitvivi. delicate that if subjected to drought or exposed [ to the sun for only a short time they become completely shrivelled. We do not know what is meant in No. 18 by " Paellaeci." Erinus is a hardy flowering plant, and may be planted on the rockery. Peach Shoots : Persica, and C. S. The shoots are attacked by a Botrytis, a fungus commonly attacking imperfectly-ripened wood, or young shoots that have had a chill. All diseased shoots should be cut off and burned, other- wise the disease will spread. After pruning, spray the trees with a rose-red solution of permanganate of potash dissolved in water. Red Spider on Vines : E. B. Tou are right in supposing that sponging of the leaves with soapy water would remove the spiders as well as thrips, but it is a slow process. Try fumigating the house with a vapourising compound, which will check or destroy both pests. If the red spider gives further trouble, you may paint the hot-water pipes with a mix- ture of lime-wash and flowers-of-sulphur, such as is used to destroy mildew in vineries. Do not apply this before the sun has gone down, and see that the house is closed, the atmo- sphere dry, and the temperature 75° to 80°. The pipe3 having been made very hot, they will soon cause sulphurous fames to arise, and these will kill the spiders. In the course of two hours or so let the fires down a little and admit a moderate amount of fresh air at the top of the house. The operation should be repeated two days afterwards. Rust on Sempervivum ■ B. Sf 8. The fungus on Sempervivum is Endophyllum sempervivi, not at all uncommon in this country on the common House-Leek. It will be found described jn Gardeners' Chronicle, May 22, 1880, p. 660. Timber Measurement : C. R. Get Guide to Improved Round-Timber Cubing Rule, fyc, by E. A. P. Burt, price 2s. 6d. ; or English Timber and its Economical Conversion, by " Acorn," price 3s. 6d. Horton's Complete Measurer would suit your purpose if you can get a copy at a second-hand book-stall. It was published in 1874. Tomatos : G. 8. The rustiness is caused by thrips. Spraying with any of the preparations used for the extermination of these pests will answer. Tree Onion : W . B. You cannot get seeds of this Onion, but you may purchase bulbs. The bulbs will produce a seem, and instead of flowers and seeds it will bear a number of small bulbils. These are useful for pickling, and by their means also, as well as by offset bulbs formed underground, the Tree-Onion is propagated. It is supposed to be a viviparous variety of the common Onion, Allium cepa. Tree P.8 3*7 329 ILLU8TRATION8 I.ysichitum camts chatcenre 332 323 Odontoglossum x waltonienfe rosefieldiense ... 321 Picea morinde, in Co. Kilkenny 32S View in Lord Duncannon's garden at BeBsborough Park, Co. Kilkenny (Supplementary Illustiatioo) Water-garden at Bessborough Park, Co. Kilkenny 324 FRUIT-CULTURE IN BRITAIN. TN Indian Planting and Gardening of Jan. 30, -*- I read that the " President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has appointed a Departmental Committee to enquire into and report upon the present position of fruit-culture in Great Britain," and that the Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., is a member of that Committee. In the Gardeners' Chronicle of February 20, under the leading of " Departmental Fruit Committee," the writer says, " With the enormous increase in the consumption of fruit, it is imperative that something be done to foster fruit cultivation in ithis country." In my humble opinion a most important pre- liminary step in this question is to have a survey made of the British Isles with regard to the adaptability of each district to the profitable growth of certain varieties of fruit-trees in the ■open ground, such as Apple, Pear, Plum, and Peach-trees, and also of Strawberries. Of Apple- trees especially, the number of varieties is simply bewildering. In one catalogue of Apple-trees ■alone I find upwards of 200 varieties quoted, and new varieties are constantly advertised ! Now everyone knows that all varieties of these fruit-trees will not succeed in all districts ; and everyone knows that some districts have cer- tain characters of soil, and other districts have other characters; and that one kind of soil will not suit all the different varieties of fruit- trees. Then, besides the composition and phy- sical characters of the soil, there is the difference of climate of the north, south, east, west, sea- coast, and Midland climates. Of course, given the suitability of a certain soil to a certain variety of fruit-tree and other favourable local conditions, the management of the plants and the skill of the grower will have a great deal of influence on the resulting fruit, or the absence of it. Then, again, the seison may defeat both skill and suitable conditions, and frosts or rain at the wrong time may fill the grower with despair, as occurred in the spring of 1903, when the bloom of the Pear-trees was ruined, and when on September 10 the Apple crops were blown down. The despair in the latter case is that the finer and the larger the Apples are the more readily they are blown down in a storm. Now, supposing a person wished to plant, say an orchard of 1 ,000 Apple-trees how is he to know which of those innumerable varieties would suit his ground, its aspect, its situation, its climate, and so forth ? Is he to order his plants as per catalogue, which gives him only the names and the qualities of fruit of each Apple-tree as grown in one particular nursery, and after some years of expense and labour to find that a large proportion of them are worthless, as far as his ground and other con- ditions are concerned ? * No information to help the purchaser in his choice is given, as to which varieties are suited to stiff, medium, or light soils ; which varieties are suited to the north or south, or east and west. There is a great deal of difference between the climates of these different points of the compass in the British Isles, as also of the Midland counties. Every variety will not suit all places. To quote an instance in a very small way. A friend recommended as good varieties of Pear- trees, Beurrc Dumont, Beurre d'Anjou, Winter Nelis, and Emile d'Heyst. I purchased two of each in bush form. They were supposed to be- come in a fruiting condition the following season. They have teen in the ground four years. The first three have proved to be quite useless ; they have not given the sign of a crop. The trees of Emile d'Hejst gave a crop last year, when every other Pear-tree failed, owing to the late frosts. They were all treated in the same way, and are planted on similar ground. The latter promise as well this year. Curiously enough, of two trees of Winter Nel's planted side by side, in a severe south- west gale, one had all its leaves blackened, and afterwards died ; while the other was untouched. That gale had browned the wind side of a number of road trees, and others in private gardens, presumably owing to the salt spray blown from the Atlantic. I could not account for the destruction of only one Winter Nelis on this occasion. Possibly either one or the other may have been wrongly ticketed at the nursery from which they came. Then a Waterloo Peach- tree and an Alexander Noblesse Peach-tree, both bushes, have failed to do anything ; instead of progressing they dwindled, and eventually they were dug out and thrown away. The Doyenne du Comics Pear is well known to be the best in existence. It keeps well, is of a delicious flavour, and when just ripe is so luscious that its juice drops on the plate when the skin is removed. I have nine bushes of it, planted five years ago ; they have made good growth, and when planted they were supposed to be of a fruiting age. I have not, however, got a single fruit from them yet. The year after they were planted they produced a good show of flowers, but they did not set. Three trees of the See p. 1 li» of Gardener*' Chronicle of March •">, 1904, regarding Ecklinville See UiDg Apple in this connection. same variety, planted one year before the above, have done fairly well ; not, of course last year, when the Pear crop was a failure almost everywhere. I cannot account for the nine trees of this variety having failed to bear fruit ; perhaps they were grafted from unfruitful branches of the mother tree, which, it is sus- pected, will result in more or less barren trees. A friend of mine presented some trees of the Doyenne du Cornice to some fruit-growers ; after some years of trial they told him that the fruit was very good, but not good for them ! — by which they meant that this variety — premier variety — does not crop well in the open ground with them. Now with regard to Strawberry plants, there is a similar difficulty — all varieties do not suit all soils and climates. A nurseryman once told me, "Your best plan is to purchase a number of varieties and see which will suit your soil and climate best, and propagate from those." I did so, and found that a very small proportion suited my place. With Strawberry-plants the difficulty is not great, because in a year or two you can ascertain which varieties are suitable ; but with fruit-trees the case is different. After planting, they re- quire four or five years of careful cultivation before they show their worth, and then perhaps you discover that half the trees of your fine orchard are worthless for profit. A person who wishes to plant an extensive orchard of fruit trees, unless he knows what varie- ties do well in his soil and climate, will have to exercise a great deal of patience and a great deal of perseverance, and not mind being a good deal " out of pocket." For probably, after caring for his trees and waiting some years, he may find that he will have to discard a certain proportion of them as unprofitable in that place. The survey which I have attempted to suggest would facilitate the choice of fruit-trees suited to any particular district. But how is such an extensive survey to be brought about ? By enlisting the co-operation of the nurserymen and gardeners of wealthy persons and others who may be thoroughly acquainted with the soil and the varieties of fruit-trees that thrive in their various districts and usually give a profitable return. There may be a great number of varieties which are worthless in certain districts ; but nobody appears to know anything about this peculiarity, or, at all events, no information on this subject seems obtainable. There may be, however, a certain number which might be called cosmo- politan, and this fact also would be worth knowing. Probably among the latter would be found the old-fashioned varieties which have stood the test of generations. The modern varieties, so much advertised and so much pictured, have yet to prove their worth as generally useful and profit- able varieties. I believe the Government of the United States is endeavouring to bring about such a survey ; but their operation would have to be a gigantic one, while that of the British Isles would be. child's-play in comparison. Such a survey could only be well undertaken by either the Royal Horticultural Society, the Royal Agri- cultural Society, or by Government. No private person could undertake such an extensive piece of work. But taking everything into consideration, one might perhaps ask " Is the climate of the British Isles, with its fickleness, favourable to fruit-grow- ing in the open ? " Judging from my small experi- ence, I am inclined to think that fruit growing in these Isles in the open is not likely to become a general and profitable occupation. The climate often varies in a few days, from a subtropical one to an almost arctic one. A frost or a heavy rain at the wrong time upsets all calculation and all hope of profit. The fruit season of 1903 was as dis- astrous as can well be imagined. Even if, on occasions, no exception could be taken to this 322 TEE GARDENERS' CERONICLE. ^Mat 21, 1904,. climate and the season, and everything went on as well as could be desired, prices run down when fruit crops are abundant and the profit is next to nothing; at other times, when one thinks that things are favourable for getting in some money, a severe gale comes and blows down the best and largest specimens of your Apples, and the ground is strewed with bruised and broken fruit only fit for jam. Well then, it may be asked, what do those splendid specimens of various kinds of fruit mean that we see at exhibitions ? Do not they indicate great progress in fruit culture ? Certainly they indicate that some persons can grow those fiae things, but they can hardly be said to mean that they are fair specimens, of the fruit - growing industry of the British Isles. Moreover, no information is ever given as to whether those specimens were grown in the open or under glass ; they are exhibited either by the leading nurserymen or by the gardeners of wealthy persons. They certainly do not indicate that there is any progress in the general fruit cultivation of this country, in which farmers, market gardeners, owners of small holdings, and cottagers can engage. They may obtain cer- tificates and prizes, and the trees that have borne them may be purchased by wealthy people and others who desire to make experiments ; but even then it does not follow that they will do on their own land what the exhibits promise. More- ever, the exhibits are the pick of possibly a considerable crop. In The Living Plant, on p. 100, I find the fol- lowing : " A branch of an ordinary fruit-tree may be made to bear specially fine fruit simply by binding it tightly with a ring of stout wire, for by this means the downward flow of elaborated sap is checked, and the fruit gets the benefit of all the food produced by the leaves of this branch. The fact is well known to gardeners, and much of the prize fruit shown at exhibitions is produced in this way." If this statement is accurate the question might be legitimately asked, " Can this practice be generally pursued for growing fine fruit for the market without injury to the trees, and to the prospect of their yielding a crop in subsequent seasons? Oris it merely an operation intended to produce sample fruits for show purposes, viz., the honour of gaining certificates and awards of merit, and for purposes of advertisement ? " If the latter, it cannot be an indication of progress in fruit-growing in this country. By prizes, certificates, awards of merit, and adver- tisements, you can stimulate effort in a wrong direction as well as in a right one that is advantageous to the community. It is not improbable that many old-fashioned and useful varieties of fruit trees, which may have stood the test of generations in various parts of this country for fruitfulnet-s and general market purposes, are being gradually ousted by new ones, which are imperfectly known, but are "pushed" by prizes, advertising, and picturing. I have seen marvellous pictures of Urge and beautiful Sweet Peas, but I have never succeeded in growing any to match the pictured ones, although I obtained the seeds from the pic- turers ! Progress in fruit-growing for the bene- fit of the community is one thing; progress in fruit-growing for the benefit of exhibitors is another. All the foregoing is of course written with reference to fruit-growing in this country in the open. Under glass, by the aid of heat, skill, and vigilance, the case is different. On one occasion in London, I heard a Sunday afternoon lecture by Prince Kropotkin. He assured us that the pro- duction the soil can be made to yield has hither- to been as nothing compared with what it might be made to produce in the future in fruit and vegetables. He showed us some slides of mar- vellous horticultural products under glass, but unfortunately he never told us what the cost of this kind of horticulture comes too. Look at the expense of it. There is the cost of buildings and heating apparatus, of fuel and estab- lishment of plants, anl upkeep. The vigilance and trouble needed to keep down insect and fungus pests are never ending, and often the battle, owing to various circumstances, ends in a defeat to the grower. I have heard of Cucumber- plants filling several houses having been thrown away owing to disease. Nevertheless, some marvellous results have been achieved under gla;S by skill d manage- ment and constant vigilance. In the Qardeners' Chronicle of November 21, 1903, p. 319, there is a beautiful picture of a lofty house filled with Flo. ho.— lysichitoi camts^ratcevse flo\v«ri> IN 1HE TEMI'EHArE'HOUsK, BOYAL GARDENS, BLEW. splendidly-trained Peach-trees ; but six men were photographed in that Peach- house! Of cours", probably they have other work to attend to, but such an extensive Peach house will undoubtedly require a vast deal of labour and attention. Under glass, nature is only of partial help, it is mostly art that d >es it ; and there seems to be a growiar notion that this art is not sufin-iently paid for. In this I agree ■, but raising salaries of skilled gardeners will not make fruit cheaper to the community. It is an art that can benefit only the wealthy. The problem is to find out what particular varieties of fruit-tree? suit particular localities, so that the general public of small and medium means may not waste thtir time and monfy in fruitless attempts to find out what varieties will suit their localities and what will not. "It is exasperating to wait year after year, to be again and again disappointed." E. Bo lavia, M.D. KEW NOTES. Lysichitum camtschati ense (see fig3. 140 and 141). — This remarkable Aroid is the only member of the genus, and has an extensive distribution, being found over a wide area in North-Eastern Asia and North-Western America. At Kew it- has been grown for a number of years in a boggy portion of the rock garden, where it has barely managed to hold its own, and has never flowered. Another plant, which was placed in a similar swampy position in the Himalayan-house, has flourished, and flowered for the first time last year early in April, and has flowered again this- season. Originally consisting of a single crown.it has become divided into five strong flowering growths. In all, seven spathes were produced last season ; this season it has formed many more. The species is said to vary considerably, both in habit and size, in the different localities, and to always inhabit swampy places. In the Kew specimen the leaves are from 1 to 2\ feet in length, and o to 10 inches in diameter, erect when young, but spreading with age, varying in, shape from ovate to spatulate, acute or obtuse, bright green above, light green below. The spathes appear shortly atter the leaves commence to grow in early spring, anl appear in succession for a period of six or eight weeks. The peduncle- is about a foot high, stout and cylindrical. The spathe is from 4 to G inches in length, and 3 to- 5 inches in diameter, erect, broadly ovate, acumi- nate, and bright yellow in colour. The spadix is- densely flowered, 3 to 6 inches long, and J to- 1 inch in diameter, and dark green in colour. The flowers emit a strong foetid odour when mature, when an abundance of pale yellow pollen. is produced. The January number of the .Botanical Magazine contains a fine figure of this lovely plant, which was prepared from the Kew speci- men in 1903. The plant is entirely deciduous, dying down in the early winter at the first signs of frosts. Rhododendron racemosum. Several batches of this distinct and handsome- species were in flower recently in the open. It is perfectly hardy, but is sometimes caught by late- frosts when in bloom; this,however,does not affect the plants at all, because growth commences somewhat late. The species is one of the most beautiful of all the Rhododendrons, the largest- plants at Kew being about 2 feet high, of loose spreading habit, and densely covered with a mass of bright pink flowers, each of which was about an inch in diameter, and sweetly scented- No doubt the plants will attain to much larger dimensions. The flowerB not only terminate the ends of the branches, but are also disposed in. d-^nse clusters in the axils of most of the leaves of the previous year's growth, thus forming long- dense racemes of flowers. Seeds are produced in abundance, and these furnish a ready means of propagation. The seidlings usually flower freely when about three years old, by which time they are 6 to 8 inches high. Cuttings will root freely in late summer if placed in sandy peat under a. bell-glass or clo:e frame. Ceanothi*s rigidus. This species flowers well on a wall facing east. It is an evergreen species introduced from Cali- fornia by Hartweg, and may be readily distin- guished by its peculiarly rigid habit, dense foliage, and the arrangement of its rich blue flowers, these being disposed in short dense corymbs, and crowding the whole of the upper parts of the branches, forming long terminal racemes. Un- fortunately, most of the species are too tender for culture in the open border, except in the most favoured localities in this country. They are excellent plants for covering walls in sheltered positions, and furnish a brilliant display of flowers in the spring and summer months. Chas. P. Raffdl. May 21, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 323 GONGOKA GKATULABUNDA, Rchb. A good plant of this singular epiphytal Orchid is now flowering in the Orchid-house. The plant carries six fine pendulous racemes of flowers. Although of a very much neglected genus, this species is handsome, and worthy the attention of all Orchidists. The pseudo-bulbs are stout, some 4 inches long, oblong, and deeply groved ; the leaf is very similar to that of a Stanhopea, about 10 inches to a foot long, and 4 to 0 inches broad. The longest raceme on the plant now in flower is 20 inches, and carries fifteen flowers, the colour of which is buff -yellow very densely spotted with dull-red. It is a native of Colombia, and succeeds well in the Cattleya-house. Botanical Magazine, t. 7224. ORCHID MOTES AND GLEANINGS. ORCHIDS AT GLEBELANDS, WOODFORD. The collection of Orchids formed by J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., the energetic Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society, has made steady pro- gress for some years past, and is one of the best in the neighbourhood of London. Dendrobiums are specially well grown at Glebelands, and probably during the sixty-five years in which Dendrobium Devonianum has been in cultivation there has been no such show of anything like an equal number of plants as that recently seen in one of the Orchid-houses at Glebelands. Along the entire length of the house two rows of fine specimens of varieties of D. Wardianum, one fine plant flower- ing for the first time having a very hand- some white flower, with the usual dark markings at the base of the orange-coloured disc. D. War- dianum Fowleri is both beautiful and curious, the flower being finely shaped and richly coloured. The peculiarity is that the lower sepals are coloured like the labellum, and the feature has remained constant. D. crassinode, > nd some other Dendrobes were also in flower and on the staging beneath a good collection of Cymbidiums, C. Lowianum and its variety con- color, C. eburneum, C. x eburneo-Lowianum, i nd some others being in flower. Another show of Dendrobiums was made in a house the staging of w hich was chiefly occupied by Fig. 141.— lysichitum camtschatvense growing in north California. COCHLIOSTEMA JaCOBIANTJM. For the past month two large specimens of Cliis distinct member of the order Commehnacese ttiave flowered in the Victoria Regia-house, and ■should continue to produce their fine inflorescences •for a considerable time. This species makes a ifine specimen plant ; the leaves are 2 to 3 feet ilong, 0 to 8 inches broad, and sheathing at the base, forming a large rosette, giving the plant ^he form of many of the Tillandsias. The scorpioid cymose inflorescence is about a foot long, produced from the axils of the bacal leaves, ■carrying numerous beautiful large dark blue flowers; the margins of the three inner segments are covered with long, delicate hairs of the same colour. It is a native of Ecuador, and should be grown in a stove, giving it plenty of pot-room. A fine flowering specimen can be grown in twelve months. It was figured and described in the Gardners' Chronicle, March 14, 1S68, p. 265 ; and in the Botanical Magazine, t. 5705. W. H.,May 14. Dendrobium Devonianum were suspended from the roof, each plant being a dense mass of white and rose flowers, the fringed labellums of which have a rich orange disc. The specimens have each from ten to twenty long floweiing pseudo- bulbs, each bearing from fifty to over one hundred flowers — all, notwithstanding the great number borne by each plant, being of fue size and substance. It is greatly to tbe credit of Mr. J. Davis, the gardener at Glebelands, that he should have so successfully cultivated and flowered these plants for so maDy years. No additional plants have been acquired for threo years past, and most of them have been on the place for a much longer time. D. Devonianum and D. Falconeri have the reputation of being two of the most difficult to keep in good condition, but Mr. Davis has proved that this can be done, and that the main point is to give the plants a long rest in a cool, airy house when the growths are completed and until floweriDg lime comes. In the house also were some specially good pretty " table plants " — Dracaenas, &c. — the Den- drobes being mostly suspended from the roof. In bloom were varieties of D. nobile, some good D. Findlayanum, D. crassinode, D. x Apollo, two very fine D. x Venus, and some other hybrids. At one end, planted out, Epidendrum radicans and E. x O'Brienianum formed a dense screen, and would soon be in flower. On one side was a very strong specimen of Eulophiella Elisabeths which was developing flowers, and near it a batch of Phalaenopsis. In the Lslia and Cattleya-house one side was devoted to fine hybrids and rare and albino varieties of species. Here was the plant of tbe still finest form of Lselia x Digbyano - purpurata " Edward VII.," which was one of the " Corona- tion Orchids" of which coloured illustrations were given in the Gardiners' Chronicle at the time. L.-C. x Pallas, Cattleya x Louis Chaton and a few others were in flower, and among the species three very handsome and distinct forms of Cattleya Schrodera? were prominent— the one a S24 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 21, 1904. white variety with yellow tube to the lip, the other two of various shades of rose-colour, the larger having the greater part of the disc and base of the lip of an apricot-tinted orange colour, a line of the same being also on the literal sepals. In sheath were many fine things, and in flower Cattleya intermedia Fowleri, a very handsome and distinct variety ; a large specimen of Den- drobium Brymeriinum ; and in bud a fine lot of vigorous plants of Miltonia vexillaria and M. x Bleuana. i, Odontoglossums grow and flower in the most luxuriant fashion. For some time past there has been a good show of flowers in their house, and still there were spikes in all stages to continue the display. O. crispum is the principal species grown, and of it there was a large number of H. Veitch, a vigorous plant of C. x Miss Louisa Fowler, a beautiful example of C. x Olivia, C. x W. K. Lee, C. x Harrisianum albens ; C. Lawrenee- anum Hyeanum, and the rare and handsome C. x I'Ansoni. Other remarkable plants noted were a fine lot of Vanda teres, planted at one end of a warm house, and beginning to show flower; the large specimen of Eulophiella Peetersi which flowered so heavily last season that the plant was inactive for some time, but has now taken possession of the additional raft of moss placed for its extension ; some fine specimens of Den- drobium thyrsiflorum, w,th six or seven spikes forming; a fine strong specimen of Eenanthera Storiei, a collection of Vandas, Aerides, &c. ; and some stout plants of the Aloe - like African Eulophia Caffra. had commenced their beautiful display. The Amaryllis, Eucharis, &c, were still fine, and^the fruit-houses and extensive out-door garden in. excellent condition. A WATER AND BAMBOO GARDEN. [See figs. 142, 143, and Supplementary Illustration.'] The idea of a combination of a water- with a Bamboo-garden at Bessborough, Co. ^Kilkenny, originated with the Viscountess Duncannon, who takes much interest in everything ^connected with the garden, and who about^four years^ago. wished to have some Bamboos planted as] an. experiment. The larger ones shown in fig. .142, Fig. 142.— view in viscount duncannon's garden, co. Kilkenny. specimens which had been grown at Glebelands for some years. To these are added each year a good many freshly-imported plants, and all were alike thriving. Planted out in the cool-house was a batch of Epidendrum :■; Endresio-Wallisii, growing very strongly, and showing great varia- tion in their flowers, one being yellow with a few purple marks, and very c'.ose to E. Wallisii, while some of the smaller had white and violet flowers, near to those cf E. Endresii. With them Epi- phroniti3 x Veitchii is also planted, and with similar good results. Giving bright colour in the house were Ada aurantiaca and some of the Masdevallias ; Odontoglossum triumphans, O. Wilckeanum, and very free-flowered plants of the yellow-coloured Oncidium concolor. The Cypripediumhouse contained some plants in flower and many in bud, among which were re- marked four very strong plants of Cypripedium callosum Sanders, a very fine specimen of C. x Jas. It may be useful to note that in some of the houses it was found difficult to maintain a healthy, moist atmosphere, and frequent " damping down," as it is called, was not satisfactory. To meet the difficulty loose brick walls, built up without mortar, and having spaces left between the ends of the bricks, were put up from the ground to near the edges of the staging. These hand-built walls do not interfere with the ventilation of the houses ; when once saturated they are easily kept moist, and having a considerable surface from which to give off moisture they ensure the desired amount of humidity almost without variation, except in so far as it is regulated by the temperature of the house. The Orchids at Glebelands are the most important feature, but Mr. J. Gurney Fowler does not allow them to depose any of his other favourites. The house3 of Azaleas and spring flowers were showier than the Orchid- houses ; the fine collection of Tea Roses in pots were planted first, the varieties being Arun- dinaria japonica (Bambusa Metake), A. Simoni, Phyllostachys aurea, and P. viridi-glaucescens. What progress these have made may be judged from the photograph. As they succeeded so well many more were planted ; and two years- afterwards the Lily - ponds were made, and planting has been continued at intervals ever since. When the excavations were made for the ponds, the soil was thrown up to make a high bank on the side farthest from the walk, this bank being planted with a variety of plants, with, a view of providing immediate effect, but with, the idea of weeding-out any that proved to be un- suitable after trial. Only a small number of these appear in the photograph, there being Gunnera manicata throwing its gigantic leaves over the water, Bamboos in variety — as Arundinaria ja- ponica, Phyllostachys flexuosa, P. Henonis, Arun. May 21, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 325 dinaria Simoni, Berberis stenophylla gracilis, and B. empetrifolia major. These are planted so as to hang over large stones thrown up with the soil ; also Hydrangeas, Cordyline australis, Phormiums, Eulalias, 03mundas, Aralias, Spiraea japonica, and other smaller species on the water's edge. Behind the plants named above are clumps of Arundo Donax, Pampas-Grass, Euca- lyptus Globulus, Leycesteria formosa and Arbutus TJnedo, the whole having as a background some large evergreen Oaks. are some good clumps of Libertia grandiflora ; which in the spring afford a beautiful effect with hundreds of pure white, wax -like flowers which are reflected in the water. Higher on the slopes are belts of Daffodils in the grass ; a clump of Crimson Eambler Eose, climbing at will over a large heap of roots and stones, and the white climbing Eose " Eampant," growing vigorously round an old tree-stem, sawn off about 8 feet from the ground. Lower down, r'ght on the banks of the stream, are Ferns in FiG. 143. — riCEA MOEINDA IN VISCOUNT DUNCANNON'S GARDES, CO. KILKENNY. In the water different varieties of Nympboeas are growing, also a small group of Eichardia africana, some plants of Cyperus longus, and Carex pendula on the edge. The view shown in our Supplementary Illustra- tion was taken from a rustic bridge at a little dis- tance from the scene already described. It shows a running stream from a spring in the clump of trees seen at the back of the picture. In the course of this stream little water-falls were made, and at the highest part a small rockery was formed. This is now well furnished with rock- plants, some hanging down to the water's edge ; and there is a background of taller plants, such as Bamboos, Yuccas, Cordylines, and Veronicas. Lower down the stream and planted in the turf quintity, Myosotis, Funkias, Saxifraga peltata, Polygonum Brunonis, and in a shady spot Bodgersia podophylla, which is very effective. Other species made use of, and planted largely in clumps, are Phormiums, Cordylines, Kni- phofias. Polygonums, Pampas-grass, Gunneras, Ehus typhina, Berberis Thunbergi, Lupins, both the tree and perennial varieties ; Anemone japonica, Bocconia cordata, Iris, Aconitum, Mont- bretias, Hydrangeas, hardy Fuchsias, Hypericum, two varieties of Epilobium, Aralia Sieboldi, Spiraeas, Veronicas, and the following varieties of Bamboos (some of these have not been planted long,but look very promising at present) : — Arun- dinaria nitida, a very pretty, fast- growing variety, with small dark canes ; A. anceps, A. Hindsii, A. Hindsii var. graminea, A. spathifiora, Bambusa fastuosa, B. palmata, this is a grand variety, strong grower, with large, handsome leaves ; Phyllo- stachys aurea, P. Boryaua, P. Castillonis, a hand- some variegated plant, and a capital doer ; P. flexuosa, P. Henonis, P. mitis, P. nigra, P. Quilioi, and P. violescens. " The Wilderness " forms a connecting - link between the water-garden and the pleasure- grounds proper and the wood beyond. The plants here are principally species that will almost take care of themselves — large clumps of Kniphofias, Pampas-Grass, different varieties of Crataegus and Ehododendrons, and a few Conifers. The main walk in the kitchen-garden is flanked with herbaceous borders over 300 yards in length, cross borders bringing up the total length to GOO yards. These borders are planted with all kinds of showy herbaceous perennials, any blanks that occur being filled in each season with annuals. They supply an immense quantity of flowersr for cutting, besides making a very pleasant walk through the kitchen-garden. At the back of the borders are fruit-trees, prin- cipally Apples; and the fruit-trees make a division between the borders and the vegetable quarters, which are thus practically hidden. Conifera;, as in many places in Ireland, suc- ceed very well at Bessborough, Picea morinda (Smithiana), shown at fig. 143, being looked upon as a very good specimen ; a second tree, though not so tall, is better furnished with branches. Other good specimen tree3 are Pseudotsuga Douglasii, Abies Webbiana, Pinus radiata, Cu- pressus macrocarpa, C. Lawsoniana, Abies Nord- manniana, A. nobilis, A. nobilis glauca, &c. It will be remembered that Lord Duncannon presided over the gardener's dinner held at the Holborn Eestaurant in September last, when his lordship's remarks upon the abilities and general good qualities of his gardener, Mr. J. G. Weston, were exceedingly appreciative. Our illustrations have been prepared from photographs taken by Mr. E. Bowers, Silverspiing, Piltown. HIMALAYAN BAMBOOS. (Continued from p. 306 I Arundinaria falcata. — Whilst the early history of A. Falconeri as a garden plant is perfectly clear, a? much cannot be said of A. falcata. It grows at a much lower level in the Himalaya, from 4.500 to 7,000 feet ; it is consequently less hardy and therefore less fre- quently grown, at any rate in this country. Mr. Bean remarks,,s indeed, that he did not see it in any of the gardens in South Cornwall which he visited in 1893. If it was introduced under its proper name it was no doubt confused with A. Falconeri, which was known so long as A. falcata, and it would be almost hopeless to trace its introduction. B ut as the plant is too distinct from A. Falconeri to escape notice.it occurred to me that it would in all probability have soon appeared under a new name, either in some price list or horticultural journal. This was actually the case. In 1858, Carriere announced in the Flore des Serres" the introduction of a Bamboo called Bam- busa gracilis, adding that it so much resembled A. falcata "that several horticulturists (and I among them) have considered it for a long time as identical with it," but that it was more delicate, losing its culms completely as soon as the thermometer fell a few degrees below the freezing- point. This Bambusa gracilis has since frequently been mentioned either as a distinct species or as a variety of A. falcata, and was described more fully by Blanchard,-" although P. Joseph Lafosse had pointed out in 1867-1 that it was an Arun- dinaria, and ought to be called A. gracilis. Both Eiviere and Munro stated that this A. gracilis was very probably identical with the true A. falcata. I myself have no doubt about it- 326 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 21, 1904. The descriptions, the accounts of its behaviour under cultivation, and the specimens in the Kew Herbarium point convincingly in this direction. It is true Carriere said that it was introduced from China, a statement which has been repeated over and over again, whilst A. falcata has so far not been observed in China. Carriere also said, in 1858, in one place that it was recently introduced, and in another that it had been known to him and •other horticulturists for a long time. The latter statement is no doubt correct, and the lapse of time since its introduction may have obscured its •origin. Against those vague statements about -the Chinese source of A. gracilis stands the definite assertion by Alphonse Denis,-2 of Hyeres, for many years a member of the Societe d'Horti- culture of Paris, that he received it about 1840 through Madame de Joncigny, who procured it -for him from India (" Me faisait parvenir de l'lnde le Bambusa gracilis "). I have not been able to obtain further particulars about the Joncignys, and I give Denis's statement for what it is worth. As it is almost certain that A. falcata was first grown from seeds, I tried if the flowering period of this species works back to somewhere near 1840. Unlike A. Falconeri, which flowers at an age of twenty-eight to thirty years, it seems to take only about twenty years to attain maturity, it flowered in the South of France in 1866 or 1867, and in 1886 at Kew and many other places. The flowering previous to that of 1866 would have taken place in 1846, provided that the "flowering period" of A. falcata can be ■depended upon. It actually flowered at Nynee- tal in 1845, and near Mussori in 1839. These •dates are, however, of little value, considering what Gamble says ■3 : " though, as happened 'in 1879, years of general seeding are of occa- sional occurrence, a few clumps may be found in Slower in almost any year." Otto Stapf, Kew. Eeferences. 18 Gardeners' Chronicle, 1894 i., p. 2?8. 19 Gardeners' Chronicle, Ser. 11 , vol. lii., p. 37. 20 Revue Hort., 1886, pp. 490, 491. 21 BuU. Soc. d'Acclimat., 2nd Ser., iv., p. 681. 22 Bull Soc. d'Acclimat., 2nd Ser., vi., p. 333. 23 " Indian Bambuseas," in Ann. Bol. Gard. Calcutta, »7ii., p. 13. (To be continued.) PLANT NOTES. • — DECAISNEA. FAEGESII. This remarkable plant was recently in flower nn the Himalayan - house, Eoyal Gardens, Kew, where it forms a small erect tree some 10 feet in ►height. Until a few years ago the only species •known was D. insignis, a native of the Sikkim Himalaya, which is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 6731. The present species is almost identical in habit, foliage, and flower, but is quite distinct in the fruiting stage, the fruit being almost straight, sirable to bring under the notice ofhoi-ticulturists. APPOINTMENTS FOB THE ENS0IN6 WEEK. •SATURDAY, May 21-Gerruan Gardeners' Cub Meet. TUESDAY. Mat 24 -< Li°neaQ Society (Anniversary) ( Mee*. (Royal Caledonian HorUeul- WEDNE3DAY, MAY S5-J tural Societs's Saow at Edic- / burgh (two days). FRIDAY, May 27 -Royal Botanic Society, lecture. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY NEXT- Clearance Bale of the whole cf the Orchids and Bedding Plants at Bu9hey Dowd, Tooliog Common, by order of the Exors. of J. Connell, deceased, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 31 WEDNESDAY NEXT, May 25- Japanese Maples and Dwarf Plants, Orchids in flower, &c , Palms, Aztleas, Bay Trees, ic, at Stevens' Room?, at 12 30. — Palms. Herbaceous ■Plant?, tiliums, Palm Seeds, &c , at 67 & 68, Cheap- side. E.C., by Proiheroe & Morris, at 12. FRIDAY NEXT, May 27- Orchids in variety, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E C , by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 30. (For further particulars see our Adcertisement columns. J Avebage Temperature tor the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -56 3'. Actual Temperatures :— London.— May is (6 P.M.) : Max (T; Min. 48°. May 19, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden (10 a.m.) : Temp 62°; Bar., 30-1. Weather bright. PBOVINCES. — May 18 (6 P.M.): Max. 58°. South of England ; Min. 51°, North-east of Scotland. Fumigation We thad recently to eom- with hydro ment on the experiments cyanic acid made ln the gardens of the gas. Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, to ascertain the value of the application of hydrocyanic acid gas for the destruction of injurious insects on plants. We had previously re- ceived from M. Geeome an account of similar proceedings carried out in the plant- houses of the Museum or Jardin des Plantes at Paris. As far back as 1898 we published the results of experiments made in America, but with our customary indifference very little seems to have been done in this country till the Royal Botanic Society took the matter up. If we remember rightly, the authorities at Wye College had pre- viously tried the effects of the gas on the Currant-bud mite, with indifferent success, owing to the fact that the mites are safely ensconced in the centre of the buds, beyond the reach of the gas. The experiments made in Paris, under the direction of MM. Costantin, Gei:ome, and Labroy, have special value from the care with which they were carried out ; on which account we give an abstract of the details furnished us by the experimenters : — It was found better to fumigate in the evening, after ventilating the houses for some hours, when the surface of the leaves was dry. One pan con- taining the cyanide was used for every 325 cubic feet. The pans were placed on the paths of the houses, so that the ensuing vapours might be evenly distributed. It was deemed prudent to remove the plants some 5 feet from ea:h pan on each side, and to bend back the climbing plants away from the glass immediately above the pans. After having closed all outlets and arranged a cord with which to lower the cyanide through an aperture in the roof, the crystals of the cyanide were carefully wrapped in stout paper or cloth, and the little packet tied on to the end of the cord. Two operators worked together ; one on the roof of the house held the string and let the packet of cyanide dangle through the hole in the roof 3 feet above the path. The other operator entered the house and poured into the pan, first, boiling water; secondly, two parts of sulphuric acid. He afterwards carefully pushed the pan containing the acid underneath the suspended packet, then immediately left the house, closing the door after him. His companion on the roof then lowered the packet into the pan with the acid. If the cyanide is wrapped in stout paper it is some seconds before it is affected ; it then boils up, even over the rim cf the pan, and for some ten minutes only gives off vapours of prussic acid. The quantity of cyanide of potassium may vary from 2\ grammes per cubic metre for small houses filled with delicate plants, to 3| grammes for houses of from 500 to 2.000 cubic metres wherein are stronger and less sensitive plants. The cyanide is in thin flakes of 92 to 9(1 per cent, in purity. It must be kept in closely - sealed bottles, as the crystals absorb water rapidly. It must never be forgotten that the cyanide is a most dangerous po:'son, and must never be allowed to be used by inexperienced or careless hands. As a rule, fumigation for one hour proves suffi- cient ; for many plants thirty to forty-five minutes only are required. No one should be allowed to enter the house during the operation, nor afterwards, until it has been well ventilated, and a light current of air passed through it for at least half an hour, to clear off all the fumes. For a day or two the plants appear to transpire with more difficulty, and the soil is unusually damp. Hence little watering should be done, and that operation must not be repeated for some two or three days after that. The following results have been observed : — 1. Plants that were dry before fumigation were not injured by the fumes, except some of the Melastornaee.-e, Zebrina pendula, and the tender fleshy young shoots of some Dicotyledors. Palms, all Ferns, Orchids, Cacti, Cycads, Aroids, Brome- liads, Pandanus, Urtieaceous plants, Coleus, Be- gonia, Pelargonium, &c , were quite unharmed as to their leaves, and even their flowers. 2. The different species of aphides were quite exterminated, and did not soon reappear. 3. Thrips and red-spider, which so infest Cro- tons, some Dractenas, Anthuriums, and Erythrinas, did not survive the fumigation. 4. Orthezia insignis, a scale insect, abundant 01 Acanthacea?, Lxbiatae, Bignoniieea>, Iresine, &c, and causing much damage, is destroyed with equal certainty. The ordinary mealy-bug (Dactylopius Adoni- dum), a Coccus very abundant, and injurious to stove plants and Vines, is destroyed in its adult stage by a single fumigation. Still, to be abs> lutely free from this pest, it is well to repeat the operation after ten days, so as to destroy newly- hatched insects. Chrysomphalus minor, a kind of mealy-bu<» similar to the San Jose scale, particularly affect- ing Pandanus and Oranges, is to be dealt with in the same manner. The process is also effectual in the case of many other of the Coccid family, such as Aleurodes sp. and Diaspis sp., that attack Bromeliads especially. As to Lecanium and Parlatoria proteus, pecu- liarly affecting Vanda3 and Cymbidiums, these may be destroyed in the same way with equal suc- cess. Again, the scale (Mytilaspis longirostris), imported from the Gaboon into the museum-houses on the Napoleona and other plants sent by Palisot de Beauvois, seem to fall off more easily after fumigation, though it cannot be positively af- firmed that the insects are absolutely destroyed. Earthworms and slugs do not survive the pro- cess ; cockroaches even are partially destroyed. The conclusions finally arrived at are, that by the use of cyanide of potassium fumigations, repeated after ten days' interval, few animal parasites are left on the plants. The results, compared with those consequent upon tobacco fumigations prove to be more satisfactory, and (1) The cyanide treatment is more speedy, simple, practical, and easy, when carried out by competent and careful persons. (2) The results are much less dangerous to plants, as nicotine fumes are apt to injure hot-house Ferns, Orchids, Coleus, and other closely -growing plants. (3) Its efficacy as regards the destruction of insects is greater, as nicotine only destroys aphides and thrips, and that often partially. [For our own part we have, however, found Richards' XL -All efficacious in the case of mealy-bug.] (4) It is economical as regards labour, doing away with the necessity of a great deal of plant washings, spong- ings with nicotine, and purchase of insecticides. (5) The price is lower than that of nicotine. For instance, to fumigate a house of 200 cubic metres with nicotine would cost about seven francs, to disinfect the same area with cyanide and sul- phuric acid would cost only 2 francs 40 cents (or about Gs. as opposed to 2s.). It must be remembered that fumigation either with nicotine or with prussic - acid vapour requires to be carried out with the utmost care and forethought, so as to prevent accidents. At the Drill Hall Show on Tuesday last there were many very interesting novelties. The greatest attraction amongst the Orchids was a newly - introduced Cymbidium from Messrs. Sander & Sons. C. G. Van Tubergen, jun., of Holland, showed a collection of hybrid Irises that caused much admiration, and the Floral Com- mittee recommended awards to no fewer than seven of these. Some remarkable Rhododendrons were shown from the garden of LI. A. Mangles, Esq ; and the varieties of florists' Tulips, shown under the auspices of the National Tulip Society, as well as the large number of self-coloured and other Tulips shown before the Narcissus Com- mittee, made a gorgeous and interesting feature of the display. The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund.— It is gratifying to be able to state that the six- teenth annual festival dinner of this excellent Institution, which took place on Tuesday last, was even more successful than usual. There were more supporters present than at any of the previous festivals, and the list of subscriptions, headed by Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Presi- dent of the Royal Horticultural Society, amounted to .£315, being more than ha3 been obtained on any similar oceision since 1896. A report of the proceedings is given on p. 334. PETER Barr, V.M.H. — Our latest communi- cation from the wanderer is dated from Athens, after he had made a fortnight's tour in the interior of Greece north of Athens. Mr. Barr was then about to proceed to the Peloponnesus. Some new corners of the world will have to be invented for Mr. Barr, who must by this time have exhausted all the old ones. May 21, 1904. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 329 Kew Guild Dinner.— "We are requested to Temind our readers who are old Kewites that the .Annual Dinner will take place at the Holborn Restaurant on May 30, at 7.30 p.m , and that the Secretary, Mr. Winn, will be glad to hear before the 23rd inst. from all who intend to be present. The Earl of Onslow, President of the Board of Agriculture, and Sir W. T. Thiselton-Dtek, Director of Kew, will take part in the proceedings. HENRY DE ViLMORIN. — A committee has, as we have already announced, been formed to erect a memorial to the late " Henry Vilmorin," who was as much respected, we may say beloved, here as by his compatriots. The French Ministers of Agriculture, past and present, with representa- tive horticulturists, form the committee, whilst the British members comprise Sir William 'Thiselton Dyer, Dr. Maxwell T. Masters, .Messrs. W. Robinson and Arthur Sutton. Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden, and the United States of America (Prof. Sargent) ■are all represented on the committee. Rhododendrons Growing in Loam. — A -good example of the success with which these •popular plants may be grown in loam is afforded by the large group that has been recently planted in The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace, on the future site of the National Memorial to her late Majesty L>ueen Victoria. The plants are of the finest named varieties, and came from the ioughton nursery of Messrs. Wn. Paul & Son, of Waltham Cross, where the soil is a tenacious loam verging on clay. They vary in size from 8 to 0 feet high, and as much in diameter, down "to 2 to 3 feet, and all have large healthy foliage, .and are well set with flower-buds. School and Allotment Gardening. — In •the Redditch district, where gardening classes .for boys have been attended with considerable success, it has been decided to institute a Society for the encouragement of cottage and allotment 'gardening. Lord Windsor has been appointed President of the new Society, and Lady Mae- •gesson and Mr. A. A. Pettigrew, Hewell Grange Gardens, honorary secretaries. It is intended to follow the example of the Hagley .and District Gardening Association, and examine the gardens in the months of June and July, awarding prizes for those that are found to be in the best condition. These prizes will not be given in money, but in seeds, tools, trees, &c, on the principle that they should consist of some- thing to be put back into the land. SCHE0ULE8 Received— Bingley and Dis- trict Chrysanthemum and Vegetable Society's annual exhibitioa, on Saturday, November 19, A904, in the Assembly Rooms, Bingley. Hon. Sec, Mr. F. Bently, Park Road, Bingley. The Highgate and District Chrysanthemum •■Society's annual exhibition will be held at the Alexandra Palace, Muswell Hill, N, on Wednes- day, Thursday, and Friday, November 2, 3, and -4, 1904. The Chippenham and District Horticul- tural Society's exhibition, to be held in the 'grounds of Hardenhuish Park, on Wednesday, August 10, 1904. Royal Botanic Society. — In connection -with the horticultural exhibition to be held on 'Monday, June 6, to Saturday, June 11 next, in the Society's Gardens, Regent's Park, we are -informed by Mr. F. G. Waterer, Secretary of the Horticultural section, that the Committee ias arranged a conference on Forestry to be held on Wednesday, June 8, under the Presidency of Lord Redesdale. Professor Schlich will give an address on the subject. On Thursday, June 9, "Mr. H. Somers Rivers will read a paper on Fruit Culture. The Wistaria— The beautiful and fragrant flowers of Wistaria sinensis are especially wel- come this season, because last year the plants were severely injured by the inclement weather in May. They appear to' be making up for this at the present time, some of the specimens we have seen being more profuse even than usual. A tree which covers the long front of the gar- dener's house at Cobham Park, in Surrey, is a marvellous sight. TULIPS. — From Messrs. Wallace & Co., of Colchester, we have received a series of cut flowers of Tulips, which still retained much beauty even after a double railway journey. Of Darwin varieties there were : — LA Candech — Fiowers of medium size, sub-'ylindric shape, snow-white slightly flushed with violei. King Harold. — Flower of medium size, cylindric form, when not expanded ; segments deep red, shining on the inner surface, with a blackish eye spot. Hippolyta. — Flowers of medium size, cup shaped segments, deep lilac, EhiniDg on the inner surface, with a black eye-spot. " Peevosta Exilis" l?).— Similar to the preceding, but the violet flowers are Hushed with rose. Hecla. -Flowers of medium size, segments broad, deep rosy red, dull externally, shining on the inner surface ; eye-spot internally purplish-black edged with pale lilac, and externally pale lilac — an unusually- coloured flower. Glow.— Similar to the preceding, but smaller ; eye- spot showing at the base externally, as in Hecla. Geobgiana. — Flowers cylindric before expansion, rosy lLUc, segments deeper In colour within, with a whitish spot at the base. Goliath has the same general form, but is of a deeper rose colour, with an iridescent blue eye-spot. All the Darwin varieties sent have purple anthers. Of "May Tulips " there were the following: — Didieri lutescens.— Flowers onlyslightly exceeding 2 Indies in length, pile sulphur-jellow; segments oblong -lanceolate, acuminate ; eye-spot dark greenish, anthers purple. A distinct species. Billietiana.— Flower-segments 2} Inches long, ovate- oblong, acuminate, canary yellow slightly flushed at the margins with red. Eye spot not conspicuous; ;inll.ers purple. Vitellina. — Segments 2\ inches, ovate - oblong pointed, pale sulphur-coloured, inner segments more deeply coloured; anthers yellow. Eye-spot incon- spicuous. Gesnebiana lutea pallida— Segments nearly 3 inches long, broadly crate, oblong or obovate, all canary-yellow, rather darker at the base; anthers yellow. Elegans maxima litea —Segments over .'i inches long, outer ones oblongacutc, inner broadly obovate- oblong, all rich canary -yellow, without eye spot; anthers yellow. Maid of Honour.— Segments scarcely exceeding 2 inches, pale yellow, deeper on the inner surface, slightly feathered with rose on the margins ; eye-spot deep yellow; anthers yellow. Gold Flake. — Segments 3 inches long, oblong, yellow, flaked with crimson ; eye-spot notconspicuous ; anthers purple. La Mebveille.— Segments over ■"> inches, oblong, acute, pinkish orange ; inner segments broader, ob- tuse, deeper coloured; base yellow edged with green ; anthers yellow. Obange King.— Segments less than 3 Inches long, oblong, acute, orange red; eye-spot yellow; anthers purple. Striped Beauty. — Segments over 3 inches long, broadly ovate, oblong, acute; inner ones broader, obtuse, all lilac feathered with rose and white stripes ; eye-spots bluish edged with white; anthers purple. A very showy flower. Coronation Scablet. —Segments about 3 inches; outer ones oblong, acute, crimson-scarlet; inner seg- ments broader; eye-spot purple; anthers purple. Faibv Queen. —. Segments 2\ inches long, outer oblong, lilac edged with yellow; yellowish-brown on the inner surface, with a central lilac stripe; eye- spot purplish-brown edged with yellow; anthers purple. Innovation. — Segments rather less than 3 inches long, oblong, creamy-white edged and striped with carmine, inner segments broader, obovate; eye-spot purplish-green edged with yellow ; anthers purple. Tue Fawn.— Segments 2j inches long, outer roundish or broadly oblong acute; inner, obovate roundish, all cream-coloured flushed with lilac ; eye-spot yellowish ; anthers greenish-yellow. IRIS TECTORUM. — Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son have obligingly sent for our inspection a plant of this Iris bearing a pure white flower, except for a little lemon -yellow colour at the base of the falls. ThoEc who admire this distinct and beautiful species will appreciate the albino. Lilium pardalinum. — The Rev. Canon Stackhouse, Berkeley Vicarage, Gloucestershire, writes — " I saw in the Gardeners' Chronicle last year that it was exceedingly difficult to grow Lilium pardalinum, the Leopard Lily, for a length of time with success. I have a small, round bed full of them, and instead of going back they have improved year after year, till this season, after the long continued rains, they are throwing up great strong, sturdy stems, which ate already nearly 2 feet high. Their cultivation is exceedingly simple, viz., a good mulching with, rotten manure when they begin to grow in spring, and plenty of water as they continue to make their growth. I consider this Lily one of the most beautiful of all, and the bed never fails to command admiration from all who see it in the summer time. I have had them about fifteen years." National Diploma in Agriculture.— At the recent examinations of the National Agricul- tural Examination Board appointed by the Royal Agricultural Society of England and the National Agricultural Society of Scotland, Mr. R.C. Gaut, undergraduate of the Victoria University, and at cne time a gardener student in the Royal Gar- dens, Kew, has been successful in gaining the National Diploma in the science and practice of Agriculture. " FLORA AND Sylva."— The May number of this elegant publication contains criticisms of the plan of planting trees and other plants in unsuitable climatal conditions — a criticism that is just in the main, but there are often good reasons why the practice is indulged in. One of the coloured plates is devoted to the illus- tration of some new hybrid Irises ; one, a curious cross between I. sindjarensis and I. persica; the other the result of the interbreeding of I. persica and I. purpurea. A second plate shows the curious hybrid between Rhododendron caucasicum and Azalea sinensis, raised many years ago by Mr. Smith, of Norbiton. Similar crosses, such as that known as R. fragrans, made more recently in Belgium have been called " Azaleodendrons," to indicate their origin. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for Ike opinions expressed by his Correspondtnts.) GLADIOLUS TRI8TIS VAR. SULPHUREUS. — This Gladiolus, though rarely met with in gar- dens, is one of the most valuable of the whole race for border decoration. It is so at least in the South-west, where even in our hardest winters it is never injured, though totally unprotected. It is the earliest of the family to bloom, coming into full flower before the close of April, many weeks before G. Colvillei, The Bride, and the rest of the so-called early section. In Mr. Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening G. tristis is said to bear flowers minutely spotted all over with small red- dish-brown dots, but I have never met with this form. In another form the three upper segments of the flower are marked with a central stripe of purplish-brown, and this is the variety that has been invariably supplied to friends whom I have recommended to procure G. tristis. It is far infe- rior in beauty to the form of which I now write, the flowers of which are of a pale sulphur colour throughout. At night the blossoms are deliciously fragrant, and a clump of fifty bloom-spikes that I have in the border outside my windows exhales quite a Magnolia-like perfume after dark on still nights. This Gladiolus increases rapidly, my clump having more than trebled itself in three years. The strongest flower-stems are over 3 feet in height, and bear from four to five blossoms. In. 330 TEE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E. [May 21, 1904. the deep loam of Mr. T. H. Archer-Hind's garden, ■whence I procured my corins, this Gladiolus grows fully 4 feet in height, and several large clumps are now ia full beauty. G. tiistis is said to be a native of Natal, but it is curiously hardy for such a habitat. Mr. Nicholson gives its height as 1 foot, so that probably his G. tristis is different from the plant to which I allude. In one collection that I know the Gladiolus of which I write is grown under the name of G. tristis concolor. S. W. Fitzherlert. THE PROPOSED GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. — I am greatly obliged to Pierre Roulante for his interesting information, whi.^h should greatly encourage those who are working so earnestly to found the proposed Gardeners' Association. What the Germans have done no doubt British gardeners can do, if they will combine and work with a will for the objects in view, the more so as what knowledge I possess of Germany leads me to think that any associated effort on the part of gardeners must have been more difficult to bring about there than it would be here. Gardeners all over the country are now, I hope, in possession of the Provisional Committee's pamphlet which is being distiibuted; and surely such a programme should have the hearty support of all gardeners at all alive to the advancement of their pro- fession. Regent Spark. Some correspondents have the mistaken idea that the Association will frame iules and regulations on somewhat the same lines as trades-unionism, with strikes for better wages, strike pay, mass meetings, and all their attendant horrors. But one has only to glance at the list of names on the Provisional Committee, and be at once convinced that those gentlemen are all thoroughly practical men, and have ideas entirely against that course of procedure. The registra- tion of thoroughly reliable and trustworthy gar- deners has been needed for many years, and it is the imperative duty of all progressive gardeners to support the movement for their own protection as well as to bring horticulture up to a higher standard. Through registration the best man will get the appointment he is particularly suited for. Employers would soon realise that an Association man was really worth a good wage. Kegarding the restriction of working hours, it could never be a hard-and-fast rule that throughout the country gardeners should work and work only a certain specified time, except in botanical gardens and nurseries ; for a man in charge of glasshouses must see to fires, ventilation, &c, according to climatic influences, which in this country are peculiarly contrary at times. The head gardener, to all intents and purposes, when engaged, enters into a contract to keep the place as it is required to be kept, with the assistance of others, and cannot alwaj s say that he has finished work until he has retired for then'ght. Something might be done, perhaps, but it is a very delicate question to handle, and I am of the opinion that the right men are in the right place to deal with it. With regard to the wages of gardeners for work done, I consider that many are barely on a level with the navvy, who gets anything from 30s. to 40s. weekly. Contrast this with a foreman on a gentleman's estate, 20s. to 25s. weekly, with bothy. He has constant anxiety as to crops, men, and work in general, which he has to be watching sometimes seven days per week. That particular man has always studied and worked hard for at least eight years to get that magnificent remuneration (!), or he would not be holding the position of foreman. The date of the meeting shows forethought on the part of the Provisional Committee, coming as it does on the second day of the great Temple Show, when many gardeners make a point of being in London. J. W. Miles, gr. to A. Worsley, Esq., Ishworth. CANARINA campanula.— I remember an old gardener who, forty years ago, used to grow this plant to great perfection in his greenhouse, in August and September. He would raise plants from cuttings in the same manner as Dahlias, rooting them early in the year in a propagating- pit, grow them on in size, and finally have them in large pots in July. He grew them in a bush form, the main stems secured to a stake, and the plants would produce fine blcoms of a lasting character. The cultivator was gardener to a gentleman in the South of England, who took a great interest in the Canarina, and both were always proud of the fine examples when in flower. It was a pleasure to meet once more with this fine old subject after losing sight of it for thirty-five years. It is a subject well deserving of cultiva- tion. R. D. WINTER SPINACH. — My experience in grow- ing winter Spinach is different from Mr. Ful- ford's, a? mentioned on p. 310. For winter and spring use I gave up growing prickly Spinach six years ago, finding Victoria Bound quite as hardy, and not liable to seed too quickly. Our elevation is 470 feet, and we have severe frosts at times. During last winter we had 21° of frost, and in some winters lately 32°, but the Spinach came through all right, and gave no cause for anxiety. We generally sow for winter use during the second week of August. J. E. Gumming, Grantully Castle Gardens, Aierfeldy, N.B. HARDY PALM8: TRACHYCARPUS FORTUNEI. — In the Index Kewensis this is given as a species distinct from T. excelsus (the reference for both being Hermann Wendland in Bull. Soc. Bot. Ft. viii. (1861) 429). The habitat assigned to T. excelsus is Japan — that for T. Fortunei, China. The petioles of the former, as I have met with it, are armed on the margins with sharp teeth ; those of Foitunei are smooth. The armed plant is common in greenhouses and is not hardy here ; the other has proved quite hardy here, its only enemy being strong winds that break the leaves. The first specimens I tried out-of-doors were of the armed form, which perished with the first frosts. I fear others may try the wrong one, and then think their climate uncongenial for a hardy Palm. E. A. B„ Cheshunt. THE ECKLINVILLE SEEDLING APPLE— I was much interested by the remarks on p. 292 of your correspondent "E. T." regarding the Ecklinville Seedling Apple. I am surprised to see this Apple apparently commended for the market grower, as in my experience (growing it on rather heavy soil in S.W. Cambs, where, by the way, it was a fairly satisfactory cropper) the fruits fetch but a poor price in the market ; and this I can only suppose to be the experience of others. The question of varieties for districts is indeed an important one, but I fear that your correspon- dent's own remarks tend to show its extreme complexity. Soils are so very local and variable in character that I fear the question of varieties for " districts " or " neighbourhoods " could hardly be satisfactorily entered into by the Board of Agriculture. I think, however, that there is a good deal they might do in the interest of market growers, and the publication by them of a list of what are and what are not good market varieties of Apples, &c, would be decidedly helpful. A. G. THE BLACK CURRANT MITE.— The idea that the variety Boskoop Giant is immune from attacks of mite (see p. 304) is erroneous. I heard some time ago from a grower in Devonshire that he had a variety which was quite proof against attacks, although other varieties in the same plantation were suffering badly ; he kindly sent me a branch, which proved to be Ogden's, a variety not much grown now, as the larger- berried kinds have superseded it. I showed it to my foreman, who recognised it at once ; and a day or two afterwards we found a number of trees of Ogden's in a neighbouring parish which were perfectly full of mites ; these trees were pro- bably fifteen years old, and they have carried good crops in spite of the mite for years past. From all parts of the kingdom we have had samples sent, asking if they were attacked with mite, and in every case the microscope revealed the pest in swarms. I believe that the Black Currant has yet to be raised that will resist the mite. I see in your note that you say the Hazel and Filbert are attacked by a similar mite ; but cannot we be told if they are identical with the Currant mite ? At present some say they are, and others that they are not. Having asked this question, I should probably be wise to lay down my pen, for the man who writes before he knows usually makes himself a subject for ridicule, but at the risk of doing so I feel impelled to give my ideas upon the cure for this most serious trouble. I will therefore relate my experience. I heard that Bos- koop Giant was a mite-resister, and consequently ordered some from Holland, which were said not only to be clean, but to come from a place where mite was not known ; the latter part of the de- scription was possibly true, but it was only for lack of someone to make a formal introduction of the mite to the proprietor ; we found an abundance of the pest when the trees- arrived. The bulk were burned and the remain- der planted in a spot apart tor experiment. These- trees, together with some others at a distance, were sprayed at intervals of about ten days through the months of June and July, using a Vermorel's knapsack sprayer charged with quassia. and soft-soap mixture (4 oz. quassia and 2 oz. soft- soap per gallon). Such, at any rate, was our inten- tion, but the weather d iring last summer was of such a nature that it upset the best-laid schemes.. and sometimes the ram made it impossible to- spray at all, and sometimes washed off what we had put on almost as soon as the work was com- pleted. The distance from our base of operations- increased the difficulty. Notwithstanding all this- the result was most encouraging, the Boskoop- Giants, which were near at hand, do not show a single big bud, and the other trees have only one here and there, not a tithe of what they had last season. It seems to me that the only time that the mite is vulnerable- is during June and July, when it leaves the old- buds and seeks afresh residence ; and I think that if the sprayer is used during that period as often, as the foliage will bear it, which is about once in ten days, the mite will disappear. The remedy is simple and the cost small, and it is in the hope that otheis as well as myself will give it a good) trial during the coming summer that I am. induced to write this. If it proves successful I shall have done so much good to fruit-growers that I think it worth while to run the risk of being laughed at if it fails. Those who try it will, at any rate, lose very little, and I hope and think they will gain much. A. H. Pearson,. Lowdham, Notts. EARLY FORCING OF 8TRAWBERRIES. — Itt reference to Mr. Mayne's remarks on p. 299, 1 may say that the plants showed well for flower, and a fairly good set was obtained, and for a week or two the plants looked very promising. They then appeared rather sickly and showed signs of weakness, which I think was due- partly to the plants having had so short a rest, and to having been grown on a stage under- neath Vines, where there was insufficient light. The roots were all that could be desired. I can- not agree with your correspondent in regard to- the spent manure from a Mushroom-bed. He appears to be under the impression I added it to- enrich the soil. Instead of this, it was for the- purpose of helping to keep the soil porous, the loam being of a close and retentive nature. There is very little feeding quality in spent Mushroom - dung. I fail to see that I did any injury in stirring the surface of the soil to the- small extent I practised. No more food was given, after applying the guano until the fruits had set. I consider the crowns were not sufficiently ripened, and that they had insufficient rest to be forced successfully. A later batch of plants- under the same treatment, except that they had a lighter position, were as good as need be. Interested Reader. 8HORT GRA8S MOWINGS AND HOW TO UTILISE THEM. — Some years ago I was driven into a corner- for the want of stable litter or ordinary farmyard manure. Having an enormous quantity of short grass, which gave us some trouble because of its- offensive smell when laid into heaps, and the- difficulty of disposing of it, it occurred to me that this grass might be used for feeding cattle, and to this end a small shed having a yard surrounding it was prepared, and by way of experiment a couple of young beasts were installed in it. The grass was carted from the lawn and tipped into this yard ; the beasts ate what they required, the rest was trampled down, and there being always plenty of tree-leaves to be had, a few loads were now and then carted in and tiDped over the grass, which made the manure all the better. The May 21, 1904.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 331 cattle throve amazingly. This process of con- verting short grass into manure was con- tinued successfully for many years, and the difficulty of providing manure for the garden was most effectively and satisfactorily solved. The yard was frequently cleared out, and during this operation more leaves were added, which, besides increasing enormously the nitrogenous value of the compound, served also the me- chanical purpose of making the grass-mow- ings part more freely when being turned over preparatory to its use in the garden. During hot weather, after feeding, the beasts went into ■the shed, where they rested comfortably, and were not disturbed by the Warble-fly (Hypo- •derma bovis), which is so annoying to cattle when grazing out in the open fields. As our experience ripened, the young beasts were removed for milch -cows, which gave excellent milk, and .an exhibit of their butter gained a 1st prize .at a dairy show. From this experience I have •often thought how economically cattle might be fed and manure manufactured. I might mention •that during the whole time the cattle were fed in this yard they were provided with a large block ■of rock-salt. IV. Miller, Berkswell. MELONS AT impney. — Having read your re- marks on p. 297 respecting the early Melon grown by Mr. Jordan at Impney Hall Gardens, near Droitwich, I may say that I saw the Melons in •question growing in the span-roofed pits at Impney about five weeks ago in 12-inch pots ; and i;hat a finer lot I never saw. In each house the Melons were trained as cordons. The fruits were -distributed as evenly as if they had been placed artificially, and the leaves were the picture of health. The crop was a wonderful sight so early in the season. The fruits weighed from 34 to 4 lb. dn weight. J. C. In the afternoon eighty five new Fellows were elected to the privileges of the Society, and Mr. R. H. Wallace gave a lecture on "The Horticultural Phase of Nature Study." Floral Committee. Present : W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. H. B. May, Geo. Nicholson, R. Dean, J. Hudson, Jno. Jennings, W. Howe, J. W. Barr, Chas Dixon, J. A. Nix, Chas. Jeffiies, R. C. Notcutt, Chap. E. Shea, F. Page Roberts, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, ChaB. Blick, H. J Jone3, Ed. Mawley, Chas. T. Druery, and R. Hooper Pearson. Messrs. John Laing & Sons, Forest Hill Nurseries, London, set up a group of stove and greenhouse ornamental foliage plants in a very tasteful manner. They were well-grown specimens, of a good colour, and included Codia^ums (Crotons), Cordylines (Dracaena), Pandanus, ifcc. Some plants of Clerodendron Balfouri ODONTOGLOSSUM x WALTON- IENSE ROSEFIELDIENSE. This pretty variety (see fig. 144) was recom- mended an Award of Merit when shown by De Sarri Crawshay, Esq. (gr., Mr. Stables), at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on March 22. The flowers bear better evidence of O. polyxan- thum than any shown previously. They are of •Jarge size, and canary-jellow-coloured,with white •bases to the petals, which have a cluster of brown markings as in O. polyxanthum. SOCIETIES. cut blooms of hardy plants, including some fin* Paeony- flowers. Campanula glouerata was in good condition, and Pingu'.cula Stuarti was flowering freely. The interesting little Rosa Ec;e (xanthina), although but 9 inches In height, was carrying Eix flower-buds. Some good forms of Scilla campanulata were dis- played; also a fine spike of Eremurus robustus var. superba, and well - flowered plants of Aquilegia Stuarti (Silver Flora Medal'. Another large display of these plants was made by Mr, Amos Pebby, Hardy Plant Farm, Winchmore Hill, London. The beautiful blue colour of Pulmonaria angustifolia was striking'; Geum Heldreichi superbum was also fine. Calochortus amcena, Nympbaea Lay- dekeri, with its rosy coloured blooms, Tulips in variety, Irises, and a host of similar plants contributed to a very fine display (Silver Flora Medal). The Misses Hopkins, Mere, Knutsford, alio showeda small group of alpine plants ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. MAY 17.-The Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, West- tminster, was again filled with choice collections of plants and flowers on Tuesday last, when some striking .novelties were exhibited before the Committees. The Hall was uncomfortably crowded with visitors in the afternoon. On this occasion the National Tulip So- ciety held their annual show in conjunction with the ordinary meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society's Committees, consequently Tulips were a prominent feature. Hardy and alpine plants, groups of Roses, sprays of beautiful flowering trees and shrubs, choice -collections of Orchids, and a number of well ripened bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes were but a few of .the exhibits. The Obchid Committee recommended one Botanical •Certificate, three First class Cerlificates, and three Awards of Merit to novelties, of which a newly intro- duced Cymbidium (C Sandeiac) attracted unusual attention The Flobal Committee recommended five First- class Certificates and six Awards of Merit. A collection -of hybrid Irises from Mr. Van Tobebgen, Haarlem, were of extraordinary interest and value ; and several varieties of Rhododendrons, exhibited by H. A. Mangles, Esq., were of the highest quality. The Nabcissus Committee recommended a number of Awards to varieties of Tulips, and the Fbtjit and Vegetable Committee recommended an Award of Merit to a seedling Melon. Fig. 144.— odoxtoglossum x waltoniense rosefieldiekse. were flowering very freely. An edging of Pandanus VeitchiiandAnthuiium Seherzerlanum gave a brilliant finish to the whole. The same firm displayed Strepto- carpus, including some good purple-violet coloured varieties (Bronze Flora Medal). Another small collection of similar plants was staged by Messrs. Wm. Bull & Sons, Kirg's Road, Chelsea, the plants in this collection being smaller, and of a size adaptable for table decoration. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Paik, Enfield, brought a collection of flowering plants, such as Boro- nias, Dimorphotheca Ecklonis, Pimelia Hendersoni, and Gerbera Jameson i. At the back were some well flowered plants of Clerodendron Balfouri Alpine plants were again numerous. In Messrs. Wm Cctbush & Sons' collection, from their Highgate Nurseries, London, N., was a large number of hardy Orchids, many Brit'sh species being among them. A few of the best Orchids irticedwere Orchis hircina, with its long, curiously twisted lip ; Cypripedium montanum, C. spectabile, and C. parvi- florum (Silver Flora Medal). Mr. M. Pbitcbaed, Christchurch, Hants, set up a good collection of hardy and alpine plants in boxes, pans, &c. ; vases being also requisitioned to display Me3srs. Geohoe Jackman & Son, Woking Nursery, Surrey, contributed alpine plants, using as a centre ornament a new Clematis, named King Ed sard VII. Among the collection was noticed good plants of Ramondia pyrenaica. Cyclamen repandum (in a small pan), a good batch of Audrosace sarmentosa, Ribes Lobbl, with its pretty Fuubsia-like flowers, Conandron ramondioidej.and Ircarvillea Delavayi. Messrs. J. Cbeal & Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley, furnished a long cross-tab:e with trays of alpines, sprays of flowering shrubs and trees in vases, and cut blooms of Rhododendrons, Spiraeas, &c. Wo noticed the curious Arisaema proboscidium (Bronze Flora Medal). Me:srs. Paul & Sons, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, staged a group containing Roses, Azaleas, Tulips, and alpine plants. Ribes speciosa was interesting, its dark- red fl uvers resembling those of a small Fuchsia. The collection of Tulips, allhough small, contained soma good flowers. Messrs. John Peed & Eon, West Norwood, London, staged an exhibit of alpine aid herbaceous plants. Some good species were included. Mr. A. R. Upton, The Guildford Hardy Plant Nur- sery, Millmead, Guildford, set up a collection of hardy 332 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Mat 21, 1904V plants. We noticed Haberlea rhodopensis, with flowers of pale heliotrope colour and jellow spots on the throat ; Phlox divaricata, the small Tulip T. persica, Trollius napellifolius, Antirrhinum asarina, and Cy- pripeaium spectabile (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, presented beautifully flowered sprays of species of Cerasus and Pyrus in large vases. Cerasus pseudo-Cerasus "James E. Veitch" carried a profusion of its large rosy- pink flowers, while Pyrus Malus Scheideckerii was a mass of bloom. A bate i of Watsonla Meriana Ar- dernit occupied the centre of this group, which also iocluded the new Hydrangea Hortensia Yeitchii- On another table was a large batch of Schizanthus wisetonensis, also Tillandsla Lindeni, with flowers of lovely blue eolour; Kalancboe feltbamensis, and a well-flowered riant of Epiphyllum Gaertneri (Silver Banksian Medal). J. A. Young, Esq. (gr., Mr. G. H. Street), Eet up a nice batch of Gloxinias, and another of herbaceous Calceo- larias. Both were de3erving of cultural commendation (Bronze Banksian Medal). Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, egain staged vases contaioing blooms of zonal and show Pelargoniums in most of the newer varieties, including at one end of the group a gi and collection of herba- ceous Calceolarias. Although these latter were staged too closely, they were much admired, the plants being sturdy, well grown, abundantly flowered, and of good colours. Some nice plants of Verbena "Miss Will- mott" were included In this group, and sprays of Wallflowers in vase3. Of the Wallflowers, Ruby Gem was almost purple in colour. Primrose Dame clear yellow, and Blood Ked a dark colour indicated by its came. Beautiful Roses in pots and vases were again dis- played by Mr. Gec. Mount, Canterbury, Kent. Pots containing t e variety Crimson Ramb:er and the two Wlchurian Roses, Alberic Barbier and Ruby Queen, being used as a background to the group (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal'. Messrs Thos P. Ware, Ltd., Wart's Nurseries, Fel- tham, Middlesex, also set up a collection of Roses in pots and trays, using Polyanthus varieties and plants of Bambusa as a background. Baskets containing the varieties Liberty, Mariicial Kiel, and Mildred Grant were very effective (Bronze Flora Medal) Mr. John R. Box, West Wickham, showed a group of tuberous rooted Begonias. Some of the best were Samuel Pope(iose-coloured, Plcotee edged flower), Miss Hennings, Mrs. J. R. Box (huge white), Thomas Lissamen (fine form, flowers salmon-pink). Mr. James Douglas, Ederside, Great Bookham, staged a dozen Auriculas. A variety called The Bride was a strikirg alpine variety. The same exhibitor brought an interesting cross between Dianthus bar- batus (Sweet William) and Uriah Pike Carnation. The plants were 18 inches to 2 feet in height, with typical Carnation foliage ; the most striking feature obtained from the oilier parent being the long reflexed stigmas. Messrs. Gilbert & Son, Bourne, Lincolnshire, staged Anemone flowers ; the St. Brigid and King of Scarlets vaiieties were very handsome. Some gocd Tulips were also shown by this firm (Silver Flora Medal). A group of thirty-six species and varieties of Gymco- grammas was displayed by Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, the beautiful waxy coatings of rich golefen and silver colours char- acteristic of this genus being much admired. The same firm also showed some Verbenas, King of Scarlets and Miss Ellen Willmott (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). Messrs. G. Stark & Son, Great Ryburgh, Norfolk, exhi- bited a rich yellow - coloured Viola named Royal Sovereign, also several variegated varieties of Nas- turtiums, &c. Bhododendron Mrs. E. C. Stirling was shown in pots by Messrs. Jno. Wateber & Sons, Bagshot. The flowers are rosy-lilac in colour and very pretty. The plants were flowering profusely; also a variety named Marquis Of Waterford, of rich red colour. Awards. Iritx Charont,Onco-Regelia).- This is perhaps one of the most remarkable in thi3 new and important race of Irises. It was obtained from crossing I. Korolkowi and I. atro-purpurea. The dominating colours are old-gold and bronze. The colour of the falls is of a mahogany shade, reticulated with gold, and having a heavy black blotch at the base. In the standards the gold feathering Is very beautiful and distinct (First-class Certificate). I.x Artemus(Onco-Regelia).— This handsome hybrid has more distinctly drooping falls as compared with those Of an arching character, and these are of a rich, deep violet tone, with an ample blotch of a dark tone at the base. The erect standards are of rich vinous purple (First-class Certificate). I\ X Iphigenia {Onco Regelia).— Avery handsome and beautiful flower. The fills are of dark reddish-purple colour, heavily veined with gold at the base, and having a dark blotch ; the standards have a satiny lustre, rich purple in shade. A bold flower (First-class Certificate). I. x antigone (Onco Regelia).— This is a flower of dis- tinctly erect type, very beiutiful in the greyish hue that with clear lilac tone pervades the entire flower. Tire delicate tracery of the veins is also a feature in this beautiful hybrid (iward of Merit). I. x Piyche (Onco Regelia).— In this handsome variety there is a pronounced white ground, over which the abundant brownish veins are seen, and as viewed in the side light a semi-transparent character is set up. The falls are of old gold colour, much veined with brownish-crimson, and having a large dark blotch at the base (Award of Merit). I. X Isii {Onco-Regelia).— The falls of this variety are purplish-red with a silvery tone interspersed. The bold standards fold inward, and give the appearance of solidity. They are of a clear lustrous satiny-red. (Award of Merit). I.xEoi. (.Onco-Regelia).— A very handsome hybrid, the falls of which are of brownish-crimson, much reti- culated with old-gold at the base ; the standards are of clear claret-purple, very warm in tone, with a satin-like sheen over all (Award of Merit). This collection of new Irises was raised by C. G. Van Tueergen, Jun., Haarlem, Holland, and exhibited by him in perfect condition, in company with other new hybrid varieties. The Committee also recommended the award of a Silver-gilt Flora Medal. Rhododendron Beauty of Litlleworth.—A magnificent white Rhododendron with purjile spotting upon the upper petal. The flower is nearly 5 inches across, and the trusses are large and exceedingly bold. Evidently a variety partaking of the characteristics of R. Griffithi- anum. From H. A. Mangles, Esq , Seale, Farnham (First-class Certificate). R. Dawn.— This is a migniflcent variety with flowers of very large size and beautiful pink colour, reminding one of the well-known handsome variety Pink Pearl, illustrated in Gardeners' Chronicle, but having no spots it is evidently of Auckland! parentage. From H. A. Mangles, Esq (First-class Certificate). A'. Qerlrude Jekyl. — A very attractive variety of bright- red colour and silvery-white. The exterior of the flower is of reddish colour, and the margins of the petals on the interior. The centre of the flower is silvery-white, prettily veiuej. From H. A. Mangles, Esq. (Award of Merit). Pteriscreticacapitatum.— This is a really hard-looking variety of Pteris cretica, in which the crests are quite at the end of the pinme, and in form are something like that of a Cockscomb. The fronds are very erect, and the plant may be as it was described at the meeting, " nearly hardy." Shosvn by Mr. H. B. May (Award of Merit), Narcissus Committee. Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Colchester, staged an extensive group of Cottage, Darwin, and other types of Tulips, gaining awards for two new varieties. Ingles- comb Pink was a bold flower 10 inches across, colour rosy-pink suffused with old gold colour and primrose. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons also staged a fine col- lection, including Golden Crown, maxima lutea, Victoria (a handsome Darwin variety), Clara Butt, The Fawn, Hecla (flowers very dark), and the still darker Fra Angelica, which was almost black (Silver Banksian Medal). Another grand collection of Tulips was set up by Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., The Floral Farms, Wisbech. Toe flowers in this group were as good as any collection we have seen this season. A few of the best included Glow, Parlsienne, La Candeur (very delicate), Mr. Moon, Mrs. Farncombe Sandsrs, and T. Gesneriana major (Silver gilt Medal). Another collection of Tulips was set up by Mrs. Benson, Buckhurst, Sussex. This group, although containing some good blooms, suffered from the manner of staging, those responsible notallowing for thecrush- ing in the Hall, in consequence of which several vases were overturned and others disarranged. We noticed Summer Beauty, Zulu, Cordelia (a fine Darwin variety), and Loveliness (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Bare & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, had a collection arranged in their usual first-class style. The exhibit contained over 160 distinct varie- ties, and embraced most of the types of this flower,) (Silver Flora Medal). Ireland was represented by two good groupe- brought respectively by Messrs. Hogg &Robertson, of,' Dublin, and by Messrs. A. Dickson & Son, of Belfast, and Dublin. Both groups were awarded the Silver; Flora Medal. Awards. Tulip Scarlet Emperor.— A large and striking late- variety of a rich and bright scarlet colour, with yellow base; extrafiue. Mr. W.T.WARE(First-classCertificate). T. Su:on. — A beautiful Darn in variety, pale pink? salmon, feathered with white on the exterior; the interior of the flower was rose colour halfway up the. petal. Mr. W. T. Ware (Award of Merit). T. Tubergeniana . — A species from Bokhara, colour orange-red, long pointed petals with a dark base. M van Tubergen (Award of Merit). T. Flame.— Orange-crimson, slightly feathered will? orange; a large bold flower, striking in colour (Aware* of Merit). T. Kathleen.— Vile sulphur-yellow, with long petals j a very pleasing and attractive variety (Award of Merit). The two foregoing were from Messrs. R. Wallace &C0. T. Clara Butt. — One of the most attractive of the Darwin group ; soft pink colour flamed with pale rose (Award of Merit). T. Margaret.— Blush colour, with slight feathering of delicate pink and a flrme of tender rose; of fine shape (Award of Merit). T. Cygnet.— A small white self coloured flower of the? finest shape (Award of Merit). T. Mrs. Fancombe Saunders.— A large, brilliant crim- son 'Tulip of fine build, the flowers borne on stout stems and having a white base (Award of Merit). The foregoing four varieties were from Messrs. Bvrr A Sons. T. globosa grandiflora.— Of the maculata type; a fine deep flower of a bright dark crimson colour; dark base (Award of Merit). Exception was taken to the. name of thl9 variety, but as it has been so catalogued, the name was passed. T. Jjhn Ruikin.—A novel and beautiful form, the basal colour rose and salmon, flamed with rose and bordered with yellow (Award of Merit). Both from Mr. W. B. Hartland, Cork. Orchid Committee. Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), de B. Crawshay, W. A. Bilney. H. J. Chapman, A. A. McBeau, F. W. Ashton, W. H. White, T. W. Bond, H. Ballantine, J. W. Odell, H. M. Pollett, W. Boxall, H. A. Tracy, W. H- Young, F. A. Kehder, J. Douglas, H. Little, W. Bolton, F. Wellesley. J. Colman, G. F. Moore, H. T. Pitt, R. G- Thwaites, and H. G. Morris. Norman C. Cookson, Esq., Oakwood, Wylam (gr., Mr. H. J. Chapman), showed four very remarkablo forms of Odontoglossum erispum, one of which, the beautiful O. c. Harold, scoured a First class Certificate (see Awards). The others were O. c. Grairianurn, which had already received a First-class Certificate, and bad greatly improved, the greater part of its large flowers being of a peculiar yellowish rose tint. Also shown were O. c. Ashworthianum and O. c. Raymond Crawshay, both of which had received the highesS honours. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, obtained a Stiver Flora Medal for an excellent group of good things, including fine varieties of Cattleya Mossiic, C. Mendeli, C. citrina, Lselia purpurata, and other, species. At different points the group was brightered" by selections of Masdevallla ignea and M. Veltchiana, the yellow Oncidlum Marshallianum, clumps of gooif Dendrobium Bensonce, D. thyrsifloruni, and oilier Dendrobes; and among the hybrids were the new and massive Cypripedium x Ajax (x Germinyanum x, Chamberlainianum), a fine flower, still retaining the features of C. x Germinyanum; Epidendrum X, OBrienianum superbum, E. x elegantulum, Leelio- Cattleya x Wellsiana, in several fine examples; I.-C x Ascania, L. C. x Daphne, L.-C. x Hyeana, I.-C. x Zjphyra, &c. H. G. GOODSON, Esq., Fairlawn, West Hill, Putney (gr.Mr. Geo. Day), a rapidly advancing Orchid ama- teur, seoured a well-merited Silver Flora Medal for a line group of remarkably well grown and profusely llowered Orchids, in which both species and hybrids were well represented. Among the forms of Cattleya May 21, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 333 Mossia;, one very Urge, broad-petalled, finely coloured form attracted attention; and amorg the Cypri- pediums was a rather showy kind, with resemblance to C. X Calypso, and 6ome indication of C. Druiii. A very large-flowered form of C. x Alfred Holllngton, two very fine and dissimilar varieties of Phaius x Norman, a good selection oE Odontoglossum crispum, O. x Andersonianum, and other Odontoglossums; several fine I sella x Latona, L.-C. x highburyensis, and other hjbrids, were noted in this fresh-lookirg group. Messrs. Hugh Low A Co., Bush Hill Park, were awarded a Silver Banks ian Medal for a nice group, in which were a grand specimen of the old favourile Cattleya Skinneri with Iwenty heads of flower, C. intermedia with many spike?, some fine C. Mossia;, including a very handsome form of C. M. Reineckiana; a good selection of excellent forms of La'lia purpura ta, Dendrobium Bensonke, and its white and yellow variety xanthina; Lycastc aromatica, L.cochleata, and other showy Orchids. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr., Mr. Hopkins), sent Cyprlpedium X Hopkinsianum (bellatulum x Mastersianum), a pretfy flower witli whitish ground colour thickly spotted and I inged with purple; Lajllo-Cattleya x Vinesiae ignescens (L. tene brosa x L.-C. X Poccbe), resembling L. tenebrosa, but with bronzy-yellow sepals and petal?, and rose purple lip; L -C. x Baldockiana exquisita (C. Gaskelliana x L. cinnabarina), a good flower of a clear yellow colour ; L.-C. x Lucia Westfield variety (C. Mendeli x L, cinnabarina), yellow will purple front to the lip; a good Lie'ii x cinnabrosa, and the very fine Cyprl- pedium x Colossus. Capt. Q. L. Holford, C.IE., Westonbirt (gr. Mr. Alexander), showed a finely- flowered plant of Odonlo- Klossum x Hallio-crispum amabi'c with pale yellow flowers finely blotched with brown. C J. Lucas, Esq , Warnham Court (gr. Mr. Duncan), showed a cut inflorescence of his new Odontoglossum crispum warnhamense, a very distinct and pretty flower with showy purple spots evenly distributed over all the segments. Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford (gr. Mr. W. H. White), sent Odontoglossum crispum xantbotes Bur- ford variety, and a cut example of SobraIiaRuckeri(see Awards). De B. Crawshay, Esq , Ross field, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables), sent tine examples of Odontoglossum crispum Raymond Crawshay and O. c. Crawshayanum, both well-known and beautifully blotched forms ; O. c. Angel, a fine clear white llower with a slight blush tint and a few cinnamon-brown spots ; and O. c. Theodora (see Awards). AlsoZygopetalumxSedenirosefieldiense. H. T. Pitt, Esq , Rosslyn, Stamford Hill, sent a fine specimen of Cattleya intermedia Lowryana, white with a blue front lobe to the lip. C. A. Morris Field, Esq , Sevenoaks (gr., Mr. R. Edwards), sent a finely-flowered Dendrobium Devoni- anum. Awards. First class Certificates. Odontoglossum cuspum Harold, from Norman C. COOKSOS, Esq (gr.Mr. H. I. Chapmar ) — A remarkably beautiful variety, of fine size and substance, and more. over singular in that the lateral sepals exhibit a pelo- riate condition, they being marked with a rudimentary yellow cre3t, around which are bright red brown blot dies as seen on the labellum. All the segments are very broad and finely fringed, the sepals as well as the petals, which is a very uncommon occurrence. The upper sepal also bears a cluster of red-brown spots, and the petals an occasional similar marking. Sobralia Ruckiri, from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, (gr., Mr. W. H. White). One of the most beautiful of Sobralias, with flowers of firmer texture than those of S. macrantha. and of more compact shape. Colour, deep rose-purple, with white throat to the labellum. Cymbidium Sanders:. — One of the finest Orchids imported for some years ; a very handsome, apparently free-flowering plant, and one which will thrive best in a cool-house. In the habit of the plant and its broad leaves it is nearest to the little-known C. Pirishii, Rchb. f., and so also in the form and size of its flowers, which may also be likened to those of Cymbidium eburneum. The inflorescence, which partly expanded In the case on the journey home, is, it is said, ascend- ing, the lower part clad with lanceolate leafy bracts. The spike bore four fine flowers. Sepals and petals white, crest of the lip yellow, a yellow band being con- tinued in front. Toe ample side lobes of the lip are striped with bright purple, and the front lobe is heavily blotched with confluent markings of rich ruby purple — a grand introduction. Awards of Merit. Odontoglo.sum crispum Theodora, from ee B. Craw- shay, Esq, Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr , Mr. Stables'. - A worthy member of the favourile blotched section of O. crispum. The plant, which was splendidly grown, had a strong inflorescence of well-finished flowers. Flowers white, brightly tinted with purple at the backs, each segment bearing several purplish spots, and in addition a large irregular one of a reddish- purple hue. Odontoglossum crispum xanlhotes " Snow Queen," from H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr. Mr. Thur- good).— A fine, large, pure white flower with the orarge- coloured markings of the original O. c. xanthotes. Lxlia purpwata, Baronshall variety, from Henry Little, Esq , Baronshalt, Twickenham.— The finest of the white varieties, originally represented by L. p. Russc'liana, Wyattiana, and fchrodeiiana. Flowers large, and with broader and better displayed sepals and petals than are usually seen in the species ; pure white with a yellow tinge in the throat of the lip, over which run some very fine purple lines; front of the lip pale rosy-Ma?. Botanical Certificate. Cyprlpedium californicum. from Messrf. Wm. Cutbush & Son, Highgate Nurseries, London— A rare and curious species, with erect leafy stems, the upper part of which bears six or seven flowerr. Sepals and petals green, lip white. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Oeorgo Bunyard, E-:q., Chairman; anl Messrf. Jos. Cheal, J. Mclndoe, S. Mortimer, Alex. Dean, H.J Wright, Jno. Lync, Geo Kef Ed. Beckett, Jnc. Jaqaes, F. Q Lane, H. Parr, G. Ncrman, Jas. H. Veitch, A. H. Pearson, II. Somers Rivers, Owen Thomas, and Geo. Reynolds. An excellent dish of Peaches Duke of York came from Leoi-old ee Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury Paik, Acton (gr., Mr. Geo. Reynolds). Mr. Jno. Hodges, Ruspcr Vineries, Faygate Station (gr, Mr. T. M. le Pelley), exhibited some fine ripe Grapes of the variety Black Hamburgh (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr. G. Holiday, Havering Road, Romford, showed some stems of Rhubarb nearly 4 feet long and of great thickness and excellent colour. The variety was described as Hobday's Giant. Awards. Melon The Islander — This is a green-fleshed fruit of moderate size, excellent flavour, and soft, juicy flesh. Shown by Mr. Chas. Ritchings, Highlands, Catel- Guernsey (Award of Merit). The Lecture. NATURE STUDY. A paper on '-The Horticultural Phase of Nature Study," was delivered by Mr. R. Hedger Wallace, in which he emphasised the necessity of training ihe powerof observation among school children, aod the desirability of their being taught to notice common objects by making collections, and by microscopic and other examination of the structure of plants. He also described the efforts of the 9Chool authorities in London, Dundee, and other towns, towards training the children to grow and observe plants, and pointed out the far more complete work carried out on the Continent in the same direction. NATIONAL TULIP. This Society's show was held in conjunction with the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, on Ilia 17th inst., but the space of tabling reserved was much too limited to enable the flowers to be seen to Ihe best advantage, the stands being too deep and crowded. The members of Ihe Society were delighted with the flowers exhibited, regarding the exhibition as one of the boitheld for years, though 1 lie date was a litt.e too early for some exhibitors. Great satisfaction was expressed at the advent of Miss Willmott, Warley Lodge, as a competitor, and it fell to her lot to win what is regarded as the blue ribband of the Society-lhe Silver Cup offered in the leading c'ass for twelve rectified Tulips. The flowers generally were of average size and pure at the baies. The^irony of fate told against Mr. Chas. W. Need- ham, who had six rectified flowers in the class for that number, all finely marked; but the warm night had spoilt them, and they had to be placed asie'e in conscq ieo.ee. T^e breeder Tulip vied with the rec- tified fliwers for refiaement, some of them being strikingl7 brillimt. The method of naming generally adopted, with ore or two exceptions, Is capable of great improvement, while many of the flowers in the single- bloom classes were without names. The method of exhibiting the florists' Tulips may be regarded as antio'i'fed, but the insides of the flowers and their e: qulsite purity must be noted. It is satisfactory to kuow that the interest in this form of Tulipdoes not appear to be on the wane. Rectified Tulips —The principal class was for twelve blooms of dissimilar rectified Talips, two feathered and two flamed. Miss Willmott won the 1st prize and Silver Cup with feathered bizarres Sir Joseph Paxton and Masterpiece; flamed bizarres Excelsior and San Jose ; feathered byhlu- nensGuidoand Bertha; flamed byblicnens Talisman and Duchess of Suther- land; feathered roses Mo lesty and Mrs. Lea ; flamed roses Annie McGregor and Mabel. Mr. A. Chateb, Cambridge, came a good 2ad with feathered bizarres Richard Headley and Masterpiece; flamed bizarres Samuel Barlow and Sulphur; feathered fcybloemena Adonis and Guido; flamed byblienens Talisman and Chancellor; feathered roses Anoie McGregor (a highly refined flower) and Mrs. Atkins; flamed roses Baroness Burdett Coutts and Sarah Heady. Mr. J. W. Bentley, Stakehill, was 3rd. There were six competitors in the class for six rectified Tulips, one feathered and one flamed of each class, Ihe 1st prize falling to Mr. J. W. Bentley with feathered bizarre Duke of Devonshire, flamed bizarre Lard Stanley, feathered bybhr nen Stockport and the same flamed, feathered rose Julia Farnese, and flamed rose Annie McGregor. Miss Willmott was a close 2nd with feathercl bizarre Excelsior, flamed bizarre John Brook, feathered byb"o:nen Guido, flamed byblremen i. -ii amed, feathered Rose Mabel, and the same flamed. Mr. W. Dunn, Cambridge was 3rd. With three feathered Talips. one of each class. Miss Willmott came 1st with bizirre Lord Frederick Cavendish. bjblcemenPuido, and rose Mrs. Cotton. Mr. J. W. Bentley was 2ad with bizirre Masterpiece, bybloe nen Stockport, and ro;e Julia Farnese. In the class for three-flamed Tulips, one of each class, Mr. J. W. Bentley was 1st will b'zarre Lord Stat ley, bjb'irmcn George Edward, and rose Annie McGregor Mr. W. Peters came 2id, with bizarre Sir J. Paxton. bybhinen King of the Universe, and rose Mabel. Mr. A. Chater was 3rd. Breeder Tulips.- These are of course seedling Tulips, which may at any time break into some rectified form, and prove worthy of note or worthless. A breeder Tulip may be of great beauty in the self stage, but may rectify into something worthless later, and they break into a permanent character according to no order or age. With six dissimilar breeders, two of each clas3. Miss Willmott was again 1st, having bizarres Gold- finder and Willson's King; b.bke.uecs Adods and Eliza Pegg ; roses, Annie McGregor and Mrs. Barlow. Mr. W. Dunn was 3rd. With three dissimilar breeders, Mr. J. W. Bentley came 1st, with bizirre Alfred Lloyd (a brilliant flower), byb.cemen -Vice Grey, and rose Queen of England. Miss Willmott was 2nd Mr. W. Dunn beiDg3rd, both the latter exhibitors with unnamed flowers. In the classes for single blooms maoy of them were without names. Miss Willmott was 1st with feathered bizarre Sir J. Paxton ; and Mr. Chater was 2nd with Masterpiece. Mr. J. F. Kew, Southend, had the best feathered bybhemen ; and Mr. Chateb came 2nd, the flowers in each case being unnamed varieties. Mr. Chater had the best feathered rose in Annie McGregor, and he was also 2ad with Industry. With limned bizarre Mr. C. W. Needham was 1st; and Mr. J. W. Bentley 2nd. Mr. Bentley and Mr. W Dunn were 1st and 2nd respectively with flamed byb Yemen ; and Miss Willmott gained 1st and 2nd prizes with flamed roses. Breeder Tulips —The best bizarre breeder was Alfred Llojd, a glorious bloom from Mr. A. D Hall; Mr. Bentley was 2nd. With byWumen breeders Miss Willmott was 1st and 2od. With rose breeders. 1st, Mr. W. Dunn, wllh Loveliness ; and the same exhibitor 2ad with Rosehill. The Samuel Barlow Memorial Prizes —The 1st prize for two blooms, one feathered and one flamed, was won by Mr. Bentley with feathered bizarre Sir J. Paxton, and flamed byblicmen Bessie. Mr. W. Dunn nas 2nd with llamed bizarre Samuel Barlowand feathered byblcemen Adonis. Premier Blioms.— The premier feathered Tulip was rose Annie McGregor, a beautiful bloom, also perfect in form, and of great purity, shown by Mr. A. Chater in his 2od prize of twelve bloom?. The premier flamed bizirre Sir J. Paxton came from Mr. C. w. Needham The premier breeder tizarre Alfred Llojd was exhibited by Mr. A. D. Hall. A few classes were set apart for growers of small col lections. Mr. J. T. Kew was the only exhibitor and was awarded two 1st prizes. 334 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 21, 1904. ROYAL GARDENERS' ORPHAN FUND. ANNUAL MEETING. Mav 17.— The sixteenth Annual Festival Dinner of the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund toot place at the Hotel Cecil on Tuesday-evening last, and was one of the most successful events the Institution has expe- rienced. The popular President of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, Sir J. J. Trevor Lawrence, Bart., presided, and he was supported by a company of about 45. On the right hand of the Chairman was Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Bart , and on his left hand Jeremiah Column, Esq. Most of those present were gentlemen well known in horticultural circles, among whom were Messrs. H. J. Veitch, W. Marshall, F. G. Lloyd, Leonard Sutton, H. B. May. P. R. Barr, G. Barr, W Y. Baker, G. J. Ingram, W. J. Cutbush, J. F. McLcod, Geo. Reynolds, T. W. Sanders, James Douglas, Geo. Monro, E. Sherwood, W. Bull, G: Cuthbert, P. Kay, &c. The room and tables were beautifully decorated with plants and Bowers, kindly supplied by various nursery firms, including Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, H. B. May, J. Walker, Rochford & Sons, Becknith & Son, Sanders & Sons, Jtarr & Sons, A. F. Dulton, Ware & Co., and The Stone Orchid Company. A programme of music, given under the direction of M. Turle Lee, was much appreciated. Immediately after the observance of the Royal toasts, Sir Trevob Lawrence proposed the toast of "The Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund." After making some interesting remarks upon horticulture, includ- ing the subject of "women" gardeners, Sir Trevor, passing to the consideration of the Institution, de- plored the fact that there has been some falling off in the amount received from annual subscrip- tions, and very rightly pointed out that it is not best Tor such a Fund to be dependent in the measure it is upon chance gifts that can be obtained at the aunual dinner. The Fund had been established fifceen years, and had spent upon the sustenance of orphans the sum of £12.000. Sir Trevor thought more might have been done had the Fund been better recognised, and more liberally supported by gardeners and those employing gardeners. He drew attention to the qualities they expected in gardeners, aud to the great responsibities gardeners were obliged to undertake, which to the Chairman's mind seemed mostonerous whe j the charge consisted of a very valuable collection of Orchids. Vi e I ad, said Sir Trevor, better iru its and flowers in Britain than there were elsewhere, and this was due to the care, intelligence, aDd skill exercised by gardeners, should we therefore, he asked, permit theirchildreu to beg their bread in cases where gardeners were stricken down by death whilst their children are still small ? Ho was pleased to think that the subscription list that night would be a good one, but he (Sir Trevor Law- rence) would have been ab.e to do more had he not been engaged recently in ht lping to rai e a sum of half a million sterling for St. Bartholomew's Hospital, for which institution he holds the office of Treasurer He was convinced that the e was no fund they could more honourably, legimalely or honestly support than that whose interests they had met to advai.ee. Mr. Leonard EurrON (Trustee)made a suitable reply, and said that an effort sliauld be made to broaden the basis of support. He Ihoufcht it would be a good plan to institute a "children's fund." Evjiy one might give a shilling a year for each of his child* en as a thank- offering that they were not orphans. The next toast was that of (he Royal Horlicultural Society, proposed by Sir Jxo. T. D Llewelyn, Bart , who referred to the great work the Socie'.y has done, and to the circumstances exisling in (hi-, the Society's centenary year. He spoke of fie ne-v Hall, ihe new garden at Wisley, and the excellent Journal issued by the Society, and described all these as circumstances for which they should be very grateful. Bir Trevor Lawrence in reply stited that the ex- traordinary success of the Society in recent years has been duo to the Council havirg devoted itself exclusively to the proroion of Horlieulture and all that belongs thereto. He gave his hearers some inte- resting particulars in resp.ct lo the progress that is being made with the new Hall, and said that it was hoped it would be ready for a formal opening in the middle of July— possibly by his Majesty the King, but this was not certain. At this point the energetic secretary, Mr. B. Wynne, read the list of subscriptions and donations, which amounted to £815. .Among the contributors were the folio wiDg :-,Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bt. £50; Lord Mount Stephen, £50; Jeremiih Colman, 50 gs ; Leonard futton, £50; N. N. Rothsclild it Sons, 25 gs. ; N. N. Sher >ood, £35; Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., 20 gs. ; Leo- pold de Rothschild, £10 ; J. Newton Mappin, 10 gs. ; T. Smith, Daisy Hill Nursery, Newry, £20 ; Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, 10 gp. ; Herbert J. Adams, logs. ; Chislehurst Gardeners' Association, £9 10s. ; Thames Bank Iron Co., 7 gs. ; W. Sherwood, £-5; Ed. Sherwood, £5; F. G. Lloyd, 5 gs. ; H. J. Veitch. 5 gs. ; Dicksons, Ltd. (Chester), £5; Abraham Dixon,. r>gs.; J. Douglas, £6; The Gardeners' Chronicle, Ltd., r. g3., C. E. Keyser, 5 gs. ; Chas. Heidseick, 5 gs. ; A. Wa erer, 5 gs. ; H. B. May, .". gs. ; Protheroe & Morris, 5 gs. ; Mrs. W. G. Head, £5 ; Stuart H. Low, 5gs. ; J. T. Henderson & Sons, Ltd., 5 gs. ; and Barr & Sons, 5 gs. The Covent Garden list, presented by Mr. Assbee, amounted to £152 5s. fid., and included 5 gs. each from Messrs. Jas. Sweet, Ed. Rcchford, E Parsons, C. P Kinnell & Co., J. W. Dennis, Alderman Coleman, and Jos. Rochford ; also fi gs. from Mr. John Rochford. The Steward's lists included the fo lowing:— Geo. Reynolds, £12 17s. sd. ; George Caselton, £11 4s. 6ri. ; T. W. Saunders, 10 gs. ; W. P. Thompson, £10 ; Geo. Cuthbert, £18 7s. 6- Plants in Pots, Acacias, per doz. Adiantums, doz. Aralias, per doz. Arbor Vitse, doz. Aspidistras, doz. Aucubas, per doz. Azalea mollis, pot Azaleas, each ... Begonia, per doz. Crotons, per doz. Cyperus, per doz. Dieljtra specta- bilis, per dozen Dracsenas, variety, dozen Ericas, per dozen Euonymus, vars., per dozen Ferns Invar., per dozen Flcus elastica, per dosen Fuchsias, r Geraniu.'is, scarlet, dozen ... — pink ... . doz. dbl. per 1 0- 3 0 0 1-16 — frame, lb. . 0 3J- 0 5 4 0-50 — NewTeneriffe, 5 a — percwt. ... 1» 0-12 0 o x- o 9 Radishes, per 2 6-30 dozen bunches 0 0 9-10 Rhubarb, Yorks, 2 0- 2 ii per dozen ... 0 3 0-40 — Natural, doz. 1 0 9-16 Salad, small, pun- nets, per doz.... 0 9 — 6 0-90 3eakale,doz. pun. - 0-10 0 0 9 — Shallots, lb. ... 0 2-03 1 6-2 9 Spinach, p. bush. 16-20 13-16 Tomatos, Canary 0 3 — Deeps 2 6-36 — Channel Islds, 10-13 per lb 06-07 10-16 — English, doz. 5 C- 8 o Turnips, doz bun. 2 0 - 10 — per bag ... 2 0 — 2 O . — nev, dozen ... 6 0-80 Vegetable Mar- is 6 rows, per doz. 4 0-70 Wateroress, per 2 0 dozen bunches 0 3-06 *o. : Average Wholesale Prioes. s.d. t.d. t.d. t.d 12 0-60 0 Geraniums, white 4 0-60 4 0-80 Heliotropes, doz. 50-60 4 0-80 Herbaceous plants 9 0-18 0 and perennials, 18'0-36 0 per box 10-20 4 0-80 Ivy Geraniums, 16-30 per doz 60-80 16-30 Li ae-trees, each . 30-40 4 0-8o Lycopodiums.per 12 0-24 o dozen 3 0-40 3 0-40 Marguerites, doz. 80-80 Mignonette doz 4 o- R 0 12 0 18 0 Musk, per dozen 3 0-6 0 urange-trees, each 3 6-10 6 12 0-48 0 Palms, var., each 3 0-20 0 6 0-24 0 Pansies, in boxes 13-20 Pelargoniums, 4 0-60 per dozen... 60-100 — doublescarlet, 4 0-30 0 per doz ... 4 0-80 Petunias. in boxes 13-20 9 0-24 0 Primulas, perdoz. 4 0-60 6 0-90 Pterls tremula 12 40-80 — Wimsetti, doz. 4 0-80 — major, dozen 4 0-60 4 0-80 Spiraea, per doz. . 5 c- R 0 4 0-80 Stocks, per dozen 6 C- 8 0 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prioeh s.d. s.d. t.d. s.a. Apples, Austra- Grapes, Gros Man, in eases ... 7 0-10 0 Maroc.perlb. 1 9 2 n — Tasmanian — Muscat, A, p. lb. r> C- 8 .0 Cases 6 O- 9 0 - — B.p.lb. 3 0- 43) Bananas, bunch 7 0-12 o Lemons, per case 8 — loose, dozen 1 0- 1 « Me'.ons, eah ... 1 3- 2 D Figs, per doz ... 4 0-80 Oranges, per case 9 0-10 0 Gooseberries, per Peiches, A, per ' peck 2 C- 2 6 dcz 15 0-"£ 0 — sieve l 0- 4 i> — B 9 e-12 O Grapes, H ambro' Pines, each ... 2 0-40 A per lb. ... 2 0-30 Strawberries, A., B. per lb. ... 13-19 per lb 30-40 — Almeria.l21b. 7 0-90 — B, per lb. ... 10-16 Remakks.— Seakale is nearly over. Gooseberries aro coming in fas1.— packs. 2s. to 28. 6i. ; sieves or liall- bushels, 4s. to Is 6d. Cabbage Lettuce is now good. Id biskets of 48 at is 6d per basket. Radishes from 2d. to Si. per dozen bunches. Cucumbers are plentiful, thousands of flats arrive daily, containing well-grown fruit. French Cherries, 5s. to 6. per sieve; boxes, Is. to 28. each. Algerian Potatos, 13*. to 15?. percwt.; Llsbons, at ■ <$. 6d. a box. POTATOS. Home-grown. 80s. to 100s. per ton ; foreign, 70?. to lOle. do. ; Dunbars, 1308. to 140«. do. John Bath, 32 & 34 Wel- lington Street, Covent Garden. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Growers are having a very busy time at present, especially in pot plants. Same plants may not sell quite so well as may be desired, yet generally trade is good. On Saturday last many growers were cleared out quite early. Window-box and bedding plants are now in lull demand, and the traae for goud dowering plants is alio much better, prices generally being in favour of the grower. At some stands the spring Ericas are still plentiful. Inter- mediate Stocks are very good. Verbena, King oi Scarlets, in dwarf well - flowered plants make 98. per dozen. Yellow Calceolarias in flower were very good, and made about 8s. to 10s. per dozeu. Well-grown plants of Saxifraga pyramidalis averaged from 128. to )5s. per dozen. Yellow Marguerites with not many flowers open, although good, bushy plants, were selliDg for 18s. per dozen. There are very few growers who grow this as well as Mr. Sweet. Useful plants of White Marguerites are not quite so plentiful just now, most of the samples seeu beiDg rather drawn. Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, well-flowered plants, arc now very abundant; the three leading sorts are Madame Crousse, Chas. Turner, and Galilee. Some of the latter vaiiety were very fine, the plants being a mass of bright pick bloom. There are also a lew La France with mauve - coloured flowers. Leopard, the large spotted variety, and other sorts are now obtainable. Mr. H. B. May still grows herbaceous Calceolarias, and has some good plants; they are also seen on other stands, but there Is little demand for them. Crimson Rambler Roses in flower from several growers were very line, thOECOD Messrs. T. Rochfoi d ,V Sons'stands making a finesnow. There are few other good pot Roses in the market just now. Wel-flowered plants of Rhododendrons, Azalea mollis, also a few good Indian Azaleas were saen last Saturday. 'Good show Pelargoniums are more plen- tiful, and zonals of the varieties referred to last week are very abundant, there being now a good trade in them. Fuchsias, Heliotropes, Harrison's Musk, Mignonette, and Rhodanlhe are all plentiful. Tuberous Begonias in flower are already in the market; there is at present little trade for those in 48-;ize pots, and it is too early for those in 60s for bedding, still some are being used. Good plants of double Petunias, flowering in 43 size pots, are also coming in. TLe Fern trade is not very brisk just now, several of the Fern-growers occupying a good portion of their stands with Zonal Pelai- goniums; still there are plenty of good Ferns to be had in all sizes. Palms are abundant. The "bedding plant" trade is now at its height, and most things are sold at veiy good prices. Supplies of small stuff in boxes are very much overdone. Cox Flowees. The double white Narcissus and Pheasant's Eye are abundant, but o her sons of Narcissus are now past. The St. Brigid Anemones were very good. The bright red Ixiis, mostly from the fcilly Islands, were very pretly and last well. Spanish Iri-.es are good, and there are some very pretty shades of colour an.ong them. Roses continue plentiful, tie pink varieties Li France and Mrs. I. Laing were especially fine; Brides maidandThe Bridewerealsogood. Calaswereplentiful, but there was very 1 i i tie trade for them Iu Lilium loDgiflorum the supply much exceeded the demand and prices are very low ; L. au'atum and L. tigrinum are also plentiful. Gladiolus The Bride and the pink variety both se.l well. While Siteet Peas are now abundant, and prices are low; but pink varieties are scarcer a^d make betier pi ices. Lily of the Val.ey was lower in piic;; Slerlunolis ard Gardenias were numerous. Carnations mere more plentiful ; the variety Duchess ot life is still a lavouiite pink ; some 336 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 21, 1901. good pink Malmaisons make good price?. Orchid bloom continuesplentiful. CaMleyasarenotinakicgqui e such good prices. The supply of cut foliage was good, the Ion? trails of Asparagus and SrniUx and best Maidenhair Ferns obtained fair prices. Asparagus Spreriieri sells fairly well, and the short fronds of A. plumosus nanus are now much used ; those who grow it well must find it a profitable crop. FBUITS AND VEGETABLES. Glasgow, May 18. — The following are the averages of the prices during the past week : — Apples, Tas- manian Sis. to 12s. per case ; Australian, 12s. to 14s do. ; Oranges, Valencia. 420's, lis. to 13s. per box; large, do., 16s. to 20s.: 7H's, 12s to 15». : Jaffas. 10s. to 12s.; Lemons, 4s. to 6s. per box, and lis. to 12s. Der case ; Grapes, 2s. to 3s. ed per lb. ; do. Belgian, Is 6d. to Is 9d. do. ; Tomatos, Teneriffe. 3s. to 6s. per box : do., Eng- lish, JOd to Is. 3d. per lb ; do., (-.uernsey, M to Is 3d. do ; Mushrooms, is. to is 3d. per lb ; Onions, Egyp- tian, 6s. to 7s. per bag: Potatos. Canary, 13s. to 18s. percwt. ; Melons, 3s. to 3s (id. each. Liverpool, May IP. — Wholesale Vegetable Market (North Hay). — The following are the averages of the current prices during the past week — prices varying according to supply :— Potatos, per cwt , Main Crop, 5a. to 6s. 6d. : British Queen, 4s 4tf. to 4s. lOd. : Dp-to-Date, 4s. id. to 4s. lOd. : Bruce. 4s. 6d. f.o 5s. ; Turnips, 6d. to »d per dozen bunches ; Swedes, is. <>d. to 2s. per cwt. ; Carrots. Ss. to 5s. 6d. do. ; Parsley, sd. to lOd. per dozen bunches; Onions, 6s. to 6s. 6d. per bag (foreign) ; Cucumbers, is. 6d. to 3s. per dozen ; Cauliflowers, is. to 2s. 6d do. : Cabbaees, 8d\ to is. 9d. do. Fruit: Oranges, Jaffi. 4s. to 9s. 6d. per box ; do., Valencia, 6s. to 9s. ed. per case ; superior, 8 . ei. to 14s. ed. do. ; large cases, ICs. to 18s. ; Lemons Palermo 3s to 4s. per case; do., large, fs. ed. to 8s ; do.. Murcla, 5s. to lis. 6d. ; do., Naples, 4s 6d. to 6s. 6d. per box ; Apples, American. 12s. 6d. to als per barrel — St. Johns : Potatos, Is. to Is. 2d. per peck ; do., new, 2d. to 6d. per lb.; Asparagus, 3s to 5s per 100; Cucumbers, 4d. to Sd. each ; Grapes. English, 5s. per lb.: do .foreign, 8d. and Is. do.; Pines, foreign. 3s 6d. to 6s each; Mushrooms, is. to Is. 6d per lb — Birken- head: Potatos. is. to Is. fi. per peck: new do. lid. and id per lb. ; Asparagus, 8rf. to 2s ed. per bundle; Cucumbers, 3d. to sd. each; Cobnuts. 8d. to lOd per lb i ; Grapes, foreign, 6d. to Is. do.; Tomatos. English, id. to is. do. ; Mushrooms French, Is. to Is. id. do. ; Pines, foreign, 2s. ed. to 3s ed. each. CORN. Average Prices of British Corn (per Imperial or ) for the week ending May 14, 1904, and for the corre- sponding period of 1903. together with the difference In the quotations. These figures are based on the Official Weekly Return :— Description. 1903. 1904. Difference. Wheat Barley Oats s. d. 27 9 23 5 18 4 s. d. 27 1 19 10 16 6 «. d. — 0 8 — 2 7 — 1 10 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. — f — Abies Nordmanniana injured by Insects : W. B. Bewlay. The eggs are apparently those of the Larch aphis (Chermes laricis), now generally regarded as an alternate form of C. abietis, the Spruce gall aphis. If allowed to remain on the trees without some kind of check they will ultimately produce gouty swellings on the branches. As a means of prevention isolate the tree3 from Lireh and Spruce as much as possible. With regard to treatment the ordinary paraffin emulsion has given the best results for infested Larch trees, and it will no doubt be equally efficacious on Abies Nordmanniana. Try the emulsion on a few branches first, and if you should find that the young leaves are injured spray them with tobacco-water. You will find the eggs more difficult to destroy than the lice, but the latter will all hatch out in the course of a week or so. Carnation: Jas. K. The leaves are punctuied by thrips or aphides. Use Tobacco-water. Carnations : Cars. The superficial appearances are those of eelworm in the leaves. If so there is no remedy but to burn the plants, and pot the others in sterilised soil— that is, bake the soil before using it. Cucumbers : S. C, Crowborough. The Cucumbers are affected with " gumming," which is caused by excess of food-supply and impei feet adjust- ment of other conditions. Some varitties are much more susceptible than others. There is no fungus disease present. Grapes : A. D. The skin of the berries has been injured by some cause such as careless hand- ling during the process of thinning, or by the presence of something hurtful in the atmo- sphere of the house. The sulphur which has been on the hot-water pipes so long would not bB likely to cause injury now; but whether sulphur could reach the house from the chimney you mention can only be determined by some- one on the spot. Grub : F. E. T. Yes, it is the Cockchafer grub, Melolontha vulgaris. These insects are very injurious to the roots of grasses, in some cases completely destroying the turf. They do not confine themselves to grass roots, but eat many of the underground crops, the Potato often suffering terribly from them. Insects attacking Eoses : Oakfield. The injury to your Rjses has been caused by Weevils, A bud or graft is sure to be attacked if there are any weevils of this sort present. They feed by night. By day they bide away in the earth or underneath small clods round the stems of the trees. A " sticky band " round the trees would be a good preventive, as the weevils, being wingless, must travel on foot. This band may be made of cheap cart or axle grease. The best method of destroying them is based on the habit the insects have of dropping from the bushes on the least disturbance when feeding at night, or if a light is flashed on them. Spread a white cloth under the standard trees to catch them as they drop. Names op Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — No Name, Wooden Box. 1, Arnebia echioides; 2, Pyrus japonica; 3, Saxifraga crassifolia; 4, Pyrus japonica; 5, Forsythia viridissima; G, Pole- monium cceruleum ; the labels were in some cases detached, so that we are not quite sure to what plants they applied.— Salop. 1, Berberis Darwinii; 2, Centranthus rubra. — S. A. 1 and 2, Pelargonium zonale ; 3, Panicum plicatum ; 4, Strobilanthes Dyerianus ; 5, Cyperus longus ; G, Pteris hastata macrophylla ; 7, Sempervivum tabulaeforme. — Kentish. 1, Sambucus cana- densis ; 2, Amelanchier canadensis ; 3, Nuttalia cerasiformis ; 4, Exoehorda grandiflora ; 5, Ribes aureum ; 0, Rubus speciosus — Constant Reader. Leucoium cestivum, t he Summer Snow- flake — J. W. Vaccinium ovatum. — G. B. P. 1, Sempervivum species ; 2, Nepeta Glechoma variegata ; 3, Cydonia japonica. — A. D. 1, Cytisus purpureus ; 2, Coronilla emerus ; 3, Epimedium alpinum. — E. 8. 8, Bridgwater. The flower is that of Dendrobium moniliforme, Sw., native of China and Japan, and generally called D. japonicum in gardens. The plant you are confusing it with is Dendrobium Li- nawianum, Rchb. f,, which is often mistaken for Dendrobium moniliforme, Lindl., in gardens. It is quite a different plant, more nearly like Dendrobium nobile — S. T. Probably Tricho- pilia crispa. The labellum, which would be mainly reliable in distinguishing it from the closely-allied Trichopilia coccinea, is entirely withered. Trichopilia coccinea has long, thin, bright green pseudo-bulbs. If possible, send a fresh flower and old pseudo-bulb if you cannot determine — G. G. 1, Dendrobium undulatum ; 2, Sophronitis grandiflora rosea. — G. Cooper. 1, 2, 3, 4, Various forms of Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 5, Pyrus Malus floribunda. — G. T. 1, Crataegus punctata; 2, Acerpictum ; 3, Pyrus salicifolia ; 4, Acer platanoides ; 5, Acer pictum ; G, Pyrus elaeagrifolia ; 7, Crataegus coccinea. — Batrick. 1, send when in flower ; 2, Trollius europreus ; 3, Skimmia japonica ; 4, Lithospermum pros- tratum ; 5, probably Spiraaa filipendula ; C, send in flower ; 7, Saxifraga crassifolia. — J. G. 1, Echeveria hybrida ; 2, Sempervivum tortu- osum variegatum ; 3, Mesembryanthemum sp. ; 4, Geum coccineum ; 5, Euonymus radicans varie- gated var.; G, Centranthus ruber. — Claremont. Phyllocactus crenatus.— J. M. 1, Adiantum decorum ; 2, Phyllocactus speciosus ; 3, Begonia argentea ; 4, Begonia Madame Bruant ; 5, Be- gonia Nebula, or garden varieties near to those named; G, next week.— J. M, Notts. Prunus Padus (Bird Cherry).— IT. W. Pyrus Malus flori- bunda.— /. C. Mackaya bella.fig. inthe Botanical Magazine, t. 5797.— ff. ff. Tiarella cordifolia.— W. B. S. Magnolia conspicua. — J. K. Cattleya amethystoglossa, sometimes called Cattleya guttata Prinzii, so far as we can judge by the flower sent. The colour had faded out of the sepals and petals, but the labellum and general form of the flower answers tolerably well. Palm: F. B. The injury appears to have been caused by sunshine. Probably there is a faulty place in the glass that serves to focus the sun's rays. — Jas. E. The spots on the Palm-leaf are caused by minute drops of water remaining on the leaf ai ter the temperature has fallen at night. Give more ventilation. Raspberries : A. O. W. The Raspberry roots are teeming with the mycelium of seme fungus, which is evidently the cause of the mischief; but without fruit it is impossible to determine the particular species. Silver-Leaf Disease : B. A. G. The cause of the disease known as "silver-leaf " is not per- fectly understood. It has, however, been found that an application of a solution of iron- sul- phate applied to the roots, in the proportion of J May 28, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 337 THE partem' d£hnmicto No. 909 — SATURDAY, May 28, 1904. CONTENTS. Ad pie Eoklinvllle Seedling 318 Bamboos, Himalayan 310 Berberis Darwiaii ... 311 Birmingham new park at 315 Books, notices of — Flowering Shrubs and Trees 315 Fruit-garden, the ... 340 Land and Wate- ... 315 Parkinson's Para- disus 316 Publications received 316 Botany at the Royal Society's soires ... 315 Chelsei. lectures at ... 315 Cliiaothus puDiceus ... 317 Dahlia, Centenary of the 311 D^ndrobium William- son! 311 Departmental Fruit Committee, the ... 345 Earth-worm* of the garden and lawn ... 337 Erltriclitnm nanum, successful cultiva- tion of 312 Essex, fruit prospects in 317 Floral combinations . 338 Foliage for exhibition groups 312 ■Gardeners' Associa- tion, the proposed 311, 319 Horticultural Hall, the new 317 Incarvlllea Delavayi. 317 'rise j, new hybrid ... 349 Kew notes 33i» Lilacs, new varieties of 345 r.illum pardalinum ... New or noteworthy plants— Cymbidium Parishii vir - landei Nursery notes— Balchin & Son, Has- sock Obituary— Hartland. Mrs MacLachlan R. ... Primula Sieboldi, var. vincseflora Shrubs, interesting flowering Societies— Unnean ... 341, Manchester & North of England Orchid Manchester Botanic Royal Botanic Koyal Caledonian ... Royal Horticultural Seeds, misrepresenta- tion of Spinach, winter Strawberry forcing ... Summer, the conlines of Surveyors' Institution, the Temple Show, the ... Vine.browningdisease of the Wall gardening Walnut, black, in Devon Week's work- Flower garden. the . Fruits under glass- Hardy fruit garden . Kitchen-garden, the Orchid-houses, the . Plants under glass... 347 :;:,1 331 35) 346 345 350 350 314 351 35J 34 7 317 349 341 344 316 346 312 343 341 343 343 341 338 352 311 349 3H 339 339 337 well-marked sub-species, were included under this one name, and I am more than ever convinced that we ought to distinguish the two forms by different names. Rosa has adopted this idea, and places this Annelid under two sub-species, naming the first A. trapezoides, and the second A. turgida. I am at present specially concerned with the former, because it has been submitted to the Gardeners1 Chronicle with a view of obtaining expert evidence. Mr. Whitton wrote to the Editor from Glasgow, on March 28, as follows:— "I have been con- sulted by a bowling-club in the city as to the condition of the greens, whicli are in a bad state through worms. They have sent me sample worms and turf, which I here- with send you. They have tried fresh Irish lime on the grass, lime-water made from fresh lime, also from gas-lime, corrosive sublimate, arseniate of copper, and salt. Solutions from these have been made very Btrong— in some cases strong enough to burn the grass— but all without avail, as the worms are as lively as ever." ILLU8TRATION8 Cymbidium Parishii var. Sanderse DaldiniadJynnxylonlconcentru'a Dendrobium Williamson! Iris x Artemis Iris X Charon Pomaderris elliptica, flowering spray of t'omaderris vacciniifolia Worm, the Trapeze Wall garden at Hook House, near Winchfield (Supplementary Illustration) EAETH-WORMS OF THE GARDEN AND LAWN. SEVERAL of the species of British worms which are found in our gardens and occasion I discovered Dendrobium crassinode and * Rchb. f. In Transactions of the Linnean Society, xxx., p. 144; Gardeners' Chronicle 1874, i., p. 338. ' t Qardemrs Chronicle, 187s, Ii„ p. 71. May 28, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 339 several other good things, but I was so bewil- dered then at the number of novelties of all kinds that I did not know what to choose, as I could not carry everything. I gathered then a fair quantity of Cymbidium Parishii and of D. cras- sinode ; I sent them, with maDy other valuable things, to Mr. Low, the father, with one box meant for Kew ; but all (six large cases full !) were sunk in the Ganges. It was a cruel disappoint- ment, as it was my first collection, a most valu- able one ; many of the plants I have never met with again. The single plants kept by me to grow died. Hence I lost sight of these two plants for many years." Other plants of the Cymbi- dium, however, appear to have been afterwards last in flower, and for the first time in Europe. I bought the plant of Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. in May, 1870, being part of the private collection made in Burmah by the Eev. Mr. Parish. He said it was a fine thing, superior even to C. eburneum, which as regards the colours of the lip it certainly is. The plant has been strong enough to flower for three or four years, and I have been disappointed every spring until now ; but it is worth waiting for." Mr. Day's plant is said to have been purchased by Mr. B. S. Williams for 100 guineas, and when it flowered again was figured in the Orchid Album, ii., t. 25. Messrs. Sander's specimen is from a new and quite distinct locality, and considering how com- FlG. 147. — POMADEERIS VACCINIIFOLIA FLOWERING IN THE TEMPERVTE- HOUSE, KEW. obtained, for there is a dried specimen at Kew, and on the ticket is written — *' Flowered in my garden in 18G7 or 8," and also a note that plants were sent to Kew and to Mr. Low. In June, 1878, it flowered in Europe for the first time, in *he collections of W. Leech, Esq., Fallowfield, Manchester ; J. Day, Esq , of Tottenham ; and with Mr. B. S. Williams, when Eeichenbach wrote an interesting note about it. The Fallow- field plant, according to Mr. Swan, produced two -spikes, and he added : " I may say that it is a most beautiful thing, fully answering to the description I had with it ; and that it succeeds well in the Cattleya-house, giving it in the growing season very copious supplies of water." Mr. Day made an excellent painting of it, and wrote as follows.— "This lovely Cymbidium is at plttely the original plant has since been lost sight of it is not surprising that it should have been con- sidered a distinct species ; but a careful compari- son shows that it can only be considered as a richly-coloured variety. The plant bore a four- flowered inflorescence. The sepals and petals are ivory-white, and the front lobe of the lip heavily blotched with crimson -purple, some of the blotches being partially confluent. The two crests are orange-yellow, and in front of them occurs a deep yellow area, which colour also extends down the median line to the base of the lip. The column is striped with purple, and has some yellow at the base. It is nearly allied to C. eburneum, indeed Messrs. Veitch make it a variety of that species (If an. Orch , ix.,p. 15), with which, however, we cannot agree, as its characters are much too distinct. It is very interesting to find this hand- some plant again in cultivation, and we hope it will not now be lost sight of. The accompany- ing figure (fig. 146) is taken from the certificated plant. R. A. Rolfe. KEW NOTES. Pomaderbis. — This genus contains upwards of twenty species, all of which are natives of Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania. Most of the species are of little horticultural value, and are seldom seen except in botanical gardens. There have, however, lately been two species in flower in the Temperate-house at Kew which possess merits greatly in advance of the majority of the genus, namely, P. vacciniifolia and P. elliptica. The first-named forms a neat, free - branching shrub 3 J feet high, and is covered with its small pale yellow flowers borne in terminal and axillary paniculate cymes 1 to 2 inches in length. The leaves are ovate, J to 1 inch in length, obtuse, dark- green above, grey below. It is a native of Australia. Although introduced in 18G9, it does not appear to have been grown much in gardens, for I am unable to find any figure of the plant. PiO. 11*. — FLOWERINIi SPRAY OF POMADERBIS ELLIPTICA ai FROM A PLANT IN THE TEMPERATE-HOUSE, KEW. The second-named species (P. elliptica) is the Kumahu of the New Zealanders. It is a much stronger - growing plant than the preceding species. Although not so free-flowering, the flowers are larger, and of a bright yellow colour. The inflorescence is 3 to 4 inches in diameter, and densely flowered. The leaves are elliptic, 2 to 4 inches long, J to 1 inch broad, dark-green above, grey below. It is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 1510. Both of the above species succeed well in pots in a mixture of peat and loam. Chas. P. Raffill. Chirita hamosa, R. Br. Several plants of this charming little Indian species are now flowering in the stove, and will continue to do so for many weeks, for it is almost as floriferous as a Streptocarpus. It grows to a height of from 12 to 15 inches; the leaves are opposite, ovate-acute, 3 to 6 inches long, and 2 to 3 inches broad ; they are rather fleshy, and of a fresh pale green colour ; the peduncles of the flower are connate and adnate to the petioles, and pro- duce a succession of exceedingly pretty bell- shaped flowers of a pale blue colour, about 1 inch long, with a yellow blotch in the throat. Plants may be propagated by either seeds or cuttings ; if by the latter method the cuttings should be taken from the old stock plants in the spring and rooted in a close frame with plenty of bottom-heat. The young plants should be grown on in a stove tem- perature, in a very light, sandy compost, and when well rooted in a 4I-inch pot, should be fed 340 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 28, 19W. with some kind of manure. Under such con- ditions a well-flowered little specimen is obtained in about three months. W. H. Rhododendron Boothii. Several plants of tbis distinct and handsome species are at present in flower in a cold frame at Kew. It was discovered about fifty years ago in the Bhotan Himalayas by Mr. Booth, who was sent by his uncle, Mr. Nuttall, to collect seeds of Rhododendrons and other plants in those regions. He succeeded in finding twenty-two species, and of these about a dozen were new. The present species was amongst these latter, and was named in compliment to its discoverer by Mr. Nuttall, who published a description of it in Hooker's Journal of Botany for the year 1853. It is de- scribed as "a straggling bush 5 to 6 feet high, growing as an epiphyte on Oak - trees at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The flowers are bright yellow, disposed in many-flowered corymbs. The calyx is unusually developed for a Rhododendron, being quite J-inch long, greenish-yellow in colour, with oval, gla- brous segments. The corolla is campanulate, 1 to 1J inch in diameter, with slightly reflexed, entire lobes, rounded at the apex; pedicels an inch long, reddish- brown, with lepidote tomentum. Stamens short, with large reddish-brown anthers, the latter being very conspicuous against the yellow background of the corolla. The leaves are thickly coriaceous, rigid, ovate-acuminate, 2 to 5 inches long, 1 to 2 inches broad, dark glossy green above, scaly beneath. The young leaves and stems are dull red and densely ciliate j the hairs, however, almost entirely disappear in the adult stage. The plant thrives in a compost of peat and sand, and should be given the protection of a cool house or frame. It is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7149. Chas. P. Raffill. Orchis hircina, L., the "Lizard Orchis." A small pan of this rare British plant is now flowering in the Odontoglossum - house. Its natural haunts are in copses in East Suffolk and in Kent ; according to Hooker's Students' Flora it is becoming almost extinct. The plants now in flower have been grown in a cool frame, and have made quite a vigorous growth ; the flower-spike is about 18 inches high, and is carrying about forty flowers rather densely arranged on the inflorescence. The sepals and petals are of dull green, forming a hood over the column. It has a remarkable three- lobed lip, the mid- lobe is linear, about fih of an inch broad, white near the base and spotted with red, light brown towards the end, and fully 2 inches long, slightly curled, as also are the lateral lobes, which are of the same brown colour, and about 1 inch loDg. The odour is not one that would recommend it. Besides growing wild in England, it is also found in Belgium and southwards to N. Africa. It was exhibited at the Drill Hall on May 17 by Messrs. Cutbush & Sons, of Highgate. -Vanilla pompona, Schilde (V. lutescens,Mrq). Rarely does this species flower in this country, though it is extensively grown in the West Indies, the large fruits being sold as Vani'.lons, and used for the same economic purposes as the pods of V. planifolia, though in less quantity. V. pompona is now flowering in the Victoria-house, and is by far the largest of the twelve species in cultivation at Kew, both in the growth and in the size of the flowers; the plant is growing in a border, and trained up the end of the house and along the roof, the large succulent stem being quite 20 feet long, having large, broad, fleshy leaves 6 to 8 inches in length; the inflor- escence is axillary, containing about a dozen large flowers, in shape and size very closely resembling the flowers of Cattleya citrina; the sepals and petals are greenish-yellow, the lip being lemon colour. It is a native of tropical America. W. H. HIMALAYAN BAMBOOS. {Continued from p. 326.) Structural Differences between the two Species. — There is no difficulty in distinguishing A. falcata from A. Falconeri when in flower, even if there are only detached spikelets at hand. A. falcata has solitary or sometimes clus- tered spikelets, often on long slender pedicels, consisting of 3—4 florets, of which the lowest 1—2 are fertile, whilst the spikelets of A. Fal- coneri aie gathered in small racemes, supported by 2 — 4 bracts, and containing each only one fertile floret, with a bristle-like continuation of the rha- chilla.the raceme imitating a simple 5 — 7-flowered spikelet. The leaf-bearing culms of the two species differ sufficiently, and if once seen side by side, they should afterwards not be easily mistaken one for the other. The young shoots as they appear above the ground offer unmis- takably distinct marks in theii\sheaths. Those of A. falcata taper gradually from the middle or below it, and are usually (particularly the upper) produced into a distinct acumen. Their edges are fringed with fine-spreading cilia, about J— § lin. long, whilst their face or inner side is more or less delicately silky pubescent towards the tips. Otherwise they are glabrous, with the exception of the lowest, which are more or less hairy without. The transverse veinlets are generally so few and delicate that they escape notice; but sometimes they may be seen distinctly on the inner side near the edges of the acumen. "When thrown off the sheaths of A. falcata remain flat. Their ligules are also very characteristic. Those of the upper sheaths are much produced, and more or less broken up into fine fibres or fringed, attaining sometimes j inch in length. On the other hand, the culm sheaths of A. Falconeri are shortly narrowed towards the apex with convex margins, quite minutely ciliolate along the edges, other- wise perfectly glabrous, and their transverse veins are more or less raised, and always dis- tinctly visible on the inner side from the middle upwards, whilst the ligules are very short and truncate. I may also add that the sheaths of A. Falconeri are firmer than those of A. falcata, inclined to roll in from the edges when shed, and generally of a rich purplish colour ; whilst those of A. falcata are pale or slightly suffused with pink or purple. The culms themselves are not less distinct. Those of A. falcata are pure green, with a glaucous, often abundant, waxy covering which gradually wears off. It is longest preserved below the lower or sheath node-rims (the persistent bases of the leaf-6heaths), which project much, and are, at least the lower and middle ones, finely pubescent to velvety tomen- tose. The pale-brown or gold-brown tomentum gradually rubs more or less off, but not enough to disappear altogether. These lower node-rims vary a great deal in their thickness and hairiness, but where they are well developed they form a conspicuous character. The upper node - rim, corresponding to the zone where the intercalary growth of the internodes ceases last, appears in A. falcata in the growing culm as a bright green ring, in consequence of the absence of the whitish bloom in that zone. On the mature culm it projects, as a rule, slightly but distinctly. The culms of A. Falconeri are olive-green or yellowish-brown, usually with an infusion of purple, particularly when young, and towards the base of the internodes, and never glaucous. They are whitish just below the nodes when quite young and wrapped in their sheaths ; but this is not due to a covering of wax, but to the presence of extremely delicate and fugitive silky hairs. The lower node-rims of A. Falconeri are less prominent than those of A. falcata, leather-brown and quite glabrous, whilst the upper are quite obscure. The shape and size of the perfect blades vary consideraDly in A. falcata, not only in different clumps, but also on the same culm ; their colour, too, is subject to variation, partly according to age, partly independent of it, the shades of green passing from light green to bright green on the upper surface, which shows, in the living plant, a peculiar whitish sheen along a narrow strip on each side of the midrib ; the lower surface ia always paler, and usually faintly glaucous. The leaves of seedlings, however, are more or less glaucous all over. The nervation is very close; transverse veinlets are generally present in the larger leaves, but they are very delicate, and more easily seen in the dry state. Hairs occur only on the lower side of the midrib, towards the base, often placed laterally. The leaf -blades of A. Falconeri, compared with those of A. falcata, are brighter green, and show, seen sideways, a delicate glaucous lustre, which in sunshine adds to their beauty ; whilst the ting© of purple, which infuses, a3 already mentioned, a, certain warmth into the colouring of the culms, extends up through the branehlets to the petioles and the margins of the blades, which are edged with purple. The midrib seems to be always quite glabrous ; the lateral nerves are as in A. falcata, but the transverse veinlets are still scarcer and more difficult to detect. The general habit of both is very graceful, but there is little doubt that A. Falconeri exceeds A. falcata in beauty and size, where it finds a> congenial climate, as for instance, in Devonshire and Cornwall. Gamble states'4 that A. falcata. attains a height of C to 10 feet, and A. Falconeri of 12 to 15 feet, but the tallest specimen of A. falcata in the temperate-house at Kew measures over 15 feet, and A. Falconeri grows to more than 25 feet in Cornwall. Grown in the open air, A. falcata forms at Kew very dense clumps about- 3 feet high, from which spring here and there> slender culms up to 8 feet, a habit very different from that of the plants in the Temperate-house. A. Falconeri has been recently figured in Botanical Magazine, t. 7947. Otto Stapf, Ktw. (To be concluded.) BOOK NOTICE. The Fruit Garden. By George Bunyard.V.M.H, and Owen Thomas, V.M.H. Published at the Office of Country Life, Tavistock St., W.C. An important and valuable addition to pomo- logical literature has been contributed by the. well - known cultivators, Messrs. Bunjard and Thomas, in this handsome volume. Its scope is wide, for it deals with all the principal fruits grown out-of-doors and under glass in this country. It is practical and thorough in execu- tion, as the essentials of successful cultivation are detailed in most cases exhaustively ; and the publishers have aided the authors' efforts liberally in providing abundant excellent illus- trations, as well as in rendering the type, printing, and paper worthy cf the work. In a composite work of this character it is always an advantage to know who is responsible for each section, and the commendable plan is; adopted in The Fruit Garden of prefixing the name of the writer to each chapter. Thus we find that while Mr. Bunvard contributes the greater part of the chapters upon hardy fruits, Mr. Thomas deals with fruits grown under glass ; but the majority of the descriptive lists of varieties appear to have come from the former. Each writer gives a select list of varieties (names only) after the cultural directions, and following these are descriptive lists of " the best " varieties. Tbis has caused a slight inconsistency, which has escaped notice in the revision of the book as as 11 "Indian Bambiuete," in Ann. Hot. Gard. Calcutta, vii , p. 12. May 28, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 341 whole, for in several eases names of varieties appear in the select lists which are not in the descriptive lists. In the chapters on Peaches and Nectarines this defect is very marked, and must cause confusion to the reader, who will search in vain for the descriptions of several varieties recommended. The descriptions are admirably condensed and accurate, but are framed in quite a different way from that usually adopted. For example, with Apples and Pears, the characters are taken in this order: "skin," "colour," "flesh," "stalk," "flavour," "season," and "growth." Nothing is The majority of these sketches are clear and accurate, but outlines of such fruits as Straw- berries must always be in some degree unsatis- factory. Nearly all are of the full natural average size ; but with Gooseberries some are of full size and tome reduced, and even though the reduc- tion is stated it conveys a rather misleading impression. The book comprises 507 pages, and it may be therefore judged that cultural details are dealt with fully. Still there has been no undue extension, for the majority of the chapters are both clear and concise. Some differences of FlC. 14?.— DENDEOBIUM W1LLIAMSOXI. said about general " form " or the characters afforded by the "eye." Here also another small inconsistency occurs, for in the excellent chapter on "Fruit-growing in France," by M. Alfred Nomblot, several of the same varieties occur that are in the preceding lists, and they are described in a totally different manner. It should, however, be remarked that nearly 100 pages at the end of the book are devoted to outline sketches and sections of the principal fruits, -which are intended to supplement the descriptions as a means cf identification. It is a pity that these were not numbered, as with corresponding numbers to the descriptions they could then have been easily found for reference. opinion must always prevail respecting certain methods, but the authors may be congratulated upon having in nearly all cases stated their reasons for each practice fairly and satisfactorily. In regard to planting fruit-trees, Mr. Bunyard says, "Trees planted later than January should not be pruned until after the first summer's growth." But he does not give the experience of others, which favours the pruning immediately after planting, nor does he refer to well-known instances where the evidence is at least as much iu favour of that system as of the one he recommends. Many readers will regret that the chapter upon "The Injurious Insects and Diseases affecting Fruit-trees," has not been extended to greater length. It bears the evidence of having been unduly condensed, though the subject is of great and increasing importance to all cultivators. Fob instance, " Canker," we are told, " is caused by bad drainage," and that is all we can find about it. No reference is made to the scab-fungus, which causes so much lo3s and trouble. For the Currant-bud mite an application is recommended of a diluted mixture of 2 lb. of sulphur and 2 lb. of lime boiled in 3 gallons of water, but similar and stronger preparations have proved to be useless in many cases. Phjlloxera is disposed of in five or six lines ; and many other examples oould be given to show that an otherwise excellent chapter has been greatly reduced in utility by excessive condensation. Special chapters have been contributed by several experienced growers and writers, such as Fruit-trees in Pots and Alpine Strawberries, by Mr. J. Hudson ; Strawberries under Glass, by Mr. H. H. Thomas ; Tropical Fruits, by Mr. W. Watson ; Fruit-trees as Flowering Trees, by Mr. Hugh A. Pettigrew ; Spraying Crops, by Mr. W. Crump, and others. An interesting feature is a'so constituted by the sections dealing with fruit culture in America, in France, and in the Channel Islands, which contain a good deal of valuable information. 'Whole-fruit preservation is described by Mr. S. Ponder, and Mr. T>. Mackenzie gives useful details on the construc- tion of fruit-houses. Altogether the book con- tains a variety of fruit-lore that cannot fail to be of value both to amateur and professional cultivators of all classes. DENDKOBIUM WILLIAMSONI. This distinct and beautiful species is seldom met with in cultivation, probably owing to the fact that it is a somewhat difficult plant to establish. Specimens were first sent home from Assam by W. J. Williamson, Esq , and the plant was named in compliment to its discoverer by Keichenbach, who published a full description in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1869, p. 78. It is figured in the Annals of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Calcutta, vol. v., t. 0, from a plant collected in the Khasia Hills, and which flowered in those gardens in 1879. The drawing, however, is very inaccurate, the lip being represented as divided into several segments, whereas it is distinctly bilobed. It is closely allied to the well-known D. formosum. A.t Kew the plant is- afforded a high temperature during the growing season, with an abundance of moisture both in, the atmosphere and at the roots. Then follows a season of rest ; the temperature of the house is reduced, and only just enough water is given to prevent the pseudo-bulbs from shrivelling. The- flowers appear in early March and last in, perfection about six weeks. Chas. Baffin. TREES AND SHRUBS. BERBERIS DAKWINII. This beautiful shrub, of which we have scores of specimens in the grounds and by the sides of woodland walks, has given a warmth of tone with its clusters of orange flowers for several months, and the flowers are now only commencing to fall. The bushes are mostly from 12 to 15 feet in height, and are literally covered with bloom, giving them a decidedly pendulous habit. They do well amongst other evergreens wherever they can get sufficient light overhead. We find the flowers to last well when cut in long branches of a yard or more in length, and placed in glasses or jars. Berberis aquifolia (Mahonia) does not thrive here at all. F. Street, Ardwell, N.B. 342 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 23, 1904. SUITABLE FOLIAGE FOR EXHIBITION GROUPS. In most exhibits of cut flowers, and in groups of flowering plants, the use of ornamental foliage plants or of sprays of the same is allowed. There is usually no restriction made in regard to the foliage being only such as might be expected to .grow under similar conditions of atmosphere as the flowers, therefore exhibitors frequently use material without any regard to natural associa- tion. While there are some judges who pay little attention to this point, there are others more exacting, and who consider it quite out of place to arrange tropical Palms with hardy herbaceous plants. In a mixed group of stove and greenhouse plants much latitude may be given ; but it is certainly more interesting and instructive to ordinary visitors when only hardy foliage plants are used with hardy flowering plants. There is no reason why the hardy Ferns should not be used much more extensively, especially to form an undergrowth for the tall plants or large bunches of flowers from the hardy herbaceous border. For tall plants, the hardy Bamboos are •equally elegant, and more suitable than Palms. There are also many grasses, of which the Eulalias are perhaps the most serviceable. E japonica, the ordinary green form, may be raised from seeds. Everyone knows what a useful plant the variegated variety is ; and though it may be grown in pots in warmth, it is perfectly at home in the herbaceous border. When once esta- blished there it makes a fine plant, and assumes ■quite a different character to those grown in pots, which, being divided frequently, make more slender growth. E. japonica zebrina under any •conditions grows rather stronger but is equally useful ; and E. univittata gracillima is another equally ornamental grass. For shorter plants, Carex japonica and its variegated variety may be recommended. In order to have these in good •condition they must be divided periodically, and should be grown fully exposed to the light. There are other hardy or semi-hardy grasses •which are useful. For an edging Dactylis glo- •merata variegata maybe recommended ; grown in pots with a slight protection, the variegation becomes very clear. Equally pretty is the tender stove grass, Oplismenus Burmanni (Pani- ■cum variegatum). Another useful variegated .grass is Stenotaphrum americanum variegatum ; and last season I noted some pretty plants of Arrhenatherum bulbosum variegatum of medium height with slender leaves striped with clear white. The variegated Maple (Acer Negundo varie- gatum) is a most useful plant if potted in the autumn, and only requires to be put under glass in a cool-house to make a most effective plant •for forming a background to brightly-coloured flowers. Some of the Japanese Maples, especially the -dark-leaved varieties, are very effective for re- lieving flowers of light colours. There are many ■other beautiful hardy plants which provide good foliage. Thalictrum minus adiantifolium, grown 'in pots with a slight protection, is almost as ■beautiful as the best Adiantum cuneatum, and much more suitable for associating with hardy •flowers. The Funkias grown in pots with a little protection make fine, broad foliage, and those with variegated leaves are particularly •useful. It only requires a little forethought to ■have plenty of good foliage for associating with hardy flowers, and this would be more interesting and should prove more profitable to the exhi- bitors than if plants from the stove were used among hardy flowers. In the arrangement of stove plants suitable •foliage is very plentiful, and it is hardly neces- sary to say that the use of hardy grasses or other species not properly belonging to the tropical department should be avoided. The above remarks are suggested from some en- quiries I have received in regard to suitable foliage plants to be used in exhibition groups of hardy plants and flowers. A. Hemsley. FOREIGN CORRESPONDENCE. ERITEICHIUM NA.NUM AND ITS CULTI- VATION. Fob the last three years we have succeeded in acclimatising Eritrichium nanum in Geneva, and have even been able to increase it by means of cuttings. Eritrichium nanum grows in dwarf, dense, regular and flat tufts, the leaves short and small, very hairy, arranged in rosettes packed closely together. This surface of rather greyish foliage is, with us, covered in July and August with such a profusion of flowers that the leaves are concealed by them. The flowers are sessile, relatively large, and so intensely blue that they are perhaps the bluest of all blossoms. Lovers of alpines have long wished to acclima- tise this plant, sometimes called the Alpine King, as it grows among the rocks on the high mountains at altitudes of between 5,500 and 7,500 feet. Hitherto their efforts have been unsuccessful. In England, Mr. Burroughs, of Stamford, a lady at Lymington, and, I believe, also Mr. Farrer, cf Ingleborough, have been the only successful growers. Mr. Burroughs bloomed the plant for several years, and for some time it seeded on his rockery. However, it has now disappeared. Here, at Floraire, we 'are better situated than we were at Plainpalais, and we are more open. We have for two years (it is now the third year of their cultivation) hundreds of Eritrichium plants, which, at the time of writing, are covered with bloom, and in the same manner as when growing on the mountains, the flowers are quite sessile and so abundant as to hide the foliage. We find it necessary in our dry climate to grow the plants in well-drained sand, with a very little sphagnum added to maintain moisture round the roots. In England small broken pebbles may re- place the sphagnum, and about a quarter part of peat should be added. The plant should be placed in full sunshine and kept very dry, and in winter should be kept absolutely free from damp, with air play ing freely round it. Placed vertically in a wall or chink in the rock it succeeds well. Henry Correvon, Floraire, Genera. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDEB GLASS. By C. R. Fieldeh, Gardener to Mrs. Bubns, North Myinms Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Allamandas. — Plants in pots which have hitherto been kept dry at the roots and rested in an intermediate temperature with a view to having them in flower in the late autumn must now be started into growth. As a matter of fact, it will be found a difficult matter to keep the plants at rest after this date without incurring the danger of causing them injury. Let the plants be pruned sufficiently to remove all imma- ture wood, if this has not already been done. Place them in a house having an atmospheric temperature of from GO0 to 65°, and afford them a thorough watering. As soon as growths half an inch long have been made the plants should be repotted. Keduce the size of the old balls con- siderably, and either place them in pots of the same size, or if larger plants are required, shift them into others a size larger. A suitable com- post may consist of three-parts loam, and one- part leaf -soil, adding some silver-sand andcrushed charcoal, or burnt ballast, and a G-inch potful of bone-meal to a barrow-load of compost. As soon as the plants are in active growth they should be placed in full sunlight. Celosias. — These may be kept in small pots until the plumes begin to appear, when they should be potted into 5-inch or 6-inch pots. Afford them a rich and porous compost, which may consist of three-parts loam, and one-half-part each of old hot-bedmanure and leaf -soil, addingplenty of sand. The plants should be kept near to the roof-glass, and afforded a temperature of about GO". Use the syringe freely among them to prevent red- spider. When the plumes are at their best the plants may be hardened off somewhat, and may then be placed in the conservatory or greenhouse. Ceropegia Woodii. — This pretty plant, intro- duced by Mr. W. Bull, and originally described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, is very effective when grown in small pots and the long, trail- ing growths allowed to hang down over the edges of the stages in the stave or warm inter- mediate-house. Propagation is readily effected by means of cuttings, and the small tubers which are produced upon the mature growth. The plants require but very little root-room, and half- a-dozen cuttings, or the like number of tubers, inserted in small GO-sized pots filled with a sandy soil, will make good plants by the end of the THE FLOWEB GABDEN. By i. F. Wadds, Gardener to Sir W. D. Peabson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. Summer Bedding. — This work will now claim much attention, and Pelargoniums having been hardened off they may be planted in the beds. Where there are designs to be studied, the mixing of colours must be carefully thought out. For small designs, quiet soft colours are preferable (one variety in a bed), such as pink, white, grey, or violet. A few dot-plants may be used, such as Grevillea robusta, Acacia lopantha, Abutilons, or Dracaena australis. These should be staked neatly. Other colours are more suit- able for large beds, such as scarlet, yellow, and blue ; such may form the centre for large beds. Or the colours may be graded up from white on the margins to scarlet in the centre. If the beds are very large they may be raised, that the effect may be greater. Humea elegans. — These will require applications of liquid-manure, and careful hardening off ; they should be placed in a sheltered position, and be secured to stakes. Cannas. — Old roots may now be planted out. Being gross feeders they should be planted in rich soil, which has been previously manured. Young plants will be ready for planting out after a few weeks. Wallflowers have been perfect this season, and will last some time longer. The double German varieties are a show in themselves. Place some string round the beds of Wallflowers to keep the plants from hanging over the grass. Tulips. — If the beds containing Tulips have to be planted with summer-flowering plants, lift the Tulip-bulbs and plant them immediately in another position. If such beds will be required for Begonias, afford them a light dressing of peat or leaf-mould and a sprinkling of soot. Dig the beds a few days before planting. Bedding Begonias (Tuberous and Fibrous-rooted varieties). — Kemove the lights on the frames on every favourable occasion, to harden the plants sufficiently for planting out in a few weeks' time. Damp the surfaces in the frames with water from the syringe. Flower Beds. — If any of the beds contain orna- mental shrubs that were planted for effect in winter, take the plants up carefully, and replant them in good soil that is not very rich. Keep the plants a good shape, pinching those that may require this treatment. Attention should be paid to watering and syringing shrubs, especially Tree Ivies ; they will require syringing with quassia-water or some other insecticide to destroy red- spider. Flowering Shrubs. — As the different species come into flower, take a note of thoBe it will be desirable to plant next autumn. Where there May 28, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 343 should be twelve or eighteen trees of one variety there are generally two or three only. Flowering trees and shrubs should be planted in large masses. Such species as Eibes rubrum may be easily increased by inserting ripened shoots in the autumn in the open ground. Clethra alni- folia requires a mixture of peat, and a position that possesses a moderate degree of shelter. Hydrangeas, with standard plants of H. panicu- lata grandiflora, make a good bed. Prunus sinensis flore-pleno and P. triloba, Staphyleas, Berberis stenopbylla, Viburnum, and Choisya ternata are very useful when cut for furnishing tall vases in the dwelling-house. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, LoekiDge Park, Wantage. Vines. — Late Vines of the varieties Lady Downes and Gros Colmar being in the flowering stage, we are affording them a slightly increased temperature, to 70° to 75° at night and a corre- sponding rise during the day. Unless a constant circulation of air be maintained, thick-skinned varieties do not as a rule set well. Do not stop the shoots or laterals until the Vines have passed out of flower. As soon as the properly-fertilised berries can be distinguished from others by their greater size, thin the berries freely. It is presumed the borders have been well mulched, and now, by affording moderate but frequent waterings, the roots will not suffer from drought. If the weather be hot and bright during the stoning period, the foliage thin, and ventilation ineffective, the berries of the variety Lady Downes' will be subject to scalding. To avoid this, afford abundance of ventilation in the morning before the sun shines upon the house, and defer closing the house until the sun has ceased to shine upon it in the afternoon. This should be done until the berries commence to colour, when all danger will be past. I do not practise or recommend the use of shading. Cherries. — To preserve ripe fruits that are not screened by the foliage, some shading will be necessary so that the fruits may be perfectly pro- tected from hot sunshine. Admit air freely to the house and maintain a free circulation of air. In hot weather spray the border and other sur- faces in the house liberally with water. Under the conditions described few fruits will keep so long as Cherries and retain their fresh appearance and flavour. Cucumbers. — As the nights become a little warmer, gradually decrease the amount of fire- heat used and the atmospheric moisture of the houses. Afford light and frequent top-dressings to plants that have already produced ripe fruits. Such top-dressings should be composed of loam, half-decayed leaves, and stable-droppings. Cut away old wood to make room for young shoots. Ventilate the house freely during the day. Cut fruits intended for use before they attain a large size, and remove deformed fruits as soon as they appear. Guard against mildew by preventing an excess of moisture or too low temperatures. Plants which may have become weakened by heavy cropping should be cropped lightly for a time, to encourage them to make young shoots. No difficulty will now be experienced in growing Cucumbers in frames from which early Potatos, &c, have been removed. be re-potted, tut it is not advisable to disturb them oftener than is really necessary. Therefore when re-potting the plants, afford them sufficient space for seveial seasons' growth. Cjmbidiums being deeply-rooting plants should be grown in pans rather than pots. Make the pots about one- quarter full with drainage materials, and for the potting compost use good yellow turfy loam and rough fibrous peat in equal parts with chopped sphagnum-moss. Add a few broken crocks and a moderate quantity of coarse silver-sand. Mix the whole together thoroughly. A few months ago several Cymbidiums that had flowered earlier than usual were re-potted as an experiment, using, in addition to the above ingredients, leaf- soil in the same proportion with the loam and peat, and the surface of the compost was mossed over in the usual manner to about 1 inch in depth. Up to the present time these plants have grown as well as we could wish. In repotting Cymbidiums make the compost moderately firm, and leave sufficient space below the rim of the pot to contain a quantity of water, for the plants will require abundant supplies after they have become re- established. Place them in a cool, shady position in the intermediate house, and until new roots are plentiful, afford water with much care. If large quantities are given during this period the old roots will be sure to decay prematurely, the new growths may damp off, and the foliage become spotted. Syringe well between the pots several times (ach day during the summer months. Other Cymbidiums which grow well under similar treatment are C. cyperifohum, C. longifolium, C. ensifolium, C. aloifolium, C. chloranthum, C. pen- dulum, and C. madidum. Cyperorchis (Cymbi- dium) affine, C. Mastersii, and C. elegans may also be included ; C. Devonianum also requiies an intermediate temperature ; it has pendulous flower racemes, but it is immaterial whether baskets or pots are used. I prefer the ordinary flower-pot. C. tigrinum is of dwarf habit j it is a very pretty species, and its drooping spikes of flowers are always greatly admired. During the summer the cool-house is the most suitable place for the plant ; but in winter it should be removed to an intermediate temperature. THE OBCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White. Orchid Grower to Sir Tbevob Lawbence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Cymbidiums.— Such species as C. eburnenm, C. Tracyanum, C. Lowianum, C. L. concolor, C. giganteum, C. Hookerianum, and the distinct hybridsC.eburneo-Lowianum,C.Lowio-eburneum, C. Ballianum, C. Winnianum, and the new C. eburneo-Lowianum concolor, should be included in every collection, as the plants are suitable for exhibition purposes, and the flowers are useful when they have been cut. C. Lowianum is especially serviceable, for its long, handsome spikes of flowers will last for several months in good condition. At the present time the majority of these plants have passed their flowering stage, and if they require more rcoticg space may safely tion of manure-water will prove helpful to large plants bearing heavy crops. This should be applied as soon as the fruits have set, taking gryfit care not to disfigure the berries with the liquid. Gooseberries. — Keep a sharp look-out for cater- pillars on the bushes, and should they appear, dust the affected parts with Hellebore powder. It should be applied when the bushes are wet; and after the caterpillars are destrojed, syringe- the bushes thoroughly with clean water, to wash off the powder, which is very poisonous. If the bushes have been limed early, the caterpillars will not be very numerous, and fresh lime dusted over the affected parts now will also destroy this troublesome pest ; but the work should be taken in hand early, and before the bushes have been partly stripped of the leaves. THE HABDY FBUIT GARDEN. By H. Mabeham, gr., Wrotham Park, Barnet. Mulching. — Fruit-trees growing on light or shallow soils which have set a heavy crop of fruit will require a thick mulch of manure over the roots. If the surface of borders in which wall fruit - trees are planted has become some- what hard, as the result of trampling during wet weather, loosen it by means of a fork before applying the mulch, to allow the water to pass more freely through the soil. Trees in heavier and wetter soils need not be mulched so early, the pricking up of the surface will suffice for the present time. This also applies to any young fruit-trees which have a tendency to grow too strongly. Strawberry-beds. — The plants are throwing up an abundance of strong flowers, and promise a heavy crop of fruit. Beds which have not been mulched and littered down already should be attended to before the flowers are too forward, otherwise some amount of damage may be done to the tiny fruits when carrying out the work. Straw or litter from the stable will be found to be the best material to use to protect the fruits from grit, &c. Short grass, although used by some, is not to be recommended. Those plants which were layered early last July to supply early fruits should have the flower-trusses thinned if extra large Strawberries are required. Remove some of the weaker trusses as well as the smaller flowers where they are too numerous. Give the soil about the plants a good dressing of soot and lime previous to bedding- down, as a safeguard against slugs. Young plants put out this spring should not be allowed to fruit this season. They should have their flowers and runners pinched off for one season, so as to give the plants an opportunity of making strong crowns by the end of the summer. Plants that were put out for the express purpose of producing early runners for layering should also have their flower-trusses removed early. A good applica- THE E1TCHEN GARDEN. By John Pektiand, Gardener to C. H. B. Fibth, Esq > Ashnicke Hail, Marshfield, Chippenham. Capsicums. — Those for growing indoors should be potted on as required until they are in G or 7-inch pots, which are large enough to produce good plants. Keep a buoyant atmosphere, for if this is allowed to be stagnant and overcharged with moisture the plants will soon become un- healthy. In the Southern counties, if warm, well-sheltered borders with a south aspect are> available, Capsicums may be grown successfully out-of-doors. Plants for this purpose should now be removed into a cool frame to be gradually hardened off for planting out about the mrddle of June. Cardoons that were raised in heat and have been hardened off shoirld now be planted out in well-manured trenches, similar to those prepared for Celery. Let the trenches be 4 feet apart, and the plants 18 inches apart in the trenches. If another sowing be required, the seeds may be> sown directly into the trench, making a drill J inch deep along the bottom. When the- seedlings are through the ground, thin them out to the proper distances before they become drawn. Celery.— The earliest plants which were pricked out in good time, and have been carefully at- tended to are now ready for planting in the trenches. If these trenches were prepared as- previously advised, they should be afforded a, thorough coating of soot or lime early in the morn- ing before planting the Celery. If the ground r& dry so much the better. Work the hoe along the bottom of the trench and well mix the surface- soil and dressing together. Select strong plants- of uniform height, and take them up with good balls of soil attached. Plant them one foot apart in the trench. If the weather is showery and the soil can be worked easily, all the better ; but if it- be dry at the time of planting afford the plants- a good watering, and shade them from hot sun- shine for a few days until they become established. Afford the plants waterings with weak liquid- manure during the growing season. If watering be not attended to on dry soils the Celery will be " stringy " and unsatisfactory. Cucumbers. — "Ridge" varieties raised in heat should be hardened off in a cold frame for planting-out about the second week in June on ridges, where they should be afforded the pro- tection of handlights until they are established and the weather favourable for exposing them. Attend to Cucumbers in frames, and make another sowing if required. Seed-sowing for Succession. — Further sowings- should be made of the following vegetables and salads according to the requirements :— Peas, Dwarf French Beans, Turnips, Spinach, Radishes, Chervil, Borage, Parsley, Lettuce, Endive, Kohl Rabi, Rampion, Mustard, Cress, and a sowing of Cauliflower. Railway Rates. — The President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has appointed Mr. Geokge Lambert, M.P., to be an additional member of the Departmental Committee on Preferential Eailway Bates. 344 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 28, 1904. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, TUESDAY, (Annual Meeting and Dinner May 30- of Kew Guild at the Holborn \ Restaurant, at 7 p.m. Roval Horticultural Society's May 111 ^now in t?e Temple Gardens, Thames Embankment (three . days). /■General Meeting of Gardeners | to consider Proposed Gar- WEDNESDAY, June 1- deners' Association at Essex | Hall. Essex Street, Strand, I. at 6 p M. ( Linnean Society meef. — .,„„,,.., -, „ I Devon County Agricultural So- THURSDAY, June 2- "\ieXy-s 8how aet Totnes (two ' days). fRIDAY, June 3— Royal iiotanic Society Lecture. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. MONDAY NEXT, May 33- Special sale of Orchids in flower, at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, EC, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 30. TUESDAY NEXT, MAY 31— Sale of duplicate plants from the Oakwood collec- tion, by order of N. C. Cookson, Esq , by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & Z8 Cheapside, at 3 —Sixth annual pale of Bedding and Greenhoue Plants at Mile Ash Nurseries, Duffield Road, Derby, by order of Mr. F. Lewis, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. THURSDAY NEXT, June 2— Sale of valuable duplicate plants from several col- lections, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, E.C.. at 12.30. FRIDAY NEXT, JUNE 3- 10 COO imported Odontoglossum crispum, loo Cat- tleya Mendelii, consignments of Cattleya gigas and aurea (mixed), and C. Sehrodene, at 67 &e8, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 SO. {For further particulars see our Advertisiment columns.) Atebage Tempebatuhe tor the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -58 4'. Actual Tempebatubes :— LONDON.— May 25 (6 P.M.) : Max (9°; Min. 52°. May 26, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street. Covent Garden (10 a.m.): Temp., eo" ; Bar., 29'9. Weather dull, but warm. PBOVINCES. — May 25 (6 p.m.) : Max. 67', Guildfoid ; Min. 50°, North-east of Scotland. Centenary of the Dahlia. It is interesting to recall the fact that on May 20, 1804, seed3 of Dahlias were received in LondoD, from which plants were •raised and flowered the same year, and that ever since the Dahlia has been uninterrupt- edly cultivated in British gardens. Latterly it has been assumed that, like earlier im- portations, these plants and their progeny were lost, and a new stock had to be im- ported from the Continent to furnish gardens. Recorded facts, as we shall see, do not bear out that assumption. A good account of Lady Holland's Dahlias is appended to vol. ii. of MacDonald's Gardeners' Dictionary (1805-7), written in 1806 by Mr. Buonianti, librarian at Ken- sington House, to whom the seeds were consigned. Plants were raised and flowered the same year, the remainder of the seeds being sown under more favourable condi- tions in 1805, and seeds gathered from some of the plants. In 1806 Mr. Salisbury secured seeds of these, and, as it would appear, also Lee and Kennedy, of Hammersmith, who distributed plants in 1807. The great height of the plants exercised a deterrent effect on their cultivation, and after their novelty liad worn off, they do not seem to have made much if any progression in popular esteem. •Sabine relates how visitors to the Continent in 1814 were surprised to discover the beauties of the Dahlia, with the result that •tubers were imported thence the following winter, and a fresh impetus in consequence given to their cultivation; but he does not indicate that English sorts had been lost. Another erroneous assumption regarding Continental varieties relates to the doubling of the flowers, which is said not to have occurred till 1814 — 15. Fortunately we possess fairly full accounts of the first double flowers. The first English-raised double appeared in Kensington Gardens in the year 1805, the colour being " exceedingly pale.'' This and all the other seedlings were perpetuated. On the Continent there are records of double flowers even earlier, but the best account is of the Dahlias of Count Letseir, the French Director of Gardens at St. Cloud, who in 1808 possessed three double varieties, in colour respectively purple, rose, and buff. In the same year he had single varieties with striped and with shaded flowers. In Germany a Mr. Otto raised a double variety in 1809, the produce of a semi-double the previous year. In A Horticultural Tour, written to com- memorate observations made on the Con- tinent in 1817 by a committee of the Caledonian Horticultural Society, some fresh evidence of the evolution of the Dahlia appears, and at the same time the continuity of the English strain is inci- dentally verified. This occurs in the de- scription of a garden at Bruges, Belgium, where the Dahlias are stated to have borne flowers ': nearly double the size to which they usually attain in Scotland." The finest collection of Dahlias they met with was in a Mr. Smetz's garden in Antwerp. These originated from plants imported from Paris in 1809, the first seen in Antwerp, and from these improved forms had resulted, so that at the time of their visit Mr. Donckelaar, the gardener, possessed " no fewer than twenty different sorts with double flowers and varying in colour; besides these he has ten varieties with semi - double flowers." Mr. Donckelaar sold his twenty doubles at £4 3s. 4'/. the set in young plants, or £8 6s. Sil. old roots; and his sales appear to have extended beyond Holland. From about the year 1827 a great impetus was given to their cultiva- tion ; but the flowers at this time, with the exception of single varieties, had little in common with the flower as we now know it. They were called globe-flowered, Aster- flowered, and some with broad guaod petals and quilled centres, Anemone - flowered. Then came a flat-petalled section, which shortly gave place to the show Dahlia, of which "Springfield Eival," which was sold for ten guineas, was the forerunner. The Metropolitan and other florist societies, were founded solely to exhibit Dahlias. By 1840 the excitement of Dahlia culture had died away ; but, according to the author of a little book on Popular Flowers (1843), while it lasted it almost rivalled that in Holland in the seventeenth century over the Tulip. Linnean Society of London. — Evening Meeting, Thursday, June 2, 1901, at 8 p.m . when the following Papers will be read : — 1, " The Species of Impatiens in the Wallichian Her- barium," by Sir Jos. D. Hooker, G.C.S.I., F.R.S., &cj 2, "Biscayan Plankton, Part III., Chaeto- gnathia," by Dr. G. H. Fowler, F.L.S., &c. ; 3, " The Flow of Fluids in Plant- Stems," by Prof. E. J. Anderson, M.D., F.L.S., &c. Royal Botanic Society.— The Right Hon. the Earl of Aberdeen has consented to be present at the Conference of the Education Section, of which Sir William Collins is Presi- dent. The following addresses will be given on June 7 : — 11 a.m. Address on "Nature Study and its Cognate Educational Subjects," by Sir George W. Kekewich, K.C.B., D.C.L., President of the School Nature Study Union. 2 p.m. (1) A paper on " Horticultural Teaching among Adults," by Mr. J. "Weathers, F.RH.S., Instructor in Horti- culture, Middlesex County Council ; (2) A paper on " School Gardens and Horticultural Teaching in Schools," by Mr. E. Cesar, Hale Council Schools, Farnham; (3) A paper on "Nature Study in Schools," by Miss V. James, Heidelberg College, Ealing. Temple Flower Show— The seventeenth great flower show held by the Royal Horticultural Society in the Inner Temple Gardens will com- mence on Tuesday, May 31, and continue open on the two following days. Having regard to this being the centennial year of the Society, the show bids fair to eclipse all its predecessors in point both of numbers and of excellence. As on previous occasions, the prizes will include silver cups and medals, which will be awarded according to merit. Among them may be mentioned three special prizes for the exercise of good taste in the arrangement of exhibits, without reference to the quantity or quality of the exhibit. A cup costing 55 guineas, presented to the Society by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., to celebrate the jubilee of the establishment of that firm in London, will be awarded to the best individual exhibit at the Show. The Show will be divided into the following classes, each of which will have a separate set of judges— viz , Orchids, Roses, Fruit and Vegetables, groups staged in the open air, bardy herbaceous plants, alpines and rock gardens, foliage plants, either alone or mixed with flowers ; and any flowering and other plants that cannot be included under these headings. The increased demand for space for plants, and the impossibility of obtaining permission to erect more tents, compel the Council to exclude all vases of arranged flowers, table decorations, bouquets, sprays, and such like. ROYAL Vl8 IT TO DrOPMORE— Their Majesties the King and Queen and Princess Victoria visited Dropmore, the residence of J. B. Fortescue, Esq, on Wednesday last. The famous Rhododendrons and Azaleas in these gardens are now at their best. The FRUIT CROP8. — The Apple-orchards in Devon and Cornwall have furnished a grand sight lately. The trees were simply one mass of blos- som, and there is every prospect of a rich harvest this j ear, provided the remaining days of the month keep free from frost. Heavy winds and rain would also have a bad effect. But even these would be preferred to frost, as less damige would result from them. Surveyors' Institution.— A conversazione will be held at the Natural History Museum South Kensington (by permission of the Trustees), on Thursday, June 16, from 9 to 12 p.m. The annual general meeting of the Institution, to receive the report of the Council and the announcement of the result of the election of officers for the ensuing year, will be held in the Lecture Hall on Monday, May 30, 1904, at 3 o'clock. The prizes awarded to successful candidates, in connection with the recent preli- minary and professional examinations will be presented by the President at the annual general meeting. The British Gardeners' Association.— Mr. W. Watson, Honorary Secretary of the Provisional Committee, writes to us as follows :•— " Will you kindly allow me to inform your readers who are interested in the proposal to form an As- sociation of Professional Gardeners, to include all sections of horticulture, that the Provisional Committee will submit a definite scheme for its immediate formation at the meeting to be held in the Essex Hall, Essex Street, Strand, at 0 p.m. on June 1. The Committee have had assurances of support from many gardeners of all classes, including nurserymen, seedsmen, park-superin- tendents, &c, and there is now every prospect May 28, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 3 45 that the Association will be a success. There is seating accommodation for GOO only in the Essex Hall, and as it is hoped that the proceedings will .begin at 0 o'clock, those who desire to get a seat should be in time. W. Watson." DEAN Hole. — We are glad to learn that the Dean of Rochester is reported to be somewhat better. The prajers of the congregation at Rochester Cathedral were asked on his behalf on Sunday last, and his condition has given cause for grave anxiety to his friends. The Linnean Society open to Ladies. — The annual meeting of the Linnean Society was .held at Burlington House, Piccadilly, on Tuesday iast, under the chairmanship of Mr. Sydney Vines, Professor of Botany at Oxford, the retiring President. The supplemental charter was laid before the Fellows, an interesting point in which ■is that it gives power to elect women to member- ship. The Gold Medal was awarded to Dr. Guntheb, F.K.S. Prof. W. A. Herdman, F.R.S., was elected President. Botany at the Soiree of the Royal SOCIETY, May 13.— The Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, had some highly interest- ing exhibits, first among them being a series of drawings by Miss M. Smith and Miss H. Lasker, illustrating the researches of Messrs. W. B. Hemsley and J. N. Rose into the organogeny, and those of Herr F. E. Fritsch into the ana- tomy of a small group of Mexican and Peruvian ■trees, which the botanists first named intend publishing as illustrations of a new natural order, called the Amphipterygiacese. Its affi- nities are stated as being with the Cupulifera>, Juglandaceae, and Anacardiaceie. These trees have alternate pinnate leaves ; male flowers like those of an Oak ; female flowers three or four in ■a. closed receptacle, similar to those of the Beech ; a composite, indehiscent fruit, and exalbuminous seeds. Next came a series of drawings by Dr. O. Stapf of the fruit and seed of the Bamboo named Melocanna bambusoides, which has exalbuminous, ■viviparous seeds. The grain of this grass is of the ■shape and size of a medium-sized Pear, the bulk •of it consisting of a fleshy pericarp, which, in the absence of albumen, serves to nourish the germinating embryo through the agency of a very large scutellum. The other exhibits from Kew were living plants of Hydnophytum longifolium and Dischidia Rafflesiana, the former •remarkable for its short, thickened, galleried Toot-stock, usually inhabited by ants ; and the latter for its singularly modified leaves, which serve as traps for insects concerned in the nourishment of the plant. A third plant, Aspi- -dium anomalum.a native of Ceylon, presented the peculiarity of the spore-clusters being developed exclusively on the upper surface of the frond. Mr. A. W. Hill had a most instructive exhi- bition of the characteristic plants forming the ■vegetation of the Andes around Lake Titicaca, at altitudes of 13,000 to 16,000 feet. They reminded one very much of those shown by Mr. Hemsley at the Linnean Society about two years ago, to illustrate his paper on the " Flora of High Tibet." Professor H. Marshall Ward showed micro- scopic preparations illustrating the parasitism of the rust fungi or TJredinere ; and Mr. V. H. Blackman had preparations showing the ferti- lisation and alternation of generations in the same group of fungi. ABRONIA. — Some winged fruits found in a ■fossil condition in tertiary beds in France, and attributed to Ulmus Zygophyllum, have been ■carefully examined by M. L. Laurent, who finds by strict comparison that they are the fruits •of Abronia, a genus now existing iu a living state in North-western America. Taxodium and ■Sequoia, from the same country, are, as is well tnown, represented in a fossil condition in beds of the same ago. New LILACS. — We have received from MM. Lemoine et fils, of Nancy, some cut specimens of Lilacs, which we can only describe as truly extraordinary. Some of the varieties are new, but all, new or old, are marvellous examples of cultivation. Some are doubled by repetition of the tubular corolla (hose-in-hose), others by multiplication of isolated petals. Among them are : — ■ President Louiiet.— The inflorescence befoie U3 is branche J, and measures 28 cent (U inches) in leDgth by 15 cent, (say 6 inches) In width, very densely crowded; individual tlowers is mill, (lj inch) across, doubled by duplication of the corolla (hose in-hote), of a deep purplish-lilac colour. President Vif'EB.— Id florescence branched, branches spreading, compact, 28 cent, (il inches long), extreme width also 28 cent. ; individual flowers, 22 mill (over i inch) in dismeter, doubled by multiplication of the petals; bluish lilac. Dr. Masters. — Inflorescerce branched, cylindric, conic, 34 cent, long (13 inches); extreme Dreadth, 19 cent. (7J inches); branches ascending, densely flowered, individual flowers 18 mill, broad (neariy ^-inch), doubled by duplication of the corolla ; pale lilac, whitish in the centre. Miss Willmott.— Inflorescence branched, 22 cent. (9 inches loDg) ; extreme breadtb, 16 cent. (6j inches); Individual tlowers, 2 cent, (over '; inch); snow-white', doubled by multiplication of the petals, petals rounded. "Land and Water." — This journal, devoted to sports and country pursuits generally, not omitting gardening, celebrates the publication of its two thousandth number by the publication of a number of illustrations, on art paper, of San- dringbam and other subjects. A novel supple- ment is supplied in the shape of a variety of photographic reproductions, which can be cut out and used as stereoscopic illustrations. It is, we think, unfortunate that what seem to be merely advertisements should be inseparably intermixed with the editorial matter; both are essential, but readers, in our experience, prefer to have them separate, and certainly attach greater im- portance to the advertisements when kept in their proper place. Great improvements have been made in the appearance of this popular journal. An Edinburgh Industry.— Under the title of " The Industries of Edinburgh," there appears, in the Edinburgh Evening Dispatch for May 10, a description of the extensive works of Messrs. Mackenzie & Moncur, the well-known firm of horticultural builders and engineers. Illustra- tions are given of the works and offices, and of some important plant-houses built by this firm, including one ot the wings to the Temperate- house, Royal Gardens, Kew, a conservatory at Copped Hall, Essex, and the winter garden at Sefton Park, Liverpool. Lectures at the Chelsea Physic Gar- dens.— The sixth lecture by Prof. Reynolds Green, Sc.D , F.R.S., on "Advanced Botany," will be given on Wednesday next, June 1, at 4.30 p.m., on the following subjects : Intermit- tent character of the constructive processes. Fate of the food. Consumption. Translocation and storage, and their appropriate forms of car- bohydrates and proteids. Methods of transport in the plant. Diffusion. Influence of concentra- tion. Action of the protoplasm in the processes of translocation. Deposit of surplus food in reservoirs. Mode of such deposit. Secretion and its nature. Manufacture of the storage from the travelling forms by the protoplasm in the place of storage. Carbohydrates, proteids, fats, in rela- tion to su'jh storage. Transitory and permanent storage. Fruit Cultivation. — The Departmental Committee appointed by Lord Onslow to enquire into and report upon the Fruit Industry of Great Britain held sittings on the 17tb, 18th, and 19th inst. The following members were present : Mr. A. S. T. Griffith-Boscawen, M.P. (Chair- man), Col. Long, M.P., Mr. C. W. Radcliffb- Cooke, Mr. Hodge, Mr. Monro, Mr. Vinson, Dr. Somerville, Mr. P. Spencer Pickering, M.A., F.E.S., The Rev. W. Wilks, and Mr. Ernest Garnsey (Secretary). The following witnesses gave evidence : Mr. Hodge, of Blairgowrie, Scot- land, a member of the Committee ; Mr. Clark, K.C., the legal adviser to the Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries ; Mr. Bell, the superintending inspector of taxes at Somerset House ; Mr. Sams, of Worthing ; Mr. Rochfort, of Cheshunt ; Mr. A. J. F. Gibbons, of Guernsey ; Mr. Russell, of Glas- gow; Mr. George Bunyard, of Maidstone. Misrepresentation of Seeds. — In the House of Commons, on May 17, Mr. Spear asked Mr. Fellowes, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what recent cases of adulteration or misrepresentation in the sale of farm seeds had been brought to his notice ; and whether he had considered the advisability of some amendment in or addition to the law as it now stood for the better protection of agricul- turists and honest seed merchants ? The follow- ing reply has been received from Mr. Fellowes : " A case in which certain foreign seed was sold as English Clover was recently brought under the notice of the Board. Proceedings were instituted under the Merchandise Marks Act, and the vendor was fined .£10, with 6s. court fees and JB21 towards the cost of the prosecution. This result goes to confirm the conclusion arrived at by the Departmental Committee of 1900, who expressed the opinion that there was no practical difficulty under the existing law in the way of obtaining thoroughly good and reliable seeds by thise who know how to set about it j but we shall be very happy to give full consideration to any repre- sentations or suggestions which may be made to us on the subject." A New Park at Saltley— A new park. fifty-four acres in extent, to be known as Ward End Park, about three miles from the centre of Birmingham, was opened by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham on the 14th inst , in the presence of about 20,000 persons. At present the public will only be admitted to about twenty acres; the remainder, consisting of pasture and arable land, will be devoted to the public use in due time. The estate contains a substantial residence and two glasshouses, is well timbered, has many natural beauties, and enjoys a good water supply. The whole has been purchased by the Corporation at a coit of £21,600, and will prove a boon to dwellers in East Birmingham, who are badly in need of additional breathing spaces. It is also in- tended to use it as a feeding- ground for the smaller park.;, and Mr. W. H. Morter, the superin- tendent, has already had a quantity of frames erected in which to raise and harden off soft- wooded plants. Exclusive of Rednal and Bilberry Hills, the Birmingham Corporation has under its control eleven parks and seven recreation grounds, having a total area of 463 acres, the whole being maintained at an annual expenditure of about £11,000. " Die Schonsten Bluten Straucher fur Garten Ausschmuckung und Trhserei. — We beg our readers not to be deterred by this appalling title. Anglicised, it is the name of a publication devoted to the most beautiful flower- ing shrubs for garden and conservatory decora- tion. It is edited by Herr Max Hesdorffer, and is published by Paul Parey, of Berlin (Williams & Norgate, London). The plants depicted in coloured illustrations in the part before us are iEiCulus rubicunda var. Brioti, M. arguta, Magnolia stellata, Soulangeana, and Lenneana, Rubus deliciosus, Kerria japonica, Lonicera bella, L. muscaviensis, Calycanthus floridus, and several varieties of Diervilla (Weigela). Many persons interested in shrubs will be glad to possess this publication for the illustrations, whether coloured or uncoloured, appeal to gardeners of all nationalities. The price of each part is one shilling. 346 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 28, 1904. Browning of the Vine. — The causes of this mysterious affection seem to elude investi- gation. It has been attributed to various reasons, and no sooner do we settle down to the belief that the cause has been found when some fresh investigator starts up to discredit the work of his predecessors. M. Kavaz, in a recent number of the Comptes Rendus, attributes the appearances to a general impoverishment of the Vine from over- production. The remedies then seem to be to diminish the crop or to increase the amount of potassic manure. Those of us who remember the late E. D. Blackmore's paper read at Chiswiek, can easily conjure up the sly, good-humoured satire wit'i which he would in all probability have received the " latest intelligence." Flowering Shrubs.— FromMessrs. J. Veitch & Sons we have received a large consignment of cut specimens of beautiful and interesting shrubs, to same of which, at the risk of writing a catalog! e, we may here refer. As they are so many and so diverse we adopt an alphabetical arrangement, as it is impossible by words only to convey any adequate idea of their beauty and value as decorative shrubs. When there is so much to choose from it is astonishing that our shrubberies should continue to be filled with common-place subjects. Abelia serrata.— A loosely-branched shrub with sler de \ spreading branches, ovate, acuminate leaves, rather more than an inch long. The flowers are laxly scattered, each witi a five-Iobed leafy or coloured calyx, much shorten than the irregularly five-lobed, funnel-snaped pinkish corolla, which measures about J-inch in length. Acer campestre yabiegatum.— A form with leaves mottled with pale yellow, owing to the partial absence of chlorophyll. It would afford variely in a plantation. Adenocabpus decorticans.— A Cytisus-like shrub, with densely-set pinnately-lobeil foliage, the lobe9 lirea'. blackish-green. The yellow papilionaceous flowers are in terminal heads. BERBBRIS CONGEST1FLORA HAKE01DES. — A Very showy, free-flowering species, with small, rounded 8plre32ent leave3 and terminal spikes, crowded with pale orange-coloured flowers. Figured in Gardeners'. Chronicle, May 11, 1901, p. S9S. Bebberis Knightii. — A distinct-looking species, with tufled, coriaceous, lanceolate leaves, about 2 inches long, and tults of globose, clear yellow flowers, each the size of a small Pea, intermixed with the leaves. Caspinus cordata.— A very handsome Hop Horn- beam, with cordate-oblong, acuminate leaves, about 5 inches long, on short petioles ; the flowers are borne In stalked pendulous catkins 2J inches long, the large ovate distended bracts of which greatly resemble those of the Hop. A tree of strlkiog appearance. Cjeanothus Veitcbianus.— A form with small ob- long-obtuse, set rate leaves, and terminal spikes of densely crowded ccerulean blue flowers. Citrus tbifoliata. — A loosely branched, fiercely spiny species with large white flowers. As it is nearly or quite hardy, it has been recommended as a stock whereon to graft the more tender Oranges. Clematis (Atbagene) alpina -An old friend, but a very beautiful one.withitselegantly cut foliage and long- stalked, pendulous, bell-shaped, slaty-blue flowers. Clematis Montana rtjbens.— C. montana is beau- tiful enough, but if this pale-lilac form is equally free- flowering, itmu8tindeed bean acquisition, c montana in East Kent is now very luxurian*. covering the walls as with a tapestry of stars. Cornus Florida PENDULA.— A Cornel, the inflor- escence of which is provided with four large, white, spreading bracts, each about l ; inch long, serviDg the purpose of a signpost to the insects in search of honey or pollen. Cohnus brachvpoda vAriiEGATA. — A showy form with broadly lanceolate leaves edged with white. Cotoneaster horizontals. — Just the plant for the base of the rockery, for which its procumbent habit and closely-set spreading branches eminently fit it; the foliage is minute, and the flowers rosy pink, followed by red berries. Cytisus procumbens.— A wiry shrub with small, three-lobed leaves, and very numerous yellow flowers crowded along the ends of the branches. Cytisus scoparius gbandiflorus.— A large-flowered form of the common Broom. Cytisus purpubeus — A well-known species with numerous!rosy lilac flowers crowded along the sides of the branches. It is one of the parents of the curious C Adaml x. Cytisus kewensis x . — A Broom with erect, wiry branches, small palmately 3-lobed leaves, with linear- ob'ong segments ; flowers papilionaceous whitish or pale sulphur-coloured, arranged along the ends of the shoots. It is a hybrid between C. Ardoini andCalbus, and was raised at Eew. Deutzia discolor pubfurascens. — A charming flowering shrub, with small, oblong-acute, shortly stalked leaves, and many flowered cymes on erect stalks, which, as seen under a slightly magnifying glass, are studded with pretty stellate scales. Each flower is about 5 inch in diameter, with five rounded lobes, white, flushed with rosy lilac. The petaloid filaments are 2-lobed at the apex, the yellow anther being situate in the intervening notch. A most desirable inmate for the shrubbery. Enkianthus campanulatus. — A Vaccinium-like shrub with stalked, oblong leaves about an inch long, tapering to a pink petiole somewhat shorter than the blade. Flowers numerous inone-sided, leafless racemes about IS inch long; pedicels turned to one side, hairy; flowers about J inch lone with 5 lanceolate seg- ments much shorter than the bell-shaped corollas which are rose-red with "i rounded lobes. A charming shrub. Eugenia Ugni variegata.— A form with a yellow border to the leaves, interesting for the sake of its colour. It would be hardy only in very sheltered positions. Olearia Gunnii —Attractive for its starlike, white flower-heads scattered amid its small linear toothed leaves. Each flower-head is about 5 inch across. This New Zealand shrub does well in town gardens. Fyrus (Cydonia) Simonis —Allied to P. Maulei, but with more elongate leaves and larger flowers with a long cylindric calyx-tube and deep red petals. Rhododendron yunnanense.— A newly-introduced species like an Azalea in hat it, with white or pale lilac flowers in terminal tufts; pedicels glabrous, shorter than the flower, calyx minute, saucer shaped, with five shallow, acute lobes covered, especially at the margins, with circular, scaly glands ; corolla funnel- shaped 1 1 inch across, upper central lobe spotted near the base with yellow spots ; stamens ten, of unequal lengths, ovary covered with flat glandular orbicular scales. Kubus deliciosus.— Well known for its elegant, palmately- lobed, rounded leaves, and large white .flowers (see fig. in Gard^ Chron., April 23, 1881, p. 637). Solanum cbispum.— A climber; leaves ovate ; flowers in terminal clusters, bluish-lilac, set off with yellow anthers. Tbochodendhon ahalioides. — A very striking Araliad, figured and described in our columns on June 9, 1x94, Viburnum tomentosum yah. Mariesi.— A handsome variety, the barren, star-like flowers scattered amid the flowers proper, and producing a charming effect. Viburnum macrocephalum. — In this form the fertile flowers are almost absent, their place being taken by the barren flowers, which form large, globose heads, which if of little utility are very handsome. " Parkinson's Paradisus."— Lovers of this book, originally published when Charles I. was King, will be glad to learn of the issue, by Messrs. Methuen, of a facsimile reprint of this delightful work, with copies of all the illustra- tions. Good examples of the original edition are scarce and costly, so that Messrs. Methuen's re- print will be the more acceptable. We hope shortly to advert to the new edition at greater length. The National Potato Society. — Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Bart., has consented to become President. Publications Received.- The classification oj Flowering Plants, by A. B. Kendle. D.Sc. (Cambridge University Press) — Journal of the R. II. S.—The BookoJ the Carnation, by R. P. Brotherston.- Wayside and Woodland Trees, by G. Step. —Forestry in the Unittd Kingdom, by W. Schilch, Ph.D. (Bradbury, Agnew & Co.).— Hand-List oj Orchids, 2nd Edition (Royal Gardens, Kew). Colonial Publications RECEivED.-rAe Agri- cultural Gazette of Kew South Walts, March, contains the usual agricultural notes, and Nos. 87 and 88 of Useful Australian Plants, by J H. Maiden.— Journal of the Department of Agriculture of Western Australia, March. Contents : Experimental Wheat-growing, Insect Pests, A Grain of Wheat: its Structure and Properties, Gar- den Notes, &c.— The Queensland Agricultural Journal, March, includes the usual notes on various branches of agriculture.— Riport on the TiivanOrum Museum and Public Gardens tells of progress in every department. — Suqar-Cane Experimentsinthe Leeward Islands, Report on experiments conducted at Antigua and St. Kltts in the season 1902-3. Part I. Experiments with varieties of Sugar-Cane. Part II. MaDUrial Experiments, from the Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies (Sir D. Morris) —From the Botanic Gardens, George- town, British Guiana: List of Seeds Available for Ex- change, A. W. Bartlett. Superin'endent — Twenty-ninth Annual Report of the Ontario Agricultural College and Experimental Farm, 190:). A good beginning lias been made in arranging herbarium specimens, and the out- door and indoor teaching has made satisfactory progress. WALL GARDENING. [See Supplementary Illustration.J Not least among the many interesting phases of gardening is that having for its object the beautifying of garden walls, in whatever position, these perchance may be found, and whether the aspect be one of sun or shade there is the choice of an ample supply of suitable plants. The idea. of clothing such walls with vegetation is not new by any means ; indeed, nearly thirty years ago- the present writer had charge of several hundred yards of such walls, some of which, having been purposely erected for plant - growing, were furnished with plants on both sides. Other walls traversing woodland and similar scenery were well suited to shade-loving plants, such as Ferns, &c. ; and others in varying positions were planted with species best suited to the circumstances. The Supplementary Illustration in this issue of the Gardeners' Chronicle shows a garden wall at Hook House, near Winchfield, and it is of a some- what distinct type, though, judging by the abundant ample openings for plants, there should be little or no trouble in getting the plants well established. Among the different types of walls that may be employed the two-faced wall referred to above is- excellent where it is possible. Purposely built with bad mortar, or such as contains little lime, a goodly portion of the upper part is hollow, to admit of the space being filled with soil. Not only may plants growing in such a wall be readily watered from the top, but the wall affords means for cultivating them perfectly. The re- taining wall is of another type, and whether built of brick burrs or stone, of which the latter is by far the more picturesque and suitable for plant growing, arrangements should be made so that the top of the wall leans towards the body of soil retained by it. In addition to this, and especially in the brick wall, the courses should be set back in such a way that the moisture is retained onthe- ledge and conveyed to the roots of the plant- Large joints or special openings for the plants are necessary. Where possible, in stone walls, the planting should be done with the building of the wall, and in this way it is quite easy to form colonies, and to make a creditable dis- play in one season. The moisture-laden por- tion of the year, October to February, is the best season for planting, and small plants as, e.g., seedlings or rooted cuttings, are those that should be chosen in most cases. The list oi suitable plants is a formidable one, and may embrace the Foxglove or the Mullein and the great host between these and the minute Erinus- alpinus. Everything depends upon circumstances. What is especially obvious in this phase of gardening is that many plants assume a more pigmy stature than usual, and this adds greatly to their attractiveness. Some silvery- leaved plants, as Achilleas and certain of the Saxifrages, are more pronounced in tone owing to the influence of the prevailing dryness than when planted in, the border. For providing masses of colour, yel- low Alyssum, the Aubrietias, Saponaria ocymoides, Candytuft, Aralias, and Achilleas are very useful- E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. This is a form of gardening which appears* to be obtaining popular favour, and deservedly so, for it affords an attractive method of culti- vating a variety of charming rock-plants. The writer has under notice a wall which was con- structed for the purpose of plant growing during the autumn of 1902, and which at the present time is very gay with flowers. The wall is built in the form of a curve, on the inner side of which, extending for a few yards at the centre, is a turf seat built in the wall. This latter is a very old- fashioned idea ; turf seats, or benches as they, were called, were a feature of media; val gardens.' May 28, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 347 The wall itself is about 5 feet higb, and is G feet through at its base, narrowing to about 3 feet at the top, the inner part being filled in with soil. This gives plenty of root-room for the subjects growing on it. Among the plants recently flower- ing were large groups of Wallflowers, ranging in colours from bright yellow to deep purple ; and the double Wall Cress (Arabis albida flore-pleno), with its masses of snow-white flowers. The sloping sides of a wall such as this appear to afford an ideal position for the latter plant, where it can be allowed plenty of room to develop, for the flowers show themselves to perfection. The single Arabis also finds a place on the wall, coming into bloom earlier than the double one, but its flowers are somewhat eclipsed by its more imposing relative. Aubrietia deltoidea succeeds well, also Anemone Wanda and A. appenina at the top of the wall. Linaria balearica is a small-growing creeping plant, attaching itself to the stones and running into the fissures ; studded with little white, star- Jike flowers, it presents a very chaste appearance. Phlox lilacina is another beautiful plant in flower. Of the Saxifrages, S. balcana, a dwarf species with pink flowers, and S. pedatifida, white, are in bloom ; and S. Camposii, syn. Wallacei, which forms large clumps, will delight the eye with their wealth of flowers. The same may also be said of Cerastium tomentosum. In addition to the plants enumerated above there are many others which, either by their foliage or flowers, or both combined, contribute their share towards the adornment of the wall, thus making it " a thing of beauty " for the greater part of the year. R. W. Dean, Wainsford, Hants. [In journeying in various directions through East Kent lately, we were repeatedly struck by the fact that where the chalk banks of the rail- way cuttings were nearly vertical, there the Wallflower and the red Valerian luxuriated ; but where the chalky banks had a considerable slope, there the plants in question were not nearly so numerous or so vigorous. Perhaps the inclined banks do not afford so many crannies and such good root-hold as those more vertically placed. Ed.] HOME CORRESPONDENCE. {The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) THE NEW HORTICULTURAL HALL.— Fellows of the Eoyal Horticultural Society who have seen the new Hall, so far as it is finished, have in many cases expressed disappointment as to its dimensions. They have jumped to the conclusion that the Hall is very little larger than is the Drill Hall. Mere appearances are in such cases as these very unreliable, and I have told friends that the best test is found in floor measurement. As evidence of the increased area furnished by the new Hall compared with the Drill Hall, it is but needful to quote from the latest issue of the Society's terribly bulky Journal the official state- ment, previously made and here renewed, that whilst the Drill Hall has an area of but 7,000 superficial feet, the new Hall, with its large annexes, will have 13,000 superficial feet. As- suming these figures to be correct, it is evident ■that the space available for shows in the new Hall will be almost double that of the Drill Hall. But in reality it should be quite ^double, as there will be in the new Hall no large area (nearly one-fourth of the whole) re- tained for the Committees and lectures. Thus, it must be apparent to every one taking the official figures to be exact that the area at the new Hall available for shows and visitors should be more than needful even for the largest gatherings. It is greatly to be hoped that the tabling arrangements will . be such as to allow some 3 to 4 feet more width between each row of tables than is now the case. All the extra space must not be given up to exhibitors. The visitors must have a share in the additional elbow-room. Very probably even in the new Hall all possible space for exhibits will soon be filled, but visitors may well pray the Council all the same to be somewhat severe censors, and spare them repetitions of the commonplace or mere advertising collections. Of late many of the exhibits have taken on a Covent Garden aspect. That sort of thing adds no dignity to horticulture, and is not worthy the meetings of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. How much the change from the Drill Hall to Vincent Square is needed was fully evidenced on Tuesday of last week, when Mr. Hedger Wallace gave his lecture to some twenty persons, amidst a noise that was distressing to both speaker and auditors. What wonder if under such conditions few visitors attend the lectures ! When in the new offices these lectures are given in quiet in the large room upstairs, they may be heard with comfort and will be greatly enjoyed. Another reason, though happily an unusual one, presented at the last meeting also, was the enforced closing of the exhibition at 4.30 instead of at 5 p.m. This was so because the Volunteer authorities wanted the Hall. Late comers were therefore greatly dis- appointed. At the new Hall, summer meetings may well be open till 6 p.m. A. D. FRUIT PROSPECTS IN ESSEX. — Never have I witnessed such a prospect of a bountiful fruit harvest as that which presents itself in every fruit plantation and on every individual Apple, Pear, and Plum-tree. The hope and promise of the fruit crop for the year 1901 being an immense one will in all likelihood be realised, the individual blooms forming the immense trusses with which the trees are heavily laden being large and strong. In all probability the crops of Apples, 4a, if not somewhat thinned by nature, will require to be thinned pretty severely where large, fine fruits are desired. It is true the trees are in good condition, and well able to develop heavy crops of fruit after the rest which they unfortunately bad last year. The orchards round here, including some immense Apple-trees alongside and in front of my house, are a grand and hopeful sight, trees of all sizes being literally smothered with floral trusses of pink-and-white. H. W. Ward, Lime House, Rayleigh. There is the prospect of a magnificent fruit season before us, and I earnestly hope that British enterprise will really show enterprise, dry its surplus produce as it is done abroad, and not allow it to rot on the ground. Already I have heard members of the trade remark, " Yes, a fine fruit year, but too much of it ! " R. O. Fletcher, Mount Harry, Withdean, Brighton, May 21, 1904. CLIANTHU8 PUNICEUS. — With reference to Mr. W. H. Clarke's note on p. 251, and the editorial comments on this plant, it may be of interest to state that we have the species flower- ing outdoors here on a south wall in a sheltered place. The plant was put out the summer before last from a 60-sized pot, and has not received any protection. It has several flowering shoots, the largest having had recently some fifty or more flowers. R. W. Dean, Wainsford, Lymington, Hants. BLACK WALNUT IN DEVON.— Referring to the note in this journal, December 4, 1886, relating to a specimen of Juglans nigra, L., it may be worth recording that its growth has been as follows: — The seed from which it sprung was obtained in Kew Gardens about 1874, and the young plant was placed in the open ground on the lawn at the Castle, Barnstaple, in the autumn of 1877. Towards the close of 1886 it measured 9 feet in height, with its stem 2 inches in diameter at its base, 1} inch in diameter at 3 feet above the ground, and 1 inch at 4 feet. In the spring of 1889 the tree was 12 feet high. At the present time it is found to be about 45 feet high ; with its trunk 1 foot in diameter near the base, about 9 inches in diameter and 2 feet 7 inches in circumference at 3 feet above the ground, the same dimensions at 4 feet, and about 8J inches in diameter and 2 feet 5i inches in circumference at 5 feet. It has borne fruit during recent years. W. P. Hiern, The Castle, Barnstaple. LILIUM pardalinum. — The remark in your columns last year, which was quoted by the Rev. Canon Stacbhouse in his interesting note on p. 329 of the Gardeners' Chronicle for May 21, 1904, that this species was exceedingly difficult to grow for a length of time with success, is not in accordance with my experience here, which is in agreement with that of Canon Stickhouse. It is to be feared, however, that failure with the Panther Lily is frequent, and one is inclined to attribute the cause of this to want of moisture, especially when the plants are making growth. In my dry soil I can grow it successfully by the margin of a little tank for Water Lilies, so arranged that there is a moist space round the margin for water-loving plants. Some of my bulbs have not more than G inches of soil, the bottom being concrete. In this part they flower better and are more vigorous than when they have a deeper soil. I have had them in this position for several years, and the bulbs have increased, and I have had plants almost G feet high. I am confident that plenty of moisture is what they require. S. Arnott, Carsethorn-by-Dumfries, N.B. WINTER SPINACH. — We have here a quantity of Prickly Spinach, sown on August 17, 1903, one-half of which is growing on a south border, the other on a west border. Prom the south border we had almost daily gatherings from October to Christmas, those on the west border not succeeding so well. On both quarters the Spinach followed the second early Peas. The ground was given a dressing of garden refuse, but no farmyard manure, because a moderate dressing of this had been given for the Peas. The Spinach was thinned early to G inches apart, and the plants are now only running to seed; 98 per cent, of the plants remain. Another quarter of Spinach in the open garden, sown on' September 4, 1903, one - half of which is the Victoria and the other half the ordi- nary Prickly, is now producing quantities of large succulent leaves, and there appears no difference in the yield of the two varieties, as the rows contain hardly a blank space. This lot followed autumn and spring-sown Onions, which were given liberal dressings of farmyard- dung and soot ; but the Spinach had merely an appli- cation of decayed garden refuse dug in. The Victoria Spinach was thinned to 9 inches apart. Our soil is light, overlying gravel, and we are close to the sea. The climate is mild and humid. I am inclined to think that applications of animal manure have often caused the failure of winter Spinach. F. Street, Ardwell, N.B. INCARVILLEA DELAVAYI. — Supposing that some readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle may be unaware of the behaviour of this plant after it has flowered abundantly in any one year, it may be well to observe that a large number of the plants so flowering fail to grow in the next year. Cases have occurred in the writer's experience in Kent, Middlesex, the Isle of Wight, and other places. In one instance, all the plants that flowered one season remained dormant the whole of the next year, and the gardener concluded they were deatf. I informed him in all probability the plants would restart the next year, and so it turned out. In my own case, one plant that decided to rest for a year now starts into growth a few weeks later than its fellows in a small group. It is somewhat remarkable that a dozen or more plants in different parts of a garden should refuse to grow after flowering well, and I mention the pecu- liarity to prevent damage occurring to the crowns from the somewhat natural conclusion that the plants were dead. E. H. Jenkins. FORCED STRAWBERRIES. — The further corre- spondence from " Interested Reader " adds another mystery to the subject. It rarely happens that fruits having set fail to finish. Surely the after-treatment must have been at fault some- where. The great difficulty usually experi- enced with early-forced Strawberries is that of the fertilisation of the flowers, especially during sunless days. I read your " Interested Reader's " remarks in the light he wished us to do respecting the spent Mushroom-manure ; but any kind of decayed manure, if added to a retentive soil, especially for potting purposes, tends to make it heavier rather than lighter, and Strawberry 348 THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE. [May 28, 1904. plants in pots should be kept moist at the roots from the time they are first layered until twenty- four hours before gathering the fruits. J. Mayne, Bicton Gardens, Devonshire. ECKLINVILLE SEEDLING APPLE.— This is one of our surest croppers here, either as a standard, bush, or trained tree, and I should regret to dis- card it, although Lord Suffield and Lord Grosvenor are both ready about the same time. The two latter varieties retain their plumpness longer than Ecklinville, which may be due to our rather sandy soil ; but I should have thought Ecklinville would have been a good market variety, the frui'a being of large size, attractive appearance, and splendid cooking quality. It would be interesting to have the opinion of Messrs. Veitch, Bunyard, Bivers, and other large growers of Apples upon the merits of this Apple. James Mayne, Bicton Gardens, Devonshire. PROPOSED GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.— Mr. J. Miles, on p. 330, has struck the right note regarding the idea prevalent in the minds of many gardeners as to the means to be employed should the formation of a Gardeners' Association become an accomplished fact. It cannot be too plainly stated that " Defence not Defiance" is the motto. In the pamphlet issued by the Provisional Committee, they are most emphatic on that point, viz. : — " Whatever may have been the mistakes made by other combinations of workers, it is not the inten- tion of the promoters of the National Gar- deners' Association to attempt anything incon- sistent with the rights either of employer or employed." It has been the problem for many years to frame a scheme embodying on the one hand the protection and encouragement of all bonA-fide gardeners, and the various other points attaching thereto, without in any way inter- fering with individual rights. From an em- ployer's point of view, I am firmly of opinion it will be readily acknowledged ; the moment its true aims and objects are known and properly understood. The vast majority of em- ployers being men of business ability and methods will rather welcome than otherwise the advantage of a bureau to furnish the information they require as to the gardeners they wish to engage. A solution to the problem, it is believed, will be found in the scheme to be unfolded at the meet- ing on Wednesday next. It is most important that all gardeners having the true interest of their profession at heart should attend that meeting and endeavour to launch the association successfully. D. R. S. A more unreasonable letter than that pub- lished on p. 249, from a correspondent, it would be difficult to imagine. Can it be that the writer is one of the *' more fortunate," whom we can scarcely expect to assist at the " confidence-trick- game," as he chooses to name the proposed Gar- deners' Association ? He seems to have a dislike to anything savouring of " Trades - unionism " entering into the rules of the Association, and fails to see what good such an association would be likely to effect. I am a strong believer in Trade-union- ism, and would ask our friends to make a note of the enormous benefits such unions have bestowed on the " worker," and the tremendous difficulties overcome in their formation. With those facts before us, we as gardeners should feel encouraged, and give our utmost support to the Committee which is now formulating this excellent scheme. " Union is strength," and if gardeners will keep this motto to the fore, the imaginary difficulties raised by the writer of the letter alluded to will pass away like so much smoke. He also asks, " Is it possible that head gardeners with comfort- able situations will join an organisation that intends to be a law unto itself, to impose terms and conditions on both gardeners and their em- ployers ? " In answer to this question (1) I feel confident that the number of head gardeners taking up such a selfish attitude in regard to a movement which will benefit themselves as much as the journeymen would be small ; (2) I firmly believe that if employers are approached on the matter they will, with perhaps a few exceptions, heartily support the movement. This is where the " more fortunate " head gardener fails in his duties. He refuses to represent his men when the question of hours or wages wants settling, because, as the writer of the letter very plainly put it, "they believe it will make mis- chief between them and their employers." What a lot of jelly-fish creatures to be sure ! At this profession (young gardeners will have the most power) to unite with one accord in supporting- the movement by every means possible. If we Fig. 150.— ikis x charon. Prevailing colours old-gold and tionze. (See p. 319.) juncture, when an effort is being made to or- ganise the proposed British Gardeners' Associa- tion, it behoves all gardeners who love their do this we can afford to ignore the few who are too ready to throw cold water on this worthy ( and much-needed scheme. T. M. May 21", 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 349 TWO NEW HYBRID IRISES. One of [the most interesting features at the meeting of the Eojal Horticultural Society en May 17 was a collection of new IriEes, shown by C. G. Van Tubergen, junr., Haarlem, Holland. Seven varieties were given awards by the Floral Committee, and cf these we illustrate two on pp. 348, 349 that obtained Fhst class Certificates. They all belonged to the Onco-Regelia group. "Charon," shown in fig. 150, is said to be from a cross between I. Korolkowi and I. atro-purpurea. It is one of the most distinct aid beautiful Irises we have seen. The dominating colours are old- gold and bronze. The colour of the falls, ex- cepting the neaily white margin, is of a mahogany shade reticulated with gold, and having a heavy black blotch at the tase. The standards are much the same as the falls, but suffused nearly all over with purple. "Artemis" (fig. 151) is remaikable for the very large size of the standards, which are rich vinous- purple in colour, netted all over with darker veins and small spots. The falls are more dis- tinctly drooping than those in most of the other flowers. They are of rich violet colour, with an ample blotch of a dark tone at the baEe. Fig. 151. — iris x artemis. Colour rich purple and violet, beautifully netted with darker veins and spots. ON THE CONFINES OF SUMMER. Among the greatest beauties of the garden at this season are the flowering trees, Eeveral of which, owing to adverse atmospheric influences and the pievailing cold condition of the soil, are a foitnight later than usual this year. The earliest Apples, such for example as the Irish Peach and the Beauty of.Waltbam, are flowering contemporaneously with the Cherry and the Plum, a fact which clearly indicates that the latter are considerably behind their time. There is every prospect of an abundance of blossom, my one solitary exception being the capricious Almond-tree, which [for the last two seasons has not had sufficient sunlight to ripen its flowering wood. Of Oriental origin, it is somewhat exact- ing in this respect. On the other hand, that exquisitely beautiful Japanese tree, Pyius Malus floribunda, which last jear had not a single flower, is at present a picture of loveliness most inspiring to behold. Very fascinating are also such Plums as the Czar, Victoria, and Denniston's superb Green Gage (a most valuable and, even in Scotland, reliable variety, of Ameri- can extraction) ; and such ornamental Cherries as Early Eivers, which seldom fruits well in this northern clime, though it blossoms superbly ; Black Eagle and May Duke, soon to be followed by the Morello, which I prize most of all. Apples and Pears are also full of promise, and there is an abundance of blossom, which we trust may ere long successfully develop into fruit. Last season, at the trying period of transition, late frosts, most destructive in their influence, super- vened, and while almost every species of fruit- tree experienced the bitter consequences of this atmospheric visitation, the Green Gages and Damsons assuredly suffered most, though many of the finest Apples were also hors de combat ; and the Pears visible in autumn on such precious varieties as Pitmaston Duchess and Doyenne du Cornice were, like Thomas Campbell's angels' visits, " few and far between." Hardly less attractive at this loveliest of all seasons than the flowering trees, of which one of the most artistically effective has been Prunus Pissardi, the graceful Persian Plum, are the later forms of the fragrant Narcissus ; and especially the richly-coloured N. poeticus poetarum. Many of the finest bicolors are still very conspicuous by their splendid effect, Empress, grandis, and the somewhat unobtrusive variety of Haworth being distinguishable among these. Barri oon- spicuus is also a lasting treasuie, and a hybrid of great beauty that has not yet been surpassed. 350 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [May 28, 1904. I may perhaps be permitted to mention inci- dentally that Messrs. Barr, of Covent Garden, have recently done me the honour of naming after myself one of their latest and loveliest seedlings. I may be prejudiced in its favour, but it appears to me a distinct advance, alike in rare colour and impressive formation, on Emperor, maximus, or Golden Spur. Its raisers are natu- rally always getting more exacting with their own introductions, especially in the direction of what may be termed colourative characteristics, and they are satisfied if they obtain one hybrid such as this, with a golden hue akin to that of the Allamanda, out of five hundred seedlings. " 'Tis not in mortals to command success," but some of our modern hybridists deserve it. At this period of the year it is extremely interesting, also educative, to watch the develop- ment of those Eoses which are growing for the first time in our gardens, having been recently introduced. Certain varieties, it will be evident to the earnest cultivator, such as Mildred Grant and Alice Lindsell, are of very moderate growth, thereby proving that, however large and lustrous in their beauty may be their individual flowers, they can only be regarded as " exhibition " Eoses ; while others, like Florence Pemberton, Ards Pillar, Ulster, Field Marshal, Corona, Blush Eambler and Mr. Ben Cant, are of greater growing capability, and therefore of higher value for garden cultivation. Yet it must be admitted that even one grand flower of such a phenomenally distinctive variety as Mil- dred Grant or Souvenir de Pierre Notting ministers to and satisfies our natural instinct for beauty in a marvellous degree. What is lost extensively or nurnerical'y is gained intensively. Not seldom it happens that the finest hybrid Creations are also the most rare. Notable excep- tions are such Eoses as Clio and Margaret Dick- son, which, while of the greatest artistic beauty, grow with great vigour and flower most luxuri- antly, the latter superb Rose attaining in New Zealand to a height of 15 feet. This is the season of the garden Hyacinth, the odorous Auricula, and the radiant Tulip, which have seldom appeared with richer effect. Of more retiring character, yet not less worthy of our admiration, are the floral pictures created at green intervals on the herbaceous borders by the beautiful Myosotis alpestris Victoria, one of the sweetest and purest of early summer flowers. J)avid R. Williamson, Wigtownshire. NURSERY NOTES. MESSES. BALCHIN & SON. On the occasion of a recent visit to this impor- tant nursery at Hassock, near Brighton, great numbers of New Holland plants, now rarely grown in English gardens in any quantity, were seen in excellent condition. The cultivation of these old favourite species afforded is of the best, and it is assisted by the pure air of the district. There were neat examples in bush and standard forms of Boronia heterophylla and B. elatior, either in the flowering stage or with rapidly ex- panding buds ; and a quantity of B. megastigma and B. m. aurea, the latter becoming on account of its bright yellow tint a great favourite with admirers of these plants. The fragrance is exactly that of the type species. Several examples of the lovely B. serrulata must not be omitted from our enumeration of desirable species. Plants of Tetra- theca ericoides were in profuse bloom and very showy, as were likewise many nice examples of the pretty Erica propendens, once common in gardens but of late years almost lost to cultiva- tion. The colour of its campanulate blooms is of a pleasing soft pink. Plants of Diosma ericoides were either in full bloom or about to open their buds. Numerous plants Urge and small were noted of Aphelexis (Phoenocoma) prolifera Barnesii in the various houses and pits, as also of Tremandra verticillata, the flowers of a charming blue tint. The beauti- ful Leschenaultiabiloba major is grown in the form of standards and as bushes, ranging in size from recently-potted plants to those of 3 feet in height. No one seems to grow this plant in finer form than Messrs. Balchin. Darwinia (Genetyllis) fuchsioides and D. coccinea were observed in floriferous and healthy examples. Goodly numbers of Erica hyemalis, E. perspicua, nice bushes grow- ing in G-inch pots ; E. p. nana, and E. candidissima were accommodated in low pits ; Acacia prof usa, a most desirable species, and A. armata were observed in bloom in a variety of sizes. Orchids are grown in some quantity to meet the local de. mands, such as P/endrobiuni nobile, finely bloomed ; D. thyrsiflorum justshowingcolourinitsbudswith a profusion of racemes ; D. chrysotoxum, good plants in bloom ; Lselia anceps of great value and usefulness late in the year as cut flowers. One house having a north aspect was filled with plants of Cypripedium insigne growing in 14-inch pots, and Coelogyne cristata and others are grown in pots of larger size. Miscellaneous plants that are grown in some quantity include the double white - flowered Primula, now gone out of flower, wonderfully healthy and vigorous ; Anthurium Scherzeri- anum, with numerous spathes and vigorous foliage; the almost forgotten Posoqueria longi- flora, a plant with large Stephanotis-like white flower-heads, and delicious fragrance ; Scutellaria Mocciniana ; Gesnera coccinea, a pretty flower of a bright scarlet colour and very lasting ; Haeman- thus magnificus, a rare plant in gardens ; and H. Catherine. Several small houses were filled with Hydrangea Hortensia Thomas Hogg, all of them vigorous plants, and each surmounted with a pure white flower-head. Along with these were quantities, in various stages, of Lilium longiflorum. This species is preferred to the variety L. 1. Harrisii on account of its dwaifer habit and smaller flowers. Solanum capsicastrum is grown in con- siderable quantity. The pretty semi- double- flowered Pelargonium Cynthia, of the purest white, robust and free flowering, is largely grown, and plants in various stages were noted in several of the houses. Eichardias of species, more especially the varieties Little Gem, Elliottiana, and Pentlandi were observed in large numbers, many of the plants showing spathes. Cam- panula Balchiniana, a trailer with leaves of pink, white, and green colours, and flowers of a blue tint, is beiDg raised in quantity. The variety was distributed by the firm some years ago. Thyrsacanthus rutilans, with its drooping ra- cemes of brilliant scarlet flowers, was observed growing along with various warmhouse plants. Primula verticillata, Balchin's variety, is an im- provement on the type, the leaves being wider, of greater substance, possessing a greater degree of mealiness, and a larger truss and blossoms. Of Carnations, of which there is a large quan- tity, the chief varieties grown are Winter Cheer (scarlet), and Mdlle. Therese Franco (pink- coloured) ; Asparagus plumosus and A. Spren- geri, the latter greatly preferred for cutting, receive much attention, and are planted in beds as well as in pots. With an extensive furnishing business to provide for, such Palms as Kentias and Phoenix are largely cultivated, the firm possessing many noble examples, these being housed at the Hove branch establishment, as also at Hassocks. Hippeastrums of fine strains, Tuberoses and Cyclamens are given a large share of attention ; also the hardier species of Ferns suitable for decoration indoors, as Davallias, Pteris, Maidenhair, &o. There is a large span-roofed Eose-house filled with Tea and HP. varieties, most of which are going or gone out of flower after having afforded a lucrative harvest of bloom ; but of the variety Niphetos a good number were in bloom and bud. On the heavy soil of this locality mildew on the plants is much to be dreaded; but attacks are prevented or quickly cured by dipping the plants in or syringing them with sulphide of potassium (liver-of -sulphur), at the rate of half an ounce dis- solved in a gallon of water. This was stated by Mr. Eichardson, the manager, to be the surest remedy. There are several large and lean-to houses planted with Peach-trees, whose fruits are timed to come into use in June and July, when the demand in Brighton for ripe Peaches is very considerable. Messrs. Balchin's nursery at Hassocks has an area of 30 acres, closely planted with fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs, Eoses, and general stock, of which the season is yet too early to take notice in detail. F. M. SOCIETIES. OP MANCHESTER AMD NORTH ENGLAND ORCHID. May 13.— The annual meetiDg of the Society was held upon the above date, when there was a good display o£ plants. The past year's working of the Society showed that the membership had increased, and that there was a substantial bank balance in favour of the Society. The day of meeting will beThursday in future, instead of Friday, such meetings to follow those of the Royal Horticultural Society held in London on Tuesday. Groups of Orchids were sent by E. Rogerson, Esq., Didsbury (9ilver Medal); G. W. Law Schofield, Esq., Rawtenstall (Odontoglossums) (Bronze Medal); Jas. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham (Vote of Thanks); Ch. Vcy-lsteke, Loochristi, Ghent (Odontoglossums) (Vote of Thanks); and H. Low & Co., Enfield (Vote of Thanks). Awards. Odontoglossum crispum "Raymond Crawshay" (First-class Certificate), O. c. Harold (First-class certiiicite), O. c. Ashworthianum (First-class Certi- ficate), all from N. C. Cookson, Esq.; Cymbidium rhodocheilum (First - class Certificate), from Dr. Hodgkinson ; Odontoglossum crispum "George W. Law" (Award of Merit), and O. Pescatorei "Frances" (Award of Merit), both from G. W. Law Schofield, Esq.; O. crispum" Stanley Rogerson" (Award of Merit), and Lailto-Cattleya x bletchleyensis Excelsior (Award of Merit), both from E. Rogerson, Esq.; Odontoglossum crispum "The Hon. Florence Brooks" (Award of Merit), from G. W. Law Schofield, Esq.; and O. mirificum var. spectabilis (Award of Merit), from C. Voylsteke, Esq. MANCHESTER WHITSUNTIDE SHOW. May 21.— Notwithstanding manycontlicting elements, the show at Manchester this Whitsuntide was one of the best and brightest held for a number of years past. There was greater variety in the exhibits than usual, and several new features were observed. The competi- tive classes numbered thirty-six, most of which drew forth good entries. The best miscellaneous collection of Orchids in flower (amateurs) was shown by E..Ashwobth, Esq , Wilmslow ; 2nd, W. A. H. Bass, Esq., Burton. The best miscellaneous collection of Orchids In flower (nurserymen), arranged for effect, came from Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham. E. Ashworth, Esq , exhibited the best collection of Odontoglossums. An excellent collection of stove and greenhouse plants in flower was shown by Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons. Tne best group of miscellaneous plants in or out of flower, arranged for effect, to fill a space not less than 1.30 square feet (amateurs), was shown by Mr. J. Brown, Heaton Mersey ; and the best group of miscel- laneous plants In or out of flower, arranged for effect (nurserymen), to fill a space not less than 3)0 square feet, was exhibited by Messrs. R, P. Ker & Sons, Liverpool. The best collection of hardy herbaceous and alpine plants, not fewer than fifty, arranged for effect (nur- Eerymen), J. Robson, 1st; Caldwell & Sons, Knuts- ford, 2nd; John Derbyshire, Hale, 3rd. There were also classes for Ferns, Cinerarias, Calceo- larias, Roses, Begonias, Pansies, &e. Non-competitive Exhibits. Messrs. Cripps & Son, of Tunbrldge Wells, Kent, displayed a magnificent group of Japanese Maples very beautifu'ly arranged, and constituting a striking May 28, 1904.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 351 feature of the show. There were maDy varieties worthy of special mention ; perhaps the novelty of the exhibit was the new Acer palmatum linearilobum purpureum var. Crippsii (!), a distinct variety with very richly- coloured leaves minutely divided. Acer palmatum dissectum var. ornata was also a plant to be noted. A special prize of high value was awarded to this group. Messrs. Smith & Co., Ltd., Worcester, staged a fine group of fioweriDg shrubs and Clematis, also a nice collection of Maples (Gold Medal). Messrs. Clirran & Son, Altrincham, made a very good display of tree-flowering Carnations, and showed a good collection of Richardia Pentiandi and R. Elliottiana (Silver Medal). Messrs. Wateeee & Son, Bagshot, had a magnificent display of Rhododendrons, which were much admired, R. Pint Pearl being the feature of the exhibit (Silver- gilt Medal). Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, Newtonards, Belfast, staged a fine lot of Darwin Tulips. Many charming varieties were noticed in this collection, which con- sisted of 3 .000 blooms, some of which were Paliza. of rose-claret colour ; Pride of Haarlem, a dark rose with salmon scarlet centre; Melicette, a lilac colour, very fine ; Laurentia, flaming red : and Clara Butt, a lovely rose-coloured variety (Gold Medal). Mr. A. J. A. Bruce, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, is an exhibitor who is also an artist. His display consisted almost entirely of Sarracenias, Droseras, &o. His cul- tivation of this class of plant is unequalled; here we found all the best-known species and varieties. The most striking plant was a fine specimen of Sarracenia Fildesii, a tall-growing variety, very green in the pitchers with purple lines. Sarracenia Fambami was another fine form, also S Stevens! (Gold Medal). Messrs. Dickson & Robinson, Manchester, made a very charming display of Darwin Tulips (Silver Medal). Collections of flowers were a new feature of this Show, and although they were all in competition, they deserve special mention. A large space was occupied by them. Orchids. The coming Temple Show proved rather detrimental to this exhibition, many well-known names being absent on this occasion. Although appearing in the list of prizewinners, mention should be made of the fine collection of plants staged by E. Ashwohth, Esq., of Wilmslow. One plant in particular in this group deserves special mention, viz., Erlopsis rutidobulbon. One does not associate with this genus any plant of particular beauty, but the specimen in question is an Orchid which is well worthy of cultivation, being capable of bearing a spike of flowers of much character. It is not unlike a pend ulous Spathoglottis. W. Duckworth, Esq., of Flixton, promises to be one of the leading Lancashire Orchidists ; his group was not large, but what there was showed that he can grow Orchids well. Oncidiums were the principal feature of the group, and some fine varieties of On- cidium Marshallianum made a good show. Other good plants in this group were a few well flowered Odonto- glossum Pescatorei (Silver Medal). Messrs. J. Cowan 5 June 4, 1904.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 353 -^H§ <=^»- <&mkvttn' djihnmicle No. 910.— SATURDAY, June 4, 1904. CONTENTS. 13amb"0s, Himalayan 3515 Carinichael, the late William 357 Chelsea, lectures at... 361; Cultivation, experi- mental 353 1 IDendrobium nobile 'vlrgtnale" 357 Xptdendrum bicor- nutum 355 Fruit culture in Bri- tain 368 Garden-plants, new ... 361 ■Gardeners' Associa- tion, formation of a British 360 'Jris tectorum 354 Kew, attractions at ... 361 Kew Guild, the ... 361 Kew notes 356 London University, reception at 361 Odontoglostum nebu- losum 'burney Wil- son" 356 Orchids at Weslfield, Woking Orchids, record sale of Peach - wood, over - ripened Kew or noteworthy plants— Catasetum monodon 351 361 35-1 Societies— Koyal Horticultural (Temp'.e Flower Show; 360, 362, ***^ * Fig. 153.- -:ris tectorum growing in the nurseries of messrs. l. boehmer and co.r YOKOHAMA, JAfAN. Nyasaland, whence it was sent in 1!)02 to Kew, where it has recently flowered. It is allied to K. somaliensis, Baker. Plant 2-2J feet high, quite glabrous in all parta. Stem ,'-l inch thick at the base, terate, glaucous. Leaves large, opposite, very spreading; petiole H-.i iochea long. 4$-6 linea broad and nearly aa thick, aubtercte, alightly flattened on the upper side, dilated at the base, green or purplish-tinted, speckled wiih white; blade 4— 7j| inches long, 2$— 5 inchea broad, elliptic, obtuse, roundel or cuneate at the bate, irregularly and coarsely tiotlied, with the sHIjs more or less incurved or flit, green, with a purplish tint on the midrib and principal veins above, slightly g'au- cou?. Leaves and bracts of the ir florescence \-2 Inches long, vaiylDg from apalula'.e - obcvate to lanceolate, obtuse or subacute, entire. ltd nesceoce corymbose - cymose, 9-12 inchei lorg, 6 - 1' ii chfs broad ; branches suberect 3-8-flowered; pedicels. 8 9 lines lorg, \ -1 line thick, glaucous. Sepala 3J-6 lines long, 5 — 2 lines broad at tbe base, thencs tatering to the obtuse point. Corolla-tube 1 , inch lODg. 3\ - l lines square at the base, pale gieen; limb pure white, wiih four very spreadirg, lancro'ate, acute lobes 1 irch lorg, 4J -5 linea broad. Stamens eight, tbe upper four just cxaerted from the moutn of lhe tube, the lower four included; filamenta |— 1 lin. lorg; anthers small, 5 } line long, yellow. Hypogyrous glands about 5 linea long, filiform, more or less minutely bifid, wl ite. Carpels , inch long, linear-lanceolate, somewhat I angled, green; styles 11 linea long, filiform, twlslei together at the base, green; atlgmaa capita'.e, white. N. E. Brown. L. Boehmer & Co. ; and how well they have repaid this care the accompanjing photograph clearly shows. In addition to this I enclose a photograph [not reproduced] of the lovely Iris gracilipes,Uray, one of the prettiest plants of this genus for pot cul- ture. Although not a new plant, it is not seen often here, and may therefore be a valuable acquisi- tion for our home gardens. A. Unger, Yokohama,. [ Messrs. W.Cutbush& Sons have shown us a white- flowering variety of this beautiful species. Ed.} ORCHID NOTES AND 6LEANIN6S. ORCHIDS AT WESTFIELD, WOKING. To use leaf- soil or not to use leaf-soil is still the burning question of the day in Orchidic circles, and on that point every opinion is worth con- sideration. In the little collection formed by Francis Wellesley, Esq , consisting especially of Cypripediums, rare Cattleyas,and Laelio-Cattleyas, the whole matter has been thoroughly tested, and judgment given most unhesitatingly against the- use of leaf-soil or of decayed leaves, in the manner so strongly advocated by some cultivators. Mr. Wellesley has been a successful florist from boyhood, and has accomplished much with June 4, 1904.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 355 Carnations, Auriculas, &c, and he considers that his greatest success in Carnation grow- ing has been through ignoring the ancient formula of one-third, or one-fourth, leaf-soil in the compost, and after trial he is prepared to assert that the decayed leaf or leaf-soil prescrip- tion for Orchids has to go in the same way. It should, however, be stated that Mr. Wellesley does not grow Odontoglossums, and therefore •offers no definite opinion in regard to them. This statement at the present time has special significance, because a North-country firm who took the lead in the use of leaf material for flowers resembling C. bellatulum album in shape with more of the small purple spotting of C. con- color, being by far the finest yellow Cypripedium of its class. C. x Ville de Paris and C. x Mrs. Wm. Mostyn are two very handsome hybrids peculiar to the Westfield collection ; and a very robust specimen of C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, grown much cooler than is usual, conveys a lesson. All the forms of C. Lawrenceanum, in- cluding the finely-coloured C. L. hackbridgense, thrive admirably here along with C. insigne Sanderae, C. i. Sanderianum, and other tolerably cool-house varieties. Mr. Hopkins, the gardener L.-C. X Haroldiana, the true La^lia Gouldiana, L. anceps Schroderse var. Theodora, for which an Award of Merit was recently awarded ; and other good forms of L. anceps ; Cattleya amethysto- glossa Dom Pedro, &c. The raising of new hybrids of the best pro- curable parentage is also in active progress, and some promising hybrids are already assured. J. O'B. Epidendrum (Diacrium) bicornutum. The finely - flowered plant of this handsome Orchid, which Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons, Fig. 154.— single flower of iris tectorum : colour lilac, falls deeply pcrple-spotted with a white-toothed crest. (see p. 354). Orchids is reducing it to a vanishing-point, the proprietor excusing himself and the material by saying, " It wants properly handling. We can use it safely, but our customers cannot, and we •cannot tell them how to do so. They complain that plants grown with a proportion of leaf-soil ■do not maintain their vigour." Mr. Wellesley's collection is remarkable for the rare Cypripediums which it contains, and it has ■one of the most complete sets of hybrids, both primary and secondary, of C. Fairieanum. The species and hybrids of the C. niveum, C. concolor, and C. bellatulum sections are also specially well represented ; the latest novelty, C. x Wel- lesleyanum, apparently a cross between C. bella- tulum album and C. concolor, and with yellow at Westfield, is a great believer in dividing the active front portion of a plant from the back bulbs which are unproductive when both are allowed to remain together ; and among the rare varieties and hybrids so treated at Westfield there has not been a single failure. On the other hand, the leading portions of the plants have thriven amazingly after separation ; and the back bulbs have in some cases produced plants equal to what the originals recently were. The sturdy specimens of tho fine white Cattleya Mossiai Arnoldiana, Westfield variety, Cattleya x Lady Ingram Westfield variety, and others so divided, bear striking evidence of the correctness of the method. Good things noted were Lselio- Cattleya x zephyra alba, L.-C. x Norba superba, Cheltenham, had in the effective group of Orchids for which they were awarded a Silver Flora Medal at the Royal Horticultural Society on May 3, gave another example of a reputedly difficult plant being amenable to good cultiva- tion. With Mr. Cypher it flowers regularly grown in the same way as the fine Dendrobiums for which the collection is noted, except that it is not kept so dry after the growths are finished, as in the case with the Dendrobes. There are several varieties of this plant, but the Trinidad form which Mr. Cypher grows is the best, as its fine spikes of large, wax-like, white flowers with a few violet spots are nearly twice the size of those borne on the South American varieties. 356 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 4, 1904. HIMALAYAN BAMBOOS. {Concluded from p. 310.) Period of Flowering. — Finally, it may be of interest, theoretically as well as practically, to add a few words on certain physiological peculiarities of those Bamboos, paiticularly the extent of flowering and their fate after seeding. Do all the stems of a clump, or all the chimps of a mountain side, or of a still larger area flower at the same time ? Do they necessarily die after having matured their seeds, or do they sometimes recover from the exhaustion caused by the pro- fuse production of flowers or fruits ? Very little is known of their behaviour in the wild state. Madden, a remarkably keen observer, says the flowering of Falconeri was very general on the upper Pindari in September, 1846, and all the fruit-bearing specimens seemed to fade away ; and he reports a few years later,13 " Three years after- wards, in a second visit to the Alpine Himalaya the stems which had fallen [namely, after having seeded] and died in that season, were still perfectly sound." When the great flowering of A. Falconeri took place in Europe, all the culms were, as a rule, affected, and the plants died so generally that Riviere spoke of the annihilation of this Bamboo consequent on its fruiting. There may, however, have been excep- tions. Carriere,:fl for instance, states that a very strong clump in M. Hammond's garden at Cherbourg produced only one flowering culm ; whilst another of twenty-four culms in M. Balmont's nurseries, also at Cherbourg, had five flowering stems. More remarkable is the state- ment that the culms of the enormous clump which flowered in M. Lalande's:; garden at Nantes in 1875, covered themselves with leaves after having flowered; but in this, as in the other two cases mentioned, nothing was heardof the ultimate fate of those specimens. A. falcata seems to behave similarly, although with less regularity. Broun-3 reports that in 188G, in Jauusar, almost every culm was loaded with flowers near Chakrata, Deota, and beyond in the Sahlra forest ; but apart from those seasons of general flowering, a few clumps may be found in flower, according to Gamble, almost in any year. When it flowered in France in 1886 and 1887 the phenomenon was very general, those which escaped in 1886 flowering in 1887.-° All the clumps that flowered seem to have died, as was the case with A. Falconeri in 1876, although they may have lingered for a short time, as is reported from Cannes, where a clump flowered in 1886, was cut down in the autumn and produced freshthough feeble shoots in 1887 which also went to flower. At Kew a specimen produced leaves and flowers on the same culm in 1885, the inflorescences were comparatively poor, like those observed last year under similar circumstances. The same (?) clump produced (as a record drawn up at the time by Sir Dietrich Brandis states) flowering and foliage stems in 1886, the former bearing only flowers, the latter only leaves, and then it died. Another specimen had in the same year only flowering stems, and it too died after having matured its seeds. It is obvious that the duration of the culms, their power of resistance to frost, the condi- tions of flowering and fruiting, and the effect of seeding on the life of the plants, are points of as great importance for the horticulturist as they are of general scientific interest. Unfortunately our knowledge of the condi- tions under which those Bamboos live in their natural habitats, and of the phases of their development is very scanty, and I would urge that altogether more attention should be 25 In Ann. & Mag. Nat. Hist., 2nd Ser., xi , 1853, p. 310. 26 Revue Eorl., 1876. p. 174. 27 Lalande, in Revue Hurt., 187t;, p. 17".. 28 Indian Forester, xil., r. 411. 29 Carriire & Andie, in Revue Hort., 1887, pp. 291. 292, 310. paid to the life history of the Bamboos of the temperate Himalaya by forest officers and others who are on the spot. A. falcata ranges from Chamba to Nepal, A. Falconeri from Kumaon to Sikkim. Of the former we know that seeds might be got almost in any year ; of the latter we may be sure that the flowering does not take place simultaneously all over its large area. Would it not be advisable to import seeds gathered in different places and years, so as to have a supply of clumps of different age, which would, of course, flower and fruit in different years, and spare us the annoyance of seeing those noble plants wiped out from time to time ? Otto Stapf, Kew. was attracted most by the beautiful and ever- encroaching race of Odontoglossums. He removed to Haywards Heath, where there are now several houses filled with good Odontoglossums, prin- cipally O. crispum, in excellent condition ; and a fresh importation of the Pacho type is just being added to the stock. Cattleyas are also well grown at Glenthorne-, C. Mossise and C. Mendeli being very fine this season. KEW NOTES. 0D0NT0GL0SSUM NEBULOSUM "GUKNEY WILSON." At the meeting of the Orchid Committee of the Eoyal Horticultural Society on May 3, Gurney Wilson, Esq., Glenthorne, Haywards Chlor.ea virescens, Lindley. — This fine terres- trial Orchid has been flowering for the past three weeks in the Odontoglossum- house. The genus is one that has been very little in cultivation, notwithstanding the fact that C virescens was grown and flowered by Mr. Cameron at the- Birmingham Botanic Gardens in 1845, and was then figured in the Botanical Register. It does not appear to have been cultivated to any great. Fig. 155.— odontoglossum nebulosum " gurney wilson." Heath, was accorded an Award of Merit for Odontoglossum nebulosum " Gurney Wilson " which we here represent (fig. 155). The variety is the most beautiful of its class, from the florists' standpoint, and it is interesting botanically as affording the extreme of the broad- petalled, spotted, or pardinum section, as com- pared with the smaller, unspotted, or sparsely marked forms of the 0. nebulosum candidulum class. The flowers of 0. nebulosum " Gurney Wilson " are silvery-white, slightly tinged with rose at the backs, and attractively spotted with purple, in which a slight green tint can be observed. Odontoglossoum nebulosum, Lindley, a cool- house plant, native of Mexico, has been referred by some to O. apterum, La Llave, and Lexarza, which again has been indentified with O. Rossi. The late Professor Reichenbacb, in an early note in the Gardeners' Chronicle, fully recognised O. nebulosum, Lindl., and the name has been always used in gardens. Mr. Gurney Wilson, who for some years grew Orchids at Streatham, extent since that time, until brought home by Mr. Elwes in 1903 from Chile. The erect spikes of flowers are from 9 to 15 inches high, carrying- six to twelve flowers of a bright yellow colour;. beautifully veined with light green. The following cultural methods have been practised at Kew, and found to suit Chlorneas admirably. After flowering the plants lose their foliage, and remain dormant until about August or September; during this resting period they should be kept in a cool frame, fully exposed to- the sun, water being withheld until the new growths begin to push, when they should be. shaken out and repotted in a mixture of fibrous loam, peat, sphagnum-moss, sand, and broken, sandstone, or some such material to keep the soil thoroughly porous. Water should be- supplied very sparingly until the plants are. well rooted. They should be grown in the cool- frame until they are removed at the end of October into a greenhouse. As soon as the flower-spikes are seen afford liberal supplies of weak manure-water. JUNE 4, 19M.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 35*; Dendrobidm Jenkinsii, Wallich. This charming species with, its miniature pseudo-bulbs has flowered freely in the Cat- tleya-house. The plants grow well upon either a piece of Tree-Fern stem or on cork. When making their growth they thrive best in an intermediate temperature, but afterwards they should be removed to a cooler house. The species is a native of Assam, and was figured in the Botanical Begister, 1839, t. 37. W. H. time of writing is bearing thirty large in- florescences in full flower, there being indications of many more to follow. It is a native of the temperate regions of the Sikkiru Himalaya, [and is especially abundant towards ,the summit of Tonglo, at an elevation of 9,000 to 10,000] feet, and is also common in the Lachen and Lachoong valleys at similar elevations, ascending to even 12,000 feet. It first flowered in Europe in 1892, in the garden of Mr. Gumbleton, Belgrove, FlC. 156.— DENEROBIUM NOEILE "VJRGINALE" BEARING FIF1Y-TWO FLOWERS. BUDDLEIA COLVILLEI. This species, by far the handsomest member of the genus, is at present in flower in the Hima- layan wing of the Temperate-house, where it is planted- out in a border amongst Rhododendrons and other Himalayan plants. On the completion of the Himalayan-house some five years ago, the plant was removed to its present position from the Temperate-house, where it had been grown for a number of years and had never flowered. It has now grown vigorously, forming a large, spreading tree about 25 feet high, and has flowered annually sirce its removal. The plant commenced to bloom a fortnight ago, and at the Queenstown, and was figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, for August 13 of that year. In describing this plant in his Illustrations of Himalayan Plants, Sir Joseph Hooker says, " This will probably prove perfectly hardy, as I have found it in very exposed places as well as in woods, and from the abundance of its flowers and its lasting some wetks in bloom, it will be a most desirable addition to our gardens." The plant, however, has proved to be too tender for general cultivation in this country, and it is only in the very mildest localities that it will succeed at all. I saw Mr. Gumbleton's plant last summer, and from its appearance I am convinced that even with the mild conditions under which it exists in his garden, the winters are far too severe for it. I have also seen it tried in several places in Corn- wall, but with very little success. The conditions under which the plant is grown at Kew appear to be the best, as is evinced by its healthy, vigorous condition. Chas. P. Roffill. Lonicebas. Lonicera affinis, a species new to cultivation, is at present in full flower in the Temperate- house. L. syringantha is also in flower in the Lonicera. collection. Further reference will be made tc- these species on another occasion. DENDROBIUM NOBILE "VIRGINALE." The plant illustrated in fig. 156 was cultivated1 the garden of Geo. C. Wand, Esq., Ferniehurst, Baildon, Yorks (gr., Mr. W. Taylor). It is suffi- cient proof of good cultivation when we say that the plant bore fifty-two flowers, and had three- new growths, each measuring 24 inches long. This variety of D. nobile has flowers of pure- white, except for a pale lemon tint on the lip. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) THE LATE WILLIAM CARMICHAEL. — I have- thought you might like to insert a filial tribute to the memory of my father, who was a regular reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Twenty- two years' absence from him in South Africa, with a most regular correspondence however, and two visits home to see him in Edinburgh, have quickened rather than otherwise my grate- ful love for him. He passed to his rest at 14, Pitt Street, Edinburgh, his home since 1887, on April 6, 1904 (see Gardeners' Chronicle, April 23 , p. 267. Ed.]. He wa3 born, in July, 1815, at Comrie, in Perthshire, where his ancestors for six generations had been crofters in the neigh- bourhood of the " Crappich," which guide- books say is, perhaps, with a little alteration of letters, Mons Grainpius, at Tullybanocher and Glasdale. He went to the school at Comrie, then under Mr. Cameron, and at fourteen he- walked with his father, also William Carmichael, over the hills by Callander to Buchanan Castle, Loch Lomond, and was apprenticed in the gardens of the Duke of Montrose to Mr. Mont- gomery, head gardener. One of his fellow gar- deners here, whom he always remembered, and after whom he named one of his Strawberries, was Eichard Gilbert, sometime head gardener at Burghley, Stamford. After three years he- went to the Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh under Mr. McNab. A contemporary there whom he- knew well afterwards in Suffolk was Mr. Peter Grieve, of Culford, Bury St. Edmunds. His next place was Archerfield, under Mr. Mcintosh 1 think, and then, about 1840, Mr. McNab sent him to be foreman in the Duke of Norfolk's- gardens at Arundel Castle, under Mr. Wilson. He went by sea to London, and took the Brighton coach. It was before railways- existed, and I have often heard his story of how, when he asked Mr. McNab what he was to do in London, he was told, "Go to the Golden Cross Hotel, try and be a gentleman, tip the ' Boots," and take a place in the coach." He has told me how he enjoyed the new scenes and flora on the Surrey hills. After a few years Mr. Wilson recommended him to Heywood Hawkins, Esq., of Bignor Park, Petworth, who wanted a head- gardener ; and, although he was young, Mr. Wilson testified to his gardening powers, and he- was appointed. He was fond of reading, and had at that time a small theological and gar- dening library, which books I knew well long afterwards. While at Bignor he went down, to Comrie to be married to Mary Cossar, daughter of an overseer at Dunira. About 1845 he moved to Crowe Hall, Bath, to be gar- dener to George Clutterbuck Tugwell, Esq., who- wanted a man to grow Heaths; and my father's training under McNab, whom he used to call the " father of Heath-growing," stood him in good 358 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 4, 1904. stead. Here five of his children were born, and one died. He exhibited Cape Heathsat Cheltenham and elsewhere, and was grateful for Mr. Tugwell's knowledge of plants and interest in the garden, and from this gentleman he said he learned much. Then, about 1856, through Mr. Cramb, gardener to Earl Ducie at Tortworth, where some friends of Lady Dunmore were staying, he went to Dun- ■more Park. From here he sent out the " Stirling Castle " Peach, which he found in the Dunmore Gardens. It was originally brought there by an Earl of Dunmore, who was Governor of Virginia. When the fruit was sent to Covent Garden it was noticed at once — I think specially by Mr. Osborn — and as it was new, the tree was sent out into the market. Here his youngest son, Charles, was born, of whom there was a short memoir in the Gardeners' Chronicle, in March, 1894. The present Earl came of age in 1862, I think, and I remember my father's trying to have good Grapes ready for a dinner in Stirling on the occasion. Sidney Herbert — later Lord Herbert of Lea — was a guardian, and frequent visitor to the estate, and my father had many recollections of him, as also of Mr. Lockhart, the factor, and Eev. Charles Hinxman, the chaplain. One of the features of Dunmore was the first specimen of Abies Nordmanniana planted in Scotland. It was sent from Russia, planted in St. Andrew's churchyard, and a plate affixed to it used to tell its story. In May, 1863, Lady Dunmore sent for my father, and told him "the Prince wants you for Sandiingham." This came about, I think, through Mr. Menzie3, who was at Windsor in the Prince Consort's service. In August, 1863, he moved to Sandringham. His work there was several times mentioned in the Gardeners' Chronicle, and also the fact of his leaving in January, 1873. When I was with him there last year, seeing the kitchen gardens and the Golden Yews, and the Wellingtonias in front of York •Cottage, which he had planted forty years before in an old pond, he kept speaking of the improve- ments, which he stated were " all for the best." It was only his age, which was over the regula- tion limit (so the Gardeners' Chronicle of the time stated), that prevented his appointment to Hampton Court. So after a few applications elsewhere he returned to Crowe Hall, Bath, to Henry Tugwell, Esq., son of his old master, who gave him his old place. But the Heaths And Camellias were no longer what they had been ; still the situation of the house, and the conservatory, and the slope of the flower .garden, are very beautiful, near the bottom of the richly wooded valley at the head of which stands Prior Park ; and my father settled down in the happiest way again as a working gardener. Then, in 1877, his old friend Mr. D. T. Pish, of Hardwicke, Bury St. Edmunds, recommended him to Mr. T. H. Porteous Oakes, of Nowton Court, who was making a new garden, and my father went to carry this out at the end of the .year. Mr. Oakes, like Mr. Tugwell, was a great lover of his trees and grounds, and the Conifera* at Nowton are very fine. Here my mother died in 1882, and, with Charlie, lies buried in Nowton churchyard. Being alone after his wife's death, and having reached the age of seventy, he went back to his first place as head gardener, Bignor Park, where Mrs. Johnstone, then over eighty, asked him to live in the steward's room, and look after the place. This he did. He married again, an old friend, a cousin of Mrs. Stewart, the housekeeper at Sandringham, who had her own business in Edinburgh, and he went to live there in February, 1887. He thought of retiring, but, in order that he might not " weary," his wife advised him to take a bit of ground in Inver- Jeith Walk. This he fenced round with plants and turned it into a garden, put cordon Pears on the walls, and began to raise new Straw- berries. He thought he had put "new blood into the Strawberry " when he made a successful cross between Waterloo and British Queen. But my father was of a most sanguine and hope- ful disposition, and always felt he had some- thing good. When over eighty years of age, he .got another bit of ground at the end of Warri- ston Crescent, and planted it with choice fruit- trees. Daily he used to go down to his gardens, to pack and send out his Strawberries ; and he made many friends in the neighbourhood and at the Botanic Garden, where he will be missed. The last letter I had from him, which reached me a month later (on the day of his death), told me that he had taken advantage of a few dry days to sow Peas. He died within three months of being eighty-nine years of age, and was strong to the last. J. T. Carmichael, S. Stephen's Mission, Mohales Hoek, Basutoland, April 22, 1904. "8HADE" IN PEACH CULTIVATION.— For several years past we have had much trouble to obtain a good *' set " of Peaches and Nectarines on the earliest forced trees, which I attributed to over-ripening of the wood. We tried the effect of blinds, and kept the trees totally shaded during bright days. The roofs of the houses are very sharp-pitched, and the usual roller-blinds cannot be used, but we run them on rings and wire-like curtains. The shading used is what is termed thick Orchid shading. Our trees this year have good crops. I am sending samples of fruit for you to see the results. We are most surprised at their rich colour grown under these conditions. W. L. Bastin, gr. to Sir A. Henderson, Bart., M.P., Buscot Park, Faringdon, Berks. [The fruits are unusually well coloured, and excellent in quality. Does our correspondent mean that the blinds are used during bright sunshine throughout the summer and autumn ? There are few locali- ties where such measures are needed, but in this case the results have been most satisfactory. Ed.] PHENOMENAL FLOWERING OF TREE8, ETC. — Probably there is not a single expert amongst horticulturists who has not been favourably surprised at the abnormally fine show of flower displayed by all hardy fruit trees this present spring of 1904, particularly after the indifferent summer of 1903, and the exceptionally heavy rains which followed. Bright sunshine of no mean duration is supposed to be necessary for the ripening of young wood and the formation of flower buds ; but has it been so in this instance ? Present experience would seem to imply that soil saturations, artificially or otherwise, during autumn or mild winter weather, would conduce to more abundant flower formation. Be that as it may, the trees have just finished a most abundant flowering season j the flowers were wondrously well developed, the pollen being abundant and free. One or two unusual facts have been in evidence, i.e., some trees which in midwinter showedno signs of bloom developed goodly displays subsequently, notably Apples — Bismarck, Lane's Prince Albert, &c. The strongest young shoots formed during the preceding year upon the apices of fifteen-year-old trees pruned back to one-third their lengths, upon which no signs of bloom were apparent, pushed forth bloom trusses at every joint [from the old or from the new wood ? Ed.] ; and this was particularly the case with the Codlin section. Aucuba mascula, it is well known, was always prone to expand and exhaust its male blooms many days or weeks before the female or berry-bearing plants were in bloom, with the result that berried shrubs were comparatively rare to see. This year it was not so ; the female varieties were all in bloom first, or at the same date— at least it was so in my garden, where many of each sex exist in various aspects. This suggests that there will be a better display of scarlet berries next winter. Another fact has struck me : Horse Chestnut-trees have in many instances produced solitary limbs with their extremities a mass of bloom, whilst other parts were all but bloomless. White Thorns it was said were deficient of bloom, yet now make a grand display. William Earley. FRUIT CULTURE IN BRITAIN.— Dr. Bonavia's article on p. 321 has interested me very much, also the correspondence from week to week upon the merits and demerits of Ecklinville Seedling Apple. I think the question of what varieties to plant in certain districts is a very important one, as some varieties that succeed in one place utterly fail in another. Ecklinville Seedling succeeds well in this district ; the tree is a good grower on the Crab and Paradise stocks, and fruits well. We are always able to sell the fruit at a good price ; some other varieties which have a high reputation in some districts do very little good with us. Lord Suffield is of very little use with us. The tree cankers and makes little growth, by reason of which we scarcely ever get any good fruits. Bismarck, which I have heard spoken of disparagingly in some places, does remarkably well in this district. This points very strongly to the need, as stated by several correspondents in the Gardeners' Chronicle, for some reliable lists of varieties which succeed in each county or district. What is wanted is a list of about six culinary varieties, and the same number of dessert varieties, that are good growers and free croppers. J. Basham, Jun., Fairoak Nurseries, Bassaleg, Newport, Mon. TULIPA TUBEKGENIANA. The subject of our Supplementary H!us- tration this week is that of a very handsome Tulipa, said to have been introduced from Bok- hara. The form of the flower and size and shape of the segments are well shown in Mr. W. Q. Smith's drawing; but we may call attention to the hairy character of the inside of the outer scale of the bulb, common to this section of the genus. The peculiar shape of the bud before expansion is shown in outline. The flower when at its best opens out like a fine cup or dish, and the colour is rich orange-crimson with a darkly-coloured blotch at the base of each segment. The species was recommended an Award of Merit at a meeting of the Koyal Horti- cultural Society on May 17, when flowers were exhibited by C. G. Tubeegen, of Haarlem, Holland, to whom we are indebted for the speci- mens from which our illustration has been prepared. The Week's Work. THE HARDY PBTJIT GARDEN. By H. Makkham, gr., Wrotham Park, Bamet. Apricots. — Large tree3 which have been pro- tected by glass coping, blinds, or fish netting, and have set heavy crops of fruit, should have the fruit freely thinned by removing those which are ill-placed, and also a quantity of the smaller ones, especially where fruits have set in clusters. This early thinning is a matter of importance where Apricots of the best size and quality are expected. The quantity of fruits that should be left on the trees to mature will depend greatly on the health and strength of the tree and the size of the fruits of the variety, whether large or small. Keep a look-out on the young growths for cater- pillars, pinching any that can be found between the thumb and finger, afterwards giving the trees a good syringing with water. Neatly secure all young shoots required for extension, filling up gaps, &c. Branches of the Apricot are very liable to " gum " and die, therefore it is necessary to secure plenty of young shoots for filling any spaces that may occur. Peaches and Nectarines. — These have set a very heavy crop of fruit, as very little frost was experienced during the flowering period. Thinning should be taken in hand early, so a3 to give the trees an opportunity of making growth that will have ample time to mature before the end of the season. Do not thin the fruits severely at the first operation, but re- duce the number gradually, always taking away the smaller one3 and tho3e that are placed behind the wood. Keep a watchful eye on the foliage, and should mildew appear dust the affected parts with flowers-of -sulphur to arrest the disease before it has time to spread. Frost Guards. — The material which has been employed for protecting trees from frost, &c, may now be removed and put away. In the case of blinds choose a fine bright morning, and let them down for a few hours to get them thoroughly dry previous to putting them aside in a dry, well- ventilated place. Fish-netting will be required for the protection of other fruits, and when neatly rolled -up should be labelled to indicate the size, &c, in order to avoid any con- fusion at the time they are wanted. Gooseberries. — If large berries are required for dessert or exhibition purposes, and the bushes are heavily cropped, a portion of the smaller fruit may be gathered early and made use of in tarts, &c. Place a good mulching of manure under the bushes, if this has not been done already, and JUKE 4, 1904.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 359 afford a good watering through a rose-can to wash down the manurial properties, and to cleanse the surface. This will be beneficial to the bushes, and will protect the berries from grit. Mark those bushes required for supplying fruit for dessert purposes, if such be growing amongst others ; also any variety required for bottling purposes. When Gooseberries are required for making jelly, do not allow the fruits to become \ too old, rather have the berries young, otherwise ; the colour will be very unsatisfactory. There are few fruits from which a nicer jelly can be made than from the Gooseberry. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. K. Fieldeb, Gardener to Mrs. Bubns, North Mynirus Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Serines. — These autumn-flowering plants are now going to rest, and water should be entirely withheld from them as soon as the foliage has quite died down. The bulbs may then be placed I in a cold frame and exposed to sunshine until the | flower-spikes begin to appear, towards the end of the summer, when they should be removed to the greenhouse and afforded a watering. When re- potting becomes necessary, it should be done directly the roots show signs of renewed activity, which is about the time that the flower -spikes begin to appear. Caladiums. — If large specimens are required, the plants should be repotted as soon as the roots have taken possession of the soil afforded at the previous potting. Let the compost consist of fibrous turf, peat, and leaf-soil in equal propor- tions, together with a little dry cow manure, which should be broken up and passed through a half -inch sieve, and some coarse silver-sand. The turf and peat should be used in as lumpy a con- dition as the extent of the shift will admit. A warm temperature and moist atmosphere should be maintained, and shading afforded during bright weather. Chrysanthemums. — Where the cuttings were struck early, and the plants placed in 6-inch pots in good time, they will now need to be shifted, with as little delay as possible, into the pots in which they will flower. Make a commencement with those plants that are best rooted, and delay the potting of weaker or later plants until it is seen that the roots have taken possession of the Eoil afforded at the previous potting. The com- post may consist of three parts good turfy loam, one part leaf-soil, and half part well-burnt refuse, adding a 6-inch potful of bone-meal to each barrowload of soil. To this may also be added a little lime-rubble and sufficient coarse sand to keep the whole porous. After being potted let the plants be stood together in a sheltered place for two or three days, and then let them be placed in their summer quarters. If the weather be bright, use the syringe freely among them ; but if the potting soil is sufficiently moist when it is used, there should be no necessity to afford water to the roots during the first day or two. THE PLOWBE GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds. Gardener to Sir W. D. Peaeson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. Carpet Bedding. — The beds should now be put into formation for planting, always raising the soil somewhat above the level of the turf. They may be edged with Sedum or Herniaria glabra, which is one of the best plants for the purpose. If it is required to furnish the edging at once, Echeveria and Sempervivum may be used. The surface of the bed should be made smooth and level. When the designs have been marked out, planting may be commenced. A stout plank raised on blocks at each end will be necessary if the beds are large, so that there will not be the need for the planter to tread on the soil. If the surface soil is made very fine, and the marking of the design is correctly done, planting will be a simple operation. Care must be exercised, how- ever, as the young roots are very tender, and should not be pressed too hard, but just firmly enough to keep them from flagging. The plants should be damped over in the evenings, or any time after the sun is off the beds. Sub-Tropical Bedding. — This class of bedding is superior to the former, being stately, of cool appearance, snd productive of more natural effects. The beds should have been well pre- pared and manured, and thrown up above the surrounding level for the sun to warm and pul- verise the soil. The position of the beds, if pos- sible, should be somewhat sheltered, and with a slope to the south-west, or where there is a good background of shrubs or Ivy, with just suffi- cient turf between the beds and borders to give them a good appearance. Single specimen plants may be planted in the grass. Each bed should be planted with various species. A great many more plants are now placed outside during summer than was the case in previous years. Plunged in their pots in the turf good specimen plants of Plumbago capensis, Eondeletias, Helio- tropiums, Bougainvillea Sanderi, Fuchsias, and Pelargoniums give a rich appearance, if only for three months in the year. All sub-tropical plants require copious supplies of water and mulchings during the summer. Each plant should be secured to a neat stake of sufficient strength. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge Park, Wantage. Peaches and Nectarines. — It will now be neces- sary to give daily attention to fruits that are ripening. In all cases it is better to gather fruits when they are under-ripe rather than over-ripe, especially if they have to be sent long dis- tances. Great care is necessary to detach the fruits without causing them injury. When care- fully gathered they may be kept in good con- dition for ten or twelve days if put in a cool, dry, airy room, placed upon perforated trays, and covered over with tissue-paper and wood- wool, the wool, with all dust removed, having been previously well exposed to light and air, so that no perceptible odour may be im- parted to the fruit. In packing them for travelling, the size of the boxes should be uniform, in order that all may be corded securely together ; they may contain from one to three dozen fruits each. The boxes should be well lined with wood-wool, and each Peach or Necta- rine wrapped in tissue-paper, and nested securely in the wool, which is so light and elastic that the fruits will travel by road or rail without receiving injury. Fill the boxes sufficiently to allow of no shrinkage through vibration, otherwise the con- tents will get displaced and damaged. Trees from which the fruits have been removed should not be neglected, because to all appearances their season's work has been completed. Shoots which have ripened fruit should be removed, but the foliage of the trees conserved in a clean, healthy condition as long as possible. Afford frequent and moderate waterings to the roots ; the neglect of this, together with too early maturation of the wood, invariably causes " bud dropping " in the spring. If it is thought to be necessary, afford another light mulch to the borders, using for this purpose droppings from the stables. Should the trees be infested with red - spider, syringe them well, and thoroughly dust the leaves over and under with flowers-of-sulphur, allowing it to remain on for a few days, after which the trees should be thoroughly syringed. In place of the syringe we nse the revolving sprayer or lawn sprinkler over the trees, which answers the double purpose of cleansing the trees and watering the roots. Remove all ties from young and old wood alike, and arrange the shoots so that the sun's rays may have free access among the branches as well as upon the inside borders. Discourage the trees from making autumn growth. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Fibth, Esq , Ashwicke Hall, Marshfleld, Chippenham. Onions. — Owing to milder temperature Onions are making good progress, and on fine days, when the surface of the ground is in a fairly dry con- dition, work the hoe between the lines. Should the weather become dry hand-weed between the plants in the lines and commence thinning the Onions early, pulling them out where they are thickest. Make use of the thinnings for salading. Young Onions are becoming more used for salads, and it will be well to make another sowing for supplying young plants. Lettuce. — Owing to showery weather and working; in a garden that had been neglected for years, we find it difficult to get up succession crops on ground from which winter crops have been cleared, owing: to the ravages of slugs. This notwithstanding we make the ground white with a heavy dressing' of lime previous to digging, and afterwards, before sowiDg, afford another heavy coat, which is worked in by means of the rake. The seed is covered with fine ashes, as soil fine enough for coveiing is not to be had ; in this way, by sowing: often, we manage to keep up the supply. I advise those who have similar difficulties to contend with to be on the alert, or the crop they expect may be a failure. Potatos require hoeing and earthing-up. On heavy soils let the ground between the lines be given a good hoeing with the draw-hoe. Keep the weeds exposed on the surface of the ground, leaving them there for a few days until they are- dead, before drawing the soil up to the plants. Where young Potatos are required continuously for table, plant sets at intervals to meet this demand. Should the season prove favourable satisfactory results may be expected from good1 sets put in even as late as the first week in July. Centipedes. — Peas, Scarlet Runners, and French Beans are much infested with these pests. After being sown, as soon as the outer skin bursts, the centipedes enter in numbers and eat all before them. We have tried many remedies, including: soot, lime, ashes, and paraffin. The three former had no effect. Wetting the seeds well with paraffin mixed with an equal quantity of water has given the most satisfactory results. Those whose crops are not coming through the ground satisfactorily should examine the seeds, and if infested make another sowing as soon as possible. The plants will grow away quickly now that the ground is getting warmer, and there will be less time for insects to destroy the seeds whilst in the ground. Weeds are growing in all quarters of the garden- Keep the hoes and the hands going, and do not let the weeds get the mastery, or it will be a con- tinual fight for the remainder of the season. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White. Orchid Grower to Sir Thevob Lawbence, Bart., Burford, Dorking. Arundinas. — Such pretty and interesting Or- chids as Arundina bambusaefolia, A. sinensis, A. Philippii, and the remarkable Neobenthamia- gracilis are worthy of every attention. At the present time these plants are making numerous young reed- like growths, and any repotting that is necessary should be done at once. If the plants are strong and healthy they will require pots two- sizes larger than those they are in at present, which will allow the roots an inch or more of new- compost all round. The pots should be well drained, using dry Fern-rhizome, and fibrous loam, peat, leaf -soil, and sphagnum-moss in equal parts, with a sprinkling of broken crocks and coarse sand. Pot them up as in the case of an ordinary stove or greenhouse plant, pressing the compost down firmly among the roots. Select the lightest position available in the warmest house, and when roots again become abundant afford liberal and frequent waterings. Syringe- the leaves well all through the growing season. Angrcecums. — Many of the dwarf -growing An- graecums, as A. arcuatum, A. articulatum, A. bilobum, A. citratum, A. Ellisii, A. hyaloides, A. fastuo3um, A. Kotchyii, A. Humblotii (Leonis), A. bicaudatum, A. carpophorum, A. odoratissi- mum, A. metallicum, and the new A. Rothschildi- anum are recommencing to grow, and if necessary should be repotted. Formerly these plants were- grown in moss only, but I find they succeed better when potted in a mixture of peat, leaf-soil, and sphagnum-moss in equal parts, the surface of the compost being covered with clean picked moss to about \ an inch in depth. The beet position, for them is the coolest end of the East Indian- house, but if during the summer months a plant should show signs of deterioration in any way remove it at once to a warm shady part of the Cattleya-house, and when colder weather returns take it back to the warmer division. The sweet- scented A. falcatum is a Japanese species, and) should be suspended in the cool-house during the whole year. SCO THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June i, 190*. The Temple Show/. One Temple Show is by the nature of things very like another Temple Show, even though it be the centenary year of the Royal Horticultural Society; but the one held this week had some remarkable features. In the first place, it was wet on the opening day — very wet. That however did not interfere with the display, nor did it deter the King and Queen from visitiDg it. Next, the display itself was one of all-round -excellence, of high quality, and devoid to a larger extent than usual of what is common- place. Our detailed report will indicate what was shown and who showed it, but in this place we may call special attention to what, to use the language of the exhibitor, we may •call the clou of the exhibition. This was the truly extraordinary hybrid shown by M. Vuylsteke, of Ghent, and called by him x Odontioda Vuylstekerc, to indicate that it was the result of a cross between Cochlioda Noezliana and Odontoglossum Pescatorei. Cochlioda and ^Odontoglossum are botanically not very far apart, and that may account for the success of the cross ; nevertheless, the concrete result was such as to surprise the most confirmed orchidist. Our illustration is taken from a sketch made by Mr. Woethington Smith. The hybrid shows that the colour of Cochlioda is represented, while the lip is like that of Odontoglossum Pescatorei. We must trust to the illustration and to the report of our Orchid expert for a description of this very extraordinary cross. The colour of the segments is so peculiar that no two people whom we asked were in agreement about it. '-Salmon-cherry" — an odd com- bination, truly— was as near an approxima- tion as words would convey. The toothed crest of the lip was yellow. A cut spike bearing six flowers, each about 2i inches across, was all that was exhibited, but the Committee waived their usual rule of requiring a plant to be placed before them by granting the spike a First-class Certificate. A Botanical Certificate would have been much more appropriate, and would really have con- ferred greater honour; but unfortunately «xhibitorsdo not attach much importance to that award, and it is one that carries little or no financial weight, so this most wonderful hybrid has to take its place amongst the multitudinous ruck of plants honoured by First-class Certificates. Since our note was originally written we have learnt with great satisfaction that a Silver-gilt Lindley Medal was also awarded to M. Vuylsteke, who thus becomes one of the very few recipients •of an honour which is specially appropriate. Another interesting hybrid, but of a less sensational character, was a hybrid Dianthus ■called Lady Dixon, shown by Mr. Douglas, and raised between an ordinary Sweet William crossed with the pollen of Uriah Pike Carnation. The plant obtained an Award of Merit in 1901, but it is still not much known. The flowers are double, of a rich cherry-red, whilst the foliage is like that of the Sweet William. It is understood that a portion of the profits arising from the eale of this variety are to be given to the fund being raised for the completion of the new Horticultural Hall. We most earnestly hope that Mr. Douglas will be able to dispose of a very large number of plants. It is evidently a good border variety, and hardy. The crossbred varieties of Gerbera shown by Mr. Irwin Lynch, from the Cambridge Botanical Garden, were so beautiful and varied in colour as to constitute a feature of the show. The new Gloriosa shown by Lord Both- schild, which was figured in our columns May 23, 1903, proved that we did not exaggerate its merits. We were pleased to find many Belgian exhibitors, such as MM. Peeters and Drap- Dom, of Brussels, M. Vuylsteke, of Ghent, and others, who exhibited Orchids and other plants. We have no desire to recapitulate what is said elsewhere in our report, but we cannot avoid calling attention to the massive Silver- gilt Cup presented by Messrs. Jas Veitch & Sons in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of their establishing themselves arrives at the position of a head gardener. A skilled workman in other departments, with much less responsibility, and from whom much less is demanded, is better off than the average gardener. Employers complain, and not without reason, of the difficulty of obtaining com- petent gardeners. Gardeners on their side complain of the difficulty they experience in finding suitable situations. We have only to look down the advertisement columns of the horticultural papers to see that there is truth in both these contentions. There are thousands of so-called gardeners, but the employer at present has no adequate guarantee that the men who call themselves gardeners really are so. The Association will attempt to remedy these evils. One thing especially must be remem- bered— the Association aims at co-operation Fig. 159.- •X odontioda vuylsteke.f. exiup.ited at the temple show. (See col. a, p. 380, and p. ii. of Supplement ) 'n the metropolis. This handsome Cup, of the value of fifty-five guineas, was to be awarded to the best exhibit in the Show. The utmost latitude was given to the judges in their selection, and we learn that it was allotted by them to the collection of Boses from Messrs. W. Paul & Sons. Of course there is nothing but admiration to be be- stowed on Messrs. Paul's exhibit, but whether it was the kind of exhibit to be singled out on such an occasion by such a Society for such special distinction may be well doubted. The Gardeners' Association. So far as we understand the proposals of the founders, the Association is intended to remedy certain defects to which the profession of gardening is at present subjected. It must be admitted in principle that the social position and the remuneration of the gardener are, as a rule, not adequate to the length of time he has to spend in preparation for his future work, and to the foresight and insight which are demanded of him when he and persuasion, not at coercion or dictation. Each is to help, not to hurt, the other. Each is to exercise his rights in such a way as not to thwart anyone else. The natural pro- cess of evolution is to be aided, and no artificial obstacles are to be placed in the way of any one. If he is a good, honest workman, the Association will help him ; if he is not, the Association will let him alone, do him no harm, or, if it has the chance, will try to stimulate his con- scientiousness and awaken his sense of duty. These, we take it, are the main objects of the Association, and in so far as it works on these lines it will meet with the sympathy and encouragement of all right-minded men. The meeting, of which wegivea necessarily condensed report, was attended by upwards of three hundred gardeners, including a large contingent from Kew, and many repre- sentative gardeners in various departments. The proceedings were of an enthusiastic character, and the opinions practically unanimous. JUSE 4, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 361 Reception at London University.— The •members of the International Association were lately the guests of the University of London at a conversazione, which was held in the ■University's abode in the former Imperial Institute. Lord Eosebery, as Chancellor, re- ceived the guests, who included, besides •the foreign delegates and the members of -the Eoyal Society and of the British Academy "for the Pursuit of Historical and Philological Studies, who are also members of the Associa- tion, some 3,000 other guests of distinction in the spheres of science, letters, politics, and law. The reception was held in the vestibule of the 'Great Hall, and in other rooms of the building scientific exhibits were ranged and lectures were given. Many of the exhibits were such as already had been shown at the soiree of the SRoyal Society. But among others which call for special mention was the display of fossil seeds arranged by Dr. D. H. Scott, Professor F. W. 'Oliver, Mr. Kidston, Mr. Arber, and Miss Benson. In this exhibit an attempt was made »to show in a graphic form the present state of information with regard to fossil seeds ; the con- nection of seed-bearing plants with the plants of Fern-like habit ; and the pedigree and evolution of seeds as shown in the record of the rocks. Dr. F. E. Fritsch exhibited "plankton" of the river Thames and of Ceylon ; Mr. A. E. Smith and Mr. Kerr their striking photo micrographs ; and Professor Farmer and his colleagues his examples of heterotype division in malignant .growths. New Garden-Plants of the Year 1903. — It is highly satisfactory to find that the authorities at Kew continue to publish an annual list of the " new " plants published in the various •horticultural journals. The pressing claims of ■other matters prevent us from carrying out fully and in seasonable time the lists which we were ■formerly in the habit of giving. We suggest that lit would be desirable to add the names of the authors of species. For instance, it might, from the list before us, be inferred that we were ■responsible for the name " Saxifraga Grisebachii," when, as a fact, we merely took the name from •the label attached to the plant by the exhibitor. The list is indispensable to those who desire to keep their collections properly named, and to possess an authentic record of the plants introduced into cultivation. Botanical Lectures at Chelsea.— Prof. J. Beynolds Green's seventh lecture on"Ad- bore very fine trusses of bloom. E. Aschebson, Esq , Pett Place, Charing, Kent (gr.^ Mr. J. Pitts), showed some well-flowered plants of Streptocarpus. Hardy flowering Shrubs. — Bunches of these were shown by Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, among them> being Lonicera Hildebrandtii, with its large yellow blossoms, which attracted much attention ; such fine- Lilacs as Souvenir de L. Spath and Madame Lemoine ; also Weigela Debois (cream with rosy reverse), Cytlsu* tessifolius, &a. Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Nurserymen, Stamford, exhibited a group of greenhouse plants. Heliotrope Lord Roberts was of gigantic proportions. Severa^ varieties of "Cactus 'zonal Pelargoniums, with flowers more or less resembling those of the variety " Fire Dragon," but in various shades of colour. The variety, R. H. Greenhill, with pink-coloured flowers, was one- of the best. Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill Nurseries, London, and Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, staged some Streptocarpus. A fine group of plants of Richardia Elliottiana was shown by N. L. Cohen, Esq., Round Oak, Englefieh Green, Surrey. Messrs. W. Balchin & Sons, Hassocks, Hove, and Brighton, staged a very creditable collection of green- house plants, the group being very tastefully set up, and including some nice batches of colours. A batch- of Leschenaultia biloba major was very striking, its'' beautiful blue colour being much admired. Ricliardia- Elliottiana was shown well ; Boronias and Heaths werc- also included. Scutellaria moccinlana was interesting, as was also Genetyllis fuchsioides. Mr. Wm. Iceton, Putney, staged a large batch of* Lily of the Valley, with Palms, Bamboos, and other suitable members as a backing, working in a row aS Boronias along the front with good effect. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, staged a miscellaneous group of flowering plants, Including some beautifully flowered plants of Rhododendrons- and Azaleas. Rhododendron fastuosum iloreplenc was good, Magnolia parviflora interesting. Clematis, Hydrangeas, Pseonies, Cytisus, and similar plants were included. Lilium auratum, and spikes Oi Eremurus himalaicus and E. robustus Elwesianus were prominent above the group. In another tent the same firm exhibited a display of greenhouse plants the plants being a mass of flowers. Schizanthus, Lobelia tenuior, forms of Primula obconica and or) Streptocarpus hybrids, S. achimeniflorus albus, and' S. a. rosi-us being especially worth mentioning. Kalanchoe kewensis has large rosy-pink flowers. The Phyllocactus exhibited by this firm were striking, the flowers being of the most charming shades; Isabel' Watson, Epirus, Ena, Grand Monarch, and Ovis are but a few of the varieties in this collection, Corydalis thalictrifoliaand Rehmannia angulatawere included in Messrs. Veitch's collections. Mr. Jannoch, Dersingham, near Sandrlngham, set up some choice flowering Lilacs, arranging a group oL Lily of the Valley in a pyramidal manner, the collec- tion forming a pleasing termination to the central- table in the large tent. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, staged a small- group of showy Ant h u rlu ms, principally varieties of A. 8cherzerianum ; A. Rothschildianum var. nobilior.wa* pleasing, the spathe being finely mottled with white,. Also a number of plants of Nicotiana Sanders and N. S. alba. The plants were profusely flowered, and the flowers varied greatly in shades of colour. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, exhibited a. group of Cactaceous plants which excited much curios- ity amoDg the visitors, and the clean, well - grown character of the individuals was commendable. Mr. A. J. A. Bbuce, Edge Lane Nurseries, Chorlton- cum-Hardy, showed a capital collection of American " Pitcher " plants and other species; S. Wilsoni, 8. Chelsoni, S. Fildesii (very tall, colour green), 8. Pat- terson!, the dwarf 8. purpurea, Droseras, Pinguicula- caudata, Cephalotus, Darlingtonia californica, and other species. All the specimens were well cultivated. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, exhibited a group of beautiful Cannas, including 2£0 plants in eighty varieties. This is the largest group of Cannae- ever displayed at the Temple Show, and it was arranged on the floor at one end of the central stage in the large; Orchid-tent. Among new varieties, Mme. Jean Burlat (salmon pink colour with yellow margins), Eastern Queen (salmon pink colour), and Magra (scarlet with- June 4, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 363 Fig. 160.— uelia purpurata "queen Alexandra'' with white flowers, exhibited at temple show by messrs. w. bull and sons. (see p. i. of supplement.) 364 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 4, 1904. yellow edge), were very fit e amongst this large number of showy varieties. Miss Alice Rothschild, Aylesbury (gr., Mr. H. Walters), exhibited some excellent flowers and leaves of Nympbteas gigantea and pulcherrima, both of which have blue flowerp. Show and decorative Felargoniums were shown well by Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth. Messrs. J. Carter & Co., High Holborn, exhibited a small collection of Japanese dwarfed trees; and Messrs. Bare & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, had a structure erected by themselves, in which was displayed a very large collection of dwarfed Japanese trees, some of which were growing on Tufa, with miniature temples, Ac, wo) ked in. Messrs. Hugh low & Co. exhibited a number of plants of Agapanthus umbellatus variegatus, flowering in "inch pole. The leaves are variegated. This firm had also some excellent plants of Schizanthus wlse- tonensls. A very fine colJection of specimen Streptocarpus was set up by Lord Aldenham, Aldenham House, Elstree (gr., Mr. E. £e. Thomas Smith.— The death of this well- known horticulturist occurred at his residence, Blackpark, Stranraer, Wigtownshire, on the 18th inst. Though he had reached a period far beyond the allotted span of life, deceased dis- played almost to the last an intelligent interest in general affairs. Coming from a sturdy Scottish stock, and haviDg been brought up amid the sur- roundings of an older generation, he inherited all the marked characteristics of^his race. Without the aid of any fortuitous circumstances, his dogged perseverance, combined with the rare qualities of care and caution, secured for him early prominence in the career of usefulness he had chosen for himself. Mr. Smith was born in jPerth almost eighty- four years ago, and very early began to learn the nursery and seed trade in that city. After he had undergone the usual course of training there, he went to St. Martins, Perthshire, where he devoted himself to gardening. From the very first his great desire was to master completely his profession. Consequently his leisure hours were given over to attendance at classes and the study of botany. As early as 1843 he gained the 1st prize and medal for his Herbarium. On leaving St.|Martins he was appointed foreman atWbittle- bury Lodge, Northamptonshire, then noted for its Italian gardens. After a short term of service there he accepted a similar position at Dalkeith Palace, at that time under the charge of the well- known Mr. Mcintosh, author of the Gardeners' Assistant. Here he remained for several years till his removal to Eglinton Castle. Two years later he was appointed head-gardener to Mr. Garnet, Quernmore Park, Lancaster. From there he removed to the Marquis of Londonderry's seat at Mount Stewart, County Down, where he re modelled the grounds of that estate in a most skilful and artistic manner. In 1861 deceased started business for himself as nurseryman and seedsman at Stanraer, and established the now well-known firm of Thomas Smith & Sons. For a loDg time this firm has held a foremost place throughout the country in the cultivation of Roses and Rhododendrons. On many occasions deceased acted as judge at the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's shows, and at the National Rose Society's shows, besides many others. His kindly manners and strong character rendered him a most lovable man, and having an immense fund of dry humour he was a delightful companion. His ideal of life was high, and he endeavoured to live up to it. Mr. Smith took no part in public life, though often pressed to do so, and no more grateful tribute to his worth could have been found than was evinced in the large attendance at his funeral, which took place in the picturesque churchyard of Inch. Mr. Smith leaves a family of four sons and four daughters, three of the former being associated with him in business, two of them, David and Thomas, as co-partners, by whom the business will be carried on as formerly. Anoth:r son, Archibald, has for fifteen years been connected with Joseph Breck & Sons, Boston, U.S. Charles Buchanan, Penicuik. Fruit : Average Wholesale Prioes. MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, June 1. Out Flowers. &o. ■ Average Wholesale Prides. t.d. 1 0- ■ a. 4 0 Arums, per doz. Azalea mollis, per bunch Azaleas, per doz. Carnations. Mal- maison I2blius. — per bunch ... Crotonleaves.bun. 0 6-10 Eucharis.perdoz. 2 0-30 Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... — French, per doz. bunches 0 3-04 — Maidenhair, doz bunches 6 0-80 Forget -Me- Nots, p. doz. bunches Gardenias, box ... Gypsopbila, doz. bunches Gladiolus, Blush- ing Bride, per doz bunches ... — white, bunch Iris, doz buD. ... Ixia, per doz. bun- Lilac, doz bun... — (French) bun. Lilium auratum per bunch ... — longiflorum, bunch — lanclfolium ... Lily of the Valley, p. doz. bunches 2 0-60 Plants in Pots, 0 6-10 2 0-40 4 0-60 0 6-16 0 6-20 16-30 10-20 4 0-60 2 0-60 0 6-10 3 0-40 2 0-30 3 0-40 16-20 2 0-40 10-20 16-26 a.d. t.d. Marguerites, yel- low, doz bunch. 10-20 — white doz. bun 3 0-40 Narcissus, p. doz. bunches Orchids : Odonto- §lossums, per ozen blooms 2 0-40 — Cattleya, doz. 10 0-12 0 — various, doz. . 2 0-60 Peeonies, per doz bunches Pelargoniums, zonal, dozen cunches — white, dozen bunches — double scarlet, p. doz. bunches 3 0-40 Pyretbrum, per doz. bunches ... Roses, Mermet, per bunch ... — white, bunch — pink, bunch — red. bunch — Safranos, bch. Sinilax, doz. trails Spiraeas, bunch... Stocks, per doz... Sweet Peas, per doz. bunches ... Tuberoses on stem, bunch . — short, p. doz. 10-20 2 0-40 3 0-60 4 0-60 2 0-30 10-26 10-20 10-20 10-20 10-20 16-20 0 4-06 2 0- 2 H 1 3 0 0 9-10 0 3-04 ao. : Average Wholesale Prioes. a.d. a.d. Acacias, per doz. 12 0-60 0 I Ivy Pelargoniums, Adlan turns, doz. 4 0- 8 0 j per doz Aralias, per doz. 4 0- 8 0 ! Lilac-trees, each . Arbor Vitse, doz. 9 0-18 0 : Lycopodiums.per Aspidistras, doz. 18 0-36 0 dozen Auoubas.perdoz. 4 0-80 Marguerites, doz. Azalea mollis, pot 16-30 — double yellow Azaleas, each ... 1 6- 3 0 — single yellow Begonia, per doz. 4 0- 8 o : Mignonette, per Calceolarias, per dozen t.d. a.d. 4 0-60 3 0-40 3 0-40 4 0-80 6 0-80 6 0-80 4 0-80 2 0-40 dozen 4 0-801 Musk, per dozen Crotons, per doz. 12 0-24 0 \ Orange-trees, each 3 6-10 6 Cyperus, per doz. 3 0-40 Palms, var., each 3 0-20 0 Dlelytra specta- bilis, per dozen 12 0-18 0 Dracsenas.variety, dozen 12 0-48 o Ericas, per dozen 6 0-24 0 Euonymus, vars., per dozen Ferns Invar., per dozen Flcus elastica, per dozen Fuchsias, p. doz. Heliotropes, per dozen Herbaceous plants and perennials, per box 10-20 4 0-60 4 0-30 0 9 0-24 0 3 0-60 4 0- l Pansies, in boxes 13-20 Pelargoniums, per dozen... 4 0-10 0 — double scarlet, per doz. — pink — jacoby — white Petunias, in boxes Primulas, perdoz. Pteris tremula, 12 — Wimsettl, doz. — majcr, dozen Saxifrages, p. doz. Spiraea, per doz. . stocks, per dozen Verbena, perdoz. 3 0-60 4 0-60 3 0-40 3 0-60 13-20 4 0-60 4 0-80 4 0-80 4 0-60 8 0-10 0 6 0-80 6 0-80 6 0-80 Apples, Austra- lian, in cases ... — Tasmanian Cases Bananas, bunch — loose, dozen Figs, per doz. ... Gooseberries, per sieve Grapes, Hambro' A, per lb. ... B, per lb. ... — GrosMaroe.lb. — Muscat, A, p. lb. t.d. e.d 7 0-12 0 6 0- 8 0 7 0-10 0 10-16 3 0-60 10-26 2 0-30 13-19 2 0 — 4 0-50 Grapes, Muscat, B, per lb. Lemons, per case Melons, each ... Nectarines. A, doz. — B, perdoz. ... Oranges, per case Peaches, A, r.er doz — B Pines, each Strawberries, A., per lb — B., per lb. ... e.d. t.d. 2 6-30 7 6-21 0 10-26 15 0-S1 0 4 0-10 0 21 0-40 0 13 0-18 0 3 0-80 2 0-40 2 0-30 0 9-13 Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prioes. e.d. >.d. 16-20 6 0-66 4 0 — 16-20 0 9-10 0 6-13 10-20 0 9 — 0 2-03 16-20 2 3-29 «.d. e.d. i Artichokes, Globe, per dozen ... 2 6-40 Asparagus, H ome, bundle ... 10-26 — Foreign ... 0 6-16 Beans, Broad, flat 3 6-46 — dwarf, per lb. 0 8 — Beetroots, bushel 2 6-30 Cabbages, p. doz. 0 9-10 Carrots, per doz. bunches ... 2 0-26 — per bag ... 3 0-40 Cauliflowers, per dozen 0 9-20 Celery, per dozen bunches 6 0-90 Cress, doz. pun. 09 - Cucumbers, doz. 16-29 Endive, per doz. 13-16 Garlic, per lb. ... 0 3 — Horseradish, fo- reign, p. bunch 10-13 l.jeks, doz. bun... 10-16 I. sttuces. Cabbage, per dozen ... 0 3-06 — Cos. per score ut-us Mint. doz. 16-20 M usliroomsfh ouse) per lb 0 6-10 Remarks— Gooseberries are plentiful, and prices range from 2s. 6nies being the only flowers present in quantity. AlthoatU this hall was intended for the sale of imported soit fruit?, very few salesmen avail themselves of the accommodation. The stairs are a greit inconvenience to those using this hall. The space on the ground floor Is now occupied by growers of spring bedding plants. English cut flowers from the open ground are coming in very plentifully, double crimson and double pink Pseonies being a great feature. Pyrethrums, especially the single crimson varieties are very showy. Sweet Peas are over plentiful, and do not make prices sufficient to satisfy ihe growers. The large orange- scarlet Oriental Poppies are now in, and there is also a large supply of Iceland varieties. Liliums are more plentiful than ever, and the demand being only moderate pric3s are low, entailiDg a good deal of waste. Lily of the Valley varies very much in quality ; large quantities from out-of-doors are sold at very low priCBS, but higher prices are obtained for the he3t indoor grown, some of which is of fine quality. Tulips are now nearly over, afler having had a loDg season, it being nearly six months since they were first marketed. Roses continue plentiful, but there are now many smaller blooms. Early - flowering Gladioli in very pretty shades of colour, and the pure white variety areplentiful. Spanish Iris, although still obtainable, are not so abundant as formerly. The trade for choicer flowers is now rather dull. Garde- nias, Tuberoses. 8tephanotis. and Orchid b'ooms all move slowly. There is a good supply of double Scarlet (Zjnal) Pelargoniums: the pink Ivy-leaved and the show Pelargoniums in various colours. Royal Botanic Society. — We are in- formed that Lady Jeune has consented to become the patroness of a stall for the sale of flowers, which will be held next week by Mrs. Bktant Sowerbt and the students of her Floral Class. The proceeds will be divided between the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution ][and Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. The Past Winter in America.— In a letter to Mr. Anthony Waterer, of Knap Hill Nurse- ries, Woking, Prof. C. S. Sargent writes from the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University, as follows : — " We have had the most disastrous winter that I can remember. Deciduous-leaved shrubs and trees seem to have suffered more than evergreens this time, although practically every Rhododendron-bud in this part of the world is killed or injured ; Azaleas, on the other hand, being all right. We have lost many shrubs which have been growing for twenty years at least, and have never suffered before. It will take a long time to get over the effects of such a winter." WEATHER NOTES. A ?eraoe Temperature tor the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -59'9\ A toal Temperatures :— London. June 1 (6 p.M.l : Max 6r>°: Min. f>0°. June 2, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent, Garden (10 a.m.) : Bar., 30-1 ; Temp.. 58'. Dull. PROVINCES.— June I (6 P.M.) : Max. 62°, England, E. ; Min. Bl", Shetland. lorrcjfjondcnfo %* Owing to the extraordinary pressure on ou (pace, the publication of numerous communi cations and reports is inevitably delayed. Asparagus Beds : E. B. The beds are probably exhausted through age. Next season you should sow seeds for making a new plantation, and, by manuring the old beds from the surface, stimulate the plants as much as possible for two years or so, when, the younger being capable of affording " heads," the older ones may be destroyed. Farmyard manure contains more nourishment than manure obtained from spent hot-beds, which is naturally partly ex- hausted. See note on Asparagus-culture on p. 16, in our issue for January 2, 1904. Asters: Co. Clare. We cannot find anything the matter with your plants. Have a little patience, and watch. Capsicums : E. B. See note on p. 343 in our issue for May 28. Caterpillar Feeding on Cotoneaster : W.R.S' The insect that you have sent to us is the larva of the common brimstone-moth, Rumia cratae- gata. It usually feeds on Hawthorn and Sloe, and is common and widely distributed in the British Isles. The moth has all the wings of a canary-yellow colour, and the margin of the fore-wing3 is adorned with red -brown spots. You could easily collect the caterpillars by beating the branches over a tray, or into an umbrella. Cucumber Plants : W. E. W. They are attacked with the fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. See answer to "Melon: G. R." in last week's issue. Gloxinias : J. D. Have you been using some insecticide in too great strength ? Gooseberry Caterpillars: J.W. Yes; they are those of the ordinary Gooseberry caterpillars (Abraxas grossulariata) (fig. 162). It is not Fig. 162— magpie moth and caterpillar found on the goosehebby and cubbant. surprising to find th'em on Bibes aureum, for it attacks not only Currants and Gooseberries but also Apricots and Plums, and is frequent on Sloe and Blackthorn hedges. Hellebore powder has been found useful for destroying them. Judging of Flowers, Vegetables, &c. : Cor- respondent. You may obtain the Royal Horti- cultural Society's Rules for 'Judging, 8rc, on application to the Secretary, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster, pi ice Is. Id. post free. Lawn-weed: Fungoid. What you send is a Lichen, indicative of poverty of soil and bad drainage. Treatment accordingly. Melons in Cool - house : E. B. Under such conditions as you describe, it is not necessary to spray the plants or " damp down " fre- quently, which would be very injurious. Be guided by the conditions of the weather, and on bright sunny days, when spraying is done, let it be performed early in the afternoon, that the leaves may become dry and the excess of moisture evaporate from the surfaces in the house before evening. Names of Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — J. C. Leucoium vernum. — 67. J. 8. Xanthoceras sor- bifolia; Cerasus pendula. — Quercus. l,Quercus Cerris ; 2, 3, 4, 5, Q. pedunculata; 6, Crataegus punctata. — L. R. R. Solanum aviculare (New Zealand). — W. E. Bryophyllum calycinum. — R. B. 1, Ledum latifolium ; 2, Juniperus, a variety of J. virginiana; 3, Sequoia semper- virens, Red - wood ; 4, Daphne pontica ; 5, Gaultheria Shallon ; 6, Spiraea chain Eedrifolia — K. S{ S. L. Clematis verticillaris, often known as Atragene americana. — H. A. B. Celsia cre- tica. — A.M. 1, Calliprora flava; 2, Heuchera sanguinea ; 3, Alonzoa Warscewiczii ; 4, Jus- ticia carnea of gardens; 5, probably Anthemis tinctoria, send in flower; 6, Gnaphalium Leor.- topodium (Edelweiss). — G. W. 1, Spiraea media; 2, Ribes aureum, no flowers ; 3, Exochorda grandiflora ; 4, Rubus deliciosus ; 5, Lonicera tatarica ; 6, Euonymus vulgaris ; 7, Cornus san- guinea variegata ; 8, doubtful, no flowers ; per- haps Amelanchier vulgaris. — J. P. C. Polypo- dium nigrescens. — G. C. Thank you for Eeuding such good specimens. 1, Staphylea pinnata; 2, Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) ; 3, Crataegus coccinea ; 4, Valeriana Phu aurea ; 5, Abies Nordmanniana; 6, Acer eriocarpum. — W. M. Cjtisus Adami x, supposed to have originated from grafting or budding C. purpureus on to C. Laburnum. — J. C. Prunus Padus. Lad's- love is Artemisia Abrotanum. Nectarines Splitting : J. P. C. The fruit cracks owing to excessive growth taking place internally, and the skin, being unable to grow as fast as the central tissue, results in this splitting. This may arise from various reasons, but which we are unable to say, not knowing the con- ditions of culture ; but we should advise you to keep the borders from becoming excessively wet, and to maintain a drier atmosphere, allow- free circulation of air among the plants. Odontoglossum Leaves Spotted : T. R. For Odontoglossums to be affected in the manner shown by your specimens is not uncommon, and no thoroughly satisfactory conclusion has ever been arrived at on the subject. Generally the old leaves, which in most cases, in their native habitat, would have died, are affected. When cultivated under glass they retain the leaves. Puncture by aphis in the earlier stages, it has been thought, might develop in this way. Pears : Fruit Culture. Your Pears are attacked by a fungus (Fusicladium pirinium. Burn the affected leaves and spray with weak Bordeaux- mixture. Red-rust on Briars : H. M. This is caused by a fungus, Phragmidium subcorticatum. For particulars, see answer to " H. W. C," p. 352 of last issue. Roses : Q. Q. We cannot undertake to name the Roses. The large - leaved Fig is the fruiting stage of F. repens, figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle not long since. — Enquirer. We cannot undertake to name Roses. It is like Fortune's Yellow. Royal Horticultural Society : Irishman. You appear to have an exaggerated idea of the qualifications necessary for fellowship. The principal qualification is that you should be in a position to pay an annual subscription fee of £2 2s. ; or if you elect to pay only .£1 Is. per annum you must also pay an entrance fee of one guinea. Write to the Secretary, 117, Victoria Street, Westminster. No enquiry will be made as to your experience in horticultural practice. Tomatos : Tomato. Nitrate of soda, or nitrate of potash, at the rate of 1 to 2 oz. per square yard. Tomato : Daisy. The leaves are affected with a fungus (Cladosporium). Burn the affected plants, and spray the others with liver-of- sulphur, J-oz. to a gallon of water. Vines bearing Grapes Changing Colour : E. B. The counsel given in the Calendar was quite right. If you have to cultivate Ferns and Palms in your vinery it may be necessary to damp them more frequently, but we do not think so. In a house containing different species of plants it is not always possible to practise the best treatment for any of them. Vine-leaves : P. Y. The warts are caused probably by mites, or by excess of moisture accompanied by deficient ventilation. Communications Received — Cooper, Tabcr& Co.. Ltd., (letter has been forwarded). — F. Bedford (many thanks)-H. &8.— W. &8ons— W. H. C — R. D.— J. R.— S C.-H. N. R , Singapore-J. O'B.— W. J. B.-C. P. R. W. J. T., Port Elizabeth— E. T. (For Weather see p. z ) June 4, 1904.] SUPPLEMENT TO THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. THE TEMPLE SHOW. Mat 31, June 1, 2. (See also pp. 360 and 362). The seventeenth annual exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society in the Gardens of the Inner Temple will be remembered for the disagreeable weather that marked the two opening days. Their Majesties the Kirjg and Queen visited the show on the opening day (Tuesday), at 11 o'clock In the morning, and remained a considerable time to inspect the exhibits. The receipts on each of the first two days were, in spite of the bad weather, larger than in preceding years. The show generally was as good as usual, but afforded no new features, the introduction of which, under the circumstances existing at the "Temple," would no doubt be very difficult. Such a show as these annual exhibitions have become, impose a vast amount of extra work upon the Society's officials, and our grati- tude is due to the Rev. W. Wilks, M A , Mr. S. T. Wright, and Mr. Frank Reader for the pains that were taken to have the arrangements as perfect as possible. Orchid Committee. Present: Harry J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien, Norman Cookson. H. J. Chapman, H. A. Tracy, W. Boxall, H Little, J. G. Fowler, J. W. Bond, J. Colman, J. W. Odell, H. M. Pollett, M. Gleeson, F. A Rehder, F. J. Thorne, H. Ballantine, H. B. White, W. H. White, F. W. Ashton, H. Pitt, H. G. Morris, A. A. McBean, Walter Cobb, W. H. Young, A. Hislop, M. Bilney, and E. Ashworth. The cloudy atmosphere and wet weather suited the plants admirably, and seldom has there been a Temple Show when the flowers looked so fresh as on tbiB occasion. It may also be said that the large classes of Orchids, such as Cattleya Mossiie and Odontoglossum crispum. have never before been seen in such uniform excellence, with so few indifferent varieties or so many remarkable forms. In the main tent the commencement of the grouping on the central staging was excellently well filled by the veteran orchidist Sir H. Schbodeb, The Dell, Egham (gr., Mr. H. Ballantine), whose splendid group con- tained a wealth of finely grown and well-bloomed Orchids. * Odontoglossums made a prominent feature. Among the most remarkable of the blotched forms were two good plants of the handsome O. crispum Rex. and one of O. c. Luclani, O. c. Princess Beatrice, O. c. i grande-maculatum, the richly-blotched O. c. " Queen's | Birthday," O. x Coradinei mirabile, and others Among the hybrids were the fine Odontoglossum x excellens Dellense, aDd two other fine forms of I O. x excellens, O. x ardentisslmum of fine colour, O. x elegantium, and various others, as well as representatives of most of the species of the season. I Among other fine things noted were Lselia x Ed- I ward VII, Lselio-Cattleya X Dlgbyano-Mossise. and other Lselio-Cattleyas ; a showy selection of Masde- i Vallias, including a very fine specimen of M. x Pour- I baixii; some good Cattleyas, including albinos of several species; fine varieties of Lselia purpurata. the I two prettiest of the white forms being Schroderse and I Schroderiana; good Vanda-teres, Pbalsenopsis amabilis I Rimestadiana, Epidendrum x Dellense, Cypripedium f Lawrenceanum Hyeanum The Dell variety, C. callosum I Sanderae. Miltonia Warscewiczii alba, Renanthera ; Imscbootiana, Aosellia africana, &0. Jebemiah Colman, Esq., Gatton Park (gr.. Mr. I W. P. Bouod), continued with a very fine group, in I which the large species were arranged at the back, the I. elegant sprays of Oncidium phymatochilum and other ' Oncidiums appeariog effectively among them. Odonto- I glossums. and especially fine forms of O. crispum, I were also wellrepreseoted, the showiest of the blotched 1 forms being O. crispum Colmanianum, a very band- 1 some flower ; O. c. Lady Roxburgh. O c. Mrs. Causton, and O. c. Mary Colman, all good and with distinct m&rkings. The group was brightened by batches of brilliant Masdevallia?, of finely - flowered Miltonia vexillaria, excellent forms of Cattleya Mossiae and the other sbo *y Ca'tleyas, Lselia purpurata, Cypripediums, i Ac. ; and among botanically- interesting plants was Bulbophyliuin barbigerum, whose feathery, moving label hi ui is always an attraction to the visitors. Sir Frederick Wiiian, Bart., Clare Lawn, East 1 Sheen (gr., Mr. W. H. Young), staged a very fine group of about one hundred good specimens, representing eighteen distinct genera, over thirty specle9, eight varieties, and seventeen hybrids ; a very wide range to exhibit in the restricted limits of a show collection, and which included nothing but showy or interesting plants of good quality. Most of the species of Odon- toglossum flowering at this season were included, the favourite O. crispum having an example of O. c. marmoratum, a distinct form, white, showily marked with purple on the middles of the segments. Miltonia vexillaria had for best forms the fine M. v. Empress Victoria Augusta, and Memoria G. D. Owen, and with them were good M. x Bleuana, Cypripedium bellatu- lum, C. b. album, and Eeveral other Cypripediums. The fine forms of the showy Cattleyas embraced C. Mossise Golden Sheen, with a fine golden colouring on the labellum; C. M. Beatrice; and the six fine forms of C. Mendeli had for the best the beautiful C. M. Wigan's variety. The most remarkable of the Lselia purpurata was the white L. p. Eira, with slight rose marking on the lip. A very finely flowered C. Skinneri alba was arranged Id the middle of the group, and among other good species and varieties noted were Cymbidium tigrinum, a grand specimen of C. Devoni- anum with six fine spikes, which secured a Cultural Commendation to the grower; Epidendrum Medusie, Sobralia macrantha, Cochlioda Noezliana, Brassla brachiata.AeridesFieldingii, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, &c. Among the best of the hybrids were Laelio-Catt- leyas Baden Powell, varieties of L.-C. x Hippolyta, L.-C. Canhamiana albida, and Marguerite, L.-C. X Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain (L. Digbyana x C. chocoensis), a very pretty and softly-tinted flower. Captain G. L. H01.1 ohd, C.I.E., Westonblrt (gr., Mr. H. Alexander), exhibited in a well-arranged group a number of remarkably fine Orchids, the very hand- some Lielio-Cattleya x Digbyano-Mossise, Westonbirt variety, securing a First-class Certificate (see Awards). Also very fine in this group were Laelio-Cattleya x Fascinator var. nobilior, L.-C. x Wallaertiana. L.-C. >: Iolanthe, L.-C. x Canhamiana Rex, L.-C. x Hippolyta, L.-C. x Baden-Powell, Cattleya Mossiie Wagneri, with five fine white flowers; a good C.Warneri. with two spikes of four and two flowers ; Lselia purpurata fastu- osa, Cypripedium x callosum Sandeno, and C. x Handle. Messrs. Sander 4, No. 8. triangular, 4 to 5 cm. in diameter towards the base, basilary- folioles much reduced, with three teeth 2 to 25 cm. long, median leaflets, measuring 35 to 40 cm., and 5 cm. in diameter ; lanceolate, coriace- ous, rigid the edges slightly recurved, with rather numerous spines along both edges, terminating in more or less deep and sharp teeth, spiny at the top, dis- articula'ed at the base Male cone, long-stalked stalk, about 25 cm. long, downy, whitish, furnished towards the top with bracts which are abortive scales ; cone, car- The Colonial Garden at Laeken, founded in 1900, contains numerous specimens of this fine plant. This institution is of great assistance to colonial agriculture, and includes some rare or unique plants, some still undetermined and new to science. In addition to ornamental plants, there are at Laeken Caoutchouc lianas from the Congo, many Rubber plants, and various speci- FlG. 163. — ENCEPHALARTOS LAURENTIANUS, D< Wild. From a photograph taken in the Jardin Colonial de l'F.tat Indcpendant du CoDgo at Laeken. mine red from 17 to 25 cm. long, and 5 to-6 cm. wide ; flowering scales triangular, with short down at the top only, and unusually reddish, the rest of the bracts yellowish, those at the base smaller and sterile, the others 2—25 cent, long and 15 to 25 mm. wide at the top, which is triangular, about 1 5-2 cent by 8— 12 mill., not beaked, divided into three or four planes, of which the lower, more or less triangular, is formed by a line almost parallel with the top of the triangle formed by the upper surface of the scale. From this line diverge the oue or two lines which divide the upper part into two or three planes.* * Em. De Wildeman, Eludes sur la Flore da Basel du Moyen Congo, vol. i, faso 1, p. 10, t. 25. mens brought with much trouble from the Conga The Gardeners,' Chronicle* published some time ago Dr. Kegel's analytical key to the genus Encephalartos. M. De Wildemanf has contri- buted on this subject a description of the fine species E. villosus, and an interesting account and general review of known species. Louis Oentil, Brussels, " March 27, 1875. t Icones Seleclas horti Thenensis, t, iv., fasc 8, p. 173 and seq., t. clx. (December, 1903). June 11, 1904.J THE GARD ENER S ' CHR ONI CL E. 371 TREES AND SHRUBS. LABURNUM ADAMI, LavalUe. In the Arboretum at Kew there are now throe trees of this remarkable Laburnum in flower. Judging by the number of enquiries, its history and origin are not so generally known as one would expect. It first appeared in 1825 in a nur- sery near Paris belonging to Mons. J. L. Adam. His account of its origin was that on a plant of Cytisus purpureus, which he had budded on the common Laburnum, a branch appeared bearing in fact, just as if it had been grafted on the trees. A third tree carried flowers of the hybrid form only. Deutzia discolor, Hemsley. To future cultivators of trees and shrubs the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth will be memorable for the number of Chinese plants, whose introduction to Europe dates back to that period. Amongst them, and certainly not the least important, will be Deutzia discolor. This species was first described and named by Mr. W. Botting Hemsley from dried material collected by Dr. Henry, but Fig. 164. — ekcephalartos iemarinelianus, De Wild, and Th. Durand. From a photograph tafcen in V e Jardin Colonial dc l'Etat Independant du Congo at Laeken. (See p. 370.) flowers purple in colour, and intermediate be- tween those of the stock and the scion. The inference was that a hybrid had been produced by budding. To this branch all the trees of L. Adami in the gardens of Europe and America owe their origin. Still more remarkable, however, is the fact that it still reverts, or partially reverts, back to both its parents. It is not an uncommon thing to see on a tree of L. Adami flowers of the common Laburnum, of Cytisus purpureus, and of the inter- mediate kind which M. Adam first saw on the tree nearly eighty years ago, and which are of course the true Laburnum Adami flowers. Two trees at £ew have borne this season all three kirds. The pieces that bore the Cytisus purpureus flowers had also the foliage of that species, and lcoked the first living material was, I believe, sent to France. It has now been reintroduced by Messrs. Veitch, and I have lately seen in flower some beautiful forms grown in the Coombe Wood Nursery. The species has dull green leaves, lanceolate, dentate, 2 or 3 inches long, with the rough surface so characteristic of the Deutzias. The flowers, each about § inch in diameter, are profusely borne in dainty, compact clusters, fur- nishing almost the entire length of last years' shoots and transforming them into arching wands of blossom 1 to 2 feet long. The flowers vary in colour, but in the type are white, more or less flushed with rose. One of the best varieties is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 7708, and is named var. purpurascens. In this the petals are deeply and charmingly stained with rosy purple. Mons. Lemoine has already hybridised thia plant with D. gracilis and the result he has named D. gracilis var. campanulata. The earlier- flowering Deutzias, especially this and other Lemoine hybrids, have been more beautiful this year at Kew than they have been for several seasons past. W. J. Bean. THE EDINBURGH BOTANIC GABDENS. Hardy Plants. — Although flowers are rather late this season, a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, at the end of.May afforded, as usual, much interest and pleasure. Many visitors wend their steps directly to the rock-garden, where at all seasons there is con- siderable variety. Among the chief attractions at the time mentioned were some capital plants of Morisia hypogsea, whose lovely little yellow flowers contrast so well with the glossy green foliage. Near it was a mass of the neat little Hutchinsia alpina, frequently met with as Noccffia alpina, with white flowers. Lychnis alpina was also blooming freely ; while sheets of the best Aubrietias were covered with bloom. A. " Dr. Mules," as seen here, will not easily be sur- passed in general effect by the larger A. Prichard's A 1. One of the most pleasing features in the rock-garden was a mound of Alyssum saxatile sulphureum, whose soft yellow flowers look well beside the deeper yellow of the typical A. saxatile. Androsaces were well represented, among those in bloom being A. villosa, A. sarmentosa, A. lanugin- osa, and A. carnea, while several had gone out of flower. Helian the mums were just coming into bloom, but the pretty little H. echioides wasfreely covered with its small yellow flowers ; its remark- ably neat habit makes this Spanish Sun Rose a desirable rock-garden plant. The alpine Anemones were very fine among the rock-work, A. alpina and A. a. sulphurea being specially attractive. Phloxes of the subulata type were also making sheets of flower, P. s. G. F. Wilson being one of the prettiest, from its profuse habit. Remarkably pretty was Onosma albo-roseum on the perpendicular wall of a sunk rock-pit, where its drooping flowers showed to great advantage. The small yellow Ranunculus hybridus was pleas- ing with its yellow flowers, while the charming little Tiarella cordifolia was in full bloom, its foam-like flowers being pretty among the stones. Such plants as Lithospermum pros- tratum, Pulmonaria arvensis and the variety alba, Genista sericea, Dicentra formosa, Geum Heldreichii, masses of the best Iberises, and a large collection of Primula species and hybrids were noted in going through the rock-garden. Saxifrages for some years have been a speciality here, and there is a very large and representative collection of the various species and varieties. Professor Bayley-Balfour is still working upon these, and many will await with interest the publication of his observations. The new S. "Dr. Ramsay," with S. Guildford Seedling, and the closely connected S. Fergusoni, were all in the rock-garden. The accommodation for aquatic plants at Edin- burgh will probably receive its needed improve- ment before long ; but the margin of the pond for the Nymphaeas and other aquatics is generally interesting. Those who doubt the hardiness of the Phormiums in Scotland would be satisfied were they to see the fine specimens of P. tenax and others by the margin of this pond. Some have been established for many years. Wulfenia carinthiaca, in one of the compartments close to the water, is a lesson to those who plant it in dry positions, and find that it does not flower satis- factorily. Though full of flower, it may be observed that the plant appears to like plenty of 372 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 11, 1904. moisture without a superfluity, as it was more floriferous and vigorous on the higher part of the compartment than in the lower and more satu- rated portion. A similar position seems to suit Primula grandis, which was thriving here. It cannot be called a sh wy plant by any means. Diphylleia eyrnosa, Helonias bullata, and Carda- mine latifolia were among the other plants in flower. Between the pond and the rook garden there is a representative collection of Bamboos, generally doing well, and valuable for comparison by cultivators in Scotland who think of growing these graceful plants, which are generally much hardier than mar meshed netting placed flat over them just high, enough for the flower-buds to get through. Roses. — According to the weather prospects at present.nomulching will be required as previously noted. Plants that have started into growth late may still be thinned of some of the shoots in the- centre of the plant, keeping the outside ones to- shape the plant. The earliest plants may be afforded a slight application of artificial manure- —one of the best for Eoses is Ichthemic guano, which should be " hoed-in " afterwards. The> wet winter has not been suitable for all varieties of the Rose, especially of standards. Some established plants have failed to grow. These will have to be left with the hopes of their growing, and the space may be filled up for the* summer with pot plants plunged in the pots and replanted in the autumn. Beds may be planted even now from pot plants, but will not be so satisfactory as those planted in autumn. Afford neat stakes to any newly-planted Rose-treeF, and mulch the ground around them with short manure. Pozonies. — The Moutan varieties have beea excellent this spring ; the variety Reine Elizabeth is one of the be3t, being very useful for floral decoration, the flowers lasting a long time. As soon as the flowers have passed remove any seed- vessels, and afford the plants an application of artificial manure. Keep the growths secured firmly to stakes, and afford copious waterings when necessary. Herbaceous Peonies planted in large clumps or beds may have a single wire put around them, inserting a stake to suit the height of the plant, and fastening the wire on the top with a small staple. It will not look so unsightly as a number of stakes, and the flowers will be seen to better advantage. Flower-beds.— The work of "bedding out" wiM now be finished. Loosen the surface soil with the Dutch-hoe, and remove any crocks and other rubbish there may be about the flower garden. A few plants should be kept in reserve for filling vacancies that may occur, but the weather being genial failures will be few. Flowering Shrubs.— As these pass out of flower they should be pruned, and the growths thinned or regulated. This work can be done more satis- factorily now, when the size of any particular plant is apparent, than in winter. Remove the dead flowers, loosen the surface soil with the hoe, and where the hoe cannot be used cut the grass down with the rip-hook and clear away the rubbish at once. Evergreen Shrubs. — The weather in the past few weeks has been excellent for removing or planting trees, but at this date the work should cease. Mulch any of these with some good rotten dung or horse manure, but do not apply excessive water to the roots before these are active. Spray the. trees overhead twice each day. 374 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June II, 1904. Walks. — These will occupy a good deal of time at this busy season, especially where weed-killer •cannot be used : nothing looks worse than a walk full of weeds. Let the weeding be done in the early morning. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fyfe, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lockinge Park, Wantage. Strawberries. — As soon as the runners are in a •fit condition, immediate attention must be given to the work of layering. We obtain our runners from rooted plants of the previous year planted in August, for these produce early and vigorous runners in abundance. "When the blossoms show in the spring on these plants they are removed, in order that the strength of the plants may be ■concentrated in the production of runners. All unpromising or " blind " plants are destroyed. We use pots 3 inches in diameter for the layers, and these are made quite clean and dry before they are filled with loam, which if of unusually heavy character may be modified by the addition of wood-ashes. The soil should be anade moderately firm in the pots, and sufficient space must be left for applying water. To keep "the layer in its place a peg or, if preferred, some matting will be necessary. Stop all runners at the first joint beyond the layer, doing this early that the layer may gather additional strength. Afford water to the soil in the pots as often as it may be necessary. When the layers have made roots, cut the runners from the parent plants, and place the pots containing the layers on coal- ashes in a shady situation, where they may remain for a time. Forced Strawberry Plants. — As soon as the fruit is gathered from plants in pots we are using these plants for the making of new plantations. In cases like ours, where the natural soil is not what may be termed favourable to the Straw- berry, these plants yield as much fruit of good •quality the subsequent year as can be obtained from plants two years planted upon the chalk. We reduce the "balls" of roots a little after taking the plants out of the pots, plant them firmly, and afford them water until they are ■established, keeping the plants free from runners •during this season. St. Joseph Strawberry. — We are now potting plants of this variety for fruiting in the autumn, ■using pots 5 and G inches in diameter. Clean pots and ample drainage are essential. The drainage material is covered with dry moss, and a little soot is shaken over the moss, to make it •distasteful to worms. Use soil that has been obtained from some old pasture, but which has been stacked sufficiently long to destroy all the herb- age. If it is of a heavy or close nature break it well up, and mix with it while fairly dry some ■droppings from the stables. We do not seek rich soil, but rather try to encourage the formation of an abundance of roots, which may be fed after- wards as desired. If the soil is in a good con- dition, press or ram it moderately firm, but upon no account when the soil is heavy or wet. Should the sun be powerful, a few days of slight shade after potting will benefit the plants. The time of fruiting may be regulated, by retaining or remov- ing the flowers, for any time during August, September, and October. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Fibth. Esq , Ashwlcke Hall, Marahfield, Chippenham. Leeks. — Those that are well forward require to be thinned and transplanted. In order to obtain Leeks of large size with well-blanched stemSj select a piece of ground sufficient for the quantity required, afford a rich supply of manure, and then thoroughly trench or dig the ground, breaking and mixing the soil and manure well together as the work proceeds. On the ground thus prepared draw drills about 5 inches deep, and from 12 to 14 inches apart, along the bottom of which dibble in the strongest plants 7 inches apart. Make a hole with the dibble 5 inches deep, into which drop the plant, just allowing about 3 ins. of the plant above the surface of the ground ; this will of course vary according to the length of the plant, and no hard-and-fast line need be ad- hered to. After the plant is dropped in the hole there is no necessity to fill and ram in the soil about the plant ; leave the hole open ; a little fine soil dropped in to cover the roots is all that is required, and even that can be dispensed with if a good watering is afforded as soon as planting is finished. This will wash in sufficient soil to cover the roots. A rich, moist situation, and abundant waterings during the growing season should the weather be dry, are the essential requirements, beyond hoeing the surface of the ground occa- sionally and band-weeding the rows of plants. Endive. — If the maincrop sowing has not been made, let it be done without delay. Sow seeds at intervals also until the month of July is well advanced. The crop requires rich soil, and every attention should be afforded the plants, so that they may not suffer a check to growth, as it is ne- cessary that the heads should be moist and crisp. In some localities, when the plants have been tied up in order to become blanched (especially in autumn), they are apt to damp off. Where this trouble is experienced, more than the usual amount of space should be allowed between each plant, and they should be cultivated in a border that is well exposed to the sun and air. Planting of Broccoli, Brussels-Sprouts, Cauli- flower, Sfc. — If this work has not been done ac- cording to the directions given in previous calendars, no time should be lost before carrying it out. The extent of the garden and the re- quirements of the kitchen together will make the oppration a simple one, or one attended with much difficulty. Where there is ample space for everything, and sufficient labour, little trouble is experienced ; but where much is required and there is little space for the crops, double cropping becomes necessary, and much fore- thought must be exercised so that every yard of ground on which a crop has matured may be immediately followed by another one. Take a look round and see what arrangements can be made. Label the ground intended for each variety so that there will be no mistakes. equal proportions. During the summer small tubers will be formed at the points where the midrib was Eevered, and these must be rested and stored in the same manner as the old tubers. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fieldeb, Gardener to Mrs. Bubns, North Mymras Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Cyclamen. — Young plants raised from seeds sown last August, and now growing in 60-sized pots, should be transferred to others 5 or 6 inches in diameter. Afford them a compost consisting of two parts fibrous loam, and one part leaf-soil, add- ing a little thoroughly rotten manure and some coarse silver-sand. Let the plants be stood on ashes or shingle near to the roof glass in alow house or pit where a night temperature of about 55° is maintained, and dispense with artificial heat as soon as that temperature can be maintained without its aid. Use the syringe freely, both be- tween the pots and overhead. Ventilate freely when the plants are established, and afford shade in the middle of the day during bright sunshine. Watch for the first sign of crippled young leaves or rusty-looking leaf - stalks, and if no other insect is visible the cause of the injury may safely be attributed to the *' Begonia-mite," which causes much injury to Cyclamen. As a remedy, the plants may be dipped in tobacco- water or other insecticide, or dusted with tobacco- powder. In the autumn, if large plants are required, they may be afforded another shift into 7-inch or 8-inch pots. Gloxinias and Achimenes. — These, when coming into flower, should be assisted by applications of weak liquid manure, particularly in the case of AchimeneB growing in shallow pans and wire- baskets. These will by this time be full of roots, necessitating constant attention in regard to watering. The plants may also be afforded a drier and more airy position than was necessary while they were making their growth, Gloxinias may be grown at this season in a cooler and more freely ventilated house than would be advisable earlier in the year, and where the room is needed in the stove, plants which are growing freely, or are in flower, may be placed in a house having an intermediate temperature. The propagation of choice varieties of Gloxinias by means of leaves may be under- taken at the present time. Choose for this purpose the mature leaves, and, after cutting through the midrib in two or three places, peg them down on the surface of the soil in pans which have previously been filled with a finely sifted compost, consisting of loam and sand in HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) MISREPRESENTATION OF SEEDS. — Adverting to the paragraph on this subject in the Gardeners' Chronicle for May 27 it is no doubt a fact that " misrepresentation " does exist ; but I contend that purchasers are in a large measure respon- sible for this, owing to the present craze for whatever is supposed to be " cheap," quality being relegated to the background. Take the case of the Clover-seed cited : although English- saved seed has not been abundant this season, still, plenty of good quality was obtainable at prices necessarily considerably higher than have ruled for some years past. Sowers in their mistaken policy of buying that which costs least, and cutting down prices to the last fraction, fairly drive merchants in this highly competitive age to meet pressing cases in the way indicated. If sowers would adopt the policy of purchasing only the best seeds, paying reasonable prices for these, cases of the kind mentioned would not be of frequent occurrence. Of course, "bargains" may at times be met with, but as a rule low- priced good of all sorts are (quality considered) • the " dearest," and not, as unfortunately most people think, the " cheapest." H. ERITRICHIUM NANUM (see p. 342).— M. Cor- revon's interesting note on this alpine gem seems to show that careful imitation of natural condi- tions is not always the way to success. Many of the small islands off Novaia Zemlia are almost covered with myriads of this plant, which there flourishes within a few feet of sea-level. So far, however, from being " free from damp," the soil appeared to be absolutely saturated, a stony bog, so to speak, consisting of disintegrated rock with innumerable fragments retaining the moisture, which would probably not be stagnant. The summer (?) climate is considered to be the most unpleasant in the world for fogs, &e , but in winter the plants are safe under several feet of snow. Chas. E. Pearson, Chilwell Nurseries, Lowdham. THE FRUIT PROSPECTS. — The amount of bloom that has been seen everywhere, both on flowering shrubs and fruit-trees, after such a wet season as last, makes one stop to consider whether, after all, we are not wrong in thinking that we have more flower after a good amount of sun to ripen the wood. It feems to me that the frost of the spring of 1903, combined with the wet season, has proved a blessing in disguise. G. W. Y. HARDY PLANTS AT THE TEMPLE 8HOW — Increasingly great is the interest displayed each year in good hardy plants, and as each Temple Show comeB round the number of the growers of choice hardy flowers appears to have increased also. The quality of the exhibits is likewise very superior. Contrast the great display of hardy flowers of 1904 with that of ten years back, for example ! At this latter named period a more or less indifferent mode of exhibiting pre- vailed, and in a great measure only the big flowers and the showy masses could be seen. Worse than all, a large proportion of the plants were lifted — I fear ruthlessly in many instances — from the open ground, to present but a drooping, bedraggled, unconvincing picture even on the opening day of the show. Such exhibits in no wise assisted the progress in hardy plant grow- ing, but happily such means were not followed by all. There were those who in the very earliest days of the Temple Show had the right idea in mind. Months ahead suitable plants werepotted- up, and these were brought to the exhibition tent in a manner that merited all praise. Indeed, by a judicious treatment, these slightly hastened pot-grown examples put on a superior front as compared with the plants from the open ground. Who shall say how much of the improvement now observable is traceable to these earlier attempts of exhibiting plants in a suitable manner ? The chief sin to-day is that of over- crowding— the mere lumping together of large June 11, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 375 masses, regardless of colour, regardless indeed of anything save that of getting everything on the stage at any cost. The rise in favour of hardy plants, causing a largely increased number to grow these flowers commercially, and inci- dentally to exhibit them on important occasions, such as the Temple Show, has doubtless itself proved a mighty censor, and to-day not fewer than a score of exhibitors are eager for the space occupied by the few of former years. Here, then, directly and [in- directly, is one of the chief reasons for the im- provement so noticeable to-day. The third- class article so much seen in former years is now forcibly deleted, so to speak. Why not an all- round improvement on the present mode of display ing the material ? It is so in some instances, and the special award for taste in arrangement will tend doubtless to improve matters in the same direction, yet I think it should be forthcoming without aDy such incentive as this. Even from the exhibitor's point of view the densely packed bank of cut flowers is not a good way of exposing his wares. Where everything exhibited is in the cut state much of the leaf -growth is left at home. Then follows the large, closely-packed bunch, and with the short stems the early stages of overcrowding commence. As a result, quite a third of the subjects set up are not seen. One of the reasons for the crowd- ing is perhaps the simplicity of exhibiting cut specimens. Pot plants require preparation, and they pay for it withal. What of the lost beauty of such flowers as Columbines, Trollius, Lupins, Thalictrum, Heuchera, to go no further, by merely exhibiting the flowering tops ? or Flag Irises, again, of which hundreds of spikes are tightly wedged in narrow-necked bottles minus the beauty of their characteristic sword- like leaves that are ever a feature in the garden. It is here, and to the cultivation of legitimate pot- grown specimens as opposed to lifted plants or the re- petition of cut flowers only, one must turn if the good hardy flowers of the day are to be effectively displayed, playing their part as worthily in the exhibition-tent as they do in many a garden. Is this too much to hope for or expect ? E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. INCARVILLEA DELAVAYI has not behaved here as stated by E. H. Jenkins on p. 347, during the four years we have grown it. Instead of missing a year's growth, the plants have kept continually increasing. Our roots, which had only one crown when purchased, have now six crowns, and are throwing up six and seven flowering stems this season. I suggest that the plants failing to grow for a season was due to the crowns having been damaged, or to the strong, fleshly roots having descended into some unsatisfactory subsoil. Seedlings may be easily raised, and will flower the second season, increasing in vigour yearly, where the soil, if not suitable, is made so by adding grit or sand. W. H. Clarke, Aston Roviant Gardens, Oxon. PICEA MORINDA (8MITHIANA).— The illustra- tion given in the Gardeners' Chronicle for May 21 reminds me how scarce this species is, and how few gardeners actually know it. Some years ago I had charge of the gardens of the late J. Farley Leith, Esq., M.P., at Prittlewell Priory, near Kochford, in the south of Essex. In the pleasure grounds of the Priory were two lovely specimens of Picea Morinda, with their graceful little pendulous branchlets. As it is more than twenty years since I saw them they must now be very fine specimens. G. A. Bramfield. THE GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.— To those who have undertaken the self - imposed and onerous duties in connection with the formation of the above Society, the gratitude and thanks of of every progressive horticulturist are due. The individual success or prosperity of any gardener is not entirely in his own hands, as many good men have to accept inferior positions through keen competition and lack of opportunity, and one of the aims of the Society is, if possible, to assist competent men to secure better appoint- ments. What steps will be taken in the event of references being withheld by an employer from a member of the Society without just cause or reason ? This is a question worthy of con- sideration, as such causes of friction occasionally arise. Apart from the admirable objects of the formation of the Society, and from a commercial or business point of view, horticultural traders should not lose the opportunity of increasing their popularity among gardeners by affording so worthy a movement the support and influence it justly deserves. F. James. THE CURRANT BUD mite. — I was much inter- ested by the remarks of Mr. A. H. Pearson, on p. 330 in the Gardeners' Chronicle for May 21, re- garding the Black Currant bud mite. I also took notice of the remarks of a former correspondent (see p. 236 ), who stated that in a garden of which he had charge, the Black Currants were in a wet piece of ground, and he offered the suggestion that dryness at the roots might render the bushes liable to the attacks of " mite." I do not know the variety Boskoop Giant, but is it not the wet season of 1903 that has been instrumental in help- ing instead of hindering Mr. Pearson's experi- ments ? I certainly do not pose as an authority on the mite pest, but will give the following inform- ation for what it is worth. The garden here is in a low lying situation, almost on a level with a river that passes, so that it is certainly not very well drained. Added to this, we have an annual rainfall of anything from 70 to 100 inches (this ought to make those in the South of England take fresh courage with their "excessive " rain- fall for 1903 of something like 10 inches). A fair idea of the state of the soil and atmosphere can be gained by this statement. I may say there is no mite here. The bushes grow strongly, and there is the chance of a very heavy crop this season. The promise of other small fruits is good. Apples promised well, but the bullfinches have eaten nearly every flower-bud. H.L , Braemore, N.B. MAY - FLOWERING TULIPS : LATIN VERSUS ENGLISH NAMES. — In consequence of the escape that noble Tulip globosa maculata grandiflora had at the Drill Hall meeting of the 17th inst. on account of its Latin name, I wish to make known to growers who have had it from my grounds that it will be called in future as " Glare of the Garden." Other Tulips of my distribution will also drop their Latin nomenclature, viz. — elegans maxima lutea will be known as " Golden Spii e," fulgens lutea as " Mrs. Moon," aurantia maculata as " Globe of Fire," globosa nana as " Crimson Globe," ornata grandiflora as " Golconda," The Nigger as " Crimson Pompadour j " this latter by desire of visitors. W. Baylor Hartland, Ard Cairn, Cork. [We should be glad if all garden-raised forms were named in English, leaving the two Latin names, generic and specific, to be applied solely to the original wild types. A Japanese Maple with a string of half-a-dozen Latin ad- jectives is a nuisance. Did such a person as Linnaeus never live ? Ed.] 8TRAWBERRIE8 FOR FORCING.— In reply to Mr. Roberts's remarks on p. 316, if I did wrong in applying the artificial manure, I wonder such good men as Mr. Fyfe and Mr. Coomber advise this to be used in top-dressing when taking the plants from their winter quarters. T. H. C, in one of his calendars last year, also advocated stir- ring the surface soil and working in some approved fertilizer. Interesfed Reader. THE NEW HORTICULTURAL HALL. — I return once more to this subject, because the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, in the programmes of the Temple Flower Show, published the names of all the subscribers to the New Hall Fund, with the amount subscribed by each one. It is inter- esting to note that the total number of sub- scribers was 1420 — a great number, though still only a fifth part of the entire body of Fellows. But of this number 266 gave sums from .£10 up- wards, whilst 1154 gave sums less than £10. That fact is interesting as showing how wide an area, after all, has been covered, and how largely the non-monied class has subscribed. But it may be that in completing the £10,000 yet required few big sums will be given. If that be so, then the propor- tion of the total contributed by the poorer section of subscribers may be much more equalised. But I draw attention to this matter rather for the purpose of pointing a moral. A sub- scriber of one of the more moderate sums at the Temple Show expressed his great disappoint- ment, being actuated by the same motive as- influenced so many others in subscribing — viz., the making the new Hall the home for all allied or horticultural societies — that the Dahlia Society and the newly-formed Potato Society should be, as it were, literally driven into the arms of the Crystal Palace Company for a place- in which to hold their shows, when both would so- much sooner have been housed at the new Hall. I fear that sense of disappointment is very general. It is a grave error to treat these so- cieties as pariahs. They should be kept under the shelter of the Koyal Horticultural Society at all hazards, and treated with the utmost liberality and consideration. A. D. APPLE ECKLINVILLE SEEDLING.— Here, in a. rich light loam of good depth over gravel, this- Apple fruits regularly and abundantly, never failing to produce some fruits even in the worst seasons. I grow it both on Crab and Paradise stocks, and prefer the former, as the variety is such an abundant bearer that the dwarfing; stock is not needed. The fruits grow to a very large size, and I can always dispose of them to wholesale fruit merchants at 5s. per bushel sieve ; it does not take many well-grown fruits to fill a sieve. Mr. Chas. Ross, of Welford Park Gardens, has crossed Ecklinville Seedling and Mere de- Menage, and obtained an early Apple of splendid colour, which he has named Ruddy, the wood of which is much like that of Ecklinville Seedling; in appearance. Geo. Pyne, Denver Nurseries, Topsham, Devon. ' I should like to express my opinion of this- Apple, being told by my salesmen in Covent Garden and Spitalheld Markets that I had more of it in the market than any other grower ! I had 3250 trees of this variety planted in the years 1883 and 1884. I find it is the best paying Apple that I grow, with the exception of Grena- dier and Worcester Pearmain. I had over 3000 bushels of fruit last season, and it averaged from 7s. 6d. to 8s. per bushel, which, I think was- very good. I planted at the same time 1300 trees- of Stirling Castle, 300 Cox's Orange, 300 Bramley Seedling, but none of these pays like Ecklinville Seedling. My soil is a rich loam with 9 feet of brick earth underlying it. I do not grow Apples for storing, but send them away on the day they are gathered, and I must say Ecklinville Seedling is a market gardeners' Apple, and there is nothing I know of to compare with it for profit but Grena- dier. Cox's Orange is a good cropper with me, but it does not pay to grow at 12s. per bushel so well as Ecklinville does at half the price. I may say I attribute my success to suitable soil, placing; grease-bands round the trees in autumn, and spraying with Bordeaux-Mixture in the spring. I am pleased to say I have a fine set of fruit on. Ecklinvilles again this year. Wm. Mitchell, Broad- lands, Enfield Highway, N. " A. G.'s " note on the above confirms the statement made to me some time agobyaCambs. fruit-grower that it was unprofitable for them to- grow large soft Apples for market. The fruits travelled badly, realised poor prices, and the high railway rates left very little for the grower. Where one is close to the market and sells his own produce, the heavier crops usually gathered com- pensate him for the smaller prices made ; and if close to a jam factory a market for them can generally be had to be made into pulp. Where one is placed a large distance from the market, my friend advocated growing choice sorts, such as Worcester Pearmain, Devonshire Quarrenden, Cox's Orange, Yellow Ingestre, Blenheim Orange, Lord Derby, &c. Allington Pippin is also a variety very highly spoken of. Can any reader confirm the following ? A large grower in Kent about twelve months ago told me that Beauty of Bath worked on the Crab stock had proved itself to be a failure for market, and this variety should only be planted on the Paradise stock. Upon a former occasion a grower from Evesham, said that Newton Wonder was a failure on the- Paradise stock. He said where this variety was- first raised, trees had been planted on both stocks, and those on the Paradise had been quite unproductive, and suffered much from canker. So far I have been unable to verify either statement. E. T., Heathrow, Middlesex. 376 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 11 . 1904. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to 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 as a guarantee of good faith. APPOINTMENTS for JUNE. TUESDAY, June 14—: ■WEDNESDAY, June 15 j ( THURSDAY, JUNE16|] FRIDAY, June 17— : SATURDAY, June 18 -( J' June 21-! 1 June 24— 1 TUESDAY, (FRIDAY, MONDAY, June 27 {' TUE3DAY, June 28-: WEDNESDAY, June 29-^ THURSDAY, June 30 [J Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. Grand Yorkshire Gala, at York (3 days). Linnean Soc. meet. Brighton Hort. Soc. meet. Royal Bot. Soc. lecture. German Gardeners' Club meet. Roy. Oxford Hort. Soc. (Com* memoration) Show. Roy. Agr. Soc. of Eng. Exhibi- tion at Park Royal, Acton (5 days). Roy. Bot. Soc. lecture. Isle of Wight Rose Show, at Ryde. Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. Rose and Horticultural Shows at Chippenham. Farnhani, Farnlngham, and Richmond (Surrey). Rose and Horticultural Shows atCanteibutyandColchesier. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. WEDNESDAY NEXT, JUNE 15- Falms, Plants, Begonias, Geraniums, Ferns, &3., at 12; Palm Seeds at .3; by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 and 68 Cheapside, E.C. FRIDAY NEXT, June 17- Great Sale of Imported and Established Orchids, ■by order of Messrs. Sender & Son. at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C, by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 £0. (For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Avebage Tempebatube tor the ensuing week, deduced from observations o£ Forty-three Years at Chiswick -60-6'. Actual Temfebatures :— London. June 8 (6 p.m.) : Max. ej°: Min. 49'. June 9, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent. Garden (10 a.m.) : Bar., 29-9 ; Temp.. 55'. Weather, dull, windy. PdOVINCES.-June 8 (6 p.m.): Max. 58°, P. Coast of England ; Min. 60", N.E. Coast of Scotland. The British Gardeners' ■Association. Time and space, or rather the want of both, prevented us from giving more than a summary of the proceedings in our last issue. We can now repeat that the meeting was very largely attended, and that the proceedings were practically unani- mous. That is not to be wondered at when the disabilities under which gardeners labour are remembered. The long years of prepa- ration, the scanty wages, the long hours of labour, the too often wretched accommoda- tion, the knowledge and forethought de- manded, and the responsibilities incurred, are such as are not met with in the same proportions in other skilled occupations that are much better remunerated. Gar- deners are so scattered that hitherto any collective action to remedy these evils has been almost impossible. But after the eagerness shown at the recent meeting it is evident that the way is cleared, and that the gardeners have the ball in their own hands. The studied moderation of the speakers was convincing, and it was evident that self- respect, together with a regard for the rights of others, were the dominant feelings of the members present. So long as the members are actuated by these feelings it is obvious that employers have everything to gain, whilst the self- respect and the honour of the gardeners will be greatly enhanced. It is very satisfactory to find so many of Kew employes taking the lead in this matter, though of course they do so not officially, but in their individual capacity. The principal points in the prospectus were touched on by Mr. Gordon in his address, but for the benefit of those who were not present we append the draft pro- spectus, which shows the principles upon which the newly- elected Committee will work. PR03PECTUS. "The objects for which this Association is to be formed have already been made known in a pamphlet entitled "Plea for a Gardeners' Association,'' 10,000 copies of which have been distributed by post and otherwise to gardeners throughout the British Isles. These objects are therein stated to be :— 1. To admit as members all who are professionally employed in any branch of horticulture, includ- ing private and public gardens, the nursery and seed trades, and market gardens. 2. To establish a register of gardeners, with a view to regulating and controlling the labour market for gardeners. 3. To regulate the wages of gardeners with due regard to the interests of both employer and employed. 4. To regulate the working hours of gardeners by fixing the limit of a day's work beyond which all work done shall be counted as overtime, and be paid for. 5. To co-operate for the promotion of the interests of the profession and the welfare of all who belong to i 1. To organise the Association so as to make it effective for all branches of the profession in every part of the country, it is proposed to elect an Executive Council, to appoint a paid Secretary and to rent an office in London where (he Secretary will conduct the business of the Association, and the Executive Council hold their meetings. It is also proposed to establish a branch in every large town, and wherever there are sufficient gardeners to form one. As, however, the Executive Council will require to be elected by the members of the Association, the work of organisa- tion will be conducted by a Committee of Selection, comprising those members of the Provisional Com- mittee who are willing to serve, and twelve other gardeners to be elected at the meeting [these were duly elected] These will co operate with l he Secretary until 500 or more members have joined. The election of an Executive Council will then be proceeded with on the lines laid down in the Rules for the general man- agement of the Association. To enable the Committee of Selection to commence operations and to secure the services of a Secretary and an Office the sum of £250 will be needed at once. An Appeal Committee, consisting of the General Secretary and of one member elected by the Branches of each district, will have power to dissolve the Execu- tive Council. This provision is made to enable country members to have a voice in the general management. Legal advice will be needed, and this will be afforded by Mr. R. S. Garnett, Solicitor, Clements' Inn, Strand, who has had experience in the promotion of similar Associations, and to whom the Provisional Committee is indebted for help and advice in preparing this scheme. Qualification ior Membership. 1. To be cot less than 20 years of age. 2. If less than 23 years of age, to have bad at least 5 years' training in good private, public, or commercial establishments. 3. If more than 23 years of age, to have had at least 7 consecutive years' professional experience. 4. To be able to produce satisfactory testimony as to general character. Candidates must obtain from the Secretary a form of application, which when filled up should be returned to him. If the Committee of Selection is satisfied that the candidate is qualified for membership, it will Instruct the Secretary to forward him a certificate. The certificate will be renewed annually on receipt of subscription. The charge for registration and certificate will be 2s. i-il. and the annual subscription 2s. ed. These two sums should be forwarded to the Secretary together with the form of application. Proof of membership will be the poseession of the Association's certificate for the current year. Note —These regulations are special to Hie period in which the Committee of Selection will be in office. Regulations for the election of members, &c, are included in the Rules for the general management of the Association. Registration. A register of members will be kept at the central office, and it will be the duty of the Secretary to see that full particulars relating to every member are entered in a book to be called the General Registration book, which will be open for inspection by members at a day's notice at all reasonable times. It will contain the name, age (date of birth), condition (married or single), present situation, of every;member. The Association will also keep a record of the pro- fessional experience of its members. It will thus be in a position to furnish reliable testimony as to the qualifications and character of applicants for situa- tions. The Association will also act as far as its resources will allow as an Employment Registry Office, so that members desiring to change their situations, or employers seeking to engage the services of a gardener may be assisted. Wages. The Association will endeavour by legitimate means to secure for every section of its members a fair rate of pay. It is generally admitted, even by employers, that the present scale of wages for gardeners is un- satisfactory. The difficulties in the way of improve- ment will not be easily removed, but they will have to be faced. The result of inquiry in seventy-five gardens all over Ihe country in which skilled journeymen are employed shows that the average wages are 17s., with bothy, &c, and if the latter perquisite is valued at 3f., the total weekly wages of a man who has been trained for at least five years in his profession are 20s. The appointed legislators of Great Britain have lately stipulated in Parliament that the lowest weekly wages to be paid for unskilled labour shall be 21». The Association hopes to effect an improvement by recommending the following scale of weekly wages for gardeners :— 1. Journeyman IBs. with bothy, &c, 21s. without. 2. Foremen in gardens and small i 24s. with bothy nurseries and single-handed > or house, gardeners ) 27s. without. 3. Gardeners and departmental) .. . . ,.. , f 30s. with house, foremen in nurseries with less >„. ... , I 35s. without, than five assistants ) 4. Gardeners and departmental] > foremen in nurseries with ^ without five or more assistants ) It should be clearly understood that these are minimum rates. Where the duties and responsibilities of the post would justify a higher rate the Association will endeavour to obtain it. Working Hours. The duties of a gardener often necessitate his work- ing more hours per day than almost any other skilled operative; he lias aleo often to perform duties late at night and on Sunday. Whilst the Association will recognise that it is impossible to do away with long hours and extra duties, it will endeavour to secure for its members payment for all overtime. The result of enquiry in seventy-five gardens, public and private, in all parts of the country, is to show that it is usual to pay for overtime, that in many gardens Sunday work is paid for, but that in only a few is night-duty treated as overtime and paid for. The Association will endeavour to get employers to adopt Ihe following arrangement :— Hours or Laboub. Summer Period (9 months) 56 hours per week (maxi- mum). 5 days of 10 hours, 6 to 5.30, with IS hour for meals, and 1 day of 6 hours. Winler Period (3 months), 48 hours per week (maxi- mum). All other time worked, including night and Sunday duty, lo be counted as overtime and paid for. Gardener Apprentices. The Association will take steps to control the intake of gardeners by refusing to recognise as suitable training for a youth employment in some menial posi" tion, or in a place where there is no gardening worthy of the name. It will rely upon the vigilance of its members to keep out young men who may be otherwise worthy, but who cannot honestly be called gardeners. The requisite five years' training must be in gardens of repute. The Association will keep a registry of gar- dens, nurseries, and other establishments, training in which would constitute a claim to membership, in the Juke 11, 1904.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 377 belief that both parents and employers Kill find it advantageous to consult the Association where appren- tices are concerned. FOBEION GABDENEE9. Foreign gardeners, whether temporarily or perma- nently employed In this country, will be eligible for (membership, provided they are qualified, and agree to abide by the rules of the Association. Particulars as to the Secretary, address of central ol'ice, <&c, will be published in the Gardening papers as soon as possible. Meanwhile all communications, ■donations, before a meeting -of the Eoyal Horticultural Society on May 3 last, and it was also a striking feature in an exhibit .at the Temple by Messrs. Veitch. Felix Sahut. — The Eet'ue Horticole announces (of Messrs. Beid & Lets, Eeedsmen, Aberdeen), was appointed interim secretary. The objects to- be aimed at are the promotion and advancement of the science and practice of horticulture and arboriculture, and for the dissemination of a knowledge of such branches of natural history as. were connected therewith; and by exhibitions, and the granting of certificates to promote a greater interest in horticulture, both amongat practical gardeners and amateurs. Fagus BETULOIDE8. — Mr. Bartlett sends us from Pencarrow Gardens flowering sprays of. the Antarctic Beech figured in our columns in September, 1903. The tree is of great interest as forming forests in the Straits of Magellan, about as near to the South Pole as any tree or shrub can venture. It is of bushy, com- pact habit. The coriaceous deep-green leaves are about J- inch long, on very short stalks, ovate., tapering to both ends, crenate- serrate, and covered with thinly-scattered minute glands. The mal» flowers are 9 — 10 mill, longj on. short axillary June 11, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 381 recurved pinkish-red stalks. Perianth simple, pinkish-green, glandular, campanulate, with a five-lobed limb; lobes rounded. Stamens ten, springing from the base of the perianth with protruding, pink, innate anthers. We have not detected the female flowers. Presumably the flowers are wind-fertilised, though the anthers are quite bright enough to attract insects who have an eye for colour. Droitwich Experimental Garden. — A copy of the eighth Annual Report contains details of experiments on various methods of pruning, the effects of lime on fruit-trees, the eradication of the finger -and -toe disease, the effects of different kinds of manures, and so forth. A collection of typical fruit-trees is cultivated. Even in 1003 some Apples were produced, such as Beauty of Kent, Ecklinville Seedling, Bramley's Seedling, Cellini, Betty Geeson, Duchess's Favourite, Lord Grosvenor, Mr. Gladstone, Pott's Seedling, Ringer, Royal Jubilee, Stirling Castle, and Schoolmaster. Mr. TJdale may consider himself lucky— some people last year had not many more Apples than he cites names ! Only three varieties of Pears produced fruit— Marie Louise d'Uccle, Beurrc Goubaut, and Fertility. In all 13 lb. were produced, as against 629J lb. in 1901 ! "We have not space to make further citations, but the Report is so interesting and so instructive that we strongly recommend its perusal by all engaged in similar work. Though the conditions may be different from those which obtain at Droitwich, cultivators tlsewhere may derive many valuable hints from Mr. Udale's Report, published at the County Express Office, Stourbridge. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. PLANT PORTRAITS. Clivia cvrtanthi flora x.— A. hybrid between C. nobllis and C. miniata. Qarten Flora, Maj\ CVPRIPEDIUM CH&PMAtJNI X (= CUKTISI X BELLATU- I.UM) AND C. ASHIJUKTONEE X (= C. BABBATUM X 1NSIGNE) — Revue de I' Horticulture Beige, May. Gladiolus "Princeps."— A seedling from cruentus x ChildsU, described by M. Ph. de Vilraorin. who at the samo time gives a valuable note on Hie history of the genus. G. princeps has very large flowers of a deep red colour, more or less spotted with white. Revue Hotticole, May 1. THE APIARY. Sections. — The present time is a very busy one with the beekeeper. Sections have to be pre- pared, and placed on the stock or shallow frames, as the case may be. All sections should be care- fully made, care being taken to have the hands clean, and each piece of wax should be very care- fully pressed down into its proper place. If full sheets are used in the sectioD, they should be glued, to prevent the comb from bulging out. The better plan would be to purchase sections with grooves to them. The two-way-split top section will be found to be very good this season, selecting only those of the first grade. Supering. — Each hive should have the section- crate placed down near it, with a queen-excluder zinc to cover the top bars. The cost of this will be about 7d. per sheet. It prevents the queen getting up into the sections to breed. There will also be much less trouble in taking away the full sections, and a certainty that the queen is below while you are operating. The top bars should be carefully scraped to allow the excluder to fit down in its place, and the section-crate should be so fitted and packed at each side and end as to prevent any bees getting above or out at the end. If crates are placed so as to allow space under- neath, they will give the bees a good deal of extra work to close the space up, as bees do not like draughts. Number each hive, and enter in a diary the date when each is " supered," how many frames it contains, and the strength of the hive. Water should be kept in the apiary in shallow tins or pans, with small T. ieces of wood floating to prevent the bees from drowning. Expert. THE COLLECTION AT BURFORD. Notwithstanding the surprising number of species and varieties of Orchids from widely separated parts of the world which find a home in the famous collection of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., and their varied cultural requirements, the vigorous condition the plants of all classes is admirable. Some of the sections which, not without just cause, have earned for themselves the reputation of being difficult to manage have been satisfactorily brought into subjection. Of these the Phalaenopsis are perhaps the most intractable in gardens, but at Burford they grow luxuriantly, the smaller plants occupying one side of the inner compartment of the range in which they have been accommodated for a good many years, and the old specimens the rather shady side of the large span-roofed warm- house. Here the fine specimens of Phala?nopsis Aphrodite and P. amabilis, including the new and very fine variety, Rimestadtiana, are making a fine display of their beautiful, large, white flowers. Some of the specimens have from twelve to fifteen leaves proceeding from the stout stems which bear them high above the surface of the compost in which they are grown. One fine specimen has an enormous spike with ten branches, another has three very fine spikes of flowers, and three and four-branched spikes are frequent. The plants have been in bloom for some time, and most of the strongest are allowed to perfect all their flowers. With the smaller species of Phalaenopsis in the other house, Mr. W. H. White, the orchid grower at Burford, has for some time past been using as a compost one-third decayed leaves, one- third pear, and one-third sphagnum-moss. With this com- post he is well satisfied, fjr the plants have improved on it. Mr. White also uses some proportion of leaves with the compost for mo6t of the Orchids, and he speaks highly of the bene- ficial effect. In the large span-roofed warm- house is a very fine lot of specimen Cypripediums, the most remarkable of those in flower being the rare C. Stonei platyta?nium, with a strong spike of three flowers ; beside it is a specimen of the typical C. Stonei, comparison with which shows how remark- able is the variation between the broad -petalled heavily-spotted C.S.platyUenium and the type, the petals of which are very narrow and with little sur- face to display the markings. Overhead on one side is the very complete collection of Cirrhopetalums and Bulbophyllums, some cf which are always in flower. Among the most remarkable at present ii the feather-lipped Bulbophjllum saltatorium, and the pretty Cirrhopetalum nutans with a profusionof elegant sprays of cream-white flowers. Suspended from the roof on the other side of the house is the collection of Catasetums, which, after resting, have been re-potted and started into growth; and among uncommon plants in flower in this house are Ualeandra Devoniana and G. nivalis, the pretty ivory-white Dendrobium x formoso-Lowii, D. x illustre, D. x Euterpe, Oncidium carthaginense roeeum, O. pumilum, Schomburgkia tibicinis, and in bud a very sin- gular Vanilla, whose snake-like leafless stems are bearing yellow flowers. In the remarkable collection of Angraecums, two A. filicornu and others were showing for bloom. In the house adjoining, used in the season for resting Dendrobes, Odontoglossum citrosmum is making a good show of flower ; and in the East India-house beyond, Aerides Houlletianum, A. crispum, A. Lobbii, A. Fieldingii, A. odoratum, Saccolabium gemmatum, and others are also in flower. Of Dendrobiums noted are D. Jer- donii and D. subclausum, with orange-coloured flowers; D. Parishii and its variety albens, D. x rhodopterygium, D. erepidatum, D. transparens, D. hercoglossum, and others. Odontoglossump, chiefly O. crispum, as in most other Orchid collections, demand increased attention at Bur- ford. For their accommodation a new range was built a few years ago, and it has proved suitable in every way. But the Odontoglos- sums now in bloom are in the range devoted to them in the main block. Here there is a very fine display of flowers on the sturdy plants, many of which have been grown at Burford for a long time. The flowers are large and well finished, and in the healthy cool atmosphere in which they are grown it is not found necessary to re strict the number of flowers borne on the plants. The large white form, still the favourite with many growers, predominates, though a propor- tion of them are of the rose-tinted type, and some of these are spotted as in the fonts called punctatum. Two very distinct blotehc d varieties appear, the one a good broad-petalled white with large brownish blotches; and the other a rather smaller flower, but very remarkable for the heavy blotching of brownish- ruby- red which decorates its surface. Each segment bears two or three very large blotches of this bright colour, which is very rare in Odontoglossums. The Masdevallia- house is aglow with the forms of M. coccinea, M. Veitchiana, and M. ignea, and Tiith maDy examples of others of botanical interest, together with some curious Pleurothallis, such as P. astrophora, P. Grobyi, P. ornata, &c. The intermediate- house, in which the central stage bears a collection of Sobralias, is always interesting on account of the large number of Epidendrums flowering there at all times. When these notes were taken a good show was made with E. Schomburgkii, E. radicans, E. x Ellisii, E. x dellense, E. x Boundii, E. elongatum, E. jbaguense, and other species, and hybrids of that section ; E. glumaceum, E. organense, E. fuscatum, E. Linkianum, E. En- dresii, E. x elegantulum, E. umbellatum, and many others. In the same direction we noted a good batch of Miltonia vexillaria in flower, and the rare M. Endresii and M. Schrodeiiana, Den- drobium ciuentum, Cirrbaea viiidi-purpuiea, a row of fine spiles of Oncidium leuchocilum, one of them having over twenty tranches to the spike ; a healthy and improving plant of the rare Cypripedium Fairieanum ; a row of various hjbrids, with Sophronitis grandiflora, the very handsome magenta- rose-coloured Sophro-Cattleya x Chamberlainiana, and the yellow Sophro-Lselia xMariiottii being in bloom. On one side is a very interesting c jlleetion of Epidendrum hjbiids, some of which, although at first only con- sidered curious, have become very pretty under cultivation. Among the best are the two Veitchian productions, Epi-Cattleya x matutina, and Epi-Cattleya x Mrs. James O'BrieD, both of which are handsome hybrids. In the Cattleya and Laelia- houses is a good show of flowers. Among the forms of C. Mossise, C. M. Goossensiana is beautiful. Of Laelia pur- purata varieties the best are L. p. alba, and L. p. Russelliana, both with pure white sepals and petals. The hjbrids of Laelia cinnabarina are making a good display, the good forms of L.-c x Hippolyta still being the best. Also in bloom are Brasso - Cattleya x stiiata, both the white and the rose forms; Lselio- Cattleya x Fascinator, and other showy Lselio-Cattleyas ; a grand mass cf the fine old Cattleya Skinneii covered with flowers; and among other things noted werePolystachja zambesiaca, P. biacteosa, Dendrobium teretifolium, D. linguseforme, Bollia ccelestis, Maxillaria Sanderiana with several fine flowers ; good Cymbidium tigrinum, a large buih of the evergreen Epidendrum mentanum with pretty heads of white flowers ; the bright-red Renanthera Imschootiana, and a very large number cf pretty species rarely seen except at Burford. X O'B. 382 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Juke 11, 1904. SOCIETIES. EOYAL BOTANIC. HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION IN REGENTS PARK. June 6— ll.— A comprehensive Horticultural Exhi- bition was held by the Society in their gardens at Regent's Park, the show being favoured with typical summer weather. The range of subjects exhibited was wide, embracing most of the branches of horticulture, including not only^displays of plants and flowers, such a3 had been seen at the Temple the week before, but also machinery, heating apparatus, garden furniture, mowing machines, horticultural structures, glass- houses, &c. Subjects such as Nature Study, Schcol Gardening, and County Council Horticultural teach- ing came under the Educational Section, while exam- ples of colonial produce were exhibited under the Colonial Division. Messrs. Doulton & Co., Lambeth, and Messrs Liberty & Co., Regent Street, \V\, both contributed artistic pottery-ware, vases, fountains, pedestals, and similar garden furniture; while Messrs. Champion & Co., 115, City Road, E.C., had a number of their artistic tubs and vases, suitable for the cultivation of trees, shrubs, &c. Fumigating and spraying insecticides, garden tools, syringes, labels, lawn mowers, flower-holders, and other horticultural sundries were to be seen on various stands, each exhibitor claiming some advantage to bede- rived from the use of his speciality. A large and good collection of Sundries was shown by Messrs. James T. Anderson & Sons, 135 Commercial Street, London, E., consisting of tools, rath a, mats, shadings, &c. An oppor tunity of great value was afforded one, in the exhibits of heating appliances, to become acquainted with the latest devices for conserving fuel and obtaining the maximum heating power. Messrs. Messenger & Co., 122, Victoria Street, Westminster; Messrs. Hartley & Sugden, Atlas Boiler Works, Halifax; Messrs. C. P. Kinneix & Co., 65, Southwaik Street, S E , and other firms contributed to this important section. Several model glasshouses were displayed outside, tenants' fixtures being a speciality. Mr. W. Duncan Tucker, Lawrence Road, South Tottenham, erected a number of improved plant - houses ; and Messrs. J. Crispin & Sons, Nelson Street, Bath, also. Messrs. Mehryweather & Sons, Greenwich Road, London, Eent a number of useful appliances, including pumps, spraying-machines, hose, nozzles, &c, their "Novelty" spraying and garden -engine being a most useful appliance. A very useful adaptation of the small motor engine for pumping, irrigation, and similar purposes, was shown in their "Hatfield" portable engine (see fig. 168). This apparatus is mounted on a light iron carriage, and can be easily moved about. The pump has three barrels, and. is driven by a petrol motor capable of delivering 3.C0O gallons per hour. It can be utilised for spraying, irrigation, watering crops, water supply to'hduse and stable, and is also valuable as a fire-engine. Probably the principal feature of the show was the large display of Rhododendrons belonging to Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Bagshot, Surrey. This collec- tion comprised over 1.0C0 plants of Rhododendrons, all hardy varieties, and occupjing about lO.OCOsquare feet the whole being under one canvas roof. Beds, borders, and groups were shown to the best possible advantage, the plants being in excellent condition, and exhibited a wealth of colour and. variety We could not fail to notice such varieties as Mrs. William Agnew, Mrs. Holford. Mrs. Tom Agnew, Duke of Connaught, and Mrs. Tritton. Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, had a number of succulent plants on a stage in the conservatory. Echinocactus Ottonis was carrying a beautiful yellow flower; Mammillaiia Bocasana was also in flower. Messrs. Carter & Co., 237, High Holborn, London, filled a large vase with Gloxinias, and set up a pretty circular group at the end of one of the beds in the conser- vatory, comprised of Astilbe (Spiraea), Cinerarias, and Verbenas, edged with giant Mignonette and Maiden- hair Ferns. Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Twerton Hill Nur- sery, Bath, filled a table with choice Begonias. The variety Ellen Harper has camellia-shaped, rosy-pink flowers; Miss Dorothy Hardwlck is a pleasing fiiiled flower with soft salmon colour; Western Queen is a good creamy-white. Mrs. Box, Yellow Queen, W. Spar- shott, Hon. Lady Neeld. and J. Milburn are but a few varieties of this most excellent group. A very unique mottled flower with frilled petals was noticed among several other excellent unnamed seedlings. Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Sawbrldgeworth, had a number of fruit-trees in pots, Peaches, Nectarines Plums, and Grapes, all well fruited, and with fruit of high quality. Mr. S. Mortimer had some excellent Tomatos, boxes of Cucumbers, and a number of Melon fruits. Messrs. John Peed & Sons, West Norwood, brought Caladiums with bright and pleasingly marked foliage, a group of tuberous-rooting Begonias, and trays of Gloxinia and Streptocarpus flowers. Messrs. Doebie & Co., Rothesay, N.B., sent an exten- sive collection of choice Aquilegias. Messrs. Watkins & Simpson, 12, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London, had a pleasing collection of hardy annuals. Saponaria vaccaria, Centaurea impe- rialis alba, Poppies, Lupinus, and other subjects, were looking fresh, and staged with good judgment. Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Stamford, set up a collection of greenhouse plants, Verbenas, Carnations, Helio- tropes, &c. Mr. M. Pritchard, Christchurch, HaDts, set up a number of bunches of cut hardy flowers, Lupinue, Poppies, &c. A number of Pyrethrums made a very bright display, the colours being eood and flowers large. A fine batch of Campanula glomerata was also noticed in this collection. Mr. Geo. Prince, Longworth, Beiks, contributed a quantity of cut Roses from the open. A collection of Sweet Peas was displayed by Mr. Hemsley, 23, Knowles Hill Crescent, Lewisham, the Bruce Flower-holders being utilised for their display. Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Bush Hill Park Nurseries, Enfield, contributed the only collection of Orchids, having among their group some fine types of Cattleja Mossite, Dendrobium Bensonse, Cypripedium Law- renceanum, Odontoglossum crispum, and a plant of Cattleya Mossise Wagneri carrying four flowers. The same firm also set up a stand of greenhouse plants, in- cluding a large batch of Carnations, and had a number of Figs and Grapes in fruit in pots. Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, staged a section. A batch of Oriental Poppies in the centre of the group gave a very striking mass of colour to the whole. Mr. G. Reuthe, Hardy Plant Nursery, Keston, Kent, staged alpines and hardy plants, introducing vases of cut flowers. Among the group, Sarracenia purpurea was flowering nicely as was also S. flava and Darlingtonia californica ; Crinodendron Hookeri in a small pot was carrying its scarlet flowers on their long peduncles, somewhat resembling ripe Cherries. Messrs. Barr& Sons, King street, Covent Garden, set up a large group of hardy, herbaceous, and alpine plants, Faeonies, Irises, Poppies, Liliums, Lupinus, Campanulas, &c. Several trays contained alpines. Gladioli were a fine feature in this exhibit; cut spikes of the Bride, Ackerman, and Blushing Bride, all being admirably displayed in vases. The same firm occupied a tent on the lawn to display a collection of Japanese pigmy trees. Messrs. Wm. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N„ staged a very fine bank of hardy herbaceous and alpine plants. This was prettily arranged in three bays, the centre of Liliums and suitable foliage plants, the wings being composed of Eremurus at the back.with other members sloping towards the edges. A pure white form of Cypripedium parviflorum was noticed. The same firm also set up a very artistic group in the centre of a large tent, reproducing on a large scale what one might expect to find as a table decoration. Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, staged vases of hardy herbaceous flowers, and a miniature rock garden Fig. 168. — Messrs. merryweathers' " hatfield ' portable engine. very extensive group of Roses occupying the centre of one of the marquees. Bush and standard plants were plentifully filled with choice flowers, most of the hand- somer varieties being included. The Rambler type of Roses was well shown, the long sprays were filled with clusters of flowers, and were much admired. Waltham Rambler was carrying a profusion of its pretty pink single flowers ; Baroness Rothschild, Caroline Testout, Madame Edmce Metz, Boadicea, and Pharhiier were all in first-class condition. Messrs. R. Smith & Co., Worcester, set up a collection of Clematis at the end of one of the marquees, relieved with Crimson Rambler Rose, standard Viburnum plicatum, and Japanese Maples woiked in for effect. The Clematis were shown in good condition, the plants well grown and trained, and plentifully flow- ered. Marie Lefebvre is of light heliotrope colour ; Gladiolus, Irises, and Liliums were also shown by the same firm. Mr. R. Anker, Addison Road Nurseiy, KensiDgton, W., showed some miniature succulents, greenhouses, "good-luck Shamrock," Ac. Several plants of "Edel- weiss" were shown in good condilion. Sjme China pigs had germinating grass on their backs which served as a substitute for hair, which presented a very grotesque appearance. A large collection of hardy plants was staged by Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, Middlesex. The group contained many excellent members of this pleas- ing section, and among other meritorious plants we noticed Sarracenia flava major (doing well in a large pan), Ostrowskia magnifica, Eremurus Elwesianus(fine spike), Chauielirium carolinianum, &a. Mr. Amos Perry, Winchmore Hill, London, N., staged a lengthy table with hardy and alpine plants, contributing many choice flowering plants in this planted in a natural style. Lychnis Viscaria splendens flore-pleno was noticed, its double fiery-rose flowers being very showy. Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, Devon, set up a col- lection of zonal and show Pelargoniums. Lady Roscoe (light pink), President McKinley (large handsome scarlet), and Lord Curzon were noticed among the zonals. Loveliness, a show variety, is as its name indicates; Geo. Gordon is also a fine variety of this section. This firm also exhibited Oriental Poppies. Messrs. John Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, staged a group of hardy decorative foliage plants, Maples, Ivies, Cornus, Euonymus latifoliuB aureus, Eleagnus aureo-variegatus, Retinosporapisifera aurea, <&c. Under the section "Colonial Department" was a number of fresh, bottled, canned, and dried fruits, and other products indicative of the wealth and capabilities of the respective colonies exhibiting. The Dinner. A dinner was given on Saturday evening, June 1, in the Club-rooms at the Gardens. Mr. C. Brinsley Marlay presided, and among others present were Lord Redesdale. Sir John Cockburn, Sir Hen^y Trueman Wood, and Mr. Frederick Clifford, K C. Dr. Coode Adams proposed "The Presidents of the Sections of the Exhibition," to which Lord Redesdale responded. Lord Redesdale proposed " Success to the Royal Botanic Society and to the Exhibition " Mr. Brinsley Marlay, who is a Vice-President of the Society and Chairman of the Executive Committeeof theExhibition, responded to the toast. The Conference. In connection with the exhibition an Educational Section was constituted, with Sir William Collins as President, and Mr. R. Hedger Wallace as Honorary June 11, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 383 Secretary. In addition io a very representative collec- tion of exhibits illustrative of Nature-study, a Con- ference was arranged, which occupied the whole of Tuesday, June 7. Several of the papers and addresses dealt with horticultural teaching and the subject of allotments. Mr. F. W. Verney, L.C.C , dwelt upon the preparation for work on small holdings, and he out- lined a scheme of teaching in the elementary schools which should provide a proper training for such pursuits. Sir George Kekewich urged the claims of outdoor Nature - study, and in the discussion which followed all his suggestions were cordially eLdorsed. with the exception of one, which was that animals should never be studied in captivily. Many speakers objected to this, and urged that the keeping of creatures might well serve as a basis for many lessons in kindness. Miss Lilian Clark, B.Sc , gave an account of direct teaching from Nature at James Allen's School, Dulwich; and in the afternoon Mr. Weathers, of the Middlesex County Council, discussed the question "What is Horticulture F " and spoke of the methods of teaching horticulture, and the requirements of allotment-holders. Earl Carrington followed with an account of his allotment schemes, and their success from the point of view both of landlord and tenaut. Mr. R. Csesar considered the question of school gardens, and horticultural teaching in schools. The last paper was by Miss Violet James, of Heidelberg College. Ealing, who, in dealiog with Nature-study, showed how by keeping creatures indoors, in addition to out- door work, her pupils acquired a keen interest in living things and a respect for life. Awards. Special LargeGold Medal, Messrs. John Watereri Son, for Rhododendrons. Gold Medals to Messrs. William Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, for Roses in rots ; Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., En field, for Orchids, Carnations, Ac. ; Messrs. Thomas Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, for Fruit-trees in pots ; Messrs. John Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, S.E., for Begonias and choice hardy plants ; Messrs. William Cutbush & Sons, for Carnations, Herbaceous, and other plants; Searcy Tansley & Co, Connaught Street, W., for decorated dinner -table ; Messrs. Doulton & Co., Ltd., Lambeth, for terra-cotta and Doulton vases ; Messrs. Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies, Ltd., Ipswich, for motor and other Lawn-mowers; Messrs. Liberty & Co., Regent Street, for pottery ware ; Messrs. Merryweather & Sons, Ltd., Hatfield (Green- wich Road, S.E.), for spraying, pulping, and other machines ; Mr. J. \V. Riley, Heme Hill, s E , for rustic summer-houses, arches, vases, &o„ ; Mr. W. Duncan Tucker, South Tottenham, N., for conservatory, green- houses, &o. ; Messrs. Charles P. Kionell & Co , South- wark Street, for Boilers, and other heating apparatus. In addition to these there were awarded six large Silver-gilt Medals, seven Silver-gilt Medals, seven large Silver Medals, fifteen other Silver Medals, three Bronze Medals, seven Certificates of Merit, five Votes of Thanks, besides various large Medals in the Colonial Section, DUTCH HORTICULTURAL AND BOTANICAL. The Floral Committee met on May 18, 1904, and made awards, including those following : — A First-class Certificate to Cottage Tulip "The Fawn,'' from Messrs. Roes & Goemans, at Vogelenzang. The flowers are long and egg shaped, a rosy-fawn colour, turning to blush-rose, flushed with white. Certificates of Merit wereawarded to Malva capensis. a plant for the cold greenhouse, from Messrs. Joh. Van den Behg — W. L. Bastin.-E. J. R.— D. W. R.-University College. Reading.- R. L. C— A. H.-F. W. B— W. W.— Lady B.-T. S. & Co.— W. S.— W. C. W— M. L.— A. L.— Regular Subscriber.— H. C— W. H. YoUDg.-J. R. P. & 8.— W. H, Divers.— M. C (Photograph) — W. H. {For Markets and Weather, see pp. x d- xii.) Supplement to the "Gardeners' Chronicle ' CAKflCHI^piJ Scutellaria Ventenatii : Colour of Flowers brilliant scarlet. Exhibited by Mr. Bennett Poe at the Royal Horticultural Society's Meeting on May 3. Bradbury, Agnew & Co., Ld.. Printers. London an 1 Tonbridge. June 18, 1904.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 385 THE No. 912.— SATURDAY, June 18, 1904. CONT .Agricultural College, a proposed 303 Alpine garden, the— Erltrichium nanum 388. 396 GentlaDa verna and its varieties Saxifraga aretioides alba SI i ortia galacifolia Apple ' Ecklinville Seedling" Apple '"Newton Won der" Begonia "Avalanche ' Black Currant bushes attacked by green fly Books, notices of- Flora and Sylva ... Guide-books received 30 Fublicaiionsreceived 301 ralanthe discolor ... 289 ■Cypripedium Ro'h- schildianum, a fine plant of " , presenta- 388 306 306 392 ENTS. Orchid notes and gleanings— Odontoglossumcris- pum "Lady Ardt- laun" O c. 'MountHarry " Odon toglossums from Llandudno... Packing cut flowers ... Palms, hardy Phylloxera in Sussex Potatos. a suitable manure for Railway rates, the Committee on Reading University, new training gai dens at Rhododendrons, Hima- layan RocK-garden in Spring- time, the Scliizanthus Wlseton- £>ye, Mr. A. tier, to Edinburgh autumn show Fruit prospects ... (Fruits, the colouring of •Gooseberry sorting ... tH;emaria Dawsoniana Hei ianthem um rose u m var. super tia Herbaceous border- Globe flowers -ilerrin, Mr. C , pre- sentation to Hoeing, the philo- sophy of Kew notes Lily season, the ap- proaching Lizard Orchid, the ... Hew or noteworthy plants— Cymbldium insigne. Obituary- Davis, Thomas Wolley-Dod, Rev. C. 301 393 some flower- ensls Shrubs, ing Societies- Horticultural Club linnean National Fruit Growers' National Potato ... Koyal Agricultural Royal Horticultural Yorkshire Gala Strawberry, The Lax- ton Thunbergla alata Trees and Shrubs- Viburnum tomen- tosum Weather in Aberdeen- shire Week's woifc — Flower garden, the . Fruits under glass... Hardy fruit garden . Kitchen-garden, the Orchid-houses, the . Plants under glass... Wisley Gardens, the... 387 388 387 39 J SOU 304 391 309 3?6 30.-. 3P1 899 308 308 304 ILLUSTRATIONS Begonia "Avalanche'- Catanthe discolor Edge Ball, Malpas Gooseberry sortiig Hiemarla Dawsoninna Helianthemuin roseum growingat Swanmore Park, Bishop's Wallbam(Supplementary Illustration) silver Cup to be offered at, the Edinburgh autumn show View in the rockery at Totley Hal), Stetlield 301 391 391 310 301 390 :-oi 304 303 3-9 393 305 387 306 386 THE PHILOSOPHY OF HOEING. A HOE, says Webster, is an instrument for loosening or arranging the earth ■about plants ; and the same authority adds that the word comes to us from the French. Whether the tool itself was introduced by our Gallic friends, thus constituting another ■of the many refinements of civilisation which we owe to tbem, is a question to be left to others. Our position is that the hoe is among the most important of the weapons the gardener uses in his combat with the hosts of forces that sometimes seem to rise up against him. The effects of hoeing fall under three main heads: air is introduced, the move- ment of water is modified, and the soil par- ticles are broken up. Each of these means more than is .evident at a first glance, and a little consideration may profitably be given to the subject. In studying the first of these effects, the introduction of air, we start from the fact that hoeing alters the air capacity of the soil in much the same way as working a concertina changes the capacity of its 'bellows. When the particles are pushed ■closer together, air is expelled : when they ure separated, fresh air is drawn in. Expe- riments made with sand have shown that the volumes of air brought into play are very considerable, and much greater than would n priori be expected. Nor is the benefit confined to the layer of soil actually stirred ; the soil for some distance beneath participates, and aeration proceeds to an appreciable depth. The air in unstirred soil, even near to the surface, is very impure, containing fifty or a hundred times as much carbonic acid as ordinary air. With constant change there comes a great improvement. It is not necessary to insist on the vital importance of fresh air to every part of the plant. Every gardener learns it by obser- vation or by sad experience, and it becomes the corner-stone of his gardening doctrines. But the help of his invisible friends among the soil-bacteria depends, if anything, to an even greater extent on an adequate supply of oxygen. Some of these minute organ- isms, so small that millions of them could comfortably be placed on a penny-piece, vigorously break down the organic matter which would otherwise tend to accumulate and make the soil unfit for plant growth. Others change the nitrogen compounds from forms more or less useless to plants into nitrates, bodies readily capable of assimila- tion. Others, again, perform a feat which chemists are now trying to emulate, and convert free nitrogen from the air itself into nitrates. These wonderful helpers require no special assistance, and the gardener merely has to follow the advice given by the famous city councillor on gondolas for the Park lake : " Don't buy a dozen ; buy two, and let them breed." He is even spared the expense of 'buying two," for they occur in nearly all soils, and propagate rapidly under favourable conditions. Air, moisture, and proper temperature are all necessary, and the happy combination is brought about by frequent hoeing. The formation of nitrates involves the addition of oxygen to nitrogen, or a nitrogen compound. If hoeing be neglected, the supply of air is diminished, and bacteria are not only prevented from making more nitrates, but some of them may finally, in extreme cases, even be driven to obtain the oxygen they need from the nitrates already built up. All their useful work is destroyed, just as the utility of a hive of bees vanishes if the bees live on the honey they have accu- mulated. Their good offices, in fact, depend completely on the quantity of air they receive. t^uite apart from bacterial action, chemical changes requiring oxygen, and apparently sunlight, go on in the soil. Experiments are still being made on the subject, but it would seem from all that is known at present that oxidation plays an important part in keeping up the fertility of the soil. Another of the three main classes to which the effect^of hceing may be referred, is the alteration in the movement of water in the soil. Water rises to the surface from the water-level in the same way and in virtue of the same forces as oil rises in the wick of a lamp. Compacting the soil, up to a certain extent, facilitates this rise, loosen- ing the soil checks it. The part of the soil most under the action of the hoe is there- fore cut off from its source of supply, and rapidly loses water. A dry layer is thus formed which has only a very limited power of drawing water from the moister part below, but which protects this part from the drying action of wind and sun. Hoeing thus conserves the water in the soil ; and the importance of this is evident when we bear in mind the fact, not always fully realised, that the rainfall in many parts of England is not sufficient for the production of maximum crops. On soils which are not too heavy it is good practice to have recourse both to the consolidating and loosening effects — to have the soil firm below in order to secure a constant supply of water to the root, and loose for the top inch or so to furnish a suffirient protection. I find the Sproughton-hoe, besides being a valuable time-saver, very efficient in this respect. Used on a well-cultivated soil, it brings about the necessary compacting beneath, whilst thoroughly stirring the surface soil. These are essentially the conditions required for Eoses, and the Sproughton-hoe is of course par excellence the tool for them. Raspberries and other plants with delicate, shallow roots require the same conditions. The temperature of the soil is regulated more by the water it contains than by any other factor, except, of course, the sun. Water takes up about five times as much heat in getting warm as an equal weight of soil, and the best way of warming a toil is to dry it. This explains why seed-beds have to be so carefully prepared for small seeds like Onions; the preliminary stirring and breaking up into fine particles dries, and so warms, the soil. But the seed must have water, and the bed has to be stamped or rolled to draw the water up. The gardener's instinct is wanted to decide exactly how far these two processes must go, and not un- usually cottage gardeners judge a man by his Onion-bed. It is a common belief that hoeing lets the warm air in, and so warms the soil; but this is only true to a very limited degree. The correct explana- tion is that the air dries the soil, and a day's sunshine heats dry soil much more than it does wet soil. The greatest loss of heat, however, is brought about by the evaporation of water from the soil, and the pernicious effects of ground draughts are largely due to this cause. The mulch obtained by hoeing is an excellent protector, and further helps to keep the well-hoed soil warm. A further effect of hoeing is to improve the mechanical condition of the soil. After a shower of rain, the clods can readily be broken, and if the surface is kept well worked they do not reform. Only in this way can " steely " land be dealt with and made to give a good tilth. As the soil particles become smaller their total surface increases, and a two-fold improve- ment sets in — the water capacity and the power of retaining soluble manures both increase. Water and soluble salts are alike retained at the surface of the soil particles. If, on the other hand, the soil is already so fine that water will not readily pass through (as in the ease of clay), the structure becomes coarser. We may, in conclusion, consider the effect of hoeingat ^different seasons of the year. In early spring the" surface soil is dis- connected from the moist soil below, air is introduced, and the top layer dries. It is now more readily warmed, and becomes suitable for seeds. The drying effect must 386 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Junk 18, 1904. for a time be counteracted by rolling to secure a continuous supply of water for the seedling. Later on, when growth starts, further effects come into play. Not only is the temperature of the soil raised for the two reasons already mentioned, but the air necessary for the young roots is driven in, and their development thus facilitated. Water is conserved, and the store available for the plant increases. The action of bacteria is promoted, and the continual breaking up of the soil increases the power to hold water and plant food, and prevents the latter from being washed away by heavy rains. All the causes co-operate to produce vigorous growth. In one part of my garden I had two small plots of Kose-busb.es similarly situated and in very similar condition. Throughout May one lot was hoed every second day, the other every ten days. There is now a considerable difference between them, the first lot being larger and more vigorous than the second. The active formation of nitrates brought about by frequent hoeing may in fact tend to give too great a vegetative growth and retard ripening, in which case a dressing of phosphatic manure would be the natural corrective. Jethro Tull, who advocated cultivation instead of manuring, grew good crops on well-hoed land entirely without manure, but they ripened late. Had he supplied some phosphate to counteract the increased nitrification the result would pro- bably have been different. We have heard of gardeners who let the ground get hard about their Tomatos, and still get good crops; the Tomato of course does not want too much nitrate, and vigorous nitrification is not essential for it. But those gardeners would do well to try whether good cultiva- tion and a phosphatic manure would not give even better results. In a late season it may in certain cases be advisable to cease cultivation and so check nitrification with a view of hastening ripen- ing. This plan has been recommended for Hops. After last year's heavy rainfall, however, trouble is more likely to arise from a deficiency than an excess of nitrate. Edward J. Russell, D.Sc. THE EOCK GARDEN IN SPBING-TIME. A well-equipped rock garden cannot fail to afford pleasure by the bright masses of flowers borne by the plants in the heyday of their beauty throughout the spring and early summer months. At other times there is much of interest, but at no season is the display of flowers comparable to that made during the first half of the year, when Au- brietia, Alyssum, Arabis, Alpine Phloxes, and the many garden forms of P. setacea, with Anemones, Snowdrops, and Saxifragas, each play their part in making a gay and diverse display. What may be employed to provide effective colour-masses in any given garden will depend not a little on the garden itself, and whether it is possible to arrange more than one type of rockery. The garden in a hill district, for example, affords opportunities that in a garden of the reverse type can only be provided at great cost. In the former, with its natural banks and slopes, a rugged slope may be converted into a paradise of flowers in a short time. In much the same way is the more extensive rock-garden suited for the larger masses of plants; while those of moderate area can be made of equal interest with the smaller-growing species. The illus- tration, fig. 109, is of a distinctive character suggestive of a somewhat extensive slope, ren- dered the more easy of access and simple of treatment by the stepping - stone pathway in the midst. In such a case, not only the slopes on right and left, but the spaces immediately below the stones, are available for plants, and ininy good species may be successfully grown in such positions. In this blossoms trailing over the bank. In like manner may be used the white and rose - coloured perennial Pea, and where rugged stones jut out here and there the effect is good. These larger trailers require to be employed judiciously, and1 ■ generally are suited to rockeries of the largest- dimensions. In the present picture some of the most prominent subjects are Cheiranthus alpinus, C. Marshalli, C. Allionii, the latter both of rich orange shade, and very good in the early spring- FlG. 169. — VIEW OF THE ROCKERY IN THE GARDENS AT TOTLEY HALL, SHEFFIELD. way the pretty Corydalis lutea or the scarlet Zauschneria, together with Armerias and the low tufts of Phloxes and similar plants, ever appear to advantage. On the larger slopes such plants as Iberis, or the pretty masses of Saponaria ocy- moides and S. o. alba make fine sheets of colour in their season. Mossy and other Saxi- fragas wedged here and there amid the stones are very effective ; while perhaps one of the most striking plants that suggest themselves at the moment is Tropseolum poly- phyllum, with glaucous leafage and golden time ; Genista procumbens overhanging rocks ; and such Phloxes as lilacina, Vivid, and The Bride, with tufts of flowers. Aubrietias, as may naturally be expected, are very good, such as Dr. Mules (a good violet shade), Fire King, and others. In such places the double white Arabis is a fine plant, well suited to the company of those just named. Saxifragas of all sections enter quite freely into the display, from the early S. Burseriana of February or March, to the days in June or later, when S. longifolia and S. pyramidali3 send forth June 18, 1904.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 387 their fine pyramids of flowers. The illustration is from a photograph taken hy W. A. Milner, Esq., in his garden at Totley Hall, Sheffield, svhere a large number of good alpine plants -thrive excellently. Of none can this be said more truly than of the more free-growing Androsaces, A. lanuginosa, A. sarmentosa, &c. No words can •describe the wealth of flowers produced by the former species ; and not only is it one of the best of flowering alpines, but it is one of the most profuse. E. H. Jenkins. late. It is a native of Annam, where it was found by Mr. Bronckart, growing along ravines and in sandy soil at 4,000 to 5,000 feet altitude. The general habit recalls the species named, the leaves being about 2J to 3 feet long, and rather narrow, and the scape measures some 3 to 4J feet long, and bears numerous flowers about 3J inches in diameter. According to a coloured drawing, communicated to Kew, with a native dried speci- men, in 1901, by Mr. G. Schneider, the flowers are rosy-lilac in colour, with many crimson Fig. 170.— h.emaria dawsoniana. HEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. CYMBIDIUM INSIGNE, Rolfe, n. sp* This is a handsome species of Cymbidium, allied to C. Lowianum and C. longifolium, but •differing from both in having a very broad, nearly •orbicular lip, and the disc not strongly bilamel- * Cymbidium ivsiflne, Rolfe. — Ehizomea stout, emittirg numerous stroDg roots. Leaves elongate, linear- oblong, acute, 8j— 3 feet lorg, 3-4 lines broad, broader at the conduplicate base. Scapes suberect, arching, fl— 4.} feet long, clotted at the base with elongate-lan- ceolate aoute sheath? s racemose, with numerous flowers. Bracts ovate-lanceolate, scute, striate, 2-4 lines long. Pedicels about i; inch long. Sepals ellip- blotches on the lip, and some yellow on the centre of the disc. The flowering of this fine species in cultivation will be awaited with interest. R. A. Rolfe. tical - oblong, apiculate, 1, inch long, 9 lines broad, the lateral pair somewhat falcate. Petals elliptical, oblong, apiculate, somewhat narrowed at the base, ) J inches lorg, 8 lines broad. Lip nearly orbicular in outline, somewhat three • lobed, lj inch long; side lobes suberect, vary obtuse, 6—7 lines broad ; terminal lobe short, obtuse or emarginate, undulate, about an inch broad ; disc puberulous. Column c'avate, arcuate, 14 lines long. Allied to C. Lowianum and C. longi- folium, resembling the former in habit and stature, and the latter in the texture of the flower, but the lip far broader, and not strongly bilamellate. Native of Annam ; collected by Mr. Bronckart. R. A. Rolfe. ILEMARIA DAWSONIANA. Of the class of Orchids which are grown more especially for their beautiful foliage and are generally known as Anoectochili, I find this Hcemaria the easiest to keep in good condition. Apart from the deep olive-green foliage, with its copper-coloured veins, it is an extremely pretty plant when in flower. In the Cambridge Botanic Garden it flowers annually about Christmas-time, and the flowers remain in good condition for at least a month. They are pure white, except for an orange-yellow blotch on the column. The scapes are covered with short downy white hairs, which give them a velvety appearance, and when viewed above the dark handsome foliage afford a very pleasing contrast. Contrary to what might have been expected, the plant does not seem to suffer by being allowed to produce its flowers and retain them for such a long time. The speci- men from which the accompanying photograph was takea (see fig. 170) made new growths (from the horizontal parts of the stem), which promise to be as vigorous as those from which the flowers were produced. It is grown here under a bell- glass among other Orchids, where a minimum temperature of 60° F. is maintained, and where it is protected in summer from strong light by the shade afforded by the leaves of taller plants standing round about it. E. J. Allard, Botanic Gardens, Cambridge. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. ODONTOGLOSSUMS FEOM LLANDUDNO. From the gardens of Joseph Broome, Esq., Sunny Hill, Llandudno (gr„ Mr. A. C. Axtell), •comes a fine set of Odontoglossum flowers, re- markable in that it comprises several rare varieties. Among them are — Odontoglossum crinitum. — A very pretty and rare species, with some resemblance to O. gloriosum, but with the labellum covered with long white fila- ments. Sepals and petals greenish-white, spotted with blown. Lip white, with pale rose markings. The specimen is interesting as it is taken from one of the original plants in Mr. Broome's collection, then at "Woodlawn, Didsbnry, Manchester, and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle in 1882. O. x Adrians. — The specimens sent seem to represent the widest range in this ex- tremely variable Odontoglossum. The largest is equal to a good O. crispum, having cream-white flowers edged with yellow, and profusely blotched with chestnut-red, the markings being very large. The other extreme has smaller flowers but broader segments ; primrose coloured, evenly marked with small reddish spots. O. Hallii magnificum. — One of the showiest of Odontoglossums. Flowers yellow, the sepals almost covered with chocolate markings ; the petals and lip prettily marked with ehestnut-red. O. TiastUabium.— A distinct species from New Grenada, bearing branched spikes of flowers 4 inches across. Sepals and petals equal and lanceolate ; whitish, barred with purple. Lip with a broadly hastate front, lobe claret-coloured at the base, fading to nearly white towards the margin. Two examples of Odontoglossum x Ander- sonianum.and a remarkably fine Ansellia africana are also sent. Odontoglossum crispum " Lady Ardilaun." As though in response to the popular craving for good spotted varieties of Odontoglossum cris- pum, a plant which has been in Lord Ardilaun's garden at St. Anne's, Clontarf, Co. Dublin, and which, although it has grown well, has never before flowered, now sends forth a fine inflor- escence, blooms of which are kindly sent by Mr. Andrew Campbell, the gardener at St. Anne's. 388 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [JOME IS, 190*, The flowers are 4 inches across, white, heavily tinged with purple on the backs of the sepals, and on the front in a less degree. The crimped- edged petals are white, slightly tinted with rose. The basal halves of the sepals bear clusters of six or seven red-brown spots, and the petals some- times one of the Eame colour. The lip and column give effective features, the column being red-brown on the upper side and orange-coloured underneath. The blade of the lip is fringed white, with a bright yellow disc and elaborate brown markings. Odontoglossfm crispdm "Mount Harry." A charming variety of the reigning favourite spotted Odontoglossum has flowered with E. G. Fletcher, Esq., Mount Harry, Withdene, Brighton (gr., Mr. Garnett), being the second valuable variety flowered out of a small lot of imported plants obtained from Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge. Like several other pretty forms flowered out of recent importations, it has a bare suspicion of 0. x Adriana? about it in the dis- tinctly toothed wings of the column, which, like the upper margin of the lip, have slight brown markings such as are invariably present in O. Adrians?. In colour, size, and all other important points it is, however, O. crispum. The flowers are white beautifully tinged with rose colour, and each sepal and petal bears about twenty reddish- purple spots, some scattered along the margin, and the larger ones clustered towards the middles of the segments. Lip white, fringed, and with yellow crest having a reddish blotch in front. Kew Hand-List of Orchids. We are glad to welcome the publication of the second edition of the very useful Hand-List of Orchids cultivated in the Royal Gardens, Kew. The collections have not only increased in number, but their cultivation has been much improved owing to structural alterations in the houses. At present 220 genera are represented, and about 1850 varieties and species, to that the visitor is sure to find something of interest at any time of the year. Of course the main object is botanical, but the very numerous varieties and hybrids now cultivated are by no means devoid of scientific interest as affording clues to the lines of descent and of affinity, and as illus- trations of the range of variation. " A few changes in nomenclature have become necessary. the most important being the separation of species formally included under Cattleya labiata, and the breaking up of the genus Cypripedium." Both these are matters of opinion on the part of experts. For garden purposes it might have been more convenient to keep up the genus Cypripe- dium, and to treat Paphiopedilum as a section of it. The cross references do much to remedy the present inconvenience, which will be less felt as time goes on. In any case Orchid lovers owe a debt of gratitude for the compilation and publication of this excellent List. Dictionnaire Iconographique des Orchidees. The plants figured in No. 55, March, 1904, which begins the 7th series, are the following : — Cattleja Massiliensis, Maron ; Cypripedium nitens var. Hye- anum, Cogn. ; C. Madioti, Cappe ; C. Komulus, Hort. ; (b) Geodoium cirinum, Ldl. ; (a) G. c. var. Augusti, Cogn. ; Laelio-Cattleja Tiuffautianavar. Fournieri, Cogn. j L.-C. Clive, Hort. ; L.-C. Binoti, Cogn. ; Maxillaria variabilis v. lutea et v. crocea ; Mormodes igneum, Ldl. (formes) ; Odontoglossum Duvivierianum v.Burfordiense; StanhopeaWardii v. Frobeliana, Cogn. ; Zygopetalum maxillare v. Gautieri, Eegel. In No. 56, May, 1904, the following are illus- trated : — Cattleya Cogniauxii, Fr. Peeters ; C. Enid, Hort. Veitch ; C. Fabia var. Vigeriana, Hort. ; C. F. W. Wigan, Hort. ; C. Imperator, Rolfe ; C. Peetersii, Hort. ; C. Pittiana, O'Brien ; and C. Eembrandt, Maron ; Cypripedium Memo- ria - Fournieri, Cogn. ; Dendrobium Ccelogyne, Rehb. f. ; Lselio-Cattleya Digbyano-Mossiaj var. splendens, Peeters ; Oncidium superbiens, Bchb. f. ; Stauropsis fasciata, Benth. ALPINE GARDEN. SAXIFEAGA AEETIOIDES ALBA. This species and S. a. primulina, with yellow flowers, are two of the rarest and best of the crustaceous Saxifrages. I do not know the origin of the former, though, judging by the size of its flowers, it is more a counterpart of the latter variety than a replica of typical S. aretioides. The plant flowers much earlier, however ; the flowers are of large size, very solid-looking and much refined. The varietal name "alba," signifying that the plant is merely a white aretioides, does this beautiful plant an injustice. With larger flowers even than the variety S. a. primulina, and with more sturdy stems, the plant is greatly superior, and I know of no Saxifrage more pleasing when in flower. The rosettes of leaves are rather larger than those of the jellow variety mentioned, and somewhat whiter in the incrusta- tion. It is essentially a plant for pot cultivation, or at least should be grown in that part of the rockery where only such treasures are planted and remain constantly under the eye. My little specimen is tightly wedged between stones, and whether planted in pots or grown on the rockery there is, I believe, no better way of securing them in position. A dry rockery is not suitable for its success, and in gritty loam it delights in free supplies of summer moisture. A loose soil and a dry sunny bank is often fatal to these small alpines. E. Jenkins. Shortia galacifolia. This charming little spring-flowering plant is undoubtedly one of the gems of the garden in the early days of the year. In the month of March the drooping, white, prettily-fringed flowers, held aloft above the crimsoned leaves on pink foot-stalks, are perhaps more beautiful than any of the showier spring Irises that are in bloom at the same period. Discovered over 100 years ago in the mountainous region of North Carolina, it was lost to botanists for the best part of a century, but introduced into cultivation in this country in 1877. Although since that date the species has been largely imported, it is by no means always to be found in good health in gardens. A com- post of sandy peat and sphagnum-moss has been recommended for its culture, and in this the plants are doing excellently with me ; but I may say that I have seen plants exhibiting robust vigour in pure fibrous loam, in loam and leaf- mould, and even in soil containing sufficient lime to render the culture of Ehododendrons a failure, though soil of the last description was at one time held to be fatal to success with the Shortia. One essential evidently is that the compost should be porous, for the plant appears to resent stagnant moisture about its roots in the winter. Considerable difference of opinion exists as to the correct site for the Shortia. Some recom- mend that it should be grown in shade, and a friend who knows the plant in its native habitat assured me that it carpeted the ground beneath trees ; but in this country entire absence of direct sunlight seems to prevent the foliage from assuming that crimson tint which is one of the chief beauties of the plant, and renders it such an attractive object in the autumn. Possibly a position on the north side of a rock-mass, where it may obtain about three hours' sunshine in the summer, is as good a site as can be sug- gested. My plants are growing in just such a spot, and both situation and soil appear to be to their liking. 8. W. Fitzherlert, Devonshire. Genu ana verna and its Varieties. Gentiana verna occurs in all the alpine an<3 subalpine districts of the Alps, the Jura, th® mountains of Auvergne, the Pyrenees, the Spanish Sierras, the Apennines, some of the mountains of Great Britain, the Carpathians, and even on the German table-land. Its corolla is intensely blue, with a white centre. It is one of the prettiest alpine plants, and abundant in green pastures. In parts of the Swiss Jura, Gentiana verna varies wonderfully, though, generally, ths flowers are of a deep blue colour. In certain dis- tricts of the Jura, however, we have for some years found a variety of forms constant under cultiva- tion which we have propagated by cuttings with excellent results, the plants produced proving- finer and more resistent than those transplanted) from the fields to the garden. A pure white form, has been called by Mr. Eeginald Farrer, "Chiono- doxa" (Glory of the Snow). The flower is well formed, slightly greenish outside, quite white- within. It flowered freely, and we have sown, seeds of it, wondering if it will produce albino- descendants. There are also flowers of two shades of blue — 1, ccerulea (sky-blue) ; and 2, azurea (clear blue). There is a fourth form with a violet-mauve- blossom that we have called violacea, and one-, with rosy-violet flowers we have named rosea. This is not easy to cultivate, but we have had a- plant for two years that flowered this spring and is beginning to spread. There are Gentians also- with flowers of colours intermediate with those- described. As to habit, there is as much variety in. the plants as in the colours of the flowers^ in the same fields. There are grandiflora,. which keeps its size under cultivation, another- form in which the corolla has four instead of five lobes, and yet another which has six. We found long-stemmed types (longicaulis) and dwarf plants- (nana). All these characteristics persist under cultivation, especially in plants raised from, cuttings. Gentiana verna does not seem easily grown in England. It is a plant of bright dry- pastures, flooded with sunshine and fresh air. At- Floraire we grow it in full sun in ordinary soil, heavy rather than light; and we do not move it, as it does not like its roots to be disturbed. I remember seeing, years ago in a garden iih Stafford, a plant of Gentiana verna sent over by us and set in the border of the kitchen-garden, alpine plants being thought unfit for the flower- beds. This tuft having received no attention was quite covered with flowers and greatly admired. Henry Corrcvon, Floraire, near Geneva. Eritrichium nanum. For the benefit of those who would like to- cultivate this alpine plant, I give some details- of cultivation. Those who carry them out as- described need not fear the result. Select a sunny fissure in the rockery where the plant will be directly under the eye, and where mois- ture can be afforded conveniently during the- growing season without damping the foliage or- face of the plant, and where it can be kept- perfectly dry from September until the end of January. During these months the plant is- dormant. It commences to grow towards the- end of January, but no water must be afforded for quite a month after the plant shows signs of life. The compoBt used for planting should con- sist of hard fibrous-peat, leaf-mould, and grit ia equal parts. This should be broken up finely, and put through a quarter-inch sieve ; then use a fine sieve to take out the dust, add a little sand to what remains in the sieve, and mix it well together. This compost suits the plant better than anything I have tried, the roots are very like silk, and require something fine t» work into. A stone should be placed in a slanting position inclining downwards towards tho bank •, June 18, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 589 place a la j er of comjost on the stone, then lay the plant on, adding more compost to cover the roots well over, then place en the top stone, pressing firmly down. Care must betaken not to bring the stone over the plant, but only to leave room for the soil to show between the stone and the plant, taking great precautions to leave the neck of the plant free, and adding more compost behind the stones. Then add another flat stone on the top half a foot from the plant. This may be allowed to hang over a few inches. The top stone should be so arranged as to carry the water direct to the roots of the plant. With care this can be made so that no water need be used on the face of the plant, and in this manner the foliage will always be dry, while the roots will get ample moisture from behind. A stone can be placed over the whole plant in September, and left until the end of January. It can then be removed when the plant again requires water. A little top-dressing should be given in the spring, using the same compost as described for planting. Robt. B. Tilley, Leicester. KEW NOTES. Scutellaria violacea. — This is an extremely pretty Indian species, now flowering in the Begonia-house, and it does not appear to have been in cultivation previous to its introduction to Kew in 1900, when seeds were sent to the Eoyal Gardens by Mr. William Nock, Superinten- dentof the Botanical Gardens, Hakgala, Ceylon. It is a soft-wooded, quick-growing species, like S. coccicea and S. Ventenatii, only with a more sturdy habit and a stouter inflorescence. The leaves are cordate-acuminate, coarsely crenate on the margins, and tomentose, beiDg from 2 to 3 inches long, and 1 J to 2 inches broad ; the erect inflorescence is from G to 8 inches long, having rather large violet-blue flowers, with a white blotch on the lip of the corolla ; the flowers are arranged about half an inch apait on each side of the square rhachis. Like all the other stove species of this genus, it is very easily grown, and very floriferous. Cuttings, if rooted in the spring, soon make neat little busby plants about 1 foot high. Actneta Barkeri, Lindley. A plant of this lovely Mexican Orchid is now flowering in the warm Orchid-house. It has stout pseudo-bulbs 5 inches in length; the leaves are broadly lanceolate, ribbed, and about 18 inches long i the pendent raceme is about 1 foot long, produced from the base of the pseudc-bulb, and hanging through the bottom of the Teak basket. There are fifteen flowers on the inflorescence, each having a diameter of 2.} inches ; the sepals are dark amber-yellow coloured, with numerous minute black spots on the outer surface; the petals and lip are of the same yellow colour, dotted with rather large red spots. This species was intro- duced by Mr. Barker, of Birmingham, in 1837. It is synonymous with Peristeria Barkeri, under which name it is figured in the Botanical Maga- zine, t. 4203. Members of this genus succeed best when grown in Teak baskets in a stove tem- perature, and they require a liberal supply of water when growing, and when the flowers are developing, or the pseudo-bulbs will become badly shrivelled, and future growths weak. W. H. Pavetta caffra, Linnmus. Specimens of this South African Eubiaeeous plant are flowering in the Begonia-house. It is a slender branched shrub with rather small, obovate, glabrous leaves, growing into a bush 3 to 4 feet high. The plants now in flower are in 8 -inch pots, having a diameter and height of about l1 foot. The inflorescences are produced terminally on shortbranches; the flowers are white, about J inch in diameter, and the Ixora- like inflorescence is of light and feathery appear- ance. It is an old garden plant, and somewhat extensively grown on the Continent, though not often seen in this country. Cuttings may be easily rooted in bottom heat. The young plants should be cultivated in an intermediate tem- perature, and the shoots need to be stopped frequently, otherwise the plants will become of straggling habit. Botanical Magazine, t. 3580. Allamanda grandiflora, Hooter. A plant of this fine species is now flowering in the stove. The flowers are rather smaller than the more extensively grown A. Schottii, but much more beautiful in colour, being a clear bright yellow, without any markings in the throat. A. grandiflora has become very scarce in gardens, the larger-flowered and stronger-growing species having almost ousted it from cultivation, notwithstanding the fact that it is certainly the best coloured of all the yellow Allamandas. But it is a very weak grower on its own roots, but if grafted upon the stronger species, such as A. Schottii, it grows vigorously and flowers freely. Like the other members of the genus, this species should be rested during the winter months. It is a native of Brazil. CALANTHE DISCOLOK. This species " has been known for over sixty years, having been originally described in 1838 ( Lindley 's Serfum Orchid, sub- tab 9), at which time FIG. IT].— CALANTHE DISCOLOR. its habitat was unknown. ... It was figured in the Botanical Register, 1840, t. 55, when Lindley re- marked that it had blossomed in several places in England, and that it probably came from Japan. The form figured had vinous purple sepals and petals, and a nearly white lip, but there is a paler one which is less showy. It seems to be a fairly common plant in Japan, being found in numerous localities. The spikes attain a length of 5 or 6 inches, and in this condition the numerous flowers are very attractive. It would probably succeed in a cool greenhouse, but we should hardly expect it to stand our winters unprotected." — '* E. A. E.," in Orchid Review, May. The plant was brought under our notice by Messrs. Cutbush, of Higbgate, and has been recently exhibited by them. Our illustration i& from a plant which flowered in the Eojal Gardens, Kew. The Kew plants all had dull-brown sepals and petals and a pure white lip. A third and dis- tinct variety is figured in the Ic. Fl. Jap., i., t. 50, under the name of Calanthe discolor var. flava. At Kew the plant is grown in a cool-house in shallow pans, in a mixture of loam, peat, and sand. It is just possible that it will prove suffi- ciently hardy to be grown outside in mild localities in this country. PLANT NOTES. THUNBERGIA ALATA. This plant is very rarely found in such excel- lent condition as I saw it recently in hanging baskets in Warren House Gardens, Stanmore. Plants may be easily raised from seeds, and they are much admired when in flower, especially the dark orange-coloured variety. The chief enemy is red-spider ; but every good gardener will know how to combat that pest. Mr. Ellis had it in a warm corridor which connects all the fine plant- houses together, in a very convenient manner. This house, I was informed, formerly contained Eoses, but was found to be much too hot for that purpose. It is now planted with a useful collection of stove creepers and other plants, which will prove very interesting when fully established. I well remember a beautiful arch- way about 7 feet high, formed of Thunbergia alata, which I saw in Florida EOme years ago at Christmas. W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle Gardens. HERBACEOUS BORDER. THE APPEOACHING LILY SEASON. There is every probability of a good season for Lilies, judging by the growth they have made during the last two months. Their development this year has been almost abnormal in its rapidity, owing chiefly to the abundance of moisture with which they were favoured during the spring. This applies especially to such vigorous Oriental and American species as monadelphum var. Szovitzi- anum, which, after being firmly established, be- comes a veritable giant in vitality and in growth ; Lilium auratum, and Lilium pardalinum. Lilium Henryi, a native of China, sometimes described as a dark-coloured speciosum, has been growing like a tree, and promises to eclipse all its former remarkable achievements. Pew Lilies for garden culture are more reliable than this variety, which since its introduction has proved itself a most valuable acquisition. In my own garden during the season of bloom, it is hardly capable of sustaining the weight of its flowers, and I presume that wherever it has aeon- genial situation elsewhere, its cultivators have a similar experience. I found some difficulty for many years in adequately establishing the highly attractive Lily of California, Lilium pardalinum; now it is one of my finest possessions. I have also been successful with its picturesque derivative, entitled Lilium Burbanki , which bears the honoured name of a famous American raiser, who has told us that it is also partly derived from that fragrant and exquisitely beautiful Lily, also California^), Lilium Washingtonianum— though this derivation, to the most experienced cultivator, is not easy to discern. Lilium Humboldtii I have found much more capricious and difficult of culture than any of its contemporaries of American origin. In a sense it is enduring ; but it has never grown with sufficient strength to be very effective. Not- withstanding all that has been said against Lilium auratum, it seldom fails to succeed. It is much more reliable from every point of view than Lilium longiflorum, or even than the majestic 390 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 18, 1904. Xjilium giganteum, the latter of which, unless it has immense vitality, declines to develop its great flowering stem. As I know from sad experience, it sometimes has been grown from an offset for at least four years without flowering at all. This •doubtless may be attributed to lack of vital strength in the bulb, whose inherent weakness may, on the other hand, be owing to the character •of the soil. Lilium chalcedonicum, the " Scarlet Martagon," whose colour may be described as vermillion, is one of the few Lilies eminently adapted for garden cultivation, which multiplies its bulbs without apparent deterioration. As much, I greatly fear, could not truly be asserted of Lilium longiflorum, which, through attempting too much in this direction, becomes subject to vital degeneration and inevitable premature decay. David R. Williamson. Globe Flowers (Trollius). These noble May flowers are seldom seen in a satisfactory condition in shrub and herbaceous borders, because they love moisture, and that •cannot always be afforded them. Our green- sand stone here is hot and dry during spring and summer, and they do not develop full beauty. Recently, in digging out foundations for a new gasometer, quantities of blue clay had to be taken out. I secured several cartloads, and then choosing a plot of ground nearly level, with a slight fall only, I dug out five beds 5 feet wide, 20 feet long, 1£ foot deep; these I lined with blue-clay 9 inches thick, so as to hold water, the centre of the beds being slightly hollowed. I "then filled up with the excavated soil to within 3 inches of the level, and planted a collection of Trollius in rows, with other semi-aquatic plants. They soon established themselves, and are now a Iblaze of grand flowers on bushy clumps 3 feet through. The topmost of the five beds had a pipe laid in the path to bed No. 2, and so on to No. 5, so that by flooding No. 1 we could make the whole set thoroughly wet in dry weather with a hose. To describe the varieties alphabetically, the first is — Europwus. — The globes are of pale glistening lemon-yellow, 2 inches across, and the plants grow about 20 inches tall, and produce a mass of flowers, first from the " king " blossoms, and afterwards from the laterals; the best in this colour forming an elegant clump. Europwus albus is much paler, and a very poor .grower — really not worth culture. Excelsior is of the japonicus type, with flowers If inch over ; not cupped, as in the above, but more open, the florets standing erect. The •colour is bright madder- orange, very striking, And the foliage is finely divided into five sections. The best of this colour. Europozus major is the same as that fine variety napelliformis. It has bold foliage, and makes a clump 2J feet through, bearing rich canary- yellow- coloured cupped flowers, nearly 2 inches across. Very striking and fine. Japonicus or Fortunei. — Flowers 1J inch over ; earlier than the rest ; of rich madder - orange colour; foliage distinct, deeply toothed. Newry Giant is tall, very single, and is a dis- appointing sort here. Orange Qlobe or Yellow Globe is the finest of the set. The flowers are cupped 2J inches over, of a brilliant old-gold colour, but very bright. It forms a pretty clump, and grows 2\ feet tall; is altogether first-class. T. altissim-us has not yet flowered. I can commend this treatment to all lovers of herbaceous flowering plants, and later on will report on the various Astilbes, Spiraea, Primula japonica (with flower-spikes 2 to 2 J feet now), Iris Sieboldi, and other plants under the same con- ditions. It will be noted that the clay being 6 inches below the surface, any surplus water drains off naturally. Geo. Bunyard, Maidstone, May 26. TREES AMD SHRUBS. VIBURNUM TOMENTOSUM, Thunberg. The beautiful shrub generally known as Vibur- num plicatum is really a variety of this species. In its typical state V. tomentosum has a flat, umbellate inflorescence, the centre flowers of which are small and structurally perfect ; whilst those on the margin are large and imperfect — i.e., they have no stamens or pistil. In the variety plicatum all the flowers are of this showy sterile kind, and the inflorescence becomes more rounded in form, resembling that of the com- mon " Snowball Tree," V. Opulus sterilis. Intro- duced from Japan by Fortune about fifty- five years ago — twenty years in advance of its parent type — V. plicatum has always been the better- known plant of the two. Had one to choose between them, preference would perhaps be given to this one ; but as there is no such necessity, one may well grow both, for they are not only very beautiful, but are more distinct from each other than many separate species are. This season V. tomentosum has been particu- larly fine. Its branches have the same stiff, horizontal pose so characteristic of V. plicatum, and they bear the flowers (which are white) in similar double rows of corymbs, each about 4 inches across. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons have recently distributed a form of V. tomentosum with an inflorescence similar to that of the type but even finer ; they have named it var. Mariesii. Both V. tomentosum and its variety plicatum have flowered at Kew, the latter in large masses. W. J. Bean. The Week's Work. THE HABDY PHUIT GABDETT. By H. Mabkham, gr., Wiolham Park, Barnet. Cordon Pear-trees. — Most of these have set heavy crops, and need severe thinning, or the fruits will be small. Remove a few fruits from the clusters at once, and after a fortnight examine the trees again, and reduce the fruits to the number required. Large-fruiting varieties need to be more freely thinned than those of medium size, while the strength and health of an indi- vidual tree should also be considered in regard to the number of fruits that shall be left to ripen. If any of the trees have been root-pruned or lifted entirely, they should not be allowed to carry so many fruits as they would have done otherwise. It will be better to crop them lightly until they have overcome the effects of the operation. If the Pear-midge is prevalent, pull off and burn all abnormally large fruits, as such usually contain one or more of the larvae. Cordon Pear-trees are usually worked on the Quince-stock, the roots of which grow near to the surface, and are therefore more liable to suffer from drought than those worked on the wilding. This will make the work of watering and feeding of more importance. A good dressing of artificial manure applied at this date and pricked in over and about the roots, following this with a good watering through a moderately coarse rose- can, will be of great benefit, and if a mulch- ing of manure be applied afterwards the trees will be likely to grow strongly and ripen large fruits. Figs. — These trees are now growing fast, and many of last year's shoots are well studded with fruits. Make the new growths secure by tying them as needed, laying them in where possible on parts of the walls that are not covered, and fastening others to the old bare wood. Reduce the shoots if this is necessary to prevent over- crowding, but do not stop any of the leader" or those shoots required for fruiting next year except thoEe which have reached the boundary of the wall, which may be stopped at three joints abore the fruiting wood. Do not afford food or water to the roots if these have an unrestricted run ; but if they are confined, and the trees are likely to suffer, let them be given a few good soakings with liquid - manure during the season. Strawberry-beds. — Examine the beds containing early plants, and pull up any weeds there may be amongst them. The beds should be made in good order before the nets are put over them, which should not be deferred till after the fruits begin to colour. Most gardeners have their own par- ticular way of applying netting, but the best way is to have aframe-work fixed4or 5 ft. high, and to let the nets be placed over it. In this way the fruits can be gathered much more conveniently. As a make-shift I have managed to protect the fruits from birds by driving a few stakes about 2 feet high along the side of the squares, at intervals, and by fixing a stout wire to the posts to support the nets clear of the plants, and high enough to keep the birds from reaching the berries through the meshes. This plan will be found to answer very well where proper frame-work cannot be employed. THE OBCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford. Dorking. Aerides, Saccolabiums, and Vandas. — During the months of June, July, and August, such Orchids as Aerides, Saccolabiums, and Vandas will be in full growth, and during this period the plants will be making long aerial roots from their stems. It is advisable to examine these plants periodi- cally for all scale insects, particularly the white species, with which they are often infested, and at the same time to tie or peg down any of the roots that are long enough on to the surface of the moss. These long roots soon enter the moss, Ac, and frequently send out side or lateral roots, which, when they enter the compost, greatly assist toward the retention of the lower leaves. Afford the plants plenty of heat and moisture, and if any of them require more root-room it should be afforded at once. Thunias. — All of the Thunias, including T. Marshallii, T. Bensonae, T. candidissima, T. alba, T. pulchra, and the distinct hybrids T. Veitchi- ana and T. Brymeriana, are handsome plants when grown strong, and their pretty arching spikes of flowers are attractive. The spring of 1904 has been very favourable to their cultiva- tion, for scarcely a growth has failed to produce good flower-spikes. The flowers, unfortunately, do not generally remain in bloom more than ten or twelve days. As the plants pass out of flower, remove them to a cool, well-ventilated house, where they may obtain plenty of sunlight. They will need to be watered at the roots occasionally so long as the leaves keep green, but when they commence to change colour it should be gradu- ally withheld, and the plants placed in a sunny position in the cool greenhouse, where the temperature will not fall below 55°. Any growths that have failed to flower, and are growing to an unreasonable length, should have their tops cut off and be treated similarly to those that have flowered. In the dry atmosphere the leaves frequently become infested with red- spider, but it is easily kept in check by occa- sionally laying the plants down on their sides and syringing them with a hot solution of soft- soap and water, adding a little of the XL-All insecticide and allowing it to dry on. Afterwards give them a good hard syringing with clear rain-water. In the Odontoglossum or Cool-house there are many plants now in flower, the principal being the popular Odontoglossum crispum and its numerous varieties. For the present it is advisable not to damp - down frequently, as thereby the flowers would be liable to become spotted and useless. A moderate damping of the floors, stages, &c, at early morning and evening will be sufficient, leaving the ven- tilators open at both top and bottom. The June 18, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 391 flower - spikes should not be allowed to remain on the plants until shrivelling of the pBeudo-bulbs takes place. Vigorous growth in every plant is necessary, and over- flowering tends undoubtedly against this, especially in the case of such species as Odontoglossums and Oncidiums. The spikes of flowers when cut will last for a considerable time if placed in water and kept in the same house where they have been grown. When the flower-spikes have been removed the plants will not require nearly so much water at the roots. Keep the surface of the compost just moist, and use a fine rose watering-can, so that the soil will not be made too wet. While at rest the pseudo-bulbs should not be allowed to shrivel unduly, though a slight shrinkage will do them no harm. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By W. Fvie, Gardener to Lady Wantage, Lcckiuge Park, Wantage. Late Grapes. — There must be no delay in the work of thinning-out bunches and berries, so as to get them ripe in September. Overcropping should be avoided, or the Grapes will not keep long after they are ripe. If suitable tempera- tures be afforded such varieties as Lady Downes, little difficulty will be experienced in keeping the Grapes plump and fresh until the following May. Perfect finish is necessary for sound-keeping qualities. Thin well to secure large berries, and preventovercrowding, especially in the case of such varieties asGros Colmar.theberriesof whichshould be left at 1 inch apart. Varieties havin g oval-shaped berries will not need to be thinned so severely. Tie up the shoulders of large bunches of Black Alicante, &c, as soon as the weight of the berries has straightened the main stalk. The roots must be kept moist at this stage, and the borders should be mulched (if this has not been done already) with light droppings from the stables, which have been previously sweetened by frequent turnings. Late-fruiting Vines require plenty of food for the roots and a hot, moist atmosphere. The nights are still so cold we find that fires are necessary to keep the tem- perature up to 05°. Admit air to the house early in the morning by means of the top ventilators, increasing the amount as the temperature in- creases, and damping the paths with diluted manure-water at closing time. Eed-spider, if present, may be easily discovered by the yellow appearance of the foliage. Apply a few good syringings with clear rain-water at closing time before the berries commence to colour. Watering. — Healthy and vigorous Vines carry- ing full crops, and occupying inside and outside borders which have been previously mulched with manure from the stables, may be watered frequently and moderately to attract the roots to the surface. If the supply of stable-manure is insufficient, employ some other material that will not make the surface become " pasty." If the foliage of the Vines is pale in colour give about one ounce of nitrate of potash, saltpetre, to the square yard after the border has been watered, and lightly water the nitrate in the following day. At least once a season at about this time we give sufficient water to make a stream flow freely from the drains. But if we were to repeat this frequently, we should wash from the soil the ingredients necessary for the Vines. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pentland, Gardener to C. H. B. Firth, Esq , Ashwicke Hall, Marshfleld, Chippenham. Mulching. — At the time of writing the soil in this locality is in a sufficiently moist condition to support the growing crops, but if mulching is to be done this is the best time to apply it, for there is little use in putting it on when the ground is dry, unless sufficient water to wet the soil down to the roots of the growing plants is given afterwards. Mulching is applied as a means to conserve the moisture in the soil, and in addition to this, when water is given or heavy rains occur, a certain amount of nourishment is washed from the mulching into the soil, and the crops are thus benefitted in both ways. Although any rough material, such as long straw or grass, is sometimes considered good enough for use as a mulch, we prefer to have that which was thrown on one side when selecting manure for the making of Mushroom-beds. Having turned this over several times since, it has become short, and when mixed with manure from an old Mushroom- bed, will make such a mulch as will retain mois- ture and nourish the crops. Make a selection of the material at hand, and utilise manure from an old Mushroom-bed for the mulching of Asparagus- beds and special crops. The longer material can be used between lines of Scarlet Bunners, Peas, and crops where there is a wide space between the rows. The mulch should be made about 1 inches deep, and the surface left as smooth and neat as possible. Parsley. — Make a sowing now on a border having a south aspect, well sheltered from the north and east, and where frames can be put over the plants during the winter months. Prepare the ground by working in it some well-rotted manure, and a good dressing of soot and lime. We usually make another sowing a month later, but we find that plants raised now become well established by autumn, and afford a good supply of Parsley during winter. Those from the later sowing afford a supply during early spring. Any plants of Parsley that are running to seed, if not required for that purpose, should be cleared off the ground, and some other crop planted. Matured Crops. — Clear away any crops that have matured, and prepare the ground for plant- ing again. All late Broccoli and plants of early Cabbage which have been cut tend to impoverish the soil to no useful purpose. As soon as the ground has been made ready, let a sowing of Turnips or some other useful catch crop take their place. Seed Sowing. — Make a sowing of Peas, choosing varieties that succeed best in your neighbourhood. Ne Plus Ultra is our favourite variety for sowing late in the season. Make another sowing of French Beans. Take measures to maintain the supply of salads. Sow seeds of Cucumbers to raise plants to succeed those now fruiting. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By C. R. Fielder, Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Mymms Park, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Richardia africana. — As soon as these cease flowering it is usually the practice to either plant them in the open ground for the summer or stand them together in the open-air and with- hold water for a time. If the method first-named be adopted, the plants may either be put out in shallow trenches or planted on the flat. When grown in trenches the plants do not require to be watered so frequently. But in either case it is necessary to incorporate a liberal dressing of good rotten manure with the soil before planting. In preparing the trenches only half-a-spit of soil need be thrown out, the manure being then dug into the bottom of the trench. If single plants in (3-inch pots are required, the old plants must be divided and the strongest of the divisions planted 15 to 18 inches asunder. Bemove all small corms or suckers previous to planting, and if it is desired to increase the stock, these small suckers may be planted out separately where they will not be overgrown by the larger plants. The method of allowing the plants to remain in their pots and withholding water from them is also very satisfactory. The foliage dies down and the plants remain dormant until about the end of August. Signs of new growth will then become apparent, and the plants should at once be turned out of their pots, shaking the whole of the old soil from the roots, and either potting them singly in 5 and 0-inch pots or placing several strong plants in a pot of a larger size as may be required. Bemove the small suckers as advised above, and if desired these may be placed to the number of three or four in a 6-inch pot. Tree or Winter - Flowering Carnations. — The earliest-rooted plants should now be placed in the pots in which they are to flower, treating later ones similarly as soon as it is seen that the roots have taken possession of the soil afforded at the previous potting. The extent of the shift should be governed by the size and strength of the plants, and while strong plants now in 5-inch pots may require to be transferred to others 7 inches in diameter, weaker ones may be allowed to flower in pots of a smaller size. It is very important that the pots be drained well, and a little coarse fibre or a few leaves should be- placed upon the crocks to prevent the soil from being washed down among the drainage. Use a compost of three parts good fibrous loam and one- part flaky leaf- soil, together with a 0 inch potful of bone-meal and a 4-inch potful of soot to each barrow-load of compost, adding a little old mortar-rubble and sufficient coarse sand to keep the soil porous. Before potting the plants see that neither the potting-soil nor the balls of the- plants are dry. Water must at all times be given with discrimination, and especially when the plants have recently been repotted. Let- them be stood on ashes in the open-air during the summer, or, where the necessary convenience exists, in shallow frames, over which the lights, may be drawn in wet weather. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds. Gardener to Sir W. I). Pearson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. Rockery. — Bemove all weeds and old flower- stems. Afford water, and a mulch to late- planted varieties, especially if they have to grow in dry situations. Seedlings from sowings made some weeks ago will be ready for transplanting on a shady border. Cuttings and offsets that were* taken off when planting was done will require- attention. The showery weather has been suit- able for these plants, and any Sedums or Saxi- frages growing too rapidly may be cut away, and pieces planted between the stone steps or else- where. Booted cuttings of Campanula isophylla, C. i. alba, and other Campanulas may be planted to trail down the rocks. Seeds of the beautiful Aubretia " Dr. Mules" should be sown as soon as they have ripened. Wild Garden. — Grass may now be cut above Snowdrops and all early-flowering bulbs. Nar- cissus may be left a few weeks longer, as the growths are still green and fresh. Keep all grass and weeds cut down that would interfere with the growth and flowering of other plants. In addition to keeping the Heaths free from weeds afford them a good mulch of short- manure, as they will grow rapidly during the next few weeks. Wild flowers from seeds sown broadcast or in irregular beds should be weeded and thinned out as may be necessary. Camelliae- and other shrubs may have their growths thinned- out if they are too dense. Old plants of Myostis- or Wallflowers taken up from the beds in the flower-garden may be laid on any bare banks > the seeds will quickly germinate, and the plants flower next spring. Climbers on rustic bridges- and tree stumps should only be tied sufficiently close to keep the wind from breaking them. Polyanthus. — Transplant the seedlings on to a north or shady border. Old stools may be divided, and will give more flowers next spring. The soil should include a good proportion of road- scrapings. Violets. — Keep all runners cut off, and apply the hoe frequently over the surface of the ground. Climbers. — Tropieolum speciosum will require almost daily attention to keep the young shoots- regulated. Where the roots are in a dry situa- tion afford them copious supplies of liquid- manure from the farmyard. The young growths- of Clematis, Wistarias, &c, will need attention. Syringe climbing Boses frequently with water, as- green-fly is already apparent. If Ivy is growing on the mansion, and the young growths are- allowed to cover the woodwork around the windows, an unsightly mark will be left when the growths are removed. Annuals may still be planted out. Afford Stocks and Asters a dressing of soot and lime. All transplanting should be finished from seed- beds. Ground work — Dig up ground for planting Wallflowers, Myosotis, Silene, &c, affording it a. good dressing of short manure. 392 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 18, 1904. 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 week as possible, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be pr'nted, but kept as a guarantee of 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 his correspondents. Newspapers. — Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. SATURDAY, June 18-German Gardeners' Club meet. (Roy. Oxford Hort. Soc. (Com- memoration) Show. Roy. Agr. 8oc. of Eng. Exhibi- tion at Park Royal, Acton (5 days). I Opening of tte new trial FRIDAY, June24-J grounds at Reading Univer- ( Roy. Bot. Soc. lecture. 8ALE8 FOR THE WEEK. WEDNESDAY NEXT, June 22- Palms, Plants, Liliums, Geraniums, Pansies, Feme, &a„ at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. FRIDAY NEXT, June -'1- Imported Orchids, Established Orchids, US Re- nanthera Tmschootians, &c, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C.. by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 20. (For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.} Avebaoe Temperature lor the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick -61-6°. Actual Temperatures:— London.- June 16 (6 p.m.) : Max. 64': Min. 55". June 16, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent. Garden (10 a.m.) : Bar., SO ; Temp.. 70°. Weather, sunshine with cool fcreezee. PaCTlNcis. — June 15 (6 p.m.): Max. 64", Norwich; Min. 5b", S.E. Coast of Ireland. The late C. Wolley- Cod It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of our old correspon- dent, the Kev. C. Wolley-Dod. Mr. Dod had for some time past been in failing health, so that his demise was not un- expected. Nevertheless the announcement will create widespread regret among a large and influential circle; for, indeed, his po- sition in the horticultural world was unique. He was in correspondence with almost every amateur gardener in the kingdom, and with not a few of the professional growers also. He was an excellent cultivator, careful to .study the requirements and, we may say, the caprices of his favourites. His knowledge of plants was extensive Tather than profound, but no one took greater pains than he to secure accuracy of determination as to species, and consistency of practice as regards nomenclature. His classical attainments served him in good stead, and his knowledge was ever at .the service of those who appealed to him. He was born in 18i.'C, educated at Eton and at King's College, Cambridge. It was -somewhat singular that so thorough a purist in the matter of plant nomenclature should have experienced so many changes in his own family surname. He was the son of the Rev. J. F. Hurt, who married Miss Wolley and assumed her surname. The .son eventually married the grand-daughter -of Mr. T. C. Dod, of Edge Hall, and became thenceforth known as Wolley-Dod. Our own acquaintance with him dates from the time when he was an Eton master. Even then he took great interest in gardening matters, and lent important aid to the late Mr. Menzies in the compilation of his splen- did work on Windsor Forest. It was not, however, until he took up residence at Edge Hall, in Cheshire, that he had free scope to indulge his botanical tastes. The record of a visit to Edge Hall more than twenty years ago, which occupies some four columns of our space (October 7, 1882), em- bodies the leading principles which to the last actuated Mr. Wolley - Dod in the management of his garden. The climate and soil are not particularly favourable, hence the necessity for constant rejuve- nescence. At that time we noted that Mr. Wolley-Dod's watchwords were " propagate, propagate, propagate," and this enabled hint to tell the visitor, " Make a note of what you want," and to give endless hints of greatest value to the cultivator. " And the plants— how and where are they disposed ? Anyway — all ways— everywhere. They line the sides of the carriage-way, they fill borders upon borders, they occupy bed after bed. They clothe the slopes, they are dotted on the lawn, they edge their way in up to the very hall-door, they are invading the kitchen garden at such a rate that the quarters have wellnigh become beds." The formation of the various rockeries gave occasion for a series of practical hints, the value of which the lapse of years has only served to confirm, and were it not for the exigencies of time present, we could scarcely do better than reprint what was said in 1882. It must suffice to refer the reader to our number of October 7 in that year. Since that time other visits have been paid by plant-lovers, and a great variety of notes have been contributed to these pages by Mr. Wolley-Dod himself and by others wbo visited his garden and profited by his liberality or his information. Truly in later times horticulture has not sustained a more severe loss than in the person of Charles Wolley-Dod. Helianthemum roseum var. superba,— In reference to the subject of our Supplementary Illustration this week, Mr. Ed. Molyneux, Swan- more Park, writes as follows : — " Helianthemums, or Sun Roses, are fast increasing in variety and popularity on account of their usefulness in rendering that part of the garden where they are planted especially gay in spring and early summer. One nurseryman catalogues no fewer than thirty varieties. The variety of H. roseum known as superba, which is so well pourtrayed in the illustration, is one of the very best. The leaves are ashy-grey or glaucous in colour, and this contrasts effectively with the intense rose colour of the flowers, which are produced in profusion. I have not seen the variety in any other garden, not even at Kew. The culture of Helianthemums is quite simple. They require an open, sunny spot on the rockery, and a fairly light soil, or they may be planted to form an edging to a path where they can ramble over a few stones. The plants should be supplied with water during dry weather that occurs whilst they are making growths. After a few years the plants are liable to become a little untidy in appearance, but they may be easily replanted, as propagation is simple and growth rapid. Short half- ripened pieces of the current season's growth, if dibbled in sandy soil in a cold frame in August, and shaded from bright sun for a time, will soon make roots, and make stocky plants in the first year. Fruit of Cereus triangularis. — A recent issue of the Bulletin Mensuel de la Soci^le Centrale d' Agriculture de Nice describes this fine Cereus, and the use made of its fruits in certain tropical regions where it grows abundantly. " In Mexico, in the Antilles, and in all South America as far as Southern Brazil, this Cereus is cultivated for the sake of its fruits, which are sold in the markets under the name of Pitahaya. This is the best of the Cactus fruits. Its qualities improve with heat until it is fully developed. If October is warm in Nice the fruit, when ripe, equals that produced in temperate regions of America." " Flora and Sylva" for June advocates the practice of cutting shoots of flowering shrubs when in bud and of allowing them to expand in water. Jasmin uni primulinum is well figured, and is accompanied by an interesting note from the pen of Dr. Henry, who considers the plant to be a variety of J. nudiflorum. The Oakwood variety of La;lia pra»stans is also figured, the figure being supplemented by a useful cultural note by Mr. Chapman. The Gneldres Roses (Viburnum) form the subject of a useful article, as do the species and varieties of Aubrietia. Aubriet, we may add, was a botanical artist of repute. Potatos. — In a market-day lecture delivered at Chelmsford, under the auspices of the Esser Education Committee, Mr. Dymond, as the result of experiments carried on at Essex, said that " by far the most profitable dressing of artificial manures to use along with dung for Potatos is 3 cwt. superphosphate of lime, 12 tons per acre." Committee on Railway Rates. — The Committee appointed by the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to inquire whether there is any evidence to show that preferential treatment is given by the rail- way companies in Great Britain to foreign and colonial agricultural produce, as compared with the treatment of home produce, is about to issue a circular letter to Chambers of Agriculture and agricultural clubs and societies and to the hono- rary Agricultural Correspondents appointed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. The Com- mittee wishes it to be as widely known as possible that evidence will be accepted not only from such associations, but from all persons who consider that they have grounds for complaint. Par- ticulars of proposed evidence should in the first place be submitted on a form to be obtained from the Secretary, Mr. E. C. Stoneham, 7, Whitehall Gardens, London, S.W. Mr. Charles Herrin, who has recently severed his connection with the Horticultural College, Swanley, was the recipient of a handsome timepiece and a barometer in a silver stand, pre- sented to him by the students. The timepiece bore the inscription : — " Presented to Mr. C. Herrin by the students at the Horticultural College, Swanley, April, 1904." This was accom- panied by an illuminated address, and the sig- natures of all the students at the College. Mr. Herrin, it will be remembered, was formerly gardener at famous Dropmore, and for many years has been a valued correspondent of this journal, having for several seasons written a weekly Calendar. Packing Cut Flowers. — So many losses occur through the careless packing of cut flowers that some hints gleaned from a recent number of the Irish Farming World may be useful to those who will not heed more lengthy exhortations : — " Two infallible rules may be laid down for the right treatment of flowers to be sent away. One is to cut them the day before (preferably not in the heat of the sun), and place them in water in a cellar or other cool place until the time for packing. The second is to pack fairly tightly, fill- ing the box with the flowers or with supplementary Jone 18, 1904 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 393 J>aper or dry moss. Flowers should not be packed when wet, as they take up sufficient moisture to last them on their journey if first kept in water as above directed. Shrubby, hard - stemmed subjects, such as Lilacs, Rhododendrons, and Hoses, last better if some of the bark is peeled off to allow them before they are prcked to suck up more moisture than they otherwise could do. Perhaps Chrysanthemums are the most enduring •flowers in transit, but the Narcissus genus, and Anemones and half-opened Tulips last well. Bed put down as £4,380. Seeing, however, that the Glasgow and West of Scotland College costs over £6,000, and the Edinburgh and East of Scotland College over £5,000 per annum, addi- tional grants are still required if the College is to be equipped and staffed on a scale equal to the two colleges named ; otherwise there would be the risk of agricultural students from the North passing Aberdeen and proceeding to Edinburgh or Glasgow. The prospects, however, for addi- tional contributions are bright, and a few weeks benefits of its teaching to the agricultural com- munity of the district it was supposed to repre- sent, being, as the Scottish Education Depart- ment held, not sufficiently in practical touch with it, and so failing to inspire that enthusiasm and interest which the importance of the subject demanded. Summed up in a sentence, the Agricultural Department of Aberdeen University failed in attaining the end it desired, and the results the Scottish Education Department ex- pected, chiefly through lack of funds and through Fig. 172.- -EDGE HALL, MALPAS, THE RESIDENCE OF THE LATE REV Tee figures include those of the late Mr. Wo!Icy-Dod, and the late Rev. Mr. Harpnr- Crewe another great plant-lover, Mr. A. O. Walker, In 1884. WOLLEY-DOD. (SEE P. 392.) Tae photojraph was t ikeu by ISoses are perishable, but Tea Roses gathered in "tmd keep fresh for days.'' The Proposed Agricultural Collige for Aberdeen and the North— Slowly but surely matters are getting into train for - the successful establishment of an Agricultural College for Aberdeen and the North of Scotland. Already good progress has been made in securing -annual grants from the authorities of the various northern counties, until now the turn promised amounts to £2,190, and as the Scottish Educa- tion Department has guaranteed that the Government will contribute '• penny -about " to ihe full extent of the sum raised locally, the turn at present available for the College may be should see the successful inauguration of the College. A few words concerning the proposal for the establishment of an Agricultural College in Aberdeen may prove interest- ing. The proposal had its origin in the withdrawal cf the grants hitherto given by the Scottish Education Department to the University of Aberdeen for the purpose of promoting agricultural education. The Agricul- tural Department in connection with Aberdeen University has been directed by a committee consisting largely of members of the University Court, with the addition of a few representatives from certain bodies which enjoy this privilege in consideration of grants given by them. This depaitment failed, however, to bring home the the want of co-ordination with the other educa- tional agencies at work in the northern counties. It is felt, therefore, by all concerned that the time has now come for the counties, instead of giving grants to different agencies, to give them to one central organisation, and so secure ttat complete co-ordination which in a matter of this kind is so imperatively necessary. Indeed, the two great wants cf agricultural education in the north of Scotland hitherto have been money and co-ordination. Hence the need for the pro- posed college. Only such an institution, it is felt, can, on the one hand, command the necessary funds, and on the other organise a coherent and adequate system of agricultural education. 394 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jbne 18, 1904. Flowering Shrubs.— We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. Anthony Wateker, of Knap Hill, "Woking, for a selection of cut flowers of Rhododendrons and Azaleas of rare beauty. The number of varieties represented was so large that to enumerate them would have been impractic- able; moreover, they were not named, and thus any such enumeration is out of the question. Many were, we believe, seedlings— at any rate, among the Rhododendrons. There were shades of colour ranging from white through pink to deep crimson and scarlet ; and in the Azaleas a similar range of colour, with the addition of yellow. Some of these were shown at the Horticultural meeting on June 14. In size of truss, form, and solidity of petal they were all that the most exacting could desire. With them came also specimens of various flowering shrubs, among which we specially noted the following : — Azalea Nancy Waterer.— One of the ponticum sec- tion, with yellowish buff flowers, the odd segment of a deeper yellow. A well-known handsome variety. Deotzia Lemoinei.— Leaves 2J inches long, nearly glabrous, very shortly stalked, lanceolate, serrate; flowers white, 'inch in diameter, in dense terminal racemose cymes. Pieus Coeonaeia, KL. pl — Leave3 oblong, crenate, tapering to a slender, downy stalk, rather shorter than the leaf itself; flowers stalked in tufts, each about 2 inches across, globose, pink, semi-double. Viburnum plicatum.— A well-known species, with well-marked plicate leaves and globose heads of white flowers, all sterile. Weiuela eosea yah. Eya Ratbke.— A variety with deep blood-red coloured flowers; anthers and stigmas protruding white. R08E8 AT DuSSELDORF. — The great Rose- show in connection with the Diisseldorf Exhibi- tion will be held on June 25 — 30. The National Potato Society.— A valu- able present in the form of twenty-four plants in pots of the famous El-dorado Potato, grown from rooted shoots, has been made to the Society by Mr. J. W. Malden, of Ham, Surrey, through Mr. Groves of that place. A dozen of these plants have been placed under the care of Mr. Weatheks, the Middlesex County Instructor in Horticulture and a representative on the Potato Society's Committee, and the other dozen is in the hands of Mr. A. Dean, Surrey county representative. The plants were in 48's, and ranged in height from 0 to 12 inches, all being well rooted. They have been planted under the most favourable conditions available, and should produce tubers enough to enable the variety to be grown in all the various county trial-grounds next year. It will be specially interesting also to note how far the tubers produced from plants thus raised will compare with those grown direct from planted tubers. University College, Reading— The new training garden to be opened on Friday next, June 24, is the old Portland Koad nur- series of Messrs. Sutton & Sons, whither we have journeyed many times in the past to see the eteps in the development of the Chinese Primula and other flowering plants. The official opening will be at 3.45 p.m., by the Earl of Onslow, President of the Board of Agriculture. There will be a reception at 3 p.m. by Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Palmer, on the lawn of the College. We feel sure that much useful teaching and experimental work will be done in connection with the College, under the direction of Professor Percival, and wish the College every success with its newly-acquired means of imparting instruction. The Wibley Gardens.— When visited on Saturday last very many objects of beauty were seen and admired. Specially charming near the garden entrance were masses of diversely-coloured forms of Tree-Lupins, planted informally on each side of a small ditch, amidst Rhododendrons, with here and there blue and yellow Irises thrown in. This planting, serpentine in form, extended to a considerable length, and can only be fitly described as very beautiful. The strain of Japa- nese Primulas the late Mr. G. F. Wilson had created, was in luxuriant bloom and showing many colours. As grown at Wisley these Prim- roses are indeed glorious. The Ferns in every direction have just now very beautiful foliage, and exhibit great luxuriance. Shrubs of many de- scriptions were in great bloom. Paul's Carmine, single Rose, a huge bush, was a most brilliant object. Everyone who can should try and see the Wisley Gardens at least three or four times each year. The Royal Agricultural Society's Exhibition will be opened at Park Rojal, on Tuesday next, June 21, and continue open until Saturday, June 25. Park Royal is near to Willes- den, Acton, and Ealing, and now that the place is becoming more widely known, it is hoped that the exhibition this year will meet with financial success. Presentation. — Mr. A. Dye, who has recently been appointed gardener at Tring Park, was on Friday last the recipient of a handsome testimonial, consisting of a walnut pedestal writing-table, presented to him by the general garden staff. Mr. Dye acknowledged the gift, expressed his pleasure, and hoped that the good feeling existing between them would continue. The Laxton Strawberry.— Messrs. Laxton Brothers, Bedford, have shown us a few fruits of this new variety that were gathered in the open on June 14, which is much earlier than most varieties are ripening this season. Cypripedium Rothschildianum.— We have received a magnificent spike of seven flowers of this handsome Cypripedium from Mr. J. May, gr. to J. B. Joel, Esq., Northam House, Potter's Bar. A photograph of the plant shows it to be growing in a pot 15 inches in diameter. A secondary spike bears four flowers. It is very rarely that C. Rothschildianum produces seven flowers on one spike, therefore the cultivation in this instance has been very successful. A fine specimen of the species was illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle for March 3, 1900, p. 137, from a photograph taken by Baroness Adolphe de Rothschild. Warning ! Phylloxera.— We are sorry to have to state that specimens of the root-form of this insect have been sent us from a garden in Sussex. We have not seen such an attack for some few years, and were in hopes that the plague had been stamped out. Gardeners should be on the look-out, and when certain of the nature of the attack, take the most drastic measures to get rid of the pest. Necklace-like roots, with minute yellowish insects like miniature grains of rice, should excite the strongest suspicion. The leaf -gall caused by these creatures is much less common in our experience. The Weather in Aberdeenshire.— Writing under date of Friday, 10th inst , an Aberdeen- shire correspondent says : — " During the last fort- night the weather, with frequent days of four- teen hours' sunshine, has been most suitable for gardening operations, and great progress has been made in field and garden. Not since 1896 has there been so lavish a display of blossom on all fruit-trees and shrubs. Apple and Pear-trees were a magnificent Ehow. Fruit -bushes and Strawberry-plants are loaded with fruit. Rasp- berries, though plentiful, are later this season— a happy prospect in comparison with the last two deplorable seasons. One growl, however, may be heard from out this psean of joy, and that is caused by the desire for rain." Publications Received. — Meteorological Nota and Remarks upon the Weather during 1903, uith its effect* upon Vegetation, by Jas. Wnitton, Superintendent of Parks, Glasgow. "Comparing the records with those of previous years, the most outstanding feature of 1903 is the heavy rainfall registered, greatly in excess of that of the past twelve years. . . Crops ripened slowly, and harYesting operations were performed under un- wonted difficulties with extremely unsatisfactory results. The health of the community was not affected adversely by the atmospheric conditions."— The Garden Village of the small Holdings Association, by James Long (Manchester Statistical Society). An interesting paper on an important topic. — Botanical Survey of a- Pasture, by R. C Gaut. A report on investigations carried out during the summer of 1903 in one of the; fields of the Manor Farm, Garforth, about 8 miles from Leeds.— Annual Report on the Botanic Gardens, Singapore^ for 1903, by H. N. Ridley, Director. Many experiments with Para Rubber were made. The new herbarium and' museum building were completed. —Bulletin vf the Depart- ment of Agriculture, Kingston, Jamaica, April. Contents :: Handling and Packirg of Fruit, Banana Experiments, &c. — Bulletins of Miscellaneou Information, Trinidad.. January and April (J. H. Hart, F.L s . Superintendent, Botanical Department). These publications contain as usual many papers useful to their readers, and we note particularly articles on the Fruit Industry of Jamaica, Report by Mr. W. E. Smith, and Vanillin as a Sub- stitute for Vanilla.— Iff st Indian Bulletin, vol. v., No. 1.- Contents : West Indian Slarches, Sweet Potatos at Barbados, Fruit Industry of Jamaica, Lemon Industry in St. Vincent, and Naudet Process for Extracting Cane Juice.— Agricultural Bulletin of the Straits and Federated' Malay States, edited by H. N. Ridiey, Director pf Botanic Gardens ; March. Contains many useful notes, chiefly relating to rubber.— Procei dings of the Agri- Horticultural Society of Madras, October to December, 1903. The Society is in a satisfactory condition and doing useful work. — Department of Agriculture. Brisbane, Botany Bulletin No. XVI., June 1903— Con- tributions to the Queensland flora, by F. M. Bailey, F.L.S., including descriptions of fungi collected by Drs. L. Diels and E. Prltzel in Australia, many new to science. — Contributions to the Hew Guinea flora, by F. Mausoo Bailey, F.L.S., Colonial Botanist. A paper describing. new species of plants sent by Captain F. R. Barton, from New Guinea to Queensland— Wheal Growing to Canada, by William Saunders. Director Dominion Ex- perimental Farms. From the Michigan State Agri- cultural College Experiment Station, Entomological Department, Special Bulletin No 24 (February), Insects' Injurious to Fruits in Michigan, by R. H. Pettit, and special Bulletin No. S5 (March), Botanical Department:. Fungous Diseases of Fruit in Michigan, byB.O.Longyear. —Sixteenth Annual Report of the Agricultural Experiment Stations of the Louisiana State University and A. <£■ M. College for 1903. In spite of an extremely un- favourable season good work was done, though the crops were unsatisfactoiy on the whole —Bulletin of the Agricultural Experiment Station of the Louisiana Slate University, by W. C. Stubbs, Director and State Chemist : Analyses of commercial fertilisers and Paris- green.— Key to the Genera of Woody Plants in Winter, including those with hardy representatives found, growing wild or in cultivation within New York State, by K. M. Wiegand and F. W. Foxworthy. A useful' pamphlet, dealing with about 180 genera, and to help* the student to trace to the genus any woody plants- found in the above-mentioned area. — Among the- Bulletins from the U.S. Department of Agriculture we= note the following : Farmers' Bulletin No. 188, Weed» used in Medicine, by Alice Eenkel ; Farmers' Bulletin No. 195. Annual Flowering Plants, by I. C. Corbett -r Bureau of Plant Industry Bulletin No. 69, Pasture, Meadow, and Forage Crops in Nebraska, by F. L, Lyon and A. S. Hitchcock; and Bulletin No. 52, Wither-Up and other Diseases of Citrous Trees and Fruits, by P. H. Rolfs ; and Bulletin No. 57, Method) used for Controlling- and Reclaiming Sand Dunes, by A. S. Hitchcock;. Division of Entomology. Bulletin No. 46, Proceedings of the Sixteenth Annual Melting of the Association of Eco- nomic Entemo'oguts.— From the Philippine Bureau of Agriculture : Farmers' Bulletin No I., A Primer on the Cultivation of Sugar- Cane, by W. S. Lyon.— The Botanical' Magazine, Tokyo, February 20, with articles in English and in Japanese. Guide-books Received. — The modern guide- book is not a mere printed list of train services and of attractions peculiar to certain towns, but may fairly claim to beawoikof art. As an instance of this we- may mention the following publications received: — Holidays in Eastern Counties, edited by Percy Lindley, and pleasingly illustrated, and the Great Eastern Rail- way Company's Tourist Guide to the Continent, equally attractive, and also edited by Mr. Lindley. These- volumes are published from 30, Fleet Street, E.C.— We also note tbe receipt of Ilerne Bay, by Tighe Hop- kins ; a eulogistic description of the town and neigh- bourhood, said to be the "healthiest place in England.'" The pictures show it to possess attractions for the- pleasure-seeker as well as for the invalid or convales- cent. — Holiday Tours in Su itzerland, Brighton Railwaw Company. June 18, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 395 SORTING GOOSEBERRIES. The scene represented in fig. 173 is a familiar one in market nurseries at this season in Kent and elsewhere. During the period Gooseberries are being gathered the word "time" is called, and all the pickers then leave the plantations, bringing the gathered berries with them. Each ■carefully sorts and cleans the berries she has picked, which are then weighed by the foreman. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. fThc Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his Correspondents.) THE FRUIT PROSPECTS.— I was much pained Uhe other day, when enquiring as to the nature of >the fruit crops in West Middlesex, to learn that ■they wer« somewhat disappointing, so large a proportion of the embryo fruits having dropped. I have seen similar results in Mid-Surrey j still there seems to be a good deal of diversity of opinion as to prospects generally, and the actual facts will only be known when the annual census is taken for the Gardeners' Chronicle next month. mids, and that they were planted in holes which he described as the size of the inside of a silk hat ; the roots were got into these by the simple ex- pedient of twisting the stem round and round, just as one used to get a gun-cleaner covered with tow into the barrel of a muzzle- loading gun ; failure of any kind might result from such treatment. Where are the plantations referred to "where this variety was first raised " ? I should like to visit them. As has been several times stated in your columns the original tree was found growing in a garden at King's Newton, Derbyshire, and no- thing whatever was known about its parentage. I do not know any grower of Apples either in King's Newton or the neighbouring parish of Melbourne who has planted any appreciable num- ber of trees of Newton's Wonder, but if I can get his address will certainly pay him a visit. Any- way the Apple in question has been before the public quite long enough to stand or fall upon its own merits, but as the distributor of this popular variety I am interested in knowing what can be said against it. Would it not be advisable to get more detailed particulars before condemning one of the finest Apples in cultivation ? A. H. Pearson, Lowdham. mm\imm\.-\Ari™-*ix . ,i :it,*w, :~~ :. ■**"- ; wa j /J - '* xt«L flHpf. v ,>. » £fk* V* *>,. !*- 3fl|f9Brf£..' . ~jM N- y ^3^3 ^^%ci Ni \ Fig. 173. — sorting gooseberries. Probably no returns are more reliable than are •those from the gardeners of the United Kingdom, 'because they have no interest in reporting other *than the truth. In Middlesex the statement was volunteered that the great thinning of embryo3 which had taken place was due to our having so •many dry, cloudy nights, rather than moist or •dewy ones. It is always difficult to ascertain the exact causes, but if some fruit suffers from such a •cause, why not all ? Possibly it will be found in "the end that a cold, wet autumn had its influence in not securing well-matured fruit-buds. A. D. NEWTON WONDER APPLE. — Seeing a note about this Apple on p. 375 of your la6t issue, I should like to ask your correspondent "E. T." for •some further particulars. He says that an Eves- ham grower finds Newton Wonder a failure on Paradise stock, and that it suffers much from •canker. Could he give the Evesham grower's name ? We have sent a good many trees of Newton Wonder on the Paradise stock into the Evesham district, but have never heard of any -such report as is now quoted. Since this Apple was sent out by us some seventeen years ago we have •raised very many thousands both on Paradise and •Crab stocks, and it is quite news to us that it is subject to canker. Of course, something may •depend upon the method of planting. I remember a grower from that district telling me that one of his neighbours had a number of good-sized pyra- incarvillea DELAVAYI. — In stating my ex- perience recently in the Gardeners' Chronicle I had no desire to suggest that the peculiar be- haviour of certain plants was universal. In several communications that have reached me, however, the latter view has been taken. I gave the facts of my experience as a means of account- ing for the non-appearance of the plant, so that any readers might proceed with caution in similar circumstances. In my own case the failing plant had its crown within 3 inches of the surface, and with a 2-feet bed of good soil for its roots. Moreover, this plant with others reaches 3j feet high now, and flowering spikes are free. In one garden of my acquaintance all the plants failed to appear. E. H. Jenkins. ORCHI8 HIRCINA, L., THE " LIZARD ORCHI8." — Having noticed in the Gardeners' Chronicle (p. 340, May 28, 1904) that Orchis hircina, flower- ing at Kew, bore forty flowers on a spike 18 inches high, it may be interesting to compare a plant now in flower here. This is 3 feet high, and car- ries 129 flowers on a spike 20 inches high, all at present in good condition. The lobes of the lip are 2J inches long, measured from the centre of the flower. This is one of two bulbs brought from Granada (Spain) by Lord Walsingham in 1901 ; the other has also flowered twice in an open garden in the Isle of Wight. They were growing together with Orchis simia, Lam., on a dry bank above the outskirts of the town beyond the Alhambra. W. Riddell, The Gardens, Merton Hall, Thetford. SCHIZANTHUS WISETONENSI8.— This charm- ing annual, one of the most valuable introductions in recent years, should, in order to have it in its best character, be treated as a cool greenhouse plant. It can be grown both as a biennial and an annual — as a biennial to bloom in April and May, and as an annual to have in good character in July, August, and September. Very fine speci- mens can be grown in a 32-sized pot, and as it is found there is among the seedlings a good pro- portion of plants that develop a dwarf compact habit of growth, this type is admirably adapted for pot culture. I have found among the seed- lings some of more straggling and taller habit of growth, and these generally produce blossoms of purple tints, some handsomely marked. A suit- able compost is made up of good loam, some well- decayed manure, leaf-soil, and a little sand ; the pots must be well drained. I tried the Schizan- thus on two consecutive years in the open ground, but the cold, wet, dull summers did not 6uit it. It might succeed better in a drier and sunnier summer, but it is certainly seen at its best when cultivated in pots. R. D. INFLUENCES ON THE COLOURING OF FRUIT8 (see p. 358). — I have previously pointed out in these page3 that in relation to Apples pronounced to be "green" at the autumnal Crystal Palace Exhibition of the Royal Horticultural Society, the absence of rain in and about August seemed to account for the want oE colouring in Apples, while in seasons of a fair amount of rainfall a month or six weeks before the show, Apples would be generally well coloured. The explanation of this difference which I offered was that as natural nitrification of the soil is the result of the effect of much sunny weather, this creation of fertility in the soil finds expression in giowth of branch and leaf to the detriment of the maturation and colouring of fruit. In the converse of those circumstances, ample rainfall would cool the heated soil and reduce nitrification, so that energy in trees could be concentrated on matura- tion and colouring of fruits. Of course I am aware that a fair amount of humidity in the soil is requisite for nitrification to become most effective, which it does, I think, somewhere between 100° to 110° F. Whether colouring of fruit is in reality the result of rain falling on and touching the fruit individually, or follows from the cooling of the soil, or is partly attributable to both functions, I am not able to distinguish. Doubtless fruit, when approaching maturity, is largely under the influence of sunshine, and may then be experiencing the chemical preparedness for the effects of subsequent rainfall, which appears to be the immediate predisposing cause of high colouring. When, therefore, in the pre- sent reference to the subject, Peaches under glass are placed out of reach of direct sun's rays by shading, so that consequently the Peach-border cannot be affected and heated, but has water supplied artificially all the same, the circum- stances resemble outdoor conditions when rainy weather supervenes, in both cases probably ac- counting for the effect of higher colouring. As the matter merits some attention, and evidence is not abundant, I should also like to refer to an explanation I offered when a year or two ago in these columns experiments on Peas were referred to. A correspondent in the West of England stated that nitrogenous fertilisers applied to the crop in relation to the earlier sowings were effec- tive, but on all the later sowings such applica- tions were without effect. The explanation I offered was, obviously, that natural nitrification in the soil is poor in the spring months, but that its rise in the heat of summer months wipes out the evidence of effects of nitrogenous artificials at that time in relation to leguminous plants, and that they are, therefore, superfluous in dry seasons, irrespectively of the need of watering all artificials. Although the three instances here cited for the application of the principle cover different planes, they seem as if they might be referred to one and the same cause, the effect of the high natural nitrification in the soil during dry, sunny seasons, with practical lessons derivable from the observa- tion, a position that might be strengthened by 396 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 18, 198ti other contributors to jour columns. In relation to Peas, nitrification also accounts for the fact that air pie watering is probably more effective than copious manurii gs with dung, although some of the latter applied as a mulch would save some trouble in watering. H. H. Raschen, Sidcup, Kent, June 4, 1904. APPLE ECKLINVILLE SIEOLIMG.— In several counties where I have seen this variety- planted, it has succeeded remarkably well. I have planted it very extensively on several Urge estates, in some instances amounting to hundreds of orchard trees in a season. The tree has a good stout, upright, clean stem, and makes a head which the eye of the purchaser notices at once. I know of no instance where this Apple will not succeed, upon heavy stiff red marl to light sand. Its cropping qualities are excellent upon any form of tree ; any stock suits it, and I have never seen it affected with canker. The skin and flesh of the fruits being of a soft nature show every biuise and matk • but if the fruit can be disposed always forms a striking feature, and in order to- still further stimulate the cultivation of this- important fruit by British gardeners a handsome- trophy has been presented by Mr. W. H. Massie,. of the firm of Dicksons & Co., nurserymen and seedsmen, Edinburgh, for competition in this class. The trophy, which takes the foTm of a Vase, is of the value of 50 guineas, and it stands- 28 J inches high. The upper part of the bowl of the Vase is richly chased, the ornamentation con- sisting of representations of bunches of Grape- fruits and foliage, and on opposite sides of this- part are semicircular spaces, on one of which is> inscribed, "Royal Caledonian Horticultural So- ciety Scottish Challenge Trophy for Grapes> presented by Mr. W. H. Massie, 1, Waterloo Place, Edinburgh, 1904," the other being re- served for the names of the winning competitors-. The ornamentation of the top and bottom parts of the bowl is of Runic design, as is also that of the handles. These latter arise from near the base- of the bowl, and curving inwards at the ex- tremities terminate in short spindle-shaped knobs. The upper termination of the Vase takes the form of a Scotch Thistle, and this is surmounted by a figure of Sa;nt Andrew and Cross. The Vase- stands on a plinth of black ebony, in which is- inserted a representation of the Society's Medal. The trophy is offered in a class for eight- bunches of Grapes, not more than two bunches of any variety, and the winning competitor also- obtains the Society's Gold Badge and .£15 in money. In the event of one competitor winning the trophy three times it becomes his absolute- property. The competition for it takes place ia September of this year, and is to run through the- International Exhibition, which is to be held by> the Society in 1905. SOCIETIES. Fig. I7f. — fatlen<;e tbopiiy to he of:tb3D IOB CRAPIS AT BDIKni'SIi I ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. June ]4.— The last meetingbutonethatit is expected, the Royal Horticultutal Society will hold in the Drlll> Ha1 1 of the London Scottish Volunteers at Westminster was held on Tuesday last. There was an excellent display on that occasion (a miniature " Temple "8how). and the Ball was full. Orchids were numerous, and the Obchid Com- mittees awards included one Botanical Certificate and. one Award of Merit. The Flobal Committee recommended eight Awards. of Merit. Tne Fhuit and Vegetable Committee recommended- an Award of Meiit to a new variety of Cucumber shonr- by Mr. Mortimer. In the afternoon there were as many as 257 new Fellows elected (!), and afterwards the Rev. Geo - Henslow delivered a lecture. Floral Committee. Prist id : \V. Marshall, Esq , Chairman ; and Messrs. C. T. Druery, H. B. May, K. Dean, Jas. Hudson, W. Howe, R. Hooper Pearson, G. Reuthe, C. R. Fielder, Chas. Dixon, Jno. Jennings, J. W. Barr, R. C. Notcutt, Chas. Jeffries, R. W. Wallace, W. Cuthbertson, C. E- Pearson, Chas. E. Shea, Geo. Gordon, E. H. Jenkins; C. Blick, Ed. Mawley, Geo. Paul, E. T. Cook, A. Perry, T. Page Roberts (Rev.), and H. Turner. Some Sweet Peas were shown by Mr. W. J. Unwin,. Histon, Cambridgeshire, of two varieties, GladysUnwin, soft pink in colour, hooded ; and Histon Favourite, ot the same colour as the variety Lady Grisel Hamilton. From the Hon. Mrs. Evelyn Cecil, Mychett Heath,. Poole, came a Scilla in flower, said to come from Zulu- land. The flower-spikes were more than 3 feet high, and the tiny flowers were slate coloured. It wa» probably S. natalensis. An excellent variety of Pink was shown by Mr. Jas. Dowlas, Edensid* Nurseries, Great Bookham. There June 18, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 397 were nice large plants in pots, and tl ey tore a number of Urge Carnation-like flower?, white, with faint pink markings. It is recommended for cultivation in the garden border. Martin R. Smith, Esq., Warren Hous", Hayes, Kent (gr., Mr. C. Blick), exhibited several varieties of Carna- tions in pots. In addition to that which gained an award, there were Lady Hermione (of soft rose colour). Armada, flowers of Cecilia, &c. A very bright scarlet-flowered Zonal Pelaigonium was shown by T. C. Beck, Esq , Duke Street, Henley- on-Thames. It was named Mis. A. M. Beck, and the plants bore strorg trusses of flowers, of similar sut- stance to those of H. Jacoby, but of brighter scarlet. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co , Braiswiek Nurseries, Colchester, had a display of Roses in vases and boxes admirably staged, and presented in first-class condi- tion. A batch of the handsome Lady Roberts found many admirers; Hanisoni, Austrian Copper, Paul's Carmine Pillar, and other climbii g varieties (Silver- gilt Flora Medal). Mr. G. Pbince, Loogworth, Beiks, also set up a charming display of cut Roses. Boxes contained choice flowers of some of the well-known varieties, including Bellefleur, Red Copper Briar, Madame A. Carricre, Maman Cochet, Mr. E. Mawler, and Harri- soni (semi double, yello»), were all shown in fioe condition (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons, Colchester, staged vases of cut Roses, including a new pillar Rose named Maharajah, mentioned under "Awards " (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt. N., staged cut Roses in vases, principally of the climbing varieties, some choice Fseonies, Lathyrus rotundifolius. and Loni- cera Hildebrandtii, the latter having yellow flowers, with corolla tubes over ■; inches In length, and twisted atthebase. Some hjbrid Heuclieias were also shown by Messrs. Paul & Son (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Canneil & Sons. Swanley, sent Aquilegias and Gloxinias, both of a desirable strain, and presented in a tasteful manner, the former lightly arranged in vases with pots of Maidenhair Fern. Violacea is a striking flower of Gloxinia, the tube inside being coloured a deep magenta. Cannells Scarlet, Mrs. Watson (mottled), Her Majesty (white), aod Emperor Frederick are also gocd varieties of this flower Silver- gilt Banksian Medal). Mr. Chas. Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, staged a group of pot Carnations. The plants were robust and carried good foliage and llowers. Varieties of Souvenir de la Malmaison were largely represented, Including several good forms of this type, such as Princess May, a dark form, and Sir Bevys, which is still darker. Emperor and Falca are good fancy varieties ; Pagan is of an unique slaty-bull colour. Artisan is a pleasing Ficotee (Silver Flora Medal ). W. James, Esq , West Dean Park. Chichester (gr., Mr. W. H. Smith), sent some splendidly-grown plants of Carnations H. J. Jones, and varieties of Souvenir de la Malmaison. The lit! er were large plants in 12-inch pots, well grown, and carrying about three dozen large blooms (Silver-gilt Flora Medal). A large number of varieties of Codiieums (Crotons) was shown by Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, Surrey, principally of the yellow coloured tection, although some reds were included. Diana is a new variety with pleasingly frilled edges to the leaves; Eyslan and Daphne are two good vai ieties (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr. H. B. Mat, Upper Edmonton, staged forty-two Fpecies and varieties of Nephrolepis. This collection was very much appreciated, and contained many well- grown specimens of this useful genus of Ferns (Silver- gilt Flora Medal). Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons. Kirg's Road, Chelsea, had a pleasiig batch of Gloxinias, working in the group some of their new plants, such as Lobelia tenulor, and Rehmannia angulata. The forms and colours of the Gloxinias were commendable, and the plants robust and well cultivated. Among the group we noticed Gloxinera x "Brilliant," with flowers of a Gesneraceous type. Messrs. Veitch also set up a number ot vases with Aquilegla blooms, working in the group spike? of Eremurus robustus and Digitalis randiflora, the latter with a pleasingly spotted throat. The Aquilegias were of good colours and form (Silver- gilt Flora Medal). Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., also exhibited two new varieties of Caladium— C. Admiral Togo, with delicate, reddish coloured leaves, with green margins ; and Elsie Hoffmann, a very richly coloured variety, with leaves of crimson and bronze- green. HARDY I LOWERS. Messrs. R H.Bath, Ltd., The Floral Farms, Wist ecb, staged F.eonies, Pyrethrums, Irises, and a few miscel- laneous hardy cut flowers. Pyrethrum Mrs. Bateman Brown has large crimson flowers, with a pleasing eye ; Favourite, Standard, and Elsie Gertrude are also va- rieties worthy of mentior. Toe Paonies contained many excellent varieties; albinora carnea is a hand- some, rosy-coloured single, and very striking; Fairy, Mons. Boucharlet, and Ceres are also good (Bronze Flora Medal). Messrs. Wm. C ithush & Son, Higbgate, London, N , set up a group of hardy plants in a tastefully decorated manner. Eremurus were a feature, including F. Bungei, Pyrethrums of good colours, Liliums, <&c , with foliage plants suitably worked in, formed a pretty group. Xerophyllum asphodeloldes and Saxlfraga nu- tata were both interesting (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking Nursery, Surrey, staged cut flowers of hardy plants— Liliums. Irises, Poppies, including some pleasing Iceland varieties, Lupins. Pseonies, &c. A nice clump of Cypripedium spectablle in pots was shown in this collection ; Achillea alpina has very dense heads of its white flowers and pretty serrulated foliage; Pieony Paline has very handsome single crimson llowers of perfect form (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr. T. 8. Ware, Wart's Nurseries, Feltham, Middle- sex, also contributed a large group to the hardy cut flower section, retting up some pleasing vases of blooms of Peonies, Irises. Lupins. Popples, Campanu- las, &c. Campanula muralis was a mass of flower in a small pan (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr. K. C. Notcutt. Wood's Nursery, Woodbrldge, sent a contribution of Irises. Poppies, Campanula), Del- phiniums, Pyrethrums, &B, Pa paver orientale " K. r. Notcutt" has pleasing salmon pink colourei flowers (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., KUnfield Nurseries, Col- chester, also set up a group of herbaceous flowers, Pseonlcs, Irises, Lupins, Ixias, Phloxes, Liliums, &c. Brodiiea laxa, Achillea alpina, and many other choice and interesting members were included (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. W. Bull & Sons, Kings Road, (Chelsea, staged a collection of Spanish Ills flowers in vases. Sunbeam (pure yellow), Darling, Mrs. Langtry, Gold Cup, and Blue Flag were some of the handsomer varieties included (Bronze Flora Medal). Mr. G. Reuthe, Hardy Plant Nursery, Keston, Kent, set up a group of hardy cut flowers, in which varieties of Iris gcrmanica were a prominent feature, and In- cluding such handsome varieties as ,'ueen of May and Gracchus. Achillea mongolica has dense heads cf numerous white flowers— a good type of plant for sup- plying cut bloom (Bronze Flora Medal). Mr. Anthony Watebeh, Knapp Hill Nursery, Woking, Surrey, set up a number of trusses of Rhodo- dendron flowersin trays, someunnamed, yet possessing first-class qualities. "Mr. George Paul" had a fine truss of snow-white flowers. Other varieties were remarkable for the brilliancy of their orange spots against a white or pale lilac background. We shall probably hear more of these fine varieties. Messrs. Hur;H Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, staged a small collection of Carnations, including The Pearl and Innocence, both pure white varieties. Mr. M. Pritchard, Christchurch, Hants, also set up a stand of hardy cut blooms. Fajonies were shown well, also some grand spikes of Eremurus. Campanula rupe3tris was finely flowered, also C. nobilis. Both Spanish Irises and Ixias were a feature. A similar group to that just described was staged by Mr. Amos Perry, Winchmore Hill, London. Here again was displayed a choice collection of hardy blooms, with many flowers of brightand showy colours. Poppies, Heucheras, Lupinus, Phlox, Irises, and similar herbaceous species. Some choice varieties of Calochortus occupied a portion of this stand. Messrs. Kelway & Sons, Langport, Somerset, had a large number of Preony blooms, for which this firm is justly renowned. Lyde (large rosy coloured double), Snow flake, Lady Algernon Lennox (with white centre and rosy outer petals), and Countess of Warwick (a handsome single), are but a few of the kinds pre- sented. Some good Pyrethrums and Delphiniumswere also staged by Messrs. Kelway (Silver-gilt Bankiian Medal). Messrs. Barr & Sons, 11, 12, 13, King Street, Coveat Garden, W.C , staged a handsome group of Prcony flowers in vases, chiefly doubles, although a few single forms were included The group contained many fine shades of colour, some of rosy • pink being very handsome Oliver Fanksian Medal). Messrs. Douiiie & Co., Rothesay, staged vases of Aquilegias on a white table ground with Maidenhair Ferns suitably worked among them for effect. The colours and form were good and the strain indicative of careful selection (Bronze Flora Medal). AWARDS. Begonia ilorrbiava specfo.a —This variety is described as a cross between B. boliviensis and the vai ioty Glory of Stanstead. It has very laige dcuble flowers [male] of bright scarlet colour, which, being very heavy, dioop perfectly. Every growth requires to be tied to a stake in order to keep it in a perpendicular position, but it would make a fine (lowering plant for large baskets, and should besuspended atsome considerable distance from the ground, a3 the growths would hang 2 feet or more below. A group of profusely flowered plants was shown by G. J. Morris, Esq , 8t. Dunstan's, Hendon (gr., Mr. A. Simmond) (Award of Merit). Carnation " YtUerQaV— This is a very large-flowering, lemon-yellow-coloured Carnation of the Souvenir dc la Malmaison type in respect to the flower-bud, but having narrow leaves. The flowers were J inches across, but possessed no perfume. Shown by Martin R. Smith, Esq (Award of Merit). Dinnthns x ail'ilpinus.— This is a pretty little hybrid Dlanthus from a cross between D. alpinus and D. calli" zonus. The flowers are rather more than an inch across, circular in form, of bright reddish-purple colour with chocolate coloured riog round the centre, obtained evidently from D. callizonus. There were thirty to forty flowers upon the plant, shown in a i inch pot. It is hoped the hybrid may be cultivated much more easily than D. callizonus. Shown by Mr. G. Reuthe (Award of Merit). Betprrts matrmalts Utacira plena.— This is an old but rare variety of the well-known Hesperts matronalis (Rocket), with mauve-coloured double flowers. Shown by Lord Aldenham, Aldenham House, Elstree(gr., Mr. E. Beckett (Award of Met it). Pscony ' X> Hie."— This is a very handsome herbaceous vai iety of the single flowered section. The flowers are 10 Inches across, of rich rose colour with an effective mass of yellow stamens. Shown by Messrs. Kelway & Sons (Award of Merit). Pscony ".ilrs. French Sheldon."— A very large double flower of globular form, white with y< How centre that tints over the white, and the outer segments are marked with rose colour. Shown by Messrs. Kelway it Sons (Award of Merit). EoseAittMaeJitriata.— This is one of the prettiest varie- ties of the Austrian Briar, all of which are among the most lovely of Roses. In the particular variely under notice, the llowers are rich yellow coloured in the cen- tre, but reddish-colouied at the apex of the petals, the colour taking the form occasionally of stripes. 8prays were shown by Alfred Tate, Esq., Downside, Leather- head (gr. Mr. W. Mease), under the name of Downside Austrian, but the same variely having been cultivated for many years in Miss Willmott's garden under the name of striata, the Committee thought it best to keep to the old name (Award of Merit). Bote Maharajah.— 1Mb is a. handsome Pillar Rose, which is said to make growths a feet long in a season . The large single flowers are deep crimson, about the same colour as those of Barbon Job, but they have more substance. Shown by Messis. B. R. Cant & Sons i Awatd of Men' . Orchid Committee. Present: Harry J. Veiicb, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs. Ja-. O'Brien (Hon. Sec), J. Gurney Fowler, de B. Crawshay, F. Welles.'ey, W. Cobb, W. A Biltey, H. T. Pitt, R. G. Thwaites, F. W. Ashton, G. F Moore, W. Boxall, H. A. Tracy. W. H. White, W. H. YouDg, J. Colman, H. Ballantine, J. W. Potter, H. Little, F. Sander, and T. W. Bond. Sir Frederick Wigan, Bart., Clare Lawn, East Sheen, was awarded a Silver gilt. Floi a Medal for a very fine group, the plant- in which, all excellently well grown, represented a very wide range of genera, species, varieties, and hybrids. The large flowered Cattleyas included a rare selection of varieties of Cattleya Mossia; from the pure white variety Wage- neri to the lavender-tinted variety creru'ea; and the handsome Lady Wigan, Beatrice, and Dulcif. C. Men deli was in three fine forms ; C. Warneri, two well- flowered specimens ; and the rare hjbrid C. x refplen- dens in one. The best forms of Loelia-purpurata were Arthur Wigan, Backhouseana, and Russelliana, and among the hybrids were Lselia x cinnabrosa, L.-C. x Bippolyta, L.-C x elegans-superba, and others. A fire 398 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 18, 1904. feature in the group was a grand specimen of Ccelogyne pandurata with three spikes bearing together thirty- one large flowers. The PhaUenopsis included the rare P. speciosa, P. amabilis, and P. Luddemanniana ; the Cypripediums, C. bellalulum, C. b. album, C. Gode- froyse, and C. x W. H. Young. At the back of the group, and gracefully arching forward, were fine specimens of Sobralia macrantha with two of the pure white forms bearing many large flowers; and among other things noted were two good Lselia Dig- byana, a finely-flowered plant of Miltonla vexlllaria G. D. Owen, and two of the variety Empress Victoria Augusta. 8ir Trevoe La whence, Bart., Burford (gr , Mr. W. H. White), showed a small collection of rare Orchids, including a fine spike of Cypripedium Stonei platy- tseniuin with the typical C. Stonei for comparison ; a finely flowered plant of Dendrobium x formoso-Lowii, cream-white with yellowish diso and filaments on the lip! a very strong branched spike of Phalsenopsis amabilis, and the ehowy Odontoglossum crispum pardalinum, with very rich reddish-claret blotching on the flowers. Messrs. Sandeb & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a fine group, principally of hybrids, the striking feature in which was the excel- lence of their strain of Lselio-Cattleya x Marlineti and its extreme variation, the flowers on different specimens ranging from the variety delicate with white sepals and petals and only slight purple mark- ing on the lip, to the dark rose variety Saturn, whose labellum had a showy veining of purple, and Hie bronze or yellow tinged varieties Jupiter, Sunset, and Mars. Over fifty specimens of this fine hybrid were staged. The same remarks apply to the forms of L.-C. x Canhamiana, shown in less quantity, the best being Rex, Princess of Wales, and splendens. Other things of special interest were MUtonia vexillaria Regina, a large white with pink centres to the sepals and petals; the large rose M. v. Empress Victoria Augusta, the yellow-and-purple Lselia X Yula, and the pretty little Eulophia Lub. bersiana, with white -and -green leaves and slender sprays of greenish flowers. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, secured a Silver Flora Medal for a very remarkable group of hybrid Cattleyas.LaelioCaltleyas, Ltclias, &c, together with a fine selection of C. Mossi.v, of which the two most remarkable were C. M. Rosalind, a superb pure white flower with a faint blush tint on the lip; and C. M. Relneckiana superba, a very di6tinct form. Among the hybiids were several good Irelio-Cattleja x Canhamiana, and L.-C. x Aphrodite, the variety excellens of the latter being very handsome. Also present were L.-C. x Lycidas, L-C. x Ascania, L.-C. x Ascilia, Cattleya x Niobe, laoliax Pacuvia; Cypripe- dium x Ajax, and other hjbrids. Among the species noted were two good examples of Epidendrum prls- matocarpum, Ccelogyne Dayana, several of the pretty Oncidium divaricatum, &c. Messrs. Stanley, Ashton & Co., Soutbgate, staged a fine group, principally of their fine strain of Cattleya Mossiie, which included a good C. M. Wageneri and a specimen of C. M. Reineckiana. The forms of Ltclia pnrpurata were also very showy ; and with them were good varieties of Odontoglossum crispum, O. luteo-pur- pureum, Oncidium curtum, O. fiexuosum, O. varicosura, showy Masdevallias, tic. (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Enfield, had in their group a grand specimen of Cattleya Mossire with about fifty flowers; C. Warnerl, nine flowers; C. intermedia alba, Caelogyne a9perata (Lowii); Dendrobium Lowli, the pretty pale lilac Lycaste tricolor, Bulbophyllum Lobbii and its much larger and darker variety Clapton - ense ; Cypripedium Lawrenceanum Hyeanum, and a form of C. callosum Sander* flowering out of an im- portation; the new C. x Baron Kuroki iLowianum x insigne Chantinii) with showy greenish flowers with heavy blotched lines of chocolate on the dorsal sepals and spotting on the petals, Gongora tmfonia, Mas. devallia Carderi, Cattleya Mossise, Wageneri, &c. (Silver BankBian Medal). Messrs. B. 8. Williams & Son, Holloway, staged an effective group composed of large-flowered Cattleyas, Cymbidium Lowianum, Cypripedium x Gowerianum magnificum, C. x Harrlsianum superbum, lselia purpurata, Lcelio-Cattleya x Canhamiana, L.-C. x Edouard Andrei, varieties of Odontoglossum crispum, &c. (Silver Bankeian Medal) H. T. Pitt, Esq., Rosslyn, Stamford Hill (gr., Mr. Thurgood), showed Cattleya x Fairie Queen, with yellow sepals and petals and a marbling of purple on the lip ; Cattleya Mendell formosa, Rosslyn variety, a charming blu-hwhite flower with a purple spot on the lip ; Triohopilia suavis alba, T. crispa, Champlatreux variety ; a large specimen of Odontoglossum citrosmum Rosslyn variety, with many spikes of light-rose flowers, the petals spotted dark-rose ; and the delicately- tinted Cattleya Mossiae Day-dream. De B. Cbawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks 'gr., Mr. Stables), again showed one of his excellent specimens of Odontoglossum crispum cultivated in a clear glass pot. The plant shown had made a very large bulb and a new growth a foot high, as well as the inflores- cence of thirteen large flowers, since July last. Mr. Cbawshay also sbowed O. nebulosum Crawshayanum very densely spotted, and O. Uro-Skinneri, Rosefield variety, with a fine rose-blotched lip. The Hon. Walteh Rothschild, M.P., Tring Park (gr., Mr. A. Dye), sent an inflorescence of the rare and singular Epidendrum confusum with lanceolate, pale straw-coloured sepals and petals measuring i inches from tip to tip, and white labellum with bright purple lines. It has the general appearance of E. fragrans, but the flowers are much larger, the odour very different, and the labellum distinct. Messrs. A. J. Keeling & Sons, Westgate Hill, Brad- ford, showed a brilliant scarlet Masdevallia coccinea, M. x Bocking hybrid ; lselia x Vinete, &c. J. Gubney Fowleb, Esq., Glebelands, South Wood- ford (gr., Mr. J. Davis), showed a fine form of E ■lio- Cattleya x Herode (L.-C. x elegans x C. O'Brieniana). Mr. H. A. Tbacy, Twickenham, showed Cattleya x Faerie Queen var. Goodsonao, a fine pale-yellow flower with rose-purple marking on the lip ; L.-C. x tyntes- fieldiense and Cattleya Mossi;c " Pearl," a pretty blush- white form. H. G. Goodson, Esq., West Hill, Putuey (gr . Mr. Geo, E. Day), sent the light-purple Bifrenaria tyrianthina Goodsonae. C. J. Lucas, Esq. (gr. Mr. Duncan), sent a well- flowered plant of Restrepia elegans. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Streatham (gr., Mr. Black), showed a magnificent variety of Odontoglossum Pes- catorei with flowers equal in size to those of a good O. crispum, labellum finely blotched with purple. Awards. Awabds of Merit. Laslio- Cattleya x ifartincti.—A. very fine flower of a glowing light purplish-rose with darker rose veining and central bands on the petals. Sepals and petals flushed with bronsy-yellow. Lip claret-purple with yellow disc. From Messrs. F. Sander & Sons. Botanical Cebtificate. Restrepia leopardina rosea'.— From the Hon. Walteb Rothschild, M.P. (gr . Mr. A. Dye). A dwarf species with pretty flowers having a white ground, the lateral sepals being densely spotted with rose, and the upper sepal and petals having dark-rose lines. Cultural Commendation. To Mr. W. H. White, gr. to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., for Cypripedium Stonei platytaanium ; and Phalaenopsis amabilis with a fine branched spike. Nohman C. Cookson, Esq., through the Chairman, save notice that at the next meeting he should move that the resolution, providing that plants with the number of flowers restricted by disbudding or removal of a portion of the spike should not receive certificates, be rescinded. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present : Geo. Bunyard, Esq. (ChairmaD), and Messrs. Jos. Cheal, W, Bates, S. Mortimer, A. Dean, H.Mark- ham, G. T. Miles, H. Parr, R. Lewis Castle, F. Q. Lane, O. Thomas, Jno. Jaques, S. Norman, and James H. Veitch. Excellent fruits of Royal Sovereign Strawberry were shown by the Earl of Clarendon, The Grove, Water- ford (gr., Mr. C. Harris), (Silver Banksian Medal). Mr. H. Parr, Trent Park Gardens, New Barnet, exhibited dishes of Tomato " Trent Beauty," nice fruits of the Perfection type, also fruits of another variety named " Coronation." Another variety of Tomato was shown by Mr. A. A. FAmus, Redlands Nurseries, Emsworth, Hants (Cultural Commendation). Seedling varieties of Melons were shown by Messrs. Wheeler & Son, Ltd., Gloucester, and Mr. A. Smith, Woodlands Park, Leatherhead. Award. Cucumber " Aristocrat." — A fine Cucumber of unusually good form, obtained from a cross between the varieties Unkjueand Sensation. Shown by Mr. S.Mortimer, Rowlec'ge Nurseries, Farnham (Award of Merit). LINNEAN. June 2.— Prof. W. A. Herdman, F.R.S., President. In the Chair. The President, on taking the Chair, briefly thanked the Society for his election, mentioned that the Linnean Society was the first scientific society he joined early in life, expressed his continued interest in its welfare, and assured the meeting that his earnest endeavour would be to maintain the high standard set by his distinguished predecessors in the Chair. Mr. A. O. Walker exhibited (1) viviparous plants of Cardamine pratensis, which phenomenon was un- usually manifest this year, probably due to the ab- normal rainfall ; and (2) a gall on the flower bud of the same plant, ascribed to Cecidomyla Cardaminis. Dr. Scott, in remarking that the state of vivipary was to be found in most years in some degree, alluded to a paper by Tohaunes von Hanstein on the subject about twenty years ago. Prof. T. M. Fries, F.M.L S., who was present, gave a set of prints of portraits of Linnaeus from his recent volumes on the career of his eminent country- man. Speaking in German, he expressed his gratifica- tion at the facilities afforded him, during a stay of a few weeks in London, of access to the whole of the Linnean manuscripts. Mr. W. T. Hindmarsh exhibited photographs of the following plants :— Primula deorum, Velen., which he had succeeded in flowering, he believed for the first time in this country; Shortiauniflora, Maxim., the Japanese representative of the genus, with larger flowers than those of the original S. galacifolia, Torr. and Gray, and showing a tendency to vary in colour according to exposure; and Rhodothamnus Chamcoeistus, Beichb., noteworthy for the abundance of its flowers. The first paper, "On the Species of Impatiens in the Wallichian Herbarium of the Linnean Society," was by Sir Joseph Hooker, in whose absence it was presented to the Society by Mr. C. B. Clarke. The introduction described the material in question, consisting of forty- eight ticketed specimens, out of 200 known species of the genus ; though few in number, these specimens foreshadow the remarkable segregation of the species in the several phyto-geographical regions of India, which has no parallel in any other large genus known to the author. The examination of the material, naturally difficult, was enhanced by the confusion of species on the same sheet, and several numbers for the same species. In the sheets exhibited the confusion can only be accounted for on the supposition that the plants, after having been laid out to be glued down, must by some accident have been thrown down or swept off the table, and then gathered together and mounted by an ignorant preparer. The second part of the paper consists of a detailed review of each sheet of the collection, with a critical determination of the specimens. There is one previously undescrlbed species, which was co'lected by Wallich in 1821, and found by Sir J. D. Hooker in a bundle of plants re- maining (after the great distribution of 1831) in our rooms, for which the name Impatiens prtotermissa is proposed, and the plant technically described. An index to the names, corresponding numbers, and localities closes the paper. The second paper was by Dr. G. H. Fowler, who gave an account of the Chsetoguatha collected on H.M.S. Research in the Bay of Bi-:cay in 1900, formiDg the third paper of the series dealing with this collection. The last paper was by Prof. R. J. AndersoD, on "The Flow of Fluids in Plant-Stems," which was read In title only, the author being prevented from reading it him- self, as intended. The experiments of the author were devoted to forcing water through woody stems, but references to the work of earlier investigators are not given. NATIONAL FRUIT GBOWEBS' FEDEBATION. June 13 —A meeting of the Council was held at Caxton Hall, Westminster, on the above date. Mr. F. S. W. Cornwallis, President of the Federation, took the Chair. The Secretary reported that a resolution had been passed by the Local Committee of the Federation at Swanwick, Hants, thanking the South Western Railway Company for the excellent arrangements made by tliem last year for dealiBg with their Strawberry crop. This had been forwarded to the General Manager of the Company, who expressed his pleasure at this recognition of the efficiency of its traffic arrangements, and also the hope that those made for dealing with the present year's heavy crop would prove equally satisfactory. The report of the Finance Committee was adopted. The Council then discussed the subject of the Depart- mental Enquiry now proceeding on preferential treat- ment by Railways of foreign produce, and arrangements were made for the collection of evidence. Another subject of great importance to Kent fruit- growers which occupied the attention of the Council, was the want of rapid transit for fruit from that county to the Northern Markets through the absence of proper connection of the South-Eastern trains with those of the Northern lines from London. It was stated that great and unnecessary delays arose from June 18, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 399 this cause, and it was decided that steps should be immediately taken to endeavour to obtain a remedy for a state of things which so seriously handicaps the fruit-growing industry in Kent. The next meeting was fixed for the first Monday in October. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENE- FIT AND PROVIDENT. At the recent monthly committee meeting, six new members were elected. The death of Mr. Edwin Isted, of Hove, Brighton, was reported. Mr. Istedwas a compa- ratively young member, but havinglelt a widow and three young children unprovided for, the Committee granted £5 14s. 7d. from the Benevolent Fund, to be added to £4 5s. .~k(., the amount standing to the late members' credit, thus making the amount £10 for the widow. The sick-pay for the month was £20 lis. HORTICULTUBAL CLUB. THE PRESIDENT ON "HIMALAYAN RHODODENDRONS." The lecture on "Himalayan Rhododendrons " by Sir John T. D. Llewelyn, Bart , President of the Club, had been looked forward to with pleasant anticipation' and when, after one postponement, it was delivered on Tuesday evening last at the Hotel Windsor, the pro- ceedings proved to be among the most interesting the Club has ever experienced. The President's knowledge and enthusiasm for Rhododendrons are widely known, and his collection at Penllegare, near Swansea, is famous. But not only were the members fortunate In having so recognised an authority for this subject, they were additionally fortunate in having as guests for the evening Sir George Watt, Botanist to the Go- vernment of India; F. W. Moore, Curator of the Glas- nevin Botanic Gardens ; W. WatsoD, Curator of the Royal Gardens, Kew; and \V. J. Tutcher, Assistant- Superiutendent of the Botanic Garden at Hong Kong. Few, if any, living men know the flora of the Himalayas better than Sir George Watt, and he related to the meet- ing such an account of the various conditions in which Rhododendrons grow, and of the magnificent effects they produce, that his hearers could but wish that his experience had been theirs also. Sir Jno. Llewelyn at the commencement of his remarks spoke in appreciation of the different strains of greenhouse and intermediate-house Rhododendrons that had been raised by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons from R. jasminiflorum, multiflorum, Edgeworthit, &c. He said that some of the Himalayan species that grew aa the bottom of the slopes, such as R Nuttalli, were certainly too tender for cultivation out-of-doors in this country; but many other species were hardy in his garden in South Wales, and still others in the south-nest of Ireland and in Cornwall. The term "hardy ' was a comparative one, and where a species was said to be not "hardy " it meant that it failed to succeed in the conditions that existed in a particular garden, and might be due to the kind of soil, or the rainfall, more than to the degree of cold. The danger to Rhododen- drons from cold was not during the winter, when the buds are closed, but after leaf action has commenced in spring. Those species that commence growth first are the least hardy, but those whose leaf action does not commence until the latter end of May are gener- ally safe. Sir John read a quotation from his diary of February 27, 1893, to show how much temporary injury was done to the flowers on that day by rain, snow, and frost, and another written eight days later show- ing how wonderfully the Rhododendrons had recovered themselves directly the state of the weather was more genial. Himalayan Rhododendrons, said Sir John, re- quired a cool, peaty, or loamy soil. At Penllegare he has no peat, but loamy soil and leaf-mould. He spoke with enthusiasm of the effects of the different species from February until midsummer, and declared that many of these species were worth cultivating as foliage plants, owing to the tomenlum on the leaves. Most of the species succeed in South Wales, but R. Dalhousie- anum and Edgewortlni need to beafforded shelter there. In regard to the names, Sir John said, his authorities were Sir William Hooker, Sir Joseph Hooker, and Mr. C. B. Clarke. He spoke appreciatively of the hybrids that have been raised, and mentioned the names of Anthony Waterer, John Walerer, J as. Veit«h & Sons, H. A. Mangles, Gill, die , who, among others, have done good work in raising seedlings. The excellent variety Pink Pearl varied much according to cultiva- tion, and was a magnificent flower. Hybrid Rhodo- dendrons, said Sir John, had become florists' flowers, and it was necessary they should know what consti- tuted a good variety. The segments should be of good form and substance ; they should open out flat, and be of a bright colour or spotted, and the truss should produce fifteen to twenty flowers neither in too crowded a manner, nor yet too lax. Referring to the Rhodo- dendrons at Kew, he said, " Kew is a place that when- ever I go there I feel thoroughly proud of it." Proceeding to speak of the methods of propagation, Sir John said that propagation was generally effected by .means of (1) grafting, (2) seed, (3) layering. The method by seed was a slow one. most of the species requiring twelve to fifteen years before they flower, but R. oiliatum was an exception, and would flower in three years. Layering should be practised in prefer- ence to grafting, which he could not recommend. Whenever the branches of a bush or tree can be layered, let it be done, said Sir John; it will thiive better, and the growths will the better shade the roots and keep them cool. In concluding a lecture, of which we are only able to speak briefly, he said that the red varieties of R. arboreum should be used for crossing. He believed that excellent varieties were to be obtained from this species. Sir George Watt spoke of the pleasure it afforded In in to hear of the practical cultivation in England of his favourites. Sir John Llewelyn had spoken of the extraordinary beauty of the hybrids, but he doubted whether any of these were so beautiful as the pure species ? If he could take his hearers to Sikkim that they might see the species grouped as Nature alone can group them, he thought that they would agree with him. Sir George then proceeded to say that there were three regions in the Himalayas', each of which has different climatal conditions, and he thought that these circumstances had not been given the attention they deserved. In the first place there was Sikkim with an annual rainfall of S50 inches The Sikkim species appeared to like to be frozen one day and drowned another. Sir George described how they grew upon the slopes, with forty species of Primula growing between them, and ice floating down among them. In the central zone (2) the plants grew in peat- mould of the finest character. Tnis was quite loose, and one could thrust the arm in it up to the shoulder. The Rhododendrons creep up the slopes by naturally layering their upper branches and extending upwards. This district included Nepaul and Cashmere. In the third zone were the mountainous districts that extend into Burmah and Ctiina; and there were species growing in that region at an altitude of 2,"oo to4,t>»iieet lower than they did In the other zones. R. Falconer!, that grows in Sikkim at an altitude of 15,000 feet, £00 miles to the east, grew at an altitude of only 9,000 feet. Sir George Watt was confident that the higher ranges of the Eastern Himalayas, and in Assam, would afford more species suitable for cultiva- tion In England than any other part of Asia. Mr. F. W. Moore spoke eloquently and enthusiasti- cally of the Himalayan Rhododendrons; but he said that it waB certain that they will not succeed except in a locality with a heavy rainfall, a humid atmo- sphere, and a retentive soil that is free from lime. Even when new soil is prepared for them, unless it be possible to prevent the percolation of water con- taining lime into the new compost, the plants would receive Injury. He referred to the extraordinary degree of variability in R. barbatum. Some va- rieties had white flowers, others spotted flowers, and others, again, were of deep red colour. He was much surprised to hear some of the parti- culars related by Sir George Watt, as, for instance, that respecting R. Dalhousieanum and R. Nuttalli. These were two species most difficult to cultivate out- of-doors, yet they were found at an elevation of 11,000 feet. Mr. Moore proceeded to speak of the three rare species, R. Shephcrdi, R. Kendrick.il, and R. Wightli. The species named last particularly is most difficult to obtain, and Mr. Moore doubts if there is a plant in cultivation, a doubt shared by other speakers ; though Mr. Watson said afterwards that there are plants at Kew which have been sent from India under that name. They have not flowered yet, and as so many consignments from various places have been labelled similarly, and have proved to be nothing of the kind, the doubts are justifiable. Sir Joseph Hooker's illustrations of the plants are so fine that it is especially desirable the species should be procured. Cultivators have great faith that the flowers would prove to be equal to the illustrations, because Sir Joseph Hooker's figures, drawn by the late Mr. Fitch, are invariably true to the plants they pourtray. Mr. Moore described with fervour the beauties of R. bar- batum and R. Aucklandii, whether in or out of flower, with their pink stems and red bracts. He con- demned the gralting of Rhododendrons, and insisted that layering was the proper means of propagation. He said if his hearers had seen a specimen of R. Falconeri in co. Wicklow U feet high, they would think with him that nothing could have a more magnificent effect. Amateurs would be sure to look after the hybrids, it was for him, as the Curator of a Botanic Garden, to obtain and cultivate the pure species. Mr. W. Watson said some good words for hybrids. Many were certainly better than the species— that known as Pink Pearl, for instance. He spoke of the difficulty experienced at Kew in cultivating R. argen- teum, and related how, when Sir J. Hooker wrote to Sir George King asking him to send some species from the Eastern Himalayas, Kew received what were described as fourteen speeie3. Eventually every plant was found to be R. campanulatum. Mr. Haert Veitch, who made a few remarks, said that the Chelsea firm had found R. ciliatum to be the best mother for hybridising purposes, and with R. Edgeworthii this had produced excellent results. It was announced that the annual outing of the Club would be on July 21 to Burnham Beeches, &c, by the kind Invitation of Mr. Harry J. Veitch. GRAND YORKSHIRE GALA. June 15, ]«, 17.— The Forty-sixth Exhibition of the above-named Society opened on Wednesday last in the well-known Bootham Field, York. Taking them as a whole, the exhibits are quite up to the usually high standard of the York shows. Having been permitted to see over thirty successive York Galas, the writer cannot help remarking on the many oranges in the general character of the exhibits during that period. In the first decade of the period named trade exhibits were a very minor feature; now they are almost if not fully the most important. In the competition for a group of miscellaneous plants on a space ot 30 > square feet, artistic arrange- ment to be a leading feature in judging, the 1st prize was won by Messrs Aktindale & Sons; 2nd. J. Blacker, Esq , of Selby (gr., Mr. W. Curtis); and 3rd, E. B. Faueb, Esq. M.P. (gr., Mr. W. Townsend). These made a splendid collection of groups. For a similar group, arranged in a space 200 square feet, 1st, Mr. W. Vause, nurseryman, Leamington ; and 2nd, Mr. J. S. Sharp, Almondbury. The best collection of nine stoveandgreenhouse plants in flower, excluding Orchids, was shown by Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham. The best plants in the 1st prize group were Iiora saliclfolta, Statice profusa, and Erica Cavendishiana, all very fine. In the classes for six and three stove and greenhouse plants respectively, Messrs. Cypher* Sons were again Ht for six plants, and Mr. W. Vause 1st for three plants. For six ornamental foliige or variegated plants there wa9 a good competition, and some fine plants were exhibited. Messrs. Simpson (X « I— i uu l«3 (J aS r <1 a ci W „ PS a, (/J Pi w w <; pi o X *s ?! •< > r* J. O 2 O fc z w r™1 Q > o Pi W - - ►3 p W t/l o Pi taH «5 £> ^1 w a H ^ .< i—> „ |x| K JUNE 25, 1904.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 401 THE No. 913.— SATURDAY, June 25, 1904. CONTENTS. Aberdeenshire, a hur- ricane in -ion Apple " Newton Won- der" 409 Apples, storing sur- plus 406 Arundinaria nobills... 406 liainboos, Himalayan 409 Books, notices of — New Forest, the ... 403 Small Culture 402 Brussels Botanic Gar den 40' Bulbs, French 4(1 Clematis, hybrid ... 103 Cider-making in Eng- land ... Copvrlght in plants ... 407 Date Palm, the ... 401 Departmental Fruit Committee, the ... 406 DiisseldorfExhlbition 4 I Eritrichium nannm... 4tO Etherisation of plants 408 Flowers in season ... 4u8 Kew notes 403 Laburnum Adami ... 409 Lily, interesting sport in a 4ii9 Mice, destruction by 4U9 Orchid -growing with leaf-mould 40S Osmuuda regalis, a fine spcelnif u of ... 107 Paeouy Society in America, a 408 Potatos, some earlv matured ... 109 Rothamsted F.xperi- mental Station Rubber, Central American Shirley Puppies, origin of Societies- British Gardeners Association Manchester & N. of England Orchid... National Potato Royal Agricultural Royal Horticultural York "ala Soils and manures for special crops SprayiiiE-macbines, a competition lor ... Streluzia align, ta ... Swanley Horticultural College t<"i, Thunhergia alata Tomatos. suggested trial of^at Wisley ... Tropical plants, col- lecting Vanilla, the, and its host-plant Week's work, the— Apiary, the Flower garden, the . Fruils under glass... Hardy fruit-garden . Kitchen-garden, the Orchid houses, the . Plants under glass... Weights and measures 401 407 404 110 409 UM Ml 402 407 4C9 4:9 407 4C8 406 404 405 104 405 V 9 4 [5 44,7 ILLUSTRATIONS Clematis, a new hybi id Pear midge, the Shirley Poppies (Supplementary Illustration) Strelilzia augusta... 403 112 THE DATE-PALM. " THE Government of the United States intend to succeed in the cultivation of the Date Palm. Immense >iuantities of Pates are now imported into America, mainly from the Persian Gulf, and the Americans mean to get the full benefit of this large trade by growing the trees themselves. '•Date growing in Arizona is rapidly pass- ing the experimental stage. The fact that this fruit could be grown there, however. was first called to the attention of the public by the success of a number of chance seed- lings, which bore good crops of fine fruit. The seeds from which these seedling- were raised came probably from Persian Gulf Dates, since these are the most common ones in our markets." The Bulletin entitled P merely the report of an exploration tour to discover the best varieties grown there, and the mode of cultivation pursued by the Persians. The author writes that on the banks of the Shat-el-4rab, which is formed by the junction of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, is to be found " the largest single Date-produc- ing region in the world . . . There are prob- ably over live or six million Palms planted along the banks of the river, and as seen from the bridge of a steamer, the wavirg crowns of these tall Palms stretch away in • 3, of the success of the Date experiment in Aus- tralia. Mr. 8. J. Mitchell, in his paper entitled "Bisecting Australia with a Rail- way," states that Artesian wells have been bored in some places with magnificent results. "At Sultaninna one yields a sur- face flow of over a million gallons per day. Here the Government are successfully rais- ing Date-Palms : already about 3,000 have been planted, and are doing well, the fruit being very fine." One has not heard of any experiments having been made with the Date-Palm in South Africa. That part of the world would seem to be a fit place for such experiments, if sufficient wateris procurable. E. Bonavia,M.D. FRENCH BULBS. Sow that the season has arrived when French- grown bulbs become a subject of general attention on the part of nurserymen and seedsmen, these notes will probably be read with interest. Temperature. Everybody knows that the French bulbs are especially adapted for forcing1, as they have been grown in a warm climate. Yet it is principally during the autumn, winter, and spring months that attention is important. The bulbs planted in August flower in December, and continue to do so until the end of March without any other warmth than that of the sun. Though it is a fact that some cold dajs occur in winter- time (sometimes there is a strong, cold wind, called the mistral), yet we have many beautiful days which may compete with the finest summer days in England. Frost is nearly unknown. Thousands of people here have never seen other than arti- ficial ice ; natural ice of vinch thickness only occurs in exceptional winters. Earely does the temperature fall below freezing point. Planting. During the warm days and the scanty rain- fall of March, April, arid May, the bulbs must be planted in such a manner that they can be easily watered. The watering is such an important matter that it affects the results of a year s work. The bulbs are planted either in single or double rows right across the field ; between every row (single or double) is a distance of 402 TEE GAREENERS1 CERONICLE. [June 25, 1904. 8 inches. This space is used for a path, and for convenience when watering, and is a little hollowed. Watering. The water coming from the hills is stored in small canals, from which many gardens obtain their supply. From the principal canal a branch canal runs to all the gardens of the same grower. One shallow path along all the rows of bulbs has a dyke acros3 at every row. "When the lock by which it is connected with the branch canal is opened, the water finds its way instantly along the first path. When this is full from end to end, the first little dyke is removed, and the water runs on into the second path. When this is full from end to end, the second little dyke is removed, then the water fills the third path, and so on. This way of watering is very quick, though it calls for much attention. It has the advantage that no leaves get wet. Where the gardens have no main canal, they have a water-pit of 10, 15, or more metres deep (a metre is a little over a yard). A horse pumps up the water. Besides these gardens, there are others which cannot be watered at all, but depend entirely on the rainfall. " Gardens." Though here again we have a bulb-growing district, the ground is not so flat as in Holland. Many gardens, however, are level (all these can be watered), others are on the slopes. Even the sides of the hills are covered with gardens. Of these the people have made the best they could. They built walls and levelled the soil in such a manner that the hillside is transformed into terraces. To bring up the water high enough for these is impossible, but they catch all the rain and prevent it from running away. " Campagne." All gardens which depend on the rainfall for their supply of water are called " campagne." In April and May rain falls but seldom, and sometimes these gardens suffer much from want of water. The warmth of the sun makes the soil dry and very hard, and the plants do not grow. Generally Vines are planted which resist much drought, though the bulbs grow there very well, if it rains at the right time ; if it does not they remain small. However, many growers consider these small bulbs just as good as the bigger ones from the " gardens." The bulb from the latter retains a good deal of water, and is not as firm and resistant as a bulb from the "campagne." A bulb from this locality has been grown under difficulties, and has, as regards water, never known what plenty means, and has never been able to store so much water, for nearly all the water taken up by the roots has evaporated from the leaves. A bulb from the " gardens," however, cm always store more water, and never suffer. The difference between these two is that a bulb from the "campagne " of 12 cent, circumference has more substance than one from the " gardens " of 12 cent. Now suppose that both under the same circumstances do the same work of producing a flower when forced. From which are jou likely to have the best results ? Is the grower right when he says that a bulb of 11 cent, from the "cam- pagne" has the same vigour a3 cne of 12 cent, from the "gardens"? If there was ever a defi- ciency of bulbs of a certain size, the "campagne " bulbs of 1 cent, less circumference would surely prove good substitutes. But if rain falls at the proper time the bulbs from the " campagne " may attain to the same dimensions. Crop. This year we had the rain just at the critical moment, and we may expect a moderately good crop. Up to the time of writing no prices had been officially fixed, though we expect that they will be shortly. The gentral opinion is that the prices will be (at the beginning of the trade at any rate) such that bargains will be rare. For the main crop, however, there will be plenty of good bulbs, and there is a chance that prices may drop later on. F. Beamer, Junr , Ollioules, France. be propagited. The flowers are not so showy as in the more common Strelitzii regime, but the- plant as a whole is much more impressive on account of its size. F. A. Wavgh. STREL1TZIA AUGUSTA. I send you a photograph (see fig. 170) of the specimen of ths specks growiDg in the green- houses of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening at the Massachusetts Agri- cultural College. The age of this fine specimen FIG. 17fi . — STSELlTZiA AUGUSTA. is not known exactly, but it is probably between twenty and thirty years old. The photograph shows the large flower spikes, which are from 2 to 3 feet long, and of very striking appearance. It is evident that this specimen is an unusually large one, being fully 20 feet high. Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening gives the height as 10 feet; Ba-lej's Cyclopaedia states it to be 18 feet. Bailey says it has leaves at the summit of the stem, which seems to be misleading, as this old and large specimen is leafy nearly all the way up. Nichol.-on's Dictionary of Gardening speaks of the leaves as being 2 feet long. In our specimen they are often -1 feet long. The Dictionary also describes the leaves as 1 to 1J inch broad, which must certainly be a mis- print, as our specimen shows leaves often 2 feet broad. It is a striking plant. The plant occasionally forms offsets, by which mrans it may NOTICES OF BOOKS. — — .» , ._ , The NEW FOREST. By Mrs. WilliaghamBawns- ley, with twenty full-page illustrations in colour. (London : Adam and Charles Black). This makes no pretence of being a botanical work, but ia emphatically a pretty book, nicely got up and pleasingly illustrated. The authoir has chosen a delightful tract of country to describe and picture, and has been quick to appre- ciite it in all aspects. The chapters are arranged according to the months of the year, during all of which the New Forest shows charms to those who- can see them. Mrs. Eawnsley illustrates the Brockenhurst Boad in spring, wild Daffodils at Minestead, Matley wood and bog, the pond at Park Hill, the Beaulieu Koad, Lyndhurst Church, and other well-known places in the district ; and her sketches are capitally reproduced (in England) by the Carl Hentschel colour-type process. As regards the letter-press it is pleasing, and describes what no fairly observant person can fail to notice, but shows no extraordinary per- ception or originality. Thus, we are told that '■ towards the middle of June, when the bracken spreads its fully- opened layers of green betide the- grassy tracks and over wide spaces of open lawr, aud when Fox-gloves send up their tall spikes under the shade ef the oaks, is a perfect time for roaming in the forest .... How fairy-like a vision it is to kneel low down amid the Fern, right under it, and to look along the tall, slender, grey- green stems, far away into the distance and to see the carpet of yellow and pink Vetches, the tall creamy-white butterfly Orchis, sweet of scent, the. pink Heather, the yellow Cinquefoil, and many other shy blossoms that love to hide under the shade of the bracken." More than a hundred pages of such chronicles make up an acceptable, prettily-illustrated book that will much please the section of the public for whom it is intended. Small Culture. Edited by W. J. Maiden. (London: E. Marlborough & Co, 51, Old Bailey.) The aiticles collected under the above title have been issued in two parts, the first one being devoted to the keeping of pigs and poultry, and the second series (now before us) to orchards, vegetables, allotments, glass culture, and bee- keeping. The scope of the book is thus defined .- " Whilst the ideal of ' three acres and a cow ; may to many be comparatively unattainable, this may as well be taken as our motto, the idea often finding practical realisation in, say, half-a- rood and a pig, or an acre of fruit-trees, or a vegetable-garden and a few bee-hives ; or in a variety of other ways, according to means., abilities, localities, and industry ; and the question of how it can be made to pay is, without doubt, the one that is of the gicatest importance." With this in view Mr. Maiden has enlisted the aid of Messrs. J. Watson (allotments), C. N. White (bee-keeping), W. J. May (vegetables),. W. Dyke (glass culture), and A. G. Page (orchards). Their directions are given in homely but accurate language. Considering the importance of the subject, not as a means for making a fortune but as providing interesting, healthful, and not unprofitable em- ployment, the allotment or "small culture'" system deserves every encouragement, and we hope with Mr. Maiden that " these volumes will Eupply a stimulus to many, and guide them in the way to share in the useful and profitable woik described theieia." June 25, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 403 HYBRID CLEMATIS. From Professor Francesco Marchi, of Mantua, we have received specimens of hybrids raised between Clematis coccinea and C. lanuginosa. The difference in form and colour between these two species is so great that much interest attaches to the hybrid. The flowers of C. coccinea < = Pitcheri) are distended at the base, constricted at the neck, and with the segments slightly recurved at the apex. In colour they are of •various shades of scirlet and purple. The KEW NOTES. Acridocarpcs natalities. — This handsome climber from Natal is flowering in the Mexicin- house, where it is trained upon a pillar and rafters for a length of about 20 feet. The plant is of evergreen habit, with twining, terete, woody stems, and covered in the upper parts with a brownish pubescence. The leavts are alternate, 3 to 8 inches long, 1| to 3 inches broad, dark green above, light green below. The inflorescence is a densely-flowered raceme species, the best known being A. bulbosa, a native of N. America. The species now in flower has usually about three leaves, each some 6 inches long by 1J inch broad, the erect scape reaching 2 to 3 inches above the foliage; having usually from four to eight flowers, somewhat like a Bletia in form ; the sepals and petals are white tipped with bright red, as also is the lip. It was figured in the Botanical Magazine in January of this year (t. 7935), the following remarks accompanying the plaie -.—"The history of the introduction of this interesting little Orchid is obscure. It was first sent to Kew by the editor of the Gardeners' Chronicle in May, 189G, and in June of the same year it was received from Sir Trevor Lawrence without any indication of its origin. Sir Trevor sent it again in June, 1900, when he exhibited it at the Koyal Horti- cultural Society. Subsequently Mr. Eolfe iden- tified these cultivated fragments with specimens collected by Dr. A. Henry near Mengtze, in the Province of Yunnan, Western China." At Kew it is grown in a pan in a cool-house, in a mixture of peat, sphagnum-moss, loam fibre, Belgium leaf- soil, and sand. During the winter, when the plant is at rest, water should be supplied only sufficiently often to keep the tuberous-root from shrivelling. The plant now flowering was sent to Kew by Mr. Elwes last year. Fig. 177.— hybrid ciematis raised at mantua, obtained from a cross between c. coccinea (= pitcheri) and c. lanuginosa: colour purplish. Ebanthemum hypocrateriforme, R. Br. An old specimen plant of this fine species is now commencing to flower in the Water-Lily- house. It has the exceptional character amongst Eranthemums of being a climber— in the same sense thatan Allamanda is a climber— and presents a totally distinct appearance to that of any other member of the genus. It was first sent to Kew by the Rev. Mr. Brockstadt in 1870, and flowered in May, 1875. The plant now flowering has a stout, woody stem, the growths being trained up the roof, making branched stems 6 to 10 feet long during the summer. The leaves are 2 to 3 inches long, 1} to 2 inches broad. The dense spikes of flowers are terminal, also produced on subterminal branches ; the corolla is almost salver-shaped, 1 in. in diameter, and bright red in colour, with a blotch of deeper red in the centre ; the corolla-tube is slender, and 1J inch long. It has been in flower for about three weeks, and will continue to grow and flower for quite four months, making from time to time a very bright display. Few plants are as floriferous as this one, when once a good specimen is obtained. An excellent figure is given in the Botanical Magazine, t. 6181. It is a native of the West Coast of Africa. W. H. flowers of C. lanuginosa, it will be remembered, are large circular, flit like a plate, and of a pale lavender colour. Professor Marchi's specimens arrived in a shattered condition, but they were of various shades of colour and clearly intermediate in form between the alleged parents. Professor Marchi tells us that of the numerous crosses he has raised some are woody climbers, others more or less herbaceous. The flowers are formed in great abundance and are produced -very early and continuously till stopped by frost. The plants themselves are quite hardy. We shall look forward to make their better acquaintance. terminating the growths. The flowers are bright yellow-coloured about 1J inch in diameter, the edges of the petals being prettily fringed. The species was figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 5738. It is a rare exception among climbers to find one which is not subject to attacks from insect pests, but this species, beyond the customary training and watering, gives little or no trouble. Chas. P. Roffill. Akethcsa sinensis, Rol/e. This pretty terrestial Orchid is now flowering in the Odonto^lossum-house ; it is the Chinese representative of a genus containing but four SOILS AND MANURES FOR SPECIAL CROPS. (Continued from p. 291). Eoses under Glass.— The following mixture has been recommended as a complete fertiliser for Eoses under glass :— Superphosphate (high grade), 130 lb.; sulphate ammonia, 10 lb.; nitrate soda, 30 lb. ; sulphate potash, 40 lb. It is recommended to add 1 ounce of this mixture to 1 gallon of water for 2 square yards of bench or bed surface once a week as the plants need it. This is equivalent to 3 lb. to 48 gallons of water applied to 864 square feet of bench or bed surface, or about 6 ounces to 50 gallons of water for 100 square feet. This is the right strength for weakly plants. Twelve ounces could be used to 50 gallons of water per 100 feet for strong plants once in ten days or two weeks, as the plants need it. It is safer to use the 50 gallons per 100 feet standard of application, as this is about the amount of water usually applied in an ordi- nary watering to 100 square feet of bed 6 inches deep. Wagner's manure solution has given good results for Eoses as well as Carnations and other 404 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 25, 1904. crops. It is made as follows : — Phosphate of am- monia, 2 oz. ; nitrate of soda, If oz. ; nitrate of potash, 1| oz. ; sulphate of ammonia, 1^ oz. ; water, 50 gallons. Various other combinations of sources of nitro- gen, potash, and phosphates may be used at about the same rate of total soluble material for 100 square feet of bed 6 inches deep. The pro- portion of each food-element must depend upon the need of the crop. It is necessary to consider the total soluble materials, as well as the total available food, when fixing on the strength of solution to use. This is because, as previously stated, roots are often injured when the amount o manurial-salt in solution, whether chemical or other kind, exceeds a certain limit ; that is, about one part by weight in 400 of water for ordinary crops, though this varies more or less according to the crop grown, nature of the manure in question, soil conditions, &c. If desired, the organic manure solutions may be discarded and only chemical fertilisers used. Farmyard dung may also be left out of the soil and artificial manures substituted. Voorhees recommends for forcing greenhouse crops in general when a good loam of reasonable fertility is used : 8 oz. nitrate of soda, 1 lb. superphos- phate, 1 lb. bone-meal, 8 oz. muriate of potash. This is to be thoroughly mixed in the soil for each 100 square feet of bench or bed surface at the time of filling, with subsequent feedings as in the case of regular compost. He further re- commends for Roses and other flowering plants where phosphates are especially desirable, four parts bone-meal, and one part of muriate potash, at the rate of 2 lb. of the mixture per 100 square feet of area, well worked into the soil previous to setting the plants. Later feeding may be followed as in regular compost soils. J. J. Willis, Harpenden. {To be continued.) SHIRLEY POPPIES. [See StJPPLEMENTABY ILLUSTRATION.] In the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society (Vol. xxviii., Parts 3 and 4), Mr. John Bidgood publishes a paper on "Albinism," with special reference to Shirley Poppies, and he repeats the interesting circumstances under which these flowers were obtained. He says that : — " The progenitor of all the Shirley Poppies was the seed of a single flower of Papaver Rhceae. which Mr. Wilks found in 1880 growing in a clump of these plants in a waste corner of his garden, abutting on the fields. This flower, which had a narrow white edging to its four petals, was marked and its seed saved and sown. Next year, out of 200 plants there were four or five on which all the flowers were white-edged. The best of these were marked and the seed saved, and so on for several years, the flowers all the while getting a larger infusion of white to tone down the red, until they arrived at quite a pale pink, and one plant was absolutely pure white, with the excep- tion of the black blotch at the base of the petals. Up to this stage the black blotch was found in all the flowers, when suddenly it disappeared from one plant. There was no gradual toning down of this colour, as in the upper portions of the petals, no intermediate brownish blotches. It just failed suddenly and completely, leaving a white blotch in its place. Then by careful selection of all plants which had white centres, in about thirteen years the black colour was entirely eliminated from the whole race. Mr. Wilks says that for several years past his strain of the flowers has not given him one black "rogue." This is not the case with seed supplied by the trade, although obtained originally from Mr. Wilks's stock. They throw black " rogues " fairly often, no doubt, because they have not been so carefully selected aB the others. There is the less danger of the original stock being contaminated as Mr. Wilks's garden is now surrounded by grass fields and woods -where the type form dees not grow. He is still working at them, in the hope of some day obtaining a true yellow . Papaver Rhceas, and he has already arrived at distinct shades of salmon. I venture to predict that, whilst he may well expect to obtain white forms again, yellow ones are beyond his reach. There are some points to be noted about these plants : — 1. The race has been obtained by simple selection. It. is. still a pure species, although an albino race. No admixture of any other species has caused variation. 2. The race breeds true. So long as they pollinate one another, they produce no black- centred flowers, and the upper portions of the petals all show incomplete albinism. 3. Whilst the scarlet pigment of the upper parts of the petals has gradually diminished for twenty-four generations, and is not yet sup- pressed, the black centre disappeared suddenly and completely. This would appear to indicate that the two pigments are distinct. 4. There is no reason to suppose that cultiva- tion has had any effect whatever in diminishing the pigment. Seeing that in a state of nature there are species with individual differences in colour intensity, as well as albino races, the probability is that if Mr. Wilis had grown, selected, and guarded these Poppies in a Corn-field, with as much care as he has in his garden, he would have achieved the same result, and it is not impossible that it would have been arrived at in a shorter time. For so long as it is the general opinion of horticulturists that cultivation tends to increase colour-intensity, it is not reasonable to suppose that it has diminished that of Shirley Poppies." The sudden disappearance of the black blotch is indeed a noteworthy occurrence, and will give rise to much speculation as to " how and why." Floral fashion moreover decrees that the black spot is a blemish, or at least that it is not to be encouraged. So long, however, as some of the Poppies are allowed to preserve this characteristic we must not complain. Chacun a son gout. j4K_J The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By H. Mabkham gr., Wiotham Park, Barnet. Strawberry Plants. — Layering for the purpose of providing plants for making new beds should be commenced as Eoon as the runners are strong enough to be pegged either into small pots or on turves cut in small squares and placed closely together. I usually layer into small pots filled to within half an inch of the rim with sweet, moderately rich loam, which is pressed firm. If plants have been cultivated for the express pur- pose of providing layers, strong runners will now be plentiful and the work may be taken in hand, but if the stock has to be increased from plants bearing fruit, the runners will not be so early nor so strong, and the work of layering may be postponed for a couple of weeks. See that the pots are kept well supplied with water when once the layers have been pegged down. Keep all useless runners removed, and cut off the growing points above the layer. A few of the earliest-rooted plants of Eoyal Sovereign should be planted on a warm, sunny border for the pro- duction of early fruits. If any of the plants which have been moderately forced remain to be planted, the work should be finished without further delay. Let the roots be soaked tho- roughly with water prior to turning them out of the pots. Loosen the soil and separate the roots, then plant firmly, and afford a good watering at once to settle the soil round about them. There are numerous varieties, but for ordinary pur- poses I do not grow more than six, commencing with young plants of Royal Sovereign and finish- ing with Waterloo. I hope to get the variety Eleanor for fruiting latest, as the variety is exceptionally useful for this purpose, the berries being of large size, good colour, and solid, but not so sweet as those of some of the earlier varieties. Orchards. — In this neighbourhood the crop of Apple3 is likely to be very heavy, and in some instances at the expense of next year's crop. Large trees may be afforded a thorough soaking with liquid-manure from the stock-yard. This will increase the size of the fruits, and assist the trees in building up strong buds, &c ., for next year. In grass orchards sheep should be turned in to keep down the grass, and if fed with a little cake so much the better for the trees. Morello Cherries. — Notwithstanding repeated dressings, the trees have again become infested with black aphis, and to cleanse the leaves of this pest it will be necessary to wash them once again with extract of quasEia, tobacco-water, or some other insecticide. As soon as the young shoots are clean, examine the trees, and tie in the young growths required for filling spaces and for fruiting next year. The young growths of this season will, in addition to the spurs, produce heavy crops of fruit next season. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. B. Wadds. Gardener to Sir W. D. Feabson, Bart., Paddockhurst, Sussex. Herbaceous Borders. — These will now require much attention. Keep all plants neatly staked that require it. Doronicums and other early- flowering plants should have their old flower- heads removed. The hoe should be kept going between the plants, and any that are suffering from dry winds should be mulched and watered. .4nemoiies from seeds sown some few weeks ago will now be ready for transplanting in a shady border ; these will make nice plants by the autumn. Seed may be gathered from the old plants, and sown as soon as it is well ripened. Dahlias. — The staking of these plants must be carefully attended to. Old tubers will now be throwing up numbers of shoots, which may be reduced to three upon each plant. The recent cold winds have not been very favourable for planting-out young plant3, but this work should now be finished. Young plants that have been potted- on will make better specimens than those planted out in the open three weeks ago. Some prepared soil should be given when planting, and every facility afforded to make the plants grow vigorously. Flower-beds. — Go over the plants occasionally, and remove any decayed leaves. Dot- plants may still be planted, should the cold, dry winds have delayed the work of putting these out. Most of them can be plunged in their pots, but any planted in this manner will require abundance of water. Bedding Begonias. — Give these a good soaking of water if no rain has fallen, or where slight showers have only moistened the surface. They should also be damped over every evening, which applies to fibrous-rooted varieties as well. Stake any plants that require it with a neat green stake. Where they are exposed to winds they will require constant attention in this direction. Climbing Roses. — Young shoots coming from the base of the plants, and which will furnish a supply of bloom next season, must be tied up, otherwise the wind will easily break them ; this especially applies to Crimson Rambler. An application ot liquid-manure will be beneficial, especially to those planted in a dry situation j frequent syringing to destroy aphis and red- spider will also be necessary. Paul's Carmine Pillar is an excellent Rose for arches, &c. ; its splendid colour, light habit of growth, rendering its cut sprays adaptable for vases. &c. Its easy cultivation should lead to this variety being much more extensively planted. It is not readily attacked by mildew or blight, and is a robust grower. Reve d'Or is another splendid variety tor walls. This variety requires severe thinning when the flowering season is past. Water-Lilies. — Keep these clean and free from weeds and rubbish. The common Calla has a nice effect with its bright foliage well above the water. It is flowering well here, and is perfectly hardy. Calla Little Gem has been planted close to the water's edge against some June 25, 1904,.] THE GARB ENER tf ' CHR ONI CL E. 405 rocks, with the roots just touching the water. It has had no protection, and is now in flower. Sweet Peas. — Give these copious supplies of liquid-manure, as the rainB have not reached the roots sufficiently to do them any good. Hollyhocks. — See to the staking of these as required, and water them with soot-water, and apply a good mulch of rotten manure. Veltha Solution will keep the rust in check, but must be applied frequently. THE OBCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White. Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence. Bart., Burford. Dorking. East Indian-house. — The plants in this division should be given generous treatment in every re- spect. Extreme fluctuations in the temperature must be avoided, as the plants are now making their growth. Draw up the blinds as early in the afternoon as is possible without causing injury to the plants, and close the ventilators so that the temperature may run up to between 80° and 90° ; but do not neglect to damp the floors at closing time, especially under the hot- water pipes, also the stages and between the pots. The fine sprayer should be used for damping overhead, two or three times each day during very hot weather, the majority of the Cypripediums, Habenarias, terete-leaved Vandas, young seedling Orchids, and the numerous small botanical species which grow in this house. The temperature at night should be kept as near to 70° as possible, and the lower ventilators should be left partly open whenever the weather is suitable. The Cattleya and Intermediate-houses will also require damping morning and afternoon, and the temperature should be raised by means of sun-heat when possible ; but all the ventilators ought not to be shut up for this purpose. The top ventilators should be closed entirely, leaving the lower ones wide open, and so long as the outside air is not colder than 50° they should be left open all night. Cattleyas, Ltelias, and the majority of the inter- mediate-house Orchids are often injured by too much atmospheric moisture, and by a hot stifling atmosphere. Use enough fire-heat to maintain a temperature of GO' to C5° at night, and even in the daytime the hot-water pipes should be kept just warm, that plenty of fresh air may be admitted to the plants, and an even temperature be maintained. The shading on this house should be removed every afternoon immediately the sun commences to decline in strength. Mexican Division. — This house, which contains such plants as L;elia anceps, Vanda teres, Odonto- glossum citrosmum, &c, requires a very thin shading only, and this should be pulled up at about 3 p si. and the house closed, so that the temperature may rise to between 90° and 100° ; at the same time syringe the plants well over- head, and damp every part of the house. About 8 p.m. afford a little ventilation, and the last thing at night, if the weather is mild, open the top and bottom ventilators, afford little or no fire-heat, and allow the temperature to fall to 00° by morning ; or if it falls to 55°nohaim will be done. The blinds on the houses mentioned should on all bright mornings be let down as soon as the sun has raised the temperature from 5° to 10°, and those on the Odontoglossums and Masdevallias immediately the sun shines on the plants, and be kept down in the evening until the sun ceasesto shine on the roof. centre at distances of 2 feet apart. They should be taken up with good balls of earth attached, and planted deeply, so that the soil will afford the necks considerable support, and thus prevent the leaves falling about. Afford a thorough good watering to settle the soil, and shade from strong sunshine until they are well established, which will take but a few days if the work is carried out with care. Attend to the requirements of established plants, use the hce frequently, and mulch the ground if this has not been done. Afford diluted manure- water if the foil is poor. Jerusalem Artichokes. — Although these grow strong and sufficiently high to keep all weeds from view, do not allow the weeds to grow there and thus scatter their seeds over the other parts of the garden. Maintain all parts of the garden clean and tidy by hoeing the surface of the ground occasionally. Asparagus Beds. — Do not cut Asparagus after this date if the plants are to be cultivated next season. Thoroughly clean the beds, and as it is impossible to tell where growths may come through on old-established beds, hand-weeding must be practised. After this has been done, encourage strong growths by every possible means at your disposal, including top-dressing with rich rotten manure which will allow all growths to come through without meeting with any lumps to cause them to be crooked, and by frequent applications of liquid-manure diluted with water, unless it is already sufficiently weak by the ad- mixture of water with it in the tank in which it is collected. Potatos. — Earth-up all that are ready as soon as possible ; and if double cropping has to te practised, plant between every other two rows such crops as are likely to be in most demand. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Pent-land, Qardener to C. H. B. Fieth, Esq , Ashwicke Ball. Marshfield, Chippenham. Globe Artichokes. — Seedlings that were raised early in boxes and in open borders are now sturdy little plants, and should be transplanted carefully. There being little time for trenching land at this season owing to the labour being required in other parts of the garden, a quick and suitable way of getting these plants established in their permanent quarters before the season becomes too far advanced, is to take out trenches about 18 in. wide, 18 inches deep, and 4 feet apart, tread-in 0 in. of manureat the bottom and fill in with soil, mixing in with it a good supply of manure, and making it moderately firm as the work proceeds. Make the mound which wi?l be thus formed of neat appearance, and place the plants along the FBUITS UNDEB GLASS. By W. FviE, Gardener to Lady Wastage, tockinge Park, Wantage. Pines. — Queens and others that have fruits now colouring should be kept drier and no stimu- lants administered. Let there be a free circula- tion of air during the day and a little at night, maintaining the bottom heat at about 80°. If these directions are followed the fruits will be of good substance and flavour, and will not ripen prematurely. Should the supply of ripe fruits exceed the demand, remove some of the plants into a cooler atmosphere. As soon as the fruits have been cut give attention to the suckers and remove all that will not be necessary for stock. It is good practice to shorten back the old leaves to give room for the suckers. Keep the plants near to the glass, and syringe them frequently. Do not remove the suckers from the parent plant until they have developed ten or twelve strong leaves. Batches of suckers should be rooted at short intervals to maintain a constant supply of ripe fruits. Shift young plants that are in good condition into their fruiting pots, and afford them a lower temperature than that generally accorded fruiting plants. To keep the foliage healthy and to obtain fruits of good colour the bright sunshine at this season must be modified by the use of thin tiffany for a few hours on bright, clear days. Plants bearing fruits now in flower require a drier and freely circulating atmosphere, admitting air earlier in the morning and later in the afternoon. Vigorous succession fruiting plants of the variety Smooth Cayenne, that have filled their pots with roots, and have short, broad leaves, should be supplied liberally with clear liquid-manure, alternating this with guano and soot-water. Those plants that will show fruit during the next two months should be kept a little drier. The short rest will incite the plants to show fruit for autumn and winter use. Melons. — If the fruits are ripening their condi- tion may easily be detected by the aroma in the house, when a drier atmosphere and increased ven- tilation will be necessary. But the atmosphere and soil should be kept sufficiently moist to prevent the plants from flagging. Cut the fruits when they show signs of separating from the stem. Our successional plants now setting their fruit are receiving treatment identical to that recom- mended in this Calendar for March 12, except that a little more ventilation is employed. Tne practice of applying all water direct upon the stem is rigorously enforced. Make successional plant- ings in pits and frames facing south, from which beading plants, Potatos, soil, &c, have been removed. Form a ridge of good fibrous loam along the head of the frame, making the loam moderately firm. Cultivate the plants as single cordons at 2 feet apart, and allow them to run to nearly the length of the frame before being stopped. To provide a supply of fruits during November make another sowing now. PLANTS UNDEB GLASS. By C. K. Fielder, Gardener to Mrs. Burns, North Mymms Park, Hatfield. Hertfordshire. Herbaceous Calceolarias. — Where an early batch of plants is required, seed may be sown now. Considerable care is necessary in choosing a suit- able position for the seed-pots, especially in the case of the earlier sowings, as the seedlings will be passing through the most critical period of their growth at a time when the days are likely to be bright and the atmosphere very dry — con- ditions which are the opposite to those which herbaceous Calceolarias delight in. Instead of sowing the seed in a pan or in one large pot, it is a good plan to sow it thinly and evenly in half-a-dozen -t-inch pots, which have been pre- viously rilled with a finely-sifted compost con- sisting of three parts loam, one part leaf-soil, and some silver-sand. Previous to sowing the seed the soil in the pots should be given a thorough watering. The seed should not be covered with soil. Let the seed-pots be plunged to the rims in ashes under a handlight or small frame, placed in some cool, moist, and shady position, such as the north side of a wall. A sheet of paper should be placed over the pots until the seedlings appear. The object of plunging the pots is to prevent as far as possible the necessity of administering water until the seedlings have obtained a good hold of the soil. If, however, it should become necessary to afford water during the early stages of germination, immerse the pots nearly to the rims in a pail of water, and allow it to soak upwards through the hole in the bottom of the pot. When the seedlings are strong enough to handle, prick them off into pans, or singly into small pots. They may then be placed in a shallow frame facing to the north, and carefully shaded during bright sun- shine. After a few days ventilate the frame freely. Further sowings for succession may be made at intervals of a month. Stock Princess Alice. — If seeds of this variety be sown at the present time in boxes, and the seed- lings be promptly potted into small pots and later transferred to 5-inch pots, the plants will flower at the end of the autumn. This plant is much appreciated for decorative purposes, used as pot plants or as cut flowers. THE APIABY. By Expert. Swarming in the South and West of England will soon become very general, and to guard against swarms going away they should be hived as soon as they have settled down. Hive them in a clean straw skep which has been rubbed over with a little sugar and beer or syrup, whichever is handy. Then turn the skep over as soon as the bees are hived and place it on a board, and shade from the hot sun. In the evening place in a bar-frame hi ve or return to the parent stock, ■ whichever is intended. When large quantities of honey are needed they should be returned, the queen should however be taken away. The number of stock and the date should be noted for future reference. To prevent swarming, two or three extra frames should be given and the slides at the entrance thrown wide open, and the body- box itself propped up at each end with a little block of wood -to enable more to pass into the hive. No supering should be done unless the bees are very strong ; in many places stocks this year are weak. Each hive should have a board placed in position to allow tired bees to crawl up into the hive, and all grass round the hive should be cut close. Where ants are troublesome brush round the legs of the hive with a little paraffin to prevent them crawling up, or let the legs stand in dishes containing a little paraffin. 406 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 25, 19J*. EDITORIAL NOTICES. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants fir 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 as a guarantee of good faith. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, TUESDAY, Tnvu57/IsIe oi Wight Rose Show, at JCNE"l. Kyde. ("Roy. Hort Soc. Corns, meet. Titvit orJ Gardeners' Royal Benevolent I Institution; Annual Dinner I. at Hotel Metropole. {Rose Slows at Chippenham, Farnham, Farninsham, and Richmond (Surrey), the latter being that of the R'rhmond Horticultural Society's Show. THURSDAY, June3C -j Colchester Rose Show, and ( Canterbury Rose Show. FRIDAY, July 1— Royal Botanic Society, Lecture. i German Gardenei'sClub, meet. SATURDAY, July 2^ Sutton Amateur Rose Society's I Show. BALES FOR THE WEEK. TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY NEXT. June 28 & 29- Unreserved Clearaice Sale of the whole of the Established Orchids at The Nurseries. Holgate, Yoik by order of Messrs. J Backhouse & Son, Ltd , by Protheroe & Morris, at 12 o'clock each day. WEDNESDAY NEXT, JUNE 29- Palms, Ferns, Geraniums, Pansies, &a., by Pro- theroe & Morris, at t>7 and 68, Cheapside, B.C.. at 12. FRIDAY NEXT, July 1- The whole of the collection of Orchids, by order of F. H, Joyce, Esq.. Freshwater. Isle of Wight, at 67 & (S, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.E0 -Also imported Orchids, by order of Messrs. Sauder &Sons. (For further particulars see our Advertisement columns.) Avbbaoe Tempebatuee tor the ensuing week, deduced from observations of Forty-three Years at Chiswick - 62-5°. Actual Temperatures :— London. June 22 (6 p.m.) : Max. 7.r : Mln. e:V. June 23, Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Welling- ton Street, Covent Garden (10 A.M.) : Bar , 30-3; Temp., 67°. Weather, bright sun- shine. PaOTiNCES. — June 22 (6 p.m.): Max. 69', South of England ; Min. 55°, North of Ireland. The Apple Crop. From what we have seen and from the reports of our correspondents, we judge that the prospects of the Apple-crop are very favourable throughout the country. With other fruits also the outlook is bright, so bright that our growers will do well to turn their minds to the means to be adopted in case of a "glut" in the markets. Even if this does not take place this season it may do so in another, so that our fruit-growers who complain of low prices from over-abundance may act on the resources at their disposal, and not, as has sometimes happened, suffer the fruit to be wasted as commercially not worth the picking. We have on various occasions alluded to the methods cf bottling fruit, and the subject has been treated of in recent volumes of the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. We infer either that the commercial bottlers must have been busy last year in spite of the deficient crops, or that the imports from other countiies must have been unusually large. That may have been so in the main, yet so far as our nearest neighbour is concerned, the scarcity of fruit last autumn was as pronounced in Northern France, and, we believe, also in Belgium, as it was here. Be all this as it may, the housekeepers in our puiview have made no serious complaints of the deficiency of fruit nor of unusually high prices during the past winter. In addition to the preservation of fruits in bottles there is the method of "cold storage," by which fruits are kept at a low temperature a few degrees above the fret zing- point. The determination of the exact degree of temperature depends greatly on the particular variety, the conditions under which the fruit was ripened, and other matters which can only be learnt by experience. The following extracts will be read with interest. They are taken from a report made by Mr. G. H. Powell to the Bureau of Plant Industry of the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture. The report may be procured from the Superintendent of Docu- ments, Union Building, Washington, at a low cost. "Next to crop failure and the control of injurious diseases and insects, the most important feature of commercial Apple-growirg at the present time is un- doubtedly the preservation of the crop for a sufficient time to permit its d'stiibution to consumers in sound and wholesome condition, in both home and foreign markets, throughout the winter season. Under the deteriorating influence of warm weather during Sep- tember and October, a large part of the crop frequently reaches full ripeness, and is thrown upon the market in a perishable condition before mid-winter. This result? in disastrous gluts and ruinously low prices for a time, followed by scarcity of fruit and abnormally high prices to the consumer in the late winter and early spring. The successful keeping of Jpples on a large scale in refrigerated storage, which began about 1S9U. has since developed to very large proportions. Expe- rience has demonstrated, however, that in many in- stances fruit stored in such houses In tbe autumn has failed to come out in good condition in the late winter or spring, to the serious loss of the owner. It has long been observed also that different lots of fruit in the same storage-room behave differently, some keeping in excellent condition, while others spoil. A browning of the skin while in storege, or shortly after removal therefrom, generally known as 'scald," also frequently lessens the beauty of the fruit, and therefore its se'ling value, even when its food value is but little impaired." The experiments epitomised in the Bulletin show how cultivation and methods of pack- ing influence the keeping qualities of the fruit, and the summary of the results obtained shows that : — "Apples shou'd be stored as quicklyas possible after picking. The fruit ripens rapidly af'er it is pi;ked, especially if the weather is hot. The ripening which takes place between tbe time of picking and storage shortens the life of tie fruit in the storage house. The fruit-rots multiply rapidly if storage is delayed and the fruit becomes heated. If the weather is cool enough to prevent after-ripening, a delay in the storage of the fruit may not be injurious to its keening quality. A temperature of 31° to 32° F. retards tbe ripening pro- cesses rrorethan a higher temperature. This tempera- ture favours the fruit in other respects. "A fruit wrapper retards the ripeDing of the fruit it preseives its br'ght co'our. checks transpiratior, and lessens wilting; protects the Apple from bruising, and prevents the spread of fungus-spores from de- cayed to perfect fruit. In commercial practice the use cf the wrapper may be advisable on tbe fioest grades of fruit that are placed on the market in small packs ges. Apples that are to be stored for any length of time should be placed in c!o fields in some cases having been swept bare in patches. Potato - tops far advanced were also greatly broken and blackened ; garden Potatosv which were well advanced, and in flower, were much broken down and spoiled. Bushes, where not carefully staked, were broken over by the ground . Altogether the gale was one of the severest and most destructive that has visited) the North at this season for twenty years," The Fruit Industry. — Lord Onslow's Committee held sittings on the 15th, 16'ih, and 17th inst. The following witnesses gave evi- dence:—Mr. J. E. Hennell, representing the Great Western Railway; Mr. G. Monro, of. Covent Garden, a member of the Committee; Mr. J. W. Dennis, a fruit-broker of Covent Garden ; Mr. G. W. Meats, junior, the auctioneer at the Hereford Corporation Wholesale Fruit Market ; Mr. J. T. S heppard, a grower from Holt, North Wale3 ; Mr. George Langridge, of Tun- bridge Wells, representing the Surveyors' Inst j- tue, and Mr. T. W. Cowan, representing th© British Bee-keepers' Association. The Committee visited on the 14th inst. some of the principal fruit plantations and the Horticultural College, at Swanley. June 25, 1904.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 407 The Collecting of Tropical Plants.— M. Louis Gentil, of the Brussels Botanic Garden, has published a few notes which will serve as useful suggestions to collectors, whether of living or of dried specimens from the Congo and other tropical countries. The Belgians are making excellent use of their opportunities, and at Laeken, as also at the Brussels Botanic Garden, there are collections of living plants of great value, as well as very rich accumulations of dried plants, which are under critical examination by M. de Wildeman and other botanists. The Dusseldorf Exhibition.— The prizes offered in the Cactus section of the Horticultural Exhibition at Dusseldorf have been awarded by the Prize Committee, including as Presi- dent Herr A. Purpus, and Messrs. Erich Dams, Secretary of the German Cactus Society ; Knippel, of Klein - Quenstedt; Strauss, of Bruchsal; Hentze, of Magdeburg ; and Kriescher, of Dus- seldorf. The prize distribution does not follow the arrangement in the catalogue, but is as desired by the managers of the exhibition. The 1st prize (£50) for the best collection of Cacti was awarded to Mr. Frantz de Laet, of Contich, near Antwerp. The 2nd prize (j£40) was gained by Messrs. Haage & Schmidt, of Erfurt ; the 3rd (£25) went to Mr. Friedrich A. Haage, of Erfurt. This firm also won a prize of JE7 10s. for their late-flowering specimens of Phyllocactus. Messrs. Winter, of Bordighera, whose succulent plants received recognition in earlier prize-lists, obtained also an Award of Merit for an ex- ceedingly decorative collection. The Gold Medal was presented ,to the Botanic Garden of Karls- ruhe for an interesting exhibit in the section of scientific culture. In the Amateur class the fol- lowing gentlemen won prizes : — Messrs. Hart- ma nn, of Hamburg; Scbwarzbach, of Eixdoif ; Maass, of Zehlendorf ; Dames, of Schcineberg ; F. Keinhardt, Berinqer, and Josef Nolte, of Dusseldorf; and F. Capell, of Bonn. The pub- lisher and bookseller, Neumann, of Neudamm, and the German Cactus Society, also received diplomas. Roses at Dusseldorf. — It is expected that 70,000 Roses will be in bloom in the grounds devoted to the great Bose-show to be opened in connection with the Dusseldorf Exhibition this day. The flowers were in good condition a week or more ago, but they are but forerunners of those that are to be shown at the special exhibition. Dusseldorf expects to excel in this respect the World's Fair at St. Louis, where a similar but not so rich a collection is to be found. Great interest is already directed towards the Dusseldorf Kose-show, and the Rose-gardens on the Rhine aie a great attraction to visitors to the Exhibition. The Rothamsted Experimental Station. — During the past fortnight a considerable number of persons interested in agriculture have visited the Station, and have been shown over the experimental plots and the laboratories by Mr. A. D. Hall, the Director. On June 9 Prof. J. B. Farmer brought about a dozen students from the Royal College of Science and from Uni- versity College, London. On the 13th a party of between fifty and sixty members of the North- amptonshire Chamber of Agriculture came ; on the 15th, Professor T. H. Middleton brought several students from Cambridge University ; on the 16th, Dr. E. B. Voorhees, Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, U.S.A., and Professor W. S. Myers, also from New Jersey ; and on the 17th, about thirty mem- bers (including the Secretary, Mr. H. Trustram Eve) of the Bedfordshire Chamber of Agri- culture. A new feature this year, affording increased interest, is that another field has been added for experimental purposes, in •which plots have been arranged to test the residual value of various manures, the cropping and disease-re- sisting powers of some of the new sorts of Potatos, the effects of green-manuring, &c. A Fine Osmunda in the St. Petersburg Garden. — We learn, from a recent Bulletin of the Imperial Botanic Garden of St. Petersburg, of a fine specimen of Osmunda regalis presented to the garden last autumn by M. Scriwanek. This Fern is said to be more than 1,000 years old [!] and is still living. It was found in a forest near Adler, in the Caucasus, by the borders of the Black Sea. The stem of the Osmunda measured above ground is nearly 10 feet in circumference, its height is 1J foot, and it bears fourteen more or les3 vigorous fronds about 14 inches long. The pinnules are wonderfully healthy. English Cider ■ making. — As matters are at present the French cider makers can afford to buy Apples in Somerset, as English growers, though they have the best of fruit, fail to make a good use of it. Many of the English cider-makers pay too little heed to cleanliness in their work and none to uniformity of product, which is essential to success in all industries. Their Continental rivals use good fruit, handle it carefully, and pro- duce a satisfactory beverage, which they sell at good profit either in their own country or in England. Proper attention to their own interests would even now prevent our farmers from running the risk of losing a source of income which the foreigner may otherwise take from them. Mr. F. J. Lloyd and Mr. R. Neville Grenville, of Glastonbury, have recently been making investi- gations for the Bath and West of England Society, and the above remarks are a summary of their opinions on this important subject. As the Board of Agriculture is publishing their report (illustrated) we hope the British Apple-grower will awaken to his opportunities and advantages. Central American Rubber.— The Bureau of Plant Industry of the United States Depart- ment of Agriculture, Washington, U S.A., has published a Bulletin which will be of the greatest value to tropical planters. It is prepared by Mr. O. F. Cook, the botanist in charge, primarily with a view to determine whether Rubber-culture is likely to be a profitable undertaking in Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands. The Bulletin deals particularly with Castilloa, or, as Mr. Cook prefers to call it, Catilla elastica. Mr. Cook deals with the botany and the physiology of rubber production, and with the appropriate methods of cultivation and tapping. Prize Competition for Spray Pro- ducers.— The Dutch Pomological Society (Ne- derlandsche Pomologische Vereeniging) intends holding a competitive exhibition of examples of different systems of machines for spraying fungi- cides and insecticides (both, of course, liquids). This competition is intended to be held on the premises of the Government College of Agricul- ture (Ryksland-bouwschool), of the Netherlands, at Wageningen, after which the best machines will be set to work in different parts of the Nether- lands so as to demonstrate the best method of carrying on the war against plant diseases and pestiferous insects. The competition is open for : — (1) Small pulverisers and hand-syringes, to be used in greenhouses, conservatories, and hot and cold stoves— 1st prize, 50 guilders (£i 3s. id.; $20) ; 2nd prize, 25 guilders (£2 Is 8d. ; $10). (2) Pulverisers portable on the back or front of the body —1st prize, 100 guilders (£8 6s. 8d. ; $40) ; 2nd prize, 50 guilders (£4 3s. id. ; $20). (3) Larger pulverisers, to be pushed or drawn, or carried from one place to another. Prize, see (2). Special attention will be paid by the jury to the follow- ing particulars : — Construction and material of machines, solidity and perfection of joints and frictional parts, more or less facility of handling pulverisers, and, if required, of repairing machines, the more or less fine spary produced, possibility of spraying not only Bordeaux-mixture, but also other fluids — for instance, kerosene; price, &c. Briefly, everything that goeB to make up a good machine at a moderate price will be taken into account. Competing pulverisers or spray producers may be forwarded till Septem- ber 1, 1904, to Hoeve Duivendsal (Duivendaal Farm), Wageningen, Holland. For fuither particulars apply to the Secretary of the Pomo- logical Society ofthe Netherlands, C. van Lennep. The Horticultural College, Swanley, Kent. — A course for helping those who are desirous of increasing their knowledge of Nature Study will be held at the Horticultural College, Swanley, from August 1 to 13. The instruction will be given entirely (weatherpermitting) out-of- doors, rambles in the country under the guid- ance of naturalists being the chief feature. An introductory and a valedictory lecture will be given by the Hon. Sir John Cockbuen, K.C.M.G., and by Mr. J. C. Medd respectively. The College gardens, orchards, farm, &o., will be in working order, and the Out-of-door Superintendent, Miss Turnor, will be on the spot to give demonstrations and instruction in simple gaidening. Mr. Finn will superintend the investigation of bird and insect life in the woods and fields, whilst on alter- nate days Mr. Tabor (Resident Science Lecturer) will lead excursions for studying wild flowers, plants, trees, fungi, lichens, &c, in their different habitats. Illustrations of the life-history of bees, with practical investigation of their hives, will be undertaken by Miss C. Dunham Massey (1st Class Bee Expert, B.B K.A.), who will also give some account of her system of Nature Study teaching (illustrated by the children's charts and drawings) at the Clapharn High School for Girls. Miss Agar will lecture on the planning and management of school children's gardens, founded on her five years' experience as Gaiden Mistress at Wycombe Abbey. It is hoped to combine natural history excursions with points of anti- quarian, artistic and other interest in outlying districts. Our Weights and Measures. — When we find a provincial county council, w hose interests are chiefly of an agricultural nature, making the following statement, we begin to have hopes of amendment. Adverting to our worse than idiotic chaos of weights and measures in this country, the Herefordshire County Council says — " We lag far in the rear of all civilised nations on these questions .... and all that is wanted to remove from us the stigma of marching a century behind the rest of the world is skilful and thorough treatment of them by the Govern- ment of the day." The Hereford Council is of opinion that the introduction of the metrie system should be dealt with, not by private legislation, but by the Government; that the decimalisation of our coinage is as important as that of our weights and measures, and that either without the other would be robbed of half its value. Copyright in Novelties. — The French Society of Rose Growers has once again started the question of protection for raisers of novelties. This is a matter that has often been discussed, without any practical result, some of those most concerned having expressed opposite opinions. The raiser has, to a large extent, control over his own destinies, and if he does not exercise it he has no one to blame but himself. Happily for the world at large, if not for the individual, it is not every one who ha3 the commercial instinct. At the same time every one likes to see merit adequately rewarded, and dislikes to see others reap the advantage they have not earned. 408 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [June 25, 1904. Autumnal Flowering Season in Conse- quence OF A FlRE.— A recent number of the Bulletins d' Arboriculture, c\'c.t of Ghent, contains aninterestingnoteby M. J.Bukvenich. He relates that last September much destruction was wrought by fire near Chalons-sur-Marne : " Following upon this catastrophe, M. J. Jolly reported, in October, a revival of growth in an orchard that had suffered much. The rows of Pears and Apples in the line of the fire were killed outright ; the adjacent ones still showed some signs of life. Among the other rows that seemed half dried up, four trees were, at the end of October, simply covered with bloom. The same phenomenon was noticed on Plums and Lilacs near the burnt area. What was the cause of this abnormal bloom ? It is known that by arresting the vegetation, by picking off the leaves of Weigelas in summer for instance, the production of a second crop or flowers is ensured, that by freezing plants or etherising them according to the method of Johannsen, of Copenhagen, the fowers are en- couraged to open shortly afterwards ; it there- fore seems probable that in the case mentioned it is the sudden arrest of vegetation caused by the high temperature which caused the flowering a few weeks after the fire. Relations of Vanilla to its Host-plant. — M. H. Jacob de Cordemoy has been studying the Vanilla and its host-plants, and has come to the conclusion that the relations between them are more intimate than have generally been supposed. His opinions are expressed in the Comptes Bendus, for February 8, from which we take the following extracts : — " For some time past Vanilla growers have noticed that the host or supporting plant is not without its influence upon the Orchid, which grows better and more vigorously on some plants than upon others. In Bourbon, for example, where the cultivation of Vanilla is of much importance, growers have tried various trees on which to grow the Vanilla, those most frequently used being Casuarina equise- tifolia, Jatrophacurcas andPandanusutilis. The first of these has a hard bark that peels off in large flakes which in becoming detached drag down with them the adventitious roots of the Orchid ; the other two plants, especially the species of Pandanus, are, on the contrary, quite satisfactory. In fact, observation has shown that the Vanilla roots find, in the living stem to which they adhere, something more than mere support, and that between host and Orchid there exists a close relationship the nature of which should be determined. It has been found," concludes M. Cordemot, " that, first, there exists between the lateral and aerial roots of the cultivated Vanilla and the support to which it closely clings a 'mycorhiza' (fungus) at once ectotrophic and endotrophic, that is to Eay, deriving nourish- ment from the outside and from the inside. The endophyte exhibits a ramified and con- tinuous mycelium or spawn, which, by root hairs serving as means of communication, maintains a close relationship between the lateral root and its living support. Secondly, with this mor- phological connection there is veiy probably a corresponding physiological communication, the fungus being capable of foiming in its tissues of livin g support certain nutritive properties useful to the growth of the Orchid. Consequently there would be between this and the mycorhiza a part- nership or true * symbiotic ' association." It may be inferred, further, that similar facts might be observed with other Orchids, and doubtless with other climbing plants. Leaf Mould for Orchids. —In the May number of the Journal de la, SocUM Nationale d'Horticulture, M. Leon Duval, who speaks from large experience, strongly advocates the use of this substance, and give3 full details as to the best method of making use of it. M. Duval is such a master in the art of Orchid growing that his article will be read with great interest and profit. We had the opportunity last autumn of seeing and of describing in these pages the results of Mr. Duval's practice. Flowers in Season. — From Mr. Amos Perry, of Winchmore Hill, we have received fine specimens of the following plants : — Ibis Douglasiana. — FJowers fawn-coloured, falls marked with deep lilac veins. Phlox canadensis, Perry's variety.— Flowers large rich slaty-blue, an improvement on the ordinary form. Phlox ovata —Flowers rich rosy-lilac. Oriental Poppies— Carmine-Petals dull reddish-pink with a large black blotch at the base. Medusa — Petals dull pink with a large two-coloured blotch at the base, carmine beneath, black above. ifahony.— Flowers rich red, petals with a small dark blotch above the base ; a very effective variety. Inula glandulosa.— Upper leaves sessile cordale, ovate acuminate ; flower-heads between 4 and 5 inches across, bracts of the involucre numerous, densely covered with coarse, shaggy, brown hairs ; lay florets spieading very narrow thread-like, orange-yellow; disc.flattish. Inula "Oculus Chbisti." — tipper leaves sessile, scarcely cordate lanceolate acuminate, coarsely ser- rate; thinly covered with bristly hairs; (lower-heads between 5 and 6 inches across ; ray florets spreading linear, orange-yellow ; disc Sattish ; involucre bracts as in the preceding. A very bold looking plant. ■ From Messrs. Kelway we have received specimens of their magnificent Pteonies, some of which were shown at the recent meetings of the Eoyal Horticultural Society. Among them were the "Garden," Lord Pauncefote, Sir Edmund Barton, Sir Dighton Probyn, Albert Casser, and Portia. The gorgeous yet harmonious colouiing of these flowers always excites admiration. In some the stamens are completely replaced by petals, in others the stamens are mere petaloid threads surrounded by guard petals of the ordin- ary form ; in still others the stamens with their yellow anthers form a dense masB encircled by the petals as in the single - flowered varieties. The flowers are superb in themselves and are representatives of consummate skill and care in cultivation. With the Pa>onies came various forms of Pyrethrum, such as i — Leader —Flower-heads &J Irenes across, ray florets white flushed with pink ; disc convex, yellow. General French. — Flower-heads 2J Inches, ray florets rich crimson ; disc yellow. Good Hope.— Similar to General French, but of a rich rosy-lilac colour. Leonard Kelwav.— Flower-heads 3J inches, all the florets tubular, ro;y-lilac edged with white. Impress Queen. — Flower heads 3 inches across florets all tubular, pale rosy-lilac. J. N. Iwerdy. — Flower heads globular, convex, nearly 1 inches across, outer florets much refiexed, florets mostly tubular, rich glowing losy lilac; central florets yellow. A very fine variety. Messrs. J. Peed & Sons have forwarded to us some flowers of their strain of tuberous- rooting Begonias. Both double and single flowers are represented, and although the colours of Begonias are always striking by reason of their soft and beautiful shades, the specimens we received are unusually charming. Bright scarlets, soft pinks and salmons, yellows, delicate rosy- pink, white, and other colours were included. The flowers possessed good substance, in addition to attractive colours. The National Potato Society.— We are informed that the gift to this society by Mr. J. W. Malden of Eldorado Potato?, referred to last week, has been extended to four dozen plants in all, one dozen having been sent to Yorkshire, and a dozen to Leeds. The twelve plants stated to have been sent to Middles ex were, it seems, diverted to Eothamsted, where they are being grown under the care of Mr. A. D. Hall. Mr. Malden has under Mr. Groves' care at Ham some 2,000 plants of Eldorado. The Silver cup offered by Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Presi- dent of the Potato Society, as a prize at the Show to be held at the Crystal Palace next October, is to be awarded as an additional prize to what shall be by the judges declared the best Potato exhibit in the show in the competitive classes. Reports to hand as to the appearance of the Potatos under trial at the various county centres seems to be very satisfactory so far. A P/EONY SOCIETY has been formed at Detroit, U.S. Nine-tenths of the members are said to have commercial interests in cultivating the flower. No one has up to the present sug- gested a Rhododendron Society, or a Bamboo Society, or a Sunflower Society. The Cucumber and the Tomato, and even the Grape -Vine, manage to exist commercially without a Society, and the Pelargonium Society is one of the "has beens." It is a question whether this dissipation of energy is of any value to the many, though it may benefit the few. Etherisation of Plants.— There will be found in the May number of the Journal de la Societe" Nationale d'Horticulture an excellent sum- mary of the results obtained by the use of the vapour of chloroform or of ether in hastening the development of flowers intended for forcing. M. Aymard, of Montpellier, amply confirms what has been already stated as to the value of this process. Growers for market will do well to make preparations in view of the demand for forced flowers in winter and early spring. PLANT POETEAITS. Aheria caffba. Revue HoHicole, June 1; Gardeners' Chronicle, Dec. 2L', 1900, p. 462. A/.U>A .IAIVNICA ALBA GRANDIFLOBA VAN NOOBDT, Revue de VJioiticullure Btlge, June.— A Japanese variety wnieh might surely be better called A. ' Van Nooidt." It. is haidv, and bears large trusses of white flowers. Jasminum prinulinum. Flora and Sylva, June. L.ixiA PRJEbTANS, Flora and Sylva, June. Magnolia pyramidata, Sargent, Trees and Shrubs, t. Li. Libiodendbon chinense, Sargent, Trees and Shrubs, t. lii., ascertained to be distinct from the well-known American species. CnATviciics pausiaca, insignis, disjuncta, bellula, lanuginosa, induta, Kellogn, Faxonl, Sargent, Trees and stnubs, t. liii to lx inclusive, all species newly described by Pi of. Sargent. Tilia mongolica, Sargent, Trees and Shrubs, t. lxi. Euontmus Sieboldianus, Sargent. Trees and Shrubs, 1. 1 xii., £. Bungeanus id., t. lxiii., E. patens, Rehder, t. lxiv., radicans, t. lxv. Aceb abgutum, Sargent, Trees and Shrubs,t, LXVI. ; A. diabolicum, t. lxvii. ; the significance of the name is not; explained. Viburnum bbacteatum, Rehder, Sargent, Trees and Shrubs, t.Lxvm. Lonicera Webbiana, Sargent, Trees and Shrubs, t. LXIX ; L. interrupta, t. LXX. Ligustrum C1LIA1UM, Sargent, Trees and Shrubs, t. LXXI. ; L. AMUBENSE, t. LXX1I. Grtpocarpa I»elsoni, Greenman, Trees and Shrubs, t. i.xxm , a representative of a new genus of Com- posure (tribe Zinnieae). A Mexican shrub allied to Heliopsis. Vaccinium Poasanum, Sargent, Trees and Shrubs, t. lxxtv. Pinus terthrocarpa. Slaw; synonymous with Grlsebach's P. eubensis var. terthrccarpa, butshown to be distinct, see Qardeners' Chronicle, i., p. 179, 19C4. The species is remaikable for the large diameter of I the resin-canals; Sargent, Trees and shrubs, t. lx\v. Areca Ilsemanni. — Kc vur de I'llnrticulhtre llelge, April A pinnate - leaved Palm with red petioles. Introduced by Messrs. Sander. Cypripedium Gaston Bultel. — A cross between Madame Cofiiuet and C. Fairieauum, Madame Collinet being in its turn the resultof a cross between C.insigne and C. Harrisianum, that is to say, a variety of C. ceuanthum. Revue Horticole, April. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. iThe Editor dees not hold himself responsible for Ihe opinions expressed by his -Correspondents.) ARUNDINARIA NOBILI8. — Dr. Otto Stapf, in his articles on " Himalayan Bamboos," states that " A. nobilis is identical with A. Falconeri." "Identical" is a stronger term than "synony- mous," for it implies such absolute similarity that not the slightest difference is discernible, whereas synonymous plants, i.e., those belonging to the same species, may show considerable varia- tion in their characteristics. Although I have inspected many hundreds of Bamboos, and am confident that A. nobilis and A. Falconeri are dissimilar, I should have been loath to have traversed the statement alluded to on my own responsibility, but having been in communication, both verbally and by letter, with some of the leading growers of Bamboos in the South-west, I can say that they consider A. nobilis and A. Fal- coneri perfectly distinct. The clumps of A. nobilis now growing at Menabilly are the produce of seed from plants that flowered and June 25, 1904 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 409 died in 1872, after thirty - three years of life, which would bring th e year of the sowing of the original seed, which came from North China, to 1839. A. Falconeri was also raised from seed, and the two kinds were for years known to workmen on the estate as the blue and the purple Bamboo. A. nobilis was grown for many years at Menabilly under the name of A. falcata. I have just received a letter from Menabilly on the points of distinction between A. nobilis and A. Falconeri, from which I quote — "A. nobilis is a much stronger grower and a hardier species. We have culms 28 feet high, which are of a beautiful light-green shining colour, quite smooth, with purple above and below the node, and quite straight. A. Falconeri has more arching, blue- green culms, with a white down above and below the nodes to the top of the stem. The largest plant here has culms only 10 feet high. This species is much more tender, as a number of the stems die annually ; these are also rougher, and have not got that bright glossy appearance that those of A. nobilis have." 1 understand that Mr. Rashleigh sent as a present to Kew last autumn, specimens of A. nobilis and of A. Fal- coneri from Menabilly. The former weighed 30 cwt., and the latter 15 cwt. ; there should therefore be no difficulty in noting these differ- ences at the Royal Gardens. Neither A. nobilis nor A. Falconeri is showing flower at Menabilly, but at Fota, when I was there at the end of May, A. Falconeri was in full flower, but A. nobilis showed no sign of bloom — a fact which appears to point to their being distinct species. Messrs. V. N. Gauntlett, Redruth, who make a specialty of Bamboos, informed me, when I was at their nursery three weeks ago, that they considered A. nobilis and A. Falconeri quite distinct species. The evidence I have submitted appears to prove that though possibly A. nobilis and A. Falconeri may be synonymous, that is, members of the same species, they certainly are not, as Dr. Stapf holds they are, identical. S. W. Fitzherbert, Devon. I am afraid Mr. Fitzherbert is fighting windmills. The specimens of "Arundinaria nobilis" and "Arundinaria Falconeri," which Mr. Rashleigh sent as a present to Kew last autumn, are A. Falconeri (received as A. nobilis) and A. falcata (received as A. Fal- coneri). They are, of course, neither "iden- tical " nor " synonymous," and certainly not " members of the same species." If Mr. Fitz- herbert will correct his determinations of the two Bamboos and read my article, particularly what I said about their differences, he will find that there is no basis for his animadversions, and that in trying to traverse my conclusions he has unwittingly confirmed them. Otto Stapf. ADAMS' LABURNUM. — My Laburnum Adami is a very healthy tree, and decidedly of an upright or fastigiate habit. It is still in most luxuriant flower, though now beginning to fade. I find no perfume in its flowers, nor any formation of seed-pods. The clusters or bunches of Cytisus purpureus are sweetly scented. There are seven smaller growths of C. purpureus on different parts of the tree, which having grown larger should be very interesting by another year. The only one yellow flower of Laburnum vulgare is forming seed-pods. We have had a lovely flowering spring, but nearly all the Plum blossoms round here have dropped ; many of those of the Pear also. There will be abundance of Apples ; but there has also been a great fall of these blooms, especially so amongst some varieties. The two seasons of sunless weather may have to answer for this state of affairs amongst our fruit-trees. W. Miller, Coventry, June 15. TOMATOS. — At the recent meeting of the Fruit Committee at the Drill Hall, a suggestion was made by Mr. S. T. Wright that one of the glass- houses now in course of erection at Wisley, be utilised for a winter trial of Tomatos. This pro- ' position arose because two or three assumed new varieties of Tomatos were presented to the Com- mittee for approval or otherwise. That the varie- ties presented seemed to be free setters and good croppers there could be little doubt, but it is practically impossible for the Committee to deal satisfactorily with Tomatos until they have been seen in a growing state, and pro- duced with other varieties under similar con- ditions. This, it is hoped, may be furnished under much more favourable aspects at Wisley than was of late the case at Chiswick. It was very noticeable in the fruits shown on the 14th inst. that, when cut in two transversely and the seeds and pulp expressed, the centre was hollow. It is high time that in new varieties greater solidity of flesh was evi- denced. Fruits may be fine in appearance and abundantly produced, yet lack solidity and flavour. In any such winter trial as suggested, the important features so far as fruits are concerned should be solidity and good flavour, whilst still farther freedom to set bloom and to crop should have the fullest consideration. That it is not easy to obtain good Tomatos in mid-winter is certain, and when such result does follow, great credit is due to the cultivator and to the variety. No doubt numbers of gardeners who are expected to furnish Tomato fruits in the winter would gladly learn of any new or comparatively unknown variety that is specially adapted for fruiting in winter, and if the Wisley Garden can help to that end it will be rendering good service. There is ample room there for almost every phase of horti- cultural work to be given representation. A. D. ihunbergia alata. — In reference to these pretty greenhouse climbers to which Mr. Divers makes reference, I was a few days since interested to see many hundreds of them pricked out in trios in 5-inch pots, standing in a cold frame to get nicely into flower and be sent to market. The grower, Mr. Groves, of Ham, Surrey, in order that purchasers may have full convenience for hanging the plants, drops each pot into a framework of wire, which has a stout hook attached at the top. Thus the purchaser finds means provided by which to suspend the plants. The three colours of flowers — white, pale yellow, and orange, are raised in equal quantities from seed, and one of each colour is inserted into each pot. These plants, hung in a window or in a glass corridor or under a verandah or in a green- house, grow admirably, and being' well hardened are less liable to attacks by insects than are warm-house plants. D. AN INTERESTING TRANSFORMATION. — In Messrs. R. Wallace & Co.'s catalogue, Lilium Alexandras is said to be a hybrid Lily with pure white flowers as large as those of L. auratum, but the parentage of this hybrid is not indicated. Some years ago I obtained from them a bulb of this Lily. It flowered every year in a pot; the flowers were of the purest white, but were never so large or so broad-petalled as those of L. aura- tum. Last year my bulb produced two bulbs, which I planted in separate 4J-inch pots. Both are in flower now (June 15). Both are of the same height, 1 foot 3 inches, and both have exactly the same foliage ; but while one has flowers of pure white, the other has flowers of a beautiful rose colour with white margins to the petals and a crimson stripe along the mid- ribs of all the petals. The inner three petals have in addition sparse and largish crimson spots near the base of the petals on each side of their midrib. In both varieties the flowers are 7 inches across, and both have the identical breadth of petals. This is a very curious transformation — one bulb this year producing white flowers, and the other bulb of the same plant producing rose- coloured flowers, while in every previous year the flowers were white. As this Lily is said to be a hybrid from Japan, can one of the bulbs have reverted to the coloration of one of its parents ? It would be interesting to know whether such a transformation has been observed by anyone else ; and it will be also interesting to know whether next year the L. Alexandras var. rosea will still be rose-coloured. E. Bonavia, M.D. ERITRICHIUM NANUM.— Loversof this beautiful plant will feel grateful to your correspondent (p. 388) for his instructions for its successful cultivation, but sufficient weight has not been given to the most essential point, which is that of perfect dryness in winter in moist-laden districts, and those not far removed from sea level. In this country this is of vital importance. To secure this end cover the plant with a flat stone as suggested (p. 399), but in such a manner as to allow a free circulation of air by not allowing it to press on the plant. J. Kelley, Lichfield Grove, Church End, Finchley. DESTRUCTIVE FIELD-MICE. — In a drift of stocks that were budded last summer field-mice have done considerable damage this sprirg by feeding upon the jcung maiden growths of Prunus Piesardi, the double - flowered Peach (Prunus persica flore-pleno), and also a variety of the common Almond (P. Amygdalus macrocarpa). Of the leaves and the more succulent portions of the shoots the mice appear most fond, and in many instances the youngest shoots have been eaten away at their base, thus rendering their recovery by a second growth improbable. Around the entrance and within the interior of their holes one sees a collection of the 6hoots bitten into short lengths, and denuded of their foliage. In no case have I observed any suckers from the stock (Mussel Plum) having been eaten. F. H. Matthews, Woking. APPLE NEWTON WONDER, — From what I have been able to learn, this is considered one of the finest culinary varieties grown. We have a few cordon trees here which are the picture of health ; in fact, from their habit in every way one would be inclined to say it was impossible for such trees to become infested with canker. On Rosehaugh, Ross-shire, Apples are extensively and well grown. Mr. Moir, the gardener, is an enthusiastic and practical grower of Apples, and those who saw his collections at Edinburgh in 1901 and 1902 will endorse this. With Mr. Moir Newton Wonder is a special favourite. It is a strong grower and fruits freely, only it requires frequent root-pruning until it reaches a fruiting stage. It is a handsome Apple and a good keeper. Henry Henderson, Cromarty House Gardens, N.B. EARLY POTATOS. — 1 send you some Potatos to show you how wonderfully early one may have fully-matured natural Potatos. They were grown in the borders of a low span-roof house that I built for this particular purpose, with the roof at a proper pitch to gain heat and light. They were not forced in the usual sense of the word — that is, there was no heat from manure or water-pipes. They were planted in January, and grown by the heat of the sun's rays, with paper over the stalks at any time when there was danger of frost. They were exhibited at the Temple Garden show. I also exhibited a dish at the Drill Hall, Buckingham Gate, April 19, for which I got a Cultural Commendation. A. H. F. de M., Dublin. [Very good, firm specimens. Ed.] SOCIETIES. EOYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. Present ; Dr. Masters, F.R.S. (in the Chair) ; Messrs. Shea, Worsdell, Saunders; Drs. Cooke and Rendle; Revs. W. Wilks and G. Benslow, Hon. Sec. Death oJR. McLachlan.Esq., F.RS.-Vt. MASTEBSmade a few remarks upon the loss to science occasioned by the death of this eminent member of the Scientific Committee. He was ore of the very few left of the earliest members of it; and until failing health pre- vented him from being so, he was a most regular attendant at its meetings. He was always most courteous and willing to give his assistance whenever questions arose in the department of entomology, in which he was an expert ; the suggestions he made for the treatment of insectattacks were marked by caution and sound judgment. Oak Tree "Spangle/."— To an enquiry from Dr. P. Parneix, Streatham Hill, as tolheoriginof these galls, Mr. Saonders supplied the following life-history :— "These are formed by the grubs of one of the many kinds of gall -flies which iufest the Oak. Most of the species, this one (Sjiathegaster baccarum) among the number, do not complete tlieir life-cycle until they have gone through two generations ; this peculiarity is generally spoken of as 'the alternation of generations.' In the case of the species which forms the galls sent, the flies which are hatched from them are of both sexes ; and after pairing, the females pierce the undersides of the leaves and lay their eggs just below the surface. The grub9 hatched from these do not form spherical galls, as the grubs of the last generation did, but make the little flat brown galls which are co common on the under sides of Oak leaves and 410 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Juke 25, 1904. which are commonly known as 'spangles.' The flies from these galls emerge in the following spring, but, strange to say, ibey are quite unl ke the flies of the previous jenerat'on which laid the eggs. In appear- ance; and there are no male?. ODly females. These 'partbenogenetic females ' for many years were known as Neuro'erus lenticularis, and were considered to be a distinct species ; ttcy lay their er gs more commonly on the male fl jtrers of tte Oak, when they are known a? 'Currant galls' on account of their resemblance to a small bunch of Currants ; but they of len lay them on the leaves. The life-cycle is row complete, and begins again as soon as the flies emerge. In some species the Ji'e-history of the two generations is even more dif- ferent than that just described ; the sexual generation laying its eggs on the roots of the trees, and in due time galls are formed. The asexual generation which emerges from these galls are wingless, crawl up the stems and branches of the trees, and lay their eggs generally in the terminal bud of the shoots; the galls there formed are the well- known ' Oak - apples,' tte flies from which are of both sexes ; the males are winged, but the females have only rudimentary ones, or are wingless. The only means which I can suggest for preventing the Oaks from being attacked by the Spatbegasler bac- carum is by destroying the galls ; this would be almost impossible in the case of the galls formed in Ihe spring, but the second generation of galls, which remain on the leaves till after they have fallen, may easily be destroyed by collecting the fallen leaves and burning them. If this were done thoroughly, there would be a wholesale destruction of this insect, and you would find that very few attacked the leaves the following spring." Carrots Destroyed by Insects. -la reply to a letter from Mr. Bullock, Godalming, Mr. Saunders writes as follows : -"The Carrots are attacked by the millipedes (Polyde8mus complanatus), 'the flattened millipede. It Is a very annoying pest, and one whicli is very difficult to de3troy, as these creatures, when feeding at the roots of a plant, cannot be killed by means of an insecticide, without using it of f uch a strength that it would injure the root; but watering copiously with a strong solution of nitrate of soda or common salt might be tried. They may be often caught by burying fmall slices of Turnips, Mangolds, or Vegetable-Marrow near the plant jast below the surface of the soil. A small skewer of wood should be stuck into each slice ; this will show where each bait is buried, and will al60 render handling them easier. These traps should be examined every morning, and any millipedes feeding on them may be picked oft', and the traps replaced." Another method described by Mr. Shea is to make a funnel- shaped vessel with perforations, filling this with pieces of vegetables and burjing it. It can then be lifted, and the contents thrown out and the grubs killed. Hybrid Captations.— Mr. Douglas sent fine specimens with dark crimson flowers of a hybrid between the Uriah Pike Carnation and S.teet William; also the Pink, bybridus floribundus, suggesting that it may be identical with the first hybrid artificially made that is known, by Mr. Faircbild (See Journal of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, xxiv., p. 56). Sawdust.— In reply to an enquiry from Mr. Allen, Putney Hill, as to whether this material can be utilised, the general opinion was that it is worse than uselesp, but it becomes valuable if burnt. It was suggested to burn it mixed with vegetable rubbish, then to sift the ashes and mix them with sifted eirtb. This has been proved by experience to be a very valuable top-dresstng. Scots Pine diseased —Specimens received from Mrs. R. D. Turner, Ightham. Kent, were examined by Mr. Newstead, who reports :- "The insect is Chermes pini, an aphis ; the while flocculent matter covers the adult apterous female, and her yellowi sh brown pedunculated eggs. Boft-soap and quassia is a very good insecticide for this pest; but I Id paraffin emulsion will give the best>esults if applied before the trees have made young growths." P.cea ajanenis.—Dc. Mastebs exhibited specimens sent by Mr. Moore of Glasnevin, showing the apex of the yellow male Sower occupied by bracts and ovuli- ferous scales of the usuil purple colour. The foliage, leaves, perular scales, and stamens were seen to be in continuous sequence, and the bracts of the female portion were also continuous with the foliage leaves. The ovules were not fully developed. Hybrid Clematis.— Dr. Masters also showed flowers of a hybrid Clematis raised between C. coccinea which has ovoid tubular scarlet flowers, and C. lanuginosa, which beirs much .larger, flit, lavender-coloured flowers. The flowers, though in a dishevelled condition, showed clear indications of their mixed parentage, both in cDlourand form. They were received from Professor Francesco Makchi, of Mantua. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. June 16 —Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. AlbaDs, staged a very floe and showy group of hybrid Orchids, prin- cipally Lselio-Cattleyas. Laelio Catties a x Martineti var. "Jnpiter" was one of the best. It has tawny- coloured sepaH and petals, and an intensely deep crimson lip (First-class Certificate). L.-C. x Marti- net!, var. " Saturn," from the same collection, was given an Award of Merit, a similar award going to L -C- x Martineti var. "Sunset." The group was awarded a Silver-gilt Medal. Messrs. H. Low & Co., Enfield, exhibited a hybrid Cypripedium called C. x " Baron Kuroki." Theparen tage was stated to be C. insigne Chantini x C. Lowii- but there was a distinct trace of C. Rothschildianum, apparent in the flower, and the doubt as to the parentage of the hybrid, caused it to be passed without award. W. Thompson, Esq., Stone (gr.,Mr. Stevens), staged a small, well-grown group of plants, principally Odonto- glossums. A grand piece of Cochlioda Noetzliana with nine flower-spikes was awarded a Cultural Certificate. A plant worthy of notice in the group was a good variety and well-grown plant of Odontoglossum Pesia- torei var. gigantea. Odontoglossum x ardentissimum var. fascinator was voted an Award of Merit. O. x Crawshajanum, Thompson's var., also received an Award of Merit. J. Leemann, Esq , Heaton Mersey (gr., Mr. Edge), exhibited a good Odontoglossum, viz., O. crispum var. Campania, which received a First-class Certificate. It is a first-class variety, and a valuable addition to the Beaton Mersey collection. Mr. D. McI.eod ard Mr. A. J. Keeling were voted thanks for groups. P. It'. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL. June 2l-S5.-During the present week the Royal Agricultural Society of England has held its annual exhibition at Fark Royal, the Society's ground near Willesclen, about one half hour's journey from London. Though not our own Society, we horticulturists have sufficient in common with agriculturists to make us hope that this exhibition has been patronised more generously than the first of the present series, held on the permanent ground last, yes r, when a financial loss was incurred of nearly £10 Ooo. Appearances on Tuesday however were not very promising, for not more than 2,000 persons had passed through the turnstiles at the time of our visit. Park Royal is an excellent site for such an exhibition; it provides sufficient space for everything, and a very wide margin for magnificent crowds if they could but be obtained. From an exhibition point of view, the event was a success, and the show oE agricultural implements, over and beyond that of cittle, horses, and other live stock, offered to farmers a very wide field for inspection. We were particularly interested by an inspection of the exhibits in the Forestry section, which possessed considerable educational value. Most of the exhibits in this section were displayed in a building, but on one side of this several out-of-door collections were grouped, and a bed of sand was pro- vided for the purpose of demonstrations in the use of German and other tools, and upon planting operations in general. Of the outdoor exhibits, the most interesting, perhaps, was one from the Hon. Mark Rolle, Stevenstone and Bicton, which consisted of seedling Conifers in the tiniest stages, but all of them in excel- lent condition and showing much care in cultivation. The collection included a large number of varieties, and in addition to the young seedlings there were some plants a couple of feet high, all of which bore the same evidence of careful culture. Some of the names suggested a doubt as to their correctness, e g„ Pinus Heldreichii (?). Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, Surrey, had a large bed furnished with pot plants, the pots of which were plunged below the surface of the ground. Most of the varieties shown were ornamental rather than strictly forest trees, and included a pretty tri- coloured Beech and Fraxinus excelsior argentea, I-, 5 B o a •< ■< < M M M OI at la M «• 1 m © © o © 4 3 hr. mlD. « ■a •o •a ■O •O •O 'Tot Means 50 51 66 52 48 5!l 5K 55 [0-24 6 7 GARDENERS' DEBATING SOCIETIES. CRAWLEY AND DISTRICT MUTUAL IMPROVE- MENT.—The members of the above Association and friends, to the number of about sixty, recently visited the beautiful grounds and gardens at Tilgate, by the kind permission of Mrs. Nix, and spent a most en- joyable and instructive time in the company of Mr. J. A. Nix, the President of the Association, who very courteously conducted the visitors over ihe eslate. Mr. Joseph Cheal proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mrs. Nix. SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Rayleigh and District Horticultural Society's annual Horticultural Exhibition to be held at Ray- leigh, on Wednesday, July 13. 1901. Leipzig Horticultural Society's Jubilee Show in the Crystal Palace. Leipzig, November 12 to 20, 1904. Cambridgeshire Horticultural Society's Summer Stow, on Tuesday, July 12; and Autumn Show on Wednesday and Thursday, November 2 and 3, at Cambridge. Secretary, Mr. Arthur Matthew, 20, Trinity Street, Cambridge. Croydon Horticultural Society's Summer Show, to be held in the grounds oi Brlckwood House, Addis- combe P.oad, Crojdon, on Wednesday, July 6, 19:4. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Sin onable Weather.— The past week has been on the whole of about average warmth. At no time did the temperature in Ihe thermometer screen rise higher than 69°i and on the two cold nights the exposed thermome- ter fell to within 7 of the freezing point. The ground is now of about seasonable warmth at 2 feet deep, but about a degree colder than the average at 1 foot deep. At the beginning of the week there occurred a welcome fall of rain measuring about a . of an inch, but since then no rain has fallen. This moderate rainfall, how- ever, had apparently no effect on the bare soil gauge, through which no measurable quantity of rain-water has now passed for more than afortnight. The sun shone on an average for six and a half hours a day. which is about a quarter oi an hour a day longer than is usual at this season. The wind?, whicli came exclusively from some southerly or westerly point of the compass, were as a rule high, but at no time did the mean velocity for any single hcur exceed twelve miles. The mean amount of moistuie in the air lUni. was six percent below the average quantity for the month at that hour. E M., llerkhemisted, June 21, 1004. TRADE NOTICES. De Mouilpied & Co, Limited. — The above- named company has been registered, with a capital of .£5,000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of bulb-growers, nurserymen, market gardeners, florists, farmers, grazier?, planters, cultivators, land, property, and estate owners and dealers, brickmakers, &c. No initial public is sue. The first directors aie G. Corderoy and E. A. MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, June 22. Plants in Pots, &o. : Average Wholesale Prices. «.<*. t.d. t.d. t.d. Ar alias, per doz. 6 0-12 0 Lycopodiums,per Arbor Vitse, per dozen 3 0-40 dozen 9 0-18 0 Marguerites, per Aspidistras, per dozen 18 0-36 0 dozen 3 0-60 — double yellow 4 0-60 Aucubas, per doz. 4 0-80 — single yellow 4 0-60 Calceolarias, per — Etoile d'Or, dozen 3 0-60 per dozen... 10 0-15 0 Cocos 12 0-18 0 Mignonette, per Crassula 8 0-12 0 dozen 4 0-80 Crotons, per doz. 12 0-24 0 Musk, per dozen 2 0-40 Cyperus, per doz. 3 0-40 Orange-trees, each 3 6-10 6 Dracaenas, variety, Palms, var., each 3 O-20 0 dozen 6 0-18 0 Pansies, in boxes 13-20 Ericas, per dozen 9 0-24 0 Pelargoniums, Kuonymus, vara., per dozen... 4 0-10 0 per dozen ... 4 0-10 o — double scarlet Ferns in var. , per per doz. 2 0-40 dozen 4 0-30 0 — pink 2 0-60 Ficus elastica, per — Jacoby 3 0-40 dozen 9 0-24 0 — white 2 0-80 F.ichsias, per Petunias. in boxes 13-20 dozen 3 0-60 Pteris tremula, p. Heliotropes, per dozen 4 0-80 dozen 3 0-60 Kose - trees, per Herbaceous plants dczen 8 0 18 0 and perennials, -axitrages. p.doz. 8 0-10 0 per box 10-20 t Diisea, per doz. . 5 0-80 Ivy Pelargoniums, Stocks, per dozen 3 0-60 per dcz 3 0-40 Troi icolum, per Li ium Hariisii, c< zen ... 3 0-40 per loien ... 8 0-10 0 Viii'-ua, per doz. 4 0-80 Out Flowers. Arums, per doz. Bouvardlas, per dozen Canterbury Bells, doz. bunches ... Carnations, Mal- maison.l2blms. — per bunch ... Corn flower, bnch. Ferns, Asparagus, per bunch ... — French 12 bun — Maidenhair, doz bunches Gardenias, box ... Gypsophila, doz. bunches Gladiolus, Blush- ing Bride, per doz bunches ... — white, \i bun. — various, doz. bunclies ... Iris, doz bun. ... Ixia, perdoz. bun. — (French), bun. 1. ilium auratum per bunch ... — H arris ii, per bunch — lanclfolium... Lily of the Valley, p. doz. bunches Marguerites, yel- iow. dozen bun. — white per doz. bunches &o.i Average Wholesale Prioes. t.d. t.d. | t.d. i.d. 1 C- 3 0 Orchids : Odonto- glossums, per dozen blooms 2 0-40 — Cattleya, doz. 10 0-12 n — various, doz. . 2 0-60 Pzeooies, perdoz. bunches... ... Pelargoniums, zonal, dozen bunches — white, dozen bunches — double scarlet, per dozen bunches ... Pinks, dczen bun. 2 0-40; Poppies, Iceland, dozen bunches 3 0-60 Pyrethrum. per doz. buuehoe ... Roses, Merniet, per bunch ... — Moss, dozen. — white, bunoh — pink, bunch — red. bunch — Bafranos, bch. Smllax, 12 bunch. Spiraeas bunch... S'eph-.notis Stocks, per doz... Sweet Peas, pel doz. bunches ... Tuberoses on stem, bunch . I — short, p. doz. 3 0-40 Violas, doz. bun. 4 0-60 3 0-101 3 0-60 0 6-26 10-30 0 6-16 0 3-04 6 0-80 10-20 4 0-10 0 2 0-60 4 0-15 0 3 0-60 2 0-3: 16-20 16-30 10-20' 16-26 6 0-12 0 ! 10-20 2 0-80 3 0-60 4 0-60 3 0-4" 10-30 4 13- 3 0 10-26 4 0-60 10-20 10-30 04-111 10-20 16-3 1. 0 4-06 10-20 5 0- 4 0 16-30 0 9-10 0 3-04 0 9-16 Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prioes. Artichokes, Globe, per dozen ... Asparagus, Home, bundle Beans, Broad, per sieve — dwarf, per lb. Beetroots, bushel Cabbages, per dozen Carrots, per doz. bunches Cauliflowers, per dozen Celery, per dozen bunches Cress, doz. pun. Cucumbers, doz. Endive, per doz. Garlic, per lb. ... Horseradish, fo- reign, p. bunch Leeks, per dozen bundles Lettuces, Cabbage, per dozen ... — Cos. per score Mint, doz t.d. t.d. t.d. t.< . 1) 0 9-10 2 0 — 0 4-06 2 6-36 18 0 0 9 1 6- 1 3- 0 3 10-13 0 6-09 0 4-13 16-20 Mushroomsfhouse) per lb Onions, green, doz bunches ... 10-16 — per bag ... 6 6 — Parsley, doz. bun. 2 c- 2 « — sieve 8 9-10 Peas, per bushel ... 2 6 5 0 Potatos, per ton 50 0-100 0 — NewTenerlffe, Ser cwt. ... * 0 — is lies, per dozen bunches 0 6-10 Salad, small, pun- nets, per doz.... 0 9 — Shallots, lb. ... 0 2-03 Spinach, p. bush. 2 0-26 Tomatos, Canary Deeps 2 0-26 — Channel Islds., per lb 0 4-05 — English, doz. 4 6-56 Turnips, new, per doz 16-30 Vegetable Mar- rows, per doz. 10-40 Watercress, per dozen bunches 0 3-06 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prioeci t.d. t.d. Apples, Austra- lian, In cases ... — Tasma nian Cases Bananas, bunch — loose, dozen Figs, per doz. ... Gooseberries, per sieve Grapes, Bambro' A, per lb. ... B, per lb. ... GrosMaroc, lb. 5 0-10 0 4 0-80 5 O-10 0 10-16 2 0-40 19-20 2 0-30 1 3- 1 6 16-20 — Muscat, A, lb. 3 0- 4 0 t.d. j.d. Grapes, Muscat, B. per lb. ... 13-19 Lemons, per case 16 0- 30 0 Melons, each ... 10-20 Nectai iues.A.dcz. 12 0-18 0 — B, per doz. ... 2 0-60 Oranges, per case 8 6-17 0 Peaches, A, ier doz 9 0-18 0 — B 4 0- 6.0 Pines, each ... 2 0-40 Strawberries per doz pLiinets... 3 0-1210 — B., picks ... 3 0- 3^6 Remarks. — Strawberries are now ccmiig in fast; Southampton baskets fetch from Is. to. Is.. 6d condition on several stands, and they sell fairly wel', particularly the first named variety. Liliums and Spineis are not quite so plentiful. Ornamental foliage plants include Codisenms (Crotons), Cordylines (Draccenas), Asparagus Spreogeri (including some fine specimens in large baskets), A. plumosus nanus, and A. tenuissimus, A9plenium nidus, Adiantums, Nephro- lepis, &c. A. Sprengeri being used for window-boxes and other outdoor purposes sell very freely. Cot Flowers. Silesmen complain that the trade for cut flowers is dull. The supply of Pyrethrums from some'growers is enormous. Spanish Iris continue plentiful, also Sweet Peas. Carnations are now much cheaper, some very good flowers being sold at about 6s. per dozen bunches. Some fine pink-coloured Malmaisons are seen, and these command good prices. In Roses, although pink is a favourite colour, there are too many of them, and good "reds" sell batter. Lilium longitlorum is not quite so plentiful, but quite equal to the demand. Double Paeonies are plentiful in various colours, and some very fine whites ate seen. Gladiolus the Bride, also the blush and salmon colours, are good. Gypso- phila elegans from the open ground Is abundant. A.H., Jam 18. University College, Reading. — In con- nection with the announcement we made last week, the Eegistrar of the College informs us that the Horticultural Department is under the direc- tion of Mr. F. Keeble, M.A., and Mr. C. Foster is Instructor in Practical Horticulture. Mr. Percival, M A., is Director of the Agricultural Department. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Calceolarias : G. 8. Your plants have gone off in the same way as others all over the country have done for the last few years. It is probably due to some fungu3. Destroy the plants by fire. See next issue. .mi.J, Carnation : J. C. There are many as good, but as a border plant it may be commended. Caterpillars on Apple-trees : W. H., Delph, You should have syringed the trees earlier with Paris-Green, a very poisonous liquid. We fear it is too late now, for the fruits being of considerable size, the substance might not be thoroughly washed off, and in that case it would be exceedingly injurious to consumers of the fruit. Ferns : E. T. The pe3t i3 that known as thrips. Vaporise the house containing the plants occasionally with nicotine, but do not use it too severely. The application should be mild, and may be repeated when necessary. Fungus: F. W. The young state of Phallus impudicus. When older the stench of this fungus is atrocious. Grapes : T. P. Your Grapes are spotted with the fungus Gloeosporium. Burn the affected berries, and spray the rest with liver-of-sulphur, £ oz. to 1 gallon of rain-water. Malmaison Carnation : J. G. G. They have gone wrong at the collar, perhaps from inju- dicious watering or lack of drainage. We can find no fungus. Melon Leaves : H. A. P. Your plants are attacked with the Cercospora melonis, a fungus. Try syringing with Joz. liver-of-sulphur to 1 gallon of water. See Gardeners' Chronicle, October 4, 1902, for full details. Names or Plants : Correspondents not an- swered in this issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following number. — Joshe. 1, Iceland Poppy; 2, Spiraia sorbifolia; 3, Sorbus Aucuparia ; 4, Centaurea montana ; 5, Spiraea Uimiria ; 6, Ranunculus acris, double- flowered.— A. J. K. 1, Cystopteris fragilis ; 2, not recognised ; 3, Asplenium ruta-muraria ; 4, Asplenium trichomanes ; S, Senebiera coronopus ; 0, DictamnusFraxinella ; 7, Ceterach officinarum. — 8. H. M. Apparently some Vetch, or Tares, the seeds of which have become mixed with the Sweet Peas. — J. C. Buddleia globosa. — B. B. 1, Geranium pratense, pink variety ; 2, Lychnis viscaria, double-flowered ; 3, Armeria, we can- not tell which one ; 4, Gnaphalium luteo-album. — A. A. Weigela rosea in flower ; the other is a Lonicera, perhaps L. tatarica. — F. C. Habe- uaria bifolia, the Butterfly Orchis. Take care not to exterminate it. — Novice. 1, Veronica Teucrium; 2, Bocconia cordata; 3, Veronica spicata ; 4, Hieracium aurantiacum ; 5, send when in flower ; 6, Lilium Martagon ; 7, Heu- chera sanguinea; 8. Buddleia globosa. — Alba. Hemeroeallis flava. — G. N. N. G. 1, Escallonia Philippiana; 2, Skimmia japonica; 3, Gaul theria Shallon. — W. W. 1, Selaginella, not recog- FlG. 178.— THE PEAR MIDGE. 1. a young blackened Pear cut open, showing hollow made by the five enclosed larvae; 2, the larva, of the natural size ; 3, the same, magnified ; 4, the same, pre- paring to leap ; 6, the male midge, natural size, indi- cated by the small crossed lines, the jointed process at the right of the antennas representing one of the palpi 6, five of the terminal joints of the male antennae; 7 apex of the wing, showing the thickened margin con tinued into the extremity of the main vein of the wing x, three of the middle joints of the female antennae . 9, the elongated telescope-like ovipositor of the female! (TWm Westwood.) nised ; 2, Sedum album ; 3, Saxifragahypnoides ; 4, Sedum reflexum; 5, Khamnus frangula. — Brassia. 1, Oncidium obryzatum; 2, Cattleya Mendeli ; 3, Brassia maculata ; 4, Lilium pyre- naicum = L. pomponium var. ; 5, Calycanthus floridus. — Didymus. 1, Hoff mannia Ghiesbreghtii variegata ; 2, Flowers of Medlar, Mespilus grafted on a Thorn ; 3, Abelia trifolia ? ; 4, Hymenanthera crassifolia ; 5, an Aconite, poi- sonous ; 6, Stachys lanata. — A. J. B. Maxil- laria tenuifolia. — V. M. 1, Oncidium varico- sum ; 2, O. Forbesii ; 3, O. Marshallianum ; 4, Masdevallia infracta; 5, Odontoglossum Lind- leyanum ; G, Pleurothallis rubens. — J. K., Sevenoaks. Caladium Cannarti. — R. W. B. Stanhopea insignis. — J. W. T. Pavia flava. — 8. G. S. Khinanthus crista galli. We are not aware that it is poisonous, but some of its relatives are dangerous. — E. H. 1, Escallonia macrantha; 2, Thuya orientalis variety; 3, Cephalotaxus pedunculata fastigiate variety ; 4, Skimmia japonica; 5, Potentilla variabilis; G, Campanula glomerata — R. G. H. 1, Arrhen- atherum avenaceum ; 2, Holcus mollis ; 3, Fes- tuca pratensis ; 4, not recognised ; 5, Aira caespitosa ; G, Phleum pratense. New Wall : F. J. P. You might keep the wall damp by syringing it. We are not aware that the butter-milk would do any good. Peach-leaves : W. 0. and W. U. The leaves are affected with the shot-hole fungus. Burn the affected leaves, and syringe the healthy plants with liver-of-sulphur J oz., rain- water 1 gallon. Pears : R. H. Your trees are badly cankered from fungus coming after frost or injury from insects. — E. A. J. The grubs are those of the Pear Midge, Diplosis pyrivora, very common this season (see fig. 178). The trees should have been sprayed with Paris- Green, directly the fruits had set. It would be dangerous to health to use this now the fruits have advanced Pink : Comrie. Nothing unusual. Grass, next week. Plum Leaves : E. P. D. $ Sons. Probably the larva of some fly, but we do not see the culprit. Potato : W. E. N. This is a typical case of " scab," usually caused by using stable-manure or other nitrogenous fertiliser. The corrective is lime. The Potatos are not seriously injured by scab, but their market value is depreciated. Potatos: G. W. W. $ Co. The Potatos are attacked at the base of the stems by the fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. It would be advisable to bury deeply or burn the diseased plants, otherwise the land will become infected with the fungus, which attacks nearly all kinds of cultivated crops. Pronunciation of Latin Names : J. L. M. See the section on this subject in Nicholson's Gardeners' Dictionary. It is impossible for us to publish a Latin grammar in the Gardeners' Chronicle. Roses : Constant Reader. It would be as well to replant the beds in autumn. Bead the advice respecting manures for Koses given on p. 403, of this issue. The British Gardeners' Association : B. W. The institution of this Association having become an accomplished fact, there appears less reason than formerly for printing letters either for or against such an object. We will forward your letter to the Committee, and possibly they will reply to you. The rules, if objected to, can always be modified. Tomatos : J. B. Too common, as you must have noticed from the frequent illustrations in the Gardeners' Chronicle and other publications. Burn them, and spray the healthy plants with liver-of-sulphur, half-an-ounce to a gallon of rain-water. The Cucumbers have received a check, from what cause we cannot tell. Vine : T. Down. There is no disease present that can be attributed to a fungus. The ap- pearance of the foliage suggests insufficient ventilation, especially early in the morning. Vine Leaves : T. T. The leaves are scorched. See if some of the panes of glass are not defec- tive. The leaves are also studded on the under surface with warts from too stuffy an atmo- sphere and deficient ventilation. Vines : W. G. The reason the growth was not satisfactory last year may have been that the young rods were not sufficiently " ripened " in the previous season, or it may be that the soil of the border was unsuitable. It is impossible at this distance to form a definite opinion. Communications Received.— C. 8. F. (photographs).— W. B. H.— E. V. E.- W. • . S.— J. S. (photo.)— C. P. R. (photo with thanks).-S W. W. (photo).-J. C. & Sons, Rochester, U.S.A.- Barr & Bons.-W. E. G.— H. H — Max Leichtlln, Baden. -W. G.— E. W.— M. van den Bossche, Tirlemont.— Standard Manufacturing Co.— R. P. B.— F. Moore— Laxton Bros.— P W„ Mulheim— Prof. Schroter, Zurich- J. W. McH. E. L.— M. B, Middelburg— H. Low & Co — W. G. 8.— A A. Y— T. A. — Curious-L. L.-J H P.-H. H -X O. Y.— H. S.— Southampton Royal Horticultural Society— R. P. B.— W. J. T., Jamaica— F. H— VV. B. B.-W. W— 8. H.— An Apprentlce-J. V— A. K.-G. W. T-J. H— R. N. H o X •J) o 111 o C3